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Our Blog
Telephone EtiquetteMarch 1, 2017
Why is telephone etiquette important? Telephone etiquette has gained importance with the increased prominence for customer service. This is also essential…Read More
Motivation in tough timesMarch 1, 2017
There will be times when everything appears to be going wrong, and there seems no hope for anything. We seem justified…Read More
Why campus to corporate programs?March 1, 2017
The corporate world is looking for workforce that has confidence in their abilities, is able to communicate their knowledge and work…Read More
Self-esteem and Childhood labelsMarch 1, 2017
A healthy self-esteem is all about feeling good about self and believing in our abilities. People with good self-esteem are generally…Read More
Workshop on Communication Skills TrainingJuly 31, 2012
Communication is the most important life skill that is needed to get a head start to your career and to improve…Read More
Leadership SkillsJuly 31, 2012
Course Description 1 Day course Roles & Responsibilities of a leader. Adopting & developing leadership competencies Importance of Goal setting Manage…Read More
Social Media Workshop for BusinessJuly 31, 2012
Gone are the days when people used to promote their products and services by word of mouth or other mediums like…Read More
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Choose GroomX Why GroomX? WE CAN PROVIDE YOU ARTISTS IN EVERY CITY AND EVERY COUNTRY !!! This is not an overstatement…Read More
Male Finishing School in BangaloreJuly 31, 2012
Bangalore's first male finishing school is opening with a promise to help men transform themselves from rude and smelly guys into…Read More
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Do you want your children: To learn to dress well on their own Learn Etiquette of Life and more.. call us…Read More


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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Is He The Great Pretender?
Amidst all the attention and hard work being invested in helping those who have had their homes destroyed by Super Storm Sandy, the election process continues on its march towards Election Day. Along that march, there's an under-reported story unfolding up the Hudson River from New York City. Voters who care about progressives with integrity, or the lack thereof, should know about it.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is widely rumored to be positioning himself for a 2016 run for President. And while he agreed to stump around the country for Obama, Cuomo is not actually supporting Democrats in the key races that will determine control of the State Senate in New York. In some races, he's even backing Republicans.
Now if you have been involved in New York State politics at all, you know that there has been a monumental effort for years by party and progressive grassroots activists to finally wrest control of the Senate from the Republicans. The Democrats won it briefly in 2008, passed some good legislation in that period, but lost it in 2010 in the Tea Party tsunami. The result is that little genuinely progressive legislation comes out of Albany, despite the national reputation of New York as a liberal state. The New York Times reported this morning, however, that the Democrats are within striking distance of regaining control of the State Senate.
It's hard to fathom, but the main obstacle to the Democrats gaining control of the Senate may be the Governor himself. Some progressive leaders and activists in the Empire State have long whispered that their prominent Governor's commitment to progressive values is not even skin deep. His actions this fall only underscore that concern. Recently, nearly 10,000 New Yorkers signed a petition to the Governor calling on him to support Democrats running for the Senate. But with just hours before the polls open, Cuomo has kept silent, as he has since the summer. The head of the Democratic Party in New York, weird as it may sound, is not supporting the members of his own party who are struggling to reverse the 2010 Tea Party takeover of the NY State Senate.
As the Albany Times Union reports, Democratic activists are particularly frustrated with Cuomo's refusal to help his fellow Democrat in one crucial State Senate race in the Hudson Valley. The Governor's actions are especially vexing, because the role of money in politics has become a flashpoint in the district. The Democrat – a woman making an unexpected surge in a district that was drawn as a safe seat for Republicans – is backing the Governor's plan for public financing of elections. The Republican millionaire running against her has flooded the airwaves with materials calling the proposal a tax on the middle class. This shouldn't be a hard decision for the Governor, if he earnestly wants to pass his plan. The big question is: Does he?
It's the kind of moment of clarity many yearn for in politics: an election in which a clear upset victory would give an immense boost to a crucial issue. It's a moment that cries out for leadership, for using the bully pulpit, and the person who could do it is Governor Cuomo – the most popular Governor in America according to all polls. All he has to do is support his fellow Democrat, who is supporting the Governor's own position. How hard is that?
Apparently, pretty hard. What's really going on? There's seems to be only one plausible explanation: the Governor prefers conservative Republicans to progressive Democrats. I know it's hard to figure. But actions speak louder than words. To Cuomo, it may be true that it is more important to keep Republicans in control of the Senate so that he never has to face strong pressure from the left. This tactic, according to key players in New York politics, is an open secret.
Were the Democrats to win back the Senate, inevitably it would mean that they would pass some bills that reflect the interests of their constituents -- against hydrofracking, for raising the minimum wage, on gun control, on school aid, on the incarceration society. That's not what Cuomo wants as he prepares a 2016 presidential campaign in which his theme will be "I can bridge the partisan divide." It's baloney and he knows it. By bridging the divide, he means forcing Democrats to accept a softer, gentler Republican view of the world.
Yes, you can say it is a cynical strategy. The Governor who Cuomo most resembles is not the great liberal who was his father, but rather his neighbor, Chris Christie, in New Jersey. Sure they have differences on gay marriage and some social issues, but on key policies they have been almost indistinguishable, though Cuomo it seems, before Hurricane Sandy came along, has the better touch. But when it really counts, the Governor of the great state of New York is missing in action. You could call him the "Great Pretender."

subset: commoncrawl


text: Back when Jim Carrey was raucously hilarious throughout the 90's, it was my pleasure as a younger lad to enjoy his comedic stylings not just in films like Liar, Liar and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective but also as host of Saturday Night Live. Carrey took to the sketch comedy show like wildfire by appearing in great sketches with the Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan as the head-bobbing duo from A Night at the Roxbury and as an old frail Jimmy Stewart on the Joe Pesci Show. Now it looks like he's returning to his sketch comedy roots (since Carrey got a big break on the series In Living Color) for his second sting hosting SNL. On January 8th, Carrey will take to the stage with musical guest The Black Keys for a run on late night TV that will hopefully be funnier than his recent work in films like Yes Man. You can bet I'll be cautiously looking forward to this episode. How about you?


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Natural Grey Ring South
There are no physical "coins" in bitcoin, only balances kept on a public ledger in the cloud, that—along with all bitcoin transactions—is verified by a massive amount of computing power. Bitcoin is backed by millions of ASICs around the world called "miners." By mining bitcoin, you can earn cryptocurrency without having to put down money for it. It is also the only way to release new bitcoin into circulation.
An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) miner is a device that is designed for the sole purpose of mining—not coal, but rather digital currency. Generally, each ASIC miner is constructed to mine a specific digital currency. So, a Bitcoin ASIC miner can mine only bitcoin. Think of Bitcoin ASICs as specialized Bitcoin mining computers, or "bitcoin generators."https://12ea7800963ffec019cbea4bac9dd936.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html


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Scenic Stays 30A
Scenic Stays 30A proudly serves guests and owners of Scenic 30A, Miramar Beach and Crystal Beach. Guests can look forward to their own personalized Scenic Stays 30A experience, at a property prepared just for your stay. Owners can expect exceptional services that are prioritized and given the attention they deserve. We look forward to welcoming you to the beach, and settle for nothing less than a delightful experience.
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Guest Experiences★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Chris has created a calm and welcoming beach get-away. The place is lovely and very comfortable. Sink into the sofa's soft cushions, chairs, and the beds with wonderful linens. The sunlight infuses gently through the curtains and blinds reminding you it is time to get up and go to the beach! Once there, you will be mesmerized by the emerald waves coming to shore while you are sitting in your beach chair, keeping cool under an umbrella, and sipping on a beach drink! Life can't be any better!"
Guest Experiences
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"This was the perfect home to fit 12 guests comfortably. We enjoyed having access to many decks to sit outside and take in the view. It was a short walking distance to the beach, local restaurants, or ice cream. This area is great if you're looking for a quiet place to relax without a crowded beach. Chris was so helpful, and he seemed that he genuinely wanted to make our stay as wonderful as possible."
A picture can capture 1,000 words- follow us on Instagram for updates on what is going on with Scenic Stays 30A!
Stay up to date on new properties, local events and festivals, new experiences in the area and general information about Scenic Stays 30A.
Interact with us on Instagram at #scenicstays30a and share your experinces!
Like our Facebook page for up to date information about Scenic Stays 30A and to see what is going on around the Beaches of South Walton.


