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Sina (NASDAQ:SINA) will announce its earnings for Q1 2012 on May 15. Sina is primarily an online media company which also offers mobile value-added services in China. It operates online news and content through Sina.com, a Twitter-like microblog – Weibo.com, and Mobile Value Added Services (MVAS). Sina makes money primarily through its display advertising and mobile value added services. The company faces competition in different verticals from Internet giants such as Baidu (NYSE:BIDU), Tencent and Sohu (NASDAQ:SOHU) and other companies.
We currently have a $65 Trefis price estimate for Sina, which stands nearly 20% above its current market price.
Check out our complete analysis of Sina
- Sina Earnings: Weibo Advertising Helps Sina Sustain Growth Momentum
- Sina Earnings Preview: Weibo Advertising To Continue To Drive Revenues, Profits
- Why We Revised Our Price Estimate For Sina To $65
- Sina Earnings: Advertising From SME Customers, Weibo Help Sustain Growth
- Sina Earnings Preview: Ad Revenues To Continue To Be Driven By Weibo
- Weibo Helps Sina Continue Growth Spree in 2016: Year In Review
Advertising business may experience turbulence
While China's online display advertising market has steadily increased in the past couple of years, we expect it to show a slowdown in 2012, as indicated by the relatively weak results of Sina's main competitors in the business – Baidu and Sohu. We already predict a decline in Sina's display ad market share in China, which when combined with a decline in the overall market could lead to significantly lower ad revenues in the coming quarters.
You can check out how any decline in China's online display advertising market would impact Sina's value by tweaking the chart above.
Weibo + monetization = $$$
Weibo is one of Sina's largest online properties, and the company is still trying to figure out how to effectively monetize Weibo besides just plain display advertising.
While the recent Chinese government crackdown on social network users in China may impact Weibo's long-term growth, we expect Sina to generate increasing amounts of revenue from Weibo in the near future, through advertising, premium enterprise account subscriptions, and locally targeted ads on mobile devices.
We expect Weibo to become one of Sina's biggest money makers in the coming years as its huge user base is leveraged by Sina to generate additional revenue, going forward.
Sina's operating expenses were at an all-time high in 2011. We expect Sina to eventually clamp down on its expenses and widen its profit margins. If Sina is unable to control spending, that could mean a significant downside to its stock.
Understand How a Company's Products Impact its Stock Price at Trefis


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In addition to the attraction of 'The Lights' which light up our town, there are numerous fantastic events and attractions for all visitors attending our festival throughout the festive season.
Highlights include our annual Christmas Pageant, the 'Lights On' Ceremony, the Living Nativity, stalls and markets and much more!
Please browse the links below to learn more of the Events & Attractions of this year's festival.
This is a Family Event. Please leave your drinks at home, and keep it a Dry Zone (click for more).

subset: commoncrawl


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|Patriots Look Poised For Another Super Bowl Run
|Bruins Trade For Drew Stafford
|Black and Gold Bruins Turn Yellow On Parade Day
|Inconsistency Will Continue For Bruins Unless A Change Is Made
,One of the biggest needs for the Red Sox this offseason is starting pitching. The Sox have other needs to fill, but starting pitching comes off as the biggest need. Looking at the pitching market, there are several options for the Sox to explore from.
Zack Greinke stands out as being the best pitcher on the market. Looking at his asking price of six years of $150 million, the Sox seem hesitant on giving that much money to a pitcher. Considering Greinke would cost too much, the Red Sox need to explore other pitchers who can contribute to the rotation and cost not too much money. One of the best options who could help bolster the Sox rotation is Brandon McCarthy.
After being out for the 2010 season, Brandon McCarthy signed a one-year deal with the A's in 2011 and had a bounce-back season. He then signed again for 2012, and was excellent, finishing with a 3.24 ERA in 18 starts.
His season ended early when he took a line drive from Erick Aybar to the head. Although it was originally seen as a life-threatening injury, McCarthy should be ready for the 2013 season.
When healthy, McCarthy can contribute to the rotation and be a valuable starter whatever spot in the rotation he pitches at. At the age of 29, McCarthy still has a lot of baseball left in him.
For right now, the Sox can really only rely on Jon Lester and Clay Bucholz as to carry the staff. McCarthy may not be a Zack Greinke, but he sure can contribute to a struggling Red Sox pitching rotation.
McCarthy last pitched for the Rangers in 2009 and finished with an ERA of 4.62. Since joining the Athletics, his ERA has improved substantially. In 2011, he finished with an ERA of 3.32 and the 2012 with ERA of 3.24. Knowing the Sox finished 27th in the league in ERA, McCarthy would help improve those numbers. At Fenway, McCarthy has with an ERA of 1.35, the best out of any stadium he pitched at. The next highest ERA is 2.54 at Tropicana Field.
Just looking at ERA, it does not mean that McCarthy is a perfect fit. But, seeing the improvement in ERA should indicate to the Sox he would boost the rotation.
Following his scary incident in the 2012 season, it is reasonable to expect McCarthy's deal to be around two years in the $20-$35 million range. Going into the 2013 season, it is seen as Jon Lester and Clay Bucholz leading the Red Sox staff. For the Red Sox to keep pursuing pitchers like Anibal Sanchez and Kyle Lohse, it does not make sense. Sanchez has set his asking price at six years' worth $90 million. Giving Sanchez that type of money for which he could be our 3rd starter does not seem right.
According to Ricky Doyle of NESN.com, Kyle Lohse is believed to be seeking a three-year deal. Coming off a great 2012 season at the age of 34, Lohse asking price could be high also.
This is why Brandon McCarthy fits perfectly in the 3rd spot. McCarthy's deal would be at a reasonable price for a 3rd starter and he would fit perfectly into the rotation when healthy. McCarthy should be seen to the Sox as a low-risk, high-reward type player coming into the 2013 season.
Tags: Anibal Sanchez, Brandon McCarthy, Clay Bucholz, Jon Lester, Kyle Lohse, Oakland Athletics, Red Sox, Zack Greinke


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This tiny gelateria on a corner in Trastevere dishes out a fantastic stracciatella (chocolate chip), along with about 20 other delicious flavours of ice creams. In summer months it also offers granita (water ice) in refreshingly tart lemon, tangerine, coffee or mint.
Area Rome
Transport Bus 23, 280, 780, H/tram 8.
Telephone 06 581 3174
Open Feb, Mar, Nov 1-8pm Mon-Fri; 1-10pm Sat, Sun. Apr-Oct 1pm-midnight Mon-Fri; 1pm-1am Sat, Sun. Closed Dec-Jan.


text: I want to install a pair of 6.5, 3 way Audiobahn speakers. I used to have them on my truck before I got my WRX. Anyways, I want to hook them up to an amp. I want to know if anybody knows a way to run the cable from the speakers thru the door and into the amp. I don't want to drill any holes. Any suggestions?


text: Well I did not get to go up for a flight in these BUT they did fly over our warehouse Lunch time. They stay at the Local Airport during Fleet week.. Now that SRT-8 I did get to drive today, I know I get to have all the Fun..:glasses: They had a corse set up at the Medowlands.. Very!!! Fast and with those Pirelli Tires... WOW!! Love them...I know it's a Jupe.. But it's a FAST one..


