text: 'Love in the Time of Civil War' ('L'amour au temps de la guerre civile'): Toronto Review 11:16 AM PDT 9/25/2014 by Boyd van Hoeij FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Courtesy of Toronto International Film Festival A fully committed lead performance anchors intentionally repetitive scenes TWITTER Director Rodrigue Jean's latest film stars French-Canadian up-and-comer Alexandre Landry ("Gabrielle") as a drug addict always looking for his next fix An unflinching account of the life of a drug addict and male hustler in Montreal that seems to unfold entirely in the present tense, Love in the Time of Civil War (L'Amour au temps de la guerre civile) is a bleak and quite intense if not necessarily pleasant time at the movies. This 120-minute search for the next hit or high was directed by Francophone New Brunswick filmmaker Rodrigue Jean (Lost Song, Yellowknife), who earlier explored the same milieu in his documentary Men for Sale and who used writing workshops with sex workers as the basis for Love's screenplay. A fully committed and vanity-free performance by rising Quebec star Alexandre Landry anchors the otherwise intentionally monotonous material, which, after a premiere on home turf at the recent Toronto fest, stands a good chance of touring the general and queer fest circuits. The opening scene sees Alex (Landry) and Bruno (Jean-Simon Leduc) having sex in a seedy hotel, with the act captured by cinematographer Mathieu Laverdiere's camera in restless and uncomfortably close close-ups. Like elsewhere in the film, the moment is staged as a high, zooming in on details without really showing the bigger picture, suggesting that the searching and groping qualities of sexual arousal are signs of an irrational need that simply needs to be satisfied. The precise rapport between Bruno and Alex will become only a little clearer as the film progresses, as for Alex there's little difference between johns, casual lovers and fellow addicts. For Alex, intercourse seems to be a commodity as well as a necessity, something that can procure a physical high but also can be done for payment, which in turn can be used to buy whatever drugs are available for his next chemical high. Read more 'Corbo': Toronto Review The screenplay, credited to Ron Ladd, has no narrative throughline, as Alex has sex for money or simply steals from his johns, hangs out with his druggie friends (some of whom are straight, but he tries to convince them to have sex with him anyway) and tries to find a place to sleep, at least for the night. In short, the protagonist simply tries to get by, with his mind fixed — when it is not too spaced out — only on how to obtain the next high. One act doesn't seem to have more consequences than another; at one point Alex is arrested in a drug bust, but the next shot sees him leave the police station and simply continue doing what he was doing before. While this approach will frustrate viewers looking for a story to get a handle on the material, it is very effective at illustrating other points. The intentional, almost numbing repetition of similar scenes, for example, suggests that addicts seem to live only in the now, their actions entirely dictated by their next high. Indeed, they themselves don't have a narrative in mind for their own lives, as the only moment that exists is the one until their next fix. Jean's approach here is similar to in Men for Sale, a documentary that featured interviews with Montreal hustlers that ran a whopping 145 minutes and that got its point across by virtue of repetition. Each interviewee sounded like the other and taken together, they suggest not necessarily that all male sex workers are exactly alike but that their problems are not isolated cases, and that, since the troubles are so similar, it should be possible to do something about them collectively. Read more Gabrielle: Locarno Review Theater-trained actor Landry, who played Tom in the original stage version of Tom at the Farm (later filmed by Xavier Dolan, who took over the title role) and who also impressed as a young man with Williams syndrome in Canada's 2013 Oscar hopeful Gabrielle, here throws himself into the material with typical abandon and achieves something that's very difficult to do: Playing an archetype with no character arc and no redeeming qualities, he nonetheless succeeds in keeping the viewer involved. If anything, his is almost a non-performance, as he lends his body to the character but not his mind and soul, both long gone up in clouds of smoke for Alex. It's both mysterious and mesmerizing to watch his disembodied presence, as it stumbles from one scene into another, from one short-term idea to the other, driven by the force of habit rather than any direct will to live — much less accomplish anything that doesn't deliver near-instant gratification. Almost as if to