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Business News of Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Source: B&FT
Ideal Finance, a non-bank financial institution, as part of a massive expansion plan this year has opened its third branch in Tema last week.
Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nii Kotei Dzani said the company is ready to increase its capital base to more than GH¢7million before close of the second quarter.
"We have made 300% profit over what we made the previous year. Currently, we have three branches and are hoping to increase them to six by the end of this year," he said.
"We are the only micro-finance institution that gives loans for more than a year, and also gives loans in excess of GH¢100,000 because of our capital adequacy ratio. Once you have enough capital base you have the capacity to do that. We are also not so much collateral-focused, but rather we focus on the business' cash flow to give loans," he said.
In 2009 the company started with GH¢37,000 worth of assets, but three years down the line it now has assets in excess of GH¢18million.
Board Chairman of the company Capt. Rtd Kwadwo Adunkwa Butah said he is very proud to be part of such a successful company.
"I am very proud to be associated with the growth of this company. We started not very long ago from a modest beginning in an office at Kingsway, but now we have three branches and counting. This shows that we are strong and stabilised, and ready to venture into more business.
"The harbour is expanding and there are a lot of businesses here, so we are here in Tema to aid the city grow in leaps and bounds."
He advised the staff to continually make their customers happy. "This business looks after you and the business thrives on clients, so if you make a client happy they will come back with more colleagues; but if your clients are not happy, then you will be out of business and you will be back at home."


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(Adds quotes)
By Martyn Herman
LONDON, June 27 (Reuters) - Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm, the grand old lady of the women's singles draw, became the oldest female player to reach the Wimbledon third round in the professional era on Thursday.
The 42-year-old, one of 13 players aged over 30 in the main draw but the oldest by a distance, was too wily for 23-year-old Romanian Alexandra Cadantu in a 6-4 7-5 victory.
It is the first time Date-Krumm, ranked 84, has reached the Wimbledon third round since 1996 when she made the semi-finals.
That was two years before her next opponent, five-times Wimbledon champion Serena Williams, first appeared at the All England Club. Strangely they have never played each other.
"I have so much respect for her. I think she's so inspiring to be playing such high-level tennis at her age," Williams, 31, told reporters. "And she's a real danger on the grass court.
"I definitely will have to be ready. It's for sure not going to be easy, but I'll be ready."
Date-Krumm, who retired in 1996 but returned 12 years later because she missed it so much, is the oldest woman to make the third round since Britain's Virginia Wade in 1985, aged 39.
The oldest man to reach the third round at Wimbledon since the game went professional in 1968 is Australia's Frank Sedgman who was 43 at the time in 1971. (Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken Ferris)

subset: commoncrawl


text: There's enough companies out there doing essentially the same thing for product promotion–throw the rider in front of the camera for an intro, talk about a product, throw some riding clips in there, and toss up some fancy video animations in the mix as well. That's all fine and good and normally always enjoyable, but Skavenger's not like other companies. Always doing things their own way, the truth of the East Coast streets went a different direction with the promo for the second version of the Tunnel frame, compiling 12 years of footage of Vinnie Sammon killing the streets. Haters might say that Vinnie's slowed, but looking at this promo, there's complete proof that he's been the man for over a decade and still killing it. Watch and learn in the video above–good shit as always.


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At Pure 4Runner, you will find the largest selection of 4Runner parts and accessories on the web. We are dedicated to providing you with the best customer service around.
We do our best to ship all items the same day the order is placed, custom requests may take longer. We do our best to deliver most items within 5-6 business days, most will show up much sooner. Not all items come from our shop in Texas. If your order contains items from multiple suppliers/warehouses, you will potentially receive tracking numbers and items at different times.
Here at Pure 4Runner, a Pure Auto Parts Inc company, we understand the importance of maintaining our customers privacy online. We understand that in this time of spam e-mail, and credit card fraud our customers want to know and have the right to know how personal information is handled.
The new OnX LED Light Bar is the only light bar on the market that has the distance of an 8" HID with the smooth spread of an LED. The OnX is available in 8" increments ranging from 8" all the way to 51". Each 8" increment offers a concentrated beam of 4300 lumens. Countless hours of testing and preparation have ensured that the OnX is perfect for racers and enthusiasts that need a vast amount of light at high speeds.
The OnX utilizes a CREE XM-L2 T6 Bin LED at 5000k, which is complimented by our one of a kind user changeable optics that have been specifically designed for the OnX's HID like distance projection. If you're looking for the guaranteed farthest projecting LED light on the market, look no further.
Patterns available: High Speed Spot, Standard Spot, Driving Combo and Wide-Driving Combo.
Exceeds MIL-STD810G requirements
Product 43/58


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The 20-year-old has not played for the Gulls since December and boss John Cornforth said he wanted to give the youngster first-team football.
"Liam needs competitive matches and this will do him a world of good," Cornforth told Torquay's website.
Meanwhile, the Gulls have extended the loan deal for striker Lee Thorpe until the end of the season.
The Devon side have also turned down requests from two unnamed clubs, who had hoped to take striker Alan Connell on loan.


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Thanksgiving Tabletop and Hostess Gift Ideasby Victoria Phillips in Entertaining, Holidays, November 17th, 2013
Turn your Thanksgiving table into a festive spread before the food arrives with fun decorations and ideas that can double as hostess gifts. Add sparkle to the table with the above beaded leaf runner, or set out Thanksgiving-themed crackers as place markers. When guests pop them open, they'll find a turkey figure, Pilgrim hat and a joke.


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PVM Professor of Oncology Embarks on Old Grey Muzzle Tour 2013
March 8, 2013
Purdue Veterinary Medicine Professor of Oncology David Waters is in the midst of a cross-country scientific trek to study 12 of the oldest-living Rottweilers in their homes, with the conviction that the oldest pet dogs living among us can shed light on a surer scientific path to discovering the secrets of successful aging and cancer resistance. Dr. Waters, who is the associate director of the Purdue Center on Aging and the Life Course, began his expedition in Homer, Alaska, March 4 and will finish April 12 in West Lafayette. The 40-day itinerary of "The Old Grey Muzzle Tour 2013" includes 12 scientific stops to visit dogs and 11 additional stops, which include two academic lectures and nine celebration events where Waters will meet with groups inspired by his research.
Dr. Waters also serves as the director of the Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies at the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation, based at the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette. The Center is home to the Exceptional Longevity Database, the first systematic study of highly successful aging in pet dogs in which Waters' research team has catalogued the lifetime health and medical histories of almost 250 canine "centenarians" - Rottweilers that have lived at least 13 years, which is more than 30 percent longer than breed average and equivalent to humans reaching 100.
Dr. Waters explains that, "A notable aspect of highly successful aging is the delay or avoidance of diseases such as cancer." He adds, "The exceptionally long-lived Rottweilers we are studying have figured out how to side-step cancer, hold it in check. Our autopsy studies have shown that, although few of these dogs die of cancer, more than 90 percent of them are harboring one or more types of cancer at the time of death." Through dedicated research - the detailed examination of tissues and careful identification of markers circulating in the blood - Waters and his team hope to discover how they do it, so pets and people can walk around with cancer as a nuisance instead of a lethal killer. Click to view the complete news release about The Old Grey Muzzle Tour 2013. To follow the tour on Facebook, click here.
Writer: Kevin Doerr, firstname.lastname@example.com


