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VANCOUVER — Stepping out of a traditional native canoe on the edge of False Creek, Sheila Thompson took off her bell-shaped, cedar bark hat to sweep back her hair, but quickly placed it back on again.
It was a subtle movement, but significant.
Her canoe was in a large flotilla gathered for a ceremony to celebrate the opening of Truth and Reconciliation Week in Vancouver, part of a national healing process for survivors of Indian residential schools.
The hat means everything to Thompson because it was given to her by her mother, Doreen Bonneau — a residential school survivor — just a few weeks ago.
"For me that hat is special," said Bonneau, who was interviewed by telephone from her home in Hope because she was too ill to attend Tuesday's welcome ceremony.
"I had it made for my daughter. I'm very proud of her. She's learning a lot of our cultural ways."
Although Thompson is too young to have attended an Indian residential school herself, she too has been affected by that dark period of Canada's history. Because her mother suffered such emotional harm during her childhood she wasn't able to care for her daughter and, at the age of three months, Thompson was sent to live with her father's family on Vancouver Island.
Her father was Caucasian, and Thompson's ties to her native culture were severed.
"I just remember, growing up, there was something missing — just something deep inside you know isn't there. I know this is what it is," she said, touching the hat.
"This is where I belong. My culture is deep within me."
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission begins its sixth national event, and first in British Columbia, today, allowing survivors an opportunity to share their stories. The commission's goal is to also educate Canadians about the injustices that about 150,000 aboriginal children endured after they were removed from their homes and placed in church-run schools from the 1870s until the mid-20th century.
Bonneau still remembers the day she was pulled from her mother's arms at their home on the Chawathil First Nation reserve and sent along with her six siblings to St. Mary's residential school in Mission, in a truck normally used to transport cows. She was four years old.
Once at the boarding school the children were not allowed to speak their language, look a white person in the eye or have contact with their parents, she said. Bonneau wouldn't see her parents again for seven years, and it would be 12 years before she got out of the school for good.
"I ran away about 14 times. I was so frightened, abused and beaten."
Bonneau, now 70, said it took her years before she told her family about the abuse.
"It took me years to survive but now I am a strong woman. Going to court (which Bonneau did in 2000 against the perpetrators) doesn't take the pain away. It doesn't heal you. You'll always have those bad dreams."
Still, she is hoping she can join her daughter and grandchildren and participate in Sunday's Walk for Reconciliation and A New Way Forward in Vancouver.
The events being held by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission "mark a turning point" for all Canadians, said Shawn Atleo, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He urged British Columbians to participate in this week's events and join with them on Sunday's walk.
"This is the start of a massive resurgence of our culture. The residential school era was a time when education was used as a tool to try to assimilate; now education can be a tool to reconnect," Atleo said Tuesday.
On Thursday, the commission is welcoming about 5,000 students from across the province to participate in educational activities dealing with residential schools.
Across Canada, only the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have made it mandatory for schools to teach schoolchildren about Indian residential schools. Atleo said he would like to see the provinces also make teaching this history mandatory in schools.
List of Truth and Reconciliation events Wednesday
Event: Lighting of the Sacred Fire and Morning Prayers
When: Wednesday between 6:30 and 8 a.m. at the Sacred Fire site at the PNE
Event: Opening Ceremonies and Induction of Honorary Witnesses
When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the PNE's Coliseum
Among the witnesses will be Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, former B.C. lieutenant governor Stephen Point and Chief Robert Joseph, ambassador for Reconciliation Canada
Event: Reconciliation Dialogue
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coliseum.
A panel discussion of youth who are facing the intergenerational impacts of human rights violations, such as the residential schools, the Holocaust, Japanese internment and Chinese head tax.
Event: Commissioners Sharing Circle
When: 1 to 3 p.m. at the Coliseum
Opportunity for survivors, former teachers or anyone else who wants to speak publicly to talk about the affects of the schools on their lives.
Event: Reconciliation Canada Dialogue Workshop
When: 1 to 4 p.m., at the Reconciliation Canada Dialogue Tent
Event: Churches Listening Circle
When: 1:15 to 3 p.m., at the Churches Listening to Survivors Area
Event: Survivors in Solidarity
When: 1:30 p.m in the Forum on the PNE grounds
Robert Waisman, who survived Buchenwald concentration camp, will share his personal lessons about hate, racism and indifference.


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AP's Liz 'Sore Loser' Sidoti: GOP Counted on 'Lagging Recovery' For Comeback from 2008 Debacle
Darn. If only the midterm elections had been held after Friday's Employment Situation Report instead of before, the results might have been very different.
Apparently that's what the Associated Press's Liz Sidoti (pictured at right) wants us to believe, as she ended her borderline bitter take on the origins of Congressional Republicans' successful electoral comeback and takeover of the House of Representatives four days ago with this sentence:
Ten months later (after Scott Brown's U.S. Senate race victory in Massachusetts — Ed.), victorious Republicans met to plan their transition to power in the House – just as it was announced that the economy created 151,000 jobs.
As if one good jobs-added number — even with the unemployment rate stuck at 9.6% — proves that the economic recovery is finally in high gear. Zheesh.
Along the way, Sidoti sought to create the impression that Republicans might have been rooting for the poor to non-existent economic recovery that has occurred — as opposed to knowing that the history of large-scale stimulus-based recovery efforts has been one of failure, despite the AP reporter's lipstick-on-a-pig attempt in the last two of the excerpted paragraphs that follow:
GOP comeback strategy factored in lagging recovery
All but wiped out in 2008, Republicans groping for a comeback strategy determined there would be no swift return to economic health under incoming President Barack Obama.
They soon also agreed privately to oppose his major legislation.
Over the next two years, they criticized, attacked, voted against and then attacked some more as Democrats struggled to pass an economic stimulus measure, health care legislation and a bill to rein in Wall Street. Unemployment, 7.4 percent when Obama took office, soared to 10.1 percent, then barely budged for months.
On Election Day, those calculations made in Republican suites in the Capitol reaped dividends that must have seemed almost unimaginable even to the architects of their strategy: a gain of 60-plus House seats, enough to win a majority and end two years of Democratic dominance in Congress, as well as six new seats in the Senate.
… Many economists agree the economic stimulus, with its combination of tax cuts, aid to states and federal spending on construction and other areas, did create jobs. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress in July that "we should maintain our stimulus in the short term" to strengthen the recovery and help reduce unemployment.
It was not a point Republicans chose to acknowledge.
This is funny. After almost two years of enduring the hogwash over jobs "created and saved" — a phrase that was never used by Democrats and stimulus fans until after Barack Obama was safely elected (noted in December 2008 at NewsBusters; at BizzyBlog) — Sidoti's "many economists" (i.e., "economists whose opinion I like") insist that the stimulus created (some) jobs. By how many, Liz, and of what duration?
Reporter Ryan Kost at Sidoti's own news organization sharply jabbed at the Obama administration's stimulus-related jobs-created claim in July:
At the federal level, President Barack Obama has said the federal stimulus has created 150,000 jobs, a number based on a misused formula and which is so murky it can't be verified.
The "misused formula" is known as "Okun's Law." It says that "for every percentage point that the unemployment rate falls, real GNP (GNP is now called "GDP" — Ed.) rises by 3 percent." The trouble is that the late economist "cautioned that the law was good only within the range of unemployment rates—3 to 7.5 percent—experienced in that time period." The unemployment rate was already about 8.2% in February 2009 when the president signed the stimulus bill.
In any event, 150,000 jobs is only about 2% of the 8 million jobs lost since the end of 2007. Republicans "chose not to acknowledge" the supposed good effects of the stimulus because they were at best insubstantial and at worst totally made up.
Sidoti leans one more time on economists she likes later in her piece:
Republicans correctly foresaw that unemployment would rise, and that if the economy remained weak, Obama and Democrats would get little or no credit from the voters for having stopped a near collapse. The GOP would not have fared so well if voters had agreed with leading economists who said things would have been much worse without those actions, or if Obama's economic fixes had hastened the recovery.
Peter Raymond, in a marvelous piece at American Thinker, has an appropriate response to this claptrap:
… these same charlatans credit the recent multi-trillion-dollar spending orgy with preventing a depression even though they cannot produce a shred of evidence that it yielded any sustainable economic growth or created a single long-term job.
Sidoti does her best to portray GOP opposition to the president's initiatives as a Hail Mary pass flying in the face of proven conventional wisdom about how to fix and economy instead of as a reasonable strategy based on that conventional wisdom's utterly predictable failure. Nice try, Liz. Epic fail.
Cross-posted at NewsBusters.org.

subset: commoncrawl


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We laughed, and said "of course!" when we learned that Lifetime would make a movie about Wills and Kate back in March. Then we watched (and laughed at) it when it aired in April. And now, in August, we've learned that one flick is not enough: the Hallmark channel has made a movie about the very same topic. But! There are differences: Hallmark's edition is titled William And Catherine (Lifetime went with William And Kate) and it looks as though Hallmark's has 100% more '80s-era Diana. See? Totally different.
The movie premieres Saturday, August 27 at 9pm on Lifetime, er, we mean Hallmark.
We Watched Lifetime's William And Kate So You Don't Have To