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The advances in endodontics in the last 20 years have truly made it an easier and enjoyable process from a general practitioner's point of view. Apex locators, rotary Ni-Ti instrumentation, and carrier-assisted warm gutta-percha are but a few of the many innovations that continue to make endodontics more user-friendly.
The use of carrier-assisted warm gutta-percha has been around for more than 15 years. The first systems introduced involved the use of a metal carrier. While this seemed like a good choice for a carrier, the metal's drawback was the challenges it presented to retreating the canal if it was required as well as to placing a post and core. The advent of plastic carriers has met these challenges by being easier to remove and trim. The 4% shrinkage factor of warm gutta-percha is negligible, and the inclusion of a plastic core further minimizes shrinkage.
Figure 1. The Soft-Core System: verifier (top), obturator (middle), and obturator with pin removed (bottom).
A Soft-Core Endodontic Obturator (Axis Dental) is a core of biocompatible plastic that is sized according to ISO standards and coated with thermoplastic gutta-percha. A single unit is all that is needed to totally obturate a root canal (Figure 1). The Soft-Core system (Axis Dental) introduces a removable handle, which allows the operator to place several obturators and still maintain visibility of the coronal openings. The length of all the obturators is 27 mm, with the apical 18 mm of the plastic carrier core being solid and the coronal 6 mm being hollow to accommodate the handle and pin. The pin can be pulled out to create a 31-mm obturator. The taper of the carriers is .03 so they can easily be inserted to length, and they come in tip sizes 20 to 100. The black carrier is radiopaque and does not discolor the tooth structure. The gutta-percha is reversible thermoplastic. This means that it becomes soft and highly adhesive when heated to temperatures above approximately 100°C. When cooled, it returns to a firm, rigid state. Reheating will once again make the gutta-percha soft and adhesive.
This article follows a Soft-Core system retreatment of a failed endodontic case and the subsequent restoration of the tooth with a post and core buildup and an IPS e.max CAD crown (Ivoclar Vivadent).
|Figure 2. Mandibular left first premolar (No. 21) with 16-year-old PFM crown and fistula.
|Figure 3. Radiograph showing caries under the crown and a radiolucent area around the failing endodontic fill.
A 44-year-old female patient presented with a persistent fistula in the apical region of her mandibular left first premolar (tooth No. 21), as shown in Figure 2. The tooth was asymptomatic with slight mobility. Hot and cold tests were negative, and the patient felt discomfort during percussion. Pulp vitality readings for tooth No. 21 were a maximum of 80 using an Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator (SybronEndo). Tooth No. 22 tested positive for hot and cold, and the vitality reading was 19. Tooth No. 27 was vitality tested for a control and yielded a reading of 22.
Periapical radiographs revealed an 8-mm periapical radiolucency around the apex and mesial root surface of tooth No. 21 extending to the distal root surface and apex of tooth No. 22 (Figure 3). The radiograph revealed the presence of recurrent caries under the existing porcelain-fused-to-metal crown on tooth No. 21. This tooth had been endodontically treated 16 years earlier, and a post, core, and crown were placed at about the same time. The post appeared to be a very short metal post, and the endodontic fill appeared to be failing. One can assume that all these factors contributed to the existing condition of tooth No. 21.
Figure 4. A fine Axis diamond (NTI 392-016) is used to remove the cement around the post.
Figure 5. The .12-taper K3 shaper was used to remove the bulk of gutta-percha.
The treatment plan involved retreatment of the tooth with removal of the short post and replacement of the PFM crown.
At the initial appointment, the patient was isolated with a rubber dam, and an access opening was made through the crown with an NTI KS2 diamond bur (Axis Dental). At this point, the caries-riddled tooth relinquished both the crown and a portion of the core. The short post was carefully removed using a combination of hand instruments and a fine-tipped diamond (NTI 392-016 [Axis Dental]; Figure 4). The original PFM crown was recem-ented as a provisional for aesthetic reasons.
Access to the apex was obtained by using a combination of hand and rotary instruments. A 17-mm .12-taper K3 shaper (Sybron-Endo) was used to remove the initial bulk of gutta-percha (Figure 5). A small amount of purulent exudate emerged as the apical third was negotiated. Once a 21-mm size 35 Hedstrom file was worked down to the vicinity of the apex, the Elements Diagnostic Unit and a radiograph were used to confirm the working length of 18.5 mm. From this point on, removal of the old gutta-percha was carried out using a 21-mm K3 G-Pack (SybronEndo). The black gutta-percha that was removed was an indication of the extensive microleakage invading the original endodontic fill. The canal was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite and thoroughly dried with paper points. A cotton pellet and Cavit (3M ESPE) were placed in the coronal access, and the patient was dismissed.
One week later, the patient's fistula had subsided to a great degree and the tooth was less mobile. The tooth was reopened, and the crown-down technique using the K3 files began with a No. 25 file with a .08 taper and ended with a No. 25 with a .02 taper. Patency between rotary files was constantly confirmed. The canal was irrigated frequently with 3% hydrogen peroxide and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate. A No. 35 K-Flex file (SybronEndo) was placed alongside a No. 70 K-Flex file to check for the possibility of a second canal; however, it was determined radiographically that there was only one large canal. The final apical instrument was a No. 70 K-Flex file.
Prior to obturating the canal, large paper points were used to dry it thoroughly after final irrigation with chlorhexidine. A size 70 Soft-Core verifier was fitted in the canal to check if a size 70 Soft-Core obturator would fit to length. A size verifier is basically an obturator without gutta-percha. You use it to verify whether the chosen obturator size will fit in the root canal. A somewhat loose fit in the apical third is important to allow clearance for back-filling of the gutta-percha. A tight fit may impede seating of the obturator to the working distance. The filling with the obturator will proceed accurately and without problems if the size verifier can be placed to the working distance without resistance.
Figure 6. Introducing the sealer into the canal with the canal verifier.
Equal amounts of Seal-apex (SybronEndo) non-eugenol calcium hydroxide polymeric root canal sealer catalyst and base were mixed. The No. 70 verifier was used to introduce enough sealer to liberally coat the canal walls to the apex (Figure 6). The use of sealer is imperative. It not only helps seal the canal but also acts as a lubricant for the obturator by minimizing friction upon inserting it.
The No. 70 obturator was placed in one of the slots in the top of the Soft-Core oven, and the green "on" portion of the control button was pressed. The Soft-Core oven utilizes a replaceable 150-W halogen bulb as the heat source. A thermo sensor automatically monitors the temperature inside the oven and increases and/or decreases the light intensity during the cycle. The temperature will be maintained at a constant 110°C plus/minus 5°C. When the obturator has reached the proper temperature,
the oven will sound a tone and shut off.
Figure 7. The obturator seated to the working length.
Figure 8. The Soft-Core Core Removal kit.
Figure 9. The plastic core is removed to the length of the intended post.
Figure 10. MultiCore composite core is built and shaped around the post.
The obturator was removed from the oven and inserted into the canal to the working distance without twisting the handle (Figure 7). A radiograph to confirm the position of the fill was taken at this time. After allowing the gutta-percha to cool for 3 to 4 minutes, the handle was carefully removed and the black plastic core cut back with an NTI KS2 diamond to 1 mm inside the access opening. The opening to the PFM crown was sealed with Cavit, and the patient was sent home.
One week later the patient returned for the restorative portion of her treatment. The fistula had completely disappeared. The PFM crown was removed and the pulp chamber cleared of excess Cavit with a diamond bur. The Soft-Core Core Remover is a tapered, pointed, noncutting instrument that was developed specifically to ensure safe and fast removal of the plastic core and gutta-percha in the canal (Figure 8).
With the plastic core removed to the length of the intended post with the Soft-Core Core Remover (Figure 9), a No. 4 PeerlessPost drill was used to drill a post space for a No. 4 PeerlessPost fiber post (SybronEndo). The post was cemented with a dual- cure resin cement (Multilink [Ivoclar Vivadent]), and a composite core (MultiCore [Ivoclar Vivadent]) was built on top of it.
After light- and self-curing, the tooth and core were shaped into a full crown prep using a coarse NTI KS2 and a fine NTI 846-020 diamond (Axis Dental; Figure 10). The prep was polished with Sof-Lex discs (3M ESPE), and an impression was taken with a Gripper quadrant triple tray (Discus Dental) and Precision extra light- and medium-body polyvinyl siloxane impression material (Discus Dental). An acrylic provisional crown was made with Luxatemp (Zenith/
DMG), and a preoperative PVS impression taken of the existing crown. The crown was cemented provisionally with Systemp.link (Ivoclar Vivadent).
A crown was fabricated from IPS e.max CAD, a new, high-strength, highly aesthetic glass ceramic for the CAD/CAM technique. The block is blue in color and is in a precrystalline form that is ideal for milling. It is indicated for single-unit anterior copings, premolar copings, and 3-unit bridges from the premolars forward. From a lab perspective, it is very efficient. After milling the IPS e.max CAD as a blue block, it is crystallized in a porcelain furnace for about 35 minutes. The material undergoes a dramatic color change as final physical properties are established. The resulting coping is then layered with a dentin and enamel buildup using a nano-fluorapatite glass ceramic layering ceramic (IPS e.max Ceram [Ivoclar Vivadent]). The definitive restoration is contoured, stained, and finally hand-polished to match the adjacent natural dentition's shade and texture.
Figure 11. The IPS e.max Ceram crown from different views.
Figure 12. Multilink primer applied to the crown prep.
Figure 13. Multilink dual-cure resin cement applied to the crown.
Figure 14. Crown spot-tacked into place.
Figure 15. One-month postoperative view of IPS e.max CAD crown in place. Note healing of fistula in periapical tissue.
Figure 16. Occlusal view of preoperative PFM crown in place.
Figure 17. Occlusal view of postoperative IPS e.max CAD crown in place.
Figure 18. One-month postoperative radiograph of completed endodontic and restorative procedures.
Figure 19. Preoperative radiograph of an abscessed molar with multiple canals.
Figure 20. Postoperative radiograph with the canals obturated with Soft-Core obturators.
When the crown was returned from the lab, it was inspected for fit on the working model and uncut model (Figure 11). The patient's provisional crown was removed, and the tooth surface was cleaned with 3% hydrogen peroxide and rinsed with water. The crown was tried in to confirm fit. The inside of the crown was coated with silane (Monobond-S [Ivoclar Vivadent]) for 1 minute and air-dried. Multi-link primer A and B were mixed and placed on the crown prep for 15 seconds with a microbrush (Figure 12). Multilink transparent dual-cure resin cement was spread inside the crown, which was seated onto the tooth (Figure 13). After spot-tacking the crown in place with a 2-mm tacking tip, the contacts were flossed, and excess cement was removed (Figure 14). Final curing of the crown was done with a bluephase C8 LED curing light (Ivoclar Vivadent) for 10 seconds on the buccal, occlusal, and lingual surfaces. A fine, 8-bladed finishing carbide (NTI TDF 9 [Axis Dental]) was used to remove excess cement around the margins. The occlusion was checked with Madame Butterfly Silk (Almore International), and the adjustments were polished with a yellow CeraGlaze porcelain polisher (Axis Dental). Note the absence of the fistula in the postoperative photo (Figure 15).
Acknowledgment The author would like to acknowledge Juan and Nelson Rego of Smile Designs by Rego, Santa Fe Springs, Calif, for the exquisite ceramic work.


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Excerpt: "The sky was falling on the Giants, but it never rained panic. It was Browns 7, Giants 0 within a minute, and then Browns 14, Giants 0 within five minutes, and all it meant was that Eli Manning still had 55 minutes to bring Big Black and Blue back.
I was [ticked], Hall of Famer Harry Carson said. You dont just come into a defending Super Bowl champions house, and score a touchdown ... just like that. And then score another touchdown ... like that. I was fearing the worst.
Have no fear, Eli and Victor Cruz are here.
Im nervous, obviously, and upset about how were playing, Giants owner John Mara said. But with Eli, youre never out of a game. Because he believes that, so he makes the rest of us believe it too. Read more...