underline that this particular cycle could continue ad infinitum (if an overdose doesn't cut it short first), the film is exactly 120 minutes long, though there's no sense that editor Mathieu Bouchard-Malo has had to compromise anywhere to achieve this, as the film's rhythm sways back and forth between intense and impatient. The cluttered production design and ditto costumes underline the squalor of the milieu in which Alex moves, where a spring-cleaning session is about as utopian as winning millions in the lottery. Several outdoor scenes shot during the depth of winter further underline how inhospitable Montreal can be for those living on the street. Production companies: Transmar Films, Les Films du 3 Mars Cast: Alexandre Landry, Jean-Simon Leduc, Simon Lefebvre, Catherine-Audrey Lachapelle, Ana Christina Alva, Eric Robidoux Director: Rodrigue Jean Screenplay: Ron Ladd Producers: Cedric Bourdeau, Rodrigue Jean Executive producer: Patricia Bergeron Director of photography: Mathieu Laverdiere Costume designer: Caroline Poirier Editor: Mathieu Bouchard-Malo Sales: Les Films du 3 Mars No rating, 120 minutes FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Boyd van Hoeij email@example.com @thr


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The honest consideration of any subject necessitates the examination of "the other side of the case," as well as the affirmative side. We have given much space to the presentation and consideration of the arguments advanced by those convinced...
Read more of Arguments Against Reincarnation
Church History
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Children's Bible
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The Story Of Creation
Gods Good Gifts To Man
The First Disobedience
Cain And His Brother Abel
Noah And The Great Flood
The Story Of The Tower Of Babel
Abraham The Friend Of God And Ma
Lots Escape From A Wicked City
Gods Care For The Boy Ishmael
Abrahams Loyalty To God
Least Viewed
The Story Of Creation
Gods Good Gifts To Man
The First Disobedience
Cain And His Brother Abel
Noah And The Great Flood
The Story Of The Tower Of Babel
Abraham The Friend Of God And Ma
Lots Escape From A Wicked City
Gods Care For The Boy Ishmael
Abrahams Loyalty To God
Jesus Heals The Sick
Jesus and his disciples entered Capernaum; and on the next Sabbath he
went into the synagogue and began to teach. And the people were
astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority,
and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue that day was a man under the power of an unclean
spirit, who cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us? I know you are God's Holy One." But Jesus
reproved the unclean spirit, saying, "Be still, and come out of him."
Then the unclean spirit, after convulsing the man, came out of him with
a loud cry. The people were so astonished that they began to ask one
another, "What is this? Is it a new teaching? With authority he commands
even the unclean spirits and they obey him." So the news about Jesus
spread at once in every direction all through the country about Galilee.
After leaving the synagogue they went straight to the house of Simon and
Andrew; and James and John went with them. The mother of Simon's wife
was ill in bed with a fever; so at once they told Jesus about her. He
went to her and, taking her by the hand, lifted her up. Then the fever
left her, and she began to wait upon them.
In the evening, after the sun had set, they brought to him all who were
sick or under the control of evil spirits, until all the people of the
city were gathered at the door. He healed many who were sick with
different kinds of diseases, and cast out many evil spirits, but would
not let them speak, because they knew who he was.
One day a leper came to him and on bended knees begged him: "If you
will, you can make me clean." Feeling sorry for him, Jesus stretched out
his hand and touched him, and said, "I will; be cleansed!" At once the
leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Then Jesus, after strictly warning
him, sent him away with the command, "See that you do not say a word to
any one, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer what Moses
commanded as proof to them that you are clean." But the man went away
and began to tell every one about it, so that Jesus could no longer
enter a city openly, but had to stay outside in lonely places; and
people from everywhere came to him.
Jesus Cures A Man Who Cannot Wal
Giving Life To A Widows Son

subset: commoncrawl


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MaineStreet is an interactive utility that allows students to access pertinent information regarding their academic career at UMF. By logging on to MaineStreet, students can immediately get up-to-date information on their course selections, financial aid, billing, and academic progress.
