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News & Events
Feature Story
New Fuqua Professor John Buley Brings Wall Street Insights to the Classroom
September 12, 2012
How have career opportunities on Wall Street changed since the financial crisis? How should MBAs best prepare themselves for the new environment? What are they keys to career success in financial services?
John Buley, newly appointed Consulting Professor of Finance and Executive Director of Fuqua's Center for Financial Excellence, brings a unique practitioner's perspective to these and other questions students consider. Buley also serves as Advisory Committee Chair of the Impact Investing Initiative of Fuqua's Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE i3). In the following Q & A interview, he shares his insights on what drew him to Fuqua, how the school prepares students for business careers, and the current state of the markets and economy.
How were you first introduced to Fuqua?
My youngest son Thomas (Trinity '10) came to Duke on a college visit and we both loved the atmosphere here. In 2006, I was managing a business unit responsible for investing JPMorgan's capital in large and mid cap U.S. and European companies. At the same time, JPMorgan had launched a new initiative focused on impact investing in emerging markets. I found the new opportunity to volunteer in this initiative very compelling. But, being fully employed and committed to my "day job," I lacked experience in emerging markets and impact investing, which was a new field for bankers as it was incubated in universities. While I had a lot of experience in managing "regular" banking businesses, I had to learn quickly so I combined my parental visits with guest lecture opportunities in Greg Dees' social entrepreneurship course and began sitting in on finance and other classes when I was in Durham.
I was delighted to quickly learn that Fuqua was the academic leader in social entrepreneurship just as JP Morgan was the leader in the impact investing. Within two years I relinquished my other work responsibilities to devote all of my efforts to impact investing at JP Morgan. Fuqua became the first school to begin an impact investing initiative, and I was very grateful to be asked to become advisory chair of the initiative, working with Greg, Cathy Clark, Paul Bloom and other leaders in the field.
What made you decide to join Fuqua's faculty?
Professor David Robinson observed one of my social entrepreneurship lectures. At the time, we were in the middle of the financial crisis and we were able to exchange our views on the markets. I had the benefit of attending lectures by several professors in many departments and met several finance professors and students. I found the Center of Financial Excellence as a terrific grouping of students, faculty, alumni and practitioners who were looking at the same challenges the financial world was seeing through a unique academic lens and setting. Several months later, by coincidence, the opportunity to teach a corporate restructuring class arose when a long-standing adjunct professor retired. The founder of the Center of Financial Excellence had decided to return to his prior career in law and finance. I was humbled to be asked to take on the executive directorship of the Center of Financial Excellence, along with some teaching responsibilities.
I quickly realized that I could not effectively combine these activities while continuing to work in New York and decided to retire from JP Morgan. I had considered opportunities in the past at other business and law schools, but what really influenced me was Fuqua: its location; the academic excellence of both a general management program combined with several leading departmental specialties; and the type and quality of students. Fuqua's geographic location, away from the major financial centers, attracts self- confident, extroverted students who invest in building long-term professional and personal relationships and flourish in a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment, with an appropriate distance from money center biases.
How has the financial sector changed in the past five years?
It is a different world from 2007. The world is still adjusting to the debt overhang of the last 20 years. In the U.S. housing remains the biggest lag to the economy, unemployment remains persistently high and job creation and innovation are suffering. At the same time, Europe is exposed to a fiscal and monetary crisis not seen since the 1930's. Emerging markets have suffered due to a decrease in demand from western economies, while commodity prices are adversely affecting the poor throughout the world. We are experiencing significant disruption in the global capital markets, which cannot be resolved until Europe sets its course and the U.S. deals with its profound fiscal issues. While the crisis is far from over, we see more clearly the causes and the consequences of the near financial meltdown. Many of the culprits of the financial crisis were unsustainable financial products led by people with misaligned incentive schemes driving bad behavior. We need to learn from these experience and help shape the industry's future. Fuqua and Duke intersect law, business, society, and public policy on many levels. We are at the forefront, and are buoyed by an intellectually curious student body to ask the tough questions.
What do you think are the essential skills needed in today's financial leaders where there is so much uncertainty and change?
There has never been certainty in the world and change is constant. After 25 years of continued growth, many thought we had entered into an age of under-regulated financial bliss. With the recent reset in individual, corporate and societal expectations, it is more important than ever to stay informed about the current markets, the economy and governmental policy. The skills necessary 20 years ago are the same skills needed now, with the exception that knowledge of and interest in emerging markets will be required of all students entering the workforce. Personally, I've benefitted from my long interest in economic history. Understanding past economic cycles, the relation of contingency and uncertainty to historical events and the view that we've seen both cyclical changes brought about by economic growth and secular changes brought about by disruptive events shapes my perspective.
What do you tell students about their career prospects now?
This is a great time to get an advanced degree. I've seen several recessions in my working career. While students may find it more challenging to secure jobs today, in my experience, careers furthered in recessionary periods seem to lead to better long-term careers than those started during bubbles and hiring binges. To our students, my message is hone your basic technical skills, be curious and question, learn how to think critically, and develop good habits while at Fuqua. Concentrate on your strengths and develop your passions. I also urge students to stay abreast of current market conditions, be extraordinarily prepared for interviews, work hard, stretch yourself intellectually by muscling through the more challenging courses and exploit the many of the co-curricular events Fuqua offers. Really contemplate what you want to do with your life and career but also be open to all opportunities. I've interviewed hundreds of students over the years and then have watched them develop and grow. Very few are doing the exact job they originally felt was their life's mission.
What advice would you give to recent MBA graduates who are interested in working in finance?
Finance, accounting, strategy, risk management, marketing and consulting are integral to a functioning economy and it is very difficult to build a successful career without learning how each intersects with the other. Keep yourself open to all the possibilities your education provides. For example, if you are interested in financing health care innovation in emerging markets, you need to understand not only finance, but also healthcare management, strategy, accounting, consulting and global institutions. For those interested in working in financial institutions, keep in mind that all of the global banks are rebalancing their strategies and cost structures after two decades of unsustainable growth. Successful people entering the financial industry today are now required to be much more knowledgeable about the economy, markets, finance and accounting than they did from the 1980's through 2007. Employers will be more selective as there are fewer available positions. Some of the products that fueled the credit bubble no longer exist won't be coming back. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Fortunately, Fuqua has specialist and generalist professors providing the training to pursue not only banking jobs but also aligned fields. I also stress that written and presentation skills make all the difference with employers. Finally, MBAs from Fuqua remain in demand. Just don't assume that you have to work for a global bank in order to have a successful career.
Also be prepared to take advantage of opportunities and seek them out. Wherever you work, volunteer for projects. Get to know people outside of your business unit. Build long lasting relationships. I worked in three lines of business throughout my years in a large bank-- investment banking, commercial banking and asset management and I'm grateful for the opportunities that each new position brought. It seems like a lifetime ago that I asked to volunteer in impact investing at JP Morgan. I had never been in any emerging markets; I didn't really even know where it would go. It ended up leading to great things for me.


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I took my replica Colt's Army 1860 cap & ball revolver to the indoor range yesterday. I got 6 rounds fired, and the range master came running in to tell me to stop! They've banned blackpowder at their range. He said they've actually had someone start a fire.
I can believe it. I'm sorry I broke their rule, but I'm glad I got to shoot it once indoors.
It was beautiful. I had the target set at the 7 yard line. When I fired the flame shot at least half-way to the target. Of course there was smoke everywhere. And the gun made the most beautiful "BOOM". Nothing like shooting any other handgun. The boom was loud and significant, but not harsh on the ears.
By the time the range master got to me, I had already put powder in five of my cylinders for the reload. He allowed me to finish the reload and fire those. So all together I spent 30 minutes at the range and shot 11 times.
Shooting one-handed at seven yards, I pretty much made one large hole, just above and to the right of bullseye.
Never argue with drunks or crazy people.
Don't know if it's lacking a sense of humor or because he lacked a self contained breathing system. One of the great things about black powder is the cloud of smoke that appears on discharge. I really need to get me another black powder handgun. Had one in the 70's and had lots of good times shooting it. Don't know why that thought hasn't entered my mind until now.
Yep- none of the indoor ranges here allow BP.
Too much smoke and it's a major fire hazard w/ loose powder etc. indoors. BP is also classified as an explosive and most ID ranges are not rated for it.
BP is way cool fun and a historic root to our sport. Aint shot same in eon's.
Clean up is, well, interesting. And we all know how much I love cleaning firearms.
Glad to hear ya got a few off.

