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Though the government never announced CNG supply closure publicly, motorists feel that they would have no option but to run on petrol for good.
The past week witnessed an extraordinary rush of vehicles at petrol stations as there was no compressed natural gas (CNG) supply and even not enough petrol.
The crisis emerged when the vehicles running on CNG were left with no other option but to opt for petrol thanks to unavailability of the cheap fuel.
But as the motorists reached the filling stations to fill their tanks with petrol, the latter had no sufficient stock to meet the rising demand. Though the petrol shortage was overcome within about 24 hours, the CNG shutdown appears to be a permanent phenomenon.
"The gas supply to CNG stations in Punjab is expected to remain suspended during January because of the high domestic demand caused by the low temperature," said Amjad Latif, a senior official of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL).
However, the government decision to close the CNG supply in January has not yet been publicly announced. But consumers have begun sensing what the government had in store for them and many vehicle owners have got ready to drive without CNG.
"Every day we get two or three vehicles whose owners want them adjusted for optimum petrol consumption. A car that is equipped to run on the CNG consumes a lot of petrol," said Amjad Hussain, a mechanic at the I-9 auto-market. The adjustments are being made as consumers realise that their cars will now have to run on petrol for most of the time, he added.
The shortage is the latest in the ongoing CNG saga that took a turn for the worse when the government decided in July 2012 to link the prices of CNG with that of petrol.
Under the law, gas prices are supposed to be determined biannually after a public hearing by the Oil and Gas Regularity Authority (Ogra).
However, the government disregarded the law and after July continued to raise the CNG prices till the Supreme Court took a suo motu notice of the issue.
On October 25, during the hearing of the suo motu case, the apex court directed the Ministry of Petroleum to reduce the CNG prices that had reached Rs92 per kg in the Potohar region, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Dr Waqar Masood, the petroleum secretary, told the apex court that as a temporary relief the prices would be brought down by Rs30 per kg.
Accordingly, Ogra issued a notification setting the prices in Region 1 (Potohar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan) at Rs61.64 per kg and in Region II (Sindh and areas in Punjab excluding Potohar) at Rs54.16 per kg.
The secretary also told the court that an entirely new mechanism was being worked out to set the prices which would replace the existing arrangement that had been in place since 2008.
But the new rates as announced by the secretary before the apex court reduced the profit margin of the CNG sellers who promptly went on an announced strike, claiming selling the cheap fuel was no longer a profitable business.
The real impact of the unannounced strike by the CNG operators began to surface from October 30 when the citizens returned from Eidul Azha holidays to find that almost half of the stations were closed.
It is difficult to assess whether the decision to partially shut down supply was dictated by the CNG association or individually.
But the consumers had to wait for hours in long queues at the filling stations.
As the closure of most of the CNG stations created hardship for the public, Dr Asim Hussain, the adviser to the prime minister on petroleum, said selling CNG was still profitable.
"Those who know business are operating and those who want to play politics are manipulating the situation," he observed.
On the other hand, the All Pakistan CNG Association said only filling stations with low operational costs were managing to operate at minimal profits.
"Those stations which are not on rented land and their overhead charges are less can survive with this unrealistic formula," said Ghiyas Paracha, the chairman of the association.
As per the decision of the Supreme Court that the petroleum ministry and Ogra needed to devise a fair CNG price, Ogra after its public hearing on November 14 inferred that the price needed to be fixed at Rs74.20 in the region I.
Whereas the independent auditors hired by Ogra in their report presented to the court on November 17 suggested that the CNG price in the region I should be Rs83 per kg.
As a result, Ogra announced its decision to hold another series of public hearing to also take the stakeholders in Karachi and Lahore on board which ended on November 29.
Before any decision could be made, the petroleum ministry sought time from the Supreme Court saying comprehensive gas policy guidelines were being formulated.
Dr Asim Hussain also told the media on December 4 that policy guidelines on the CNG usage were being formulated.
"The use of CNG will be restricted to public transport vehicles and up to 1,000cc cars," he added.
However, after passing though various stages, the federal cabinet in its meeting on January 3 decided to form another committee to look into the policy guidelines.
The committee is headed by law minister Farooq H. Naek and includes federal minister for capital development and administration Nazar Mohammad Gondal and minister for climate change Rana Farooq Saeed Khan.
As the government failed to come up with a pricing formula, the CNG sellers did not resume full operation till late December when it was decided that gas could not be supplied to the stations due to heavy domestic demand in the wake of the cold weather.
However, when asked why such a decision was taken in the last year of the government, Dr Hussain said the CNG shutdown was necessary due to massive gas shortfall in the country.
"We are already facing a shortfall of around two billion cubic feet daily (BCFD), as the production is around 4.2 BCFD. There is always a time to take tough decision."
He expressed confidence that the measure to enhance local production and import gas and LNG would start yielding results in 2014.


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ON ROUTE 60 about 131km (81 miles) north of Jerusalem and about 28km (17 miles) west of Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, is the site of the ancient Biblical city of Nazareth. The remnants of the ancient city are almost lost amongst the sprawl of today's city. Modern Nazareth is very much an Arab town with an Arab mayor and yet it has a mixed population of some sixty thousand inhabitants consisting mainly of Christian and Muslim Israeli Arabs.
One traveller who visited the area in the early 19th century gave his impression of Nazareth in these words: 'Nazareth is on a downward slope of a hill...the vale that spreads out before it resembles a circular basin that is surrounded by mountains...it is a rich and delightful area.' Another visitor of the same period describes the town that existed then as a place 'with streets narrow and steep, the houses which are flat-roofed, are about two hundred and fifty in number with about two thousand inhabitants.' This could have been a similar description of how Nazareth looked in the time of Jesus.
Modern Nazareth
Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament but we are introduced to it in the New Testament where we read that the angel Gabriel was sent by God to speak to a young Jewish girl named Mary, '...to a city of Galilee named Nazareth' (Luke 1.26).
It is assumed from this verse and others in the Bible, that this ancient town of Nazareth was the birthplace of this privileged young Jewish maiden, Mary the mother of Jesus but there are scholars who dispute this, pointing to the verses that connect Mary and her husband Joseph to Bethlehem. But modern Nazareth is very firm in its claim and visitors to the city see this reflected in the abundance of churches and shrines and the many tourist gift shops all dedicated to Mary and her son Jesus.
In the times when the Roman Empire occupied Israel, when the land was called Palestine, it seems that the town of Nazareth was of no great importance. We get some idea of how it was viewed from a remark made by Nathaniel, one of the disciples of Jesus, who said, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth' (John 1.46). This may have been a popular remark at the time, coupled with a general tendency to despise this obscure town of Nazareth.
There is perhaps an explanation if we go back in the Bible to the times of King Solomon, when Hiram king of Tyre was supplying Solomon with cedar, cypress and gold to build the temple and his own palace in Jerusalem. As a surety Solomon gave Hiram twenty unnamed cities in Galilee. It is interesting that when we read about this transaction we notice that, '…Hiram went from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him, but they did not please him. So he said, 'What kind of cities are these which you have given me, my brother?' And he called them the land of Cabul' (1 Kings 9.12,13). The name Cabul is said to be like the Hebrew for 'good-for-nothing'. So we can ask, was the town of Nazareth among these 'good-for-nothing' cities in Galilee that so disappointed Hiram?
Yet another reason for the way the Jews generally viewed the towns of Galilee like Nazareth, is perhaps the fact that in Old Testament times the northern half of Israel was subject to invaders and settled by other nations. One noted authority says of Galilee just before the times of Jesus; 'Owing to the pressures from people farther north, its Jewish population found themselves .. surrounded on three sides by non-Jewish populations .. under the Maccabees,(165-38 BC) the Gentile influence upon the Jews became so strong that the Jews were actually withdrawn south for half a century. Thus Galilee had to be recolonized, and this fact, together with its diversity of population, contributed to the contempt felt for the Galileans by the southern Jews (Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Part 1, Page 537 Inter-Varsity Press). The writer of this note gives as an example the contempt displayed when Nicodemus was at one stage defending Jesus from the ruling Pharisees council, who then rounded angrily on him saying, 'Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee' (John 7.52).
So it happened that this despised town of Nazareth was chosen by God to be the place that would nurture Jesus from a young age through childhood and adolescence and into manhood. Perhaps it was all to emphasise the humble background of Jesus, beginning with his lowly birth in a stable in Bethlehem and continuing in virtual obscurity in Nazareth until the time came for him to be revealed to his people.
View of Nazareth by David Roberts 1839
In the Gospel record of Luke we learn that after Joseph and Mary had taken the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to carry out purification rituals required by the law, '...they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.' (Luke 2.39,40). When we think about some of those words in this verse that describe Jesus as 'strong' and 'wise' with the 'grace of God upon him', we have an insight into what the people of Nazareth must have witnessed and experienced, as this Son of God grew up as their neighbour, through his childhood into adolescence and manhood.
This was the privilege that the people of ancient Nazareth enjoyed as he lived and worked among them. They must have known him very well as he mixed with them, until the time when he reached the age of about thirty and then he suddenly left Nazareth. But news came about him, reporting that he was now preaching throughout the whole region of Galilee teaching in the synagogues of all the towns he visited. Then we read that 'he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up' (Luke4.16).
We are then told that during this visit to Nazareth, on the Sabbath day, Jesus went to the synagogue there. This was a place of worship where he was well known and the attendant handed him the scroll of Isaiah to read. Jesus read out a portion from Isaiah chapter 61. He then astounded his former neighbours in Nazareth by saying that the Scripture he had just quoted applied to him! He was telling them that he was the person that Isaiah and all the other Old Testament prophets wrote about, he was their Messiah!
Luke tells us that these people of Nazareth at first 'marvelled at the gracious words' which Jesus spoke. However it seems that the meaning of the words of this man who had grown up and lived and worked among them, gradually sank in, their 'marvelling' turned to incredulity and disbelief.
Mark's Gospel record says that '…many hearing him were astonished, saying, 'Where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to him, that such mighty works are performed by his hands! Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?' And they were offended at him. (Mark 6.2,3).
As the meaning and importance of the words of Jesus hit home with the people of Nazareth, their amazement turned to annoyance. Here was this man they had known from a boy – a kind and gracious man who had lived among them, who had probably carried out work for most of them, built their houses, repaired their ploughs, helped them in many ways with those skilful hands. But now here he was in their synagogue, saying that he was the promised Jewish Messiah, the one that their sacred Scriptures spoke so much about.
It was all too much for the people of Nazareth and their disbelief and angry reactions were such that Jesus 'could do no mighty work there' (verse 5). Luke records that Jesus bluntly told them that their disbelief showed that they were no better than the Israelites of the times of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. When they heard this, 'all those in the synagogue…were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust him out of the city; and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, he went his way (Luke 4.28,29).
What a testimony this event in the Nazareth synagogue is to the frailty of the human nature we possess. In a flash we see that the emotions of religious piety and worship turned into a lynch mob mentality. Their momentary admiration for Jesus turned like lightning into hostile anger, fury, hate and savage intent. But the time for Christ's sacrifice had not yet come and he walked away safely from these murderous people of Nazareth. There is no record that he ever went there again.
The importance of Nazareth to students of the Bible relates to the life of one of its inhabitants who grew up there 2,000 years ago. In most cases where there is reference to the town, it is because the most wonderful man who ever walked this earth, Jesus of Nazareth, lived there for most of his life before he commenced his ministry. His neighbours rejected him but their loss can be our gain – if we listen to his teaching and apply it in our lives.