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Indian Firm Buys Cooper Tire, and More
What's News: Indian tire maker Apollo buys Cooper Tire and Rubber for $2.2 billion. Former Morgan Stanley CEO John Mack joins board Glencore Xstrata. Ohio kidnapping suspect, Ariel Castro pleads not guilty. WSJ's Joanne Po reports.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... a multibillion-dollar cross border deal the attire is this is what's news I'm WS J live I'm Joann Co ... in the entire maker Apollo tire says buying Cooper Tire Rubber for two point two two billion dollars ... the deal creates the seventh largest tire company in the world with significant presence ... in the U S Europe and China ... under the deal Cooper shareholders will receive thirty five dollars a share ... of forty three percent premium to the stock's Tuesday closing price ... Cooper will become a privately held company and continue to be led by current management following the closing of the deal which is expected in the second half of the year ... former Morgan Stanley Chairman and CEO John Mack joins the board of commodities titan Glencore to start a ... bank or says that Mr Mak will serve as an independent nonexecutive director ... the combined company which was formed last month by the merger of Glencore and Xstrata ... is still continuing to search for a new chairman ... after shareholders ousted on bonds last month ... Ariel Castro the man accused of holding three women captives in his Cleveland home for a decade pleading not guilty Wednesday to three hundred and twenty nine counts of rape and kidnapping ... Mr Castro did not speak during the reading which lasted less than a minute ... he was arrested on a fixed early after one of the when it broke through a door Yeltsin neighbors for home ... Mr. caster is being held on eight million dollars bail ... bookie keep us anomaly this is about this tepid and what's news I'm WS J live ...


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1. What is the shipping insurance?
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Before your order, we need to prepare your products, test and verify the quality of the articles carefully packed. She needs to prepare your delivery time items, it is time to separate the delivery. I hope you can understand.
5-15 days after the ship is purchased most orders. Transit time may vary depending on different types of products. Orders are not delivered on weekends and holidays.
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Until your order is dispatched you will receive a confirmation e-mail addresses included e-mail of your purchase. If for some reason you do not get an email, check your spam folder and add our e-mail list sender. If you have questions, please contact our customer service at an appropriate time.
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No additional costs are always customers. But the recipient will be fully responsible if there is a charge. Your order may be subject to import duties and taxes applicable when the goods arrive in your country. This is only a general rule, you should contact the specific number of customs offices and proportion.
We can not control, we are not liable for the taxes paid by taxes / fees. You will be responsible to pay additional costs for customs clearance. Customs policies vary widely from country to country, for more information, contact your local customs office. Note that in rare cases, a custom agent delay the delivery of some packages.
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When you place your order, be sure to use the billing address and contact information as it appears on your bank's credit. If the message does not exactly match the credit card, the files can be stored in the order pending verification. This may need to contact us directly. When the information specified delivery address, be sure to check your ZIP code, city and country are correct. If you follow the service express check-in, unless that information does not match their records, we may contact you to update this information, which may delay your order.
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Therefore, specify transport most accurate and updated, detailed and phone number for shipping. Your cooperation will be very grateful. All packages will be required to collect, if you can not log or delivery. If an item is returned because it was not delivered due to an incorrect address, the customer will be responsible for both the delivery and return costs.
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Note: We regret that we can send the paperwork current local because of restrictions on international shipping in Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.


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Court: Police chief charged after fight with wife
Thomas LaCroix charged with assault and battery
The Waltham police chief was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after two fights with his wife, according to court documents.
Thomas LaCroix was arrested at his Maynard home Thursday and was taken to an area hospital for chest pains, said Stephanie Guyotte, a spokeswoman for the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office.
LaCroix was charged with six counts, including two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for allegedly striking his wife, Andrea LaCroix, with a bicycle rack and a counter top. He is charged with two counts of assault and battery, one count of assault and one count of intimidating a witness, officials said.
According to court documents, the charges stem from two separate incidents with his wife earlier this week. One of the incidents also involved one of the wife's friends, documents say.
"This is a serious matter. Therefore, I have named Deputy Chief Keith MacPherson acting chief of the department," said Waltham Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy.
LaCroix may have made some suicidal statements after his arrest and will undergo a psychological evaluation Friday afternoon, according to his attorney.
"He was under some stress. He is doing fine now. I have no concerns about suicidal thoughts he may have or may have expressed at some earlier time. He is doing well," attorney Peter Bella said.
LaCroix was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing at his arraignment at Emerson Hospital on Friday.
McCarthy said LaCroix's city issued property, including his gun, have been retrieved.
"I've placed him on leave with pay, all city property including his service revolver have been retrieved. It will go through the courts and then I will handle it internally," McCarthy said.


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Way over yonder in Berlin, Germany, the annual festival of media art and digital culture known as "transmediale" is just getting underway. This year's theme: BWPWAP (Back When Pluto Was a Planet).
Mike Brown, the astronomer who killed Pluto, was invited to speak at the festival's opening ceremony, which included a debate over Pluto's demotion and a vote to reinstate its planetary status. Brown, of course, accepted, and has been documenting the festival on twitter.
Here's where the festival is going down:
Judging from Brown's latest string of tweets, the Pluto debate is over, and the vote — conducted with yellow cards — has been carried out:
Aaaaand here's the final tally on the Resolution to reinstate Pluto:
BOOM. Pluto is denied. Again. As it damn well should be.
And Brown, twitter handle still in good order, proceeds to Paris to continue spreading the good word:
All images via the Pluto Killer himself.
Learn more about transmediale here.
Read more about how Mike Brown killed Pluto and why it had it coming here.


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Tiny tech suing Google up 80% in past weekOctober 8, 2012: 12:16 PM ET
Odds are you have never heard of Vringo, a relatively small company with an intellectual property portfolio covering various aspects of search and mobile technologies. But shares of Vringo (VRNG) surged more than 20% Monday after the company filed a patent infringement suit against the British subsidiary of Chinese telecom giant ZTE.
This is not the first legal action that Vringo has taken against one of the titans of tech. In fact, the company has also sued AOL (AOL), IAC/InterActive (IACI) and, most notably, Google (GOOG). Investors seem to love the litigious strategy. Vringo's stock has skyrocketed an eye-popping 80% in just the past week and are now up 440% year-to-date.
The most recent rally started after a judge in Virginia last week turned down a request by Google to throw out Vringo's lawsuit against it and several other firms. Vringo is also suing newspaper publisher Gannett (GCI) and retailer Target (TGT). The trial is set to begin on October 16.
Vringo, which acquired a large chunk of patents from Nokia (NOK) earlier this year, is clearly hoping that it can either win in court against the tech heavyweights or that many of these firms will settle and agree to pay some hefty licensing fees to it. In fact, AOL has already agreed to a partial settlement with Vringo.
Still, betting on legal outcomes is a dicey proposition. But traders on StockTwits are excited about the company's prospects. They are not alone. Dallas Mavericks' owner and billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban is one of the company's largest individual shareholders as well.
LukeKramer: $VRNG Numerous reasons for todays strong action: Positive court docs out after bell Fri, ZTE suit, upgrades, & obviously GOOG.
The ZTE lawsuit is interesting. It shows that Vringo clearly is optimistic about its chances of multiple settlements and may not be putting all its legal eggs in the Google basket. That's a point that several other traders picked up on Monday.
TraderRL23: $VRNG moving on to sue ZTE meaning that they think the $GOOG suit is already in the bag? Just a thought......
A_F: The importance of $VRNG reaction tday= investors do not think it is all about$GOOG or zero #thinkaboutit
Given the importance of patents in tech, it's possible that Vringo could get acquired as well. Some have already speculated that Google, which shelled out about $12 billion for Motorola Mobility in what was largely an intellectual property land grab, could easily scoop up Vringo as well.
Even after you factor in this year's remarkable rise for Vringo's shares, the company's market value is still only around $180 million. So that could make it a target for a host of cash-rich tech firms looking for more ammunition in the mobile patent war.
dschorrnyc: IF there is a buyout offer lobbed at $VRNG I'd think twice about selling into it. Wait for other market participants to step up w offers.
It's possible that there could be a bidding war for the company. But right now, Vringo seems like a stock that's best for traders, and not long-term investors. The stock is moving on sentiment and headlines about legal battles. It's not easy to figure out how this will all play out.
atlantatweeps: $VRNG I would throw the TA out the window on this stock - at least for the next few trading days.....
And you can throw fundamental analysis, as well as technical analysis, out the window as well. In Vringo's most recent quarter, it reported revenue of just $100,000 and a loss of more than $5 million. Vringo's whole future seems to be predicated on licensing.
That can obviously be lucrative but it's also a big gamble for those who aren't well-versed in the intricacies of intellectual property law.


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This was on the back of sales that leapt 10% to EUR 4.7 billion. Energy generation accounted for EUR 456 million of this, while infrastructure sales in the first half came to EUR 1.3 billion. Sales from feed-in remuneration under the German Renewable Energy Act contributed EUR 533.2 million of this.
The energy company, with more than 50 wind farms worldwide, posted a consolidated net income for the period 1 January to 30 June of EUR 169.0 million, up from EUR 167.7 million a year ago.
Chief financial officer Dr Heiko Sanders described the situation in the first half of the year as "encouraging", but added that "more work is needed" in order to be appropriately prepared for the challenges the energy market will face.
"The challenging competitive environment continues to demand that we provide concentrated value and efficient structures," he said.
The company expects to see a full-year increase in group sales of around 5%, while EBIT is expected to remain largely the same.
Chief executive Dr. Werner Brinker commented: "EWE will play an active role in reforming northern Germany's energy supply. The company aims to use its long-time connection to the regions and its many years of local experience to involve the people in the shaping of an environmentally friendly energy supply system."


