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Stocks are slightly down to about even after yesterday's ridiculous money bomb. The dollar is lower, bonds are lower, oil is slightly higher, gold & silver slightly lower, and food commodities are slightly higher.
What happened yesterday was most definitely a desperate act designed to keep the impossible math from collapsing in upon itself. Debt saturation has completely brought the European financial system to a stand still. There is no "solution" in Europe within the central banker's false paradigm, and thus the United States central bankers took it upon themselves to issue massive quantities more of money to lend to the European banks – just what they need, more debt.
To me it's literally insane - both the actions of the central banks, and of the people for allowing them to continue destroying currencies, economies, and lives. It's a black eye for humanity, and it will accomplish exactly nothing in the end. In fact, more debt only makes the debt saturated condition worse, it is certainly no cure. Witness the fact that on the same day this "liquidity" pump sent equities soaring, yields in the Eurozone also rose.
Remember how I called B.S. to the "Black Friday" hype? Hype it was, here is all Econocomplicit could muster to describe chain store sales for November:
Today's chain-store results do not confirm the enormous strength of anecdotal reports for the Black Friday weekend. Almost as many chains are posting softer results for November than they did for October with most reporting little difference. Following their November results, chains are holding to guidance which on the whole point to steady rates of moderate year-on-year growth through the holidays.
Can you believe the hype in the media and in the markets? Compare that to this. Is the media even reporting this? Wow, are we a dumb money fluff society or what.
I have a pretty good nose to sniff out bullshit, and I'm stating for the record that much of the recent supposedly good economic data has that odor of manipulation about it. The markets certainly are manipulated, all of them, none are real.
Watch the VIX today, it is currently below the bottom Bollinger band. If it closes here then a market sell signal will be set up for the future.
For those that didn't see it, a sitting Congressman, Dennis Kucinich, created a video clearly stating the criminality of the "Fed." Yes, Congress has the power to end this problem immediately – they have the power granted to them by the Constitution to end it. Will they? I don't think so – too many are corrupted by their money from nothing:
The "Needs Bill," while not as complete nor as correct as Freedom's Vision, would represent a huge step in the right direction, but it will take millions of people demanding something like that for it to happen. My instinct is telling me that the coming massive "other events" have to play out first – sadly. Still, this video is remarkable in that we now have a few sitting Congressmen openly calling out the "Fed" as the root cause of the problem.
Initial Jobless Claims are once again over 400k, but it is the 350k mark that delineates the point below which real jobs are created. Numbers above that reflect an economy that is still shedding jobs:
The shortened Thanksgiving November 26 week clouds a 6,000 rise in initial jobless claims to 402,000. This ends three straight weeks under 400,000 and compares with Econoday expectations for 391,000 and against a 396,000 level in the prior week (revised from 393,000). The four-week average, which helps smooth out distortions in any one week, shows its first increase in five weeks, up a marginal 500 to 395,750 (prior week revised to 395,250).
Continuing claims in data for the November 19 week rose 35,000 to 3.740 million which is the highest level in two months. The four-week average is up 12,000 to 3.683 million. The unemployment rate for insured workers, resting at 2.9 percent in the prior five weeks, is up one tenth to 3.0 percent.
The Labor Department reports no special factors in the latest data but the shortened week for the initial claims period is likely to blunt market reaction. Demand for the safety of Treasuries is increasing very slightly immediately following the data.
Along the lines of bullshit, remember I am also calling it to the recent huge jump in Consumer Confidence. And not but a couple days later an independent source, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index, shows deterioration in Consumer Comfort. Did Consumer Confidence really jump, or was it a manufactured statistic? I say it was manufactured:
Consumer confidence in the U.S. was little changed last week from levels typically reached during past recessions. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index was minus 50.2 in the period ended November 27, after minus 50.1 the prior week. The gauge has been at minus 50 or worse for 10 of the past 11 weeks.
Two of the three components of the weekly comfort index deteriorated. The measure of Americans' views of the current state of the economy worsened to minus 88.5 last week from minus 87.2 in the prior period. The buying climate index fell to minus 49.4 from minus 48.8. The gauge of personal finances improved to minus 12.7, from minus 14.3.
The simultaneous injection of global liquidity (money), combined with the manufacturing of false statistics, and with the manufacturing of retail sales media hype, leads me to believe that a full court press was ordered to accomplish some political purpose (elections upcoming). While the President doesn't control the "Fed" (it is the other way around), the central bankers may like their easily manipulated teleprompter reading empty suit puppet, and thus are working to keep him there. Yes, that is conspiracy theory for now, but the pieces of facts are pointing me in that direction.
The Manufacturing ISM rose for November. This was expected by me since it counts the dollar value of orders placed and Boeing received huge orders last month. Again, it is a point of national embarrassment that our manufacturing base is so small that a few aircraft orders swings these reports – of course you won't hear that from Econocheerleader:
ISM new orders are turning higher in what is very good news for the manufacturing sector. The new orders index for November is up a very strong 4.3 points to 56.7, above 50 to indicate monthly growth and well above October. This index had been stuck at slightly sub-50 levels in prior months which now are forgotten. Helped by new orders, the ISM composite index is up 1.2 points to a 52.7 level that compares with the Econoday consensus for 51.5. November's level is the best since June.
Details show acceleration for export orders and for production. Delivery times are little changed while input prices slipped for a second month. Backlog orders are going down which is a negative that will hopefully be offset by the rise in new orders. Another disappointment is employment where hiring slowed, here too a factor that will hopefully reverse. Inventory readings are stable.
The stock market is getting a lift from today's report which hints at building strength and renewed leadership in manufacturing.
Renewed leadership in manufacturing? Wow, the manure is getting deep.
Construction Spending rose .8% in October, from my perspective just another measure of inflation as this is another metric measured in dollars. Just picture that chart of M1 and its parabolic rise, and you will see right through this statistic:
It may not be a lot (coming from a low base) but it is starting to look like the construction sector is incrementally adding to overall economic growth. Construction spending in October advanced 0.8 percent after rising an unrevised 0.2 percent in September. Analysts had forecast a 0.3 percent boost for October.
The October increase was led by a 3.4 percent boost in private residential outlays, following a 0.6 percent rise in September. Private nonresidential construction spending also posted a gain, rising 1.3 percent, following a 0.1 percent dip the month before. Public outlays declined 1.8 percent after a 0.3 percent increase the prior month.
On a year-ago basis, overall construction outlays improved to down 0.4 percent in October from down 0.6 percent in September.
Construction outlays have risen three months in a row and in six of the last seven months. The level of activity is still subdued but it now appears to be growing and adding to overall economic growth. It is not an "engine" like manufacturing but it is in better shape than even less than a year ago.
Year over year figures are down while money production figures are way higher. That means that in real terms Construction is WAY down.
I, Nathan Martin, no longer consent to the lies.


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Feel Good About Yourself!
907-696-0044 907-376-7433
Hapkido (Martial Art of Harmony) is an ancient Korean Martial Art. Hapkido incorporates systematic self-defense tecniques using joint locks, grappling, throws, controlled falls, dynamic kicking, and breaking. Hapkido Training is incorporated into the daily workout of all students of all levels. Once a student has reached the advanced ranks of Taekwondo, intensely focused Hapkido seminars and rank testing are available and taught by Grandmaster Keller. Every other year, Great Grandmaster Jay Dunston, founder of Cha Ji Lung Moo Sul Sa Do Hapkido and Grandmaster in Korean Hapkido provides training for Entry Level through Master Hapkido students.
Hakido Techniques

subset: commoncrawl


text: Luck of the Irish It's right around the corner. That time of year when we all go green! From wearing something green to avoid being pinched, to drinking green beer, and even eating food that's been dyed green, there's nothing quite like this Irish holiday. But, did you know that St. Patrick wasn't actually Irish? Brush up on your St. Patty's Day knowledge before the big day on March 17th. Get in the Game with Winter Sports Play With just a day away from the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, the excitement over the best winter sports coverage of the year is building. From skiing, to figure skating, to hockey, it's a great time to cheer on your team while enjoying the sports you love. Winter sports can be some of the best for your health and during a time when we tend to hunker down indoors, it's a great way to continue to get exercise while having fun in the cold weather. Try some of these fun winter sports with your family and friends as a way to keep healthy this winter.


