text:
About this project
Bubblegum Crisis Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray Set
Note: KickStarter doesn't display the video in full resolution, so I've uploaded the music video to Vimeo -- you can watch in 720p or download a 1080p version!
Now that the KickStarter has met our goal, we have added the option of accepting PayPal for those of you who cannot sign up using the normal KickStarter process.
Current Challenge: if the KickStarter exceeds $160k, I will personally pay for the authoring of a 3rd BD50 disc, should the Backers decide to use some of the excess budget that way. Details here...
Previous Challenge: If the KickStarter exceeds $130k, I will personally pay for the mastering of a 3rd BD50 disc, should the Backers decide to use some of the excess budget that way. Challenge met with 72 hours to go.
Bubblegum Crisis was one of the first titles AnimEigo released over 20 years ago. This classic 8-episode OVA series was created by a who's-who of the Anime world, featuring character designs by Kenichi Sonoda (Riding Bean, Gunsmith Cats, Gall Force), production design by Shinji Aramaki (Appleseed, Full Metal Alchemist, Space Pirate Captain Harlock (2013)), direction by Katsuhito Akiyama (Armitage III), Masami Oobari (Detonator Orgun), Fumihiko Takayama (Patlabor III), Jun Okada, Hiroaki Gooda (Oh My Goddess!), music by Kooji Makaino (Oh My Goddess!), and mechanical designs by Sonoda, Aramaki and Hideki Kakinuma (Detonator Orgun).
We could simply just release it like most of the dozens of Anime and live-action films we've inflicted upon an unsuspecting North America over the years, but we want to do something more ambitious -- we want to use it to test a new model for releasing films.
Anyone who follows the foreign-film business knows that changes in the Anime market over the last decade has made life much more risky for releasers, and the result has been that small companies like ours have to be very conservative in our licensing decisions, especially when it comes to niche titles (which are the ones we like the most!)
This means that there are a ton of projects we'd like to work on that we can't economically justify because we can't properly estimate the risks and rewards. Which makes us feel like this...
Doing this project as a Kickstarter lets us totally avoid this problem, and precisely tailor the project to your specifications. We do this by having two simple rules. The first one is:
50% of the amount raised gets used for actual production expenses.
By this we mean all out-of-pocket expenses such as materials acquisition, mastering, replication, printing, shipping, etc., plus a flat $7,500 production fee to cover the cost of our time (very conservative estimate: 500-900 man/hours).
The other 50% will be divided between AnimEigo and our Japanese licensor.
KickStarter fundraising expenses, including the out-of-pocket cost of providing special bonus rewards, come off the top, before the 50/50 split is made.
The end result is that the final product you receive will have much more real value in it than if we released the title in the traditional manner.
The second rule is:
You're the patrons making this project possible, so you decide how the budget is spent.
We rather unimaginately call this "CrowdProduction". We don't want you to be passive consumers, but active producers. You will get to contribute to the actual project, and vote on how the budget gets spent.
Our goal is $75,000. Let's say we actually get funded for $100,000. That means there is an extra $11,250 in the production budget (I'm rounding up the KickStarter/Amazon fees to 10% in this example). Some of that will be needed to produce more sets, of course, but how does the remainder get spent? A fancier package? A bonus commemorative item? Spanish subtitles? Klingon subtitles? Flying over to Japan to record interviews with the original creators?
You come up with the ideas... we'll figure out if they are feasible and how much they'll cost... and then everyone will get to vote on how the budget gets allocated.
In addition, if you want to take a stab at actually doing some of the work, you'll have that chance. If you want to contribute, we'll try and find a way to let you do so -- and give you the credit you'll deserve!
A Singular Goal
Due to the unusual way we're doing this KickStarter, we only have one goal. If we reach it, the budget will be enough to provide each supporter with Bubblegum Crisis (with both Japanese and English soundtracks, and optional subtitles in English and French), all the Hurricane Live animated music videos, and the Holiday in Bali live-action video on 2 region-free BD50 Blu-Ray discs.
In addition, supporters will get access to a downloadable Omake (Extras) Archive that will contain all the static bonus materials we have, including program notes, song lyrics, translated interviews with the original creators, and high-resolution color artwork and line-art (settei). Our current plan is to provide this in both HTML and PDF formats, so you can refer to it on a tablet while watching the videos.
Finally, the package will include 5 Postcards from MegaTokyo and a custom Commemorative Challenge Coin that you will help design.
Our estimated delivery date for the product is August 2014. We hope to get it done sooner, but in our CrowdProduction system, you might decide you want a feature (like a new dub, or adding AD Police) that takes extra time.
Important Geographical Restriction: due to license restrictions, we cannot ship this product to Japan, the People's Republic of China, or Taiwan.
Stretch Robert's Wallet!
Even though we didn't set out to have stretch goals, one of the interesting things about the CrowdProduction process is that it is already causing the project to evolve. One of the things a lot of backers are saying they'd like to allocate the budget to is a 3rd BD50 disc (to permit additional content, and higher bitrates). I personally think this is an excellent idea, and I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is (just like you backers are doing!).
So if the KickStarter tops $130k, and you vote to include a 3rd BD50, I will personally pay for the mastering of the 3rd disc and the AACS content certificate and keys -- that's about $1700.
And if the KickStarter tops $160k, and you vote to include a 3rd BD50, I will personally pay for the authoring of the 3rd disc ($2000 and up, depending on how complex it gets, and somehow I think you'll find lots of ways to make it complex!)
Get Involved!
We've set up a forum for the KickStarter. If you are interested in joining the discussion and helping us shape this project, please head on over. Comments on this page are fine too, of course! And it goes without saying -- tell your friends about the project!
More Information
Here are some links to some interviews I've done about the project:
Media Inquiries: I am happy to answer your questions, do interviews and appear on podcasts; please contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com
Support Levels
Omake supporters will get access to the downloadable Omake Archive, have their names included in a Scroll of Supporters on the disc, and be able to participate in the CrowdProduction discussions, but won't get a vote in the final decisions.
PenPal supporters will get access to the downloadable Omake Archive, have their names included in a Scroll of Supporters on the disc, and be able to participate in the CrowdProduction discussions. They will only be able to vote on issues related to the Postcards.
Challenge supporters will get access to the downloadable Omake Archive, receive the Commemorative Challenge Coin, have their names included in a Scroll of Supporters on the disc, and be able to participate in the CrowdProduction discussions. They will only be able to vote on issues related to the Postcards and Challenge Coin.
Basic supporters will receive one copy of the final product, have their names included in a Scroll of Supporters on the disc, and have the right to participate in the CrowdProduction process -- both discussions and voting. Half of the pledge ($25.00) goes right into the production budget. Those of you who are fast off the mark will be able to take advantage of the limited number of Early Adopter Basic slots.
Premium supporters get everything Basic supporters get. Half of the pledge goes right into the production budget, but up to 50% of that portion will be assigned to a special Premium production budget that only Premium supporters will decide how to allocate, either for special commemorative items made just for them, or to enhance the final product for everyone. The exact amount that gets allocated will depend on how much of the pledge is needed to fund a fair share of the basic production budget -- if we exceed about 1550 supporters, then 25% of your pledge goes into the basic budget, and 25% into the premium budget. And like Basic, those of you who are fast off the mark will be able to take advantage of the limited number of Early Adopter Premium slots.
Patrons get everything Premium supporters get. In addition, your name will be listed as a patron when the disc loads, and you will receive a special bonus item -- first come, first served. The cels come from my personal collection, and most include the pencil sketch.
There are multiple limited-quantity Patron levels, each associated with particular items. Many are cels, which you can see here: Largo1, Largo2, Largo3, Lisa-1, Lisa-2, Lisa-3, Mason, Daley, Leon, Revenge Road, and Hurricane. We also have Garage Kits, Metal Figures and the infamous "Night Night Knight Sabers" Satin Pillowcase. And thanks to our friends in Japan, we've got 4 poseable and preprinted 1/15 scale figures available: MotoSlave+Priss, MotoSlave+Linna, MotoSlave+Nene, and Boomer+AD Police (only the Boomer articulates). Also, one of your fellow project backers has donated 1/8 scale Vinyl kits of Priss and Nene to be used as Patron rewards.
Finally, we have a special Patron Inspector reward that gets you one of the actual replication check discs -- you'll get to see one of the discs before everyone else (and if you see a problem, hopefully you'll tell us about it!)
We also have limited number of the original Bubblegum Crisis 18x24.75" poster from 1991 in three groups: Basic+Poster, Premium+Poster, and Patron Poster. And don't worry, the posters will be shipped in tubes -- although if you ask nicely, we'd be happy to fold yours up as well.
And then there's the Sonoda Sketches -- Sonoda Ken'ichi, the lead character designer of Bubblegum Crisis, will create, sign, and personally inscribe a sketch of your favorite Knight Saber! Only 4 sketches will be available.
Note: some non-Poster Patrons have indicated they want the Poster as well. KickStarter doesn't make that easy, but I have reserved some copies to handle "lost in the mail" situations. If you are a Patron who wants a poster, contact me and I will put you on a waitlist -- with any luck we'll be able to get you a poster.
Finally, there is the exclusive SuperBoomer level. In addition to the premium supporter benefits, your name will appear on the actual printed packaging, and you will receive my personal, all-time favorite cel of Largo. To give you some idea of how much this means to me, Largo has been on my business card for over 20 years. I will literally weep if someone actually springs for this. Update: Waaaaah! Sob! I am retroactively increasing the reward to make it include 5 copies of the product, not just one; after all, the SuperBoomer will want to give them to family and friends!
Patrons will get their special items immediately after the KickStarter concludes!
A Rewarding Experience!
Now that the KickStarter has reached its goal and we know that there actually will be a project, there are many more possibilities for unique rewards -- and given that a big goal in this project is to involve you in the actual production process, we are going to start giving you the opportunity to become part of the actual production team using Experience Rewards!
The fine print: we will make reasonable efforts to deliver on these rewards, but circumstances beyond our control (such as scheduling issues, or the destruction of Wilmington by Hurricane or Kaiju) may make it impossible; if so, we will work with you to provide an alternate reward or refund you. Also, in some cases you may be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. So remember: your mileage may vary, and Otaku in the mirror are closer than they appear!
With that out of the way, let's dip our toe into the deep pool of insanity that is the Anime business with our first experience reward...
Music Video Maestro! (6 available starting Wed 10/30 @ 8pm ET)
All the core benefits of being a Patron (Premium benefits plus being listed when the disc loads), plus you will have the opportunity to visit the incredibly non-fancy AnimEigo office in Wilmington NC, where we will coach you through the process of recutting one of the music videos into HD and subtitling it! You will receive an official production credit and your name will be displayed -- as the editor -- when the video plays on the Blu-Ray. You'll also get 5 copies of the final product, not just 1! Airfare and Hotel not included (because they are so variable), but we'll handle ground transportation in Wilmington and take you out for a nice celebration dinner. We think someone with no previous editing experience will be able to complete the job in about a day, so this could be done on a weekend -- fly in on Friday night, edit up a storm on Saturday, and fly back Sunday.
The first choice of which music video to work on goes to the supporter who claims the Music Video Maestro #1 reward, second choice to the claimer of Music Video Maestro #2, and so on.
As with all other support levels, 50% of the amount raised (after KickStarter expenses and actual out-of-pocket expenses related to providing the reward) goes directly into the production budget. So you'll not only get to do something cool, but you will be increasing the budget so that everyone ends up with a better product. And as a Patron, you'll have a say in how both the Basic and Premium budgets get allocated!
Double Vision Option
If you have selected the Basic level or above as your reward, you can get a second copy of the product by simply pledging an extra $45 (US) or $55 (International). For example, if you live in the US and pledge $50+$45=$95, then just select the Basic reward and you will get a second copy. Or if you live in the UK and managed to snag an Early Adopter Premium spot ($90+$10 shipping), then pledging $90+$10+$55=$155 will get you a second copy.
To change your pledge and activate Double Vision, use the "Manage Your Pledge" button on the upper right of the Kickstarter page, then change the amount (in green). Do not change the reward tier. Then click "Continue to Next Step" and finally "Confirm."
Now that the KickStarter has met our goal, we have added the option of accepting PayPal for those of you who cannot sign up using the normal KickStarter process.
Risks and challenges
Since we've been releasing Japanese films for almost a quarter-century, we have a good handle on how to do projects like this -- and in fact, we've done "proto-Kickstarter" projects before, such as the complete SDF Macross TV Series.
The major risks are things outside our control, such as problems obtaining proper source materials. While we either already have, or have confirmed the availability of the materials we'll need, experience has taught us that occasionally unexpected problems occur.
Similarly, problems can crop up in the final authoring process. If a disc needs to be reauthored, this could cause a delay.
Finally, since supporters get a say in deciding what goes into the set, it's possible that something will get added that takes extra time. If that's a possibility, we'll make sure you're aware of it before you vote.
That said, we have built some slippage into our schedule, so that even if we have a couple of problems, we should be able to make the promised release date -- and our track record of hitting promised release dates is upwards of 95%.Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
We can definitely include AD Police if the budget allows it (a new HD telecine transfer will be needed) and you decide that's the best use for it. However, for a variety of reasons, we cannot make the same commitment about Bubblegum Crash at this time. If this changes (and we hope it will), then it'll be on the table for discussion.
We will start with the same HD telecine transfer and encode of Bubblegum Crisis that was used for the Japanese release. We'll do our own encode if needed to use up every last bit on the Blu-Rays.
The audio will be the original 2-channel stereo. We may include an alternate version that has been processed to reduce noise.
You bet! We've revised our subtitles every time we've released any of our titles in a new format, and the UE of BGC will be no different. We will review the translation, retime the titles to precisely match the new 24p transfer, and adjust fonts, sizes and layouts.
Furthermore, we intend to provide the subtitles in both our trademark multicolored style and a white/grey variant.
Our current plan is to work with you to develop a list of possible ways to allocate the budget (think of it as being like customizing a PC, +$X if we do this, etc.) then use a voting system like Single Transferrable Vote (STV) to let you rank your preferences.
The animated music videos will be recut shot-for-shot using the HD transfer. The live-action music videos (Holiday in Bali) will be provided in the original SD video.
Could we get the original soundtrack albums as an extra feature? And what about an English soundtrack album?
Maybe. Our license gives us the right to reproduce the soundtrack in conjunction with the video. Doing a soundtrack album (as opposed to the music videos) will require negotiating a separate license. It is something we will explore if the KickStarter succeeds, the budget allows it, and you want it. As for the English songs, only those parts of the songs needed for the videos were actually recorded, so our ability to put out an English soundtrack album is limited.
We went back-and-forth on this, considering separate editions and a Blu-Ray/DVD combo. But after doing some hard budget analysis, we've decided it's better to keep it simple and just do the Blu-Ray for now. If there is sufficient interest later on, we will consider doing a separate DVD project.
The whole point of the CrowdProduction idea is that we don't have to worry about that now. If the KickStarter succeeds, then we'll know what our budget is -- and you will get to decide how it gets spent. You come up with the ideas... we figure out if they are doable and come up with a cost... you vote to rank the ideas... and then we just run down the list in order... "Do we have enough left to do that?" OK, it's in... Next item... "Do we have enough left to do that?" Nope, so we skip it... and so on until we use up the budget!
The items can be big (adding AD Police files, or doing a new dub) or small (a minor upgrade to the packaging) or something in-between (providing the Omake on a DVD-ROM as well as digitally). We will use your collective wisdom to maximize the value.
KickStarter does not support PayPal at this time. However, now that we have met our goal, we are providing the ability of sign up using PayPal. You can find the various options here: http://www.animeigo.com/products/anime/bubblegum-crisis-ultimate-edition-blu-ray-set-kickstarter-paypal-signup
Out of fairness to KickStarter, this method should only be used if it's the only way you can support the project.
We may do this, but not until 2015 at the earliest, and it won't have all the special features of the Ultimate Edition. The UE of BGC is going to be a custom, bespoke limited edition made just for you, our supporters.
If the project goes well, would you consider doing a KickStarter for <insert favorite anime series here>?
One of the reason's we're doing this is to explore whether this model makes such projects feasible. If things go well, then we'll certainly consider doing other series -- and we will certainly be taking the opinions of our supporters into consideration!


