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An example selection of currently available tobacco packs
The 2010 film The King's Speech was a national triumph. So at Cancer Research UK we're dismayed to have to report that we're not exactly rolling out the red carpet for yesterday's Queen's Speech.
In fact, quite the opposite.
The Queen's Speech – which outlined the Government's focus for the next year – has, shockingly, left plans to put tobacco products in plain, standardised packaging, on the cutting room floor.
The government has thus failed to deliver on a policy that would help protect children from a product that has no safe level of consumption.
So today, nine months since its consultation closed in August 2012, we're left hanging, still waiting for the government to make a clear statement of its intentions.
In that time more than 150,000 children have started smoking – the beginning of an addiction that kills half its long-term users.
In light of this disappointing decision, we wanted to outline, clearly and simply, which organisations support this measure. Also we thought it worth exposing the vested interests of its opponents. This is all worth knowing, because this fight isn't over; this is not "The End".
A quick recap
Along with scores of other health organisations, Cancer Research UK has been campaigning for new laws to put all tobacco products in plain, standardised packs.
This isn't about discouraging current smokers. It's about discouraging children from starting – something the evidence shows standard packs will be effective in doing. This is because tobacco packs are the last remaining 'public space' left for the tobacco industry to advertise their brands.
As you might expect, the tobacco industry has vehemently opposed this idea – opposition that flies in the face of widespread support from across society.
On the one hand…
Protecting the public health of its citizens should be a top priority for any government.
There is clear support for standardised tobacco packs from the public, and from the public health and welfare community at both national and international levels.
Let's look at who's backing the campaign:
- 63 per cent of UK adults support removing all branding from cigarette packs, with just 16 per cent opposed.
- More than 200,000 people support standard packs campaigns – 80,000 of which showed their support through Cancer Research UK's campaign.
- 190 health and welfare organisations support standard packs. These include Royal Medical Colleges, the British Medical Association and charities such as the British Heart Foundation.
- 85 per cent of people back government action to reduce the number of young people who start smoking.
The World Health Organisation is clear that marketing of tobacco products "encourages current smokers to smoke more, decreases their motivation to quit, and urges youth to start" – and make no mistake, the branding on cigarette packs is marketing.
Our standard packs campaign was a Mumsnet feature campaign in 2012 because parents believe it is important to protect their children from tobacco marketing.
The Trading Standards Institute, EU anti-fraud office representative and Greater Manchester's Police and Crime Commissioner have dismissed tobacco industry claims that standard packs will increase the illicit trade.
…but on the other:
In keeping with years of deceit about the deadly harms and addictiveness of their products, the tobacco industry has financed a number of third-party organisations to oppose the policy.
Throughout their opposition to standard packs, industry and pro-tobacco groups have relied on facts and figures drawn from several key sources, leaving the declaration of vested interests for others to discover. So here are just a few:
- KPMG have produced several reports that claim the illicit tobacco trade is growing: these reports were paid for by the world's largest tobacco company, Philip Morris International. But they contradict the Government's own figures.
- Transcrime have also produced reports on the illicit tobacco trade: these are also funded by Philip Morris, and report strikingly similar findings
- The Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest), are a pro-smoking group that has opposed any legislation intended to reduce smoking rates: they are supported by British American Tobacco (BAT), Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Imperial Tobacco.
- Forest has, in turn, used their own single-issue front-group Hands Off Our Packs (HOOPS) to oppose standard packs: they receive the same veiled support from BAT, JTI and Imperial tobacco.
- The Intellectual Property (IP) firm, Rouse, have written articles which look at the implications for brands' intellectual property: last week the firm amended their client list, removing Japan International Tobacco, but helpfully staff biographies list tobacco clients among them.
- The Common Sense Alliance includes many members who have spoken out against standard packs: among them, former-police officers who had given evidence to the House of Lords. The Observer reported the Common Sense Alliance is funded by BAT – something the former officers failed to declare.
In July 2012, JTI announced that they would be committing £2m to a campaign opposing standard packs, placing several adverts in national publications throughout and beyond the consultation period. To date the Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that two separate ads are "misleading" and "unsubstantiated".
A quick note on smuggling: one of the most persistent and widely aired myths in the industry's campaign. As we heard from a current Trading Standards Officer on this very blog, "plain packs won't encourage smuggling".
The illicit cigarette market has been falling since its peak in the early 2000s, yet the tobacco industry claims the illicit trade is 'booming' (which a parliamentary report noted is "contrary to the available statistics").
Even their representatives (the Tobacco Manufacturers Association) accept that the consumption of illicit tobacco in the UK is falling.
When you look at the whole package, this collaboration, and extent of this deception is like something out of a Hollywood script.
What happens next?
Although the Government missed the chance to announce standard packs in the Queen's speech, there are still opportunities to introduce standard packs legislation in this session and let Parliament decide.
So we need to move fast. Email your MP today and ask them to do the right thing: introduce standardised cigarette packs and put the health of our children ahead of tobacco industry profits.
If all of us stand united in the fight against cancer, our voices will be louder and clearer than any campaign the tobacco industry can mount.
The irony of it all
The irony of this all is that shiny and glamorous branded tobacco packets are the perfect metaphor for the tobacco industry's tactics throughout this campaign.
Their reports and websites look the part; they slap a logo on them, and spend huge amounts to promote them, to as wide an audience as possible. But when you open the page, much like opening a pack of cigarettes, all you find inside is a toxic concoction that flatters to deceive.
It is easy to be frustrated, agitated and angry with the government's failure to back up a commitment to reducing preventable mortality, by ignoring a measure that will reduce the appeal of an addiction that causes one in every four cancer deaths in the UK.
In this regal speech, which laid out this government priorities, it appears that a supporting cast of tobacco industry proxies have won the day.
This stuttering progress can be overcome, and we will urge the government to ignore the profit-driven interests of the tobacco industry, and instead move to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
Ultimately, we think this is a policy for which they would be celebrated, resonating with the assured words of King George VI that 'the highest of distinctions is service to others'.
- Chris Woodhall is a tobacco control officer at Cancer Research UK
anita drewett May 14, 2013
Why on earth does anyone think that A PACKET makes someone want to do it – 'tis the fricking parents – I am one of those fricking parents who smoked in 1965 at the age of 10 because my parents did – 2 out of my 3 children smoke SO – NOTHING TO DO WITH SODDING PACKAGING – I smoked thru' all 3 pregnancies – I didn't know it was crap in those days – no-one was told – my daughter knows now that she a) has to give up and b) especially before she gets pregnant xxxxx OK we have been told, but it has destroyed all the pubs in the land – Isn't anyone else fed up with being told how to live their lives?????
junican May 12, 2013
@ JDR on May 10, 2013 at 8:49 pm.
"Smoking in the UK kills more people than overdoses, murder, road accidents, suicide and HIV put together and causes 4 out of 5 lung cancer cases."
No it does not.
There…. You see? Your statement is as easily denied as it is stated.
Where is your physical proof that smoking causes any disease at all? There simply is none. If you say that epidemiological studies prove your statement, then you should read up about the McTear versus Imperial Tobacco Case in Scotland (ended 2005). There, Tobacco Control had every opportunity to bring their evidence before the court. They failed to do so. In fact, they were invited to do so but refused.
Brian May 12, 2013
I read somewhere that 80% of people with lung cancer were non smokers. I've no idea whether that is true.
I do remember an American doctor on the news some years ago, saying that because of the emphasis on smoking, it was difficult to find out what caused lung cancer in non smokers.
PJ May 12, 2013
One of the reports is here: http://lungcancer.about.com/b/2012/11/29/why-anti-smoking-campaigns-arent-enough-to-eliminate-lung-cancer-deaths.htm
Can't be any clearer than that can it but CRUK and their own praiseworthy's cannot bear to publish such truths!
Nobody says that all cancers are caused by smoking but the junk science does its very best to include as many different types of cancer as possible into the "smoking dunnit" syndrome.
As for the letter, I have no idea how to put it on here but the part that matters is here (word verbatim): "When the public donate to us, we pledge that donations will strictly go towards reasearching cancer". I think that statement is clear enough JDR, don't you?
What part of £468,000 on lobbying Government for Plain Packaging (and being part of a totally corrupt campaign) does that apply as "strictly towards researching cancer"?
CRUK no doubt started out with the best of intentions but they have now simply become a political tool for other hate quangos such as ASH.
Funny how a Parkinsons Disease charity has reinforced smoking as retarding the disease: http://www.forces.org/evidence/evid/parkinson.htm
M19 makes a very valid point indeed regarding Obesity which costs the NHS 2.5 x's the cost of smoking related diseases and what imput to Treasury coffers do the obese make in comparison to smokers £10.5bn per annum?
You carry on with your silly tirades against those who choose to smoke and thus pay for the NHS but when you have eradicated all smoking/smokers in this country it will will be no good crying over the fact that this country is irrevocably broke. Simply look at unemployment figures in the EU to see what is happening thanks to smoking bans & intolerance!
Brian June 21, 2013
Very interesting PJ. My brother-in-law is an anti smoking fanatic. We think he may have Parkinsons. My late mother-in-law was forced to give up smoking by well meaning relatives. As she was going into dementia, she had no say in the matter. She gained so much weight, she developed diabetes. It was the diabetes that killed her.
Train Stationer May 12, 2013
In a stratified study of 76,000 mineworkers published last year, of which 49% were smokers, the incidence of lung cancer was found to be 7 x greater in non-smokers
Dick Puddlecote May 10, 2013
I will have a bet with you right now, if you'll take it. I suggest £100 but you can raise that if you like.
You are using out-of-date government figures for your assertion that illicit trade isn't increasing. I expect politicians already know the true *current* figures which is why they have recently held their first parliamentary enquiry into the subject.
So, my bet is that when figures are finally presented by the ONS or any other govt institution (there is always a lag), that they will prove there has been a dramatic rise in illicit since last year's budget. To win the bet for you, there only needs to be a stagnation or a reduction.
So, how much money are you willing to back up your campaigning rhetoric with? ;)
Richard rendell May 10, 2013
Let's put a health warning on everything it' s about time we starting making decisions for our selves, there are so many things that affect our health, let's make parents responsible for their children and not the state a waste of advertising and money. Be Resonsible for your own actions for once in your life
Ivan May 10, 2013
JDR makes a very important point in that CRUK is a real charity that relies on donations. However it is generally true that it does not make clear at point of donation that donors money may be used for political purposes or siphoned off to pay the likes of Deborah Arnott. I personally view that as dishonest.
It doesn't matter that only a small percentage of donations are used for advocacy. If that advocacy associates CRUK with a dirty authoritarian political campaign it tarnishes everyone associated with the charity including the talented researchers who actually do something useful.
JDR May 10, 2013
Good to see you have ignored the part about you being wrong about government funding!
OK simply… Smoking in the UK kills more people than overdoses, murder, road accidents, suicide and HIV put together and causes 4 out of 5 lung cancer cases. Cancer Research UK have never said that smoking causes all cancers! You are just completely exaggerating/twisting anything that they do say! Before you comment on here please at least get your facts right. Also it would be great if you could upload this letter you have in front of you, seeing as the website is quite clear about what happens to donations… 80% of each £1 goes to research the rest is used on information nurses, a help line and lobbying policies THAT SUPPORT THE AIM TO BEAT CANCER! They do amazing research without which many people including myself would not be alive today.
If you loath the work of a charity trying to beat cancer and bring hope to millions of people, then don't come on the website, don't dedicate so much time to replying on their posts there are plenty of pro tobacco pages for you and your pals.
M19 May 10, 2013
How many people does obesity kill in a year ….and sugar content in manufactured products…..CR-UK think they are the guardians of public health…they are not !!….no more subscriptions from me !!
JDR May 10, 2013
PJ CR-UK don't receive any government funding, and the large majority of money is spent on research, with a small amount being used for information nurses, a help line and lobbying policies THAT SUPPORT THE AIM TO BEAT CANCER! you can read more about it here since i'm sure you wouldn't want to misquote would you?!
PJ May 10, 2013
JDR-I have a letter in front of me which categorically states that ALL donations go directly to RESEARCH. Now you tell me how small £468,000 is, when it is amassed from thousands of people who chuck a few spare bits of small change in the begging bowls thrust at them!
The fact that Crook actually fund ASH & others is nothing but an insult to those very same people above merntioned.
And then you hit the jackpot with "THAT SUPPORT THE AIM TO BEAT CANCER". Now YOU tell me and all the other people that don't believe your bilge, if smoking rates are slowly declining yet cancer cases are constantly rising (889 per day at the moment-soon to be 899!) what are CROOK lobbying against smoking for when it is blatantly obvious that smoking is not the major cause of all these 200+ forms of cancer?
Any ideas JDR?
Andrew Rolls May 10, 2013
But Gina………… The packaging issue IS PART of CRUK's education incentive!
I firmly believe in the proverb uttered by a Chinese educationalist many years ago……… "I hear, and I forget; I see, and I remember; I do, and I understand." And… before anyone shoots me down in flames….. I hasten to add that I'm NOT advocating that kids try smoking so that they will understand how bad it is for them, so much as the fact that non-smoking youngsters will hopefully be fascinated by, and handle and absorb, the messages on the packets of their parents, friends, or relatives! :-) Nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh? :-)
CRUK……. Is an online petition worth considering, or has it been done already?
– Andrew.
Gina May 10, 2013
If CRUK had an effective education policy in place, the packaging issue would be irrelevant.
Tackling the obsession with fast food, sugary drinks plus the addictive lure of alcohol, smoking and drugs are key.
Youngsters need self respect and self awareness to form a positive choice. They follow bad habits initiated by adults.
Informative education and more positive role models would help. Encouraging a healthier lifestyle needs to be more appealing to youngsters. Opportunities for activities need to be affordable and interesting.
Some will choose to smoke etc, but provided with the right type of venues, with activities, offering affordable good food choices might just keep others distracted.
PJ May 10, 2013
Gina….. that is the most sensible post on here-congratulations! Clive Bates always said that education was the way forward for tobacco cessation yet that abominable woman, Deborah aArnott, came in with a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. Tobacco usage ha already dwindled from 70% (1950's) to around 25% (2005) through exactly those means but Arnott wnated to make a name for herself, thus conned Blairs gov't into believing that SHS was more toxic than sarin gas.(http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2006/jul/19/health.healthandwellbeing). She alone has promoted cigarette smoking more than any other and has lived a 'fat life' on the back of the World health Organisations desire to eradicate smoking/smokers. As has been rightly pointed out on here by several 'normal' people, CRUK have been sucked into the political web of lies & deceit when they should have been spending the £433,000,000 they got last year on research-and that is why they will never get another penny from me again either!
Kids see all this hype about hiding a product and promptly go out in search of this 'forbidden fruit' so all the good educational work that is done by some, is totally UNDONE by the likes of ASH, FRESH et al.
These quangos should be removed from government support funding, they are (supposedly) charities so let's see just how much they would receive from the general public! I'll bet that suych as Arnott/Dockrell wouldn't hang around to long when they realised the gravy train had been removed due to austerity measures!
PJ May 10, 2013
Well, well, well, it would seem that another VERY prominent charity disagrees with the present status quo and a little bit more truth seeps out! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2322050/Eating-peppers-twice-week-reduce-risk-Parkinsons-Disease-THIRD.html
It is definitely time to ban these wasteful quangos and redirect their funding to our glorious NHS !
Brian May 10, 2013
We have two daughters. when they were teenagers, we did not want them to start smoking, even though we smoked. They were well aware of the dangers of smoking, drugs,alcohol and unsafe sex. Its not all about smoking.
Ironically my youngest daughter did a science project about the affects of smoking and then we found out she had started smoking. She stopped in her mid twenties when she was pregnant with her first child and has not smoked since. She is now in her late thirties. My eldest daughter has never smoked.
The point is, teenagers eventually grow up and they have learn for themselves. You cannot bully, scare or frighten them into making the right choices.
TTR May 10, 2013
There's an enormous amount of valuable experience from around the world of different types of tobacco regulation. Why won't the health lobby do proper scientific research into what works and what doesn't? Instead, they seem much more interested in enagaging in a virility contest to get the most hyperactive and draconian measures enacted. The lack of any interest in researching the impact of existing measures such as graphical health warnings, smoking bans and punitive taxation is staggering and really makes you wonder whether these people really care about health outcomes. Its very sad that organisations like CRUK have become highjacked by campaigning zealots when resources could be better deployed on bringing new insight into the causes and cancer and how to prevent it. Regarding plain packaging, 'an attitude survey of five teenagers from Glasgow' is no evidence basis for a policy with such far-reaching collateral risk (illict trade, etc).
Brian May 10, 2013
These packets would not have been plain would they? They would have been covered with vile, disgusting graphic images. Think of the children. I don't think so. How distressing do you think would these images would be for children, but then I think they're meant to distress, children and smokers.


