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Star Ocean: The Second Story
Review by Psycho Penguin
"One of the best games I have ever played, full of innovation."
With the release of Final Fantasy 8, people didn't pay much attention to Star Ocean 2 when it was being developed. Even I didn't pay attention to this game, as I was eagerly awaiting the release of Lunar: SSSC. When I read good reviews about the game, I decided to rent it out. Boy, was I surprised!! This is clearly the best RPG on the Playstation, and is one of my favorite games of all time!!
Storyline (9.1/10)
The storyline in the game is great, and I think that Enix did a great job in making a quality and easy to understand storyline. The cool part of the game is the fact that there are actually two separate storylines in the game, one for both main characters. While the storylines aren't too unique from one another, they still are pretty well written.
Claude Kenny: The storyline in Claude's game is incredible. It starts off with Cluade being sent into this strange world, and this is the first time he meets Rena. This storyline deals a lot with force fields, as the first force field is the cause of Claude's problems to begin with. Also, this storyline deals a lot with Claude's father, and the personal problems between Claude and his father. it really gets intense after a while, especially in the later parts of the game. Overall, the storyline in Claude's part of the game is really good.
Rena Lanford: The storyline in Rena's section is a lot like the storyline in Claude's section, but it focuses on different things besides the force fields, etc. This storyline instead deals with a meteroite which has crashed and has been dubbed as ''The Sorcery Globe''. This storyline is quite good but I do not feel that it is up to par with the storyline in Claude's section. Regardless, the storyline overall is still pretty good.
Overall,the storyline in the game is very well written and intriguing. It has plenty of plot twists which kept me interested into what happens next. The game is also quite large, and it never seemed to drag because the storyline was always so interesting. Definitely one of the better storylines in a Playstation RPG (and there have been a lot of great storylines in PSX role playing games)
Graphics (7.3/10)
The prerendered backgrounds in the game are really well done, and the light sourcing in the towns is great. The attention to detail by Enix and Tri Ace clearly show in the backgrounds of the major places in the game. Now, onto the bad. The charcaters are UGLY 2D sprites, with little or no animation. And the battle scene graphics aren't that great, either.
Character designsin the game are not so good. They are okay, but the problem is that they are 2D sprites with little animation. Therefore, they really look terrible once you get into battle. Outside of battle, I have little problem with the character designs. The two main characters in the game look very nicely designed, and I like the way that Bowman is designed. Overallthe character designs in the game are good, outside of battle. They lose quality once inside a battle.
Enemy designsin the game are pretty good, but not great, in my opinion. I like the fact that there is a variety of enemy designs in the game. Unlike most RPGs, where the same enemy repeats but with a different color, there is a lot of different enemy designs in the game. Overall, the enemy designs in the game have a great variety to them and are overall very good.
Overall, the graphics in the game are quite good. The world map graphics aren't up to par (it uses this 3D mode which really doesn't look great) and the character animations are lacking during battle, but overall the graphics are still above average.
Music/Sound Effects (8.6/10)
Some of the music in this game is just incredible, and rivals the Final Fantasy series soundtracks. However, the battle music and the character speeches during battle quickly get annoying and repetitive.
Musicin the game is top notch. I especially like some of the music inside caves and other dungeons. It has a very nice beat to it that I still can remember and hum to. The battle theme is a theme that I have mixed feelings about. It is definitely a great battle theme, and it has a certain beat to it that is very effective. However, it did get a little annoying after a while. In my opinion, the battle theme in an RPG is one of the most important thing in a RPG, because you will hear it a lot. Overall, the music in the game is great but a little repetitive.
Sound effect wise, the sound effects in the game are decent but nothing spectacular. Most of the sound efefcts occur during battle. The main problem with the sound effects in the game are the character dialouge. The voice acting during this is below average and can border on annoying at times. Stuff like ''That's worth maybe 80 points!'' and ''Oh oh, looks like we're in for a fight!'' is cool at first but soon gets a little annoying. I like the fact that there is dailouge in the start of battle, during battle, and the end of battle. Overall, the sound effects in the game are decent, but the voice acting is below average.
Overall, the music and sound effects in the game are decent. The music is great but the sound effects border on just plain annoying, especially the damn voice acting during battles.
Control (7.9/10)
It is easy to move from menu to menu, which is always important in a RPG. However, there are a few shortcomings. A minor complaint is that the battle controls will take a wehile for you to get used to them. A MAJOR complaint is the walking on the world map. That rotating camera sometimes forces you to lose track of what direction you are travelling in, which gets incredibly frustrating. Overall, the control in the game is pretty good, but the problems with the camera system in the overworld map are unacceptable.
Gameplay (9.7/10)
Star Ocean: The Second Story is a very interesting game in terms of public acceptance. A lot of people love it. A lot of people don't. The game is really that different. It is a lot like the basic RPG but there is a few differences too, mainly in the battle systems, the skills system, and the private actions which have never really been seen in a Playstation RPG before.
The battle system is cool and features real time which is cool. I really like the battle system in the game. There are over 80 endings to the game, but none are that different from each other. I don't know about you, but I am not going to spend 50 hours just to get a different 5 second scene during the ending. You get a different amount of characters, and you can choose who you want to choose during the adventure, which depends on the ending.
The skills sytem is cool also, and after every level up you get skill points, which can be used towards skills like cooking and alchemy. It is very easy to level up, too. And finally Private Actions. You can choose to do a Private Action when you enter a town. The Private Actions help a lot when it comes to the overall game because the storyline and ending changes depending on what private actions you do and don't do.
Overall, Star Ocean The Second Story is a different kind of game, but it is still a great RPG nevertheless.
Other Important Scores
Replay Value: High
The major focus in Enix's advertising of the game is the fact that is has 80 endings. problem is, they don't realize that most people (including me) is going to play through a game 80 times just to see some minor differences in the ending (oh look, Rena handed him the item this time!). Regardless, the replay value is still high, mainly because the game is so much fun to play!
Challenge: Medium
The game almost borders on a high difficulty level, but it doesn't quite make it to the next level. The big challenge with the game is the fact that the game has an extremely high length. Yes, this is probably one of the longest RPGs on the Playstation. And there are some tough bosses and enemies in the game also. Especially them damn blue birds towards the end of the game. Overall, the challenge is decent.
-Pretty much everything
-Outstanding skills system
-Over 80 endings
-No one is going to play the game 80 times
-This is a longggggggg RPG
-It can get quite complex at times.
Overall (9.7/10)
This is one of my favorite RPGs on the Playstation. Don't listen to those who gave this game a low score. Star Ocean 2 rocks!!!
Reviewer's Rating: 5.0 - Flawless
Originally Posted: 06/08/00, Updated 07/16/01
Got Your Own Opinion?
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by Staff Writers
Mainz, Germany (SPX) Oct 10, 2012
Atmospheric aerosol particles have a significant effect on climate. An international team of researchers has now discovered that a chemical process in the atmosphere called aging determines to a major extent the concentration and the characteristics of aerosol particles.
To date, this aspect has not been accounted for in regional and global climate models. In the Muchachas [Multiple Chamber Aerosol Chemical Aging Experiments] project, the team has not only managed to demonstrate the effects of aging but has also been able to measure these. Their findings have been published in the specialist journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA (PNAS).
The quality of air is determined to a considerable extent by aerosol particles. In the form of a fine dust, they are believed to be responsible for a series of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular disorders. In addition, aerosol particles also have various effects on atmospheric radiation balance.
Aerosols make a direct contribution to radiation levels in the cloud-free atmosphere by dispersing, reflecting, and absorbing sunlight. Aerosols are also essential for cloud formation in the troposphere: They act as condensation nuclei which even in the presence of low levels of water vapor do enable droplets to form.
The size and concentration of aerosol particles is also of great importance for the number of cloud drops, which in turn influences the reflection characteristics of clouds.
Hence, aerosol particles tend to have a cooling influence on the atmosphere. However, the precise processes and feedback mechanisms have not yet been fully understood, so that the interaction between aerosol particles, their suitability as cloud condensation nuclei, and the sunlight reflected off the earth's surface represented one of the greatest uncertainties in the calculation of climatic activity.
The Muchachas project looked at organic aerosols, which constitute the largest proportion of chemical airborne particles. Organic aerosols are generated above forests, for example, and they are visible in the form of a blue mist in certain places such as the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Blue Mountains.
In densely populated areas however, anthropogenically generated and released hydrocarbons play an important role as precursor of the development of secondary organic aerosols.
The experiments showed that the mass and composition of organic aerosols are significantly influenced by OH radicals. OH radicals are the most important oxidants in the atmosphere and make an important contribution to keeping air clean.
Researchers from Pittsburgh (USA), Juelich, Karlsruhe, and Mainz (Germany), Gothenburg (Sweden), Copenhagen (Denkmark), and Villigen (Switzerland) analyzed results in four different, large-volume atmospheric simulation chambers and found that the oxidation process called chemical aging has a significant impact and influence on the characteristics and concentration of organic aerosols over their entire life cycle.
"New climate models will have to take these findings into account," says Professor Dr. Thorsten Hoffmann of the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in Germany.
The Mainz researchers contributed primarily to the development of analytical techniques for studying the chemical composition of the aerosol particles in the Muchachas project.
Thanks to their development of so-called 'soft ionization' techniques and the corresponding mass spectrometers, Hoffmann's work group was able to track the concentration of individual molecule species in the atmospheric simulation chamber and thus observe the chemical aging of the atmospheric aerosols at the molecular level.
It was clearly demonstrated that oxidation occurred in the gaseous phase and not in the particle phase. "Now the goal is to integrate these underlying reactions in models of regional and global atmospheric chemistry and so reduce the discrepancy between the expected and the actually observed concentrations of organic aerosol particles," explains Hoffmann.
Related Links
Johannes Gutenberg-Universitat Mainz
The Air We Breathe at TerraDaily.com
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
The promo video has some scenes which see Peter disappearing, while a man is heard saying, 'He never existed.'
The mystery surrounding Peter's existence still gets the highlight in a new promo for "Fringe" season 4. After questioning "where is Peter Bishop?", the latest teaser hints that the character might not even exist.
Not including any new footage, the video includes old scenes featuring Peter who keeps disappearing in front of Olivia. Meanwhile, a man is heard saying, "He served his purpose. He never existed."
The fourth season of "Fringe" will debut Friday, September 23 at 9/8c on FOX. Teasing whether or not Peter would be seen in the upcoming season, John Noble who plays Walter said earlier this month that he hadn't worked yet with Joshua Jackson (the Peter depicter), but "[Peter's] presence has been felt."
In another news, "NewsRadio" vet Stephen Root and his wife Romy Rosemont have been tapped to play a married couple in the sixth episode of "Fringe" season 4.


