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REGULATION OF THE INTERURBAN COACH SERVICES IN BRAZIL. Alexandre de Ávila Gomide Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA)
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1 REGULATION OF THE INTERURBAN COACH SERVICES IN BRAZIL Alexandre de Ávila Gomide Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) Francisco Giusepe Donato Martins Brazilian Audit Office (TCU) 1. Introduction This paper aims to discuss the economic regulation of the interstate and international coach services in Brazil, underscoring the need to promote competitiveness in the sector. Such competitiveness will serve as a tool towards achieving economic efficiency in services, protecting public interest and guaranteeing users welfare. Brazil s interstate and international coach services, which will be referred to as TRIP throughout this paper, is the responsibility of private operators which include 260 companies. In 2002, data was collected on 213 companies, which used 13.5 thousand buses and covered a total of 1.5 billion kilometres to complete over 4 million journeys, carrying around 136 million passengers. The paper starts with the micro-economic characterisation of the activity and the reasons for its economic regulation, focusing on the competitive potential of the services provided. It then discusses the regulatory framework of the activity, based on the current legislation. Thereafter, with the support of studies carried out by the Brazilian Audit Office (TCU), the paper presents the main outcomes of the current regulation of TRIP in Brazil, as regards its economic concentration in the sector. The paper also puts forward the hypothesis that such concentration, which is a result of the current regulatory barriers to the entry of potential competitors in the market, may not be helping to promote economic efficiency and users welfare. Thus, principles and guidelines are suggested towards an agenda to update the regulation of the activity, bearing in mind three main objectives, namely those of equity in access, continuity of the services, and reduced fares. 2. The economic rationale of state intervention to regulate road transportation of passengers by bus. To evaluate the current TRIP legislation in Brazil, it is necessary to discuss the major failures in the market that justify government intervention in the sector. According to economic theory, the justification for the regulation of certain services or activities lies in the inability of the market itself to provide an optimal solution, both from the economic and from the social points of view. Such inability is defined as a market failure. When failures in the market are spotted, there arises the need for state intervention, which may take place both through the direct provision of the good or service and through the regulation of the activity carried out by the private sector. In order to promote the regulation of the activity, the Public Authority intervenes administratively to ensure a steady, suitable offer of the good or service for the population, with administered fares. State intervention takes place by means of control
2 over fares, over the conditions to enter or leave the market, over quantity available, over performance standards, and over quality of services offered. According to specialised literature, the main reasons for the economic regulation in transport services is the presence of natural monopolies, network industries, and externalities. Natural monopolies occur when a given market does not allow for more than one firm due to the presence of significant economies of scale. In this market, competitiveness would imply a double offer while demand is kept at the same level, leading to an increase in average production costs and, consequently, inefficiency. Without regulations, a monopolist would reduce offer and increase the price of the good or service, thus generating a loss in social welfare (i.e. the transfer of consumers income to the monopolist). In the case of land passanger transport, natural monopolies are to be seen in the physical infra-structure, such as subway rails and highway infra-structures. However, there are instances when, despite the absence of natural monopolies in the operation, regulation is necessary to ensure efficiency in services, as in the case of network industries, such as public urban transportation (TPCU). In this service, the interconnection among a wide variety of companies and the integration of various modes of transportation, coordinated by the public sector, results in greater efficiency both in the offer of services, which results in fewer redundant/overlapping services, and in the use of those services (for instance, the integration between buses and trains increases users choice of services; consequently, fares are lower than if both services were used independently). Should there be no regulation, companies would compete for the same users, overlapping routes and times in highprofitability areas, whereas the offer in sparsely populated areas would fall, which would result in losses for the system as a whole. Let us not forget the difference between the concept of network industries and the concept of natural monopoly: the latter is associated with company size, while the former concerns the interconnection of companies. Externalities, in turn, arise when a certain activity causes negative or positive effects, generating, respectively, costs or benefits for others, which are not internalised. Due to these flaws, the prices freely established by the market do not reflect accurately the cost or benefits for the society; thus, the free market s provision is inefficient. In urban transportation, for instance, traffic hold-ups and pollution, both caused by the excessive use of automobiles, constitute negative externalities, for the drivers do not incorporate the social costs (traffic hold-ups, pollution, and accidents, among others) generated by their decision to use their private cars in certain parts of the city at certain times of day. As for the positive effects of public transportation, such as lower levels of air pollution and fewer traffic hold-ups in big cities, they benefit not only the direct users of the services, but also the whole town. Therefore, under no circumstances could TRIP be considered a natural monopoly. Neither can it be seen as a network industry since the relevant market in TRIP is made by routes, which eliminates the delegation of network services. Moreover, this service does not generate externalities that justify the regulation of price and quantity. On the other hand, it is worth pointing out that, beyond economic efficiency, there are reasons of equity for the provision or regulation, by the government, of certain goods and services. TRIP is a service whose use is directly related to the welfare of society, particularly of those populations who cannot afford private means of transportation. Without regulation, the market might not guarantee the desired social level of offer in certain areas, such as in sparsely populated areas or rural areas. In this case, the Brazilian Federal Constitution defines