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Cornell Dining is now responsible for concession operations at Cornell Athletics facilities, and Cornell Catering will manage events at Moakley House, the clubhouse at Cornell University's Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Cornell Concessions began serving hungry Big Red fans at this past weekend's men's basketball and women's ice hockey games in Bartels Hall and Lynah Rink, there was a selection of snacks and drinks at Schoellkopf Field for the men's lacrosse home opener, and Cornell Catering will be operating at Moakley House beginning March 1st and opening the clubhouse on April 1st.
Cornell Catering is a unit of Cornell Dining, part of Cornell University's Division of Student & Campus Life. "What a great opportunity to team up with our divisional partners in Cornell Athletics," says Dustin Cutler, director of Cornell Dining, "and a chance to show off Catering at its best." Cornell Catering offers formal banquets for thousands, elegant weddings for hundreds, or intimate dinners for a few.
"We believe that Cornell Dining will provide excellent quality, selection, service, and affordability" to meet the event needs of campus partners and external clients, says Cindy Jefferson, director of strategic sourcing at Cornell Procurement and Payment Services. Cornell Catering has agreed to honor "outstanding contracts for catering and events, including pricing," that had been planned with Premiere Catering, the previous provider at Moakley House.
Cornell Catering operations manager Margaret Bruns will spearhead the new off-campus catering operation.
"Moakley House is such a wonderful venue for team banquets, family reunions, weddings, and other events," she says, "and we can't wait to create the best possible experiences for our guests right next to a picturesque golf course."
Cornell Concessions, led by Evan Fabrizio, dining manager, will provide a full range of snacks, meals, and beverages at Big Red games, finishing up the winter season at Bartels Hall and expanding into additional concession sites next month for Cornell's spring sports season.