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The APG PMC will be held right before the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) so you can participate in both educational opportunities for the cost of traveling once. If that is not enough to entice you, then I will also mention that the Family History Library is just two blocks away and so you can learn during the day and research in the evening if you choose.
Here is the press release from APG with all the details on the PMC:
Registration for the 2014 Professional Management Conference (PMC), "Embracing Innovation and Opportunity," is now open online at www.apgen.org/conferences. The two-day conference will be held at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City on 10–11 January 2014.
PMC offers interactive, relevant guidance in advanced genealogical research skills and in business practices relevant to today's professional and advanced genealogists. Featuring 8 classes and 3 hands-on workshops, PMC offers a wide variety of fresh ideas about how professionals conduct genealogy:
- Brand and business building
- Professional-grade DNA studies
- Working with entertainment and corporate clients
- Writing for a variety of audiences
- And many more
Register Today for APG PMC 2014
PMC attendance is open to APG members and non-members. Attendees may choose to attend the full conference or a single day. Early-bird pricing ends 6 January 2014. Registration is now available at www.apgen.org/conferences as are pricing and program details. Details about Virtual PMC will come later this year.
Speakers and Topics
Ten genealogical speakers with wide-ranging expertise will cover topics in keeping with this year's theme of "Embracing Innovation and Opportunity":
- D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS -- Friday Keynote -- New Industries, New Worlds: Working for Entertainment and Corporate Clients
- Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL -- Saturday Keynote -- "Good Name in Man or Woman": Protecting a Professional Reputation
- J. Mark Lowe, CG, FUGA -- Lights! Camera! Connection! Will Genealogy-Based TV Improve My Business?
- Claire V. Brisson-Banks, MLIS, AG -- The Pursuit from Genealogy Hobbyist to Professional
- Harold Henderson, CG—Workshop -- The Story of Jethro's Story: The Making of a NGSQ Article
- Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, CG -- Gaining Recognition in the Genealogical Community: Climbing the Professional Ladder
- Melissa Johnson -- Discovering and Communicating Your Unique Value: Personal Branding for Professional Genealogists
- Angela Packer McGhie -- (1) Writing a Genealogy Business Plan and (2) Networking for Genealogists: Making Connections Online and In-Person
- CeCe Moore -- Workshop -- Advanced DNA for Professionals
- Mary Penner -- Workshop -- It's Not a Report. It's Not a Summary. It's a Genealogical Narrative!
Hotel and Airfare Discounts
PMC attendees can receive special hotel pricing at the Radisson and up to 10% off Delta airline tickets. Visit www.apgen.org/conferences for further discount details.
Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy
PMC 2014 is being held two days before the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), held 13-17 January 2014 at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. SLIG offers a full week of genealogy instruction with national experts. SLIG program details and registration are available at www.SLIG.ugagenealogy.org.


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TLC Albums
- 20 (2013)
- Now And Forever (2003)
- 3d (2002)
- Fanmail (1999)
- All That: The Album (1996)
- Crazys**ycool (1994)
- A La Face Family Christmas (1993)
TLC Lyrics
TLC's Photo
TLC Biography
TLC were one of the biggest-selling female R&B groups of all time, riding a blend of pop, hip-hop, and urban soul to superstardom during the '90s. Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, rapper Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas managed to appeal equally to pop and R&B audiences, blending catchy hooks and bouncy funk with a sa**y, s**y attitude. Initially, their image was equal parts style and spirit, bolstered by a flamboyant, outrageous wardrobe. As time pa**ed, they became equally well known for their chaotic personal lives, leaving a trail of headlines that read like a soap opera plot: arson, rehab, bankruptcy, serious illness, high-profile romances, and countless intragroup squabbles. After their star-making second album, CrazySexyCool, TLC fell into disarray, taking over four years to record the follow-up, Fanmail; even so, they returned more popular than ever, and the hits kept on coming. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in early 2002, when Lopes was k**ed in a car accident in Honduras.br /br /TLC were formed in Atlanta, GA, in 1991, when Watkins and Lopes decided to split off from another all-female group. In short order, they met Thomas, locally based producer Dallas Austin, and '80s R&B singer Pebbles, who became their manager. They quickly scored a record deal with L.A. Reid and Babyface's new label, LaFace, and in 1992 issued their new jack-styled debut album, Ooooooohhh...On the TLC Tip. The video for the s**y, aggressive lead single, "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg," established their quirky, colorful fashion sense, and true to her nickname, Lopes stirred some attention by wearing a condom over her left eye to promote safe s**. The song became a Top Ten hit as did its follow-ups, the ballad "Baby-Baby-Baby" (a number two hit) and "What About Your Friends." TLC were definitely a success, but they weren't quite stars yet, and it remained to be seen whether they could maintain their momentum over the long haul.br /br /Not long before the release of their second album in late 1994, Lisa Lopes was arrested on arson charges. In an alcohol-fueled fit of rage, Lopes vented all the frustrations from her often-stormy relationship with NFL wide receiver Andre Rison, burning his Atlanta mansion to the ground and vandalizing several of his cars. Lopes' lawyers claimed that she had a drinking problem, and while Lopes herself wasn't happy with that defense, she avoided jail time with a sentence of five years' probation; she was also later admitted to an alcohol rehab program. All the publicity certainly didn't hurt CrazySexyCool, which became a blockbuster success, albeit for other reasons. Taking a cue from Salt-n-Pepa's makeover on Very Necessary, CrazySexyCool toned down the boisterousness of their first record in favor of a smoother, more mature presentation; they were still strong and s**ual, but now fully adult as well, and were more involved (especially Lopes) in crafting their own material. The slinky lead single, "Creep," became TLC's first number one pop hit, topping the charts for four weeks. It was followed by three more Top Five singles: "Red Light Special," "Waterfalls" (which became their biggest hit ever, spending seven weeks at number one), and "Diggin' on You." TLC were a bona fide phenomenon, and their stylish videos and live performances kept upping the ante for outrageous fashion sense. CrazySexyCool eventually sold over 11 million copies in the U.S. alone, and won a Grammy for Best R&B Album.br /br /All was not well, however. In 1995, TLC filed for bankruptcy, claiming debts of over 3.5 million dollars, in part stemming from Lopes' insurance payments over the arson incident. They also claimed they hadn't seen their fair share of royalties from CrazySexyCool; LaFace countered that they were simply trying to get a bigger contract. TLC did wind up splitting from Pebbles' management company over the money issues (not helped by the fact that Pebbles' marriage to LaFace head L.A. Reid had gone through a nasty breakup). What was more, it was announced that for some time Watkins had been battling sickle cell anemia, which sapped her energy and often made performing difficult. TLC spent much of 1996 getting their financial affairs in order, and were set to re-enter the studio in the summer of 1997. The sessions had trouble getting off the ground, though, thanks to the group's public spat with producer Dallas Austin, claiming that his fee was far too high; not only had Austin played a significant role in the creation of their music, but the split was all the more awkward because he and Thomas had just had a son together. It took until early 1998 to finally resolve the producer situation, and Austin wound up handling the vast majority of the record. Still, it took quite some time to put together; Lopes announced in the summer of 1998 that she was working on a solo record, and Watkins tried her hand at acting with an appearance in the Hype Williams-directed Belly. All the delays, tension, and side projects fueled rumors of the group's impending breakup.br /br /TLC's third album was finally released at the beginning of 1999. The hotly anticipated Fanmail debuted at number one, and its first single, "No Scrubs" -- a dismissal of men who didn't measure up -- topped the charts as well for four weeks. The critically acclaimed follow-up, "Unpretty," tackled unrealistic beauty standards and spent three weeks at number one. Fanmail wound up going six times platinum, and won another Best R&B Album Grammy. As TLC prepared to tour in late 1999, tensions between the individual members spilled over into a public feud; Watkins and Thomas criticized Lopes for putting herself before the group, and Lopes responded by blasting TLC's recent music and challenging her bandmates to record solo albums, so that fans could see who the real talent lay with. The blowup was only temporary, but rumors about TLC's future continued to swirl. Lopes continued to publicize her upcoming solo project, and Thomas eventually began working on her own album as well. Watkins married rapper Mack 10 in the summer of 2000 and had their first child not long after. Meanwhile, tabloid favorite Lopes continued to make headlines when she disappeared for over a week, missing a family function and a press conference (she turned out to be with a new boyfriend).br /br /In 2001, TLC somehow managed to regroup and enter the studio together to work on material for a new album. That summer, a report surfaced that Lopes had postponed a wedding with, of all people, Andre Rison. Meanwhile, her solo debut, Supernova, was scheduled for release and then scrapped on several occasions; it eventually came out overseas, but domestically Arista pulled the plug. Meanwhile, TLC's recording halted while Watkins was hospitalized from complications with her anemia. At the beginning of 2002, Lopes announced that she had signed a solo deal with the infamous Suge Knight's new label Tha Row, for which she would begin recording a follow-up to the unreleased Supernova under the name N.I.N.A. (New Identity Non-Applicable). Sadly, she would never get the chance. Vacationing in her favorite getaway spot, Honduras, Lopes was driving a rented SUV with at least seven (possibly eight) pa**engers. Reportedly speeding, she lost control of the vehicle, which flipped over; she was the only member of the party to be seriously injured, and died from severe head trauma on April 25, 2002. The surviving members of TLC announced their intention to complete the album they'd begun, though without their most vibrant character the group's long-term future remained in doubt. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide


