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Reviews of new CDs by Jason Miles, Nick Colionne, Eric Darius, the latest Unwrapped, Maysa, Incognito, Willie and Lobo, Victor Fields and Tom Schuman.
What�s Going On? Songs of Marvin Gaye (Narada Jazz)
The first two songs on veteran producer and keyboardist Jason Miles� tribute to iconic soul man Marvin Gaye foretell that something special�s at hand. First, Mike Mattison of the Derek Trucks Band alternately sings and growls in the still-relevant protest song �What�s Going On?� Gaye�s spirit is suitably invoked. And the next tune � the equally anthemic �Sexual Healing� � shuffles along with a reggae beat punctuated by Dean Brown�s warbling guitar licks. It�s like no �Sexual Healing� you�ve heard.
Of course, Miles and company � guitarist Nick Colionne, saxophonist Jay Beckenstein and trumpeter Herb Alpert, among others � wrap their chops around many of Gaye�s best-loved tunes. But brownie points need to extended for including lesser-known tunes such as �I Want You,� with Chiara Civello�s sexy vocals bringing the song to life; �Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,� with Guida de Palma�s vocals; and �Distant Lover,� with Bobby Caldwell�s straining voice giving its all. To be fair, all three tunes were pop singles, but they don�t endure today like the biggies do. That would include, of course, �Let�s Get It on,� repackaged here with Alpert�s mellow trumpet lead; �Ain�t Nothin� Like the Real Thing,� simply stated with Miles� keys; �Mercy Mercy Me,� taken in a new direction with Ann Drummond�s flute; and of course, �I Heard It Through the Grapevine,� with Colionne�s sleek guitar lines.
With now Gaye and previous CDs giving props to Grover Washington Jr., Weather Report and Ivan Lins, it apparent that future soul, fusion and smooth jazz favorites interpretations are in good hands with Jason Miles.
Keepin� It Cool (Narada Jazz)
Nick Colionne�s smooth guitar licks have sweetened earbuds for more than a decade, but it wasn�t until 2003�s Just Come On In that many listeners sat up and noticed. That�s because the CD offered two hit singles � �It�s Been Too Long� and the No. 1 smash called �High Flyin�.� On his much anticipated follow-up, his first for Narada Jazz, the Chicago-based guitarist once again offers fluid electric guitar ditties influenced by � natch � idols Wes Montgomery and George Benson. In fact, Colionne continues his custom of including at least one song on each CD either originally recorded or inspired by Montgomery. This time it�s a recording called �John L,� a languid number that would feel comfortable in the swingin� 1960s.
The rest of the CD is similarly compelling and tons more of a total smooth jazz package than his previous work, which presented some mainstream jazz moments. On �This Is the Song,� for example, Colionne seems to be saying that he�s got the format down with a just-about-perfect smooth jazz number that builds to a soaring, irresistible hook. The guitarist adds two, live-n-the-studio bonuses: a reworked version of �High Flyin� � and a too-cool take on �Rainy Night in Georgia� with low vocals. Welcome to the show.
Just Getting Started (Narada Jazz)
Technically, 23-year-old sax phenom Eric Darius has indeed started, as he is now three CDs deep. But heck, he is still in college. And he�s on the fast-track to smooth jazz stardom, having spent the past year touring as keyboardist Brian Culbertson�s sexy sax guy. Culbertson is on board as a player and producer, as are Paul Brown and Euge Groove. Thrown in veterans Jeff Lorber, Ron Reinhardt, Paul Jackson Jr., Tony Maiden and Oscar Seaton, and you�ve got a CD guaranteed to make noise.
Fortunately, Darius and friends deliver with catchy, radio-friendly pop-jazz right out of the gate with �Steppin� Up� and don�t let till the last notes of �Slick.� So is Darius next big thing in smooth saxophone? That�s probably premature, although Just Getting Started is leaps and bounds above his 2004 Narada debut. Then, he revisited a few favorite tunes from his self-produced debut that probably should have stayed there while occasionally flashing brilliance on a few hook-ish nuggets. But with the talent largesse on board for his new project, it was unlikely � nay, impossible � for smooth jazz nirvana to be denied. At the helm of his own compositions, though, like �That�s What I�m Sayin� � and �Groove On,� Darius displays a free-wheelin� style that favors playing more than melody. Refreshing.
Unwrapped Vol. 4 (Hidden Beach)
A few years ago, someone somewhere realized that kids weaned on hip-hop might like to get their freak on listening to their favorite tunes with a funky-jazz makeover. Many CD sales later, there are plenty of CDs doing just that. But it�s working both ways. The funky fusion has also given contemporary jazz fans some hip-hop samples (pun intended) without having to drop dollars on 50 Cent. In fact, it�s a good bet that most indulging in the latest in the popular Unwrapped series haven�t found the courage to pick up recent works by said 50 Cent and Fat Joe, two of the artists re-worked here.
Back on Unwrapped are its primary musicians, saxophonist Mike Phillips, trombonist Jeff Bradshaw, guitarist Dennis Nelson, keyboardist Frank McComb and violinist Karen Briggs. What�s interesting are the couple of old-school tunes, including the grayest beard in the books: the Sugar Hill Gang�s �Rapper�s Delight,� bass line intact but given a Latin big band treatment, and �Rollin� With Kid N Play.� Newer classics include Terror Squad�s �Lean Back� and 50 Cent�s �Candy Shop� and �21 Questions.�
The original songs may be all that, but the real winner here are fans who get to hear some top-notch jazz jamming.
Sweet Classic Soul (Shanachie)
When not recording with British funk-jazz band Incognito, singer and songwriter Maysa Leak crafts pop-jazz tunes on CDs that too often get lost among the pile of similarly soulful efforts. But on her latest, just glance at the title to see where Maysa�s going. And with radio�s cover-song-love in full swing, there�s a good chance she�ll perk up some ears. Of course, Maysa has a warm and inviting voice that � critic clich� be damned � make these songs her own. Her strengths are in the lower registers like Anita Baker, which are well-suited to selections like the piano, vocal and drummed-brushed �The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face� by Roberta Flack and with Barry White�s �Playing Your Game.�
Elsewhere, Maysa displays her vocal range with the falsetto-ish �Betch By Golly Wow� by the Stylistics and with Luther Vandross� �Love Won�t Let Me Wait.� Also getting the Maysa treatment are Chaka Khan and Rufus� �Any Love,� Stevie Wonder�s �All I Do� and �Love Won�t Let Me Wait,� and Rose Royce�s sublime �Wishing on a Star.�
Any new Maysa CD is worth settling down with to discover her songwriting abilities. With the classic songs on Sweet Classic Soul, she wipes out the middle man, as it were, and allows listeners to waste no time in discovering her joys.
Eleven (Narada Jazz)
Incognito doesn�t need a gimmick, but here it is: Eleven is the veteran UK band�s eleventh recording. There are 11 songs. And an 11-piece band. That aside, the latest groove- and brass-happy outing by Jean-Paul �Bluey� Maunick and team brings what it has for more than 25 years � in-your-face, positive-vibe funk instrumental and vocal tunes that just won�t stop, y�all. Recording with his touring band for first time, Bluey wisely brings back longtime friend and collaborator Maysa to drench soul on four exquisite tunes.
Incognito has had a few songs on the smooth jazz charts, so there�s a tendency to lump the group in with that crowd. But Incognito rarely gets played anymore � the airwaves are too tame for Bluey�s jam-band jive, which puts the focus on the playing and the groove instead of a repeated 10-second hook. That�s just fine for the club-goers and for the best way to experience Incognito, which is live.
There�s a �70s vibe to Eleven that�s best expressed in �It�s Just One of Those Things,� a disco-strings number featuring a duet of Maysa and Tony Momrelle. And on �Baby It�s All Right,� vocalist Imaani sounds like a new version of Chaka Kahn doing her classic �Sweet Thing.�
Zambra (Narada)
The duo of Willie Royal and Wolfgang �Lobo� Fink can normally hang out in the new age bins. But really, these guys deserve a category of their own. Call it Gypsy-chic meets surfer-dude chic (their music was heard in a surfing documentary called �Blazing Longboards,� and they�re both avid wave hoppers). They�re Ottmar Liebert on mild sedatives, but tuned down a notch from the passionate flamenco sound of guitarist Jesse Cook. On their 10th CD, guitarist Fink and violinist Royal called on longtime friend and trumpet superstar Rick Braun to perform and produce, and the result is some hard-earned magic.
In fact, Braun � who has worked with the duo on four other CDs � helps elevate Zambra to the top of Willie and Lobo�s canon. Their music has matured and diversified, assimilating the festive with the mournful. Mournful is easy with a violin of course, but on the CD�s standout track �Donde Vayo� it�s heightened by Royal�s vocalese and Braun�s smoldering, Spaghetti-western trumpet vibe. Braun again shines in �Vellas Al Viento,� where he takes a turn adding vocal flavorings. Braun also penned song dedicated to victims of last year�s devastating hurricane: �Balada Para Katrina.�
Great chemistry, and a cheap trip to Gypsy land.
Victor (Regina Records)
There�s always room for talented R&B vocalists happy to smooth out your workday or precious weekends, and Victor Fields is as good as they come these days. He�s not on the radar like contemporaries Will Downing and Freddie Jackson, but he�s respected enough to have been able to call on smooth stars such as Chris Botti and Jeff Lorber in the past. On his new CD, produced by guitarist Chris Camozzi and mixed by the Braxton Brothers� Nelson Braxton, Fields kicks things off with a soothing tune written by Chuck Loeb called �This Could Be Paradise.� On that song and others like �Love Will Save the Day,� Fields� soothing chops are perfect accompaniment to the positive-vibe lyrics.
Like any vocalist on the rise, Fields sprays his songs to all fields. Half the game is choosing what�s appropriate, of course, and he makes spot-on choices with Stevie Wonder�s �Golden Lady� and his husky version of falsetto country singer Vince Gill�s �Colder Than Winter.� For jazz fans, he wraps his chops around well-worn standards �Lush Life� and �Night and Day,� with strings sweetening the overall effect.
Nothing harsh, nothing too out there. Just mellow and soulful songs that celebrate life, with a voice to die for.
Deep Chill (JazzBridge Music/Monogram Records)
For most of his career, Tom Schuman has maintained anonymity as the keyboardist for contemporary jazz group Spyro Gyra. Once in a while he feels the need to step out, and now we have his fourth solo CD. Contrary to what the clever title, there�s only a hint of chill music on the CD, best shown with �Everybody Knows.� That tune has groovy computer-enhanced vocal inflections. But most of the CD is filled with jazz, funk, R&B vocals, Latin, pop and fusion.
Schuman called on two smooth jazz performers. Saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, normally fairly laid back on disc, comes alive on �Fearless Fostic.� And Chuck Loeb�s clean and jazzy guitar lines prop up a tune called �Redondo Beach.� Schuman�s cover choices are interesting � Elton John�s �Your Song� gets a lounge-y treatment that grows on you, but it�s time El Barge�s �All This Love� be retired as a vocal track. Conversely, Aretha Franklin�s �Until You Come Back To Me� comes alive as a gospel-flavored piano rag.
Spryo Grya fans who crave the raw energy of Shuman, Jay Beckenstein and the rest of the boys can pick up the band�s recent CD. But for those on the hunt for mellow, adult-contemporary vibes, Schuman�s not a bad option.