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Writes The Guardian, "The Neue Vocalsolisten deal fearlessly with anything a composer can throw at them." Today, MATA is the pitcher as Neue Vocalsolisten returns for an a capella concert of American premieres by young composers from around the world. Beginning with their calling card: Vittriool from Georges Aperghis's "Wölfli Cantata," the concert spans the globe to showcase their incredible skills. Whether in the dada inspired works of Jennifer Walshe (Paddy Reilly Runs with the Devil), the radical reconfigurations of Norwegian composer Lars Petter Hagen's The Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart Notebook, Francesco Filidei's Dormo molto amore, dedicated to the memory of the anarchist Franco Serantini, Syrian composer Zaid Jabri's Two Songs from Mihyar from Damascus on texts of Adonis, the founder of Arabic modernist poetry, Gabriel Dharmoo's kaleidoscopic Notre Meute, Anglo-Moroccan composer Brahim Kerkour's intone, or Silvia Rosani's T-O, Neue Vocalsolisten brings their trademark theatrically, impeccable intonation, and daring to this afternoon. Celebrate Easter MATA style.
Georges Aperghis: Vittriool (2001)
Silvia Rosani:T-O (2013)
Brahim Kerkour: intone (2013)
Zaid Jabri: Two Songs from Mihyar from Damascus (2013)
Francesco Filidei: Dormo molto amore (2013)
Gabriel Dharmoo: Notre Meute (2013)
Lars Petter Hagen: The Neue Vocalsolisten Stuttgart Notebook (2011)
Jennifer Walshe: Paddy Reilly Runs with the Devil (2007)
Sunday, April 20
The Kitchen
512 West 19th St.
$20 adults / $15 students
Tickets available at: www.thekitchen.org


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Kratz working to gain comfort with knuckleball
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Erik Kratz's chances of cracking the Blue Jays' 25-man roster could very well come down to his ability to catch knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.
Toronto has veteran Dioner Navarro penciled in as the starting catcher this season, but the backup job will involve a competition between Kratz and Josh Thole. The Blue Jays aren't expected to use Navarro behind the plate when Dickey is on the mound, which means a deciding factor for the second job will be that elusive knuckleball.
Kratz spent a week working with Dickey during the offseason to become acclimated with the pitch, and the two were once again paired up during the first day of camp.
"[Dickey] handcuffed him a few times today, that's to be expected," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "We'll see how it all plays out. We like [both Kratz and Thole], but a big part of it is handling Dickey."
The initial belief was that the Blue Jays acquired Kratz this past offseason to serve as a depth option in the Minor Leagues. That no longer appears to be the case, and the 33-year-old has a very realistic shot at making the Opening Day roster.
There has been plenty of praise for Kratz within the organization this week, and his offensive upside is one of the main reasons why. The native of Pennsylvania hit nine home runs in just 68 games with the Phillies last season, and the year before, he posted an impressive .809 OPS as a backup.
Those are major selling points, but more than anything else, it's the knuckleball which should prove to be the difference one way or the other.
"It's really all about the reps for something like that," Kratz said. "For me, it's just a matter of not pushing it too much, not trying to be too perfect. Just trying to sit there and wait for it to come to me. A couple of them, I waited for them to come to me and it really got there. The more reps I can get for myself, the more success I'll have with him."


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Not the prettiest of games for the Bills rookie, but E.J. Manuel did lead an 80-yard drive in 1:36, capped off by this pass to an inexplicably open Stevie Johnson. Manuel shed tears as he celebrated with his father.
For the Panthers, it was just another blown fourth-quarter lead. For the Bills, this excitement thing is new:


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E-Mail Spam
"Spam" has quickly become a household word, generally meaning unsolicited mass commercial electronic mail messages where the sender and recipient have no pre-existing business relationship. Spam can be sent via fax machines, cell phones, instant messaging and other electronic means. However, the majority of such messages are sent by e-mail and are pushing products, pornography or financial offerings. Many are hoaxes or just an intentional annoyance.
It has been estimated that as much as 90 percent of all e-mail traffic is spam and that a spammer, for a very small investment, can send as many as 650,000 pieces of junk mail in an hour, sometimes by way of an offshore server. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Internet service providers receive hundreds of thousands of complaints about spam each year, and the annual cost to U.S. businesses is nearly $2,000 per employee.
In an effort to contain this massive problem at the federal level, Congress enacted the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. Actions enforcing this law must be filed in federal court.
The Georgia Slam Spam E-Mail Act (O.C.G.A. Sections 16-9-92 and 16-9-100 through 109) was passed in 2005 to help hold accountable those who abuse the Internet in certain ways. This law provides severe penalties for practices such as forging headers, using misleading subject headings, or stating falsely that the recipient had requested the information contained in the e-mail. Internet service providers (ISPs) and domain owners may bring civil charges against spammers for fraudulent and deceptive e-mail. Legitimate e-mail advertising is not affected.
Under the Slam Spam Act, those who send spam to Georgians from anywhere in the United States may be punished for committing a felony if they:
- Send a high volume of spam, as in more than 10,000 messages in a 24-hour period;
- Generate more than $1,000 in revenue from a single spam message or more than $50,000 from all spam transmitted to a single ISP; or
- Knowingly use a minor to assist in transmitting spam.
The criminal penalty for a felony of this nature is a fine of up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. E-mails that are deceptive but do not meet the above criteria are punishable as a misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Enforcement of this law is the shared responsibility of Georgia's Attorney General and local district attorneys and law enforcement units.
In addition, state and local prosecutors have the authority to enforce Georgia's Computer Systems Protection Act (O.C.G.A. Section 16-9-90), which allows them to prosecute those who commit crimes using a computer or computer network to obtain property by fraudulent means. Victims of this kind of crime may also sue for damages.
Given the difficulties of going after spammers, however, we as individuals must continue doing whatever we can to protect ourselves. Above all, don't respond to or buy anything through unsolicited junk e-mails. You also want to make it difficult for spammers to get and use your e-mail address. The Federal Citizen Information Center offers these tips for reducing the amount of spam that reaches your inbox:
- Don't use an obvious address like "firstname.lastname@example.com" Instead use one with numbers or other digits, such as "firstname.lastname@example.com."
- Use one e-mail address for close friends and family and another for everyone else. Free addresses are available from Yahoo! and Hotmail. You can also get a disposable forwarding address from www.spammotel.com. If an address attracts too much SPAM, get rid of it and establish a new one.
- Don't post your e-mail address on a public web page. Spammers use software that harvests text addresses. Substitute "janedoe at isp.com" for "email@example.com." Or display your address as a graphic image, not text.
- Don't enter your address on a web site before you check its privacy policy.
- Uncheck any checkboxes that grant the site or its partners permission to contact you.
- Don't click on an e-mail's "unsubscribe" link unless you trust the sender. [Spammers often broadcast to a huge list of addresses that may be manufactured and not valid.] This action on your part tells the sender you're there.
- Never forward chain letters, petitions or virus warnings. All could be a spammer's trick to collect addresses.
- Disable your e-mail "preview pane." This stops spam from reporting to its sender that you've received it.
- Choose an Internet Service Provider that filters e-mail. If you get lots of spam, your ISP may not be blocking effectively.
- Use spam-blocking software. Web browser software often includes free filtering options. You can also purchase special software that will accomplish this task.
- Report spam. Notify your ISP so it is aware of what kind of spam is slipping through its filters. The Federal Trade Commission also wants to know about unsolicited commercial e-mail. Forward deceptive spam to firstname.lastname@example.com.
More Spam Tips
A wealth of useful information on avoiding spam is available online from diverse sources such as the FTC, your ISP and spam-fighting consumer organizations. Try some of these links for starters, and you can help contain the problem of spam:
America Online
CAUCE (Coalition Against Unwanted Commercial Email)


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Pendleton sees some Ozzie in Simmons
WASHINGTON -- Braves first-base coach Terry Pendleton had the pleasure of spending the first seven seasons of his career playing alongside Ozzie Smith, the man widely viewed as the greatest defensive shortstop baseball has ever seen.
While Andrelton Simmons has not been around long enough to be placed in Smith's elite company, Pendleton has seen enough to at least draw some comparisons between the two.
"I know they were both born to play shortstop," Pendleton said. "[Simmons] is just so fluid. It's like, 'Put me there and leave me alone, I know what I'm supposed to do.' Ozzie was that way."
Along with being blessed with a cannon arm that is much stronger than the one Smith possessed and tremendous range, Simmons has a tremendous understanding of the game. He was alert enough to sneak behind John Mayberry Jr. to complete a pickoff play that allowed Alex Wood to escape a jam in the fifth inning of Sunday night's win over the Phillies.
During Monday night's win, Simmons showed off his arm with a pinpoint throw to the plate that denied Wilson Ramos' bid to score from first base on Adam LaRoche's two-out double in the first inning. With the potential tying run at third base and one out in the ninth, his all-out hustle led him to cover the plate as catcher Brian McCann caught Scott Hairston's popup just in front of the screen.
"[Simmons'] work ethic is off the charts," Pendleton said. "You have to shut him down. Ozzie was that way as a veteran. We had to say, 'Ozzie, is that not enough?' As an infielder, you couldn't take your ground balls and stop working because Ozzie Smith was still working. So that meant everybody has got to keep working. [Simmons] is that way now."
Simmons leads all Major League shortstops with a total of 31 in the Defensive Runs Saved category, one of the more popular defensive metrics. Minnesota's Pedro Florimon ranks second with 11 and Baltimore's J.J. Hardy ranks third with seven.
According to FanGraphs, the top two DRS totals recorded by a shortstop, since the stat was created in 2003, were registered by Adam Everett (34 with the 2006 Astros) and Jack Wilson (32 with the 2005 Pirates). Simmons should easily eclipse both marks by the end of this season.