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After tasting success with his debut novel Mumbaistan, adman, film maker and writer, Piyush Jha launched his second book, Compass Box Killer earlier this month. A gritty, crime thriller set in Mumbai, this is the story of Ramesh Virkar, a sharp Police Inspector out to get an equally adroit 'compass box killer'. Inspector Virkar first featured in one of the stories in Mumbaistan, and like Piyush says, 'grew on me enough to have a life of his own'. So much so that Piyush is now planning on making him a household name, leveraging the brand across media. I got on the phone with Piyush to know more and here is an excerpt of our chat.
How has been the response to Mumbaistan?
Being a first time author, I had imagined that cornering people's mind space would be difficult but fortunately the media, the bookstores and the readers have all been very supportive and Mumbaistan, by God's grace, has been on Crossword's bestseller list.
Tell us about Compass Box Killer?
Compass Box Killer marks the beginning of a series–adventures of Inspector Virkar who was a protagonist in Injectionwalla, the second novella in Mumbaistan. Compass Box Killer is my first standalone novel. It is in written within the genre confines of post-modern detective fiction that combines aspects of the thriller and adventure genre. It has shades of the Noir style, although it has my own special take on this.
Inspector Virkar is partly based on people who I have met, and partly on people who I wish I had met.
Who inspired the character of the protagonist.. anyone in real life?
Yes and no. The characters and stories were triggered off by the reality around us–crime stories you read in the newspapers and but it is not real or based on any living person. I would say, Inspector Virkar is partly based on people who I have met, and partly on people who I wish I had met.
Are you planning a series?
Yes. A Mumbaistan series which would be pure crime fiction a sort of Adventures of Inspector Virkar, if you will. Compass Box Killer is just the first to come, many more shall follow, hopefully.
The story lends itself to a becoming a graphic novel, an ebook.. perhaps even a film.. any thoughts on that?
There are plans but it's too early to talk about it. But, you are right, the story does translate itself well into many mediums, and currently the attempt is to leverage it to the maximum.
I introduced the readers to areas of Mumbai that they have probably never seen or heard of.
What is the funniest review you have read of your work?
One review that said "Piyush Jha is the new Raju Guide of Mumbai". The writer meant that I had depicted areas and portions of Mumbai so well that he could feel himself there. Also, I introduced the readers to areas of Mumbai that they have probably never seen or heard of. I'm actually very proud of this fact and shall continue to be the Raju Guide of Mumbai 🙂
If you could have any one super power as a fiction writer, what would it be?
Compel all people to read… and preferably, my fiction.
Mumbai is at the heart of your stories. What about the city inspires you?
To explain this I quote a line from my novella 'Bomb Day'- On every street of Mumbai, the loud, pulsating throb of the unraveling day could be heard. The shop fronts, the bus stops, the local train stations—transformed from a rest house to the homeless to a temple of business, rapidly filling up with scores of devotees who would partake of its offering, en route to their daily battle for survival.
What advise would you give budding writers?
Write something every day, and one day it'll turn into a book.
If you enjoy modern, fast paced, suspense thrillers, I'd say get hold of a copy.
TITLE: Compass Box Killer
SERIES- Mumbaistan
AUTHOR: Piyush Jha
PUBLISHER: Rupa Publications
CATEGORY: Crime Fiction
PRICE: Rs. 195
Back cover blurb:
'Akurle is just the first to die. To find out who is next, find me first.'
One muggy afternoon in Mumbai, a senior police officer is found murdered at his desk. When Inspector Virkar from the Crime Branch arrives at the scene, he finds a cryptic note that spills out of a student's compass box. Then begins a series of killings and in each, a tell-tale compass box reveals more clues.
Accompanied by the attractive, ambitious TV reporter, Raashi Hunerwal, Virkar has to race against time to catch the Compass Box Killer before the bodies pile up. As the investigation shuttles from Mumbai to Khandala to Belgaum, Virkar is taken deep into a labyrinth of backroom deals that lead to shocking revelations about the ruthless killer's motives.
Slick plot twists and high-adrenaline action mark the first of the Inspector Virkar Crime Thrillers—part of the Mumbaistan series. Tough, daring and relentless in his pursuit of justice, Inspector Virkar is a policeman one wishes every city had.


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Thank you very much for your enthusiasm, for teaching me the idea of self-compassion that you showed in your tapes and in the course. You made me very enthusiastic for E-STDP
This approach has enabled me to develop so much more as a therapist and in turn be more effective with my clients, and for that, I will be forever grateful! I want to thank you and by extension Leigh McCullough for the incredible work she has done in both developing this approach, studying its efficacy, and making it available and accessible to therapists no matter what their background or training.
I had an opportunity to use APT with a client on my recent clinical placement and it was such an incredible learning experience. As you highlighted during the two days, this approach really opens us up to our own affect phobias... I think this is one of the most powerful aspects of this therapeutic approach- this past summer is the first time I've had the opportunity to apply this approach in practice and, unsurprisingly, my own affect phobias were highlighted to me! I was constantly reminded of my role in the client's process and how my own affect phobia may have been blocking my availability to the client.
Kristin's Affect Phobia Therapy (APT) workshop hosted by the Clinical Division of the Psychological Society of Ireland and the University College Dublin doctoral programme in clinical psychology was an outstanding training event. Over two days Kristin presented the APT model using a thoughtful blend of powerpoint, video recordings and discussion. The audience included both novices and experienced therapists. With great sensitivity to the leaning needs of this mixed audience, Kristin showed us how to use the model with a range of clinical problems. By presenting recordings for APT conducted by herself, Dr Leigh McCollough (the originator of APT), and other therapists, Kristin helped us to understand how the core processes of the model can be addressed in different ways by therapists with different styles. Not only did we all learn a great deal at this workshop, it was also a very enjoyable experience, largely due to Kristin's unique talents as a trainer
This seminar was incredibly engaging and informative! Watching video with the presenter's commentary was great! ! It is the first workshop I've attended where I felt better afterwards!
"Affect Phobia (APT) is an evidence-based brief psychodynamic model that integrates cognitive-behavioral and experiential approaches so the therapist can work with patients to resolve their presenting problems and improve their relationships. The APT therapist helps their patient focus on developing adaptive emotional reactions, which leads to symptom reduction but also more satisfying personal relationships and productive lives. Over 30 years of research, including case series and randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated the effectiveness of APT."


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In the midst of the sick weeks we have had, my children never fail to disappoint...
Micah, crying because he had to go to another doctor's appointment, said through tears, "I'm going to put a banana on the floor so the doctor can slip on it and fall!"
Upon telling both boys that they had (yet another) doctor's appointment today, they conspired in their room and said, "We are going to put gum on the floor so the doctor will walk and step on it and not be able to move! We are going to use serious sticky power!"
Jaden woke up at 3am last night and was wide awake for over an hour. During that time he talked a mile a minute, telling me all about how Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father. Nevermind he has never seen Star Wars; my dad told him all about it and he was fascinated.
As I was putting Jaden to bed and he was nodding off to sleep, I layed next to him and he whispered in my ear, "Mommy, when you and daddy were praying today, I had my eyes WIDE OPEN!"
Micah missed 3 days of school this week, and I asked if he wanted to go with me to pick up his homework. He said, "No, I don't want to see my friends from school when I'm absent. I only want to see them when I go BACK to school!"
The boys have been together so much lately, there have been days where they just get sick of each other. Micah was mad at Jaden and said, "Your head looks like an oval!"
One of Micah's favorite phrases is "You smacked the cheese off!" We didn't know what this meant until recently when I finally asked him, and he said, "It means you farted!" I said, "OH! You mean 'You cut the cheese?'" He still prefers "You smacked the cheese off!" :)
And lastly, we were driving and passed a homeless man with dreadlocks wearing a girls' jacket. Micah blurted out, "That guy is a rock star!"


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Photographs from my trip to South Luangwa Park, Zambia in late August.
I've been so inspired by this safari trip and I've got lots of ideas to post. But in the the meantime, I have to show you these pictures before I do anything else.
Hope you enjoyed the pictures, all taken on a Nikon D810 and a Fuji film x100s. More to follow so please sign up via email below!


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It is the news that couch potatoes have been waiting for: too much exercise is bad for your heart.
Doctors have warned that, rather than adding years to their lives, fitness freaks could be working themselves into an early grave.
They say that while regular, moderate exercise, including jogging, is beneficial, it is possible to do too much.
After reviewing various studies on the health of runners, they said: 'A routine of moderate physical activity will add life to your years, as well as years to your life.
'In contrast, running too fast, too far and for too many years may speed one's progress towards the finish line of life.'
In a three-page editorial in the journal Heart, US cardiologists James O'Keefe and Carl Lavie, both keen runners, also advise that those who want to exercise at full pelt should limit themselves to 30 to 50 minutes a day. And marathons should be viewed as something to do occasionally or once in a lifetime, rather than a regular challenge.
They warn that exercising intensely for more than an hour or two can damage the heart, causing its tissue to stretch, tear and scar and raising the odds of dangerous changes in heart rhythm.
Two studies recently presented at major medical conferences back up their argument that exercise, like many other things in life, is best done in moderation.
The first, co-written by one of the editorial's authors, tracked the health of more than 50,000 people for up to 30 years.
The 14,000 runners in the study were 19 per cent less likely to have died than the others during this time.
However, closer analysis of the results revealed the longevity benefits to be limited to those who ran between five and 20 miles a week.
In contrast, those who ran more than that did not seem to fare any better than non-runners. The same study revealed running quickly to also be of little benefit, with those who fared best doing a 'comfortable jog' of 6-7mph.
Similarly, running between two and five days a week was better than pounding the pavements daily. The second study, of 20,000 Danes, found slow jogging to add most to life expectancy.
The editorial, by James O'Keefe, of Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City and Carl Lavie, of the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans, concludes: 'The unique and potent effects of exercise are best bestowed by moderate physical activity.
'If one's goal is to compete in the marathon or triathlon of the Rio Olympics in 2016, this will certainly require high-intensity exercise for hours a day. But for those whose goal is to be alive and well while watching the 2052 Olympics from the stands, then exercise and physical activity at lower intensities would be more ideal.'
Paul Thompson, a sports cardiologist and former elite marathon runner, told the Wall Street Journal the editorial's authors had manipulated the data because they had an agenda.