For new students, information on connecting to MaineStreet and other UMaine System services is packaged with the acceptance materials from the Admissions Office. Current students should be familiar with using MaineStreet. For anyone not familiar, read on.
To activate your UMS MaineStreet portal go to: http://mail.maine.edu/um/ActivateAccount
1) Enter your account number and account activation key given to you by the Admissions Office at the time of acceptance.
2) Choose a password. Please choose a password that is at least eight characters, mix in at least one number, and try to use both upper and lower case letters.
3) Create three questions and answers to those questions that can be used in the future in case you need to reset your password.
4) Then activate your account.
MaineStreet is being updated constantly to better serve the students of UMF. If you have trouble logging in, please contact the Admission's Office at 778-7050 for help.


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Photo used under Creative Commons from timsackton
By Danielle Gorman
I grew up in Texas, so it's no surprise that I grew up listening to country music. There really was no way of escaping it; both of my parents grew up in Texas, and while they aren't post-digging, tobacco-chewing, bull-wrangling cowboys, they practically had George Straight living in their backyard. Because of this, I can now quote many Shinia Twain, Brooks and Dunn, and Kenny Chesney songs. And since I listened to these artists throughout my formative years, I'll carry them with me the rest of my life.
I thought most families were like mine (I figured everybody's mom had a secret crush on Collin Raye—turns out that's just my mom) but I'm finding that that's not the case. And because lots of people didn't grow up listening to country, they have no idea who Randy Travis is.
I can understand this. And I can accept it. But country these days is awesome. Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban…they're becoming legends right before our eyes. And the music is like no country ever before. With influences of pop and rock on that fun, twangy style, we find the country of today. It's sassy, alcoholic, and unapologetic.
So why aren't more young people listening to it?
According to Billboard Hot 100, the first country song to appear on the list this year comes in at #51 with Dierks Bentley's "Somewhere on a Beach" (which, coincidentally, I'd never heard of before today). I'm beyond flabbergasted that Luke Bryan wasn't at the very top of the list—that man can do no wrong as a musician. But, no, the first 50 songs are mostly rap songs with a few R&B and Pop sprinkled in.
What is so fascinating about rap music?
What's the story there?
Where are the vocals?
Millennials are often charmed into following only what is "cool" and are missing out on other types of music. They're sacrificing what's impressive about music—spending hours, days, weeks perfecting melody and writing and rewriting the lyrics of the chorus until you know you've got a hit. Picture Miranda Lambert's song "New Strings." The chorus states: All the things that make you mad / and all the baggage in your past / don't leave much room for a girl like me to be / so I'll fill her up with hope and worn out dreams. Now, compare this to Kanye's song "Famous": I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that b**** famous / G******, I made that b**** famous.
The lyrics are crude, unoriginal, and misogynistic. Lambert's song is original, imaginative, and tells a story, a trademark of most country music. I hate to say it Kanye, but your song falls short.
I could spend hours illustrating the unique soul of country music, but there's no way I could do the genre justice. It's not the type of music teenagers tend to gravitate to (they will always want what is sensational, shocking, controversial, and rebellious—and country music isn't really any of those things) but it's a growing genre that is taking leaps and bounds towards recommending itself to the consumer, no matter their age.
So give it a try! Find a country song that you can relate to. And let us know about it in the comments.
Aubrey Hatch
5/17/2016 07:37:09 pm
It can go both ways. Try giving the two songs I linked a listen. While rap music isn't everyone's cup of tea, it's more complex than you make it seem here. I guarantee the best rappers out there are putting just as much thought into their lyrics/music as any other musician. So give it a try! Find a rap song you can relate to.
Leave a Reply.