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Broadway: The Golden Age
Page Tools
(PG) Nova
* * * 1/2Broadway nostalgia is usually served with a dollop of cloying schmaltz (listened to Michael Feinstein lately?)
This documentary allows none of that as it relives the golden age of the American stage via the razor-sharp reminiscences of some of its greatest figures.
Director Rick McKay, by his own admission a devotee of the Broadway that was the stomping ground of Tennessee Williams, Elia Kazan, Ethel Waters and Cole Porter, has assembled here a dazzling array of actors, producers, composers and lyricists who, via McKay's brisk editing of interviews and raw, backstage footage, paint a vivid portrait of a bygone era.
The Broadway they recall was certainly a more adventurous, accessible (a theatre ticket cost less than a film ticket in the 1940s) and exciting place than it became with the advent of the musical blockbuster, which the film says started with the rock musical Hair in the late 1960s.
Refreshingly, though, McKay doesn't allow the film to slip into what could easily have been a trite lament for the past.
Nor does he purport to present an "official history".
The film is loosely arranged around broad themes, such as auditions (Carol Burnett recalls how she and three housemates chipped in to buy a dress), influences, scamming to get into the theatre for free, watering holes and that long-gone tradition of touring a show-in-the-making. But it's motivated by the irrepressible performers, who live up to expectations of what everyone once understood an old Broadway trooper to be.
Get The Age home delivered for as little as $2.70 a week*


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BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Airbus has announced the opening of a new assembly plant in the US port city of Mobile, Alabama. The plant will assemble the company's A320 planes.
The world's largest commercial jet-maker estimates the plant will create 1,000 new jobs. The European company hopes to strike directly at rival Boeing on its home turf, creating a springboard for future bids to win US aircraft and defense deals.
US Senator Jeff Sessions attended the announcement, praising the deal as a victory for his state. The 600 million dollar plant is set to open in 2016. It will be the second Airbus plant outside Europe making the company's most popular jet.
(Source: CNTV.cn)


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May 31, 2012
One of BKW's second grade teachers, Michelle Pahl, knows the value letters and technology hold in keeping in touch with others. When one of her close friends, a fellow teacher, took a job in Alaska, she learned her connection could also help her students expand their lessons, make friends and experience a different culture.
It was lucky that her friend also taught second grade, and Pahl decided to pair up each of her students with a student in her friend's class so they could become pen pals.
"The pen pal aspect helps the students practice their writing," said Pahl. "We also did a state report lesson on Alaska to learn about the state and so the kids could find our how their new friends live."
This pen pal project helped in ELA and Social Studies, but most importantly, Pahl said, it kept them engaged.
After starting in September and writing to their pen pals all year, in May Pahl decided to use Skype so the students could see and talk to one another. Fellow BKW Elementary teacher Bill Dergosits let Pahl borrow his webcam and helped her navigate through the process of using Skype. Once the classes were connected, each student was able to stand in front of the camera, face-to-face with their individual pen pal, and ask them one question.
"The kids were so excited and got so involved in the process." said Pahl, "It was nice to work with a class that was the same grade, so they could relate to what each one was doing and even share their plans for the summer!"


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Video: Janelle Gets Ready to Go Out
While waiting on one of her friends, Janelle attempted to entertain herself with some music! Watch the video below to catch a glimpse of Janelle while she waits!
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Aabacus Roman Pyramid House
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TripAdvisor Reviews Aabacus Roman Pyramid House Rome
Travel Blogs from Rome
Ciao Roma
And so began my two week holiday through Italy and Spain. After a late night with some au pair friends the night before, I woke up early to catch my flight to Rome. I got to the airport and, honestly, got a little emotional when I got to give my mom a hug for the first time in six months.
Unfortunately, that hug took place in the line for lost luggage. My mom had an hour layover in Amsterdam before heading to Rome and apparently her bag did ...
The Italian Post Service
Today I had one, simple goal: send a package to Australia using the Italian Post Service (or rather, Poste Italiane). I was successful. Eventually.
The first post office I found I walked in, stood around for five minutes and then walked out again because nothing made sense. I was aware that the post office was also used by many locals for bill payments, banking and other services. This made it rather difficult to figure out where to go with (understandably) no signs in ...
Garth's last day in Rome
... where we were amply entertained by the people watching. According to the taxi driver, there was a soccer game earlier in the evening and Roma won, so traffic and revelers would be crazy in this neighborhood, and he was right. While we were waiting the chef Christina Bowerman came over and greeted us, told us a bit about the menu this evening.
Dinner was out of this world fun and delicious, starting with the strange little "egg" thing that ...
Finally, finally, finally ..... Fish and Chips
... leave, too much trouble to change rooms now. It's Friday, our last day in Rome. We walk to a local shopping mall, MDW is disappointed with this dismal number of shops on offer, the prices scare the you know what out of me. MDW has me trying on various jackets so I can look smart like the local Italians do, but local Italian fashion does not cater for my body shape. T-shirts are my only option! We wander around piazzas, fountains and old buildings. We have a look at ...
Traces of ancient Rome
... of the Senatorio is perched a copy of the statue of the She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the legendary brothers who founded Rome. The interior of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, a church wedged between the back side of the Victor Emmanuel monument and the Palazzo Nuovo, impressed us very much; it's simply a gem. Dating back to the 13th-century, the church is adorned with side chapels and frescoes, a well-preserved marble floor ...
Other places to stay in Rome
Parco TirrenoTrastevere/Aventine, Rome | 4 star condofrom $115
- Great is you want to combine sight-seeing with relaxing
- Great hotel but location not for everyone
Aldrovandi Residence City SuitesParioli/Pinciano, Rome | 4 star condofrom $208
Adagio Rome VaticanTrionfale, Rome | 4 star condofrom $93
Residence CandiaPrati/Trionfale, Rome | 3 star condofrom $101
Bollo ApartmentsRegola, Rome | Condofrom $97
Residence Colombo 112Ostiense, Rome | 3 star condofrom $104
Hotel Mayfair Residence RomeHistoric Center, Rome | 4 star condofrom $401
Residence Aurelia AnticaTrastevere/Aventine, Rome | 3 star condofrom $60
Aurora ApartmentHistoric Center, Rome | Condofrom $90
Trianon Borgo Pio ResidenceBorgo, Rome | 3 star condofrom $122
C&C historical centre ApartmentsPonte, Rome | Condofrom $125
Luxury Manfredi ApartmentsCelio, Rome | 4 star condofrom $439
- Thank you
- A good choice
- Loved this hotel
Eur Torrino ResidenceEUR, Rome | 3 star condofrom $152
Trionfal ApartmentTrionfale, Rome | Condofrom $126
Rome Holidays - TestaccioTrastevere/Aventine, Rome | Condofrom $111
Trastevere ApartmentsTrastevere/Aventine, Rome | 3 star condofrom $152
Rome Holidays - Via Del PavonePonte, Rome | Condofrom $103
Trastevere ApartmentTrastevere, Rome | Condofrom $109
Nazionale 51Via Nazionale 51, Rome | Condofrom $134
Piccolo Principe B&BHistoric Center, Rome | Condofrom $99
Antica Fontana di Traiano ApartmentsHistoric Center, Rome | Condofrom $149
Casa Edoardo B&BArdeatino, Rome | Condofrom $40


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Samsung Omnia II Specifications | Review
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1. cj100570 (Posts: 204; Member since: 12 May 2009)
I don't know they're even bothering since nobody cares about either of those phones.
2. pdub73 (Posts: 33; Member since: 25 Nov 2008)
Maybe you don't...but some people own these phones and its nice to see it on TV, its weird that they are doing this 4 months into its US release, but now when I pull out my O2 people are like "is that the phone with that swype?" or "oh wow the colors on your screen are so vivid.!!" anyway continue drinking ur Hater-ade.


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2012-10-24 - Chrigel Glanzmann, frontman, bandleader, songwriter and lyricist for Swiss new wave of folk metal superstars, ELUVEITIE, has confirmed his participation on an open forum about the gaulish war at Zurich University.
The event will take place on November 22, 2012 and will be hosted by PD Dr. Eckhard Deschler-Erb. Besides Chrigel lecturing, ELUVEITIEs latest effort, "Helvetios", will also be featured throughout the evening.
"We are super happy about this special request from the Zurich University. I feel deeply honoured to take part in Dr. Deschler-Erbs lecture series. This will for sure be an exciting and educational event!" says Chrigel.
More info will be available soon at http://www.prehist.uzh.ch
|Groupes similaires
ELUVEITIE - to tour Europe with AMARANTHE!
2017-04-28 19:30 - Swedish modern melodic metallers AMARANTHE will be accompanying ELUVEITIE on their European adventure. Détails
ELUVEITIE - win tickets!
2017-03-20 15:00 - At Summer Breeze 2017 we will all be able to witness first-hand that perhaps the world's most successful folk metal band, ELUVEITIE, is powerful and electric. Détails
ELUVEITIE - announce their new line-up!
2017-01-05 19:00 - Waiting is finally over! Folk metal superstars ELUVEITIE have taken a lot of time with the search for new musicians to guarantee you the best possible line-up of all time. Détails
ELUVEITIE - announce new guitar player(s)!
2016-12-23 16:00 - On December 15th, the new drummer Alain Ackermann was revealed. On monday this week, Rafael Salzmann (guitars) was announced as well. Now please welcome Jonas Wolf! Détails
ELUVEITIE - announce new drummer!
2016-12-19 18:00 - On December 15th, the first new band member was revealed: their new drummer Alain Ackermann. On Sunday 18th he already made a 'live question & answer' for his fans! Détails
ELUVEITIE - announce new line-up!
2016-12-08 17:00 - Finally! ELUVEITIE is alive, complete and stronger than ever before! Détails
ELUVEITIE - working on second acoustic album!
2016-09-16 20:00 - It has been rumoured for a long time and now it's official: Folk metal superstars ELUVEITIE are working on their next album! Détails
ELUVEITIE - to play with guest musicians!
2016-07-12 17:30 - After the recent departure of three band members, the band announced that they want to take some time to carefully look for new members and find the perfect new line-up. Détails
ELUVEITIE - part ways with band members!
2016-05-06 11:30 - Swiss Folk Metal institution ELUVEITIE have just announced the departure of Merlin Sutter (drums), Anna Murphy (vocals) and Ivo Henzi (guitar). Détails
ELUVEITIE - "Origins" tour 2015 is under way!
2015-11-25 11:30 - Swiss folk metal superstars ELUVEITIE have kicked off their European/Scandinavian tour in support of their current record, »Origins«, last Friday in Dornbirn, Austria. Détails


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318 S. Duchesne Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301
Phone: 636-949-0160
Fax: 636-949-0730
At Trinity Church, you can find people who have values consistent with our mission statement. We are on a constant path, deepening our Faith in Jesus Christ.
Our Compassion is expressed in respect for human dignity and spirit; and our work reflects our dedication to helping others in our Community and the larger world.
If you are looking for a place to make a difference, to share your gifts, and to find food for your spiritual journey, Trinity Episcopal Church is your new home. Come and see.
Our coffee, tea and hot chocolate are tasty too!
Click on "Upcoming Events" for our updated schedule.
Click on "Upcoming Events" for our updated schedule.
Click on News & Events for Trinity's Upcoming Events. We invite you to join us.
Directions to Trinity - St. Charles, MO
From MO 94 and I70 (1st Capital Drive)
Our Mission Statement
"Through our Faith, teachings and work, Trinity is focused on making Jesus Christ a living and tangible part of peoples lives."