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According to experts and practitioners of the medical arts, like Dr.Lee, moxibustion lore was developed in China more than 3,000 years ago. However, Qin Shi Huang-Di, the first Qin Dynasty Emperor, killed many scholars and burned all the books of his time, around 2,000 years ago (210 B.C.).
A lot of knowledge was lost and fragmented. After that time, the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) became the dominant text and with it, the system referred to as 14 regular channel Acupuncture.
How Tong acupuncture became public
However, certain scholars evaded the persecution by Qin Di and fled to the mountains, an area today known as Shandong. These scholars and practitioners continued passing down their own theories and techniques within the system of family apprenticeship.
Tong Jong-Chang belonged to such a family practicing an alternative style of acupuncture and moxibustion. In his book published in Taiwan, he is also known as Shandong Tong Jong-Chang. After World war II and the Communist revolution, Dr. Tong moved to Taiwan.
But because he didn't find his only son to be a fitting person to pass the lineage down to, he took on students, which is how Tong acupuncture became accessible to the open public eventually.
Point selection and needle technique
Dr.Tong's style requires quite a few needles compared to the 14 regular channel acupuncture. The main principle in selecting Dr.Tong acupuncture points in a clinical setting is to choose points far away or often opposite to the site of pathology.
For example, if the pathology is located above, one needles locations below and vice versa. If the pathology is on the left side, one usually needles points on the right side. In Tong acupuncture, if there is a liver pathology, since the liver is located on the right side, points are needled on the left side.
But since the spleen is on the left, pathology related to it is treated by needling points on the right side. Dr. Tong didn't place much value on the use of Shou Fa, as he didn't use them much during needling.
The "Method of the Hand," Shou Fa 手法, is basic manipulations, auxiliary manipulations used for obtaining the sensation of the needle (De Qi), as well as intricate groups of manipulations for invigorating or dispersing Qi.
Even today, there is much debate about why "Shou Fa" is so much emphasized in the manuals and in the teaching by Chinese traditional acupuncturists.
Tong's method of basic needle manipulation
Apparently, Dr. Tong, when needling points located on fleshy areas, would first insert the needle perpendicularly. Then, he would take out the needle and insert it obliquely at 15 degrees pointed up the course of the channel, then take it out and insert it 15 degrees down the course of the channel, and finally withdraw it and insert it back perpendicularly.
He would then repeat this procedure every 10-15 minutes. Dr. Tong's points are located on the upper and lower extremities, the head and neck, and both the ventral and dorsal trunks. However, only points on the extremities are needled. Otherwise, the points on the dorsal and ventral trunk are only bled.
There is no real mention of channels in Dr.Tong's book. But it is assumed that the points on the body are connected and that qi is set in motion by needling and will travel to the affected area. Dr.Tong's system is based on a very thorough application of yin and yang theory.
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Monthly Archives: February 2018
Lego Club
Hi everyone Sebastian S here with the top three Lego creations from last Friday's Lego Club.
Junior Chef
Book of the Week
David Fedele visiting 3/4/5/6
Lego Club
Lego Club
First day in 1/2IM
Welcome back to school. We had SO much fun today in 1/2IM! It was great to see all the smiling faces ready to greet us in the morning. Check out our funny first day photos!
What was your favourite part of your first day?


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Attorneys for Solyndra Inc. asked for permission from U.S. Bankruptcy Court to pay nearly two dozen employees bonuses of between $10,000 and $50,000.
The Fremont company that shut its factory in August has been at the center of a political firestorm over more than half a billion in federal loans and guarantees it was given.
But Solyndra's lawyers say it needs to give the bonuses to key employees to keep them from taking other jobs while it seeks to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
It didn't name the people it wants to give the bonuses to but none are top officers or members of the board.


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North American Free Trade Agreement Pros & Cons
The North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA") is a 1994 agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico that lifted many restrictions on the imports and exports of agricultural products between these three nations. Some of the policies went into effect immediately following the agreement while others took 15 years to implement. All the NAFTA provisions were in place as of 2008 between the North American countries. Free trade among these nations has both pros and cons.
One of the primary advantages and purposes of NAFTA was the reduction or full elimination of taxes on imported goods between these three countries. Since 2008, all tariffs on agricultural exports between the United States and Mexico no longer exist, and many are eliminated between Canada and Mexico. However Canada and Mexico still tax sugar, eggs, poultry and dairy products. The reduced or eliminated tariffs make it easier for these nations to trade with each other.
Domestic Production
The tariff policies of NAFTA affect only goods produced directly within these three nations. Products produced in countries outside North America still operate with tariff restrictions. This is an important advantage for two reasons. It is an incentive for these countries to nurture their domestic producers. But it also prevents one country from exporting goods within North America that are purchased from another country outside North America. The policy prevents a loophole that could effectively remove tariffs on goods other than those produced in North America.
Job Losses
With the increased ease by which Mexico can import food products from the United States, the role of Mexican farmers is overwhelmed by the output of American agriculture. This is a notable con of NAFTA. According to Thomas Net Industry Market Trends, over 1 million Mexican farmers have lost their jobs as a result of the agreement.
It was possible that NAFTA would encourage Mexican citizens to remain in their country since their manufacturing work could still reach the American market easily. But since the creation of NAFTA, illegal immigration between Mexico and the United States has only gotten worse. Over the 10-year period between 1990 and 2000, the number of annual illegal immigrants doubled, despite the creation of NAFTA in 1994, according to Thomas Net Industry Market Trends. That NAFTA was not more effective in preventing the immigration crisis is a disadvantage.
The state of Texas provides the longest border between the United States and Mexico. The trade between these two countries often goes through Texas, and this has had a positive effect on the Texan economy. According to the Mays Business School, the metal and apparel industries in Texas grew by 13 percent within just one year after the creation of NAFTA due to flourishing exports to Mexico.
Photo Credits
- north america image by NataV from Fotolia.com


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We like to to travel but we definitely don't like sitting at the departure gate on uncomfortable chairs with screaming children playing hide-and-seek. Although some travellers love the hustle and bustle of airports, chances are that if you're a frequent traveller the one thing you'd love before your flight departs is an hour or two of peace and quiet.
Access to airport lounges used to be a privilege only a few – with a business-class ticket in hand, of course – enjoyed. Certain banks and financial institutions provide access to the lounges for free and some require you to jump a number of hurdles (or in bank parlance, 'qualifying criteria') before you can gain access.
Here are the best banks and accounts for airport lounge access – and the worst.
FNB and RMB
RMB and FNB Private Clients
RMB and FNB are both connected to the awful eBucks program which means you have to earn rewards in order to gain access to the lounges. Even as a RMB Private Bank client you don't get free access to the airport lounges. The real annoying part of their rewards system is that you never know what level you are on. The airport lounges are not connected to the bank so when you swipe your card at the lounge they can't tell you if you have earned enough rewards points to gain free access. They just swipe your card and you go in. It's when you get home when you get the shock, because they then charge you for the access. You thought it was free. Nope. Neither FNB or RMB offer a credit card that offers free local or international lounge access.
Verdict: Terrible (change your bank)
Standard Bank
World Citizen Credit Card
The top Standard Bank credit card is called the World Citizen Credit Card. You need to spend R15,000 per quarter to get complimentary access to over 500 airport lounges within SA and abroad, through their chosen partner, LoungeKey
Verdict: Bad
Diners Club
With Diners you need to spend R15,000 per quarter to get free access and the same rules/benefits as the Standard Bank World Citizen Credit Card.
Verdict: Bad
Platinum Cheque Account
The ABSA Platinum cheque account offers an optional DragonPass membership, offering five free airport lounge visits per 12-month cycle at R59 per month.
Verdict: Terrible
ABSA Private Clients
6 visits (Only 6? Really?) per year to more than 800 airport lounges in over 300 cities across 100 countries affiliated to the DragonPass program.
Verdict: Bad
Platinum Card
Nedbank's Platinum Card provides free access to the Bidvest Premier airport lounges for domestic flights only.
Verdict: Nothing to write home about
American Express Gold Charge Card
8 visits per year to the Bidvest Premier airport lounges for domestic flights only.
Verdict: Very average for Amex
American Express Platinum Charge Card
Amex Platinum Charge Card provides free access to over 900 local and international airport lounges in over 100 countries, with Priority Pass.
Verdict: Good (Because there are no other benefits to the Amex Platinum Card that's comparable to a Private Banking offering.)
Investec Credit Card
Every Investec card holder has complimentary, unlimited access to SAA-owned Lounges and Bidvest Premier Lounges.
Verdict: Very Good
Investec Enigma Card
The Investec Enigma Card (SA's own Black AMEX card) offers unlimited and free access to over 900 local and international airport lounges in over 100 countries, with Priority Pass.
Verdict: Excellent
Investec is the only bank that provides a really good airport lounge benefit to it's card holders. Investec also offers a wide range of other benefits to card holders, which makes it a better choice than American Express. The great disappointment is RMB who have lost serious ground to Investec due to their complicated and terrible eBucks rewards program.
Private banking is definitely not what it used to be. There is very little special about it.


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Monday Morning Love - Light-Filled Work SpacesSeptember 02, 2013
I can't believe it's already September. Seriously - where did summer go? I hope you're all enjoying your long weekend. I've been trying to work on some painting projects, but some unfortunate hiccups has made finishing everything on my to-do list this weekend rather impossible. If you follow me on Instagram you've seen some of my setbacks. If I'm lucky I'll hopefully get a bit more accomplished today.
September, like most people I expect, always me think of back to school. It's been a rather depressing number of years since I've experienced the nervousness and excitement of the first day back at school after summer vacation, but I will be continuing with my Interior decorating courses this fall, so I suppose that means I'm heading back to school too.
When I return to class I'll be doing my homework on my dining room table, but I really wish I had a big house so I could have a designated office/work area.
|Desk space by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
|Sunroom desk area from the House of Windsor
Do you have a home office/work space or do you use another area of your home for homework, working on projects and paying bills like I do? If you don't have a work specific space do you wish you did?


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US: Oil weakness hits Dow; Nasdaq rises
[NEW YORK] Petroleum-linked shares tumbled on Monday on lower oil prices, while gains by Apple and other technology shares lifted the Nasdaq.
Worries about the glutted energy market pushed Dow members ExxonMobil and Chevron down by 3.4 per cent each, leaving the blue-chip index in negative territory.
But Apple climbed 1.6 per cent and Netflix 3.4 per cent, suggesting a rotation by investors into technology shares.
Analysts were awaiting key earnings later in the week from Pfizer and Procter & Gamble, as well as major economic data releases, culminating with Friday's US jobs report for July.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 0.2 per cent to 8,404.51.
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The broad-based S&P 500 dipped 0.1 per cent to 2,170.84, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.4 per cent to 5,184.20.
SolarCity plunged 7.4 per cent on news it agreed to be acquired by Tesla for US$2.6 billion. Tesla dropped 2.0 per cent. Analysts have cautioned that the deal could divert Tesla from its ambitious plan to expand production of electric cars.
Fleetmatics Group, which sells software to manage commercial vehicle fleets, soared 38.7 on news it will be acquired by Verizon Communications for US$2.4 billion. Verizon lost 1.6 per cent.
Offshore driller Diamond Offshore sank 7.7 per cent after reporting a second-quarter loss of US$589.9 million following a large charge due to the slump in oil prices.
Biogen surged 4.1 per cent and Ionis Pharmaceuticals 30.2 per cent after announcing a successful clinical analysis of a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy.
Other biotech shares were also strong, with Gilead Sciences advancing 1.3 per cent and Celgene 2.2 per cent.
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes


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In which our home is still infested by ladybugs. I guess it's better than being infested by ants.
February 2006
In which I wax rhapsodic over a corned beef sandwich.
In which we prepare for the coming of spring.
In which Jeff and Steph welcome a new baby girl into the world.
In which I discuss my recent eBay selling frenzy.
In which we watch A State of Mind, a documentary about North Korea's Mass Games.
In which I rave about ice dancing, my favorite sport in the Winter Olympics.
In which I attend a Rocky Mountain School of Photography photo weekend and learn about improving my craft.
In which I once again sing the praises of Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.
In which I propose a novel new concept in fast food.


