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SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Gold is gaining favor among Wall Street's analysts, brightening prospects for a new round of paper-gold securities.
Yet even as banks such as UBS declare this week that the metal is in a "new secular bull market," the most anticipated of the new paper-gold funds, one that was anointed for the New York Stock Exchange, appears to be behind schedule.
Equity Gold Trust, sponsored by the World Gold Council, filed an initial S-1 registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission in mid-May. Hopes were high that the proposed exchange-traded fund would launch on the NYSE this summer. See:Proposed fund will spark investment demand.
Now there are signs the new fund, caught in a hornet's nest of regulatory issues, may miss the summer entirely. Bankers and others familiar with the situation say the gold industry group that is backing the idea is grappling with concerns about the custody of stored gold, as well as the fund's tax status.
That's a pity, given the growing acceptance of gold as an investment choice.
As recently as Thursday, chief technical analyst Peter Lee and his team at UBS declared the precious metal was "within the consolidation phase of a new secular bull market." The UBS technicians, joining several other major investment banks in their growing enthusiasm for the metal, said, "it looks as if a breakout above $375 an ounce is the key to unleashing another bull run from the metal. If such a breakout should occur, we would be looking for targets first toward the $425 zone, then closer to $500."
The chances of accelerated inflation and a continued decline in the dollar have banks such as Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs starting to recommend 5 percent weightings of gold in clients' holdings. The spot gold price of $355 an ounce on Friday was about $35 below its February high point this year, yet shares of large gold producers such as Newmont Mining
Gold's growing luster has prompted several organizations to enter what Wall Street pros call the "securitized commodities" arena. One firm, sponsored by the World Gold Council, launched an exchange-traded gold fund in Australia this past spring. Each share of that fund, Gold Bullion Ltd. (GOLD), gives investors a tenth-of-an-ounce of gold. See:New gold instruments on the prowl.
Another new fund, the closed-end Central Gold-Trust (GTUUN), recently began trading in Canada and is managed by the same folks who successfully brought another bullion fund, the 20-year-old Central Fund of Canada
Few bullion professionals want to speak publicly about the World Gold Council's regulatory difficulties for its Equity Gold Trust. That's mostly because the gold council spends tens of millions of dollars each year marketing the metal, and industry types are giving the trade group's new leadership, Chairman Christopher Thompson of Gold Fields Ltd.
But boy, are the natives restless. "This baby has had a pregnancy longer than an elephant's," one noted metals analyst told me. "The deal-wobbler, if not breaker, is the facility to pick up physical gold."
Indeed, nowhere in its 200-page SEC filing does Equity Gold Trust explain precisely how British bank HSBC, its proposed trustee, would go about shuttling allocated gold from an investor to a London vault. The trust would allow institutions to contribute gold to the fund in its purchase of large ownership units.
A longtime financier and gold dealer told me, "Central Gold-Trust and Central Fund both know where the gold is. They have warehouse receipts, audit reports, their gold is insured, and they don't allow sub-custodians access to actual gold or accept gold from sub-custodians."
The gold council and the SEC routinely decline to comment on any filings, pending or otherwise. But one banker tells me, "The SEC is looking out for the fund's buyers, and therefore the SEC wants to make sure that the assets are intact. The WGC's fund did not provide enough controls to assure the SEC."
Like the Australia fund, the proposed Equity Gold Trust would buy gold bullion and issue shares representing gold holdings. Each share then would be backed by that amount of gold and deposited with HSBC in London.
Another hurdle may be the mention of a so-called intellectual property lawsuit mentioned in the original filing. Equity Gold Trust's first choice to be its proposed fund's trustee raised the possibility that it considered the gold ETF concept its own idea, according to the filing. That choice was unnamed in the filing, but several bankers speculate it is Bank of New York, a company that's eager to claim the area of securitized commodities as its home turf.
Morningstar, the mutual fund research firm, may have given the proposed Equity Gold Trust
Another challenge is tax status. The Internal Revenue Service may be reluctant to regard the open-end fund as a security. Thus, even if held more than a year, shares of the trust would represent a "collectible" in the eyes of the IRS and thus be subject to a 28 percent income tax levied on institutions and individuals.
J.C. Stefan Spicer, the chief executive of Central Gold-Trust and Central Fund, tells me the mark-to-market provisions may also be problematic. An owner of Equity Gold Trust shares likely would see the holding's net asset value adjusted periodically, say daily, weekly, quarterly or yearly, in a mark-to-market reckoning that would create tax consequences.
Oh, and equity mutual funds that are generally restricted from stuffing more than 5 percent of their portfolio with actual bullion might find themselves exceeding regulatory limits when gold prices do head far higher, as I expect they will this year.
"Look, they put out a product idea that was too preliminary," Spicer told me in a break from auditing his two fund's bullion holdings in a Toronto-area vault operated by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. "They wanted to launch something never launched before done in the United States. Australia may have worked but the United States is much more regulatory."
Spicer's father, Philip Spicer, first introduced the idea of a closed-end bullion fund in the early 1960s. Closed-end funds trade at premiums or discounts to their net asset value. Spicer explains that his two bullion funds go to great lengths to segregate, store and insure their holdings.
"Our bullion is stored in separate cages, with the name of the owner printed on the cage, and on top of each pallet of bullion it states Central Fund or Central Gold-Trust," Spicer said. "This disables the bank from using the asset from any of their purposes. We also pay Lloyds of London for coverage of any possible loss."
The fee structure of the proposed Equity Gold Trust also may be a hindrance if the fund were to begin trading on the NYSE, said Spicer, who acknowledges his two funds are competitors. That's because the amount of gold that each Equity Gold Trust share represents decreases over time as the trustee is paid for managing the product.
In contrast, Central Gold-Trust, which holds only gold, and Central Fund of Canada, which holds gold and silver, "do not discount or dilute the existing owner's asset value by issuing new shares," Spicer said from his Ontario office.
"Non-dilution is the most important issue, and if you are bringing in new users, and their net asset value is one dollar, at the end of the day they should still have that one dollar," he said.
In recent weeks, investors have begun to warm to the idea of owning gold through Spicer's two funds. The premiums the two funds sell for have increased markedly, even with a middling gold price. As of Friday morning, the premium on Central Gold-Trust, which holds 87,000 ounces of gold, was about 13.5 percent to the actual price of spot gold. The premium on Central Fund, which holds 297,000 ounces of gold and almost 15 million silver ounces, is 15 percent.
For more on the paper gold story, see subscription service The Calandra Report.
The mining beat
Shares of little-known gold exploration companies, and some that are very well known, are leading the general stock market as investors turn their attention to hard assets.
Robert Friedland's Mongolia-based gold and copper operation, Ivanhoe Mines, was leading most exploration stocks this week and now exceeds the $1 billion Canadian market-cap level. Friedland, as detailed at length in The Calandra Report in June and July, has been convincing fund managers to use Ivanhoe Mines as a proxy for China-area economic growth. "Robert was the rock star at the Diggers and Dealers Convention in Australia, which had a number of large institutions present," Ivanhoe Mines deputy chairman Ed Flood told me from his Vancouver office.
In addition, shares of Venezuela miner Crystallex International KRY are holding their sharp gains of the past week. Crystallex is identified in The Calandra Report as a likely takeover target, given the size of the Venezuela deposit, 10-million-ounce Las Cristinas, it hopes to develop.
Robert Bishop, the longtime editor of Gold Mining Stock Report, predicts a Crystallex takeover. "My view," he said, "continues to be that there are multiple parties conducting advanced due diligence and that waiting until a feasibility study is in hand next month, not to mention running the risk of higher gold prices, would only mean that an interested party would get to pay more for Crystallex. In short, I'd be surprised if we don't see movement on KRY this month."
Finally, shares of Bema Gold are rising swiftly (up 8 percent Friday morning) as investors lick their chops in anticipation another round of drill results from the Canadian company's Russia project, Kupol. Bema


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Posted 8 years ago
(3979 items)
there are so many great graphics in this ballet souvenir. i just changed out the photos to show a few more. unfortunately, there is one which has been cut up, so i am thinking of breaking up the whole set and framing some of them. they are back-to-back on the same pages, so i'll have to figure out a way to flip them away when i feel like it. there are also a lot of amazing photos like the second one above.
Serge de Diaghileff's Ballet Russe Souvenir - an original 1916 souvenir of this ballet. the wonderful illustrations are by Bakst. i've never heard of him, but i think i've seen copies of the third pic before. It's in excellent condition except for one illustration which has been cut up. it doesn't appear to be one of the really beautiful Bakst illustrations. I'd love to find out more about this. i got another ballet brochure for the 1926 production of Mecca in New York, but it isn't the same quality as this one is.

subset: commoncrawl


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Get In On Google's Holiday Giveaway
-- The holidays are almost here, and Google's got some freebies for you -- if you sign up soon.
The Gmail team is giving away sets of Gma
il-themed stickers right now. Some are just for fun, like the glittery red Gmail logo sticker. Others have a specific function in mind, like the Gmail shortcut stickers that you can stick onto your keyboard to help remember hotkeys. (Google promises they peel off easily.)
There's also a collectable bookplate-style sticker with a "This belongs to email@example.com" space for your own inscription. It comes in three designs: one featuring an old-school computer, one with a e-mail-happy unicorn, and one with a friendly robot who's just beaming with Gmail giddiness.
Google's willing to send you a set of your own. All you have to do is ask -- and send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Send me some Gmail stickers already P.O. Box 391420 Mountain View, CA 94039-1420
Anyone outside the U.S. should make sure to include an international reply coupon. Otherwise, a regular $0.42 stamp on the inside envelope is all you need.
Google says it'll send only one per person while supplies last, and -- we know you were wondering -- it promises it won't collect any of your contact info.