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Global 550/GB MinoSharp 3 Ceramic Water Sharpener, Gray and Black
GL550GB: minoSharp 3 - Gray/Black
Global Cutlery
Recommended for Global Knives and most other knife brands.
For some people, learning the skill of intermediate sharpening with a ceramic or diamond rod is difficult. It is essential that you maintain your knives on a regular basis and it will be easier to maintain them for the long term. Most Global stockists will carry one of these easiest to use devices - a water wheel sharpener called MinoSharp and MinoSharp Plus. These are hand held ceramic sharpeners and no experience or skill is required to use them simply fill the reservoir with water and run your knife backwards and forwards a few times. The revolutionary ceramic wheels ensure the blade is sharpened at the correct angle.
If ease of use is your primary consideration, this hand held sharpeners is the perfect sharpening tool for you. All models can only be used for knives that are equally sharpened on both sides. They cannot be used for serrated knives or knives sharpened on one side like the Bunmei knives. All of the MinoSharps use ceramic wheels for sharpening.
The MinoSharp 3 has 3 sharpening wheels, one rough, one medium and one superfine. However, on the MinoSharp 3, the rough wheel is much rougher than the rough wheels on the MinoSharp and MinoSharp Plus and is, therefore, much stronger. If you have ignored your knives for years and they cut more like a butter knife than a kitchen knife, we strongly recommend this sharpener. This sharpener also has the added benefit of a superfine sharpening wheel which allows you to polish your edges as a final step and make them even sharper.
- Sharpens the face of the blade!!
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- Designed by Mino Tsuchida
- Ceramic Wheels and Packaging: Made in Japan
- Plastic Parts: Made in China


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SNOQUALMIE, Wash., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Bart Bryant, seeking his second Champions Tour win in as many weeks, took a one-shot lead Friday after one round of the Boeing Classic.
Bryant, who became eligible for the tour when he turned 50 last November, recorded his first win on the circuit a week ago at the Dick's Sporting Goods Open. He won three times during his regular PGA Tour career.
He shot a 6-under-par 66 at the TPC-Snoqualmie Ridge course in a round highlighted by four straight birdies starting at the par-four third.
Duffy Waldorf and Bobby Clampett shared second place at 67. Bernhard Langer, Kirk Triplett and Dick Mast all shot 68.
Kenny Perry, leader in the year-long points race on the Champions Tour, needed four birdies in the final six holes to shoot a 2-under 70.


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What is the most important information I should know about COUMADIN® (warfarin sodium)?
COUMADIN can cause bleeding which can be serious and sometimes lead to death. This is because COUMADIN is a blood thinner medicine that lowers the chance of blood clots forming in your body.
- You may have a higher risk of bleeding if you take COUMADIN and:
- are 65 years of age or older
- have a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding
- have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- have a history of stroke, or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack or TIA)
- have serious heart disease
- have a low blood count or cancer
- have had trauma, such as an accident or surgery
- have kidney problems
- take other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding, including:
- a medicine that contains heparin
- other medicines to prevent or treat blood clots
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- take warfarin sodium for a long time. Warfarin sodium is the active ingredient in COUMADIN


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Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise make a cute pair
Posted by Alisa on Friday, July 12, 2013 / Labels: Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, Stylish kids / Comments: (0)
Actress Katie Holmes was seen with her stylish 7-year old daughter Suri in New York City yesterday (July 11).
Angelina Jolie as a child with mother Marcheline Bertrand
Posted by Alisa / Labels: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Celebrities as kids / Comments: (1)
Rachel Zoe's Sweet Skylar
The always adorable Skylar Berman, the two-year-old son of stylist/designer Rachel Zoe and her husband Roger Berman, was seen playing at a park in Malibu, CA park on Tuesday (July 9). Sky, Rachel and Roger seem to be a very sweet family.
Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian: Filming Family
Reality Television Star Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian were seen with Kourtney's son Mason at a school in Malibu, CA on Tuesday (July 9). The sisters were there to film a scene for their television show Keeping Up With the Kardashians.


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About the Parent Portal
The parent portal is a service which provides parents secure access to a host of key information. This information is pulled directly from the school's central management information system (MIS). The portal is 100% web based meaning you just need a web browser to use it. It works from in school and from any location around the world that has internet access.


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Skyline 8 Lt Transitional Island Light
Finish: Dark Bronze & Satin Brass
Dimensions: 10 × 32 × 4.75 in
Tags: Black Tones, Gold Tones
Why we love it:
Simple and elegant, the two tone "Skyline Collection" is timeless. The beautiful bronze frame is complimented with satin brass rectangular candle covers. Many sizes available. (Comes with extra rods for height adjustment and hangstraight for sloped ceilings)
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|16 lbs
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I am developing a web application wherein i need to find the closest bus-stop from a users location and mark it on a map. I have the list of bus-stops on my server. I am using Google's Distance Matrix service which returns me the distance between my source and multiple bus stops. Then, by comparing the distance i get the nearest bus-stop. But this is all happening on client side. I wanted my server to do the decision.
Is it possible for my server to directly communicate with the Google maps server and get the distance?


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WHISTLER, B.C. — Shortly after ascending to the top of the ski jump, Jason Myslicki hit rock bottom.
Myslicki leaned on his skis and sobbed after what he thought was the first portion of Thursday's Winter Olympic Games Nordic combined event at Whistler Olympic Park.
The jump covered 60 metres on a day when his rivals routinely exceeded 100 metres. When he stopped to talk to the media, a question moved him to tears. Instead of walking away, Myslicki regained his composure and continued the interview.
"My dreams were shattered right from the takeoff," Myslicki said.
It was a lonely, raw moment for someone who returned to the Olympics largely as a result of his own initiative, and often his own expense.
His unshakable determination overcame minimal funding, allowing him to compete in Nordic combined — a sport that combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing — before a friendly crowd at Whistler Olympic Park.
To reach that point, the 32-year-old Thunder Bay, Ont., product had saved money by hitchhiking to occasional training runs at the ski jump. Friends and family members chipped in along the way.
Myslicki also sought out sponsorships, which covered expenses such as those incurred by travel to Europe. Once there, he often relied on the goodwill of his peers to provide assistance, such as a ride here or there, or even some wax.
It was not a typical path to the Olympics, but he got there.
"It's amazing to even qualify for the Olympics," Myslicki said. "I knew a while back I had achieved that, so I worked hard to put together the best competition I could today and I failed big-time on that, so it's frustrating and it hurts. Now I'm going to have to find a way to start the cross-country, never mind finish it. It's going to be a battle."
Minutes later, Myslicki was granted an unexpected reprieve. Weather conditions had changed during the first round of jumping, with the wind and snow creating an uneven playing field. A restart was ordered after 31 of the 46 jumpers had already gone.
His second jump covered 99.5 metres — not a great distance, but not the worst, either. He was 42nd among 46 jumpers after the prolonged first round of the individual large hill/10-kilometre event.
"I don't feel like I succeeded," Myslicki said after the second jump. "In getting back, that was the toughest thing that I have ever, ever had to do. It felt like I died, and now, walking around, I feel alive again — but more like a zombie than anything. Lose everything, get a second chance."
These Olympics as a whole represent a second chance for Myslicki, who retired as a competitor after finishing 41st four years ago in Turin, Italy. At the time, he was frustrated by a lack of funding and hampered by injuries.
During the hiatus, the Calgary-based Myslicki was the head coach of the Alberta ski jumping and Nordic combined teams. He worked with youthful Altius Nordic Ski Club members while also taking up speedskating. Rejuvenated by time away from the circuit, along with the allure of a home-country Olympics, he returned to action two years ago.
Myslicki began the 2010 Games by finishing last among 45 competitors in the individual normal hill/10-km event on Feb. 14. He was emotional after that race, his voice cracking on several occasions, but nothing like Thursday.
Nonetheless, he answered every question posed by the media — albeit with some pauses. At one point following the first jump, he was asked why he simply did not decline requests from the media.
"I can only think that things will change and Sport Canada will get their act together and help our sport, because that's not fair," said Myslicki, who wants to serve as an example to young athletes, including those he used to coach.
"I was really hoping to open up doors by performing well for them. I can only hope that things change for them so their road is easier than this, and that they have support and get a fair fighting chance to be at the start gate and know that they are on equal turf with their competitors."
Nordic Combined Ski Canada (NCSC) has an annual budget of approximately $170,000, according to the association's board chair, Tannis Carlson. That amount covers seven national-team athletes, coaching and administration.
NCSC received $35,000 from Own the Podium, which earmarks most of its funding for sports with medal potential.
"My entire budget for training is just the wax budget for the Olympics for many of these teams," Myslicki said after the first jump. "We don't have the resources in sport. That's not why I performed how I did today, because I can compete with them, but I'd like the guys behind me to have more like what they (the other athletes) have."
There was only one skier behind Myslicki when he finished the cross-country portion of Nordic combined. At the end of an emotion-filled day, he was 44th among the 45 athletes who completed the ski jumping and cross-country components.
"It's not how I imagined it," Myslicki said. "That's why I originally started cross-country, so that I could get away from things and be myself out on the course. Today, I started out with a lot of frustration, anger, disappointment — everything — after the jumping. But I tried to be positive after the feedback from my coach that I did do a really good jump and I was quite unlucky with wind conditions. I saw a lot of guys who were unlucky, guys who should have had a medal today who were way back.
"I took it for what it was and knew that I had to ski my own race. I tried to put aside the tears and just focus on getting to the finish line as quickly as I could."