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History, wine, serene beauty, dramatic people and stunning views. An Italy cruise has it all! You can visit Italy's most famous sites on any tour, but to really experience Italy – to really taste it – you need to immerse yourself in the wonders of the sparkling Mediterranean.
Italy cruises depart from several ports around the country. Many depart from Civitavecchia – the gateway port to Rome. However, to get the full Italy experience it is recommended that an Italy cruise be embarked upon from the ports of Savona or Genoa on the Ligurian Peninsula and taken all the way round to Venice, or vice-versa. This way, you will discover that there is a lot more to Italy than a cruise departing from Civitavecchia would be able to show you!
So, what delights await in this classical land? The Ligurian Peninsula is a true paradise. Largely undiscovered by mass tourism, quaint Italian villages line the coastline in this spectacular part of Italy. Beautiful sandy beaches alternate with rocky headlands, and magnificent coastal villages shine like beacons on the shore.
In Genoa you can discover the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and marvel at the city's stunning Gothic architecture. A little further to the south Livorno is a port of call worth spending a little time at. Here, you will be able to arrange shore excursions to see the famous leaning tower of Pisa, as well as visit the grand Renaissance city of Florence – home to Dante, Michaelangelo and the Medicis.
The Colosseum at Rome, Mount Vesuvius and the ancient city that it buried – Pompeii – are essential attractions to visit when on an Italy cruise, as is Rimini on the Adriatic Sea. From Rimini you can take a shore excursion to visit the enclave of San Marino, which is less than an hour drive from Rimini port.
Finally, irresistible Venice awaits as the final stop at the end of your cruise. Venice is a true waterworld, consisting of more than 120 islands through which a network of waterways can be explored by gondola. Renaissance-style architecture is everywhere in this city, and you will be able to take a shore excursion that takes in the famous Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs.
So, whether you want to discover what it felt like to be a gladiator in Rome's Colosseum, peer into the gigantic crater of Mt Vesuvius or navigate your way around Venice's canal system, an Italy cruise is a special adventure that you will never forget.
"I had the vacation of a lifetime"
I just wanted to thank you everything. I had the vacation of a lifetime. It was an absolute dream and I am really happy I chose Tour italy now. Everything worked out great with the hotels, transfers, and services. Capri was my favorite place. Thanks again for everything. I plan on visiting Italy again...
Annalise Henry (Queens, NY)
Rome to Amalfi Tour, August 2013


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To create a supportive and collaborative environment, where women can bring to life ideas that they are passionate about and build companies that solve big problems
Check out the last inspiring #SheHacksNYC
The Next SheHacksNYC is currently being planned for 2017
Something you want to work on or something you are currently working on and want help with. Pitch it here!
CTO of PeerIQ, focused on growing engineering team and building the firm's data and analytics products.
Active angel investor with 37Angels who works with early stage start-ups as a strategic and financial advisor.
Associate at Time Warner Investments, w/particular areas of focus of ad-tech, online video, social media and gaming.
Former Sponsers
It is important for us to keep this event affordable for all the amazing women out there
If you are interested in joining our sponsors or getting involved, please check out our sponsorship proposal
One Hour Winning Team Sit Down with Angela Lee
Assistant Dean at Columbia Business School & founder and CEO of 37 Angels.
Angela is an educator & entrepreneur who inspires in both the classroom and the investment arena.
1st Place Winners receive 6 Mo of Firebase Bonfire Plan Credit
2nd Place Winners receive 6 Mo of Firebase Candle Plan Credits
1st Place Winners receive $1000 in Google Cloud Credits
Additional $100 Google Cloud Credits to every participant on top of $300 for signing up
Awesome Spotify Branded Headphones to the winning team.
3 Months of Spotify Premium to all participants.
20% off Classes and Workshops at GA for the winners.
50% off of Classes and Workshops at GA for any attendee that hasn't taken a course at GA before.
3 Mo free access to General Assembly's Front Row for all attendees.
10,000 free SMS messages to the team winning the best use of the Twilio API.
$20 promocode to all workshop attendees.
A special Saturday Meditation with Miriam Bekkouche community manager of the 37Angels, and founder of The Brain Spa. Miriam will walk us through 3 mindfulness tools & a short guided meditation.
20 years industry & startup experience developing innovative mobile, web, wearable and TV solutions. VP Engineering @Cheerity, Organizer @Google Developer Group (New York, Hudson Valley) and @Meteor Hudson Valley. Talk to me about mobile (Android), front-end (React, Angular, Polymer) or full-stack (Meteor).
Program manager at Google and founder of TeamX.co - building teams around moonshot ideas.
Katy develops and executes strategies to solve complex problems using technology, with a focus on achieving product excellence. She has a background in Computer Science with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry.


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Environmental factors help limit gene flow between different giraffe species
Giraffe species may only breed with each other based on the timing of rainfall in their local environments, according to new research published October 23 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, by Henri Thomassen and colleagues at UCLA.
Three types of giraffe species in East Africa are genetically distinct and rarely intermingle, even though they live in close proximity to each other. Given that these different giraffe species are capable of long-distance travel, and are known to breed together in zoos, it remains a mystery how they maintain such genetic diversity in the wild and why they choose to stay only within their species range.
To answer these questions, the authors here used a suite of powerful analytical methods and climate data to analyze the specific environments of genotyped giraffes. They tested four hypotheses that might explain the maintenance of these three distinct giraffe species: isolation-by-distance, physical barriers to dispersal, general habitat differences resulting in habitat segregation, or regional differences in the seasonal timing of rainfall.
They found that regional differences in the timing of precipitation, and the resulting increase in local vegetation and plants ("greening"), could best explain the source of genetic differences. Each species seems to be tied to their local seasonal cycle of greening, which is markedly different among species, suggesting that annual climate cycles may help maintain genetic and phenotypic divergence in giraffes.
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Author Code: ALIG
Born: Jan. 7, 1861 - Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Died: Nov. 2, 1920 - Gloucestershire, England
Educated at a convent school in Providence, Rhode Island, Guiney graduated in 1879. She began writing poetry and essays as a young woman. During her early years she worked at a variety of jobs, including at the Boston Public Library as a cataloguer. In 1884, she publishedSongs at the Start, a collection of poems which was well-received. The following year saw the publication of her first book of essays, Goose-Quill Papers. In 1901, she moved to Oxford, England. She became an admirer of Tennyson and Hazlitt. As a devoted Catholic, much of her work had religious overtones. She began to suffer ill-health during the 1910s and from then on concentrated on essays and biographical studies. She died of a stroke at the age of 59. Her biography was written by her close friend and collaborator, Alice Brown, in 1921. Her other works include The White Sail and Other Poems (1887), Brownies and Bogles (1888), A Roadside Harp (1893), A Little English Gallery (1895), Lover's Saint Ruth's and Three Other Tales (1895), Nine Sonnets Written at Oxford (1895), England and Yesterday (1898), The Martyr's Idyl and Shorter Poems (1899), Robert Emmet (1904), The Princess of the Tower (1906) and Letters (1926 Posthumous).
Note: An Asterisk (*) after an author´s name signifies that this is a Pseudonym
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Fahim Shahriar
Deputy Manager, Sponsorship Communication and Data Quality
Save the Children in Bangladesh
July 21, 2017
Sajib is now over 7 years old, and lives with his family in the slums of Rayerbazar, an area with run-down, overcrowded and unsafe informal housing, in Dhaka North City, one of the areas in which sponsorship works in Bangladesh. His father Fazlu pulls rickshaws in order to support their family, and his mother Ajufa works supporting the home. He is the youngest among 4 siblings, and has been involved in Save the Children's sponsorship program since May of 2016.
Before sponsorship came to Dhaka North City, children had very few opportunities to learn or play outside of school. They could be seen usually aimlessly wandering the meandering slum city paths and streets. No one had talked to their parents about how important receiving an education could be for their children, and so parents would not involve themselves in supporting their children's schooling. Sajib and other children from the slums had irregular attendance and didn't enjoy reading, because they found it so difficult and because there were so few books available to them. As a 1st grader, Sajib had trouble recognizing the letters of the alphabet, and could not read any books on his own.
Sajib and his parents came to know about sponsorship by attending a gathering hosted by Save the Children for parents in their community. After that, they began to understand the impact sponsorship, and having a strong foundational education, could have on their son's future.
Thanks to these programs, Sajib's learning abilities have been transformed. He now has the great joy of attending after-school programming at the sponsorship supported community center in his neighborhood. There he is greeted by a child-friendly learning environment, with walls covered in colorful posters and images, and shelves full of print-rich materials.
He shares proudly, "Now, I am reading in grade two at school. After school, I love going to Shishu Mela [local sponsorship supported community center], because my many friends go there. We read storybooks and play games together there."
At sponsorship programs Sajib was also introduced to a child-centered teaching style for the first time, which employs interactive and fun learning techniques to keep him engaged in the daily lessons. "Apa reads the books to us in special way, I like that and for this reason, I go to the center," he shares about the way the center facilitator, Apa, reads books to them in an entertaining way that captures their imaginations – storytelling with rhythm and pace, pausing at the exciting parts and speaking with feeling to convey the characters' emotions.
"I participate in storytelling sessions and I have learned spellings of words," he continues proudly, "Now, I enjoy reading stories and sometimes I borrow books from the center to read at home. Because of this center, now I can read the books by myself."
Adding to his new found reading skills, Sajib and his family are very happy to get connected with their new friend abroad who is contributing to the wellbeing of their community in so many ways. "I am feeling so special after knowing that I have got a new friend in abroad, because not all other children here in my community have such a friend," shares Sajib, describing the newly formed friendship with his sponsor, Casey, who started sponsoring him in December of 2016.
With the encouragement in letters from his sponsor and the enjoyment and new found confidence he has from learning at the community center, Sajib is flourishing. He attends school regularly now and reads on his own time outside of school.
His mother Ajufa shared, "I am so happy to know that my son Sajib is chosen by someone from abroad for friendship. I have learned the importance of such a friendship by seeing his progress after attending sessions at the community center. He can read stories by himself and his reading habit has increased too. He is teaching us handwashing and hygiene practices that he is learning at the center. These changes are happening to him because of [the] sponsorship contribution of foreign friends [sponsors]. Like my son, many other children of our community are also benefitting through sponsorship support. I want this relationship with his friend to continue!"
We know that receiving letters from sponsors makes a huge impact on sponsored children, giving them a sense of pride and self-worth. Sajib concludes, "I am very much excited as I could have written about myself and drawn a picture for my friend, which is the first time for me. I have loved writing and drawing a lot as those are shared with my friend through Save the Children. Now, I am waiting to hear from my friend and very eager to know more about him."
Interested in joining our community of sponsors? Click here to learn more.