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I've been accumulating stationary from our local bookstore by Henry Road and I LOVE the products! Here are some of the things I've gotten:
Sticky Notes (all sizes in this one little portfolio!):
Notes/Mouse Pad - Love browsing with this cause I don't have to look too far if I need to write something down!
This file tote is ideal for me. I keep it out in the open so when I get an important paper, I don't have to work too hard or spend much time to make sure it's filed away where I'll be able to find it later!
You never know when you'll be able to use a file folder. For me, they aren't just for filing. When I'm travelling, I like to keep a file folder for each destination so I have all the passes, tickets, iteneraries, etc in one convenient location. And if you use a folder instead of something heavier, it's nothing to carry around or slip it in your purse... perfect!
To see more items for the home from Henry Road, visit Pink Julep Style by clicking HERE.
Pink Julep!

subset: commoncrawl


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STUTTGART, Ark. (KTHV)- A Stuttgart family is mourning the death of a loved one. 20-year old Daniel Ruffin died Thursday morning after being shot in the chest. Ruffin was walking his dog on 13th and South Maple Street in Stuttgart Tuesday evening.
His mother was at a loss for words."Why? Why would somebody do this?," Ruffin's mother, Vera Stage asked. "He was a good kid, didn't even know them."
Police took three teenage men into custody hours after the incident. After thoroughly questioning them, Assistant Chief Steven Bobo said two of them were released. "I don't believe they were necessarily involved in what happened," said Bobo. "That might come more to light later on."
Bobo said it doesn't appear the men knew Ruffin. "There was no robbery involved, they seem to have no involvement." He said it seems to have been a random act of violence.
Ruffin's cousin, Amanda Fortner saw the teenagers walk into their family store just before the shooting. "I waited on him, I believe he got a drink and maybe a bag of chips," said Fortner. "He exited and then I didn't pay them further attention."
Police used the surveillance camera installed in the family's produce store to identify the suspect.
The name of the 17-year old in custody has not been released. He was initially charged with battery, and those charges were upgraded to capital murder after Ruffin died Thursday morning. He will be arraigned on the new charges by the end of the week.


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By DE Editors
AT4 wireless (Malaga, Spain & Herndon, VA) is launching a new WiMAX test system, which covers now RF pre-Certification Testing. The new MINT T2100, based on the MINT E1130 BS/MS emulator, also provides upgrade capabilities to Protocol Conformance Tester (PCT) and Radio Conformance Tester (RCT). It also provides Radiated Performance Testing (RPT) measurement capabilities.
Many companies are willing to reduce their certification costs. They are looking forward to finding a product that minimizes cost and time and maximizes certification success.
The company says the new MINT T2100 becomes the most complete and versatile solution for developers and integrators. Based on the BS/MS emulator MINT E1130, which supports all the official profiles defined by the WiMAX Forum, HARQ, MIMO, and Internal Channel Emulation, the MINT T2100 provides pre-certification of 802.16-2005 for both MS and BS devices, supporting RF measurements required for WiMAX Certification like BER, RSSI, Sensitivity, CINR, etc. It also offers upgrade capabilities to both official WiMAX Testing Tools from AT4 wireless, designated by the WiMAX Forum: MINT T2110 – Radio Conformance Tester (RCT) and the MINT T223x – Protocol Conformance Tester (PCT).
For more information, contact AT4 wireless.
Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.


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A Floriental Fruity Fragrance.
Top Notes: Pink Pepper, Current
Heart Notes: Fresh Jasmin, Rose & Peony petals.
Base Notes: Patchouli, Panna cotta and Musk
FREE Delivery for orders over £40 within England, Wales and some Scottish postal codes*
Postage charge of £3.95 will be applicable for orders less than £40
*Exclusions apply
This product has not been reviewed yet.


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Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington
Fence vs property line
I purchased my house in 2002, the west side is a paved driveway/parking area that goes up to a chain link fence that has been there for over 20 years. A developer has started developing the land on the other side fence. Before the public hearing on the development, the developer sent me an email stating they will use my current fence as the property line. Now that the public hearing is over and the developer is revising the final plat, seems he is trying to claim the true property line in is my driveway. Can he do this? Thank you
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Fence vs property line
Yes he can. However proving that he has an interest that extends beyond the fence is another matter. In order to prove his claim he will have to file a quiet title action against you and win. Adverse possession or quiet title actions tend to be expensive because they are very fact intensive. If you would like to discuss this matter in more detail, feel free to call me.