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Carhartt Presenter Short Dark Navy Rinsed
- 65/35% Polyester/Cotton 'Dunmore' Twill, 7.25 oz.
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- Ref: I021018
The orders are shipped via CTT (portuguese mail service) within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation.
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Quick Vote: Do you see any A-listers on the Leaked DWTS Cast?
Now that we have the leaked Dancing with the Stars Season 13 cast (certainly there could be some changes tomorrow, but this is looking pretty solid), I thought it was worth asking the question of whether Dancing with the Stars attracted any A-list stars to the cast. You may remember that TMZ reported that Dancing with the Stars was looking for more A-list stars.
What you you think? Based on the leaked cast, did DWTS get any A list stars? Just click on the Yes or No link below:


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Paris, 30 Oct 2003
Since Tuesday 28 October, explosive events originating from the Sun have been bathing the Earth and its surroundings in high energy radiation.
Although 150 million kilometres away, the Sun is still capable of causing major disruption here on Earth to a range of systems that we depend on in everyday life. These include communication and navigation systems, aircraft and spacecraft operations and the distribution of electricity at high latitudes.
The activity started on Tuesday with a giant solar flare - the second biggest ever seen by SOHO, the ESA-NASA solar observatory that maintains a constant watch on the Sun, monitoring these events as they happen. A few minutes later, spacecraft circling the Earth began to detect high levels of energetic radiation, capable of blinding satellites and causing increased radiation levels down to normal aircraft cruising altitudes. About 24 hours after the solar flare was observed, an accompanying coronal mass ejection - a giant cloud of magnetised plasma - reached the Earth, causing rapid changes in the Earth's magnetic field and what is known as a geomagnetic storm. This storm caused widespread disruption to communications; both satellite-based and HF radio.
These events are truly sporadic and extremely difficult to predict. On Wednesday it appeared that radiation levels were decreasing. However, a second flare overnight has caused a further sharp increase in radiation levels. Here on Earth, the disruption continues today with a further coronal mass ejection expected to reach the Earth tomorrow in time for Halloween.
Solar eruptions of this type together with the associated increased radiation levels and electromagnetic disturbances around the Earth have real immediate and long-term economic impacts. During the last few days, space weather related problems have been detected on spacecraft operated by a range of agencies across the globe and operations teams are on alert. On Earth, telecommunication links have been disrupted and steps have been taken to safeguard aircraft, which including some changes in scheduling. Effects have also been detected in high latitude power grids and are being carefully monitored.
The increased dependency of our society on systems which are directly or indirectly influenced by solar and other events seen in space raises concerns about our ability to monitor and anticipate these events and the resulting changes collectively referred to as space weather. At the European Space Agency these issues are being handled jointly in the Electromagnetics and Space Environment Division by Dr Eamonn Daly's group for the specifications of spacecraft protection and in the spacecraft operations teams.
In addition, Europe-wide coordination is currently being set up together with the European Union via its COST (Coordination in Science and Technology) programme and ESA's General Studies Programme. This coordination aims to optimise our existing resources (together with our international partners) in order to develop an operational resource which will enable society to respond effectively to immediate as well as long-term changes in our space weather.
For further information, please contact:
ESA Media Relations Service
Tel: +33(0)18.104.22.16855
Fax: +33(0)126.96.36.19990
European Space Agency
http:///www.esa.int/export/esaCP/index.ht ml
Item source: http:///www.esa.int/export/esaCP/SEM6N9WL DMD_index_0.html
European Space Agency
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Inspired by the first BELL 'Star' helmet, the BULLITT represents a modern interpretation of the original. The style is pure 70s race look, but this is a completely modern, state of the art, high-tech product.
A distinguishing feature of the 'Bullit' helmet is its slim silhouette. To enable this sleek look BELL use three different shell sizes for the six head sizes that this helmet is available in. Despite its smaller relative size it fully conforms with the ECE 22.05/DOT regulations. A total of four air-vents distributed over the chin and forehead area combined with an exit-vent at the rear ensure an efficient flow of cooling air through the helmets interior. These helmets weigh an average of 1500gr, which varies according to the size required.
All in all, the perfect retro-helmet for riders who prefer full-face protection!
Contour cut cheek pads
Integrated speaker pockets


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Michael B. Jordan auditioned for 'Star Wars'
Michael B. Jordan has auditioned for a role in "Star Wars: Episode VII," according to E! News.
The former star of "The Wire," who is getting Oscar buzz for his role in "Fruitvale Station," has joined the line of actors who have admitted to auditioning, or have been rumored to, for the J.J. Abrams-directed film.
In a recent interview with the Associated Press, the 26-year-old Jordan confirmed that following in the footsteps of "Atonement" star Saoirse Ronan, he tried out for an unspecified part in the highly anticipated seventh installment in the space opera series. The actor already has ties to "Star Wars," having appeared in the 2012 film "Red Tails," which the "Star Wars creator produced.
Jordan is attached to about every big name project in Hollywood right now. He's currently slated to star with Sylvester Stallone as Apollo Creed's grandson in a Rocky spinoff entitled "Creed." According to E!, there's also talk of him appearing in Roland Emmerich's "Independence Day" sequel, now that Will Smith has passed. And director Josh Trank is reportedly considering him to play the Human Torch in a Fantastic Four reboot.
Geez -- if there's a "Jaws" reboot, he'll probably play the shark.
Jordan said "Star Wars" would be a dream come true. He didn't get into specifics, but did confirm he didn't wield a lightsaber during the audition.
"I mean, everybody's going in on this project. They're trying to figure out what they want," he said. "That's another incredible franchise. It's pretty crazy! ... We'll see how it happens. I don't know how I can do everything."