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Macaulay Culkin is in a band. According to Page Six they call themselves The Pizza Underground and all their songs are about pizza. I'm not quite sure whether or not this is for serious or if they're f-cking around. But here's what they sound like:
Papa John says…
They all want to be musicians.
Click here to visit The Pizza Underground website. It's a lot of time, non? It's a lot of time to fill when you're famous at 8 and make millions and millions and millions and then …what? What do you do with your days? What is your life? Culkin is only 33. He's been famous for as long as he can probably remember. At some point he decided he didn't want to be famous anymore. And he didn't want to act (much) anymore. And now he's singing about pizza.


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*Mental note* In the future, do not commit to due dates that happen on the Friday of a holiday week. Got it. <- learned my lesson on that one today!
Lunch was green-themed today.
A delicious salad with spinach, tofu, avocado, leftover roasted eggplant, and a mango dressing.
With rye Triscuits.
And a side of edamame.
Some links:
- I updated the wedding page this afternoon! Check out our ring shopping adventure went yesterday.
- Worth reading: "The Picky Eater Who Came to Dinner" via New York Times. It's an interesting conversation piece about the emerging trend of special diets (Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, Paleo, etc.) and its relation to the evolution of dinner parties and restaurant dining. "The distinction is not that people have restricted diets, it's their attitude about whose responsibility it is to meet their dietary needs."
- Saw this on Seventeen Magazine's Facebook page today.
It's their pledge to never alter models' faces or body shape again. Let's hope this is a trend that catches on. 😉
{ Comments on this entry are closed }


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(also ''Emmelia'' or ''Emilia''), is the mother of Saint [[Basil the Great]] and several other children who are saints of the [[Church]]. Churches of the Russian tradition keep her feast on [[January 1]], along with her son Basil. Greek churches keep her feast on [[May 30]], along with her husband Saint [[Basil the Elder]] and her mother-in-law, Saint [[Macrina the Elder]].
Revision as of 01:33, March 7, 2005
The holy and righteous Emily (also Emmelia or Emilia), is the mother of Saint Basil the Great and several other children who are saints of the Church. Churches of the Russian tradition keep her feast on January 1, along with her son Basil. Greek churches keep her feast on May 30, along with her husband Saint Basil the Elder and her mother-in-law, Saint Macrina the Elder.
There are precious few descriptions of Saint Emily's life. She was the daughter of a martyr and the daughter-in-law of Macrina the Elder. Along with her husband Basil the Elder, she gave birth to ten children. She instilled the Orthodox faith in her children, teaching them to pray and devote their lives to the service of the Church. As a result of her zealous yet maternal instruction of her children, five of them are commemorated as saints on the calendar of the Church: Saints Macrina, Basil, Peter of Sebaste, Gregory of Nyssa, and Theosebia, a deaconess. Therefore, Saint Emily is often called without exaggeration "the mother of saints.


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Topic: Boba Fett-like characters in books, movies, comics, etc.
For anyone new to the boards, this is a "clone," if you will of an old topic in the achives, but in no way am I taking credit for it. I did not create the original topic.
Here is my list: Snape from Harry Potter (cunning, loyal and trecherous, emotionless); Rohanoa Zoro, Mr.0/Sir Crocodile, and Juraquille "Hawk-Eye" Mihawk from One Piece; Wolverine from X-men


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Paul will end the nanny state
To the Editor:
As a reader who has followed your reporting on the imminent election here, I write to share information that has been missing in your coverage. Your readers deserve to know that Representative Ron Paul offers the only responsible choice for restoring our state and nation to greatness.
While both President Obama and Governor Romney have supported bailouts and unaffordable health care plans, only Ron Paul has stood steadfast in his commitment to free enterprise. Paul will eliminate our foreign entanglements that have plundered American blood and treasure.
And only Paul is committed to ending the "nanny state" that seeks to have government dictate every aspect of our lives. Our economy and our country can only be restored when government gives individuals back responsibility for their own lives.
I urge everyone reading this to vote for Ron Paul.
Michael Thompson


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A remarkably robust bushy shrub rose blooms with special thick filled flowers. Big beautiful flowers with scale-shaped rosettes in pink, apricot and yellow tones. It is a healthy rose with nice formed and colored leaves, that will bloom the entire summer very well. Each day you will enjoy the beauty of this very strong fragrant rose in your garden.
Pruning Roses? Klick Here
All shipping costs within Europe »
All rights reserved 2020: Forwart


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Click here to submit your Membership Application and pay dues to become a member:
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Donate directly to the Metroplex Atheists general fund. You know you want to!
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My Girl.... Emma Case
Hey, Its Pete!
I have hijacked Emmas blog to post something I want to share with you lovely, lovely people. Some folk will know me as Emma's husband, the gurning, bearded, photo bombing toddler with tourettes. Others won't know or care that much. I just felt an overwhelming need to devote a post to my girl, my wife, my soul mate, my best friend ..... Emma Case.
We've been together for almost 6 years now. I am so so lucky to know a girl like Emma. She is an immense package of love, laughter, strength, talent, honesty, modesty and possesses the largest most generous heart anyone could wish to encounter.
Anna Hardy Photography
Steve Gerrard Photography
Turns out she thought I was alright, and we got ourselves married this year! Easily the best day of my life!
In my little round up speech on the day (fumble of words) I intended to devote a whole section to Emma. I'll be honest, I was a heady cocktail of nerves, excitement and on the verge of tears. In circumstances like this I usually look annoyed! So I never did give Emma the full devoted eulogy she deserved. It was to revolve around a note I had written to Emma about five months into our relationship. I think Emma was working on the night. In the note I had said, just how much I would miss her that night, that just lying next to her, talking, laughing and ...... (well this is a family post!) being around her, made the world a better place, that she made me want to be a better person, to chase dreams together, how easy and natural everything had felt the first time we met.
I'll spare you the sick bucket.... My speech would then conclude that I felt exactly the same after five years together...... Awwwwwww
Being a big believer in karma, and the "you get out what you put in" attitude to life, it really is no surprise to me how amazing Emma is at everything she does. She throws herself wholeheartedly, unapologetically and courageously into every element of her life. Be it acting and performing, sign language, support work or even photography ;-)
I don't think Emma realises just how much she means to me, how in awe of her I am. She brings so much love and energy to any situation. Emma carries this immense glow and presence around her, people are literally drawn to her and cannot help but fall in love with her! I am literally bursting with pride that she is being honoured with award nominations for her photography!
Yes we've had ups and downs this year, and yes we are in desperate need of a holiday! (four years and counting) but just knowing that I get to be with you, laughing, dancing, doing stupid voices, walking in the park, sharing experiences with our beautiful friends is the best thing in the world.
Thank you for everything!
Your Boy....
Pete xxx
Labels: personal, photography
I'll always adore weddings and will forever love to shoot them but it's always a lovely treat when I get to try other things.. so when I got an email from a certain lovely lady, London Bride.. asking if I'd like to do a shoot for a new project I was in.
The lovely Charley has teamed up with the equally lovely Fanni (from Fubu Media) and Josie (from Savoir Weddings) to do a wonderfully ambitious and downright amazing new online magazine 'Dashing' with the tagline 'an inspirational magazine for the stylish and spirited girl'. It launched on December 1st and I'll be honest.. I couldn't be prouder of everyone who was involved. To see all of us doing what we love, working hard, thinking of an idea and seeing it through.. and doing it so bloody brilliantly.. it makes me smile lots. I'm actually not a huge reader of magazines as I've never found one that ticked enough boxes for the kind of things I'm in to or like to read about.. but I'll be honest.. Dashing hits all the right nails on their heads.. within two minutes I had ear marked a pair of shoes and even Pete was reading it!
Girls.. you totally nailed it and thank you so much for asking me to be a part of the first issue... I can't wait for the next one!
You can devour the first issue here which includes my 'Sixties in the city' shoot and a little interview with me too!!
Here a few of my favourite images from the shoot.. a huge thank you also to the incredible Elbie for the fabulous hair and make-up and the stunning Alana Hillenaar for modelling.. :)
Labels: Dashing, magazine, photography, shoots
from our hearts...
Back in September the From Our Hearts' girls (Anna Hardy, Debs Ivelja, Joanna Brown and me)... headed down to Jo's beautiful cottage in West Sussex for a few days of R&R... armed with our cameras we had the most beautiful day in Arundel, finding the most amazing antique shop with one room fit to bursting with cameras... we walked along the beach, me and Jo went horseriding (no photos of that thankfully!).. and then spent the rest of the time sat in our pj's or sitting in the garden eating scrummy food and drinking wine. These girls mean the world to me.. we haven't know each other very long but we love each other dearly and seem to know each other pretty well by now.. they are a constant huge support and often make me laugh so much that I cry... they're a bloody talented bunch too and I'm so proud of each of them..
We all went a bit mad in the camera shop and I bought myself a little Coronet 120 Cadet for a tenner and I've just got my first film back and I'm pretty chuffed with the results... :)
We all went a bit mad in the camera shop and I bought myself a little Coronet 120 Cadet for a tenner and I've just got my first film back and I'm pretty chuffed with the results... :)
at 16:09 3 comments:
Labels: 120mm, film, from our hearts, holga, personal, photography, seaside, vintage


