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Fax from Hotmail or Gmail with a Fax Service
Say good bye to traditional fax machines, in the last ten years these machines just seem to get slower and slower as new digital technology emerges. We live in days of portability, smartphones and availability anywhere and with the use of machines this is simply not possible. Luckily, now we have the option of using email fax services, which allow us to receive fax in our email inbox, no matter if it comes from a free email provider.
A lot of people use Gmail and Hotmail addresses for business purposes, so it makes sense that the fax services out there in the market offer 100% compatibility to fax from Gmail or Hotmail. They even went a step forward, offering compatibility with any other email provider of your choice.
Receiving faxes on your email is just like receiving emails. You basically wait for incoming faxes or you check your fax account whenever you receive and incoming fax notification. Some services give you the option of receiving notifications via your mobile phone. Smartphone users can take advantage of this feature simply by downloading the free apps developed by these services.
Sending a fax is also very simple, but involves a little bit of knowledge. To start, you will put the recipient's number on the To field of the email message, followed by @faxservice. Services vary their domains, so for example, Ringcentral Fax would be @rcfax.com and MyFax would be @myfax.com.
Then you need to add the actual document to be faxed. Simply upload the document on the email message as an attachment. In the case you are using Gmail, the attachment button is below the address field. It can be any document file, but compatibility depends on the company of your choice. You can add a note for the message in the subject field and add a cover page by typing up on the message field.
From there you just press send and just wait for the confirmation of delivery. This usually takes less than a minute and even if the line is busy, the fax service will keep on trying several times to ensure your document is delivered correctly.
As you can see, now you can take advantage of Google faxing services to speed up and improve communications in your business. The best thing about services is that you can start free of charge thanks to 30 day free trials, which happen to be also the best way to determine if a fax service is right for you.


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Risk management
It only takes a few minutes to complete our secure online business registration which places you under no obligation afterward, but will enable you to book favourable exchange rates for your business whenever you want to.
Preparing a strategy that manages exposure to foreign currency risk is critical to protecting your capital from the dangers of sudden currency market fluctuations. Our specialist Corporate FX experts are skilled at providing the best solutions for your business to help you to plan ahead and avoid these threats.
How It Works
Complete our secure online Business registration. It's free, only takes a few minutes to complete and places you under no obligation afterward.
Receive your pre-completed Business Application and email signed copies back to us together with your business FICA/KYC documents.
Receive your Business FX Settlement Account details to fund your payments or receive your foreign currency.
Contact your dedicated Corporate FX Dealer for live quotes and secure a favourable exchange rate when satisfied.
Receive your Client Trade Confirmation when securing your exchange rate. This is followed by your Payment Confirmation, once the onward payment of foreign currency has been completed to your chosen beneficiary.
Register online
Alternatively, contact us by email on email@example.com or call 086 0022 007 (SA) or +27 87 2374 798 (Intl) and a member of our specialist Corporate FX team will assist you.

subset: commoncrawl


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I don't know if I've ever seen the desert so green and full of growth. Combine the extra cover with the birds being very shy and quiet, my first morning in the field was a slow one. DJ and I hiked several hills and pushed a few coveys, but when the smoke cleared, there were only a few spent shells and a pair of male Gambels to show for our morning effort.
A light sprinkling of lemon pepper and a slow bake makes for a simple and juicy post hunt celebration.


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The time machine was invented in the early 1800s by Nicephore Niepce. Its more common name today is the CAMERA. Mr. Niepce made his first permanent photographs in 1826 by coating a pewter plate with bitumen. Once the bitumen was exposed to light in the camera it would harden. The unexposed areas were washed away and voila' a time portal. With that photograph we would forever be able to travel back in time. Each photograph is a time passageway, taking us back to when we were younger, Christmas day with our favorite toy, our parents wedding, our grandparents graduation. All of this information recorded for us to travel back in time. Yes, you can see time as it was. Photographs are a way of capturing time and transporting us back to past time and place.
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STREET PHOTOS (Various Times) One of pleasures of walking the streets of New York are the various people, places and things you see.
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CARIBBEAN DAY PARADE 2014 (September 1, 2014) One of the largest Parades in the United States is the Caribbean Day Parade. Held every year on every year on Labor Day.
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Ewerdt Hilgemann (August 1, 2014) A series of sculptures from German artist Ewerdt Hilgemann are on Park Avenue between 52nd Street and 67th Street. The seven sculptures were created explicitly for the Park Avenue exhibition using an implosion process. These sculptures fit perfectly into the built environment of New York's Park Avenue.
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Girls Write Now (June 20, 2014) Distinguished by the White House and the President's Committee on the Arts & the Humanities as one of the nation's top after school arts and culture programs, Girls Write Now is the first organization in the United States with a writing/mentoring modeled exclusively for girls. Girls Write Now presented CHAPTERS, their annual reading series highlighting the work of the teen writers, with special guest novelist, essayist, and editor Christina Baker Kline for the June 20, 2014 reading
Kara Walker "A Subtlety"
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"A Subtlety" (May 10, 2014 – July 6, 2014)These photographs where taken at Kara Walkers exhibition "A Subtlety" in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is "the Marvelous Sugar Baby an Homage to the unpaid and overworked Artisans who have refined our Sweet tastes from the cane fields to the Kitchens of the New World on the Occasion of the demolition of the Domino Sugar Refining Plant"
The Productive , NYC (February 6, 2013) The Productive held an afterparty for Kidscreen. Kidscreen Summit is the kids entertainment industry's most important annual event. In 2012, the conference welcomed almost 1,600 attendees from around the world.


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With the recent changes in Fantasyland, Snow White has a whole new presence in the Magic Kingdom. Of course, I'm talking about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train! I love this ride. The imagineers did such a great job combining the fun of a roller coaster with the classic dark ride.
|It is totally worth the wait!
|This was the only picture I took on the attraction. I recommend just enjoying the ride!
Other than this headline attraction, where else can you find Snow White references?
* The Emporium has classic Disney windows. Be sure to check out the Snow White window.
* If you visit Fairy Tale Hall in Fantasyland, be sure to find Snow White's portrait and book.
* When watching wishes, listen for Snow White's wish.
* At one time there was a photo op in exposition hall on main street, but I do not believe it is still there.
The last places to find Snow White is Sir Mickey's and the Emporium for...pennies!
|Penny in Sir Mickey's in Fantasyland
|Quarter in the Emporium on Main Street


text: Friendly Bird Aviary only sells sweet hand tamed birds and quality breeding pairs. We have a very limited production of birds that are selected and weaned one-by-one according to the customer's desires. We are licensed with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and were a member of the International Parrotlet Society.


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National Milk Urges Changes to Dairy Margin Protection Program
The Dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) is failing to provide an effective safety net for dairy farmers, says Randy Mooney, a dairy farmer from Rogersville, Mo. and chairman of the National Milk Producers Federation. He testified today before the House Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.
"For many farmers, the MPP is simply not enough to protect them in this economic environment," he says. The reason: Congress changed the MPP formula for calculating feed costs though the insurance premium structure was not altered. During the 2012 farm bill negotiations, the feed formula coefficients were all reduced 10% to ensure the cost of the program met budget baselines. And that made a $1 or more difference in some of the milk/feed margins and whether payments were triggered.
For example, in 2015, the January-February margin was reported at $8/cwt. Had the 10% reduction in feed costs not been taken, the margin would have been $6.98, triggering payments. In fact, payments would have been triggered January through August had the feed formula not been adjusted, and three of the payment periods would have seen milk/feed margins below below $7. With the 10% adjustment, payments were triggered just twice, and at $7.50 and $7.70.
"These margins triggered MPP at only the highest coverage level of $8 per hundredweight and only 264 farmers received payments," says Mooney. "Had Congress not reduced the feed ration calculation, …more than 8,500 dairy farmers would have received a benefit from MPP.
"In 2015, many farmers saw that the MPP didn't pay out much, even at the highest levels of coverage. So in 2016, they opted for the least expensive—and minimal—level of coverage available," says Rooney.
"Had Congress not reduced the feed ration, more farmers would have seen benefits in 2015 and participated at higher levels this year," he says.
Rooney does acknowledge that changes USDA has made in the program, clarifying the coverage new entrants to operations qualify for, has helped and will make the program more useful for farmers.
Rooney also urged Congress to come up with national legislation to define and label foods with genetically-modified ingredients before Vermont's labeling law goes into effect July 1. Failure to do so will lead to other states passing GMO-label laws, creating a patchwork of confusing regulations.
"Failure by Congress to address this issue threatens the viability of not only my farm, but also the 30,000 farmers I represent," he says.


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We are a non-denominational group of dedicated singers spreading God's Word.
Spark Gospel Singers originated around the piano at the Carbondale Methodist Church in 1981.
Each year, a new program is prepared with many Southern gospel songs and parts of the old
fashioned hymns that we remember fondly. And a Christmas program is prepared every year for those events which need some holiday highlights.
Throughout the years, we have been blessed with over 100 talented members. At the present time, we have 13 members who reside in the Lenoxville, Clifford, Elk Mountain, Montrose, Dickson City, & Factoryville areas.
We have been honored to sing as a group in several states including, New York, Virginia and Maine. Each year we present our program on the boardwalk in Ocean Grove New Jersey.