text:
12 Unique, Affordable Holiday Gift Ideas From Etsy for 2010
'Tis the Season — 12 Unique Gift Ideas From Etsy
'Tis the Season — 12 Unique Gift Ideas From Etsy
>> 'Tis the season to shop until you drop, but before you hit the streets, how about hitting up Etsy? After scouring through hundreds of pages, we conjured up the crème de la crème — think personalized leather luggage tags, one-of-a-kind baubles, and this gorgeous oversized hand-knit collar scarf — for your perusal. As for who you decide to give them to, that's entirely up to you.
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Customer Service
Kitty Pilarz, Vice President of Product Safety at Fisher-Price, explains the company's approach to product testing and responding to consumer feedback. Watch the video here.
Please select a recall or safety alert from the list below and follow the link to learn about that recall & safety alert. Return to this page if you are interested in learning about additional recalls & safety alerts. This list includes Mattel recalls & safety alerts announced since August 4, 1998. For general recall information on any consumer product, and for earlier Mattel recalls & safety alerts, please visit www.recalls.gov. The links below service recalls & safety alerts for U.S. and Canadian consumers only. For global recall & safety alert information, please click here to look up contact information for your local Mattel office or distributor.


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Holly C. Marmet, 66, of Wooster, passed away Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, at Wooster Community Hospital.
She was born Dec. 14, 1945, in Millersburg, to John and Helen (Brown) Marmet, and was a 1963 graduate of Millersburg High School. She cherished the time she got to spend with her immediate and extended families.
Surviving are children, Henry (Angela) Herritt of Big Prairie and Heather (Carl) Brown of Jacksonville, Fla.; five grandchildren; her father of Millersburg; and brothers, Clark (Sally) Marmet of Millersburg and David (Rea) Marmet of Nashville.
She was preceded in death by her mother.
Services were scheduled for a later date. Schlabach Funeral Home in Shreve, handled arrangements.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, 2525 Back Orrville Road, Wooster 44691.


text: The following discussion is an archived discussion. Please do not modify it. Moved from "Talk:Calvorio" -- Seth Cooper owl post! 17:03, September 15, 2010 (UTC) First apparition? The first apparition maybe in Philosopher's stone : Curses and Counter-Curses, (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more). --{{SUBST:Utilisateur:Famini71/autosig}} 16:28, July 20, 2010 (UTC) User:Famini71 I´d agree.--Rodolphus 16:33, July 20, 2010 (UTC) The above discussion is preserved as an archive. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page, such as the current discussion page. No further edits should be made to this page. Retrieved from "http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Talk:Hair_Loss_Curse?oldid=789777"


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Privacy Commitment
Our job is to help you protect your personal information. In order to do that, we operate our business on the following principles:
•Your information is your information, not our information.
•We never sell your information to anyone, nor do we sell information about you.
•We never share your information with anyone unless you explicitly tell us to.
•We never sift through your information in order to create a profile of you or target advertising.
•You can always get your information back. We have no rights to your information if you leave the service.
At Mozy, we recognize that security requires an appreciation and understanding of how people, process, technology, and organizational design all interact among themselves to create that complex mix of elements and issues that security really is. We protect the interests of our customers and business by creating and operating a holistic program focused on the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of company and customer systems and data.
•Aligned with ISO/IEC 27001: Mozy aligns its security approach with the comprehensive ISO/IEC 27001 security standard.
•Holistic Program: We believe that the security of the whole is equally important to the security of each component.
•Regulatory Compliance: Regulations exist to ensure that the right things are done, and we make every effort to ensure that this is true by integrating compliance with key provisions (e.g. HIPAA, PCI DSS) into our holistic approach.
We use strict security policies, military-grade encryption, and world-class data centers to protect your information, including:
Encryption: Your information is always encrypted before being sent to our data centers and while stored there.
•SSL encryption: The same technology used by banks secures your data during the backup process.
•AES/Blowfish: Choose Mozy's encryption key using 448-bit Blowfish or manage your own key using military-grade 256-bit AES to secure your data during storage.
World-class data centers: All data centers employ state-of-the-art physical and technical security and are SAS70 certified.
Backed by EMC: With over $13 billion of revenue, EMC stores and protects more information for the Fortune 500 than any other company.
For a detailed look at our privacy practices, please review our full Privacy Policy.


text: Hi, I am using Sony Walkman phone, but my headphone's cable is twisted. How it would be to buy XD100 or 200 to use as headset? Will it be too bulky to carry? And secondly its cable is 3.5 Metre long, Can I remove it or make it short or any other alternative?


text:
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/3/2013 (1616 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
WASHINGTON — Last week, the Saudi daily Al-Youm reported that Saudi Arabia is considering transitioning away from the state's institutionalized method of executing convicts: beheading by sword.
Beheading — the approach to carrying out death sentences in the Arabian Peninsula in the seventh century — has long been practised in the kingdom in observance of its strict interpretation of Islamic law, which seeks to mimic practices at the time of Mohammed. But a committee of Saudi government officials recently ruled that execution by firing squad would also be permissible under the national brand of sharia.
"This solution seems practical, especially in light of shortages of official swordsmen," the committee explained in a statement quoted by the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram. The committee also complained that official swordsmen have been known to show up late to executions.
Does this mean those few remaining swordsmen will be out of a job soon?
It turns out the Saudi newspaper Okaz asked one of them: Mecca-based executioner Mohammad Saad al-Biishi. He says he's not concerned, citing the fact he's already received firearms training. In the meantime, he'll keep on with the beheadings.
"I just returned from Ranyah governorate, where one of the judgments was implemented with a blow from a sword," he told the paper.
Even if the transition to firing squad occurs, al-Biishi is optimistic about the future of his profession, and has been apprenticing his son in beheadings. He acknowledges, though, the government's concerns about a shortage of qualified swordsmen are justified. "This profession is not desired by many," he told Okaz, "despite the salary and personal reward we gain from it."
The execution business in Saudi Arabia is booming. Human rights groups estimate approximately 70 people were beheaded in the kingdom last year, and 14 so far this year. The January execution of a Sri Lankan national, who was accused of the murder of a four-year-old in her care as a maid while still a 17-year-old minor, prompted Sri Lanka to recall their ambassador from Riyadh last month.
J. Dana Stuster, a Joseph S. Nye National Security Research Intern at Center for a New American Security, is a writer living in Washington, D.C. Marya Hannun contributed to this post.
— Foreign Policy


