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How to search for jobs
Use our guide to find out the best places to look for jobs and vacancies.
Going online to search for jobs is one of the first things that you can do to see what is available locally. Today, it is very easy to get overwhelmed with options when you are searching online for a new job so it's really helpful to have some idea of what job or sector you are interested in. There are hundreds of websites out there and here are just some examples of these which cover a wide range of jobs:
If you already know what type of work you are interested in, there are lots of sector specific recruitment sites to look for.
Online Networking
Did you know that more and more employers are using LinkedIn to advertise vacancies, as well as to reach out to possible job candidates? Registering on career networking sites like LinkedIn can help you to get noticed by employers and help you find your next job. Remember, it's important to make sure your profile is up to date.
Top Tip: Join discussion groups for industries you're interested in and start building your social network to keep in the loop for the latest job offers.
Friends & Family
Staff referral is an internal recruitment method used by businesses to find potential candidates through their existing employees. Companies usually prefer to hire someone who their trusted employees can vouch for. Try to take advantage of this by asking around friends and family who work in industries you'd like to explore. This can often result in you finding out about vacancies before the competition do and instantly puts you at an advantage.
Job Centre Plus
Visit your local Job Centre Plus to talk directly to an adviser. Job Centre Plus is a government-funded employment agency and social security office. It's aim is to help people of working age find employment and an office can be found in each district of Essex. Find your local office by visiting: www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
Recruitment Agency
Using a recruitment agency can be a really good choice as many employers do not recruit directly themselves; you might not even find their vacancies on their own website. Often the only way to apply for some jobs is through a recruitment agency. Many recruitment agencies are specialised and focus on different sectors. Agencies will regularly and actively search for work on your behalf, so this, of course, can make life a little easier for you if you're finding hunting for jobs particularly time consuming. As you might expect some agencies are better than others and it can be difficult to tell them apart. Therefore checking to make sure that the agency is a member of 'The Recruitment & Employment Confederation' is really important.
Jobs Fairs
Visiting jobs fairs can be a great start to finding out what jobs are available locally and they're a great opportunity to meet and talk directly to employers and recruiters. Remember they are there to explain what jobs they have and what their business is like, so take advantage and ask lots of questions. To find out when jobs fairs are happening keep an eye out in local papers, follow your local college on social media and check online. Be sure to take a notepad to take names and contact details so you can follow up your conversations afterwards! You should also take extra copies of your CV and dress smartly as it could lead to an informal interview - remember that first impressions count!
Contacting Companies Directly
This approach involves actively contacting companies you are interested in working for. Some businesses really like this approach as it shows them that you are interested in working for them, rather than just applying because there is a job on offer. When using this approach its useful to ensure that you target companies that are likely to require someone with your specific skills and expertise – these could be companies that provide similar products or services to what you have worked on before, or smaller or less known business who might receive fewer approaches from job seekers. Write a persuasive covering letter and CV outlining what you can bring to the company – remember to always sell yourself
Become an apprentice or maybe work for yourself
Apprenticeships are for people from any background or age and are a great way for you to retrain or upskill whilst earning money. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job along with study and offer educational levels beyond degree level. Many employers look to employ apprentices as part of their recruitment strategies and therefore visiting the governments apprenticeship website: www.getingofar.gov.uk can provide a great start in helping identify what apprenticeship roles are available. It's also worth contacting your local college as they will also be able to advise what apprenticeships are on offer.
Working for Yourself
If you have a good idea and the motivation to make it successful then this might be a great move for you. Starting your own business requires careful planning, research and preparation, but we've got a great guide for you if you want to start your own business.
Interested in an Apprenticeship
Visit Get in Go Far to search thousands of vacancies from great companies.
Get a real job and continue your education up to degree level. Earn a competitive salary while all your training is paid for. Gain hands-on experience and learn skills that employers want, helping shape your future career. Choose from thousands of vacancies in a range of industries, from engineering to nursing, and law to design.


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For Immediate Release
Leonie Beunen
Mail: email@example.com.
Phone: 0031 6 51 00 56 30.
Whatsapp/sms: 0031 6 52 08 80 75.
Global Momentum for Action Unstoppable – But We Are Still on Track for Dangerous Levels of Warming
MARRAKESH, Morocco - Today at the conclusion of the UN climate conference, Friends of the Earth International said that the momentum for global action on climate change refused to be overshadowed by the election of a climate denier to the US Presidency.
"Climate change is not going to wait for US action and the rest of the world is clear it is moving forward," said Benjamin Schreiber of Friends of the Earth US.
"Trump's election must unify the world in treating the US as a climate pariah, and respond to his Presidency by redoubling ambition," Schreiber continued. "The US has been outside the UN climate process before and other countries must ensure that progress is made while we work to create change back home."
Hope continues to rest on the renewable energy transformation that is taking place globally, and must be led by people.
"COP22 was billed to be an African COP," said Kwami Kpondzo of Friends of the Earth Africa. "The good news is that the African Renewable Energy Initiative took off here in Marrakech; an initiative by Africans for Africans, to leapfrog the dirty fossil fuel development and bring clean community-based energy instead. Friends of the Earth groups have fought long and hard to make this initiative a reality and it's a testimony to the work done by African civil society in the fight against energy poverty.
"However, in this COP we saw very little movement on the crucial issue of finance needed for the people of Africa, Kpondzo continued. "Dodgy accounting and fishy finance reporting by rich countries means that the millions already experiencing floods and droughts in every corner of Africa will be left to help themselves. Broken promises will not help us survive a crisis we did not create," he continued.
"The science is clear and the current pledges on the table take us to a world of over 3ºC warming, which is incompatible with a safe existence for millions on this planet." said Meena Raman of Friends of the Earth Malaysia. "Rich countries had an obligation to bring stronger pre-2020 ambition to the table because we must stay under 1.5ºC, but this has not happened. Not acting now is not fair. It will only make action later that much harder, and the cost in human suffering even greater", she continued.
"Next year the COP goes to our country, to Bonn," said Ann-Kathrin Schneider of Friends of the Earth Germany. "With Germany also hosting the G-20, this will be an important time for citizens to come together to make their voices heard. Leaders must come to Bonn with a genuine and ambitious political will to meet the global challenge of climate change, including helping those already being displaced by this crisis. We will be there in our thousands to make sure they don't falter and we will hold our leaders accountable on behalf of people all over the world," Schneider continued.
Friends of the Earth International asserts that this powerful movement of people is key to solving the climate crisis.
This is the world we live in. This is the world we cover.
Because of people like you, another world is possible. There are many battles to be won, but we will battle them together—all of us. Common Dreams is not your normal news site. We don't survive on clicks. We don't want advertising dollars. We want the world to be a better place. But we can't do it alone. It doesn't work that way. We need you. If you can help today—because every gift of every size matters—please do. Without Your Support We Simply Don't Exist.
Please select a donation method:
Friends of the Earth International is the world's largest grassroots environmental network, uniting 74 national member groups and some 5,000 local activist groups on every continent. With over 2 million members and supporters around the world, FOEI campaigns on today's most urgent environmental and social issues.