subset: commoncrawl


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Todd's Blog
In this article you will learn how to game the hottest girls on the planet. Tens really are just girls like any other, but they've had a different life experience. By understanding this and adapting, you can have incredible success with these extreme beauties.
I'm writing you from New York between bootcamp, late-night adventures, sleep, and bootcamp all over again. It's actually physically painful how tired I am, but the show must go on, eh?
A major lesson from this bootcamp so far, has been just having fun, so here is a drill you can use to improve your success in field when you are "in your head":
Try to fail. That's right. You heard it. Try to fail… BUT try to fail in a funny way. Just do that for a while and see what it does to your fun and your night. Enjoy. And speaking of bootcamp:
Where I'll be next...
BootcampMarch 1-3, 2013: Washington DC, USA
FreeTourMarch 3, 2013: Washington DC, USA (8pm-10pm)
BootcampMarch 8-10, 2013: Los Angeles, California, USA (under 21 bootcamp)Wait-List
BootcampMarch 22-24, 2013: New York, New York, USA
FreeTourMarch 28, 2013: Austin, Texas, USA (8pm-10pm)
BootcampMarch 29-31, 2013: Austin, Texas, USA
BootcampApril 5-7, 2013: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
BootcampApril 12-14, 2013: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
FreeTourApril 25, 2013: Amsterdam, Netherlands (7pm-9pm)
BootcampApril 25-27, 2013: Amsterdam, Netherlands
BootcampMay 2-4, 2013: London, United Kingdom
FreeTourMay 23, 2013: London, United Kingdom (7pm-9pm)
BootcampMay 23-25, 2013: London, United Kingdom
BootcampJune 27-29, 2013: Montreal, Canada
FreeTourJune 27, 2013: Montreal, Canada (7pm-9pm)
FreeTourJuly 3, 2013: Boston, USA (7pm-9pm)
Pay particular attention to the Europe dates from April 25th through May 23rd. I don't come to Europe that often, so be sure to look me up when I am there!
One other administrative note, to clear up any confusion:
YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN INNER CIRCLE DINNER EVENTS AND MEET WINGMEN IN YOUR AREA -- FOR FREE. There has been some confusion on this matter so I want to clarify. The videos and instructor education through Inner Circle is a paid product, but the groups themselves are 100% free to anyone who wants to come. So take advantage of this amazing resource!
More information about inner circle is available at www.rsdinnercircle.com
Ok. On to the video.
This is on a topic that I get asked about over and over again. It is simplicity itself, but holds a complexity as well. "HOW TO GAME TENS". I get asked this all the time, and over the years my answer has varied, but here is the most up-to date version I've put out in seminar. The one thing I would mention in addition to this video is that social circle helps as well, so don't neglect that if you want really hot girls.
Without further ado. On to your regularly scheduled programming:
Nice! Hope you enjoyed it, and for those of you just reading or unable to view the video, the key point is this: Any girl is basically going to respond to the subtleties of your communication… what we call "honest signals". This is true for all girls and means that the same guys are basically attractive to all girls…
Tens have had a different life experience in which they are accustomed to being told that they are hot, and accustomed to being highly stimulated by people vying for their attention. SO… with tens it is often necessary to do something a bit different or special, simply to get their attention. In the video, I explain in much more depth how this is done, and I give a lot of specific examples.
Please post your comments and feedback. I'd like to find out what is most important to you, so I can adjust accordingly.
Before I sign off, I want to mention that if you want more unique thoughts and information I put out ideas and lines on both facebook and twitter daily:
Thanks again, and until next time,
p.s. Check out www.rsdinnercircle.com for more info on the program and how to get ongoing lessons and support from RSD Instructors like myself.
p.p.s. To find FREE Inner Circle meetup groups in your city check out: http://bit.ly/RSDInnerCircleCityList
Ready To Master Your Dating Life?
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Join Date: 07/28/2008 | Posts: 3090
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Join Date: 02/06/2012 | Posts: 492
Had a very similar experience last night where I was talking to a girl and had a decent amount of tension going on so she was on me. The SECOND I decided to ease up on it a bit she turns back to her friends.
Trusted Member
Join Date: 04/06/2012 | Posts: 1067
Respected Member
Join Date: 02/20/2011 | Posts: 728
I totally agree its hard to get the attention of most 10's especially in night clubs. I also found that they tend to want to preserve their social value in the venue even more than the 7's and 8's. A 10 is very unlikely to make out with a guy she doesn't know in front of other people because she knows all eyes are on her, shes not only worried about what her friends will think but also what the entire venue will think. She's already insecure and theres no way she will allow further negative judgements.
There isn't that many 10's where I live so my experience is limited but I have had some experiences recently at home as well as some bigger cities Ive travelled to this year and I found that yes its tough to get their attention initially but by just being casual, chill and being funny, you will stand out. I don't see 10's getting hit on a lot and if they are its usually some dude trying to but them drinks or telling them how beautiful they are. Its rare they meet a guy that just acts "normal" and comfortable around them.
Being a normal dude around a 10... impossibruuu!
Mr. Todd - I have to give props when props are due. I'll be joining one of your events the next time I'm in the US/Sac town.
Senior Member
Join Date: 07/22/2012 | Posts: 273
Going in super hard is just SO unusual for 10s. They're used to everyone slowly trying to weasel their way into their pants, even cool guys.
I do think that you CAN get those girls by just being centred though, and that's what I do when I feel bad, just keep the congruence. Definitely not as effective as when you're polarising like that though.
Also I think some guys do this too much to 7s thinking they're hot enough and the girls just can't handle it because the guy's value is just too high, the girl doesn't feel entitled.
Loving your content (especially the IC stuff) and looking forward to meeting you at the London free tour
Also I think some guys do this too much to 7s thinking they're hot enough and the girls just can't handle it because the guy's value is just too high, the girl doesn't feel entitled.
Senior Member
Join Date: 09/07/2011 | Posts: 253
Like everyone who tries you get closer and closer, but if there's like a tip what is it? Cuz I feel like, it doesn't matter if she thinks I'm more attractive (make her more horny) than other guys, she will still go where the 'value' is. Like if I just had the time with her, I could pimp the shit out of her and she would stay, but how do I get in the situation where I have the time with her?
EDIT: I just watched Alex's video. Helped me understand a lot. However, Todd or other instructors are welcome to answer since it's not always a club situation.
Trusted Member
Join Date: 05/14/2012 | Posts: 3455
The grass-fed beef is waiting for you! Moo!
Cool video. It's cool how you make the topic of gaming 10's understandable and simple, while at the same time making it legit.
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"Creepy guys are good at research"
"I researched her (Tom Brady's GF) after we broke up". LOL
Senior Member
Join Date: 03/03/2010 | Posts: 169
this doll scared the hell out of me as a kid, but later on I found those flicks quite hilarious^^
he's definitely assuming his value and acting through his own intentions...
Respected Member
Join Date: 05/04/2011 | Posts: 823
You can also stop caring if you don't f-close a chick. There's 7 billion people in the world and over half are female. The odds are in your favor.
The number one thing you have to know about the 10.0 is that no one in the bar, club, et al. has the guts to approach her and the ones that typically do have no game and screw up when they say the wrong things to her i.e. they have no "game plan". This is the reason why you see celebs and super Hot Babes (HBs) with dorky loser kids, fatties (nothing against fat dudes) and ugly chumps. Its simply that they will hook up with guys with confidence and Game! If you ask most 10.0s or hot chicks they will say that they "are so attractive/hot that most men won't even approach them". This means you have to be that guy that breaks that taboo by being the guy that makes the move on her. Most Tens simply want a man to talk to them and if they are so hot no men will hit on them and they grow desperate for a man to simply approach them....they get off on that shit, you know! If you ever see a group of three girls with a "ten" then you and your wing should approach that set for sure!
What I am saying is that the Golden Rule to understanding the "Ten" is this "That they want a man to approach them". And you my man have to be that confident guy with Game that does it!
Junior Member
Join Date: 02/24/2013 | Posts: 26
I have been told by many women that I am very attractive but have often lost my target to less attractive men because simply I cannot hold up a conversation as well as I used years ago and "My Game" has gotten weak. This site and many of the books have helped me alot lately but I really need to just get back into socializing and meeting people in the field. I feel that St Pattricks Day will be a good opportunity for me to get back out there and get a few numbers, etc.
Whoa this video is bang bang bang on.
Had a very similar experience last night where I was talking to a girl and had a decent amount of tension going on so she was on me. The SECOND I decided to ease up on it a bit she turns back to her friends.
Junior Member
Join Date: 02/27/2013 | Posts: 12
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Join Date: 02/19/2013 | Posts: 598
Join Date: 02/04/2012 | Posts: 62
I like your advice and everything but until I see proof of you gaming and pulling a 10, you just lack credibility in my eyes.
Tyler and Julien have video proof pulling hotties, do you?
P.S this isn't anything personal. Just thought I'd ask because I'm curuious to see what all your 'tactics' gets you.
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Jun. 27th - Jul. 31st
The Cottonwood Gulch Prairie Trek began in 1926 when our founder, Hillis Howie, learned of plans to pave Route 66. He wanted to make sure that his students learned about the American West and Native cultures before it was too late. This 5 week, all male Trek will inspire and challenge young men through wilderness backpacking, local service projects, rock climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, and exploration of cultural and scientific sites around the Four Corners. Prairie Trekkers spend a large part of their Trek traveling from site to site, bound only by the road and their destination. The remaining time will be spend at our Base Camp property located in the Zuni Mountains. Here Trekkers will work on their personal legacy projects that may include forest restoration projects, organic farming projects, or special carpentry additions to Base Camp. Prairie Trekkers have the highest rate of return and represent a 90 year legacy here at The Gulch.
Jun. 27th - Jul. 31st
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Double Whammy in Store for SA Homeowners
It's going to be an expensive week for San Antonio homeowners.
1200 WOAI news reports City Council today will hear a recommendation on a proposed water rate increase from the San Antonio Water System, and tomorrow is expected to vote to approve an electric rate increase from CPS Energy.
SAWS' Greg Flores says their rate request is significantly trimmed from what was originally proposed.
"We could not come back to Council with a 13 1/2 percent rate increase like we had projected," Flores said. "So we went back to work and were able to reduce ten million dollars in costs from that budget that we had proposed back then."
SAWS will now request a rate increase of a little more than 5%, and Flores says that will jack about three bucks onto the average monthly bill.
"There are two primary benefits that our ratepayers are going to get from this rate increase," he said. "One is, additional water supplies. The other is that we will have a much improved sewer system."
Then, tomorrow, Council is expected to approve a controversial 4 1/2 percent increase in CPS Energy rates.
"I know that nobody likes a rate hike," Mayor Julian Castro said. "I also know that San Antonio will still have some of the lowest rates in the nation for a big city."
Castro says one of the things that SAWS customers are paying for now is the utility's unwillingness to raise rates in the past.
"We have a spectacular example of what happens when you under invest in our sewer system," he said. "It starts to fall apart."
Northeast side Councilman Carlton Soules says he will grill CPS Energy on the wisdom of it's aggressive push toward solar power in its recent partnership with OCI Solar and other firms which are building huge solar arrays around the city.
CPS Energy's Christine Patmon says the utility has solid answers.
"We are investing in renewables for cleaner energy," she said. "The strategy first and foremost is to protect our customers from higher costs associated with environmental regulatory risks."
She says there is a 'huge community benefit' in CPS Energy's investment in solar.
"Utilities are investing in renewables and our strategy is being praised nationally because we are not only investing, but driving economic development, jobs, and educational investment as a result," she said. "Its a unique model that others are looking at but it is not easy to duplicate."