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Hot Cross Bunnies Slot
HOT CROSS BUNNIES SLOT Cuteness Overloaded! Get over Bugs Bunny, mobile slots just got more happening with Hot Cross Bunnies! Experience the cuteness of angry and fluffy bunnies on this basic slot machine. Designed for the newbies, this slot machine is a 3 reel and one payline game. You will fall in love with the bunnies, and the way they call at you with their cute squeaky voices is something you cannot get over. Though a classic and a very basic slot machine, Hot Cross Bunnies is a must play. The gameplay is very simple, but the graphics and...Read More


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Missing Person
Adam Wilmott
Adam we are here for you whenever you are ready; we can listen, talk you through what help you need, pass a message for you and help you to be safe. Call. Text. Anytime. Free. Confidential. 116000
- Age at disappearance: 36
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- Missing from: Swindon, Wiltshire
- Reference No: 14-002019
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Todd Rundgren Tickets
"Pop wunderkind" and "rock n roll maverick", is the least to define this musical genius called Todd Rundgren. His innovative and fearless music has been trendsetter for so many reasons. He has never been a big fan of commercial hit, but is driven by the impulse to preserve ingenuity in his craft. This is one of the reasons that he has completed four decades in the music industry and his cult still wants more of him. He is now coming to perform at a series of live concerts with his best songs ever produced.
Todd Rundgren Tickets
- Buy Todd Rundgren, Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre Tickets for Sun Feb 28 2021 Todd Rundgren, Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre tickets for 02/28 08:00 PM at Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, FL
- Sun Feb 28 2021
Todd Rundgren made his debut in music with a pop rock band "Money". He was sixteen at the time and was more of a self taught guitarist. After spending a few months with the band, he along with Carson Van Osten left the band to do their thing. This materialized as their band titled as Nazz, which was an inspiration from the Yardsticks' music. This band became a landmark in earning him recognition as a rock artist. Nazz was one of the early Anglophile bands to emerge in the American music sphere. They were under the influence of the eminent pioneers of British invasion movement; 'The Beatles' and 'the Stones'. Although The Beatles and the Stones have huge following in the music world, but no one could match the veneration of Nazz. Todd Rundgren remained a part of Nazz till the end of the sixties. In 1970, he parted ways to pursue his own musical interests. He singing started sounding more like Laura Nyro's soft pop. He also started experimenting with music production and instrumentation. This was the beginning of his burgeoning career as a multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer and record producer at the same time. He started a brand new band named Runt, which was more of his solo act than a group ensemble. He was the major musician of the band playing all the instruments except for bass and drums. His first album release, which is more commonly regarded as his debut solo act came out in the market in the mid seventies. The album Runt was a quite a success with "We Gotta Get You a Woman" among the top 20 position on the US charts. He released another album in the following year but his heydays began with the release of his LP album Something /Anything? The album was certified as gold and reached leading positions on the charts. This album is included as one of the 'Greatest Albums of All Times' by Rolling Stone Magazine. "I Saw the Light" and "Hello It's Me" were the most popular songs from this album. This was the peak of his career as a singer, songwriter and record producer. Stardom dawned upon him in a big way but despite the popularity, he followed his heart in creating music. His next album 'A Wizard, a True Star' did not show a hint of his newly found success formula, rather he came up with a sound which was entirely new. It was an unusual sonic collage presenting a flavor of everything from Psychedelic rock to vaudeville. The album did not land that well in public but his progress toward music was pretty eminent. His music was getting intensely progressive evident from his subsequent albums Todd and Initiation. It was the same time when Utopia came into existence. Todd Rundgren became quite prolific in this era and created some amazing albums like 'Faithful' and 'Hermit of Mink Hollow'. His other popular albums include 'Secret Dreams' and 'Forbidden Fire', 'The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect', 'Healing' and 'Swing to the Right'. His experimentation with Utopia also kept rolling; his last release with the band was Trivia in the mid eighties. Since then, he has been coming up with creative tunes and amazing numbers. His most recent presentation as a solo artist has been Johnson. He has gone past four progressive decades and his music has still got the power. He is a true entertainer in his live shows. Catch him this season with your Todd Rundgren Tickets when he hits your city.
Todd Rundgren's Utopia Announce Reunion Tour
American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Todd Rundgren is reuniting with the mid 70s' members of Utopia for an extensive North American tour. It includes performances in a total of 32 cities, with the first show scheduled to take place in Jim Thorpe on April 18. Among notable cities on the itinerary are New York, Atlanta, Washington, Las Vegas, Detroit and Dallas.The singer's 27th studio album White Knight was released via Cleopatra Records in May of 2017. It features appearances by guest artists such as Joe Satriani, Joe Walsh, Donald Fagen and Daryl Hall.