text:
- News tagged "ipad"
Monday, 26 Mar 2012
New iPad Charges Up to 2 Hours After 100%
The new iPad requires up to one to two hours of extra charging before it reaches its one full charge cycle due to its inaccurate battery-charge display algorithm, Dr. Rayond M. Soneira from DisplayMate reports.
Galaxy Tab 11.6 Spotted in Samsung Exynos 5 Ad?
The unknown slate that appeared on Samsung's Exynos 5 advertisement might be the alleged 11.6-inch high resolution Galaxy Tab.
Thursday, 22 Mar 2012
Comics iPad App Updated with CMX-HD Support For Reading on Retina Display
Comixology has updated its Comics iPad app and introduced CMX-HD support for Retina-optimized comics, The Verge reports.
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2012
Consumer Reports: New iPad Cannot Charge Under Heavy Workloads
Besides confirming complaints of the new iPad heating up under heavy usage, Consumer Reports also found that the Apple slate would not charge under heavy loads.
Tuesday, 20 Mar 2012
New iPad Runs 10 Degrees Hotter Than iPad 2?
The newest iPad on the block does run a little hotter than its predecessor, 10 degrees more to be exact, according to Tweakers.net.
Monday, 19 Mar 2012
Will There Be Personal Hotspot Feature for Singapore iPads?
If you've been searching for the personal hotspot feature on your new iPad, we have some bad news for you. It's not available on the iPads that are currently being sold in Singapore, but it might be available through a future update sent out by the Singapore carriers.
Friday, 16 Mar 2012
Retina Display-ready Apps Up on App Store
A list of third-party apps that have been upgraded to complement the new iPad's screen has been released to Tech Crunch. Click the jump for more details.
Large Turnout at M1's Midnight Launch of the New iPad
M1 is the only telco among the three in Singapore to hold a midnight launch for the new iPad. As expected, there were long queues forming outside the M1 shop at Paragon.
Thursday, 15 Mar 2012
New iPad Apps Up to 5 Times Bigger Due to Retina Display
New iPad apps, such as KeyNote and iMovie, have been upgraded to support the 2048 x 1536 Retina Display. Bad news? These apps look to be up to fives times larger in storage, TinHte reports.
Wednesday, 14 Mar 2012
StarHub Announces New iPad with 21Mbps HSPA+ Data Plans
StarHub has just made a formal announcement about its upcoming iPad (2012) price plans. The local telco will be subsidizing the new Apple tablet with 21Mbps HSPA+ data plans, priced at S$41.30 per month.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Knotty Heritage train will run for the last time on Saturday and Sunday 24 &
25 September at the Foxfield Railway Autumn Gala.
For full gala details see:
Knotty Heritage Train runs for last time
this year at Foxfield Railway!
© 2016 The NSR Rolling Stock Restoration Trust. Registered Charity No 1127895
Photo: Birgitta Hoffmann
Women's Institute Hires Knotty Heritage
Train for "Cream Tea Special"!
On 31 August the Staffordshire Federation of Women's Institutes
visited Foxfield for a ride on the Knotty Heritage Train and one of
our famous cream teas. The event was blessed with beautiful weather
and a great time was had by all involved.
Please see our Facebook page for more photos and full details:


text:
On this date in 1537 Geneva's first Protestant catechism was published, based on John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion.
Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs in 1998.An article in The New York Times magazine over the weekend provides an up-close look at the stories of two men impacted by the burgeoning problem of steroid use in baseball. In "Absolutely, Power Corrupts," Michael Lewis writes,
Unable to parse the statistics and separate natural power from steroid power, the people who evaluate baseball players for a living have no choice but to ignore the distinction. They've come to view the increase in the number of young players without power who become older players with power as a new eternal truth about the game. "Good hitters become power hitters, power hitters don't become good hitters" has become a kind of cliche for baseball's more statistically minded general managers. Power is now understood as less an innate gift than a gettable skill — more like speaking French than being 6-foot-3. Which is to say that steroids may have changed not only the way the game is played but also the way the game is understood. They have given birth to a big, beefy idea from whose side-effects no player is immune.
Now there's no doubt that steroid abuse has had a deleterious effect on the game of baseball, whether or not the owners and players can see it. Lewis refers to "the public outrage over steroid use during the off-season," and it is just such outrage that will be the ultimate arbiter of whether baseball becomes (relatively) steroid-free, or whether it becomes increasingly freakish.
And this is despite the attempts of the federal government to inject itself into the discussion. Today, the NFL commissioner testified before the Government Reform Committee about steroids in football, and this follows testimony from baseball players and officials last month.
Current reports are that the committee will be "working with Sen. John McCain to draw up law establishing standard steroid policies for U.S. professional sports."
Does it strike anyone as incredible that it is the House Government Reform Committee that is worried so much about steroids in sports when the federal budget is the largest it has ever been? Visit WorldMag blogger Bunnie Diehl for more on "The Ridiculous Government Reform Committee."
Via The Christian Post:
Annual giving to churches rose by 11 percent, but after factoring in inflation, churches are getting about two percent more than contributed in 1999.
Another trend was the practice of donating 10 percent of the annual income to church. Tithing is practiced by very few Americans at only four percent, according to Barna, though good stewardship remains an important priority for Christians.
Ultimately, Barna explained, "Americans are willing to give more generously than they typically do, but it takes a purposeful and well-executed approach to facilitate that generosity," Barna concludes.
Read the full report at The Barna Group.
This week is Global Action Week for Education, and the Global Campaign for Education has given the United States an "F" grade. Anthony Bradley writes that this judgment is short-sighted, and that "support for education…should not be isolated from the promotion of peace and stability."
All of us here at Acton were saddened to hear the news that Laura Ingraham, radio talk show host and a friend of the Institute, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. From her website:
On Friday afternoon, I learned that I have joined the ever-growing group of American women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. As so many breast cancer patients will tell you, it all came as a total shock. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who love me–my family, a wonderful fiance (if he thinks he's going to get out of marrying me because of this little blib, he's sadly mistaken!), my friends, and my church. I am absolutely blown away by how helpful and kind everyone has been–including total strangers who have experienced the same rollercoaster of emotions. The sisterhood of breast cancer survivors is inspiring. I am truly blessed. On Tuesday I will have an operation and within a few days will know more about the future. I am hopeful for a bright future and a "normal" life (well, scratch the "normal" part). Anyway, people have gone through much worse, and I know I'll obliterate this. I am thanking you in advance for your prayers. You are my family. And remember, I'll be back sooner than you think.
We look forward to her return. In the meantime, Laura will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Update: According to LauraIngraham.com, surgery went well:
Laura's breast cancer surgery yesterday "couldn't have gone better," in the words of her surgeon Dr. Katherine Alley. Initial sentinel node testing done during surgery showed no signs of cancer involvement in the lymph nodes, and we all hope that this good news is confirmed by more in-depth tissue testing done over the next 48 hours
Having trouble understanding the Bible? Can't seem to reconcile what you just "know" to be true with the plain meaning of Scripture?
Why not take Episcopalian Bishop Spong's hermeneutical approach? According to a column in the Detroit News, Bishop Spong, author of The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love, says you can feel free to downplay or ignore difficult passages.
"Much as I wanted to think otherwise," he says, "…sometimes (the Bible's) texts are terrible. It was not a comfortable insight, but it grew into a crusade to lift the Bible above its own destructiveness and to force the Christian church to face its own terrifying history that so often has been justified by quotations from 'the Scriptures.'"
Also, Bishop Spong thinks the apostle Paul was a "deeply repressed, self-loathing" man.
It's funny how this hermeneutical approach tends to reduce the Bible to just three words, "God is love." And with no context to determine the interpretation of that verse fragment, the reader is free to define what "love" is for himself. Thinking that you need to go on "a crusade to life the Bible above its own destructiveness" might just be the most arrogant thing I have ever heard.
Yesterday, people all over the world marked the 90th anniversary of the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks, a commemoration that has taken on added political frieght with Turkey's candidacy for accession to the European Union. Given the refusal of Turkey to even acknowledge the genocide — which also targeted hundreds of thousands of Pontic Greeks and Syrians — the EU question should be put permanently on hold until the Turks face their past with honesty. But the prospects of that happening are, for now, almost nil as the genocide charges provoke a domestic backlash in Turkey and fuel a virulent anti-Americanism. The recent election of Pope Benedict XVI, who has expressed his doubts about the wisdom of Turkey joining the EU, predictably provoked an outrage in the Turkish press.
Turkey's refusal to own up to the Armenian genocide — often referred to as the first of the 20th century — is no mere correction of a now-distant historical record. It speaks directly to what is happening in that nation today. The latest State Department report on religious freedom notes that the hard-pressed Greek and Armenian Christian communities have had numerous church properties confiscated by Turkish authorities. Here's the trick: Properties are threatened with expropriation when the population of a religious community drops below a certain level. The government then determines a property has fallen into disuse, and assumes its management.
For Orthodox Christians, the Armenian genocide stirs up terrible memories — millions of believers perished in the 20th century at the hands of the Turks, the Communists, the Nazis. These tragic events are, for many, a living memory. For the departed, we ask, in the words of an Orthodox prayer, that the Lord "keep them in everlasting remembrance."


text:
The name Maharai is a Biblical baby name. In Biblical the meaning of the name Maharai is: Hasting, a hill, from a hill.
People with this name have a deep inner desire to create and express themselves, often in public speaking, acting, writing or singing. They also yearn to have beauty around them in their home and work environment.Expression Number: 6
for harmony and balance in their lives, and respond positively to beautiful things.
And you'll see personalized content just for you whenever you click the My Feed .
SheKnows is making some changes!


text:
Can I change the density of Built-In Lettering?
To add density to built-in lettering use the following directions. This process will work both with the built-in fonts and the ones created using Hyperfont.
Can AutoPunch™ be used to digitize any picture, clipart or a photo?
While the software will read various formats, not all images are suitable for AutoPunch.™ AutoPunch™ digitizes by color change. Clear, simple images will give the best results. AutoPunch™ is not suitable for use with photos. The PhotoStitch™ software has the ability to change photos into embroidery designs.
This program is available through your local SINGER Retailer.
Can I AutoPunch™ TrueType Fonts?
AutoPunch™ is not suitable for digitizing TrueType Fonts. There is however an optional program that you may purchase called HyperFont™. This software is designed specifically to digitize the TrueType fonts that are available on your computer.
Visit your local SINGER Retailer for details.
How do I get to AutoPunch™ in the software?
How to use AutoPunch?
See PDF on "How to use AutoPunch Wizard in CE-100 & CE-200".
How to use AutoPunch?
See this PDF for instruction on "How to use AutoPunch™ Wizard"
Is it possible to digitize lettering in AutoPunch™?
AutoPunch™ is not suitable for the creation of lettering. It is unable to read the data in order to process it correctly. Even if you created the letters in graphics software and brought them into the SINGER Futura™ program, the AutoPunch™ is unable create a satisfactory result.
There is an optional program called HyperFont™ that will automatically digitize any built-in TrueType fonts from your computer. This program is available through your local SINGER Retailer.
When using my software, will the density of a design be adjusted when I resize my design?
When sizing designs in the software for the SINGER FUTURA you can resize designs from the Library in the hoop on screen and keep the design integrity.
All other formats should be changed in the DESIGN/CHANGE SIZE menu in order to change the stitch count.
Why am I not able to access any of the tools on my toolbar ?
This will usually result when you are in the Text portion of your software. Simply left click on the "T" to return to the main program and all of the tools should now be accessible.


text:
Everyone's a winner at Lovebox with The Lucky Skip
Delve into our lucky dip to get your hands on one of thousands of prizes including Boxfresh clothing, Lomography cameras, Lazy Oaf goodies and masses more
Camera from Lomography
Lemur outfit from Kigu
T-shirt from Lazy Oaf
Lashes from Paperself
Shorts from Bitching and Junkfood
Face painting goodies from Snazaroo
Bow tie from Sulphurgenic Bow Ties
Swimming costume from Puckoo
Watch from Clicloc
Tote from Alphabet Bags
Sunglasses from True Ingredients
Roll up, roll up, take a dip in our Lucky Skip and you're guaranteed to be a winner! As part of Time Out's partnership with Lovebox we'll be on site all weekend to bring you The Lucky Skip (courtesy of Studio Garudio), a competition where everyone wins.
Rummage in the depths of our lucky dip and grab yourself a mystery prize from the heap of festival essentials, gadgets and goodies. We've got treasures from the likes of Boxfresh, Urban Outfitters, Clicloc, Bitching and Junkfood, Kigu, True Ingredients, Snazaroo, Spangled, Fred Aldous, Lomography, Lazy Oaf, Puckoo, Sulphurgenic Bow Ties, Feather Ray, Paperself, Chipotle, Alphabet Bags and plenty more besides. Put on your lucky pants and get in there.
To win your prize, visit The Lucky Skip at Lovebox this weekend
Read more about Lovebox
Do Lovebox like a boss
The boundary-smashing festival hits Victoria Park this weekend. Here's our step-by-step guide through two days of party action
Lovebox 2016 set times
Check out the full stage times for London's biggest festival party: Lovebox 2016
The best LCD Soundsystem songs
As James Murphy and his dance crew prepare to headline Lovebox, we round up the best of their back catalogue
Awesome! Amazing festival, good music, love lovebox, love the lucky ship!