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BUZZ-Indian Oil Corp hits near 3-mth low; technicals suggest end of uptrend
** Shares of Indian Oil Corp fall as much as 3.93 pct to 378.05 rupees, their lowest since 31 March
* BSE ends up 0.45 pct; NSE adds 0.62 pct * India's main indexes mark highest close in 4-1/2 weeks * Focus on India's fiscal deficit, Greece vote By Abhishek Vishnoi MUMBAI, Nov 7 Indian shares rose for a sixth session on Wednesday, marking their highest close in near 4-1/2 weeks, as State Bank of India rose on hopes of better asset quality in September quarter results, while other lenders such as ICICI Bank rose in anticipation of better loan growth in the holiday season. The gains also tracked a rally in global shares after U.S. President Barack Obama was re-elected, signalling no dramatic shift in U.S. economic policy. Attention now switches to Greece where parliament votes later in the day on an austerity package. "U.S President Barack Obama's re-election is sentimentally positive for India and Indian markets," said R.K Gupta, managing director at Taurus Mutual Fund. However, with the quarterly earnings season nearing its end and euphoria over government reforms subsides, focus would shift to India's yawning fiscal gap, dealers said. India will likely miss its revised fiscal deficit target for the financial year ending in March, a Reuters poll showed, putting a question mark over the country's efforts to avert a credit rating downgrade. Investors would now start scrutinising the government's fiscal condition amid worries if reforms in insurance and pension will pass muster in the winter session of parliament, Gupta added. India's BSE index rose 0.45 percent, or 85.03 points, to end at 18,902.41, bringing its gains to 2.55 percent over the past six sessions. The 50-share NSE index rose 0.62 percent, or 35.70 points, to 5,760.10, marking its highest close since Oct. 4. State Bank of India rose 2 percent on hopes of better-than-expected results and lower non-performing loans in the September quarter, with results due on Friday. The bank's chairman, Pratip Chaudhuri, said SBI's September quarter non-performing asset position was looking better than that of the June quarter. Among other financial stocks ICICI Bank rose 1.1 percent, while Housing Development and Finance Corporation settled 2 percent higher, after hitting a 52-week high of 805.85 rupees intraday. Jubilant Foodworks, a fast food chain operator, rose 2.93 percent after the company reported a surge of 36.67 percent in September quarter net profit to 323.5 million rupees. Reliance Capital gained 3.03 percent after reporting July-September net profit of 4.01 billion rupees versus 330 million rupees in the year-ago quarter. However, Bharti Airtel shares fell 1 percent, after earlier rising as much as 2.6 percent, as investors factored in a one-off gain related to a telecom tribunal's judgment that boosted revenue and profit. [I D :nL3E8M7925] Bharti's consolidated net profit fell 30 percent from a year earlier to 7.21 billion rupees ($132.5 million) for the three months to September, despite a one-off gain of 2.39 billion rupees from an outstanding dispute over inter-connect charges. Shares in Cadila Healthcare fell 3.14 percent after reporting a 7.34 percent fall in July-September earnings, as a forex loss affected results. Tata Power Co Ltd fell 2.5 percent after posting a surprise second-quarter loss on Tuesday, hit by higher finance and depreciation costs at its power projects and lower revenue from its coal units. The company posted a consolidated net loss of 838 million rupees, compared with a net loss of 11.9 billion rupees a year earlier. Revenue rose 22 percent to 76.5 billion rupees, helped by the commissioning of new units. For additional stocks on the move double click FACTORS TO WATCH * Dollar falls after Obama victory, fiscal cliff looms * Brent steadies near $111 after Obama re-elected * World shares gain, dollar slips after Obama win * Foreign institutional investor flows * For closing rates of Indian ADRs ASIA-PACIFIC STOCK MARKETS: Pan-Asia........ Japan....... S.Korea... S.E. Asia....... Hong Kong... Taiwan.... Australia/NZ.... India....... China..... OTHER MARKETS: Wall Street .... Gold ....... Currency.. Eurostocks..... Oil ........ JP bonds... ADR Report ..... LME metals. US bonds.. Stocks News US.. Stocks News Europe DIARIES & DATA: Indian Data Watch Asia earnings diary U.S. earnings diary European diary Indian diary Wall Street Week Ahead Eurostocks Week Ahead TOP NEWS: For top Asian company news, double click on: U.S. company news European company news Forex news Global Economy news Technology news Telecoms news Media news Banking news Politics/General Asia Macro data <ECONASIA (Additional reporting by Manoj Dharra; Editing by Jijo Jacob)
** Shares of Indian Oil Corp fall as much as 3.93 pct to 378.05 rupees, their lowest since 31 March
June 22 India's BSE index ended flat after earlier rising as much as 0.8 percent to a record high as IT firms reversed earlier gains after a lobby group issued a muted revenue guidance for exports, while energy firms fell on sliding oil prices.


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Intel Corporation (INTC) recently introduced a new program called "She Will Connect." This program is aimed at reducing gender disparity in the sphere of digital literacy. Intel will begin the campaign in Africa since gender disparity in the region is the highest in the world but will soon expand the program to other developing nations as well.
Intel's "She Will Connect" will test a new model comprising an online gaming platform and a peer network. This gaming network is aimed at delivering digital literacy content to end-users in an interactive manner through smartphones and tablets in a game-infused environment. The peer network, developed by Intel and World Pulse, will enable women to exchange ideas on various topics.
This initiative has been taken by Intel in response to the "Women and the Web" report released in Jan, 2013 that revealed the dismal picture of the huge gender disparity that existed in developing nations and emphasized on securing Internet access for more and more women for social equality and economic prosperity.
In connection with this initiative, Intel will support 2013 Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action and celebrate the United Nations' second International Day of the Girl on Oct 11, 2013, which stresses on the importance of the education of girls worldwide. In the last 10 years, Intel employees have donated approximately 3 million volunteer hours toward improving education in more than 60 countries.
Intel is a renowned name in the sphere of computing innovation. It provides the technology essential for the development of computing devices all over the world. Intel Corporation reported second-quarter revenue of $12.8 billion, operating income of $2.7 billion, net income of $2.0 billion and EPS of $0.39. The company generated approximately $4.7 billion in cash from operations, paid dividends of $1.1 billion, and used $550 million to repurchase 23 million shares of stock.
Currently, Intel has a Zacks Rank # 3 (Hold). Other stocks that look attractive include Official Payment Holdings Inc (OPAY) with a Zacks Rank # 1 (Strong Buy), and Texas Instruments (TXN) and Microchip Technology Inc (MCHP), both with Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Read the Full Research Report on INTCRead the Full Research Report on OPAYRead the Full Research Report on TXNRead the Full Research Report on MCHPZacks Investment Research


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Halloween Haute Couture - by Gretchen Kelly
painting by artist Gretchen Kelly
30 in X 15 in (76.2 cm X 38.1 cm)
This painting is available directly from the artist.
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Worker Wage Rights and Employment Law
Ensuring Workers Are Paid Properly
The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") and many states' wage laws require fair pay and treatment in the workplace. Employers subject to the FLSA must pay their employees a minimum wage and also compensate for overtime in the amount of one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for each hour worked over forty in a workweek.
At OSMAN & SMAY LLP, we will fight to ensure you are properly paid under state and federal wage laws for the time you work. OSMAN & SMAY LLP always provides free initial consultations and if we ultimately represent you, we will work tirelessly toward achieving a fair resolution of your legal matter.
for a free consultation. See for yourself what assertive and tireless representation can accomplish.
ADVERTISING MATERIAL: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Information obtained from this website should not be mistaken for legal advice and use of this website does not create an attorney/client relationship. Please read our full disclaimer.


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Buzzfeed is coming through with afro-textured hair positivity!
Big chop is the process of cutting off the relaxed or permed ends of one's hair when she is transitioning from chemically processed hair to natural hair. Timing the big chop is a big decision for many napptural women who have decided they want to wear their hair natural. Lots of women cut/chop the relaxer or perm from their hair to begin or continue the growth of their natural hair. Getting ready do to the big chop? We've got lots of big chop articles, tips, how-tos and community.