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Dutch comic artist Jan Kruis is best known for his family comic 'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen' ('Jack, Jacky and the Juniors'), which appears on a weekly base in the women's magazine Libelle since 1970. Prior to this, Kruis worked on several other comics, and was especially successful in the advertising industry. He was born as Johannes Andries Kruis in a working-class area of Rotterdam. He grew up in the heavily bombed harbour city during the war years, and most of his childhood drawings were of battles, weapons and airplanes.
He also made his own papers, and got his first introduction in the world of professional drawing from local artist Wim Meuldijk, who drew 'Sneeuwvlok de Eskimo' in Voorwaarts. Another inspiration was Marten Toonder's 'Tom Poes' comic. It was the main influence on Kruis' first comic, called 'Prins Freddie', which he sold to a printer in Dordrecht. The planned booklet was however never published...
Prins Freddie, as it appeared in De Havenloods in the 1950s
After attending Saturday courses at the Academy, Kruis enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam, where he studied fulltime from 1950 to 1954. It was during this period, that he developed a passion for the Dutch painters of the 16th and 17th century, and later also for impressionists and modernists like Marc Chagall and Georges Braque. But he also admired illustrators and comic artists like Pieter Kuhn, Hans G. Kresse, Otto Dicke, Eppo Doeve and Honoré Daumier, while his interest also went to other art forms, such as poetry, film, music and theater.
He got his first job with the advertising firm Nijgh & Van Ditmar in 1954, where he did lay-outs, designs for advertisements and an occasional drawing. Although he was never a star in mathematics, Jan Kruis did have a sense for commerce, and after a year and a half, he became a freelance artist. He chose to become a commercial illustator instead of a fine artist. He eventually managed to get an updated version of his 'Prins Freddie' comic published in the Rotterdam newspaper De Havenloods.
Starting in 1958, Kruis was a commercial artist with Van Maanen in The Hague for the next seven years, doing mainly advertising and illustration assignments for petrol company Shell and the Niemeijer tobacco factory. It was during this period that he developed his recognizable cartoony drawing style. Kruis was assigned to contribute to the Shell children's magazine Olidin, which was produced by Van Maanen between 1957 and 1963. It were his first professional efforts as a comic artist, and included productions like the cowboy comic 'Tommy' (1958-1963) and the medieval series 'Baldino' (1959). In addition, he drew the gags with the characters Stientje and Gertje for the Shell Junior Club, which were also published in Olidin (1962).
During his Olidin period, Kruis had met scriptwriter Waling Dijkstra, who guided him in the world of comics and introduced him to Franco-Belgian masters like André Franquin, Jijé and Peyo. Dijkstra also introduced him to the Toonder Studios in 1959. Together with Marten Toonder, he made a first design of the 'Student Tijloos' newspaper strip. This prototype was never used, and the comic didn't go into production until 1961. By then, it was written Lo Hartog van Banda and drawn by Thé Tjong Khing and Gerrit Stapel, subsequently. Although his period at Toonder was short, Toonder did praise Kruis for the way his characters expressed emotions, and how he brought atmosphere to his artwork.
Advertising comic for Sloan's Liniment
Kruis made initial designs for a couple of other comic strips in the period 1959-1965, which remained unused. His main production remained for advertisements, for which he started using the comics format more often. This was especially after he had teamed up with fellow artist Jan van der Voo. Van der Voo had taken over the artwork of the 'Baldino' strip, and had also worked with Kruis on creating 'De Kleine Hertog' in Olidin. The duo became responsible for a large amount of advertising comics, which appeared in children's magazines like Donald Duck in the 1960s. These included 'Max' (for Mars), 'Tim' (for Treets), 'Bounty Eiland' (for Bounty), 'Koos' (for Kodak), 'Mieke en Wouter' (for Milky Way), 'Sjokoprins' (for De Beukelaer) and 'De Broodversierders' (for De Ruijter).
Advertising strip for Tip (Bootz)
During the 1960s, Kruis did a great many advertising strips on his own, of which 'Tipje van Bootz' for Bootz brandy is probably the best-known. Other advertisements in comics format were produced for Claeryn gin, Sloan's Liniment, Nieuwe Revu magazine and the advertising press. Kruis opened a studio and surrounded himself with artists like Jan van der Voo, Wim Giesbers and Martin Lodewijk, who all operated under the banner "Jan Kruis Producties". Martin Lodewijk's famous 'Agent 327' comic appeared under this copyright byline, when it first appeared in Pep in 1966. Another "Jan Kruis Production" was 'Moeps Pepernoot' in the early issues of the society magazine Story in 1974, which was drawn by Jan van der Voo. Jan Kruis also worked extensively with Van Maanen colleague Joop Wiggers, who would later become the publisher of his books.
Illustrations for books, magazines and record covers became an equally important source of income for Jan Kruis. He illustrated book series like 'Bartje' by Anne de Vries and 'Adriaan en Olivier' by Leonhard Huizinga, and also made the drawings for 'Dorp aan de rivier' by Antoon Coolen. Other clients were the magazines De Spiegel and Margriet, and the Termeulen department store in Rotterdam.
In 1965, Jan Kruis and Martin Lodewijk presented their work to Hergé, for a possible publication in Tintin magazine (and its Dutch equivalent Kuifje). This resulted in the gag strip about the little boy 'Gregor' ('Grégoire'), which appeared in Tintin/Kuifje in 1965 and 1966. This comic can be considered a predecessor of 'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen'. It was the first comic in which Kruis used his trademark panel design, with loosely drawn borders, or even no borders at all. 'Gregor' was later also reprinted in Pep, the Dutch comics magazine published by De Geïllustreerde Pers for which he also made illustrations. Comics became Kruis' main focus in 1966.
Sjors en Sjimmie - Het Raadsel van Schiermeeuwenoog
In 1969, he was asked to take over the 'Sjors en Sjimmie' comic after the retirement of Frans Piët, who had drawn this Dutch continuation of Martin Branner's 'Perry Winkle' since 1938. Kruis completely modernized the rather classic rendition of Piët. Sjors got his original blond hair back, and Sjimmie was remodeled to a less stereotypical depiction of a dark boy. Kruis' first story, 'Het Raadsel van Schiermeeuwenoog' (1969), also changed the setting to the fictional Wadden Island Schiermeeuwenoog. He made the second story, 'De Ring van Schiermeeuwenoog' (1970), with Martin Lodewijk, while his wife Els was responsible for the coloring. Jan Kruis discovered that long stories didn't suit him, though, and called it quits after these two serials. 'Sjors en Sjimmie' in the Jan Kruis set-up was continued by Jan Steeman with a host of scriptwriters until 1975, when Robert van der Kroft became the artist of another updated version for Eppo magazine in 1975.
Introduction of Jeroentje in the second album
Editor Peter Middeldorp then asked him to create a weekly comic for the women's magazine Libelle, that was published by De Spaarnestad. This resulted in the long-running family comic 'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen' ('Jack, Jacky and the Juniors'), which debuted in the issue of 12 December 1970. Because of his connection with the competing magazine Margriet, Kruis signed his earliest pages with Andries, and he also reworked some of his earlier 'Gregor' gags for this new production. But it didn't take long before Kruis found the right tone and style for his female audience, and he began to focus more on dialogues and recognizable situations instead of visual gags.
The introduction of Saint Pancake in gag 678
Besides an entertaining read, the comic gives a good reflection of the evolution of Dutch society since the 1970s. Food and fashion trends, gadgets, female emancipation... all is explored. But Kruis' comic has also had an impact on Dutch pop culture. Ever since its first appearance in 'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen' in 1986, "Saint Pancake" ("Sint Pannenkoek") has become an annual tradition every 29 November, especially in the areas of Rotterdam and Groningen. A National Committee Saint Pancake was even founded on 17 August 2016, for which Jan Kruis designed a special postcard and stamp.
'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen' follows the life of the Tromp family: father Jan, mother Jans and the daughters Karlijn and Catootje, who are both modelled after their creator's real-life daughters Leontine and Andrea. Baby boy Gertje was added to the family in the 1990s. Additional characters are neighbour boy Jeroentje (who manages to make a shit-related rhymme to every sentence, and whose looks are based on Jan van der Voo's son), grandfather (modelled after Kruis' real father), his girlfriend Moeps, spoiled rich kid Harold and Jans' cousin Hanna, who is a voluntary single mother.
Commentary on the events is delivered by the family's pets. There is the dachshund with personality disorder Lotje, the bitchy Siamese cat Loedertje and, most notably, the unnamed fat red cat, who has a complex because he is castrated (although the term is never mentioned). It is mainly the red cat's cynical and somewhat melancholic view on life that has made him an icon in Dutch comics, with extensive exposure in merchandising.
Book collections of 'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen' were published through Joop Wiggers' publishing label from 1972, and by VNU/Sanoma since 2000. It has become one of the bestselling Dutch comics with millions of copies sold in the Netherlands alone. Throughout the years, many other articles with the feature's characters have seen the light, from puzzles and games, over breakfast plates to dog and cat food. A television adaptation was made in cooperation with Han Peekel and Wouter Stips in the mid 1980s. Two more prototypes for an animated series were made with animator Gene Deitch in the mid 1990s, but the project was cancelled. The Dutch postal services released a series of 'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen' stamps in 1998.
Jan Kruis himself appeared in one of the early episodes, when he sold the Tromp family his oldtimer, that has remained their car since then
Besides his successful comic series, Kruis also worked on a couple of other assignments. Together with Van der Voo, he developed the comic 'Moeps Pepernoot' for the early issues of the gossip magazine Story in 1974. For Libelle, he also made illustrations for text stories, and painted portraits for Jojanneke Claassen's series 'Dubbelportretten'. This included portraits of Dutch celebrities like Simon Carmiggelt, Mies Bouwman, Willem Duys, Albert Mol, Toon Hermans, Major Bosshardt and Princess Christina with Jorge Guillermo. He also painted an immense portrait of the royal family, that has been on display in the town hall of Ameland since 1978.
Jan Kruis announced his retirement in late 1998, and sold the rights to his characters to VNU (now Sanoma), the publisher of Libelle magazine. The production was transferred to the editorial offices in Hoofddorp under direction of Joop Wiggers' co-worker Mariken Swildens. In 1999, an art studio was set up under the supervision of Daan Jippes, who oversaw the production of the comic during the first Studio Jan Kruis year. Artists that have worked for the studio are Gerben Valkema, Peter Nuyten, Rob Phielix, Maarten Gerritsen, Michiel van de Vijver, Daniel van den Broek and Linda van Erve, while the gags are written by Wouter Strips, Peter Weijenberg, Eric Hercules, Herman Roozen, Stella de Kort, Piet Zeeman and Richard van Breukelen, among other writers. A spin-off to 'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen' called 'Karlijn, Catootje & de Ouders' was launched in girls' magazine Tina in 2011 with art by Josep Nebot of Studio Comicup in Barcelona and scripts by Frank Jonker & Saskia Janssen, Ruud Straatman, Bas Schuddeboom or Carolijn Leisink. Jan Kruis has regulary complained about the new directions his comic has taken, which is understandable, since it was so closely connected to him and his personal life.
Since his retirement, Jan Kruis has drawn his Tromp family for two special albums for the Lepra Foundation in 2001 and 2004. He was on the board of the Dutch Comics Museum in Groningen, which opened its doors in 2004. Kruis has also made an illustrated adaptation of the Multatuli novel 'Woutertje Pieterse', that was published in two large format books in 2007 and 2010. In 2010 he and Jan van der Voo were involved in the launch of online comics magazine Kwynk, which was initiated by John Croezen. Kwynk featured a selection of their old Olidin work as well as his new strip, 'Kwynk en zijn zusje Annabel', that shows a strong resemblance to 'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen'. Kruis' daughter Andrea Kruis is also a comic artist and illustrator, known for her creations '15½' in Margriet, and 'Sammie & Muis' in Tina.
Jan Kruis had received the Stripschapprijs for Dutch Comics in 1980. He was knighted in 1996, and in March 2010, he was the first artist to receive the Marten Toonderprijs for his contributions to Dutch comics culture. On the occasion of his 80th birthday in June 2013, a special 'Jan Kruis Glossy' was published by Personalia. It contained articles and testimonials about Kruis and his creations, tributes and other Kruis-related articles. Unfortunately, the editors of Libelle forbid the use of images of his key creation 'Jan, Jans en de Kinderen'...
Jan Kruis passed away in his hometown Mantinge on 19 January 2017 at the age of 83, after being ill for quite some time. His longtime business partner Joop Wiggers passed away a little over a week later, on 28 January 2017. A foundation called the Jan Kruis Collection was started by John Croezen, Andrea Kruis and Frans Le Roux to preserve Jan Kruis' artistic legacy.
Jan Kruis in Lambiek's Nederlandse Stripgeschiedenis


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Los Angeles Times
April 29, 2005
President Bush offered a rosy assessment Thursday of developments in Iraq, but the reality is that Iraqi politicians spent most of the nearly three months since their widely hailed national election settling old scores and maneuvering for sectarian gains. They dithered as insurgents regained their momentum. This week's declaration by Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that insurgents are as able to wreak havoc now as a year ago calls into question the credibility of his other assertion that the United States and the Iraqi people are "winning" this fight. More than 100,000 American troops patrol the nation and more than 100,000 Iraqi security forces have supposedly been trained, yet guerrillas show increasing coordination in their attacks. We'd hate to imagine what "losing" this fight would be like.
With Iraqis soured on their government, Prime Minister Ibrahim Jafari finally announced a Cabinet on Thursday, yet even then key portfolios were filled by temporary ministers and other posts left vacant. Jafari kept the ministry of defense for himself. The United States took pains after the Jan. 30 election not to pressure Iraqis on the formation of their new government. But in the end, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Vice President Dick Cheney felt compelled to lobby for an end to the stalemate. That's hardly shocking; the paralysis was helping the guerrillas. It was also necessary for Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to warn the new leaders during a quick visit to Iraq this month not to purge each and every Baath Party member from the security forces. The U.S. erred greatly at the outset of the occupation by removing many Baathists from government ministries and abolishing the security forces. That put thousands of people with weapons onto the streets, without jobs but with great anger for the invaders.
On Wednesday, guerrillas shot to death a National Assembly member, one of the 275 elected in January. The list of horrors for this month alone includes staggered car bombings in Baghdad, scores of corpses found in the Tigris River and the downing of a commercial helicopter. Eleven people, including six Americans, died in that incident, and a militant website showed charred bodies and a lone survivor, the pilot, being executed by off-camera insurgents.
Regardless of what the Pentagon maintains, this does not make Americans feel like they are "winning." Keep in mind that these insurgent attacks aren't merely important for their shock value. The general lack of security is impeding the important work of rebuilding Iraq, and is draining resources from that task.
Saturday marks the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, a conflict that officials continually said was going well, even when, as they later admitted, they knew it was unwinnable. As we have said before, Iraq is not Vietnam. Most Iraqis are glad to see Saddam Hussein gone, and are still hopeful that their nation can become a tolerant democracy. It's for their sake that Washington needs to avoid repeating its Vietnam-era mistakes.