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3 bed and breakfasts in Varkala
Casa Eva LunaOff Kurrakkani Road, Varkala | B&Bfrom $15
Arabian SoulNo. 349 Kurakanni Village, Varkala | B&Bfrom $22
La Exotica HomestayHelipad, North Cliff, Varkala | B&Bfrom $46
*Prices above are provided by partners for one room, double occupancy and do not include all taxes and fees. Please see our partners for full details.


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Does anyone know of a website that can make sensible estimates of mileage split times, taking account of the undulations on a race course?
Obviously, you can already map out a route, and software will show you the undulation profile... it would not be a big technical leap for this to be translated to split times adjusted to take account of these undulations.
I'm doing my first marathon, and am over-ambitiously planning for 9:09 per mile - but, for example, the last mile is a bit up hill.... so need to have something in the bank!
I will do some split time planning manually - but just wondered if there's an easy way for me to be lazy!
I don't know a rule that explicitly states how much time you lose on pace for every metre of ascent/ descent. But this marathon pace calculator does allow you to factor in fade from a specified point in the marathon course. By experience, I would suggest that after 20 miles you might want to see what a 10-15% fade in pace would do to your timing, running as a mara newbie.
Good luck.
I don't think it matters how clever your algorithm might be, there's no way you can accurately account for undulations, because people react differently to hills, with some people being better hill runners than others, not to mention people being relatively better at running uphill than downhill, etc. (It's a fairly predictable pattern of mine to overtake people running uphill on cross-country courses only for them to catch me up again going downhill. Maybe I'm not brave enough...)
Forget all that and run according to even effort.
Thanks Tricky Dicky... that tool is simple and straightforward. I like it. I've input the figures you suggest - gives me 8-55 for the first 20 miles - Then 10-10 after that. There is one main downhill and uphill... so I'll use just make a minor adjustment for those.
The times are a step up from where I am now (currently doing 9.00 for 13-14 miles then fading quite a bit)... But that's running alone, against my Garmin! I have to hope the adrenalin and encouragement of the day sees me through!
Thanks for the advice too. I'd wondered if you could have an algorithm that had some default settings, but also allowed the user to input some variables to account for how well/badly that an individual takes hills. It won't be perfect, but I think could prove useful


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Welcome! My name is David Duty and I am the author of Common Sense Commodities Courses for both the Futures and Options markets. I was a CTA (Commodity Trading Advisor) registered with the NFA (National Futures Association) before "retiring" to Panama in 2007. I've been teaching people to trade commodities and options since 1997 and my first course, Common Sense Commodities was rated the #1 course on the market to learn to trade.
How I got started in Commodities Trading
Within a few weeks of buying my first mail order commodity trading course back in 1995, I got really excited about the potential that trading futures offered. I started out with a course that sold for $200 that promised it was everything I needed to know to learn to trade commodities. Then when I got the course it was grade school level at best. With the course came all these offers to buy other courses and videos that he had done. I ended up buying his complete package for about $5,000. I went through all the videos, audios, booklets, etc. that came with his course many times over the next few weeks. I felt invincible; like I could conquer the world. Sorry to say it; I was not prepared to trade at all, but I sure thought that I was ready.
An Expensive Lesson from the Commodity Market
I opened up a small account with $10,000 and started trading. I thought I was so good and that this was so easy, that I didn't even take the time to learn how to paper trade. You can probably guess what happened! Right, I lost it all in less than 60 days. I didn't have a clue about how to trade. What I did have was an expensive lesson. Over $15,000 if you include the "course material".
With great persistence (my wife calls it stubbornness), I decided to learn to trade correctly. Heck, I looked at it this way, if someone else can learn to trade profitably, then so can I. I was determined to do it. One reason I was so determined was that I hated what I was doing. I wanted out, I wanted a change, I wanted to do something fun and I wanted to work from home.
Simply put, I was burned out! Ever been there?
Then I remembered something that Zig Ziglar said:
"If you can't get 100% into what you are doing, then you'd better get 100% out of what you are doing."
Right then, I made a decision that changed my life. I decided to learn how to trade. I didn't care how long it took or what I had to do.
Learning to Trade Commodities - FOR REAL
I guess you could say that I went back to school; at least it felt like school. I read everything I could lay my hands on. I ordered so many courses, videos, audios, etc. that I had a hard time keeping up with all of it. I studied for hours on end for well over a year.
What was most confusing was all the conflicting information in the courses and books I was studying. One person said, do this, another said, don't do that, do this. I was getting frustrated. If all these authors we suppose to be experts, who should I listen to? Who should I trust? This was one of the most frustrating times of my life.
What I finally discovered was that almost all of them had some good information, something that I could learn from. Then I started compiling all this information into something useful. I paper-traded for months on end to see what worked, and just as important, what didn't work. I then started narrowing all this down into something that made sense; at least to me anyway.
What I found was that I, and many others, tried to make trading too difficult. Once you know what you are doing, it's not that hard. As a matter of fact, all it takes is a little common sense and some practice.
Teaching Others How to Trade
Soon afterwards I rented a classroom and started teaching a class at the local college in Denver a couple of nights a week. What I found was that I loved teaching people how to trade. My students loved the class and were actually learning how to trade in just a few weeks of taking the course. They told me that I had a knack for this and should look at doing full-time.
The most amazing part of all of this was to see the students taking what I taught them in class and using it to trade profitably. I'll never forget the night that one of my students came to class and told me that he made $1,700 in the last four days because he traded a method that he learned my class the previous week. I knew right then that what I was teaching could be used by the average person.
It was then that I decided to expand my horizon and start teaching this course on a larger scale. I love doing this and I have to admit, I learn more by teaching than I ever dreamed possible.
Expect the Best with Common Sense Commodities
I know there are many people that write books, produce courses, give seminars besides me, and some of them have something worthwhile to say too. However the Internet seems to try and draw in people who see it as a way to just sell products, not to really help people. So, just be aware that not everything you read at some of these other sites is true. IMPORTANT: Make sure you are able to communicate with the author via email and phone when you want to. Drop them an email and see if they even reply. Matter of fact, drop me an email and see if I reply (I will). firstname.lastname@example.com.
About the CSC Futures Course
What I have done is to compile information that I learned into one simple to understand 450 page printed "course". I call it "Common $ense Commodities" for a reason. I truly believe that I can teach you to trade using a little common sense and the methods outlined in the course. The course also comes with over ten hours of videos that you watch on your PC. The videos were done to show you step by step everything I teach you in the printed course. I discuss each step just like you were sitting next to me. My students often tell me that it's the best part of the course.
Common Sense Commodities written in a simple to understand format that I feel anyone can understand. I tell my students that it's the very foundation of trading. Where you take it from here is your choice. Look at learning to trade like you're building a house. Without a good foundation your house will not survive, and without a good trading foundation, your trading account won't survive. Take it from someone who knows first-hand.
If you are looking for a get rich quick "system" then I suggest that you look to someone else for your education. But I can tell you that there is no one "system" that you will find that will consistently work. How do I know? Because I've seen almost all the courses that are on the market and I hate to say it, but most of them are "bunk" and are being sold by people who have probably never even traded. They are out to just make a quick buck and then go on to something else that's "hot" at the moment. I've seen dozens and dozens to people that have done just that.
I'm into the Commodity Market for the Long Haul
I've been teaching people to trade since 1997 and I'll probably be doing it for another ten years. Someone else did a survey of people who had purchased trading courses either off the Internet or at a seminar. They ask them to rate the courses in several categories like easy of understanding, useful information, quality of content, would you recommend it to a friend, etc. Common Sense Commodities was rated #1 in EVERY category and I'm proud of that. I spent over two years writing my first course and I'm very excited that people are learning how to trade, many fulltime, from what I teach.
Drop me an email if you have any questions and I will reply to it personally. I hope you enjoy my course and this web-site as much as I enjoyed doing it. I truly hope that someday I'll get to meet you in person and that you will share some of your successes.
Best wishes,
David Duty, CTA
Thought you might also like to see some of my travel photos on my motorcycle from around the world. Click HERE to see them.
Learn more about David's Personal Coaching with Common Sense Commodities for leading edge information and training in commodities and options trading.