subset: commoncrawl


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With the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic April 15, the number of books dedicated to the ship's ill-fated voyage is impressive. Books of all categories—nonfiction and fiction for both children and adults—include historical narrative, scientific data, fully illustrated pop-ups.
These books continue to tell the story of the sinking of the great unsinkable ship, the people who survived, and the 1,500 men, women, and children who perished on that fateful evening.
In his third book on the Titanic, scientist Charles Pellegrino presents Farewell Titanic: Her Final Legacy (Wiley, Mar.). Pellegrino, who worked with director James Cameron on his movie Titanic (which is being re-released in 3D in April, along with the reissue of James Cameron's Titanic, from Harper Design), argues that the Titanic itself, submerged below 2.5 miles of water, will implode in its watery grave in a few years. In one of the last books to have been written while Titanic survivors were still alive, Pellegrino brings decades of research and interviews together to recreate the ship's last hours. Also included are color photographs of the sunken ship.
Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage: The Titanic, Her Passengers and Their World by historian, editor, and writer Hugh Brewster (Crown, Apr.) focuses on the people who inhabited the ship's first-class cabins, such as artist and writer Frank Millet, White House aide Archie Butt, and railroad president Charles Hays. Brewster focuses on these passengers because, as he explains in the prologue, "Within their lives and those of others on board can be found a remarkable convergence of events, issues, and personalities of the age." Charlie Conrad, executive editor for Crown, elaborates: "The new research [Brewster] has done on everything from the daily betting pool to the fashions worn on the grand staircase gives readers the most intimate picture yet of life onboard. Instead of stuffing the text with potted bios, he highlights remarkable characters who form a fascinating microcosm of life a century ago."
Another title that focuses on passengers of the ship is A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells' Story of Survival (NewSouth Books, Feb.). Written by Julie Hedgepeth Williams, the great-niece of Albert Caldwell, who survived the Titanic along with his wife and 10-month-old son, it tells the complex story of the Caldwell family, missionaries on the run from Siam (now Thailand). Suzanne La Rosa, NewSouth publisher, believes this story stands out because the author "gives voice to the drama such that the human dimensions of tragedy emerge."
Originally published in 1998, Daniel Allen Butler's Unsinkable: The Full Story of the RMS Titanic is being reissued (DaCapo, Mar.) in honor of the centenary of the sinking. It has been updated to include a new postscript, foreword, and revised theories on what caused the ship to sink. Editor Jonathan Crowe comments, "What's truly exciting about this new edition is that it signifies how the story of the Titanic is far from finished—just as our fascination lingers on, so is continued research and discovery ongoing."
Two books give readers a visual experience to the Titanic. Large and glossy, Titanic Remembered, 1912–2012 by Beau Riffenburgh (Carlton Books, Jan.) comes in its own decorative box in this new edition of the 2008 book. Memorabilia such as reproductions of first-class tickets and blueprints of the ship accompany photographs and historical information. Also included: a DVD with firsthand accounts. Due out in March from Life is Titanic: The Tragedy That Shook the World One Century Later, a coffee-table book that begins with the ship's construction and ends with images of the remains at the bottom of the Atlantic.
Titanic in Fiction and Poetry
On the fiction front, The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott, which Doubleday published last month, combines history, romance, and politics as it follows a young maid and aspiring seamstress, Tess Collins, who survives the sinking of the Titanic, but must then deal with the dramatic aftermath. In The House of Velvet and Glass (Hyperion, Apr.), Katherine Howe tells the story of a prominent Boston family that lost two of its family members on the Titanic, and that family's involvement with mediums in an attempt to communicate with the dead in the years leading up to WWI. Also being reissued is the Whitbread Award–winning historical novel Every Man for Himself by Beryl Bainbridge (Europa, Apr.), in which she reimagines the Titanic's journey.
Billeh Nickerson tells the Titanic story in verse in Impact: The Titanic Poems (Arsenal Pulp, Mar.) and arranges his book into sections such as Construction, Maiden Voyage, and Discovery.
A Titanic Introduction for Children
The sinking of the Titanic has remained fascinating to generations of children, and it is no surprise that there is a wide range of Titanic titles offered to kids—picture books, middle grade, YA.
The Titanic Notebook by Claire Hancock (Insight Editions, Mar.) is an interactive book with paper pop-ups, foldouts, and a Titanic model for kids to assemble. Also interactive is the clever Titanic Sinks! by Barry Denenberg (Viking, Nov.), which mixes fact and fiction, using tabloid-style pages of a fictitious magazine to tell its character-driven story. T Is for Titanic: A Titanic Alphabet by husband-and-wife writing team Michael and Debbie Shoulders, illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen (Sleeping Bear, Jan.), combines rhyming poetry, illustrations, and descriptive sidebar text.
Titanic: Voices from the Disaster (Scholastic Press, Mar.) by Deborah Hopkinson focuses on the narratives of real passengers and crew members who survived the disaster, combining them with archival photographs; it's intended for children 8 and older.
Titanic: Disaster at Sea by Philip Wilkinson, which Capstone published last month, is a comprehensive book that "tells the whole story," says Nick Healy, Capstone editorial director of nonfiction, "from anecdotes about the ship's designers and builders through it's doomed voyage to the many ways its sinking has lived in popular culture for a century." Included is a pullout poster and foldout diagram of the ship. Also from Capstone's Picture Window Books comes Your Life as a Cabin Attendant on the Titanic by Jessica Gunderson, with illustrations by Rachel Dougherty. It is part of The Way It Was series, which introduces readers to various aspects of daily life at different periods in history.
Middle-grade readers will get their share of Titanic books, too. Out in March from HarperCollins is Kaspar the Titanic Cat by former British children's laureate Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse and more than 100 other works. Illustrated by Michael Foreman, the story follows Kasper and his 14-year-old bellboy caretaker, Johnny Trott, as they travel aboard the Titanic, having many adventures along the way.
Steve Brezenoff is the author of the Return to Titanic series (Capstone/Stone Arch Books, Feb.), which includes four books that combine history and science fiction: Time Voyage, Stowaways, An Unsinkable Ship, and Overboard. While working at a local museum over spring break, Tucker and Maya discover magic Titanic artifacts that can transport them back in time to the actual ship. They fight to change the destiny of a friend they meet aboard before it's too late. "It's like a Choose Your Own Adventure come to life," says Michael Dahl, editorial director of fiction for Capstone.
Bestselling YA author Claudia Gray combines romance, mystery and the supernatural in Fateful (HarperTeen, Sept.). Young Tess Davies is aboard the Titanic working for a wealthy family from whom she desperately wants to escape when she meets a mysterious first-class passenger who she soon realizes is being chased by werewolves.
In another YA title, The Watch That Ends the Night by novelist and poet Allen Wolf (Candlewick, Oct.) gives voice to a wide range of people involved in the Titanic disaster, such as a wealthy passenger and his pregnant teenage bride, the captain of the ship, the undertaker sent after the sinking, even the iceberg itself. Liz Bicknell, copublisher and editorial director at Candlewick, talks about what makes this story unique: "Even though the reader knows at the outset what will happen, Allen's decision to frame each 'watch' with words from the undertaker who comes from Halifax, N.S., to collect the bodies gives the book a fresh immediacy."
Thanks in part to the titles above, the history of the Titanic—a century later—will be kept alive in the imaginations of readers young and old.
Adult books listed in feature:
Farewell, Titanic: Her Final Legacy, Charles Pellegrino (Wiley, Mar.)
Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage: The Titanic, Her Passengers, and Their World, Hugh Brewster (Crown, Mar.)
A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells' Story of Survival, Julie Hedgepeth Williams (NewSouth Books, Feb.)
"Unsinkable": The Full Story of the RMS Titanic, Daniel Allen Butler (Da Capo Press, Apr.)
Every Man for Himself, Beryl Bainbridge (Europa, Apr.)
Titanic Remembered 1912–2012, Beau Riffenburgh (Carlton Books; Sterling, dist.; Jan.)
Titanic: The Tragedy That Shook the World One Century Later, the Editors of Life (Time Home Entertainment, Mar.)
The Dressmaker, Kate Alcott (Doubleday, Feb.)
The House of Velvet and Glass, Katherine Howe (Hyperion, Apr.)
Impact: The Titanic Poems, Billeh Nickerson (Arsenal Pulp Press, Mar.)
Children's Books The Titanic Notebook: The Story of the World's Most Famous Ship, Claire Hancock (Insight Editions, Mar.)
Titanic Sinks! Experience the Titanic's Doomed Voyage in This Unique Presentation of Fact and Fiction, Barry Denenberg (Viking, November)
T Is for Titanic: A Titanic Alphabet, Debbie and Michael Shoulders, illus. by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen (Sleeping Bear Press, Jan.)
Titanic: Voices from the Disaster, Deborah Hopkinson (Scholastic Press, Mar.)
Titanic: Disaster at Sea, Philip Wilkinson (Capstone Press, Feb.)
Your Life as a Cabin Attendant on the Titanic, Jessica Gunderson, illus. by Rachel Dougherty (Capstone/Picture Window Books, Jan.)
Kaspar the Titanic Cat, Michael Morpurgo, illus. by Michael Foreman (HarperCollins, Mar.)
Time Voyage, Stowaways, An Unsinkable Ship, Overboard—The Return to Titanic Series, by Steve Brezenoff, illus.by Scott Murphy (Capstone/Stone Arch Books, Feb.)