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Analysis of the work and life of the Argentinean artist Claudio Girola, founder of the avant-garde Art Concrete-Invention movement in Buenos Aires in 1945, and in 1952 of the Architecture Institute of the Catholic University of Valparaíso, which he remained linked to until his death in Viña del Mar in 1994. The book incorporates a selection of works, writings, essays, and the first cadastre of its complete production in Argentina and Chile (sculpture, drawing, publications and exhibitions), which together express their particular vision and approach the sculpture. In addition, four leading professionals develop a critical and historical analysis of the artist's production.
Sylvia Arriagada is a graphic designer at the Catholic University of Valparaíso, where she is an adjunct professor at the School of Architecture and Design. Cecilia Brunson is an art curator, Master of Arts from the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College, New York. Tomás Browne is an architect at the Catholic University of Valparaíso, where he taught; member of Amereida


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The Howitzer is the Heavy Unit of the Industrial Age. It is produced in the Howitzer Factory. It has weaker defense compared to the previous heavy unit, the Grenadier, as well as a reduction to movement speed, but gains a very useful skill called Blast and a range increase up to 6. It is very effective against Jaeger Infantry. However, it is extremely vulnerable to the Rifleman. As with previous era heavy units, it receives additional defense on plains. This is the last heavy unit that has "classical" weaknesses against ranged units and artillery units. After this age, combat is totally changed. The Howitzer leads to the Tank.
The Howitzer is very effective against Jaeger Infantry. It negates the Stealth ability that Jaeger Infantry have, and it also has another skill which allows it to do more damage the closer it gets to the target. Therefore, a howitzer 2 tiles away from an enemy will do much more damage than a howitzer 6 spaces away. It is surprisingly vulnerable to the fast unit of the age, the Lancer, due to its low defense. The Howitzer should be kept on defense and used to target light units.
Against Same Age Units
Jaeger Infantry
The Howitzer is extremely powerful against the Jaeger Infantry. Not only negates the Stealth Ability of the Jaeger Infantry, but it also has an attack and defense bonus against it. A group of Howitzers can easily take out a group of Jaeger Infantry. If the opponent has a lot of Jaeger Infantry, the Howitzer is the best unit for the job.
The Howitzer is moderately effective against the Lancer. Since the Lancer has the same defense as in the Colonial Age, the Howitzer can hit the Lancer without fear of retaliation. However, since the Lancer has the highest attack of the Industrial Age, combined with the somewhat low defense of the Howitzer, Lancers will do significant damage to Howitzers. Therefore, Howitzers should be supported with Jaeger Infantry to keep Lancers away.
The Howitzer is extremely weak against the Rifleman. The Rifleman greatly outranges the Howitzer and has a very high attack bonus against it. Howitzers can be killed in two hits from a Rifleman. This, combined with the low defense and low movement speed of the Howitzer, make the Howitzer very ineffective against the Rifleman. It is also very difficult to stay out of the Rifleman's range, as the Rifleman has a range of 8, which is enough to hit across the map.
Breech Loader
Unlike in previous ages, where the artillery unit rarely did significant damage to same age heavy units, the Breech Loader is quite dangerous to the Howitzer. The Breech Loader gains attack against the Howitzer, while the Howitzer loses defense compared to the previous age. This results in a lot of damage being done by Breech Loaders across the map. Breech Loaders also have the dug-in ability, making it difficult for Howitzers to do significant damage from the edge of their range.
Other Military Units
Legend: = Light Unit Class = Heavy Unit Class = Fast Unit Class = Ranged Unit Class = Artillery Unit Class


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- Joined Jan 24, 2011
Well, like the title states, I am looking for a stone to sharpen my knife with. I don't have a huge budget, not to sound cheap or anything. $40 is sort of the maximum, which I feel is pretty low considering what most people on here probably purchase. I just need one for my Chefs Knife, and that is about it.


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The Lee Family. Once upon a time Noel and Rena got married and had 2 kids - Doris and Donald. Then one day, Doris got married to Jeremy and had her own 2 kids - Vince and Edda. We all live far apart, and keep moving around. It's hard to keep tabs on each other. Welcome to our blog.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Vince back from camp.
Vince spent a week at American University going to computer camp. He managed to convince 7 of his pals to join him, so camp was like a big 5 day sleepover with his best friends.
Here's his counselor, Scoop. They all have clever nicknames, so Scoop's real name is forgotten.
Two of his pals - Owen and Bryson.
They signed up for movie making. I'm hoping to post some of the movies on the blog soon. His counselor spent a minute talking about special qualities of each kid at the closing presentation, so this was Vince's.
By Doris at July 11, 2014
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Not exactly music making machine, but very fine (writing) instrument, that might be of interest for some of The Beatles fans...
The Beatles are regarded as one of the most famous rock bands of all time. With members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they became widely regarded as the foremost and most influential act of the rock era. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as 'Beatlemania'.
Ident No: 116256
Piston Fountain Pen
Hand-crafted Au 585 / 14 K gold nib with special engraving, ruthenium-coated
Montblanc ink: Mystery Black, Royal Blue, Midnight Blue, Burgundy Red, Lavender Purple, Oyster Gray, Toffee Brown, Irish Green, Corn Poppy Red


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His short-term and visiting positions include: Senior Economic Affairs Officer at UNCTAD, "Debt and Development Strategy Unit"; Houblon-Norman Fellow at the Bank of England; visiting professor at the Graduate Institute of Geneva, at the University of Geneva, and at the European University Institute. His research interests are in public debt economics, development finance and monetary policy, with a special focus on debt management, and cover various topics from yield spread analysis to debt crises and debt relief. Alessandro Missale has a distinguished publication record in scientific economic journals and has written the book "Public Debt Management" for Oxford University Press. He coordinated and collaborated to research projects of the European Parliament, the European Commission and the World Bank.
Recent Publications
- Favero, C.A. and A. Missale, "Contagion in the EMU – The Role of Eurobonds with OMTs," Review of Law & Economics, 12(3): 555-584, 2016.
- Bacchiocchi, E. and A. Missale, "Multilateral Indexed Loans and Debt Sustainability," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 31(3-4): 305-329, Autumn-Winter 2015.
- Cordella, T. and A. Missale, "To give or to forgive? Aid versus debt relief," Journal of International Money and Finance, 37: 504-528, 2013.
- Marchesi, S. and A. Missale, "Did High Debts Distort Loan and Grant Allocation to IDA Countries?" World Development, 44: 44-62, 2013.
- Favero, C.A. and A. Missale, "Sovereign Spreads in the Euro Area. Which Prospects for a Eurobond?" Economic Policy, 27 (70): 231-273, 2012.


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Supernatural Book of Monsters, Spirits, Demons and Ghouls
Part of Supernatural's allure is the monster-of-the-week mythology. The paranormal bounty brothers never lack for things to hunt. In The Supernatural Books of Monsters, Spirits, Demons and Ghouls, Alex Irvine delves deeper into the creatures Dean and Sam have given us a basic introduction to.
The book is divided into five parts and includes two appendixes—Herbs, Oils and Hoodoo Hands and Names and Attributes of European Demons.
I'll tell you my biggest pet peeve right off the bat...the book is supposedly narrated by both Sam and Dean, but it comes off like this weird omniscient point-of-view that sounds nothing like them. Their "voices" on the show are distinctive and unique and none of that is carried on to the page. It would've been better for the author to write as an interested observer, perhaps a professor or a paranormal investigator fascinated with the Winchesters. Typically speaking, the kind of narration Irvine chose would create reader intimacy, as if the boys were sharing secrets, but because we know their personalities so well, and he does not emulate them at all, it has an immediate and opposite reaction, repelling the reader to think, "Who're these dudes?"
Come to think of it, the perfect narrator for this book would've been Bobby Singer!
That complaint aside, and admittedly it's a big one, how does the lore fare?
SPIRITS covers the importance of salt and burn, the woman in white, banshees, water spirits, urban legends and vengeful spirits like the Hook Man and Bloody Mary, land spirits: native and immigrant, such as the Indian curse, Amityville, Route 55, Wisconsin Lakes Curse and the Curse of Kaskaskia, plus Venir (scarecrow), Lawrence lore and Death Apparitions.
MONSTERS is all about the Wendigo, Shapeshifters, Yenaldooshi, Bearwalker, Leszy, Nahuales, Puca, The Animal Wives (Selkies, Swan Maidens and Kitsune), Lycanthropy, Tulpas, Humunculus, Golem and Rakshasa.
GHOULS, REVENANTS, ET CETERA is a paranormal potpourri of Ghouls, Shtrigas, Draugrs, Vamps, Zombies and others.
WITCHES, FAMILIARS AND BLACK DOGS is just that.
And DEMONS gets down and dirty with Succubus/Incubus, Jinn, Tengu, Abiku, Pishacha, Acheri, YED, Lesser Demons, Reaper and Goofer Dust.
The book does a great job of reintroducing the MOTW and expanding on their details, oftentimes giving culture differences. Did you know a Leszy is a Slavic forest spirit that likes to makes its appearance as a talking mushroom? Or that the word zombie comes the from the Bantu word nzambi and Haitian zombies were created from magic and the poison of a pufferfish? And, considering the recent Death Takes A Holiday, I enjoyed learning that Reapers are called psychopomps. Doesn't that sound scarily solicitous? I've also adopted the hoodoo tradition of Goofer Dust and now, much to my husband's horror, walk around whispering "Kiss my ass" everywhere in case a witch is present.
In blending show elements and deepening the mythological stories, The Supernatural Book of Monsters, Spirits, Demons and Ghouls is an entertaining and fascinating read, even if it does miss the mark on giving the Winchesters a voice.