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Premier League Darts: Finals Night Review
Sports writer Bradley West reports on what happened at the 2017 edition of Finals Night in the Premier League DartsWritten by Bradley West on 20th May 2017
Written by Frankie Conway
The culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication and physical upheaval all led to the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, where last weekend the best of Britain's athletes took to the stage in an attempt to fulfil a long-time ambition and qualify for the London Olympics. Those present for the weekend show piece were royally treated to some first rate athletics. British records were smashed, young stars were born and a couple of old stagers demonstrated that they are not quite ready to surrender to the relentless surge of youthful prowess.
Two of Britain's best hopes for gold medals in London were each looking to lay down a statement of intent, not just to their British challengers but to their international rivals. Indeed, both Dai Greene and Jessica Ennis were among the most impressive performers during Saturday's line-up. The Swansea athlete, Greene, showed characteristic composure in cruising to victory in the 400m hurdles. The Welshman is looking to add the one major title that has so far eluded him when he lines up at the Olympics later this summer, having already registered World, European and Commonwealth titles in what has so far been a stellar career.
Ennis also exhibited her star quality in the two events she competed in on the Saturday. Having won the high jump, the Sheffield athlete proved her pedigree in the 100m hurdles. Up against specialist hurdler Tiffany Porter, Ennis was in no mood to bow to any reputations, taking the title in a time of 12.92s, the Olympic A-standard. Ennis' victory over an athlete that was fourth at last year's World Championships will no doubt give her further encouragement to compete in the hurdles alongside the heptathlon at the Olympics.
The performance of the Saturday arguably came from the mercurial Christine Ohuruogu in the 400m. Having racked up the coveted set of Olympic, World and Commonwealth titles, the 28-year-old is clearly hungry for more. Ohuruogu stormed to the front of the field, winning comfortably in a time of 51.89s. Like Ohuruogu, Dwain Chambers has been no stranger to controversy during his career. But the Belgrave harrier was able to stave off the challenge of 18-year-old prodigy Adam Gemili (who has clocked 10.08s this year) to win a fascinating 100m final. Chambers' emotional celebration gave a strong insight into what last weekend's victory meant to the Londoner. Although he narrowly missed out on securing the A-standard time, Chambers will in all probability join his younger compatriot at the Games.
Sunday's action will be forever remembered for some captivating theatre in the field events, as two British records were broken. The first of those came in the women's long jump, where Shara Proctor set a new national leading mark of 6.95m, erasing Bev Kinch's 29-year-old record. Not to be outdone, 20-year-old talent Holly Bleasdale extended her own national leading mark to 4.71m. On a magical Sunday in Birmingham, Bleasdale's day took a remarkable turn after she had been staring an early exit in the face having failed to clear her first two heights at 4.4m. But the Lancashire athlete showed true tenacity in arresting the crisis to win her first national title in fine style.
The day's drama went far beyond the record breaking duo however. In fact, the final day of the trials had a bit of everything. Notably, a number of youngsters surged to prominence, recording victories over some more experienced contenders. One such athlete was Eilish Mccolgan. Daughter of 1991 10,000m champion Liz, the 21-year-old crushed a high class field in the 3000m steeple chase. After staying in the lead pack for most of the race, Mccolgan really let loose on the final lap, winning by 30m. Another athlete who has grown in stature over the past year is BUCS 110m hurdles champion Andrew Pozzi. The 2012 world indoor finalist thwarted reigning European champion Andy Turner and British number one Lawrence Clarke to add to his ever growing collection of medals. The middle distance events saw another pair of up-and-coming stars strut their stuff in front of a packed Birmingham crowd. Andrew Osagie is undoubtedly an Olympic medal contender and the 24-year-old looked serene in dispatching a quality field to take the 800m title. 20-year-old Laura Weightman also impressed in the women's 1500m. Coached by ex-1500m world champion Steve Cram, Weightman decimated the field to land a place at her maiden Olympics.
But the championships were not all about the youth. Jo Pavey, 37, showed that the 30-plusses are still making a splash in British athletics. The three-time Olympian used her characteristic endurance to outlast the field in the 5000m, winning in a time of 15.54. Two of the more dramatic races of the day came in the one-lap variety. The first of those saw Perri Shakes-Drayton pip Eilidh Child to the 400m hurdles title, shortly followed by another epic contest, where Martyn Rooney edged Conrad Williams to land his fourth national 400m title.
After a quite thrilling weekend of athletics, the selectors must now get together to pick the Olympics team, drawing on times over the season as well as the results of the trials. One thing seems sure though, Britain's athletes are primed and ready to make their mark in the most historic event of their lives - the London Olympics. Bring it on!
Athletes who secured their Olympic places at the trials:
100m: Adam Gemili
110m hurdles: Andrew Pozzi, Lawrence Clarke
200m: James Ellington, Christian Malcolm.
400m: Martyn Rooney, Conrad Williams
400m hurdles: Dai Greene, Jack Green
800m: Andrew Osagie
1500m: Andrew Baddeley, Ross Murray
5000m: Nick Mccormick
Pole Vault: Steven Lewis
Long jump: Greg Rutherford
High Jump: Robbie Grabarz
Discus: Lawrence Okoye
100m hurdles: Jessica Ennis, Tiffany Porter
200m: Margaret Adeoye, Anyika Onoura
400m: Christine Ohuruogu, Shana Cox
1500m: Laura Weightman
3000m steeple chase: Eilish Mccolgan
5000m: Jo Pavey
Long jump: Shara Proctor
Javelin: Goldie Sayers
Pole Vault: Holly Bleasdale, Kate Dennison
Hammer throw: Sophie Hitchon
27th June 2012 at 11:13 am
Before commenting, read the Redbrick community guidelines.
See the posts to the right for other recent articles from this section.
Sports writer Bradley West reports on what happened at the 2017 edition of Finals Night in the Premier League DartsWritten by Bradley West on 20th May 2017
Sports writer, Bradley West, reports on the final week of the Premier League Darts which saw the qualifiers for Finals Night confirmedWritten by Bradley West on 18th May 2017
Sport online editor Nancy Frostick rounds-up the action from the Women's FA Cup Final after watching Manchester City emerge victorious at WembleyWritten by Nancy Frostick on 14th May 2017


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Hello Statalisters,
I use Intercooled Stata 9.1 and downloaded the mca ado-file from
Philippe Van Kerm.
I listet 87 countries and their voting behavior over 93 votes (with
3 possibilities to vote - yes, no, abstention) in a multiway table.
I tried mca in several ways (because I am not sure about the best coding
procedure of my dataset). So once I dummy-coded all 93 votes (so I have
87 country-rows and 93 votes x3 vote-possibilites-columns) and once I
summarized all 93 votes per country (so I have 87 country-rows and 3
summarized vote-columns).
All my attempts to use the mca-command (mca country yes no abstention,
d(2)) resulted in the error message r134 "too many values". Then I set
the largest possible memory (for my computer) and set the maximum
matsize (800), but that seems not to be the mistake.
Can anybody imagine where´s my mistake and what I can do to avoid
this error?
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Posted by Tom Grant on January 5, 2010
As anyone who has worked on component technologies can tell you, the time in which you should treat your product as something that can stand on its own is limited. The tricky part is figuring out when that transition should occur—and that's where people in product marketing and product management can really earn their paychecks.
Getting dismally sick over the holidays had an upside. An incredibly geeky upside, the sort only someone doing research about social media could care about, perhaps. But it was a good occasion to test a hypothesis.


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By Chuck Cox
Special Contributor
One of the first concert films I remember truly loving was 101. It was recorded at the Rose Bowl as part of Depeche Mode's Music For the Masses Tour in 1988. I was blown away by just how big of a show it was — especially considering it was a time when I was just starting to go to concerts. Everything about the movie made me wish that somehow I could have been at the Rose Bowl that night.
Instead, seeing Depeche Mode live was something I just kept missing out on. But thanks to a well-timed bye week for the high school football team I cover, I finally got to see the show I had been wanting to witness for nearly 25 years on Friday night at Gexa Energy Pavilion. And while it wasn't the band at a gargantuan stadium in its heyday, let me assure you that it more than exceeded my expectations.
From the opening notes of "Welcome to My World," off the band's latest album, Delta Machine, Depeche Mode delivered exactly what I wanted to see — an incredible rock show with the energy of a band still looking to sign its first record deal. Lead singer Dave Gahan, 51, oozed rock star with every move he made, tirelessly moving and dancing while sounding amazing. And the band sounded great right along with him.
With a catalogue filled with incredible songs, the techno rock pioneers had the huge crowd in the palm of their hands for the duration of the two-hour set. It was so much fun to hear the reactions from the crowd get bigger and bigger as the band flawlessly played mega hits like "Policy of Truth," Enjoy the Silence," "Personal Jesus," "Just Can't Get Enough," "I Feel You," and show-closer "Never Let Me Down Again." If I closed my eyes, it felt like I was back in high school again. It was absolutely one of the most enthusiastic crowds I have seen in quite some time.
The new songs sounded great, too. Depeche Mode played four tunes off the new album as part of its 21-song set. To me, the band is one of the few that have been around a long time that actually still put out quality albums. And you could genuinely tell Depeche Mode lives to tour, which adds so much to a show.
The significantly cooler weather that moved into the area made it all the more pleasant of a night, although there was some rain mixed in. That first cool breeze after the summer in Texas is one of the best days of the year.
Opening act Crystal Castles played a solid set after opening with a song that sounded like lead singer Alice Glass' microphone was off. It was one of those sets where it seemed to get better and better with each song, which is not an easy thing to do for an opening act.
Without a doubt, Depeche Mode shot up to the top five of shows I've been to this year. I will be seeing the band the next time it comes around. And the next one after that.