subset: commoncrawl


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Practical Hands-On Professional Training
Empowering people with knowledge can only lead to improved lives and experiences. To that end we offer a variety of accredited and self-certified courses, seminars and workshops. We also offer many FREE courses (limited availability). Contact us for further information and to receive course material, resources etc. for courses you have booked. Check out all the training courses we provide here.


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05 Jan 2016 Copyright scholar says the proposed exceptions unclear
Professor Peter Yu, an international copyright expert said at a seminar that the exceptions in Hong Kong's amendment bill were less clearly defined than the government claimed, but the rare mix of the British "fair dealing" and the American "fair use" doctrine might narrow the scope of exceptions.
Yu is a professor at Texas A&M University in the United State. He made the comment as a guest speaker at a copyright seminar at The University of Hong Kong on 18 December 2015. Other speakers were Craig Choy from a netizens group Keyboard Frontline, Chris Ng from the Progressive Lawyers Group and a renowned local lyricist Adrian Chow.
The seminar co-organised by Hong Kong In-media and HKU's Journalism and Media Studies Centre (JMSC) attracted big names in the city to attend, including three legislators Charles Mok, Albert Ho and Cyd Ho.
Peter Yu is an authority in international intellectual property rights. In 2013, he composed a submission for JMSC to the Hong Kong government during public consultation of the amendment. In the submission, Yu urged exemptions for copyright violations of parodies on the Internet, among others, in order to prevent Internet users from mistakenly falling into legal trap.
Yu's recommendations were later incorporated into the official consultation paper, before a provision was prescribed in the bill:"fair dealing with a work for the purpose of parody, satire, caricature or pastiche does not infringe any copyright in the work." The exception is also called "fair dealing" in short.
The concept of "fair dealing" originated in the United Kingdom, which normally prescribes a list of exemptions from copyright infringement. But the current Hong Kong bill has added a requirement that the court should consider commercial purpose and three other circumstances before it determine a "fairing dealing". The additional four circumstances is copied from the "fair use" principle adopted in the United States, where exemptions are based on some principles other than a prescribed list. "Fair use" is regarded as more open and flexible than "fair dealing". Yu said the mix of two doctrine might narrow the scope of exceptions.
The amendment bill drew criticism pointing to its inadequate protection to creative freedom. The legislature vote scheduled on 9 December 2015 was postponed into 2016 as Legislative Council meetings were adjourned by pan-democrats' repeated calls for headcount, a sort of filibuster.
"In Hong Kong, it is for sure that 'fair dealing' is not so clear as in the UK," Yu said. Considering "fair dealing" and "fair use" at the same time, he said, was because the Hong Kong government followed the British legacy, whereas it had to respond to copyright protection pressures from the US. "But why shouldn't [the government] choose an open [exemption]?" Yu suggested to pursue the American "fair use" measure without other restrictions.
Yu said the conflict now lay in that the copyright owner wanted to set a higher threshold for exemptions, while Internet users asked for a lower one. "They are not targeting netizens, but actually seek money from online intermediaries," Yu said. "However, the intermediaries will not pay if netizens make no infringement."
Citing YouTube as an example, Yu said the video streaming service company would have not signed agreements with copyright owners for authorisation if its users did nothing to do with infringement.
For the newly introduced "safe harbour", Yu said the mechanism aimed at protecting service providers actually did not protect online intermediaries, such as YouTube, which makes profit from increased traffic that might be boosted by unauthorised videos. The service providers under the protection of "safe harbour" are those who only charge users of fixed subscription fee.


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Vladimir Hodakov
As upstream builder still on Go 1.12, and there are build erros thay _may_ be fixed by update to Go 1.13, I've decided to copy and modify builders once again.
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A Docker image for Caddy. This image includes git, cors, realip, ipfilter, expires, cache, cloudflare and dnsimple plugins.
Plugins can be configured via the
plugins build arg.
Check abiosoft/caddy:builder for generating cross-platform Caddy binaries.
This image is built from source code. As such, it is subject to the project's Apache 2.0 license, but it neither contains nor is subject to the EULA for Caddy's official binary distributions.
Caddy may prompt to agree to Let's Encrypt Subscriber Agreement. This is configurable with
ACME_AGREE environment variable. Set it to true to agree.
Starting from
v0.11.0, Telemetry stats are submitted to Caddy by default. This Docker image opts-out from telemetry automatically.
$ docker run -d -p 2015:2015 fat0troll/caddy
Point your browser to
http://127.0.0.1:2015. You will be greeted with Fedora default index.html (distributed with Caddy EPEL packages).
Be aware! If you don't bind mount the location certificates are saved to, you may hit Let's Encrypt rate limits rending further certificate generation or renewal disallowed (for a fixed period)! See "Saving Certificates" below!
This image provides easy configuration via supplying directory with Caddy config files. To achieve this, create on your host directory with Caddy configs (named *.conf), and then run:
$ docker run -d \
-v $(pwd)/conf:/etc/caddy/conf.d \
-p 80:80 -p 443:443 \
/etc/caddy/conf.d is the location inside the container where caddy will look for config files.
Save certificates on host machine to prevent regeneration every time container starts. Let's Encrypt has rate limit.
$ docker run -d \
-v $(pwd)/conf:/etc/caddy/conf.d \
-v $HOME/.caddy:/root/.caddy \
-p 80:80 -p 443:443 \
/root/.caddy is the location inside the container where caddy will save certificates.
Additionally, you can use an environment variable to define the exact location caddy should save generated certificates:
$ docker run -d \
-e "CADDYPATH=/etc/caddycerts" \
-v $HOME/.caddy:/etc/caddycerts \
-p 80:80 -p 443:443 \
Above, we utilize the
CADDYPATH environment variable to define a different location inside the container for
certificates to be stored. This is probably the safest option as it ensures any future docker image changes don't interfere with your ability to save certificates!
Caddy can serve sites from git repository using git plugin.
github.com/abiosoft/webtest with your repository.
$ printf "0.0.0.0\nroot src\ngit github.com/abiosoft/webtest" > conf/yoursite.conf
$ docker run -d -v $(pwd)/conf:/etc/caddy/conf.d -p 2015:2015 fat0troll/caddy
Point your browser to
You can build a docker image with custom plugins by specifying
plugins build arg as shown in the example below.
docker build --build-arg \
plugins=git,linode \
The image contains a default Caddyfile.
Caddy configs folder:
Sites root:
Certificates root:
/path/to/Caddyfile and
/path/to/sites/root accordingly.
$ docker run -d \
-v /path/to/sites/root:/srv \
-v path/to/caddy/conf:/etc/caddy/conf.d \
-p 2015:2015 \
Note that this does not work on local environments.
Use a valid domain and add email to your Caddyfile to avoid prompt at runtime.
mydomain.com with your domain and
email@example.com with your email.
tls firstname.lastname@example.com
You can use Cloudflare or DNSimple for obtaining SSL certificates via
dns-01 challenge. This may be more convenient, especially when you trying to obtain certificate on a machine, different from one where you domain resolves. And this works on local environments too!
To use it, you must provide API keys for your DNS provider as environment variables. Without
docker-compose you can use
--env-file option to store them in file and not expose them in your shell history.
$ docker run -d \
-v $(pwd)/conf:/etc/caddy/conf.d \
-v $HOME/.caddy:/root/.caddy \
-p 80:80 -p 443:443 \
---env-file=/path/to/envfile \
Variable names are
CLOUDFLARE_API_KEY for Cloudflare and
DNSIMPLE_OAUTH_TOKEN for DNSimple.
You can change the the ports if ports 80 and 443 are not available on host. e.g. 81:80, 444:443
$ docker run -d \
-v $(pwd)/conf:/etc/caddy/conf.d \
-v $HOME/.caddy:/root/.caddy \
-p 80:80 -p 443:443 \