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Fresno, California has the unwanted distinction of being the worst offender of America's 20 Dirtiest Cities. In a state well known for its environmentalist efforts, the Central Valley has that lovely tint to the air, making it one of seven Californian cities to win the booby prize for cleanliness according to Forbes.
Forbes created their list of the 20 Dirtiest Cities In America by using the website Bestplaces.net. Website owner Bert Sperling is also the author of the books Best Places To Raise Your Family and Cities Ranked And Rated. Bestplaces.net lets you compare and contrast cities based upon categories including cost of living and environmental factors.
The Forbes report is based upon EPA data that "measures watershed quality by looking at 15 indicators like pollutants, sediments, and toxic releases." Forbes explains how they used this data to derive America's 20 dirtiest cities:
"To get a set of dirty cities, we identified which metro areas (with population of 500,000 or more) showed up on both lists for poor water quality and air quality. Then we averaged their rankings on the indices. We then took a look at some other sources, such as EPA data on the big cities with the most toxic releases (Houston, Texas — ranked 13th — leads by a mile), the American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report, as well as a look at the prevalence of Superfund sites in the various areas."
Based upon this methodology they then manually tweaked the list by looking to other sources. For example, New York ranks as the 11th dirtiest city in the country but decades of oil and petroleum leakage on the Brooklyn waterfront has poisoned the earth and the drinking ground water it contains. Fortunately for New Yorkers, their drinking water is now piped in from the Adirondacks.
In a controversial effort to clean up their act, California will be implementing a cap-and-trade energy plan that will penalize companies that emit more than 25,000 cubic tons of carbon dioxide a year. Cap-and-trade, of course, is intended to target Global Warming. Carbon dioxide has little to no impact on air quality but cleaning up CO2 will have the side effect of reducing sulfur dioxide and soot.
The first cap-and-trade auction set the one ton carbon allowance price at $10.09. Companies who barely pollute can sell their extra credits, which of course includes green alternative energy companies who will reap the benefit. Experts project that for every $10 spent by energy companies Californians will spend 10 cents more on gasoline prices.
Other factors include the controversial move by Obama and Democrats to force coal-fired power plants to install air-scrubbing technology. Political actions like these have been decried by Republicans as a "war on coal" because Obama previously made statements like this:
"If someone wants to build a new coal-fired power plant they can, but it will bankrupt them because they will be charged a huge sum for all the greenhouse gas that's being emitted."
The good news for the United States is that the EPA is reporting that America's air quality has generally been getting better:
Cleaner cars, industries, and consumer products have contributed to cleaner air for much of the U. S. … Since 1990, nationwide air quality has improved significantly for the six common air pollutants. … Total emissions of toxic air pollutants have decreased by approximately 42 percent between 1990 and 2005. … [Greenhouse Gas] emissions from the U.S. have increased by approximately 7 percent since 1990.
Do you live in one of America's 20 dirtiest cities? If so, what do you think should be done to correct the problem?


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Anouck pin
Anouck pin in brass & crystal glass
€ 150
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Anouck pin in brass & crystal glass - Wear on clothes, mix & match with others Avoid dropping or impact. Avoid contact with water or any source of humidity. Store the pin carefully in the original pouch when not in use, after having wiped it with a soft duster cloth. Colour: gold Item code: CHC20WFP13CH59DA
Crafted from gold brass, this Anouck pin showcases the line's signature wrinkled aluminium inspiration. The floral cluster pendant is adorned with crystal glass stones for a sophisticated finish. Mix and match it with other pins for a modern look.
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There is no tsunami, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, atomic bomb or anything in all of creation as powerful as prayer. God gave us the ability to communicate directly with Him anytime night or day and best of all He hears and answers our prayers. Nothing is impossible when prayer is taking place. All of us need daily prayer to help us get through the day. The first thing Jesus did every morning was go somewhere to pray and He prayed throughout the day. If Jesus needed a daily prayer life, what does that say about our need for one?
Listen to free guided prayers through your phone
We have assembled a directory of global and United States prayer ministries that have complete website information. If you would like to become a prayer warrior or just enhance this aspect of your daily walk with God, there is a prayer organization listed below that will work for you. Simply click on the link below and find the one that works best for you.
The following is the prayer used by the Global Day of Prayer Almighty God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, We gather with believers all over the world, to glorify You as Creator of heaven and earth. You alone are holy and righteous. We submit to Your authority. We praise and adore You alone. Father, we honour You Lord Jesus Christ, we honour You Holy Spirit, we honour You Our Father in heaven, Thank You for loving the world so much that You gave Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins so that we could be reconciled to You. Fill us with your love as we faithfully intercede for the lost, the hopeless, the helpless and the world. Thank You Father, for adopting us into Your family. Lord Jesus Christ, You died on the cross and redeemed us to the Father by Your blood. You are Head of the Church and Lord of all heaven and earth. Let Your kingdom be established in every nation of the world bring transformation among peoples of all tribes and languages so that righteousness and justice will prevail. May Your Name be great, from the rising of the sun to its setting. Jesus Christ, You are Lord of all. Father of mercy and grace, We have sinned. Our world is gripped by the power of sin. Our hearts are grieved by injustice, hatred and violence. We are shamed by oppression, racism and bloodshed in our land. We mourn all loss of life in murder, war and terrorism. Our homes are broken and our churches are divided by rebellion and pride. Our lives are polluted by selfishness, greed, idolatry and sexual sin. God of mercy, forgive our sins. Pour out Your grace and heal our land. Spirit of the living God, Transform Your Church into the image of Jesus Christ. Release Your power to bring healing to the sick, freedom to the oppressed and comfort to those who mourn. Fill us with compassion for the homeless and the hungry for orphans, widows and the elderly. Give us wisdom and insight for our world's problems. Help us to use the resources of the earth for the well-being of all. Holy Spirit, guide us and lead us. Lord Jesus Christ, You destroyed sin, conquered death and defeated Satan. Remove the veil of darkness that covers the peoples. Restrain the evil that promotes violence and death. Deliver us from demonic oppression. Break the hold of slavery, tyranny and disease. Help us to tear down strongholds and ideologies that resist the knowledge of God. Almighty God, deliver us from evil. King of Glory, Come and finish Your work in our cities, our peoples and our nations. From all continents and islands we cry: Lift up your heads, O you gates! Be lifted up ancient doors so that the King of glory may come in! Come fill the earth with the knowledge of Your glory as the waters cover the sea. The Spirit and the Bride say: Amen! Come Lord Jesus!
Billy Graham led tens of thousands to come forward to make decisions for Christ in every part of the world in this simple prayer: "O God, I am a sinner. I'm sorry for my sins. I'm willing to turn from my sins. I receive Christ as Savior. I confess Him as Lord. From this moment on I want to follow Him and serve Him in the fellowship of His church. In Christ's name, Amen."
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them,that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock. I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me; God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me, God's hosts to save me Afar and anear, Alone or in a mulitude. Christ shield me today Against wounding Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me. I arise today Through the mighty strength Of the Lord of creation. — Anonymous
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts and we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. — Matthew 6:9-13
Jabez called out to the God of Israel, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that it will not hurt me." And God granted what he asked. — 1 Chronicles 4:10
O Lord, I bless thee that the issue of the battle between thyself and Satan has never been uncertain, and will end in victory. Calvary broke the dragon's head, and I contend with a vanquished foe, who with all his subtlety and strength has already been overcome. When I feel the serpent at my heel, may I remember him whose heel was bruised, but who, when bruised, broke the devil's head. My soul with inward joy extols the mighty conqueror. Heal me of any wounds received in the great conflict; if I have gathered defilement, if my faith has suffered damage, if my hope is less than bright, if my love is not fervent, if some creature comfort occupies my heart, if my soul sinks under pressure of the fight, O thou whose every promise is balm, every touch life, draw near to thy weary warrior. Refresh me, that I may rise again to wage the strife, and never tire until my enemy is trodden down. Give me such fellowship with thee that I may defy Satan, unbelief, the flesh, the world, with delight that comes not from a creature, and which a creature cannot mar. Give me a draught of the eternal fountain that lieth in thy immutable, everlasting love and decree. Then shall my hand never weaken, my feet never stumble, my sword never rest, my shield never rust, my helmet never shatter, my breastplate never fall, as my strength rests in the power of thy might. *Valley of Vision – p. 181
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff–they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalms 23: 1-6
"God, have mercy on me, a sinner." — Luke 18:13
Talk About Faith, We're Here.
Your journey may be more difficult than you thought and more lonely than it should be but you are not alone.
Mark 11:24


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Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor will highlight the problem in his Westminster diocese in a letter to be read to church congregations.
The cardinal will tell people that the sharp decline in the number of priests means that church-goers must play a bigger part in running their parishes.
He will also say many parishes may have to cope without a resident priest.
Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor will make the plea in Westminster on Sunday, as part of ambitious plans to reform the diocese.
If the changes are made in Westminster, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, it could spark similar changes in parishes all over Britain.
The church is launching a recruitment campaign that will use beermats in pubs and posters on the London Underground to promote the priesthood.
Beermats and posters
The number of priests working at Westminster has fallen from 850 in 1990 to 600 this year. The number is expected to decline to 470 over the next decade.
Under new proposals, lay ministers may be allowed to live in clergy houses in areas where priests are not present, and be able to run weekday services.
Some responses to a consultation said priests should be allowed to marry, but Cardinal Murphy O'Connor said the Roman Catholic Church as a whole would have to change such a policy.
Catholic priest Father Ray Lyons told the BBC News website: "Involvement of the laity is a right and responsibility because of their baptism, regardless of the decline of priests.
"Ninety-nine percent of the church is the laity, they pay for everything."
Fr Lyons said there had been a doubling in numbers of Roman Catholic priests in the UK between 1945 and 1977, and numbers were falling to the level they had been at in 1940.
"We still have the third or fourth best ratio of Catholic priests to Catholic population in the world," he said.
There was a priest for every 850 Catholics in the UK, compared to one for every 20,000 in Brazil, he added.