text:
by Nicole Petrino-Salter
Notable novelist Bonnie Calhoun recently posted this article on Facebook. Within the article Novel Rocket author Cynthia Ruchti made perhaps the most telling comment here:
Cynthia Ruchti, an award-winning fiction author and American Christian Fiction Writers professional liaison, said fiction readers are real fans, but their interests range beyond just the most popular genres.
"What matters to readers is the story itself," Ruchti said. "That suggests a broader selection of genres help create a destination in the store for fiction readers. It's important to understand the opportunity to present a broader appeal to fiction readers who are often going elsewhere to purchase books."
Cynthia is spot on with her assessment. Publishing often adheres to trends to take advantage of the purchase power of certain niche readers. However, as we've pointed out countless times here, there are multiple readers who are virtually ignored by some publishers which I think is a significant reason for Christian booklovers to seek out more genres in the general market and gravitate away from Christian bookstores and what they offer.
Christian bookstores have taken a hit in recent years. Although many prefer real books to e-readers, the e-readers offer prices anyone can afford and an endless selection of all kinds of genres.
Those of us who've owned, run, or worked for businesses realize the expenses to operate can be daunting. The overhead for buildings, stock, and employees means the profit margin for keeping a store open and above water must be significant. Nevertheless, as prices for books can be noticeably cheaper to purchase online - sometimes even with shipping costs - the convenience factor of running to the store for that novel - if the store has it in stock - is not always considered a favorite choice.
The main factor for many of us pursuing writing and reading Christian fiction sold by CBA stores is the little variety in genres and overpriced books. I think the general concept of Christian bookstores has suffered from keeping so much other "stuff" in the stores besides bibles, books, greeting cards, and a few decorative items reasonably priced. The competitive market demands books be sold at a slimmer profit margin which means budgets must accommodate the market to stay in business. And a business needs all the consumers they can find. By limiting the inventory to bestselling, familiar authors, three or four genres, employees who don't have a working knowledge of fiction in order to recommend authors and genres, all equal a formula for failure.
Times are tough right now for CBA bookstores. Publishers need to rescind their return policy so retailers will only order what they think they can sell. This is one way to determine what's really going on from the buying public. Publishers can then make adjustments to what they need to look for and just maybe more authors can earn out those advances - if there are advances being offered anymore.
Just some same old, same old thoughts on the Christian publishing/selling/buying perspective.
Nicole Petrino-Salter writes love stories with a passion. Most days you can visit her here. Her latest e-book is Destination.
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
What studies don't qualify . . .
by Nicole Petrino-Salter
4 comments:
These are some excellent insights, Nicole.ReplyDelete
Thanks, Ane. Always appreciate you.ReplyDelete
I just finished reading a book called Worth Every Penny. It's a business book geared toward small businesses that provide specialty products. Photographers. Gift stores. Florists.ReplyDelete
The premise of the book is that most small businesses can never hope to compete with big box stores on price. There's no way a small bookstore can compete with B&N or any other national chain if the only thing they have to offer is a lower price.
The strong suite for such businesses is the Wow Factor. Things they provide that national chains don't have the time for, the profit margin for, or the interest in. It all boils down to customer service. Developing relationships with customers, treating them like family, and earning their loyalty.
That seems like something most brick-and-mortar bookstores fall short on. How are they setting themselves apart from the big guys? How do they make their customers feel special? What are they doing to earn customer loyalty? What Wow Factors are they providing?
I've been taking a hard look at the way I run my business (art, writing, teaching) because I've fallen victim to the discount mentality. I can see how I might change my business plans to earn the loyalty of customers who are willing to pay more for my services and products because of all the value they get from me.
It's a difficult paradigm shift to make, but it seems like the same ol' same ol' isn't working, so something new needs to be tried.
In short, the bookstores selling CBA fiction need to find ways to make their books, products, and services worth every penny to their customers.
Carrie, I agree to a point. The way to sell the "same" product is to sell it cheaper with the defining point being that customer attachment you described from good service. I worked for a Christian bookstore (small chain) that provided excellent customer service but their prices were the norm for CBA bookstores: higher. They did run sales, but those sales were mostly for the bestsellers debuting a new release. And in keeping with the CBA, their selections were predictable and not geared to unique genres.ReplyDelete
I do agree people will pay more after establishing a loyalty with a seller, but their faithfulness isn't guaranteed as I'm sure you've discovered. Sometimes it's all about the "next big thing".
In this "new" publishing industry the owners/managers of Christian bookstores need to be hip to Indie authors and give them a place on their shelves. It requires due diligence and lots of reading to discover with whom they want to contract. Indie authors need to hustle those deals to gain exposure however possible - and that's not an easy assignment.
JMO of course.


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Lucia Montavez, 16, of Spain, shares what she loves about the people here and local sports
Lucia Montavez loves her sports and even has an award to show for her contributions last fall on the Bluejacket girls soccer team.Montavez, 16, of Spain, is part of a contingent of exchange students from nations across the globe who are experiencing a slice of American life by attending Cambridge-Isanti High School. Their placement was made possible through the Education First Foundation, which arranges for 2,600 students a year to live with families in the United States.
Coordinating on the local end are longtime Cambridge residents Wayne and Jane Sommars who serve as international exchange coordinators at the high school.
"Mitch (principal Clausen) and the whole staff at CIHS are wonderful," Wayne Sommars said. "I believe that few schools in the nation appreciate the benefits provided by our students as much as CIHS."
The exchange students include Bas Baartmans of the Netherlands; Sofie Jensen, Denmark; Lucia Montavez, Spain; Emilie Paaby, Denmark; Lene Eriksen, Norway; Ronja Aune, Sweden; Silvia Carraro, Italy; Cate Ryeng, Norway; Adrian Geldner, Germany; and Wei Wu of Taiwan.
As many of her fellow exchange peers, Montavez arrived in August and has already experienced a slice of Americana with a Minnesota twist.
"It was scary for the first few weeks," she admitted during a recent interview at the high school.
As students in many other countries, Montavez began to learn English at an early age in her native Picanya, a town near the large city of Valencia, and is quite fluent with the language. She also speaks Valnciano, which is similar yet very different to her native Spanish tongue.
With a younger brother back in Spain, she now considers the daughter of her host family to be her sister. And they are bonding like all siblings do. "She's kind of like a sister; now we fight like sisters," Montavez said with a smile.
She noted how impressed she is with how friendly and sincere folks from the school community have been in terms of communicating and even lending a helping hand. "People want to know who you are; they are kind and always have a smile," she said.
For instance, Montavez said she lost her wallet on the bus and instantly thought it was gone forever. Thanks to a caring staffer at CIHS, however, a call to the bus garage ultimately led to the return of the coveted possession.
She said it would have been a different story back where she lives in Spain, where buses are part of the public tranportation system. In other words, there likely isn't a lost and found or means to find a misplaced belonging.
"Someone was willing to help me here," said Montavez, who chuckled over also losing and then having her camera returned, too. "The people are so nice here."
Enjoying extra-
curricular activities
Several of the foreign exchange students at CIHS are involved in volunteering and extracurricular activities, as well, since activities including sports, band, choir and theater are not always offered at their schools back home.
For Montavez, who plays soccer in a private club setting in Spain, she joined the Bluejacket girls soccer team last fall and enjoyed a productive season. For her efforts, especially on the offensive end of the field, she earned the Attacker Award at the team's season-ending banquet.
"I'm really happy I received the award," she said. "I first played defense, and then I was moved to offense."
Montavez is now playing basketball and falling in love with the school sports scene complete with school spirit. "Sports is one of my favorite things in my free time," she said. "I enjoy the defense in basketball; my coach in Spain is big on defense."
Outside of Cambridge, she and fellow students got to do some shopping at the Mall of America and even cheered for the Lynx in the WNBA Finals.
"I was on the big screen at Target Center, and my mouth was wide open," she recalled. "It wasn't a dream. I spent two days flying around the high school. I love Maya Moore. She was born for that; she has the gift for basketball. When you see someone like that play, they're a good role model for life. Try to be the best."
According to literature provided by the Sommars, student exchanges began more than a half century ago as a way to increase cultural understanding between the United States and countries around the world. Today, worldwide interest in spending a year at an American high school is on the rise, and the U.S. is the leading destination for international students wishing to study abroad.
For more than 30 years, the Education First Foundation for Foreign Study has been committed to promoting global awareness through student exchange. As the leader in the field, it brings more international students to the United States than any other program of its kind. Since 1979, the foundation has matched more than 100,000 students from around the globe with caring host families across America.
The nonprofit organization is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an Exchange Program Sponsor, and it is listed by the exchange industry's accrediting agency — the Council on Standards for International Education Travel. It also is a member of the Alliance for International Education and Foreign Exchange.