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Okay, so he looks pretty decent on the whole, but he doesn't split apart.
Anyone else planning on customising a split-apart Blast-Attak? 'Cause I sure am!
Also, do you folks consider him an Evil Warrior, or in with the Snake Men?
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NAI Global offices are leading local firms who have chosen and been chosen in kind, to be part of a cohesive global organization that is actively managed for peak performance. Each office is united around a shared commitment to exceptional service. >>
NAI Global offices are free to act quickly and creatively on your behalf. Local leaders take your business personally and deliver a superior level of service that can't be duplicated elsewhere. That's 375+ offices and a team of over 6,000 professionals around the world, all taking your business personally. >>
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Investments in the hospitality industry such as hotel and resorts are unique due to the combination of real estate and business investment. Many attributes of a business are displayed together with a high capital outlay that is the norm in investment sales. Unlike standard properties, rentals of resort and hotel rooms have a short shelf life, as guests stay for as little as a day.
Rental rates can also vary widely during the year depending on festive seasons and local events. Also, unique to the hospitality world, is the level of management and staffing necessary to operate each facility. All of these factors can directly contribute to the value of the property, offering an intriguing and profitable potential for real estate investments.
NAI's Hotel experts provide services covering the full range of hospitality property values including five-star, timeshare, mixed-use boutique hotels with retail and multifamily and convention centers.
Our specialists have diverse backgrounds in hotels and hospitality brokerage, operations, consulting, development and finance. Their expertise extends to the specific marketing and sales of hotels, motels, pubs and clubs – providing additional services including site selection analysis, construction and property management.
NAI Global works with institutions and private investors seeking to maximize their real estate position for properties ranging from portfolios of owned real estate and non-performing loans to single-tenant net leases, multifamily properties, hotels, industrial parks and corporate headquarters. We maintain relationships with buyers of hospitality properties, and continually track activity along product type, value range and geographic area. >>
Our local experts are on call to provide the skills and historical data together with recommendations based on present-day market conditions to value and position your current properties or ones you may wish to purchase. >>


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A Broward County Sheriff's Deputy is fighting to get his job back after he went on a joyride with friends in his police car on Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale last August.
A police officer pulled over Deputy Rodrigo Mello's BSO cruiser thinking it was stolen, but it wasn't. They found Deputy Mello, 33, behind the wheel and two of his friends drunk inside the car, according to police documents obtained by NBC 6.
One of his friends took over the PA system and started yelling in the speaker causing numerous people to call 911.
Dispatcher: "Can you tell me what they were yelling?"
Caller: "One thing was something about 'Put your vaginas back inside' and one of them was 'How are your hot dogs?'"
Documents show Mello was not on-duty and wasn't in uniform, but he was in a marked car. The deputy was fired back in January and has been fighting to get his job back.
Police union president Jeff Marano said the County made a mistake by firing him.
"He admitted what he did was wrong and not very intelligent, to say the least, but a lot of times we do silly things to relieve the stress of our jobs," said Marano.
An arbitrator hasn't been assigned to the case yet.


text:
Enter Hardtied Now!
Rain Meets The Woodsman
Rain DeGrey stars in a Hardtied feature. In this film the sadistic "Woodsman" is going to teach her the dangers of wandering so far alone. The forest is a vast place where people get lost all of the time. Once he has her in his grasp she knows that no rescue is coming. Her only hope is that he lets her go and the only way that is happening is if she completely satisfies his every sick desire....
Read More
18 U.S.C. 2257 Compliance Statement


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ethan is a loser
It possesses the quality of the forums
I'd join, but I'm certain I'll mess up and get kicked again. Not to mention I acted extremely toxic during my time there. So I'll pass.
What were you kicked for? It's difficult to get kicked there unless you post something really disgraceful.
It's been a while since my kick, but from what someone told me it was for using bot commands in the wrong channel.
Oh, that's easy to avoid doing. Rejoin.
I'm aware what most people made of me while I was there, so I'll decline.
Oh come on the server is freaking great
Is it just me, or is the activity there declining?
I feel like I wont belong to the server,plus I dont feel safe there
You don't seem to feel safe anywhere haha
Wait for it to kick off here lol
it already has...
blame yourself oof
Nope but I know who to blame
whom do you blame
Is anyone else besides me on the Mumbo Jumbo Discord?
Excuse me, but what on Earth is that name?
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As of October 20 2014, Ephesus will be open between 8.30am - 4.30pm.
These opening times will be applied till May 2015.
|Ephesus Travel Guide
As of October 20 2014, Ephesus will be open between 8.30am - 4.30pm.
These opening times will be applied till May 2015.
Private Ephesus Tours
Tour guide and tour operator services for Ephesus and Western Turkey. Private Tours with licensed local tour guides from Kusadasi, Selcuk, Izmir, Sirince. Private Ephesus Tours in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Russian, German, Italian
Private Ephesus Tours from Kusadasi
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Top Attractions:
House of Virgin Mary
Ephesus Archeaological Museum
Temple of Artemis
Basilica of St. John
Sirince Village
Isa Bey Mosque
Grotto of Seven Sleepers
Terrace Houses in Ephesus
Ancient City of Ephesus:
Magnesia Gate
East Gymnasium
State Agora
Basilica, Odeion
Memmius Monument
Domitian Temple
Hercules Gate
Curetes Street
Hadrian Temple
Scholastica Baths
Celcus Library
The Brothel
Commercial Agora
Marble Road
Harbour Street
Church of Mary
Ephesus in Bible
House of Virgin Mary
Temple of Artemis
Basilica of St. John
Ephesus Museum
Terrace Houses
Sirimce Village
Isa Bey Mosque
Grotto of 7 sleepers
Other places to visit near Ephesus.
Istanbul Private Walking Tours
Suggested Turkey Tour Program
Private Airport Transfers to Kusadasi
Private Pamukkale Tours
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November 2020