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TRMN502: Global Tourism
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Course Description
The main objectives of this course are understanding how global trends affect tourism and the strategic leadership approaches required for both tourism destinations and companies to develop and maintain a competitive advantage. Approaches used in leading an industry with a global reach, along with local and national issues, will also be examined. Leadership styles and cross-cultural competencies required to create a culture of innovation in tourism are reviewed as a key feature of global tourism partnerships. Examples of international tourism leaders and leadership of tourism organizations will be used to illustrate best practices within the industry.
Course Credits
- 3.00
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General studies courses may be eligible for internal transfer credit into their related programs.
|Start Date
|End Date
|Tuition (Domestic)
|September 6, 2021
|November 19, 2021
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|September 20, 2021
|November 14, 2021
|September 6, 2022
|November 18, 2022
|On Campus


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OCALA--The College of Central Florida softball team swept HCC in the home opener on Tuesday afternoon at CF Softball Complex to improve to 8-0 on the season.
The Lady Patriots blasted four home runs in game one to power past the Hawks 16-0 (5 innings). In game two, Olivia Pope hit a grand slam to center field to break the 4-4 tie and give CF the eventual 9-4 win in six innings.
Karli Woolington accounted for the first five runs in game one of the doubleheader with a two-run homer in the first inning and then a three-run double to put CF up 5-0 after two innings.
The Lady Patriots tacked on two more runs in the third inning before exploding for a nine-run fourth inning, which included three home runs, two from freshman Anina Fernandez (5 RBIs) and a solo shot from Katie Peters.
FCSAA Region VIII Pitcher of the Week Lindsay Markham-Rosario continued her dominance in the circle, not allowing a run on two hits and struck out eight in the win.
At the plate, Woolington (3-for-4, 2 runs scored) and Fernandez (2-for-2, 2 home runs) led the offensive attack with five RBIs each. Takiya London (2-for-3, 3 RBI, 3 runs scored) and Peters (3-for-3, HR, 3 runs scored) were also key contributors in the run-rule.
Game two offered a little more drama, with Pope hitting the eventual game-winning grand slam in the bottom of the fifth to break the 4-4 tie. Two batters later, Woolington added an additional insurance run to secure the win. The game was called after six innings due to darkness.
Samantha Urbina allowed four hits in 4.1 innings before giving way to Markham-Rosario who kept the Hawks at bay and secured her fourth win of the season. Markham-Rosario didn't allow a hit and struck out two.
On the day, the Patriot offense recorded 22 hits, while the Patriot pitching staff held HCC to just six hits in the doubleheader. Markham-Rosario is currently 4-0 with a 0.00 ERA.
CF will return to action on Feb. 6 when they travel to St. Petersburg College for a doubleheader at 5 and 7 p.m.


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When it comes to sports, many people tend to lean towards dance or team sports as the main options, but gymnastics often unfairly gets looked over. Not only can you practice it year-round, but it also offers varied benefits to your child's health and development.
What Can Gymnastics Do For My Child?
Gymnastics is the type of sport that many children start at a young age, not just for the health advantages this has, but the ways that it supports their development. For example, gymnastics supports flexibility and is a weight-bearing activity. This is extremely important as children grow. A gymnastics program can also easily fill the 60 minutes of physical activity that is recommended each day.
On top of this, gymnastics is also a great way to instill confidence in a child, as well as help them develop social skills by interacting with other children and their coaches.
How Do I Get Started?
Interested? In that case, the time has come to start scouting gymnastic programs and kids camps in your city. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are checking out various places.
The Basics: The little things mean a lot when it comes to the day-to-day of a gymnastics program. Take a moment to see how far the gymnastics school is from your home or child's school. If they end up getting more serious, you are going to be making a lot of trips. Take a look and see what type of equipment the gym has. What condition is it in? Of course, be sure to check out the cost. Does this match your budget? You don't want to get started then have to pull out for financial reasons.
Sit In: Ask if you can a have a moment to look around. See what condition the equipment is. See how the staff interacts with the children. How engaged are they? A little can tell a lot when it comes to making your decision.
Recreational vs. Competitive: This is one of the first decisions you are going to have to make when looking for a program. Recreational programs cater to just about anyone, from newcomers to seasoned gymnasts who simply want to practice without any added pressure. Competitive gymnastics programs generally cost more in just about every way. This means more money, more time, more expectations. In some cases, it may pay to start recreational then switch over if your child is naturally athletic and develops a serious interest. To be clear, though, you can get the benefits of gymnastics from either method.
A gymnastics program is a wonderful activity to develop your child's body, mind, and social skills all at the same time. However, to have the best chance of success in this area, you want to find something that fits your means or aim. Are you looking for a fun outlet for your child to have some activity and interact with other children? Or are you looking to use this as an opportunity to instill discipline with the future in mind? There's nothing wrong with either approach, but they require different paths.


text: paulst10 2 Report post Posted April 10, 2016 So here's some screencaps. Probably not the best......But it shows strong content down to almost 10Hz with occasional full band transients. Did you get a screencap of when Kylo uses the force to stop and hold the blaster bolt around 7 min mark? As the camera pans past the bolt it sounded pretty good, not as good as the interrogation force moves but still good enough.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Some claim that sparkling shiraz is an Australian "invention." Happy to put that on the mantle piece along with barbed wire and the ute. Best's certainly have one of the more consistent and mature editions of the style. The base wine is left on yeast lees in the bottle for at least 20 months. Disgorged in the traditional method. Crown seal.
Best's Great Western, Sparkling Shiraz, Great Western, 2013
Bold and exotic, this is bruise purple and unapologetic with clove, Portello, glazed ham, violets, milk chocolate. A juxtaposition: crisp, clean flavours that belie the complexity. The wine making is superb. Pinches of white pepper overlay boysenberry, blackberry, choco and purple grape delights with a refreshing minty finish. The balance is nigh on exact between sweet fruit (the dosage of liqueur muscat a deft touch), resonant acidity and the right amount of grip. The label says perfect for festive occasions but I say why wait?
Alc: 14.5%
Wine sample courtesy of Best's Wines


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On pages 62-64 in It's What I Do, Addario tells the story of her grandmother's missed chance at love to prove a point that passion will always overcome convenience. She explains how her grandmother described her relationship with a man named Sal to be very passionate, thrilling, and memorable. However, she ended things with Sal, who was quite poor, to marry a man named Ernie who gave her more freedom and rationality in her life. At the end of this anecdote, Addario writes, "I never wanted to regret the kisses I missed" (Addario 64). She writes this after explaining how her grandmother described the way she longed for Sal's kiss, even though she was married to Ernie. Her grandmother wonders what it would have been like to live her entire life with someone who she was extremely passionate about, rather than someone who was practical to be married to. This provides insight into how Addario thinks about her passion because it shows that she is very aware of what she loves and does not want to miss her opportunity to continue to live out her passion. Even if it is difficult and does not provide her with enough money, nothing can make her feel the way her passion of photography does, and she does not want to miss a moment of it.
Many personal stories of mine pop into my head when I think of my passion, but one of which is very special to me. I always grew up a bit bitter on the idea of love. I thought something was wrong with me and that I could never be loved. My three older brothers all had girlfriends throughout high school, and my parents were even high school sweethearts. So, why could I not have that too? I would get annoyed at the words, "I love you", and I was so condescending towards myself at too young of an age. One day, during my junior year of high school, my three-year-old cousin Chloe and I were playing outside. Out of the blue, she turned to me and told me she loved me. I was so shocked to hear these words come out of her mouth that I began to tear up. It then hit me that I am so loved by so many people, and love is a real thing. It is not all about holding hands and going on dates, but it is about the relationships you make and the time you spend with the everyday people in your life. All it took was the words of a toddler to teach me that. I want more people to understand the real meaning of love and how to live their lives full of it. Similar to the way Addario feels about her passion, I believe that life is way too short to do anything but love. With more love and more loving people and actions, amazingly positive changes can be made to the life we all live.
-C. Hart


