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While unemployment among veterans hovers around 21 percent, some jobs are going wanting in San Diego County, including some government jobs with good benefits packages.
At a San Diego United Veterans Council meeting last weekend, Lily Fetzer, director of the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Diego, said her office is looking to hire more than a dozen veterans for entry-level clerical jobs.
The work entails transcribing veterans' disability claim appeals. She said the ability to type 50 words a minute accurately is a must and will be tested.
The VA has about 17 such job openings that pay about $31,000 to start, which includes a 24 percent adjustment for working in San Diego County. Health and other benefits come with the jobs.
The positions can be applied for in person through the San Diego regional office or online at USAjobs.gov, keywords "office automation." The human resources number at the VA is 619-400-5401. These are jobs with the benefits side of Veterans Affairs and not the health care side.
"About 80 percent of the employees in our regional office are veterans, so we are looking to hire veterans when we have openings," Fetzer said. While the salary might not sound like a lot, especially in San Diego County, it might at least get an applicant's foot in the door for a federal job.
USA Today reported earlier this year that in 2009, federal civil servants earned, on average, twice as much in pay and benefits ($123,049) than private enterprise workers ($61,051).
Additionally, the average federal salary outpaced inflation by 33 percent from 2000 to 2009. Average compensation has grown 36.9 percent since 2000, after adjusting for inflation, compared with 8.8 percent for private workers.
Fetzer said that in the near future, workers in higher-paying jobs, such as veterans services representatives, would be recruited. Those jobs pay a annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000 and will be posted on USAjobs.gov.
"We have a lot of work coming in," Fetzer said, explaining the hiring run. "Which is both good news and bad news."
Much of that work has to do with double-digit increases in claims the VA has seen in the past two years. Veterans filing for disabilities relating to post-traumatic stress disorder and exposure to Agent Orange are driving the numbers.
Recently, the government announced that Vietnam vets exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam and other areas will have an easier path to access VA health care and qualify for disability compensation.
VA is adding Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease, andexpanding chronic lymphocytic leukemia to include all chronic Bcell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia.
In practical terms, veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a "presumed" illness don't have to prove a connection between their medical problems and their military service.
The unemployment rate last year among young Iraq and Afghanistanveterans hit 21.1 percent, the Labor Department announced in March.The number is above the 16.6 percent jobless rate for nonveteransof the same ages, 18 to 24. It was significantly higher than the2008 unemployment rate among veterans in that age group, which was14.1 percent.
Rick Rogers is a North County journalist who has long covered military issues. Call him at 760-445-3882.


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Thursday, January 14, 1999 Published at 17:12 GMT
Second class stamps down
The Royal Mail is to cut the price of a second class stamp by a penny to 19p.
First class post remains unchanged at 26p.
The cut on 26 April will follow a 33-month price freeze on domestic postage prices - the longest period of stable post prices for more than 40 years.
The Royal Mail said the cut will benefit millions of customers because around two out of every three letters go second class.
It has also pledged to continue freezing prices on both classes of mail for letters and packages weighing more than the standard 60g but no more than 100g.
This will cover more than 90% of letters and packets in the average daily postbag.
Stamp of approval
Royal Mail said the changes were part of an overall restructuring of prices to which reflect the actual costs incurred by the company.
Post Office chief executive John Roberts added: "Our prime aim is to meet our customers' needs for improved value for money services. This is essential as we move to more liberalised markets and face increasing competition.
"In real terms Royal Mail prices have already decreased, over the last 15 years. The cost of a first class letter has fallen by 15% compared with the retail price index."
But the Royal Mail has warned if mail volumes do not continue to grow strongly and are hit by any slowing down of the economy, there will be a revision of the prices.
The cost of posting mail to all European destinations will remain unchanged, 30p for letters up to 20g. There will be 1p increases on airmail letters.
UK Contents
Northern Ireland

subset: commoncrawl


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December 1st will forever be a special date in the hearts of our family. It's the day Chad and I found out we would be parents to a beautiful baby girl who had been born a few days prior. Hours…Read more
December 1st will forever be a special date in the hearts of our family. It's the day Chad and I found out we would be parents to a beautiful baby girl who had been born a few days prior. Hours…Read more
For the past 8 months, Chad and I have been working through all the necessary steps to become adoptive parents, and we are happy to announce that we have been approved and are officially waiting for our baby! We are…Read more
Chad and I are spending the week in Maui, visiting with some friends and fully taking in this amazing island. It's not hard to be inspired by the beauty here. There's something about it that makes you come alive. Before…Read more
Chad and I celebrated 10 years of marriage last week with a trip to NYC, a place that holds a special place in our hearts. We have tried to take a trip somewhere, near or far, each year around our…Read more
I woke sometime around December of last year feeling an overwhelming sense of heaviness. I was physically overweight, while spiritually and mentally malnourished. I was looking back on a year that, to the world, seemed full, but left my soul…Read more
When Chad and I first got married, a successful meal consisted of something not burnt out of a box (to no fault of my Mom's who prepared meals for us almost every night growing up). But over the years, I…Read more
This morning I received the text I had been dreading all week from my friend Krysta reading, "where's that blog post sucka?" To which I replied with emojis because that is much better than using my words, "I'm still putting it…Read more
Momentum. It can go either direction. For the past three months I haven't done much writing. The truth is I haven't known entirely what to say. I lost momentum. A lot has been happening around here, and I tend to internalize…Read more
If you haven't already heard of Ann Voskamp, I am excited to share her writing with you as something new. If you have heard of her, perhaps you have been following along as I have through the Advent season. Ann…Read more
Last night we hosted a Christmas party in our home for the amazing people that my husband Chad works with. We shared a meal, chatted about life, and of course exchanged gifts over a friendly game we call the White…Read more


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New Video – The LASIK MD Story
Watch our new video to find out how LASIK MD is able to offer high quality LASIK for less.
Do you have a question about LASIK? Ask one of our experts!
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« LASIK has been around for over 20 years Facebook pledge leads LASIK MD to donate over $2,200 to Operation Eyesight »


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One week ago today, nearly 4,000 teachers, administrators and staff in the Philadelphia School District learned they would lose their jobs.
This afternoon, another round of layoffs was announced-- this time at the administrative offices of the School District. 76 employees are being given notice, including those who work in professional development, technical support and student services.
These layoffs will contribute to $23 million in budget cuts, according to the School District.
The announcement of these additional job cuts comes at the same time as parents, students and community leaders staged a rally outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in the city.
The demonstrators started their march at 4:00 p.m. at LOVE Park and walked to Corbett's office at 200 S. Broad Street, where they stopped to hold signs and demand that $270 million in state education funding be restored.
POWER, Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower and Rebuild, helped organize today's rally. The group is Philadelphia's largest faith-based community organizing effort.
All of the school district's 160 assistant principals are being eliminated -- with 127 of them being laid off. Schools will also loose 676 teachers, 283 guidance counselors and 1,202 noon-time aides. More than 300 secretaries and 769 support service assistants also received notice last week.
Yesterday, Philadelphia City Council passed a new $2-a-pack cigarette tax. It heads to Harrisburg next and if lawmakers approve, the tax is estimated to generate $45 million for Philadelphia Schools.