3 this service as public to ensure the continuity and availability of services at low cost. Therefore, the rational behind state regulation of TRIP services is due to social reasons and to reasons of national unity and integration, rather than reasons of economic efficiency. In conclusion, there is competitive potential in the operation of TRIP services so as to allow new companies to enter the market and to encourage competition through prices and quality of services in a number of routes, a procedure that will benefit users. It is up to the state, however, to ensure that low-income populations and sparsely populated areas (noncommercial areas) are catered for. Regarding users security and information, these could be guaranteed by a strict set of technical regulations. 3. The Brazilian regulatory framework TRIP services in Brazil have always been provided by the private sector, though under strong state intervention, due to its relevance to the community and to its role in promoting regional integration within the country and among the countries that are members of the Mercosur (Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay). In Brazil, the 1988 Federal Constitution defines as a federal service the provision of interstate and international coach services. The general guidelines that rule the delegation of public services to the private sector were established by Federal Law 8987, which regulates Article175 of the Federal Constitution. In this context, Decree 2521 was issued which regulates these services. Lastly, Federal Law establishes the National Agency for Land Transportation, which takes charge for drawing up and editing the administrative rules for the provision of such services. The federal legislation on the concession of services, issued in 1995, aimed at encouraging competition through public bidding to explore a given market, through concession or permission. It is through public bidding that the best proposal to explore the market and offer services will be selected, taking into consideration minimum standards of quality defined by the Public Authority. The legislation on concessions has also strengthened competition by eliminating market reserve and rights of exclusivity (the latter will be maintained as long as they are indispensable for the economic and financial equilibrium of the contract). In addition, the legislation has set a deadline for the delegation of services to be terminated, thus leading to competitive pressure among the incumbents as the contract approaches its end, due to the potential competition (the bidding may allow for new, more efficient operators in the market). Furthermore, the regulation of the services and the drawing-up of the contract have become key aspects to enable services to be delivered accordingly, that is, meeting the principles of generality, or universality, and reduced fares. To this purpose, Federal Law 9074 reinforced the concept of universality in the service, holding the state responsible for ensuring wide coverage of the market, without excluding low-income populations, sparsely populated areas, or rural areas. Users rights were also safeguarded by the legislation, particularly in their right to obtain information and in their freedom to choose from the various operators. 4. Concentration and economic efficiency Studies carried out by the Brazilian Audit Office (TCU, 2004) reveal that the regulation of TRIP services has proved to be fairly strict, preventing competition within the market and
4 for the market, particularly due to the demands imposed on those willing to participate in the public bidding and to the parameters set for the services. Martins (2004) argues that strict state intervention in this sector has favoured economic concentration in the offer of services. On using the concentration ratio index 1 to assess the 2001 data on production, Martins discovered that the main licensee, among 197 firms, held 13% of the production of passengerper-km ratio, whereas the values of CR4 and CR8 reached 33% and 44%, respectively, in the segment of links that cover the offer of both conventional and differential services 2. With regard to semi-urban transportation, at the end of 2001, the main firm, among a total of 33, held 33% of the market in the passenger-per-km ratio, while the values of CR4 and CR8 reached 78% and 97%, respectively. In his analysis, Martins cross-checked the data collected on the shareholders of 175 firms and identified 17 joint ventures 3, a fact which indicates the actual concentration in the TRIP sector. By combining the production data of those groups, he found out that, at the end of 2001, the main production unit 4 of conventional and differential services held 16% of the passenger-per-km supply, whereas CR4 and CR8 reached 39% and 57%, respectively. On the other hand, the main unit supplying semi-urban transportation services had, at the end of 2001, a 39% share in the passenger-per-km supply, while CR4 and CR8 indicated 86% and 98%, respectively. This shows that concentration increases when there is economic interdependence among operators. Horizontal integration is a strong indicator that TRIP operators are widening their scope towards other markets by forming new enterprises. This may be reducing or masking competition and increasing levels of concentration, inasmuch as potentially competitive firms become part of the same joint venture. Such procedure could be compromising efficiency in the sector, especially allocative efficiency, (i.e. through reduced fares for users) due to the strictness of the market and to the regulatory barriers to the entry of new firms. According to Porter (1986), joint ventures strengthen their firms, enabling them to face the five competitive forces in an industry, namely: the threat of new entrants; the threat of alternative services or products; clients bargaining power; suppliers bargaining power; and firms manoeuvrings for securing positions. In the case of TRIP, the major threats are the alternative services, provided by the air industry and by informal road transportation services, and firms purchase power with vehicle and input suppliers. This may be leading to higher productivity of the companies that are part of a joint venture, especially those licensees whose groups are positioned among the eight most productive ones. According to Martins (2004), the licensees try hard to maintain close relations with one another so that they can share activities that will favour both an increase in return on assets, which will meet the needs of the shareholders or of the joint venture which they belong to, and their participation in 1 The Concentration Ratio is an index that shows the market share of the main companies, and is defined as CR k k i=1 s i where CR(k) = the concentration ratio of the k main companies; k= 1, 2, 3,..., n; and si= the relative share of each company in the industry. 2 Conventional service: an ordinary bus with or without a lavatory. Differential service: coach with sleeping facilities, with or without air-conditioning; semi-leito (a type of coach with larger seats); executive coach ; and double-decker. 3 A joint venture is an association of companies to act together in shared enterprises. It may be formed by the holding company and its subsidiary companies, and their aim is to gather resources and efforts to realise their objectives, or to participate in activities or enterprises. Their members are interrelated. 4 The phrase production unit refers to an associate group or to an independent company.