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Sony just released their new family member in the mirrorless full frame family. First came the a7, followed by the a7r and now the a7II. Each being different and serving a particular need.
Adjusting to this new camera was easy since we had the a7r, purchased initially as a back up to the Leica M, then we started liking its potential, huge files and great quality. We did not keep the r model, switching to the a7s due to its fantastic ISO performance.
Fabs has an image taken at just over 100,00 ISO that needs to be seen to believe and I have one from the Hunted House at Disney, 64,000, that looks normal. Amazing.
Here comes the new family member, a7II, we got intrigued with the 5-axis stabilization plus 24 MP sensor and decided to give it a try. On the first time out we were not surprised. Well, there was one big surprise which was unexpected: ISO performance was much better than we thought. I have lots of 4000 and more that show little noise and good quality. Will be shooting many more images and posting results but with the two initial session, we could see it is a winner.
The exciting part is being able to use the Leica lenses. It does have some native lenses producing high quality images, all by Zeiss. The 55 f/ 1.8 is one of the sharpest around and the test reviews rank it among the best in the class. The 35 f/2.8 is also a great performer and worth adding to the collection. The 16-35 f/ 4.0 is also very sharp and has a close up focus capability, allowing interesting images with close up perspective, unique. Have not used myself, but have seen reports from the 24-70 f/2.8 and they do not match the quality of the just mentioned. I will probably rent one for a week and try it myself, it is a practical focal length.
Having the stabilization in camera, means all lenses will be stabilized and the system works well. My preliminary images taken at one second with the 16-35 have produced some critically sharp images. Shooting at ¼ second is routine with decent hand holding technique. As mentioned before it's a perfect back up for the Leica M if you can't have a spare M!!
The new camera is slightly different than the previous, being heavier, larger grip, top bottoms more ergonomically placed and a very nice dark finish. For using Sony as a system, I would go for this new one paired with the a7s, lethal combination.
By the way, one warning regarding this new offering, it will cause some problems with third party extreme wide angle lenses. The a7s sensor solved that problem and was usable with all including the Voigtlander 12mm full frame. You will find some light fall off on the corners which is no problem and also some purple fringing around the periphery but not as noticeable as the a7r model. This is easily corrected with an Adobe plug-in called Flat field converter. Easy to use, but one more step during processing.
Highly recommend this new camera, mirrorless is the way to go, they are small, good performers and will be taking over the camera sales yearly until being the dominant factor. Presently, they are not as good in the autofocus performance but this new offering is narrowing the gap considerably. It has 117-point phase-detection AF system with 25 point contrast-detection system being capable of capturing action. I have noticed the increase AF speed over the others but not tested the performance with tough/fast moving subjects.
Will be posting lots of image samples after our next shoot which should give you a visual representation of what this jewel is capable of doing.
All images are out of camera, opened with Adobe dng converter 8.7.1, no noise reduction, adjustments, and if you click on them, you will get the full resolution version, with our permission to download and edit them as trial.


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When a tornado was bearing down on the residents of the energy boomtown of Watford, North Dakota, the only thought for safety these guys had was getting into their pickup truck. That couldn't be more wrong, and they're lucky they survived.
Granted, the guys were in what looks to be a trailer park, and there really aren't any good options, but a vehicle really is one of the worst places to get caught when you see a twister heading right for you. And that's because cars, and especially pickup trucks, have the aerodynamics of a brick. A brick that generates lift.
And there's nothing easier for a tornado to toss.
Also, you're surrounded by glass, and glass is no protection from oh, say, a fence being casually rammed through your windshield. If you are stuck in a car, the best thing you can do is not stay stationary, like these fracking bros, but hightail it as fast as you can away from the danger, and then get somewhere safe. Otherwise, keep your head down, and don't sit there like a goof, laughing and filming.
Don't believe me? Take it from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration:
In a car or truck: Vehicles are extremely risky in a tornado. There is no safe option when caught in a tornado in a car, just slightly less-dangerous ones. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, or underground if possible. If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park the car as quickly and safely as possible — out of the traffic lanes. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible. If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway,leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.
Again, these guys probably didn't have much choice, seeing as how they were in a trailer park and all. But they got incredibly lucky.


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Domaine del a Chaurie provides different exclusive services for groups and companies. Especially the team activity clay shooting is one of the most desired requests. We often organize customized group activities in order to provide an unique outdoor experience for our visitors. Since our manager has worked in the online casino industry, most of the participating groups are active in related markets. We have seen many online gambling companies visiting our property in order to learn more about clay shooting and join all of our fun activities. Recently an online trading company had their yearly anniversary and booked a clay shooting activity for their staff in order to celebrate. This group of twenty people really had a great time during this day and even made progress along the way. They were not interested in shooting pigeons, but wanted to improve their shooting skills on disc propelled shot up in the air, better known as clay shooting.
During this exciting day the staff learned to master the basics of this interesting sport together with an experienced shooting tutor. The tutors and equipment for this outdoor activity are all included in the price, which makes it very easy for groups to immediately start practicing. Besides the equipment, Domaine del a Chaurie prepared a delicious lunch including sandwiches, water and fresh juices. At the end of a long day shooting, the team of this online trader left our property with a lot of excitement and additional knowledge. When the group told us that they would really recommended our activity to others, we didn't realized that they were planning to write a review about us. A month later the Avatrade review about Domaine del a Chaurie was published in the newspaper! The online trading company rated us in a very positive way and even motivated other teams to book their next outdoor activity at our shooting estate.
The Avatrade review resulted in hundreds of new bookings at our estates! Every company in the area wanted to try out one of our outdoor activities and the amount of reservations were increasing everyday. We even expanded our team of tutors in order to keep up with the schedule and daily planning. Besides the tutors, we also expanded the inventory of our equipment. Thankfully, the different estates at Domaine del a Chaurie were big enough to accept all the new bookings. After a few month the hype of clay shooting dropped a little bit, but our business is still growing. We even consider to buy more estates in the area. With this extra space we will be able to launch a new idea and exciting new concept for our shooters! Our property will be bigger, better, more fun and a lot of new activities will be added to our daily services. We can't tell you all the specific details yet, but it's going to be a real game-changer! If it wasn't for the avatrade review, we wouldn't be in this growing process. We would like to thank the online trader for making this idea possible.