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The first of three men suspected of mugging people in Blaine and Spring Lake Park this past November was sentenced March 20 in Anoka County District Court.
Torrie Vidal Bingham, 19, was given credit for 133 days already served in jail, but not ordered to serve any more time behind bars for conviction on two felony counts of first-degree aggravated robbery.
Bingham must also complete 40 hours of community service within one year, earn a high school diploma or a GED within 18 months, and maintain employment or demonstrate he is actively seeking it. He will be on probation for 10 years. His victims could also seek restitution, but must apply for it through the court within 60 days of sentencing, according to court records.
Bingham, Kenyatta Devine Buckles, 19; and Ezekiel John Miller, 18, were all accused of mugging three men in Spring Lake Park and Blaine the evening of Nov. 7, 2013. The Anoka County Attorney's Office charged each of them with three counts of first-degree aggravated robbery.
According to the criminal complaint, a man walking on a service road along Highway 10 in Spring Lake Park had a shotgun pointed at him. He was told to lie on the ground. His wallet was stolen and he was hit several times with the butt of the gun. Another man was pulled off his scooter while waiting at a traffic light at Able Street and 87th Lane in Blaine. He was also struck several times with the gun before his cellphone and $67 cash were stolen. Another Blaine man had the shotgun put to his head while he was checking his mail. The robbers left after he insisted he had no valuables on him.
Bingham and Buckles on Feb. 11 pleaded guilty to two counts with the understanding that the third similar charge would be dismissed at sentencing. Buckles will be sentenced May 27. Miller has not made a plea on this case and is next scheduled for jury trial May 5, according to court records.
Eric Hagen is at [email protected]


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House Of Love Announce New Album
Laurie Tuffrey
, December 18th, 2012 06:56
She Paints Words In Red set for release in April
House Of Love have just confirmed that they will be releasing a new album, She Paints Words In Red, on April 1 2013 via Cherry Red.
It will be their sixth album, their first since 2005's Days Run Away, which was released after a 12-year hiatus.
Says singer and guitarist Guy Chadwick: "We recorded the songs for She Paints Words In Red in ten days in November 2012. It was great to be recording again, and everything went to plan and gelled from the onset. Terry and I have got back to our original working relationship, with a few healthy quarrels thrown in still! We had just played a festival in Krakow, where we had a brilliant gig, so everyone was vibed up and ready to go. Pat Collier, who worked with us on most of our early recordings, was at the controls.
Chadwick recently did us a Baker's Dozen, picking out The Only Ones, Björk and Black Sabbath among his top 13 albums - have a read here.
Dec 18, 2012 8:04pm
Fantastic news...let's hope they play some gigs
Dec 19, 2012 8:14pm
Easily the best news of the year! Yes! Yes! Yes!


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Josh Wise, winner of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Fan Vote, at Charlotte Motor Speedway on All-Star weekend two weekends ago has announced that he and his race team, Phil Parsons Racing, will partner with the world's premier motorsports simulator iRacing.
The team has made a lot of gains in their first season with driver Josh Wise. Last season the team finished 42nd in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series owner points standings and the team currently sits 38th in owner points and have shown speed at certain tracks. This is also the first time the team has run all the races in a season.
From May 27, 2014 to June 30, 2014 online racers have the opportunity to support the team through online purchases on iRacing.
The team has really made it big with the online media. Dogecoin/Reddit.com sponsored the team in two races in 2014. The Reddit.com also led the force to successfully vote Josh Wise into the All-Star race.Tags: Josh Wise, Motorsports, NASCAR, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Phil Parsons Racing


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Representatives from the Initiative for Human Rights in Business Project participate in an international conference on price fluctuations in international commodities
Representatives from the Initiative for Human Rights in Business, Rebecca DeWinter-Schmitt and John Richardson, attended a conference last week, Understanding International Commodity Price Fluctuations. International experts examined trends and cycles of commodity pricing in the oil and gas market, forecasting commodity prices through different models, and the financialization of commodity markets. Conference participants were largely silent on the research examining linkages between the deregulation and growth in speculation in commodities derivatives, rising food prices, and food insecurity. The materials from the two-day discussion hosted by the Research Department of the International Monetary Fund and the Oxford Centre for the Analysis of Resource Rich Economies at Oxford University are available online.
The Initiative for Human Rights in Business (IHRIB) is a new project of the Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law devoted to the promotion of human rights and justice for people adversely affected by business and economic activity around the world. IHRIB's Financial Humanity Project addresses the human rights risks associated with commodities speculation. Connect and learn more about the IHRIB.


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Flip-flop Foss turns Commerce into comedy
Flip-flop Foss turns Commerce into comedy
Craig Foss has flip-flopped completely on his inept attempt to create an unwanted voluntary code of conduct for supermarkets, says Labour's Commerce spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove.
"Craig Foss really is the laughing stock of National's Cabinet, which is quite a feat considering the competition from Hekia Parata and Judith Collins.
"As Shane Jones' Countdown story snowballed out of the Minister's control Mr Foss initially tried to laugh it off and call it hearsay. When he realised the Commerce Commission was investigating and he was on the losing side of the argument he flip-flopped and belatedly came up with a voluntary code of conduct for supermarkets.
"Not only was that a weak and pathetic response but negotiating a code of conduct with the company under investigation by the Commission was bizarre at best.
"Now Mr Foss has flip-flopped yet again because the Retailers' Association, and Food and Grocery Council didn't support his voluntary code or the strange process he used to make it look as though he was doing something.
"Labour's preferred option is a compulsory government-mandated code based on the UK model. A model which has teeth and can penalise offenders.
"Labour is doing major policy work on this. If the Commerce Commission is unable to fix this problem, Labour will," says Clayton Cosgrove.


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Johnson, who is known for playing Professor on 'Gilligan's Island', passes away surrounded by his family at the age of 89.
Actor Russell Johnson who played Professor on 1960s sitcom "Gilligan's Island" has passed away. According to his agent Michael Eisenstadt, Johnson died on Thursday, January 16 surrounded by his wife and daughter. "He died at 5:21 A.M. of natural causes at home in Washington state," Eisenstadt said, as quoted by Reuters. He was 89.
"I worked with him for over 20 years. He was a gentleman, a great guy and a family man, an iconic figure. In the history of television 'Gilligan's Island' was one of the most re-run shows. He'll be missed. He was old-time Hollywood," Eisenstadt continued.
Actress Dawn Wells who played girl-next-door Mary Ann Summers alongside the late actor on the popular show also took to Facebook to announce the sad news. "My 2 favorite people are now gone. The Professor [passed] away this morning. My heart is broken," she wrote on Thursday afternoon. Wells attached a photo of her posing together with Johnson and Bob Denver who passed away in 2005. "Russell was a true gentleman, a good father, a great friend, and 'the rest.' I love him and shall miss him. My heart goes out to Connie and his daughter Kim. I love you," she added.
Johnson was born on November 10, 1924, near Wilkes-Barre, Pa. as the oldest of six. He made debut in big screen in 1952 with "For Men Only". His other movie credits included 1953's "Law and Order", Ray Bradbury's 1953 flick "It Came From Outer Space" and 1955's "This Island Earth". Later in his career, he made appearances on TV series such as "Black Saddle", "Mannix", "Cannon", "Lou Grant" and "The Twilight Zone".
Johnson is survived by his third wife Constance Dane, his daughter Kim and a stepson. His son David passed away of AIDS at the age of 39 in 1994.


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found a new home!
Plenty of my friends are looking
for one too. Find a pet to adopt.
I am already neutered, housetrained, purebred, up to date with shots, good with kids, good with dogs, and good with cats.
My foster mom would like to tell you all about me, cause she seems to think I am something special - yes that I am - Sam I Am.
Sam is approx 10 years old and boy oh boy he sure is a happy boy. Sam I Am is happy when he wakes up in the morning, happy to eat breakfast, happy to play, happy to lay by your feet and watch the world go by, happy to take treats, happy to sleep by your bed at night. Sam is just a happy boy. Sam will walk fairly well on leash after the first block or so, he's just happy to be going for a walk. He does know how to sit and will do a short sit/stay.
Sam take treats every so gently and is definitly not the in charge kind of guy - he's just the happy go lucky kind of guy. Sam gives the absolute best hugs ever and I've hugged a lot of foster dogs. Sam gives the best hugs by far. Sam has long lanky legs, he's gangly and gregarious.
Sam gets along great with his foster siblings but would also do fine as an only dog. He's totally fine sleeping while you are at work during the day. Sam also gets along fine with those other furry creatures called kitty cats. Sam I Am even gets along with squirrels and bunnies.
If you would like to give Sam I Am that elusive thing called a forever family give GRFR a call. Sam will be waiting for you - happily waiting I might add.
Thank you - Thank you - Sam I Am!
For more information, please take a look at www.goldenretrieverfreedom.org. Please review the adoption requirements before submitting an online application.
Sam, a Denver Golden Retriever dog was adopted! Here's how you can benefit by looking at adoption as an option to buying a Golden Retriever for sale in Denver, or seeking a Golden Retriever dog from a breeder in Denver.