5 other markets, which will mean wider coverage. However, such productivity does not necessarily lead to greater allocative efficiency, with the decrease in fares, as the market is strict and there are regulatory barriers to the entry of new firms. It is worth pointing out that, in thesis, economic concentration does not mean, in itself, economic inefficiency. On the contrary, it may preserve the market structure, economies of scale, and economies of scope in a given industry. However, in the case of TRIP, such concentration results from the current regulatory barriers, and it does not enhance users welfare. These findings reveal the need for a regulating reform in the sector, with the aim to protect public interest and users welfare. Some principles and guidelines for this reform are discussed in the next section of this paper. 5. Recommendations for a pro-competitiveness reform As discussed before, the empirical findings about the effects of the present structure of the regulations of TRIP in Brazil point to a high level of concentration in the sector which, associated with regulatory barriers to entry, conduces to the creation of closed markets with no stimuli to allocative efficiency, that is, part of the profits made by the licensees are not transferred to the users of the services. In this way, it is evident that there is the need for a reform of the present regulations, aiming at higher competitiveness and better quality in services. Below are suggested guidelines to this reform: Effective introduction of competition for the market (by means of public bidding) and within the market (among companies); Strengthening of technical regulations and more flexibility in the economic regulation, with an emphasis on the monitoring and control of performance in services; Ensuring universal access to the system, national unity, and regional integration. Promoting higher competitiveness for the market through public bidding Public bidding allows the choice, by means of criteria of efficiency, of the best firms to explore the market. To this purpose, they should be broad and allow for the participation of anyone who is interested. Nevertheless, the bidding regulations forbid the participation of consortiums and the regulation of services does not permit the participation of individuals in the process. The inclusion of individuals in the competition for the market would lead to a wider offer of services to markets which are not economically viable for bigger firms. Still with regard to potential bidders, competition for the market could become more efficacious if the demand for technical qualification applied to the professionals who work for the firms, and not only to the firms themselves, which currently have to show some certification of capacity to perform the activity described in the bidding bill. As for the length of contract, it should be ruled by the nature of the investments and the assets used when delivering the services. In order for the length of the contract to be shorter than the economic durability of the assets, these should be reversible, as in the case of the vehicles used in public transportation: they can be sold or diverted to other markets. This means that there are no significant sunk costs in the activity. In other words, there is
6 technically no justification whatsoever for such long contracts as the existing ones (around 15 years). Promoting higher competitiveness on the market, for commercial services. Competitiveness in the market can be encouraged by the entry of new operators in commercially viable markets, through competition, under minimum specifications of quality, security, and protection for the user, and with rules for quitting that will prevent discontinuity of the service. To this purpose, implementing flexible operational parameters may lead to efficiency, innovation, and quality of services. An example of this is the use of smaller vehicles. The bidding bills standardise the type of vehicle to be used in the regular routes: 46-seat buses, with 32% idle capacity. As the operator is in direct contact with his clients, he can have a better perception of the needs and expectations his clients have towards the services offered. Let us not forget, however, that the extent of flexibility and the desired level of competitive pressure in a given market must strike a balance. According to Guimarães and Salgado (2003), competitiveness in markets operating under permits can be promoted through the entry of mirror-companies, which would operate with a permit on the routes they were admitted to. However, the authors emphasise that it would be necessary to alter the present legislation in order to create a new market design. In this scope, it is important to identify markets which, despite their not becoming an autonomous route to be explored under permit, could be made viable by a special permit, with the purpose of adjusting to the market demands and meeting the general interest, even if on a temporary basis. Decree 2521 indicates the possibility of secondary or subsidiary markets to be catered for according to its provisions 5. Ensuring universal access to the system, national unity, and regional integration. The aspects of equity, universal access, and guaranteed national unity and regional integration must not be abandoned by the State. It is the duty of the State to cater for the sparsely populated areas. In this case, hiring lower-cost services or choosing low-subsidised services in order to provide social services or to attend to non-commercial areas would be the best alternatives. Specific tools and policies should be designed (for example, direct subsidies for low-income users). Emphasis on the monitoring and control of performance in services. The cost of the fares should be conditioned to criteria of performance and efficiency appraisal, as in the price-cap models, and should not consider the existing model (average cost 5 The legislation that defends competitiveness aims to restrict market forces, from an economic point of view, and to guarantee conditions of competitiveness that favour an increase in efficiency in the regulated sectors. Such conditions may be guaranteed through preventive control of concentrated structures which favour market anomalies, or through repressive control of anti-competitiveness attitudes.
7 of service), as it does not encourage efficiency with lower fares. Actually, its main weakness is the fact that users never benefit from the productivity profits earned by the TRIP firms. Besides that, the adoption of the cost plus model, estimated through fare charts, transfers the cost risks to the users, those who pay the fares. Moreover, the implementation of mechanisms for monitoring performance and contracts, such as benchmarking and yardstick competition, may contribute to efficiency in services. Strengthening of participation and social control. Users direct involvement (accountability), both in the inspection and control of the service provided and through opinion surveys, is still incipient. Client-satisfaction surveys among users might set the criteria for an eventual renewal or termination of the contract the users of the service are the main inspectors of its quality and suitability. Likewise, according to Federal Law 8987 and Decree 2521, users should have guaranteed access to information on the services, so that they can defend their own interests (both individual and collective ones), and on how to have access to them, with the freedom to choose from a variety of operators, according to each case and in conformity with set rules. REFERENCES GUIMARÃES, E. & SALGADO, L. (2003). A Regulação no Transporte Rodoviário Brasileiro. Nota Técnica. Brasília: Ipea. MARTINS, F. (2004). Transporte Rodoviário Interestadual e Internacional de Passageiros: regulação e concentração econômica. 160 f. Monografia (Especialização em Controle da Regulação de Serviços Públicos Concedidos) Tribunal de Contas da União, Instituto Serzedello Corrêa, Brasília. PORTER, M. (1986). Estratégia Competitiva: técnicas para análise de indústrias e da concorrência. 7ª ed. Rio de Janeiro: Campus. TRIBUNAL DE CONTAS DA UNIÃO. Acórdão nº 1926/2004 Plenário (Ata n 46/2004, Sessão de 1º/12/2004, Diário Oficial da União, 16/12/2004).
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text:
Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF) initiated the shares trading at $32.77 and showed positive change of +3.82% while the stock's final trade was registered at $ 33.72. However, its previous closing price was seen at $32.48. The stock negotiated total number of 12.34 million shares as compared to 3 months average volume of 6.94 million shares.
The stock price demonstrated downbeat change from its 50 day moving average of 28.19 and had been up from its 200 Day Moving Average of 28.12.
Brokerage Recommendations:
According to ZACKS data, different Brokerage Firms rated SYF stock about their BUY, SELL or HOLD recommendations. Currently shares have been suggested as BUY from 0 brokerage firms and recommended as Strong Buy by 9 brokerage firms.0 brokerage firms have issued Sell rating for the company and Strong Sell rating was issued by 0 brokerage firms.2 brokerage firms have rated the company as a Hold. The Corporation has average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.36 based on consensus of the brokerage firms issuing ratings.
The average true range of Synchrony Financial's (SYF) is recorded at 0.81 and the relative strength index of the stock stands 83.09. The stock price is going above to its 52 week low with 46.38% and lagging above from its 52 week high with 3.40%. Analyst recommendation for this stock stands at 1.70. A look on the firm performance, its monthly performance is 26.87% and a quarterly performance of 24.08%. The stock price is trading upbeat from its 200 days moving average with 21.02% and up from 50 days moving average with 21.82%.
Shares of Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE:ASB) climbed +0.89% and ended at $22.75 greater than previous closing price of $22.55. The total 1.84 million shares were bought and sold throughout the most recent trading session more than average volume of 804.49 thousand shares.