text:
Media item
Condensed milk for export
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You are free to remix, tweak, and build upon this work even for commercial purposes, as long as the author or licensor is credited, and new works are licensed under identical terms.
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Week number 47-03
Newsreels in which Dutch subjects of a certain week are presented.
With several machines milk is thickened to make condensed milk in a large dairy factory in Friesland. This is then put into cans which are put in crates. Note: According to the administration of Polygoon the location is The Hague; the footage is most likely made in the Coöperatieve Condensfabriek (Cooperative Condenstation Factory) in Leeuwarden.
- Creator:
- Polygoon-Profilti (producer) / Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision (curator)
- Publication date:
- 13 January 1947
- Length:
- 01:53
- Type:
- video
- Original format:
- User:
- Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision


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Millie - Navy SAMPLE SALE
Talia Sarah
Talia Sarah
The Millie dress is on sale and you do not want to miss out!
Available in the beautiful colour Navy, the Millie design features a draped bodice and side split for a flattering, sexy look. With only size 6 left, this is a huge discount!
This elegant dress is a Bridesmaids Only Exclusive that will be sure to wow the crowd! With it's unique design the Millie dress is the most stunning statement to any wedding or special occasion. Feel comfortable and beautiful while looking amazing in this one-off style!
SIZE ME UP!Not sure what your size is?
Try our size guide!
REFUND POLICYThere will be no refunds or exchanges for items purchased during the Black Friday sale. All sales will be final (unless faulty).
You may return our 'in stock' items within 7 days from receipt of the item (or attempted delivery) for a refund or exchange. They must be returned in the condition you received them, and they must be unworn, unwashed, or unaltered with all tags attached.
You may also return all sale items within 7 days from receipt of the item (or attempted delivery) for a refund or exchange unless during promotion. All sales using a promotional code are final. All 'sample sale' items are final.
Our 'made to order' items are made specifically for each order. We are unable to accept returns or exchanges on these dresses. However, we will make sure to work with you to ensure the best fit. Alterations are not included in the cost of your purchase.
Each dress is checked for quality control before it is shipped. If however, the dress arrives damaged or defective, please contact us and we will get working on resolving the problem right away!
SHIPPINGAll of our dresses are shipped via registered express post (with a tracking number!).
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Keep in mind that most bridesmaids choose to have minor tailoring done to get the 'perfect fit'. Production and shipping typically takes 14 weeks (without a rush) from the date we place your order. Since all of our dresses are made to order, it is important to order well in advance of the wedding date. Please note that all dresses for a single bridal party are held until each bridesmaid has submitted sizing and payment information. The full order is processed once each bridesmaid has completed her order to ensure that each dress comes from the same dye lot (to avoid any variation in dress colour).


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Because of Him
Released: 1946
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I just uploaded fixed versions of the new mod, apparently the chairs on the normandy had the black texture glitch and I missed it on in my initial testing. Now I have corrected the issue by compiling a new mod with a newer version of MEExplorer to which also helped with stability issues.
Also one setting in the bioengine.ini that really helped hitching is:
Also ultimate shadow settings which may hurt performance (I didn't notice a hit, but my rig is overkill):
ShadowFilterQualityBias=4 (can go up to 8 but I couldn't notice a difference after 4)
So I played with the values and explored what other games were doing, particularly Batman Arkham City where the "16" came from
also the last setting makes the best difference to smooth out shadows.
Remember to clear shader cache after installing the mod to remove the "dot" shadow effect.
So feel free to play with these settings but this is what I am currently using and find it a good compromise between realistic shadows and "glitchy shadows"


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March 28, 2011, 12:04 AM
I'm kinda new to shot guns and I have a maverick 88 with a super long barrel and a bead sight. It also has the vented top rib. I wanting to get the 18.5" security barrel to make it more menuverable around the house in a HD situation. Would it make any sense to get fiber optic rifle sights with this barrel? Why do most shotguns only have a bead sight?