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Fri 13th Jul
Hard Rock Calling
@ Hyde Park, London
Featuring: Soundgarden, Iggy & The Stooges, Cold Chisel, The Mars Volta, Black Stone Cherry, Kids In Glass Houses, Skindred, Life In Film, Deap Vally
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Hard Rock Calling: Soundgarden + Iggy & The Stooges + Cold Chisel + The Mars Volta + Black Stone Cherry + Kids In Glass Houses + Skindred + Life In Film + Deap Vally
Seminal American rock legends Soundgarden have been added to the Hard Rock Calling bill for 2012.
One of the founding bands of the infamous Seattle grunge scene of the 90s, Soundgarden reunited last year following a 14-year hiatus, and are set to release a brand new album later in the year.
Godfathers of punk, Iggy & The Stooges, will be bringing their high energy live show. The band are one of the most influential groups of the past 50 years, with the 1973 critically-acclaimed album Raw Power being cited by Kurt Cobain amongst many others as one of their top albums of all time.
Multi-million selling Cold Chisel have also been confirmed, playing their tough breed of seventies style rock and blues. Their new album No Plans was released earlier this year.
Progressive rockers The Mars Volta will be headlining the second stage. Known for such landmark releases as the gold-certified 'De-Loused In The Comatorium' and 'Frances The Mute', and 2008's 'The Bedlam In Goliath' which featured Best Hard Rock Performance Grammy winner "Wax Simulacra," The Mars Volta (Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, Juan Alderete de la Pena, Marcel Rodriguez Lopez, and Deantoni Parks) have just released their sixth studio album, Noctourniquet, and are due to start their European tour early June.
The Seattle grunge legends were perhaps best known for their worldwide '94 hit 'Black Hole Sun', they were originally signed to Seattle indie label Sub Pop (which reportedly influenced Kurt Cobain to sign Nirvana with them). Soundgarden then went on to become the very first grunge band to sign to a major label when they joined A&M Records.
Following two GRAMMY ® award wins, seven overall nominations and over 21 million records sold worldwide, in 2010 the band announced a new beginning. They released their first retrospective album, 'Telephantasm', followed by their first live album, 'Live on I-5', before penning the end title song, 'Live to Rise', for the feature film The Avengers.
A highly influential band to future grunge, metal and alt-rock bands alike, they were praised for their technical musical ability and expansive sound. Frontman Chris Cornell passed away in May 2017 at the age of 52.
Soundgarden tour dates
Iggy & The Stooges
Today's legion of raw bluesy primal rock bands owe it all to the Stooges. Their wild stage shows and trademark sound lasted just over five years (between 1967 and 1973), gaining them little commercial success but a massive cult fanbase. After the group split, frontman Iggy Pop became famous as a solo artist, and this led to more interest in his old band. The Stooges finally reformed in 2003, and amazingly are still able to capture the frenzied youthful excitement of their original live shows.
Iggy & The Stooges tour dates
Cold Chisel
The Australian rockers originally formed back in 1973. The multi-million selling band were renowned as one of the most dynamic live acts of their day and from early in their career concerts routinely became sell-out events. The band split in the early '80s, with singer Jimmy Barnes going on to have a successful solo career. Reuniting in 1998, Cold Chisel havegone on to repeat their earlier success, with sell-out tours and number 1 albums in their home country.
Cold Chisel tour dates
The Mars Volta
Alternative rock-laden six-piece featuring former members of At The Drive In. With heavy punk, jazz and Latin influences, The Mars Volta's sound is consistently unpredictable and constantly mind-blowing. 'What distinguishes most of the best rock bands from the ordinary ones is fearlessness, and the Mars Volta have no shortage of that.' – Rolling Stone.
The Mars Volta tour dates
Black Stone Cherry
Kentucky based hard rock band Black Stone Cherry, shun the traditional image of gospel choirs that the deep south is famous for and focus on an edgier image. Black Stone Cherry name AC/DC and Soundgarden as key influences in developing their unique sound, borrowing heavily from blues and motown music. Their imaginative lyrics and well put together harmonies give the music a modern twist on classic rock.
Black Stone Cherry tour dates
Kids In Glass Houses
Cardiff's Kids In Glass Houses, whose pop-rock sound and catchier-than-catchy tunes has seen then nominated for Best British Newcomers at the 2007 Kerrang! Awards. They have toured with Funeral For A Friend and are signed to the legendary Roadrunner Records.
Kids In Glass Houses tour dates
A powerful mixture of ragga, punk and metal, Skindred have to be heard to be believed. With bits of dancehall, drum'n'bass and jungle thrown in for good measure, Skindred have a truly original sound; 'For Skindred, its all about the music, education, entertainment and 100% vibes.' (Benji – Skindred)
Skindred tour dates
Life In Film
London indie art-fi four piece.
Life In Film tour dates
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Venue Facts
Venue: Hyde Park
Website: royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park
Email: ...
Enquiries: 0300 061 2000
Site Plan: View the Site Plan
→ Knightsbridge 10 min walk
→ Lancaster Gate 10 min walk
→ Marble Arch 11 min walk


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The Texas Lottery is celebrating its 20th birthday with a 20th Anniversary scratch-off game.
The new game features more than $21.5 million in prizes including nine top prizes of $250,000 and more than 100 second-tier prizes of $1,000.
Odds of winning any prize in the new game are one in 3.52.
"We continually strive to incorporate innovation into our products to provide Texans with the best games available," said Texas Lottery Commission executive director Gary Grief. "We are in constant pursuit of new technologies and games that enhance the services we provide to our customers, reduce our operating expenses and generate funds for Texas schools."
The lottery, when passed, was designed to direct funds into Texas' education system. To date, lottery officials say billions have been sent that way since 1997.
"Over the past 20 years, the Texas Lottery has generated $20 billion in revenue for the state and we are particularly proud of the $14 billion our retailers and players have helped us to contribute to public education since 1997. Those numbers are certainly something to commemorate and we look forward to another 20 years," said Grief.
Two decades ago when the Texas Lottery began, Lone Star Millions was the only game around. Now, Texans can choose from 80 scratch-off games and seven draw games, including Powerball®, Mega Millions®, Lotto Texas®, Texas Two Step®, Pick 3™, Daily 4™ and Cash Five®.
Lottery officials added that plans are also under way for a new draw game, All or Nothing™, to be launched later this year.
Lottery facts over the last 20 years:
- $65 billion in total sales, including a record sales year of $3.8 billion in fiscal year 2011.
- Distributed more than $38 billion in prizes paid to winning players.
- Contributed $14 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas.
- Texas Lottery products are sold by nearly 17,000 retailers across the state.
- Based on calendar year 2011 sales, the Texas Lottery ranked fourth among United States lotteries and 15th among lotteries worldwide, according to La Fleur's Magazine.


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LAS VEGAS -- After a recent performance at the Flamingo Hotel, Marie and Donny Osmond pose for pictures and sign autographs for eager fans, just as they do every night.
Besides her Vegas gig, a TV talk show debuting next fall, and an upcoming album, Osmond's written another memoir -- "Might As Well Laugh About it Now," in which she recalls such memories as the heartache of two divorces and struggles with weight.
Osmond is best known for the rosy-cheeked, wide-eyed image she attained while co-hosting the '70s TV variety show "Donny & Marie," and has had successful runs singing country music, performing in Broadway plays and designing porcelain dolls.
Co-author Marcia Wilkie said each story can stand on its own and is prefaced with a personal photo.
Many stories are recoll-ections of growing up -- arguments about pierced ears, baking bread with her mother, how as a self-conscious prepubescent her most prized possession was a girdle.
Best-selling books
Hardcover Fiction
1. "Turn Coat: A Novel of the Dresden Files," Jim Butcher
1. "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment," Steve Harvey
1. "Tribute," Nora Roberts
-- From wire reports
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us


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TNPSC Answer Key 2016 Download – Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has successfully conducted the Group 4 Exam on Sunday 6th November 2016 at various examination centres across Tamilnadu State for recruiting the aspirants over the 5451 vacancies on various departments. Over the lakhs of candidates had appeared for TNPSC Group 4 Exam. Now the candidates are eagerly looking to download TNPSC Group 4 Answer Key.
TNPSC Group 4 Answer Key 2016:
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) had recently notified a recruitment notification to fillup 5451 Posts including posts of Junior Assistant (Security and Non-Security), Bill Collector, Field Surveyor, Draftsman, Typist and grade III Steno-Typist. TNPSC has invited applications from all the eligible candidates. So candidates who are having interest have applied for TNPSC Group 4 Recruitment. All the applicants have appeared for the written exam with good preparation.
This recruitment written examination was conducted successfully on 06th November 2016 form 10.00 AM to 01.00 PM in various cities of Tamilnadu. The tnpsc group 4 exam would be of 180 minutes duration and consists of 300 marks. The objective test would consist of three parts. PART-A consists questions form General Studies(75 Questions). PART-B consists questions form Aptitude Test(25 Questions) & PART-C consists questions form General English/ General Tamil(100 Questions). A total of 11 -12 lakh applicants appeared for this recruitment. Now all the candidates who appeared for this recruitment are advised to download TNPSC Answer Key at official website www.tnpsc.gov.in. Here you may follow simple steps to download TNPSC Group 4 Exam Answer Key.
TNPSC Answer Key 2016:
TNPSC Group 4 Answer Key Available Now at official website i.e. www.tnpsc.gov.in. You can download the tnpsc group 4 exam answer key for all sets and cross check your answers. With the help of tnpsc answer key 2016, candidates can predict their scores and whether they will be selected in this exam or not. Candidates who appeared for the exam can check the TNPSC Group 4 Answer Key on the official website of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission through the steps listed below.
How to download TNPSC Group 4 Answer Key 2016:
- Candidates must logon to official website – http://www.tnpsc.gov.in.
- Click on the link named Group 4 Exam Answer Key.
- It is in pdf format save to your computer.
- Verify your answers with official key.
Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) is a government agency which works for supervising the vacancy announcements, registration procedure and result declarations for various jobs in tamilnadu state departments. Every year a large number of aspirants apply for the jobs and recruitment opportunity to try their luck for various designations.