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These delicate, crisp capers make a flavorful garnish.
Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr
- Yield
- Makes 1/4 cup
- 1/4 cup large capers, preferably packed in salt*
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- Special equipment:
- Special equipment: a deep-fat thermometer
- Rinse capers in a sieve and transfer to a small bowl. Add enough water to cover capers by 2 inches, then soak 30 minutes. Repeat soaking method.
- Drain and rinse capers, then pat very dry between paper towels.
- Heat oil in a 1-quart heavy saucepan over moderately high heat until it registers 375°F on thermometer. Fry capers in 2 batches until golden, 30 to 45 seconds per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and return oil to 375°F between batches.
- *Available at specialty foods shops and Dean & Deluca (800-999-0306).


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Ocean Class
Overall Dimensions
Length: 146'
Breadth: 46'
Depth: 26′
The Ocean Class tug is a modern ocean towing twin-screw vessel with controllable pitch propellers (CPP) in nozzles, high lift rudders, over 147 MT bollard pull, FiFi-1 and certified DP-1. Towing configuration has 3,000 feet of 2 1/2″ cable and 4,200 feet of 2 3/4″ cable with 317.5 MT of holding power. Tow wires are handled on deck with Triplex 350 MT shark jaws and 200 MT guide pins. The vessel has been designed to help safeguard the environment, with all tanks containing oil and oil traces placed inboard of the sideshell, creating a double hull to eliminate any petroleum discharges to the water. Additionally, the vessel has been designed for zero discharge of any machinery cooling water, gray or black water.


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The French fort at Saint Malo saw post-punk's Shame play a blistering set on the second stage at La Route du Rock Festival last night (17 August).
Largely taking place across two stages at Le Fort de Saint-Père fort in Saint-Malo, La Route du Rock also features a beach stage by the walled city seafront, and an opening party at the festival's year-round live venue La Nouvelle Vague.The festival almost completely eliminates choice, giving the crowd a non-stop 6pm-4am programme that alternates one act at a time between the main and second stage. It's a confident, and completely justified, statement about the organisers' taste – and it's worked for more than 25 years.So entering the stage to the fairground blasts of The Vengaboys' 'We Like to Party' was about the most rebellious thing Shame could have done, bringing the remnants of a tasteless time to a festival that prides itself on its timeless taste. Tops came off and mic stands became accessories as they gave their all through a charged set that touched on highlights 'The Lick' and 'One Rizla' from debut album Songs of Praise, as well as some equally savvy and spiteful brand new material.The crowd lapped up every minute of a set that had none of the refinement, restraint or mystery provided by the rest of the day's bill – one that included the relatively low key Grizzly Bear, Brian Jonestown Massacre, and The Limiñanas. By the time the band had finished, even the crowd had broken a sweat for the first time today.For their part, The Limiñanas turned their lo-fi recordings into an outstanding rich and layered performance, with a line-up of guest musicians joining founding members Lionel and Marie to open the main stage. It was the perfect smokey soundtrack to see off the last of the sunshine.But the surprise of the night for visitors was the reception for French legend Étienne Daho, well known to the local crowd thanks to a massive pop career spanning more than 30 years. All the 20-somethings on the front row swapped places with their parents to watch Étienne channeling Depeche Mode, backed by a buff band, dry ice and futuristic mood lighting. Finally, Chilean band Föllakzoid closed up, churning out dark and chugging Krautrock until 4am for all those still standing.La Route du Rock continues today. Check their website here for details.
Source: Shame slayed La Route du Rock Festival in France | Gigwise | Gigwise


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Tho i roam i will find my way back home to my gentle lady's side where in the sanctuary of her heart and soul i shall dwel n b content A dog A stray straydog_grrrrrrr ( two spirites dancing so strange )For she to whom the Sun sends its sunburst warmth. for she to whom the Moon's clear liquid waves cascade upon her face .her body so. I am blind.
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This report identifies key challenges and possible solutions for incorporating biodiversity considerations into mining operations in the Arctic.
A draft set of Arctic biodiversity principles was developed, based on the findings and recommendations of the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (ABA). Basing the principles on the ABA ensures they are well-grounded in science, in line with Arctic Council priorities and will provide a robust framework for mainstreaming applications. We sought advice from ten people with experience in biodiversity mainstreaming and conducted a literature and website review. Results from the interviews and review are summarized and discussed.


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Submitted by nagadmin on 8 September 2010 - 10:53am
NAG has submitted an objection to the 'Project Hydrus' planning application at the Atomic Weapons Establishment. Our letter of objection (see below) highlights concerns about lack of information on safety and environmental risks; poor consultation over the application, and the impacts which construction of the facility will have on local communities. The application is expected to be determined by West Berkshire Council on 29th September 2010.


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1 Bedroom Apartment for Sale in Seef TerracesSeef-area
Centrally located in the Seef District, Seef Terraces keeps you connected to all the right places with a fine balance of leisure and entertainment for the family. When it comes to leisure, you have the best of high-street shopping, world cuisine, and the eclectic spread of entertainment at the Kingdom's largest malls literally at your doorstep.
Seef Terraces puts you in the centre of Bahrain's new business district and at an arm's length of the Bahrain Financial Harbour, World Trade Centre and Manama Souk. You will also enjoy a convenient approach to the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway and direct access to Bahrain International Airport and King Fahd Causeway that leads to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Luxurious beyond every stretch of your imagination, the apartment truly reflects your zest for the good life. Lavishly proportioned home features spacious interiors accentuated by contemporary touches and the finest designer fitments.
Adding to the grandeur are beautifully stretched-out sundecks that offer the perfect backdrop to a life of unabashed privilege. The extravagance doesn't end here; an imported modular kitchen, fully equipped with all things culinary stirs up the gourmet in you. While exquisitely finished bathrooms with designer flooring and premium bath fitments complete the look.
Facilities include:
• Top-flight gymnasiums for men and women
• Rejuvenating spa with steam and sauna
• Lavishly appointed clubhouse and indoor games area
• Basketball, tennis and squash court
• Jogging track
• Large outdoor kids play area
• State-of-the-art mini-theatre
• Multi-function party lounge overlooking the landscape
• Indoor entertainment facilities for adults including
table tennis and billiards room
Property features
- 1 Parking Spaces
- Air conditioning
- Pool
- Alarm System
- New Construction
- Carport
- Secure Parking
- Gym
- Tennis Court
- CCTV and Satellite TV
- Reception and Lobby Area
- Squash court
- Steam Room


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QVC Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar Launches
Last year the UK got a lot of different makeup and beauty advent calendars, here in the US, we got one. Needless to say that's being redeemed a good deal this year! Benefit has a brand new one, Tarte has one, even the Body Shop! And now the QVC Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar Collection launches and…well, I kinda need one!
The QVC Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar counts down 24 days till Christmas with a new wonderful beauty, makeup, skincare, or bath and body item! One of the things that sets this calendar apart from others is the fact you get a wide array of products from different brands. So, if you purchase say this year's Benefit Advent Calendar you're sadly stuck with ALL Benefit products. That's not nesscarily a bad thing but variety is pretty darn awesome too and that's exactly what makes QVC's Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar so awesome, VARIETY! Brands like It Cosmetics, Josie Margan, Mally Beauty, Perricone MD, Bare Minerals, and many, many more make an appearance!
If you don't want to know what's in the calendar DO NOT read ahead!
- Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream
- Alterna Caviar CC Cream Leave-In Hair Perfector
- bareMinerals Bare Radiance All-Over Face Color
- Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream
- Doll 10 lip gloss and lipstick
- Three Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare two-step Extra-Strength Alpha Beta Peel packets
- IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara
- Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
- Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
- L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
- Laura Geller INKcredible Waterproof Gel Eyeliner
- Mally Volumizing Mascara
- Molton Brown Eucalyptus Body Wash
- Murad Rapid Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Serum
- NEST Midnight Fleur Eau de Parfum
- Perricone MD Photo Plasma
- Philosophy Amazing Grace Shower Gel, Miracle Worker Moisturizer, Purity Made Simple Cleanser
- Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel
- Strivectin SD Advanced
- Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint and Brazilliance Maracuja Self Tanner
- Tula Revitalizing Eye Cream
The QVC Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar is available now at qvc.com.