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The North Carolina Writers' Network and the Center for Creative Writing in the Arts bring you a full day of workshops on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. We're giving you more of what you've asked for -- small classes, top writing faculty, and intensive workshops in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, playwriting, publishing, and public speaking.
Keynote: Carole Boston Weatherford
Register Online | Download a Registration Form
Spring Conference 2011 is made possible with support from the Center for Creative Writing in the Arts, UNC-Greensboro, and the North Carolina Arts Council.
Conference Classes
Register Online | Download a Registration Form
Closed Writing What You've Lived (All-Day Fiction) with David Halperin
Closed Writing For Your Life: How Personal Narrative Morphs into Memoir (All-Day Nonfiction) with Marianne Gingher
Intensive Half-Day Workshops with
- Traci O Connor (fiction)
- Anjail Rashida Ahmad (poetry)
- Edmund R. Schubert (fiction)
- Kevin Morgan Watson (publishing)
- Joseph Mills (poetry)
- Paul Cuadros (nonfiction)
- Angela Harwood (marketing)
- Carole Boston Weatherford (childrens)
Choose one of the all-day workshops, which meet in the morning and resume after lunch.
Choose from among the half-day workshops and select one class for the morning session and another class for the afternoon session.
Either way,
- Registration from 8:00 - 9:00 am
- Morning sessions from 9:00 - 10:30 am
- Keynote Reading from 10:45 - 11:45 *Open to the Public!
- Lunch with an Author! - Keep the conversations going 12:00 - 1:00 pm
- Faculty Readings 1:00 - 2:00 pm
- Afternoon sessions from 2:30 - 4:00 pm
- Publishing Panel from 4:00 - 5:00 pm *Open to the Public!
- Publisher Exhibits open all day
See the full schedule for more information about the day's activities.
Register Online | Download a Registration Form
Early registration ends Thursday, April 22. Members may register on-site April 30 for $135.
Early registration:
|On-site registration as a walk-in:
Register Online | Download a Registration Form
Nearby Hotels
For favorable rates at the following hotels, mention that you are attending an event at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
- Greensboro Marriott, Downtown, www.marriott.com/gsodt
- Troy-Bumpas Inn Bed and Breakfast, www.troy-bumpasinn.com
Faculty Biographies: Spring Conference 2011
Register Online | Download a Registration Form
|Carole Boston Weatherford's books have received the Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Award, NAACP Image Award, Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, Jefferson Cup, and Carter G. Woodson Award, and have appeared on the New York Times best-seller list. Her more than two dozen children's books include Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom; Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People; Birmingham, 1963; Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane; Becoming Billie Holiday and The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights. A recipient of the North Carolina Award for Literature, she teaches at Fayetteville State University.
Spring Conference Faculty
Anjail Rashida Ahmad is currently the director of the Creative Writing program at North Carolina A&T State University. As a poet who experiences blindness, she believes that each person's voice and vision can be vital to the life of a community. Her poems have appeared in numerous publications such as The Black Scholar, Obsidian III, The African American Review, Washington Square Review. She is founder of Black Ink Writers Workshop in Greensboro and The Fractured Writer: A Resource for Writers. She has also received the Margaret Walker Alexander Award for Poetry, the Robert Frost Prize in Poetry, the Southern Literary Festival Prize for Poetry, and two Janet Preston Prizes for Poetry from the Academy of American Poets.
Dan Albergotti is the author of The Boatloads (BOA Editions, 2008), selected by Edward Hirsch as the winner of the 2007 A. Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize. His poems have appeared in The Cincinnati Review, Shenandoah, The Southern Review, The Virginia Quarterly Review, and Pushcart Prize XXXIII: Best of the Small Presses. A graduate of the MFA program at UNC Greensboro and former poetry editor of The Greensboro Review, Albergotti currently teaches creative writing and literature courses and edits the online journal Waccamaw (www.waccamawjournal.com) at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC.
|Traci O Connor is the author of the short story collection Recipes For Endangered Species, published by Tarpaulin Sky Press (2010). She has also published fiction, non-fiction and poetry in many journals and anthologies, including Mid-American Review, DIAGRAM, LIT Magazine, PANK, Barrowstreet, and others. She is currently a professor of writing and literature at Guilford College and lives in Greensboro with her spouse—the writer Jackson Connor—their four children, one labradoodle, and a 'cat.'
Paul Cuadros is an award-winning investigative reporter and author whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Time, Salon.com and other national and local publications. His 2007 book A Home on the Field, How One Championship Team Inspires Hope for the Revival of Small Town America, has been selected as required summer reading at several universities and colleges. Cuadros is currently an assistant professor at the School of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Marianne Gingher writes fiction and non-fiction and is the author most recently of Adventures in Pen Land, a memoir of her writing life, and the editor of Long Story Short: Flash Fiction by Sixty-Five of North Carolina's Finest Writers. She is a Bowman and Gordan Gray Distinguished Term Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
|Before he became a novelist, David Halperin was professor in the Religious Studies Department at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He taught for 24 years, published five non-fiction books, and won numerous awards for excellence in teaching. His special skill is leading interactive groups of all sizes. His novel Journal of a UFO Investigator has been published by Viking Press (2011), and translated into Spanish, German, and Italian. For more information, go to www.davidhalperin.net.
|Angela Harwood is the director of sales and electronic marketing at John F. Blair, Publisher. She has worked in almost every area of publishing from publicity, editing, and design to sales, marketing, and acquisitions. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and the Denver Publishing Institute, and a co-author of Travel North Carolina. She lives in Greensboro.
Joseph Mills has published three collections of poetry: Love and Other Collisions; Angels, Thieves, and Winemakers; and Somewhere During the Spin Cycle. He has edited a collection of film criticism, A Century of the Marx Brothers, and researched and wrote two editions of A Guide to North Carolina's Wineries with his wife, Danielle Tarmey. His work has been featured on Garrison Keillor's "The Writer's Almanac," and Angels, Thieves, and Winemakers was called "a must-have for wine lovers" by The Washington Post. After earning a Ph.D. in American Literature from the University of California, Davis, he joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he holds the Susan Wall Burress Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities. He also is the poet-in-residence at Salem College.
|Edmund Schubert is the author of over thirty-five short stories and one novel, Dreaming Creek (Oct. 2008). He's held a variety of editorial positions, currently serving as editor of Orson Scott Card's online magazine of science fiction and fantasy, InterGalactic Medicine Show (IGMS). An anthology of IGMS stories, co-edited by Schubert and Card, was published by Tor (Aug. 2008). His latest editing project, How To Write Magical Words: A Writer's Companion (Jan. 2011), is a collection of essays about the craft and business of writing, written by members of the writing blog MagicalWords.net. Several more books are due out in the next few years, including a collection of his short stories, The Trouble With Eating Clouds (Spring 2011).
|Kevin Morgan Watson is the founding editor of Press 53, a small literary publishing company in Winston-Salem. As a publisher and editor, he has worked with writers ranging from newly published authors to winners of the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize. Kevin also serves as an advisor on adaptation of short stories to screenplays for the screenwriting faculty at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking.
Ross White is the editor of Inch, a magazine of short poetry and microfiction, and the executive director of Bull City Press. His work has appeared in New England Review, Poetry Daily, The Collagist, and Southern Poetry Review, among others. He lives in Durham, and teaches creative writing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Register Online | Download a Registration Form
8 – 9 am Registration
8 am – 6 pm Exhibits & Book Sales Open
9 – 10:30 am Workshop Session I
Writing What You've Lived (All-Day Fiction) with David Halperin Closed
"Write what you know" is familiar advice. Many of us start out writing fiction with stories taken from our most powerful personal experiences. This writing has the strength of authenticity. But it also has its pitfalls. We can shackle ourselves to "what really happened," hold our stories back from becoming all they can be. Rejection letters from editors and agents tell us we've fallen short.
We'll devote the morning session to working together on this issue—the challenge of turning transformative experience into transformative fiction, of giving our writing the power of free imagination without forsaking the deeper power of truth. The afternoon session will be spent discussing participants' submissions.
Writing For Your Life: How Personal Narrative Morphs into Memoir (All-Day Nonfiction) with Marianne Gingher Closed
So you have a weird or wild or provocative story about your own life to tell. "I should write a book about my life," you've probably said a thousand times. But is the narrative you're contemplating worth an entire book? Maybe it's a story you can tell in a few pages. How do you know? How much is too much and how much is too little? What makes your story truly distinctive? How could you keep a reader reading? How might you generate suspense? The workshop will focus on crafting the personal narrative and examining its possibilities (or limitations) for expansion, including lots of good writing prompts for mining "forgotten" stories. You don't have to have a "big" story to write. You only have to believe it's big. Recommended reading: This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff.
The Telling Detail (fiction) with Traci O Connor
In response to the question, What makes a story work?, Flannery O'Connor suggests, "that it is probably some action, some gesture of a character that is unlike any other in the story, one which indicates where the real heart of the story lies." It is through, and upon, such telling moments that the enormous energy, beauty, even magic, of good fiction emerges. So, just what is a "telling detail"? How do we, as writers, uncover them? How do we recognize them? Further, how can we realize and sustain the kind of writing practice that engenders this kind of creative discovery and revelation, rather than disallowing it all together?
Elegies, Laments and other Lyric Notions (poetry) with Anjail Rashida Ahmad
The heralding of springtime is often fitfully anticipated beneath the chilly husk of winter's long night, and this year has been no exception. Is April really the cruelest month? Sometimes the effort to move forward can be compounded by that which remains within us unresolved. In this workshop, we will explore the elegiac form and its usefulness for exercising sorrow's pangs. While elegy has traditionally been reserved for mourning the dead by offering hope and consolation through religion, philosophy, or culture, we will turn our attention to its modern and contemporary descendents which follow a different path that regularly questions all possibility of resolution. As 21st century poets, we will also take up the form to confront our notions of loss and the sorrow that can intrude upon the personal, intellectual, and cultural aspects of daily life. Through our use of the elegy to explore how loss touches each of these areas, we can become aware of that which defines us around notions of family, marriage, community and ideas of the self.
Writing and Selling Science Fiction and Fantasy with Edmund R. Schubert
Whether you're writing short stories or novels, there are certain elements that define science fiction and fantasy. This workshop will provide an overview of those elements, as well as looking at the most effective way to work your Big Concept into a story. Learn the difference between the Big Concept and The Most Important Thing. Learn the importance of establishing firm rules in speculative writing. We'll read aloud some story openings and discuss why certain ones work and others don't, and conclude with a question and answer period.
Packaging Yourself as a Writer with Kevin Morgan Watson
You've been writing and writing and you are finally ready to send your manuscript to a publisher. But is a great manuscript enough? In today's market, publishers large and small are looking for a package: a great manuscript delivered by a seasoned writer with connections and readers. In this workshop, Kevin Morgan Watson, founder of Press 53, will discuss several strategies writers can employ to gain an edge before approaching a publisher.
10:45 – 11:45 am Keynote Address by Carole Boston Weatherford
12 – 1 pm Lunch
"Lunch with an Author" sign-up at Registration Table
1 – 2 pm Faculty Readings
2:30 – 4 pm Workshop Session II
Writing What You've Lived (All-Day Fiction) with David Halperin Closed
Writing For Your Life: How Personal Narrative Morphs into Memoir (All-Day Nonfiction) with Marianne Gingher Closed
"The Worst Things Ever": Metaphors, Similes, and Beautiful Dangerous Images (poetry) with Joseph Mills
Metaphors, similes, and figurative language can be an efficient, powerful way to pack multiple meanings and connotations into a single image. In this workshop, we'll discuss this key writing technique and its uses in poetry, as well as its applications in other genres.
Nonfiction Memoir and Narrative Journalism with Paul Cuadros
This workshop is designed to cover the ins and outs of writing a nonfiction book that also incorporates memoir, using narrative journalism techniques of reporting, researching information, and writing for this genre. The workshop will employ the use of the instructor's own book, A Home on the Field, as a template for researching, crafting a non-fiction book proposal, writing the manuscript, and selling it to a publisher and promotion. Workshop will be discussion-led with a question-and-answer session on proposals, publishing, and crafting a manuscript.
Successful Marketing: How to Reach Your Readers and Sell Your Book with Angela Harwood
Whether you're a published author or a writer looking to publish, knowing how to market your book effectively is imperative to the desired end result: selling your book to a wider audience. In this workshop we'll discuss marketing must-haves and marketing myths. Learn which marketing techniques really work and why. Learn how to make your book more appealing to booksellers by reaching the end consumer: your readers. We'll discuss real examples of successful marketing campaigns, and we'll work together to come up with the best marketing plan for your book, whatever your budget.
Think Anyone Can Write a Children's Book? with Carole Boston Weatherford
Well, anybody can't, but perhaps you can. This much is certain: Writing a children's book is more than mere kids' stuff. You definitely have at least one book in you. So how do you get it out of you and into the world? This workshop will explore the wide world of children's publishing, including categories, trends, resources and making the pitch. Participants will also tackle a writing exercise that summons their inner child.
4 – 5 pm Publishers Panel
with Dan Albergotti, Angela Harwood, & Ross White
5 – 6 pm Open-Mike Readings
Sign-up at Registration Table
Spring Conference 2011 Schedule at a Glance
Register Online | Download a Registration Form
|Saturday, April 30
|8:00 - 9:00am
Exhibit Tables and Book Sales (open from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm)
|9:00 - 10:30am
Workshop Session I:
|10:45am - 11:45pm
Keynote Address by Carole Boston Weatherford
|12:00 - 1:00pm
|Lunch on your own OR "Lunch with an Author": A new chance for the Network to network. From 8 - 9 am, registrants can sign up to join a group of no more than 10 who will take one of our faculty members out to lunch for some good company and informal conversation. Participants will split the cost of their author's lunch, as well as paying for their own meal.
Elliott Center Food Court and Commons
Link: http://euc.uncg.edu/services/foodcourt/
Exhibit Tables Open, Book Sales
|1:00 - 2:00pm
|Faculty Readings
|2:30 - 4:00pm
Workshop Session II
|4:00 - 5:00pm
Publishers Panel with Dan Albergotti, Angela Harwood, & Ross White
|5:00 - 6:00pm
Open-Mike Readings