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I've started hanging out with a few writers. Some are well-established, some should be well-established (because their work is really that good), some write a lot but little comes of it, while many are relatively new to this whole writing thing. And, being writers, we talk about writing and stories. I have also in the past done some workshops for writers. Nothing too big, just some words of advice. I've done them on writing fight scenes, basic grammar, how to structure a longer story, how to use a thesaurus… whatever the group wants, really. And of course, because things never fill in the space you want them to, I am always left with some time at the end of each session and so I use the well-worn and tired cliché of "Q&A time".
And in both cases – talking with writers and Q&A sessions – there are two questions I can guarantee I'll get asked. The first is: How easy is it going to be for me/us to get published? (How long is a piece of string is my general answer.) The second is: Where do you get your ideas from?
Now, this one is a tad harder. Stephen King (I think, though I could be misquoting someone else horridly) once said he gets his ideas from a small shop on the outskirts of Bangor, Maine, where they sell for five dollars a bucket. Kurt Vonnegut (again, this is going on memory and I am most likely shockingly wrong) said he didn't get ideas, ideas got him. Another author (whose name I completely forget) said that he just steals the ideas of other authors and puts his own spin on them.
As for me, I can't say. Where do these ideas come from? I have repeated my ideas quite a few times (three of my novels/novellas concern the second coming of the Christ; two involve aspects of ancient Egypt; three involve nasty murders by supernatural beings… the list unfortunately is a little long) but that does not really help.
So where did the ideas come from? Not only for longer works, but for everything I try to write?
There are a number of things I have done over the time.
When I started to write I would take what I had already read or seen and just put my own spin on it, so I wrote a lot of Stephen King pastiches, Rod Serling homages and Douglas Adams rip offs. Dungeons and Dragons informed my fantasy, Monty Python my comedy. Whatever it was, it certainly wasn't me at the time!
Then I started to take ideas from newspapers and magazines, sometimes even just the title, or a phrase, or a quote, or the picture.
Then, for a few years, I used dreams as a basis, but that seemed to be stifling and when I could not remember my dreams I felt a little lost. This was very short-lived, and resulted in some truly bizarre writing, none of which I regard highly at all.
Then I started asking "What if…?" What if H.Rider Haggard's famous (and wonderful) She was set in Australia? What if dragons were real, but almost extinct? What if elves were real and living amongst us? What if The Amityville Horror was set in Australia? All of these resulted in novels or novellas. (Okay, sure, none of them have been published, but they have been written.)
And, the most recent source has been: What can Australia itself bring to what I write?
Now, none of these are isolated. A few of my "What if…"s are deliberately Australo-centric; a few ideas are Rod Serling-based and just spun out in a different direction although not as blatantly ripped off; some newspaper stories have then led to a "What if…"; some newspaper stories have led to the question, "How would Poe/ Herbert/ Lovecraft/ Howard/ whoever have seen this?". I think only dreams are something I avoid nowadays.
Then there are things that are completely out of the blue – a snatch of dialogue here, a person walking down the street there, a dilapidated building somewhere else. Just observing with all the senses to see what comes of it.
So where do the ideas come from? Everywhere. And I think that's where a writer is different from other people. I mean, who else but a writer could look at a woman who had just had liposuction and wonder what it would be like to wear clothing made of human skin that was a few sizes too big and then put that into a novel about unidentifiable creatures which harass a TV star? As Anais Nin said, "My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living."
Writers are different…


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Develop an affordable x-ray microscope system for use in performing integrated circuit (IC) reverse engineering via SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System (SITIS). Editor's note: An important first step in developing a comprehensive X-ray inspection program to detect counterfeit and trojan ICs.
Novel Approaches for the Detection of Counterfeit Electronic Components
A worldwide epidemic of counterfeit electronic components is flooding the market and affects the supply chains of all industries. It is estimated that the financial loss due to counterfeit components is over $10 billion per year. Counterfeiting itself becomes profitable when scrapped components, components from recycled products or inexpensive components can be "remarked" and sold [...]counterfeit, electronic, inspection, parts, semiconductor
iPad maker Foxconn turns to X-ray inspections to cut defects | Apple – CNET News
The supplier to Apple is adding inline X-ray inspection systems, in a move seen as a way to improve efficiency and reduce product defects. via iPad maker Foxconn turns to X-ray inspections to cut defects | Apple – CNET News.apple, China, foxconn, inspection, iPad, x-ray


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I thought that I would have a new post for you today. As this day has unfolded, though, it has turned out that the only words I have are Pete Seeger's.
On its face, this is a song about war. Reading a bit deeper, however, it is a poem about the terrible call to witness as the losses mount, losses that seem both inevitable and senseless. It is a reminder that, though as individuals we may feel helpless, our collective choices in one moment either contribute to or help to prevent our anguish in the next.
When WILL we ever learn? That, for now, remains an open question.
But there is hope in continuing to ask.
peace, and prayers for peace.