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We fell asleep in the hammock the other night anchored off Galiano island. Emmanuel strung it between the staysail halyard and the mast. I made popcorn and we snuggled together and watched the stars come out. It was like watching a movie, popcorn and everything. A movie that we would highly recommend if you are looking for something to watch.
We haven't 'relaxed' much so far, we are both very social creatures, but there were a couple days in Montague Harbour where we started to try out relaxing. I think it can suit us.
We stayed three nights in Montague Harbour – the reason to be on Galiano was to connect and celebrate my friend Kate's birthday, and after that, we didn't seem to feel inclined to leave. We had an amazing potluck and fire along the ocean with friends. The next day we walked around part of the island and discovered some beautiful white shell beaches, small caves that have been eroded over the years and found sea asparagus to add to our dinner.
One of the days we didn't even leave the boat, we hung artwork, swam, read and began our studies on how to relax!
From Galiano, we headed to Prevost Island for a night and hopped over to Salt Spring. We connected with our friend Rosie who gave us the locals tour of the island, to a lake for a fresh water rinse, a commune-style community, local cafe with amazing pizza and popsicles. We went back to Leela for dinner and as we were rowing our friends back to shore later that night we saw phosphorescence, which ignites wonder and glee every time. Rosie and Sarah had never seen this ocean magic. The only thing better than seeing phosphorescence is being with someone who is seeing it for the first time. It inspires awe and reminds us again of the beauty and magic happening if you happen to forget for a moment that the ocean is sparkling.


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Minis, Tweens and in Between
Rebel Athletic Tech Coordinator, Joanna Boucher, Explains the Science Behind Rebel's Superior Youth Fit
Children have different fit needs than teens and adults. As any parent can attest, their bodies grow at different rates and proportions. Because of this, our youth sizes are not scaled-scaled down from adult patterns, but redesigned specifically for children's bodies.
Modern, Luxury Fabrics
AthleticFlex™ and Silhouette Stretch Poly™, the two proprietary fabrics we use in the creation of our uniforms, are among the greatest assets of our youth fabrications. Together, these soft, comfortable fabrics provide great longevity and durability, without the scratchy feeling of the school uniforms of the past! Their natural four-way-stretch fits close to the body for ease of movement and a flattering line, but allows room for growth and breathability.
I was a fussy kid when it came to how clothes felt, so when I test new styles I'm always considerate of the sensory needs of children. Rebel tests all new styles on live models; I ask them to tell me how it feels, and whether it's easy to pull on and off – especially for tops and anything that goes over their heads. Children also have different shapes than adults, so we ensure that our styles fit to cover their bodies when they're tumbling, stunting and spiriting.
Scaled Sizing
Our Rebel youth line is unique because of how small the jumps are between sizes, meaning we can fit more kids into uniforms that are as close to their size as possible – while allowing room for growth. The AthleticFlex™ backs – standard on every school uniform – also provide greater fit options with their flexibility and comfort.


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Salman Khan's rakhi sister Shweta Rohira and Pulkit Samrat's married life is going through a rough phase as the two have separated.
Shweta herself confirmed the news and said that Pulkit left her for his family and she has decided to move on.
Salman's rakhi sister and her husband have been living separately for quite some time now and, of late, there was a buzz that the couple was about to go for a divorce.
However, the rumours were set aside when Pulkit was asked about it and he replied saying, "Please do wish us on our first anniversary on 3rd November." Moreover, Shweta also shared a photo in which she flaunted her palm designed with mehendi on the night of Karva Chauth.
Nevertheless, Pulkit's wife has herself cleared the air now, confirming their separation.
"My husband and I have been living separately for a while now. He told me that he was separating from me because of his family. To us, families are very important. They are our lifelines. And, since I always believed in giving him whatever he wants, I have reconciled to the fact that he has left me for his family," Times of India quoted Salman's rakhi sister as saying.
Earlier, there were reports that Pulkit and actress Yami Gautam were spending a lot of time together during the shooting of a film and the two have become more than just friends.
However, Shweta refused to comment on the Yami Gautam episode and said that she has decided to move on. She also said that though she observed the Karva Chauth rituals, her husband was not there with her at that time.
Pulkit and his wife have been staying at their respective parents' home at Delhi and Mumbai respectively. The two got married in 2010 and Salman himself did the "kanyadaan" of his rakhi sister.
Having already separated, only time will tell if Pulkit and Shweta resolve the issue or file for divorce.


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The St. Louis Walk of Fame honors notable people from St. Louis, Missouri, who made contributions to the culture of the United States. All inductees were either born in the Greater St. Louis area or spent their formative or creative years here. The St. Louis Walk of Fame is located in the Delmar Loop where brass stars and bronze plaques are embedded in the sidewalks. Here are other films the Walk of Famers who won a Golden Globe and made an appearance in other films.
Agnes Moorehead
Vincent Price stars in this thriller about a downtrodden country estate that becomes the site of a horrific murder. Prolific writer/director Crane Wilbur (He Walked by Night, Crime Wave) helms this feature, with a cast that includes Agnes Moorehead, Gavin Gordon, and in her last film role, Darla Hood of the Our Gang comedies. But which of them is the mysterious killer known as The Bat? You'll find out soon enough. But beware, the scream you hear may be your own!
Scott Bakula
After losing his wife, Fred (Christopher Plummer) moves into a nearby apartment building where he meets Elsa (Shirley MacLaine). Elsa bursts into his life like a whirlwind, teaching him that time is precious and that he should enjoy life-and love-to the fullest.
Marsha Mason
As a little girl, Lizzie Cronin had a manic, imaginary friend named Fred, who protected her from her domineering mother. When her husband dumps her 20 years later, Fred returns to help.
John Goodman
ALL-STARS follows a girls' 10-year-old fastpitch softball team and their families through a recreation league season that culminates in the selection of the coveted 10-and-under All-Star team. Lance Grayden, a veteran coach who left the league years ago when his daughter moved to an elite softball club team, and then college, has returned to "give something back" to the community. Assuming he'd be coaching a 16-and-under team of seasoned and accomplished competitors, he is instead saddled with a 10-and-under team of inexperienced players. Not only is he forced to go back to the basics and teach the fundamentals of the game to the little girls, half of whom would rather be in the dugout eating snacks, but he also faces the greater challenge of riding herd over their over-eager, overly ambitious, and entirely delusional parents whose ridiculous behavior is more suited to five-year-olds than adults.


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Panic! At the Disco, Joe Nichols, Aloe Blacc, Atmosphere, and More Named as Performers During MLB All-Star Game Festivities at Target Field
Target Field will not only be a baseball destination, but also a musical destination during the 2014 MLB All-Star Game. Some big names have been recruited to perform during the MLB All-Star festivities at Target Field in Minneapolis, kicking off July 12 and running through the conclusion of the All-Star Game on July 15.
Among those names, Tony Award-winning Idina Menzel will sing the National Anthem before the All-Star Game on July 15 as well as offer a special performance of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" as part of a ceremony honoring the winners of the "Target presents PEOPLE All-Star Teachers" program, celebrating teachers around the country.
Following Menzel's performance of the U.S. National Anthem, the Canadian National Anthem will be performed by the Minnesota Orchestra Brass Quartet and Joe Nichols will sing "God Bless America'" leading up to the game. Both Nichols and Menzel's performances will be televised on FOX as part of their game broadcast.
Aloe Blacc will offer a performance on the field before the Home Run Derby on July 14, featuring songs "Wake Me Up" (on MLB Network at approximately 6:50 CT) and "Can You Do This" leading up to the opening of the derby on ESPN shortly after.
Panic! At the Disco will perform on June 13 as part of the All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game at Target Field. An additional ticketed music event featuring O.A.R. and Minnesota's own a capella group Home Free will take place outside of Target Field prior to Tuesday's All-Star Game.
Imagine Dragons will headline a music event Saturday, July 12 to kick off the All-Star festivities, joined by Minnesota's own hip hop group Atmosphere. Saturday night's performance will be followed by a fireworks show at Target Field.