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A camel hair broker buys from locals and sells back to merchants. The broker never buys for himself, but upon receiving an order to buy, finds someone who wishes to sell, and charges 2 percent commission to each of them, thereby making 4 per cent on the transaction.
However, by juggling with his old fashioned balance scale that uses weights, he always manages to add to his profit by cheating!
Upon receiving a consignment of camel's hair he placed the same upon the short arm of his scales, so as to make the goods weigh one ounce light to the pound, but when he came to sell it he reversed the scales so as to give one ounce to the pound short, and thus made $25 by cheating.
On one particular occasion, he makes $25 by cheating in the weight, as he buys a bundle of camel hair with a weight 1 ounce too heavy and sells with one 1 ounce too light.
In this case, how much does he pay for the goods?
If you can figure it out, enter your answer into the comments section below. Will reveal submissions in a day or 2. thanks
Since his commission results will still be the same (he makes less on the seller, but more on the buyer), he will only be making his profits on 2 ounces of camel hair (gets a free extra ounce initially, then sells that plus the fake ounce).
If his cheating produced him an extra $25, it means the cost per ounce is $12.50.
Do you mean that he makes $25 including his commission, or excluding it (i.e. he makes $25 solely from cheating with the adjustable scale)?
This puzzle is cool. 575$ is my answer, explanation:
C= total earning= 25$
C1= earning without cheating
C2= earning just by cheating
P= price per ounce
W= weight of Hair
–> if you sum (1) and (2)–> C1+C2= 4%*P*(W+2)–> but for (1)–> 25= 4%*P*(W+2)–>625= P*(W+2); now 625= 25*25
so P has to be 25 and W has to be 23; now how much he pays for the goods I think it is P*W—> 25*23= 575(Answer)
Verification: 575*4%= 23(C1); 50*4%= 2(C2, thats how much
he made by cheating) I think it makes sense but maybe I am wrong.
Ups found an error in my comment, C2 should be 4%*P*1 so P still is 25 but W should be 24; 25X24=600 its the answer so the profit its 625-600=25; wow sorry about that, the rest of the explanation its ok, cool
to clarify- the $25 includes the commision. thanks
I seem to be struggling with…
"he makes $25 by cheating in the weight, as he buys a bundle of camel hair with a weight 1 ounce too heavy and sells with one 1 ounce too light."
Unless the camel hair is a liability product (has a negative monetary value/oz), this means he gains 2 ozs of camel hair, for if the scales read 1 oz heavier buying, and 1 oz lighter selling, he loses money! So it must mean the real weight is 1 oz heavier than the scale reads when buying, and the real weight is 1 oz lighter than the scale reads when selling.
I have looked up camel hair on Wikipedia, and it appears to be a valuable commodity. (not to me, but to some folks I guess)
So I would assume that he gains 2 ozs of camel hair in the exchange.
Now, if you figure that is where the 25$ came from, then the camel hair was $12.50 per oz.
In that case, he pays $12.50 * (ro-1)
where ro is the number of real ounces.
If you figure that the 25$ was including commission, (as pointed out), I would take it as the following.
Profit from scale manipulation is 2* cc ($/oz)
where cc is cost of camel hair per oz.
Profit from commission is 4% * cc * ro.
where ro is the real number of ounces.
From what I see in this case, ro and cc are 2 independent variables whereas…
25 = (ro*4% + 2)*cc
The price he pays for the goods is still…
Probably not what was in mind, but nevertheless what I see.
151.5 dollars/pound
I get that there's a whole range of values it could be depending on how much he buys or the stated cost per ounce. To get $25 profit the true weight he buys has to be (625/cost per ounce) -50. Then the amount he pays out initially is 625x(true weight -1)/(true weight + 50) (or 98% of that once he's taken his commission). Or 625 – (51 x cost per ounce) (x or not 98%)
ok, sorry about this-I didn't word the problem as I should have. Went back and edited the problem.
ok, let me see now: so he buys like there are 15 ounces(1 pound – 1 ounce) FOR EVERY POUND and sell like there are 17 ounces(1 pound + 1 ounce) FOR EVERY POUND, in this case the equations may be:
P= price per ounce; NP= number of pounds; NO= number of ounces; GP= goods price
C1= commision of buy
C2= commision of sell
CE= cheating earning
I am tired now RK but I think with that equations you can get the solution, tomorrow I will finish my comment, cool
Thanks for clarifying the question. In my previous understanding of it, it seemed impossible to solve.
There are 16 ounces in a pound. Initially, he pays 98% of the value for 15/16 of the real weight. He then sells for 102% of the value for 17/16 of the weight. The difference equals $25. Therefore:
(.98)(15/16 pound)($x/pound) + $25 = (1.02)(17/16 pound)($x/pound)
it follows:
$25 = (1.02)(17/16 lb)($x/lb) – (.98)(15/16 lb)($x/lb)
$25 = 1.08375($x) – $.91875($x)
$25 = .165($x)
$x = $25/.165 = $151.52 (or $5000/33)
That number represents the actual value of the goods. He would have purchased them for 15/16 of 98% of that, or $139.21. Accordingly, he would have sold them for 17/16 of 102% of that, or $164.21. The difference between these quantities is $25, that which was to be desired. Q.E.D.
I note that I should have left any reference to weight out of the equation; I say this because I was puzzling over whether the phrasing of my equation assumed that there is one pound of camel hair present. This leaves both the cost per pound and the number of pounds unknown, which is fine.
Let's see if I can make my explanation not too confusing:
W= weight in ounces (real)
P= price per ounce (real)
B= profit
0.98P= P/1.02= buying price per ounce (2% commission incl)
1.02P= selling price per ounce (2% commission incl)
buys: (W-1)* 0.98P
owns real: W * P
sells: (W+1) * 1.02P
Profit= B= sells – buys
Profit without cheating: B= W*1.02P – W*0.98P
Profit by cheating: B+25= (W+1)*1.02P – (W-1)*0.98P
From these two equations we get:
P= $12.5 per ounce
B= 0.04*W*P= 0.5*W (profit function)
In order to make a profit of B= $25–> W=50 ounces
buys: 49*0.98*12.5 = $600.25
owns real: 50*12.5 = $625
sells: 51*1.02*12.5 = $650.25
profit: 650.25 – 600.25 = $50
profit without cheating (W=50): B= 0.04*50*12.5= $25
Thus by cheating he makes an extra $25
forget equation 7 is unneccesary,
put everything in function of GP;
P*NP=P*NO/16–>GP/16 so substitute in equation (4)putting there the values form (1), (2), (3)—–>
2 ounces he gains per pound! That's different. Now we have 2 dependent variables.
In a 1 pound exchange (16 ounces), I calculate the price per oz to be ~ $9.47. More exactly $9 + 31/66 per oz.
He buys for $142.05 and he sells for $160.98, thereby making $18.94 by the fudge factor.
His commission would be $6.06 for the buying and selling.
In a 2 pound exchange (32 ounces), the $/oz would be (9 + 31/66)/2. In a 3 pound exchange, ( 9 + 31/66)/3 and so forth.
He still buys for $142.05 which I believe is the question.
For those that got 151.52 as the answer, did you remember to subtract the price of 1 ounce from the cost?
hello Michaelc, thats a good reasoning, I see your point, you bought 1 ounces less for each pound you purchased, however I think that if the good price is in function of the commission you are already substracting that value in order to get the initial amount, so no need of substracting that again, however I am not so sure now, you make me doubt jajaja cool, need more time to be completely sure.
And more on, because you sell 1 ounce more for every pound so your camel hair weight for the sell is 1 ounce per pound more than the real weight, so your profit also is 1 ounce per pound * price of the ounce more michaelc, but again as you put everything in function of the commission all that I mention is already considered 98,98….% sure jajajajaja cool, thats is included in the my equation for cheating earning, now 100% sure, hope I help, but now I am 99.99999% sure that the answer is 151.5151515151515151.. to infinite, $ is the unit, however falwan did not understand why your units are $/ounce, for me the units are ($) because its the price for the whole goods(hair) not the unitary price, cool
Maybe this will help?
ro = real ozs
cc = cost camel hair per oz
bo = buying ozs = ro*(15/16)
so = selling ozs = ro*(17/16)
Tch = total profit from cheating
Tcom = total profit from commmission
25 = Tch + Tcom
Tcom = bo*cc*2%+so*cc*2%
Tcom = (15/16)*ro*cc*2% + (17/16)*ro*cc*2%
Tcom = 4%*ro*cc
Tch = so*cc – bo*cc
Tch = (1/8)*ro*cc
25= (1/8)*ro*cc +4%*ro*cc
ro*cc = 151.52 or 151 + 17/33
That's what the cost of the goods should have been, but he cheated!
bo = (15/16)*ro
bo*(16/15)*cc =151.52
bo*cc = 151.52*(15/16)
Same as daniel.leonard except taking the commission out.
Now I see my mistake, thanks, the answer is as daniel.leonard and michaelc point out, I thought that the difference in the values (commision of sell, commision of buy) regulate the value, the truth that the equation (5) and (6) of my explanation should have give me that hint, thank michaelc your last explanation clarify that point, cool
{oops: I accidentally deleted my introduction}
As I read the problem, the $25 that the cheater made should be equal to profit he actually made minus the profit he would have made without cheating. [Let C = $25 cheating premium; N = net; P = amount cheater paid; G = amount cheater gets; f = fair; a = actual]
C = Na – Nf
Na = Ga – Pa
Nf = Gf – Pf
[Let x = the fair price of the goods without commission]
Pf = 0.98x
Gf = 1.02x
Nf = 1.02x – 0.98x = 0.04x
We also know that for every pound (16 oz) brought in, he only pays for 15oz, so the cheater pretends (15/16)x is the fair price without commission. Also when he sells the goods, he charges a full pound price for every 15 oz he gives, so when selling he pretends that (16/15)x is the fair price.
Pa = 0.98(15/16)x
Ga = 1.02(16/15)x
Na = 1.02(16/15)x – 0.98(15/16)x
Remember that C = $25, so…
$25 = [1.02(16/15) – 0.98(15/16) – 0.04]x
Divide by the mess on the right and plug into a calculator to get the fair price
x = 193.4236
But the question asked what he actually paid, so plug into the formula for Pa
Pa = 0.98(15/16)x = 135.709, call it $135.71, though this guy he probably rounded down and paid even less. What a cheater.
Does that mean you don't have the right answer as yet?!
Reading over the other comments, I see two common points of confusion. The first is whether the cheating rate on the sale is 17/16 or 16/15. The text of the problem reads "One ounce short per pound" which implies we should be using the number 15 (one ounce short of a pound). Also, it is stated that this is done by reversing the scale, so the rate should be the reciprocal of the selling cheat-rate, which everyone agrees is 15/16.
The next point of confusion is whether $25 represents the total net of the cheater or the extra amount the cheater gets by cheating. The question seems to be truly ambiguous on this point, so in my notation above, that means either
C = Na ==> x = 147.7105
C = Na – Nf ==> x = 193.4236
Which result in final answers of either
Pa = $135.71 (assuming $25 is the total earning)
Pa = $170.71 (assuming $25 is the extra earning)
Ooops. I mixed the two in my original post, having calculated it both ways. I showed the math for one and the answer for the other. My Bad.
I'll put up the answer I have shortly….
ok, here's the official answer given to this very old puzzle. I believe a mistake was made when I said the $25 includes the commission….)
"In the 1st place, if the broker weighed the goods with a pound weight one ounce too heavy, he got 17 ounces for a pound. When he sold them by a weight one ounce light he gave 15 ounces for a pound, and had 2 ounces over. If these 2 ounces were sold at the same price, so as to make $25 by cheating, it is plain that the 2 ounces represent 2/15ths of what he paid for the whole and charged for the 15 ounces. One-fifteenth (1/15) being worth $12.50, fifteen-fifteenths(15/15), or the whole, would be $187.50, which, if there was no question of commission, would be what he paid for the goods.
We find, however, that he received 2 per cent from the seller, $3.75, and $4.25 from the purchaser, making $8 brokerage in addition to $25, by cheating. Now, if he had dealt honestly, he would have paid for 17 ounces, which, to be exact, would have been $199.21875. His brokerage for buying and selling would therefore only be $7.96875, so he has made an additional 3 1/8 cents by cheating. As the puzzle said he made $25 by cheating, we must reduce the $187.50 price so that his two cheatings will amount to just $25.
Now, as 3 1/8 cents is the 001th part of $25.03125, we must reduce $187.50 by its 801th part, which will bring it down to $187.27, so that he will make just $25 and the .0006 of a cent by cheating. To such as wish to be very exact and honest, I would suggest that the seller be paid $187.2659176029973125 less the 2 per cent brokerage of $3.745 plus"
ughh-my head is starting to hurt :cry:
This answer is wrong. It ignores the fact that the price per ounce given to the seller and received from the buyer differ because of the unfair scale, so material from the two sources cannot be assumed to have a consistent price per weight.
I would agree with Mel in that the commison has to be taken in different scales, one for the seller and one for the buyer, and I think you have to substract the commision in order to get the original payment RK, my answer would be close to the daniel.leonard answer, so when you put 1/15= 12,50$ you are not considering commisions, when you substract both commisions, the value has to be smaller, however dont know seeing from your expalnation why the equations give a value close to 142$
This is actually pretty interesting. It's always interesting when different folks interpret things differently.
I'm trying to understand the question from RK's answer. The way I see it, if you figure the 25$ comes completely from cheating, I think the commision falls out of the equations. Here goes the explanation with my old equations above.
ro = real ozs
cc = cost camel hair per oz
bo = buying ozs = ro*(15/16)
so = selling ozs = ro*(17/16)
Tch = total profit from cheating
Tcom = total profit from commmission
Tp = profit he should have made without cheating
25 = Tch + Tcom – Tp
Tp = ro*cc*2% + ro*cc*2% = 4%*ro*cc
Tch = so*cc – bo*cc
Tch = (1/8)*ro*cc
25= (1/8)*ro*cc +4%*ro*cc – 4%*ro*cc
ro*cc = 25*8
ro = bo*(16/15)
bo*(16/15) *cc = 200
bo*cc = $187.50
commission …
bo*cc*2% = $187.50*2% =$3.75
Take it out or leave it. Depending on how you look at it (he pays for the goods then the seller gives him his commision (187.5), or he pays for the goods and takes his commission out at the same time 183.75).
From the looks of this puzzle, there are several other ways to look at it…
One thing I have a hard time following from RK's answer…
"Now, if he had dealt honestly, he would have paid for 17 ounces, which, to be exact, would have been $199.21875."3
Can anyone out there explain this to me? Seems to me if he would have dealt honestly, he would have paid for 16 ounces, and sold for 16 ounces, but actually he paid for 15 and sold for 17.
Or if 17 ounces were the actual real number of ounces, then by cheating, he would be paying (15/16)*17 ounces or 15.9375 ounces.
Hi RK, I think I see two errors in the official answer:
1)The commisions have to be calculated by different scales, because they are proportional to the ratio (15/16;17/16) respectively.
2)This is the more important error, suppose that there are no commisions involved, you say for every 2 ounces in a cheat pound you make 25$—> 2/15 = 25$ -> 1/15= 12.5
so you say 15/15= 187.5$–> price if there were no commision, but that is assuming the number of pound weighted is 1; the equation if there were no commision should be: NP*2/15 = 25$, so needing more equations to solve, because thay value can have a extreme range and has to be narrowed by more equations to determine the number of pounds weighted, the less the number of pounds the greater the value paid for the goods, the commisions conditions regulate the number of pounds, cool.
RK, to clarify my last comment go to comment #10; equations 3 & 4; no commisions so C1 & C2 are 0; you get:
CE= 2*P*NP; 25= 0 + 0 + CE; if NP=1; CE=25; 25=2P->P=12.5$, that would be the price per ounce with no commisions and only 1 pound of hair weighted; but he cheated so he pays for 15 ounces only –> 15*12.5= 187.5$, but that is if your hair only weights 1 pound.
Ah, I'm looking at the crossed-out text, and I see where everyone is getting the 17/16 number, because it used to read "using a weight once too heavy" (which means 17/16) instead "giving an ouch short per pound" (16/15).
maybe I am wrong, but why the equations did get that answer, dont know yet, cause the official answer is great too, no answer to that but cool.
Ah! Mel Now I see the error of my ways.
I guess I didn't re-read the new post carefully enough. Live and learn so they say.
Let's start over.
ro = real ozs
bo = buying ozs = (15/16)ro
so = selling ozs = (16/15)ro
cc = cost of camel hair per oz
Thp = total profit if it had been honest
Thp = 2%rocc + 2%rocc = 4%rocc
Tch = profit by scale cheating alone
Tch = socc – bocc = (31/240)*rocc
Tcom = cheating commission profit
Tcom = socc2% + bocc2%
Tcom = (962/24,000)rocc
Now if 25$ is solely from cheating…
25 = Tch + Tcom – Thp
rocc = $193.42
bocc = $181.33
or 177.70 minus commission
If 25$ includes commission…
25 = Tch + Tcom
25 = (3100/24000)rocc+(962/24000)rocc
rocc = $147.71
bocc = $138.48
or $135.71 minus commission.
Mel, I think I concur with your answer.
Hi Michael. I just looked over your equations and they seem topologically equivalent to mine. The only difference we had we the 16/15 versus 17/16 constant and the total earning versus extra-by-cheating ambiguity.
I think we nailed this one.
now I think I found an explanation RK, I repeated "THINK" JAJAJA I am not sure yet:
if 2/15=25; 15/15= 187.5 but that is the money you make by selling the whole goods, because it includes the profit, so you have to substract the 25$ in order to get how much did you pay for the goods if there were no commision; 187.5-25=162.5$ but if there were commsions involve this price would be lower, lets suppose that the 4% is charged only in the buy process for simplicity: 162.5 – 162.5*0.04= 156$ but you now that a 2% of that 4% is over a bigger amount so the original payment is even lower, because the number of ounces sold are more than the ounces bought; teh amount get in 140$ range, what do you or anybody think about it ?, is my reasoning is wrong???
I finally understand where the "official" answer came from!
It's all in how you define the buying ozs and the selling ozs.
The official answer defines bo (buying ozs) and so (selling ozs) as follows…
ro = real ozs
bo = (16/17)ro
so = (16/15)ro
cc =cost camel hair per oz
Tch = profit by cheating on scales
Tcom = profit by cheating on commision
Thp = honest profit
Tch = (32/255)rocc
Tcom = (256/6375) rocc
Thp = 4%rocc
25= Tch + Tcom – Thp
so solving you get..
rocc = 198.97$
so bocc = 187.26$
Then you take out the commision out of that which is $3.745.
How in the heck they calculate that from the explanation is beyond my grasp!
So what this is saying is when there is 17 ozs on the scale, the scale reads 16 ozs during purchasing from the seller by the broker.
It also says that when the broker is selling the goods to the buyer and there is 15 ozs on the scale, the scale actually reads 16 ozs.
We are given…
"Upon receiving a consignment of camel's hair he placed the same upon the short arm of his scales, so as to make the goods weigh one ounce light to the pound, but when he came to sell it he reversed the scales so as to give one ounce to the pound short, and thus made $25 by cheating."
I interpret "One ounce to the pound light" as the scales reading 15 ounces when there is actually 16 ounces on the scales. So there is the difference in the answers.
Noble efforts, gentlemen
However, personally this is one problem where I've had to throw in the white towel….
bilbao has just brought to my attention to this old puzzle.
The wording of the puzzle is very inaccurate and misleading.
To start with, the balance is an "old fashioned balance scale that uses weights", so the balance ratio k is fixed either to 15:16 or 16:17 (one of these is to be used both for buying and selling). Since we are talking "one ounce light" and "one ounce short", then i chose k=15/16.
@RK, the man cannot "get 17 ounces for a pound" and "gave 15 ounces for a pound" using this scale.
He can get 17 ounces for a pound and earn 17 ounces for a pound, or pay 15 ounces for a pound and give 15 ounces for a pound.
Now the deal starts as a buyer approaches the man and asks for a certain weight of camel hair (W pounds), so W is the weight that the buyer believes he is buying.
P = price of camel hair per pound
If the dealer does not cheat, he will actually buy W pounds of camel hair:
buy for 0.98 x W x p
sell for 1.02 x W x p
profit = 0.04 x W x p
Since the dealer cheats twice, he will pay the seller for (15/16)^2 x W pounds of camel hair:
buy for 0.98 x (15/16)^2 x W x p
sell for 1.02 x W x p
profit = 1.02 x W x p – 0.98 x (15/16)^2 x W x p
=~ 0.1587 x W x p
The difference in profit between cheating and being honest would be:
0.1587 x W x p – 0.04 x W x p
= 0.1187 x W x p
This is equal to 25, so W x p = 210.6649
And he buys at 0.98 x (15/16)^2 x W x p
= 0.98 x (15/16)^2 x 210.6649
= 181.45 net
I hope i did not create a mess 8-)
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Managerial Strategies Concerning The Wage Politics In The Medical-Sanitary Institutions
It is well known that nowadays the evolution of the payroll in the sanitary organisms is in opposition with the insufficiency of the resources of these institutions. As a result, the prevision of the payroll due to a year in report with another one, must be made depending on a complex analysis, based both on the situation of the environment and on the objectives established in dependence with the existent constraints and on the anticipated results which, measuring the degree of realization of the different decisions, will allow the alternative comparisons and the selection of the most satisfying. The paper analyzes the evolution of this payroll taking into account the increase of the general wages which apply to all employees; the increases of the individual wages (merits or promotions) and the stuff movement materialized in stuff inputs (employments) and stuff outputs (departures, resignations, etc.)
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Volume (Year): 6 (2011)
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Key Words: Test Engineer, System Test Engineer, RF, IP Networking, Linux, Python.
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Home > Specials > Global Terrorism > Article
Two bombs exploded in Muslim-majority southern Thailand hours after Australia, the US and Britain issued warnings of possible terrorist attacks in the troubled region.
No one was killed or hurt.
The first bomb was planted in a garbage bin opposite a police station in Narathiwat province's Waeng district and exploded at 6.45pm on Friday, damaging a nearby restaurant.
"It's lucky that nobody was around. We still do not know what type of bomb this was and it is under investigation," police Sub-Lieutenant Marut Wongplu said.
The second blast occurred nearly an hour later in Tak Bai region, near the Malaysian border, at the gate of an apartment complex housing police and customs officials.
The explosions were the latest attacks to rock Thailand's deep south since January. So far, 60 people, mainly security personnel and government officials, have been killed in the attacks.
Thailand has put itself on high alert ahead of its traditional new year holiday, Songkran, and the volatile situation has prompted travel warnings by Australia, the US and Britain.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) posted the travel advice on its website at 5.48pm on Friday.
DFAT warned Australian citizens to "exercise extreme caution" in Thai tourist areas and resorts.
"We continue to receive reports that terrorist elements in the region are planning attacks," the department said.
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Gangland: This site was created by Jerry Capeci, a reporter for the New York Daily News. Capeci has been covering organized crime and labor racketeering for years, and has written several books about organized crime in New York. This is a comprehensive site with an archive of Capeci's columns, sound clips of John Gotti recorded by police bugs (he refers to Cutler on one), and profiles of many of Gotti's cronies. This is a fabulous site.
AmericanMafia.com: This site, created by a man whose grandfather was in the Cleveland mob, has information about organized crime all over the United States. You'll find information about mob families in 26 cities. There are also excerpts from a handwritten letter that John Gotti wrote to a New York Post reporter.
Nathanson Centre For The Study Of Organized Crime and Corruption: This Canadian research organization, which is part of York University in Toronto, studies all sorts of organized crime. Here you'll find a voluminous bibliography on the subject.
Mario's Mafia Page: This page has information about Mafia operations in cities across the U.S. Mario has also created a list of the top 50 mobsters (John Gotti is number 15 on his list).
FBI Homepage: Here you'll find a list of the most wanted criminals in the country, a history of the FBI (there's no mention of agents spying on Martin Luther King, Jr.), information about touring the FBI building in Washington, and reams of crime statistics.
The Godfather Trilogy: This site is devoted to the films that did a great deal to mythologize the Mob. You'll find trivia, quotes, sound clips, and an audio interview with writer Mario Puzo.
John Gotti Tribute Page: Created by a devoted fan who has a big ax to grind with the RICO statute, this site has biographical information about Gotti, information about his son, and video clips of the Dapper Don in the court room. Check out the page devoted to Cutler.
Written by David Kohn