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Education and training in the Sultanate of Oman have developed at a staggering pace since the accession of Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1970. At that time there were only three basic schools in the entire country, with a total of 909 pupils and not more than thirty teachers. There are now over 1000 schools in Oman, 90% of them government-run (the remainder being private) providing education at primary, preparatory and secondary levels.
Stages of Education
At present there are three stages of juvenile education: primary, preparatory and secondary. Primary school education usually begins at the age of six. Having passed the sixth primary grade examination between the ages of twelve and fourteen the pupil moves on to preparatory education. Students passing the general preparatory certificate examination are then admitted to the first grade of secondary school between the ages of fifteen and seventeen. On completion of their secondary education successful students can go on to advanced training at specialist colleges or enter Sultan Qaboos University.
Teaching Staff
Over the past few years with the introduction of teacher training, the government has opened 6 training institutes. Currently around 9,000 students are studying at the six colleges. Oman proudly presents good quality, qualified teachers into its schools and there are almost 30,000 teachers employed in government-run schools. The Ministry is making strenuous and concerted efforts to replace expatriates at all levels with trained Omani teachers. At primary school level, nearly all the teaching staff are Omanis.
Private Schools
The Government has encouraged the growth of private schools in the Sultanate and welcomes the contribution made by the private sector to the education system. In the year 2000 there were 132 private schools and kindergartens in the Sultanate providing pre-school, primary, preparatory and secondary education. Private school owners must be of Omani nationality and have at least a secondary school certificate. Private schools follow the same curriculum as Government schools and hold the same examinations.
Private Colleges
The Ministry encourages the private sector to establish colleges and institutes of higher education. There are 14 privately owned Colleges of Higher Education which operate under license from the Ministry of Higher Education and are at different stages of development. Three of these are designated University Colleges: Caledonian College of Engineering, Majan College and Sur University College. All 14 are affiliated to Universities in the UK, USA, Australia or India. A considerable number of Omanis go abroad for their post-secondary education.
There are at least 20 Further Education colleges and institutes in the Sultanate. The majority of subjects are taught in the English language hence there is a growing demand for English language courses. Oman has a very strong Omanisation policy and the government is aiming for 100% Omanisation of the teaching force. These colleges offer post-secondary education in business administration, economics, commerce and computer sciences. The diplomas awarded at the end of one to three year courses qualify the students to enter overseas universities.
The first women's college in Oman, the Mazoon College for Management and Applied Sciences, opened during 1999. This was followed by Al-Zahra College for Girls.
Adult Education
Adult education operates in parallel with the regular education system allowing advanced courses and examinations to be taken. Great importance is attached to allowing those who, for one reason or another, have been unable to complete their education to continue with their studies.
The role of the Ministry of Higher Education
The Ministry of Higher Education supervises all other higher education institutions and is responsible for overseas students, for formulating higher education policies and administering the Law on Grants & Scholarships.
It is also hoped to raise the level of intermediate Teachers' Colleges to the standards of the College of Education in order to ease the pressure on Sultan Qaboos University. There are six teacher training colleges in Oman, four of which are for men at Nizwa, Sur, Sohar and Salalah and two for women at Rustaq and Ibri.
Teaching of English
The teaching of English has assumed increasing importance in recent years. Children start to learn English as a first second language from entrance level in many schools, however, government-run schools start at around 7 years. Acquiring a good level of the English language is necessary particularly in higher education colleges where science-based courses are conducted in that language.
Sultan Qaboos University (SQU)
The Sultan Qaboos University, which is situated at Al Khoudh, some 50 kms west of Muscat, opened in 1986. There are currently some 12,000 students at the University. The university has faculties for Medicine, Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Arts, Commerce and Economics, and Islamic Sciences. The Government also funds a limited number of places at overseas universities and has licensed US and UK universities to set up programmes in Oman.
The parking situation in Oman is a real struggle. Here are relatable things you go through trying to find parking!
If you're looking for a little getaway in Oman on your day off, it's worth it to venture out to some of the beautiful wadis.
There are new hiking and biking trails in Hatta that just opened and they're perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors!
Visiting the country for a short-stay or even just crossing the border just got a little more expensive.
The Hatta Hill Park located over a mountain and it's great for picnics, barbecues, enjoying nature and staying active.
If you're spending the Holy Month of Ramadan in the Sultanate, here's our guide to everything you need to know about it.
Senior Wealth Manager for Her Finance Linda Heath shares her top tips to help mums maximise on their future savings.
If you're seeking a weekend away from the stresses and strains of city life, try a trip to the Musandam Peninsula.
Considering a nose job? The experts explain why it's a popular procedure in the ME & have answered any Q's you might have.
Oman has so much to offer. Here are 10 activities and adventures to tackle this year.
With plans to increase leisure activities in the country, Oman is building an entertainment mega-project.
No matter how long you've lived in Oman, there are questions everyone has asked at least once. Here are some funny ones!
Check out this list of Oman gyms along with what they offer and what they charge for memberships.
There will be an 8,000 sqm Oman Aquarium that will be built inside the upcoming Palm Mall in the first quarter of 2018.
A 5% VAT is coming into force starting in January 2018 across the GCC. Here's everything you should know.
A global employment organisation is looking for Relocation Consultants to assist with the relocation of newcomers to Oman.
If you're searching for a nursery for your little ones, we've got a big list of the expat nurseries here for you!
Find out more about the business environment and how to get a job in Oman with our helpful tips and advice.
Liposuction is an effective solution for body sculpting and is one of the most popular plastic surgery in the Middle East.
Learn a suite of solutions designed to achieve a more secure financial future. Find out more!
The government is implementing major spending cuts, the first being cuts to benefits for government employees.
For parents contemplating the costs of sending their children to a good university, the future looks rather daunting.
For the first time in two years, Dubai property prices finally hit rock bottom! Find out more...
PRP Therapy is a natural approach in anti-ageing using the patient's own blood cells, but does it really work?
If you're trying to decide if Oman is the right place for you, here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of living here.
If you drive in Oman, here is all the information you need about parking fees, hours, fines and how to pay.
Have family in the UAE and want to send them the most perfect gift? We know somewhere that can help!
Meet Heather Duncan, she is a mum, a Scottish expat and girl about town living in Oman.
Keep on track with the latest weather forecasts live and directly from Oman.
Are you wondering where to live in Muscat? We take a closer look at the most popular areas.
Have you ever been? It's one of the oldest and well known souks in Muscat. We take a closer look for you...
Established in 2013, the Phoenix Group was made solely to support women living in Oman. Become a member today!
We explain the difference between the UK, Australian and American schools systems.
We've got all the latest events and happenings in Oman and Muscat for you.
Look no further... We've got them all the schools across Oman listed here, as well as contact details for you.
Find out all about this classical Indian dance, and how you can join in at Deepam - Odissi Academy.
Check out our extensive list of tasty restaurants to sample while in Oman...
Oman is the perfect place to enjoy a camping trip, find out more here how you can join in this relaxing and fun activity.


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Sarah B needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 83 designs submitted by 25 freelance designers.
A stylish logo for a company not wanting to be associated with boring plain polo shirts - but tasteful, different polo shirts to be sold on line. Interested to see the use of the traditional "Polo Mints" (sweets) colours used .. especially the silver wrapper .. but not limited to this.
The Polo Mint.Com or Polo Mint.Net
The logo is to be used on the web site (yet to be designed!) as well as on business cards and bags.
- Item 1... plan to print onto square business cards...
- Item 1...nothing too colourful ..