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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is looking for office supply store Staples SPLS.O to improve its offer to divest assets to further its bid to buy rival Office Depot ODP.O, the agency said in court on Thursday.
Arguing for Staples, Diane Sullivan said that the company had made a "significant and substantial" offer to the FTC. The company said earlier this month that it had offered to divest $500 million in commercial contracts.
Arguing for the FTC, Tara Reinhart said at a pre-trial hearing that the FTC had rejected that as inadequate. "We have actually asked them to come back," she said.
The FTC filed a complaint on December 7 aimed at stopping Staples from buying Office Depot, saying that the deal would hurt big customers who want nationwide contracts to buy their office supplies. The $6.3 billion deal had been announced in February.
Canada's Competition Bureau has also said that it would challenge the proposed transaction.
The FTC is asking the court for a preliminary injunction so that it can try the case in an internal process. The trial on the preliminary injunction is expected in March with a decision in May, said Judge Emmet Sullivan.
The agency stopped a merger attempt between the same two companies in 1997 but in the 19 years since then, Amazon AMZN.O and other online sellers, which deliver across the United States, have emerged as competitors, while chain stores such as Costco COST.O and Wal-Mart Stores Inc WMT.N have further crowded the market.
Staples was emboldened to try again for Office Depot after that chain succeeded in buying No. 3 OfficeMax in November 2013 with no divestitures.
The case at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia is Federal Trade Commission v Staples, Inc. It is case No. 15-2115.
Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Susan Heavey and Alan Crosby
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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The fuselage looks almost as long as the strut. How long is it? May be that makes it track straight, but harder to turn?
It is two bolts vs. 4 bolts.ronnie wrote:Alex Aguera is using a deep Tuttle box to attach the foil on his boards, which seems like a particularly neat system and will have less resistance than some other systems when trying to get the board up to speed to lift on the foil.
The screw heads look flush on the production board, so my guess is that the blue board was a prototype.
Peter, I am making a foil at the moment.Peter_Frank wrote:Hi
BraCuru has made some awesome posts about his first times.
Would tell you about my learning:
I started here in september, and have been out 7 times now, half an hour to an hour each time.
The first two times was basically learning how to handle the board, getting in/out and bodydragging, and to avoid getting cut (too much).
And a LOT of chrashes after riding a few meters only.
It most often ended in a "foil bomb" like this:
Almost like new years eve !
Later, on the 3rd day, longer rides were possible - but still ended in the "long jump foil bombs" like this, almost every time:
Those who have learned, will know exactly what I am talking about, right ?
Here is a youtube video of day 6, when I could finally ride comfortable and long distances, and also get back downwind again:
As the most difficult part is getting DOWNWIND at first, because upwind is easy, even in sub 10 knots with a small kite not bigger than 10m2, you BLAST upwind and at high speeds !
You have to learn riding, and it is not intuitive and easy IMO, because you have to learn in muscle memory, and nothing can be used from riding other boards - except for kitehandling of course.
But WHEN you master, it feels like you are weightless in space, and with insane speed across the world - an AMAZING feeling
I can not jibe nor turn really, and can not master even the simple tack yet - and the long jump foil bomb is still a move used very often (not on purpose) when trying new things or when going faster.
Still love the feeling, and to learn
Using this board:
hope you will forgive me if I post it again:Peter_Frank wrote:BraCuru has made some awesome posts about his first times.
Almost like new years eve !
Absolutely right! Therefore I made an instruction video about falling.Those who have learned, will know exactly what I am talking about, right ?
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Players typically declare that they are not competing with their opposite numbers. Jay Cutler says he is not measuring himself against Aaron Rodgers. Julius Peppers doesnt watch film of Jared Allen. Defensive team goals are based on points allowed, yards allowed, takeaways and such, not whether their defense had better stats than the other guys.
But coach Lovie Smith said after the game that the Bears defense outplayed the other teams. Defensive players said the same.
What Im trying to say is we played a little bit better than them as the game went and that was why we were able to win, cornerback Charles Tillman said Monday, then included Matt Fortes 205 rushing yards and Devin Hesters touchdown return among other whys behind the Bears victory.
The Bears need to find a more meaningful measure of defensive performance than the other teams defense.
Smith in fact tempered that significantly on Monday, saying simply, We didnt play as well as we need to.. We wont play defense like that here very often.
That would be a good idea.
The Panthers had 10 plays of 20 yards or longer, and unlike in past Panthers nightmares when wide receiver Steve Smith abused the Bears, six different players made them. That doesnt include runs of 16 yards by running back Jonathan Stewart and 14 by quarterback Cam Newton plus a 15-yard completion to tight end Jeremy Shockey.
Newton was neither sacked nor hit hard enough to count except when he ran with the ball. Carolina ran 72 plays; the Bears had exactly one tackle for loss.
We need to get more pressure on them, Smith said, expanding the sweep of his not-goods. We didnt play the run well yesterday. We gave up big plays in the passing game. You just cant have that.
To be fair
A couple of perspective items to consider here:
The Panthers may not necessarily be a good prism through which to evaluate the Bears defense. Indeed, the wonder of Sunday may not be that the Panthers got 543 yards, but that they got only 543.
The Carolina offense has a No. 1 at quarterback (Cam Newton); two No. 1s at running back (Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams); two No. 1s at tight end (Greg Olsen, Jeremy Shockey; two No. 1s at tackle (Jordan Gross, Jeff Otah); and a Pro Bowl guard in Ryan Kalil, a No. 2. And thats not even including Steve Smith, a No. 3 but among the NFLs top wideouts over most of the past decade.
The time of possession disparity (Carolina had the ball 33 minutes 29 seconds, 7 minutes longer than the Bears) shouldnt be particularly surprising. The touchdown returns by Devin Hester and D.J. Moore meant that the Panthers had two more possessions than the Bears.
And very significantly, in a stop that was a decisive tipping point in the game, the defense allowed Carolina just three incompletions after a fourth-quarter Jay Cutler interception gave the Panthers the ball at the Chicago 29. Carolina missed a field-goal try from 52 yards to net nothing from the takeaway.
Yes, but
For the Bears to say that their defense out-played the Carolina defense carries a hint of whistling past the graveyard for a unit that is disarray. The Carolina defense, missing a Pro Bowl linebacker (Jon Beason) and cornerback (Chris Gamble) should not be any standard of comparison.
For the Bears to say that their defense out-played Carolinas, whether because the Bears scored a touchdown or because Carolinas gave up 224 rushing yards and that they only allowed 169,
A bigger problem looms up front, where games are typically won. The defensive line has just three sacks over the last three games, albeit against two quarterbacks among the NFLs more sack-proof in Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton. Unofficial post-game stats had the Bears delivering zero quarterback hits on Newton after just two against Rodgers.
Without a pass rush, the difficulties in the deep secondary are magnified exponentially simply because receivers have time to get to the safeties level. And Bears cornerback play is far from the shut-down level.
Now the Bears get Matthew Stafford, who has not been sacked in three of the Detroit Lions four games. Stafford has been sacked five times but all came against the Minnesota Vikings, and the quarterback has been hit just 14 other times this season.
Guard Chris Spencers exact injury is a small fracture in his right hand, suffered in the first half of the Carolina game but not enough to sideline him Sunday or against Detroit. Anytime you have a player finish a game, Lovie Smith said, you feel pretty good about him going into the next one."
Scoring issues
The final Bears point total of 34 against the Carolina Panthers was ample but the offense is still not taking over games in any respect beyond Matt Fortes play.
The Carolina offense out-scored the Bears 29-20, with touchdown runs by Forte and Marion Barber augmented by two thwarted red-zone trips that resulted in Robbie Gould field goals of 20 and 24 yards.
But the Bears offense still has not scored more than two touchdowns in a game this season, scoring two each against Atlanta, Green Bay and Carolina. Only the Falcons offense was outscored by the Bears, and that game also featured a defensive touchdown, a fumble forced by Julius Peppers and returned by Brian Urlacher.
Not in a rush
The Carolina Panthers became the fourth straight team to rush for 100 or more yards on the Chicago defense. Running backs DeAngelo Williams (82 yards) and Jonathan Stewart (52) were supplemented by Cam Newtons 35 as the 169 rushing yards were the most since the New York Giants 189 in game four last Oct. 3.
More concerning perhaps, teams are averaging a stunning 5.1 yards per rush against a defense that ranked No. 6 in the NFL last season giving up 3.7 yards per carry.
Duly noted
Devin Hester is making history but hes also drawing unwanted attention and from more than just kick-coverage teams
For the second straight week Hester drew a 15-yard penalty for actions after a play was over. The first was a dead-ball foul for punching a Packer after a play in the loss to Green Bay. Sunday he drew an unsportsmanlike conduct flag for following his 69-yard punt return for a touchdown with a series of three somersaults in the Carolina end zone.
The 15-yard penalty was assessed on the kickoff, Carolina started from its 36, its best starting field position of the entire game, and the result was a touchdown in eight plays.
Right guard Chris Spencer left the game in the first half with what was diagnosed as a broken right hand, according to several reports. Spencer returned to the game and played the second half with what appeared to be a cast or heavy wrap on the injured hand.
Safety Brandon Meriweather, no stranger to fines from the NFL, is expected to receive a letter from the NFL this week for his helmet-to-helmet hit on wide receiver Steve Smith in the second quarter.
The good news is that the Bears have gotten points every time they reached or breached an opponents 20-yard line. Last year the Bears scored points of any kind on only 40 of 51 red-zone possessions, 26th in the NFL. The bad news is that the Bears are scoring touchdowns on just half their red-zone possessions (5 of 10).
I am not making this up.
Former Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick handled color commentary for the FOX telecast of the Bears-Panthers game, describing plays by individuals such as center Robert Garza and noting that offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants to run the ball." No, really, he said that.
John "Moon" Mullin is CSNChicago.com's Bears Insider and appears regularly on Bears Postgame Live and Chicago Tribune Live. Follow Moon on Twitter for up-to-the-minute Bears information.


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"We got the biopsy results on those moles," she said, "and there is some bad news. The biopsy shows a combination of a Strep virus and skin cancer."
I was startled and more than a little horrified that there could be nastiness growing in my face. She reassured me that chemotherapy was not required, and outlined a complicated program which involved (among other things) heat, electrolysis, scraping, and ozone. I wordlessly took notes on a piece of scrap paper.
I was frightened and upset, trying to communicate the news to M while getting additional information out of the doctor on the phone. "How bad is it, how long will it take?"
As the conversation concluded, I started getting confused. Wait, I had those moles removed from my face over two years ago. Why were they only being biopsied now?
Later that night we went to sleep after agonizing over my situation. I woke up when his alarm went off, got up on one elbow so I could see him, and said, "I keep hoping it was just a bad dream."
"I can see how you'd feel that way," he agreed, getting out of bed. But we both looked to the left side of the bed where the sheet of paper with my hand-written notes and his suggestions lay. The physical evidence of the evening's news was still there. He went to start getting ready for work, and I closed my eyes again.
I woke up when his alarm went off, and he got out of bed. I looked to the left side of the bed where the sheet of paper with my hand-written notes and his suggestions lay.
It wasn't there.
"I think I was having a bad dream," I said. He looked at me in the dark. "I woke up, and I told you I wished it had all been a bad dream, and you said you understood why I'd want that, but it was real.
"But that didn't happen, right? You didn't say that?"
"No, that didn't happen. You don't have to worry," he added, puzzled in his sleepiness. "I love you, now try to go back to sleep."


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Trump Budget Nominee Diverges on Spending
Donald Trump's nominee to head the Office of Management and Budget is a fiscal hawk, potentially diverging from the president on his plans to boost infrastructure and defense spending. WSJ's Gerald F. Seib explains how Mick Mulvaney's stance might complicate budget negotiations down the road. Photo: AP
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... it's been a bit of a recurring theme is Donald Trump's cabinet races have gone through the confirmation hearings before the Senate ... and that the news often they don't agree with things Donald Trump said during his campaign spent rule on policy toward Russia on climate change ... some extent on the nuclear deal with Iran ... now we have another item to add to that list the budget ... in that movie a congressman from South Carolina he's the Trump choice to be had in the office of Management and budget ... at his confirmation hearing this week ... and he did not talk like Donald Trump who said he would be against cutting Medicare and Medicaid in order to reduce the budget deficit ... that MAU thingy has said in the past that he's in favor of trimming the costs of those programs is part of an overall package ... to attack the deaf city also ... has been in the past somebody who didn't support the kind of increases in defense spending ... that dolls to support in effect was called out on that but Senator John McCain during his confirmation hearings this week as well ... a bit skeptical about the on Trump's plans to spend a lot of money to build up American infrastructure ... that movie is a deficit hawk and it's gonna be interesting as we move forward to see what happens when ... Democrats in Congress support rough ideas ... to spend more in infrastructure spending ... and when Republicans in Congress support rough ideas to spend more on defense when Donald Trump RBC likes both of those ideas and was budget director says hold on a minute ... I'm in favor of cutting the deficit ...