Brokerage Recommendations:
ASB stock has received ratings from many brokerage firms according to ZACKS. Currently shares have been rated as Buy from 0 brokerage firms and 2 brokerage firms say as Strong Buy. 1 brokerage firms have suggested Sell for the company. 6 brokerage firms have recommended as a Hold. Strong Sell rating was given by 2 brokerage firms. The Company has average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 3.09 based on consensus of the ZACKS brokerage firms.
Associated Banc-Corp's (ASB) has price-to-cash ratio of 4.17 and price to sale ratio of 4.33. The company net profit margin is 22.70% A look on the firm performance, its monthly performance is 18.18% and a quarterly performance of 17.68%. The stock price is moving up from its 20 days moving average with 13.25% and isolated positively from 50 days moving average with 15.24%.

subset: commoncrawl


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Creamy Chicken Noodles Recipe:
1 to 1 1/2 pounds chicken, boneless breasts or thighs
1/4 c. white wine
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. sour cream
1/4 c. flour
Cooked noodles
Place chicken in Crock Pot. Mix wine and soup and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH 3 to 4 hours. Before serving, mix sour cream with flour; stir mixture into chicken and juices.
Heat for 30 minutes on LOW. Serve chicken and gravy with hot cooked noodles.


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Is That Rain? No, The Author Just Ran Past!
Creaking around the Field of Broken Dreams on my usual Sunday morning match warm-up I couldn't help but think I'd died and gone to soccer heaven.
It was 6.50am and the view from the field at the Top of the World just a couple of miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in Orange County, California resembled a scene out of Lord of the Rings.
The clouds hung in the canyons creating the illusion of a walled garden suspended in mid-air, the early morning dog walkers were still a grumpy wait away from their their morning coffee and a handful of groaning men in colorfully outdated Premier League strips were stretching and pleading with bodies not to betray their age.
But as hard as I tried to count my blessings on this sunny Sunday morning I couldn't shake the dark cloud that hung over me. Hung all around me as well, as a matter of fact. I'd hoped against hope that this week it would be different but I could already see the heat burning off the frisson of dew on the yellowing grass.
It was going to be another scorcher and that usually meant only one thing - another embarrassing game when I'd be left entirely unmarked at corners.
It never happened when I was growing up playing on the Hackney Marshes in my native England. I'd take more stick than Donald Trump at a hairstyling convention. Or Hillary Clinton at an NRA rally. It was a regular mauling.
But now I'd trot up slowly up to take my position on the edge of the six yard box and the opposition would start shuffling away from me. And I knew that it wasn't because they thought I'd forgotten how to head the ball.
It was because I was sweating like a pig. Honestly, I could dive into a pool to dry off I was so wet.
The latest super dry fabric of my 2014/15 West Ham United home strip was soaked within minutes of the kick-off and I would swim around the field with water flying off of me like Marmaduke with a hose pipe every time I changed direction.
I was a one-man solution for the California drought. City park workers would come up to me after games and try and fit me with a spigot.
And don't ask about personal hygiene. Tide was not enough. I needed an entire ocean.
I was sweatier than soccer's hottest footballer, former Espanyol and Birmingham City striker Walter Pandiani (you've got to see this on YouTube - fast forward to really see a man sweat through an interview!!).
But this week I had a plan. Unbeknownst to my wife and children and everybody else who knows me I'd shaved my armpits the night before while pretending to be suffering from a lunchtime chicken tikka.
Then, while the world was asleep before leaving for the game, I carefully stuck two absorbent patches under my pits. The idea was that this wonder product, the Dandi Patch, would soak up my sweat and allow me to pass the ball unpuddled.
I won the PR account to represent Dandi Patch a month ago with the aim of introducing the product to the US after it's hugely successful launch in the UK helping people in every situation from job interviews to dates to business meetings.
It was originally invented to help women but the brains behind the idea quickly worked out the need for Dandi Patch Man. Which is where I come in.
It was time to put the patch to the ultimate test - 90 minutes of soccer played under the unforgiving heat of the California sun by a middle-aged man who cannot drive past the C'est Si Bon bakery - which is right on his way to work - without buying at least one chocolate croissant every morning.
A couple of minutes in and all was well. The patch was discreetly hidden from view and a couple of sprints (well, fast jogs) left me as dry as a bone. I ran back into my position at center back and noticed that my defensive partner had cast off his poncho.
But the real test came half an hour into the game when our septuagenarian winger tripped over his walker and won a corner.
Hesitantly at first, I started off towards the opposing half. I felt light-headed, my shirt must have been 5 pounds lighter and I took up my usual position in the penalty box, my arm lifted in the air signaling I wanted the ball.
For a second I could sense the defenders checking out my armpit. Then, just as the ball came flying over towards the goal, they came in with arms and legs flailing to knock me to the floor.
And I couldn't have been happier.
- Dandi Patch and Dandi Patch Man. Buy online at www.dandipatch.com


text:
Cheap$kates – Halloween special!
A recession session of indie, electro, old skool and a decade of melody, so borrow a fiver, hitchhike to Orange Yard and join us for a blast in Cheap$kates new home just around the corner at The Borderline.
And remember – once a Cheap$kate, always a Cheap$kate!


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Magnesium Lotion Ultra + MSM 237ml
- Dairy Free
- Gluten Free
- Organic Ingredients
- Vegetarian
Purchase this product to earn 32.53 points (HB Members Only)
Formulated for even the most sensitive individuals, Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion is designed to deliver magnesium through the skin, direct to the cells.
Rich in organic plant moisturizers including coconut oil and shea butter, this lotion soothes and hydrates without leaving your skin feeling waxy or greasy.
One teaspoon contains approximately 185mg elemental magnesium.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion is:
- Ideal for children and sensitive individuals
- Highly therapeutic for psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions
- Significant for massage applications
- Effective at encouraging healthy skin tissue
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion is a smooth, quickly absorbed emulsion of magnesium chloride in a skin-nourishing base of certified organic oils. Ancient Minerals is fragrance free and does not contain any formaldehyde releasing preservatives.