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Hollywood Dirt – Car Malfunction Possible Factor in 'Fast & Furious' Actor Paul Walker's Death + More
EVIDENCE OF CAR MALFUNCTION: In case you haven't heard, "Fast and the Furious" star PAUL WALKER was killed in a car crash north of L.A. on Saturday afternoon. He was 40 years old. And now, sources close to the auto shop where the car was maintained insist a manufacturing defect must be to blame. According to TMZ, they point to a few details about the accident as strong evidence that there was a steering-fluid leak:
-The short, straight skid marks suggest that the driver, Roger Rodas, had no control of the car — otherwise, he would have tried to swerve.
-The fire in the front points to some kind of leaking, flammable fluid, because the engine of the Porsche is in the back.
-The driver of the car, Roger Rodas, was known as a "world-class driver," so it's really unlikely that he would have just lost control, even if he were speeding.
The sources say that the $500,000 car was not modified and was driven rarely, so any malfunction must be the fault of the manufacturer. An official investigation continues. No results have been announced.
Walkier was in Valencia, California to attend an event his charity organization was putting on for typhoon victims in the Philippines. The event was co-sponsored by a high-performance car shop, which is owned by a former race car driver named Roger Rodas. Roger was a close friend of Paul's, and Paul was an investor in his shop. At around 3:00 P.M., Paul and Roger decided to go for a joy ride in Roger's 2005 Porsche Carrera GT.
But Roger lost control, and crashed into a light pole. The car immediately exploded. Roger and Paul were both killed instantly. Ironically, a 45 mile per hour speed limit sign was attached to the light post they hit.(PHOTO)
A witness to the wreckage said, quote, "It was clear the car had hit two trees then finally hit a street lamppost. Parts of the car were strewn everywhere on the street, as far as 150 feet." (PHOTO) (PHOTO) (PHOTO)
NEXT 'FAST AND THE FURIOUS' TO BE DELAYED: Walker was in the middle of shooting the seventh installment in the "Fast and the Furious" franchise at the time of his death. The "Hollywood Reporter" claims there has already been a meeting to try to determine the movie's fate, however there is no official word at this time. Supposedly, the plan is to delay production, but not to scrap the movie, which was supposed to come out on July 11th.
Another movie starring Paul — the Hurricane Katrina drama "Hours" — is scheduled to come out on December 13th. There's no word at this time if that is still the plan.
LOHAN LUNACY: LINDSAY LOHAN is suing the makers of "Grand Theft Auto V". Linds believes the character Lacy Jonas is based on her. Lacy is a celebrity who asks you to give her a ride to escape the paparazzi. Of course, I have no idea if Lacy truly is based on LoHo, but based on the game's promo images, her likeness sure isn't. She looks more like KATE UPTON, if you ask me. (PHOTO)
WATCH – SHARON OSBOURNE TALKS ABOUT HAVING HER HOO-HA TIGHTENED: SHARON OSBOURNE has always been open about her various plastic surgeries, but on a BBC show last week she really opened up. The 61-year-old copped to getting her hoo-ha tightened! She said the pain was "excruciating," but it was all worth it — at least that's what hubby OZZY OSBOUNRE thinks.
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COULD BE TRUE, COULD BE CRAP – LAMAR'S DIVORCE DEMANDS: It's looking more and more like KHLOE KARDASHIAN and LAMAR ODOM are headed for divorce, but it's not going to be an easy split. According to the National Enquirer, Odom is demanding Khloe give him back the $875,000 engagement ring he bought her, among other things.
Sources tell the not-always-reliable tabloid Lamar has plenty of insider info that could tarnish the Kardashian family's reputation and he may use it as a bargaining chip during the proceedings. "He knows all about their extreme surgery procedures — when, how often and how much — and the pressure put on the younger girls to follow suit," said an insider.
"Lamar is also prepared to destroy Khloe's reputation by discussing their sex tape, and how she targeted him and tore his family apart." The source adds, "Kris (Jenner) is insisting on a confidentiality agreement to ensure Lamar can never discuss his life with the Kardashians either in print or verbally," but, the insider says, "he's not signing anything until they cough up the dough."
THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO 'HMMM' – MIRANDA KERR'S NEW LOVE: MIRANDA KERR has a new love. Miranda, who split with ORLANDO BLOOM in October, has been linked with Australian billionaire James Packer. Perhaps not so coincidentally, Packer announced he was splitting with his wife, model Erica Baxter, right around the same time as Miranda and Orlando announced their break-up.
RELATIONSHIP REPORT – ASHTON/DEMI DIVORCE FINALIZED: ASHTON KUTCHER is finally a free man. His divorce from DEMI MOORE became final last week. It took almost two years to finalize the divorce because they were arguing over money. Demi, who is reportedly worth more than Ashton, still wanted some sort of spousal support from her ex. Sources say Ashton wound up giving her a bit more than he had to.
RELATIONSHIP REPORT – MARIA BELLO COMES OUT: MARIA BELLO, best known for her role in "Coyote Ugly", has revealed that she's romantically involved with a woman named Clare. In a piece she wrote in the "New York Times," Bello says she was inspired to come out publicly after finding herself in the position of having to reveal the relationship to her 12-year-old son. In case you're wondering, he took the news well telling her, quote, "Mom, love is love, whatever you are." You can read her entire story HERE.
MILEY MADNESS – CYRUS PERSON OF THE YEAR?!: Indicative of the times we live in, of all the people on the planet MILEY CYRUS is currently leading an online vote for Time magazine's annual Person of the Year. Miley currently holds the lead in a poll which asks participants to decide which person "most influenced the news this year, for better or worse" — by almost a 2-to-1 margin, no less! Ultimately, regardless of the online voting, Time editors will choose the Person of the Year themselves. The decision will be announced December 11.


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Like a Rolling Stone
Dylan Inducted Into Arts Academy
The poet laureate of the rock-and-roll era joined the ranks of some of the greatest writers, composers, painters, and sculptors in the world Wednesday night at an energetic induction ceremony at the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Michael Chabon, an award-winning American author and the event's keynote speaker, delivered a speech to the audience titled "Rock 'n' Roll"—an idea he insists was conceived before he knew Dylan was nominated. The event made history, marking the first time a rock-and-roller has been welcomed into the academy since its founding in 1898.


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The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – The Finale Episode (I'm So Sad It's Over!)
The show starts where we left off with the worlds most awkward toast. I wonder how much time Bravo saves in each episode by replaying things we've already seen? Camille gets her last walk down the red carpet as the … Continue reading
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – I'm Too Lazy To Make Up a Title – Episode 12
The show starts with Lisa and Kyle having lunch. I love Lisa. Not only is she funny, but she's smart and she see's right through Taylor and her shit stirring ways. Lisa tells Kyle that she thinks Taylor said … Continue reading
BS Bravo Blogs: Camille Grammer's (deleted) Blog About The Dinner From Hell
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Pictures Of Camille Grammer Doing Soft Core PORN
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The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – I Decided Which One Is The Most Insane, And It's Allison Dubois
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The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – I Can't Decide Which One Is More Insane
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BS Bravo Blogs: Kelsey's Wife – Money Can't Buy You Sanity… Or Accountability
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Atolyia Bedding
Complete Bed Packs for a Summer Restyle
With a name derived from the Turkish word for design studio, it's not surprising the collection of Atolyia Bedding exudes an air of pure designer luxe. Known and loved many years for their hand loomed towels, Atolyia now boasts an array of luxurious bed cover sets and cushions to complement their rich range of traditional Turkish textiles. While there are subtle hints at their exotic influences through jewel toned cushions and delicate satin embroidery, the collection is refreshingly versatile in soft stripes, tactile finishes and easy-to-style neutrals. And with six piece sets on offer, your complete bedding restyle is only one click away.
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I need to write a paper in sociology but I am clueless to the meaning of this
I have to write an essay, 3 to 5 pages on summarizing the analytical models of functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interaction. How do they view society? How do they differ? Use each model to analyze a movie you have seen. My friend told me about study pool but I don't really know how this works? Can someone please help me??
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March 22, 2012 BY Aaron Hope
The modern classic pictured above offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on the progression of lifestyle sneaker trends in this young century. The Nike Air Woven debuted in 2000 to a market that bought up the first Air Jordan XI 'Space Jam' release instantly, but left most of the Woven buying to the Japanese consumers. The look has thrived in a variety of applications in that foward-looking fashion culture, and while we've seen a definite trend toward traditional casual styles in recent years, the combination of the Woven's gradually accumulating appearances and American sneakerheads' growing desire to push their boundaries has these sitting in a sweet spot for the summer. They'll also have a go of it in the Euro zone soon, this six-pack of new colorups crafted in honor of the upcoming Euro Cup 2012 set to hit select retailers like SOPH. on March 31st. via EK
Filed under: Lifestyle Sneakers Upcoming Sneakers
Tags: Nike Air Woven


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Five different players were among the goals as the Clayton Morris-coached University of T&T (UTT) crushed The University of the West Indies (UWI) 5-1 in the final of the Tertiary Sport...
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Stampede quiet favourite in the 120mph B class
Brothers Lee and Jason Pollonais will team up among a field of giants when the Carib Great Race takes off on August 23. Joined by navigator Grant Chew, they will board the 42" Fountain Stampede against two-time champion Fire One (41") for honours in the 120 mph B Class while simultaneously keeping an eye on the bigger guns of the 130 mph A Class, Monster (46"), Mr Solo (41") and Paramount (50").
According to driver Lee, his synergy with his throttleman brother had been honed through years of racing side by side since childhood.
"We grew up on the water down-the-islands and can anticipate each other really well," he said "We just know what we're going to do. Adding to that Grant's knowledge of the boat and his ability to fix issues along the way, we're a very strong team."
After winning its class on debut in 2011, Stampede did not finish in either 2012 or 2013. Pollonais admitted that they had perhaps been too ambitious during last year's campaign.
"The water was terrible," he remembered. "We were gaining on the big guns but had to pull out when a pump failed on us. We were pushing too hard to catch them."
Having ironed out the boat's plumbing issues, he said, their approach would be different this time around.
"I think we're ready more so than the last couple of years… We want to have a better game plan this year. Our goal is to race our class with the main competitor being Fire One… They're a fantastic team and everybody has a chance. It's just a matter of who's willing to take it. Once our equipment holds together we should do well but it's hard to call since it can really go either way."
Pollonais said that while the weeks leading up to the event could be a source of anxiety, it would dissolve into pure bliss once the race began.
"The anticipation can be nerve-racking but once the flag drops the butterflies are gone. It's just the sheer thrill of the big show. The feeling when you cross that line is hard to beat. In 2011, we never even got off boat to collect our prize. Just crossing the line was enough."
Carib Great Race 2014 Contenders
A Class (130 mph)
Monster, Mr Solo, Paramount
B Class (120 mph)
Fire One, Stampede
C Class (110 mph)
Global Warmer
D Class (95 mph)
Sheriff Lobo, Rush, Chris Gone Wilder
E Class (80 mph)
Hero III, White Heat, Elixir, Energiza
F Class (70 mph)
Rite Formulal, Energiza, Extreme Measures, Cynisca
G Class (60 mph)
Matrix Reloaded, Chris Gone Wild, Infusion IV, Wethead, Outcast