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The Life Of A Thunderstorm…
Thunderstorms typically happen in the springtime and summertime, but can happen at all times of year. Even in cold weather. What were going to do here is go over a life of a thunderstorm and consider safety steps and tools that you can use.
Now a thunderstorm develops from differing air masses. Usually air masses that are warm and cold. During the summer it usually is when cooler and drier air is trying to push out warm and moist air. The storm's develops usually along or in front of a cold front. Now during the winter it is usually due to a dynamic low pressure system that developed and can lead to thunder-snow and even severe weather on the southern portions of the storm.
Does it always have to be warm to be a thunderstorm? NO, thunderstorms can occur even in cold weather and they can even be severe with temperatures in the 40's and 50's. Temperatures are just one factor that creates thunderstorms.
What does it take to qualify as a severe thunderstorm? Typically a severe thunderstorm is formed when winds are at a dangerously high level and hail is large. This can cause significant damage. Usually winds are in excess of 58mph and hail is at least 1″ large. Usually about a quarter size.
Thunderstorms usually start off as a cluster of cumulus clouds as the cloud absorbs moisture. As it continues its development it gets to its mature phase and usually starts to produce rainfall. As the thunderstorm continues to develop it may get to the point where you would see lighting and hear thunder. There may be hail and in extreme cases strong winds and even tornadoes.
To put it mildly, thunderstorms are a large part of storm systems that develop, such as hurricanes, and coastal lows, and subtropical storms. We will discuss that in another segment.


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Roethlisberger respects Browns' defense
Monday served as an extra day of practice for the Steelers, who normally practice three days a week but will go four days because of the bye week.
Returning to their regular schedule, the players will be off today before practicing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For Roethlisberger, it's an extra day to prepare for a Cleveland team whose defense has performed better than the team's 1-3 record indicates.
"I knew these guys all wanted a break, but for me I wouldn't have minded playing last week," said Roethlisberger, who missed the first four games because of a suspension.
As for facing the Browns, Roethlisberger said, "They're a lot better than people give them credit for. Their defense plays as a unit. And they do it at a really high level with a lot of intensity."
» Second-year wide receiver Mike Wallace cut the Mohawk hairstyle he had worn since making the team last season. "I just wanted a different look," Wallace said. While running back Rashard Mendenhall joked Monday that Wallace's new haircut won't result in him receiving any special favors, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he likes the new look. "It's been a year in waiting," Roethlisberger said. "I was excited to come to work because he said he might do it this weekend. We had a deal if he got 1,000 yards (receiving), he would cut it. He looks better. He looks like a nice, young man. Before he looked a little crazy and wild." Roethlisberger and Wallace both joked that their by-play concerning Wallace's new look in no way compares to the supposed rift over hair between former New England teammates Tom Brady and Randy Moss. "It's not going there," Roethlisberger said. Said Wallace: "Not at all. I need my quarterback."
» What does Roethlisberger's return mean for the offense• "With Ben, you can run everything in your playbook," Wallace said. "You can open up. You can do anything you want. I think we'll open up, but I don't think we'll go too far from the game plan we had."
» As expected, nose tackle Chris Hoke returned to practice after injuring his knee against Tampa Bay and missing the last two weeks of practice. Guard Trai Essex (ankle) also returned to practice in a limited capacity.
53 -- Tackles for Lawrence Timmons after four games this season.
73 -- Tackles for Timmons in first two seasons combined.


text: castle rock DESIGNERS { below is a list of the designers we feature in our castle rock boutique } JIM HJELM BLUSH BY HAYLEY PAIGE The style of the Blush bridal collection is one that exemplifies a look of "casual elegance." Blush is designed and manufactured in New York, designed by JLM's Hayley Paige. Continuing with the origination aesthetic, the gowns have a soft essence, creating an illusion of quiet glamour more in touch with nature. "These gowns address a rather soft and polished intuition using contemporary adornments and subtle notions towards the fashion forward." Gowns range from $1,500-2,500 dollars. MANUEL MOTA Designed by the creative director of the Pronovias design house, Manuel Mota's visionary designs yield this chic, elegant bridal collection. The gowns feature the highest quality fabrics, paired with stunningly feminine silhouettes and laces. Our most stunning collection from the Pronovias design house, gowns range from 3,500 to 12,000 dollars. LA SPOSA A division of Pronovias design house, La Sposa is designed in Barcelona, Spain. Gowns from the La Sposa collection feature unique design, fabulous draping and beautiful fabrics. Best of all, these gowns come at a great price! Gowns range from 975 to 2,600 dollars found in our Denver & Castle Rock, Colorado Boutiques. PRONOVIAS The first Pronovias store opened in 1922 in Barcelona specializing in lace, silk and embroidery for brides. This savoir faire is the result of the almost 100 years during which the family has been specialising in satisfying brides and making their dreams come true. A spirit that has lasted through the years. Gowns range from 950 to 4,200 dollars found in our Denver & Castle Rock, Colorado Boutiques. WHITE ONE A division of the Pronovias design house, White One is designed in Barcelona, Spain. With luxurious designs and the impeccable attention to detail that Pronovias is known for, these gorgeous wedding dresses are affordably priced starting at just 900 dollars. WTOO BY WATTERS Impossibly intricate, hand-crafted details that will not go unnoticed. Feel the love with these gorgeous wedding dresses, affordably priced starting at just 800 dollars. SARA GABRIEL Sara's collection of headpieces and hair jewelry is meticulously crafted from freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, hand-sculpted flowers, and glittering rhinestones and can be customized to suit your own special look. Each piece is packaged in a signature Sara Gabriel gift box. Found in our Denver & Castle Rock, Colorado Boutiques. BRIDES HEAD REVISITED The ladies at Brides Head Revisited believe distinctive couture quality bridal accessories capture the individuality of each bride and reflect the importance of her special day. Specializing in the details each piece created and designed in their NYC studio is an elegant reflection of the bride who wears it. Found in our Denver & Castle Rock, Colorado Boutiques.


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|Midtown Police Chief
|Biographical Information
|New York Police Department
|Chief of police
|Behind the scenes
|Portrayed by
|Joe Paulino (voice)
- "Take that back you guinea punk! I'm a family man!"
- ―Midtown Police Chief[src]
This man was the chief of police in the Central Manhattan area, known as Midtown.
Believed in the public eye to be a family man, the police chief secretly indulged himself with the prostitutes as Flowers of Scotland, unaware that a photographer secretly took pictures of all the clients. When making his move on Midtown, Aldo Trapani used this information and the incrimininating photographs to blackmail the chief into submission.
In the mid fifties, the police chief was asked by Emilio Barzini to transport Big Bobby Toro, his favourite caporegime, to Riker's Island prison. Trapani intercepted Toro in transit and wounded the police officers before eliminating the capo.
The chief eventually resigned due to a further scandal, and he was replaced by Ken Jameson.
Behind the scenesEdit
- He was voiced by Joe Paulino.


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The Straight Scoop on OPC and Security
What You Need to Know about OPC-UA and OPC-Xi
Unlike OPC Classic, where security is a benefit of the underlying technology, OPC-UA specifically defines the security to be implemented by vendors. It is a core component of the specifications. All products implementing OPC-UA must implement OPC-UA security, and although "none" is an option, it is now a conscious decision that can be reversed as easily as it was chosen. OPC- UA leverages today's standards in security, including message encryption and identity certificates. Security is enhanced to the application level. Clients and servers must exchange certificates in order to interact with each other. These certificates are based on the x509 standards.
OPC-UA clearly changes the way in which security will be implemented in future UA-based automation systems, making them more secure by empowering the process engineer with the ability to design and implement the flow of data with application-to-application security, even security with respect to communications with embedded systems and devices. Higher level applications, for example, HMI/SCADA, will be implementing additional user-based security, typically based on Microsoft standards. OPC-UA based products started reaching the market back in 2008 and are available from a variety of vendors at all levels of the application spectrum.
Starting in 2008, several vendors recognized the need for a higher-level interoperability standard, leveraging the latest .NET development tools and Microsoft standards such as Windows Communications Foundation (WCF). This technology is intended to be used between higher level applications, such as HMI/SCADA, communication drivers, historians and higher-level business systems. This technology was adopted by the OPC Foundation early in 2010, and is now known as OPC-Express Interface (OPC-Xi). Unlike OPC-UA, which delivers sample code along with its specifications in order to deliver the functionality a developer requires from server to sensor level products, OPC-Xi is primarily a specification that leverages available new technologies on the higher level platforms.
The benefit of OPC-Xi is that it unifies the OPC Classic specifications, and leverages current Microsoft technologies as the data transport, both within a PC or across any distributed architecture. Security is implemented as any other WCF application, leveraging existing IT personnel knowledge. OPC-Xi products are being showcased today.
Both OPC-UA and OPC-Xi are designed with the latest security standards, encryption and authentication in mind. Both OPC-UA and OPC-Xi enable communications across both intranet- and Internet-based environments, thereby essentially rendering separate tunneling products unnecessary.
OPC's Future
What's the future of OPC? Well, a brief review of its hisotry may show where it's going. Thomas Burke, president of the OPC Foundation, explains that, "After being introduced back in 1996, OPC has become the interoperability standard at the level above fieldbus and vendor protocol levels. The OPC Foundation now boasts over 400 members, distributed worldwide. There are thousands of OPC-compatible products on the market and OPC implementations numbering in the millions of nodes."
He adds, "The adoption of new OPC Technologies will likely be different from the days of OPC Classic. In the past, interoperability within the walls of the plant was the Holy Grail. It was OPC that delivered a common way to connect systems from disparate vendors, even systems from competitors. Today, this interoperability is largely taken for granted, and we are now faced with new challenges, primarily centered on system security."
The security we need in future automation systems will differ from what we need today as we are faced with the need to exchange data at a public level. Automation systems will be bridging to smart-grid control systems. They will make better use of real-time information from public sources, such as weather, dynamic raw material costs and new variable energy costs. In addition, enhanced and reliable communications over the Internet will enable new levels of outsourced services, enabling system integrators and other service providers to securely access the information they need for performance optimization, compliance reporting, equipment maintenance, etc.
However, while systems are being enhanced through OPC improvements and the ability to leverage new technologies, it is still incumbent on the design engineer to learn the technologies, involve the right IT personnel and implement the tools to their fullest capability. The security of a system is only as good as the engineers that implement it.
Training is also essential to understand the new technologies. More important, training will show you what you don't know. Any engineer can tinker till something works, but today, with widely distributed systems, it is the attention to detail that will make all the difference.
Roy Kok is a consultant with www.AutomationSMX.com.
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Not everyone in this age group may need screening for every condition listed here. Click on the links above to read more about each condition and to determine if screening may be appropriate for you or your family member. You should discuss screening options with your health care practitioner.
Sickle Cell Disorders
About 1 in 2,500 babies born in the UK has a sickle cell disorder (SCD). These are inherited disorders that affect the red blood cells. If a baby has a sickle cell disorder, their red blood cells can change to a sickle shape and become stuck in the small blood vessels. The screening test looks at the types of haemoglobin in the baby's blood. SCD can cause pain and damage to the baby's body, serious infection, or even death. Screening means that babies with SCD can receive early treatment, including immunisations and antibiotics, which, along with parent education, will help prevent serious illness and allow the child to live a healthier life.