subset: commoncrawl


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Mexico's El Universal newspaper reports that 95 per cent of the about 22,000 executions from December 2006 to April 201
Commit murder in Mexico and you are more than likely to get away with it.
Some people may think that this is added reason to take the in-laws to Acapulco next year, but the reality has little to do with white sand beaches and ocean spray.
In June, Mexico's El Universal newspaper reported that 95 per cent of the about 22,000 executions from December 2006 to April 2010 have not been investigated. While a study by the Trans-Border Institute at the University of San Diego, said in May that between one and two per cent of rising "common" crime and crime linked to criminal gangs resulted in a sentence in 2008. That is of the estimated less than 25 per cent of crime that was actually reported, and takes into account those who give themselves up, the clear cut cases, and so on. Two per cent, of 25 per cent, of at least 5,500 murders, thousands of stabbings, rapes, etc.
The international media reports the vast majority of Mexico's often horrific crime incidents and rates as "Drug Violence" and little more. Only in a few cases has attention been paid to the breakdown of society and effect on people's lives. This drug violence appears to preclude outrageous crime from being reported as such, hidden behind what the gatekeepers see as homogenised criminality. The blockade of Monterrey barely received attention, but it was the equivalent of trucks shutting off a city with the population the size of Manchester's or Vancouver's, and was in the industrial centre of one of the largest economies in Latin America.
Scant context is provided of how government institutions are providing little resistance to the all-encompassing drugs cartels.
Maureen Meyer, of the Washington Office on Latin America, told me that when Felipe Calderon, the president, began a crackdown on the drugs gangs in December 2006, by adding tens of thousands of military personnel to the streets, the weakness of government institutions was not taken into account.
This weakness means that police do not start investigations or evidence is not taken down correctly. Arrests are not made or cases not brought to court. The judiciary appears to not have the will or capacity to prosecute and convict people for crimes.
Meyer said that the low prosecution rate means there is little disincentive to commit a crime in Mexico, a particular problem in a country where about seven hugely powerful drugs gangs are vying for control.
The judiciary has a host of problems from lengthy and inefficient proceeding, that regularly leave suspects of low level crime in jail for years as they await trial, cited inadequate defence teams and a lack of transparency. Some sources state that more than 40 per cent of the prison population in Mexico is inmates waiting for a final verdict. One study has also shown that 80 per cent of defendants interviewed in one state were not able to speak to a judge during their criminal proceedings.
Mexico's police service is also blighted by corruption and poor skills, impacting upon investigations. Evidence is regularly unprotected or not gathered impeding justice. There has traditionally been a separation between patrol and crime prevention work and investigations, meaning that officers employed in the former do not have skills or responsibility for the latter.
Members of the police force are faced with nepotism, dangerous working conditions and bad pay, typically pushing them towards corruption.
Mitofsky, a polling firm, found that the police are one of the least respected of Mexico's institutions – after political parties, legislators and unions – due to perceived corruption, criminality or incompetence. Only one in 10 Mexicans said they had some or more confidence in the force.
Much of the situation in Mexico stems from the country being barely 10 years out of one-party rule. Development of the judiciary was hampered under 71 years of rule by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRE), it being very close to the government.
When this all encompassing dictatorship in all but name was voted out, power vacuums emerged at all levels of government and in most of its institutions, which criminal gangs are said to have exploited.
Where the PRI had once commanded local mayors, judiciaries and press, criminal groups positioned themselves.
Latterly this has coincided with the US helping to close off the traditional Caribbean drugs smuggling route from Colombia to the US, increasing work for Mexican gangs.
So while failures continue, it has to be remembered that the development of anything resembling a democratic police force and professional, independent judiciary is hugely difficult in a decade in a country the size of Mexico.
This size causes problems in coordinating anti-crime work. Municipal, state and federal governments are seen as poorly linked and in some cases it is unclear who has jurisdiction for particular crimes. This means that regularly crimes are not properly investigated by any authority.
In an attempt to address the violence and impunity across the country, Congress initiated legislative and constitutional reforms in 2008 to be implemented throughout the country by 2016.
These reforms included stricter criminal procedures for defence, retraining judges and lawyers and professionalising the police force, at federal and state levels.
The federal government is to increase investment in training, equipment and improving the integrity of the police force. Billions of dollars have been directed to this at local and state levels, but in many cases the money has so far gone unspent. In Guanajuato, Quintana Roo and Jalisco states about 90 per cent of allowances from the Public Security and Assistance Fund were left unspent in 2009.
This ineffective and slow pace of reform has led to criticisms that the proposed changes are too much, too soon for Mexico. The breadth and size of the 2008 reforms are huge, with no estimate for the total necessary funds to fulfill them. Coaxing state and federal authorities into initiating them could be difficult enough.
The deadline of 2016 will seem distant for Mexicans living amid the violence, but it is unlikely to be met, leaving those in Acapulco to look after themselves for many more years.
Follow Rhodri Davies on Twitter: @rhodrirdavies


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Two high quality, high capacity, and low weight (5.2 oz ea) 5 cell NiMh pack with Hitec male universal connector for your CDI ignition system or flight pack. 2000 Mah capacity each. Save $2 when you purchase a two pack!
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The Bronx Butcher
Season 4 • Episode 7
When FBI Special Agent Mike Clarke begins an Albanian serial murder investigation, his efforts leads to The Bronx, NY and the unsolved murder of Mary Beal. The NYPD and the FBI find themselves on the hunt for a possible intercontinental killer.
43 min||Premiered 04/02/2014


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Aliens Vs Predator's gripping story unfolds on Planet BG-386 which has been colonised by the Weyland Yutani Corporation; its dense jungles bulldozed to make way for a small population of humans. When the recently relocated residents discover a pyramid buried deep within the vast forests of BG-386, they somehow manage to unlock the secrets of a race of warriors from the stars known as Predators while unleashing a horde of bloodthirsty, acid blooded Xenomorphs.
As carnage on BG-386 ensues you play through the game choosing from three different story campaigns. As the Predator, your goal is keep your race's secrets locked away from man's prying eyes. As the Colonial Marine, it's a case of brute force: simply wipe out the extraterrestrial threat and secure the planet. Lastly, playing as the Alien, you must protect your queen and your hive while harvesting humans so that your numbers can grow and you can wipe out both the human and Predator threat.
Developer Rebellion has brilliantly captured the look and feel of the classic movie series. Everything from the sounds the Colonial Marines' pulse rifles and motion sensors, to the Alien hiss and Predator roar has been taken directly from Aliens Vs Predator's big screen counterparts to ensure each character has been portrayed as accurately as possible.
Another excellent nod to the fans and the series - which began life as a comic book - is the addition of Hollywood actor Lance Henrikson, star of Aliens, Alien 3 and Aliens Vs Predator the movie. Here, he plays Karl Bishop Weyland, founder of the colony on BG-386 and descendant of Charles Bishop Weyland, the character he portrayed in the 2004 film that first saw the two species face off against each other on the big screen. For fans of the movies and comics, Aliens Vs Predator on PS3 is the perfect way to experience the classic battle like never before.
When playing as the Marine in Aliens Vs Predator, the gameplay is similar to that of survival horror where you negotiate dark corridors and abandoned buildings, pulse rifle in hand, flares and motion sensor at the ready, which allows you to track enemy movement. Taking on the role of the Predator you're kitted out with some of the game's best weapons including the extraterrestrial's classic wrist blades, mines, a plasma launcher and multiple vision modes that allow you to see body heat emanating from humans and Aliens alike.
You are also equipped with a cloaking device which is ideal for sneaking up on unsuspecting enemies to perform stealth kills. Another slick ability is being able to record voices that can be used as distraction devices, perfect for luring Colonial Marines in for an easy kill. While the Alien doesn't have weapons or gadgets, it is still a formidable foe because of its speed and agility. Playing as the Alien, you can smash lights to create shadows to hide in and wait for anyone foolish enough to stray from the confines of their group.
Like the Predator, stealth kills play a major role in how you defeat enemies as an Alien. With three very different styles of play on offer, Aliens Vs Predator features a huge amount of variation that unfolds like three games in one, perfect for gamers looking for a new challenge at every corner in one single place.
Aliens Vs Predator features 18 player online competitive modes and four player co-operative play, which means there is more than enough additional material beyond the three single player campaigns to keep you coming back for more. Modes include Deathmatch where Aliens, Marines and Predators battle it out in numerous environments as a team or solo. If you like a challenge then Survivor mode sees you team up with other players in massive firefights, blasting waves of marauding Aliens, each one vying for the chance to tear you to pieces.
Similarly, Infestation mode sees you take on the role of the Alien or Marine. If you're chosen to play as the Alien, your goal is to wipe out the Marines, who will then become Aliens and assist you in your objective. If you're the Marine, you simply need to survive to win the match. In Predator Hunt you'll play as either a Marine or Predator. As the Predator you must maintain a steady kill streak to remain in the role; should you fail to do so, or are taken out of battle by another player, you become a Marine and must then locate and destroy the Predator to regain the mantle.
Dolby 5.1
1 Players
Network Features
Has Downloadable Content
2-18 Network Players
Network Play


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Album DetailsLabel: Rounder
Genres: Bluegrass
Styles: Contemporary Bluegrass
Visit Artist/Band Website
Genres: Bluegrass
Styles: Contemporary Bluegrass
Yes, Chris Hillman is still around. Thank goodness. One of the founding members of the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and the fantastic Desert Rose Band, this new album is as captivating as any of them. Produced by Tom Petty, it sees old friends David Crosby and Roger McGuinn, as well as Benmont Tench from Petty's band, and Herb Pedersen, who also executive produced the project. One of the most exciting and endearing albums of 2017, its top to bottom fantastic. Opening with "The Bells of Rhymney," from the Byrds debut half a century ago, his voice shows no signs of wear. "Here She Comes: Again" is a previously unreleased masterpiece that Hillman and McGuinn that reminds of the Desert Rose Band. Gorgeous harmonies and instrumentation. His cover of the Everly Brothers' "Walk Right Back" is perfection. "Such is the World We Live In" wonders what his grandfather would say about the world today. He guesses that grandpa would say, "Oh boys old on tight/all that's wrong now is right/stand your ground and take up the fight." The closer, "Wildflowers," a Petty-penned number has a sound that will endure. All in all, just a fantastic album top to bottom