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Made possible through generous funding from Emerson and support from the E. Desmond Lee Fine Arts Education Collaborative and the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, the Emerson Jazz in the Schools program brings visiting Jazz at the Bistro artists to area schools at no cost. The artists participate in a number of different activities, including performances, master classes and clinics.
Artists are only available on Friday afternoons. Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis. No applicant is guaranteed an artist visit and all decisions are made at the discretion of Jazz St. Louis education staff. Artists that are no longer available will be crossed off.
Download the 2016-17 Emerson Jazz in the Schools request form here.
Ticket request forms are fill-able Pdfs. You can simply type right in the form, save, and email it in to email@example.com. If you are using a Mac, do not use the default preview program as it will not display your information properly. Information for faxing and mailing in your requests is also listed on the form.
Questions can be directed to Andy Ament, Education Associate, at 314.881.3093 or email@example.com.
Teachers, be sure to check out Jazz St. Louis's Preparatory Lessons (under the link to the left), specially designed for schools participating in the Emerson Jazz in the Schools program. These fun and engaging lessons will teach your students about jazz in advance of the performance.
2016-17 Artist Roster
September 23, 2016-Dr. Lonnie Smith's Evolution October 7, 2016-Jamison Ross October 21, 2016-Donny McCaslin Group November 4, 2016-Jimmy Greene Quartet November 18, 2016-Catherin Russell Quartet December 2, 2016-Vijay Iyer Trio December 16, 2016-Tim Warfield's All-Star Jazzy Christmas January 20, 2017-Regina Carter February 3, 2017-Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez Duo February 17, 2017-Mike Stern Band March 3, 2017-Clayton Brothers Quintet
March 17, 2017-Ann Hampton Callaway
March 31, 2017-Kneebody
April 14, 2017-Gregoire Maret's "Inner Voices"
April 28, 2017-SFJAZZ Collective – The Music of Miles Davis
May 12, 2017-Joey DeFrancesco Quartet
May 26, 2017-Christian McBride's New Jawn Quartet


text: I had been with orange for a couple of years and on my 18th birthday, I decided I wanted a new mobile and didn't know what phone to get, so I went to the Carphone Warehouse. I told them what I wanted the phone for and they told me about contract phones with Orange. The one I choose was Orange Talk 60, which has many advantages: I got a brand new Nokia 3310 free I get 60 mins of calls to use anytime free Text messages cost me 6p rather than 10p All my calls outside the 60mins are much cheaper than Just Talk calls All for £17 a month I couldn't refuse, after all the phone alone would have cost me over £100 - and thats without adding any credit to the phone, which used to cost me around £30 a month! The first 12 months of my contract is now nearly up and I have to make the decision of whether I want to 'renew' my contract - this means I keep the same number and talk plan and get a new phone - free - or cancel my contract. After the quality of service I get from orange I think I will renew - after all free itemised billing - free support from friendly people. I can see my money is well spent.


text: 49 photos $2,850,000 5.11 acres 6 Beds | 8 Baths | 13726 sqft 27877 SW 170th Ave, Sherwood, OR 97140 - Washington County Magnificent Hilltop Estate Magnificent Hilltop Estate on 5 Rolling Acres in Wine Country! State of the Art Custom Finishes & Open Beamed Lofty Ceilings. Approx 5000 SF on Main Level with Full Wheelchair Accessibility. Gated Circular Private Drive. Copper Gutters. 2085 SF Guest House. 2nd Drive Leads to 5000 SF Heated Shop with 12 Car/RV Parking & Office Space Suitable for In-Home Business. Take in Mountain Views from Covered Porch or Grill in the Outdoor Kitchen! Peggy Hoag Peggy Hoag Group at Hoag Real Estate


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Research University
Proof of Concept for Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for High Mast Pole and Bridge Inspections
The inspection of structures such as bridges and high mast lighting (HML) poles depends heavily on visual assessments from experienced field inspectors. State agencies rely on these visual inspections to make key decisions about the health of structures–such as allocation of human resources and funds to maintain/repair structures—that significantly affect public safety and costs.
Visual inspections of HML structures often involve the use of binoculars, which is a time-consuming approach given that these structures require a 360-degree view. The use of heavy machinery during bridge inspections requires maintenance of traffic procedures that produce lengthy traffic interruptions. Many times, visual assessments require inspectors to be transported with construction equipment beneath bridges, or placed in very high-risk settings.
To assist structural inspectors during the inspection process, this research proposes the development of an unmanned aerial video data collection system. The system will consist of a small-scale unmanned aerial vehicle hosting a camera or small mobile device (e.g., cellular phone), and a ground viewing station (e.g., tablet PC or laptop) that will show near-real time images being captured by the camera attached to the unmanned aerial vehicle. This system will require a customized and complex data management server software package for storing and managing collected image data. It may also require customized mobile software for an onboard device and for remote viewing. The development of this advanced image data collection system, which will require a systems engineering approach that integrates the latest in software engineering and mobile technology, is divided into the following two major project stages:
- Stage 1: Conceptual system design and proof of concept
- Stage 2: System development and integration
The objective of this 24-month research project is to complete Stage 1, which involves extensive controlled experiments and field testing activities with an unmanned aerial vehicle. The completion of Stage 1 will lay the foundation to fully develop the system during Stage 2 by providing critical insights such as expected capabilities and limitations.


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Droopy + Facelift Q&A
What Type of Facelift Will Best Address Sagging Jowls Without Noticeable Scars?
Is 40 too young for a facelift? What treatment would be less radical, yet still effective for fleshy jowls? READ MORE
What is the Best Facial Procedure to Address the Drooping Corners of the Mouth? (photo)
It looks like I am sad and frowning due to my mouth corners falling down. I have tried injectables and fat transfer with little success. Would a mid... READ MORE
Will my Face Be Less Droopy if I Lose Weight, or is Surgery Needed? (photo)
My whole face looks droopy, with hooded eyelids and lots of extra fat on my lower face, and sometimes a visible double chin. I look mad all the time... READ MORE
The left side of my face seems tight and full, but the right cheek feels loose. Can you tighten one side of your face?
One side of my face seems slightly droopier than the other side. The left side of my face seems tight and full, but the right cheek feels looser and I... READ MORE
Can Excess Skin Between Brows After Eyelid Surgery Be Resolved?
I had upper and lower Eyelid surgery, Facelift and Botox on my forehead 3 weeks ago. I didn't want the Eyelid surgery but my doctor insisted. The... READ MORE
Bad Results from Face Lift by Facial Plastic Surgeon? (photo)
I had a partial face lift 9 months ago with many complications. My jaw line is uneven and droopy. I look worse than before the surgery. What should I... READ MORE
Droopy Eye After Mid Face Lift
Mid face plastic surgery 15 days ago. right eye does not blink & lower eye lid has started to droop, eye also tearing. Dr has me tape at night and... READ MORE
Sores Around Ears & Droopy Saliva Gland After Facelift? (photo)
I had a facelift/necklift 15 days ago. I am not a smoker, never have been, nor am I around smokers. I developed sores around my ears, have a droopy... READ MORE
My Lower Lip Pulls to One Side and is Steadily Getting Worse With Age. What Can I Do?
It's not that noticeable when I'm animated, but when my mouth is closed and on photo's it is. It hasn't always been like this- I first... READ MORE
Facelift for a 24year Old?
Hello Doctors, I am needing advice. I've been on two consultations for a browlift and eyelid surgery which both doctors said I could use, but another... READ MORE
After 2 Weeks of a Face Lift and Corners of Mouth Are Drooping Downward, Can It Be Fixed or is This Permanent?
After 2 Weeks of a Face Lift and Corners of Mouth Are drooping Downward, Can It Be Fixed or is This Permanent READ MORE
Jowls Descending After Facelift?
Had a F/L 6 wks ago. My jowls started descending 10 days after my surgery. My neck is also getting folds. My incisions were around my ears, into the... READ MORE
What Brow Lift Options Are Just As Effective As a Face Lift to Get Rid of Droopy Eyelids?
Will Botox injections lift and smooth the brow as effectively as a brow lift? READ MORE
7 Months After Necklift/Lower Facelift the Right Side of Face is Drooping, Stinging and Pain, What Do You Recommend?
Had necklift and lower facelift 7 months ago. developed lumps under jawline also droopy right side of face still have numbness and some stinging. My... READ MORE
Considering Facelift After Failed Ultherapy?
May 2013, had ultherapy from different PS that performed my other surgical procedures.10 years ago had breast aug.along with upper/ lower Bleph's .... READ MORE
Best Facelift Method for Droopy Right Cheek?
I am 36. i had my right cheek bone lowered because it was a little bigger than the left one. thats the most regretful thing i have ever done in my... READ MORE
19 Year Old and Want a Facelift! Suggestions? (photo)
I've smoked for over 5 years and sunbed a lot, which doesn't help the fact that I look old for my age which people ALWAYS comment on! I have really... READ MORE
Facial drooping/sagging in 25 year old. Any Non surgical or minimally invasive options available? (photo)
I am looking for help regarding what seems to be facial drooping or sagging mostly noticeable on the lower face. It almost looks like jowls on either... READ MORE
Can a Facelift correct this droopy mouth and marionette lines? I have lots of sag and volume loss. (photo)
Is long lasting correction possible? There are so many options (opinions?), I will only be able to do this once, so I'm looking for the best... READ MORE
I'm 68 yrs old & had a face lift 10 years ago. My face has drooped since then and I'd like to know what my options are? (photo)
I had what was called the quick lift and was very pleased. But as you can see I could use something done. Please give me a few options READ MORE