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Symplicity Corporation, B-291902, April 29, 2003
B-291902: Apr 29, 2003
Additional Materials:
(202) 512-2853
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
Contracting agency's award of a task order to a firm pursuant to the firm's Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract is improper where the agency failed to consider whether the services offered by the firm are covered by its FSS contract. The record establishes that the firm's quotation was based on providing personnel under labor categories not contained in its FSS contract. 2. Agency's evaluation of quotations submitted in response to a competitive procurement under the Federal Supply Schedule program was unreasonable. For on-line federal employment information services. /1/ We sustain the protest because OPM did not adequately consider whether the services TMP identified in its quotation were covered by its FSS contract.
Symplicity Corporation, B-291902, April 29, 2003
Symplicity Corporation protests the award of a task order to TMP Worldwide, Inc. (d/b/a Monster Government Solutions) under TMP's Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract, pursuant to request for quotations (RFQ) No. SOLO30000003, issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), for on-line federal employment information services. /1/
We sustain the protest because OPM did not adequately consider whether the services TMP identified in its quotation were covered by its FSS contract, and because OPM did not reasonably evaluate quotations with regard to the vendors' proposed prices for system integration.
OPM currently operates and maintains USAJOBS, which is an automated federal employment information system providing notice of job opportunities in the federal government. The USAJOBS website "is accessed by over 10,000,000 unique visitors each year," and has available "[a]pproximately 16,000 to 18,000 vacancy announcements . . . each day." RFQ at 6. The RFQ sought "significant enhancements" to the federal government's employment information system to deliver "the best of the next generation of on-line Federal employment information services." For example, while under the current system "a job seeker who wishes to apply for 10 different jobs might be required to print a resume 10 times and send it to 10 separate addresses, even if all 10 jobs are in the same agency," the RFQ anticipates that job seekers will be able to "[c]reate their resumes in a common format, and send them to as many job openings as they wish via the [new] Recruitment One-Stop/USAJOBS website." RFQ at 5-6.
The RFQ contained task descriptions for web-based services, telephone-based services, as well as other services, and listed nine "major" performance requirements as well as certain technical requirements. RFQ at 8-17, 24. For example, the solicitation provided that the "overall site design must continue to promote the idea of the Federal Government as a corporate brand, and convey to job seekers the diversity of Federal career opportunities and the values, rewards, and benefits of public service," and specified that the website and telephone systems be accessible 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. RFQ at 8, 13. Additionally, the solicitation included an appendix listing various functional requirements, but noted that these functional requirements were "generally described in terms of desired results, leaving open the approach by which the objective will be achieved." RFQ at 12-13, app. B.
The RFQ provided for the award of a 1-year fixed-price task order, with four 1-year options, and stated that award would be made to the vendor whose quotation was determined "most advantageous to the Government considering primarily the contractor's demonstrated technical excellence." The solicitation set forth the following technical evaluation factors in descending order of importance: soundness of proposed technical approach, management capabilities, past performance, and value of enhancements. The solicitation added that the "[t]echnical evaluation factors, when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price." RFQ at 26, 27.
In response to the RFQ, vendors were to submit a "Technical Proposal" as well as a "Pricing Proposal." RFQ at 20. The RFQ specified that each vendor's "Technical Proposal" was to address the vendor's approach and methodology for accomplishing the work required, as well as the vendor's approach to meeting the nine "major" performance requirements set forth in the solicitation. RFQ at 23-24. The technical proposal section of each vendor's quotation was also to include the roles and resumes of the proposed key personnel, as well as past performance references. With regard to past performance, vendors were to submit information on past contracts "similar to those required by this contract," and were informed that past performance was going to be used to "[a]ssess how well the contractor has performed in the past," and to "[d]etermine how relevant the work performed is to the requirement in this solicitation." RFQ at 25, 27. Finally, the solicitation provided that the vendors determined "to be best qualified" by OPM after the "initial evaluation of proposals" may be "requested to make an Oral Presentation." The RFQ provided that the oral presentation would consist of a "30-minute presentation," followed by a question and answer period not to exceed two hours. RFQ at 21.
The RFQ was sent to nine different FSS vendors, including Symplicity and TMP, that hold contracts under different GSA schedules under which OPM had previously determined award could be made. /2/ For example, Symplicity holds a contract under GSA Schedule 70 (Information Technology Services), and TMP holds a contract under GSA Schedule 738I (Marketing, Media and Public Information Services).
Five vendors, including Symplicity and TMP, submitted quotations. OPM evaluated the vendors' quotations, provided each vendor with "a set of questions regarding their technical proposals," and conducted oral presentations with each of the five vendors. Agency Report (AR) at 3, 6. The agency included the quotations of three vendors, including Symplicity and TMP, in the competitive range, provided the competitive range vendors with written discussion questions, and conducted oral discussions. AR at 6. OPM requested, received, and evaluated final revised quotations, and selected TMP's higher-priced, higher-rated quotation for award of the task order, valued at several million dollars. This protest followed.
Symplicity argues that the services sought under the RFQ cannot be purchased from TMP under its Schedule 738I contract because the services are outside the scope of the contract. Specifically, Symplicity contends that TMP's Schedule 738I contract does not contain the appropriate labor categories, and that labor may have been improperly included as "other direct costs" (ODC) under this task order.
The FSS program, directed and managed by GSA, gives federal agencies a simplified process for obtaining commonly used commercial supplies and services. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Sec. 8.401(a). The procedures established for the FSS program satisfy the requirement for full and open competition. 41 U.S.C. Sec. 259(b)(3); FAR Sec. 6.102(d)(3); Sales Res. Consultants, Inc., B-284943, B-284943.2, June 9, 2000, 2000 CPD Para. 102 at 3-4. Non-FSS products and services may not be purchased using FSS procedures; instead, their purchase requires compliance with the applicable procurement laws and regulations, including those requiring the use of competitive procedures. OMNIPLEX World Servs. Corp., B-291105, Nov. 6, 2002, 2002 CPD Para. 199 at 4-5.
As noted above, TMP holds a contract with GSA under Schedule 738I, Marketing, Media and Public Information Services. The task order here was issued under TMP's Schedule 738I contract, special item number (SIN) SIN-8, Full Service Marketing, Media, and Public Information Service. AR at 8; Tab 8, Award of Task Order to TMP. Under SIN-8, vendors "provide a broad range of services required by Federal Government agencies for short and long term integrated marketing campaigns." GSA Schedule 738I, SIN-8. As the title and general description of SIN-8 suggest, it is a "catch all" SIN, under which vendors can perform work covered by two or more of the other 11 SINs set forth in Schedule 738I. /3/ Id.; Hearing Transcript (Tr.) at 15, 61.
TMP's contract under Schedule 738I, SIN-8 sets forth 19 labor categories, such as "Account Supervisor" and "Programmer," as well as a general description of TMP's ODCs that support the services provided under SIN-8. AR, Tab 4B, TMP's Final Quotation. These ODCs include such things as research materials, telemarketing call centers, advertising media, printing and photocopying. /4/ Id.; TMP's Pricing Schedule, available at <>. >
The record establishes, and neither OPM, GSA, nor TMP argues otherwise, that TMP's quotation here included two labor categories that are not on its Schedule 738I contract, and that OPM recognized but failed to realize the importance of this during its evaluation of TMP's quotation. AR, Tab 4B, TMP's Final Quotation, at 1; OPM's Post-Hearing Comments at 8-11; GSA's Post-Hearing Comments at 7; TMP's Post-Hearing Comments at 10-11; Tr. at 72, 101, 105, 136. The acceptance of TMP's quotation and award of a task order to that firm by OPM was thus improper because, as noted above, an agency cannot lawfully use the FSS ordering procedures to order services that are not contained on the vendor's schedule contract. OMNIPLEX World Servs. Corp., supra, at 5-6; The CDM Group, Inc.; B-291304.2, Dec. 23, 2002, 2002 CPD Para. 221 at 3-4. That is, as confirmed by GSA, labor categories included in a vendor's quotation must be listed on the vendor's schedule contract before a task order is issued. GSA's Post-Hearing Comments at 2, 7; Tr. at 31-32, 80; The CDM Group, Inc., supra. We sustain the protest on this basis. /5/
This problem is symptomatic of OPM's approach to this procurement. In this regard, the record reflects that OPM never performed an analysis of whether the quoted services, labor categories, or ODCs included in TMP's quotation were within the scope of TMP's Schedule 738I contract. Tr. at 101-03, 105, 108, 125-26, 189. In fact, OPM has represented that it "could not come to any specific conclusion one way or the other" as to whether TMP proposed services as ODCs in a manner that was consistent with its Schedule 738I contract. /6/ Tr. at 231.
Symplicity also protests that OPM's evaluation of its quotation was unreasonable and inconsistent with the RFQ's evaluation factors. Under the FSS program, agencies are not required to conduct a competition before selecting a vendor that represents the best value and meets the agency's needs at the lowest overall cost. FAR Sec. 8.404(a); Computer Prods., Inc., B-284702, May 24, 2000, 2000 CPD Para. 95 at 4. However, where, as here, an agency handles the selection of a vendor for an FSS order like a competition in a negotiated procurement, and a protest is filed challenging the outcome of the competition, we will review the agency's actions to ensure that the evaluation was reasonable and consistent with the terms of the solicitation. Computer Prods., supra, at 4-5.
Specifically, Symplicity argues that OPM erred in evaluating systems integration costs. With regard to systems integration, the RFQ (at 25) provided as follows:
The firm, fixed prices proposed must include all costs associated with performing the services. OPM will also establish a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) under the underlying GSA Federal Supply Schedule to order services necessary to integrate other Federal agency employment systems and the Recruitment One-Stop system.
The agency subsequently provided the competitive range vendors with an e-mail that listed "Assumptions for Integration" (such as the statement that "[t]here are 76 Cabinet level Departments and Independent Agencies in the Executive Branch"), and requested that each vendor "explain [its] proposed approach for accomplishing this task, whether or not you have included the estimated costs for accomplishing this task in your proposed fixed price, and if not, what your estimated cost would be for performing this activity and what the underlying assumptions you have made in arriving at this estimate." AR, Tabs 5A(4), 5B(4), 5C(4), E-mails to Vendors (Dec. 6, 2002).
Symplicity included its price for systems integration in its final fixed-price quotation, whereas TMP's quotation, as considered by the agency, did not. AR, Tab 4A, Symplicity's Final Quotation, Updated Pricing Summary, at 1; Tab 4B, TMP's Final Quotation, at R 19-22. Symplicity contends in this regard that it was misled during discussions with OPM into ignoring the above-quoted RFQ provision providing that integration costs were to be purchased through a separate blanket purchase agreement, and instead understood that it was required to provide in its final quotation its price for systems integration. Tr. at 246.
We need not decide whether the protester was misled regarding the pricing of systems integration during its discussions with OPM because we find that OPM's evaluation of systems integration costs was flawed. The record reflects that OPM recognized that Symplicity's price for systems integration was included in its fixed-price quotation. /7/ AR, Tab 6, Procurement Summary Report, at 10; Tr. at 272, 286. The record also reflects that the agency recognized that TMP's final quotation did not fully include its price for systems integration. AR, Tab 6, Procurement Summary Report, at 11; Tr. at 263.