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Despite Hunter United's three goal defeat at the hands of Randwick, assistant coach Janine Hobbs believes there were "plenty of positives" for the club.
Randwick walked away with the three competition points, and Hobbs pointed to just a "handful of minutes" where United lost control of the match as the catalyst for the eventual 46-43 defeat.
"The girls looked really good for the majority of the game, and we had the lead at half time, but there were just a few minutes where we lost control," she said.
Despite the defeat, Hobbs believes United are in a strong position heading into the second round of fixtures for the season, especially with the return of key defender Angela Williams.
"A lot of the girls have been playing with small injuries and niggles for the early games," Hobbs explained. "We're focusing on fitness and getting players on the court for full matches."
"Angela [Williams] got onto the court for a quarter and that's really important. We have a bye next week and that should mean we can get her onto the court for the full match next time."
Hobbs also praised the team for their "stamina and courage" in the opening rounds.
"A lot of these girls play through pain, and I have so much respect for the stamina and courage they bring week in, week out," she said.
In the third division, the Diamonds fell 41-58 against Liverpool City, falling six points behind seventh place.
The Diamonds face Sutherland after the upcoming bye week, while the Emeralds will play against table-topping St George.
First published as: United fall in three goal nail-biter


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Stylish Wedding Venue in San Jose
Dream Up Your Ideal Santana Row Wedding
Hotel Valencia Santana Row is the ideal location for your next wedding and reception in San Jose.
Providing both indoor and outdoor flexible event space, catering services and a professional staff, our San Jose venue can accommodate your wedding in style. Your wedding guests will enjoy luxurious accommodations in an unrivaled location on Santana Row, as well as first-class services and amenities throughout their stay.
Wedding Packages & Special Offers
Hotel Valencia wedding packages were created to complement every bride's dream wedding day. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony, or a grand reception, Hotel Valencia has designed wedding menus and packages perfect for your special day.
Wedding Weekend Rooms
For wedding parties that require 10 or more guest rooms, Hotel Valencia Santana Row will offer a special group discount!
Promotions apply to new bookings only. Promotions can be combined based on availability and may be discontinued at any time.
Wedding Perks & Features
- 4000 sq ft of flexible San Jose wedding and event space
- Open air courtyard with Mediterranean facades, lit water fountains, citrus trees, blooming bougainvillea and breathtaking views
- Luxurious accommodations for your guests
- Outstanding professional catering staff to serve you
Contact our Catering Department at 408.423.5436 or email@example.com for more information or to schedule your dream San Jose wedding reception.
Wedding Gallery
- Seating at our outdoor wedding venue at our Santana Row hotel
- Views of wedding setup at our San Jose Hotel
- wedding table at a dream wedding in san jose
- flower petal pool at our San Jose, CA Wedding Venue
- pink floral bouquet table setting at our Santana Row wedding venue
- san jose wedding beautiful bride photography
- floral bouquet on table at our San Jose wedding venue
Churches near Santana Row & Hotel Valencia Santana Row
- The Cathedral of Faith Main Campus - 2315 Canoas Garden Ave, San Jose, CA
- Cathedral Basilica of St Joseph - 80 S Market St, San Jose, CA
- Buddhist Church San Jose Betsuin - 640 N 5th St, San Jose, CA
- Redemption Church - 75 Nortech Pkwy, San Jose, CA
- Mission Santa Clara De Asis - 500 El Camino Real, San Jose, CA
- Temple Emanu-El Religious - 1010 University Ave, San Jose, CA
- St Christopher Church - 2278 Booksin Ave, San Jose, CA
- Congregation Beth David-Conservative - 19700 Prospect Rd, San Jose, CA


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Oops… no streams currently available for Power 107.8 FM.
Click here to visit the Station's website:
1.9/5 based on 10 reviews.
Kolkata - Bangla, India - Hindi
Songs playing in Power 107.8 FM
In other languages
See this page in French: Ecouter Power 107.8 FM en ligne
See this page in German: Hören Power 107.8 FM online
See this page in Portuguese: Reproduzir Power 107.8 FM ao vivo
See this page in Spanish: Escuchar Power 107.8 FM en vivo


text:
SmartSection is developed by The SmartFactory (http://www.smartfactory.ca), a division of INBOX Solutions (http://inboxinternational.com)
MoonLight Rollerway Student Discounts
Published by Admin on 2012/6/13 (2445 reads)
Are you looking for a great, safe, fun place you can get away to and have a good time with your friends? Moonlight Rollerway is now offering a discount to all CUNT students who come to our evening Moonlight Skating Jamborees.
Just show us you are a student and get in half price. Get your skate rentals for $2 off, no matter which kind you get. Plus all concessions are 10% off for students.
Plus, on Fridays and Saturdays, you get to see the live entertainment for free (with purchase of entry). Live bands, performance art, local celebrities, and other entertainment on both nights.
In the coming weeks you can expect to see local music sensations such as Los Locos Hombres, Lisa and the Lollypops, Dance Town USA, Danny Gregory, DJ NipSlip, Funk Squad, The New Town Travelers, and DJ Sli7lick3r.
Plus see performances and appearances by Gerald Townsend, Nina Blackwell, Nueva Ciudad Lucha Libre, Flame Eaters, Penny T Rock, The East Street Dance Crew, and James Franklin (of Channel 7 News).
Performance openings are available for student artists, both in music and other stage craft (no magicians). Contact Frank Corgen in the main office for details and to drop off resumes. Auditions are held by appointment only.
The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.