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WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. announces that Caremark Rx, Inc., formerly known as AdvancePCS, Inc., has agreed to pay $137.5 million to settle landmark litigation brought against the pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) by three whistleblowers.
The settlement, the first of its kind involving a federal False Claims Act suit against a PBM, was unsealed Sept. 8, by the Honorable Norma L. Shapiro, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. represented two former executives of AdvancePCS, Inc. and one former executive of Advance Paradigm. The firm filed a suit against AdvancePCS and a suit against Advance Paradigm under the federal False Claims Act on behalf of the United States. The False Claims Act allows private citizens to sue individuals and companies they believe have defrauded the government.
The complaints, the first of which was filed in 2002, allege the PBMs knowingly solicited and received kickbacks from pharmaceutical manufacturers. These kickbacks were allegedly paid in exchange for favorable treatment of the manufacturers' products under contracts with government programs, including the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program, the Mailhandlers Health Benefit Program and Medicare+Choice programs. The lawsuits also allege that improper kickbacks were paid by AdvancePCS and Advance Paradigm to existing and potential customers as an inducement to their signing contracts with the PBMs. The government also incorporated in the Settlement Agreement allegations involving flat fee rebates which were allegedly received for inclusion of certain heavily utilized drugs.
As part of its purchase of AdvancePCS, Inc. in 2004, Caremark Rx, Inc. assumed responsibility for defending these cases but specifically denies any liability or wrongdoing.
"This settlement lets the PBM industry know that if they engage in fraudulent conduct, they will be found out, and there will be significant consequences," said W. Scott Simmer, a partner with Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. and lead counsel to the three plaintiffs. "Each of our clients came forward because they thought it was the right thing to do to improve the PBM industry. They put their careers and their families on the line and are delighted with the result in this case."
Not dismissed in the settlement are whistleblower claims on behalf of 10 states.
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. (http://www.rkmc.com) is a national law firm with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Naples (FL), and Washington, D.C.
CONTACT: Kevin Aschenbrenner, 604-689-1159, email@example.com, forRobins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P.
Web site: http://www.rkmc.com/