Todd Rundgren Tour Dates 2021 & Concerts
Nothing beats the joy of watching your favorite music artist perform live! Todd Rundgren's concert dates are out and fans are looking forward to the upcoming shows. The next concert will be held in Clearwater at the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre on 28-Feb-21, while the last available date is for the event scheduled for Clearwater at the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre on 1-Mar-21. For complete information regarding dates and venues, please visit our website.
|Todd Rundgren
|Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
|Clearwater, FL
|Sun Feb 28 202108:00 PM
|Todd Rundgren
|Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
|Clearwater, FL
|Mon Mar 01 202108:00 PM
Todd Rundgren Ticket Prices
The average price for Todd Rundgren Tickets start from $222. The minimum get in price is $174 for Todd Rundgren Tickets at the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater. For a detailed look at ticket prices and amazing discounts, visit our website.
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text: Humanities Advisor Roy Farrington Jones is a collector and art historian who, with his wife Nan, as a labor of love, privately collected over 20,000 slides of historic California and western genre paintings, pertinent to the study of California nineteenth-century artists. Roy Farrington Jones spent two decades photographing early Western paintings at dealers, auctions, and in private collections. He carefully indexed and organized the resulting slides. He and his wife donated the Nan & Roy Farrington Jones Collection to the Jones Archive of Early California and Western Art, at the California State Museum Resource Center in Sacramento. The collection also includes manuscripts and publications. Mr. Jones is a Marin County native whose ancestors were pioneers in the county.


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Where to Stay in Abaco
For a vacation that delivers an epic beach oasis to re-charge Abaco Beach Resort is the answer. This Bahamas retreat was created to provide a relaxed getaway, while leaving guests with ample activities (and island hopping) for discovery and fun.
Escaping the crazed chaos at home with Abaco Beach Resort means that you are embracing their legendary 60 year reputation for providing a paradise to unwind and re-charge. From the finely appointed oceanfront suites jam-packed with amenities to the long list of cultural and ocean activities, from the state-of-the-art boat harbour to the award winning restaurant, Abaco Beach Resort harnesses luxury in both the outfitting and the service.
We didn't choose Abaco Beach Resort as our top recommended Abaco island accommodation simply because of the stunning beach, captivating scenery, high end suites, immaculate property, or five star customer care. We chose Abaco Beach Resort because along with these features are guest's first-hand reports that by departure their getaway has restored themselves to the happy and relaxed state they sought, which is what a vacation should truly provide.
a truly bahamian experience
So, what is it about Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina that leaves guests with this undiluted feeling of rejuvenation? For starters there is a deep connection to culture at this resort. Embracing their Bahamian roots shows guests how to relax and being pampered to with their out island charm at your every whim melts worries away.
a captivating property
A private white sand beach tucked within a small horseshoe bay and set against shimmering turquoise waters beckons relaxation.
A coral reef only 30 meters from the the waters edge ensures guests don't have to go far to appreciate the beauty and spirit of mother nature.
40 acres of tended landscape paint the backdrop to Abaco Beach Resort. This vast property ensures guests can enjoy a private walk, take in native flora and fauna, or find a hidden nook for reading.
an exceptional selection of activities
Features like the Beachfront Pool Pavilion and Club are a sanctuary of pleasure for guests.
The resort's "Bahamas Buddies" program for children encourages new friendships, teaches about local traditions, and keeps the kids entertained, while the Kids Club allow parents some time to themselves while on vacation.
Home to one of the largest and most sophisticated boat harbours and marinas in all of the Bahamas, guests are able to participate in ocean adventures like sailing, fishing, and scuba diving whenever they please. Strolling along the docks guests can take in the beautifully crafted vessels and high end yachts too.
a winning culinary experience
Another feature at Abaco Beach Resort that sets them above is the outstanding cuisine. The menu options also embrace the Bahamian cultural experience at this resort with traditional (but escalated) dishes such as their Abaco grouper, guava duff with guava sauce, and delectable lobster.