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Colin Stagg, the man wrongly accused of the murder of Rachel Nickell, told of his "sweet revenge" after winning damages from the News of the World over the phone hacking scandal.
Mr Stagg was among 22 people who accepted "substantial" out-of-court settlements. Speaking from his home in Roehampton, he said: "Justice has been done and I'm very pleased. I look on this money as part payment for all the years of vilification I suffered at the hands of the press in general.
"It's going towards a new 4x4 and some treats for my girlfriend and her family. And it's also sweet revenge on the News of the World in particular."
He described how eight years ago the newspaper set a honeytrap, using an attractive Asian girl to befriend him.
Mr Stagg, 49, said: "We enjoyed a short relationship, but I was humiliated to learn later she was a hooker employed by the paper.
"They published two pages of complete lies about my so-called deviant sex life. It was total make-believe, but at that time I had neither the money nor the reputation to fight back. All that changed when the Met contacted me 18 months ago to reveal I had been a hacking victim in the early 2000s.
"I felt sick and angry to learn they had invaded my medical records, too. It was this kind of media behaviour that helped make me a pariah for so many years."
Mr Stagg won £706,000 compensation from the Home Office for wrongful arrest after he was charged and put on trial for the killing before the case was thrown out by a judge. Four years later, convicted killer Robert Napper admitted the manslaughter of Ms Nickell following a new Met inquiry.
Mr Stagg said: "The public saw me as the man who got away with the Rachel Nickell murder on a technicality. Hopefully, this is the last chapter in the Stagg-Nickell saga and I can return to being an ordinary bloke living a quiet, harmless life below everyone's radar."
- More about:
- Dating
- Family And Parenting
- Fiction
- Girlfriends
- Justice
- News Of The World
- Newspapers And Magazines
- Punishment
- Saga


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By Nathan Bender, Jacob Smith, and Joshua Brown
Title: MS 020 - Winchester Repeating Arms Company Archives Collection, 1857-1980
Primary Creator: Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Extent: 100.0 Boxes
Date Acquired: 01/01/1976
Repository: McCracken Research Library
Access Restrictions: McCracken Library staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials. Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation or publication. Contact McCracken Research Library for more information.
Acquisition Source: Olin Corporation
Acquisition Method: Gift
Related Publications: Rare Books - "Winchester Goes to War!"
Preferred Citation: Winchester Repeating Arms Company Archives Collection, MS 20, McCracken Research Library, Buffalo Bill Center of the West


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Bypass the box office line at many theaters with guaranteed advance tickets. If something comes up, you can return or exchange them up until the posted showtime.
Earn rewards points from our partners, including AMC Stubs, Regal Crown Club and more.
Save your favorite theaters and movies to experience a customized Fandango just for you.
Get the VIP treatment, free screenings, digital downloads, discounts and more.
Looking for movie tickets? Enter your location to see which movie theaters are playing Free Birds near you.
Two rival turkeys travel back in time to prevent their own kind from becoming a savory Thanksgiving tradition in this animated comedy from Relativity Media and Reel FX. Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson head up the voice cast, with Jimmy Hayward (Horton Hears a Who!) handling directing duties. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi


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Government & Organizations, Non-Profit, News & PoliticsFollow
|Government & Organizations
A chance to go inside Council on Foreign Relations events. Watch world leaders and foreign policy experts discuss and debate the most pressing issues in international affairs.
February 18th, 2015
Episode 261 of 369 episodes
Elliot L. Ackerman, author of Green on Blue: A Novel, Matthew Gallagher, author of Youngblood, and Michael Pitre, author of Fives and Twenty-Fives, join Peter Godwin, author and president of the PEN American Center, to discuss the authors military experiences during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and what led each of them to write war-related novels.
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Welcome The Vox Markets Podcast with Justin Waite A new episode is released daily, giving you interviews with CEO's, market commentators and the stock of the day as suggested by listeners to the podcast.


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Photo by Meghan Christine Photography
If you're trying to achieve a sun-kissed glow for your wedding day, it's important to do so safely. We've all heard the scary stats about skin cancer – just because your wedding day is coming up doesn't mean you're excused from protecting yourself from the sun. And besides, you want to look gorgeous, not burnt to a crisp. Here are a few safe tanning tips to think about pre-wedding:
- Enjoy the sun, safely: Yes, it's the summer – prime time for baking in the sun. So it's so important to wear sunscreen every day, whether you're laying out or not. Not only will it protect you from burns and skin cancer, but overexposure to the sun's rays can bring on premature wrinkles and aging – not something you want for your wedding day. And don't forget to reapply every few hours.
- Use self-tanner: There are lots of self-tanners out there can give you a natural-looking glow without exposing you to the sun's harmful rays. But don't wait until the week of your wedding to try out a new self-tanning product. Make sure you try out any products several months before your wedding to make sure you're happy with the result.
- Spray tan: We all know the dangers of tanning beds, so spray tans are a fine alternative. However, there have been mixed reports about the dangers of breathing in or ingesting the spray tan, so it's best to have a professional airbrush you, particularly before your wedding day. Again, be sure to try out a spray tan a few months before your wedding.
- Exfoliate: Before any type of tanning, you'll need to slough off any dead skin cells to ensure an even tan. Use an exfoliating scrub and be sure to focus on particularly dry areas, like your elbows and knees.
- Ask the Expert: If you're not into the whole sunless tanning thing, ask your makeup artist if there is anything he or she can do to give you a tanner complexion on your wedding day. Airbrush makeup and/or bronzer can be a great way to get a healthy glow.


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Arsenal's victory at Liverpool may go some way to reassuring restive fans that this campaign will not be a repeat of last season. Then, after suffering their worst start in nearly 60 years, Arsenal just edged Tottenham in the race for the Champions League, largely due to the collapse of their bitter north London rivals.
But, even before Sunday's success, Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood had no doubt that wider horizons beckon this season. We met at his home in Sandwich as the Old Etonian prepared for his annual holiday to Long Island in New York and the 76-year-old could not have been more confident.
"We have a pretty good chance of challenging for the Premiership," he said. "I don't see why we cannot win it this year."
The bookmakers do not share Hill-Wood's confidence. Sunday's win shortened the odds from 25-1 to 12-1 but Arsenal have not won the title since 2004, or any trophy for seven years.
Their chances were hardly enhanced by the sale to Manchester United of leading scorer Robin van Persie, double footballer of the year, golden boot winner and scorer of his first hat-trick for his new club on Sunday. Despite this, and Theo Walcott refusing to accept a new contract, Hill-Wood came across as a man with no fears.
"It is not a worry to the board that we haven't won a trophy since 2005," he said. "It would be lovely to win but it's not that easy. Liverpool haven't won the title for 20-odd years. We're very ambitious and want to win but, if you don't have billions of petro-dollars to throw around, you're going to have to do it some other way. That's what we're trying to do — with skilful selection of players. As for Walcott, he did not accept our offer so nothing is happening."
Fans expected the club to do more in the close season with some £60million available to manager Arsene Wenger. But the transfer window saw Arsenal make a profit on their dealings and Hill-Wood insisted: "Arsene has money to spend but there's a limit. We can't spend £50m on one player.
"At a certain level, we can't compete. I don't think Stan Kroenke [the American owner] is going to put the sort of dollars in that [Roman] Abramovich or Sheikh Mansour are putting into Chelsea or Manchester City. That's not the way he thinks clubs should be run.
"Luckily, Arsene understands that. He got an economics degree from Strasbourg University so he's certainly no fool. He knows how a club should be run. That annoys a lot of people but clubs have to be sustainable. We're not going to go bankrupt in the way one or two other well known clubs have.
"The Glasgow Rangers example is something we've all got to guard against. They spent far more money than they could afford. We're ambitious enough but we're not going to end in the same plight as Rangers. That is a fact of life. So my advice is don't get miserable about it."
Not all fans are willing to accept that advice and, last season, at many home games, some 5,000 did not turn up despite having paid for their tickets. Given the cheapest season ticket cost £1,000, that was some statement. And, for the first time Emirates heard the chant, 'You don't know what you're doing'.
Hill-Wood could not hide his contempt for such behaviour: "What those fans shouted did not influence me one little bit. I was disgusted to hear them because Arsene's been absolutely outstanding. He is still outstanding."
The summer brought talk of Wenger managing France but Hill-Wood saw no reason why his manager should leave.
"You occasionally hear rumours of him going somewhere. I do not think that is likely to happen. He's very happy where he is. He has a very good job in that we don't interfere with him. We agree with most of the things he says and he agrees with most of the things we say. I have seen some really successful Arsenal managers but Arsene has revolutionised the club.
"I would say he has been a bigger influence than Alex Ferguson on Manchester United in the way he has changed the traditions of the club and the outlook of the Premiership."
Arsenal fans would argue that Wenger has not been the same man since his good friend David Dein was sacked as vice-chairman in 2007 but Hill-Wood refused to accept that. "I don't think David Dein's departure has impacted on Arsene at all," he said. "Arsene has a very good relationship with Ivan [Gazidis, the chief executive reportedly on £2m a year] and it's very businesslike. He and Arsene get on very well."
And, unlike Ferguson, who has regularly refreshed his backroom team since his arrival in 1986, Wenger has worked with the staff he inherited, apart from coach Boro Primorac who came with him. Normally managers come with their own team but, recalled Hill-Wood: "I asked Arsene whether he wanted to do that and he said, 'No thank you, I'm very happy'.
"He's appointed [youth-team coach] Steve Bould to succeed Pat [Rice, who he inherited as assistant manager]. I very much agree with that. To me, it reflects Arsene's confidence."
Hill-Wood's own confidence in Arsenal's future may stem from the fact that the club have long solved their ground problems with the move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium. This is in sharp contrast with many of their London rivals — Chelsea, West Ham, QPR and particularly Tottenham — all struggling to find new homes.
He saw this as a hindrance for their neighbours. "I do not see Spurs posing a problem for us this season," he said. "Their new manager [Andre Villas-Boas] may be a great success but they have to find a stadium. That's going to be very difficult. Finding a site and financing it is a major problem which we know all about."
Now that Emirates has proved a success, Hill-Wood happily confessed: "I was very nervous and didn't see how the hell we could finance a new stadium. It's worked out very well.
"Quite a lot of equity went into it and payments from Nike and Emirates helped enormously. We've got a stadium debt of around £230m now, which is a 25-year bond at a fixed rate of 5.5 per cent.
"The success of the stadium is due to Danny Fiszman [the deceased director] and Ken Friar [a long-term director], who did a spectacular job. Danny was a genius and I don't think we'd have achieved what we have without him."
The stadium development was driven through despite the opposition of Dein, who wanted Arsenal to share Wembley, an option that appalled Hill-Wood.
"It would've been crazy to have gone to Wembley," he said. "I hate Wembley anyway. It's a bloody long way away. And I would absolutely not have wanted to be a tenant of the Football Association."
He was just as implacably opposed to having Alisher Usmanov, who owns 29.9 per cent of Arsenal, on the board. The Uzbeck billionaire has questioned the ambitions of the club and the board members' ability to ensure Arsenal can again challenge for the top table.
Usmanov cleverly timed his four-page open letter to the board to arrive the day after Van Persie made it clear he would not sign a new contract. The letter raised questions about the board, whose average age is around 73, and many of whom have made millions selling their shares to Kroenke.
Although Hill-Wood once said investing in football was "dead money" the last lot of shares he sold yielded £5.5m. He explained the gains by saying, "You wouldn't say no to it," and of Usmanov's letter, he told me: "He's said that before. It was nothing new and I didn't think it was particularly relevant."
As for Usmanov getting on the board, Hill-Wood added: "It's not entirely in my hands. I don't think Stan Kroenke wants anybody else on the board. I have met Usmanov but I don't think he would fit in, that's all."
Some Arsenal watchers speculate that the hierarchy fear that Usmanov's presence on the board could see the return of Dein. "No," said Hill-Wood and, while he gave no further explanation, his tone appeared to suggest that Dein is now a pariah at the Emirates.
Hill-Wood, who joined the board in 1962 and succeeded his father as chairman 20 years later, has no plans to retire. "I'm going to carry on until I get completely senile and then my colleagues will say, 'It's time you went'. But, at the moment, they haven't got to that stage. I'm not indicating that I'm complacent but, generally speaking, the club are on a very sure footing and the potential is there."
The Liverpool result has further fortified this optimism but, for many fans, the jury will remain out until Wenger regains his trophy touch.
Follow Mihir on Twitter @mihirbose
- More about:
- Arsenal