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It doesn't take long to drive through Sunnyvale.
Heading east on Highway 80, the road signs on the outskirts of Mesquite sneak up on a driver, and in a matter of minutes, the mile markers begin counting down the distance to the nearby towns of Forney and Terrell.
It may be small, but for the most part, Sunnvyale's 6,700 residents like it that way.
"For a small town, we're very unique in eastern Dallas County," Sunnyvale Mayor Jim Phaup said.
"Unique" is a word other residents might use to describe the suburb that has worked to establish an identity as a small town, even in the shadow of the Dallas skyline a mere 15 miles away.
The close-knit feel and school system combined with its rural-meets-suburban landscape makes Sunnyvale a catch for its residents. The town was found to be the No. 1 overall community in Garland-Mesquite area in The Dallas Morning News' Best Neighborhoods project.
"You get all of the benefits of small town living plus all the benefits of living in a major metroplex," said Georgeann Moss, a member of the Sunnyvale Garden Club. "There's a closeness in our community that you just don't normally find in large cities, I think."
Sunnyvale was also ranked the No. 9 overall community in the North Texas area in The News' analysis, which relied on data from 1,185 census tracts in North Texas.
The high rank in the study, which included safety, schools, neighborhood aesthetics and walkability as some of the most heavily weighted factors, did not come as a surprise to Phaup.
"I think there's two great differentiators about Sunnyvale – one is the school, and the other is the low-density strategy that we've had forever to keep a rural and country feel," said Phaup, who was elected to another term as mayor this past May.
In short, the strategy is a very limited plan for new residential developments. This keeps population down, Phaup said.
"We have a great school that makes people want to move to Sunnyvale, but since we're not focused on [population] growth, we can keep it small," Phaup said. "If we annexed, it wouldn't be to develop residential, it would be to develop business."
There are some plans to further develop Sunnyvale along the intersection of Collins Road and Highway 80, but new buildings would not eclipse the country feel that can be seen from the small farms, feed store and Future Farmers of America clubs that meet in the schools.
"It's very relaxing when you're driving home through country roads through rolling hills and farmland and horses," Moss said.
While Moss lives in the Stone Canyon neighborhood and Sunnyvale ISD board member Kim Ingram lives near the expansive farm land, both parents sing praises for the schools where their children graduated.
"It has grown tremendously, but we've still kept our class sizes small," Ingram said. "Seeing the stadium come in, and the high school come in, and now the whole town turns out for the football games and it becomes a big event for the football team."
While that team has not yet reached the playoffs, it does not prevent neighbors from coming out and enjoying the Friday night atmosphere or the new school's other amenities.
"Probably the primary reason we came here was the excellent school system," said Moss, who moved to Sunnyvale in 2008 with her husband and son. "My son, Ryan, is 18, and he just graduated in that first class of all four years at the new high school."
A new elementary campus opened in fall 2012. Students, teachers and families all rally behind one another through community events like the Raider Pride Fun-Run held each spring.
"Everyone arrives and greets each other and [the run] has just become a fun social event," Ingram said. "And the homecoming parade, it's little but it's ours."
Though some of Sunnyvale's infrastructure needs have not been realized, Phaup said, there still are chances for business growth, especially in regard to the city's location between Mesquite and Forney.
But for now, Phaup, Moss and Ingram are all content staying in the town they proudly call home.
"As my husband often jokes, he's not leaving the house until they carry him out in a pine box," Moss said. "This is where we chose for Ryan's school and for our retirement."
Garland/Mesquite neighborsgo editor Marcus Murphree can be reached at 214-977-8023. Data analysis by staff writer Daniel Lathrop.


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Brownton, West Virginia neighborhood has a number of bookstores besides books stores on the Internet. When you have actually found that little gem of a Brownton, WV store, you must be able to find the books that you are looking for very fast and quickly. It all takes a little open mindedness as well as somebody that is prepared to look for the store that they need to find for the new or used books that they need.
Books became the dominant repositories of human understanding with the development of the printing press. Even with the development of computers with huge storage spaces, books continue to hold a position of dominance. Despite the ever-growing popularity of computers and the online publication of the books, the old charm of reading a novel reclining in the comfort of the bed or chair still holds a powerful sway over the readers all over. This reveals the continued existence, popularity and even proliferation of bookstores in Brownton regardless of enduring of strong competitors from online stores.
Brownton, West Virginia bookstores still have value in the neighborhood. There are countless bookstores, with countless titles on all topics, scattered over the world. Bookstores can be found even in remote corners and backwoods of the world. Some bookstores are basic in nature, holding countless books on every imaginable subject or subject. Huge and multinational business are involved in reselling books; their stores are located in all the major cities of the world.
There are bookstores that specialize in reselling particular books, out-of-print and scarce books. You can likewise locate used, scarce and out-of-print books from online if you can't find them at regional stores.
You will certainly come across bookstores that bring in consumers by offering them the catalog of the various book selling business. This offers the readers a concept about the competitive rates of the books. The readers can opt for the most affordable books, which certainly are readily available in their own bookstores.
There are likewise bookstores that focus on selling off only technical books. While some stores bring in the clients by providing them the latest brand new editions of the technical books that naturally are pricey, there are others who resell used books of the same type at more affordable rates. Some Brownton bookstores provide a percentage savings on all their books – in some cases even for the newest editions of highly specialized topics.
Brownton, West Virginia Local Bookstores can be vital to both students and local neighborhood.
There are very couple of campus book stores that do not permit college students to sell off their used text books back to their stores if they are in reasonably good condition. In fact, numerous Brownton local bookstores will certainly purchase college text books merely due to the fact that they are one of the very best sellers, especially if the used books store is located near campus or has an on-line web site.
Lots of students have the ability to get virtually half of what they have in their used text books if they are requesting money, and if they are dealing with a used book store they are commonly able to barter for much more if they want to trade their books in for other books. Purchasing used books is a much better deal than purchasing new books when you compare the wide spread price ranges of these 2 varieties of books. Today lots of bigger universities have actually began providing students the opportunity to advertise their used text books for resell on an on-line resource within the university. Another way for students to locate secondhand text books is by browsing on-line at a selection of on-line auction sites or at online used books stores.
The significant benefit of anyone buying a used book is to save cash and used college text books normally sell rapidly. As quickly as university student learn exactly what their courses are for a term and the needed text books, then the hunt is on. This is because college students realize that used college text books go fast and they do not want to need to pay the high expense related to new text books. The only difference between used text books and new text books is their physical appearance, and typically the used text books can be found in good condition. This is due to very few campus book stores, local used books stores, or on-line website of any type will decline used college text books that are in bad condition.
Brownton, West Virginia bookstores will certainly constantly be very important to the community. Something that university student and passionate book enthusiasts have in common is that fact that numerous of them will purchase used books. Used book offer these people an opportunity to save money while enjoying an experience of buying used books. Numerous of the on-line book stores that offer these used text books will often offer lots of other rare titles of used books also. These sites make it easier for individuals and students also to search for the desired book of their option, which can truly save them time.
Quick Tip for Brownton, West Virginia ResidentsAn excellent location that you would like to start looking for used books stores is on the Internet. You likewise may be able to discover out info on the various used books stores in the location that you live in. This may be anything from the area of the store to if the store is actually a great one to try.
Video: Book Review in Brownton
Current Weather in Brownton, WV
Some book subjects you can find in Brownton, West Virginia stores:African Americans, Antiques & Collectibles, Art, Architecture & Photography, Bibles & Bible Studies, Biography, Business Books, Christianity, Computer & Technology Books, Cookbooks, Food & Wine, Crafts & Hobbies Books, Education & Teaching, Engineering, Foreign Languages, Game Books, Gay & Lesbian, Health & Fitness, History, Home & Garden, Humor Books, Judaism & Judaica, Law, Medical & Nursing Books, Music/Film/TV/Theater, Book Club Studies, Coupon, Book Signing, New Age & Spirituality, Nonfiction, Discount Books, Free Books, Free Shipping, Parenting & Family, Pets, Philosophy, Politics & Current Affairs, Psychology & Psychotherapy, Reference, Relationships, Religion Books, Science & Nature, Self Help & Self Improvement, Social Sciences, Sports & Adventure, Study Guides & Test Prep, Travel, True Crime, Weddings and Women's Studies. Popular Bookstores you can find in your area: Barnes & Noble, Book Off USA, Books-A-Million, Deseret Book, Family Christian Stores, Follett's, Half Price Books, Amazon, Books a Million, Hastings Entertainment, Hudson News, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Powell's Books, Schuler Books & Music, Strand Book Store, LifeWay Christian Resources.


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Learn about this topic in these articles:
biological development
One very important type of development that, from some points of view, can be considered as an exception to the rule that abnormal development is nearly always retrogressive, is carcinogenesis, the production of tumours. Carcinogenesis involves a change in the developmental behaviour of a group of cells. Initially, it often involves a loss of some of the functional and structural...
poisons and poisoning
Carcinogens are chemicals that can produce tumours, abnormal tissue growths caused by a loss of control in cell replication. Most tumours are solid masses ( e.g., lung cancer), but some do not occur as tissue swellings ( e.g., leukemia).


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Chicago tourism has reached record-breaking numbers.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Friday that hotel revenue for the city has exceeded the $1 billion record, marking an 8.4 percent increase from this time last year.
Emanuel also said the city's hotel occupancy for the first seven months of 2013 tied record numbers set in 2008, with 73.6 percent of hotels occupied.
Officials announced last month that tourism for the state -- and Chicago – is booming, and that's good for jobs and tax revenue.
About 39 million people visited the city in 2010. That number grew to 43 million a year later and to 46 million in 2012.
"We are extremely pleased with the positive hotel performance and its impact on Chicago's overall economy," Don Welsh, President and CEO of Choose Chicago, said in a statement.
The latest tourism announcement comes as the city prepares for a busy Labor Day weekend.
It also comes on the heels of a violent summer.
Last year, at least two people were killed and 24 others were injured over Labor Day weekend in shootings across the city.
Still, officials say tourism numbers are looking up, and that the city is more than halfway to reaching Emanuel's goal of 50 million visitors per year by 2020.