It is agreed by both travellers and experts alike that this Abaco restaurant is one of the finest on the island. Bringing together five star cuisine and unpretentious luxury in a seaside setting is why this restaurant is so loved.
an amazing locale for discovery
Close to town guests of Abaco Beach Resort are easily able to go shopping, take an island tour, dine at restaurants, and more. Abaco Island also offers miles of untouched beaches to discover. This location enhances the guest experience to be had because they can easily immerse themselves into Abacos' incredible heritage and exciting offerings.
Did you know? One of the great things about choosing Abaco for your Bahamas vacation is that the airport is on island, and flights come direct from Florida with Atlanta soon joining the list.
a beautiful and convenient stay
Every accommodation at Abaco Beach Resort faces the ocean. No need to upgrade for the sweeping view that ultimately makes an impact on any vacation.
Rooms, closed bedroom suites, condos, and villas are available ensuring that every group has the space and privacy they seek for their opulent escape. Adorned with native furnishings and tropical accents the ambiance both comforts and excites.
Being pampered doesn't just mean exceptional customer care, it also means that convenience is standard.
Every accommodation at Abaco Beach Resort includes a private balcony or terrace; what better way to start or end a day on vacation than with a few minutes of solitude taking in incredible views of the marina and ocean.
Your private oasis also includes a fully equipped kitchen. Having the ability to keep snacks and drinks on hand is certainly a plus, but cooking a traditional dish with fresh Abacos produce is a memory you will fondly look back on when you return home.
a top rated vacation to abacos
Abacos Beach Resort is the perfect choice for a well deserved upscale getaway in a laid-back and rejuvenating atmosphere. Guests are sad to leave, but returning home with the sense of satisfaction, relaxation, and being completely recharged is what keeps them returning year after year.
For more information about Abaco Beach Resort visit their website or see our editorial listing.


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A New Duchess Reigns!
What a week and what a finale! The New WHS Duchess was crowned Friday evening during halftime at the Wellington vs Augusta football game.
Congratulations to Juliette Hyer! Other candidates were Jacelyn Buck, Taylor Meyer, Arielle Pottier, and Skylar Troutman. An awesome group of candidates and escorts and children. A great week across the district!


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Arizona Still Grappling with Question of How to Prevent School Shootings
Marissa Ryan
August 10, 2018
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March for our Lives protest in Tucson.
Gun legislation in Arizona remains a hot-button issue going into election season. Gov. Doug Ducey's proposed school safety plan, which was unveiled in March, was a contentious bill since Arizona lawmakers can't agree whether "school safety" and "gun reform" are synonymous.
The bill was proposed as a proactive measure towards preventing any more school shootings like the February attack Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The bill passed in the Senate with full support from Republicans and none from Democrats. But ultimately, the legislation stalled in the House.
"Governor Ducey was disappointed that the Safe Arizona Schools Plan was not passed by the Legislature, but that doesn't mean that our work is done on the issue," said Ducey Press Secretary Elizabeth Berry in an email. "School safety is a top priority and the governor is committed to fighting for the common-sense reforms included in the [bill]."
Ducey says that passing his school safety bill is one of his highest priorities going into the next legislative session, should he win re-election. But with his plan facing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, he will have a challenge seeing it become law if he's reelected.
Democrats cite the lack of universal background checks as one of the bill's biggest pitfalls. Ducey's plan intends to strengthen the existing criminal background check system, allocating $600,000 to do so, but that doesn't take into account that person-to-person sales aren't regulated because only federally licensed firearm dealers are required to perform background checks at the point of sale. This is commonly referred to as the "gun show loophole."
Congressional candidate, Arizona Sen. Steve Smith (R-Maricopa), who sponsored the Safe Arizona Schools Plan, says that while he's confident that Ducey will be re-elected, the issue is still important enough that it will be addressed—and fast—if he's not. Smith also thinks gun reform should be addressed at the state level not nationally.