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Tech-savvy folks make podcast picks, from 'Hall of Shame' to 'Dirty John'
I've been slow coming around to podcasts, mainly because I prefer to hear the sounds of the everyday world instead of drifting through it with earphones constantly. Maybe I'd be a bigger fan if I was younger, had more long airline flights or a daily commute of more than a half-hour. (Lately, the commute involves walking upstairs to the home office.)
But podcasts and everything else digital have gained added importance during this time of social distancing and isolation, and they do go well with getting simple chores done, so I consulted with a few folks under 35 and here's what they recommend for 2020 podcasts:
Crooked Media has a few podcasts, including "Pod Save America," "Keep It" and "Hall of Shame." A recent "Pod Save" talked about having to cancel the live version of the podcasts through May and President Trump's failings as a leader during the pandemic.
Actor Justin Long of Fairfield has a lively podcast called "Life is Short."
Barstool Sports, a sports and pop culture blog that has visited a few area pizza places for segments in the past year or so, was founded by Dave Portnoy in Milton, Massachusetts, in 2003. The online outfit's "Pardon My Take" is a comedic, thrice-a-week podcast hosted by Dan Katz that is popular with "college bro's," I'm told.
"My Favorite Murder" is a true-crime comedy podcast (odd as that sounds) hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.
From NPR, there are several good podcasts that began with familiar radio shows, from "Fresh Air" to "Hidden Brain," "White Lies" and "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me."
Other podcasts, which you can explore through the Podcasts app on your iPhone:
ESPN (remember sports coverage?) has "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," "ESPN Daily" and "30 For 30."
Favorites of my daughter in the nation's capital are ones about people's stories: "Invisibila" and "Serial" (both NPR-related), "Radiolab" (WNYC Studios), "American Scandal" (from Wondery, the podcast network launched by Hernan Lopez in 2016 with backing from Fox), "Dirty John" (L.A. Times/Wondery), "Dr. Death" (also Wondery, about a pschopath doctor), "The Uncertain Hour" (host Krissy Clark takes on one topic a season "to reveal origin stories of our economy") and "The Dropout" from ABC News, about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos.
And because my kids are into science, I'll throw in the NPR podcasts "Short Wave" (discoveries, msyteries, the science behind the headlines) and "The Pulse" (health and innovation in science).
Send in your podcast choices (to firstname.lastname@example.com) and we'll try to showcase more of them next week.


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COVID-19 Statement:
We are delighted we can start welcoming you back to the National Forest. People have been enjoying walking and cycling through our woodlands and open spaces throughout the constraints of lockdown. We are now looking forward to the reopening of all of our great outdoor attractions and tourism and hospitality businesses. Please check relevant websites before you set out, as many places are open for pre-booked visits only, and many have limited facilities. Please also continue to observe social distancing advice and to take care of the Forest by following the Countryside Code at all times.
For information regarding our events, please visit the individual events pages on our website or check our social media platforms. For the latest information in regards to COVID-19 please see Gov.uk and the NHS guide.
The National Forest is a story of regeneration.
25 years ago, large swathes of the Midlands landscape had been left scarred by centuries of coal mining and other heavy industry. But a passionate group of people had a vision: a forest. The first forest to be created at scale in England for over 1000 years, it transformed and literally turned the landscape from black to green. But the story doesn't stop here. This is Our National Forest. It belongs to us all. The benefits must be felt by you and everyone to be truly sustainable.
Where we are
Here is a map of the United Kingdom indicating on it, the location of The National Forest, just north west of Birmingham.
Where we are
The National Forest is right in the heart of the country, embracing 200 square miles of the Midlands. It spans across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire and aims to link the two ancient Forests of Charnwood and Needwood. With a history of coalmining and heavy industry, the landscape is now that of rolling farmland, ancient forests and new planted woodlands. Its main towns and villages include Burton upon Trent (famous for its brewing), Coalville and Swadlincote (formerly associated with the clay and coal mining industries) and the historic town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
Give to the Forest
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20 Sexy Pics From Park & Ronen's Show at NYFW: Men's
Parke & Ronen turned up the heat was turned way up at New York Fashion Week: Men's! When the design duo's models took the runway, it was a muscle meat market! Celebrating 20 years, the menswear line released a special capsule collection for Spring/Summer 2018 to celebrate their platinum anniversary.
When Ronen Jehezkel arrived in New York in 1991 after receiving his degree in Alta Moda (Italian Haute Couture) from the Instituto Europeo Di Design in Rome, Italy, he wanted to take his dream of fashion success to the streets. Literally.
"I came to New York and wanted to see the city through my eyes and needed to make some money," Jehezkel explained to the Observer. "I was hanging out with friends and looking at what people were selling on the street and what sold the best t-shirt. T-shirts are accessories, unisex, seasonless da, da, da, da, da. A few drinks later: vests! You can wear it shirtless, it's seasonless, men wear it, women wear it."
With a mere $500 investment and small collections of vests produced in his Soho loft, the seeds of this young, innovative company were planted. Building on the initial success of this venture, Ronen moved his operation to a studio and storefront in Tribeca.
Then in 1993, Ronen met Parke Lutter, a design student at the Parsons School of Design. Shortly after Parke attained his degree in Fashion Design, in 1997, the two joined forces to open a new company and launch Parke & Ronen. Their contrasting backgrounds fused the European traditions of haute couture and the American sensibilities of Seventh Avenue, resulting in an exceptional creative synergy.
Later, they went into swimwear for men.
"We really didn't know anything about swimwear," Jehezkel admits. "Nothing we made was expressly for swim at first, we would use this fabric that wasn't made for swimming so after five times on the beach it changed colors and faded. People would buy it because it was fashionable. Then of course, we learned."
Check out the 20 very sexy pics from Parke & Ronen's Spring/Summer 2018 show at New York Fashion Week: Men's:
Behind the scenes at the @parkeandronen 20th anniversary show with @charliejamesmodel @vitobss and @torin_verdone #parkeandronen . . . . .#ootd # x #tobi x #cottoncandyla x #stsblue x #raybans @adorofarm @cottoncandyla @sts_blue @raybans @shoptobi @visionworks_eyewear . . . #nyfwm #cfda #menswear #nyfw #fdmlovesnyfwm #malemodel #mensweek #runway #fashionshow #brigitteseguracurator #brigittesegura #fashiondailymag #brigittesegurahair #fdmlovesnyfw #socialcurator #socialcuratorsnyc @fashiondailymag


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"Purple color means majesty, dignity, luxury, associated with mysticism and wisdom. This color has many shades from lilac to violet. For example an orchid of deep purple color will accentuate the beauty of a woman, but a bouquet of delicate violet shade is a symbol of friendship, modesty and charm. We are welcoming you to buy our gorgeous purple flowers such as purple orchid, iris and tulips that will pleasantly astonish any addressee."
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One Stop for Ellenbrook Information!
Have your Business/Office Services featured here!
If you need Ellenbrook Business Services or Ellenbrook Office Services as in Stationery Suppliers, Business Supplies, Office Equipment, Office Furniture, Shop Fittings, Admin Services, Virtual Services, Secretarial Services, Personal Assistants, Letter Writers, Typing Services, Temp Staff, Researchers, Office Staff or Office Temps you will find ellenbrook.net.au has the best selection of almost every Business Service Specialist and Office Service Specialist in Aveley, Belhus, The Swan Valley, The Vines and Ellenbrook!