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(3/11/2010) Q: What is the city's plan to deal with the dramatically increasing costs associated with pensions, healthcare, retiree healthcare, and workers compensation? They are rising much faster then we can keep up particularly given the deficits with the State Budget?
A: If you review the City�s Legislative agenda the City is currently seeking State Legislation to change the Rules of Binding Arbitration where the majority of our contractual obligations as they relate to pensions and healthcare are ultimately determined. The City is also taking aggressive stances in our negotiation of contracts to reduce future burdens. In addition, the City has an active RFP process for the administration of all these funds. In the past five years the City has competitively bid Pensions, Health Care, Workers� Compensation, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance Coverage. By bidding the administration of each service on a rotating basis the City can attract competitive bids for a reasonable period (average 3-4 years before re-bid) and give each RFP process the attention it deserves to guarantee the most competitive prices and service.


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For 364 days out of the year, the golf world focuses on the biggest names in the sport: Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson. Those are the names that matter. But for one day in June, guys like Alastair Presnell, Cameron Wilson, Jim Herman and Dennis Miller take centre stage.
You likely have no clue who any of them are, but these up-and-coming youngsters and tour journeymen are a lot like you and me. They have a dream -- to one day play in the US Open. The give $150 to the USGA and hope their game holds up through Local and Sectional qualifying. And if it does maybe, just maybe they'll be able to tee it up and tell their kids about the time they hit balls on the range with Tiger Woods at Olympic Club.
That's what US Open qualifying is all about. It's about the incredible storylines that make the tournament one of the greatest events in sports.
On Monday, golfers from all walks of life hopped in their cars and headed to Sectional qualifying sites around the country for what's known as "Golf's longest day," a gruelling 36-holes test of wills.
But at the beginning of Monday's Sectional at Scioto Country Club, it looked like Dennis Miller wouldn't even get a chance to make a run at his dream. The 42-year-old pro from Youngstown, Ohio, who was the third alternate in the field, was on the outside looking in when he showed up.
Even worse? Even if he did make the field, his site was loaded with pros who had just played in the Memorial. Needless to say, the odds were incredibly slim, but Miller made the most of the opportunity, getting into the field and shooting 71-70 to make a four-man play-off for three spots.
After rolling in putts of six feet and 15 feet on the second and third play-off holes to stay alive, Miller found himself with a putt to punch his ticket on the fourth play-off hole: a 25-footer from just off the green. As the putt tracked towards the hole it looked to be perfect, but for some reason it lost steam at the last second, stopping right on the edge of the cup.
The crowd groaned and Miller looked away. It wasn't meant to be ... or so everyone thought. As Miller looked away in disgust, something incredible happened: the ball suddenly disappeared into the cup for an improbable birdie.
"I didn't even see it go in," Miller said after his round.
Miller's officially in the US Open field, and after learning a little more about the guy, it looks like the modern-day Tin Cup will be at Olympic Club. The 42-year-old Miller doesn't play professionally for a living; he's actually the director of golf for Mill Creek Golf Course in Ohio. Not only that, this was actually his 12th attempt to qualify for the Open.
Now that's what you call a great storyline, folks.


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Wrestling - the fans and the money
It might not be a true "sport," but like die-hard Vikings or Wild fans, more than 5 million of its followers spend hours watching it on TV, tracking the careers of their favorites, pay big bucks for related gear, drive miles and even sit in subfreezing temperatures all night for a good ticket.
"I've been a fan since I was 10 years old," said 30-year-old J.J. Giebel of his passion for professional or championship wrestling. He's introduced his love of wrestling to his two sons and his wife, and now they too are fans.
And they are not alone.
The Mayo Civic Center estimates it will sell up to 3,900 tickets — with many being walk-ups the day of the event — by the time the first match of World Wrestling Entertainment's Raw Live starts Saturday night. Some of those tickets, like the nine that Giebel and his friends camped out all night on Jan. 3 to buy, cost $50.
"Anytime there is an event in Rochester, the Cities or even in Wisconsin, we'll be there — no ifs, ands or buts," he said.
Dale Gagne of Rochester, a wrestling promoter for 21 years, said the appeal is simple.
"It is the good guys against the bad. The storylines are all about good versus evil," he said.
While the events are famous for rough fighting, that does not mean the crowd is unruly.
"They are truly the most appreciative and kindest of fans. They pick up their own trash. They always say please and thank you," said Donna Drews, managing director of the Mayo Civic Center.
And the restaurants, gas stations and bars of Rochester might also be appreciative.
Brad Jones, executive director of the Rochester Visitor and Convention Bureau, estimates Raw Live will pin down about $150,000, not including ticket sales. It's an average of $30 per person.
"It is the same as a Jehovah's Witness convention," said Gagne of the economic impact. The Jehovah's Witness groups meet in Rochester several times during the year at the civic center.