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During the NCAA Final Four, chefs at AT&T Stadium plan to sell twice as many nachos as they did during the 2010 NBA All-Star Game and three times more soda.
They'll need the extra revenue because the NCAA prohibits alcohol in most of the stadium during the finals. Alcohol is among the most profitable concessions items, restaurateurs and economists say.
To help make up the difference, Legends Hospitality — which handles food and drink concessions, catering and retail sales at the stadium — has added several new menu items and beefed up the number of food and drink outlets.
"The areas where alcohol would have been sold at other events will serve snacks and bottled water for Final Four," said George Wasai, director of food and beverage for Legends.
Also, alcohol will be allowed in a pre-game tailgate party outside the stadium, "which should help us," Wasai said.
The special tailgate area, in Lot 4 on the East Side of the stadium, also will feature familiar Texas offerings including Legends' Bent Buckle Barbecue and Fletcher's Corny Dogs.
During the Super Bowl XLV in 2011, when in-stadium spending jumped to a record $89 per person, Legends dished up 12 tons of "ultimate nachos," 15,625 gallons of soda and 3.5 tons of hamburgers.
For the Final Four, which will almost certainly have a greater proportion of young people — college students and children — Legends plans to sell 15 tons of nachos, 5 tons of hamburgers and 25,500 gallons of soda.
About 280 food and beverage outlets will be open during the three Final Four games. That's more food stops than were open during the All-Star Game and about the same as Super Bowl.
New menu items for the Final Four include the Zone Chef-Crafted Burger ($13) made with Angus chuck and brisket, Champion Chicken & Waffles ($15), and the Full Court Press Texas Torta, with pork carnitas or adobo chicken, ($12).
There will be more gluten free and vegetarian snacks and more oversized items meant for sharing, officials said.
Legends executive chef Orazio LaManna joined the stadium team about a month before the Super Bowl.
The biggest difference now?
"I definitely have more time to plan," he said, looking around the 10,000-square-foot main kitchen. "The experience of those other events is making this seem easier."
Follow Karen Robinson-Jacobs on Twitter at @krobijake.


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Steve Chiotakis: General Motors is running on four flat tires and a check engine light. But it is still running. And the Obama administration is insisting on a full-on repair job. Published reports say the U.S. Treasury wants GM to get its paperwork in order in the coming weeks for a possible bankruptcy filing.
Marketplace's Dan Grech joins us right now. So Dan, here we are with yet another timetable?
Dan Grech: Yeah, that's right -- GM has been given until June 1, according to The New York Times, to come up with a bankruptcy plan. Basically they're looking at a surgical bankruptcy -- you would take the good assets from GM and you would spin those off into a new company, and with the help of $5 [billion] to $7 billion in federal financing, the new company could be back in business in a matter of weeks. And the reason why the feds are insisting that GM do this now is cause it is a huge amount of paperwork and preparation to file for Chapter 11.
Chiotakis: Yeah but Dan, isn't GM still working on a restructuring proposal for the administration?
Grech: Yeah, that's exactly right. This is kind of a parallel process to that other plan. Basically the feds want GM to have a bankruptcy plan in place in case the restructuring plan isn't acceptable.
Chiotakis: So what is then GM hoping for out of all of this?
Grech: Well, GM has a new CEO, his name's Fritz Henderson, and he insists that he can find a way for GM to survive without filing for Chapter 11. He basically needs to strike deals with bond holders and with the Autoworkers Union -- those are the two groups that have held up GM's restructuring so far. The real question, I guess, is whether or not people are still going to want to buy GM's cars when all this stuff is up in the air.
Chiotakis: All right, Marketplace's Dan Grech. Thank you, Dan.
Grech: Thank you, Steve.


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Power Control
Increase the Power and Effectiveness of Striking Techniques
with Wim Demeere
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805966 069036
210 minutes
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Most conditioning videos contain exercises that increase the strength and explosiveness of your techniques, from punches and kicks to parries and blocks, but this is only one aspect of conditioning training. In
Power Control: Increasing the Power and Effectiveness of Striking Techniques
, Wim Demeere shows you how to take control of your power. The more you train to become stronger, the more you should train to control your power. It is useless to have a lot of power if you don't know how to control it. Likewise, it is equally useless to have a lot of control if you don't have the necessary power to apply the strikes.
Demeere recommends that you think of conditioning training (e.g., squats, bench presses, plyometrics) as a way of getting a bigger gun in your arms: the bigger the gun, the more you can increase the firepower. The drills and exercises shown in this video will teach you how to keep that bigger gun under control and aim it effectively at targets. From upper to lower body, Demeere's curriculum will put you in control of your power, through 3D push-ups, hang-walking, horse stance, and Superman progression to opening/closing rotations, absorbing the kicks, spear training, and applying the movements effectively.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that more is better and focus only on building your strength. Always think beyond that – train your body to achieve better control of your enhanced power.
For information purposes only.
Wim Demeere
began training at the age of 14, studying the grappling arts of judo and jujitsu for several years before turning to the kick/punch arts of traditional kung fu and full-contact fighting. Over the years he has studied a broad range of other fighting styles, including muay Thai, kali, pentjak silat and shootfighting. Since the late 1990s, he has been studying tai chi chuan and its martial applications. His competitive years saw him win four national titles and a bronze medal at the 1995 World Wushu Championships. In 2001, he became the national coach of the Belgian Wushu fighting team. A full-time personal trainer in his native country of Belgium, Wim instructs a wide variety of clients in martial arts, self-defense and physical conditioning styles. You can contact Wim through
his website
and at
his blog
1) Upper Body
- Traditional Push-Up
- Push-Up Crawl
- Failure Drills
- 3D Push-Ups
- Hook Demo
- Parry Demo
- Five Palms Demo
- Hang-Walking
- Clinch Demo
- Hanging Cable Row
- Pull Demo
- Hanging Bar Row
- Back-Sweep Demo
2) Lower Body
- Open and Close Hip
- Horse Stance
- Push Demo
- Pull Demo
- Transfer Weight Demo
- Absorbing Energy Demo
- Superman Progressions
- Clumsy Superman
- Superman Lift-Off
- Superman Barrel-Roll
- Superman Float-and-Turn
- Push and Back-Sweep Demo
- Side-Kick Demo
- Hip Throw Demo
- Absorbing Kicks
- Stationary Kicking
- Machine Gun Kicking
- Kicks Demo
3) Upper and Lower Body
- Opening and Closing Rotation
- Five Palms Demo
- Spear Training
4) Applications
- Progression Exercises
- Fighting Stance
- Strikes
- Freestyle Applications
- Connect and Disconnect
- Hanging Strikes
5) Bonus Material
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Combat Sanshou: The Punishing Chinese Fighting Art: Part Two


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Every once in a while, an athlete comes along who transcends his or her sport. These precious few are bigger than the game, and they become the embodiment of their country. People search incessantly for their collectibles.
Babe Ruth was one of these athletes. Even today, more than 70 years after he last set foot on the baseball diamond, everyone knows his name. And it's not just sports fans who appreciate Babe Ruth—Americans from all walks of life recognize him as the legend he is.
Ruth is arguably the most dominant player in the history of baseball. He holds too many records for me to list here in this little blog. In short, Babe Ruth is a once-in-a-lifetime baseball player the likes of which may never be seen again.
As the result of his groundbreaking career, the market for Babe Ruth collectibles is at an all-time high. So with the last game having been played in Yankee Stadium, the House that Ruth Built, let's look at a few of the most interesting (and valuable) Babe Ruth collectibles.
• Babe Ruth Game-Used Jersey—Authentic Babe Ruth memorabilia is valuable. Period. An authentic game-used jersey is even more valuable. Antique game-used jerseys like this are fairly rare because players were only issued a few jerseys per season. Recently, a 1933 Babe Ruth Yankees pinstripe jersey sold at auction for more than $650,000. The fabric of this jersey showed slight wear and tear, which I think actually enhanced the appeal of this collectible. What I wouldn't do to have a Babe Ruth game-used jersey
• Babe Ruth Autographed Baseball—Autographed baseballs from Babe Ruth aren't exactly the rarest collectibles. Babe was known as a generous guy who always signed autographs for his fans. That being said, it's still an antique autographed-ball from the greatest baseball player of all time. So, it's highly desirable and valuable. These pieces of memorabilia routinely fetch more than $20,000 at auctions throughout the country.
• Babe Ruth Signed Game-Used Bat—Just the other day, WorthPoint's very own Howard Lau scored a rare piece of Babe Ruth memorabilia at an auction. The collectible was a Babe Ruth game-used bat that was signed for a Broadway star. To say this collectible is rare is an understatement, but Howard was very low key about his find. I guess that's how it is when you own one of the premier sports memorabilia shops in Houston, but I know I'd be bouncing off the walls if I had landed that collectibles!
WorthPoint—the premier Web site for art, antiques and collectibles