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At Jackson Creek Manufacturing, Inc. we are proud to offer stainless steel and aluminum truck transportation units as well as Adoption/Rescue trailers, live traps and handling equipment. These units are designed especially for the animal control field with the comfort of animals and protection of Animal Control Officers in mind.
At Jackson Creek Manufacturing, Inc. we are proud to offer stainless steel Truck Kennels, Trailers and Toppers designed to meet the stringent requirements of our military customers. These units are designed to stand up to the severe conditions that can occur in the military Working Dog environment. We also offer aluminum and stainless portable kennels for military and police customers.
We are overstocked on some of traps and tote cages and are offering them at discounted pricing. This is your chance to restock your trap supply.
Thank you so much for stopping by! We hope you will explore our extensive web site and discover our complete range of aluminum dog boxes, live traps, and animal handling equipment, along with the many options available.


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The meaning of Christmas is different for everyone. From religious meanings to seeing loved ones opening gifts, to spending time with friends and family. For some Christmas may not conjure up such feelings of warmth and love. Christmas for some is a tough time of year when they are reminded of lost loved ones or they may not have all their friends and family around them.
Whatever Christmas means to you, use this time to do the things you want to do. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the time to enjoy the smaller things in life that we can all apprecicate just a little more at this time of year. Its not all about having a picture perfect pinterest worthy house, although I feel a little hypercrytical writing this as I'm such a lover of phototgraphy and capturing those special moments in time. What I think I'm trying to say is do whats right for you and don't feel the pressure to be a certain way.
For us Christmas is about spending time together as a family and enjoying the slow and more simplistic days. Eating and drinking way too much, spending the afternoons hybernating under a cosy blanket watching Christmas films with a big glass of baileys
Getting outdoors and taking a walk, this might be with friends and family, alone or just with the dog.
Light all the candles or pop on the fairy lights nothing says Christmas to me like a twinkle light.
Enjoy all the food, big dinners, relaxed supers its all about the food for us.
Taking a digital detox and enjoy some tech free time. Spending actual time with my family may seem like a strange thing to say but we often get so consumed in the digital world we forget to have proper conversations with people with live with and see daily.
Lazy mornings and pj days its all about enjoying the simple things this Christmas.
So all that is left for me to say is enjoy your Christmas however you choose to enjoy it. Do Christmas your way and enjoy the simple things it brings. This next week I'm going to be switching off, taking some time to finish off my shopping, wrap all the presents, buy all the food, catch up with friends and reading my Christmas books.
This year has brought a lot of change in terms of blogging, but I'm excited for what 2020 has in store, I'll be back in January rested and ready for a brand new year with lots of new content coming your way.
Just one last thing to say is thankyou to you all for sticking with me though my little wobble as I figured out where my blog was going.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.


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Library Mission
- Anticipate and respond to the students' need for information.
- Provide reading materials to meet the interests of all the students.
- Nurture a desire to read.
- Encourage lifelong learning.
The library is available to students and staff every school day from 8:00 until 3:30. Kindergarten through 5th grade students have weekly scheduled library time while 6th – 8th grade students use the library resources to support their studies. There are over 10,000 books in the library that are available for checkout for students in all grades. Students learn about the library and how it works including introducing the Dewey Decimal System, playing games and encouraging students to read a variety of books. Weekly book displays are used to springboard library lessons. The students learn to find books, re-file books and use the computer. Students are encouraged to read different genres of books and know about various authors.
Everyone is always welcome in the library, hope to see you soon!
Jeri-Su Prewitt


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Community Service Officers (CSOs) are an integral to the department, assisting officers on a daily basis. The CSO program aims to assist law enforcement students in preparing for a police officer career. CSOs are students who are enrolled in a two- or four-year law enforcement or criminal justice program. CSOs work part-time, approximately 20 hours a week. Many of our past CSOs have gone on to become officers with the Roseville Police Department or other law enforcement agencies.
· Handling domestic animal control (animals running at large, barking dog complaints, animal bites, etc.)
· Assisting with special events such as Night to Unite, Family Night Out, Shop with a Cop, Lunch in the Schools and other community outreach events
· Select enforcement of parking violations
· Assist police officers, EMS, and firefighters with traffic, crowd and scene control at accidents, major crime scenes and fire scenes
· Transporting prisoners to the law enforcement center
· flexible work schedules to accommodate for school
· tuition reimbursement
· mentoring from a department police officer
· specialized training opportunities
· Must be at least 18 years of age
· Must have a valid driver's license
· Currently enrolled in a two- or four-year law enforcement or criminal justice program
· Successfully pass an employment background investigation
· Preference is given to candidates who can demonstrate experience living in or interacting with and organizing diverse communities and/or have fluency speaking, reading and writing a second non-English language (Hmong, Karen, Somali, Spanish, or Thai are preferred).
Position postings are listed on Roseville's employment opportunities webpage. For additional information on the CSO positions, contact Deputy Chief Joe Adams.


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I'm in position. I've rocked forward, left leg in front, body planted on the right. Now I'm rocking back. My left knee rises, my right should cocks back, my elbow, and then my right hand follows. Now I explode like a spring, hurling every joule of available energy—from my leg, torso, shoulder, biceps, forearm, wrist,... Continue Reading →
Springs, Harmonic Motion, and the Zen of Recording First Flowering Date
Some time last year, the plants around our cabin started grabbing atoms from the air and soil. They jammed them together, then used solar energy to stick them into molecules that were no longer gas or liquid, but were solid. For the rest of the growing season, the plants doled out those molecules to whatever... Continue Reading →
Poison Oak: In It Up to My Elbows
When I chose to study the ecology of western poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum, also known as Rhus diversiloba), I knew I would have to learn how to minimize the risk of "getting poison oak" and of causing other people to get it (11, 12, 13, 14). Here I describe the nature and seriousness of the... Continue Reading →
Poison Oak: A Beautiful Plant "of Noe Very Ill Nature"
Chorus frogs are peeping, the trillium blooms have turned from white to purple, and leaves of all the deciduous plants are bursting forth in an orchestrated unfolding, filling, and spreading. And among the most beautiful displays is poison oak. Its buds open to crimson or red leaves that uncrinkle and spread. They stop at a... Continue Reading →


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The Ministry of Justice has launched its new website, where all Tribunal judgments will be published. There are already over 100 up on the site.
The cases are searchable by the name of the parties, the date, judgments or the type of claim it is.
This means that the names of employers and, indeed, employees who are involved in Employment Tribunal claims will now appear on-line.
Employers will be tempted to search the database to see whether any prospective employees have been involved in Tribunal proceedings. They should be aware of rules surrounding victimisation.


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Warby Parker Appeals to 'The Literary Life' in Second TV Ad
Warby Parker is kicking up its retro/intellectual vibe with its second TV ad, dubbed "The Literary Life Well Lived."
The 30-second commercial is glamorous and visually entertaining — a masculine, more adult version of Kate Spade's short films, which often feature young women with books, typewriters and bicycles. (Not coincidentally, the spot was created by the ad agency of Kate Spade cofounder Andy Spade.)
In Warby Parker's ad, bespectacled characters box in suits, play piano and drink liquor in book-lined living rooms. The last shot depicts a couple eating breakfast in bed, pages of the New York Times scattered about the bedspread.
The spot is a departure from Warby Parker's first TV ad (below), which billed itself as a smart business ("cuts out the middle man") that appeals to "stylish" eyeglass wearers.
Adweek's Gabriel Beltrone complains that the new spot has a "heavy-handed prep-school vibe" that "comes across as something of caricature of the artistic scene it's meant to celebrate." That's certainly fair, but if Warby Parker is giving off that vibe, at least the timing is appropriate: It is back-to-school season.
Image: Warby Parker


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Welcome Constellation Brands Employees!
The store you are trying to access is only available to employees.
As an employee of Constellation Brands, you are able to purchase MegaNatural®-BP for yourself and your family members. This includes products containing MegaNatural®-BP in formulations made by our valued customers, such as GNC, Swanson, etc. MegaNatural®-BP qualifies for the Constellation Brands Product Allowance Program, so save your receipt and submit through Concur for reimbursement
If you are from CA or NY, please login below
If you're from another state, please click here
Login Instructions
If you have an employee email address, you're already in the system and your credentials are below:
- Username: Your last name plus the last four digits of your social security number (eg: lastname1234). Please note that user requirements have changed and all employees with cbrands emails will need to use the new username format.
- Password: Your temporary password is the same as your username. Please change your password upon your first login.
If you do not have an employee email address, you will need to click the Register button to register an account. Your account will be routed for approval by a staff member prior to ordering product.
Once you have logged in you can click on a product to view the details and add it to your cart. Complete the checkout process as you would on any other online store.
If you qualify for the Constellation Brands Product Allowance Program, save your receipt and submit through Concur for reimbursement


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Furry Fighter
Tags: Animal Games / Fighting Games / Boxing Games / Cat Games / Action Games
Publisher: Dr-Games.com
Video Walkthrough
Choose your cat and enter the wrestling league of Suntown city. Upgrade your cat's skills and buy items from the inventory to power up your hero!
Press and hold mouse to gain power, then slide the mouse to your enemy to release the hit.
Embed this game
Share this game


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Provide your investigations the ability to build custom applications while reaping the benefits of a COTS application development platform.
With Appian, you can organize content and guide tasks to drive better decisions, speed time-to-resolution, improve services, and enable self-service.
Role-based security functions to ensure the right people are seeing the right investigative information, and only those people.
The Ability to Adapt on a Dime: Appian's Flexibility For Various Investigations


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Being a fan of refashioning, I have a thing for denim. It comes in a variety of looks, it is widely available on each one's closet and at the garage sales and barter shops, it's easy to sew and to maintain (almost no need to iron it and that's always a huge plus in my book!).
Are you asking me why?
Why not?
It comes in a variety of looks
It is widely available in each one's closet and at the garage sales and barter shops
It's easy to sew and to maintain (almost no need to iron it and that's always a huge plus in my book!).
I am sharing with you today a few useful links if you (like me) are in love with this fabric.
Let's get into
All the things Denim
First of all, let me share my new Craftsy blog post, all about creative ways to embellish your jeans (some are for handmade and some are perfect even on your store-bought ones!).
It ranges from beading to painting, going through a few interesting techniques you've more likely never thought to apply to a pair of jeans.
Please take a look and let me know which one is your favorite one (or if you have any other embellishment techniques you'd like to share with us – we're all ears- use the comment section below the blog post you can find here.)
And here is just one picture from the awesome Amanda's (TurtleBirdies) personal take into the Justin pants… just so you can warm your mouth! See more -> here <-
In the past, I've worked quite a lot with denim, taking part old jeans.
It's been a long learning journey, and here come my best tips for sewing with denim like a Pro:
Are you short on ideas? What should you do with that pile of old jeans you just can't throw away?
The following post was written for you! 40+ Ideas and tutorial for repurposing old jeans!
And here are a few of the things I've sewn, using old jeans as the main fabric. Which one is your favorite? I loved sewing Pam's fabric basket!