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The Convertible Short is a classic-fitting short made with quick-dry polyester microfiber. Perfect for any Spring or Summer occasion - even the water! Get 'em wet to see what the Irish Setter does and become the life of the party!
The shorts can be used for every occasion and serve multiple purposes - hence, why they are called Convertible Shorts. These shorts can take you from the classroom, field, BBQs and into the ocean without sacrificing a single thing. Securely store items in waterproof wallet and forget about them. Water activated patterns appear when wet. Quick drying technology allows you to be on the go without a hitch transforming shorts back to original color in under 20 minutes. Performance fit, structure, and breathability create an unfounded fit and comfort for everyone in any situation.
Features include: classic fit, zip fly, angled side pockets, contrast interior waistband, custom logo buttons, zip back pocket with waterproof wallet, machine washable, 7" inseam.


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Explore the eastern-most points in North America and a land of rich and diverse cultures with this map of Atlantic Canada. Part of the "Making of Canada" series, this is half of a two-map set published in October 1993. Known for their quaint harbors and fishing villages, friendly people, vibrant music, and pristine environment, the provinces of Atlantic Canada make for a fantastic vacation destination.
Coverage Area: Newfoundland, Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, eastern Quebec


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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — With Connecticut standing firm as a true Blue State, the state's top Democratic officials issued statements critical of President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening.
"President Trump offered nothing new tonight. He offered no new ideas. He offered no new legislation to fulfill his endless promises. He offered no new explanations for all the things that have gone wrong during the first month of his administration," said U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). "His tone tonight was more sober than usual, but what a low bar we have set for the presidency when a speech is considered a success when the Commander-in-Chief doesn't do something truly stunning or embarrassing.
"I remain ready to work with the President if he is truly sincere about working with Democrats on potential bipartisan initiatives like infrastructure investment and trade adjustment, but I still haven't seen any real, meaningful overtures to make that happen."
Murphy brought Patrick A. Charmel, president and CEO of Derby's Griffin Hospital, as his guest to the speech. After the speech, Murphy appeared on MSNBC and YahooNews to give his reaction.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) was also underwhelmed by Trump's speech.
"This speech was mostly vague platitudes, vacuous assurances, and appeals to fear," he said. "The nation needs a leader with a real vision for our future – not empty promises. We deserve more than an administration that pledges unity, then governs by fear."
Blumenthal was joined at the Joint Address to Congress by Hewad Hemat, a refugee from Afghanistan who fled his home country after his work on behalf of the United States provoked the Taliban to threaten him and his family.
Hemat worked for the U.S. Army, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, and the United Nations for eight years. He and his family were admitted to the United States as refugees in 2014, and settled in New Haven.
U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty was joined at the speech by Waterbury Police Chief Vernon L. Riddick Jr., who shares her concerns about gun control.
"The values President Trump talked about in his speech tonight – ideas like standing up to special interests, securing our national defense, and expanding economic opportunity – were totally at odds with the divisive and damaging policies he has pursued and the appointments he has made since taking office," Esty said of the speech.
"I stand ready to work with my colleagues in Congress and the new Administration on areas of genuine shared interest. But the words tonight must be understood in the context of the actions the president has taken in the last five weeks and will be judged by the actions he takes going forward."
From Hartford, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said, "We all hold high aspirations for our country, communities, and families and it is the role of government to enable all people to achieve such goals. Though President Trump spoke about unity, justice, and a stronger middle class, unfortunately, the vision he presented tonight falls short on providing a path forward toward these ends.
"In particular, the changes to Medicaid that have been recently discussed are cause for alarming concern. And nothing we heard tonight assuages our fear that millions of low-income families and seniors will lose healthcare – such a result would not only be disastrous to individuals, but to the healthcare system.
"We will not stop advocating for what is in the best interest of the people of our state and our nation. In fact, we stand as ready partners to help move the country forward where everyone stands to benefit. President Trump would be wise to take us up on this offer."
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Casual Wear Diamond Jewellery
Casual Wear Diamond Jewellery
Casual Diamond Jewellery
The heart of a woman and her jewellery are inseparable. The statement of Sonja Henie seems to be completely appropriate, that "Jewellery takes the minds of people off your wrinkles". However, whatever is the reason but the adoration of women for jewellery is undeniable. We, at Malabar Gold and Diamonds understand the fondness of women for jewellery, whether it is a special occasion or not, they want to wear jewellery. This is why we have come up with an extensive range of diamond jewellery for casual wear.
Undoubtedly, jewellery imparts a distinct sort of charm to the beauty of a woman, and thus, their love for jewellery seems logical. Our casual jewellery collection for women is known for its beautiful concoction of international quality standards and Indian values. Our casual diamond collection has something for every taste and preference. Our wide array of casual jewellery encompasses casual wear diamond pendants, rings and earrings set into contemporary yet classy styles for our modern wearers. Our casual diamond jewellery collection brings forth a colossal assortment of jewellery for women from all walks of life and of all ages.
Our trendsetting casual collection is meant to cater all the needs of women for jewellery to be worn regularly. Our casual wear diamond earrings are designed specifically to satisfy the desire of a woman to have a masterpiece of her own. Also, every piece of our casual wear rings collection is crafted with utmost precision to match up the elegant choices and superior tastes. Malabar Gold and Diamonds casual wear diamond jewellery collection is committed to make even your regular and casual moments a celebration of lifetime. We not just craft jewellery; rather we put in emotions in some of the precious and rare stoners and metals to ensure that everyone gets the prefect gems and jewellery that can augment their personality.
Get your casual diamond jewellery online at attractive offers
Every girl wants to look charming and gorgeous all the time, whether going to office, working at home or at a party, a woman wants to look attractive in all these places. Malabar Gold and Diamonds understands the jewelry needs of women perfectly, and thus have come up with a casual wear diamond jewellery collection to ensure that women feel special and gorgeous all the time. Under this category of jewellery, we offer exquisite and light designs to compliment your personality. Our casual wear range holds tempting bouquet of affordable and lovely jewellery designs in gold and platinum. Every product in our casual diamond jewellery range is pure and authentic, and promises you highly reasonable prices with some of the best offers.
All the jewellery pieces are marked with grace and creativity. Moreover, it is extremely easy to buy these from our simple to use online portal. So, it's the right time to give long on to Malabar Gold and Diamonds online store to give you the opportunity and luxury of wearing a timeless piece of jewellery. Indulge in our online shopping and save yourself from the hassle of conventional brick and mortar shopping.