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Storming The Bastille: A Populist Uprising In The BPM World?
Posted by Clay Richardson on February 25, 2010
- 592 Recommendations
- 4 comments
Populism, defined either as an ideology, a political philosophy, or a type of discourse, is a type of political-social thought which juxtaposes "the people" against "the elites", and urges social and political system changes (from Wikipedia) A changing workforce – Meet Michael (see below). According to Forrester's latest Workforce Personas research (covered by Ted Schadler ), Michael represents 28% of the workforce. Michael is a social butterfly, is very mobile, and has better technology at home than what his employer issues to its workforce. In other words, Michael is pretty tech savvy and wants greater control over his work environment and business processes. Business leads fed up waiting for IT – Often IT is tied up with big corporate initiatives - ERP, CRM, SCM - and the business users can't get any support for BPM so they turn to the cloud as a solution. One "Michael" we recently spoke with decided he couldn't wait any longer for IT to help him with his broken process, so he took his process into the cloud. This "Michael" used Appian's BPM SaaS offering to build out and deploy his business processes with zero help from IT and at a fraction of the cost. Greater focus on personal productivity – With a smaller workforce, employees across the board are feeling the heat. End users are pushing business process professionals and IT to provide better tools for monitoring and managing personal productivity. Recently, I downloaded Xobni ( www.xobni.com ) a neat little Microsoft Outlook add-in that provides e-mail analytics – I can view who sends me the most e-mail, how many e-mails are sent directly to me vs. cc:'d, and other e-mail related analytics. It's a really nice and simple tool for spotting e-mail trends and improving my productivity with my out-of-control in-box. Your end users want these same types of simple tools to help them better manage and learn from the business processes they interact with every day. Internal social business networks – At its core BPM has always been a social activity. Bringing teams together to collaborate on describing, defining, and scoping their process solutions. In the past only the "chosen few" were included in the process improvement conversation (i.e., business process re-engineering). But now everyone wants in on the conversation – including your front-line workers, your customers, and your partners. If you don't find a way to bring their voices in to the conversation, expect to see "shadow" processes pop up that you have little control over.
BPM Uprisings
Comment from null on Fri, 03/19/2010 - 06:05
Not sure about revolution, but I'm certainly seeing frequent discontent and frustration on both sides of the Business-IT Divide.
That said, things are definitely improving. There are more visionary CIOs out there. The question that I often used to get asked by line-of-business execs: 'How can I go ahead without involving IT?' is much less common these days.
Your line of thinking was one of my reference points for a post on my blog today http://bit.ly/cT0Ikx . We are moving towards universal agreement that process is the key. But we don't have a universal process language. Most obviously, we have an IT dialect and a Business dialect. And while the words are often similiar, they often don't mean the same thing.
Let me put a tin hat on before I say that the answer is definitely not BPMN. That's one of the IT dialects. We need a lingua franca, a common process language for the enterprise - which, will usually mean an end-to-end process that Mei in China, Ashok in Bangalore, Christine in Europe and Michael in the US can all easily understand.
If we have a common language, we can have a fruitful dialog. The barricades can come down and everyone can get on with re-building the city and making progress ...
re: Storming The Bastille: A Populist Uprising In The BPM World
Comment from Theo Priestley (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 02:24
Great post !
Vive la revolution....The only trouble I have with this is that whilst the business may wish for greater control, unless they're educated sufficiently it could turn out to be a bunch of "rebels without a clue" rather than a revolution....
re: Storming The Bastille: A Populist Uprising In The BPM World
Comment from Rob Rensman (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 05:09
Thanks for this insight, Connie and Clay! I recognise the pressure of having to deal with the reality of 'shadow processes' in my projects. I think the process areas to watch out for are marketing, product development and customer services as they are more 'artistic' and may need to be liberated from too much BPM control; this is where process populism has existed for many years. The more 'scientific' processes, e.g. manufacturing, logistics, claims processing will probably 'suffer' less popular uprising owing to a more delicate balancing act between business and IT.
re: Storming The Bastille: A Populist Uprising In The BPM World
Comment from Ben Farrell (not verified) on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:49
Connie and Clay-
Couldn't agree more - and love the term! One of the most exciting things about this movement is the snowball effect: the more business pros that are exposed to what's possible - and what they themselves can drive - the more they will want.
Power to the People!
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Fashion buy: M&S National Love Your Lingerie Day
M&S have created National Love Your Lingerie Day, in which we must all don our finest undergarments and relish the feeling of wearing our best sets whatever the occasion.
If you're lingerie draw is looking more drab then fab perhaps it time to have a good old clear out and invest in some underwear that will flatter your shape and make you feel fabulous.
We love this gorgeous lacy blue set from M&S, the semi sheer is just enough peek-a-boo without giving it all away.
So go on, chuck away your baggy Bridgets and sex things up!
M&S lingerie
RRP: £22.00 for bra £12.00 for briefs
Available from M&S


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Etro Spring/Summer 2015–Kean Etro began his spring/summer 2015 show with clean crisp looks that tackled tailored suiting, before moving on to more sportier pieces. Here, comfortable joggers, zipped hooded jackets, polo shirts and more opened up the label to a more casual side. Juxtaposed with striped and checked suits in a variety of hues, the show had many courses, representing Etro's theme of "We are what we eat." This resulted in the normal affair turning to colorful eclectic hues like pink and green–think watermelon. Insert images of lasagna, fruits and other tasty bites and Etro went wild with creativity having a little fun this season.
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- 1[transitive] to say or write something again or more than once repeat something to repeat a question I'm sorry—could you repeat that? She kept repeating his name softly over and over again. The opposition has been repeating its calls for her resignation. Are you prepared to repeat these allegations in court? repeat yourself Please tell me if I'm repeating myself (= if I have already said this). repeat that… He's fond of repeating that the company's success is all down to him. do again
- 2[transitive, intransitive] repeat (something) to do or produce something again or more than once to repeat a mistake/a process/an exercise The treatment should be repeated every two to three hours. They are hoping to repeat last year's victory. These offers are unlikely to be repeated. The programs will be repeated next year. She was young for her class, so she repeated kindergarten. Lift and lower the right leg 20 times. Repeat with the left leg. happen again
- 3[transitive, intransitive] repeat (something/itself) to happen more than once in the same way History has a strange way of repeating itself. This phrase is repeated at intervals throughout the song. a repeating pattern/design what someone else said
- 4[transitive] to tell someone something that you have heard or been told by someone else repeat something to somebody I don't want you to repeat a word of this to anyone. repeat something The rumor has been widely repeated in the press.
- 5[transitive] to say something that someone else has said, especially in order to learn it repeat something (after somebody) Listen and repeat each sentence after me. repeat what… Can you repeat what I've just said word for word? + speech "Are you really sure?" she repeated. for emphasis
- 6[intransitive, transitive] used to emphasize something that you have already said The claims are, I repeat, totally unfounded. Nor, to repeat, can these changes be avoided. repeat something I am not, repeat not, traveling in the same car as him! Word Familyrepeat verb nounrepeatable adjective (≠unrepeatable)repeated adjectiverepeatedly adverbrepetition nounrepetitive adjectiverepetitious adjectiverepeat verb nounrepeatable adjective (≠unrepeatable)repeated adjectiverepeatedly adverbrepetition nounrepetitive adjectiverepetitious adjective
say/write again
verbjump to other results
NAmE//rɪˈpit//Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they repeat
he / she / it repeats
past simple repeated
-ing form repeating
Check pronunciation: repeat


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High speed connectivity with 3G, Quad band GSM, EDGE, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® 2.0 and HSDPA.
Business and multimedia applications in a compact and sleek design.
Rich, high speed internet browsing for landscape or portrait viewing.
Sharp 2.0 mega-pixel camera with video capture.
Windows Media® Player for seamless synchronisation of music and video's with your PC


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Flags at half-staff in recognition of victims in fatal Connecticut shooting
Just a notice that flags will be at half-staff in recognition for the victims of today's tragedy in Newtown, Conneticut.
King County Executive Dow Constantine directed this following proclamations from the President and the Governor.
Flags will remain at half-staff through sunset or the close of business on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
We encourage our readers to comment. No registration is required. We ask that you keep your comments free of profanity and keep them civil. They are moderated and objectionable comments will be removed.


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New Alice in Wonderland images of the Caterpillar, the March Hare and the Dormouse reveal more details about Tim Burton's upcoming reboot of Lewis Carroll's 19th-century tale.
Alice in Wonderland, opening March 5, features Alan Rickman as the voice of The Caterpillar, pictured above. See more fresh takes on the Alice universe as seen through the eyes of Burton below. (Super Bowl viewers will see even more of Burton's 3-D animated film when Disney unveils a new Alice teaser spot during the Feb. 6 football broadcast.)
See Also:
- New Alice in Wonderland Spot Heads for Super Bowl
- New Alice in Wonderland Trailer Revels in Red Queen's Villainy
- First Look: Tim Burton Takes Alice to Weird, Wild Wonderland
- Video: Alice in Wonderland Director on 3-D


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I told Eric that what is written in Bible is all muddled up...if they want to know the truth, they should read Quran.<quoted text>
Hey, Eric is just writing about it as it is written. I suppose you could rewrite the tanach to make it happier.
Oh yeah, you did.
Why should I rewrite Tanakh? It is your problem not mine.


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Jazz in the favela! The Maze
The place is unusual, different, with a great view of Guanabara Bay … THE MAZE hostel, Tavares Bastos favela, at one of the nicest hosts parties in the wonderful city. Every first Friday of the month, there is Jazz in the community! Amazing!
This story begun 30 years ago, when Englishman Bob Nadkarni, came to Brazil to work as an international correspondent. He fell in love with the country, went to live in the community, got married and had kids. He started hosting friends at Tavares Bastos and, in 2005, opened The Maze Inn, an original B & B, with one of the most beautiful views of Rio!
Missing England, in 2006, Bob started to gather friends for jazz concerts. The Jazz at The Maze was born. In the beginning there were just a few people, but the party attracted the locals and, today, puts together a young and beautiful crowd, who climbs to the top of the community every month to enjoy the show with a spectacular view! We went there to check …
Tavares Bastos slum is located in the neighborhood of Catete. We decided to take a taxi as at the top of the community there is not much space to park. When we reached the top we were greeted by kids who work for The Maze. They led us through the narrow routes, in a short walk. The view is breathtaking! We arrived at around 10 pm, ordered beers and caipirinhas and a barbecue to follow. All very simple, rustic and very tasty!
The Maze is an easygoing place, with concrete tables and benches, a little improvised but charming
The crowd began to arrive, the house was packed and jazz was playing. Good music, first quality. The sessions are varied. They play compositions recorded by artists such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, between the 1920s and 1960s. In open sessions, they receive musicians from around the world. Ah, this week The Maze was listed by Downbeat Magazine International as one of the best jazz houses in the world – and the only Brazilian one in the list.
Really enjoyed the place, we left rapt ! That exceptional place … just in Rio this is possible! At about 3 am, we left on a van and went down to the slum neighborhood of Catete (there is the option of going down by motorcycle). Already down in the main street, we took a cab back home … happily! What a wonderful night!
Note: If you're into jazz, you can also go to Pura Vida hostel in Copacabana. We have already told you guys everything that goes on over there. See the previous post.
The hints are there, now just check them over and tell us!
xoxo, Cariocas da Clara
Services: The Maze – www.jazzrio.com
Prices – R$ 30,00 // Churrasco – R$ 10,00 // Cerveja – R$ 5,00 // Kombi – R$ 2,50
Adress: Rua Tavares Bastos, 414/66 – Rio de Janeiro – Fone: 21-2558-5547