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For as long as war has raged, heroes from every race have aimed to master the art of battle. Warriors combine strength, leadership, and a vast knowledge of arms and armor to wreak havoc in glorious combat. Some protect from the front lines with shields, locking down enemies while allies support the warrior from behind with spell and bow. Others forgo the shield and unleash their rage at the closest threat with a variety of deadly weapons.
Warriors are mighty heavily armored masters of melee combat that are fueled by the Rage they generate in combat. If you like a straightforward approach, charging into battle, and bashing heads toe to toe, then Warrior might be a good class choice for you. This overview is designed to give you a better idea of what you're getting into when you choose the Warrior class, but it's important to remember that this is still just the tip of the spear, and there's a lot more to learn and explore as you continue your adventure.
The Basics
Warriors are a melee class that fulfills the tanking and damage dealing roles. Warriors can use a staggering variety of weapons and armor, but aspiring Warriors should focus their choices based on which class specialization that they've chosen and which stats are present on the item.
When choosing gear, it's always best to choose mail or, after you reach level 40, plate items. Strength is your go to primary stat, while Stamina is a close second (though Protection Warriors might prioritize Stamina!). Warriors are beefy, and thus, primary stats that support your beefiness are what you want: Strength, Stamina, and Armor. Other primary stats, such as Agility, Intellect, and Spirit, aren't particularly useful though. As you level, you'll encounter increasing values of secondary stats, such as Hit, Haste, Expertise, Critical Strike, and Mastery. Such stats on low level gear can be quite powerful, even in small amounts, though. You'll learn more about which of those secondary stats is valuable to your particular spec and play style as you level. For now, focus on those primary stats.
In addition to using Rage as a resource, Warriors also make use of stances. Each stance has different effects on how a Warrior performs, and are useful for different roles. Defensive stance helps mitigate incoming damage and helps make sure you keep the attention of attacking creatures (important for tanking!), Battle stance increases Rage generation during normal attacks, while Berserker stance (which becomes available much later on) causes you to generate rage both while dealing and taking damage.
Speaking of class specializations (commonly called 'specs'), Warriors have three different specs that can be chosen at level 10. At level 30 you'll be able to purchase the ability to 'dual spec', which will let you easily swap back and forth between two different specs you've selected. You can also visit a class trainer to change a spec you've selected. Here are the choices you'll get at level 10:
Protection – The archetypical "meat shield". The wall of iron that stands between the forces of darkness and your pals. You'll find Protection Warriors at the forefront of any conflict, taking the brunt of the damage from fearsome enemies to make it safer and easier for their less durable companions to deal damage and heal. Tanking depends on both being able to take and reduce incoming damage, and many Protection abilities feature prominent use of a shield. Thus Protection Warriors use 1-handed weapons and shields. If you're a Protection Warrior, and you're not using the old dependable 'sword (or mace, or axe, or whatever) and board' combo, then you're not doing it right.
Your key abilities are revealed when selecting your spec via the Specialization & Talents tab in game. When you select Protection as your class spec, you'll get the following abilities at level 10:
Shield Slam – Bash the bad guy in the face with a huge slab of metal—what's not to like? This is a powerful ability when you first get it, especially since it does the same damage regardless of which weapon you have equipped. This is your primary damaging strike as a Protection Warrior, and generates Rage you can use for other abilities. You can bust out a Shield Slam every 6 seconds.
Unwavering Protector – This passive ability increases the amount of Stamina your Warrior has, which in turn helps determine how big your maximum Health pool is. It also reduces your chance to be critically hit, increases the amount of armor that you'll gain from items, and reduces the Rage cost of Thunder Clap (an ability you'll get later on that's quite helpful when tanking).
Vengeance – This passive ability is granted to all of the tanking specs. It's an important tanking power, because it helps make sure that you can keep 'aggro' on your enemies, even while your squishy healers and damage dealers are doing their thing. It also helps your damage output when you're on your own too! It works by converting a portion of the damage that you take while in Defensive Stance into Attack Power. The more Attack Power you have, the harder you'll hit with your abilities.
What to Expect from Protection
Protection has become a very popular choice for leveling and may be the best choice for some players, especially those experienced enough to get the most out of it.
Protection Warriors take on the role of 'tank' in a dungeon. This means that you'll be leading the way, getting aggro from monsters and bosses, and taking the brunt of the damage. Tanks are nearly always in demand, so it will usually be easy to queue quickly for dungeons, but keep in mind that this also means that you'll have some responsibility to know the way, as well as how the various encounters and fights work.
End Game
Along with the other tanking classes, you'll find Protection Warriors in all sorts of important tanking roles once you reach the level cap at end game, including perhaps the most vital of all: tanking in Raid Finder, Flexible, Normal, and Heroic mode raids. If you like to be at the center of the action making the big plays, then Protection is an excellent choice. You'll have a sometimes challenging, but often very rewarding role to play. You'll still have plenty of reasons to head out into the world, so the caveats regarding Protection we mentioned in the leveling section still apply.
Fury – If you want to do a convincing impression of a chainsaw, then Fury might be for you. Fury Warriors are ferocious Berserkers, famed for dual wielding weapons in each hand. Fury Warriors do well at dealing damage at high levels, and are the only Warrior spec that can wield a weapon in each hand.
Your key spec abilities are revealed when selecting your 'spec' via the Specialization & Talents tab in game. When you select Fury as your class spec, you'll get the following abilities at level 10:
Bloodthirst – This attack is on a very short cooldown, and allows your Warrior to instantly attack dealing a portion of your weapon's damage, in addition to a flat amount, as well as restore a small amount of health. It also doubles the chance that the attack will be a critical strike, and generates some Rage for other abilities too.
Crazed Berserker – This passive ability makes your dual wielding more potent by doing two things: it makes your auto-attacks strike hit harder, and it increases the amount of damage that your off-hand weapon deals by a substantial amount.
What to Expect from Fury
Fury is a good and relatively easy to play choice for leveling.
Like many other classes, Fury Warriors can be effective damage dealers in Dungeons, and while they deal quite respectable area of effect damage, they are known for their single-target damage potential—which can be great for fighting bosses.
End Game
You'll find Fury Warriors in the end game grinding up the bad guys in Raids and Dungeons. As was mentioned above, while Fury deals well with multiple targets, their single target damage is where they shine. While less popular than Arms, you'll still find them in the thick of Player versus Player combat. Fury is also a popular second spec to use when performing quests out in the world.
Arms – If you crave the crunchy sensation of crushing skulls using a mighty 2-handed weapon, then Arms might be the choice for you. Swinging only a single huge chunk of steel (or wood, or eldritch alloy of some sort), Arms Warriors wade into combat with their weapons to deal damage to a swathe of opponents.
Your key specialization abilities are revealed when selecting your 'spec' via the Specialization & Talents tab in game. When you select Arms as your class spec, you'll learn the following abilities at level 10:
Mortal Strike – This powerful attack is available every 6 seconds. You'll swing your weapon instantly, dealing increased weapon damage in addition to a flat amount provided by the ability. In addition, you'll generate a little Rage, and apply the Mortal Wounds debuff to a target, which reduces the effectiveness of any healing effects on your target until it wears off.
Seasoned Soldier – This passive ability significantly increases the damage you deal with two-handed weapons, and reduces the cost of the Whirlwind ability you'll acquire later on.
What to Expect from Arms
Like Fury, Arms is relatively easy to play and performs well while leveling.
Much like Fury Warriors, Arms Warriors will take on the role of damage dealer in Dungeons. Where Fury Warriors do their best work on a single target, Arms Warriors have an edge in area of effect damage, since Sweeping Strikes allows them to deal heavy damage to two targets at once.
End Game
Arms Warriors are damage dealers. You'll find them dishing out damage in Raids and Dungeons. The ability to exert consistent pressure to multiple targets, and swap between opponents quickly, have helped make Arms the most popular Warrior spec for Player versus Player combat.
Warrior Abilities up to level 10
To give you a feel for what to expect as you take your first steps along the Warrior's path, these are the first few abilities you'll gain as you level. Of course, these are only a small handful of the skills and powers you'll learn along the way.
Warriors begin with the following abilities at level 1:
Battle Stance - Warriors can swap stances to gain different bonuses and effects. You begin knowing Battle Stance, which allows your melee attacks to generate more Rage.
Heroic Strike – Heroic Strike is your first damaging ability. Later on, it will become an ability that you only use to burn off excess Rage, but for now, it will be your most important damaging ability.
Parry (passive) – All Warriors begin their careers with the knowledge of how to deflect enemy melee attacks with their weapon. This passive ability (which means that you don't have to do anything at all to trigger it; it's always on) offers you small chance to block incoming melee attacks.
Throw – Throw gives your Warrior the ability to 'pull' or aggro enemies from a distance. Using it will cause your hero to toss a small dagger at the foe you have targeted. It doesn't do much damage, but throwing pokey objects at bad guys can be a great way to get their attention when Charge is on cooldown, or just isn't a good idea.
Charge (Level 3) – After you have Charge, it will be one of your best ways to initiate a battle. Charge will let you speedily barrel toward your foe, stun it on impact, and give you some Rage to start the battle with.
Victory Rush (Level 5) – Victory Rush can keep you going after a battle, and do some damage to boot. Upon defeating an enemy, you'll gain the ability to trigger Victory Rush. It's an attack that will do damage (and has no Rage cost!), that also heals you for a bit. Try slaying one foe, then Charging up to a different one and triggering Victory Rush to do some damage and heal so that you're fresh for the fight.
Execute (level 7) – Execute can be a great way to make sure an enemy falls quickly – particularly tougher foes. It's a special attack that's only usable against enemies that are at 20% of their maximum health or lower, but it does massive damage and gives you a great way to cut the fight short fast.
Defensive Stance (level 9) – The second stance you'll learn as a Warrior, Defensive Stance reduces incoming damage, generates a little Rage while you're in combat, and makes it a lot easier to get the attention of enemies that you attack. It's mostly intended to be used when tanking, but it can also help save your hide if you're getting low on health, or you need to run when things get too hot.
Summing Up
So, that's what you can expect from the Warrior class. You get a potent suite of abilities, some serious damage or legendary toughness, and the ability to wear and use some of the coolest items in Azeroth. If you'd like to get started on the road to Warrior-dom, the following resources can prove most informative:
World of Warcraft Official Warrior Class Forum
World of Warcraft Official Tanking Forum
Icy Veins
Ask Mr. Robot
WoW Insider – The Care and Feeding of Warriors
WoWHead – Warrior Talent Calculator
Share your tips and resources for aspiring (and experienced) Warriors in the comments!