text:
Bahamas Celebration Cruise Review by Meetmeonthebeach: WORST CRUISE EVER!!!
Overall Member Rating
Destination: Bahamas
Embarkation: Other
Oh my.. Where to begin! I took my 11 year old Monday on a "mini" vacation to Freeport about the Celebration. This ship is SOOOO outdated! First of all they have 220 outlets and are not allowed to use your own CURLNG IRON, etc and have to borrow one of their used ones??? We ended up switching rooms THREE times due to the A/C not working in the room! The elevators were so slow that I ever used them more than ONE time.
The food was very ordinary and I was very disappointed by the service of the restaurant staff as well. Very disappointing experience overall. I was GLAD to get off the boat.
Freeport was a very boring one day port and we were back on the boat by 1pm swimming in what they call a pool (a glass fish tank big enough for about 20 humans), showing everyone's legs in the glass. NOT COOL!!! Especially for someone who has issues with their body. To begin with, we were supposed to be able to get on the boat at 11am and at 1:30pm we were all still waiting in the More terminal with people pushing forward and stepping on everyone because the border patrol decided that today was the day to make a full search of the WHOLE staff of the ship. It was pretty much CAIOS!!! Pick another ship people! Oh, my bed was HARD AS A ROCK! The pull down twin bed above was way better than the queen below! HORRIBLE!!! Less
Published 09/12/12
Read more Bahamas Celebration cruise reviews >>
Read Cruise Critic's Bahamas Celebration Review >>
Cabin review: 48824
TERRIBLE! HARD AS HELL BED! I had to move to three different cabins due to the AIR CONDITIONING NOT WORKING!!! It was cooler in the hallway than in our room! 8824, 8820, 7326.
Very old and in poor condition...
Food was horrible.
Bring a Parka!
Get what you pay for!
Caribbean Cruise
Te most horrible experience in...
Incredible Experience!
Halloween Cruise 2015
Sponsored Links


text:
the trance experience torrent download 2vnV free file
== Search results for the trance experience torrent ==
Searched file: the trance experience torrent
*Filename: the trance experience torrent.zip
*Year: 2015
*Total Downloads: 33757
*Uploaded: 02/22/2015 21:21:48
*Type: WinZip
*Supported OS: All
== Searches related to the trance experience torrent: ==
02/22/2015 21:21:48
Browse all Movies torrents on Mininova, the largest BitTorrent search engine and directory on the net.Torrent stats We are currently experiencing problems with the torrent seed/leech stat querying. It will be fixed as soon as possible The torrents have peers, but they ...Download Best of The Prodigy torrent or any other torrent from the Audio Music. Direct download via magnet link.Nice! You like dark psy. I really didn't expect anyone to get into it, because its so far removed from mainstream trance. Sigilweaver is like goth/industrial ...BitTorrent is the global standard for delivering high-quality files over the Internet. BitTorrent provides a better digital entertainment experience for the community ...Where's the rest of the EDM? I only see trance and "disputably trance" (ie ambient breaks and the like) on here. You're missing house (!!!), techno, jungle ...Here you can find last added torrents (max 30 in each category)¿Por qué descargas por torrent? Me gusta tener los archivos en mi PC, poder llevarlos en un pendrive o hacer lo que quiera. Porque ofrecen mejor calidad de imagen ...download 44724 DJ torrents (try different search options); all EDM genres [page changes hourly]A streaming radio station dedicated to playing European Hi-NRG, techno, and trance music.
the trance experience torrent
== Related Links: ==
how to start potty training a girl max dirt bike game cheats size does matter 5 daewoo sens service manualrus djvu how to add curtain wall doors revit the notebook songs from the movie quicken 2008 deluxe crack asus a8n sli cd how to draw a pretty fairy gigabyte radeon 9200 lords of legen cheats winbook hard drive 500gig bigjon pc games how to make mosaic tile crafts creating backup driver disc tipsy mp3 t pain gamerankings dead space pc hellgate london cheat codes crack fruity loops studio 7 he got game girls antrix 2.1.3 torrent search file avi download hit songs summer of 1981 how to do a http post canon bjc 240l driver download intel dg45id plus intel e8400 lucia silence download cartoon caption game moshav band come back download its a funny story book


text:
Dr. Madhavi Latha
Cosmiatria Treatment
Corn Removal Procedure
Mole Removal Surgery
Mole Removal Procedure
Lasers Treatment
Skin Polishing Treatment
Peel Treatment
Deep Pigmentation Treatment
Dandruff Treatment
Cysts Removal Procedure
Cutaneous Fillers Treatment
Dermoscopy Treatment
Dermatitis Treatment
Small Dermatologic Surgery
Dermolipectomy Treatment
Electrocauterization Procedure
Eczema Treatment
Leucoderma Treatment
Earlobe Repair Procedure
Line And Wrinkle Smoothing Procedures
Why do feet stink?
Smelly feet can be a cause of great embarrassment and discomfort for anyone. Also known as bromodosis, the primary cause of smelly feet is the sweat glands in your feet. This part of the human body has more sweat glands than anywhere else in the body. Additionally, compared to sweat glands in the other parts of the body that secrete to control your body temperature when exposed to hot weather or while exercising, the sweat glands in your feet produce perspiration all the time.
When this happens, bacteria living on your skin break down the perspiration that oozes from your skin pores and a cheese-like smell is produced as the sweat gets broken down by the bacteria.
Apart from the explanation of the origin of this kind of smell, the causes that lead to you having smelly feet are:
- Wearing the same footwear on a daily basis and not letting them dry
- Poor hygiene habits like not washing your feet and drying them thoroughly
- Changes in the body's hormones level especially during pregnancy and puberty
- Too much stress
- Hyperhidrosis (a condition wherein you sweat excessively)
- Athlete's foot (infection of the soles of the feet and between the toes)
Don't sulk over the saggy or loose double chin. Redefine your facial aesthetics with our treatments at Dermaworld Skin & Hair Clinics.
Consult our expert doctors today!
Call for appointments: +91-9911100050 (Rajouri Garden); +91-9911300050 (New Rajinder Nagar)
My 10 years old son having skin allergy (both hands alone) It seems It is increasing due to mosquito byte but some doctors giving medicines for blood purification.
I am suffering from jock itch. How can I cure it. Which medicines/tubes are available for it in India. Can it be cured by ring guard?
I am 30 years old. I have white hairs on my eyebrows and eyelashes. Really I feel embarrassed. I am getting depressed seeing it on my face. Can I get back my black eyebrows and eyelashes? Pls help me.
My name is sahil ali age 18 I have a hair problem like grey hair please give me a solution in home remedies that thing will find in home and I have also a problem in urine.
I am 25 year old. I have hair loss problem from front head. When my hairs fall from any area of head it doesn't grow is the main problem. Which lead to bald patches. I have like male pattern baldness in front head. Please suggest which treatment should I take. There is gap on my scalp due to improper hair growth.
I have acne problem for 6 years nd specially on cheeks. I hv tried a lot of possible medications bt didn't see any positive change. please suggest any solution.
I am suffering from acne and pimple problem for a long time please suggest me a permanent solution of this.
I have hair problem in mouth (Bread. Hairs are not growing properly. Somewhere growing very slowly and somewhere very fast. Can you please help me about THIS?
Radio frequency (RF) is an energy treatment used in nonsurgical skin tightening. RF is ideal for people who do not want to go under the knife or believe that they are not old enough to do so (mostly applicable for people between ages 30 to 50). RF energy is mainly used to treat skin elasticity and mild to moderate facial tissue sagging. It is mostly used to treat the under-eyes, forehead, neck, jawline, mid-face and cheeks.
What is RF?
The number of waves per second in the electromagnetic spectrum is called radiofrequency. When used in facial treatment, the waves produced, once they come in contact with obstacles (loose skin, wrinkles, etc.), will flatten the obstruction. So, when used to tighten skin, it improves the tissue structure lying underneath and smoothens the skin's surface. RF is an excellent method since it goes deep into the skin, down to the subcutaneous (lowermost) layer.
Benefits of RF
Radiofrequency can improve the sagging skins in the following areas:
- Tightens skin of forehead and lifts brows
- Thickens skin under the eyes and lifts the upper cheeks
- Lift cheeks marginally and reduces enlarged pores
- Reduces jowls and tightens sagging skin along the jawline and mid face
- Tightens skin around the neck
Risks of RF
The risks or complications of radiofrequency include:
- Deep, brief sensations of heat can be felt on the skin's surface.
- Treatment can get uncomfortable or painful, depending on your pain tolerance.
- Blisters, bumps, redness and swelling around the treated areas.
- Sunken appearance on the treated area due to excessive tightening of underlying tissue.
Do you have a permanent tattoo which you want to remove because of certain circumstances? According to studies, almost 50% of people with tattoos in the US want to have their tattoos removed via the laser tattoo removal technique.
This tattoo removal technique eliminates your tattoo without having much side effects. In the procedure, lasers are used to remove your tattoo by breaking up the pigment colours of the tattoo, using a high-intensity beam of light. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all the laser wavelengths and is easiest to remove, while other colours can be removed by using certain selected lasers.
Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure-
The number of treatments or sessions you require depends on the colour and size of your tattoo. It may take about two to four sessions in the case of normal tattoos, while for those having large tattoos; it may take more than 10 sessions to get the tattoo removed. A consultation session with a trained professional is required to help you in evaluating your situation and whether you should go ahead with the procedure.
The laser treatment varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, size and type of the tattoo. The patient's skin colour and depth to which the tattoo pigment extends also affects the removal process.
Here are the steps involved in a laser tattoo removal process:
Protected eye shields are placed on you.
Your skin's reaction to the laser is tested for determining the amount of energy to be used.
A handpiece is placed again on your skin surface, which activates the laser light. This process is extremely painful to undergo.
Small tattoos require less pulses while large tattoos require much more. After every session, your tattoo tends to get lighter, progressively.
Right after a treatment session, an ice pack is applied to your skin to soothe the areas treated. You will have to apply a topical antibiotic ointment and a bandage is used to protect the treated skin region. You must cover the area using a sunblock whenever you go out in between the treatment sessions.
In some cases, local anesthesia is used during the treatment procedure.
Because of modern-day technology, laser tattoo removal is now a common thing undertaken by many who want to get rid of their unwanted tattoos. The procedure is safer than the traditional tattoo removal methods like excision, salabrasion and dermabrasion.