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Christopher Yvon
UK Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe
The Council of Europe (CoE) is a pan-European organisation of 47 member states, including all 28 member states of the European Union. The United Kingdom was one of the founding members. Set up shortly after the end of the Second World War, the CoE's core mission is to promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law across the continent.
The Permanent Representation of the United Kingdom to the CoE is an active member of the organisation. We represent the UK at intergovernmental meetings and work with the organisation's various institutions – such as the European Court of Human Rights, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities – and the delegations of other member states to make the CoE as effective and efficient as possible.
18 rue Gottfried
67000 Strasbourg
Email email@example.com
Telephone +33 (0) 3 88 35 00 78
Fax +33 (0) 3 88 36 74 39


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Woot is researching Extended Warranty partners and offers for specific products as an add-on or post-purchase offer for members. If you have an opinion share on this topic (and I hope you do), please take a minute or two to scan over my own (mostly negative) notions on extended warranties below:
I was shocked a year or two ago reading a well known consumer advocate magazine to see a serious recommendation that folks should consider buying extended warranties for notebook computers.
Essentially, the blurb said, the high value, repair frequency and high cost of potential repair can make the insurance a reasonable bet. I had always enjoyed vigorously turning down extended warranty offers whenever pitched at the time of purchase and I regularly cringed in agony when a family or friend told me how "good" they felt buying an extended warranty for their car or latest gadget because it was going to be "protected now." I proudly followed a strict line of thought that extended warranties were for suckers and put them in the category of things that subsidize lower pricing for the rest of us.
However, it didn't take me that long to begrudgingly accept that the logic behind this new advice was sound, especially as intended for the majority demographic of the magazine. It was annoying to have to accept an exception to a rule I enjoyed being a smart-ass about, but then again might regular warranties be shortened and product complexity increased to the extent that this advice would grow even more valid? I filed a mental note to myself that this was an area to watch, as gadget convergence of course continues and more things become expensive, complex and impossible for consumers to repair like the notebooks this advice was based on.
Like many of you, I've gone through several notebooks over the years, now plastic baggies full of disassembled useless parts, due to some hardware glitch, hard drive failure that I never fixed, or some hack I half-attempted before giving up and upgraded to a newer, faster model. I have a closet full of junk too disassembled and broken to even throw in a bag of crap. Certainly thousands of dollars spent. Occasionally I might feel a bit wasteful in my consumerism but then again I'm sort of supporting the faster evolution of computing power by upgrading quicker, right?
All in all, I still feel like extended warranties are not for me yet. Some combination of not being able to come full reverse on my original analysis, my guess of the profit margin generally involved, or just that the future thought of trying to get warranty service is too depressing to consider at time of purchase. But, I have come to understand that I'm a higher risk-taking consumer than many of my family/friends and my time value may not apply to them. I no longer react quite so vigorously negative when offered or cringe when I'm told someone I respect splurged for an extra/longer support option.
I'd love to hear Wooter opinions as we balance options. We receive regular requests for warranty offers via email and in the forums—if that was you, now's the time to speak up. Defend your requests! Are there items that Woot might sell from time to time such as TVs, notebooks, gadgets where you believe that extended warranty purchase is a logical buyers choice? Is it based on the cost of the item? How about extended warranty on refurbished items? What are your thoughts on appropriate cost of an extended warranty in percentage terms for 2 or 3 year coverage?
thanks for your support
previous entries:
CEO, Interrupted: Crowdsourcing Hot Deals
CEO, Interrupted: LiveShopping aka Worldwide Wooting
CEO, Interrupted: Take your protein pills
CEO, Interrupted: Snapster's unfortunate alter ego


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Matthew Knowles Is Having More Money Drama
Photo: Getty
For someone who started a break-out girl group and has a megastar daughter, you'd think Matthew Knowles would have life together. But then, it's clear he doesn't and is it me, but does it seem like after everyone found out about his love child, things went downhill? Anyway, aside from his baby's mother demanding child support from Beyoncé's daddy, Matthew is having more money issues because he is being sued from a company that used to handle his money, according to TMZ. The credit bureau is trying to collect close to $65,000 from Matthew. Wow, things aren't looking so great with him these days!


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In Hollywood a marriage is a success if it outlasts milk.Rita Rudner
Success is brought by continued labor and continued watchfulness. We must struggle on, not for one moment hesitate, nor take one backward step.William Jennings Bryan
The person interested in success has to learn to view failure as a healthy, inevitable part of the process of getting to the top.Joyce Brothers
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.Alexander Graham Bell
Young people, who are still uncertain of their identity, often try on a succession of masks in the hope of finding the one which suits them the one, in fact, which is not a mask.Wystan Hugh Auden
The key to successful missionary work is a close relationship between the missionaries and the members. Creating an environment in working with members that will bring more into the Church.Richard G. Scott
I have also seen children successfully surmounting the effects of an evil inheritance. That is due to purity being an inherent attribute of the soul.Mahatma Gandhi
The successor to politics will be propaganda. Propaganda, not in the sense of a message or ideology, but as the impact of the whole technology of the times.Marshall Mcluhan
Its always easy to blame others. You can spend your entire life blaming the world, but your successes or failures are entirely your own responsibility. You can try to stop time, but its a complete waste of energy.Paulo Coelho
The secret of success is constancy to purpose.Benjamin Disraeli
We must believe in luck. For how else can we explain the success of those we dont like?Jean Maurice Eugne Clment Cocteau
What we should admire is the acute fulfillment of the unspoken assumptions, the smooth harmony of the whole activity, which only become evident in the final success.Carl von Clausewitz
Madness is to think of too many things in succession too fast, or of one thing too exclusively.Voltaire
How intolerable people are sometimes who are happy and successful in everything.Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
If failure has the strength to turn your life into bitterness itself, then patience has the strength to turn your life into the sweetest joy. Do not surrender to fate after a single failure. Failure, at most, precedes success.Sri Chinmoy


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September 24, 2012 | Playboy Playmates, Maria Checa | 8 Comments
Maria Checa is the Playboy Playmate for August 1994. It's an hour before closing, and the Historical Museum of South Florida is nearly empty, just the way Maria Checha likes it. Slowly, as if treading on hallowed ground, the Bogotá-born Miss August wanders through the exhibits and stops, transfixed, in front of a 19th century photograph of a huge banyan tree. "As a child," relates Maria with a faint Colombian accent, "I would swing from the vines of a tree just like that one and play for hours under its maze of hanging roots. This picture brings back a million wonderful memories. That's the power of great photography." Maria should know. She's a photographer herself, having studied the craft since she was 17 years old. She shoots primarily with black-and-white film and develops her own pictures, usually portraits of friends or photographs of the art deco architecture in Miami's South Beach neighborhood, where she lives. But this self-proclaimed visual artist expresses herself with more than a camera.
Maria also paints in acrylics and watercolors, sketches with charcoal, sculpts and creates three-dimensional mixed-media art. Back at her studio apartment, where she has painted a tromp l'oiel sky on the wall, she pulls a painting from behind an antique armchair that she's re-upholstering. Monet, Maria's Himalayan cat, jumps onto her lap for a closer look at the bemused figure on the canvas. "This could represent me," Maria says. "Confused at times, on the fence, open to whatever comes next. I'm quite shy, so I express myself through my artwork." Maria's father introduced her to art by buying her brushes and paints when she was just a child. "He never gave me coloring books, though, because just filling in the blanks requires no creativity. I always knew I had talent, and I wanted to prove it." Maria got her chance after her family moved to Miami in the late Seventies, where she was later accepted at the New World School of the Arts, a high school for artistically gifted teens. After graduating, Maria went on to the Maryland Institute College of Art. Finances forced her to return to Miami, where she now supports herself as a makeup artist for photo shoots and at the cosmetic counter in a department store. "I still feel a passion for art. But sometimes my job takes precedence over my artwork." Maria hopes being a Playmate will provide new artistic opportunities. Since appearing in the 40th Anniversary Issue of Playboy, she has become somewhat of a celebrity both here and in her homeland. What lies ahead for Maria? "Who knows what great things will develop from these photos," she muses. "My future is a blank canvas just waiting to be painted."
Maria Checa Bio
Name: Maria Checa
Birthplace: Bogota, Colombia
Bust: 32C
Waist: 23
Hips: 33
Height: 5′ 2″
Weight: 95 lbs
Ambitions: To live life to its fullest, have a beautiful family and a successful career.
Turn-Ons: A romantic candlelight dinner overlooking the ocean at sunset with someone I care about.
Turnoffs: People who are always late. People who are dishonest, self-centered and have no ambition.
The Way To My Heart: Is by spoiling me with attention. I love for a man to make me feel like I'm number one in his life.
If I Were Invisible: Life would be less challenging, because it would make it too easy to find the answers to my questions.
I May Be Tiny: But haven't you heard? Good things come in small packages.
I Wish I Had: The ability to read minds.
See more of Maria Checa nude a the Playboy Cyberclub.