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32 Percent Of People Tweet While They Eat [REPORT]
If you're someone who's aware of social norms enough to put down the smartphone while you eat, you're quickly becoming the minority. More and more often, people are tweeting from the table, according to a new study.
The Hartman Group surveyed 1,641 adult U.S. consumers ages 18-64, between December 5th and 11th. And plenty of those adults are too worried about missing a single tweet to take a break while they eat.
29 percent of the respondents say they have used a social networking site while eating or drinking at home, and an additional 19 percent have tweeted or updated their statuses while at a restaurant.
Millenials are the most likely to tweet and eat, with nearly half (47 percent) admitting to using their phones, tablets or laptops to access social media while they chowed down.
And lunchtime apparently garners the most tweeting, but social media use is spread out evenly among the other meals of the day.
But what are people doing on social media while they eat? 24 percent of respondents say they engage in conversations about food, 21 percent are on the lookout for recipes, and another 21 percent are interested in finding coupons and deals.
Food and social networking are paired in other ways, too. Consumers are influenced in their eating habits by what they read about food on their social networks. They are more likely to try a new restaurant if they read about it on Twitter, or experiment in their own kitchens with a new recipe that they found on Facebook. A full 46 percent of those surveyed said they read more about food online than in print, and 31 percent say it's equal.
So what about you? Do you tweet and eat? Let us know in the comments below.
(Top texting image via Shutterstock; Man eating at laptop image via Shutterstock)


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Deutschland online bookmaker http://artbetting.de/bet365/ 100% Bonus.
4th Battalion Security is a leading West Midlands Based security company offering Construction Site Security Guarding Services in the Birmingham & West Midlands area as well as nationwide.
Construction site security is more than often overlooked, and with valuable equipment and materials on site, it can prove irresistible for criminals. Heavy plant, materials, fixtures, generators and tools are all at risk. Re-ordering alone will take time and cost money even without additional problems. Theft on construction sites is estimated to costs businesses £1billion a year.
Construction Sites can also be dangerous, especially for children, which is why having a Security Guard on duty can make a big difference. The 4th Battalion Security Ltd team will conduct an initial site survey to help determine the exact requirements of the client and work out how best to provide construction site security.
Once we understand your construction site security requirements in detail we can begin delivery of a service that saves you time, money and worry. With a great deal of experience in this area of security we understand the importance of keeping good records, being flexible in our delivery and making sure that nothing can go wrong.
Call today for free advice, help and even estimates. We are dedicated to helping all clients with all areas of their security and look forward to speaking with you.
4th Battalion Security Ltd provides reliable, fully trained and SIA licensed security personnel to small, medium sized and large businesses across the whole of the UK


text: Oasis is the latest map to enter rotation in Overwatch. We've been examining the 3 parts to this control map and developing some tricks and tactics that will help you to dominate in the Arabian Desert. Let's break down each of the three parts and discuss health pack locations, control points, and more.


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Paid Time Off
The university observes 13 paid holidays set to coincide with the academic schedule each year. In addition, most permanent employees accrue sick leave and annual leave on a monthly basis with yearly maximums set for each type. The university adheres to the Family Medical Leave Act and provides leave with pay for National Guard or Armed Forces Reserves training as well as sabbatical leave for tenured faculty.
A holiday schedule is posted on the USC Human Resources website. For more information, view the HR 1.15 Holiday Leave Policy for more information.


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Perstorp is one of the few fully integrated suppliers of general-purpose plasticizers in Europe. We are also a world-class producer of 2-PH C10 alcohol, an essential raw material for plasticizers. This production integration guarantees you reliability of supply and consistent plasticizer quality, whether you are interested in flexible PVC for cables, roofing membranes, flooring or coated textiles.
Emoltene™ 100 - Outstanding properties that give outlasting performance This new generation plasticizer C10 is perfect for tough outdoor applications, such as cables and roofing membranes. Even in the harshest conditions Emoltene™ 100 can help your PVC products outperform and outlast your competitors products.
Fully integrated for supply reliability and consistent quality
Perstorp's new Swedish production platform has substantially strengthened Perstorp's position as a plasticizer manufacturer, which is part of the company's commitment to invest in the future of high performance and sustainable plasticizers. This major investment gives customers a faster and more competitive response irrespective of size. We can support you in lowering operational and processing costs, product development to improve performance and in supporting your customers' specific needs.


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Wantable Style Edit – Get Your $20 Stylist Fee for Free!
For a limited time, use (AKA get your styling fee waived).
(Check out our Wantable Style Edit reviews to see what you can expect from this styling service subscription).
Full Details: Promotional offer is automatically applied at checkout. This offer is for $20 off (or your styling fee waived) for one Style Edit. Styling fee amount is not applied to your total order purchased. Offer does not apply to Makeup Collections, Intimates Collections, Accessories Collections, or Fitness Edits. This offer will be terminated if limited quantities are met. This offer does not apply to gifting. You may skip a month or cancel your subscription at any time. Offer is valid for one purchase per customer. Offer does not apply to International customers outside of the US or APO addresses. Standard shipping rates apply. Applicable taxes and duty rates apply. Offer terms are subject to change at any time without notice.


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Carmignac's Note
Investors have remained optimistic, both because they believe the global economy is still growing at a decent clip (though things look a bit shakier of late in the United States) and because they have lost none of their faith in the wisdom of central banks. For the past eighteen months, this gilded balance between tepid growth and soft monetary policy (see our June Note, "What Else?") has not only enabled investors to take political and other uncertainties in their stride; it has also kept them from fretting over equity and bond valuations. And while they may wonder at times how much longer such a good thing can last, they are all the more determined to take full advantage of its closing phase. The broadly upbeat mood reflected in today's historically low market volatility suggests that investors feel perfectly comfortable with the tightrope act under way. What makes that mood rational is that immediate political risk has receded in the US and Europe, the world economy is still powering ahead and the leading central banks have pledged to proceed cautiously. But even so, more attention should be paid to the sources of fragility currently building up in the environment.
The Fed's impeccable track record
Since the Federal Reserve gave advance warning in 2013 of its intention to taper its asset purchases, which triggered significant market stress (with Treasury yields nearly doubling between May and September, from 1.6% to 3%), the US central bank has gone about tightening its monetary policy with sufficient caution to allow markets to painlessly price in the shift taking place. The result has been that, after a few fits and starts, US Treasury yields have settled in roughly halfway between those two recent extremes. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has continued to climb – to the point that it now stands 30% higher than where it was in early 2014.
But is this equilibrium stable?
After raising the federal funds rate 25 basis points as expected, Janet Yellen provided greater detail in June on her plan to start unwinding the Fed's balance sheet before the year is out. That shrinkage is likely to happen slowly, but with the general direction now spelled out, the central bank has less leeway. (And sure enough, in its recent statement, the Fed downplayed how data-dependant the pace of policy normalisation will be.) Moreover, this will be an experience as unprecedented as the launch of the Fed's asset purchases in March 2009 – and it will unfold just as the US business cycle approaches an inflection point.
Financial markets will therefore have to try to anticipate the impact of this unparalleled change on all asset classes. If the US economy were still picking up speed or if President Trump could be relied on to implement his fiscal stimulus plan, the Fed's move to dry up liquidity could result in much higher long-term yields and a stronger dollar. But that was then: now Trump's reforms have come to a standstill and the business cycle is peaking. We therefore infer that monetary policy will be tightened only very gradually. The risk of a surge in long-term yields seems limited and growth stocks could soon start outperforming once again.
It is worth noting that, in this scenario, emerging economies should also continue to do fairly well. They are supported by sound fundamentals and no longer face the threat of a sharp appreciation in the US dollar.
Why Europe is different
If yields on risk-free bonds rise sharply and the euro appreciates too swiftly, any rally in European equities may have a hard time gaining traction.
So far Mario Draghi has bravely withstood pressure from Germany and some of the European Central Bank's governors to tighten policy. The argument is that the currency bloc's debt ratio, particularly in countries like Italy, makes it necessary to keep nominal interest rates low. However, the central bank's asset-buying programme will inevitably wind down in the coming months (for starters, because the stock of financial assets eligible for ECB purchase will be depleted). Such a shift is justified by the Eurozone's economic recovery, even if inflation doesn't get off the ground just yet. That means that the European Central Bank is also heading towards less accommodative policies, and for good reason.
That outlook should help correct the inordinately low interest rates on German government bonds and perhaps give the euro greater potential for appreciation. In addition, the more credible cooperation taking shape between France and Germany could well enhance the geopolitical standing of Europe's common currency at a time when the strengths traditionally sustaining the US dollar appear to be fading. Against that background, cyclical stocks in Europe, most notably bank stocks, should outperform further. That said, it is still worth bearing in mind that if yields on risk-free bonds rise sharply and the euro appreciates too swiftly, any rally in European equities may have a hard time gaining traction.
The existence of a genuine cyclical upswing – the first one of this magnitude since 2010 – makes market risk more sensitive to changes in monetary policy.
Market sensitivity
Helpful central bank intervention since the inception of the financial crisis did more than just drive financial assets, particularly bonds, way up. It also drastically curtailed market volatility. So there is no point in seeking to find some monetary policy "mistake" – it can safely be assumed that financial markets are naturally sensitive to even gradual and cautious moves to phase out monetary policy support.
The existence of a genuine cyclical upswing – the first one of this magnitude since 2010 – is what currently makes market risk more sensitive to changes in monetary policy. In a slowing economy, any tightening of financing conditions will necessarily accentuate the slowdown, whereas in an expanding economy, monetary policy tightening could push up both bond yields and the value of the currency. The golden scenario – a continuing equity market rally – is heading down a narrow path and will be possible only if the Federal Reserve and the ECB very skilfully negotiate the transition.
The uncertainty in financial markets created in 2016 by political risk in the developed world has subsided. Today, we can perhaps even imagine that the US Congress might at long last pleasantly surprise us by passing a couple of laws on deregulation and tax cuts between now and the end of the year. Unfortunately, populism has scored two political victories whose economic impact is yet to come. The UK economy, for one, will be hit by dwindling investment under the shadow of Brexit. Meanwhile, the Trump administration will be at pains to prove it means business by slapping protectionist measures on its trading partners (for example on imported steel). This makes it necessary for Europe, China and Japan to come forward and work adroitly to turn the situation to their advantage. The European construction process in particular might just get newfound economic and political wind in its sails. Careful geographic and sectoral allocation to leverage the most promising investment opportunities will therefore remain a crucial component of any successful asset management strategy. At the same time, such a strategy will require keeping a close watch on how geopolitical issues are affecting financial markets and how central banks are steering their monetary policy normalisation process.
Source: Bloomberg, 30/06/2017
Investment strategy
Stock market volatility rebounded at the end of the month, and our balanced portfolio construction proved crucial to cushioning the shock. In June, upward pressure on bond yields was what weighed most heavily on equity markets, above all in Europe. Interest rate-sensitive sectors like telecoms, utilities, technology and retail in fact accounted for many of the worst-performing stocks.
In contrast, banking names in the United States, Europe and Japan booked hefty gains during the month. Our overweight position in bank stocks, most notably European and Japanese, partially offset the broader equity market correction. At the same time, our strategy of diversifying our tech holdings beyond US mega-caps paid off, thanks to solid performance by the likes of Samsung Electronics.
Fixed income
All it took was a first hint by the ECB of an upcoming, gradual exit from quantitative easing to send shock waves across fixed income markets in late June. European bond yields, particularly German ones, bore the brunt of the ensuing upward pressure, but due to our strategy of shorting German government bonds, we came out ahead. We also initiated a strategy in June to buy volatility on the long end of the yield curve, which allowed us to benefit from the ongoing rise in yields.
Lastly, the winding-up in June of Spain's Banco Popular and of two Venice-area banks highlighted the need for a selective approach to private placement bonds as an asset class. It also indicated that we were right to focus on private placements by such national banking champions as Santander and Intesa Sanpaolo (which got a bargain on the assets of the failing banks they took over).
The euro appreciated further against the dollar, making this a four-month winning streak. A more serene political climate, a livelier economy, the return of foreign investors and the expectation that the European Central Bank will be phasing out its unconventional monetary policy all worked to the advantage of the single currency. As a result, our forex strategy was once again a major contributor to the performance of our global funds. The US dollar's ongoing slide is creating a more supportive environment for emerging-market assets and for oil.