text:
Scam letters
Browse options
- browse latest scammers
- browse all scammers
- search scammers by age
- browse scammers by name
- browse scammers by city
- browse scammers by country
- browse scammers by web site
- scammers with fake docs
- scammers with media
- stolen celebrities photos
- check hidden photos info
- email header analyzer
Helpful information
- how to use our site
- free registration
- search help
- place report
- reporting rules
- place report help
- check report status
- scam scenarios
- warning signs
- resources for reporting
- not published reports
Social tools
Partner sites
Scammer Natalia Nikitina
|Add a comment >>>
|Report scammer >>>
|First name:
|Last name:
|Name aliases:
|Nata, Natali, Natalie, Nataliya, Natalochka, Nataly, Natalya, Natalyy, Natasha, Natashechka, Natashenka, Natashka, Nathalia, Natty, Natusha, Natusik, Natusy, Natusya, Tusya
|Kayerkan (Russia); Syktyvkar (Russia)
|Phone number(s):
|E-mail address(es):
|Operates on site(s):
|Scam media:
|Fake documents:
Report N1 (added on September, 25, 2013)
She started contact by an email in my in box.
She started contact with me from email address: email@example.com, and asked me to write her at her regular email: firstname.lastname@example.com There was a long period of no contact, 2012, where she said she had to find work to come to United States. Also she said she was not receiving my letters during this period.
I only sent her $100. dollars to find out her name. She would not tell me her full name until I said I would wire her money. I wired the money only one time under her name: Natalya Nikitina.
She finally wrote me a last letter saying that she had to move on because she was not able to raise any money. She also claimed that we did not have the sense to write each other very often.
As a note, I have many photos she sent me but not sure how to upload them with the report filing. Her photos I have are the same facial appearance as another profile(on your website)that is listed under another name.
Rondee (USA)


text:
Prices, specials, features and availability subject to change.
Live in one of the coziest apartments in Mukilteo, WA and surround yourself with beautiful landscaping, charming homes, and thoughtful amenities. Located on the corner of Mukilteo Speedway and Harbour Point Blvd., Bella Terra Apartments is just minutes away from Boeing as well as all of the shopping, dining and entertainment that nearby Mukilteo, Washington has to offer. Bella Terra Apartments offers unique one, two, or three bedroom apartment homes that include European Village Setting, Large Walk-In Closets, and Fitness Center & Sauna just to name a few of the exclusive amenities we offer our residents. Take a swim in our gorgeous pool, stroll through our pet-friendly community. If you're looking for a home close to Boeing or want to experience the perks of a wonderful apartment home in a convenient location, Bella Terra Apartments is the place for you in Harbour Pointe, Mukilteo. You deserve the very best in apartment living and our community offers an easy and relaxed lifestyle. We
Save up to $200 off move-in costs or Save an additional $150 off on select apartment homes [Offer good thru 1/26/2016]
Lease terms are variable. Please inquire with property staff.
Pet Policy: $300 pet deposit. $100.00 non-refundable pet fee. Restrictions: Aggressive breeds not allowed Rent- 40 (cat), 50 (dog)
Dogs Allowed. Cats Allowed. Pets Accepted. Call for service animal policy.
235 units
Contact Propertyor call
Annual rent increases unjustified by economic conditions
December 23, 2016
The maintenance team responded quickly and were helpful. Always had parking.
December 22, 2016
Great location, apartments designed well, maintained well, friendly and helpful staff.
December 22, 2016
We love our unit, the office staff, and maintenance staff. Bella Terra is a wonderful place to live!
December 22, 2016
I have lived here over 6 years and I have always had great response time to any issue with maintenance. The st Read Moreaff is always friendly and truly cares about the community.
December 22, 2016
Monday-Tuesday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Thursday-Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Pinnacle Property Management Services, LLC
Don't have a Rent.com account? Create one.
Creating an account allows you to acccess your saved and contacted properties on any device. Already have an account?
Log In
We are experiencing technical difficulties at the moment. Please try again later.