In our view, the agency, at a minimum, was required to evaluate offerors on an equal basis and in a manner such that the total cost to the government for the required services could be meaningfully assessed. /8/ See Lockheed Aeronautical Sys. Co., B-252235.2, Aug. 4, 1993, 93-2 CPD Para. 80 at 7 ("apples and oranges" cost evaluation "inherently improper"); Dillon Supply Co.; Dept. of Energy--Recon., B-203937, Jan. 19, 1982, 82-1 CPD Para. 41 at 3-4 (protest sustained where costs were excluded from some vendors' quotations and not others). OPM's evaluation approach here created a situation where OPM was in effect comparing "apples and oranges," in that it permitted vendors to choose whether or not to include in their quotations a price for systems integration, which did not provide a basis for the total cost of each vendor's approach to be meaningfully compared. /9/ Accordingly, we sustain the protest on this basis as well.
Symplicity also argues that OPM applied unstated evaluation criteria in its evaluation of quotations in evaluating technical approach and past performance, in that it considered the vendors' approaches to marketing or promoting the contemplated Recruitment One-Stop/USAJOBS website and the federal government as an employer, and the sizes of the vendors' past contracts.
Vendors must be advised of the bases upon which their quotations will be evaluated. This means that an agency may not consider evaluation criteria that are not reasonably related to the evaluation factors set forth in the RFQ. KPMG Consulting LLP, B-290716; B-290716.2, Sept. 23, 2002, 2002 CPD Para. 196 at 14. As explained below, we find that the agency's consideration of the vendors' approaches to marketing and size of their past contracts did not constitute the use of unstated evaluation criteria since these considerations were reasonably related to the evaluation factors set forth in the RFQ.
Specifically, the RFQ stated that under the soundness of proposed technical approach evaluation factor the agency would "be looking for how well the [quotation] shows an understanding of the[] tasks" identified in section A.3 of the solicitation. RFQ at 27. Section A.3 provided, in turn, that "[t]he page and overall site design must continue to promote the idea of the Federal Government as a corporate brand, and convey to job seekers the diversity of Federal career opportunities and the values, rewards, and benefits of public service." This section of the RFQ continued by stating that "[t]he text and graphics on the page must communicate the 'one-stop' concept." RFQ at 8.
In evaluating quotations, the record reflects that OPM considered how the vendors' competing technical approaches promoted the idea of federal government employment. As illustrated above, this was reasonably related to the RFQ's soundness of technical approach evaluation factor, in that it involved the consideration of how well the quotations "promote[d] the idea of the Federal Government as a corporate brand, and convey[ed] to job seekers the diversity of Federal career opportunities and the values, rewards, and benefits of public service." See RFQ at 8, 27.
With regard to the past performance evaluation factor, the RFQ requested that vendors provide "evidence of their ability to successfully perform the work described in this solicitation." RFQ at 25. Consistent with this, the solicitation specified that the information provided would be used to "[d]etermine how relevant the work performed is to the requirement in this solicitation," and that the evaluation would "focus on how well the [quotation] documents and provides the requested information concerning successful performance on previous projects that are related to the Recruitment One-Stop." RFQ at 25, 27.
Contrary to Symplicity's assertions, the agency's consideration of contract size in its evaluation of the vendors' past performance is unobjectionable, given that it is reasonably related to the "relevan[ce]" of past contracts as well as the successful performance of previous contracts that are related to this effort, both of which are considerations under past performance factor. Indeed, our Office has stated that it would be both illogical and unreasonable to presume that that an agency will pay no attention to the size and similarity of past contracts in its evaluation of past performance, since such factors are germane to the relevance of the past performance information. Birdwell Bros. Painting & Refinishing, B-285035, July 5, 2000, 2000 CPD Para. 129 at 6. Accordingly, this aspect of Symplicity's protest is denied. /10/
The protest is sustained. We recommend that OPM evaluate vendors' quotations to determine whether the proposed services (including labor categories and ODCs) are within the scope of their respective schedule contracts. We further recommend that OPM reopen discussions with all vendors whose quotations are in the competitive range, /11/ and request and reevaluate revised quotations. /12/ OPM may also want to amend its RFQ to further clarify its systems integration needs. We also recommend that the protester be reimbursed its costs of filing and pursuing the protest. 4 C.F.R. Sec. 21.8(d)(1) (2003). The protester should submit its certified claim for such costs, detailing the time expended and costs incurred, directly to the contracting agency within 60 days of receiving this decision. 4 C.F.R. Sec. 21.8(f)(1).
This protest is sustained.
Anthony H. Gamboa General Counsel
1. Because a protective order was not issued in connection with this case, the language in our decision, which is based in part upon source selection sensitive and confidential information, is necessarily general.
2. Collectively, these vendors hold FSS contracts under four different schedules.
3. Schedule 738I is comprised of the following 12 SINS: SIN 1-Market Research, Media Analysis and Related Services; SIN 2-Web Site Design and Maintenance Services; SIN 3-Trade Shows/Exhibits and Conference and Events Planning Services; SIN 4-Press and Public Relations Services; SIN 5-Public Education and Outdoor Marketing and Media Service; SIN 6-Radio, Television, and Public Service Announcements Services; SIN 7-Introduction of New Products or Services; SIN 8-Full Service Marketing, Media, and Public Information Service; SIN 9-Direct Mail Services; SIN 10-Commercial Photography Services; SIN 11-Commercial Art and Graphic Design Services; and SIN 12-Videotape and Film Production Services. GSA Schedule 738I.
4. A full description of TMP's ODCs, as defined in its contract, is as follows: "Research Materials, Release, Focus Group, Survey, Polling, Testing, Telemarketing Call Center, Advertising Media (print, voice, web/Monster, outdoor, etc.), Mail Lists, Color Laser Prints and Scans, Scans, Photography, Image and Music Rights, Film and Veloxes, Storage Media, Printing & Photocopying, Miscellaneous Production Expenses, Trade Show Exhibits, Conference, Exhibits, Postage and Mailing Services, Messengers/Express Mail, and Telephone Charges."
5. OPM contends that Symplicity was not prejudiced, since TMP could have taken steps that would have corrected the labor category deficiency had discussions occurred. Although the agency may be correct that TMP could have corrected this deficiency in its quotation had it been raised during discussions, the fact is it did not do so. The agency's position here does not, in our view, address the fundamental flaw that OPM awarded a task order under a FSS contract to a vendor who did not have all the required services in its contract and whose quotation was therefore unacceptable, which prejudiced vendors who submitted quotations based on their FSS contracts. See T-L-C Sys., B-285687.2, Sept. 29, 2000, 2000 CPD Para. 166 at 4.
6. Symplicity appears to challenge the use here of Schedule 738I, arguing that the RFQ requires services inappropriate for purchase under that schedule. We think this argument is irrelevant to the pertinent inquiry, which is whether the particular terms of TMP's Schedule 738I contract included all services ordered here. As stated above, OPM failed to conduct a meaningful analysis of this issue.
7. OPM concedes that Symplicity's price for these services included in its quotation is readily calculable.
8. The agency may want to clarify for vendors its needs regarding systems integration services as part of its corrective action, in order to provide for a fair and equitable competition. COMARK Fed. Sys., B-278343, B-278343.2, Jan. 20, 1998, 98-1 CPD Para. 34 at 5; Haworth, Inc.; Knoll N. Am., Inc., B-256702.2, B-256702.3, Sept. 9, 1994, 94-2 CPD Para. 98 at 5-6.
9. It does not appear that the vendors' costs for systems integration would necessarily be comparable.
10. Simplicity also argues that OPM failed to apply the Buy American Act surcharge to TMP's quotation, based upon Symplicity's speculation that TMP utilizes the services of a foreign company. The record provides no support for Symplicity's assertion here.
11. Had OPM properly evaluated TMP's quotation, the apparent deficiency with regard to labor categories should have been raised with TMP during discussions. However, as indicated, TMP was not informed during discussions that its quotation was deficient in that it included labor categories that were not listed on TMP's GSA Schedule 738I contract.
12. In view of this recommendation, we need not address Symplicity's protest that the agency's evaluation of quotations and conduct of discussions under the management capability and past performance factors, and its best value analysis, were unreasonable and improper.
Nov 20, 2017
Fluor Federal Solutions, LLC
We sustain the protest.
Nov 16, 2017
We deny the protest.
Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.
We dismiss the protest because it raises a matter of contract administration over which we do not exercise jurisdiction.
Nov 15, 2017
Nov 14, 2017
Protection Strategies, Inc.
We grant the request in part and deny it in part.
Nov 9, 2017
Global SuperTanker Services, LLC
We sustain the protest.
Verisys Corporation
We deny the protest.
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text:
On Saturday, you can find Georgia All-American defensive end David Pollack and Alabama All-SEC offensive tackle Wesley Britt lining up against each other at Sanford Stadium.
Where you wouldn't find either this summer was in Phoenix for a photo shoot for Playboy's All-American team. Both declined invitations because they believed it conflicted with their religious beliefs.
"His dad is a preacher and he didn't feel it was the right thing to do and neither did I," Pollack said. "We didn't even know each other before that."
Pollack said he's spoken to Britt by phone recently since learning about their similar values. They didn't talk much about football.
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"We just talked about life," Pollack said. "It's not all about football, believe it or not."
Cooper expects to play against Alabama
Tailback Michael Cooper, diagnosed with a minor sprain of his medial collateral ligament in his left knee, practiced Wednesday without pain and said he expects to play against Alabama.
"I wasn't worried at all," said Cooper, who practiced with a brace on the knee that he won't wear in the game. "It's just for prevention really to keep it from being a nagging injury. They've taken precautions and I've got treatments and everything is fine."
Cooper wore a brace on the knee in practice, but won't wear it in Saturday's game.
"I'm more encouraged that he'll be able to go," coach Mark Richt said. "It's a good sign that it felt good enough to go out there and work."
Tony Milton has not had any setbacks in practice. Milton missed the past two games because of calcium deposits in his left leg, but Richt has said Milton will start if he's healthy.
Moses's two-sport days are over
Redshirt freshman defensive end Quentin Moses won't be playing for the basketball team again this season.
Moses, a Class AAAA All-State selection at Cedar Shoals, logged six minutes in three games last year.
"Everything that went down with former coach (Jim) Harrick and the whole program and all, I just decided this summer I was going to dedicate myself to football and get bigger and stronger," Moses said.
Moses, who backs up Robert Geathers, is seventh on the team with 19 tackles and leads with 21/2 sacks.
Rauch to be honored
Georgia will honor 2003 College Football Hall of Fame inductee John Rauch at Saturday's game. Rauch passed for a then-NCAA record 4,044 yards from 1945-48.
Iraq scene recreated
Two U.S. soldiers will unfurl the Georgia "G" flag during a halftime ceremony on Saturday. Capt. Chris Carter and Lt. Col. Philip (Flip) deCamp, both Georgia graduates, are recreating a scene that took place in front of the Presidential Palace in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Thursday, October 2, 2003.
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text:
Foil balloon "Happy Birthday to You"Item #: 22809
Foil balloon "Happy Birthday To You"
Classic helium balloon with birthday theme
Large helium balloons are a great gift idea for the birthday party.The classic saying "Happy Birthday To You" You own a fantastic-looking Helium & Balloon, who will take care of its size a lot of attention.Each birthday party theme, all adorned with the cool foil balloon and so surprised the birthday girl.
The Foil Balloon "Happy Birthday to You" is about71 cm tall, and thus a real party hit for every birthday party.If you befüllst the colorfully printed foil balloon with helium instead of air, these floats for a few weeks in the air.The balloon can be refilled with helium or air, thus ensuring long-lasting delight again with careful handling.For transport reasons, the foil balloon is sent unfilled, and has yet to be filled by you with helium or air! Other popular Birthday balloons as the Foil balloon Happy Birthday Ballerina and the Foil balloon Happy Birthday Party Hats Other highlights for a birthday party.
1 x Foil balloon "Happy Birthday to You"
- Color: Red / White / Turquoise / Silver / Green
- Size: approx. 71 cm
- Material: Polyethylene - aluminum foil
- Foil balloon is sent unfilled
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- Printed front and back with motive
Warning: Not suitable for children under 3 years, because small parts can be swallowed.The films will be shipped unfilled and can be filled later by you with helium or air.,