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Parents are important members of our school community whose role plays a vital part in the progress that their child will make in the school. We sincerely hope that parents will participate as much as they can in all of our activities and we welcome parental involvement at all times. In the first class parents' meeting of an academic session, a head parent and an assistant parent are elected among the volunteers by the parents of the class. Head parent and/or his/her assistant represent the class in Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meetings.
Aims of the PTA
- Foster positive relationships between the school and families pertaining to the wellbeing of the school community (students, parents, staff and faculty)
- To afford the study and discussion of all matters relating to the welfare of the children and to support and enrich teaching and learning experiences, recognizing that the Principal is the responsible authority in the school.
- To support the school's projects that aim to foster students' social responsibility and involvement in community service.
Code of Ethics of the PTA
The school PTA members pledge:
- To act with integrity, and do everything possible to maintain the dignity of the office of a school PTA member.
- To carry out duties objectively, and consider all information and opinions presented to the PTA in making decisions, without bias.
- To work with other PTA members in a spirit of respect, openness, cooperation and proper decorum, in spite of differences of opinion that may arise during debate.
- To express contrary opinion respectfully and honestly, and without making disparaging remarks, in or outside PTA meetings, about other PTA members or their opinions.
- To communicate, and conduct relationship with staff, the community, other schools and the media in a manner that focuses on facts.
- To keep confidential information obtained as a PTA member, and not to discuss those matters outside the meetings of the PTA.
- To endeavour to participate in PTA meetings to enhance one's ability in fulfilling obligations as a school PTA member.
To support the value of education, and will endeavour to participate, and encourage the parents in class to participate, in activities that support or promote education at Spectrum.


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The Manor House
Greenfield Road
Brunton Park
Newcastle upon Tyne
E: Mail this home
Transfer with ease
Contact us to find out our special
arrangements to ensure any transfer
from another care home is quick, hassle
free and without extra cost
Our ground floor Park Suite provides many clients with their own private front door and patio garden. It also boasts a beautiful Dining Bistro and Café as well as a fully equipped 'Village Shop', Library Room, Garden Lounge and Internet Corner
On our first floor, Brandling Suite clients can enjoy the benefit of a beautiful Dining Bistro and Café, Hairdressing and Beauty Salon, as well as the Royal George Lounge - a fully equipped residents bar.
Features of the Gallery Suite include a private residents Cinema and Wellness/Physiotherapy Suite.
Each of our spacious single rooms include private bathroom facilities and high quality bespoke fitted furniture including an integrated fridge.
Residents enjoy large south facing landscaped gardens including water features and a Pergola. Furthermore, a Bowling Green and Croquet Lawn are also available for residents to enjoy, all accessible from the Garden lounge.
The Manor House at Brunton Park, Gosforth is situated in the heart of a vibrant and bustling community. Surrounded by local amenities including a Post Office, various shops, a health centre, St Aidan's Church, a community centre and local travel links, our location will help residents to remain part of, and enjoy community life. Further a field, Gosforth High Street and Newcastle Racecourse are just a few minutes away by car or bus.
Residential Care
The Park and Brandling Suites are designed for clients to enjoy their own private accommodation within 'small living groups' allowing residents to maintain independence whilst at the same time ensuring 24 hour personal care is available and at hand when needed.
Dementia Care
We recognise the special needs of people with dementia and other memory impairments. With luxuriously appointed accommodation for just eleven people, 'Chesters' has been specifically and carefully designed as a small homely environment where non-uniformed, specially trained staff work alongside residents to help stimulate and support their lives in a non-institutional environment.


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Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka to throw bullpen this week
NEW YORK >> Masahiro Tanaka plans to throw a bullpen this week, the next step for the injured New York Yankees ace as he tries to overcome a recent setback.
New York manager Joe Girardi said Tanaka threw well Tuesday, and team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad diagnosed the right-hander with arm fatigue. Tanaka, hoping to avoid Tommy John surgery, was sent back to New York last weekend to work out and play catch at Yankee Stadium after feeling general soreness in his arm Friday, one day after he threw 49 pitches in a simulated game in Detroit.
Tanaka has been sidelined since July 9 with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, but the Yankees have been holding out hope that he can get back in time to contribute to a playoff push.
The Japanese sensation is 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA in his first major league season.
Tanaka was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Tuesday in a procedural move as the Yankees made a flurry of additions before their first game since active rosters expanded. He is now eligible to come off the DL next week.
New York called up catcher John Ryan Murphy, right-hander Preston Claiborne, right-hander Bryan Mitchell, right-hander Chase Whitley, right-hander Chaz Roe, left-hander Rich Hill, outfielder Antoan Richardson and outfielder Chris Young from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Right-hander Matt Daley was released and outfielder Zoilo Almonte was designated for assignment.
Young played 88 games this season with the crosstown Mets, batting .205 before he was cut last month.


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What kinds of injuries do you care for?
We can treat:
- Neck strains/sprains
- Shoulder strains/sprains
- Shoulder separations
- Elbow strains/sprains
- Elbow dislocations
- Wrist strains/sprains
- Wrist dislocations
- Back strains/sprains
- Back spasms
- Hip strains/sprains
- Hamstring strains/sprains
- Groin strains/sprains
- Knee strains/sprains
- Knee dislocations
- Ankle strains/sprains
- Ankle dislocations
This list is by no means all that we can treat. If you are uncertain as to whether we can help you we invite you to contact us. Many times we can determine over the phone if your condition could be benefited by our care.
Do you do surgery?
No. The fact is this. If you act responsibly when injured and are cared for properly, the need for surgical repair throughout your playing career becomes less likely. The vast majority of surgical repairs in sports result from situations (injuries) that are left to deteriorate over time. Never be fooled into thinking that because your pain went away your problem did too. If your injury isn't cared for it will return at a later time and in a worse way. We work very aggressively to achieve your full recovery and return you to play in the shortest amount of time.
Don't other doctors do what you do?
There are a few doctors that do some of the things that we do but there are none that do all of the things that we do for our athletes. You have our word on that.
What exactly do you do then that makes you different?
Time and space does not allow for all that would be needed to explain what we do as it's a result of many years of study combining the best from many health disciplines to create our program. I will tell you that nothing we do is harmful or illegal.
We're often asked how we've been so successful when treating injuries. One of the many methods I use includes using Chinese medicine. In this instance the ingredients I use are applied to the injured area which allows them to migrate slowly through the skin and accelerate the healing of acute and chronic injuries as well as injuries caused by overuse. This approach speeds up injury recovery by increasing blood flow and lymphatic circulation. It also accelerates the necrotic (dead or damaged/dying) tissue breakdown that has resulted from the injury as well as various other biological activities that are necessary for damage repair. For many of our patients noticeable pain reduction generally begins within a couple of hours when treating an acute condition.
For most minor injuries, an overnight recovery can be expected. With 2nd degree ankle sprains, muscle tears, AC joint separations that typically take up to one month to heal, we can achieve complete healing in as little as 5 days by using this approach. This is one of the major reasons we are privileged to have professional athletes coming to us from Europe and across the U.S. But hey, you don't have to be a professional athlete to get this kind of care for your injury. You're just as important to us as are they, so just give us a call. We're here to help you achieve, "the best performance of your life!"
Do I have to come to your office whenever I need to see you?
Not necessarily. In some instances where an injury "has just happened", we may need to come to you but in the meantime we'll direct you as to what you should be doing until we arrive. There are some situations when it's more beneficial for you to come to us. In any event, each circumstance is unique and dealt with accordingly but all are treated in the most expeditious manner.
What else do you do?
Our most popular service is by far the Sports Performance Program. It's in constant demand by athletes in virtually every sport. Because of the nature of this program it must be done during the athlete's off-season. With the extensive testing and the amount of information that is needed to create the program, it is necessary for the individual to be at our facility at least four days. While here it is recommended that you take advantage of the discounted rates and shuttle service to and from our office provided by the DAYS INN, "the official hotel of PRO SPORTS DOC", by mentioning that you're one of our athletes.
You're called "ProSportsDoc". Does that mean that only professional athletes can come to you?
No. Currently we treat high school, college, world class/olympians, and semi-pro athletes as well as the professionals. Some are vying for scholarships, some for contracts, but all want improved performance.
Do you limit your care to only one sport?
No. We help basketball, volleyball, soccer, football and tennis players, golfers, track and field athletes,, marksman, wrestlers, race car drivers and cyclists to name just a few. Our specialty is the ability to improve human performance regardless of what position is played or what sport the individual competes in.
What are your fees?
The extent of the care to be provided varies from athlete to athlete. After our initial phone conversation we'll be able to determine an estimated cost for the care you'll be receiving as well as your room and board fees. Please know that this is not an exact fee. It will however give you an idea of your total cost and is provided for you with no obligation on your part.
What if I have other questions?
We invite you to contact us through our Contact us page. We'll see to it that any and all questions you submit are answered as quickly as our schedule permits and I assure you that all will be answered honestly. We will never take advantage of your situation or you and we will always maintain the highest level of integrity and the strictest level of confidence. You have our word.