text:
Home /
Our Sources / About Us
/ FAQs /
Advanced Search
Not what you're
looking for? Try an advanced search.
Official citation and/or docket number and footnotes (if any) for this case available with purchase.
Learn more about what you receive with purchase of this case.
United States District Court, Third Circuit
August 30, 2013
BRUCE LEVINE AND DANIEL McCORKLE, et al., Plaintiffs,v.FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY, Defendant.
JOEL H. SLOMSKY, District Judge.
The matter before the Court arises from an alleged fraudulent scheme in which Defendant First American Title Insurance Company ("First American"), through various title agents, misrepresented the amount of money due and owing for title insurance. According to Plaintiffs, unsuspecting homeowners who secured mortgages and paid for title insurance were defrauded through the pervasive scheme. On February 26, 2009, Plaintiffs commenced this action to recover the wrongfully obtained funds. On October 16, 2012, after a period of delay in this case, Plaintiffs eventually filed their Second Amended Complaint ("SAC") (Doc. No. 66).[1]
Currently before the Court is Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Count One of the SAC pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) (Doc. No. 75). Count One alleges that First American violated the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1962(c) (2000) ("RICO"), through the fraudulent scheme. On December 21, 2012, Plaintiffs filed a Response in Opposition to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss (Doc. No. 77), and on January 18, 2013, Defendant filed a Reply (Doc. No. 82). On February 15, 2013, a hearing was held on the Motion to Dismiss, and on April 19, 2013, both parties filed supplemental briefs (Doc. Nos. 91, 92). This matter is now ripe for disposition. For reasons that follow, the Court will deny Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Count One of the SAC.
Plaintiffs allege that First American engaged in a pervasive pattern of overcharging for title insurance inconsistent with statutory rates. In this Court's original Opinion denying the Motion to Dismiss, the allegations were summarized as follows:
The Amended Complaint describes a scheme to defraud that begins when title insurance is applied for and ends when funds are disbursed to the title insurance company at settlement. The Amended Complaint alleges that the relationship between First American and each title agent is governed by an agency agreement. The agreement states the conditions under which the title agent is authorized to issue title insurance on behalf of First American. Title agents are authorized to act as settlement agents at closing, to conduct closings of refinance transactions on behalf of Defendant, to prepare relevant documents on behalf of Defendant, and to collect the premium for the benefit of Defendant. Plaintiffs assert that Defendant provides title closing software used by the title agents. As noted, this case charges that Defendant and its agents engaged in a fraudulent scheme by deliberately misrepresenting the correct amount of money due and owing for title insurance, misappropriating the overcharges, and failing to disclose to purchasers of title insurance that they were entitled to discounts if the property was refinanced and title insurance was purchased within ten years.
(Doc. No. 37 at 8.) (internal citations omitted.)
In the SAC, Plaintiffs bring two claims against First American. In Count One, Plaintiffs allege a RICO violation with mail and wire fraud as the predicate offenses. In Count Two, Plaintiffs claim Defendant employed unfair or deceptive acts prohibited by the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices Act and Consumer Protection Law ("UTPCPL"). Defendant moves only to dismiss Count One, challenging in part whether the facts pled in the SAC establish a valid "enterprise" under 18 U.S.C. § 1961(4).
Plaintiffs assert that three alternative RICO enterprises were utilized in furtherance of the fraudulent claims. The first is a "hierarchical" enterprise, also referred to as a "pyramid" structure, which is described as follows:
With respect to First American, at all relevant times there has been and continues to be an association-in-fact enterprise within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 1961(4). This enterprise consists of at least First American and its Title Agents/settlement agents. At all relevant times this enterprise has been and continues to be engaged in selling title insurance, an activity that affected and continues to affect interstate commerce.
(Doc. No. 66 ¶ 58.) The second enterprise is comprised of multiple bilateral associations between First American and each of its title agents. The SAC describes this enterprise as follows:
In the alternative, Defendant has conducted the affairs of multiple bilateral association-in-fact RICO enterprises through a pattern of racketeering activity. The enterprises are the bilateral associations in fact of Defendant and each of its Pennsylvania title agents, including the title agents involved in Plaintiffs' transactions. The enterprises are governed by written agency agreements that make Defendant the principal, are intended to market title insurance in Pennsylvania, among other objects, and have the structure, continuity and purpose sufficient to constitute an enterprise under RICO. Defendant has conducted the affairs of these enterprises through the pattern of racketeering activity described elsewhere in this amended complaint, including knowingly providing the computer software, financial support and legal protection used to perpetrate the frauds on homeowners refinancing their mortgages.
(Id. ¶ 59.) Finally, the third enterprise is described as multiple single entity enterprises consisting only of the title agents themselves. This enterprise is describes in paragraph 60 of the SAC:
In the alternative, Defendant has conducted the affairs of multiple single entity RICO enterprises through a pattern of racketeering activity. The single entity enterprises are Defendant's Pennsylvania title agents, including the title agents involved in Plaintiffs' transactions. These enterprises are legal entities such as corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships. Defendant controls these enterprises through written agency agreements that make Defendant the principal. Defendant conducts the affairs of these enterprises through the pattern of racketeering activity described elsewhere in the amended complaint, including knowingly providing the computer software, financial support and legal protection used to perpetrate the frauds on homeowners refinancing their mortgages.
(Id. ¶ 60.) The sufficiency of these "enterprise" allegations is challenged by Defendant in this case.
As noted, Defendant First American moves to dismiss Count One against it for the failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). In deciding a motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6), a court must "accept all factual allegations as true, construe the complaint in the light most favorable to the plaintiff, and determine whether, under a reasonable reading of the complaint, the plaintiff may be entitled to relief." Phillips v. Cnty. of Allegheny , 515 F.3d 224, 233 (3d Cir. 2008) (reasoning that this statement of the Rule 12(b)(6) standard remains acceptable following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly , 550 U.S. 554 (2007)) (internal quotations omitted).
Under Aschcroft v. Iqbal , 556 U.S. 662 (2009), it is clear that "threadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements do not suffice" to defeat a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss. Id. at 663; see Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly , 550 U.S. 544 (2007). Applying the principles of Iqbal and Twombly, the Third Circuit in Santiago v. Warminster Township , 629 F.3d 121 (3d Cir. 2010), set forth a three-part analysis that a district court in this Circuit must conduct to evaluate whether allegations in a complaint survive a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss:
First, the court must "tak[e] note of the elements a plaintiff must plead to state a claim." Second, the court should identify allegations that, "because they are no more than conclusions, are not entitled to the assumption of truth." Finally, "where there are well-pleaded factual allegations, a court should assume their veracity and then determine whether they plausibly give rise to an entitlement for relief."
Id. at 130 (quoting Iqbal , 556 U.S. at 675, 679). "This means that our inquiry is normally broken into three parts: (1) identifying the elements of the claim, (2) reviewing the complaint to strike conclusory allegations, and then (3) looking at the well-pleaded components of the complaint and evaluating whether all of the elements identified in part one of the inquiry are sufficiently alleged." Malleus v. George , 641 F.3d 560, 563 (3d Cir. 2011).
A complaint must do more than allege a plaintiff's entitlement to relief, it must "show" such an entitlement with its facts. Fowler v. UPMC Shadyside , 578 F.3d 203, 210-11 (citing Phillips v. Cnty. of Allegheny , 515 F.3d 224, 234-35 (3d Cir. 2008)). "[W]here the well-pleaded facts do not permit the court to infer more than the mere possibility of misconduct, the complaint has alleged - but it has not shown' - that the pleader is entitled to relief.'" Iqbal , 556 U.S. at 679. The "plausibility" determination is a "context-specific task that requires the reviewing court to draw on its judicial experience and common sense." Id.
A. Plaintiffs' RICO Claim May Proceed Since It Gives Rise to a Plausible Inference of an Association-in-Fact Enterprise.
1. Plaintiffs Adequately Pled a Hierarchical Association-in-Fact Enterprise.
Defendant's primary argument is that Plaintiffs fail to state a hierarchical association-in-fact enterprise, the first one alleged in the Complaint, because a relationship does not exist between the title agents. As previously noted, Plaintiffs make factual allegations in the SAC to show the existence of a hierarchical enterprise consisting of First American and the title agents. (Doc. No. 66 ¶ 58.) First American states in the Motion to Dismiss that the SAC suffers from "a fatal flaw - the absence of a single allegation that the hundreds of independent title agents across Pennsylvania who comprise this supposed enterprise have any relationship with one another." (Doc. No. 92 at 6 (emphasis in original).) The Court is persuaded, though, that Plaintiffs' RICO claim should be allowed to proceed because as pled Plaintiffs have set forth facts giving rise to the plausible inference of an association-in-fact hierarchical enterprise. Moreover, the "fatal flaw" relied on by Defendant does not apply to this kind of enterprise.
To state a claim under § 1962(c), Plaintiffs must allege that a "person" employed by or associated with an "enterprise" engaged in the following activity: "(1) conducted (2) an enterprise (3) through a pattern (4) of racketeering activity."[2] Lum v. Bank of Am. , 361 F.3d 217, 223 (3d Cir. 2004) (citations omitted). "Enterprise' includes any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity, and any union or group of individuals associated in fact although not a legal entity." 18 U.S.C. § 1961(4). As the Third Circuit has explained:
[w]hen the enterprise asserted is a legal identity, such as "a legitimate business or organization..., the need to allege and prove the existence of enterprise structure can be met without great difficulty, since all aspects of the enterprise element... are satisfied by the mere proof that the entity does in fact have a legal existence." 2007 WL 2892700, at *9; see e.g., Webster v. Omnitrition Int'l Inc. , 79 F.3d 776, 786 (9th Cir. 1996) ("[C]orporate entities ha[ve] a legal existence..., and the very existence of a corporation meets the requirement for a separate [enterprise] structure." (internal quotation marks omitted) (alteration in original)); see also Boyle v. United States , 556 U.S. 938 (2009) (Stevens, J., dissenting) ("In cases involving a legal entity, the matter of proving the enterprise element is straightforward..."). The statutory language does not, however, specify the essential features of an association-in-fact enterprise.
In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation , 618 F.3d 300, 364 (3d Cir. 2010). Since the hierarchical structure noted above is an association-in-fact enterprise rather than a legal entity enterprise, the case law elucidates the requirements for such an "association-in-fact" enterprise.[3]
In United States v. Turkette , 452 U.S. 576, 583 (1981), the Supreme Court held that an association-in-fact enterprise is proven by a showing that: (1) there exists an ongoing organization, formal or informal; (2) the various associates of the organization function as a continuing unit; and (3) the organization has an existence separate and apart from the alleged pattern of racketeering activity. Boyle v. United States , 556 U.S. 938, 940 (2009), expanded on these requirements and held that an association-in-fact enterprise must have three structural features: "a purpose, relationships among those associated with the enterprise, and longevity sufficient to permit these associates to pursue the enterprise's purpose." While the group must function as a continuing unit, it is not required to have a particular type of organizational structure. The statute is satisfied by an enterprise "whose associates engage in spurts of activity punctuated by periods of quiescence." Id . This comports with the legislative intent for a broad construction of the enterprise definition. H.J., Inc. v. Nw. Bell Tel. Co. , 492 U.S. 229, 248-49 (1989) ("Congress drafted RICO broadly enough to encompass a wide range of criminal activity, taking many different forms and likely to attract a broad array of perpetrators operating in many different ways. It would be counterproductive and a mismeasure of congressional intent now to adopt a narrow construction..."). In addition, Plaintiffs may allege alternative enterprise theories in their complaint without limit. United States v. Stratton , 649 F.2d 1066, 1075 (5th Cir. 1981).
During the pendency of this case, the Third Circuit decided In re Insurance Brokerage Antitrust Litigation , 618 F.3d 300 (3d Cir. 2010), further outlining the requirements of an association-in-fact enterprise.[4] In Insurance Brokerage, purchasers of commercial and employee benefit insurance brought an action against insurers and insurance brokers, claiming unlawful schemes under the RICO statute to allocate purchasers among particular groups of insurers. The purchasers alleged two types of association-in-fact enterprises seemingly relevant to the case at hand. First, the purchasers alleged a number of "broker-centered" enterprises, in which brokers colluded with their insurer-partners to deceptively steer clients to preferred insurer-partners in exchange for contingent commission payments. Second, the purchasers alleged a "Marsh-centered" enterprise, in which insurer-broker Marsh & McLennan ("Marsh") solicited false bids on policies and received improper contingent commission payments in exchange for steering business to a select group of insurers. Defendants moved to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a valid association-in-fact enterprise. The Third Circuit held that while the broker-centered enterprise did not meet the requisites of a valid RICO enterprise, the Marsh-centered enterprise did. Notably, the Insurance Brokerage complaint did not plead alternative bilateral or single-entity enterprises, as are alleged in the SAC in this case. As the Third Circuit noted:
As the District Court acknowledged, although the complaints do not adequately plead these asserted broker-centered enterprises, it is possible that plaintiffs' factual allegations would provide a plausible basis for the assertion of a number of bilateral enterprises, each encompassing a broker and one of its insurer partners, or even the assertion that individual brokers or insurers each constituted an enterprise.
Id. at 376. That the court did not find sufficient the allegations on the broker-centered enterprise did not mean that the same facts would not give rise to bilateral or single entity RICO enterprises.
In deciding what constituted an association-in-fact enterprise, the court in Insurance Brokerage explained that in Boyle, the court held that an enterprise does not require a formal structure or a systematic plan. Id. at 377. Instead, enterprise decisions may be made on an ad hoc basis by any number of methods, so long as the enterprise consists of a group with a common purpose and course of conduct. Id. at 365, 377. (citing Turkette , 452 U.S. at 583.) Moreover, in Insurance Brokerage, the court noted that "proof of a pattern of racketeering activity may be sufficient in a particular case to permit a jury to infer the existence of an association-in-fact enterprise." Id . (citing Boyle 556 U.S. at 951.)
In Insurance Brokerage, the broker-centered scheme created a "hub and spoke" enterprise with the brokers as the hub and the insurance companies as the spokes. The court held that this alleged enterprise lacked a "unifying rim" in the form of collaboration among the insurer-partners. In short, the allegations implied parallel conduct between the insurers with no common purpose among them, rather than the concerted action as required by Boyle. The facts, therefore, did not support an inference that the insurers associated together in a horizontal agreement for the common purpose of engaging in a course of conduct.
In contrast, the Marsh-centered enterprise did allege a "rim" surrounding the hub-and-spoke configuration. Marsh prepared brokering plans that governed the placement of insurance contracts up for renewal and assigned business to specific insurers at target prices. Id. at 377. This "plausibly evinces an expectation of reciprocity and cooperation among the insurers." Id. at 376. Since Boyle disavowed the need for any particular hierarchical or organizational structure, the members of the scheme were not required to have fixed roles. Instead, the reciprocal bid-rigging adequately suggested relationships among the insurers:
In our view, the alleged agreement by insurers to provide sham bids plausibly suggests an interrelationship among the insurers - mediated through Marsh - in pursuit of achieving greater business and profits by means of deceiving insurance purchasers. Through this interrelationship, the insurers were allegedly able to advance this common interest to a greater extent than would have been possible on the strength of the bilateral relationships between Marsh and each broker alone.
Id. at 377. Ultimately, the court was satisfied that a relationship based on this reciprocal bid-rigging constituted an association-in-fact enterprise. Id. at 378.
Furthermore, there is no need for a plaintiff to prove that each conspirator had contact with all other members. Indeed, a RICO enterprise may be shown through proof of a hierarchical structure and without evidence that the lower level members of the enterprise collaborated directly with each other. See, e.g., United States v. Friedman , 854 F.2d 535, 562-63 (2d Cir. 1988) ("So long as the alleged RICO co-conspirators have agreed to participate in the affairs of the same enterprise, the mere fact that they do not conspire directly with each other does not convert the single agreement to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity into multiple conspiracies.'"); United States v. De Peri , 778 F.2d 963, 975 (3d Cir. 1985) ("This knowledge [of the identities of all other participants] is not essential to the finding of a RICO conspiracy. As we said in Riccobene, [i]t is well established that one conspirator need not know the identities of all his coconspirators, nor be aware of all the details of the conspiracy in order to be found to have agreed to participate in it.'") (quoting United States v. Riccobene , 709 F.2d 214, 225 (3d Cir. 1983)). Thus, Plaintiffs need not plead additional facts to show communication between the various title agents.
With respect to the first enterprise alleged in the SAC, Plaintiffs describe a hierarchy in which First American and title agent members of the association-in-fact enterprise have defined roles. The facts alleged show that First American directed the title agents in a common scheme to further a common purpose, collecting fees First American was not entitled to receive. Moreover, First American operated an organization through which the title agents conducted activities that included, "the use of systems and procedures for conducting title searches, for collecting and processing payments for title searches and title insurance policies, for issuing policies, and for providing title insurance for lenders and owners." (Doc. No. 66 ¶ 61.) These activities had the same or similar purpose, and raise an inference that there may have been an expectation of reciprocity and cooperation among the title agents. According to Plaintiffs, First American and the title agents functioned as a continuing unit, with each member performing a role to further the activities of the enterprise, which was to market and sell title insurance and to collect payments for the overcharges. (Id.)
Sufficient facts have also been pled to show that each title agent understood the essential nature of the plan and knowingly agreed to participate in the plan. In addition, similar to Marsh in the Insurance Brokerage case, First American played a distinct role as director of the alleged racketeering activity. First American was the "unifying rim" for the title agents by acting as a common leader and directing the illicit activities of the title agents. See In re Am. Investors Life Insurance Co. Annuity Mktg. & Sales Practice Litig., 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 64967 (E.D.Pa. Aug. 30, 2007) (finding an association-in-fact enterprise where an insurance company directed its sales agents and attorneys). Whether the first enterprise alleged here is hierarchical as Plaintiffs allege, or a "hub and spoke" enterprise similar to the one between broker Marsh and the insurance companies, the facts in the Complaint are sufficient to support a RICO enterprise.
At this stage of the case, the Court is satisfied that Plaintiffs have met the Boyle standard: First American and its title agents functioned as a continuing unit for the purpose of overcharging on title insurance, with an informal structure within the group for making decisions, and a mechanism for controlling and directing the affairs of the group. Moreover, a relationship existed between First American and the title agents sufficient to show longevity and pursuit of the enterprise's purpose. The fact that there is no claim that the title agents were aware of each other's role in the enterprise does not undermine the viability of the hierarchical enterprise, because, as alleged in the SAC, each title agent had a role in furtherance of the enterprise's affairs. See United States v. Bergrin , 650 F.3d 257, 271 (3d Cir. 2011). Knowledge of one's co-conspirators is not required.
2. Bilateral Association-in-Fact Enterprises.
As initially noted, Plaintiffs also assert that Defendant conducted multiple bilateral association-in-fact RICO enterprises between itself and each of its title agents. (Doc. No. 66 ¶ 59.) Defendant does not argue that bilateral associations may not constitute enterprises and the Court is satisfied that these entities constitute an association-in-fact enterprise. The bilateral entities do not present the same concern regarding the relationships between title agents.
3. Single Entity Association-in-Fact Enterprises.
Lastly, Plaintiffs allege in the SAC that First American conducted the affairs of multiple single entity RICO enterprises, consisting of the title agents themselves. (Id. ¶ 60.) The title agents are legal entity enterprises and fall squarely within the RICO enterprise definition of any "individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity." 18 U.S.C. § 1961(4). The Court is likewise satisfied that these single entity enterprises are appropriate RICO enterprises.
B. Plaintiffs Have Satisfied the Specificity Standard under Rule 9(b).
Next, Defendant argues that the purported bilateral and single entity enterprises do not satisfy the specificity standard under Rule 9(b) because the claims do not state the date, place, or time of the fraud. (Doc. No. 92 at 22.) The Court disagrees.
In order to pursue a RICO suit based upon predicate acts of mail and wire fraud, a plaintiff must meet the heightened pleading requirement of Rule 9(b), which states that "a party must state with particularity the circumstances constituting fraud." Fed.R.Civ.P. 9(b). The purpose of the heightened pleading requirement is to "place the defendants on notice of the precise misconduct with which they are charged, and to safeguard defendants from spurious charges of immoral and fraudulent behavior." Seville Indus. Machinery Corp. v. Southmost Machinery Corp. , 742 F.2d 786, 791 (3d Cir. 1984).
Here, the SAC describes the predicate acts, when the overcharging of Plaintiffs for insurance occurred, the amount of the overcharge, and the elements of the RICO violation with enough specificity to comply with the requirements of Rule 9(b). Although Plaintiffs do not allege who specifically made misrepresentations to whom, Plaintiffs include many other details to "inject precision or some measure of substantiation into [their allegations of fraud]. Frederico v. Home Depot , 507 F.3d 188, 200 (3d Cir. 2007) (quoting Lum , 361 F.3d at 223). Examining the allegations set forth in the SAC, it is clear that First American is "on notice of the precise misconduct with which they [were] charged." Seville , 742 F.2d at 791. The Court is satisfied that Plaintiffs' claims should proceed against First American.
C. Plaintiffs Have Standing to Pursue Claims Based on Bilateral and Single Entity Enterprises.
Defendant also contends that Plaintiffs lack standing to pursue claims based on bilateral or single entity enterprises. Defendant's primary argument is that Plaintiffs only have standing to sue when the title agent from whom they secured title insurance is included in the enterprise. (Doc. No. 92 at 23.)
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1964(c), "any person injured in his business or property by reason of a violation of section 1962 of this chapter may sue therefor in any appropriate United States district court...." In order to have RICO standing under this section, a plaintiff must be injured in his business or property by reason of a RICO offense. The complaint must allege injury to one's business or property as a proximate result of any predicate act of racketeering by the defendant. Sedima, S.P.R.L v. Imrex Co., Inc. , 473 U.S. 479, 495-97 (1985). The Third Circuit has held that "the injury which confers standing on a RICO plaintiff is injury flowing from the commission of the predicate act, not injury flowing from the pattern of such acts." Town of Kearny v. Hudson Meadows Urban Renewal Corp. , 829 F.2d 1263, 1268 (3d Cir. 1987). "Reading into the statute the requirement that a civil plaintiff prove injury from the entire pattern rather than from any predicate act would, we believe, be inconsistent with the core congressional purposes behind the enactment." Id. at 1268. Further, "a plaintiff is permitted to plead multiple schemes' which are not necessarily directed at that party, so long as one act injures the plaintiff and creates standing for it to sue." Kiseno Trade & Inv. Ltd. v. DEV Lemster, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 133089, at *20 (W.D. Pa. Sept. 27, 2011).
Here, as noted, Defendant contends that Plaintiffs have no standing under RICO to allege violations predicated on an enterprise which does not include a title agent from whom Plaintiffs secured insurance. This argument would apply to both the multiple bilateral associations between First American and each of its title agents, and to the multiple single entity enterprises consisting only of the title agents themselves. In accordance with the authority cited above, as long as Plaintiffs have established an injury from a predicate act they have RICO standing. The Complaint precisely describes the predicate acts directed at Plaintiffs and how they were injured by these fraudulent acts to give them standing. This standing permits them to plead multiple enterprises.[5]
For the foregoing reasons, the Court will deny Defendant First American's Motion to Dismiss Count One in its entirety. An appropriate Order follows.
Our website includes the main text of the court's opinion but does not include the
docket number, case citation or footnotes. Upon purchase, docket numbers and/or
citations allow you to research a case further or to use a case in a legal proceeding.
Footnotes (if any) include details of the court's decision.
Official citation and/or docket number and footnotes (if any) for this case available with purchase.
Learn more about what you receive with purchase of this case.
LRC, Inc. About Us