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This is the place to share and post your favorite inspirational images, bible verses, and memes.
with the PFSH community!
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Jesus Is An Awesome God
I made this to show how much I believe in Jesus. Thanks! My God is an awesome God!
Psalm 149 4 Not rated yet
For the Lord takes delight in his people; He crowns the humble with salvation.
John 8: 12 Not rated yet
John 8-12... My favorite bible verse!
Click for Inspiration
50 Inspirational Bible Verse Pictures
See What Happens After A Single Act Of Kindness
By The End of This Video, Your Faith Will Be Stronger Than Ever
See What Happens When Someone Pays For A Random Stranger's Groceries
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The last 12 months have been quiet for me motorsport wise but 2015 is starting to look fairly interesting. Having already competed in Boucles du Bastogne in a MKII Escort I've got a few events coming up in various cars. It will be great to be back behind the wheel again.
McRae Motorsport
Alister to race in the Boucles Du Bastogne 2015. Read more here.
Alister is competing in the APRC and Super 2000 World Rally Championship in 2012
Here is a list of the APRC 2012 events
Whangarei, New Zealand: March 31-1 April
Noumea, New Caledonia: 28-29 April
Queensland, Australia: 26-27 May
Johor, Malaysia: 14-15 July
Hokkaido, Japan: 15-16 September
Longyou, China: 27-28 October
Read more...


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Book Review: Vestments by John Reimringer
Published 7:21 pm, Friday, June 24, 2011
This raw yet quiet novel is a stellar debut from St. Paul author John Reimringer. Vestments is a thoughtful book, but emotions run high in many places. It tackles an array of issues, all intertwined in the life of Jim Dressler. Those familiar with St. Paul will recognize not only landmarks, but history, attitudes and language.
Jim Dressler is a St. Paul kid who grew up Catholic, with an Irish mom and a German dad, which in his case meant fireworks. He had always loved the Church, and decides to become a priest. We follow this progression as he tells his sister the story. The question is, what happened? His dream is realized and then suddenly dashed in a moment of indiscretion, followed by treachery. During this one summer at home, the time of this story, he must face many demons, not the least of which is his volatile dad, plus a former girlfriend and his future with the Church and the realization that life can be patently unfair sometimes. Around the twin satellites of his brother's wedding and his grandfather's failing health, he must come to terms with family, with life and what makes it meaningful.
The characters in Jim's - Father James' - world are fully realized. I loved brash, smart Betty, the love of his life. We get to replay their high school years - that sad, mad, crazy time. I detested miserly, nosy Mrs. Gunther and could not decide whether to love or hate Joe Dressler, Jim's dad. He is a sympathetic character in that he is rather pathetic. We all know someone like him.
This is a character-driven book. Expect a little drama, including violent sudden fistfights, but also a lot of introspection and thoughts on religion and life. Have patience and you will be richly rewarded.
All in all, Jim Dressler is a likeable, imperfect guy who seems to have a surprisingly well-adjusted grasp on life considering what he's had to deal with growing up. And you don't have to have grown up in St. Paul to appreciate this story. Though of course if you had, reading Vestments will evoke for you all the best and worst of St. Paul. The groups split into their own little factions, the deep-seated ties between families, the way families somehow always stick together. The taverns and bars, the old money and the new. The coming and going, the cemeteries, the churches.
Most of all, Reimringer nails the ending. Endings are difficult for many authors, in many books. But in this one, as it goes quietly along, it culminates in a resounding crescendo. In the last 20 pages of this book, I was crying; I was laughing; and the final paragraph took my breath away.
Vestments was a Publishers Weekly pick for Best Book of 2010, as well as winner of a Minnesota Book Award in the Novel & Short Story category (with some stiff competition, I must add). Also a Midwest Connections Pick (a program of the Midwest Booksellers Association) and a Milkweed Editions 2010 Editor's Circle Selection.
(Read an interview with author John Reimringer, where he talks about the evolution of his first novel, writing, teaching and more.)


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EXPLORER OF THE SEAS A RATHER DULL ADVENTURE: Explorer of the Seas Cruise Review by filmstar40
Overall Member Rating
Destination: Southern Caribbean
Embarkation: Bayonne (Cape Liberty)
1. Some lovely Islands to visit.
2. Great Weather.
3. Great Trips to Beaches and Butterfly Farms.
1. Last minute flight changes by RCI for the 2nd succesive time - not impressive.
2. Dull Bland Lukewarm Food in the Main Dining Room.
3. Worst Waiter I have come across anywhere - when he leaves your table after taking the orders from 3 out of 4 to serve 6 Americans that he also looked after (nothing against them by the way)then returns after some prodding to take the last order - you know you are struggling. 3 Orders wrong out of 6 (Chicken instead of Fish type level), food he served going off the side of the plate and an attitude about this.
4. Average Entertainment - flat, boring Parades. No Zip about the inhouse shows and some Headline acts would not headline at a local club. More
5. Too many Jacuzzis shut for no apparent reason.
6. Pool Water not being Fresh - well hidden if this is advertised.
7. Royal Promenade was totally centered around Shopping displays and ways to get you too part with more money.
8. Daytime Entertainment - no comment especially on the sea days other than if you liked Quiz's then you would be happy, if not arrrgh!
9. A Ship in need of some TLC.
RCI really impressed me first time up but that has taken a huge knock from my time on Explorer - not an experience I wish to repeat. Less
Published 12/16/10
Cabin review: D1 Superior Oceanview Stateroom with BalconySuperior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony (D1) Reviews >>
Port and Shore Excursions
Never ever will I set foot here again.
A very good way to finish the Ports of Call.
Read Cruise Critic's Explorer of the Seas Review >>
Average at Best, if you want a...
Just Average
Friendly, clean ship.
Weather was our friend - beaut...
First Cruise to Alaska, Travel...
Fabulous Cruise. Excellent Sta...
Oldie But A Goodie!
Havana Cruise - Junior Suite U...
First time cruisers
Sponsored Links


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Americans are spending more on weddings each year. In 2012, the average wedding cost $28,427, up from $27,021 in 2011. This CNN article linked here has an average list of spending by item that goes toward planning a wedding. Try comparing these costs to your own budget and shop around to help give you a frame of reference during the planning process. HelloWallet is here to help you keep track of your spending and make sure that you are able to spend within your means.
Start with planning a budget of what you have saved and what you plan to spend. Be sure to add this savings to your HelloWallet account so that we know what you're working with. Add items to your Spending Guidance Wish List in the order that you plan to purchase them. For example, if you know you need to put down a deposit for the venue before you purchase your invitations, you can re-order your list based on priority. Your Spending Guidance will evaluate your current savings and make sure that you still have money set aside for an emergency in case something happens. View the recommended amounts to have saved before making any purchases so that you know how your savings balances will be affected by your spending. HelloWallet will help make sure that the joy of being a newlywed isn't clouded by any debt.
To keep track of your spending over time, think about creating a custom category for wedding purchases. This way, each month you can keep track of how much you're spending by viewing your Trends by category.
One of our Community Managers, Andrea, has found success in tracking her wedding plans over the past year using her HelloWallet account. Since she and her fiance share their finances and their HelloWallet account, this was a great way for them to keep track of their spending during the planning process.
Let us know how your wedding planning goes and how we can help you save and spend smartly in the future.


text:
Overstock has a simple mission:
To save people money. We serve customers world-wide by offering high-quality goods at unbeatable prices, all while maintaining a focus on superior customer service.
Our award-winning customer service agents are standing by, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Click here to contact us.
Overstock's $2.95 shipping applies to most destinations within the contiguous United States (excluding Hawaii, Alaska and P.O. Boxes). Standard orders ship within 1-3 business days, depending on the time the order is received, and arrive within 5-10 business days. See our Shipping & Delivery Exceptions chart below for exceptions and non-standard shipping time frames. We use all major mail carriers, including UPS, FedEx, and the United States Postal Service. Customers cannot specify the carrier of their choice. Custom Art: Up to 10 business days to ship. Oversized Items: Up to 10 business days to ship. Oversized Items: 1-4 weeks for delivery.


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Paula Abdul not fired from Bratz movie
A rep for Paula Abdul claims she wasn't fired via email from the live-action Bratz movie despite the above clip suggesting
she's insane otherwise. Her rep released a statement saying she quit from the film because she was too busy working on other projects, and that Paula didn't deny the rumors because she was asked by producers not to.
"The producers and executives [at Lionsgate] begged Paula not to reveal in the press that she had voluntarily left the film as they were reaping tremendous publicity from using Paula's name to attract interest in the film via press releases and internet stories (over 88,000 thus far)." And what about the footage of Abdul crying about the film on Hey Paula!? "Very creative editing," her rep says.
So basically her rep is a liar. Watch the video. That's not the reaction of a woman who just quit the Bratz movie. That's the reaction of a woman who was just fired, and also happens to be mentally retarded. And is also a child. If I was taking the SATs, I'd rather cheat off the fire extinguisher in the corner than Paula Abdul.


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CableTV.com Recommends DIRECTV for your TV service
Research from independent consumer surveys
reveals that DIRECTV is rated
as the best TV service provider among satellite TV and cable companies in Byram,
MS. Helping you find and compare cable companies and other television services
available in your area is our mission at CableTV.com.
Typically, major networks are available wherever you live. However, the availability of smaller channels can differ from city to city, meaning TV packages in Byram may be slightly different from similar packages in other areas. Finding a premier package with more channels and extra features will ensure you never miss your favorite shows or the and New Orleans Saints games that are important to you. With the best cable company in Byram, MS, you should be able to get the channels that fit your needs and a price that fits your budget. We make it simple to compare packages, features, channel availability, and prices of the highest rated providers in Byram.
Dependable service and friendly customer support are two essential traits of the perfect cable company in Byram, MS. CableTV.com looks at the quality of customer service and the reliability of service offered by each cable or satellite company when ranking providers. We give you tons of information, too, making it easy to find a TV provider that you can depend on for reliable service and friendly assistance.