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by: Laetitia Sengseis
For two and a half days the European Parliament in Strasburg opened its doors for more than 5000 young people from all over Europe providing space for debates and discussions about critical issues and their possible answers. The venue was packed with people eager to share their vision for the future of the European Union and to discuss their concerns regarding the worrying situation of unemployment in Spain, rising right-wing tendencies on the political floor in Europe, the crisis in Ukraine, and many other issues.
As a young citizen of the European Union, I consider myself very lucky to live in a country where I can enjoy a high standard of living, free access to education and social security. However, observing recent developments and in these times of crisis, I am concerned that those privileges might be endangered for the generations to come. At the event I met young students and activists that shared the same concerns and told me about the critical situation in their countries. Nevertheless, one could sense hope among the crowd of young and clever minds, who were willing to learn more and understand what the European Union and the upcoming elections mean for their future. Inspired participants shared their experiences in the field of entrepreneurship and suggested that young people need to be more encouraged to take on risks, open businesses and become entrepreneurs.
I came to participate in the event as I'm very interested in the matters concerning the European Union in general, but in the neighbourhood and foreign policies in particular. During the 1st semester of my studies at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy I had the chance to deepen my knowledge on these respective issues during seminars on European Neighbourhood Policy and border policies, which helped me understand more about the institutions and politics in the European Union.
At the European Youth Event (EYE), I participated in role plays and simulations, where we were able to put ourselves in the shoes of members of parliament or heads of state. Simulating the European Parliament, we discussed the cocoa agreement between the European Union and cocoa producers and voted on amendments. The debate was heated when deliberating issues such as trade and its implications for child labour, human rights and the environment. Activities and events were organized in a way that everyone could raise their voice, participate and share his or her ideas. I was inspired by the enthusiasm that the young people brought with them, their excitement to be part of shaping the future of the European Union and the way they actively promoted their ideas.
The European Youth Event was set up as part of the European Parliament's mission to engage people in the months leading up to the European elections with the aim to inform and encourage young people to participate and vote in the next elections that will take place May 22-25, 2014.
During the last European elections, only 29% of people age 18-24 participated. It is yet to be seen what impact the EYE gathering will have on the voting behaviour of young people in this election. The European Youth Event 2014 was certainly a great promotional campaign, but it only reached a tiny fraction of the large number of young people able to vote. And with the changes to the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, the European Parliament has gained important competences, which makes it even more important to go and vote.


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Margaret Ruth Bixby
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Margaret "Marg" Ruth (Merrihew) Bixby, 85, died Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance.
She was born on January 15, 1929, to Curt and Mary (Stevens) Merrihew at Hyannis, Nebraska. She had two brothers, Robert and Knight Merrihew. She attended a rural grade school, School of Agriculture at Curtis, Nebraska and Chadron State College.
She was married to Larry L. Bixby, son of Lawrence Y. and Eleanor Bixby at Alliance, Nebraska on October 28, 1947. To this union they had six children.
She was an avid bowler, fisherman, flower gardener, loved reading and watching Major League Baseball. She resided at the Bixby Ranch north of Ellsworth until October of 2013 when she moved to Alliance. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 34, Sandhills Chapter of D.A.R., Flying Farmers and Ranchers of Nebraska, and the Live and Learn Club.
She is survived by her children, Lance (Angelica) Bixby of Ellsworth, Teri (Ted) Junge of O'Neill, NE, Joni (Rickey) Blanchette of Bullhead City, AZ, Mari (Marshall) Garner of Hyannis and Marni (Steve) Harris of Glenwood, IA. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry, her son O'Ryan, her brothers, Robert and Knight, Larry's parents, Lawrence and Eleanor.
Funeral services will be Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel in Alliance with Pastor Mickey Blair officiating. Burial will be in the Ashby Cemetery with Pastor Andy Safarik officiating at graveside. A reception will be at the Ashby Congregational Church following interment.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the American Legion Auxiliary Post 34, Gordon, Nebraska, 69343, the Sandhills Chapter of D.A.R., or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.


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There's a reason why terrariums have exploded in popularity. They are easy to maintain, can be planted in almost anything and make a real impact - perfect for the time poor and space-challenged. Follow these expert tips to create your own!
These little ecosystems also lend themselves beautifully to a bit of creative flair and can be decorated in a myriad of ways. You are also not limited to what you grow them in – think upcycled light bulbs, shot glasses, jars, wine glasses, decanters, even plastic bottles… you're only limited by your imagination. They are also a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of gardening and a unique gift for the person who has everything.
We chatted with gardening expert Belinda Thackeray from Eden Gardens who gave us her tips for keeping terrific terrariums.
1. First, decide on open or closed
Before you decide on what you're going to plant and what you'll plant it in, you must decide whether your terrarium is going to be open or closed.
Closed terrariums have a lid and are perfect little moist, humid ecosystems. They only need watering every few months as the water is constantly recycled. Moisture in the air condenses on the side of the terrarium and then falls back down, watering the plants. Select plants that grow in low light, moist conditions with high humidity. Consider a theme such as a rainforest with carnivorous plants and ferns or a flower garden with mini violets, tiny moth orchids
Open terrariums are more suited to plants that grow in drier environments. They need to be watered and cleaned more often than closed terrariums. Think a dessert theme with things like succulants.
2. Decide on your container
Any type of clear container can be used to create a terrarium – the possibilities are almost limitless! It can be open or closed (with a lid) and doesn't need any drainage holes in the bottom. They can be either glass or plastic – anything from a group of shot glasses with tiny single plants to mass planted recycled glass jars, fish bowls or large tank style vessels can be used.
You may like to consider things like decanters, crystal bowels, light bulbs, jars, wine glasses, candle jars, fish bowels, bottles, biscuit jars, and there are plenty of custom-designed glass bowels you can buy from florists and plant shops.
3. Choose your plants
Small plants that work well in terrariums include Pilea, Asplenium and other small ferns, club moss, Peperomia,Saxifraga, begonias, crotons, Hypoestes, African violets, baby's tears and parlour palms.
For cuttings, try plants like African violets, begonias and Peperomia that grow easily from leaf cuttings.
Choose a selection of plants to suit the size of your terrarium. Select an odd number of plants such as 3, 5 or 7 and choose them with a variety of leaf shapes. Some should have slender stalks and others should have round and full leaves. Position tallest plants in the middle or at the back and layer down from there.
Whether you have an open or closed terrarium, just make sure the plants you select have a similar temperature, light and water requirements.
4. Add in the planting mix layers
Now, you need to layer the planting mix in the bottom of the terrarium.
First layer is small pebbles or gravel for drainage, followed by a layer of charcoal to keep the water and air fresh in the system.
Next add a thin layer of sphagnum moss to contain the bottom two layers.
Finally add in a layer of good quality, free draining potting mix like Eden Premium Mix.
Make sure you push down the soil gently to avoid air bubbles. A good design trick is to keep the outer most soil shallow and mound up the soil slightly in the centre.
Depending on the size and shape of your terrarium the planting mix layers will end up being about 2 – 4cm deep, or less in shallow containers, too deep a soil can ruin the look.
5. Put in your plants
Remove the plants from their pots and 'tickle' the small root balls so they are loose and pliable, and then arrange them in the terrarium. With enclosed terrariums, up to ½ the soil and some of the root ball can be gently removed before planting.
Once arranged, gently plant using a little extra potting mix and firming down so the plants are supported.
Use a mister to add a small amount of water so only a few drips appear in the pebbles.
6. Add decorations
Now the fun bit!
Add a top (mulch layer) of pebbles, tumbled glass or moss. Add other fun decorations to creating a 'landscape' if you wish - include little feature rocks, driftwood, seashells or even figurines.
Chopsticks and tweezers are great tools for creating holes for plant roots, positioning plants and firming into place.
7. How to care for your terrarium
Terrariums are really easy to care for. Check on it every few days and stick your finger in the soil. If it is dry then water it. Also, examine the bottom of the terrarium. If there is water among the pebbles then you should not water it for a few days. If you are using a closed terrarium (with a lid), it may not need water for weeks or months. If it is too dry, use a spray bottle and mist the soil, if it looks too wet and the plants look sick, open the lid for a few days.
Position your terrarium indoors in a bright / light spot, away from direct sunlight.
Plants don't need regular fertiliser as you want them to grow slowly and not too big. Only fertilise if the plant foliage starts to look yellow.
Its s good idea to periodically turn the terrarium to keep plants growing straight, otherwise in time they may grow towards the direction of the light. And every now and then, give it a trim.
Have fun with your terrarium!
For more expert information on Terrariums, plus everything you need to start your own, visit www.edengardens.com.au