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Open Pandora1vote I like it
Ultima™ 7 The Complete Edition
bewatched says: Works with eXult. Exult pnd file should be installed in the /pandora/desktop/ Files shouls go in /pandora/appdata/exult/blackgate and serpentisle.
Treat your GOGmix as your child - name it! ;)
Coming up with a cool and descriptive title should be your first priority. Being original is in your best interest - bet you wanna get lots of nice votes, right? Go all crazy if you want, but be sure to keep it civil!
So, what are the ingredients?
Pick a game that belongs in your GOGmix from the list, or find it by typing something in the text field. Relevance is key here - Earthworm Jim doesn't quite fit the "Sexiest heroines of all time" bill now, does it?
Justify your choice... Or not!
OK, so it's not required, but now that you went through the trouble of adding a game, telling everyone why you did it would be a nice finishing touch. After you're done here, add another game, rinse, repeat.
More GOGmixes:


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Internal/Double Linking is a Bad Practice
Update: see Nick's comment below. It turns out, Gawker Media has made a change. Internal links are no longer underlined – you won't notice it in your RSS reader, though.
Update 2: Ryan Block of Engadget also added some of his own thoughts.
(Via Scobelizer) Louis Gray today wrote about the annoying practice of big blogs to rather link to their archives than out to other sites. I wrote about this a few weeks back, because it annoyed the hell out of me then, and still does.
Here is what Louis has to say:
In real-world journalism, a reporter impartially offers up the news, as well as balanced commentary from individuals involved, whether they be the subject of a story, witness, or interested party. All efforts are taken to introduce the reader to the source of the information. On the Web, a story on Apple's iPod would link to the Apple Web site or directly to the iPod page. But if you look at Engadget, a hyperlink you would expect to take you to Apple would instead either take you to a previous story about Apple, or to search results within Engadget on the term Apple.
When I wrote about this same topic a while ago, I got a private email about it from Nick Denton (because I mostly pointed out the problem on Gawker blogs, yet it is rampant everywhere). I won't reprint the emails here, but in essence, Nick said that they could maybe signal that a link is a 'background info' link and not a news link.
I think that would be one way of handling this. Nothing like this has been implemented yet, though.
If I see a link to AOL, I want it to take me to AOL, not to an archive of Engadget's/Lifehacker's/Gizmodo's stories about AOL. Is that too much to ask? I know it gives you more pageviews, but does it give you more satisfied readers?
Anyway, I am glad others are picking up on this, as it is annoying the heck out of me and keeps me from enjoying some of the best blogs out there.
p.s. and TechCrunch is now doing the same thing, too, by the way. Check out all the links to take you to their CrunchBase… do you have to do that Mike?


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Is the growing gap in children's achievement primarily fueled by economics? What other factors may have a role in it — and how can the apparent trend be reversed?
A recent piece in The New York Times reports studies that indicate a widening fissure in educational achievement between rich and poor. But it also suggests other factors may be at play.
We're all hyphenated Americans really. It's the way we identify our backgrounds and that's fine. If, however, identification by self or others becomes a way to maintain separation, well, that's not fine.
I was reminded recently that books are important as both "mirrors" and "windows" as I introduced books to a group of teenaged parents. They were learning about their children's development and the role of literature and language in it.
It's always heartening to be with other booklovers — especially those who recognize that the younger we start sharing the power and pleasure of language and story with children the more likely they'll grow into lifelong learners.
It was exciting to attend what has become known as the Youth Media Awards announcements at the midwinter conference of the American Library Association.
Teacher Appreciation Week is typically the first week of May. But January can be long, cold, and drab with mid-year assessments and paperwork taking up too much time. This seems like a good opportunity to remind all teachers just how important and wonderful you are! Every day you stand before very special people, and every day you have the power to ignite a spark that will last a lifetime.
What do a red cape, a magic wand and a light sword represent? Each seems to be a sign of magic, heroics, something more than mere human, right?
What happens when the writers who hold these objects come together in one room? They become the superheroes and spokespeople to let the world know about the importance of reading.
These are the Super National Ambassadors for Young People's Literature! Together, their power can change the world! And that's just what current and former Ambassadors have set out to do.
A new year has started and with it a new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Our new Ambassador continues a short but highly distinguished group of spokespeople for the importance of literature in the lives of children and young adults.
Walter Dean Myers will assume his newest role next week at a ceremony at the Library of Congress.
We started a new tradition in our family last year. We'll do it again this year, and I hope you'll consider adding this tradition to your family holiday too! It's a simple one: put a book on every bed.
She's best known for a ditty that young children sing but she was an activist who made sure that there was a national day of thanksgiving.
Sarah Josepha Hale lived in the 19th century, wrote the poem, "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and other works for adults. She also wanted to make Thanksgiving a consistent celebration in all states.
This September continues to be an interesting month. It started with a solemn occasion which included new memorials and remembrances for those lost on 9/11. But additionally, there are less serious celebrations and goings-on during the month.
One of my favorites is the National Book Festival sponsored by the Library of Congress. It will be held on the National Mall on September 24 and the 25th — a two-day event this year.
Lots of fine authors and illustrators of books for children have birthdays in August. If you're reading this, then chances are you've come across their books on Reading Rockets.
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There he was, right before their eyes. Last night, in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, Cliff Lee allowed two hits in eight innings of work as Texas took a 2-1 series lead.
While the home crowd cheered for the Bronx Bombers to crank up the offense and knock Lee out of the game, those fans had to be thinking about what Lee would look like pitching for the home team at the Palace The George Built.
They might get to find out soon enough. Lee is a free agent, and there doesn't seem to be any question that the Yanks will open up that bottomless wallet and make him their biggest offseason priority.
It's a scary thought. Lee, one of the top five pitchers in the game, would give New York the best combo of left-handed pitching in the game.
Along with CC Sabathia, and (perhaps) Andy Pettitte, the Yankees could provide nightmares for left-handed hitters like David Ortiz and JD Drew.
It's not just that Lee is good, it's that he's at his best when the game means the most. He got the win in two of the Rangers' three victories over Tampa Bay in the ALDS. Last October with the Phillies, he was the only pitcher to beat the Yankees in the World Series. He did it twice; the Phillies were 0-4 in the games he didn't start.
In his last five postseason starts, Lee has thrown 40 innings, given up seven earned runs and struck out 47 batters.
He would be the perfect addition to the Yankees. They've still got a fearsome lineup, but have plenty of question marks on the pitching staff.
That's why A.J. Burnett will start for the Yankees tonight in Game 4.
The Red Sox know they can't make offseason plans based on what the Yankees are doing. They've got plenty of issues to deal with themselves. They need more offense, and much better relief pitching. They will try to address those issues no matter what's going on in the Bronx.
What they don't need is starting pitchers. While Josh Beckett and John Lackey were disappointing this season, and Daisuke Matsuzaka was his frustrating self, they've got a five-man rotation under contract for years to come. Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are young and at the top of their game.
There is no chance the Sox will swoop in and get Lee. He might be the best, but he doesn't fit their needs. If you're a Red Sox fan, your best hope is that another team will swoop in and grab Lee. It won't be the Rangers – Lee made it clear he doesn't like pitching in the Texas heat earlier this season.
He does like pitching in big games, however. And he would probably get to pitch in plenty of those with the Yankees. That's why New York fans watched him last night and wondered what he would look like pitching there in the future.
Boston fans wondered, too. Wondered, and worried.
Tom Caron is the studio host for Red Sox broadcasts on the New England Sports Network. His column appears in the Press Herald on Tuesdays.