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Parker enjoying full load
Published 10:26 pm, Monday, March 25, 2013
When it became clear early last week that Tony Parker's sprained left ankle was well again, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich agreed to a plan to bring him back earlier than the original four-week diagnosis.
The only condition: Once the All-Star point guard returned, he had to be able to handle a full night's workload.
"I didn't want to bring him back and piecemeal it," Popovich said. "So we made him practice all week, and obviously he was ready to go."
Though Parker admits his rhythm isn't quite back to normal, his minutes are.
In two games since returning from a three-week layoff, Parker logged 36:50 in a win over Utah and 34:54 in Sunday's loss at Houston, surpassing his season average both nights. He averaged 22.5 points in those two games, leading the Spurs in scoring both nights.
"I don't know if he's 100 percent, but he's ready to play," Popovich said.
Sports Channel
Despite Popovich's concerns about his conditioning, Parker got stronger as each of the games progressed.
In Houston, Parker scored 12 of his 23 points during a 41/2-minute stretch of the fourth quarter. Most important, he reported no lingering pain in the ankle.
"T.P. is getting his rhythm back," captain Tim Duncan said. "He's feeling good. He's the guy we go to in the fourth quarter. (In Houston), he made some plays to get us back in the game."
It was a doubly proud night for Spurs guard Danny Green, who has played for both.
Though Green appeared in Popovich's milestone game, he felt a deeper connection to Williams' accomplishment. Green, after all, was on hand for 123 of Williams' victories, more than any other player in UNC history.
"It's kind of a coincidence they both got it on the same night," said Green, 25, the only player on the Spurs' roster to have won a college national championship (2009). "I feel very blessed to have played for two of the greatest coaches ever to have coached the game."
A comically small sample size, to be sure, but it marked the third winless road month of the Popovich coaching era (not counting a pair of 0-for-1 Octobers).
The Spurs went 0-3 away from home in December 2007 and 0-4 in March 2005.


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St Albans Rangers Under-9s Red recorded their first ever win after seven matches at Borehamwood running out 12-1 winners.
Bailey Shipp and Taylor Rosen grabbed hat-tricks while there were two goals from Brandon Tranis and efforts from Tom Every, Oscar Reeves and Oliver Sasson. Man-of the-match was Bailey Shipp.
Rangers Under-10s Red returned to league action this week with an 8-3 win at Edmonton Rangers. Matthew Mooney was the star player following his three goal performance.
Other strikes came from David Emiloju(2), Daniel Morris, Flynn O'Callaghan and an own goal.
Rangers Under-10 Blue faced Harvesters South on a very sticky pitch in an end to end game that finished 2-2. Rangers twice had the lead, first Seb Pound feeding Jack Geldard to score. Pound then added value by slotting home the rebound.
The Harvesters keeper had a great game in goal saving numerous times and there was still time for a Pound shot to hit both posts before this engaging match ended in a draw. The Under-11 Reds faced a decent Hadley East and came out with a 4-2 win.
Rangers started well and took the lead when Amjad played the ball through to Jack Kerr who beat the keeper into the far corner.
The home team equalised after some great saves from Sam Hardie when the ball broke back to the forward who made it 1-1.
Rangers did not let this setback affect their spirit and Kerr produced the goal of the season so far. He won the ball out on the left touchline and then broke into the box near to the goal line before unleashing an absolute rocket shot that flew into the far top corner of the net.
There were several attempts from the home team to draw level but great work from Charlie Brook, William Manchester in defence, plus the midfield of Amjad, David, Louis and Oli did their best to get back and help out.
The hosts drew level after some great heroics in defence saw the ball deflect away off the post, however the conditions combined to stop the ball dead on the goal line for 2-2 at half time.
In the second half Louis was fed the ball on the left wing, and he ran past the defender and got a shot in. The keeper saved it but Louis was able to grab the rebound for his goal to make it 3-2.
The home team had a few chances to equalise but Rangers again broke away and this time David set up Oli Taits who crossed for man-of-the-match Kerr to seal the victory with a hat-trick.
Rangers Under-13s played reasonably well to just miss out in a 5-3 loss to Sun Postal.
Rangers were quite sloppy in the first half and went 2-0 down quickly. Rangers then went 3-0 down in the second half.
However an amazing free-kick from Harry Gigins sprung Rangers back into life before Postal scored again.
The excellent Jack Mooney sent a great ball to Omar who finished. Sadly for Rangers Sun Postal were awarded and scored a penalty.
The Under-14 Reds came out victorious against Pinner with a 9-0 win.
Goals from Roberto Mirza, Oscar Finnie and the brilliant Connor Perry (7) sealed the victory.
Rangers Under-16 Red gifted the opposition four goals but still ran out 5-4 winners over Comets Dolphins in the League Cup.
The scorers were Will Kilpatrick, Jack Gage (2), Brendon Katurura and an own goal from Dan Day's cross. Harry Budge was named man-of-the-match.
The Under-18 Dons won through to the third round of the League Cup despite a below par performance beating Chorleywood Lions 3-1.
Yannick supplied two fine finishes and Dan Brown scored an excellent solo goal.
Man-of-the-match went to Sam Kellard for a really commanding display at centre-back.
Meanwhile, Harvesters Under-12 South passed their way into the next round of the Challenge Cup with a 7-0 win over Alexandra Park. The scorers were Jack Hawthorne (3), Ben Lloyd (2), George Hayford and man-of-the-match Joe Shobeiry.


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Originally Posted by opie
OK... Im sending you 4 loops.
2 are in the configuration you requested.
1 is a little over 12", but with 4" buries.
The last is around 10" with 6" buries.
Great! I'll figure out a way to index them to detect slippage, and give 'em a test. Got an ENO knockoff sitting here in the on deck circle.
Are you going to test one on your machine?
It may not be rocket science, but it's still science.
Originally Posted by oldgringo
Are you going to test one on your machine?
Yes... using different bury lengths.
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Would you like to save as your currency permanently or for this visit only?
Rocca Paolina
Fontana Maggiore
Comfortable bed. Close to Perugia. If you would like to sleep before 1am, I would not recommend this Locanda which is located directly above a noisy restaurant with windows overlooking the patio and parking lot and a busy road. No air conditioning, so windows need to be open for air circulation. To make matters worse during our stay work started on the roof with hammering at 9am. We were rushed to checkout before 11am so that they could clean the rooms. Owner insincere and not genuinely concerned about guests or experience.


text: Duval House Quick Specs Rates $265-$465Year Built 1885Year Renovated 1988 View Large Interactive Map Address 815 Duval StKey West, FL 33040 Web http://www.theduvalhouse.com/ Phone + 1 305-294-1666 Fax + 1 305-292-1701 Toll-free 800-22-DUVAL Email OverviewMeeting SpecsPhotos & videos Description Victorian Inn housed in several century-old homes with tropically landscaped garden.Year Built: 1885Year Renovated: 1988Check in Time: 3:00 PMCheck out Time: 11:00 AMNumber of Floors: 2Total Number of Rooms: 28Rates: $265-$465 GDS Hotel Reservation CodesAmadeus GDS: YX EYW003Galileo/Apollo GDS: YX 53222Sabre GDS: YX 065101WorldSpan GDS: YX DUVAL Duval House Location & NeighborhoodNear Key West, 150 miles from Miami. Olivia. In Old Town, 2 mi from airport. Airport, Beach, Suburban, Tourist. Duval House Rates & PoliciesDuval House rates are Daily in USDStandard: $265-$465 Credit Cards Are AcceptedReservations must be guaranteed with a credit cardMeals: Continental PlanDeposit Policy: 1st night's deposit with taxCancellation Policy: Cancel 7 days priorRestrictions: Children under 12 yrs discouragedHotel Discounts offered: AAAAARP discountTravel Agents Nearby AirportsKey West Intl (2.50 miles east)Juan G Gomez Intl (107.25 miles southeast)Naples Mncpl (110.50 miles north)More Airports » Duval House Room AmenitiesDuval House amenities are in All rooms unless noted otherwiseAir ConditioningBalcony/Terrace (some)CoffeemakerDaily Maid ServiceIron/Ironing Board (some)Kitchen/Kitchenette (some)Microwave OvenRooms for Non-smokersRefrigerator (some)Cable/Satellite TelevisionTelevisionInternet Access (Wireless) Guest ServicesComplimentary CoffeeConcierge ServicesMulti-lingual StaffPaid Onsite ParkingWheelchair Access to Common/Public AreasCommon Area Internet Access (Wireless) Security ServicesSmoke Alarm in Rooms Nearby SightseeingHemingway House (8 blocks)Slopppy Joe's Bar (5 blocks)Harbor District (1 mile)Key West Turtle Cannery MuseumKey West Butterfly and Nature ConservatoryMore sightseeing »DiningMangoesA&B Lobster HouseAlonzo's Oyster BarEl Meson de PepeCamille'sMore dining options » On-Site RecreationPool (Outdoor Pool)Nearby RecreationBeachBicyclingBoating/SailingFishingGolf CourseJogging TrailsScuba DivingShopping Mall/AreaSnorkelingTennis (Outdoor Tennis)Water Skiing Duval House Meeting Rooms & Events Duval House Business ServicesFax Duval House Images, Videos, & Virtual Tours Photos & Videos Duval House ExteriorDuval House ExteriorDuval House ExteriorDuval House ExteriorDuval House RoomDuval House RoomDuval House RoomDuval House RoomDuval House RoomDuval House RoomDuval House RoomDuval House RoomDuval House PoolDuval House PoolDuval House Other Images Powered by VFM Leonardo Nearby Key West Hotels More Nearby Hotels Orchid Key InnBest Western Hibiscus MotelEden HouseEl Patio MotelFairfield Inn & Stes/The Keys CollectionFairfield Inn & Suites by MarriottKey West Bayside Inn & SuitesWeatherstation InnAlexander's GuesthouseCourtyard by Marriott/WaterfrontCrowne Plaza La Concha ResortHeron HouseLa Mer And Dewey HouseParrot Key ResortSouthernmost HotelSouthernmost on the BeachThe Banyan ResortThe Reach, A Waldorf Astoria ResortSimonton Court Hoteliers! Is your listing up to date? With over 130,000 hotels in our database, no other source compares to our depth of information. Click here to review and be sure the travel professional knows your hotel's latest details.