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Article Preview
BRIAND RESISTS ENTREATIES; 'They Broke Platter, Want Me to Mend It,' He Says. ANXIOUS ABOUT LEAGUE He Would Stay as Foreign Minister and Hurry Back to Geneva. LEADERS SEE PRESIDENT Many Conferences on Cabinet Crisis Are Held and Will Be Continued Today. BRIAND RESISTING PLEAS TO COME BACK
By P.J. PHILIP.Copyright, 1926, by The New York Times Company. Special Cable to THE NEW YORK TIMES. ();
March 09, 1926,
, Section , Page 1, Column , words
PARIS, March 8. -- Everybody is trying to get M. Briand to take on again the job they threw him out of on Saturday morning. Where there was malicious intrigue there is now repentance, and where there was cowardly abstention there is now supplication. To their entreaties M. Briand's only reply so far has been:
March 09, 1926
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Where To Buy Chocolate: The Best Chocolate Shops Across Canada
There's a reason why chocolate is at the top of many people's lists as their favourite foodie luxury — and while we could get into all the chemical reasons or even the health benefits, we're just going to point to the simplest answer: it's just fricking delicious.
February may be a tough month to get through weather-wise in Canada, but the approach of Valentine's Day mid-month means that at least we'll be awash in chocolate everywhere we look, whether it's prettily decorated store windows or co-workers who want to keep the temptation out of their homes.
Of course, there are plenty of different kinds of chocolates to be had, and it goes much further than just including flavours like mushroom and lavender in the craft. As with all delicacies, the connoisseurs want to know whether their chocolate is made from organic ingredients, has vegan-friendly attributes, and yes, is created using fair trade policies. One website and app, Choco-locate, has actually taken note of which spots in many major cities are doing this, so if raw chocolate is important to you, that's where you need to check.
So in honour of Valentine's Day (and for that matter, any other day you feel like indulging in something wonderful), we've rounded up the best chocolate shops across Canada. We confined the list to places that focus almost exclusively on chocolate (and it doesn't hurt that most of their creations are pretty gorgeous as well), so we know your favourite might not be on there ... but that doesn't meant we don't want to know about it anyway! Leave us a comment about your sweet spot below.
SEE: The yummiest chocolate shops in Canada:
Store: Anne Chocolates Location: Charlottetown, Cavendish and Borden-Carleton, PEI Speciality: Island recipes that drawn from L.M. Montgomery's famed character Shown here: Anne's Chocolate Caramels ("I had one chocolate caramel once, and it was simply delicious. I've often dreamed that I had a lot of chocolate caramels, but I always woke up just when I'm going to eat them." – Anne of Green Gables
Store: Bernard Callebut Location: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario — check here for specific cities, but headquartered in Calgary Speciality: Natural, preservative-free chocolates that, despite become from a massive company, are beloved by foodies Shown here: Chocolate Heart
Store: Beta 5 Chocolates Location: Vancouver Speciality: Ganache-filled chocolates finished with hand painting Shown here: Signature Ganache-Filled Chocolates
Store: Casteleyn Location: Burlington, Ontario Speciality: Belgian chocolates incorporating everything from rose to candied lemon Shown here: Chocolate heart-shaped box filled with a dozen chocolates
Store: ChocolaTas Location: Vancouver Speciality: Belgium chocolate in a wide variety, from truffles to caramels to barks to shooter cups Shown here: Dark Chocolate Lace Heart
Store: Chocolate Arts Location: Vancouver Speciality: Chocolates that "capture the spirit and flavor of British Columbia & the Pacific West Coast," with no artificial flavourings Shown here: Sweetie Pop (with fizzing candy!)
Store: Chocolat, Chocolatiere de Victoria Location: Victoria Speciality: French and Belgian small batch chocolates made with unexpected ingredients like wasabi and saffron flower Shown here: White chocolate with saffron flower and a hint of cardamom
Store: Chocolate Barr's Candies Location: Stratford, Ontario Speciality: Artisan truffles (and chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine's Day) Shown here: Chocolate heart box
Store: The Chocolate Claim Location: Whitehorse Speciality: Truffles Shown here: Truffle variety, including a Baileys truffle, brandy truffle, amaretto truffle and many more
Store: Chocolats Geneviève Grandbois Location: Montreal Speciality: Creative twists on classic chocolates, like a ganache spiced with Espelette, cayenne and serrano peppers Shown here: Box of chocolates including gianduja shortbread, black pepper, matcha tea, caramel with vanilla and salt and grapefruit
Store: Chocolats Privilège Location: Various locations in and around Montreal Speciality: Truffles, ganaches, pralines Shown here: Variety of Valentine's Day offerings
Store: Chocolatier Constance Popp Location: Winnipeg Speciality: Single-origin chocolates with Manitoba ingredients Shown here: Caramel cream heart chocolates
Store: Copponeur Chocolate Location: Calgary Speciality: Single origin chocolate bars Shown here: Chocolate "en bloc" bars
Store: Cotard Chocolatier Location: Various town across Quebec — see here for specific locations Speciality: Chocolates that look like gems Shown here: Valentine's day flavours (praline, tea and raspberry, and strawberry, wine and cayenne pepper)
Store: Decadence Chocolates Location: Winnipeg Speciality: Locally handmade artisan chocolates (like the Banoffee: dolce de leche, candied banana & white chocolate ganache molded in 70% dark chocolate) Shown here: Mix of macadmia nut, raspberry truffle & cinnamon & chili hearts
Store: Delight Location: Toronto Speciality: Fair trade organic chocolate Shown here: Box of 12 truffles
Store: Epiphanie Chocolate Location: Calgary Speciality: Fresh, high-quality chocolate that also looks goregeous Shown here: Passionfruit hearts
Store: Forrat's Chocolates Location: London, Hamilton and Windsor, Ontario Speciality: Truffles and fine chocolates made without preservatives, with original flavours like tequila rose Shown here: The truffle lineup — check out the various flavours here
Store: Harden & Huyse Location: Cobourg, Ontario and Saskatoon Speciality: Old-world Belgian chocolates, including many delicious filled options Shown here: Box of 32 chocolates
Store: Island Chocolate Company Location: Victoria, PEI Speciality: Chocolates made from single sources, and flavoured using fruit grown by the chocolatemakers Shown here: Maple walnut chocolates
Store: Jacek Chocolate Couture Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta, and various locations around Edmonton Speciality: Truffles that are truly stunning Shown here: Nostalgia Collection 2013
Store: Koko Chocolates Location: Ottawa, though the store itself is only online — their chocolates can be found at these retailers Speciality: Chocolate truffles made with Belgian chocolate and natural ingredients Shown here: Special Valentine's Day treat
Store: Mink Chocolates Location: Vancouver Speciality: Handfilled ganache chocolate bars Shown here: Valentine Series Bonbons
Store: Miss Chocolat Location: Gatineau Speciality: Everything chocolate, from truffles to caramelized nuts to chocolate organic fruit slices Shown here: Valentine's Day boxes
Store: Newfoundland Chocolate Company Location: St. John's, and various other locations across Canada Speciality: Pure chocolate made by hand without any centres Shown here: Heart-shaped box with 23 pieces of gourmet chocolates
Store: Odile Chocolat Location: Toronto — a main store, along with these locations Speciality: Truffles that look like artwork, with unusual flavour combinations like wild Canadian black trumpet, sake and Japanese green tea and champagne, black pepper and rose petals Shown here: Box of 20 truffles in a variety of flavours
Store: Papa Chocolat Location: Calgary Speciality: Ganache chocolates created by the founder of Bernard Callebaut Shown here: Solid milk chocolate with heart design
Store: Purdy's — which is more like a giant company Location: Locations across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario Speciality: A massive range which is nonetheless beloved by chocoholics across the board, favourites include "Sweet Georgia Browns" and "Melties" Shown here: Tiramisu truffles
Store: Rheo Thompson Location: Stratford, and across Ontario at these shops Speciality: Cream centre chocolates Shown here: Valentine's Day offerings
Store: Rogers' Chocolates Location: Various locations in British Columbia Speciality: Truffles, in classic formations Shown here: Red velvet heart box
Store: Soma Chocolatemaker Location: Toronto Speciality: Small batch chocolate in the form of truffles, bars and nuts Shown here: Cosmic Heart (a chocolate heart filled with a raspberry praline crunch)
Store: Stickler Chocolates Location: Halifax Speciality: Artisanal ganaches and caramels Shown here: 8-piece box, including Fresh Ginger, Extra Dark, Espresso Blend, Earl Grey, Sea Salt Caramel, and the Nightcap, along with other new flavours depending on the week
Store: Stubbe Locations: Toronto and Ottawa Speciality: Handmade truffles, with options like balsamic vinegar, gingerbread and 'fleur de biere' Shown here: Heart full of chocolate delights, including orange peel, ginger, apricots, berry clusters, almond clusters, hazelnuts, nonpareils and florentines
Store: Sugah! Location: Halifax Speciality: Belgian chocolate that tests out modern flavour combinations alongside a classic style Shown here: 100 Series Tablets, including flavours like Nova Scotian sea salt and house-made Fog Burner coffee
Store: Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop Location: Halifax Speciality: Premium chocolates and fudge, as well delicious chocolate-covered marshmallows Shown here: Hollow Valentine's Day turtle
Store: Terrible Truffles Location: Victoria Speciality: Truffles, of course, using everything from hazelnuts to peppercorns Shown here: Cassis truffles
Store: Thomas Haas Location: Vancouver Speciality: Handcrafted chocolates made with unique ingredients, like BC wine, Quebec maple syrup and Okanagan fruits Shown here: Handpainted Chocolate Heart filled with handmade chocolates/truffles
Store: Xococava (website for sister restaurant Cava here) Location: Toronto Speciality: Handmade chocolates with seriously surprising ingredients, like sausage and fennel pollen. Shown here: Valentine's Day XO chocolates


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Whether you are sitting around the same table in the library or scattered across the country, group projects often require all participants to edit the same document. These tools allow synchronous or asynchronous editing. All tools listed here are free (in general or to Virginia Tech affiliates).
All Virginia Tech affiliates have access to Google Apps for Education through VT Google Apps Portal (you can also access Google Docs through your VT Gmail account). It's very easy to share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations you create; once shared, all participants can simultaneously edit the document. You can use Google's built-in chat function to have a group chat while viewing the document.
Mendeley is citation management software that is particularly good for group collaborations. Groups have access to the shared bibliography and shared documents.
Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies provides free blogs using the WordPress platform. A common strategy for classes and group blogging is for individuals to each establish their own blog, and then aggregate that into a motherblog. You can also allow multiple users to edit a single blog.
Zotero is citation management software. Its groups feature allow multiple user to contribute citations to a shared bibliography. If you attach documents to your citations, all members of the group will have access.