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As I've talked about many times over the years, there are many accomplished directors whose work is easy to spot. Essentially, several filmmakers possess a very unique and identifiable style of which they simply filter through whatever story and subject matter they are currently tackling. British filmmaker Guy Ritchie turned heads with his indie darlings "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" (1998) and "Snatch" (2000), as both films featured a shooting and editing style that appeared fresh and gave his work a vibrant edge over what was being produced at the time. This ultimately resulted in what has been a successful 20 year career behind the camera, hallmarked by 2009's "Sherlock Holmes" and the subsequent 2011 sequel "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows". But sometimes a filmmaker's style and template are not a fit with the material, a costly mistake now being realized with Ritchie's latest film, the $175 million "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword".
Billed by some within Warner Brothers as "Game of Thrones on steroids", the Medieval extravaganza stars "Sons of Anarchy" alum Charlie Hunnam in the title role in a retelling of the age old story. Problem is, creating a muscled up "Game of Thrones" knock off is not exactly projecting what it is audiences crave about the uber popular HBO series. In hearing that statement and watching "King Arthur", I've come to the conclusion the filmmakers intended on outdoing the action set pieces on "Game of Thrones" with a bigger budget and film studio level resources in the hope that fans of the award winning show would happily consume their story as well, leading to a massive global box office take. And that line of thinking always surprises me, since anyone who watches "Game of Thrones" will tell you it's the well developed characters, of whom we both root for and despise, that catapults the show to the heights it currently enjoys. In "Game of Thrones", a character death, villain or otherwise, brings forth real emotion to the viewer. "King Arthur" features plenty of characters who die, and you won't care about a single one of them, nor will you remember their names.
Ritchie's clunky narrative, born from a screenplay written by himself and co-writers Joby Harold and Lionel Wigram, tells the origin story of Arthur (Charlie Hunnam), who as a little boy barely escapes the wrath of his uncle, Vortigern (Jude Law), after his father's kingdom is maliciously overtaken. The opening sequence is pure modern CGI spectacle as giant elephants carrying an army led by an evil Mage descends on Camelot in an attempt to overthrow the sitting King, Uther (Eric Bana). Of course while defending the Kingdom, Uther never considers he is about to be betrayed by his younger brother, Vortigern, even as he successfully deploys his magical sword, Excalibur, to stave off the impending threat. His inability to see his brother's ambitions leads to his downfall, but his son, Arthur, manages to get away and remains the rightful King of England.
Ritchie stages a five minute sequence following the opening credits in which we see Arthur grow up within the unfriendly and treacherous confines of a brothel. It's an oddly creative portion of the film since it is driven by Daniel Pemberton's string and percussion heavy music score and contains no dialogue. Instead, Ritchie and editor James Herbert, present this part of Arthur's life as a hard edged music video, giving us slow motion glimpses of how he survived on the streets and his dependency on the ability to fist fight as he grows into the man now old enough to obtain his birthright. Problem is, he doesn't want it. And even after the classic scene in which he successfully pulls Excalibur from the stone, he is intimidated by the sword's power and doesn't seem to be up to the responsibilities that come with it.
As the story moves on, we meet a band of rebels who know of Arthur's birthright and intend on mentoring him as he begins to realize his destiny. One of these guys, Bill, is played by Aidan Gillen, who "Game of Thrones" fans know as Littlefinger. And Gillen plays the role wearing the same Medieval garb and utilizing the same accent he does in the show. As I watched each and every scene he is in, all I could think about was what Littlefinger's end game is with Sansa in the upcoming Season 7, with the last thing on my mind being his character's function in this film. I think he's some of kind of archer who has a ax to grind with the King, but who knows? Also not helping matters is the story's construction, which utilizes the same technique as the third act of "Ocean's 11" where we get a bunch of guys in a room discussing how they're gonna do something as their plan unfolds visually on screen. Ritchie employs this storytelling tactic at least a half dozen times, spoon-feeding every ounce of the character's motives to the audience as if we are too dumb to figure it out on our own. What results is no suspense and a very predictable outcome. Furthermore, the filmmakers owe a substantial (and I mean substantial) debt to both "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Matrix" for their designs of characters, settings, and fight choreography, as Vortigern in his most evil concoction looks like someone Sauromon might have dispatched to do his dirty work and his battle with Arthur, as well as Arthur's fight scenes with his minions, have the same "bullet time" appearance as the many battles between Neo and Agent Smith.
This isn't to say "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" is a terrible film, it's not. At times, Ritchie's style works fine, but he and his screenwriters should've invested more in the characters and perhaps considered hiring a more established star for the title role while avoiding actors like Gillen who is currently typecast in a better more refined role. The action set pieces are impressive and contain many of Ritchie's signature creative touches, but the connective tissue between them is what's missing. The final scene clearly indicates plans for a sequel, but considering the financial hit "King Arthur" is going to take, a less costly and more character driven outing may be just what this series needs to continue. In other words, try being yourself instead of hinging your success on whether or not you can appeal to those who are fans of the best show on television. GRADE: C-


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(Reuters) - United Airlines UAL.O pilots said they refuse to budge on the wording of their contract governing the outsourcing of regional flights.
President of the U.S. No. 3 carrier, Scott Kirby, has called for changes to the so-called "scope clause" which sets guidelines on the size of planes that can be operated by regional feeder carriers, among other things.
A scope clause restricts planes heavier than 86,000 pounds (39,000 kg) with more than 76 seats from regional routes, where pilots are generally paid less than their mainline counterparts.
"We are holding the line," said Todd Insler, chairman of the unit of the Air Line Pilots Association that represents United pilots. "We have no intention of degrading scope."
The United negotiations are being watched by other airlines entering labor talks, along with commercial planemakers Embraer SA EMBR3.SA of Brazil and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd 7011.T of Japan, which are building new planes that are too heavy to be flown by regional carriers because they exceed the scope clause weight.
A United spokeswoman on Friday referred to earlier remarks by Kirby. Kirby has said changing the scope clause would make the carrier more competitive against rivals American Airlines AAL.O and Delta Air Lines DAL.N.
Insler disagreed with that.
"We won't use regional jets to disadvantage our mainline employees, pilots, flight attendants, anyone else," Kirby told analysts at a conference earlier this month. "Having competitive scope, however, is really important to being the best. We can't have one hand tied behind our back and try to compete with AA and Delta."
Pilots have asked United to shift flights from regional carriers to the main airline because smaller carriers use less-efficient 50-seater planes and have faced problems recruiting pilots in a competitive market, according to Insler.
Major carriers have generally been reluctant to make regional flights part of the mainline operations, citing higher costs. "It's very difficult to make those aircraft work at any mainline airline," United Chief Financial Officer Gerald Laderman told analysts at a conference earlier this month.
Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal; additional reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago; editing by Bill Rigby and Diane Craft
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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Love being the party hero but hate remembering to bring stuff? Just bring ya' fine self and leave the rest to us! Watch Ya' Mouth Party Rescue Pack stows conveniently in any car compartment. Leave it in there and whip it out when the moment feels right.
Like a fine boxed wine, the Party Rescue Pack pairs perfectly with our Android and iOS mobile apps. Two QR codes are printed inside, so noobs can DL the apps like that. 'Cause you never know when you might want to pry open your friends' mouths and have some fun! #PartyRescuePack
Watch Ya' Mouth Party Rescue Pack comes with:
10 Clear Cheek Retractors in 2 Sizes
- 6 regular for grownup bigmouths
- 4 small for pint-sized puckers
- CE and FDA certified
Watch Ya' Mouth NSFW (not safe for work) Pack #1
- 143 depraved, explicit phrases
- Warning: may be too intense for some players. For ages 18+
1 Zip-Around Semi-Rigid EVA Foam Storage Case
- Interior mesh pocket to separate sizes
- Mouthpiece insertion instructions with Android and iOS QR codes
Buy our Party Rescue Pack and download the Watch Ya' Mouth mobile app for instant gameplay:
- 2500+ phrases in the app!
- FREE (In-App Purchases)
- NEW Expansion Packs
- Automatic Scorekeeping
- 2-4 Teams (Unlimited Players)
Cheek Retractor Cleaning Options:
- Hand wash with antibacterial dish detergent and hot water
- Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
- Boil for 3-5 minutes


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In case you missed some of our products the first go around, or you've been sitting on the fence about them, we'll compile the monthly reviews of our products into one blog post each month.
The full reviews can be found with the products (linked to in the product name), and in some cases, on the reviewer's own blog (linked to the reviewers name).
We seem to have been exceptionally quiet the last few months. We've rolled out a couple of products recently, but to-date none have been reviewed.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on any of our products, and we'd be happy to provide review copies to those who are interested in sharing their opinions and/or accounts of our products in play.
Non-Dire Rugrat Products
Sometimes the authors here at Dire Rugrat Publishing get the opportunity to work on projects for other companies.
We missed the boat last month and didn't see this review, so we'll share this month instead! Part of a much larger project, the campaign guide for The Faerie Ring was released back in August and Kelly's name appears with many notable industry writers including Wolfgang Baur, Ben McFarland, Stephen Rowe, J Gray and so many more.
The Faerie Ring: Along the Twisting Way Campaign Guide
By Customer Name Withheld
3 Stars
"A bit of a confusing book, but is an intersting read….. The book is ambitious as it tries to redfine the fey, by expanding and classifying various fey lineages in its bestiary section."
"Looking forward to the other books they have planned."
Like free stuff? Like writing reviews?
If you write a review of one our products, contact us with the link and let us know! You could score yourself a discount on your choice of one of our products!


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Dear Journalists,
Welcome to the FRAPA website. If you have any questions concerning the organisation, format protection and the international format market, please do not hesitate to contact Claire den Dekker, Manager FRAPA or Melanie Douglas, Account Manager FranklinRae.
Our board members are always delighted to give interviews and provide information on the aims of FRAPA.
Claire den Dekker