A gentler concentration of magnesium chloride than our magnesium oil or magnesium gel products, Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion supplies therapeutically effective amounts of magnesium to the cells while protecting the most sensitive of skin.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion is ideal for addressing skin conditions such as:
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Acne
Simply apply desired amount into a cupped hand and rub into the skin thoroughly. Repeat as appropriate to treatment regimen, covering any areas needing special attention.
Water, Genuine Zechstein magnesium chloride, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), organic vegetable glycerin, organic simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, squalane (olive), cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, organic cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol, organic butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), xanthan gum, lactobacillus ferment, sodium hyaluronate.
Be The First To Review This Product!
Help other Healthy Being Online users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.
Ancient Minerals ultra pure topical magnesium is the #1 doctor-recommended brand for transdermal magnesium therapy worldwide.


text:
COMMUNITY NOTES: Pass-area pools open, more
A boating course that will cover topics such as maritime law, safety, navigation, emergencies and more is being offered by the Arrowhead Sail and Power Squadron, beginning Monday.
The ABC course costs $50, includes four sessions throughout June and is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Additionally, those who sign up will receive take-home items such as manuals and a CD.
The training will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at 1043 W. La Cadena Drive at Wiley's Scuba Locker.
Registration: firstname.lastname@example.com or 909-223-6976.
– Dean MayorgaPass-area pools open
BEAUMONT – The Beaumont Plunge will open Monday for the summer, with swim lessons starting the same day. The pool is open from noon to 5 p.m. daily.
Open swim prices are $2, or $1.50 for ages 10 and younger. Family passes are $130 for the summer. Single passes are $65, or $50 for ages 10 and younger.
The pool is located at 985 Maple Ave.
For more information, call 951-769-8524.
In Banning, the municipal swimming pool is open from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Family swim is 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pool admission is $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for kids and seniors.
The pool is located at Repplier Park, at San Gorgonio Avenue and George Street. Swim lessons are available.
Information: 951-922-3254.
– Erin WaldnerYouth arts summer programs to begin
HEMET – Diamond Valley Arts Council will offer three summer programs for children beginning Monday.
Musica, a summer string academy, will meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday June 8-26, with beginning/intermediate from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and intermediate/advanced from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The cost ranges from $90 to $240. Information: 951-659-6312 or makingmusic.org.
Summer Art Camp for children ages 5-12 will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. weekdays July 6-31. The cost is $15 per session or $60 per week, plus a one-time $5 materials fee. Registration: 951-207-8172.
Summer Theater Camp for children entering fourth through eighth grades will take place from 9 a.m. to noon July 13-17, with a performance at 11:30 a.m. on the final day. The cost is $75. Registration: 951-652-3822 or 760-270-8496.
– Staff reportGrocery store sets blood drives


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If you are skiing at Keystone and like hotels as opposed to condos, this is a good choice. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The staff is very friendly and the breakfast is good at the hotel and included in room charge. The shuttle bus stop is about 50 yards away to get to the ski mountain. There is restaurant in hotel and several others within easy walking distance.
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Expedia, Booking.com, Travelocity and Hotels.com so you can book your Inn at Keystone reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
- Inn At Keystone Hotel Keystone
- Inn Keystone
- Keystone Inn
- Hotel Keystone


text:
Circle time preschool
Song Sticks: Building Skills in Transitions. A fun and interactive way for using songs in the early childhood classroom to help ease transitions- or any time! Perfect for your preschool kids or classroom. - Pre-K Pages
The Listening Song for kids. Joe from parks are rec, aka Keegan Michael Key, sang this song!
Little Stars Learning: Our 25 Activities of Circle Time
Classroom Rules ~ Is also useful to use the summer before your child starts Pre-K or Kindergarten so they will become familiar with what will be expected in school :) I am doing this over the summer with my twins and also with my son who will be going into 1st grade to help keep the structure that he has learned at school during kindergarten
Having taught for a number of years, I have built up a collection of tried and tested circle time games, which have not only been enjoyable for the children but beneficial too. Many of these games encourage teamwork and social interaction. Children...
Learn to tell the time clock craft and telling the time activities
circle time Preschool Classroom | All About Me Duplo puzzles! So much FUN to build!
Recipe for Friendship bulletin board
Fun in ECSE: Circle Time Checklist More
Good to sing at the start of circle time since we start every morning by exploring trays and then transitioning to circle time!


text:
Posted on 14 January 2003
- 12:00
The boss described the defender as one of few plus points from our FA Cup nightmare at Southampton the week before.
'Thatch' was a late withdrawal from Sunday's plans after suffering on Saturday night.
Glenn revealed: "Ben unfortunately was touch and go but had a bit of food poisoining on Saturday night.
"He couldn't eat, had a little food on Sunday but in the end I had to make a tough decision because he did well for us at Southampton, he was one of our brighter sparks in that game.
"But Gary Doherty came in, he's been out a long time and stuck at it and did well for us in the end. Ben understood the decision but it was a shame for him."
24 November 2016
Our Official Supporters' Clubs in the USA are once again acting as a force for good in their communities for Thanksgiving.
15 November 2016
This is your chance to take a tour of White Hart Lane with an all-time Tottenham Hotspur great.
26 August 2016
To assist our fans at the beginning of the new season we have launched an updated interactive map to illustrate best access routes into the stadium following the removal of sections of the North and East stands, the closure of Paxton Road to general access and the changes to the West Stand Car Park during the close season.
View mobile site
© Tottenham Hotspur Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.
All photography copyright Getty Images (unless otherwise stated)


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Highway to Paradise by Paul57 (2217)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2009-05-28 12:10
Hi Paul, These trees are so amazing, huge, cars looks like toys compering to them! It must be a great pleasure to travel down this highway! Great photo. Greetings!