text: President Clinton, adopting a policy initiative he's spoken of but ignored for most of his term, may announce a middle class tax cut in a televised speech scheduled for 9 pm ET Thursday, White House aides said today. Clinton has been expected to hit the airwaves since last week -- when the White House promised an address to follow up on his fence-mending speech to the centrist Democratic Leadership Council -- and Sunday, Clinton said he would propose the tax cut if he could find a way to pay for it. How? TIME White House correspondent James Carney says the leading solution's hidden in plain sight: preliminary Administration proposals revealed last week to scrap the Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as other federal agencies and dozens of federal programs. "This is all about a search for money to pay for a tax cut -- and about looking like he got the message from the November elections," Carney says. Look for a cut targeted "right in the middle of the middle class," Carney adds, including ever-popular child tax credits.


text:
"Welcome to the new Louis Erard online experience! As a Boutique Brand, our ambition is to meet your wishes in a personal and honest way, once and for always. Because that is the spirit of our founder, Mr. Louis Erard."
Alain Spinedi, CEO
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text:
EHV-1 Outbreak: USDA Releases Final Situation Report
- Jun 24, 2011
- Topics:
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service released its final situation report on the equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak that affected the western United States and Canada starting in mid-May. The outbreak is believed to have stemmed from horses attending a national championship cutting competition held in Utah in early May. In its most recent report the USDA indicated that disease spread had been contained.
Although it's not transmissible to humans, EHV-1 is highly contagious among horses and camelids, and it is generally passed from horse to horse via aerosol transmission (when affected animals sneeze/cough) and contact with nasal secretions. The disease can cause a variety of ailments in equines, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and myeloencephalopathy (EHM, the neurologic form). Myeloencephalopathy is characterized by fever, ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs, and incontinence.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued a press release June 20 indicating that animal health officials believe the outbreak has been successfully contained in that state. The release indicated that California has not diagnosed a new case of EHV-1 in the past 14 days.
"It is important that the California horse owners remain vigilant as there is always risk of disease when horses of unknown health status are commingled at one location," the release continued. "Consistent, basic biosecurity practices play an important role in reducing risk of exposure to diseases such as influenza, strangles, pigeon fever, or equine herpesvirus."
Newly confirmed cases continue to trickle in; however, animal health officials indicate that all of the new cases are under proper quarantine and are being treated.
At press time (2:30 p.m. EDT), the following states and provinces had confirmed new cases of EHV-1:
Wyoming--The first confirmed case of EHV-1 was reported in Wyoming in June 22, according to State Veterinarian Jim Logan, DVM. He confirmed that the horse displayed some neurologic signs including recumbency (not able to rise); however, after beginning treatment he was able to stand and is now in the recovery process. Logan added that the horse is in isolation and the farm he resides on in Jackson County is under quarantine.
He added that a second horse was euthanized after becoming recumbent, and test results are pending. Logan said he expects to have laboratory diagnostic test results early next week.
Saskatchewan--The University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) has placed its large animal hospital under a voluntary quarantine after a horse with a suspected case of EHV-1 was admitted June 18, according to a press release from the college.
"The WCVM voluntarily suspended its equine clinical services on June 21 following the confirmed diagnosis of EHV-1 in a horse from the Saskatoon area that was brought to the clinic on June 18," the release read. "While tests results are still pending, WCVM veterinarians suspect the horse was suffering from the neurologic form of EHV-1 ... the horse was humanely euthanized due to the severity of the disease."
One other EHV-1 positive horse was reported in Saskatchewan in May. No information was available about the animal's clinical signs.
Alberta--Thirteen cases of confirmed EHV-1 have been reported in Alberta, according to a report from the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian. Four of these confirmed cases displayed neurologic signs associated with the disease, five exhibited only respiratory signs or a fever, and four did not have any clinical signs. One of the EHV-1 positive horses has died, and the rest are undergoing treatment, the report stated.
Additionally, two suspect cases are displaying neurologic signs, but have not been confirmed positive via laboratory diagnostic tests.
The report noted, "Cases have been confirmed in Southern Alberta, in the Calgary area, in the Edmonton area, and in the Peace Country and all are in the cutting horse industry."
Washington--A ninth horse has tested positive for EHV-1 in Washington state according to a report from the state's Department of Agriculture. Officials believe that this horse was exposed to the virus during the initial quarantine at Washington State University but did not display clinical signs. The report indicated that the horse recently suffered a bout of colic, at which point he tested positive for the virus. The horse's clinical signs were not reported. The EHV-1 positive horses are located in Thurston, Spokane, Chelan, Asotin, and Whitman counties.
The following states and provinces have not reported any change in the number of EHV-1 positive horses within their borders:
- Arizona--14 positives (one euthanized; no clinical signs reported for surviving horses)
- British Columbia--2 positives (clinical signs not reported)
- California--22 positives (two horses were euthanized after showing severe neurologic signs; eight confirmed cases displayed neurologic signs; 13 displayed only a fever; one displayed only a nasal discharge)
- Colorado--9 positives (six horses have shown neurologic signs; the remaining three have displayed respiratory signs and/or a fever)
- Idaho--8 positives (four EHV-1 positive horses have displayed neurologic signs [two were euthanized]; the rest have only displayed a fever)
- Montana--1 positive (no clinical signs displayed)
- Nebraska--0 positives
- Nevada--3 positives (two have displayed neurologic signs)
- New Mexico--4 positives (USDA Situation Report indicates two have been euthanized; clinical signs not reported for other horses)
- North Dakota--0 positives
- Oklahoma--1 positive (displayed mild neurologic signs)
- Oregon--5 positives (one euthanized with neurologic signs; four showing no clinical signs)
- South Dakota--1 positive (clinical signs not reported)
- Texas--1 positive (officials believe it is not related to the outbreak, but is an isolated case in a racing Quarter Horse)
- Utah--8 positives (two euthanized after becoming recumbent; clinical signs associated with the other confirmed cases were not reported)
About the Author
Erica Larson, News Editor
Erica Larson, news editor, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.
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EHV-1 Inactivated Vaccine Efficacy Tested (AAEP 2011)
Equine Infectious Disease Control in Developing Countries
Neurologic EHV-1: An Overview
Diagnosing Neurologic EHV-1: Back to Basics
EHV-1 Outbreak: Case Total Holding Steady
EHV-1 Outbreak: Additional Cases Reported Over Weekend
EHV-1 Outbreak: Veterinarians Still On Alert
EHV-1 Outbreak: Several New Cases Reported
POLL: Holiday Horse Care