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Mercedes has admitted to spying on drivers with covert tracking devices.
The company says are only activated in "extreme circumstances," such as when finance customers have defaulted on payments - however the car company has also admitted to sharing data with third-party bailiffs and recovery firms for the purposes of repossession, according to The Sun. It is unclear whether Mercedes only drops the dime on their European customers or if it's a worldwide phenomenon.
Former UK Cabinet minister David Davis has called for an investigation, saying "This is not the first time big business has behaved like Big Brother — but it's rare to be quite as deceitful as this."
"I have to question whether it is even legal to pass on information to other people such as bailiffs," he said, adding "I would think the relevant minister ought to look very closely at the legality of this procedure."
The revelation has caught the attention of human rights organization Liberty, which says Mercedes' actions were a disturping part of the "creeping growth of surveillance."
Legal experts also raised concerns. Stefano Ruis, civil law partner at Hickman & Rose solicitors, said: "This appears to be another worrying development in the way companies handle what should be private, personal data.
"Modern technology means our ability to keep personal information private is under threat like never before.
"Organisations that handle personal data need to be completely upfront about what they are doing. That Mercedes appear not to have been so in this case is concerning. Its customers may start to worry about what other personal information the company may be gathering, then passing on." -The Sun
BMW, Jaguar and Land Rover have all stated that they do not similarly track their customers' vehicles.
Mercedes, which dominates the UK car leasing market (80% are on finance plans), have buried concent to the secret trackers in their lengthy terms and conditions, avoiding tracking drivers illegally under EU data protection laws. According to the report, the secret sensor technology is not related to their anti-theft Tracker devices or the online Mercedes Me service sold as an add-on by dealers.
"If Mercedes wishes to install this privacy-surrendering tech in their cars, that's fine. But surely they have a duty to explicitly tell their customers beforehand — and not hide it away in their terms and conditions," said MP Andrew Bridgen.
"It's a shocking revelation and definitely gives a creepy uneasy feeling knowing somebody, somewhere can track me down at the touch of a button," adds Karl Edwards, 30, from Portsmouth - who was shocked after learning about a tracking device on his C200 AMG.
Mercedes has responded, saying "When a customer chooses to finance the purchase of their car this way they sign a contract and agree to the location sensors in the car being activated in the event that they default or breach their agreement. This clause in the finance contract is in bold print, just above the customer's signature."
"Locating the car is part of the repossession process and is not permanently tracking customers," the company added. "It is only activated in exceptional circumstances where the customer has breached their finance agreement and repeatedly failed to reply to requests to contact us."
No word on whether they can be remotely hacked and driven into palm trees.


text: Magnotta Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Date July 6, 2015 | Chuck | Cabernet Sauvignon & Canada & Red Wine Back A rich cabernet that could masquerade as a ripasso. Alcohol/Vol 13.7% At a Glance Taste cassis, oak, earth Smell cassis, earth, spice Food italian Sweetness extra dry Price $19.95 LCBO# n/a Score You may also like Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio 2007 Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico 2005 Fontal Tempranillo Crianza 2004 Obikwa Shiraz 2007 Comments Your comment was posted successfully. Your comment was posted successfully, but it will not appear until it has been reviewed by a moderator. Add Comment Title Message * Name * Email Address * Website Security Code * * are required fields. Comment moderation is turned on.


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The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.
We are a program that helps link freshmen with upperclassmen to create a smooth transition socially and emotionally into high school.
Students act as advocates/leaders/peers/former freshmen to ease the anxiety of freshman year
We are in Freshman houses, have social outings, group outings to athletic activities, and study sessions during final exams.
7:15 the week before they are in Freshman Houses


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Welcome to Day 8 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.
If ever there was a thing to struggle over packing for the ladies, it would be shoes. Since shoes tend to be so specific in their purpose, the task of whittling down to just a few pairs for a several week to several month adventure becomes an agonizing one at best.
While this post probably isn't going to wave a magic wand and make you magically walk out the door with 3 pairs of shoes in your bag, it will hopefully shed some light on possibilities.
Shoes for Trip Purpose
We all have our favorite pairs of shoes at home, but taking those same shoes in our luggage can be a terrible decision. When it comes to travel shoes, practical is usually better (unless you're traveling for something where you have to dress nice or work). High heels and other shoes that are hard to walk in for long periods of time do not tend to make the cut. The best plan is to think about the different types of shoes you might need for your intended trip style, and then see which ones could potentially be done without.
Hiking Boots – Hiking boots will be necessary for the person that is serious about exploring the outdoors, trails and mountains, but they will be the worst things to carry with you long-term. Take these only if you need them and consider whether or not a light hiker that can double as your hardcore walking shoe will work instead.
Walking Shoes – On almost any trip, people find they walk more than they do in their normal lives. A comfortable walking shoe is a must so that you can continue to enjoy the experience instead of dealing with blisters and soreness.
Running Shoes – The individual that likes to run in order to stay in shape will want to pack a running shoe. If you can find a shoe that works for both walking and running, try to pack just the one for both.
Comfortable Sandals – Warmer climates can be stifling to feet covered in hot shoes. In that case, a good walking sandal is probably a great idea. Pairs from Chaco and Teva will work wonderfully, but if you want something a bit prettier to look at, try these from Merrell.
Flip Flops – Flip flops of some sort are a must for most travelers, especially if you'll be staying in hostels and sharing communal showers. These are also great if you're heading to the beach. Since Chacos and Tevas generally come with fabric or leather straps, they are usually not the best to use also for your daily showers. If you'll only be needing a shower flip flop, try investing in a pair of fold-up flip flops (like Flipsters) instead.
Ballet Flats / Casual Dress Shoes – We recommend going with a ballet flat or other sort of casual shoe that can be worn to nicer dinners or nights out. If these will be minimal, you can always invest in a pair of Spare Soles, but the more expensive Tieks are a definite recommendation if you can afford it. Those shoes also fold up but are made of high quality Italian leather making them something that can be worn to more dressy events without feeling self-conscious.
>>Read a review of Tieks fold-up ballet flats here.
How to Choose Your Travel Shoes
Take only what you truly need. When heading off on a round-the-world trip to more off-the-beaten-path destinations, a good minimalist list might include: a pair of light hikers (Gore-tex soles, waterproof uppers) for hiking, walking and colder weather; a pair of walking sandals (like Chaco or Teva brand); a pair of flip flops (for showers, beaches, around the hostel). If stopping in to cities from time to time and indulging in nicer meals out, shows and the like, then a pair of ballet flats might be a necessary addition.
We would say 2-3 pairs of shoes plus your shower flip flops (if hostels and/or beaches are on the agenda) is the target range to take on your travels. Shorter weekend trips will potentially require less, as would a beach holiday where closed-toe shoes might not be necessary.
>> Perusing all the shoes in our travel clothing section can help you choose how many shoes to pack since we cover many that serve multiple purposes.
Ask yourself questions as you whittle down the list. Will you be needing these shoes more than once? Is it imperative that you bring these exact shoes? Can you make another pair work? For example, a pair of high heels for one nice dinner out and a few nights at a club is not a good enough reason to pack them for that 3 month trip. Can you use black ballet flats or a pair of sandals work for those situations instead?
Luckily, the trend for comfortable, technical shoes that also look cute is becoming more popular, just like Megan discovered in her search for a comfortable walking sandal.
Extra Reading: What Shoes for Work and Pleasure Trips?; 8 Reasons Toms Make Great Travel Shoes; Rebuttal: Toms Make TERRIBLE Travel Shoes; Shoes to Pack for an RTW
Take Action: Take Only the Shoes You Need
Go through your planned itinerary and activities. Decide which shoes you will need to take and pare down to the best of your ability. Look for taking fewer high quality shoes that can serve multiple purposes.
Let us know the shoes you're taking with you on your upcoming trip, or let us know if you need some extra advice, in the comments below.