Gaudi...Of Course by cherryripe (21033)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2009-05-28 12:06
Hi Nikki, Gaudi is just one of those marvelous people, which extraordinary talent you can explain with one word - alien, someone so talented could not be a human. I'm a bit jealous at you having opportunity to see his work with your own eyes, but I'm satisfied to see just a bit of it through your photography. Thank you very much for showing this. Have a nice day! Mirko
Old Wood Window by azizbilgili (2111)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2009-05-28 12:01
Hi Aziz, I was always intrigued with these pictures of windows, and I like yours very much. Colors are intensive, and it looks like you painted it. Thanks for posting it. Greetings! Mirko
St John's Church.. by darek1978 (13361)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2009-05-28 11:58
Hi Dariusz, The light is just amazing, and colors so intensive, that I have impression of looking a 3D picture. Atmosphere is so peaceful. TFS. Mirko
Here come the rain again by bracasha75 (24591)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2009-05-26 2:16
Cao Braco, Po ovoj vrucini, tvoja fotografija je, nadam se, vesnik kise i malo hladnijeg vremena. :-) Fotografija je vrlo nostalgicna, ovi seoski prizori stvarno umeju da izazovu takve emocije! Odlicno! Pozdrav!
Moravia #5 by keda (1253)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2009-05-22 16:47
Hi Lukasz, I'm really in love with this kind of a beautiful, misty, mysterious landscapes! I like the shades in the center, and clearance in the back, it so amazing! Thanks for sharing! Greetings! Mirko
Freedom by v_vicky (1035)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2009-05-22 16:41
Hi Vicky, Congrats for this beautiful photo. It simple, but so full of life! I like the song, too, it's interesting. Wish you a good night! Mirko[+]
7ca by simao (11)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2008-07-26 4:50
Moja svakodnevica tokom dve godine zivota na Novom Beogradu. Hvala za post. Pozdrav!
Somer day end by bracasha75 (24591)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2008-07-25 4:35
Cao Braco, Vidis, ovo je tipican letnji dan negde na srpskom selu, kukuruz, lep zalazak sunca i zvukovi cvrcaka na sve strane. Odlicna fotka. Pozdrav!
Serbian Crown by bracasha75 (24591)
mirko_ninkovic (488) 2008-05-02 8:51
Cao Braco, Na ovakvoj kruni i skiptaru, pozavideli bi nam mnogi evropski narodi sa monarhistickom tradicijom. Puno hvala na postavljanju ovakve slike. Pozdrav, Mirko[+]
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Visit our showroom to see, feel and operate our window treatments before you make a purchase. Our 2,000 square foot gallery is home to nearly 100 life-size samples of Hunter Douglas window fashions, including over 25 samples of the exclusive Alustra® Collection – the largest display in Oregon and perhaps the USA.
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You are here: Home > About BCE > Our strategy > Achieve a competitive cost structure
Our strategy
6 Strategic Imperatives
We have one goal: To be recognized by customers as Canada's leading communications company.
To achieve that goal, Bell is making significant investments in developing and delivering the most innovative communications and media services to Canadians across any screen they choose: television, smartphone, tablet and computer. In that way, we will continue to create value for our shareholders and rewarding careers for our team members, while ensuring we have the financial strength to fulfill our Bell Let's Talk charitable commitment to mental health and multiple sponsorship programs across the country.
Our goal is focused around 6 Strategic Imperatives:
- Invest in broadband networks and services
- Accelerate wireless
- Leverage wireline momentum
- Expand media leadership
- Improve customer service
- Achieve a competitive cost structure
By executing these imperatives, we will continue to achieve our primary business objectives to profitably expand our customer base and grow revenues, operating income, free cash flow and return on our invested capital.
- Invest in broadband networks and services
- Accelerate wireless
- Leverage wireline momemtum
- Expand media leadership
- Improve customer service
- Achieve a competitive cost structure
We closely managed our operating cost structure in 2015 with restructuring initiatives to address changing market conditions, new efficiencies in the way we provide customer service and ongoing reductions in discretionary and supplier spending.
We are realizing ongoing savings from the integration of Bell Aliant following the privatization of our Atlantic Canada affiliate in November 2014, through the alignment of our national capital investment strategy, reduced wholesale costs and the elimination of duplicate functions associated with operating a separate public company. Organizational restructurings at Bell Media and Bell Wireline to address competitive, technological and regulatory change, and an ongoing soft business economy, are expected to save us approximately $100 million in operating costs in 2016.
Process and productivity advances
Our Information Technology team partners with Customer Operations to drive productivity savings, while improving the customer experience.
That included more effective dispatch processes for our Field Services technicians, improving our on-time record for installations and repairs. With more and improved customer self-serve options, the number of transactions carried out by both mobile and residential customers themselves increased significantly, reducing the need for customers to choose the higher-cost option of contacting us by phone.
Calls to our call centres dropped 11% in 2015, while Bell Mobility customer satisfaction – measured by the number who would recommend Bell services – jumped by 14% (and 55% since 2011).
Ongoing spending discipline
Bell uses the technology we offer customers to reduce our own discretionary spending. For instance, we continue to significantly reduce employee travel costs by substituting video and teleconferences for flights.
We also negotiate with vendors large and small to reduce our spending on outsourcing contracts and we continue to promote electronic billing, which enables us to save millions of dollars on paper, printing and postage each year.
To learn more, refer to BCE's 2015 Annual Report.


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Seriously, this week flew by way too fast. Good thing I already had a picture all ready for ECF:
Now, I've been gardening in some form or another since I could walk – my grandmother was a firm believer that children were put on this earth for free labor so I learned at a very young age the difference between a weed and a bean plant. Another early lesson was how good peas taste right off the vine – and that when you are eating those peas and grandma starts screeching your full name for all the world to hear, it does NOT mean she wants you to come over to see her so she can give you a hug.
You would think that in my 30+ years of gardening that I'm not as easily impressed as, say, a first-year newbie. However, this would be wrong. I am just as excited when my seedlings pop through the soil to see the light of day for the first time (YAY! I didn't kill them!!) and I had never, ever, encountered a purple pea blossom before this year. There's a first for everything – and they still taste just as good, though I do miss grandma's screeching just a bit. ;o)
p.s. If anyone is looking for something fibery to do this weekend and they're in the Catskill, NY area on Saturday, this shindig is looking very promising. ;o)
11 Responses to "Friday…again?"
That has to be one of the prettiest pictures I've seen in a while, in a simple and pure way.