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In its Aug. 10th meeting, where it escalated the hyperinflationary bailout, the Federal Reserve basically admitted that it has totally lost control of the financial crisis. With Kansas City Fed President Thomas Hoenig dissenting, the Fed vowed at the meeting to continue buying securities — reportedly, U.S. government debt — and reneged on its pledge to reduce it $1.4 trillion securities holdings—much of it mortgage-related toxic waste. The Fed will pour billions (up to $200 billion) of new non-existent money into buying new assets, because there is no recovery. Or, in their language, "the pace of recovery in output and employment has slowed."
Hoenig, who had been the first of the Fed regional presidents to support reinstating Glass Steagall, opposed the Fed's reversal of its stated policy that it would bring down the $1.4 trillion in assets holdings by $200 billion. Another big bailout—with no need to ask the Congress or the American people—and another massive jump in hyperinflation.
Relevant Today
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"Source: Betty Crocker These adorable cupcakes are actually in the shape of a mug once assembled with dollops of frosting as "whipped cream" and sprinkled with cocoa powder."
Hot Chocolate Cocoa Cupcakes
0 recipe photos
READY IN:30mins
YIELD:12 cupcakes
Ingredients Nutrition
- 1 3⁄4 cups betty crocker supermoist devil's food cake mix (from a 18.25 oz box)
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup betty crocker whipped vanilla frosting (from a 12 oz container)
- 1⁄2 cup marshmallow creme
- 1⁄4 teaspoon unsweetened baking cocoa
- 6 miniature pretzel twists, broken in half diagonally (will be used to form the "handle" of the cupcake mugs)
- Heat oven to 350F for a shiny metal muffin pan or 325F for dark or nonstick muffin pan.
- Place paper baking liner in each of the 12 regular size muffins cups.
- In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and egg with electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
- Divide batter evening among 12 muffin cups.
- Bake 17-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack.
- Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- In small bowl, mix frosting and marshmallow creme.
- Spoon into small resealable plastic bag; seal bag.
- Cut 3/8 inch tip off one corner of bag (or spoon mixture on top of cupcakes instead of piping).
- Pipe 3 small dollops of frosting mixture on top of each cupcake to resemble melted marshmallows.
- Sprinkle with cocoa.
- Press pretzel half into side of each cupcake to resemble a cup handle.
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The human brain is surprisingly more adaptable than doctors and scientists once believed, says Steve Anderson, 85MA, 87PhD, an associate professor of neurology at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. It's possible to rewire neural connections in a more positive direction by making changes in our environment, behaviors, and patterns of thinking.
Just a few decades ago, the conventional view held that the brain was incapable of developing new neurons or substantially restructuring itself after childhood. Thanks to what Anderson calls "big-picture discoveries," neuroscientists now know that the adult brain can indeed produce these extra cells—and, more importantly, continuously reorganize the network systems that link them together and enable functions like memory, problem-solving, and emotions.
Intellectual stimulation and social interaction—the kinds of positive experiences that often feel good anyway—actually can strengthen neural networks and cause new connections between neurons to form. Adds Anderson, "Our brains are constantly being shaped by our experiences. Every new fact we learn leaves a physical imprint on our brain."
So do thoughts. Studies on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy show that people can learn how to observe, identify, and redirect their negative thoughts, replacing them with more upbeat ideas.
Some parts of the brain are more "plastic" or adaptable to change. So, areas that underlie vision typically can't compensate if damaged, whereas those involved with language skills are much more resilient. While anger, fear, and happiness may seem nebulous compared to physical functions like sight and speech, scientists have successfully tracked their paths in the brain. Experts now know that such emotions exist in multiple areas, in well-defined but distributed networks of neurons.
How can those networks be altered to increase emotional well-being? The answers can be surprisingly simple.
- Exercise your body. Physical exercise like walking, swimming, and biking profoundly boosts brain capacity and performance. Anderson is part of the UI's multi-disciplinary Aging Mind and Brain Initiative, which is studying how regular exercise increases the size of key brain areas, changes the patterns and speed of neural activity, improves specific functions, and releases a flow of "happiness" hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
- Exercise your brain. Do a puzzle, learn to play a musical instrument, have a good conversation—do anything to give your imagination and cognitive skills a workout. "Your brain loves a challenge," explains Anderson. "That's why the worst thing anyone can do is sit in front of a TV for hours. Apart from the lack of physical exercise, their brains are literally zoning out."
- Make lifestyle changes. Other proven ways to improve mental and emotional well-being likely sound familiar: get enough sleep, build strong social networks, avoid excessive stress, and make a habit of positive thinking. Practicing some form of meditation—whether formal or just taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly and observe your breathing—is also key.
Such simple changes can be hard to apply consistently, though—and to be effective, they have to be permanent. But, as Anderson says, "If people knew the profound effect of their behaviors on their brain health, they'd take action."


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The Urban Redevelopment Agency, charged with issuing a $28.5 million revenue bond to finance ongoing renovations at Augusta Municipal Building, on Friday held off approving the matter until members meet with the Augusta Commission on Tuesday.
The $28.5 million bond, to be paid off using a future special purpose, local option sales tax, was intended to fund the remainder of the $40 million renovation project when city commissioners approved the project a year ago.
Now, as opposition in the community and even among commissioners and mayoral candidates to the May 20 SPLOST grows, agency members are questioning whether commissioners were aware that debt service on the bonds, about $3 million annually, will have to come from property tax revenues if the SPLOST doesn't pass.
Deputy Finance Director Tim Schroer has told the panel and said again Friday that the ongoing construction project under management by consultant Heery International is running out of cash rapidly and the city "can't wait" to issue the bonds or it will have to suspend construction while costs escalate.
What's left in the bank to pay Heery, construction manager Turner Construction and other contractors will be spent by May 20, while delaying the project will cost the city "at least $2 million," Schroer said, adding that he'd request more specific cost escalation estimates from Heery, whose representatives were out of town and unable to attend the Friday meeting.
"I think we've put ourselves in a precarious position," said agency appointee Terry Elam, the president of Augusta Technical College. "I can say this. I think the commission needs to be very clear to us about their intent to repay this. … I just want that message to come clearly from the commission.
"We started a project before the funding was in place," he said.
Jim Plunkett, an outside counsel who works with the city on bonding and other development projects, reviewed a timeline of when commissioners had been informed about and signed off on the project's various elements, including a March 8, 2013, meeting when financial consultant Dianne McNabb described using existing SPLOST 6 and future SPLOST 7 funds to pay for the project and using the city's existing .71-mill property tax levy to service the debt if SPLOST 7 hasn't been approved.
Three days later, former city administrator Fred Russell referenced using the property tax levy in discussion surrounding the commission's vote at a called March 11, 2013, meeting when commissioners voted to approve the project, Plunkett said.
"Where is the resolution on that additional issue" of using the property tax levy, Elam questioned. Plunkett said it was all part of the discussion and in documents commissioners had approved.
Should the SPLOST fail, the city can put it before voters again, and again, if need be, Plunkett said.
Former mayor Bob Young, who also serves on the five-member panel and raised similar questions at the group's first meeting last week, said renovating the municipal building where he'd worked for almost two terms was "long overdue" but he just wasn't certain the commission knew what it was getting into.
"I don't have the clarity that they understand," Young said, and motioned to table the bond issue. He got no second.
Panel chairman Henry Ingram, insisting no "inferences" that three members of the panel were prepared to pass the matter Friday should be drawn from his decision Thursday to call the meeting, then asked for a motion to approve the bonds and an accompanying intergovernmental agreement between the city and the agency. None was offered.
"It's resounding to me," that the project's costs would escalate from $1.5 million to $2 million if the Urban Redevelopment Agency delays the bond issue, Ingram said, asking for further detail about the costs.
In the end, the group decided to delay acting on the bonds until members could meet Tuesday with the commission, preferably before the commission's 2 p.m. meeting.
"Tuesday, we will take a vote; you will know one way or the other," Elam said.
A notice about a called 1 p.m. Tuesday joint work session between the commission and agency on the municipal building's eighth floor was sent to The Augusta Chronicle on Friday.


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Jazz, folk, poetry in Velvet Lounge
Rockland — The Velvet Lounge series will host local musicians of diverse genres plus a poet Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18 and 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rock City Café, 316 Main St. As usual, there is no cover charge; however, tipping the performers is highly encouraged. For more information on this and other events happening at the coffeebar/cafe, call 594-4123.
Jazz fusion and poetry
On Friday, Jan. 18, Rock City Cafe's Velvet Lounge will presents Algorithm, a new electro-acoustic duo featuring Mike Whitehead on trumpet and flugelhorn and Tom Luther on keyboards. The basic form of the group is supplemented by substantial use of electronic instruments, both live and sequenced. Both musicians are experienced jazz performers, and use their improvising skills in the context of modern electronica and ambient music.
The music itself is an amalgam of improvised material and electronic soundscapes crafted by both performers. For this show, Algorithm will be accompanied by former Belfast Poet Laureate Jacob Fricke, who will be performing spoken word to the ambient music.
Local folkster on tap
On Saturday, Jan. 19, Rock City Cafe's Velvet Lounge will welcome back Bob Stuart, who has made his home on the Midcoast for the last 25 years. He was brought to the area while touring and was immediately enamored of its beauty and musical community. He performed for many years in Camden's Thirsty Whale Tavern and venues up and down the coast; and recorded and album, "Rainbow's End." His songs have been recorded by many artists. His own voice is a rich baritone voice, well suited to his selection of traditional songs and original material. Stuart accompanies himself on guitar and banjo, as well as singing a cappella.
Courier Publications' A&E Editor Dagney C. Ernest can be reached at (207) 594-4401, ext. 115 or firstname.lastname@example.com.