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Welcome to our online US pharmacy fruitvaleavenuepharmacy.com!
Our overnight pharmacy is happy to offer you a wide range of medicines for your health problems. We provide generic and some branded preparations. All of the generic medications available are manufactured by respectful and well known pharmaceutical companies. These manufactures approved themselves as vendors of highly effective and safe generic drugs which correspond to the strict rules of GMP(good manufacturing practice).
Generic drugs we provide are bioequivalent to brand drugs meaning that they possess the same pharmaceutical action, indications and side effects as brand preparations. The difference is only in price, generic drugs are much cheaper than brand ones.
In spite of the fact that medicines we provide are available without prescription you should consult your health care provider prior to taking any preparations. We strongly recommend you not to take medicines on your own initiative without medical approval.
Finally we would like to emphasize that the main goal of our company is to provide the customers with high quality generics or brand medicines at competitive prices, excellent customer support, exact and rapid delivery. You can count on people who care fruitvaleavenuepharmacy.com


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- Description
- Additional information
- Returns & Delivery
High-performance silicone hoses built using motorsport proven technologies, offering improved reliability, durability and aesthetics.
SamcoSport hoses are the most reliable upgrade you can make to your engine, backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
Chosen by the worlds leading race teams to deliver performance under extreme temperature and pressures.
Please indicate the color you would like upon checkout, on the purchaser notes section. Orders take approximately 3 business days to process.
Custom Camo color option – please e-mail us for further details.
Additional information
Custom Camo, Premium Colour, Premium Colour II, Standard Colour
Return /Exchange Policy
Riders Choice allows returns for store-credit within 30-days after purchase if the item is unused, in saleable condition, in original packaging, and with all tags intact.
You are responsible for return shipping costs. Products returned in manufacturer packaging and not in a box (example. shipping helmets in their branded box) will be refused and a handling fee of $10. Refused, Undelivered, or Abandoned shipments will be subject to a $10 service fee.
Whether an item meets the requirements for return will be at the discretion of Riders Choice.
Do Not order multiple items with the intention of sizing and returning a majority of your order. Please contact us or visit our store for sizing requirements. Returns will be monitored for abuse.
Store-Credit is only valid for 1 year. If you need to make an exchange please contact us and we would be happy to accommodate you. You are also welcome to visit the store for exchanges or returns.
Select items are subject to a 25% restocking fee: Tires, Pit-Bull, and Electronics. If there is a problem with your order, please contact our customer service department and we would be happy to assist you.


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Floor Coverings International serving Middletown offers both affordability and style with a linoleum floor. Linoleum flooring is made from natural materials, including limestone, cord dust, recycled wood flooring and linseed oil. With so many people going "green" in Middletown, linoleum floors are an excellent way to enjoy green living.
When it comes to the flooring in your home, you have dozens of materials to choose from. It can be a difficult decision to make, so it's important to thoroughly evaluate all of your options. In Middletown linoleum floors are a great option because there are some important advantages to linoleum that many people do not consider.
With the natural materials present in linoleum, this type of flooring is also biodegradable which is important to many in Middletown. Linoleum floors produce zero waste and are considered to be one of the ultimate byproducts of recycling. In addition to its green-friendliness, there are additional reasons to consider linoleum floors as well.
If you're looking to incorporate various colors and designs into your home in Middletown, linoleum tiles will allow you to do just that. With bright colors such as blue and red as well as neutrals including tan, white and black, you're able to create a number of different designs for your home. Checkerboards, stripes and much more can be integrated into your home for a stunning visual effect.
Linoleum tiles offer more color options beyond those available with hardwoods, bamboo and other more expensive flooring. As all of the materials that go into the linoleum floors are recycled and naturally available, the cost of the flooring allows you to enjoy style on any budget.
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Call Floor Coverings International serving Middletown today to schedule a free in-home consultation. We will review all of the benefits of linoleum and all our other flooring choices – and provide you with free design assistance and estimates.


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Complete Story
Cable kicking butt, analyst notes
By: Staff, Telephony Online
As DSL numbers keep trending down, telephone companies are fighting back but may not be doing enough, according to one industry analyst.
Teresa Mastrangelo, principal analyst with Broadbandtrends.com, was one of the first analysts to sound the alarm when Verizon's strong focus on its FiOS fiber-to-the-home initiative left its DSL products in the dust, and has chronicled the steady decline of DSL versus cable modems in the broadband world.
In her November 2008 newsletter, Mastrangelo notes that DSL port shipments hit their lowest level in two years in the third quarter of 2008. DSL net adds have been trending down each quarter since the beginning of 2007. Cable now is outpacing the telcos by two-to-one in broadband additions and three-to-one in cable modems versus DSL, Mastrangelo reports. Cable now has 52% of broadband subscribers compared to 46%.
"Cable is definitely kicking butt," Mastrangelo said. "Their bundle is still better and, what's just as important, it is available to everyone in their footprint. The telcos just don't have that ubiquitous service."
There have been some new DSL promotions, the first seen in a while, Mastrangelo said. "We started in September to see promotional activity – which had been pretty light for the better part of a year," she said. "But it's not like when they first came out with $14.95, and the type of PR we saw then. If you don't actively market your DSL service, no one is going to know what is happening. We used to get Verizon DSL things almost weekly, but we have not gotten anything from Verizon for more than a year."
As consumers get more price-conscious, the telephone companies need to make sure their markets are still aware of the lower-cost offerings, Mastrangelo said.
Cable continues to promote, and the promotions are more varied. For example, she said, Cox Communications is using modem upgrades as the entry point for selling more digital voice service.


text: I was looking at a Haydenshapes board in a shop yesterday and noticed Global Surf Industries was written on the price tag. Does that mean they own Haydenshapes? I know most of the GSI shapers basically make popouts (7s, Aloha, etc.) so could that mean the Haydens are being ****tily mass-produced as well? I really hope not because they seem like really cool boards (albeit pricey) and I was thinking about buying one.


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Make your vacation security checklist
By Carla Hindman, Director of Financial Education, Visa Canada
With summer vacation right around the corner, you're probably busy planning itineraries, shopping for new bathing suits and finishing up work projects. But before you completely check out, take a few minutes to review a few financial safeguards that could save you a ton of grief and money – and protect your identity.
Credit and debit cards. If you're planning to travel – especially overseas – follow these precautions:
- Tell your card issuers where and how long you're travelling so they'll be on guard against unauthorized transactions. Also, bank fraud departments have sophisticated systems for detecting unusual account activity, so if a transaction raises concern and you're not home to field their call, your account could be frozen until you can be reached.
- Immediately report lost or stolen cards and/or unauthorized transactions to your card issuer.
- Carry at least two cards in case one gets damaged or closed temporarily. It might take a few days for the bank to mail you a new card.
- In case of theft, carry a list of card issuers' fraud hotlines and your account numbers separate from your wallet. Perhaps leave a copy with a trusted friend. I also program these numbers into my cell phone for quick access.
- Some bank's toll-free numbers may not work internationally, so ask for the right numbers before you leave.
- Avoid using standalone or unusual-looking ATMs not located in secure areas. They might be altered or have hidden cameras that can "shoulder surf" your account information and PIN.
- Save and check all receipts against your statement; also scan your statement for unauthorized transactions.
Guard your travel plans. Resist sharing your vacation itinerary on social networking sites or in outgoing phone or email messages. It can alert criminals that you're away from home or work. Even friends who know better might inadvertently forward an email or Facebook posting that contains critical dates and destinations. Also make sure your kids understand that this information is off limits until you're safely home.
Streamline your wallet. Don't carry too much personal information. You'll of course need identification, like a driver's license or passport, but don't bring your Social Insurance card or other highly sensitive papers. Do carry your health and car insurance identification. Also, photocopy, scan or make a list of your wallet's contents and keep it in a secure location, such as a hotel safe; and leave a copy with someone at home you can call should your wallet be stolen.
Electronic precautions. Whenever logging onto the Internet at a Wi-Fi hotspot, hotel business center or other public facility whose server may not be encrypted, be extra cautious before conducting online banking or other password-protected transactions. And, it probably goes without saying, but your computer and cellphone should always be password protected in case of theft.
Safeguard your home. If no one will be housesitting in your absence:
- Have the post office hold your mail.
- Suspend newspaper subscriptions.
- Park a car in the driveway and put a prominent interior light on a timer.
- Ask a friend or neighbour to remove fliers, packages or free newspapers.
Have a great vacation. Just don't forget to take basic identity theft precautions.
This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.<< Back to Practical Money Matters


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EMCC European Monitoring Centre on Change
European Restructuring Monitor
Since 2002, the European Restructuring Monitor (ERM) has been monitoring the employment impact of large-scale restructuring events in Europe and now covers the 28 EU Member States plus Norway. The ERM offers a searchable database of restructuring events based on announcements in national media sources. Detailed information is available on this site about the data collection method, the media sources used, available information and data limitations.
ERM databases
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media in each EU member state. Created in 2002, it has recorded more than 25.000 restructuring events to date. It is updated daily.
Since 2011, the ERM also provides a database on national public support instruments for restructuring to assist companies and workers to anticipate and manage restructuring. To date, the database provides information on almost 350 national schemes. Furthermore, since 2013 the ERM database on restructuring related legislation gives an overview on national regulations related to, for example, definitions of collective dismissal and dismissal procedures or information/consultation requirements in restructuring.
A key ERM publication is the annual report focusing on a specific topic that reflects current policy priorities.
ERM annual report
Using data from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS), carried out in 2015, the ERM report 2018: Impact of restructuring on working conditions examines how workplace factors may influence the relationship between restructuring (with job losses) and the outcomes for employees. It also reviews policy and academic research on good practice in restructuring. The findings are then distilled into a model that may contribute to the design and implementation of effective measures to support the stayers. The good practice elements are exemplified by company case studies from four countries – Bulgaria, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain – showing different approaches.
Other publications
The ERM quarterly summary publication has been discontinued after the publication of the January 2017 issue.
The comparative analytical reports represent an additional strand of research within the ERM. They provide information on developments at EU and national level on specific themes, including company case examples.
Please visit the publication section for a quick overview on the ERM and its publications.