You're very lucky, or at least I envy you, in that you have such a green thumb. I loved getting to see your garden and admiring your… PEONIES. ;P
Tina M.s last blog post..FO: Tropicana
Oh, and THANK YOU for plugging the Knit & Spin! Can't wait to see you there. :) Rain or shine, we've got cover and real bathrooms. Can't ask for more than that baby.
Tina M.s last blog post..FO: Tropicana
Beautiful picture!
Excellent photo. I think it's great that your love of gardening comes from your grandma.
Caroles last blog post..Eye Candy Friday
I love fresh peas, but my grandma never grew them so I buy them at the Farmer's market. I have sugar snap peas right now. yum.
Kellis last blog post..Finished Black Honeybee Stole
That pea blossom would make a great colorway for yarn. I'm heading up to the Hudson River Knit & Spin tomorrow! Hope to see you there!
Kims last blog post..Sock Yarn Hootenanny
I'm exactly the same way in the garden.
I check everyday too until they pop up!
Miss Scarletts last blog post..Thoughtful Friday
Thank you for the picture, it's lovely. I hope you have a lovely time at the Knit & Spin. Please take lots of pictures for the rest of us. When it comes to gardening I'm always shocked when the seeds I plant actually grow.
Heides last blog post..Friday Finishings
I just love this picture. So pretty and delicate.


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Phoenix Suns
Minnesota Timberwolves' Kevin Love talks about Phoenix Suns
Everyone would like to assume that Kevin Love will leave the Minnesota Timberwolves via a player option that allows him to do so following the 2014-15 season.
Everyone, that is, except for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Since being selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies — and subsequently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves — the former UCLA Bruin has established himself as one of the premier forwards in the NBA.
This season, the 25-year-old is averaging 26.5 points and 13.2 rebounds per game. A three-time All-Star, there would be no shortage of suitors should he reach the free agent market.
Given his west coast roots, the prevailing thought is if he does leave Minnesota Love, who was born in California and grew up in Oregon, would prefer to be closer to the Pacific Ocean.
And wouldn't you know it, the Phoenix Suns — who are set up nicely with a young roster and plenty of cap space — are kind of close to the Pacific Ocean!
Could there be a match?
Love and the Timberwolves are in Phoenix to play the Suns Tuesday night, and the power forward had some nice things to say about his next opponent.
"Coach (Hornacek) has them playing hard," Love said. "They have a lot of confidence. Their offense is very fitting for the team that they have. (Goran) Dragic has been playing awesome basketball all year.
"Guys can really shoot the ball, spread the floor. They're different in a way that when they offensive rebound, some of the time they don't put it back. They kick it out for another three; miss another shot, kick it out for another three. That kind of just drains a team."
Rebounds and three-point shots…hmmm…those are two of Love's specialties. This season, the 6-foot-10, 243-pound player is hitting .378 of his three-point attempts, and is a career 36 percent shooter from deep.
He'd appear to be a good fit for the Suns, but then again, he'd probably be a good fit with most teams in the NBA and in other leagues around the world.
When asked if the Suns are the type of team Love was hoping his T'Wolves would become, he admitted that few expected Phoenix to be as good as they are.
"We had all our chances; we still have a chance to do some work here," he said. "It starts with tonight."
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The Death of the Hip Hop Group/Label
I wrote this, and I wanted to share it. Comments are appreciated.
Well, I was thinking of this while I was at work the other day. Rap groups/Labels...ALWAYS fall. It is pretty much the way it is. There are enough examples of this from the past. Within my years of listening to Hip Hop/rap. I have saw the rise and fall of pretty much ALL the ''Empires'' of the genre. And it happens for one reason of another. Whether its a successful artists bringing in his comrades and that success hold the rest back, money issues, or just the flame of popularity going out. Heres some examples of the ones I've seen.
1) Bad Boy: This is the earliest I can think of, that was a group/label I can remember that really had a solid run. They had Craig Mack, Biggie, Total, 112, Mase, Lox, Lil Kim, Black Rob and Puffy himself. Many things ended this run, and some is their own faults. Biggie was killed, Craig mack was shelved and pretty much ignored because Biggie was the number 1 priority, Mase Retired, Total didn't sell as well as expected, nor did any song not featuring a rapper do well. Puffy was an attention whore, who did ANYTHING to put himself over, and no one else after Biggie was killed. Black Rob went to jail, not that anyone noticed. Lil Kim split not too long after Biggie died, and left negatively. The Lox never fit on the label in the first place. Death of label number 1
2) Wu Tang Clan: One word comes to mind in the complete and utter destruction of Wu tang's rep and popularity. OVERSATURATION. I listened to, (and still do) since 93, and anyone who knew me in the 90s knew I tried my HARDEST to get ANY cd with a Wu tang symbol on it, from La the darkman to Killarmy, to Sunz of Man, and of course, the Wu members themselves. From 95-97, Wu tang was nearly untouchable. But they kept pumping out albums, post-rza producing mind you, and they failed left and right. Not for lack of trying, but for lack of quality. And internal money strife ruined themselves nearly beyond repair. Second label death.
3) Death Row: What can be said about Death Row that hasn't been said about Satan and Kim Kardashian. They had a solid run, a solid roster of Dr Dre, Snoop Dog, Nate Dog, Tupac and the Dogg Pound (I omitted Lady of Rage and Danny boy because...honestly...who cares) They imploded after Tupac died. Dr had already left, Snoop was on the way out, Suge kept getting into law trouble, and the rest of the roster was no where near strong enough to stay afloat. Tupac was the labels biggest star, and when he died, so did the label. Third label/group death
4) Bone Thugs n Harmony: NO group, has imploded more internally, than Bone Thugs N Harmony. Though MOST people don't know anything they've done after crossroads, they usually put out good efforts. But Bizzy's off and on relationship with the group (and drugs), Flesh always being in jail, Krayzie/Layzie and Wish had to carry the torch long past the expiration date. I for one, and a huge fan of the group, as I am a fan of fast rap, but the over dependance on weed songs, and general lack of focus ruined them. Now, Krayzie AND Bizzy have left the group, pretty much signing the death toll on the fourth label/group on this list
5) No Limit Records: And I thought the Wu Tang oversaturated the market, dear gods of gods, you couldn't go ANYwhere without a very ghetto poster of one of their sub par artists up coming albums. I was NOT a fan of No Limit, period, no ifs ands or buts, I thoughht they were terrible. But people bought the albums in flocks, and they ruled the charts for a while. But legal issues, over saturation,and the eventual waking up in the minds of the fans occurred, and they faded into obscurity. Death of number 5.