text:
used ps3 controller gamestop download now 5d3U full file
Publisher's Description
Title: used ps3 controller gamestop
Languages: Multiple languages
Last week:
Last updated:
03/16/2015 11:53:05
OS support:
Windows (all)
User rating:
[4.2 out of 5] (193 votes)
TOP Downloads used ps3 controller gamestop:
03/16/2015 11:53:05
Buy the latest PS3 games or choose from a massive selection of used PS3 games + pre-order and save money. Find PS3 game release dates, bestsellers, customer reviews ...GameStop: Buy PS3 Controller, GameStop, PlayStation 3, Find release dates, customer reviews, previews and screenshots.For PlayStation 3 on the PlayStation 3, a GameFAQs message board topic titled "Is it pretty safe to say Gamestop Refurbished is better than Used? Myth?".
used ps3 controller gamestop
Last Updates:
full family guy episodes hulu
friends theme mp3
circulation in puget sound
marathi welcome songs
is my husband stressed or cheating
download programs
how to convert file into
the laws of gods and men
the best rock songs in history
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
david bowie 1.outside
moster truck game
eminem bodyguard mp3
caucasus mountain sheep dogs
rose parade how to
my cat from hell s05e10
download air tv
combat arms eu game client download
top list of torrents
revenge on cheating husband
little joy keep me in mind torrent
hewlett packard designjet 90r
quicktime keygen only
sound of school
nichigan wic program


text:
Newegg.com - A great place to buy computers, computer parts, electronics, software, accessories, and DVDs online. With great prices, fast shipping, and top-rated customer service - once you know, you Newegg.
If you are reading this message, Please click this link to reload this page.(Do not use your browser's "Refresh" button). Please email us if you're running the latest version of your browser and you still see this message.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, HDTVs, Digital Cameras and More!
Showing Results: Most Recent
This review is from: PQI U822V 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive Model 6822-032GR3XXX
Pros: None to report
Cons: Same as everyone else. Dead inside of a month.READ FULL REVIEW
This review is from: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive Bare Drive
Pros: Large drive for the price.
Cons: Bad compatibility. I was running it on XP and kept getting write failures. Switched it to an external enclosure via USB and it worked ok. I imagine because the connection was slower. Drive failed after 2 months. Lost 600GB of data which was always destined to be backed up tomorrow. I'm not sure if I even want to try to RMA it because of all the horror stories on this drive.
Other Thoughts: Funny. The same night this drive fails I check my email and there's the NewEgg newsletter. Guess what today's ShellShocker deal is? And it's way less than I paid.READ FULL REVIEW


text:
Topman Design
See it »
On Wednesdays, we wear rose-gold.
Cool-girl jewelry brand Stella and Bow, who has been inspired by the likes of Mary Shelley and Courtney Love, have just debuted their Burn Book collection, and it's the Mean Girls jewelry line you have always dreamed about.
You can wear that vicious heart right on your sleeve with a cuff that reads You Can't Sit With Us, or confuse the hell out of the poor fool who is the Karen to your Regina with a pre-broken Best Bitches heart necklace (for two favorite frenemies). Get your outfit in order with a rose-gold Wednesday cuff, and tie up that perfectly straightened hair with a sophisticated clip that reads Full of Secrets.
You have plenty of time to ditch your hideous accessories and defining hoop earrings; the collection debuts in mid-February.
The Sheer Perfection of Donald Trump's Golden Shower
These Photos of Malia and Sasha Obama's First Visit to the White House Will Make You Really Nostalgic
Connecticut Politician Arrested for Pinching Woman's Genitals
What Romance Really Means After 10 Years of Marriage
15 Protest Sign Ideas for the Women's March on Washington
The Divorced Mom Who Cries After Sex
The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for the Women's March
Attention: Meghan Markle Has Now Met Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte
I'm Anti-Trump, But I Refuse to March
Drake Gave Sasha Obama a Little Shout-out
POPSUGAR Beauty
HuffPost Lifestyle
powered by PubExchange
A good guide for avid The Crown fans.It's About Time You Learned Tove Lo's Name
The singer has crafted pop hits you've heard a thousand times by now.Marina Abramovic Has Outlasted Her Lovers and, She Hopes, Her Critics
The world's most famous performance artist at 70.The Wing: Do Women Still Need a Space of Their Own?
This exclusive social club for women, is part sorority, part start-up.In Virtual Reality, Women Run the World
A new generation of female artists is making VR the most diverse corner of the male-dominated tech space.The Novelist Disguised As a Housewife
Shirley Jackson wrote 17 books while raising four children — and she couldn't have had a successful career without them.Ava DuVernay on Hollywood Racism, Modern-Day Slavery, and Why She's Still an Optimist
The director, whose new documentary The 13th chronicles America's history of racial subjugation, talks to Rebecca Traister about Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the modern criminal-justice system.What No One Tells Couples Trying to Conceive
It helps to be rich.The Hidden Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race
A segregated unit of mathematicians born of desperation during World War II became the secret to NASA's success.Slut-Shaming Squids Are Everywhere
The "Bermuda Square" comic strip is back.
The collaboration that dreams are made of.Good Morning America Host Amy Robach Apologizes for Saying 'Colored People' on Air
She quickly apologized.Unknown NFL Player Tries to Get Attention by Asking Aly Raisman Out in Video
That's one way to do it.Don't Mess This Up, Mischa Barton
Marissa Cooper is poised for a comeback ... maybe.California Votes to Remove Time Limit on Prosecuting Rape Cases
In light of the Bill Cosby case.Beyoncé's Behind-the-Scenes Lemonade Photos Belong in a Museum
She had the "Boycott Beyoncé" sign already in formation on set.The Rise of the Male Celebrity Full-Frontal
An ex-publicist explains.Gabby Douglas Will Be a Miss America Judge
The gold-medal gymnast will help choose the 2017 pageant winner.Camille Becerra's Photo Diary of Rockaway Beach
An ideal trip to add and cross off your summer bucket list.Sorry Nerds, Ian McKellen Won't Officiate Your Expensive Lord of the Rings–Themed Wedding
Not even for $1.5 million.