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I Don't Understand Why You Pay Heavy Taxes and Still Don't Vote
Maybe I was a bigger nerd than most, but when I turned 18, I was really excited to finally be able to vote. As a teen in Toronto, I went down to the polling stations at the Polish church on Bloor St W, or to the Keele Community Centre, and always voted. Even if I barely knew what I was voting for, I knew it was my duty as a citizen, as a Canadian, to give at least the smallest toss about politics. I also began doing my taxes, which I looked forward to. At the time I liked filling out forms. Today, not so much.
As citizens of the "free world" -- North Americans, at least -- we have a great power bestowed upon us: the right to vote. Yet this basic right is often taken for granted. Understandably, enacting one's support for politicians can be frustrating, but fundamentally they are chosen by us to manage our tax dollars. And listen up: you pay taxes. Even if several years delinquent on your income taxes (unlike 18-year-old me), everything you buy has a range of taxes and tariffs included in the price you are paying. Essentially if you don't vote it's because you couldn't care less about, well, anything. You might as well become a feral anarchist. Goodbye. Have fun living alone in the forest. With no internet. (which, incidentally, is taxable).
While some may swirl away in these #YOLO daydreams, a harsh reality reveals itself: Canada has a voter turnout problem. Historically, Canada has an approximate average turnout of 74 per cent, ranking it 30th among democratic countries worldwide (the highest being Malta at 94 per cent). In our last federal election turnout was a paltry 61.1 per cent. No wonder PM Harper is still in there. Canadians couldn't care less.
When I gather this sentiment from peers and friends -- young people, artists, musicians, thinkers -- that they didn't vote, I am endlessly frustrated. What is preventing people from voting? "All the candidates are losers," they say, or: "I spoiled my ballot," which at least is closer to the mark than not voting at all.
Having lived in Montreal for nearly two decades, my biggest moment of "Rage Against Apathy" came after the last provincial election -- hot on the heels of the Maple Spring, when Montreal's student and young adult population took to the streets to protest tuition increases. The generally peaceful protests cast a larger shadow, vocalising a general discontent with governmental ways. But the real frustration set in when, after walking the streets of my neighbourhood, talking with protesters, ruining cookware, and listening to their voices, many of these people still did not vote.
Were the protesters faking it? I lost a little respect for the "red squares" because few stood behind the cause. People cared enough to march around for hours but could not care enough to march for 10 minutes to the polling station around the corner. Granted, overall voter turnout for the post-Casseroles election did increase: youth aged 18 to 35 turned out at an average rate of about 64 per cent in the 2012 provincial election, compared to about 42 per cent in the 2008 elections. Overall turnout in 2012 stalled at 74.6 per cent.
The moment Pauline Marois pinned that little felt square onto her lapel, everyone's hearts melted and suddenly young people thought that she cared. The PQ put a Band-aid on the problem by shutting down the hikes. Which, ironically, would be meaningless in an "independent" Quebec -- university tuitions would increase drastically should federal transfer payments to Quebec be discontinued. But I digress.
All this, taken together, is the irony of politics. At the end of the day politics is just business and asset management. The frenzied actions of politicos asserting their salaried positions in office. It's plain to see how this stuff can appear totally boring to young people. Politicians have been suitably branded as "uncool" and therefore not worth it. Blame PM Harper's normcore hairstyle and his World's Most Boring News Capsule, 24 Seven. Or that Quebec's Liberal leader Philippe Couillard reeks of "dad" and PQ's Pauline Marois is a snore (except in GIF form). And the other two? Bandwagoners.
I decided to call someone who cares. Alison Maynard is part of the Vote It Up campaign, created by the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) in association with Quebec's Chief Electoral Office. Vote It Up is a non-partisan organisation aimed at the specific demographic of 18-35 year old anglophones in the upcoming provincial election. I asked Alison why young people aren't voting:
"Accessibility and motivation are the top two reasons why youth are less likely to vote. Generally there is a lack of motivation, in that youth don't see a significant difference between political parties, and don't have an enjoyable experience throughout the process of voting.
"According to Elections Canada, youth are more likely to vote when they are contacted directly by a political party. If there is low voter turn-out by youth, political parties are not reaching out enough to this demographic. For the first time, polling stations will be setup in educational institutions across the province, which will hopefully increase youth voter turn-out."
In an attempt to remedy this, Vote It Up is running a comprehensive social media campaign, as well as offering a rundown of each major party's platform. The info has been distilled down by issue and is useful even for old farts like myself to get a sense of what each party is on about.
Why the focus on young anglophones? Alison continues: "English-speaking Quebec is a diverse, confident, recognized and respected national linguistic minority that actively participates in and contributes to the social, economic, cultural and political life of Quebec and Canadian society. English-speaking youth represent 15 per cent of the total youth in Quebec, while the total population of youth (both Francophone and Anglophone) is 2 million, representing 25 per cent of the population of Quebec."
At the end of the day, electioneering, like the Radiohead song, is a wailing, cowbell-driven, hot mess that often feels as though it is going nowhere. But we can't leave it at that. We have to own it, own our roles as citizens of Quebec, no matter how "meh" or "un-cool" it may seem. The Casseroles ignited a spark in Montreal's youth, we have to find a way to keep that burning. Did the Quebec Charter of Values smother or fan that flame? I suppose that on April 7, Quebec will find out.
In this Monday, Oct. 30, 1995 file picture, police watch a fire burn underneath a "Oui" pro-separatist sign after the federalists won the Quebec referendum. In Canada's May 2, 2011 federal election, voters dealt Quebec's separatists their worst humiliation in modern memory and set off a debate about whether the mostly French-speaking province even needs a separatist movement in this globalized age. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Tom Hanson)
In this Friday, Oct. 27, 1995 file picture, a large Canadian flag is passed through a crowd in as thousands streamed into Montreal from all over Canada to join Quebecers rallying for national unity three days before a referendum that could propel Quebec toward secession. In Canada's May 2, 2011 federal election, voters dealt Quebec's separatists their worst humiliation in modern memory and set off a debate about whether the mostly French-speaking province even needs a separatist movement in this globalized age. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)
MONTREAL, OCT. 30--SAYING NO--Daniel Johnson Quebec Liberal Leader and leader of the No campaign in the Quebec referendum delivers his victory speech after the No side won by a slim margin in Montreal, Monday.(CP {PHOTO)1995(stf-Fred Chartrand)fxc
MONTREAL, Oct. 30--Members of the Yes and No camps clash on the streets of Montreal after the No victory in the Quebec referendum Monday night. (CP PHOTO) 1995 (stf-Tom Hanson)ROY
Dejected Yes supporters stand silently at their campaign headquarters in Montreal Monday night, Oct. 30, 2005 as they go down to a narrow defeat in the province's referendum vote. Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the Quebec sovereignty referendum vote that was held on Oct. 30, 1995. (CP PICTURE ARCHIVE/Paul Chiasson)
MONTREAL, Oct. 30-- Bloc Quebecois leader Lucien Bouchard wipes his brow as he is joined on stage with his wife Audrey Best after the defeat of the Yes side in the Quebec referendum in Montreal Monday night. (CP PHOTO) 1995 (stf-Paul Chiasson)ROY
A Yes supporter at the campaign headquarters in Montreal looks dejected as vote results come in on the Quebec referendum Monday night, Oct. 30, 1995. (CP PHOTO/Tomn Hanson)
MONTREAL, Oct. 30--No side supporters wave Quebec and Canadiasn flags as they take part in a caravan through the streets of Montreal Monday as the province votes on a referendum on sovereignty. (CP PHOTO) 1995 (stf-Tom Hanson)ROY
Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien casts his ballot, Oct. 30, 1995, in Ste-Flore, a Shawinigan suburb, to vote in the referendum on the sovereignty of Quebec. (CP PHOTO/Jacques Boissinot)
MONTREAL, Oct. 30--NO VICTORY--No supporters respond to poll results, in Montreal Monday, as the pro-Canada camp move above 50 percent of the popular vote on their way to a slim victory in the Quebec referendum. (CP PHOTO) 1995 (stf-Jacques Bossinot) rpz
MONTREAL, Oct. 30--Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney casts his ballot in the Quebec referendum Monday in Montreal. (CP PHOTO 1995 (str-Robert Galbraith)ROY
MONTREAL, Oct. 30--A small group of Non supporters carry Quebec and Canadian flags as they parade through the streets of Montreal Monday. (CP PHOTO) 1995 (stf-Tom hanson)ROY
Quebec Referendum photo taken October 29, 1995. (CP PHOTO) 1998 (stf-Ryan Remiorz)
Yes supporters wave Quebec flags and posters during a Yes rally in Montreal Wednesday, Oct. 25, 1995. The referendum vote will be held Oct. 30, 1995. (CP PHOTO/Rayan Remiorz)
A voter gets set to cast his ballot in Montreal Sunday Oct. 22, 1995 as advance polls open across Quebec for people who will be unable to vote in the sovereignty referendum Oct. 30. (CP PHOTO/Ryan Remiorz)
Some of the 4000 Yes supporters display their conviction Sunday Oct. 22, 1995, at a Yes rally in Quebec City where the three leaders, Mario Dumont, Jacques Parizeau and Lucien Bouchard spoke. The referendum vote will be held Oct. 30, 1995. (CP PHOTO/Jacques Boissinot)
Source: Angus Reid online survey, Dec. 2013 NOTE: Prince Edward Island was not polled and Kathy Dunderdale recently resigned as premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Approve: 24% Disapprove: 69% Unsure: 7%
Approve: 28% Disapprove: 62% Unsure: 10%
Approve: 31% Disapprove: 57% Unsure: 12%
Approve: 31% Disapprove: 63% Unsure: 6%
Approve: 32% Disapprove: 62% Unsure: 6%
Approve: 35% Disapprove: 50% Unsure: 15%
Approve: 42% Disapprove: 51% Unsure: 7%
Approve: 57% Disapprove: 28% Unsure: 14%
Approve: 66% Disapprove: 27% Unsure: 7%
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says he has had his fair share of marijuana. "Oh, yeah. I've smoked a lot of it."
The federal Liberal leader opened up to HuffPost about his experience with marijuana in August. "Sometimes, I guess, I have gotten a buzz, but other times no. I'm not really crazy about it."
The Opposition leader's office told HuffPost this summer that Mulcair has smoked in the past but not since he was elected to office. Mulcair was elected to the National Assembly of Quebec in 1994.
Said the Tory finance minister: "Yeah, in my teenage years... a couple of times, I have to admit: I didn't like it."
The Liberal MP and Canada's first astronaut said he tried marijuana as a student in the 1970s in England. "It's not my thing. I stopped because it wasn't doing anything for me."
The premier of Ontario said she smoked pot decades ago. "I have smoked marijuana but not for the last 35 years."
Said the former premier of Nova Scotia: "Like every other person I knew back in the '70s when I went to university, some of whom are actually in this room, I would have tried it, the same as other people at that time."
Said the premier of British Columbia: "I graduated from Burnaby South Senior Secondary in 1983 and there was a lot of that going on when I was in high school and I didn't avoid it all together."
The leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario admitted he's puffed in the past. "I was a normal kid, I had a normal upbringing, a normal life in university. I experimented from time to time with marijuana. It's a long time ago in the past and in the grand scheme of things."
The former prime minister of Canada told CTV News: "The answer is: I never smoked. I never smoked anything, but there was an earlier time, years ago, when (my wife) made some brownies and they did have a strange taste."
The former prime minister admitted while running for the leadership of the Progressive Conservatives that she tried weed. "And I inhaled the smoke."
Said the former NDP leader: "Yes, and some might say I never exhaled."
The former premier of Ontario said he experimented in his teens, but only twice.
The premier of Saskatchewan said he was an "infrequent" user back in university. "It didn't really do anything for me, luckily, because for some, it does lead to other things."
List from Angus Reid Global. View the full results here.
Admire: 4% Don't admire: 70% Don't know this person: 22%
Admire: 5% Don't admire: 69% Don't know this person: 18%
Admire: 6% Don't admire: 23% Don't know this person: 63%
Admire: 7% Don't admire: 59% Don't know this person: 25%
Admire: 11% Don't admire: 45% Don't know this person: 29%
Admire: 20% Don't admire: 40% Don't know this person: 23%
Admire: 20% Don't admire: 21% Don't know this person: 51%
Admire: 22% Don't admire: 34% Don't know this person: 29%
Admire: 23% Don't admire: 63% Don't know this person: 1%
Admire: 27% Don't admire: 52% Don't know this person: 8%
Admire: 34% Don't admire: 45% Don't know this person: 4%
Admire: 34% Don't admire: 23% Don't know this person: 28%
Admire: 48% Don't admire: 16% Don't know this person: 22%
Admire: 50% Don't admire: 13% Don't know this person: 28%
Admire: 57% Don't admire: 23% Don't know this person: 7%
Follow Natalia Yanchak on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nataliayanchak