text: I was still recuperating from my suicidal, manic, venomenous thoughts on this day. Thanks to my sister Kath, who came from South Cotabato to submit her employment documents to RCBC Davao, for easing them and effacing some of them. We talked for hours after her initial question, "what happened?". I narrated the events and recounted the root causes while rambling on and off how Jesus abandoned me. She did not throw her usual wake-up-you-moron retorts and so I sensed she wasn't feeling well. And I was right. She vomitted and cried (the pain she's carrying since she was in high school) for almost an hour while I (regretfully) did not show any concern at all. I was still at the stage of anger and was then, showing off how bad/evil I can be. Sooner though, I began to pass my whole bad-sister acting and took care of her. That's when I realized, I was caged by others' view for such a long time. I wasn't evil after all. I began to see the new light and started checking my goals and saying goodbye to some of them. It did make me feel better and it reunited me with the Lord.


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Boren Awards
There are three (3) types of awards: Boren Scholarships (for undergraduates), Boren Fellowships (for graduate students), and grants from the Language Flagship Program, which are designed to help students achieve superior-level proficiency in critical languages. Flagship students participate in intensive language programs offered at selected undergraduate institutions.
Boren Scholarships provide American undergraduate students with the resources and encouragement they need to acquire skills and experiences in areas of the world critical to the future security of our nation, in exchange for their commitment to seek work in the federal government.
Boren Fellowships provide U.S. graduate students the opportunity to add an important international and language component to their graduate education through specialization in area study, language study, or increased language proficiency.
Both Boren awards focus on countries, languages, and fields critical to U.S. national security, recognizing a broad definition that includes traditional concerns of protecting American well-being, as well as challenges of global society, such as sustainable development, environmental issues, disease, migration, and economic competitiveness.
The Institute of International Education (IIE) administers the Boren Scholarships, Boren Fellowships, and The Language Flagship Fellowships and Grants on behalf of the National Security Education Program. IIE is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building international goodwill through educational and cultural exchange among nations.
By enabling more than 18,000 outstanding men and women each year to study, conduct research, receive practical training, or provide technical assistance outside their own countries, IIE fosters mutual understanding, builds global problem-solving capabilities, and strengthens the international competence of U.S. citizens.
- Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
- Must be matriculated in an undergraduate degree program in the U.S. and accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Boren Scholars must remain matriculated in their undergraduate programs for the duration of the scholarship.
- Must apply to a study-abroad program that meets home institution standards in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Boren Scholarships are not for study in the United States.
- For the Boren Scholarship: Must be a high school graduate, or have earned a GED.
- For the Boren Fellowship: Must be a graduate student at the start of the award period.
All Boren Scholarship and Fellowship Applicants Must Address National Security in their Essays. The Boren program focuses on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study deemed critical to U.S. national security.
It draws on a broad definition of national security, recognizing that the scope of national security has expanded to include not only the traditional concerns of protecting and promoting American well-being, but also the challenges of global society, including: sustainable development, environmental degradation, global disease and hunger, population growth and migration, and economic competitiveness.
Boren Scholarship applicants explain the significance of their study abroad experience (including the region they selected, its culture, and the language they will study) to U.S. national security, broadly defined.
Boren Fellowship applicants need to explain how their project, region, and language of study relate to U.S. national security, broadly defined. The broad definition of national security means that applicants studying a variety of fields can relate their international and language study interests to U.S. national security.
Please see the following interpretations of national security as examples:
- Security studies or diplomacy – Students studying international affairs, history, or political science could discuss the bilateral relationship between the United States and the country in which they propose to study. Previous topics include U.S - Turkey Bilateral Relationship, USA-China Comparative Law, and Political Parties in Egypt.
- International trade- Applicants studying business or economics might make the case that the United States is more secure with stable trading partners. Former case studies include Global Implications of the Illegal Wildlife Trade, China-Origin Trade-Based Money Laundering: Trends and Solutions, and The Decentralization of Fisheries in Cambodia.
- Sustainable development or global disease – Students focusing on these issues could argue that regional stability is threatened by global poverty, environmental degradation, or disease, and that U.S. security is enhanced by combating these concerns. Previous research includes HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Programs in East Africa; Famine in French Algeria: Environmental Disaster and Colonial Policy; and Taiwan: Climate Change and Energy, Beyond the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
With this broad definition, you should not feel compelled to limit your focus or concentrate your statement of purpose or essay in an area in which you are not truly interested. Rather, in your statement of purpose/essay, it is imperative that you articulate your interpretation of national security and make a compelling case about why your experience/project, region, and language are important.
In exchange for funding, all recipients of Boren grants must be willing to complete one year of service either to the Federal Government or in an area of education related to their language study.
Boren Scholarships promote long term linguistic and cultural immersion; therefore, study-abroad proposals for two or more semesters are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to undergraduate applicants proposing a full-year academic study. Boren-funded programs can begin no earlier than June 1st.
Summer-only programs must be eight (8) weeks or longer and are limited to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students.
Boren Fellowships promote long-term linguistic and cultural immersion. Boren Fellowship awards are made for a minimum of 12 weeks and maximum of 24 months. Overseas programs can be no longer than one year. Preference will be given to applicants proposing overseas programs of 6 months or longer. However, applicants proposing overseas programs of 3-6 months, especially those in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, are encouraged to apply.
Boren Scholarships are awarded with preference for countries, languages, and fields of study critical to U.S. national security. Preference is also given to students who will study abroad for longer periods of time, and who are highly motivated by the opportunity to work in the federal government.
Boren Scholars may study abroad in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Students may apply to study in any country outside of the United States, Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
All Boren Fellows must study a foreign language appropriate to the country in which they are studying abroad.
For a list of preferred countries in which to study, see this website: http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship/where_study.html
For a preferred list of languages to study, see this website: http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship/languages.html
For a preferred list of fields of study, see this website: http://www.borenawards.org/boren_scholarship/field_of_study.html
The African Languages Initiative (AFLI) offers Boren Fellowship applicants the opportunity to study African languages and cultures by participating in domestic and overseas language programs in Swahili, Yoruba, Zulu, Akan/Twi, Hausa, Wolof, and Portuguese.
The official domestic programs are administered by the University of Florida, Gainesville, while the official overseas programs are administered by the American Councils for International Education. In addition to completing the Boren Fellowship application, all AFLI applicants must complete relevant domestic and/or overseas program applications.
Admittance into the AFLI domestic and overseas programs does not influence the review of the Boren Fellowship application. Not everyone who is accepted into the University of Florida and/or American Councils for International Education programs will win a Boren Fellowship.
BOREN SCHOLARSHIPS: provide funding to U.S. undergraduates to fund a full academic year of academic and language study in geographic regions traditionally underrepresented by study abroad programs. Traditionally, Sophomores and Juniors apply for these grants.
Maximum scholarship awards are:
- $8,000 for a summer program (special initiative for STEM students only)
- $10,000 for a semester
- $20,000 for a full academic year
BOREN FELLOWSHIPS: Boren Fellowships provide up to $24,000 for overseas study. In addition, Boren Fellowships can provide limited funding for domestic language study that will supplement the overseas component. The maximum award for a combined overseas and domestic program is $30,000.