text:
'Oldboy' is a reinterpretation of the South Korean cult thriller
While Spike Lee's latest film is something of a departure for him, he hasn't changed his stripes as far as basketball is concerned, even if there is now a team in Brooklyn, where he grew up and where he still has his production company.
"The New York Knicks, baby," says the longtime director when asked if the Nets' move from New Jersey had any impact on his allegiance. He was wearing his customary New York Yankees hat, this one with a patch commemorating Mariano Rivera, the longtime reliever who retired this year. "It killed me that the Red Sox won this year," he laments.
Lee's new film, "Oldboy," opening Wednesday, is a mystery action thriller based on the 2003 South Korean cult film of the same name from Park Chan-wook. The new version stars Josh Brolin as Joe Doucett, an alcoholic businessman who is kidnapped and mysteriously held in solitary confinement for two decades. His only contact to the outside world is a TV set that occasionally shows programs about an unsolved heinous crime he doesn't remember committing. Then one day he is released and attempts to find out who was behind the plot.
The project was brought to Lee by his agent. The director says he and Brolin were looking for something to do together for years and the timing was finally right.
"He's a magnificent actor," Lee says about the film's star, who gained and lost 50 pounds for the role.
The original was known for its brutal fight scenes and violence, much of which Lee has kept in what he calls his "reinterpretation." While Lee has made the new film his own, he also knew when he started that there were fans of Park's version who felt another movie was unnecessary.
"It was sacrilegious. I understand cult fans are fanatical and it was like we were messing with their mama or something," he says, laughing.
"My obligation was to make the best film possible," Lee adds, "not only to Park's film but to the Japanese illustrated novel which the Korean film was based on. Josh went to Park and asked for his blessing and Park told him, 'Please make your own film. Don't try to do what we did.'?"
Lee says that while Park's film is great, he and Brolin were confident in making a new version, which was shot in New Orleans. The director says that city's distinctive look occasionally presented problems during filming because "Oldboy" is set in a nondescript city. Lee knows the city well from having done two in-depth documentaries on New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
"Oldboy" also gave Lee another reunion of sorts - this one with Samuel L. Jackson, who was in four of his films. Their last movie together was "Jungle Fever" (1991).
"Sam called up and said he wanted to be in 'Oldboy,' so I sent him the script and said pick any role except Josh's."
Jackson plays Doucett's jailer; continuing his well-known penchant for strange haircuts, his character sports a blond Mohawk.
Another key role in the movie went to Elizabeth Olsen, who plays a young medical worker who helps Doucett.
"Isn't she good?" asks Lee, already knowing the answer. "We looked at other people, but we made the right choice."
Lee says the film needed an actress who was "young enough, but old enough" for the role.
The 24-year-old younger sister of the Olsen twins has become a hot commodity in Hollywood recently, having impressed viewers in indie movies like "Martha Marcy May Marlene" and the recent "Kill Your Darlings." She has a couple of big films coming up: a remake of "Godzilla" and "The Avengers: Age of Ultron," in which she'll play the Scarlet Witch.
For moviegoers unfamiliar with the original "Oldboy," it may be hard to tell much about the new one from the trailers. Lee and Film District, which is releasing it, are playing it close to the vest because there are many twists and turns in the film and they don't want to give anything away. The movie keeps viewers guessing right up to the end, but because of the violence, it's not exactly family fare.
Lee is hoping "Oldboy" will work as counterprogramming during the Thanksgiving holiday, noting that his "Do the Right Thing" opened around the same time as Tim Burton's "Batman" in 1989 and proved to be a success.
But Lee acknowledges that filmmaking has changed since he made "Do the Right Thing," the fearless story of racial and ethnic tensions in the multiethnic Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. He hopes to take the classic film to Broadway, he says, knocking on wood. It's one of the many projects Lee, 56, is juggling.
Recently, his film "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth" debuted on HBO. Last year he directed the former heavyweight champion's one-person autobiographical play on Broadway and this summer they filmed it.
"I've known Mike since 1986, and he is the most complex person I've ever met in my life," says Lee. "He's definitely one of the most honest people I've ever met. He'd stand onstage for 90 minutes just telling you about his life, and not all of it's good."
Currently, Lee, who is also a professor at New York University's Graduate Film School, is editing "Da Blood of Jesus," "about people addicted to blood - not vampires." The director raised the money for the film through Kickstarter, the online funding platform for creative projects. "Our goal was $1.25 million and we got $1.4 million," he notes. Lee shot "Da Blood of Jesus" digitally on a Sony F55 in New York City and Martha's Vineyard in 16 days.
He says the process reminded him of making his breakout feature, "She's Gotta Have It" (1986), when he raised money from friends, donations and grants. But he knows the days are over when a studio would make something as out-there politically and substantively as his 2000 film "Bamboozled," about an African-American TV writer who pitches a blackface minstrel show in protest, only to have it picked up by a network.
Could he make something like that today? "Kickstarter," he jokes.
Lee is also circling around a biopic of music executive Neil Bogart starring Justin Timberlake. Bogart, who died at age 39 in 1982, helped launch the careers of Donna Summer, KISS and the Village People.
Right now, though, eyes will be on "Oldboy."
Lee knows that despite complaints about a remake, few in this country ever saw the South Korean film and there is a vast audience to be had. The filmmaker's "reinterpretation" packs quite a wallop in its own right - especially for people who haven't seen the original. Plus there are no subtitles, something many Americans dislike.
"Nothing is easy, but we didn't run away from challenges," says Lee about making "Oldboy." The die-hard Knicks fan should know about challenges. The Knicks haven't won a championship since 1973.


text:
When asked our girls what they were thankful for this is what they said:
Pink car
sleepovers at grandma's
nana's house
going boating
dora and diego
mommy tickling parties
daddy giving them cartwheels
This season we are also thankful for our family being well. We want to wish you and yours a happy holiday too.
Posted via my Android mobile phone


text:
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SAMJ: South African Medical Journal
versión On-line ISSN 2078-5135
versión impresa ISSN 0256-9574
SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. vol.101 no.5 Pretoria may. 2011
Cannabis legal debacle
To the Editor: The editorial in the SAMJ1 questioning whether it is time to decriminalise drugs refers.
The Central Drug Authority (CDA) produced the South African Position Paper on Cannabis in 2004; however, the document was never made public or released.2 The Position Paper builds a case for prohibition on a 'public health' basis and ostensibly represents the government's position regarding cannabis.
The Position Paper is fatally flawed, particularly considering that it does not contain a discussion regarding the numbers of deaths from the drug. The 2002 Canadian Senate investigation into cannabis reported that 'Cannabis presents almost no toxicity and cannot lead to an overdose.'3 The authors of the Position Paper found it possible to ignore this finding, incredibly excluding any discussion of mortality from the entire paper. If the Canadians are correct, and if smoking cannabis is essentially harmless - since there are no bodies to point to - why does the state constantly arrest and lock people up for it? South Africa has 3 195 000 cannabis users4 yet the CDA failed to produce one body as evidence of its danger.
The Position Paper furthermore does not examine the costs or the consequences of the prohibition it perpetuates. It makes no mention of the number of arrests for cannabis and the consequences of subsequent prosecutions and incarceration. In 2008/9, the SA Police Services (SAPS) arrested 111 548 people for drug-related matters. Cannabis accounts for over 80% of drug investigations by SAPS,5 which means that around 90 000 people were arrested for cannabis possession, cultivation and sale. The SAPS use helicopters to spray large cannabis plantations with glyphosate. The areas sprayed for the years 2006 -2009 were 170 hectares, 260 hectares, 1 745 hectares and 1 275 hectares respectively. The Position Paper is silent on spraying and its potential health effects. The Canadian Senate investigation found that the cost of policing the prohibition constitutes the predominant cost of the prohibition.6
The history of the prohibition of cannabis in South Africa reveals an inherently racist foundation for prohibition. This consideration is not mentioned in the Position Paper - and neither is South Africa's leading role in having cannabis prohibited internationally in 1923.
Notwithstanding the call made in the 1999 National Drug Master Plan for research into decriminalisation and legalisation of cannabis, there is no discussion of a possible change in the legal position in the Position Paper.
The prohibition has failed. The Position Paper is government propaganda filled with half-truths and misrepresentations. The time has come to question the efficacy of treating drug addiction through legal wranglings and incarceration - rather than treating it as the medical problem it is.
Marius de Kock
Cape Town
1. Van Niekerk JPdeV. Time to decriminalise drugs? S Afr Med J 2011;101(2): 84-85. [ Links ]
2. http://www.wikileaks.ch/wiki/South_Africa_Central_Drug_Authority_Position_Paper_on_Cannabis,_2004 (accessed 15 March 2011). [ Links ]
3. Report of the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs, September 2002. Ottowa: Parliament of Canada, 2002:6. http://www.parl.gc.ca/37/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/ille-e/rep-e/summary-e.htm (accessed 15 March 2011). [ Links ]
4. Central Drug Authority Annual Report 2008/9. Pretoria: Central Drug Authority, 2009:137. [ Links ]
5. Central Drug Authority Annual Report 2008/9. Pretoria: Central Drug Authority, 2009:80. [ Links ]
6. Report of the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs, September 2002. Ottowa: Parliament of Canada, 2002:28. http://www.parl.gc.ca/37/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/ille-e/rep-e/summary-e.htm (accessed 15 March 2011). [ Links ]