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Stay out of politics, billionaire Zong Qinghou warns Chinese entrepreneurs
Related topics
A successful Chinese entrepreneur should understand but not participate in politics, said beverage tycoon Zong Qinghou, billed as China's richest man.
"Understanding politics gives you hints about where society is heading", Zong advised fellow businessmen in an interview with China's Sina News, "and it will save you from making mistakes when investing or running a business."
Yet Zong warned that it's impossible for one to juggle business and politics, and succeed in both.
"You can't have your cake and eat it too," he said. "The mission is bound to fail."
Zong said he has managed to maintain a satisfactory relationship with the Chinese government, without ever bribing any officials.But he said he had intentionally kept a distance.
"I have fulfilled our social obligations by running a successful business," he said, "and the government is happy about it."
Zong then commented on the seething undercurrent of the "anti-rich" sentiment in China, as many believe the gap between the rich and the poor is growing wider.
Only a "minority" of China's rich people amassed their wealth by bribing officials, and the rest worked diligently and their wealth was legitimate, said Zong.
"The rich should keep investing and creating opportunities to help other people get rich," Zong said.
Zong's daughter and only child, Zong Fuli, had made headlines in January after confessing her frustrations in finding love, despite her family wealth.
Zong is not the first high-profile businessman in China to share insight on the tensions between the private sector and one owned and protected by the state.
Feng Lun, chairman of China's Vantone Holdings, said this year that private businesses in China enjoy none of the privileges of state-owned enterprises.
Feng then famously compared a private business to a "prostitute" by saying "when a private business sues a state enterprise, it's like when a prostitute sues a government official - we know the prostitute will lose the case even with our eyes closed".
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This is so fucking sexy
omg i"m all getting wet here.
These two are very hot looking, They both tore up each others pussies when they were going at it. I liked the red head the best of all. An it looks like these two have had allot of practice eat out a pussy. I would love just to be sitting in the room in the corner watching these two go at it.
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text: "Green lentils" could be referring to either: brown lentils French green lentils Retrieved from "http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Green_lentils?oldid=629679" Ad blocker interference detected! Wikia is a free-to-use site that makes money from advertising. We have a modified experience for viewers using ad blockers Wikia is not accessible if you've made further modifications. Remove the custom ad blocker rule(s) and the page will load as expected. Categories: Disambiguation Add category Cancel Save


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ACCRINGTON'S best took on the rest in a spectacular kick boxing event organised by Martial Arts For All.
The event attracted more than 400 spectators with gyms from across the country taking part.
The junior title winners were Chris Garratey from Ramseys of Blackburn in a well matched and hard battle against Danny Parker for the area championship.
Raheem Raegzab of Ali MMA produced a wonderful performance to win the Interclub full contact title against Brandon Law from Blackpool – his first ever title.
The junior U18s fight of the night was Zach Livsey against Saquib Baige which was a three round war.
The -70k English title went to Bobby Brown of FitTo Fight who scored a third round stoppage over Adam Butler.
In the seniors, Daniel Clarkson of FitToFight and Nik Foster Ramseys Blackburn were the fight of the night with Clarkson getting the nod from all three judges.
FitToFight's Calvin Pattison was up against Owen McGill of Blackburn KB for the area title with Pattinon winning the points decision.
The main bout was for the British title Mike Barker from Rotheram against three-times English champion Luke Donnolly of FitToFight.
Donnolly came out all guns blazing and Barker didn't stand a chance.
The Accrington man hurt him early on then forcing a second stoppage to become the WKA British champion.