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The photo last week showed the BMW's big sedan, the 2013 7 Series. For a better photograph and more information, read this week's road test.
BMW's sedans all bear a close resemblance, so we're including entries from the readers who also guessed the other series. Chosen randomly from the correct entries, though, was Bill Harding, of Evans, who told us:
"BMW's 760Li sedan is sticker priced at a very affordable $142,500 without options. If you add every available factory accessory, you will run the sticker price up another 19 grand. Oh, but that $161,500 will get you one very nice vehicle. The 6-liter, 48-valve, twin-turbo, 535-horsepower, V-12 engine is about the smoothest on the planet, and the powerful engine mates nicely with the eight-speed automatic."
Harding wins a prize from The Augusta Chronicle. Other readers identifying the vehicle were:
CANTON, GA.: David Anderson wrote: "This is BMW's largest sedan offering – and it comes with a pretty large price tag to boot. Priced from the it-costs-how-much opener of $74,000 for the base 740i to the no-way price of just over $141,000 for the 760Li, this is one lineup that is not for the faint-of-heart or weak-of-funds.
"Engine choices range from the base 3-liter inline six rated at 315 horsepower to the 6-liter V-12 rated at 535 horsepower. The limited edition Alpina B7 comes with a 4.4-liter V-8 rated at 540 horsepower. All engines are either a single twin-scroll turbo or twin turbos and require premium fuel.
"Of course, as the horsepower and number of cylinders go up, the gas mileage goes down, from 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway to 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway. Standard automatic start/stop technology on all but the monster V-12 helps to mitigate the fuel mileage, but if you can afford the monthly payments, you will be hard-pressed for any sympathy from me over the mileage or premium fuel requirement.
"All of this makes the used 2011 BMW 535 with six-speed manual, priced at $42,000, that I recently (and briefly) looked at seem quite reasonable.
"I cannot deny that these are some of the nicest, best engineered cars on the road today, although the styling has gotten just a little too 'me too' for my tastes as it blends in with the masses.
"Besides, there are just too many off-color jokes around that start off with, 'What's the difference between a BMW driver and a …' for me to seriously consider purchasing one."
EVANS: Jerry Paul wrote: "This week the car is a BMW. I guess the model is a 750i?"
Wayne Wilke wrote: "The car is a 2013 BMW sedan. It is hard to tell whether it's a 3 Series, 5 Series or 7 Series, since their rear-quarter passenger side views are all quite similar. My guess is that is a 7 Series, which is the largest one.
PERRY, FLA.: Larry Anderson knew it was a BMW, and chose the M5 as the car in the photo.
WARRENVILLE: James Covar
NO CITY LISTED: Craig Kerins also guessed the 5 Series, saying it was a 535 sedan.


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Op: Resurgence
The Resurgence: Some notes.
January 17, 2014 at 12:03am
This event page is run by a group of dedicated Anti-Capitalists who have been actively engaged in organizing for some time in the United States. We are a diverse bunch, representing a range of characteristics that transcends gender, race, and class boundaries to all come together for our common goal. The mission of this page is simple, in that we are here to promote and assist in the organization of what we believe will be the resurgence of something along the lines of the Occupy movement that took the USA by storm in 2011, and into 2012. We believe that at some point, this movement, in some incarnation or another, will come back and be even larger and more daring than the last was. For this reason, we are organizing for May Day and promoting events that are scheduled that day, with preference to those that look to push the boundaries as far as they can go.
The page title is something of a fill-in, and is subject to change, although at some point it will no longer change. We have many discussions about what it is we are trying to do. When we call it #Reoccupy, we are not necessarily saying that whatever comes on May 1st, or at any point in the future, will necessarily look like the Occupy Wallstreet movement, and we don't really want it to, for tactical and growth reasons. Of course, we would love to see tens of thousands in the streets, shutting down the ports, and camping out in solidarity with eachother, but the movement was clearly bogged down by different things we hope we can learn from this time around, and therefore we cannot say that the next incarnation will look like the first. What we are referring to with the name is the resurgence of the Anti-Capitalist movement that is clearly simmering under the surface of this decomposing society, and that we have personally encountered at events we have engaged in in our own communities.
We are not reformists. We do not feel comfortable espousing reformists beliefs, or rhetoric, as we know from our experiences, and from the experiences of those in history, that whatever crumbs the capitalist class gives to the exploited can be rescinded just as fast. We have seen this most recently with the euro-crisis, where the Troika "rescue" has decimated the gains that the workers fought and died for generations before. We do not believe in compromise with the capitalist class that would take the food from our mouth, and the futures from our children. Instead, we advocate a total change in the political and economic order of the United States, starting with the mass redistribution of wealth back to the truly exploited (The third world, and the indigenous) and then we can take care of those of us who have benefited from that exploitation, and to have a true class consciousness in the United States is to understand that even if you are proletarian (Which, we know what that's like) that our way of life in the United States is dependent on the mass exploitation of the aforementioned peoples.
With our positions clearly stated, we look forward to May 1st. We know a lot of the reasons that things do not happen at the intensity or frequency that they happened in 2011, and 2012, which is largely due to infighting and burnout, but the only way to deal with that is to deal with it. In our city, we have spent a great deal of time "mending fences," so to speak, with other radicals and organizers and are looking forward to the events we have coming up as a result of these efforts. It may be helpful to do that, or it may be helpful to do another thing we have done which is to just take you and a few trusted comrades, and put something together in your own city, and meet and network with new people that way. A new infusion is good for the 2nd phase of what we anticipate, and it has certainly helped us a lot in our own organizing.
With that said, again, we look forward to May 1st, 2014, and hope that we can all organize events in our cities that signal a resurgence of the greatness that we saw in 2011. This movement is growing every minute, we are unstoppable.
In love and solidarity,
Mayday 2014 - #Reoccupy the USA
#M1 #Reoccupy #ReoccupyM1 #Theresurgence
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Sports & Fitness
In 1984, Chicago was in the heady grip of a Black Renaissance. Harold Washington was mayor, Michael Jordan had just signed with the Bulls, Oprah Winfrey was hosting a local morning show, ...


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There is a point in Magic Mike when Matthew McConaughey is dancing shirtless while wearing an Uncle Sam hat, and six young guys are dancing behind him dressed as combat soldiers. As it's happening, it's impossible to decide whether Magic Mike is the most ridiculous movie ever made or the greatest. It's an issue that may never be resolved, but in the many scenes like this where the dumb fun is at its highest, it doesn't really matter.
Magic Mike is the latest from chameleonic director Steven Soderbergh. It's the much publicized dramatization of star Channing Tatum's former career as a male stripper. In the film, Tatum plays Mike, a charismatic go-getter who juggles a variety of businesses while he saves money to make his own custom furniture. He runs a roofing crew and does auto detailing, and he also dances for horny cougars and bachelorettes. The club he performs at is run by an older dancer named Dallas (McConaughey, who brought along his bongos), and Dallas has been promising to give Mike a piece of the pie when the troupe moves from Tampa to Florida. To earn his keep, Mike rustles up the nightly audience and also procures new performers. He picks up a 19-year-old named Adam (a somnabulic Alex Pettyfer, I Am Number Four) and takes him under his wing, calling him "The Kid." That's basically the set-up in a nutshell.
It's also much of the plot of Reid Carolin's script. For a good hour or more, Magic Mike is a nonstop party. Mike and Adam dance, they take home a couple of the customers, they hang out on the beach, they dance, and McConaughey says "Alright, alright, alriiiiiight" more times than I could keep track of. It's an insane idea of a narrative, and it's even more insane how much it works. Here's a male stripper dressed as a doctor humping a gurney, here's another dressed as a fireman coming to the rescue. And there's Magic Mike, making the ladies go wild with his hip-hop gyrations.
What's amazing is, for as slick of a Hollywood production as a movie like Magic Mike should be, Soderbergh has made it in the same verité digital style as his quick and dirty efforts like The Girlfriend Experience and Bubble. Serving as his own cameraman--and also his own editor, both pseudonymously--the director moves quickly, creating an on-the-fly aesthetic that is immediate and deceptively natural. Some scenes flow moment to moment, with little cutting and impressive choreography; in others, he favors extreme close-ups and topsy-turvy angles. Magic Mike is like Coyote Ugly directed by Jean-Luc Godard. Though the club sequences are incredibly goofy and awesome, some of the best stuff also comes when the music stops and Tatum gets real. Even if it is woefully underdeveloped, there is a pretty decent romantic subplot where Mike falls for Adam's sister, a medical assistant named Brooke (Cody Horn, TV's The Office). Brooke asks Mike to look out for her kid brother, and Mike likes how honest he can be around her. Most of their scenes play like improv, fueled by a warm chemistry between the two actors. Tatum is a surprisingly likable presence onscreen, as it turns out.
Magic Mike's fatal flaw, unfortunately, is that it really has nowhere to go. The final half hour slows down considerably, as Carolin and Soderbergh take care of the business of that pesky "story." There's not much that you can't predict pretty easily: Adam likes the wild style a little too much, and there's some All About Eve backstage drama as Dallas turns out not to be the good guy Mike vouched for earlier. Drugs are involved, and women, and Mike is going to get his heart broken not once, but twice. (Olivia Munn also has a brief, revealing role as Mike's occasional hook-up and prowling partner.) Brooke is forced to get stern with Mike, and Mike is forced to take a good hard look at his life. It's hard to blame the guys for taking the script in this direction. Honestly, I can't quite figure out what else they could have done with it. Maybe they'd have been better off just letting the party be its own narrative arc and staging one final, over-sized blow-out, with Channing Tatum's abs forming a ladder to the clouds that he and his admirers could gleefully ascend to someplace more pure. You know, wherever Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta flew off to at the end of Grease.
Despite the fizzled final act, Magic Mike is still worth it. Particularly for the ladies out there reading this. There's lots of beefcake on display. Scene 2 begins with a butt shot, for goodness sake, and the women in my audience squealed as soon as they saw it. Good for you. Go ahead, ladies. You've been waiting your turn for this kind of eye candy for a while. I don't get the appeal of the pull-away pants and the penis socks, but what the hell. Live and let live, I say!