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See more from the Westwood Stratton collection.
Westwood Stratton Collection Convertible Crib
The Stratton Collection is designed to a scale that is equally comfortable in a nursery or a teen room. This collection features Crib, Dressers, Hutch, and Nightstand. Help provide ample storage for everything in a child's room. The Stratton Convertible Crib is a contemporary take on the traditional slat-style crib, with smooth lines worked into the design to create a soothing and comforting ambiance. The Stratton Dressers makes wonderful finishing pieces for any nursery. The Stratton Dressers also features solid wooden dovetail drawers, covered ball bearing glides and high-quality furniture construction.
The furnishings in this collection are offered in two finishes: Virgina Cherry & Chocolate Mist.
Stratton Convertible Crib
- Converts to a toddler bed (guard rail included)
- Converts to daybed, or full size bed
- Steel spring mattress support, three height adjustments
- Solid hardwood construction
- Sturdy design
- JPMA Certified, exceeds all current US mandatory and voluntary standards
- Weight: 136 lbs
64"w x 51.5"h x 31"d
The Westwood Stratton Convertible Crib is a versatile crib, perfect for your nursery. This crib offers a unique twist to the classic crib with its arching backboard. The rest of the Westwood Stratton Collection, as well as other Westwood Furniture and Westwood Cribs, is available on our website. You can also look at Westwood Conversion Rails, which will allow this classic look to last a lifetime. Mattresses are also available for your convenience.
View More Westwood Nursery Sets
View More Westwood Cribs
View More Westwood Conversion Kits
Additional Info
|Westwood Designs
|Product Dimensions
|31 x 64 x 51.5


text:
Top Art Universities in US for Animation? My dream is to be an animator in Pixar when I grow up. I'm 14 now, and I really want a head start in knowing the TOP art universities that can help me pursue my animation art career.
market samurai ~ marketsamurai ~ marketsamurai.com
animation art
(New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, etc)
Post Reply
2 posts • Page 1 of 1
animation art
Last edited by oneetha on Fri Feb 04, 2011 10:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- BlueRockAngel
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 5:45 pm
Re: animation art
I went to Columbus College of Art and Design, they seemed to have a good animation department. They worked hours on animations. So you are going to have to work really hard to get to where you want to be. The first year you won't be working in your field, you will be taking foundation classes. So you will be doing a lot a drawing.
Post Reply
2 posts • Page 1 of 1


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The optional SUNW_PKG_ALLZONES package parameter describes the zone scope of a package. This parameter defines the following:
Whether a package is required to be installed on all zones
Whether a package is required to be identical in all zones
The SUNW_PKG_ALLZONES package parameter has two permissible values. These values are true and false. The default value is false. If this parameter is either not set or set to a value other than true or false, the value false is used.
The SUNW_PKG_ALLZONES parameter should be set to true for packages that must be the same package version and patch revision level across all zones. Any package that delivers functionality dependent on a particular Solaris kernel, for example, Solaris 10, should set this parameter to true. Any patch for a package must set the SUNW_PKG_ALLZONES parameter to the same value that is set in the installed package being patched. The patch revision level for any package that sets this parameter to true must be the same across all zones.
Packages that deliver functionality not dependent on a particular Solaris kernel, such as third-party packages or Sun compilers, should set this parameter to false. Any patch for a package that sets this parameter to false must also set this parameter to false. Both the package version or the patch revision level for any package that sets this parameter to false can be different between zones. For example, two non-global zones could each have a different version of a web server installed.
The SUNW_PKG_ALLZONES package parameter values are described in the following table.Table 25–2 SUNW_PKG_ALLZONES Package Parameter Values
This package can be installed from the global zone to the global zone only, or to the global zone and to all non-global zones. The package can also be installed from any non-global zone to the same non-global zone.
If removed from the global zone, the package is not removed from other zones. The package can be removed from individual non-global zones.
If installed on the global zone, this package must also be installed on all non-global zones. If removed from the global zone, the package must also be removed from all non-global zones.


text: As this is my first post I'd first like to say sorry if I'm using the incorrect sub-forum for my question. My question is what are some decent options to learn the language? So far I've spent some time on youtube tutorials, followed oracles tutorials most of the way through and various other tutorials. Other that I am brand new to programming, and computers in general too, so that might not be the best start for me But I'm looking into a site called javaonline.org and was curious if any of the veterans have heard of it? If not, what would be another online option with limited funds and a current full time job in mind? Any advice is greatly appreciated, oh and hello for the first time. I can't wait until i can contribute to this forum as much as i can and get my code on!


text:
The small classes at Tarleton Day School were perfect for our daughter's early education. Her teachers knew her well and she formed nice friendships with her classmates.
Tarleton provided the personalized attention that has allowed our daughter to flourish as a student and as an individual. As a three year old, she was welcomed into a nurturing, fun environment that left with her a sincere love for her school. Over each of the four years she enjoyed at Tarleton we saw her successfully take on new challenges with the support of committed and caring faculty. She graduated from Tarleton well prepared for her future and most importantly, with a genuine love of learning and the self-confidence needed to excel in her academic career.
In addition to a solid curriculum, the students at Tarleton are exposed to the arts and sciences in a fun and creative way. For our children, Tarleton School sparked a passion for learning that they have carried forward.
The teachers at Tarleton School are experienced, reliable, and kind. I always felt that my son's well being was their highest priority when it came to his learning, behavior, and overall happiness.
My favorite thing I learned at Tarleton was French and Spanish. If I hadn't learned French at Tarleton, I would never have known about French because they don't teach French yet at my school.


text:
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Piggy vs. Wolf
As if blowing your house down wasn't enough – these big bad wolves just can't get enough of the three piglets. In order to stop them and save your precious bacon you need to shoot them down with bow and arrow. Be quick, be accurate and you won't need to fear them howling at the moon.
Skill, Action Games
Zombie Apocalypse
Brains! The Zombie crowd is attacking you in this free online action game for your smartphone! The apocalypse is here and the brain eating kind of people has grown immensely. This new online mobile free game will rattle your nerves! You have to help yourself and kill all of them before they can reach you and that tasty brain of yours. With all kinds of unlockable weapons and no mercy you may have a chance against the nation of the Undead. Play this new Action game online from your smartphone for FREE!
Halloween Games, Skill, Action Games