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CHTF 2013: Stage for Chinese Technical Innovations
28 Oct, 2013, 08:41 GMT
SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) 2013 will open between November 16 and 21 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center. Taking up over 110,000 square meters, the fair will demonstrate achievements of the Chinese national innovation system and introduce a large number of proprietary crucial technologies and products.
At CHTF 2013, China's Ministry of Commerce will present three sections - Exhibition of Achievements of Innovation Bases for Trade Promotion via Technology, Exhibition of Exports, and General Exhibition - to reveal great results of national innovation bases for trade promotion via technology.
At the Hall of Software and IT Services, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will display fundamental and industrial software, application of intelligent terminals and robots, 3D print technology, cloud computation, big data, and Internet of Things in industry, agriculture, urban and social management.
The Ministry of Agriculture of China will present "Technical Innovation Helps Fine and Deep Processing of Agricultural Products Develop" at CHTF 2013.
China's State Intellectual Property Office will show the development of intellectual property rights in China, focusing on energy conservation, environmental protection, and technical innovation.
Chinese Academy of Science and Technology (CAS) will exhibit under the theme of "Sense China - Cooperate and Innovate to Support and Serve China's Strategic Emerging Industries." Programs "Platform of Integration," "To Sense the Hall," "IOT of Agricultural Resources and Food Safety," "Intelligent Vision," and solutions for the intelligent industry, environment monitoring, as well as some emerging industries such as robots and health care will be the focus in their exhibition plan.
Available for registration:
Please register at the CHTF official website (www.chtf.com) for an access ID and the ticket. Visit the website for more information about CHTF 2013.
About CHTF:
Approved by the State Council of People's Republic of China in 1999, China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) opens in Shenzhen between November 16 and 21 every year. It is co-hosted by Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Agriculture, State Intellectual Property Office, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the Shenzhen Government. The largest and most influential Chinese technical exhibition, the CHTF is renowned as the "No.1 Technology Show in China."
SOURCE The Office of CHTF Organizing Committee


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So as the car is going up for an MOT on Monday I thought I'd tidy up a couple of things under the bonnet.
One thing that has been bugging me for ages has been the connector from air filter to the turbo inlet hose. So decided to take it all out last night and fix it properly.
Thought the air filter felt a little lose, this is the reason why.
So along with ordering new bits of pipework, I'm now ordeing a new cone filter.
Never a dull day!


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Dress up for freedom, laughter, and not for fashion. For you are the fashion of those clothes. Let no one tell you that nothing looks good on you, because of how big or skinny you are. Whoever will tell you such thing should be ashamed of themselves; for they are not happy with who they […]
Dress to Impress
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Pants … can't live with 'em/can't live without'em
The #1 piece that we dread shopping for is…..PANTS. So why not let AbelleMadeNew take the pressure off you? Let us know your preferred style, brands, size and we will bring the right fit to you! For my current clients, I am finding deep discounts on the most preferred brands and will provide you with a range of sizes as your size may vary among brands. Try the items on in the privacy of your own home because I will come to you! My clients are not disappointed and are coming back for more. If you're looking for pants right now, contact me as I have current inventory that will meet your collection needs!
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My goal through my online boutique, personal shopping and thrifting basics for you is to shine HIS LIGHT through empowering women, helping you save money and make wise choices with your wardrobe all while feeling your best. I want to help you let your inner beauty shine…while also helping you look totally put together too!
Whether you need assistance buying, organizing or learning to save money through thrifting, I can assist you to put balance and confidence back in your life (just like I did with mine!)
Check out MADE NEW by Lincoln Brewster….which inspired the name for my company!
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Determining who is and isn't a schmuck, and finding where the schmuckiness hides, is a big part of what we do here at Schmuck of the Week HQ. And the answers aren't always definitive.
A case in point: the arrest and prosecution of Thornton's Mark Bote. At first blush, his actions -- muttering about a bomb in his backpack mid-flight -- seem like classic schmucky behavior. But the criminal complaint on view below suggests that this case might be considerably more complicated.
According to the complaint, the incident in question took place June 14 on a Frontier Airlines flight from Knoxville, Tennessee to Denver. The narrative quotes numerous passengers (all identified by initials) who sat within earshot of Bote, age 23 and captured in this image by Nick Danneberger, who shared his pics with CBS4:
The consensus among those who spoke to investigators is that Bote was excessively nervous, with one witness saying that he rocked back and forth in his seat before the plane took off and seemed just as agitated during the flight.
This anxiety was focused on his backpack. He wore the item on his back until being told by a flight attendant to stow it under his seat. But later in the flight, he's said to have clutched it to himself while muttering, "Help me. Help me. Help me."
"What's the matter?" a flight attendant asked him.
One witness recall his reply like so: "There's a bomb. There's a bomb."
The flight attendant didn't immediately panic. Instead, she asked him, "Do you know what you just told me."
"Yes," he said.
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At that point, the backpack was taken from Bote and what are described as "bomb procedures" were implemented; they included moving passengers and bags. Bote tried to get up, but was told to remain seated, and did so; he appears not to have caused further disruptions. But the damage had been done, with other passengers taken off the plane in an emergency manner, as captured in another photo by Nick Danneberger:
Did Bote know what he was doing when he triggered this reaction? The next portion of the complaint against him raises real questions. Continue for more about the Mark Bote arrest, including another photo, a video and two documents. In the document, a passenger who'd been traveling with Bote provides some very interesting background. She says she and Bote were part of a mission trip to Tennessee, where they helped to build a church -- and while they were in the state, Bote offered "testimony," presumably in a religious setting, that he'd been "born with a mental handicap."
The passenger added that Bote had been in a hospital for depression several weeks prior to the flight, and his mood during the trip caused her to ask his mother if he was on the correct medication. Bote's mom replied that "he has problems and gets disoriented if he doesn't get enough sleep."
This last line resonates in the context of Bote's own comments to authorities. He's quoted as saying that someone had been following and stalking him on the plane -- and he wondered if it might be someone from Goodwill, where he used to volunteer. Shortly thereafter, he began to worry that someone had put a bomb in his backpack, because it seemed heavier than it had previously. He added that he'd verbalized this fear because he wanted to warn people of danger, not frighten them.
Frightened they were, however, and despite all of this information, a federal grand jury indicted Bote this week on two very serious charges: one count of interference with flight crew members and attendants and another for false information and threats. If he's convicted of the first allegation, he faces up to twenty years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. The latter could bring five years in prison and a similar fine.
Clearly, Bote's mental state and capabilities must be analyzed when it comes to possible punishment. Here's hoping the ultimate response is appropriate, proportionate and not the least bit schmucky.
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Here's a CBS4 report about the incident, followed by the criminal complaint and indictment.
More from our Schmuck of the Week archive: "Noe Coronado and Jose Esparza's schmucky idea: Selling cocaine from a vacuum bag."


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Jonathan Franklin, MD
- Knee Surgery
- Arthroscopy
- Knee Replacement
- Sports Medicine
Jonathan Franklin, MD
Dr. Franklin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a clinical focus in arthroscopic and reconstructive knee surgery, arthroscopic shoulder surgery, as well as knee replacement surgery. Dr. Franklin has a strong background in sports medicine, and treats many high school, as well as recreational and professional athletes for a wide variety of sports injuries.
Dr. Franklin performs over 350 knee surgeries per year. A large percentage of the knee procedures that Dr. Franklin performs are knee arthroscopies, where he uses a pencil-sized scope to remove or repair damaged tissues and reconstruct torn ligaments.
A practicing surgeon for over 25 years, Dr. Franklin has been recognized in Seattle Magazine's Top Doctors list, as well as the prestigious national Best Doctors list.
Dr. Franklin completed his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, where he was a varsity wrestler for four years. He completed his medical degree and residency at the University of Washington, and went on to complete a fellowship in sports medicine at the Salt Lake Knee Research Foundation. He is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor with the University School of Medicine.
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Franklin grew up enjoying skiing, fishing, and boating. He continues to enjoy being active in the outdoors. He has coached youth football and baseball, and was a volunteer coach for the Boys & Girls Club.
Philosophy of Care
I believe in meeting patients' individual needs through comprehensive evaluation and treatment designed to help them achieve an active, pain-free lifestyle. Many musculoskeletal conditions can be treated by non-surgical techniques–surgery is just one treatment option. I combine leading edge techniques with proven traditional methods to provide patients with the best orthopaedic care possible.
I work to develop a partnership with my patients. On my part, this begins with listening. And one of the most important things I need to know is how the physical problem affects this patient's life. We develop a dialogue, through which my patients understand the diagnostic process, their own unique problem, their treatment choices, and the recovery process. Patients help to guide and direct the diagnostic and treatment activities.
I believe that knowledgeable patients make the best decisions about their own treatment. That's why I explain every step of the diagnostic process. Next, I want my patients to understand their condition: How it developed and how various treatment approaches can improve or repair the problem. When we consider treatment alternatives, I present a realistic outlook on the results we can achieve. I'll also be frank about any risks that might be involved. If a non-surgical option is available, I'll explain that avenue in depth.
My purpose is to handle each and every patient visit with care and proficiency. It is also highly important to me that our Doctor/Patient relationship is open and honest. It is my responsibility to make sure patients are well informed about their conditions and the multiple choices of treatment. My professional staff and I will also provide you with patient education materials, (e.g., web sites, pamphlets, and video tapes) that give you added appreciation of your condition and treatment options.
-Jonathan Franklin, MD
Services offered by Dr.Jonathan Franklin, M.D.
Knee Arthroscopy
This is a minimally invasive approach to many repairs of knee injuries. Small instruments and a tiny camera are insterted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to view and repair damaged areas.
Knee Replacement Surgery
In knee replacement surgery, the knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint. There are both partial and full knee replacement surgeries available.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Similar to knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy involves small instruments and a small camera being used through minimally invasive inscisions. This allows for repair of common shoulder injuries.
Shoulder replacement surgery
When non-surgical methods to treating shoulder issues fail, replacement surgery is an option. In replacement surgery, damaged sections of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components.