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What a busy week it was for us. We celebrated my husband's birthday during the week and at the weekend, took a trip to the seaside as the weather was so good, and attended a couple of our regular baby classes. Our little one has also mastered sitting up properly for longer than a couple of minutes without slumping to the side or falling backwards. Here's a look back at my highlights from last week:
My Husbands Birthday
It was my husband's birthday on Wednesday, he went to work, but we celebrated in the evening with presents and a lovely meal at home of baked camembert, steak and millionaire shortbread dessert all from M&S. He was spoilt with a new pair of trainers, Rayban sunglasses, cufflinks, cookbook and a meat thermometer. I also bought him a little birthday cake which we spent the rest of the week eating. It was also his first birthday as a Daddy so he got his first Daddy Birthday card.
As my husband's birthday was in the week we decided to visit Whitstable at the weekend to have a proper celebration as a family. It was a lovely day and being only an hour or so out of London, we decided that Whitstable would make a perfect day out. If you've never been, go! It's the perfect day out with rustic fisherman cottages, wooden boardwalks, a pebble beach and fisherman's boats lining the water, it's also very fishy too – famed for it's oysters. We have been to Whitstable a couple times before, and would normally have a beer on the wall, and fish and chips on the beach, but as we had the little one with us we opted for Zizzi just because we knew it would be easy to feed her, have a baby change and they would be accommodating. We enjoyed a lovely lunch with wine too, our little one was in a bit of a grump so I didn't get dessert, but I did manage a 99 ice cream later on. We had a lovely day out all made better by it being a beautiful sunny day.
The Sunshine
Another highlight at the end of the week and weekend was the weather, it was sunny and felt quite warm. I love the sunshine, and hate being cold and wet, so Spring and Summer are my favourite times of the year. It was lovely on Friday to walk in the park, sit in the sunshine and actually feel the warmth of the sun on my face. The trees are also starting to leaf, daffodils are in flower, and there are the first hints of blossom too. It definitely felt that warmer days are just around the corner.
Baby classes
We have been to our usual baby classes this week, going to Baby Sensory on Tuesday and Baby Bounce on a Friday. I love these classes as it entertains our little one for an hour, whilst giving her new experiences and interactions that she wouldn't have at home. In our weekly Baby Sensory class the focus was on Mother's Day, we played with plastic tea sets, bells, different smells, and we all got a little cake too – an added bonus. I also love these classes as it's a chance to catch up with the girls, and afterwards we always go to cafe or pub for lunch, coffee and wine.
Thanks for reading my 10th weekly update, can't believe I've been blogging for 10 weeks now.
Claire x


text: SPOILERS AHEAD: Kimmel show taping details. Show received more than 930,000 requests to see Rob. Parents were in the audience. Rob talked about clothes he was wearing (racist t-shirt), being a hand model when he was a kid (which his mom denied) then he sais he actually WAS a butt model. Rob also talked about the rated R sex scenes on BD. Jimmy said film was erotic and Rob said it was even more *before it was cut* talked thrusting scenes, animatronic baby (that looked like a "cancerous owl") - mentioned "the tip" in there. Also talked about the baby wigs they had to use on a real baby lol


text:
This morning it snowed. Snow! I mean come on, Weather-God, it's almost May. Snow hardly seems fair any longer. I looked out my window, and tried very hard to convince myself that it was just raining. "It's just very light rain, that's why it's being blown about by the wind. Yeah, that's it. Just light, fluffy rain."
As the "raindrops" got bigger and fluffier, I became less convinced. Finally I gave up the game and accepted that it was snowing. It was actually kind of surreal, because I have a pink cherry tree outside my back window. It's been blooming for almost a week now, plus my tulips are up and 3 daffodils (I don't know what happened to my other daffodils; I used to have more).
As I watched the large fluffy snowflakes float past my pink cherry blossoms, I shook my head. I thought the oddity might make a neat photo, so I grabbed my camera and stuck it into my backpack as I headed out to work.
Unfortunately, by the time I got out the door, I'd already forgotten my photography plans. In fact, this morning I forgot the following: photographing the snow/tree, my office swipe card, a company meeting which I was in the process of missing, my bag of PT clothes, my cell phone, a book, and the envelope full of photos I promised I'd distribute at tonight's dinner.
Clearly not my best morning. I was also 1.5 hours late to work, my head still foggy when I finally arrived and settled in. I think I'll blame it on the shocking snow.
It's quite possible that I forgot other things as well, and I simply haven't remembered them yet.


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Monthly tax collections: November 2005 advisory
Beginning with the June 2005 report and for subsequent reports, the layout and format of the reports were changed to reflect the recent reclassification of the personal income tax refund reserve fund by the State Comptroller.
As a result, any and all references to the refund reserve and total state and local collections before and after the refund reserve will no longer appear in these reports. Also, adjusted personal income tax gross collections and refunds, total state and total state and local collections no longer include refund reserve amounts, as they had previously.
For comparison to previous periods, all comparisons of personal income tax and total state and total state and local net collections amounts should be made to the "before refund reserve" categories for these items prior to June 2005.
Please contact us at email@example.com with any questions concerning these changes.


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The Dressmaker's WarLarge Print - 2016
From the critics
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A very compelling read, and not like most WWII stories in the slightest. I devoured this book- it only took me three days to read, I was so captivated by Ada's plight.
Fair warning: this is not a light read, and does not have a happy ending. Don't pick up this book under the guise that you'll have fun reading about loss overcome and happiness through conflict, because that isn't this story. This is a story of a woman dragged into a version of hell, through her own choices and the actions of others, and her try for redemption after bone-shattering grief and cruelty. It may be brutal for readers who have lost children, in whatever way, or are closely connected to the events in wartime Germany.
However, I would recommend this book wholeheartedly. It is the story of an average, naive woman through times thick and thin, and provokes the question, what would I do in her position? Realistic and heart-wrenching, worth the read.
Read this and kept hoping that Ada would learn from her past experiences. Thought how cruel the ending was for woman if that time.
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text:
News Release
North Country Smokehouse Recalls Pork Sausage Products Due to Misbranding
Congressional and Public Affairs
Autumn Canaday
(202) 720-9113
|EDITOR'S NOTE: This release is being updated to include additional information including updated poundage, production dates and corrected use by dates.
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2019 – North Country Smokehouse, a Claremont, N.H. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,000 pounds of pork sausage products due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product has a gluten free claim represented on the front of the label; however, the product contains gluten in the form of wheat. Wheat, which is an allergen, is also listed in the product's list of ingredients.
The ready-to-eat pork banger sausage items were produced from Jan. 28, 2019 through Feb. 25, 2019. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]
- 12-oz. vacuum-sealed packages containing 4 pieces of "NORTH COUNTRY SMOKEHOUSE NATURAL IRISH BRAND BANGER SAUSAGE" and use by dates from 3/30/19 through 4/30/2019, represented on the packaging.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number "EST. 5390A" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution and retail locations nationwide.
The problem was discovered on March 11, 2019 when the firm notified FSIS that they received a consumer complaint.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers or both. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms are notifying their customers of the recall and that actions are being taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.
Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Alicia Baker, brand manager for North Country Smokehouse at (603) 543-0234 Ext.214.
Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.
|USDA Recall Classifications
|Class I
|This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
|Class II
|This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.
|Class III
|This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.