text:
On any given day in Egypt, a U.S. ally with a much-criticized human rights record, citizens who cross the nation's security forces may be subject to brutal violence, according to a leading human rights organization here.
Complaints arrive daily: An 18-year-old man was beaten in a police station and thrown off a third floor balcony. Another man was punched and flogged. Earlier, a family was dragged to the police station, where the father was beaten and the women were threatened with rape.
These and hundreds more allegations have been logged into Egypt's "torture diary," a chronicle of claimed transgressions compiled by the Nadeem Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence, an independent victims advocacy group.
Drawing on news reports, a hot line and attorneys for those who say they were on the receiving end of state-sponsored violence, the center notes alleged incidents each day, then releases a full report at the end of each month
According to local human rights groups, which work with Nadeem to compile the accounts, police brutality in the Arab world's most populous nation has become the norm rather than the exception.
The 18-year-old man, Mohamed Salah, a minivan driver, reportedly was assaulted and tortured July 4 by two plainclothes police agents in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura. He was eventually thrown off the third floor balcony. He is currently in a coma.
April 8 was an especially busy day for complaints against Egypt's security forces: A 24-year-old man allegedly was flogged and punched at a police station in the ancient city of Giza, the home of Egypt's pyramids, because he refused to inform on drug dealers in his neighborhood.
In the Nile Delta, police reportedly beat 200 people and arrested 10 of them during a peaceful demonstration against a sudden hike in housing costs.
Three pro-reform activists allegedly were held without charge after they distributed fliers in support of Mohamed ElBaradei, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who's emerged as a possible challenger to the U.S.-backed authoritarian president, Hosni Mubarak.
State sanctioned violence?
The Nadeem center's diarists charge that the reports reveal patterns of state-sanctioned violence that could help victims' cases and prove to Egypt's Western allies that the Mubarak administration's promises of reform are empty.
Despite several requests, the Egyptian Interior Ministry wouldn't make an official available to comment for this article.
Magda Adly, the director of the Nadeem center, said that Nadeem and other groups had presented the cases to the U.N. Human Rights Council, which convened last month. The council periodically reviews countries' human rights records.
"It is a counter-message to what the state is doing. These are not the mistakes of one person, this is a systematic intimidation and humiliation of 80 million Egyptians," said Adly, who charged that she, too, had been a victim of state security tactics when a policeman beat her so badly in 2008 that she fell and broke her shoulder.
Called "Egyptians in an Emergency State," the diary takes aim at Egypt's broad emergency laws as they're applied to average Egyptians and political dissidents. The laws, in effect for nearly 30 years, allow authorities to make arbitrary arrests, hold prisoners indefinitely without trial and prosecute civilians in military courts.
Cracking down on terrorists, drug traffickers?
Mubarak's government says that the laws, which were extended for another two years in May, are vital for building cases against terrorists and major drug traffickers. Pro-reform activists and human rights groups, however, say the code more often is used to intimidate people and to stifle dissent against Mubarak, who's ruled Egypt since 1981 and remains one of Washington's most reliable friends in the region.
"I get three to five calls a day from people complaining of police insults, arbitrary arrests and torture," said Haitham Mohamdein, a staff lawyer with Nadeem who also runs the group's hot line.
Addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council on June 11 in Geneva, Hossam Bahgat, the executive director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, a legal advocacy group, criticized the authorities' continued use of emergency laws.
"The repeated renewal of the state of emergency and the reliance on its sweeping repressive measures sends the message that the government sees itself and its powerful security apparatus as being above the law. The result has been a pervasive atmosphere of impunity for human rights violations, particularly with regard to the systematic and widespread practice of torture in places of detention," Bahgat said.
The issue of police brutality has surged to the forefront of national news in Egypt with big demonstrations in recent weeks to protest the apparent beating death of 28-year-old Khaled Said.
According to witnesses, two plainclothes policemen beat Said last month, ramming his head against a marble slab, an iron gate and the steps of a staircase, until he died. After Nadeem and other human rights groups challenged early dismissive statements about the case and public outrage persisted, authorities charged two police officers with torture and excessive use of force.
Nadeem staff members charged that their diary showed Said's case was far from isolated and that there had been more than 200 alleged human rights violations since February.
Mohamdein said the pattern he noticed from the phone calls and written diary accounts was that authorities generally arrested men ages 18 to 45. Torture is common _ including electric shock _ along with sexual harassment and harsh beatings, Mohamdein said, and the cases rarely end up in court, either because the victims are too scared to press charges or because authorities stall the legal process and protect their officers.
Even keeping the diary is risky, Adly said. She said security officials regularly subjected Nadeem's staff to threats and intimidation. Other obstacles include victims who are reluctant to report their stories because they've been threatened with more brutality if they share their cases with human rights groups, Adly said.
Those who do come forward tell stories that make for chilling reading. The diary paints a picture of security forces striking against ordinary citizens with impunity.
Most entries are lists of complaints: A family in Alexandria – a father, mother and daughter – reportedly were dragged in the street to the police station on Feb. 18. The father allegedly was beaten and the daughter threatened with rape. Another entry on Feb. 21 says a 4-year-old boy reportedly was detained in the Nile Delta city of Tanta to coerce his father into giving himself up to the authorities.
"From the moment of the arrest it is a mission of breaking the victims' dignity in front of the family members and neighbors, ending their humanity," Adly said.
Emergency laws as election issue
As Egypt prepares for parliamentary elections this fall and presidential polls next year, political opposition groups have made the emergency laws a centerpiece of their many grievances against Mubarak's heavy-handed rule.
In addition to the broad detention measures, the emergency decree restricts freedom of speech, prohibits demonstrations and limits gatherings to five people _ tools the regime has employed to its advantage in past elections.
Egyptians are becoming so upset with the emergency laws that even some members of Mubarak's ruling National Democratic Party now speak against keeping the country under perpetual martial law.
"In my view, the emergency state shouldn't have been extended, and shouldn't be limited to terrorism and drug trafficking," said Georgette Qelliny, a Mubarak-allied legislator who's also on the board of the state-run National Council for Human Rights. "What if we have a famine or a flood or any natural disaster, and martial laws are needed? How do we handle the situation then?"
Edward al Dahaby, the head of the human rights committee in parliament and a member of the National Democratic Party, the ruling bloc in parliament, declined to comment on the issue.
(Nagger is a McClatchy special correspondent.)
Related stories:
- Egypt's denial of police brutality in Khalid Said death spurs fresh protest
- Is Obama starting to prod Egypt on human rights?
- Egypt news coverage
Beating death in Egypt ignites protests over police brutality
Muslim praise for Obama dries up a year after Cairo speech


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VH1's Divas Have Deployed!
Katy Perry, Sugarland, Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj, Paramore and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals Performed From Military Bases Around The World
First Lady MichelIe Obama, Brandy, MC Lyte, Marisa Miller, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Jeffrey Ross, Michael Strahan and Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi & Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino of "Jersey Shore" Took Part in "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Kathy Griffin Hosted The Evening
The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" To Air On Sunday, December 5 At 9:00 PM ET/PT
For Sneak Peek Performances And Moments From The Show Go To Divas.VH1.com
MIRAMAR, Calif., Dec. 4, 2010 -- Katy Perry, Sugarland, Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj, Paramore and Grace Potter saluted America's armed service men and women in signature VH1 Divas style tonight with blow-out performances from military bases around the world. The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" concert event will be televised on Sunday, December 5 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on VH1 and internationally courtesy of the Armed Forces Network.
The evening also featured a star-studded roster of guest performers including Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart and presenters and special guests including First Lady MichelIe Obama, Brandy, Marisa Miller, MC Lyte, Jeffrey Ross, Michael Strahan and Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi & Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from MTV's "Jersey Shore." The show was hosted by the legendary Kathy Griffin.
In their inaugural performance as VH1's newest Divas, Katy Perry, Keri Hilson and Jennifer Nettles all took to the stage to kick off the night by paying homage to the troops with the classic Army song "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."
Host Kathy Griffin then officially started the show by introducing the night's performers. In her typical boundary-pushing style, she ran through the full list of "Things I Can't Discuss" to roaring laughter and applause.
Paramore next took the show around the world to Kuwait, where they met with troops stationed there before performing their hit song "The Only Exception." Katy Perry then immediately brought the action back in-house with a gravity-defying performance of her smash summer hit "California Gurls."
Sugarland took to the stage to perform their country crossover single "Stuck Like Glue," after a very special introduction by supermodel Marisa Miller and Jennifer Nettles' brother, a member of the Air Force.
Kathy Griffin cemented her status as grand Diva of comedy with her hilarious "News from the Homefront" sketch, bringing big laughs from the thousands of troops and civilians in attendance.
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi & Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino introduced Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, who performed "Paris Ooh La La." In a stunning rock/pop collaboration, the band then performed with legendary Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart, singing "Crazy on You."
Hip Hop legend MC Lyte, alongside an Army officer, introduced Nicki Minaj, who performed "Moment for Life." She and Katy Perry followed up with a duet of former VH1 Diva Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Kathy and Katy then welcomed Comedy Central celebrity roast master and professional funnyman Jeffrey Ross, who entertained the audience with his unique brand of sharp-tongued humor.
Bringing the show back to the Middle East, Paramore sang "My Hero" from the base in Kuwait. Back at Miramar Air Force base, Brandy and a Navy soldier then introduced Keri Hilson, who performed "Pretty Girl Rock."
In the final two powerful performances of the night, Sugarland performed Aretha Franklin's "Think," with Keri Hilson, and Katy Perry ignited the audience with a performance of her red-hot single "Firework."
Adding a very special message to the evening was First-Lady Michelle Obama, who spoke about the inspirational work of the USO and all the men and women of the armed services.
Kathy Griffin, Katy Perry, Keri Hilson, Jennifer Nettles, Nicki Minaj, Grace Potter and Ann and Nancy Wilson all concluded the night with goodbyes and a sincere message of thanks to all the service men and women serving around the world. Throughout the evening, many service men and women also had the chance to share with viewers their experience serving and send messages to loved ones back home.
For sneak peek performances and moments from the show go to Divas.VH1.com now. Select solo performances not seen in the on-air show will be available only online at Divas.VH1.com following the on-air premiere on Sunday. Additionally, the "VH1 Divas Live Viewing Party," which starts at 6 PM ET at Divas.VH1.com will give fans an opportunity to chat with one another about the show as it airs. The live online viewing party will also include video footage including exclusive interviews from the show and select show performances.
Divas.VH1.com is also home to the "Salute the Troops Photo Mosaic." Users are encouraged to add their photos to the mosaic as a way to show their support for the troops. For every photo shared, VH1 will donate $1 to USO's Operation Enduring Care, up to $10,000. Users can submit photos at Divas.VH1.com using Facebook Connect. For the latest news and details about the show, visit Divas.VH1.com and USO.org.
Premiering on VH1 in 1998, "Divas" became synonymous with some of the most memorable live female vocal performances in television history. The show quickly became a highly anticipated annual phenomenon, generating speculation among music fans and industry executives on who would be part of that year's telecast. Last year, the "Divas" franchise returned to critical acclaim after a four year hiatus, reinvigorating the franchise with the best of current female performers that included Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks. Previous featured performers over the years included Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Cher, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Chaka Khan and many more.
The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" is executive produced by Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim and Greg Sills. Kelly Brock and David Wild serve as co-producers.
The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" is presented by AT&T, Old Navy, The Hershey Company, GEICO, Wendy's International and COVERGIRL.
About the USO:
The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at thousands of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.
The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors. In addition to individual donors and other corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners American Airlines, AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this patriotic mission and to learn more about the USO, please visit www.uso.org.
About VH1:
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 98 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.