text:
Gay clergy in the Church of England could no longer be asked... More
A vicar will feature in a new BBC television programme about musical tastes.
Revd Alex Mayes, the Vicar of Kerry near Newtown in Wales, has revealed her love of 80's music as part of a new BBC TV programme.
She and her partner George Bearwood are going to feature in the People's History of Pop, a new series being broadcast on BBC4 later in 2016.
The programme will investigate how different their musical tastes are.
Revd Alex grew up near Manchester in the 1980's, and said: "I loved the 1980s, especially Duran Duran and in particular the band's drummer, Roger Taylor.
"My twin sister, who was a John Taylor fan, and I used to walk around Timperley with a ghetto blaster, listening to Duran Duran.
"I was also a big fan of Nik Kershaw, Howard Jones and Paul Young.
"Like many teenagers of my time, I'd record the Top 40, pausing between tracks to create my own mix tape."
Her partner George however loves punk and owns a shop called Caligari & Verne.
He hated mainstream 80s music and was a massive fan of punk.
George said: "The Damned were and continue to be my favourite band.
"My most treasured possession is a framed front cover of Sounds magazine featuring The Damned in 1976.
"I was into punk and that changed my life. I grew up in the Black Country and the emergence of punk gave me something new to which I could aspire.
"No longer did I have to get a job I didn't care about, I could dye my hair pink, paint by nails black, form a band and make music my life."
The pair met at theological college and Alex became a priest eight years ago.
Alex says she is still unsure that some of George's favourite bands actually exists: "I have to see the record sleeve to believe in the name of some bands," she said.
"Who'd call a band Splodgenessabounds or Throbbing Gristle or worse!?
"I bought a T-shirt for George last year saying "I listen to bands which haven't been formed yet!" and that sums up precisely his musical tastes.
"For me, if a band didn't make it into the Gallop Top 40, they weren't really a band!"
George added: "I listened to the John Peel Show on Radio 1 and those sorts bands rarely made it into the Top 40.
"I suspect if we'd met in the 1980s we never would have spoken to each other, let alone started a relationship.
"Nowadays, while we may not like each other's musical tastes, it's part of the landscape of our lives and forms an important creative and positive tension between us.
"And it's an opportunity to find some common ground in our musical tastes too. Joy Division and Adam and the Ants are probably the only two bands we can agree were good, but even then the tracks that I like, Alex won't and vice a versa!"
Alex and George were filmed for the BBC programme in St Michael's Church in Kerry, where Alex is the Vicar.
Stay informed and inform others with up to the minute news from a Christian perspective.
Daily News email
RSS feeds
News Widgets
A former Methodist Church minister stripped of his position after... More
A man who filmed himself doing 27 push-ups on the altar of a... More
A missionary who gave himself "equally" to Christians, Muslims... More
A Gateshead vicar has failed to make it through to the second... More
Not many of us can claim to have hung out with George Clooney... More
A vicar from Durham is set to feature on the BBC's talent show... More


text:
Monkey Boom
Rate this game!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
6 players
Monkey Boom
How to play Monkey Boom
Use the Mouse to aim, and click to drop a bomb. Create chain reactions to explode as many monkeys as possible.
Game controls
Monkey see, monkey boom!
My last played games
For you
Starting game...
Just a few more seconds before your game starts!
This is taking longer than usual.
Want to wait a bit more, or reload the game?
Oops, something went wrong. Try again!
Oops, something went wrong while loading your game. Try again!
Looks like you are missing the plugin needed to run this game. Click on the link to install it or try another game!
Play more games
Loading more games…
Sorry! This game only works on your computer.
Loading game
Loading game
This game uses modern browser features which your browser doesn't support.
For the best results, please get the latest version of Google Chrome.


text:
Do I need religion to give my life meaning?
Many people, ascribing to several different faiths, endeavour to give their lives meaning and structure by adhering to a particular set of religious preachings or guidelines for living a "good life" (as defined by their chosen religion). Some of them may seek to persuade others that religious faith is the only way to understand the meaning of life. But do I need religion to give my life meaning?
Evgeni Dinev/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I should preface the following by making clear that I am familiar with the social convention that one should never discuss sex, politics or religion at a dinner party – for fear of offending other (rather sensitive) guests. I also fully appreciate that many people are wholly unwilling to discuss their religious preferences and views, and that some people take great offence from anyone who so much as implies that their chosen religion might be in any way wrong or not the one true religion. However, I also fully appreciate the value of the freedom of speech, and believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion on any given subject. So, if you don't want to read my opinions about religion, go pick another post to read.
The answer to the question posed may well depend upon how broadly we define "religion". One might attempt to define religion very broadly to mean a set of beliefs that attempt to explain our existence and the meaning of life. In that case, it seems almost axiomatic that I need religion to give my life meaning (because the term "religion" would then refer to the beliefs that comprise my answer to the question that I was asking myself). However, most of us use the word religion to refer to one of the major, organised religions; to refer to the belief in, and worship of, a god or gods. It is this latter definition that I refer to when I query whether I need religion in order to give life meaning.
If a particular religion is necessary to give my life meaning, the clear implication is that I cannot give my life meaning unless I follow the teachings of that religion. However, at least in predominantly secular societies (such as the UK), a person's religious beliefs are often (but not always) a matter of personal choice, much like any other choice they might make about their lives: Where should I live? What job shall I take? Who shall I spend my time with? When religious preference is so easily chosen, it seems to me that whether or not I choose to follow a particular religion is only one way of many in which I might seek to give my life meaning – the very fact that I have a choice about what to believe means that no particular set of beliefs (or prescribed way of living a "good life") can objectively guarantee to give my life meaning. If it could, wouldn't we all follow the same religion?
Even if I were to accept that the only way to give my life meaning was by leading my life according to religious principles and teachings, which religion is the correct one to teach me how to live a meaningful life? There are 19 major religions (20 if you include Scientology, and why should we ignore it just because it's the most recently developed?). 20 different (albeit occasionally similar – at least when considering general principles and overarching themes) religions, each offering a different system of beliefs and teachings. It stands to reason that they cannot all be correct or the only way that I can give my life meaning (particularly when several contradict each other and propound that followers of other faiths are wrong to do so).
Religious beliefs appear to give some believers real comfort. They also purport to offer answers to questions that we cannot (yet) answer – deep, meaningful questions, like: Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Is there one correct way to live my life? The very fact that so many people follow organised religions demonstrates that each religion must surely offer benefits to those people who (freely) choose to follow them. Followers of each religion doubtless benefit from feelings of shared experiences with other believers of the same faith; from the emotional and psychological comfort offered by being part of a large, collective belief system; from the structure and direction offered by regular gatherings, lectures and discussions. All of these benefits are no doubt very real to the people who enjoy them, and are most likely craved by many people who feel directionless in life, or who question the purpose of being. But is religion the only way that I can give my life meaning?
In my view, there are a plethora of ways to give one's life meaning. Just for example, by contributing to the advancement of human understanding or knowledge; by improving the lives of others; simply by endeavouring to achieve one's own personal goals in life. For me, following the teachings of a particular religion is just an additional way of seeking to understand more about life.
It seems to me that there is more than one way to live a meaningful life, just as there is more than one way to be happy and fulfilled. Religion (whichever one a person may choose – or be required - to follow) is just one way in which a person may seek to give their life meaning; to understand more about who they are and why they're here. It seems clear to me, though, that I don't need religion to give my life meaning, and, even if I did, how would I ever know for sure which religion was the right one – the only one – to teach me how to live a meaningful life?
Religion, of course, is a belief system. To the extent that a person does not cause others to suffer as a result of his or her beliefs (whether religious or otherwise), then what that person thinks or believes should be entirely a matter for them to decide. As indeed should be their personal decisions about the right way for them to go about living a meaningful life. If religion has taught us nothing else, it has taught us that there is no single right answer to the question "what is the meaning of life?"Posted by Dom Ward


text:
College: Christ Church
Email: David Stuckler
Tel.: 01865 271980
Website: Personal Website
Team: Meet the Team
Member of
Member of Research Streams
- Health and wellbeing
Recent News
David Stuckler
Professor of Political Economy and Sociology
Research Interests
My research integrates political economy and public health. Currently I am focusing on three areas of population health and development: 1) Macro-social and -economic determinants of health, 2) Political economy of global health and development, and 3) Comparative social welfare.
I use data and modelling to address complex questions including: Will the ongoing financial crisis make us sick? Is global health aid reaching the world's poorest and most vulnerable groups? Why did so many Russian men die during the transition to capitalism in the early 1990s? Does investing in social welfare improve health? Why are HIV and tuberculosis so difficult to stop in sub-Saharan Africa? How can health systems provide affordable care for everyone?