text:
Transcript of a Press Briefing by Tomasso Padoa-Schioppa, Italian Finance Minister and Chairman of the International Monetary and Financial Committee, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, with John Lipsky, First Deputy Managing Director, and Masood Ahmed, Director, External Relations
April 12, 2008April 12, 2008
Washington DC
|Webcast of the press briefing
MR. AHMED: Good afternoon. I would like to welcome you all to this press briefing with the Chairman of the IMFC, Mr. Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa; the Managing Director of the IMF, Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn; and the First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, Mr. John Lipsky. The Chairman and the Managing Director will make brief opening remarks, and then they will take your questions.
Mr. Chairman.
MR. PADOA-SCHIOPPA: Good afternoon. Thank you for being here. You have received and certainly read the communiqué. I will be very brief in commenting on the results of today's meeting.
Perhaps many of you were here at the press conference after the IMFC meeting in October. I confess that the result of today goes beyond my expectations in October in spite of the fact that we succeeded then in consolidating the work that the Board had done in the preceding weeks and months.
The objective of reaching an agreement on the two issues of quota and voice and income model in a definitive way in April seemed very ambitious. In fact, we met today in a situation in which the meeting was overtaken by the event. The voting of the package is already under way. I joined the meeting to chair it having already voted for what the Board had agreed.
So, I could almost say that the value-added of the meeting was relatively modest. Well, it was modest because the result achieved before was very substantial and very remarkable. Needless to say that this changing gear goes entirely to the credit of the Board and of the Managing Director sitting near to me. The meeting of the IMFC started in the early morning with an informal discussion in a new style in which there was, in my view, an extremely free and fruitful discussion about the present situation and what the prospects are. It may have started having the financial crisis in mind as the subject that would monopolize the discussion, but in fact the discussion was more broad-ranging.
It went into the issue of the crisis in the price of food, energy crisis, tensions that are pervading the world economy on these three fronts and how they are interrelated. I think it was a truly global discussion in the sense that these multiple subjects made it a much better representation of the challenges of the world economy than sticking to the financial crisis alone, important as this may be.
In the formal meeting, we discussed, as you know, the global economy and the IMF reforms. You know what are the outcomes. I do not go into details. The discussion on global economy and financial markets reflects what is the mood at this moment, the sense that the chain of bad news may not have come to an end.
Many countries were under the impression on the recent forecasts of the Fund that some judged them more pessimistic than their own. I think it is useful that the Fund took a very, say, dry and realistic view of the situation and the prospects. I think it is useful to orient reflections of policymakers around the world.
The main result, of course, is the fact that the IMF reform has been fully endorsed by the Ministers in both its aspects, the quota and voice and the income model. I think this reform and the fact that it went so well in the work of the last months and weeks that was concluded today has to be seen in conjunction with the gloomy picture of the world economy.
The fact that the most relevant economic and financial multilateral institution in the world shows a capability to reform itself in this very moment constitutes by itself a response to the crisis and an indication that a global crisis has to be addressed with a global view and by strengthening the role of multilateral institutions.
So, I do not see this as an accidental coincidence; I see it as a very happy coincidence. I tend to think that probably the severity of the crisis that we are in has contributed to concentrating your minds on the need to both reform the Fund and reach agreement on its representation. I think I will stop here, because I know you know the communiqué and I do not think it is necessary in this introduction to go into the specific details. Thank you.
MR. AHMED: Thank you very much. Let me turn now to the Managing Director
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: Thank you. Well, just a few words.
I think what has been achieved today is something very important in the life of the Fund. The IMFC, with the chairmanship of Tommaso, has adopted and supports broadly what has been prepared by the Board, namely the quota and voice reform, and the income reform of the Fund. It was really a pleasure for me to listen to a long list of Ministers-Mr. Mantega from Brazil, Mr. Chidambaram from India, and other ones-being so happy of the reform and approving not only the result of the reform, but the fact that the Fund is moving. It goes far beyond these two examples that I just quoted.
A lot of Ministers, Governors representing countries sometimes considered as a bit far away from the Fund are coming back to multilateralism. I was really amazed, listening to all of them, to see finally that they were all expecting that something happened to be able to support again the Fund.
The surprise was that most of them said we had not believed six months ago that this was possible, and if I had heard them six months ago maybe I would not have been a candidate for this position because it appeared to be not possible to make it; but finally the Board did it, probably because it has been well prepared by my predecessor, Mr. Rodrigo de Rato, for which I want to offer tribute, and also because the time was right.
But what happened today, even if the reform is still not approved and we have to wait for the 28th of April to know if we reach the 85 percent vote that we need, I am today much more confident than I was even yesterday or the day before yesterday when I met you for the press conference, because having listened to the different Ministers, I think that there was very little chance that we will not reach this 85 percent which is needed. Some countries who could be expected as voting against or abstaining will probably finally vote in favor of the reform.
So, really, large support, different kind of countries, different level of income, different level of development, different part of the world approving the quota and voice reform, approving the new income model, the commitment by those who had to commit to go on with the income model and the sale of gold, and approving the strategy of the Fund, because we now need to stop looking inwards to the problems of organizing the Fund itself and spend more time looking outwards to the problems of the world, and that has to do with the strategy of the Fund. This strategy also has been broadly supported.
But maybe more important than this meeting of the IMFC is, as Tommaso just said before, what happened early this morning in this new kind of a gathering that I decided to organize, and which will take place at each meeting, the next one being for the Annual Meetings, an informal meeting where Governors are likely to talk freely in an interactive way and discuss the questions of the world.
What was obvious this morning is that there is a kind of revival of the multilateral spirit, the idea that we are facing global problems and that to those global problems there must be global answers. The discussion went about, of course, the financial turmoil, what we can do as far as monetary policy is concerned, as far as fiscal policy is concerned, and what I call the third line of defense concerning the other way to try to bring this crisis to an end.
But the discussion was also about the increase in prices, especially fuel and particularly food prices. Some of the Ministers were very eloquent on the need to be concerned than we were before, but not only by the question of inflation as an economic problem, but as a matter of conclusion of this meeting, the question of inflation, because it may be the root of a lot of conflict in the future.
If food prices go on as they are today, then the consequences on the population in a large set of countries, including Africa, but not only Africa, will be terrible. Hundreds of thousands of people will be starving. Children will suffer from malnutrition, with consequences all of their lives.
Moreover, the consequences will be such that disruptions may occur in the economic environment, trade balances, current account, so that at the end of the day most of governments, having done well during the last five or ten years, will see what they have done totally destroyed and their legitimacy facing the population destroyed, also.
So, it is not only a humanitarian question. It is not only an economic question. It is also a democratic question. As we know, learning from the past, those kind of questions sometimes end into war. So, if we want to avoid that the huge rise in commodity prices, and especially in food prices, has these terrible consequences, then we need to take this problem into account much more than has been done until now. So, financial turmoil, on the one hand, slowdown in the economies, no decoupling from the emerging countries, global problems, that is one of the problems we have to face. Increase in price commodities, especially in food prices, that is the second problem we have to face. To do that, the reform of the Fund is certainly necessary, but we now need to devote a hundred percent of our time to these questions.
What I saw this morning is that the spirit of multilateralism is obviously alive and kicking, and that was probably the best news of the morning. Now, I think Tommaso and myself are prepared to answer all the questions you want.
QUESTION: Paragraph 12 of the communiqué describes bilateral surveillance as the core of the Fund's work. At a time when you are short of money as you referred to in paragraph 10, is it not a complete waste of money to have teams trolling around OECD-type member countries and writing long reports about their labor markets and pensions, and so on, if bilateral surveillance is really an idea whose time has passed with regard to those countries?
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: It seems to me that the crisis originated in an OECD country. Do you mean that this is exactly the kind of surveillance we should not have? I think exactly the contrary. We need to have surveillance activity as important as previously in emerging and developing countries, but we certainly need not only because of evenhandedness but because it is needed for the financial stability of the world to exert surveillance also in OECD countries.
QUESTION: On the economic outlook, you mentioned that some countries are disputing the outlook that you provided a few days ago. Obviously, the U.S. has made no secret that they think that the IMF was pessimistic. Do you have an understanding of the basis of the U.S. complaint, and what do you think of it?
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: If I remember well, it was a word by Keynes, who said long ago that forecasts are difficult, especially if you are talking for the future. So, in this period, of course, forecasts are even more difficult than at other times. So, I do not think really that the difference about 0.1 or 0.2 has such an importance.
Moreover, I think that what is important is not really the outlook, but the risks looking forward. So, we may have some differences in the outlook, and I think we are right. Maybe some others are right, and the difference is very small. What is important is to know whether or not we agree on the risks, downside risks, some upside risks but mostly downside risks we have in front of us, and I think from this point of view there are no differences.
QUESTION: After the stage of reform on quota and voice, do you think it makes sense for the Euro Area to have in the future a single seat on the Board?
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: I should let Tommaso answer, because I am in a very difficult position, not because I am the Managing Director of the institution, but because 10 years ago I was the Finance Minister of my country and I proposed to our German friend to share the same chair as a starting point for a euro chair.
Finally, my German counterpart agreed with that and we tried to go on, but for reasons I cannot confess having to do with the role of the Foreign Affairs Minister in France and in Germany also, the project collapsed. But the idea is still there.
Now, is it a living idea in Europe or not? I think Tommaso is in a better position than I am to answer.
MR. PADOA-SCHIOPPA: The idea is certainly still there and the reluctance is also there. Let me perhaps say the following two remarks, or three. For institutions that are qualified by the word "monetary," it goes strongly against common sense to think that an area that has been capable of making a huge change of moving from many currencies to one, the simple corollary of having a single seat is so difficult to achieve. I think that sooner or later this contradiction will be corrected.
But the second remark is that it is in fact the case that part, maybe a relatively large part of the issues that are being treated by the IMF are not, according to the treaty, a community competence in a legal sense in the same way in which, say, trade issues have been made an EU competence. So, there is in fact some reasons to have these difficulties.
The third remark is, and it was vividly illustrated by what the Managing Director just said, there is no need to have 27 countries deciding to go for one seat. Two of them could go, or three of them. Of course, the demonstrative effect of such a move would be immense. To make such a move, there is no need to take any decision in Brussels. It could be taken by just two or three countries who are bold enough to make this move.
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: The beauty of that-it is just a comment which is an off-comment-is that the Articles of Agreement creating the Fund said that the Headquarters of the IMF has to be in the country-which is a problem of definition-being the biggest shareholder. So, it can give me some ideas.
QUESTION; Mr. Strauss-Kahn, in the recent weeks, you yourself, Mr. Lipsky, and your Chief Economist, Mr. Johnson, have talked a lot about the third line of defense, about the possible need for direct public intervention to sort out some of the problems in the financial markets and potentially housing markets.
I wonder if you could talk a little more to us about what discussion there was on those themes this morning. I looked in vein for a reference to these issues in the communiqué. Could you enlighten us as to why there was no discussion in the communiqué?
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: Do not look; you will not find. We are arguing that the housing market in the United States has prices still falling and that is a concern because, while the prices are going on falling, consequences on the financial sector still remain. That is the analysis, and I will not say more because what possibly could be done has to be done by the U.S. government, not by the IMF. We are just providing, on this kind of question, analyses, sometimes advices which can be followed or not, but it is the responsibility of the U.S. government or the U.S. federal system. It is not my responsibility. So, I will not make any more comment on this.
QUESTION: Mr. Strauss-Kahn, I would like to ask a follow-up question about that. When I brought up your comments about the need for greater public intervention at the White House last week, they declined comment on it. I think a lot of people in this country who read the interview you gave with the FT and these comments, are just not sure precisely what you mean.
Are countries individually all supposed to provide sort of a Northern Rock or a Bear Stearns kind of a bailout in each case, or would the IMF oversee it? Could you elaborate on what you mean by greater public intervention?
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: I think I just gave my answer on this. Do you remember what Alan Greenspan said once in the past? He said, if you did not understand what I said, I probably did not express myself correctly.
QUESTION: Mr. Strauss-Kahn, you spoke about the spirit of team work today. Keeping that in mind, what is the role of India, considering its inflation is just zooming and food prices are going up? What is the role that India plays in this new teamwork needed to handle the financial crisis?
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: Well, India has become more and more a big player in the world economy. The Indian economy is hit, as the other ones, by the financial turmoil, on the one hand, and the increase in prices, on the other hand. So, the answers India, as others, are trying to give to the situation are very important ones.
I do not want to make specific comments on it because it is ongoing, but the way Mr. Chidambaram underlined the problem of the increase in food prices, of the consequences it may have, has impressed everybody in the room this morning. He was then followed by many Ministers referring to his first speech and approving what he has said.
So, I think Mr. Chidambaram takes the lead on this question, and it is following his question and his proposal that we are going to work in the coming weeks.
QUESTION: My question is about the currency. Yesterday, the G7 communiqué showed us some concern about the fluctuation of the major currencies and its adverse effect to the real economy and the financial markets. Do you share this concern? I would really appreciate it if you could elaborate the discussion in the IMFC over the recent fluctuation of the major currency issues.
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: Well, I certainly share what has been written in the communiqué. We are concerned by the different currencies and the global imbalances. The global imbalances are not only the question of the currencies, but currencies are a large part of these imbalances. A discussion has been carried on last year under the name of the Multilateral Consultation on Global Imbalances, and different policies have been defined by the different partners-the EU, the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, others-of the kind of policies that should be implemented to correct those imbalances.
Even if some results, some progress has been made since that time, we have to admit that we are far from having reached the result, and new imbalances may have appeared through this turmoil. So, the question of the global imbalances in the currencies, countries having structural surpluses when some other countries have structural deficits, is a question which is really today at stake. The concern expressed by the G7 communiqué is obviously also a concern for the IMF.
MR. AHMED: Thank you very much. We need to bring this press conference to a close now. I would like to thank you all. The communiqué is available...
MR. STRAUSS-KAHN: Before we leave, I said just before that it was difficult to make some economic forecasts. It is even more difficult to make political forecasts. Nevertheless, I have been told that it was not totally impossible that the government will change in Italy. In this case, of course, Tommaso will then step down from his chairmanship of the IMFC.
If it does not happen-I would be the most happiest in the world and I will be happy to have the next IMFC under his chairmanship. If it happens-the IMFC will have to choose a new Chairman. In this event, I would like to thank Tommaso really, really as strongly as I can for what he did, the leadership he showed during this meeting, I am sure the previous one also, but I did not attend the previous one, but at least this one. And to tell him that a large part of the results that have been achieved comes from the fact that the communiqué, the same as the one we are discussing now, the communiqué from the IMFC in the Annual Meetings had paved the road for what has to be done. Probably it would have been totally impossible to do during the last six months what has been done without this communiqué, which was largely directly inspired by what Tommaso said and did.
So, Tommaso, on behalf of the institution, thank you so much.
MR. PADOA-SCHIOPPA: Thank you, Dominique. You have a great art of persuasion, but you will not persuade anybody that the first name on the list of those who should have credit for this is yours. It is not mine.
Thank you.
MR. AHMED: Thank you all very much.
|Public Affairs
|Media Relations