"This is not a gun bill; this is a school safety bill," Smith said. "We're talking about keeping people safe as it relates to mass shootings. We aren't going to get into bump stocks and all of those other areas. If you want to have a debate about that, then run a bill about it."
The Arizona House of Representatives voted 34-25 in February against a bill to ban bump stocks, House Bill 2023. Ducey's bill initially had several types of STOP orders—Severe Threat Orders of Protection—that would allow both members of the public and law enforcement to petition Arizona courts to advocate for the removal of firearms from individuals exhibiting severe and imminent signs of threatening behavior.
The bill states that after law enforcement presents a judge with evidence that an individual is dangerous, the judge can require that the person in question undergoes a 21-day observation and mental health examination to determine whether or not the person is a risk.
The bill saw multiple revisions throughout April and was significantly watered down before it got to the floor for a vote. That final version removed the aspect of the STOP order that allowed concerned citizens to petition for one, allowing only members of law enforcement to do so.
Smith says that most people don't know how to petition a court anyway, so removing that part will allow law enforcement to properly handle concerns.
The STOP orders are one of the most contentious parts of the bill, as Democrats argue that they won't do enough while Republicans argue that they are an overstep by the government.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Bennett says Ducey's plan focuses too heavily on seizing guns and that the state should instead arm willing teachers to keep schools safe, referring to the oft-used slogan: "The best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."
Smith also argues that the addition of armed forces, whether it be through security resource officers or the arming of teachers, is necessary to keep Arizona schools safe.
"The majority of the people that talk to me want to see the schools be better protected, and inevitably that means that they want somebody on campus to be able to use force and have force available if needed," he says.
Ducey's plan would increase the amount of armed security resource officers on school campuses in Arizona. It also would allocate more funds for more trained mental health professionals on school campuses, with $3 million for behavioral and mental health specialists, according to Berry.
While Smith, Ducey and Bennett believe that it is necessary to arm more people to combat mass shooters, Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Garcia doesn't believe placing more armed officers in schools would create the support system that is necessary to prevent school shootings.
"Those who firmly believe that a crisis would be resolved with a gun fight have been playing too many video games and watching too many movies," Garcia said. "What we need is eyes, ears and communication . . . in the form of support, not enforcement."
Garcia argues that in order for Democrats and Republicans to mend the division regarding topics of gun control, Arizona needs a governor who doesn't receive praise from the NRA.
The NRA publicly supports Ducey's school safety plan, which Smith praises.
Marissa Ryan is a University of Arizona journalism student and a
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Igor Sirotov takes austere design to a new level with the Frame house. Located in the suburb of Kiev, Ukraine, the house features a simple, white concrete structure supported by an external steel frame. The frame protrudes above the building, in effect creating an invisible second floor.
The external white structure and black steel support is contrasted only by the open air space and lush greenery that encloses the hidden haven. Inside, with a kitchen, two bathrooms, two bedrooms and a living room that looks out over the swimming pool, the house holds a truly minimalist design; the slick, clean lines of the furniture boding well with the simplicity generated by the natural wooden flooring.
From the tiles of the bathroom to the tables and furniture, Sirotov blends the white, black and gray canvas to create a truly simple yet sophisticated interior that is sure to highlight the quality of living simply.
The Frame House is Supported by a Simple Steel Frame
Akihiko Tse — September 7, 2013 — Eco
References: cubeme & yankodesign


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The following commentary comes from an independent investor or market observer as part of TheStreet's guest contributor program, which is separate from the company's news coverage.
) --
Nature's Sunshine
(NATR) - Get Report
is a direct selling, multi-level marketing firm. Herbal products account for about half of sales, including remedies for better circulation (Cardio Assurance), blood pressure (Blood Pressurex), and immune system function (Liquid Chlorophyll). Vitamins, minerals and supplements comprise another 43% of sales, catering to a wide variety of both general and targeted outcomes. Personal care, including skin and hair products, round out the portfolio. Nature's Sunshine is an international firm, with 45% of sales originating outside of the United States.