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A programme to improve the environment in St Peters Street and introduce cycle access has been given the thumbs up by cycling and accessibility advocates who believe that it will achieve a number of mutual goals.
There is to be the improvement of 3,000 square metres of public realm and creation of 1,000 metres of legal cycle routes through the city centre as part of the Council's Connected Cycle City and Placemaking Programme.
The first phase of work is scheduled to start on Monday 11th September and last until mid-November. The second phase will start in late January and is scheduled to be completed by the end of July.
During the Christmas break, St Peters Street will be fully accessible with no construction barriers in place.
The work is to lay new paving and install new street furniture zones and street lighting to improve night time security.
When completed in July 2018, legal cycle access will be permitted from Babington Lane along St Peters Street and Corn Market to the junction with St James's Street before 10.00am and after 5.00pm – the same time that other vehicles are allowed in these pedestrianised areas.
Deputy Leader, Cllr Martin Rawson, who has responsibility for city centre regeneration, said that this will bring a much needed face lift to the heart of the city.
The Labour Party administration is committed to providing space for cycling in the city as this is one of the avenues towards achieving sustainable transport and creating a more vibrant city centre as it will bring many more people into the city. I've seen it at work in other cities in the East Midlands and am confident that it will be successful here.
Chair of the St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District, Helen Wathall, said that the works on the public realm are "crucial to improving the area" and are in sync with their business objectives.
The public realm aspect of this project mirrors two of our key aims: to make the area smart and attractive and create an enjoyable and easily accessible place for visitors, workers and residents. Although the works will inevitably cause some disruption, we regard them as crucial to improving the area and will ultimately create a more attractive and appealing environment for businesses and visitors alike. We will also work to ensure that businesses in St Peters Quarter are engaged in the consultation regarding the cycle access in the coming weeks and months.
Street furniture zones
|FURNITURE ZONES are designed to be disability-friendly, environmentally-beneficial and security-conscious.
Street furniture zones will comprise two planters, two benches, a litter bin, bicycle parks and a new low level street light which improves security at night. The paving will consist of multi-coloured blocks and will be bordered by slightly raised paving to assist the blind and sight-impaired navigate to and around them.
Derby's Disabled People's Champion, Cllr Paul Pegg, said that he was satisfied that the project has integrated the needs of the disabled.
As Derby's Disabled People's Champion I am extremely committed to ensuring that those with a disability have their needs met. An initial walking Equality Impact Assessment was carried out for the public realm improvement in St Peters Street and I am satisfied that it has been designed with disabled people in mind.
Tony Roelich, acting chair of Derby Cycling Group said cycle access will be enormously helpful in many ways for many people.
Today, many more people are living in the city centre. Having a convenient and safe cycling thoroughfare to enable them to get to destinations within the city centre and beyond will encourage more people to make local journeys by bike, helping to reduce congestion, pollution and their transport costs and getting themselves some regular exercise. The alternative parallel routes are often incomplete due to one-way streets, do not give good access, are physically demanding or inconvenient in some other way, so access to this direct route will be extremely useful for very many everyday cyclists.
The St Peters Street work is part of a bigger £1.9m public realm refurbishment. Other phases will be undertaken in Albion Street, Exchange Street and Osnabrück Square in 2018 and 2019.
D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership – the private sector-led partnership which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – is providing £1.65m from its Local Growth Fund allocation. The Council is providing £250,000.
Before cycling through the city centre can be allowed, a Traffic Regulation Order is required to legalise it. The process has started and expected to be completed by the time the paving works are completed in July 2018.


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Sony Online Entertainment has been sold to a New York investment firm.
Columbus Nova has bought the MMO studio from Sony, rebranding it Daybreak Game Studio.
SOE was responsible for the development and release of numerous online PC titles including the recently launched zombie MMO H1Z1 and the upcoming EverQuest Next, as well as popular shooter MMO Planetside 2 as well as many more.
"Sony Online Entertainment, newly rebranded as Daybreak, is a great addition to our existing portfolio of technology, media and entertainment focused companies. We see tremendous opportunities for growth with the expansion of the company's game portfolio through multi-platform offerings as well as an exciting portfolio of new quality games," said Jason Epstein, Senior Partner of Columbus Nova, in a press release. "The recent Early Access launch success of H1Z1 is just one testament to the talent and dedication of the studio's developers to create great online gaming experiences."
SOE president John Smedley will remain president at Daybreak.
"We are excited to join Columbus Nova's impressive roster of companies. They have a proven track record in similar and related industries and we are eager to move forward to see how we can push the boundaries of online gaming," Smedley said in a statement. "We will continue to focus on delivering exceptional games to players around the world, as well as bringing our portfolio to new platforms, fully embracing the multi-platform world in which we all live."
Sony Online Entertainment has met with both success and failure in recent years as it struggled to compete with some of the bigger names in the massively-multiplayer-online market.
Newly divorced from Sony, the developer's games will now begin to move toward cross-platform releases. Expect some of these titles to make their way to Xbox One.
Hopefully plans for EverQuest Next go on without interruption. That's one of the only MMOs I can recall being actually excited about in recent memory. That being said, new ownership always comes with some uncertainty. Rebranding is rarely the only change that comes with an acquisition.
Smedley, along with Brad McQuaid and Steve Clover founded SOE in 1995, where they helped spark the MMO genre with EverQuest. Last year, however, the company saw layoffs in both their San Diego and Austin studios.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
I write about video games, TV and movies.


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Round Top's Native Texas Plants
by Calvin R. Finch, PhD
Horticulturist and Director
Texas A&M Water Conservation and Technology Center
The Round Top area has a large palette of native Texas plants that prosper in its soil and weather conditions. Here is a list of native plants to consider that will provide your landscape twelve months of color. These natives evolved in the area and are well-suited to its growing conditions including periodic droughts.
In January, rely on two berry producers—possumhaw holly and beauty berry—for color. Birds will eat the berries sometime in late winter, but until then the plants are very decorative. Possumhaw has a horizontal growth pattern with small red berries arranged along the stems. Beauty berry has a weeping growth form with purple berries hanging on the branches.
In February, Texas redbud is covered with pink blooms. Plant it under large shade trees at the landscape's edge. Small redbud trees seem to disappear after they bloom, but the color is welcome in February. As a second choice for the month, Carolina jessamine is an evergreen vine that produces fragrant yellow blooms. It also has some shade tolerance.
March is the month when some of our most distinctive native plants contribute color. Cross vine is an evergreen that is covered by rust-colored blooms throughout the year, but the real show is in March. For a tangerine-colored cross vine, plant the selection, "Tangerine Beauty." Texas mountain laurel is everyone's favorite evergreen native shrub. Its purple blooms perfume the air with grape Kool-Aid fragrance in March.
April native color is provided by Mexican olive and cherry sage. The white-flowered Mexican olive is not related to the olives we eat. It forms a small (15 ft.) evergreen tree that is covered with blooms over a long season. Cherry sage is also called autumn sage or Salvia greggii. It is a shrub available with red, white, pink or salmon blooms that are showy both in the spring and fall. It's a favorite hummingbird plant that is not eaten by deer.
For May color consider Turk's cap. It grows well in the shade with three-inch heart-shaped leaves and small red blooms. It's another hummingbird favorite.
In June think about cenizo, which requires full sun to bloom. It's a shrub that will grow to eight feet tall and can even be pruned to a hedge. It's a distinctive landscape plant with silver leaves and lavender-blue blooms that cover the plant after it rains. Deer don't eat cenizo.
July is often our hottest month, but the heat doesn't phase two heavily blooming native plants—sunflower and "Gold Star" esperanza—that prefer full sun. There are several varieties of sunflowers to grow from seed. Maximilian sunflower naturalizes and reappears to produce color and seeds for the birds every year. "Gold Star" esperanza is also called Texas bells. It's a deer-proof shrub that freezes back to the roots each year after providing yellow blooms on the hottest, driest and sunniest sites all summer.
In August use red yucca for native plant color. The red blooms on six-foot tall stalks are showy and attract hummingbirds.
A good native color plant for September is purple cone flower, a reseeding perennial included in many wildflower seed mixes. The low clumps of foliage produce sunflower-like blooms with lavender petals.
[pullquote width="300″ float="left"]"The Round Top area has a large palette of plants that prosper in its soil and weather conditions.These natives evolved in the area and are well-suited to its growing conditions including periodic droughts."[/pullquote]
In October, Mexican bush sage produces blue blooms on stalks above the foliage. Deer don't eat the plants, but they are a favorite hummingbird nectar source.
Native plants selected for color in November only bloom for a short period, but they become the center of attention then. Fall aster forms a mound six feet wide and three feet high that becomes covered with blue blooms. Grow fall aster in full sun. The appearance is spectacular, and it is a favorite butterfly plant. Mint marigold spreads out like fall aster and is nearly as showy but with golden, anise-scented blooms that steal the show after fall aster. Deer don't eat mint marigold.
To finish out the year of native color, plant a set of five – seven gulf muhly grass clumps. The seed heads are pink-colored above the gray green foliage. Seed-eating birds, such as goldfinches and buntings, eventually eat the seeds but not until the colorful seed heads have decorated your landscape for most of the winter.
For more details on these plants, visit plantanswers.com.
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Plunkett hoping Laois can put down roots in Division 1B
Having pulled Laois senior hurling back from the brink of self-destruction this time last year, manager Seamas Plunkett is now keen on putting it on a more even footing.
After the county slipped down to the third tier of league hurling, Plunkett managed to arrest that slide last year and get Laois back into Division 1B.
Now that they are here, it is vital that they put down roots make sure there is no rapid return to the lower depths.
That is the challenge facing Plunkett and his squad this year, and it is some thing he is well aware of. For someone who has devoted so much of his time to the development of hurling in the county, he knows that Division 1B has to be the least of their ambitions.
So it is no surprise then that his main goal for this year's league campaign is to make sure they are looking forward to a Division 1B campaign this time next year too. "We want to keep developing and keep building strength in depth, and to improve and move forward.
"I think staying in Division 1B is very important to help us improve the level and quality and speed of our hurling, and that was one of the starting goals for all of us at the beginning of the year.
"We will fight to achieve that, and take every game on its merits, and hopefully at the end of it we will have enough points to do that, or maybe even make a quarter-final."
The obstacles to Laois achieving that goal have already started to crop up, however. It started with Cahir Healy's decision to go travelling for the year, thus robbing the team of one of their most consistent performers from last year.
Since his departure, more and more players have started to drop out, for one reason or another. Zane Keenan and Gearoid Burke are no longer on the panel, James Walsh, Brian Dunne and John Brophy are all struggling with long-term injuries, and Willie Hyland recently broke a finger, to put his participation in this Sunday's game in doubt.
That's half of last year's team, and Plunkett knows one of his biggest challenges will be restructing the team in the absence of those missing players. "It is a blow to the development of the team.
"We have a chance now though to develop some strength in depth, and we have brought in a lot of younger players, We have some players from last years minor team and they are very gifted hurlers. I am very confident that they will adjust to the level, and they have shown up well already and earned the respect of the players."
When things get up and running with the Offaly game this Sunday, it will be the start of a hectic schedule that runs from the league into the round robin series of the Leinster championship.
The league runs up to March 23, not including any playoff games which Laois could find themselves in, and then they will have just a few short weeks to pass before the Leinster Championship begins with a trip to play Westmeath in Mullingar.
It will be a huge test for all involved, and Plunkett knows both he and his players will have to be ready for everything that lies ahead. "The league will be tough, we only have a six day turnaround between the Offaly game and Cork game, and that's the beginning of a pretty busy schedule that goes on throughout Spring.
"You will have no real time to draw breath, but we have a good bit done and we will have to be well prepared both physically and mentally, but this is where we want to be."