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VICTORIA — A court martial judge ordered Monday that two sailors in a precedent-setting legal case linked to secret military computer systems and the security of information at the Defence Department's Ottawa headquarters be reduced in rank and fined.
In announcing his decision, Col. Mario Dutil said the sentence was the minimum the court could impose.
Petty Officer (second class) Janet Sinclair and her spouse, Petty Officer (second class) Silvya Reid, worked at the National Defence Headquarters command centre in Ottawa at the time of the July 2007 incident and both had a top-secret clearance and access to classified databases.
The two were originally charged with a number of offences, including sabotage, but they were later dropped.
Sinclair and Reid pleaded guilty last week at a court martial in Victoria to damaging military property, in this case a computer desktop icon. Their actions "impeded access to a 'classified' database," the court heard.
Sinclair was reduced in rank to leading seaman, given a severe reprimand and fined $3,000. Reid was reduced in rank to leading seaman and fined $3,000. The two are currently serving at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt on Vancouver Island.
Dutil said a stiffer sentence was imposed on Sinclair because she was the one who walked Reid through the technical steps needed to impede access to the classified database at headquarters.
The court has heard that the two did that to send a message to two lazy co-workers at the National Defence command centre and force them to do work.
Sinclair's lawyer, Martin Reesink of Ottawa, had earlier told the court the incident would indeed be serious if the secret database itself were tampered with, but that did not happen. Actual data were not harmed and what was damaged was a database icon, he added.
But in his judgment, Dutil noted the incident was extremely serious. "The offenders through their actions created an internal crisis in NDCC," he said.
Although the military database was not damaged, the actions of the two "brought into doubt the accuracy of the information" that the centre passed on to the senior military leadership, he added.
Dutil, however, noted Sinclair and Reid had good records and had apologized. "I believe that your apologies are genuine and sincere," he said.
The court also heard that the incident was out of character for both of the sailors.
Prosecutor Maj. Jason Samson said the director of military prosecutors in Ottawa will review the sentence. "The review of the sentence will determine whether . . . it was adequate or whether or not there's legal grounds to proceed to appeal," he added.
Sinclair and Reid and their lawyers declined to comment.
Reid has served in the military for more than 15 years while Sinclair has served for more than 20.
The court martial heard from Lt.-Col. Theo Heuthorst, commander of the National Defence command centre, who testified the incident reduced the effectiveness of the centre's computer system used for missile-launch and space data, and put national security at risk for a two-week period.
But Reesink challenged those claims. "With all due respect, there's a lot of puffing going around about national security," Reesink said. "There was no risk to national security. The actual database was always safe."
Another officer who worked at the command centre at the time also testified he did not think national security had been harmed. "The timeliness and delay of that information did not impact the operation of NDCC at that time," said Lt.-Cmdr. Gavin McCallum.
"We had full connectivity. We had the information needed to carry on."
But McCallum, along with other witnesses, agreed the sailors showed poor judgment and a lack of discipline in their actions.
Although similar incidents have happened in the U.S., Canadian Forces legal officials say this appears to be first for this country's military.
Reesink also questioned how the Canadian Forces reacted, both in charging the two originally with sabotage and issuing that information to the news media. He noted that a second press release advising the media the charge of sabotage had been dropped was issued at the insistence of defence lawyers.
"How often are people charged with sabotage one month and then minor mischief the next month?" he asked the court.
Both Reid and Sinclair have testified their personal lives were thrown into upheaval by the media coverage of their case. The court heard how the couple felt stigmatized by the coverage and that friends shunned them.
But Dutil did not take issue with how the Canadian Forces handled the case. He said although the media coverage was embarrassing for the two sailors, it was their actions which ultimately caused the publicity.


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Ryan Gosling's "Blue Valentine" releases intimate poster
HollywoodNews.com: Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams' new film "Blue Valentine" has just released the poster for the film that also stars Mike Vogel, John Doman, and Faith Wladyka.
"Blue Valentine" is an intimate, shattering portrait of a disintegrating marriage.
On the far side of a once-passionate romance, Cindy (Michelle Williams) and Dean (Ryan Gosling) are married with a young daughter. Hoping to save their marriage, they steal away to a theme hotel. We then encounter them years earlier, when they met and fell in love—full of life and hope.
Moving fluidly between these two time periods, Blue Valentine unfolds like a cinematic duet whose refrain asks, where did their love go? Framing the film as a mystery whose answer lies scattered in time (and in character), filmmaker Derek Cianfrance constructs an elegant set of dualities: past and present, youth and adulthood, vitality and entropy. The rigor of his process is visible throughout the film. Eliminating artificial devices, he has only the truth of the characters to work with. Because Gosling and Williams bring amazing intensity and emotional honesty to their roles, the experience of connecting to these two souls becomes truly moving.
Follow Hollywood News on Twitter for up-to-date news information.
Hollywood News, Hollywood Awards, Awards, Movies, News, Award News, Breaking News, Entertainment News, Movie News, Music News


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What Are the Key Elements of Ethical Leadership in an Organization?
Many business owners value ethics and attempt to instill ethical principles in the workers who serve under them. If you seek to establish ethical leadership in your organization, the onus rests upon you. As a business leader, you must establish a culture of ethics within your workplace and keep this culture alive and well, encouraging all to follow your lead.
Modeling Ethics
If you want your workers to behave ethically, you must behave in that manner. Serve as a model of ethics for your workers by telling them that you expect them to behave in an ethical manner and doing so yourself. For example, if the opportunity to gain advantage over a competitor presents itself, but this advantage would have to be obtained in an unethical manner, decline the opportunity and stick to your principles.
Giving Employees Voice
Ethical organizations value all employees. Show your workers that they are more than just numbers but instead valuable parts of your business by empowering them and giving them a voice in your decision-making process. Establish a comment box and create an open-door policy in which you encourage all workers to come to you with issues of concern.
Considering Impact of Decisions
While it can be difficult to see past the bottom line when making decisions that relate to your business, doing so is necessary if you are seeking to establish a workplace rich in ethics. Before making any decision, consider the impact that that decision could have on your employees and customers and allow the degree of this impact to inform your decision-making process.
Promoting Community Involvement
While your business has no requirement to be involved in the community, doing so is an ethical choice. Donate goods to area charitable organizations, and encourage employees to volunteer their time. Offer an incentive to employees who volunteer, such as allowing them to do so while technically on the clock or making it a point to publicly recognize employees who are giving of their time.
Responsible Sourcing
When seeking goods necessary to make your product or complete the services you perform, source them responsibly. Consider where each of these products comes from, and do business only with other companies that, like you, have ethical principles in play within the workplace. For example, if you discover that one of the providers of the products you use regularly is not providing its employees with safe working conditions, seek another vendor to separate yourself from this fellow business owner who is not behaving ethically.
Photo Credits
- Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images