6) Cash Money Records: I know what people may think ''Aren't they still going'' ''isn't young money a part of this'', Wait for it. In high school, Cash money and one other label (my number 7) ruled the charts for a while. This was when Cash Money was Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Turk, Baby, B.G., and yes, Lil Wayne. I had ONE cash money album, Juveniles first, and I will admit this, I also listened to it about a year before it got huge, and I look back..and think...WHHYYY. But I digress. They themselves imploded, Turk went to jail, Juvenile had money issues with Baby, B.G....had issues with crack. And Mannie Fresh jumped ship. They may have evolved into Young money years later (more on this later) But they eventually failed as Cash Money the unit. Six death toll (sorta)
7) Ruff Ryders: Besides Wu,Roc a fella and Bone, this was a label/group that I DID like on this list, and STILL enjoy a few of the artists. And honestly, they did NOT implode, nor did they oversaturate the market. They just simply fizzled out. DMX, arguably had the greatest debut solo album of all of Hip Hop of the late 90s, and followed it up with a very good sophmore album. Along withe Eve, The lox, and Drag on (bwaahahaha) ahem. They had a nice niche that was waiting to be filled for quite some time. Hip hop evolved, Eve went into Acting, Drag On failed miserably, The Lox focused more on D-block than the Ruff Ryders, and DMX..was DMX, which made for a very LONG stretch of embaressing jail terms. They just faded, which was sad, because they were actually very talented.
8) Money Inc: Career suicide, and legal troubles DESTROYED this label. Ja Rule created this whole Pop/Rap hook driven nonsense we ''enjoy'' now, no matter how much people want to disrespect him now, he was ontop for a few years. Ashanti was respectable in her role, they pretty much were the only two that made a showing at the label. But they were enough. When 50 came out, it was ALL she wrote for Ja, he was done, forever. And ashanti was soon to be replaced in the minds of the r&b community by the likes of Keri Hilson and Keisha Cole. Irv Gotti's legal issues did nothing but disintergrate the label, and they never recovered.
9) Roc a fella: I will not go into too much detail about this, as the true downfall is debated. Is it the dependance of Jay-z? Business decisions gone wrong? Jay-z's selfishness? Or just a mixture of all of the above. They had possibly the most talent of all the labels here in number of members (barring Wu tang). You take State Property, Dipset and the rest of Roc a fella, you have a ''dynasty'', the problem is, NONE OF THEM sold records, except for Jay. Sure Dipset sold respectable amounts and sold a lot of mixtapes, but nothing close to Jay. And after the label fell, the blame game started and ALL fingers pointed at Jay-z, the only one who is still relevant and successful, thats saying something
10) And finally....G-unit: I was debating if I wanted to have Shady records as a whole, but, since they are currently staging a slight resurrection, I let it slide (Obie Trice left, D-12 broke up after Proof was killed, and creative differences blah blah) But for G-unit, they were riding HIGH on the success of 50. I wasn't a huge fan of 50 or G-unit (besides 50's first album) but I will not deny their success. They didn't oversaturate OR implode. They just made really dumb decisions on who they added to the group. Mase, MOP and Mobb deep were horrible decisions, but the dumbest and WORST ones, were The Game, and Young Buck. They did NOT share the loyalties of Yayo and Banks, and left the group fast when they realized if you didn't bow to 50, you were exed out. They faded after a few albums that flopped, and 50 is sticking to his solo thing, not that THAT is that lucrative anymore either.
In closing, I bring this up because no matter how popular Young money is, it is only a matter of time before they fail, and eventually are forgotten, that is when the next group/label takes over, and the cycle continues.They have Drake, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, successful, beyond my personal opinion, but they are.But many better labels have failed at the same height of success young money is enjoying now.
Labels/groups can NOT depend on ONE person for success, it DOOMS them. Look at d-12 , Roc a fella, Bad Boy, Ruff Ryders, and G-unit.
My personal Favorite label right now, is Strange Music, but if you look at it, they are falling under the SAME faults of the labels I mentioned. They ALL would fail, if Tech N9ne doesn't have some sort of precence on their albums (ala Roc a fella with Jay-z, and D-12 with Eminem) so, time will tell, if they can break this mold, better labels have tried in the past, and failed.
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You ever heard of Esham? He did a documentary called 'Death of an Indie Label', and it's pretty good.
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Labels fall off. Groups fall off too but it's not the same. In 20 years from this day everyone will remember Wu-Tang Clan but who will care about Ruff Ryders or G-Unit?
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HaiYakka Taco!!!
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^Esham is a legend, sit the fuck down.
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Rodimus Prime, good topic. I agree with everything you said. Most rappers and singers don't stay in groups because of money and group members arguing about the type of songs they wanna do. That's why a lot of artists do solo albums. Most artists don't stay with one record label because of lack of promotion and money. It's very rare that you'll see some artists stay with one record label for a long time like LL Cool J and Too Short. Too Short's new album No Trespassing is on his own label but his previous albums are all on Jive.
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Long after the wedding and honeymoon are over you may find yourself trying to remember all the details of your wedding.
That's where I come in.
I consider it an honor to be trusted with the task of documenting all the little things that people may miss during your wedding, because In a second they are gone forever. I pride myself on not only capturing the must haves, but the ones most people never saw.
I began shooting weddings in 2001 and throughout my 8 years in the service as a photographer, I spent many a time observing and trying to anticipate the shot. This has allowed me to develop a keen eye and with the right light, capture some amazing images. Photography is a very rewarding passion that I love very much. With over 10 years of photography and graphic image experience, I can give you exactly what you want...beautiful memories that will never be forgotten.
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