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This a very Rare World War II RAF LANCASTER BOMBER COMPASS. The compass is still in good working order. The condition has wear, but remember, to survive a WAR, you would expect to have wear. However, the compass still works properly.A little brief history on this amazing LANCASTER BOMBER . The Avro Lancaster was a British four-engine Second World War Bomber Aircraft made initially by Avro for the British Royal Air Force (RAF). First used in 1942, it was the main heavy bomber of the RAF, The Royal Canadian Air Force and squadrons from other Commonwealth and European countries serving with RAF Bomber Command. The "Lanc" or "Lankie" as it became affectionately known, became the Most Famous and Most Successful of the Second World War Night Bombers, delivering 608,612 tons of bombs in 156,000 sorties. Although the Lancaster was primarily a night bomber, it excelled in many other roles including daylight precision bombing. The Lancaster gained worldwide renown as the "DAM BUSTER" used in the 1943 Operation Chastise Raids on Germany's important dams. In 1942-45, Lancasters flew 156,000 operations and dropped 608,612 tons of bombs. Only 35 Lancasters completed more than 100 successful operation, and 3249 were lost in action. The most successful survivor completed 139 operations, only to be scrapped in ... read more


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Bake a custom cake at the Downtown Bakery with Mia! Open the sweet little shop by building the sign, canopy and outdoor display. Fill the shelves with cakes, bread, cookies and croissant accessories! When a customer arrives to order a wild-berry birthday cake, get creative in the kitchen with lots of food and utensils. Set the mixture into a pan and place it in the oven until it's baked to perfection! Decorate it with fruit and ring up the order on the cash register.
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GREEN BAY - Music lovers gathered to celebrate all things vinyl.
Customers filled Rock N' Roll Land in Green Bay early Saturday morning.
They took part in what's quickly becoming a worldwide holiday, Record Store Day.
It is the one day of the year that independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music.
Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day.
"It's record store everyday for us, we're always celebrating vinyl and we're always trying to get the young kids and younger people into music and coming up," said Rock N' Roll Land co-owner, Phil Doran.
According to Nielsen SoundScan, Record Store Day did record business last year.
Sales were up 3 percent from 2012.
And as CD sales decline, vinyl sales rose 32 percent last year, with six million records sold.


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Police and firefighters are responding to a crash at Blue Hills Avenue and Cottage Grove Road in Bloomfield.
There has been no word on injuries. Traffic is being diverted from Blue Hills Drive at Britton Drive, and part of Cottage Grove Road is also blocked off.
No additional information was immediately available.
Check back for updates.
Published at 10:01 PM EDT on Aug 25, 2014 | Updated at 10:32 PM EDT on Aug 25, 2014


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race around the 'World'-world record set by Rohan Veal
[Nov 2]DUBAI, UAE--Australian International Moth star Rohan
Veal set a new 'Round the
record' at 1 hr 29 mins and 37 seconds. Previous record was held
by a VX40 catamaran at 1 hr 42 mins.
Veal:"I was keen to have a crack at it, so we
rigged and launched Glenn's new boat at 3pm and Chris (another new
Bladerider owner) escorted me around in a RIB.
The course is 20NM and in about 15 knots, I was
guessing that I could do it in 90 minutes. I had one swim around
the back after losing concentration for a split second whilst having
a glance at a palace recently built on there, but still managed
to come home in 1 hr 29 mins and 37 seconds, making a new 'around
the world' record."
Someone in Dubai thought it might be a good idea
to make sand islands off shore to resemble a
map of the world and then sell each of the countries off
to those that had enough money to buy a country.
And so of course the yachties in Dubai , thought
'aaaaah' lets race 'around the world' and set sailing records. Its
now known locally as the 'Jo Verne Trophy' (named after the guy
invented it), not to be confused with the 'Jules Verne Trophy' which
is the award offered to the fastest lap of the planet (not the world).
am sure that time will be beaten one day soon, but now there is
talk about having a regatta here in late March next year with one
day dedicated to as many attempts as possible around the
world with prize money for the fastest time and a bonus
for anyone that can sail around the
world in 80 minutes."- Rohan
after heart surgery-Laura Rites
Ear-Lasha Pataraia
talking female-Fran Capo
passenger plane-Airbus A380
10K race-by Hillary Kimaiyo


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Average Rating
User Reviews
39 out of 54 people found this review helpful:Freaking Shaft does it again...Well.Read more
Just one episode has been released, and I don't know anything about the complete story, so as to whether this breaks down later or not is immaterial to me, but if you even for a second were intrigued by Shaft's other major production in the Monogatari series, this will rivet you to your seat.
The dialogue is charming and deep, with the same ADHD camera movement seen in Monogatari, but ...
15 out of 20 people found this review helpful:My Opinion so far on Mekakucity ActorsBefore the anime there was the manga and the songs on mekakucity actors.Read more
It's a unique anime in my opinion. The art so far seen is very similar to the manga , I haven't finished the manga but I know where story is about to go. The characters are entertaining. Each person has their own story . From what I heard from the manga some of the characters have powers or talents? The first episode related ...
13 out of 18 people found this review helpful:More Style than SubstanceMekakucity Actors begins as a very personal tale of grief and loss, keeping a slow, but affecting pace. Or, at least, that's what I thought until I completed the final two episodes, in which I realized the show spent the majority of its run spinning its tires, and frantically struggled to complete an incredibly silly and convoluted plotline in the last moments, abandoning the methodical pace and ...Read more
10 out of 12 people found this review helpful:Give it a chance guys. It will be worth it.Ok so I reviewed this anime in the first episode, but I suppose it's time to update the review. Sincerely, I still think the anime is good. I understand that many people simply don't enjoy the Shaft animation, but are you really going to let that stop you from the awesomeness of the series? I mean personally I think Shaft animation is perfect for this, but I guess everyone has their opinions. ...Read more
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful:The anime starts off strong, but then ends fastThe whole series goes down to focusing on curtain characters and plot lines in every episode, and then showing how that side story connects to the main story. Does it do this well? Sort of… The side plots don't really give us incite to the characters much, sometimes it did other times it didn't and focused to much on trying to seem edgy or "deep" in some sort of way or form. The whole ending seems ...Read more
9 out of 11 people found this review helpful:You're in for a trip with this one.Mekakucity Actors is the anime adaptation of Jin's Kagerou Project, which follows a very complex and dark story line. Stick around for this anime because I promise that the story will go far beyond the Monogatari-esque dialogue exchanges and we'll get to see some really heavy stuff happen with this one.
21 out of 37 people found this review helpful:A total disappointmentMekakucity Actors had so much potential to be great. It had fun and likable characters with an incredible cast of seiyuu such as Mamoru Miyano, Kana Hanazawa, Kana Asumi, Keiji Fujiwara, etc. It had an interesting premise to the story, which is based on the stories told in the vocaloid songs written by the artist Jin in his album Kagerou Project, which tells the story of the eponymous ...Read more
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful:I'm so ready yeeeeeehCan't wait to see what these animators are capable of. Stunning visuals, clear and concise linework, original and stylish character designs with a quirky and unique plot to match. I'm a sucker for a group of characters with their own powers and contrasting personalities coming together to hatch plots in tandem. I have an extremely good feeling about this show.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful:Awesome. Cant wait for moreWatched this and less than 5 mins in i thought... this reminds me of monogatari. I looked it up and found out why lol. It started out well with all the character movements and expressions that reminded me of araragi and hachikuji and i fell in love. i have no doubts this will deserve the 5 stars.
7 out of 10 people found this review helpful:I wanna see where this goes.So far i have heard nothing of this anime let alone know if there are any manga of this. After watching the first ep and seeing the main character, and a few others i think this could be a nice anime for me and for others. I like its animation style in some parts. The red and black/grey style i mean. its interesting. So I'm eager to see where this goes.Read more
Will i give it a chance: yes
Is it good ...