text: Welcome to Troop 9005! If you are not a member of Troop 9005, use "About Us" to learn more about the troop and use the "Contact Us" inquire about the troop. Members - This is a secure password protected site. If you do not have your username and/or password, click on "login" and then "request new password" using your email address. If your email is in the Troop's files, the system will email your user name and password.


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At Lyon, French city of which Premier Herriot is Mayor, was held the eighth plenary Assembly* of the International Federation of League of Nations Societies. All countries, including the U. S. and Germany, were represented. During the deliberations, a friendly tiff occurred between a Japanese delegate, M. Sugimura, and an American delegate, Dr. Clyde A. Duniway, but was amicably settled. Count von Bernstorff, onetime German Ambassador to the U. S., made a highly-flavored speech in support of a "United States of Europe" and spiced it with numberless illogical comparisons and deductions. But the...
Foreign News: At Lyon
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If we can secure Bosh for 2010, I guarantee that LeBron's chances of signing immediately increase. If we can unload Jeffries in Toronto with Lee and Gallo then project 2010 is still in full motion!!
2010 lineup:
PG- Felton (mid level exception)
SG- Chandler
Sf- LeBron
PF- Bosh
C- Hill
That lineup is an immediate contender and is ACTUALLY possible!
We don't want to lose David Lee for NOTHING in 2010 when doesn't resign.
I think this is a win/win scenario even if we dont land LeBron. Bosh is a SUPERSTAR! He is going to his 5th straight all-star game and will be leading Toronto to a top 5 seed in the East.


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Seeking cabinmate for first time cruise
Hello all,
I am new to cruising, and intend to go on my first of many cruises in March '06. I will be turning 50 in March. I have been divorced for 12 yrs., , and kids are grown and its time for me. I am treating myself to a cruise for my 50 yr.young milestone. I am not looking for a sex partner just someone that would like to share the cabin to avoid the single supplement. I am a bit apprehensive about traveling alone, however it is not going to keep me home. Any suggestions about a fun cruise for a single woman who wants to meet people?
Re: Seeking cabinmate for first time cruise
I have been going on 2 cruises a year for the past 5 or so years. I too am divorced and am always looking for someone to share the cost and avoid the single supplement. I am a CPA and anytime through April 15th is a problem for me. I am considering the Grand Princess to the Greek Isles in May 2006. In any event, have a great time on your cruise, and, remember, age is merely a number!
Re: Re: Seeking cabinmate for first time cruise
Thank you for your good wishes. The Greek Isles is on my list of places to go. You may be able to tempt me.. :-)
Happy Sailing!
Re: Seeking cabinmate for first time cruise
Book a singles cruise through a singles agency, try cruising for love, singles cruise, Vacations to go, Princess, Costa, etc... make sure you book with a singles group so you will meet the other single travelers. Check out the singles sections on this web site and read. I booked cruising for love 8 day in April, had a great time, Im almost 40 but there were younger and older folks. We bonded and had a blast, much better then trying to find a family to adopt me :)
Re: Seeking cabinmate for first time cruise
Hi Maureen
I'm 51, and have been divorced for about 10 years with a 23 yr. old son. Have been on a couple cruises....and they're great. I'm also looking for someone to just share a cabin with, no strings, maybe hang out a little, only if it works for both.
Hope you write me back so we can talk.
Re: Seeking cabinmate for first time cruise
Hi Marureen....I don't know if my email address came through....email@example.com
Re: Seeking cabinmate for first time cruise
A group of my friends are going on a cruise March 26, 2006 on the Conquest out of New Orleans. One of my single friends had reserved an oceanview with another one of my single friends, but she bail out on her so we are looking for someone to share the expense of an oceanview room. I will be celebrating my 50th birthday.
|All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:23 AM.


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Just commented on that thread. It's a bit shocking as to how far Rafiq's regressed. Before he was merely ignorant - which we all are when starting out - but now he's disappeared into his own little world. It's what happens, perhaps, when there's no a redstar or Led Zeppelin around to shred his bluster. Bit sad but I'm trying to see the funny side.
(Quality necro though.)
And I do miss our debates actually. I feel my reading's gotten a bit narrow since we stopped sparring: I've gone deep(er) into Soviet history without having the excuse to step back into the broader picture. Let me know if there's other places on the internet where you argue with people.
Just popping in to see how things have/haven't changed. That I'm still around is because Rafiq has gone hilariously mad. But fair play to yourself for sticking around this long though - can't imagine there's much interesting debate going?
And I've mellowed slightly on Finkel & Leibovitz. I still maintain that the broad outline (of pro-German/anti-Soviet sentiment in the British establishment) is useful but, on reflection, the specifics of their proposed 'deal' with Hitler is unsupported by the evidence presented. But I don't think my position on appeasement has changed that much.
"I was called a 'vile intellectual hack' by a Stalinist fool who took exception to having his inane ramblings about the Second World War dismantled - a feeling doubtless that you are familiar with."
If your going invent a fictitious story regarding the origin of your pretentious user title you can at least try and concoct something with at least a semblance of plausibility.
Once again you've fallen on your sword, attempting to self-promote yourself as being really clever yet exposing yourself as a bit of a boob.(making a complete and utter embarrassment of yourself in the process.)
oh ya, I mean I thought back in the day we used to basically take the same position kind of like now in rafiq's fantasy thread
i can't keep everyone's positions straight but did you and I used to end up in those types of planetary crusade threads often?
"your earlier humiliation?"
I love this incessant contrived condescension of yours.
Just for your information, I don't think you are any kind of intellect. Not in the slightest, contrary to attempts to portray yourself as such.
Your just a pretentious charlatan.
If anyone is a fool it's you.
Pretentiously self-describing yourself as "intellectual" and claiming you "dismantled"(you really shouldn't flatter yourself) someone's arguments when in reality you just made an utter embarrassed of yourself by praising the foreign policy of the British government in the 1930s in the most cringeworthy and fawning terms imaginable.
"Stalinist fool"
You sort of let the cat out bag here. The use of the term "Stalinist" as a perjorative proves that your motivations in vilifying Soviet foreign policy are petty sectarianism rather anything resembling a sober analysis of the concrete situation.
Lastly, lose the contrived attempts at condescension as I really really don't think your intelligent.
Not in the slightest.
Calling you an apologist for British imperialism isn't meant as an insult but an observation.
Also, anyone who self-proclaims themselves to be an intellectual is a bit on the pretentious side.
Nice to see you are still posting on here. Very few old school folk like us around. Even if we disagree on things...
So I think your super smart and I'm not trying to be snarky so please don't get mad at me or be mean in the thread. I genuinely just want to have this convo. TY. I only say this cuz lots of people here think it's ok to be mean to me because I my writing style and lack of education.
stakes is high
તમે બિલાડી કાયમ પ્રેમ