The Boren Scholarships offer a special initiative for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) majors. The scholarships fund up to $8,000 for summer study (minimum of 8 weeks) for students majoring in the STEM fields.
All other applicants must plan to study overseas for at least a semester. STEM field majors may also apply for semester and year programs.
All students applying for Boren Scholarships are expected to have a significant language component as part of their proposed study abroad program. Although many STEM students choose study-abroad programs that offer courses in STEM fields, they are not required.
- Consult with a faculty adviser about your plan.
- Consult with Prof. Bell about your plan and throughout your application process.
- Download and complete a Pre-Application for Boren Awards. Forward it, along with all of the supplementary documents, to Prof. Bell. For a copy of the form, CLICK HERE
- Read the Boren Application process and familiarize yourself with the Boren website.
- Click here for application instructions: Application Instructions
- Select a study abroad program.
- There are a number of resources available to you. Most students consult their Campus Representative, study abroad office, and Boren Scholarship Staff at IIE. You may also consult IIEPassport, an online study abroad directory with more than 7,000 study abroad programs worldwide.
The Boren Scholarship classifies all study abroad programs as falling into six categories. To view a list of these categories, see this website: Boren Awards Options.
- Boren Scholarships promote long term linguistic and cultural immersion, and therefore study abroad proposals for two or more semesters are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to undergraduate applicants proposing a full-year academic study.
- If full-year opportunities in the same program are unavailable, students may study abroad on two different study abroad programs. We encourage consecutive programs of study; these applications could be for summer and year programs; fall and spring semesters; summer and fall semesters; or spring and summer semesters.
These applications would then be considered together, and if the total length of study exceeds six months, they receive preference as a year-long proposal. Applications for two different consecutive study abroad programs must entail study of the same language. For more information on split programs, click here: Boren Awards Split Programs
- The Boren Scholarship emphasizes the importance of language study as a major component of your study abroad program. All study abroad programs do not offer the same opportunities to learn a language. The language component must incorporate opportunities to learn a language in a context that is meaningful to your language proficiency and language learning goals. You should take into account any prior knowledge and experience in the proposed language when selecting and designing your study abroad program.
If you already have studied the language, you should consider what opportunities the program will provide for you to advance your proficiency. If you have not studied the language, you should consider what the program offers you in opportunities to make substantial progress. Among the issues you should consider in selecting your program are:
- Does the program offer language courses that emphasize rigorous study and practical use of the contemporary language leading to increased proficiency in reading, speaking, and listening?
- How many classroom contact hours are offered in the language study? Will this be sufficient to increase your language proficiency?
- Are there opportunities to study the language in small groups tailored to your proficiency level?
- Who are the faculty who teach the language? Are they native speakers with extensive experience in teaching foreign students?
- Is there a full-time U.S. resident director at the institution who will help oversee your academic and cultural programs and monitor your language learning?
- Are there serious opportunities for living in university housing or home-stays where the foreign language will be spoken on a regular basis? How are home-stay families selected?
Since the Boren Scholarship encourages students to study in countries whose languages are less commonly taught at U.S. institutions, it is anticipated that many students will not be familiar with the language of their chosen country. Prior study of another language will serve as an indication of interest and aptitude.
THESE DOCUMENTS ARE UPLOADED ONTO THE IIE WEB APPLICATION SITE. YOU WILL NEED A USERNAME AND PASSWORD. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR APPLICATION: Register at IIE.
- Applicant Data
- Academic Data
- Other Academic Data
- Foreign Language Experience
- Applicant Experience Abroad
- Proposed Study Abroad Programs; includes Budget
- Financial Aid / Survey Data / Other Scholarship Information
- Statement of Purpose I: Rationale: Explain the significance of your proposed study abroad experience (including the region you selected, its culture, and the language you will study) as it relates to U.S. national security, broadly defined. Describe how the country, language, and study abroad program you selected will help you to achieve your academic and career goals, including your plans to fulfill the service requirement.
- Statement of Purpose II: Program Description (both the preferred and alternate programs). Describe the study abroad program's course of study and related cultural activities, as well as the administrative and support services provided (i.e., facilities, housing, resident director, etc.). Describe the language component in as much detail as possible, including the number of classroom contact hours and information on language study opportunities outside of the classroom. Describe your past experience studying or speaking the language (or another language, if relevant), as well as your plans to continue studying or speaking the language following your Boren Scholarship.
- The Statements of Purpose I & II are the most important parts of the application and give you an opportunity to present a rationale for studying abroad and to describe your proposed program.
- Statements of Purpose should be no more than 6,000 characters each, not including spaces.
- Statements of Purpose should be single-spaced, except when spaces separate paragraphs. For tips on writing these Statements, see this website: Boren SOP guide
Note: You must submit your application by the Campus Deadline. See the Timeline (hyperlink above) for specific dates. You will not be able to review your application after you submit it online. You will not be able to access your work after the application deadline.
Submit the following supplemental hard copy materials to Prof. Bell, your Boren Campus Representative, by your on-Campus Deadline:
- Completed letters of reference. Letters of reference must be signed, original letters in an envelope with the signature across the seal, when they are submitted to your Campus Representative. Two letters are required; you may include a third, optional letter. For tips on getting strong letters of reference, see this website: Boren Reference Letters Guide.
- Official, hard copy, transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Freshmen must also include high school transcripts.
- One page study abroad program description with cost information. (This may be a page from the program's website or a photocopy of part of the program brochure.) If you set up a direct enrollment or individually arranged study abroad program, please provide two letters of support. The first letter should be from your home institution and the second letter should be from your overseas host institution.
- Language self-assessment (copy on the Boren website)
- Language proficiency form (optional) (copy on the Boren website)(if applicable)
- Letters of support for direct enrollment
Submit all of these documents to Prof. Bell by the Campus Deadline.She will send them to the Boren Scholarships headquarters in Washington, DC. Your online application must be completed by the Campus Deadline. Once you have submitted these documents and uploaded your application, you will schedule an interview with MMC's Campus Evaluation Committee, the final part of your application.
Consult this website: Writing a Boren Essay
Read up on some of the amazing things our previous Boren Scholars have accomplished.
Archived Headlines
March 15, 2018
Madison Weisend '20, a double-major in Environmental Studies and Politics & Human Rights, completed the Fall 2017 semester of her David L. Boren Scholarship at the American Institute for Indian Studies in Jaipur, where she engaged in intensive study of Hindi and sustainable development in India.
April 21, 2014
Marymount Manhattan College Student Christophe Horita has been selected to receive a coveted Boren Scholarship for the coming academic year.
Boren Scholar Alvin Young '13 Earns Internship with the Caribbean Community Permanent Observer Mission to the United NationsNew York, N.Y. – After spending a year abroad, Marymount Manhattan student and Boren Scholar Alvin Young '13 was selected for an internship with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York City. CARICOM is a conglomerate of representatives from different Caribbean countries that work together to facilitate and promote economic integration, as well as the coordination of foreign policy.
The application process takes time. You cannot begin at the last minute. You must give your application a great deal of thought. The essays alone will require research and they will go through many drafts. You will seek advice from faculty advisers and from Prof. Bell. You must meet the Campus Deadlines stipulated on the Timeline or your application will not be recommended.
Even if you do not receive a grant, the process is worth your time, as you will gain a great deal of valuable experience in the process of writing a grant application. If you are successful and win an award, the benefits to your future career are considerable. You will gain invaluable, extended exposure to a foreign country, culture, language, and community. You will pursue your academic research and enrich your intellectual life. You will make contacts for an exciting career