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'Glee' Season Two Promo Shots (PHOTOS)
Go ahead; have a drink on the Glee cast. Or maybe they're having a drink on you.
A new set of promo shots for Glee's second season have been released, featuring Jane Lynch, Mark Salling, Cory Monteith and the rest of the gang playfully tossing Slurpee-like concoctions at the camera.
Perhaps they're emulating the rumored car-trashing antics of castmate Naya Rivera?
Either way, click through the photo gallery to check out the new promo shots. They might be messy, but they sure are refreshing. Season 2 of Glee premieres on September 21. Are you excited to see the new episodes? Let us know in the comments section.


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The late BBC presenter becomes a suspect in 31 rape allegations that lead to the arrests of publicist Max Clifford, singer Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr and DJ Dave Lee Travis.
Police have received complaints from 589 people in underage sexual abuse related to BBC's top presenter Jimmy Savile and others. 450 complainants claim they were sexually assaulted by the late presenter. He's a suspect in 31 allegations of rape in seven different areas of the country.
A police report of investigation in Jimmy's pedophile scandal during his career in showbiz over several decades will be released in the New Year. Commander Peter Spindler from Scotland Yard said, "These levels of reporting of sexual abuse against a single individual are unprecedented in the U.K."
"Our officers will continue to investigate allegations made against those who potentially can be brought to justice. So far the Operation Yewtree team have detained seven suspects and assisted in the arrest of three others elsewhere in the country. More arrests nationally will be forthcoming."
"Once again I want to pay tribute to those who have spoken out and bravely shared their experiences of sexual assault," he added. "As a result of their collective efforts we have a great opportunity to learn from the past, develop our understanding of sexual exploitation and improve our safeguarding procedures."
"Our response should send a clear warning to anyone today now in a position of power and influence who abuse their status to sexually exploit children and young people - victims will be listened to and robust action taken."
Savile is believed to have abused young girls in BBC's dressing room and in hospitals where he did charity works. Among those arrested in the investigation are publicist Max Clifford, singer Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr and DJ Dave Lee Travis.
Savile died in 2011 at the age of 84. His scandal prompted George Entwistle's resignation as BBC's Director General and raised question to Mark Thompson, now a chief executive of New York Times, on whether he knew about the abuse when he held the position as Director General in BBC.


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A TEENAGE singer from Worcester is keeping her fingers crossed as she prepares to entertain audiences and judges in the regional final of the UK's biggest original music competition.
Worcester College of Technology student Becky Wynne, who is studying an extended diploma in performing arts, will take to Sheffield City Hall on Sunday, March 25, for Live and Unsigned, hoping she has what it takes to progress further.
The 17-year-old battled with hundreds of acts to secure a slot at the live show, which attracts more than 40,000 entries each year, and she will now face industry judges from BBC Radio One, Kerrang!, NME, BBC Introducing as well regional press and record labels.
"To get through to the regional finals was such an amazing feeling. I had lots of doubts at first as there were a lot of talented performers auditioning. I feel very proud of myself as I have now been given an opportunity to perform in front of a large audience and music industry judges." As well as recognising the huge opportunity the competition presents, Becky is quick to acknowledge the role played by her friends, family and teachers in getting her there.
"I'm not only doing this for myself but for everybody who has supported and helped me with everything I have done, so the sense of achievement I feel is overwhelming.
"I wouldn't have got through without the support of my family or the confidence the Worcester College of Technology has given me.
"So fingers crossed for the regional finals and hopefully I can progress even further."
She also hopes it could provide a platform to fulfil her ambitions.
"I do a few pub gigs in my spare time at the moment, although I would like to take it that step further and perform in front of larger audiences.
"I have slowly climbed further and onto bigger things throughout my teenage years, so hopefully that will continue for me and I can be successful with my singing."
The ultimate goal takes the form of the grand final at Live Fest in The 02 in London on Saturday, July 14, with £100,000 of prizes up for grabs along with festival slots at home and abroad. For more information, go to liveandunsigned.uk.com/tickets/purc hase.


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Manhattan-Morgan State: Jaspers Continue Road Trip Down SouthDecember 10, 2009
The Manhattan Jaspers, coming off what might have been the ugliest game ever, travel to Baltimore this weekend to face the Morgan State Bears.
In last year's meeting, Manhattan waited until there were nine seconds left to win the game on an Antoine Pearson layup.
Morgan State (5-4, 1-0 MEAC), led by Reggie Holmes (24.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG), looks for redemption against the Jaspers. The Bears have already had success against Arkansas and Louisville, although they fell short of a win at Freedom Hall.
Manhattan (5-4, 1-1 MAAC), has been extremely inconsistent this season and it is hard to predict how they will play against a fairly good team like Morgan State.
Most likely, this will be a win for Morgan State. However, if Manhattan does certain things right, they have a slim chance of being victorious.
Keys For The Morgan State Bears
Take Advantage Of Size In The Post
Kevin Thompson has been averaging 13.8 PPG and 12.2 RPG. At 6'8" and 240 pounds, he is taller than every Manhattan player except for Laurence Jolicoeur and Kevin Laue. Laue barely plays and Jolicoeur is thin as a stick. The Bears will need Thompson to exploit his advantage in the post.
Don't Be Afraid To Put The Ball In The Hands Of Reggie Holmes
Reggie Holmes, the No. 5 scorer in the nation, has the ability to dominate the game. He has failed to reach double digits only once this season, and that was in a game where he was in foul trouble from the start and only played 16 minutes. In those 16 minutes, he was still able to score nine points.
Holmes should be able to handle the Manhattan defense and put up typical numbers.
Keys For The Manhattan Jaspers
Minimize Reggie Holmes' Opportunities
Reggie Holmes will most likely have a typical game and score upwards of 20 points. However, there is one way for Manhattan to potentially minimize the damage that Holmes does. Patrick Bouli is The Jaspers' best defender and he should guard Holmes to limit him to as few points as possible.
Share The Ball
By "share the ball," I don't exactly mean to put big numbers into the assist column. In the Jaspers' last game, they barely passed the ball on offense and were lifeless. Manhattan only had three assists from two different players. They need to learn to be less selfish.
Tip-Off: Saturday December 12, 4 PM


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Watford Observer readers searched our website for the words "St Albans Crown Court" more than any other in 2013.
The most searched for terms on the site often give the news team an idea of what stories are capturing readers attention on the site. And the annual results reveal what some of the most talked about topics in the area were.
More people searched for updates on the Croxley Rail Link than any other news story.
2013 saw a number of key developments for £117million scheme to link the Metropolitan Line to Watford Junction station, including the appointment of a construction contractor and start of ecological work along the route.
The next most popular term was "Leavesden Studios", presumably from neighbours wondering whether the towering plume of smoke outside and gunshots were cause for concern or just a scene from a new Tom Cruise film.
South Oxhey was the most searched for area, beating Bushey and Rickmansworth. Three Rivers District Council was the most searched authority.
Vicarage Road had a strong following, most likely down to the location of the Hornets' stadium and also TfL's decision to name one of the new Croxley Rail Link Station.


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Neuvirth Giving Flyers a Boost in Net
PHILADELPHIA — If either of the Flyers' two goalies had their druthers they'd face a few shots early in the game to get them into the flow.
PHILADELPHIA — If either of the Flyers' two goalies had their druthers they'd face a few shots early in the game to get them into the flow.
VOORHEES Andrew MacDonald's going down on the farm.
VOORHEES - For years, Steve Mason's goalie partner back in juniors, Adam Dennis, bugged Mason to work with his goalie trainer in the summer. And for whatever reason, Mason never obliged.
VOORHEES Scott Hartnell had 20 goals, nearly half on the power play, in his final season with the Flyers, which also happened to be Michael Raffl's first.
The Sports Bash with Mike Gill and will be broadcasting live on Friday October 2nd, from 2pm to 6pm at A'Dam Good Sports Bar in the Quarter at the Tropicana Resort and Casino brought to you by Coors Light!
VOORHEES Flyers coach Dave Hakstol is insistent. He says Sean Couturier's injury has nothing to do with the fact that Sam Gagner is now on his third position so far in training camp.
VOORHEES - The Flyers' line combinations looked a bit off Sunday morning...because Sean Couturier wasn't among the group.
(VOORHEES) - What was announced as 35 is really 29.
In the matter of a couple days the Flyers went from 62 players in training camp to having only six cuts to make.


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I'm pretty happy with the Japanese elementary school my children attend. But I have to say one thing: I hate the building itself. It's the standard four-story concrete block. Drab, institutional and uninviting. What I dislike most is that it's closed off from the surrounding neighborhood, hidden away behind high walls and locked gates. Like a prison.
So I was very happy to hear that there is, or at least was, something of a movement to make schools more a part of the community. A few years ago, the Education Ministry started actively encouraging schools to open their facilities to local residents for after-hours recreation and learning. Since nothing qualifies as a movement in Japan if it doesn't have a slogan, the ministry thought up a very nice one: Gakko wa chiikijumin no shogai gakushu no besu kyanpu (Schools are the base camp of lifelong learning for community residents).
Most schools in Japan do make some facilities available to the community. But it's usually on a limited basis. At our school, for example, the schoolyard is open for after-school play four days a week. But only for third-graders and up, and only for an hour. On weekend afternoons, it's open for a few hours to anyone. The PTA organizes volunteers to supervise, for which the school receives a stipend from our ward. But most of the time, including during school vacations, the schoolyard is locked up tight. No one can use it.
We don't have a sports field, but community groups may request to use the gymnasium. Few do, however, because our building is over 30 years old and the facilities aren't very good. The gymnasium is used a few evenings a week by a badminton team and for karate lessons, but the ceiling isn't high enough for volleyball, and the basketball hoops are too low for adults. Sports teams prefer the newer schools in our ward.
In any case, the ministry has been pressing schools to open more than just sports facilities. It wants schools to open their libraries on weekends; to make lunchrooms available as meeting rooms for local groups; to allow art and home economic rooms to be used for adult lessons. When planning new schools, the ministry wants communities to adopt designs that make it easier to open facilities to the neighborhood. And it's pushing for schoolyards without walls or fences.
Many communities embraced this "open school" movement. They recognized the advantages of multi-use facilities, including more efficient use of public funds and improved access to recreational facilities. When towns built schools without fences, they found that the benefits outweighed the problems. Local residents had a sense of ownership in the school when they could see it. Gardening groups offered to help maintain schoolyards. There were few incidents of damage to facilities.
Unfortunately, the open school movement suffered a serious setback on April 8, 2001, when a knife-wielding intruder entered Ikeda Primary School in Osaka Prefecture and murdered eight young children. It was such a tragedy, such a shock to the nation, that almost all discussion of open schools was dropped. Schools that used to leave their gates open started locking them. Schools that didn't have fences put them up.
In a recent survey in Osaka and Tokyo, nearly 90 percent of schools said they now keep their gates locked, except when students arrive and leave. Many of the surveyed schools said they believe the design of Japanese schools makes them vulnerable to intruders, and they want security guards and surveillance cameras.
All this makes me feel very sad. I've seen Americans held hostage to their fear of crime, and I hate it happening in Japan, too.
When I was a child growing up in the United States some 30 years ago, children had a lot of freedom. Even very young kids were allowed to play all over the neighborhood without supervision. The only rule was to come home when the streetlights came on. But by the time I had my own kids, Americans had become more fearful about crime. In the safe, upper-middle-class U.S. neighborhood we lived in until two years ago, no one let kids run free.
Did America really become so much more dangerous in the last 30 years? Does the risk of crime justify depriving children of the freedom to play? I think it was more a change in perception than an actual rise in crime rates. My generation of parents somehow came to believe that we could, and therefore should, protect our children from all dangers. I don't think that's possible. I think we fool ourselves if we believe we can create a risk-free environment for our children.
Sure, I want my kids to be safe at school. Of course, I want our school to make it difficult for an intruder to enter. But I don't believe any security measure can be 100 percent effective. I don't want the school to go so far that they deprive our students of a sense of liberty. Or make the school off-limits to the community.
Wouldn't it be nice if our home economics room could be used after hours for cooking classes that serve public-health goals? How about a demonstration on nutritious meals for elderly people with dietary restrictions? How about a class on vegetable preparation for young people who live alone and tend to buy their meals from convenience stores?
Our school would probably get extra funding if our facilities were shared with the community. Maybe we'd get an indoor pool if area residents could use it on evenings and weekends. Perhaps we'd get more books if our library opened to the community after school hours. Or more computers if our computer room could be used for adult lessons, too.
Japan is so short of space for public facilities that we really need to give the concept of open schools another chance. The real lesson from the Ikeda Primary School incident isn't that we should lock up our schools. It is that we should take security into account as we plan how to open our school facilities to the community.