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It shows their downloading habits, Internet speeds, and device types. The research, conducted by the University of Melbourne and Swinburne University and commissioned by ACCAN (the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network) was centred on the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick. It found that the earliest adopters of the NBN in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick were home owners and households with children.
"This study offers a fascinating insight into the homes of the people of Brunswick," said ACCAN spokeswoman Elise Davidson. "It was one of the first places in Australia to be connected to the National Broadband Network.
"Households who switched to an NBN service report an increase in the amount of data they download, are twice as likely to work from home, have a greater number of connected devices than they did previously and use them in more places throughout the home."
Of the 282 households who agreed to be part of the study, almost half (49%) of those with an NBN service reported no real impact on the price they paid for an Internet service, with 37% paying more and 14% paying less.
"The research indicates people are willing to pay a bit more to get high‐speed Internet and larger download allowances. For others, their monthly costs went down because they were able to switch from a landline phone service to VoIP."
When asked about their attitudes toward the NBN, 82% of households said they thought it was a good idea and particularly valued the fast internet speeds and quality of connection.
"The thing that people say they like most about the NBN is the speed and the data capacity," said Davidson. "We're not too surprised to hear this – right around Australia people are telling us they want access to reliable, quality broadband at an affordable price."
The research was funded under the ACCAN Grants Scheme. It used mixed methods and a longitudinal approach, surveying 282 households in Brunswick in late 2011, interviewing a selected sub‐set of 20 households in mid‐2012; and following up with a survey of the same group in late 2012. Brunswick is an inner city area of Melbourne, with a high proportion of people born overseas (38.9%), shared households (14.2%), renters (46.3%) and couples without children (45.2%).
Between 2011 and 2012 the number of households in the Brunswick site that had an active NBN connection rose from 20% to 36%. Early adopters of the NBN were much more likely to be home‐owners (63%) rather than renters, and households with children (59%) rather than couples, shared or single households.
The initial low‐rate rate of take‐up was influenced by households' lack of awareness of the NBN and its availability, having to deal with an unfamiliar broadband technology and opt‐in installation process that was still in an early stage of development, and having to wait for retail service plans to be made available.
NBN decision making NBN households were more likely to be guided by Internet speed in their decision‐making about service plans (29% compared to 10% of non‐NBN connected homes), whereas non‐NBN connected households emphasised the importance of price (24%, compared to 9% of NBN‐connected households).
For non‐NBN connected households, the value proposition of their current Internet service was based on perceived cost, satisfaction with ADSL/cable performance, or satisfaction with their current bundled plan.
This research shows that households have a good understanding and are aware of their monthly ISP data allowance (72% know their data amount), but are much less knowledgeable about the data speed possible or advertised as part of their service plan (68% unsure of Internet speed).
NBN users tend to be more knowledgeable about quantifiable measures (49% knew their advertised data speed, compared with only 23% of non‐NBN connected households). It appears that consumer knowledge about Internet plans remains dominated by past retail pricing options and measures based on volume rather than speed.
By far the majority (82%) of surveyed households agreed that the NBN is a good idea, because of its speed and its data capacity. People also believe the NBN is of national value and can help to play an important role in building the productivity and competitiveness of the national economy, and in providing for universal digital inclusion.
The NBN is also contributing to ongoing shifts in household device accumulation and Internet access, which is moving from singular, wired and fixed to multiple, wireless and mobile. When asked whether the type of Internet connection had affected the number of household devices that connect to the Internet, 30% of households that had taken up plans on the NBN reported that it had either increased somewhat or a lot, compared to 20% of other homes.


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CIYMS will have to do it the hard way to win the cup
If CIYMS are to win the Ulster Bank Challenge Cup for the first time, no-one can say they did not deserve it. Indeed, their easiest game could come in the final! But after getting past North Down and Instonians in the first two rounds, Waringstown, the holders, and the team who beat them in the 2006 showpiece, block their path to a third final in nine years.
At least this time, after winning at Comber and Shaw's Bridge, CI will be at home on Saturday week, although the Villagers have already won there in the league this season by an emphatic 90 runs.
There was no luck for Downpatrick after knocking out Premiership side Muckamore in the quarter-final, they must travel to face Civil Service North at Stormont in the other last four game.
But as Paul Tate, captain of the surviving Section One side said after their thrilling last over, one wicket win on Saturday: "Once you get into the semi-finals you never know what can happen."
Meanwhile, CSN face Waringstown, in what could be a dress rehearsal for the August 1 cup final, at Stormont tonight in the remaining Lagan Valley Steels Twenty20 Cup Group A game.
Both have already confirmed their place in the semi-finals but the winners tonight will be at home, to North Down assuming the Comber side do not lose heavily at Ballymena in their last group game tonight, while the losers of the Stormont clash will be away to Group B winners Instonians.
Challenge Cup semi-finals: CIYMS v Waringstown, Civil Service North v Downpatrick. Games to be played on Saturday July 5.
- College Park has paid the price for a disappointing pitch in last week's Newstalk inter-provincial championship game, with the next in the series, between Leinster Lightning and North West Warriors, being switched to Malahide. The three-day game starts at 11am next Tuesday.
- England need to make the highest successful chase in their history if they are to win the second Investec Test – and with it the series – after a stunning century from Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews.
Mathews made 160 in a game-changing knock which included 25 fours and a six, taking his side to 457 all out at Headingley.
That left England needing 350 in the fourth innings, 18 more than their previous record set in 1928/29 in Melbourne and a mark that has been bettered only once on this ground.
Mathews' innings was the main reason for the size of the challenge facing Alastair Cook's team, but England's bowlers must also take their share of the blame, with none of their four-man seam attack at their best and senior men James Anderson and Stuart Broad struggling for long periods.
Belfast Telegraph


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It's winter and you're probably realizing how awful your insulation is, and also starting to rethink that last addition to the house, when you used single-pane windows that now render the room useless.
When faced with this dilemma, building owners wonder how to become more efficient at little cost. Last week, Planet Forward, a community of energy experts and concerned citizens, crowdsourced ideas for a church in New England that was looking for a way to go green. The recommendations we received ran the gamut -- from "retrofit" to "here's how to get a rebate" to "start all over and here's how."
The winning idea for Katherine — the member who posted the request — was to start a university competition that would solicit design plans for the community's new parish hall, which will house a school, offices and other facilities. We also like the idea of creating an educational program for parishioners to help engage their community in the work. It's not just about going green, it's about inspiring people to rethink their energy choices.
Some practical tips to save energy are always good in frigid times like these:
Hang plastic sheeting on windows to reduce drafts
Caulk around windows and doors
Install door sweeps to keep out cold air
Create a vestibule at your front door using two thermal curtains
Switch off your electric water heater breaker until you're going to use it (it takes about 45 minutes to heat up the water)
But Planet Forward's members have been looking into much more interesting and innovative ways to increase a building's efficiency. We reached through our archive and came up with a few ideas of our own for how they could retrofit their sanctuary and ideas for rebuilding the parish hall:
Insulate with greensulate
Ecovative's insulating material is grown from mushrooms and is completely recyclable -- when you're done with it, just put it into the garden and let it compost. But the best thing about it is that it won't burn and it doesn't use petrochemicals.
Any school is going to generate a lot of waste. Learn from the students at Clarkson University and convert that waste into food. They've developed a system to support year-round greenhouse gardening that will save you bucks, deliciously.
Harness solar power for hot water
A solar hot water is one of the most cost-efficient ways to use solar energy. It has been used around the world, with Israel and Cyprus being the per capita leaders in the use of solar water heating systems, with more than 30 to 40 percent of homes using them.
Sunnovations Promo Video from Mark Leisher Productions on Vimeo.
Energy-efficient landscapes
Using trees, shrubs and landscape features can help homeowners reduce their energy costs and create a healthier, more beautiful environment. These time-honored tips for energy-efficient landscapes from the American Society of Landscape Architects can help you make smarter use of your outdoor spaces.
Energy Efficient Home Landscapes from ASLA on Vimeo.
Solar or water innovations? University of Maryland's solar decathlon house has it all
Take a look at the winning house from the Solar Decathlon, which uses innovative technologies like solar hot water collectors, a liquid desiccant waterfall, and sustainable materials.
This article originally appeared in PlanetForward.org and is republished with permission here.


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A MOTHER who pleaded guilty to handing her son a knife during a fight in South Tyneside has walked free from court.
Kerry Giles was accused of trying to pass a knife to her son during a disturbance in Stothard Street, Jarrow, last year.
The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to having a knife in a public place and received a 10-month sentence, suspended for two years at Newcastle Crown Court.
Giles claimed that she had the 6in blade in her handbag to protect herself after splitting from an abusive partner.
The court heard how Giles had previous convictions for shoplifting.
Mr Geoff Cook, defending, said that as Giles had pleaded guilty and had been complying with previous community orders since January of this year, they thought imprisonment was not best suited for her.
Judge Paul Sloan QC said: "The incident happened when your son was involved in a disturbance near your address.
"There was talk of a knife being involved with the other party, you heard this and threw down the knife from a window to your son.
"The knife was not used by anyone, and was picked up and handed back to you.
"I was satisfied you produced the knife into this fight.
"I accept you were in fear of your ex-partner, and this was the reason you carried a knife in all of your handbags.
"This proves why you were carrying the knife, but that is not acceptable when it comes to giving it away to be used.
"I am prepared to see if you can build on the progress you have made.
"I am sentencing you to 10 months in prison, which will be suspended for two years."
Giles, now living in Newcastle's West End, was also given a supervision requirement of 18 months and will have to attend a thinking skills programme.
Judge Sloan QC also told Giles that if she was to breach this punishment then she will be certain to get a prison sentence.