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Caelen McCabe's young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother's jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.
As the sacrificial lamb in her father's power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation. Despite everything, though, the heat in Caelen's touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna's true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife's love is too precious to lose.
©2011 Maya Banks (P)2012 Tantor
"Banks nicely balances bedroom and battlefield action as Rionnas tough swordsmanship and Caelens tender lust propel the couple and the clans toward harmony." (Publishers Weekly)
Audiobooks have changed how I drive! I look forward to driving for work when I have a good book on deck.
"Couldn't Even Finish"
This is my 3rd and LAST Maya Banks book…the 2nd one I bought was also lacking (In Bed with a Highlander), but I hoped the "McCabe" series would improve because the 1st MB book I listened to (Never Seduce a Scot) was great. I guess this author must have improved with time as "Never Seduce a Scot" is from a later series, but I won't be risking any more of my precious credits to find out.
The narrator was good…her talent was the only reason I got as far as I did with this book.
This book was bad....the plot was weak; marry the jilted bride seemed like it had some potential, but it never panned out in the parts of the book I listened to because admittedly I only got about half way through. Every time I went to listen to it I cringed…the "hero" (note the quotation marks) was simply rude and unyielding for no reason. At one point the heroine was attacked by an enemy clan and brutally assaulted while HE was away. After she was healed, he decided to chastise HER for not being more careful; when she became rightfully upset ALL he could think about was how he wanted to bed her because she was so lovely in her upset…this character sucked! The heroine was fairly a good character…she at least had some dimensions beyond just her beauty.
Say something about yourself!
"Wonderful series, well worth it!"
I'm always worried about historical novels…will they get the language right, will they hold true to the themes of the period….but since it was Maya Banks I had to take a shot, and was NOT disappointed! Wonderful story, and series, that made me laugh and made me cry. Couldn't have asked for more!
Tell us about yourself!
"Love this series"
I have never read this in print but I thought the audio version was excellent.
I've listened to this whole series narrated by her and I think she does a great job. Her accents are very well done.
This was not my favorite book in the series but I enjoyed very much anyway. Caelen was frustrating at first and I thought he was going to be a hopeless hero but managed to redeem himself in the end. Rionna was great but I got upset when Caelen was initially trying to change and control her thankfully she didn't listen to him :)
Love to read!
"Had its moments."
This book started off well. There was real potential in the characters and the possibility of a good story - a forced marriage, a tom boy female, and a betrayed warrior.
By the middle of the book, it was pretty boring and lost any real story line. I found myself not wanting to finish it, but kept going back hoping it would get better. Unfortunately, that was a mistake. The ending was so cheesy and stupid!!! YUCK!!!!
The performance was really good and is probably the only thing that made the book tolerable.
Didn't read the print version. However, I get drawn into the story much more and it is more real to me when I listen rather than read (as long as the narrator is good). This narrator was very good, both male and female voices.
I love this series. I never thought I would enjoy the "ancient" setting but it really works and seems like Maya Banks has done her research.
Ms. Banks always seems to get the "facts" straight; she seems to do a lot of research about times, places, historical events, etc. and I admire her for that.
Nothing. I usually prefer good male narrators, however, Kirsten Potter does a good job.
Want more Maya Banks, having a hard time waiting for more books to come out. Please, Ms. Banks, continue to get excellent narrators; as you know a bad narrator can ruin a story.
Live, love, laugh...
"And they lived happily ever after..."
All good things must end unfortunately... I finally finished this series and I loved it so
Much! The combination of a Maya Banks story and a narration by Kirsten Potter is a must listen experience. Riona's story was amazing. She turned out to be a warrior princess that bravely battled her dad and Cameron Duncan to save her husband and her clan. This ending was powerful, with teary eyes emotional moments and the sizzling hot loving scenes that Ms Banks is known for. Four stars historical romance.
"Forever love a Highlander"
Wow, what a good way to end the trilogy. The baddest of the brothers McCade and finally a tough female who comes through just as strong but can still have the feminine softness when needed. All I can say is you go girl!!! Talk about protecting her man. I enjoyed this who series from the first book to this last one.
Stephanie Berget
"Love a Highlander!!!"
Never Love a Highlander ranks near the top, and I listen to audio books every day. The reader catches the accents and moods of the characters. It was a pleasure to listen to.
Caelen and Rionna are two headstrong characters set in a wonderful love story.
This is the first Maya Banks books I've had the pleasure of listening to or reading. I've already ordered more.
Audible OBSESSED!
"Absolutely loved this one!"
What a great conclusion to this Highlander series. Maya Banks does it again! Admittedly I was doubtful with book 1, but books 2 & 3 definitely pulled through as winners. I so enjoyed Caelon and Rionna's story; Rionna was a fabulous heroine and I loved the relationship between she and Caelon and how it develops. This is a shorter story than the others but it packs a punch throughout, giving you romance,action and humor. If you're looking for a sweet historical romance, this is a good series to purchase.. Loved it...highly recommended.
I've always been a avid reader so now I'm a avid listener. I prefer the paranormal genre but I do like to switch things up. It's boring if you don't have variety. Of course I do love the romance and the hotter the better. Also, you can't beat a good thriller filled with suspense and a ending you can't even guess at until the very end.
"End to good series."
This is a good listen, especially if you like this genre. I would rather get this on sale rather than using my credit. I do enjoy this genre of book at times, but I prefer other types of books better.
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If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


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Raghava Lawrence yesterday announced that his Muni sequel will feature tempting beauty Tapsee opposite him. Tapsee may be over the moon with the turn of evens as his earlier films turned out to be a hit but many wonder whether she can bear Lawrence's torture in the sets.
Lawrence first decided to cast Anushka in Muni-2 which was released as Kanchana in telugu. He asked her thinking that she won't refuse him as she earlier starred in Don along with Nagarjuna in his direction. However when she refused he cast Lakshmi Rai and scored a hit.
Later when he happened to direct her in Prabhas starrer Rebel, he tortured her to the core and made her leave the film. The film was completed with Tamanna in lead. Now one wonder whether Tapsee can withstand and tolerate Lawrence tantrums and troubles. If she can't then when he gets chance, Lawrence will torture her squeezing her to the core. It has to be seen how Tapsee will deal with egoistic and egocentric lawrence.


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Residents who park on grass verges in Ilkley are not helping the appearance of the area, says a ward councillor.
Bradford District councillor Anne Hawkesworth (Ind, Ilkley) says keeping Ilkley special is becoming increasingly difficult because of limited funding.
But she says residents themselves are not helping, particularly with careless parking around primary schools. She made a plea for drivers to have some regard to where they park when on the school run.
"Ilkley is a wonderful green space, "leafy" is one description," said Coun Hawkesworth. However, I am more conscious of the damage being done by motorists with careless parking on grass verges.
"Great huge muddy gouged-out areas are being produced near to the homes of residents who have up to now taken care of and even personally mowed."


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Pretty piping
Adding piping is a great way to accent the lines of a garment, but it can have extra visual punch if you apply a decorative stitch to the bias fabric before insertion.
Once I've selected a stitch and thread combination, I stitch it down the center of the piping fabric and then insert the piping as I typically would. The stitch pattern becomes a decorative touch along the edge of the piping. Sew it down the middle—or slightly to one side for a totally different look.
I recommend creating or purchasing extra piping for experimentation. There are so many decorative stitches on my machine and so many colorful, decorative threads available that it's fun to play with them to find the right stitch and thread combination.
— Beth Wehrman, Maxwell, Iowa
Do you have a good sewing tip? Send it in, and we'll pay you if we publish it in Threads magazine. We'll also select the cleverest tip in each issue, and the winner will receive a gift package from Taunton Press including Threads DVDs and other instrucional sewing books.
Send tips to:
Threads Tips
POBox 5506
Newtown, CT 06470
or by email at:
Posted on in sewing, fashion
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- By Twin Cities Public Television Twin Cities Public Television May 11, 2012
- By Twin Cities Public Television
This recipe is a selection from TPT Cooks: Hotdishes & Casseroles, the companion cookbook to the program TPT Cooks: Hotdish!, which aired on Twin Cities Public Television.
TPT held an open call for recipes for its first cookbook, spotlighting home cooking, specifically hot dishes and casseroles. The response was terrific, and TPT collected dozens of recipes from viewers for the cookbook celebrating every Minnesotan's traditional meal, the hot dish.
Twilight Tuna Casserole
Serves 6-8
Submitted by Diane Sillerud
1 (1 pound) package uncooked ziti
1 1/2 cups cooked deveined shrimp
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fennel seed
ground black pepper to taste
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans condensed low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can half-and-half
1 cup frozen peas
1 (5- to 6-ounce) can tuna, drained
1 cup cubed Monterey Jack, Cheddar or Asiago cheese
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Cook ziti in boiling water for 5 minutes (ziti should still be very firm). Drain.
- Cut shrimp in half. In large pan, cook onion in olive oil until translucent; add mushrooms and jalapeño pepper. Cook until mushrooms are slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add fennel seed and pepper.
- Stir in soup. Fill one of the soup cans with half and half; add to pan. Stir in cooked ziti, peas, tuna and shrimp. Cook and stir until hot. Turn off heat and stir in cheese.
- Pour into large casserole dish. Cover and bake about 45 minutes. Cool, but serve warm.
Next Avenue Editors Also Recommend:
© Twin Cities Public Television - 2017. All rights reserved.
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Peckforton Castle
- Free English breakfast and free WiFi
Main amenities
- 48 guestrooms
- Restaurant
- Valet parking
- Spa services
- Business centre
- Wedding services
- Free English breakfast and free WiFi
What's around
- Beeston Castle (0.9 mi / 1.5 km)
- Cheshire Workshops (1.3 mi / 2.1 km)
- The Ice Cream Farm (4.1 mi / 6.6 km)
- Oulton Park Circuit (6.6 mi / 10.6 km)
- Chester Zoo (15.3 mi / 24.6 km)
More great choices
At a glance
Key facts
Hotel size
- This hotel has 48 rooms
- This hotel is arranged over 6 floors
- Check-in time starts at 3 PM
- Check-out time is 10:30 AM
Required at check in
- Credit card or cash deposit required
- Government-issued photo ID required
Travelling with others
- Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)
- Free WiFi in public areas
- Free WiFi in rooms
- Valet parking *
In the hotel
- Free English breakfast daily
- Restaurant
- 24-hour room service
- Spa services on site
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Business center
- Number of meeting rooms - 6
- Wedding services
In the room
- Coffee/tea maker
- Iron/ironing board
- Fireplace
- Hair dryer
- Premium TV channels
- Free WiFi
- Phone
Also popular with travellers from the UK
Special features
Dining1851 RESTAURANT – This restaurant serves lunch and dinner.
Peckforton Castle's small print
Also known as
- Peckforton Castle Hotel Tarporley
- Peckforton Castle Hotel
- Peckforton Castle Tarporley
- Peckforton Castle
- Peckforton Castle Tarporley, Cheshire, UK
- Peckforton Castle Tarporley, Cheshire, UK
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments, and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation.
Optional extras
Self parking is available for an extra charge
Valet parking is available for an extra charge
Rollaway beds are available for an extra charge
We have included all charges provided to us by this hotel. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.
Is the description of this hotel not correct? Tell us