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"Innovation Systems Knowledge & Talent Development Programme" is a Master Thesis and PhD Programme that connects the university based and non-university based research in the field of innovation science.
It is a cooperation between the AIT Center for Innovation Systems & Policy and various Austrian Universities. Students of the Austrian partner universities can apply for the announced topics and get a grant to finalize their Master Thesis or PhD. They also get support from their mentor from AIT and the chance to publish a scientific article.
Targets of the programme are
- to establish a high-level education programme in the field of Innovation & Sustainability for Master or PhD students
- Institutionalisation of the Innovation Systems programme cooperation between university and research
- to develop highly-qualified human capacity for the Austrian innovation system
Target group
We expect from the applicants an extensive discussion of the chosen research question at the level of international scientific standards. This implicates additional work and expense and demands the willingness to take part in the discussion of the scientific community.
We are looking for candidates who look forward to a scientific career at a university, applied research institutions or who are willing to transcript their consolidated findings in politics or commerce. As a result of our intensive mentoring, we want our graduates to have the ability, to work independently at the level of highest international standards and to build the foundation for a successful scientific career.
We offer
- intensive mentoring by experienced and internationally renowned experts from university and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT)
- a work environment which is strongly oriented towards international research
- embedding of the diploma thesis/master thesis/dissertation in projects and possibility to work in teams


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Widely admired for its bright, rich colors, luxurious silk and cotton fabrics, and feminine drape, African fashion reflects thousands of years of tradition and culture. If you think such attire is suited only to the movies or a safari, think again. Fashions infused with African style are perfect for today's workplace. Depending upon the office and your own style, you can find exotic and appropriate looks that express your personality.
Luxury designers from Yves Saint Laurent to Burberry often look to Africa to find inspiration for their designs, from bold prints to sarong-style skirts. Recently, however, a group of emerging designers from Africa have attracted attention from the fashion world because of their modern interpretations of culture from the continent. Duro Olowu (a favorite of Michele Obama), Idyl and Ayaan Mohallim (twin sisters behind the brand Mataano, which means twin), and Maki Oh are just a few buzzworthy names [source: Oliver].
Modern American designers, such as Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and Nanette Lepore, often incorporate an African influence into polished styles that are perfect for the workplace; think beautiful tunics, embellished skirts, and bold patterns. Bold jewelry and pops of color also help add flair.
African-inspired fashion can be found everywhere from high-end department stores to more affordable outlets like Target and Forever21. You can also find appropriate, inexpensive styles at online boutiques such as Etsy, StylesAfrik and Ashro.
So, if you'd like to learn more about adding African flair to your work wardrobe, read on.


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- Category: Experts
- Author: Damon M. Banks
Doing St Martin / St Maarten in Luxury
The island of St. Martin / St. Maarten has long been one of the premier worldwide destinations for a perfect combination of relaxing beaches, adrenaline-pumping adventure and delicious cuisine. Relatively small in size and rich in history, this hilly island possesses some of the most amazing panoramic views in the Caribbean today. A fantastic combination of the Dutch and French cultures blends with the spice and excitement of the Caribbean to create an unmatched world-class cultural experience. Where else can you enjoy the benefits of two great countries on a single elite island destination?
The island was split in 1648 between the Dutch side of St. Maarten and the French side of St. Martin, and followed by additional government changes as recently as 2010. However, for most travelers, they simply know the French side is known to be a quieter getaway with amazing dining options and the Dutch side is the more commercialized side of the island with the best late-night hotspots.
With the friendly locals from all over the world and the pristine beaches, St Martin / St. Maarten is an ideal location to call home in your very own St Martin luxury villa during your stay; providing all the luxury conveniences of home, while having the tropical paradise of island life just outside your door. High season for the island is January-March, with August being the slowest month.
Princess Juliana International Airport is now the second largest airport in the Caribbean, making it a simple commute for many. L'Espérance Airport on the French side is ideal for private and corporate jets; providing personalized services and a great location to many of the island's most prestigious villa escapes. Getting around the island is typical of the Caribbean so always be cautious when using taxis and be prepared for the island traffic. The island, especially the Dutch side, has come a long way from the sleepy island destination, and with this commercialization also comes the congestion. However, when you reach your secluded villa complete with the cool ocean breezes, you quickly forget the crazy commute.
There is never a shortage of activities for the thrill-seeker looking to take advantage of every minute on the island, as well as those looking to simply un-wind on the beaches and enjoy the many tasty delights created by the island's best chefs and bartenders. That being said, a rare and worthy experience for everyone is a visit to watch and "feel" the airplane landings at Maho Beach. As seen on numerous travel shows, this is an experience not to miss!
Simply too many daily activities to feature, amazing snorkeling and scuba diving for all skill levels, horseback riding on the beach, a zip line among 200-year old mango and mahogany trees, fighting marlin and tuna while deep-sea fishing, racing a yacht in a 12-metre challenge, slicing through the waves on jet skis, parasailing high above the beautiful beaches, kite surfing, or simply a day of tennis at one of the very many courts across the island are all available options.
Full disclosure for golfers, St. Martin / St. Maarten has a lot to offer their guests, but golf is not one of these things; Mullet Bay Golf Course is available for a round of golf, but is far from championship quality. However, don't worry, a short car and ferry ride to Anguilla can provide you with an amazing golf outing to enjoy designs by golf greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.
Even on days without golf, these fantastic day trips are easily accessible from St. Martin / St. Maarten. Public ferries operate throughout the day between Marigot Bay, St. Martin and Blowing Point, Anguilla – allowing access to another favorite destination in only 20-25 minutes. Private charters are also available, typically from the marina at the Princess Juliana International Airport. Ferries and charters are also available from both sides of the island to St. Barts, but the travel time is almost 45 minutes, and often a much rougher ride.
When not un-winding by the pool or enjoying gourmet cuisine in the tranquility of your own villa, the island's hotels and resorts offer an infinite amount of dining and spa options available to outside guests, as well as the many family-operated restaurants scattered throughout the island. C Le Restaurant is inside the Radisson Blu Resort and is always an island favorite, along with Lounge At C with great tables overlooking Anse Marcel. La Vie en Rose offers sensational harbor views and a second story balcony area for dining, not to mention the delicious French recipes. Le Santal is a family-operated masterpiece with amazing crepes and some of the best oceanfront tables available. Chef Dino has two amazing options for the Dutch side: Rare offers USDA certified Angus beef and prepares some of the best steaks and sashimi-grade tuna creations on the island. Temptation provides an Asian-inspired Caribbean fusion experience complete with one of the best wine lists on the island and seating for only 100 very lucky guests. Feeling lucky? Casino Royale, Atlantis World Casino and Princess Casino offer a variety of gambling options on the island. Though Princess is generally the more upscale establishment, beware that none of these have the luxurious atmosphere associated with the high-end casinos of Monte Carlo.
As you prepare for your St. Martin / St. Maarten luxury getaway, remember that Carnival is very widely celebrated, and extends for nearly two months; the French side's largest celebration being in February, and the Dutch side's in April. The French side has an impressive collection of beachside restaurants and bars along the clothing-optional Orient Bay Beach to keep you busy during the days, followed by numerous opportunities for fine dining at night. You can shop one of the largest collections of duty-free stores along the boardwalk in Phillipsburg, followed by an evening back on the French side at Grand Case, the must-visit destination while in St. Martin. With so many amazing beaches, activities, spas and restaurants in such close proximity, your luxury St. Martin / St. Maarten getaway will only leave you looking forward to your next visit.
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Tweeters are a type of speaker that is used to reproduce the highest frequency sounds in an audio system. If you want the full range of sound from your car stereo, this is a vital element. However, there are some important things to keep in mind. Here are three considerations involving tweeters: Tweeters Cone in Different Shapes – The three
Before you have new speakers installed in your car, it is important to know a little bit about what you are getting into so an installer can't sell you more than what you need. We're going to debunk three myths about car audio speakers, so you don't get taken for a ride while trying to upgrade your audio system. Myth
There are all sorts of technological advancements that have been designed for modern vehicles. But whether you just drove off the lot or have the same car you did a decade ago, here are three upgrades you want to be sure you have so that you get the most from your vehicle. An Alarm System – Okay, so this isn't
Thumping bass is the hallmark of an upgraded car audio system. What are some of the things you need to take into consideration when selecting the right subwoofer to meet your listening needs? Here are three areas to pay attention to when it comes to choosing the perfect sub to have installed for your car audio system. Choose the Right
We live in a technology-first world. How can you make your vehicle a haven for technology use? Here are three ways to easily integrate the modern lifestyle into your vehicle. #1 Device Integration and Cable Organization First things first – you have to be able to charge everything in your car. If you aren't driving a modern car, you probably


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Don't you hate it when someone interrupts your thinking?
First Panel: Is it supposed to say fuse, fused, or fuses? If it's not too much trouble, can you also explain why? Sorry English is not my mother tongue so I'm still learning. And when I learn from my readers i remember better. I thank you in advance for helping me out! I haven't let any of my editors gone through these pages yet as book 2 is not done. ^^;;;
The Angler fish is one of the most interesting and amazing fish. Probably holding the world's strangest mating ritual in the Animal Kingdom.
One female Angler fish can have several mates attached to her permanently. If you're interested in knowing more about the Angler fish, you may find this useful.
Edit: Also check out this little comic, suggested by my little cousin, which made my day!
No Caesar, if you really think about it, you don't want to find mates in any way similar to how the Angler fish does it.


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On the Border Coupons
Join Club Cantina to receive On the Border Coupons. Stay updated on all our exciting events and great deals.
Get free Guacamole, Queso or Sopapillas on your next visit!
About On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina:
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is a chain of Tex-Mex food casual dining restaurants. The chain operates over 160 restaurants within the United States. The restaurant is known for its selection of fajitas and wide selection of margaritas. It is also known for "Guacamole Live," the preparation of fresh guacamole tableside.