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From its amazing archaeological treasures to its gastronomic delights and from its scenic beauty to its melting pot of cultures, Peru offers visitors a wide array of attractions—and on this tour, you'll experience its highlights. Begin in the cosmopolitan city of Lima with a guided sightseeing tour, a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum, and a special welcome dinner in an ornate family owned mansion in the heart of Lima. Fly to Cusco and descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for guided tours of Cusco, Kenko and Sacsayhuaman built in the early 12th century with some stones weighing more than 350 tons. Of course, no vacation to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu. Built around 1450 at the height of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is located in a gorgeous mountain setting above the Sacred Valley. Stand in awe as you witness it. It is one of the most majestic images in South America, if not the world! Fly to Iquitos where you will embark on a journey to one of the world's vastly unexplored regions, the mighty Amazon. Experience the Amazon wilderness where it originates in Peru - where biodiversity is at its greatest and the rainforest is untamed. Board one of the world's most luxurious small ships—the Delfin III. Enjoy fine wine, famous Peruvian cuisine, and all-inclusive comfort while venturing deep into the Amazon jungle in search of elusive wildlife. During your time in the Amazon take naturalist-guided panga rides through the river tributaries, swim with pink dolphins, and visit native communities, all while returning to your plush five-star yacht. Wonderful scenery, historical treasures, learning opportunities, and so much more—all are available on this thrilling trip to Peru!
Cruise: 3-night cruise in a deluxe, outside suite cruising the Peruvian Amazon River aboard the Delfin III. Enjoy guided sightseeing each day with a local Naturalist.Lima: sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit San Francisco Monastery and Larco Herrara Museum; special welcome dinner at Casa Garcia AlvaradoSacred Valley: visit Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Awanakancha Andean weaving center, and Pisac's market; dinner and Peruvian Paso Horse Show; visit Ollantaytambo and an Incan homeMachu Picchu: sightseeing of the ruins with a Local Guide, and two entrances to the ruinsCusco: sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Santo Domingo Monastery and the CathedralIquitos: visit the Manatee Rescue Center; Iquitos city tour; board the Delfin III; welcome cocktail & dinner; wildlife viewing excursions by panga during the day and evening; native village visit; visit a shamanic healing clinic; cooking lesson Special onboard and onshore experiences presented by local chefs, entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise.
Special onboard and onshore experiences presented by local chefs, entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise.Visit a local shamanic healing clinic, where a native shaman introduces you to the world of Amazonian hallucinogenic and medicinal plants.
It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 85-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best small-ship cruising experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about small-ship cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience with Avalon.
Welcome to the cosmopolitan city of Lima, where you will be met by your Tour Director. Get ready to discover age-old cultures, rich traditions, the legendary Inca Empire, and the mighty Amazon Basin!
This morning, join your Local Guide on a WALKING TOUR that focuses on Lima's colonial heritage in the old quarter of the city. Start at the Plaza de Armas, boasting the city's original colonial architecture from over four centuries ago. See the Government Palace, where Peru's president resides, as well as the Renaissance/Baroque-style cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, visit the LARCO HERRERA MUSEUM, which houses the largest private collection of pre-Colombian Peruvian art in the world. This evening, enjoy a special Local Favorite and welcome dinner at one of Lima's finest historic mansions, CASA GARCIA ALVARADO. Hosted by the home's owner and your Tour Director, toast the exciting start of your vacation with your fellow traveling companions and enjoy some typical Peruvian food. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Fly to Cusco, the ancient Andean city that was once capital of the Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with a visit to the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. With its massive stones weighing up to 300 tons, this 15th-century fortress is one of the best displays of the Incas' impressive stonework. While most believe it was a religious temple, Sacsayhuaman was also site of one of the most violent battles between the Spanish and the Cusqueños. The Spanish were ultimately victorious in 1536, disassembling part of the site to build homes in Cusco and leaving behind the ruins we find today. Next, stop at the ceremonial site of KENKO, where ancient rituals were performed—perhaps, even sacrifices. Nearby, see Puca Pucara, thought to be a rest stop, weapons storage, or guard post used by the Incas and their soldiers. At AWANAKANCHA, encounter llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos and learn the difference between these South American camels and their importance in Peruvian culture. Continue to the old mountain village of PISAC, home to a huge Indian market where you will have free time to shop for local wares such as alpaca sweaters, blankets, and handmade jewelry. This evening at a PERUVIAN PASO HORSE SHOW, learn about (and even take a ride on) the horses bred here specifically for the terraced landscape. Top off the day with some wine and an Andean-style dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In the small village of OLLANTAYTAMBO this morning, visit the Inca fortress followed by the opportunity to visit a native Inca's HOME and experience their way of life. Next, board the Vistadome TRAIN for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. From here, take the winding road up to legendary MACHU PICCHU, known as the "Lost City of the Incas,", hidden so well that the invading Spaniards never found it. High above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle, a Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. Tonight, stay at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu is found and enjoy an exquisite dinner prepared from regional Peruvian ingredients. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
If you choose, rise early today using your second included entrance to MACHU PICCHU and see the sunrise over the ruins. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning as you wander the ruins at your own pace and experience the magic that is Machu Picchu. Explore the terraces or perhaps venture up to see the Sun Gate, once used as the ancient entrance to the Sanctuary. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by TRAIN and continue on to Cusco. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Set out on a guided Cusco walking tour with a Local Guide to learn more about the Incas and their struggle against invading Spaniards. Visit the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY, originally called Koricancha and built by the Incas as a Temple of the Sun. Today you can still see the impressive Inca masonry that provided a foundation to the Baroque church the Spanish built on top of the Inca temple. Continue to Cusco's Plaza de Armas to visit the imposing colonial CATHEDRAL before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at one of Cusco's most elegant restaurants, featuring wine and food inspired by Peru's eclectic mix of cultures. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Bid farewell to your Tour Director in Lima when you board a flight north to Iquitos. Upon arrival, enjoy an Iquitos CITY TOUR. Explore the areas of this bustling river city that flourished during the "rubber boom" in the early 19th century. See some of the ornate homes of the rubber barons, including the Iron House, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel. Next, transfer to the Delfin III, your luxurious, floating home for the next three nights. On board, settle in to your spacious suite before meeting your onboard Naturalist and Cruise Director at a welcome cocktail hour. Learn about the animals you'll encounter, the native villagers you'll meet, and the astonishing plant life you'll see—like the giant water lily, with flowers the size of soccer balls and leaves that can grow up to eight feet in diameter and support the weight of a human! Later, sit down to an unforgettable dinner featuring Peruvian cuisine with the freshest local ingredients. Later tonight, local entertainers from the ship's crew will light up the night with music and dance! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
If you're an early riser, your first glimpse of the majestic Amazon as the sun creeps up over the horizon will be truly breathtaking. The sights—and the sounds— will stay with you forever. After breakfast, board pangas that will take you down one of the Amazon's tributaries in search of the region's freshwater pink dolphins. Get your cameras ready, as this is a favorite feeding spot for these rare dolphins. While here, you even have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in this unique area of the Amazon. This afternoon, back on board, a special treat is in store when the ship's chef invites you to a hands-on cooking demonstration to learn about native fruits, vegetables, and fish. After lunch, head out with your Naturalist in search of the Amazonian wildlife on the water and on shore. We are on the lookout for monkeys, including capuchin, howler, tamarin, and spider monkeys, as well as iguanas, sloths, and a wide variety of birdlife. You will also learn about the tropical flora found in the Amazon as you walk along the shores with your Naturalist, who points out epiphytes, orchids, and indigenous jungle vegetation. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, wake up under the serenade of early morning birdsong at a historic place, the confluence of two powerful tributaries, the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers, which gives birth to the mighty Amazon! An early morning outing here allows you to witness the activity of exotic birds like trogons, macaws, parrots, falcons, and jacamars, to name a few. Nearby, visit a native VILLAGE, where you'll stroll around their community, visiting the people, their homes, and a school. Spend time with the locals, learn about their culture, traditions, and folklore, and even visit a small handicraft market—a great place to pick up some authentic souvenirs. This afternoon's excursion is a local favorite that takes you to a river community to visit a SHAMANIC HEALING CLINIC. A local shaman introduces you to the world of hallucinogenic and medical plants, all found in the Amazon. After dark, embark on a night safari in search of caiman, frogs, bats, boas, and a variety of nocturnal wildlife. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
This morning, say goodbye to the Delfin III and return to Iquitos for your flight to Lima. En route to the airport, stop at the MANATEE RESCUE CENTER, where your visit will teach you about the endangered Amazon manatees and conservationists' efforts to save them. During this visit, you will even be able to bottle feed these gentle giants! (Breakfast)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Ave la Paz 463Lima, LIM Peru
With its stylish contemporary design, cutting-edge technology and ideal location, the flagship Casa Andina Private Collection - Miraflores hotel is the top of its class in every aspect. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, beauty salon, spa, pool, gym, business center, gift shops, and laundry service.
5to Paradero YanahuaraUrubamba Valley, Peru
Free Wifi
The Casa Andina Private Collection hotel in the Sacred Valley is a luxurious and satisfying retreat. Combining fine food, comfortable rooms, and personalized attention, it is the Valley's most complete hotel. In additon to a spa, a fitness center, and romantic dining, this hotel is best known for providing panoramic views of the Andes in every room. This charming mountain chalet-style hotel adds style and comfort to the already stunning atmosphere of Peru's Sacred Valley.
Av Hermanos Ayar Mz 1 Lote 3Machu Picchu, Peru
The Sumaq Hotel is located at the foot of the Machu Picchu ruins and boasts an Andean health spa, bar, restaurant, gift shop, and business center.
Esquina de la Calle Ruinas 432 y San AgustinCusco, Peru
In the heart of the city's historical center, the JW Marriott Hotel Cusco combines the needs of today's luxury traveler with the design elements of an architecturally stunning archaeological site. History-seekers will find Peruvian cultural artifacts in the hotel's two exhibition halls. Accommodations are equipped with the latest technology and comfortable features. Designed around a colonial convent, this hotel in Peru features resort-like amenities including a Cusco restaurant with excellent Peruvian cuisine, a bar and a full-service spa offering a relaxation heated pool, sauna, steam room and treatments inspired by ancient techniques.
The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased).
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Create fresh new bass lines with the Rob Papen SubBoomBass software sythesizer. SubBoomBass is filled with excessive amounts of low end ammunition to detonate your tracks! With presets designed by the legendary Rob Papen and other guest artists, this dedicated bass synth will supply you with huge cone-rattling sounds that will devastate any music track. This software instrument is great for Hip Hop and RnB but can also be used for Dubstep, video game music, film scores and more.
The SubBoomBass includes unique tuned drum percussion samples which are great for Hip Hop and RnB basses but can also be used to add rhythm flavour to your tracks. Also check out the innovative Wave-sequence feature which will open up brand new sonic possibilities for your music.
Other features included are two effects slots which can be modulated using midi from any of the synthesizer parts. SubBoomBass also features a great Easy Edit page and the unique Quick Browser system that will allow you to find the sounds you need quickly and easily.
Rob Papen SubBoomBass Soft Synth Oscillators Section
What started as a simple string and pedal sales catalog has grown exponentially over the past thirty years. The early days were a time where catalogs didn't have much of a presence in the industry, but what began as a college dorm room operation grew rapidly. In 1986 we moved to a full product offering and 64-page catalog, which over the years has grown to 162 pages. Join the AMS family and get your free catalog now!
Copyright © 1996-2017 American Musical Supply, Inc. All rights reserved. American Musical Supply reserves the right to correct pricing and/or product specifications in the event of typographical errors found in our print catalog or on our website. If a product is listed at an incorrect price due to such errors or because of inaccurate information received from a supplier, American Musical Supply shall have the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed, whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged. If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is canceled, American Musical Supply will issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the charge.