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It has been 8 years since Wolves in the Throne Room's much mythologized genesis. Over the course of 3 studio albums and hundreds of live performances the band has slowly boiled away the prima materia of Black Metal to distill a unique essence.
The transmutation reaches a new level with the completion of Celestial Lineage the clans' new Astral Black Metal document. In contrast to the bleakly hypnotic architecture of 2008's Black Cascade, Celestial Lineage expands into a more expansive and visionary territory. Although it is obviously inspired by European Black Metal, Wolves in the Throne Room create music that is intensely local in it's orientation. Certainly, Celestial Lineage is a manifestation of the northwestern landscape, but it also arises out of an underground West Coast tradition formed by successive generations of psychic crusaders: Theosophists, beatniks, the Grateful Dead, Neurosis, the back-to-the-land movement, satanic hippies, tree-spiking anarchist punks. The resulting music invokes a misty dream world. Rain drenched specters looming at the edge of the wood. Echoes from the Astral Plane. Ancient cedar deities robed in moss. A glimpse of a bronze-domed temple among the firs. Celestial Lineage was written and recorded over the course of the first six months of 2011.
The Weaver brothers worked with Producer/mystic Randall Dunn (Earth, Boris, SUNN 0))), Cave Singers, Bjork/Omar Souleyman), with whom the band has developed a close relationship since their first collaboration on 2007's Two Hunters. 3 songs are bejeweled by Jessika Kenney's liturgical choir and solo voice. Aaron Turner (ISIS) also contributes orations to the maelstrom.
1. Thuja Magus Imperium
2. Permanent Changes in Consciousness
1. Subterranean Initiation
2. Rainbow Illness
3. Woodland Cathedral
1. Astral Blood
1. Prayer of Transformation
VINYL 2xLP (black)
southern lord recordings


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Items waiting in the Pocket queue: 2290
Investigators say the US military has been giving tens of millions of dollars to Afghan security firms who are channelling the money to warlords. Trucks carrying supplies to US troops allegedly pay the firms to ensure their safe passage in dangerous areas of Afghanistan. The convoys are attacked if payments are not made, according to allegations in a US military document.
2010-06-22Afghanistan enemy racket security warlord military Taliban USA invasion politics war profiteering Catch 22


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As congressional Democrats brace for an electoral shellacking next week, one question still seems to puzzle pundits: "Why didn't President Obama do more to help the economy?" The short answer is that his goal has always been to redistribute the economic pie – not necessarily grow it. That's a shame, because he could have pursued policies that achieve both.
"[W]hat people really want is fairness" Mr. Obama stated during the campaign. "They want people paying their fair share of taxes. They want that money allocated fairly." After his victory, despite the economic crisis, he eschewed the Clinton mantra of "it's the economy, stupid" and set out to make America more equitable.
Voters want economic growth
Voters, it turns out, are much more concerned about ensuring the economy grows than who gets what – especially during a deep recession. Unfortunately, the president seems locked into the mindset that greater equality of income must come at the expense of economic growth.
One Minute Debate: What's the best way to create more jobs?
Take the administration's signature achievement: enactment of healthcare reform, aka Obamacare. This legislation subsidizes health insurance for low- and middle-income groups with taxes on high-earners, leveling material wealth but dampening economic growth by encouraging everyone to pare back on their work effort.
High-income workers have an incentive to work less since they get to keep less of what they earn. Low- and moderate-income workers face the same incentive because they can now maintain the same standard of living with even less effort.
Do high tax rates really harm the economy? Consider the countries of the European Union. Since the end of the Second World War, these nations have offered their citizens generous social benefits such as government provided health care and mandated lengthy vacations. Today per capita purchasing power in the EU is just two-thirds that of the US. More-equal slices maybe, but from a much smaller pie.
To deflect criticism that his policies are harming the economy, the president has tried to rely on his formidable rhetorical skills: expanding health care coverage was going to somehow drive down costs, handouts to state and local governments became a stimulus package, climate change legislation became a "green jobs" bill, and so on. Voters, it seems, aren't buying any of it.
Policies that achieve growth and fairness
This didn't have to happen. Obama could have embraced many policies that would have enhanced both equity and economic performance. And some of them could have bridged the ideological divide.
An obvious candidate would have been to tackle one of the biggest factors that contributed to the financial crisis in the first place: massive federal subsidies to the real estate industry via Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The implicit loan guarantees provided by Fannie and Freddie prior to the bust shifted risk from participants in real estate transactions to taxpayers and allowed capital to flow into the industry under very favorable terms.
This allowed Realtors, homebuilders, developers, mortgage lenders, securities traders, and others to reap enormous gains during the boom, only to dump their losses on taxpayers during the bust. It was a classic case of private gains, socialized losses. Eliminating these loan guaranteees – indeed, cutting all federal support for Fannie and Freddie – would not only have greatly enhanced equity, it would also have helped steer investment away from ever more conspicuous McMansions and into productive endeavors like building newer, more-efficient factories, stimulating economic growth.
Another area ripe for reform would have been the loophole-ridden tax code. Today the proliferation of carve-outs means that only 40 percent of personal income is taxed, pushing rates to more than twice what they could be and creating the situation where similarly situated families often face vastly different tax burdens depending on their ability to game the system. It also means that investment is steered away from companies adept at building better products and into those with the knack for lobbying.
By closing loopholes and broadening the tax base, the president could have slashed rates, enhanced equity, and provided a huge stimulus to the economy. Instead, he's done the opposite, adding even more loopholes and promising to raise rates.
Obama and Democrats will probably pay a high price next week for failing to see a pro-growth path to fairness. Will the presence of a Republican-led, pro-growth Congress persuade the president to pursue his goal of greater fairness in a way that helps economic growth? Our mutual prosperity depends on it.
Patrick Fleenor is chief economist of the Fiscal Economics, Inc.


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I had a quick look into Psi 5 Trading Company at lunch today, and that's probably enough for me (gosh, I am getting a bit lax in my old age!). It's actually quite an interesting little game. It strangely reminded me of FTL but in real time. You pick a destination that you want to transfer your cargo to - the further away it is, the more money you'll get from the run. You then proceed to pick the crew, selecting different aliens for different roles in your ship - navigation, weapons, engineer, etc. You then jet off into space where in no time at all you'll be set upon by random pirates as you try to deliver your precious cargo on time. Through giving orders to your crew, you can control which weapons to fire, where to send your repair bots, when to boost the engines, when to boost the shields with emergency batteries and so on. There are a ton of options to choose from, and you'll need to rapidly switch between crew screens screaming orders to various aliens in order to complete your run. Strangely, when you do complete your run, there doesn't appear to be any option to go on and do another one. I thought you'd build a career jetting among the stars and building a trade empire, but it appears to be more of a score attack game, trying to better your last high-score by delivering goods farther and faster. A lovely bit of CGA and plenty to do, but I can't say I'd really recommend it.
Next up on the randometer is...GATO! Looks like an old submarine simulator. I'll give it a go over the weekend if I get a minute, but I don't think I'll spend long on it.