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This is a period of Bible study and devotional. This is a great opportunity to grow closer to God and to one another.
Tuesdays at 10:30AM October - mid-December and January - mid-April. No meeting the week of Thanksgiving or at Spring Break.
Call (205-871-4385) or email ( firstname.lastname@example.com ) the office for more information.
All services & classes are cancelled until social distancing is over.
Worship Services
Bible Study 9:30 am
Worship 10:30 am
Worship 1:00 pm
Bible Study 7:00 pm
© 2010-2020, Palisades Family, a church of Christ.
All rights reserved. • Site Map • Privacy Policy
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A Triple Event Day!
Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
― George Bernard Shaw
There are 3 major planetary events within a 12 hour time period, which are likely to bring dynamic changes in all our lives – particularly for anyone with personal planets and/or angles in Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius and/or Leo.
These are:
- The New Moon in Taurus on May 15th
- Uranus moving into Taurus on May 15th
- The exact square between Mars and Uranus which has started already, but will be exact in Aquarius/Taurus on the 15th/16,th depending on your time zone
It's going to be challenging to differentiate between all the above energies, so let's start with the overall themes:
With Uranus changing sign into earthy Taurus after 7 years in fiery Aries, we are individually and collectively letting go of the Aries ideals and embracing a new phase of Taurean hopes, visions and potentials which will entail embracing change. By Nov 2018 when Uranus retrogrades back into Aries briefly, (until March 2019), we will get a flavor of what is likely to undergo change in our lives over the next 7 years. Some key Taurean areas include: money, land, the concept of home, security, values including self-value, body image, status and relationships.
By nature, Urananian energy is dynamic, sudden, conscious and progressive. It urges us forward through sudden unexpected moments of Airy enlightenment, similar to the fire shared with us by Prometheus in an effort to help us evolve as humans. Yet Taurus is an earthy grounded energy that seeks to maintain the status quo at all costs in a bid to retain stability and not plunge into the unconscious and hence 'out of control' depths of its opposite sign Scorpio.
Unlike Uranus in Aries where the energies were compatible, Uranus in Taurus is likely to generate some inner and outer conflicts between the regressive desire to maintain all as is and the progressive 'nudge' by Uranus to awaken and create radical unexpected innovative changes. Notice what houses Uranus in Taurus will be travelling through (as well as planets it's aspecting) as these are the areas of your life where you will encounter both the instances of enlightenment and the inner conflicts between homeostasis and change.
The Uranian energy urges us to break free of the mundane limitations that hinder us from living out our highest potential. The highest potential of Taurus includes: creativity and beauty, nurturing and caring for our physical selves and for planet earth, creating a peaceful environment and ensuring everyone has the basics in life including food, shelter and safety… The challenge with Uranus is finding a way to experience our innate need for freedom whilst existing within a human body and existence that has intrinsic Saturnian limitations.
The New Moon in Taurus
This earthy New Moon takes place whilst Uranus is at the very last degrees of Aries, 4 hours before it moves into Taurus. Hence, although seeds of new beginnings are planted, they are couched in some major endings, particularly with the trine to Pluto/Mars by the New Moon. Looking at where this New Moon lands in your chart, can offer you some helpful information on what these endings and new beginnings are about for you.
Mars square Uranus
This square started on May 12,th with Mars in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries and will be exact in Aquarius/Taurus on the 15th/16th. Over this time period and into May 18th, our level of frustration at any blocks to Change, Enlightenment and Freedom are likely to feel unbearable. Hence, the urge to take action is paramount. Finding a way to channel this high voltage energy is important, as it can feel very harsh on our nervous system. Exercising in nature is likely to provide a helpful release.
The Uranus Cycle
For anyone with Uranus in Scorpio, this new 7 year cycle will include your Uranus opposition where your natal idealism and need for the absolute truth will be woken by transiting Uranus. If your natal Uranus is in Aquarius, you will be preparing for your first Uranus square, which is a powerful awakener of your idealization of equality. If your natal Aquarius is in Leo, you are preparing for your second Uranus square which is the start of the last phase of your Uranian journey around your chart and a chance to live out your idealization of individualism. If your natal Uranus is in Taurus, you are preparing for your Uranus return, which completes this first journey of Uranus around your chart in your lifetime. It's the perfect time to assess how much you have been able to live out your ideals and potentials.
On a Mundane Level: Uranus was last in Taurus between 1934 and 1941! Financial issues were at the fore, as well as WW2 and changes in the role of women.
Some suggestions that may help over this 12 hour time frame:
- Making a list of where you have been feeling restricted and constricted lately in your life. What might you do to free yourself up more in these areas?
- What do you imagine your best potential to be in different areas of your life: creativity, work, relationships…
- What action do you need to take to live out your best potential, as far as possible right now?
- If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change in your life, at this moment in time?
On a practical note, the Mars/Uranus energy can be somewhat impatient and volatile, so it's worth keeping calm when driving and being alert to our surroundings at all times and avoiding disagreements. MG
If you'd like to find out more about the Uranus cycle on you as an individual and on your relationships, as well as more on Uranus in Taurus in your chart, do join me on May 28th 4.30pm at the UAC conference in Chicago! See you very soon! https://www.uacastrology.com/speakers


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A state Senate committee could act as soon as Wednesday on a bill banning Down syndrome abortions after state House's top Republican forced the issue by threatening to hold up legislation helping childhood victims of human trafficking.
Yes, you read that right.
House Speaker Mike Turzai's abortionban-bill is the only item on the agenda for the 9:30 a.m. session of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The meeting comes just two days after Turzai, R-Allegheny, filed his abortion-ban bill as an amendment to a trafficking bill sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart J. Greenleaf, R-Montgomery.
PennLive was the first to report the hardball play by Turzai's office, which set up a cross-Capitol staring contest between the two, Republican-controlled chambers.
Greenleaf's office confirmed Turzai's tactic, claiming it was bewildered because the committee had been planning a vote on the bill all along. Those close to the matter, however, said Greenleaf's committee, along with the Senate at-large, was lukewarm on the ban bill.
News of the meeting outraged reproductive rights advocates, who accused Turzai of holding trafficking victims hostage as he tried to force a vote on his bill.
As it's currently written, Greenleaf's bill requires law enforcement to report any encounter with a minor who has been subject to sexual exploitation. The legislation also calls for the provision of safe, long-term housing, education, life-skills training, and counseling to the children who have been exploited.
Turzai's bill would have added the ban language, which would likely have flown in the face of the constitution's single-subject rule, banning the passage of legislation jammed with non-germane proposals.
"I'm not sure you could get a better example of the dirty underbelly of politics than using the plight of exploited children to advance an unconstitutional abortion ban that will never become law," Sari Stevens, executive director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates, the reproductive rights' group's political wing, said in a statement.
Turzai's abortion-ban bill cleared the House on a 139-56 vote in April, over the objections of abortion-rights advocates, who complained that it had never received a public hearing. Nor had disability rights advocates, whom the bill was intended to protect, had the chance to weigh in either.
Gov. Tom Wolf has said he'll veto the bill, versions of which have passed in other states, only to run into constitutional challenges.
In March, a federal judge blocked Ohio's version of the bill, citing U.S. Supreme Court opinions that say a state can't prohibit a woman from making the decision to end a pregnancy before the fetus is viable. A federal judge in Indiana found the same. Source


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A proposed decision from the state Public Utilities Commission that would formally legalize ride-sharing services isn't tough enough on the private taxi-alternative companies, San Francisco's top transit official said Tuesday.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has submitted six recommendations involving the plan that was unveiled by the CPUC in July and will be voted on by state commissioners on Sept. 5. MTA Director Ed Reiskin said the current plan needs to require companies like Uber, Lyft and SideCar do more to protect riders.
The proposals include having the commission or California Highway Patrol fingerprint and conduct background checks on drivers, cap vehicle age and mileage, make insurance policy information public, require or encourage clean air vehicle operation and call for driver identification to be permanently affixed to the vehicle.
"We think that's the bare minimum in terms of what would be needed to ensure the basic public safety and policy goals of the city," Reiskin said at the meeting of the MTA Board of Directors Tuesday. "They would still be a far cry from taxi regulations."
Another one of the city's recommendations is banning the practice of having drivers rate customers.
"It can effectively blacklist customers from being able to use those services," Reiskin said. "The cornerstone of a transportation service is to provide access to anyone who needs it."
The CPUC proposal was well-received by the ride-sharing companies in July.
"We couldn't be more pleased with this outcome and applaud the CPUC for moving in favor of transportation innovation and consumer choice," SideCar CEO Sunil Paul wrote in a blog post.


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More to Chew On: Handy Fruit Gadgets
Make the most of your produce with these handy fruit gadgets:
1. Citra Sipper
Fresh from the grove doesn't have anything on these zippy straws that allow you to enjoy juice right from an orange. Simply insert the sipper into a ripe orange, squeeze, and sip! Clocking in at only $0.99, this nifty gadget may be the world's smallest juicer!
2. Cherry Pitter
Love cherries but can't stand the pit? This professional tool can pit up to 3/4 pound of fruit at once by quickly removing the pits with a single push. With a hefty price tag of $69, this time-saving tool may be just the thing to aid in your cherry pie making!
3. Banana Bunker
Say so long to bruised bananas with the help of this protective bunker, which keeps your breakfast safe while in your purse, backpack, or briefcase. Worth only $6.99, this convenient container is guaranteed to keep your fruit safe until it's time to snack!