text: [Forgot to enter review here; wrote it last year during the trip.] We stayed in the North Building. This is a very strange little (or rather too large) place with lots of inconsistencies. They want to be "green," but during bright breakfast hours in a room with large windows they also light a big chandelier (see pic), with about 20... More


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Carmel coach Chuck Gandolphi wanted to save his ace, Jim Cooney, for Saturday`s East Suburban Catholic showdown against Joliet Catholic.
But Carmel needed a lift Wednesday and Gandolphi rushed Cooney into action. Cooney pitched the last four innings of a 5-4 victory over visiting St. Viator, lifting Carmel`s record to 25-0.


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How political a decision was that then?
Good news for Derby though.
Chat Forum
Bombardier trains for Crossrail
How political a decision was that then?
Marvellous, cant believe any other country wouldn't give the contract to their indigenous producers when the only diff was credit rating.
Politicians are a bunch on muppets for getting this wrong in the first place
I'm pleased.
Great news.
Hopefully some parts will be built in Crewe too, which would be good news for he area.
How political a decision was that then?
It wasn't.
It wasn't
You can't swing a £1bn rolling stock competition on political motivations (in the UK anyway)
If Hitachi or CAF successfully challenge then I might change my mind, but until then it's a fair competition IMO.
Great news, but which other EU countries with an established railway manufacturing industry would regard this as anything other than business as usual, I wonder.
There's an interesting discussion on this over on London Reconnections. Particularly about the ultimate ownership of European manufacturers.
I've read that link, there's some interesting stuff in there, but lots of speculation and some completely wrong bits. I'd pick it apart, but it would be inappropriate to do so and I wouldn't fancy my name still appearing on the roll at the end of this year
I work for Hitachi... why is it so great we didn't get the order?
I was under the impression that Bombardier were a Canadian company.
It's great news but it also reminds me of the fact that our locomotive and rolling stock industries along with controls, comm's etc. were reduced to nothing in the early 90s. Some of the greatest in their field; GEC, BREL, Metro Cammel etc.
I work for Hitachi...
rail europe frankers?
Great news that a Canadian manufacturer who hold the government to ransom and who have no pedigree on delivering anything on time or to budget gets the contract.
I think it wrong to say it isn't a political decision. Under EU rules you are allowed to take social and other factors into account, as well as the economics. It is just historically we haven't, the present government when Bombardier lost their last high profile contract, Thameslink, said that they were hamstrung by the tendering process created by the previous government which restricted comparison to economics, despite EU allowing other factors in. They said this was wrong and said it would not happen again in future tenders. That was a political decision and a very good one.
Just as long as the coaches have aircon, I'll be happy.
Sunny Brentwood to Bank in 30mins or about an extra 15 mins in bed !!
Oh and about what? 10-15% on my house price... thanks vmuch
I work for Hitachi... why is it so great we didn't get the order?
Agreed. Hitachi are currently building a massive new factory a couple of miles from me that will bring loads of jobs to the North East.
Under EU rules you are allowed to take social and other factors into account, as well as the economics. It is just historically we haven't
It's not that straight forward. Also, we have done it historically, lots.
It is a sodding post on a cycling website, not a legal treatise.
But you forget, he's a lawyer...
Woah there cowboy!
What's with the attitude?
You're allowed to give your opinion, but I'm not?
Stop being so touchy.
Probably should have added a smiley and yes I know he is a lawyer, hence my use of "legal treatise", the essential thrust of my post was other factors can be taken into account, which are clearly political in nature.
The French wouldn't understand this thread, methinks!
Why the love for Bombardier?
OK, what springs to mind when you hear "hitachi"?
Now, what nationalistic and heartwarming images does the word" Bombardier" conjure up?
It is an image thing, including the sympathy vote.
Thankfully this time a train related tax payer funded contract let to support jobs in the UK.
Just like they do in the rest of Europe! viva La France, German efficiency, Italian flare, etc, etc, etc
I'm not a rail engineer, or for that matter 'an enthusiast', but I do design the bits that people use to get to and from the trains, and as such (excepting the fact the the government has changed the procurement rules after Thameslink, and Siemens walked away), the main benefit of the
Canadian GermanBritish Bombardier contract ensures that at least some of the design for the trains is carried out in the UK, rather than, say, Hitachi's which'll be assembling trains manufactured elsewhere (to my understanding - happy to be proven wrong).
Probably should have added a smiley and yes I know he is a lawyer, hence my use of "legal treatise", the essential thrust of my post was other factors can be taken into account, which are clearly political in nature.
I think, on thameslink, they just got it wrong. It wasn't so much the political drivers that got it wrong, they just screwed up putting together the competition so that another company was able to win. At the same time thameslink was going on, we had another reach preferred bidder where the emphasis on social/community benefits was huge. I don't think these decisions (certainly at that time) are driven from central government - for example one transport authority would always push on price, while another might be heavier on design. There was too much inconsistency across huge numbers of authority clients and how they structured their compeitions for politics to have too much influence.
I agree with you that politics can weigh in and say "wow, we don't want that to ever happen again...make sure that it doesn't" and procurements will take more of an advantage of social/community benefits requirements (if that's what they felt is necessary to appease the voters)...but they were always there to begin with, some just chose not to put as much emphasis on them. With Crossrail, they didn't screw up the competition. They knew who they wanted to win, knew they couldn't afford another screw up and made sure the procurement was watertight. IMO that would have happened regardless of the politicians wading in.
At the end of the day, if you're weighted at 95% price and 5% quality, it doesn't matter how great you social benefits are if Le Froggies come in and undercut you
OK, what springs to mind when you hear "hitachi"?
A 1980s VCR. Why, what does it do for you?
Now, what nationalistic and heartwarming images does the word" Bombardier" conjure up?
Rik Mayall in a silly outfit is the closest I can think of. Not sure it's relevant.
If you mean Bombardier the train manufacturer. I think of a Canadian owned manufacturer. No real heartwarming nationalism there either.
I take your point but the authority clients are political too, politics aren't restricted to central government.
Topic Closed
This topic has been closed to new replies.