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The report analyzes and presents an overview on "Global Coffee Market: Trends And Opportunities (2016-2020)" worldwide.
The report titled Global Coffee Market: Trends & Opportunities (2016-2020) provides an in-depth analysis of the global coffee market with detailed analysis of market sizing and growth, market share and economic impact of the industry. The report also provides the production and consumption analysis of the market. The report provides detailed market analysis of the global retail coffee market by value and volume along with the segments of the market.
The report provides detailed regional analysis of Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America Middle East & Africa and Australasia for the coffee market. Regional analysis includes market sizing by value along with the production and consumption analysis. It also provides the retail sales value of each region.
The report also includes the country analysis of Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, Ethiopia and India. It provides the production and consumption analysis along with the export-import trends in each of the above mentioned countries.
Furthermore, the report assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the global retail coffee market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends. The competition in global coffee market is stiff and dominated by the big players like Nestle. Further, key players of the coffee market The J.M. Smucker Company, Mondelez International Inc. and Strauss Group Ltd. are also profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.
Get The Sample Copy Of This Report @ http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/703135
Regional Coverage
- Western Europe
- Eastern Europe
- North America
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
- Australasia
Country Coverage
- Brazil
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Ethiopia
- India
Company Coverage
- The J.M. Smucker Company
- Mondelez International Inc.
- Strauss Group Ltd.
Executive Summary
Global coffee market increased at a significant CAGR during the span of 5 years i.e. 2011-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 tremendously. The market can be segmented on the basis of end-users as retail coffee market and food services market, of which global retail coffee market displayed an increase, driving the global coffee market. The increasing consumption of coffee led by the westernization trend in India, China and Latin America drive the market in the positive direction.
Browse More Beverages Market Research Reports
The growth drivers for the global coffee market are: rise in disposable income, rapid urbanization and increase in the population along with the emergence of caf culture and new consumer base. Despite the market is governed by various growth drivers, there are certain challenges faced by the market such as: aging of coffee trees, lack of government support, negative impact of climate change, price volatility and increase in production cost.
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A Moral and Military Dilemma
For the past month, the international community has been trying to protect Libyan civilians from troops loyal to dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The United States confirmed last week that it would begin sending unmanned armed drones over Libya to support international coalition efforts there, a move welcomed by rebel forces.
But since the resolution agreed by the United Nations Security Council expressly forbids NATO troops on Libyan soil, intervention has only come from the air.
So what is the aim of this mission? Will the protection of civilians only end when Gaddafi has fallen?
Otfried Nassauer, founding director of the Berlin Information-center for Transatlantic Security (BITS), says these questions are yet to be answered. "This is a mission whose aim is not yet clear," he told Deutsche Welle. "If there is no quick military success, it could turn into a long and ugly foreign intervention, like in Afghanistan, or a conflict which you don't know how to end, like Kosovo."
No feasible way out
A quick military success is certainly not in sight. And Nassauer says that NATO has relatively few ways out of Libya, especially because France, Britain and the US have ruled out direct negotiations with the Libyan regime. "In other words, it's not just a military stand-off, but a political one, which both sides can only get out of with difficulty," he said.
For NATO, that means more airstrikes, even if weeks and months go by. The idea is to destroy Gaddafi's heavy weapons, his ammunitions stores and his communications structure, but that's extremely difficult, as the current siege of the port town of Misrata has shown.
There, the rebels are desperately calling for western ground troops, and the regime's soldiers and mercenaries have already infiltrated the civilian population and are fighting the rebels from within the city. NATO, meanwhile, is calling on civilians to leave the areas of fighting, so their airstrikes can proceed.
A divided country?
Still, Michael Brzoska of Hamburg University's Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy, says intensifying the military intervention would be a grave mistake for NATO. "I don't see a good exit at the moment," he told Deutsche Welle. "I'm assuming that in the end the country will be divided, perhaps in western and eastern halves, maybe with some enclaves on the Tunisian border. Then NATO will have to guarantee that there will be no major outbreaks of violence between the two sides."
Brzoska was always opposed to a swift military intervention, and would have preferred a more intensive cooperation with Arab countries. But he says NATO has no choice but to stay the course, for now.
"I don't think Gaddafi can expect NATO to withdraw so he can achieve a military victory. NATO can't afford to lose face like that," Brzoska said. "Of all the bad options, perhaps the most defensible is a long-term low-level NATO intervention," he added.
But Nassauer warned that staying for the long haul entails its own risks. "You can continue bombing for a long time," he said. "But NATO is being damaged because the international community's conflicts over the mission are being carried on within it. It is losing its aura of being the strongest military alliance in the world. Other reputations are being damaged, too – for instance the United Nations, who have committed themselves to this concept of taking responsibility for the protection of civilians, but have been unable to realize it."
The Security Council's Libya resolution expressly confines itself to protecting the civilian population. This new moral principle, which emerged following the genocide in Rwanda and the Balkans, dictates that the international community is responsible for civilians if the state fails to keep them safe. Brzoska describes the dilemma that this leads to, and which has to be faced every time on a case-by-case basis.
"That protection has to be there," he says. "It's very important for a lot of people round the world that they are not at the mercy of their governments. But that doesn't mean that we in the West should be like moral arbiters, deciding the future of a country by keeping long-term military operations going."
It's exactly that – a long-term military operation – that NATO is now committed to in Libya. Whether the members want it or not, NATO is a combatant there, not an arbiter.
Sandra Petersmann
© Deutsche Welle 2011
Deutsche Welle editor: Rob Mudge, Qantara.de editor: Lewis Gropp


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Dropbox, a San Francisco start-up whose service helps users sync their files across a multitude of devices, announced some eye-popping growth Monday: it now has 25 million users, up from 4 million just 15 months ago.
Dropbox, which offers both free and paid services, is now used to save more than 200 million files a day. And according to company founders Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi, they're on track to some day serve hundreds of millions of users.
"We're really focused on the broader problems that everyone encounters with their computers," said Houston, 28, who started Dropbox as a graduate student at MIT. "We've been known for helping you not having to e-mail yourself stuff. (But) as this world gets more complicated, there are billions of devices and apps and services that all don't talk to each other — Dropbox is really the fabric that ties all these things together."
The founders say the next 12 months will bring Dropbox-branded merchandise to stores. While no agreements are in place yet, devices that could benefit from Dropbox integration could include printers, scanners, cameras and televisions.
Houston envisions a world where "when you're walking into a Best Buy or a Fry's, there are little blue boxes everywhere on the shelves," he said, referring to the company's logo.
The founders attribute Dropbox's rapid growth in large part to its simplicity. Users download a free program for Windows, Mac or Linux — or for their Android or iOS devices — and then put whatever they like into it. (Dropbox stores up to 2 gigabytes for free, and charges up to $19.99 a month for 100 gigabytes of storage.) Wherever users go, their files can be accessed securely from the cloud, either from a Dropbox client or the Web. It's an easy way to move files between home and work, or from a dorm room to a computer lab. And the software is essentially foolproof.
"If you can save a file, you can use Dropbox," Houston said.
The rapid growth in users has also meant an accompanying rise in revenues — which Houston and Ferdowsi declined to discuss in any detail. But one sign of Dropbox's success is the comparatively small amount of money they've raised — one $7.2 million round in 2008. (Evernote, another high-profile freemium cloud-syncing company, has raised $45.5 million with an announced user base of 6 million.)
The company's announcements Monday could make it an acquisition target. But Houston says that doesn't interest them.
In the meantime, the company is looking to grow its presence internationally. Already, about half of Dropbox users come from outside the United States, with paying users in 175 countries.
But to date, the service has only been available in English. Starting today, users can access Dropbox in Spanish, German, French and Japanese.
For all their success to date, Dropbox's founders say the rise of connected devices will introduce scores of new headaches. If the old problem was moving files between home and work, the new one will be moving files between cameras, televisions and printers.
"As long as people have problems with computers and technology, we're not done," Houston said. "We have a lot of work ahead of us."