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32 photos
$1,140,000 196 acres 196 AC FM 1561, San Benito, TX 78583 - Cameron County
196 AC of game fenced brush with cross fenced pastures for livestock grazing. 1 mile off the main road with recorded access. Whitetail, some exotic wildlife. Exterior and Lot Features Acreage: 196 Lot Dimensions: Irregular Street: Caliche Access: County Road Fence Type: Other Fence Type Utilities Water/Sewer: Public Water Water/Sewer: Septic Electricity Public Water Water Supplier: East Rio Hondo WSC Amenities and Community Features Horse/Livestock Allowed Hunting Privileges School Information Elementary School: LAURELES Middle School: LOS CUARTES High School: LOS FRESNOS School District: LOS FRESNOS C.I.S.D. Other Property Info City: San Benito State: TX County: CAMERON Area: San Benito Subdivision: Es
Ryan Busse Rocking K Realty & Auctions


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This past year Apple managed to get their product placed in over 40% of the movies that enjoyed at least one weekend atop the box office, Abe Sauer at The Awl reports in a great piece about Apple's product placement success.
Down from the year prior when it was in 50% of the top movies, but it was good enough to make it the brand with the most product placements. What's more impressive is the brands Apple beat out such as Ford or Pepsi, which have been atop the list in many recent years. As Abe points out, it's especially impressive to beat Ford, since it's easy to put a taxi cab with a Ford logo in a movie.
More impressive than all those product placements over its rivals is the price Apple pays, which would be ZERO. According to the Abe,"Apple does not pay for any of this exposure." Set decorators want their sets to look realistic, so they need computers.
The problem here: 12% of the homes in the U.S. have Apple computers, says Abe. So, there's clearly a bias. What's more, Apple computers managed to find their way into places that just don't have Apple computers normally, like hospitals and government offices.
These numbers also don't include the mountain of other films and TV shows, from Macs on Regis and Kelly and Jimmy Fallon's desks to the Mac grotesquerie of The Office and 30 Rock. Fruity logo out front, advertisement aglow.
For one month in 2009, product placement tracking service Nielsen IAG noted 62 total "occurrences" of Apple products, more than any other brand, including AT&T (59), Coca-Cola (55) or Ford (41). Playboy, even with a whole show crafted around its brand name, logged a comparatively paltry 21 occurrences.
Apple is essentially like Hollywood itself, beautiful, expensive and not at all representative of reality. And just like disbelief is suspended when Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt portray normal people, Apple product placement is dismissed as creative license.
I'm a PC.


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Urban Outfitters USB Fan
It's your smallest fan! Cool things down a bit at work with this tiny little fan, all dressed up in great vintage style. Just connect the length cord to any USB port, hit the power button, and it's a cooool breeze. Nice, right? Right.
Be the ultimate spy and have great hair too. The USB stick is in the handle and you can't get caught with data when you're really just combing your hair.Added 8 Years Ago from Urban Outfitters
I love you little buddy... Working on your PC can sometimes be a lonely experience. Not anymore... now you can buy yourself a new friend in the form of Tengu! Tengu is a fun USB-powered character that lights up and lip-... I love you little buddy... Working on your PC can sometimes be a lonely experience. Not anymore... now you can buy yourself a new friend in the form of Tengu! Tengu is a fun USB-powered character that lights up and lip-syncs to music, your voice, or whatever noise happens to be around at the time. Tengu has slew of different facial expressions that love lip-syncing. He'll be your new BFF in no time! When it's quiet Tengu will fall asleep - as soon as he detects noise (or you blow on him) he'll wake up again. Tengu simply plugs into your computer's USB drive. No software is required! Tengu is a fun little guy who guarantees to bring a smile to that depressing little cubical of yours!Tags: toys, kids, humor, computers, electronics, usb, music, technology, gadgetsAdded 8 Years Ago from Perpetualkid
This is adorable... and I certainly get lots of crumbs in my keyboard so I could use one. This is a lot cuter than one of those keyboard covers... they're like the plastic your granny puts over the couch!Tags: gifts, computers, electronics, usb, technology, gadgets, office, retro, vintageAdded 9 Years Ago from Urban Outfitters
Oh no... OHHHH YESS... Huh.. uh.. huh... ARRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!Tags: toys, gifts, humor, computers, computer accessories, puzzles, electronics, usb, gadgetsAdded 9 Years Ago from Audiocubes
Tastefully inappropriate, sure to earn a laugh or two...hopefully won't get you fired.Added 9 Years Ago from Urban Outfitters


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Need Xfinity in Augusta, ME? CableTV.com is the Best Choice
Xfinity from Comcast makes sure you can choose the TV lineup that suits your home and budget perfectly by providing a range of programming packages in Augusta, ME. Choose an Xfinity TV package, which brings you digital cable, On Demand, and DVR options.
The average American watches 35 hours of TV each week. Xfinity delivers the most programming for your money in Augusta. If you're a sports fan in Augusta, you'll love the local channels from Xfinity TV programming. When it comes to the best in classic and current TV shows and movies, turn to everyday Xfinity TV specials.


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Good Morning, Lindsay Arnold, And Other News
- Paris Hilton made a song with Lil Wayne. This is our world now. [Lainey Gossip]
- Tom Hanks has diabetes which I'm going to believe that first link caused. [Dlisted]
- Everything In This Gallery Is True [theCHIVE]
- Katie Holmes is taking fashion advice from Kanye West? [Fishwrapper]
- Taylor Momsen does Maxim. [tooFab]
- The Jennifer Love Hewitt one explains so much. [BuzzFeed]
- Hilary Duff is still looking fantastic. [Popoholic]
- If Chris Brown beats Perez Hilton, I take back 10% of the things I said about him. [IDLYITW]
- Alyssa Miller bikini photos, anyone? [Hollywood Tuna]
- Carmen Electra is officially a cougar. [Celebslam]
- Padma Lakshmi's in a bikini. [DrunkenStepfather: Site is NSFW]
- Farrah Abraham basically abandoned her kid. [Amy Grindhouse]
- Change Big Mac to McRib and I can relate to this man's plight. [Uproxx]
THE SUPERFICIAL | About • Facebook • Twitter
Photos: Phamous/AKM-GSI, Splash News


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Corporate social responsibility in the first years of Caja de Pensiones para la Vejez y de Ahorros
When Caja de Pensiones para la Vejez y de Ahorros, 'la Caixa', was created in 1905, it was not just a transient response to a serious social, political, and economic problem; it also provided a permanent solution by creating a long-lasting social welfare institution. In addition, its founder understood the responsibility of social welfare institutions not as an isolated responsibility for each institution, but as part of a harmonious whole that is a true moral entity, with a socio-economic character, independence and unity of nature, purpose and form. The purpose of this article is to show how the conception of corporate social responsibility of Francesc Moragas, the founder of 'la Caixa,' informed the activities of the new institution in a variety of dimensions, including its service to its customers, its economic strengths, its social welfare work and its participation in the creation of Spain's public social security system.
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|19 pages
|Date of creation:
|03 Nov 2009
|Contact details of provider:
| Postal: IESE Business School, Av Pearson 21, 08034 Barcelona, SPAIN
Web page: http://www.iese.edu/
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