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USDA Farm Service Agency reserves funds each year to make loans to socially disadvantaged applicants to buy and operate family-size farms. A socially disadvantaged farmer is one of a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of the group without regard to their individual qualities. For the purposes of this program, socially disadvantaged groups have been defined as women, Blacks or African Americans, American Indians or Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders.
Melvin and Mary Frances (Fritz) Florence celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on Jan. 3, 2012 at Grand Haven Nursing Home with family and friends.
They were married in Ravenna, Ky. on Jan. 3, 1940 by Bro. C. R. Hickman. Their attendants were Harry and Thelma Million.
The Florences have two daughters, Judy Johnting of Ossining, N.Y. and Carolyn (Donald) Palmer of Cynthiana; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
And just like that, proverbial lines were drawn in the sand... or in this case, Kentucky soil.
Harrison County's state representative, Tom McKee, said Monday night that the new redistricting of House and Senate boundaries boiled down to politics.
Harrison County's 78th House district changes minimally. However, the new Senate lines are dramatic.
Sen. R.J. Palmer, a Winchester Democrat, has served as Harrison County's representation in the Senate for the last 10 years.
Isaiah Nathanel Roberts was born to Craig Roberts and Starr Owens of Cynthiana on Jan. 13, 2012 at Harrison Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6 lbs. 5 oz., and is welcomed by his brother, Christian Owens and sister, Angel Owens.
Maternal grandparents are Rebecca Gaunce of Cynthiana and Shelton Roberts of Richmond, Ky.
Paternal grandparents are Christy Roe and Joe Roe of Richmond.
10 years ago . . .
Curry Homemaker Club members have been learning about security this year; the security of one's person as well as one's personal information. Technology provides us with so many avenues to conduct business and purchase goods and services, but it also provides criminals access to our financial information. These lessons gave us good tips and tools for protecting ourselves.
* Menus subject to change due to weather and delivery.
MONDAY: Breakfast pizza or cereal or yogurt, fruit, juice choices, choice of milk.
TUESDAY: Sausage egg biscuit or cereal or yogurt, fruit, juice choices, choice of milk.
WEDNESDAY: Cereal choices, toast and jelly, yogurt, fruit, juice choices, choice of milk.
THURSDAY: Cinnamon rolls and hot oat meal or cereal or yogurt, fruit, juice choices, choice of milk.
A Tennessee resident was extradited by the Harrison County Sheriff's Department following a theft by deception charge that is more than a year old.
According to the Harrison County Sheriff's Department, Jody Allen, 34, was extradited from Rogersville, Tenn., on Thursday, Jan. 19, for charges related to a theft by deception case which was filed in Harrison County September 2010.
According to the sheriff's report, Allen purchased 536,250 tobacco plants from Asbury Greenhouse in 2010 and paid the balance with a "bad check."
Copyright © 2017
The Cynthiana Democrat is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Cynthiana, KY and the surrounding area.


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Daytime to Night time try...
Started Aug 12, 2010 | Discussions thread
canonpro • Senior Member • Posts: 1,167
Daytime to Night time try...
Aug 12, 2010
Wanted to do a darker themed shoot, but could only get the model (loulou von brochwitz) to shoot at noon. So I had to try and edit the pic to convey a night time horrorish scene, its my first try at making day to night.
Edit pic with original below:
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EAST LANSING - In a game of inches, Michigan State has been on the wrong side of the measuring stick during the 2012 season.
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Word of the Day / Hofer
Whether you're digging for buried treasure or just digging into someone's nerves, the Hebrew word for 'excavator' can apply.
Now that summer's over, most archaeologists have packed up their picks and shovels after a busy dig season. But some of them may continue "digging" after they get home, especially if they have critical teenagers to contend with. The Hebrew word for "excavator," hofer, has come to mean not only a person who digs for antiquities, but someone who just plain won't get off your case. The word itself can be used to describe such a nudnik, as in the phrase hofer li bamoah, or "digging into my brain."
But like the best slang, the idea has taken on a life of its own. If someone harps on and on about something, you let them know you've had enough by saying "OK, OK, enough already; what are you, an archaeologist?"
Shoshana Kordova will resume enlightening and entertaining Word of the Day readers on October 9.
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January 29, 2014 BY John Kim
Earlier today Sneaker News gave you a look at the upcoming Baseball Stan Smith from the Opening Ceremony x adidas Originals Spring 2014 Footwear Collection. Here we have a look at all three releases – the Baseball Stan Smith Leather in all-white and all-navy, and the Taekwondo SML Neoprene Sneaker. The OC x adidas Spring 2014 collection is indeed inspired by the two unrelated sports – thusly producing two wildly distinct designs. Take a look at the entire set below and stay tuned for a U.S. release date as these are now available for pre-order overseas at Luisaviaroma.
Filed under: Adidas Collaboration
Tags: Opening Ceremony Opening Ceremony x adidas Originals Baseball Stan Smith Opening Ceremony x adidas Originals Taekwondo SML Neoprene


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" When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.
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John Eggers column: A Thanksgiving miracle
I don't believe I ever told you about the Gypsies that traveled to my hometown each year.
Yes, it's true. Every year they would come and camp out in our small park with its big oak trees west of town.
There were usually three or four wagons pulled by horses. The wagons were decorated in various colors, kind of like circus wagons. Usually they came in the summer, but one year they showed up around Thanksgiving.
The people in town never seemed to object to their staying for a few weeks. I guess they did odd jobs around town and told an occasional fortune. My grandmother, who lived less than a block from the park, cautioned me not to go near them. It seems there was a rumor that they took little children.
The day before Thanksgiving, I stopped to visit my grandmother on the way home from school to wish her a happy Thanksgiving. That year she was going to visit her son's home on the farm rather than come to our home.
After wishing her a happy Thanksgiving, I decided to see what the Gypsies were doing. After all, they were just around the corner.
The wagons were gathered in a circle. The horses were in a corral made from a rope that was wrapped around five or six trees.
I was surprised to see children playing near the wagons. I never associated Gypsies with having children. A boy who was about my age waved to me, and I waved back. He then motioned for me to cover over.
I knew I should not have walked over to the wagons, remembering what my grandmother had told me, but it just seemed like the polite thing to do. The boy introduced himself as Rafael. I never knew anyone named Rafael before. I told him my name, and then an older woman came out of the wagon to see who he was talking to. Rafael said she was his grandmother.
She said hello to me. I told her she had a nice-looking wagon and she thanked me. She then asked me if I wanted my fortune told.
I knew a little about telling fortunes, because my grandmother had a special deck of cards she sent away for, and she used to tell my fortune for fun. Although she never admitted it, I think she really believed in them.
I told the woman it would be okay, and she then invited me into her wagon. Again, I knew I should not have gone in but at least I could tell my friends what the inside of a Gypsy wagon was like.
As I recall, it was kind of messy. There were lots of blankets and pillows.
On one end of the wagon was a small table. She pulled a curtain that gave us more privacy and invited me to sit down. She lit a candle that was setting in the middle of the table next to a deck of cards. She started to deal the cards, and I noticed that they were very similar to the cards my grandmother owned.
She dealt the cards in rows of four. Whenever there was a match pair in a row, she would tell me what that meant. When the first match pair were shown, she said that I would go to faraway places sometime in my life. When the second matching pair came up, she told me that I would live a long life but that I would continue to work and never have enough money to retire.
When the third matching set of cards were dealt, she gave a startling gasp.
She looked directly at me and asked if I knew anyone named Auckerman. I told her that Auckerman was my grandmother's last name before she married.
She then asked me if my grandmother had ever lived in St. Paul.
I told her that she had, but that her real home was in Chaska. At a very early age my grandmother's real parents had given her away to a couple in St. Paul.
I also told her that all of my grandmother's brothers and sisters were given away.
She asked me where my grandmother lived, and I told her she was just around the corner. She quickly grabbed my hand, and off we went to my grandmother's house.
Rafael's grandmother introduced herself as Clara Auckerman to my grandmother.
The look on my grandmother's face was the same look she had when one time we were walking near the railroad track and there was a train coming, and I ran across the tracks to beat the train. Yes, she was shocked. The Gypsy women turned out to be my grandmother's long-lost sister.
Now how this came to be, you will just have to use your imagination. I will tell you this. Since my grandmother's real parents gave all of their children away, she found all of them in mysterious ways. As it turned out, my visit to the Gypsy camp resulted in a Thanksgiving miracle.
Note: My grandmother lived to be 100 years old. Every time she told her fortune, the cards said she would have a long and interesting life, which she was always thankful for. Like my grandmother's sister told me, I have traveled to faraway places and I am still working.
JOHN R. EGGERS of Bemidji is a former university professor and area principal. He also is a writer and public speaker.