Multi-level marketing companies are nothing new to Magic Formula® Investing, or MFI. The direct marketing model involves individuals (known as distributors) recruiting additional distributors to buy and market products, and to recruit further distributors to build out a network. Essentially, this is a low-cost way to build both an advertising and distribution network, leading to high returns on capital.
The downside is that turnover is very high (over 55% of NATR's distributors do not renew), government regulations can be restrictive and both the general public and investing community have a less-than-positive view of the business model. Let's face it, being hounded to buy (and then sell) stuff by a relative or friend is a real pain in the posterior.
That said, the track record of these companies in MFI is pretty stellar.
USANA Health Sciences
(USNA) - Get Report
, probably Nature's Sunshine's closest analog, is up 40% since it appeared in the screen last fall.
(HLF) - Get Report
Nu Skin
(NUS) - Get Report
Pre-Paid Legal
( PPD) all more than doubled after appearing in MFI. Can Nature's Sunshine be the next success story?
I believe it can. Since new management came on board in 2010, the firm has dramatically improved its cost structure, cutting poorly designed promotional programs, eliminating unnecessary overhead and terminating an unprofitable collaboration with NutriPlus LLC. Since then, operating margins have climbed to more than 10%, from prior hideous levels under 4%.
Its main public competitors (USNA, NUS and HLF) carry operating margins around 13%, so there are probably a few points of improvement still possible here. This is the first step of the turnaround, and it is well under way.
The second step will be to re-ignite revenue growth. Sales growth here has been lukewarm, to say the least. Sales remain about the same as 2007 levels. Europe and Asia/Pacific have been growing at 15% rates, while the Americas remain flat, a trend that will probably continue. While Nature's has operations in 51 countries, there remains room to grow.
China remains untapped, a market behind much of Herbalife's success. India is also virgin territory. I see some additional large markets in Europe that could be entered, including France and Belgium. Over the long run, there are plenty of possibilities for growth here. It will be a matter of execution.
Failure to execute on the growth and margin opportunities is the biggest risk here, and it is a big one, as the industry is crowded with larger and more well-known companies and brands. Nature's Sunshine has historically been a second-rate player. This leaves the company vulnerable to competitors poaching its top distributors and their networks. I believe that, over the long run, NATR will need to raise its volume incentive payouts to more than 40% of sales (from about 36% today), closer to what the competition pays.
Also, cash flows have been spotty. Over the past five years, the firm has converted an alarmingly low 17.4% of reported operating earnings to free cash flow, far below the 75%-80% average for the industry. This is something to keep a close eye on, as it often signals irregularities in accounting, inventory management, or tax accrual payments.
Assuming modest growth, the firm reaching a 12% operating margin, and a slightly below-industry earnings multiple, I see Nature's Sunshine being worth $26 a share, about 52% above the current price of $17. The stock is on a good run right now and there should be continued upside going forward, but it is too similar to current pick USANA Health Sciences to add
to the Top Buys list.
Steve owns no position in any stocks discussed in this article.
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Updating my leagues after Week 21 of the season, with the result in the virtual league included:
- Brunswick Mixed: After winning 3.5 points from Team 12, Lane Ducks are leading Sweet Rolls by a half-point, Minds in the Gutter by 1.5 points, and three teams, Eileen On Me, Livin' on a Spare, and Has Beens, by 2.5 points. 5 Spares will be tomorrow night's opponents. Jeff had the high scratch series (476) in the men's "D" division last week.
- Sunday Niters: After winning six points from Suzy's Crew, The 3 Stooges are tied for the lead in points with Here For Beer, two points ahead of We Found "B", and four points ahead of Suzy's Crew, Avengers, and Broads With Balls. The league will not meet this week (Super Bowl Sunday), so next week's update will include our opponents for the following week in this league.
- Virtual league: Lane Rangers won all seven from Team Square Balls and are now leading by five points over Big Guns 2.0, eight points over Splits & Washouts, and nine points over The Unbowlieveables. A member of The Unbowlieveables, explorer05, submitted a 300 game last week, his first entry in the league's honor score list.