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Proudest moment for captain Jean
Jean de Villiers called his appointment as Springbok captain "the proudest moment of my career" after he was unveiled as the new leader for the forthcoming three-Test series against England starting on Saturday.
The 31-year-old, who made his debut almost 10 years ago against France in Marseilles, becomes the 54th South African captain and succeeds veteran hooker John Smit who retired from international rugby last year.
De Villiers learnt about his appointment late on Sunday night after meeting with Bok coach Heyneke Meyer at the team hotel in Durban.
"My heart was in my throat when Heyneke told me about his decision," De Villiers said.
"I made my debut 10 years ago and to look at it today, 10 years later, I feel like that 21-year-old back then getting my first cap.
"It's a great honour and great privilege and it's definitely the highlight."
The Stormers' captain has won 73 caps for South Africa and was a World Cup winner with the team in 2007.
Meyer said he was impressed with De Villiers' leadership qualities both on and off the field.
"Jean commands respect from everyone in South African rugby and, in the short space of time we've worked together, he has shown that he understands what we want to achieve on the field," Meyer said.
"He will be surrounded by a core of strong leaders in the squad and we have the utmost faith in them."
Meyer had conceded previously that he faced a tough choice for the captaincy due to the quality of leadership within his squad.
Four of South Africa's five Super Rugby captains – De Villiers, Keegan Daniel (Sharks), Pierre Spies (Bulls) and Adriaan Strauss (Cheetahs) – are in the team.
The new skipper felt those players, as well as the other experienced men in the side, would be key during his time in charge.
"A leader is only as strong as the rest of his team," De Villiers said.
"I'm going to rely on the senior players to help me in this role.
"You basically have all the captains here, bar Josh Strauss. So there are a lot of leaders and I'm definitely going to rely on those guys to help me with the big decisions."
The Springbok centre also acknowledged that he had big shoes to fill in the role.
"I've had the privilege to play under some great captains," De Villiers said.
"I made my debut under Corner Krige and also played under John and Victor," he said.
"You take all the good out of those guys, you learn from that and hopefully apply that to the team now, obviously with your own personal touch."
Meanwhile, the Springboks held their first training routine in Durban earlier on Monday, with team doctor Craig Roberts confirming that all 32-members of the squad were fit and took part in the session. – Sapa


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I list below all topic groups, which I have done according to subjects, which they handle. You can return to this topic group by using this menu and the link Table of topic groups on the top of the each page.
|Table of topic groups> Front page of CSS-guide > Extra pages > P What CSS-implementation errors are in Netscape/Mozilla browsers > Netscape 4.x related problems (section 1/2)
Giving direct CSS (
style="...") is problematic. In one respect
it is bad, because certain CSS might crash Netscape 4.x or create
some other serious problems. On the other respect it is necessary, because linked
CSS doesn't always work. I found the latter matter, when I designed dynamic
If the direct CSS doesn't fit for other browser, they can get different CSS
in linked files, if declarations have the
!important rule. The
rule should not however unnecessary overload, because all browser don't accept
many times overloaded rules.
In many situations it is reasonable to pass Netscape 4.x. In principle one way to pass Netscape 4.x is to use import rule and combine it with JavaScript encoding. Because Opera 4.x+ has the mode Identify Mozilla 4.x, the script should have a condition, which prevents Opera to read the CSS for Netscape 4.x. The code should write for example at the following way:


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By James Morgan
At The Yard Theatre
Ru-Paul's Drag Race has no doubt pushed drag a little closer to the mainstream in recent years. It's no secret that the theatre landscape is saturated with drag at the moment, which is no bad thing, but it's always refreshing to find something a little bit different, which is exactly what Drag On offers. James Morgan has merged dance with text and video footage for this piece, combining his childhood love of dragons and fantasy culture with drag. The old style animation was certainly reminiscent of the 90s and would no doubt resonate with any 80s /90s kids in the audience as it did with myself.
His training as a contemporary dancer meant that the highly skilled dance routines in Drag On were a highlight of the piece. It was a pity at moments the projections at the back of the stage distracted a little from the live performance, and the stage was in darkness, but a minor technical point, for what was a highly engaging show.
The dance routines were divided by segments of text spoken softly in to a microphone, from the stage, or sometimes whilst seated with the audience. Some explored queer theory, whilst others were anecdotal from Morgan's life, which I felt built a warm connection between audience and performer. There was authenticity to the delivery of these sections and the dynamic between the high energy dance routines and the softly spoken texts gave a steady momentum to the piece, and held us throughout. Some of the queer theory texts were perhaps slightly academic for those not already interested in the topic, but for those that are (myself included) they offered plenty of food for thought.
The costumes and make-up are phenomenal, Morgan spends around three hours in make-up before the show in human to reptile transformation, and the effect is worth every second. I don't want to give too much away, but he's gone for gold in terms of Dragon Wings and glitz, which have an undeniable 'wow-factor' in the closing act.
This show has now closed, but do keep an eye on James for future shows: @halfmorgan
Review © @AmieAmieTay 2017


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"Oklahoma" by West Bridgford Operatic Society
Nottingham Arts Theatre
Nottingham Arts Theatre
Rodgers & Hammerstein's first collaboration remains in many ways their most innovative, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theatre, which are still being followed today.
Set in a western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and the cowboys provides a colourful background against which Curly, the handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a farm girl, play out their love story.
The road of true love though never runs smooth. This journey is as bumpy as a ride in a surrey, with or without the fringe on top, down a pot-hole ridden ride down a country lane.
Matthew Siveter (Curly) has the strongest voice in the cast, but I knew that having seen him perform in "The Mikado". His rich tenor soars majestically and with incredible ease. His charisma makes this show an easy watch.
I said that Matthew has the strongest voice but the rest of the cast aren't lacking in power or commitment by any shot.
Louise Grantham (Laurey) has this feisty role down to a tee. She is another one with a voice that soars; no fear of her not reaching the back walls of the theatre.
Ali Biller (Aunt Eller) is an absolute delight to watch. Her smile lights up the stage, she sings like an angel and she stamps Aunt Eller's authority on the musical.
This is a big cast so here's a few more equally notable mentions.
Alisdair Maughan (Will Parker) plays Ado Annie's beau, who she cain't say no to. Another fun role. He cracked the first lasso task but the second fell short. That's not a criticism as those things are notoriously difficult to master, and I imagine Alisdair has managed that section fine in rehearsals,and will in the upcoming shows.
Stacey Ireson (Ado Annie) also injects loads of fun into the role, especially in her main song "I'm Just A Gal Who Cain't Say No".
Paul McPherson (Ali Hakim) was the travelling Persian salesman who wanted to share his wares with Annie without putting a ring on it, naughty man! This show is full of really lovely comedy, fun performances and Paul makes everyone smile. My only niggle was that in parts, while doing the Oriental accent, some of the script was lost, but these were only on odd occasions and didn't take any fun from the role.
Martin Thomas (Jud Fry), was the sinister villain of the piece, and his facial expressions created that sinister air about him. Lovely characterisation which earned him "boos" from the audience when he took his bows. Another strong voice.
Natalie West (Gertie Cummins) bagged her man on the rebound with Ali Hakim, but it's her laugh that she'll be remembered for.
Ian Pottage (Andrew Carnes) notches up his 4th time in this show, and is always a delight to see in any production.
A good ensemble, but at times I got the feeling that (only some) seemed to be holding back just a tad in the dancing. This is a joyous musical and with all of those country dances going off, you can really throw yourself into them. Sometimes though it felt like more gusto could have been applied. it may have been that the stage with all of those people on didn't give the opportunity to fling yourself around. You have to abide to health and safety after all!
I couldn't easily find an acknowledgement in the programme for the choreographer, but thank you for some wonderfully high spirited choreography by Agnes De Mille.
Pacy direction by Julie Fowler kept this musical bouncing along nicely, and this is her first direction of "grown-ups", having worked with younger theatre performers in the past.
The music clarity was good and at just the right level as to not swamp any of the singers. Musically directed by Timothy Selman.
Loved the costumes, making watching this musical great fun. Let's face it even us big boys like dressing up in cowboy boots and chaps now and again, don't we?
I've already said that this musical is a joyous, fun musical and that's what spills over from the stage. Great songs that you all know, "People Will Say We're In Love", "Surrey With The Fringe On Top", "Oh What A Beautiful Morning", "The Farmer And The Cowman" and "Kansas City" among them.
A talented cast and colourful set, great costumes (Ann Thomas) and not forgetting the props (Grace Lievesley) and a well set out programme (Rob Harrison).
"Oklahoma" is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Saturday 4 March 2017