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On "Embodied learning"
C Tsaid...
Ah, but I am indulging in dreams today. ;)
And a black-box computer model is every bit as much an authority today as Aristotle's books were during the Middle Ages.
For left-brainers and kin: thoughts on education, left-brainedness, autism, and right-brain biases.
On "Embodied learning"
C Tsaid...


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Louis Vuitton Monogram Petit Bucket Pre Owned
This item is no longer available
Authenticity code: Louis Vuitton FL1005
Authentic: Pre Owned
This is a guaranteed authentic Louis Vuitton Bucket Bag. The bucket bag is made of LV's signature monogram with leather trim and straps. It has a beige lining with one open side pocket and one zipper pocket. The perfect size handbag for any occasion!
- Exterior: Excellent
- Interior: Excellent
- Description of Interior: Alcantara Lined
- Exterior Pockets: Open pocket
- Interior Pockets: One zipper pocket
- Color: Brown
- Hardware Description: Gold Hardware
- Material: Canvas
- Width: 9.1 in.
- Length: 6.3 in.
- Height: 10.2 in.
- Handle Drop: 8 in.
Product Code: 2371017
Read more about Louis Vuitton Date Code here.
All photos are of actual item being sold. This Louis Vuitton® item is guaranteed to be authentic. Louis Vuitton is a registered trademark of Louis Vuitton. LuxeDH is not affiliated with or represents Louis Vuitton in any way or form.


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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/11/2013 (1355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Imagine two weeks in San Diego without visiting the zoo or SeaWorld, the city's best-known attractions. No problem -- two weeks just scratches the surface of this weather-perfect, culturally rich city. Here are some highlights of a recent two-week stay:
North Park
FORBES ranks North Park as one of America's top hipster neighbourhoods. The designation is based on criteria such as walkability, locally owned coffee shops, bars and restaurants and, of course, the percentage of artists among the population.
A good time to visit is on a Thursday, when a farmers market sets up in a large parking lot. It's mostly organic produce, but artisans also have tables and there's exotic fast food. University Avenue is North Park's lively spine and home to several vintage clothing shops. The side streets house a range of artist storefronts and offbeat stores.
Among the distinctive drinking spots is Splash, a wine bar where customers can press a button to sample (for between $1 and $6) one-ounce "splashes" from more than 60 different wine bottles.
We had dinner nearby at The Linkery, which features a daily selection of about a half-dozen sausages taken from its five-dozen repertoire, all made on site. For non-meat eaters, there are versions of San Diego's ubiquitous fish taco, local cheeses and french fries. To accompany your meal, try one of the dozens of local craft beers. (There's an annual beer festival in September that draws tourists from around the world.)
Whale Watching
YOU don't have to sail far out of San Diego Bay to spot a whale or two, or more. In fact, the city skyline was in easy view when we came across a couple of bobbing 20-metre fin whales, second largest behind the blue whale. Both the Birch Aquarium in nearby La Jolla and the city's Natural History Museum sponsor whale-watching boats with naturalists as spotters on the bridge.
Balboa Park
THIS 485.6-hectare park is home to the San Diego Zoo, an 18-hole golf course and vast gardens, along with more than 100 kilometres of bicycle and hiking trails. But you can spend several days here without doing any of that. In the park's centre are 15 museums and other related attractions, ranging from the Air and Space Centre to the WorldBeat Cultural Center of African-American art. Whatever your interests, there's a museum for you, including the world's largest model railway museum.
La Jolla
A suburb for the well-heeled, it is aptly named "jewel" in Spanish. Its beaches, one of which is also a seal and pelican sanctuary, are among the best in California. High-end boutiques and art galleries line Prospect Street, but an affordable meal can be had overlooking the sea on the outdoor deck of George's at the Cove, a double winner in San Diego Magazine's 2012 list of best restaurants: It won top prizes for view and seafood.
On the bluffs above the commercial area, we find Torrey Pines Gliderport for paragliders and hang gliders. First-timers flyers can, for $140, "rent" an instructor to cling to for up to 30 minutes as you float over town and ocean.
It's hard to imagine a more child-friendly place than the nearby Birch Aquarium. Volunteers eagerly engage young -- and older -- visitors to talk about the fish in the tanks and handle the starfish and other creatures in the aquarium's tide pools. Birch houses one of the world's largest arrays of sea horses, some 36 colourful species.
USS Midway
YOU have to run to keep up with 86-year-old Joe Neves, one of the dozens of volunteers -- all vets anxious to share a story -- that pop up everywhere on this floating museum's five decks. Neves enlisted in the navy's air unit at 17 to fight in the Second World War. A year later, he saw his first action aboard an aircraft carrier considerably smaller than the 300-metre long Midway, the world's largest when it entered the water just days after the war's end. Now, Neves dashes around the flight deck, describing the terror of being under fire, directing visitors to where the crew slept and ate, and pointing to a blow-up on a wall of him in uniform as a teen.
Coronado Island
MARILYN Monroe stayed here. So did U.S. presidents, other global leaders and the lovestruck Prince of Wales who abdicated the British throne to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson. Turns out Simpson, then married to the San Diego naval base commander, the first of her three husbands, lived here during the prince's visit. No one knows if they met at the time, but they all lodged at the Hotel del Coronado, the location for Monroe's Some Like it Hot and the world's largest resort hotel when it opened in 1888. Now, as it celebrates its 125th anniversary, it remains a luxury hotel but with options for the less well-off.
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
FOR the best view of the city skyline and the Pacific, visit this serene final resting place for more than 100,000 former military personnel and their families. High up on a promontory, the cemetery's rows upon rows of white marble headstones are perfectly aligned on slopes that lead toward the ocean on one side and San Diego Bay on the other.
The beaches
SAN Diego is ultimately defined by its beaches. The city boasts more than 150 kilometres of white sand, from La Jolla to Coronado Beach. In between, the sea is a magnet for surfers, parasailors and swimmers. The contiguous Mission and Pacific beaches are popular with both city youth and tourists. The pier at Pacific Beach supports some two dozen cottages that comprise a unique hotel above the crashing waves.
One can walk for hours on the boardwalk separating the beach and the hundreds of low-rise, rental units for short- and long-term visitors. The city's extensive network of bicycle paths also hugs these shores.
We began every morning with a bicycle ride and found new areas to explore every day. Later, we strolled along the beach as the sun set. Maybe on our next visit, we'll have time to visit SeaWorld and the zoo.


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For your handy reference, here's a look at the players currently on the Angels' 40-man roster and what their salary and contract status is for 2013. This info is collected from this always helpful site.
Albert Pujols, $16M in 2013 (signed through 2021, total of $228M)
Jered Weaver, $16.2M (2016, $70.8M)
CJ Wilson, $11.5M (2016, $67M)
Erick Aybar, $8.75M (2016, $35M)
Howie Kendrick, $9.1M (2015, $28.65M)
Chris Iannetta, $5.05 (2015, $15.55M)
Vernon Wells, $21M (2014, $42M)
Scott Downs, $5M (2013, $5M)
Options for 2013
Dan Haren, $15.5M or $3.5M buyout
Ervin Santana, $13M or $1M buyout
These players must be offered arbitration by Nov. 30 or they become free agents. If they are offered arbitration, the team is agreeing to binding arbitration if they don't agree on a contract by February. Arbitration salaries are based on performance and service time, not the free market, so the salaries almost always go up, often substantially.
Alberto Callaspo ($3.15M in 2012)
Kendrys Morales ($2.975M)
Jerome Williams ($820K)
Kevin Jepsen ($501K)
Team control:
These players have no leverage to negotiate their salaries. If they don't agree to a salary, the team will simply assign them a salary, usually somewhere between the major league minimum ($490K in 2013) and $1M.
Peter Bourjos
Kole Calhoun
David Carpenter
Bobby Cassevah
Hank Conger
Barry Enright
Ernesto Frieri
Steven Geltz
John Hester
Luis Jimenez
Michael Kohn
Nick Maronde
Brad Mills
Garrett Richards
Andrew Romine
Andrew Taylor
Mike Trout
Mark Trumbo
Jordan Walden
Free agents
These players officially came off the Angels' 40-man roster when they became free agents on Monday.
Zack Greinke
LaTroy Hawkins
Torii Hunter
Jason Isringhausen
Maicer Izturis
TOTAL: $97.1M (includes guaranteed contracts and buyouts of options, not arbitration eligibles or players under control).