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UNUSUAL!! Gibson Ceramic Purple Grape Cookie Jar
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Gibson Ceramic Grape Cookie Jar Measures approx. 10.5" high at its tallest point (the stem) and is approx. 10" across. Giant Grapes in gorgeous shades of purple. Bottom is marked "Everyday Gibson, handwash recommended, not recomended for microwave use, China" Excellent Condition! No cracks! International Bidders are always welcome. Please contact me for proper shipping charges. All international bidders MUST I describe every item the best I can. If for any reason you have an issue with an item, please email me before leaving feedback. I am to help and always willing to resolve all issues! If you have any questions pertaining to an item PLEASE feel free to email me and I will do my best to answer them! Thanks for Looking!!


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Carlos Alija and Laura Sampedro, Sra Rushmore
"I really liked the international platform, that we developed for Coca-Cola as part of the Eat with your heart campaign. It was part of a programme to encourage drinking Coca-Cola at meal times. We developed a campaign for over 100 countries in Asia and Africa including TV, digital, POS. It was encouraging people to be more open and more spontaneous around the table. We wrote the song for it too which won an award."
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Originally published Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Steve Kelley
M's Downs a longshot you have to root for
Just two weeks before the start of his first big-league training camp, Mariners prospect Brodie Downs stands in front of a mirror feigning...
Seattle Times staff columnist
Just two weeks before the start of his first big-league training camp, Mariners prospect Brodie Downs stands in front of a mirror feigning pitches, shadow drilling as they call it in baseball.Downs checks his arm angle, making sure it doesn't dip too close to sidearm. In front of the mirror, he studies his follow-through with the same seriousness models study their makeup.
And alongside, in a scene that Norman Rockwell should have witnessed, his son Dawson mimics every toss, watching Dad wind up and slowly deliver another imaginary two-seamer.
They do this father-and-son waltz over and over again. It is as sweet as it is serious.
Brodie Downs?
Say you haven't heard the name before? Say you've been too preoccupied with the Erik Bedard trade rumors? Say you're too caught up with questions about the Mariners' rotation to worry about a kid prospect?
Well, yes, Downs is a prospect, but certainly he is no kid. He turns 29 in July. The M's took him in the 23rd round of the 2007 draft after he had pitched all of one season at Modesto Junior College.
This spring, Downs is the longest of Mariners longshots, but he also is a reminder that you don't fail when you dare to pursue something grand.
"It's the kind of baseball story people want to hear," Texas Rangers scout Butch Metzger says.
After a high-school career where he pitched infrequently, Downs left baseball, lasted for one day, one class at Modesto J.C. (Psychology 101), then went into the real world.
"In high school I was an underdeveloped, overlooked kid," Downs says from his home in Ripon, Calif., in the San Joaquin Valley. "I always loved the game, but after high school I kind of gave up on it. I didn't think there were any doors open for me."
He became a land surveyor, getting into the business during the housing boom. He was making good money, settled into a steady career and threw his glove and spikes in some metaphorical closet.
But six years ago, his high-school friend Danny Ayala told him about a recreational league, the Cal-Mex League based in nearby Stockton, that was filled with college players, former minor league and ex-college players. They played on Sundays, used wooden bats and, just like the big leagues, always were looking for good pitching.
Downs joined the league. The first couple of years he only played the infield, but four years ago, he climbed back on the mound with his one pitch, a two-seam fastball that sunk like it had a paper weight attached.
"I was just rearing back and throwing the crud out of the ball. Definitely a good time," Downs says. "Beer drinking afterward. It was one of those playing-for-the-love-of-the-game kind of leagues."
The rest of this story sounds like pure fiction. Like a B movie that, 10 years ago, might have starred Kurt Russell.
Every season Downs believed he was throwing harder. Every year he became more difficult to hit. And one day when Metzger was watching, checking the progress of a third baseman, he saw this 6-foot-4, 230-pound man, throwing pure gas.
"I think I'd better go back to the truck and get my radar gun," Metzger told himself.
"There hasn't been a scout out here in 30 years," one of Downs' Coyotes teammates told him in the dugout.
He topped out at 94 mph, but was consistently throwing between 91 and 93.
"Butch kind of opened my eyes a little bit," Downs says. "He put the question to me, 'Do you want to pursue this?' I talked with my wife [Nicole] about whether this was a realistic dream. She told me, 'If you're going to do this I want you to put 110 percent effort into it.' "
Downs quit his job, enrolled at MJC again, played the 2007 season there and got noticed. Scouts called him every weekend, but as enthusiastic as they were about him, their bosses were equally skeptical because of Downs' age.
"When you're 28 years old and pitching where I was, most teams don't care how hard you're throwing," Downs says.
Only one team had the foresight to give him a chance. In the 23rd round of the 2007 draft, the Mariners chose Brodie Downs.
"I can tell you, there's a lot of scouts that are kind of rooting for him for all the right reasons," Metzger says. "He's a nice guy and he's been out in the real world, working and toiling and providing for his family and now he's got an outside chance to change his life significantly. Everybody's rooting for that."
Downs threw 23 innings in Peoria, Tacoma and West Tenn last season. He was 3-1 with a 2.49 earned-run average.
"I was surprised with what I did last year," Downs says. "It was mind-blowing for me to pitch in Triple-A and know that I could get guys out. I knew I had the drive and the competitiveness and the desire to do it., but now I know I can pitch with these guys."
Knowing Downs' biological clock is ticking faster than any other prospect, the Mariners have fast-tracked him to their big league camp.
"I'm hoping I can go there and open some minds up," Downs says.
He is the great unknown. Nobody honestly knows how far Downs can go, or how quickly. But the Mariners like his work ethic and they love the way his fastball moves.
"Everybody likes my story, but I have to prove to them that I'm not just some guy from the beer leagues," he says.
Downs' age is good news, bad news.
"You can look at it that he's a 28-year-old pitcher," says Mariners bullpen coach Norm Charlton, who was a roving minor-league instructor last season, "but he's minus about six years of abuse on his arm. That's an honest way of looking at it."
Downs calls himself an "innings eater." From Modesto, to the minor leagues, to the fall league, he threw 160 innings last year and never felt a twinge. In the Cal-Mex League he often threw back-to-back complete games on the same day. One Sunday he threw a league-record 22 innings.
"I'm 28 years old, but I feel like I've got a 22-year-old arm," says Downs. "I can throw every day. My arm's not going anywhere."
After the fall league, Downs got a call from the Mariners' personnel director, Greg Hunter, telling him he was invited to the big-league camp.
"I was blown away, man," Downs says. "They've told me from the very beginning, 'You have a slim chance, but we're going to give you a chance.' They've told me, 'If you keep doing your job, we'll keep moving you along. You have a short window, but let's see what you can do.' They were the only team out of 30 teams that would do that for me. That says a lot."
In his perfect world, Downs would pitch at Tacoma this season and if someone in the Mariners' bullpen was injured or some reliever wasn't pitching well, maybe, just maybe, he would get a call-up.
"We're going to push him as fast and as hard as we can to see how much we have," Charlton says. "He knows the hand he's been dealt, and he's playing it the best he can."
He is a gamble worth taking. Downs has a live arm and a good head. Charlton calls him a "sponge," because he is so eager to learn.
"I remember sitting in that cubicle in my office one day deciding whether or not to try this," Downs says. "And I asked myself, 'Do I want to sit here going over civil-engineering plans for the rest of my life, or do I want to try to get to the big leagues?' Now I'm glad, no matter what, that I chose to go after baseball."
Shadow drilling in front of a mirror with son Dawson, Downs can look past the looking glass into a future that even he couldn't have imagined just a couple of years ago.
Steve Kelley: 206-464-2176 or email@example.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
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Steve Kelley: Mariners, other local athletes, have long history with Make-A-Wish Foundation
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Steve Kelley: Huskies' season unraveling fast
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Housing Minister Reopens Debate Over Ariel Sharon's Family Ranch
High Court ruled six months ago that a solar energy installation built illegally on Sycamore Ranch should be dismantled.
Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel held a special discussion in the Israel Land Administration's governing board at the...
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cool design
wow, nice work! i like it!
Very cool
Check out mine:
AModernMyth007 Artist from United States
Very cool, +1 Good luck with the 10k and congrats on top 20!! Thats awesome.
Really cool +1
dekoy_david Artist
medusa with 3D glasses. cool.
Amazing Design!
Looks great man, voted.
coolness! navy is best + 1
gilmoreart Artist from United States
Nice illo!
Oddeti…very nice+1
wesleychong21 Human
I like its color
very nice!
sweet colors! was wondering where that avatar came from.
Cool design, yes the colors really nice.
Ha, ha, funky interpretation of Medusa ! Loving this ! +1
DesignLawrence Artist from MI, United States
the colors are awesome i think it work on both shirts. you got my vote.
TangYauHoong Artist from Malaysia
awesome again!!
Sweet design. I could handle the silver glasses. +1
Motadesignone Artist
nice voted
if you got the time check out my designs. Thanks