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Dagmar extended personal invitations to many NCTA members and offered to bankroll the appetizers. I chose the Franklin Street Caffé in Redwood City because it isn't too noisy, it's near public transportation, it has lots of free parking, and—very important—each person can order and pay separately at the counter, so there's no unseemly scramble to grab the check. We decided on a date and time: Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 5:30 to 7:00. I warned the manager of the Caffé, Raffaella and Dagmar sent out the word, and we were in business.
The following devotees of St. Jerome gathered to toast him on his special day: Sharlee Bradley, Raffaella Buschiazzo, Valerie Chataignier, Kasie Cheung, Renate Chestnut, Dagmar Dolatschko, Hany Farag, Yuki Lapin, Marianne Pripps, Raija Rapo, Thomas Shou and yours truly, Deana Smalley. We ate, we drank, we chatted. Dagmar took photos and kept the snacks coming. At one point she tried to hand me her very intimidating camera, but Hany came to my rescue. Thanks, Hany!
Afterwards, Dagmar told me Sharlee came from Lafayette, nearly 50 miles away! Maybe I can make it to Happy Hour in San Francisco after all. DS


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Update: Remember, the game is on #Tager-Chan on the Rizon server of IRC, at 8pm CST on Friday. Again.
The game:
A screw-up in an arcane ritual causes the Eldritch Society to lose several of its intended tagers, which instead occupy the nearest replacements, several young girls. Without a clue for what has really happened to them and no backing from the cult to offer support, they'll have to figure out exactly what's happened to them, and try to stay alive in a magical new world, while trying to get a grip on their new flashy, grandiose powers. Provided by horrific, violent and hateful monsters and the even worse beings they stand against.
- List of houserules, still subject to additions, subtractions and so on
- Some loose thoughts on the game
- In addition to those, due to this specific game, Tagers do not require the duty 3 (Eldritch Society) or Fanatical 2-3 (Eldritch Society) drawbacks. School does however demand at least Duty 1. (School). Due to Japan's isolation, character languages unless they moved in receive Japanese 4 and English 2 in place of the normal language skills.
- Magical Picoha Love Fight An awful and unbalanced adults only video game that's popular amongst kids.
Important notice:
Drama point rules per an 'episode' are now in effect. The beach events being one episode, meaning now Drama points are fully restored, but until the next closure-y events or true resting chance, they won't be restored. (they can be bought with exp in the middle of things perfectly fine though.)
In addition, metamorphosis' will happen pretty much as presented in the book, but there will be an alternative way to achieve certain messier details, but more on that will become apparent in time. This is still a very long term goal, just something you'll want to keep in mind.
Sanagi high school isn't one of the best, there are several more notable upper class ones, however it has an excellent location for even an Arcology, a short distance from a large residential area, many shops and has considerable room, enough to offer boarding for any students who cannot take regular trips to this prime location. However it was fortunate enough to be included in a restoration and improvement project that has given it great funding and influence in the business world, especially with its benefactor and many subsidiaries, Chrysalis Corp. It is extremely popular for many parents, as even a barely graduating student has a very high chance of being offered multiple jobs within one of the world's largest mega-corperations.
The sections for living are fairly simple, but not spartan. They come with a bathroom and a very simple kitchen for pairs to share. Genders are obviously kept on separate ends of the school, with limitations on visiting hours, not to say those hours aren't often violated, but teachers do try to keep things in order.
School has two 'terms', with them being primarily in spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October), part of winter is the end and beginning of year reward break and weather is simply too hot for real focus during the harsher part of summer. Students are encouraged to get temporary jobs and focus on responsibilities during these times, so its when people take their hard earned holidays.
Much of the local area is included with the Chrysalis Restoration project, which was mostly initiated to take absorb several technological development companies based nearby. Area between the students and housing sections is built to take advantage of it, with many high class fast food stores, shopping malls and the like line the streets, with holographic advertisements for all the latest products.
Daily Life:
It's simple to be growing up here. Being one of the more heavily contested warzones, it mostly manages by fact that the two invaders attack each other just as often. Being inland, the New Edo arcology and surrounding Tokyo City merely hear stories about what happens, through propaganda painting what little acknowledgement its given as a heroic and successful holding of a line. This has however had the effect of keeping Japan more isolated then most cities, and while it has many non natives, human and Nazzadi, it has kept its xenophobia to a surprising extent, Japanese being spoken far more common then the N.E.G would like, though most people still know english, it is often poorly practiced.
Stuck with almost its own culture, Japan instead gets its release from a heavy social scene, media from many games, anime, stories and other sources are constantly churned out, with a range of themes from mind numbing to downright perverse. Technology is ever popular, people are always waiting for the latest thing, from GP2 games to the obscenely expensive iPeek due out early next year, with many students desperately trying to earn enough terras to buy it in many imaginative ways.
Current Shards Found: (Please make corrections where I've forgotten)
- The tablet found at School that started this whole mess: Shaped like a Tablet, was lost by Yumi to the Dhohanoids and hasn't been seen since
- The shard found in the lab: Found by Saya near some gore. Its very small compared to the rest but has some runes on it.
- The tablet found in the lab: Found by Enyo in a area filled with things for shipping somewhere. It's not the first one, but its a tablet.
- The fragment found in the park: Considerably larger then the others, its shaped like a spike, it's runes faintly glow.
- The first shard from the party: Found by Yamada and possibly given to Manami. Used by Nyar for many unpleasent things. It's been located at Manami's shrine and was collected by Shizuka. It has potent and obviously supernatural glow. The girls feel considerably stronger holding it.
- The second shard from the party: Found in the flooring while 'entertaining' Nyarlathotep's minions. Was initially, but is now no longer glowing brightly since the girls second binding.
- The trophy shard: This shard was won by Hatsumi during the cosplay contest during the school festival. It's been left with Shizuka.
The purpose of these is completely unknown, as are the translations (Andou is apparently working on several though) but the first one apparently said at least in part: "these holy warriors give us strength"
List characters here. Please include both full lists of human and tager form stats.
Yamada's Harem, AKA Missing players, presumed retired and property for the DM to do anything without permission
- Yumi Sarah Hyatt - Played by Kev
- Enyo - Played by Shin
- Maria Rodgrigues Played by ?
- Hatsumi Played by Cru
Regularly encountered NPCs:
Current EXP: 215
Last time on Tager-chan:
The girls, teamed up with the Dhohanoids, finally escaped to the outside world, though not pleasantly. They fought off their attackers and decided to try and find some rest.


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Four years ago I came to San Francisco for the first time, and the conversations in this awesome city took me by surprise in their randomness and entertainment value.
Last week I spent a few amazing days there, staying with a good friend, Erika, and basking in the brilliance of this diverse place. There were more gems to be heard, so here's the sequel!
• "Have some pizza, but only women and children! Men, you can suck on that, coz it's women and children first!" – man giving away pizza on Haight Street
• "WOOF! Hahaha." – a (likely) homeless man to Enzo, Erika's dog
• "Oh shit, you really scared me, just as well I love you so much because when I jammed it in there you really gave me a fright!" – a guy on Haight St after putting a piercing in his girlfriend's ear
• "No talking please, we're rolling and your voices are carrying." – production crew member outside Erika's place
• "Yo, I got a CD, I've recorded the story of my life, my kids, my music, you wanna buy this, twenty dollars only!" – man on Haight St trying to sell me a CD about his life. (He really needs to go digital)
• "Oh heeeeey baaaabe." – dude on Haight St holding a sign that read 'CAN YOU SPARE WHAT'S IN YOUR POCKET? I LOVE YOU'
• "A demon-fucking-stration? You gotta be kidding me. I don't see no demonstration, you full o' sheeit!" – a man on the bus to the driver after we were told to get off because of a demonstration
• "Walk faster, honey! I wanna see that JIGGLE!" – a man to a beautiful African American woman walking past him


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Scared of life
I think I'm an introvert. I like going to movies &eating out with friends but I rarely go to clubs or parties even tho my guy friends constantly keep me up to date &invite me. I don't have girlfriends. Many in my town r pregnant &still party hardy anyway &leave their kids with the grandparents. I can't hang with females that go out almost everyday &do not care for their kids. I never cared bout keeping up with crews &cliques. Somehow I still stayed in them &I still am kinda with the guys. I need a female friend. I'm 4months pregnant. I hope ill be a good parent. I should be. I dont care bout going out. I like being alone. I cant handle too many ppl at once. I had a boyfriend of 5yrs. I'm 19. We pushed each other away. We agreed we'd be together. Have kids together. We broke up. I got a rebound bf bc i was angry lonely sad. I got pregnant. He fell in love within 2months of dating- freak. I broke up with him bc he casually admitted the whole thing. I went back to my ex of 5yrs. He's jealous my baby wont be his. &now he doesnt want me back bc he can't be with me if I'm not having his baby. I ruined my life. I never go out bc I feel like im not experienceed enough on life. Ppl like me im just terrified ppl deep down really don't like me. I know others r funnier then me &better dancers than me. now that I wrote all this I realize I have a self esteem problem. I should just go out &try while I can. Unti I have my baby. Bc then I'm not going out for a long time. I'm pretty. &pretty ppl know how hard it is. Ppl hate us bc we're pretty. Get to know us.
All of this has been getting to me thankyou for reading.


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A man took matters into his own hands and called the emergency services when his wife refused to give him the TV remote.
The frustrated husband, from Shropshire, in the West Midlands of England, phoned 999 when his spouse refused to hand over the controls.
According to the Metro newspaper, the man told the call-handler: "My wife won't give me the remote".
West Mercia Police have since confessed the case isn't unusual and admitted that along with TV disputes they "regularly" receive emergency calls requesting lifts from people who have run out of money for taxis.
Other hoax callers included a man who had misplaced his wallet and another who attempted to report a driver with tinted windows on his car.