text: If the exchange of power between two hot and horny men gets you sweating, you'll want to give it up to Submit, the latest title in TitanMen's ROUGH fetish series. SUBMIT features the rough and ready men you can only find at TitanMen, engaged in the twisted pig play - ropes, chains, big toys, electro play and hot wax scenes - you've come to expect from boundary-pushing director Paul Wilde.. Handsome, hairy-chested Wilfried Knight binds up the hard smooth torso of Cavin Knight in a rope harness, before dominating Calvin with his thick uncut cock, pounding his perfect ass before spraying him down with a geyser of piss.. Thick-muscled Ethan Hudson fucks the bearded, blindfolded face of Xavier St. Jude till he's choking, then ties him to a wooden chair where he teases Xavier with a silicone jack-off sleeve and a big ridged dildo, before finally bending him over, spraying him with piss and taking his captive ass.. Leo Forte ties muscle man Shay Michaels to a suspended bench, bringing him to the edge of pleasure and pain with an electro wand and hot candle wax. His stream of piss triggers Shay's own until the bound man is drenched. Turned on by Shay's eager submission, Leo shoves his thick uncut pipe up Shay's furry muscled ass and drills him till they both spew cum.


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Embedded Systems
Associated article: A Task Dispatcher for Embedded Systems
Published source code accompanying the article by Ron Kreymborgi in which he presents a dispatcher implemented in C that's small enough to be reliably implemented in the assembly language of the destination processor. Also see DISPATCH.ZIP.
A Task Dispatcher for Embedded Systems by Ron Kreymborgi Listing One InitMulti(); QueTask(TaskA); while (TRUE) { Dispatch(); } Listing Two TurnLedOn(){ if (switchOn) { outp(PORTB,0x01); QueTask(TurnLedOff); } else ReRunMe(0); } TurnLedOff() { if (!switchOn) { outp(PORTB,0x00); QueTask(TurnLedOn); } else ReRunMe(0); } Listing ...


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Oscar Jacobson says it has put a technology backbone in place to support ambitious international expansion plans.
The Sweden-based men's formalwear brand has been operating for 114 years, but an updated omnichannel platform is expected to give the brand a new lease of life.
Central to the company's new look and agility is an integrated retail solution that it says links in-store operations with back-end systems to give shop staff, online teams and head office the real-time information they require for successful modern retailing.
Oscar Jacobson's IT application manager, Marcus Knutsson, believes an investment in iVend's core retail suite looks set to provide a platform for other new customer touchpoints such as click & collect and Klarna in-store payments.
In an interview with Essential Retail, Knutsson describes some noteworthy uses of technology at Oscar Jacobson as the brand – already famous for its golf fashion apparel in the UK and southern Europe – ramps up its international strategy. We've picked out the top five.
1. Breaking down the silos
By the company's own recognition, until last year Oscar Jacobson was operating with legacy systems that created silos within the business. The retailer opted to integrate iVend Retail's omnichannel solution to address the matter, giving the business a real-time view of customer data across its sales channels.
The open API platform was implemented by Retail Store Scandinavia into the retailer's existing Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP system. Any new stores added to the Oscar Jacobson portfolio will be connected to the central platform.
"We had an old version which wasn't open and we wanted it closer to our ERP system, and the stores in each country were separated from each other which meant price updates needed to be done multiple times," Knutsson explains.
"As we expand to new countries we'll need more price lists and currencies, and we plan to roll out eCommerce in different countries. We want the same promotions online and needed iVend to synchronise this messaging."
The brand currently has eight stores in Sweden, including the recently opened Täby flagship as well as three outlet shops. It has one shop in Oslo and plans to open two more in Norway this year, while the UK and Canada are among the countries in the pipeline for further openings.
The first store went live with iVend in late November 2016 and it should be in use in Norway by the end of May. The platform is viewed as a fundamental part of the retailer's plans for future tech development.
2. In-store collect and return
"We wanted to be up and running with iVend so we had the capability to integrate the online business, so it's the system which will define what we do later in the year and beyond," notes Knutsson.
The IT application manager believes the provision of click & collect will allow its customers to add more items to their purchase when they arrive in store and help keep returned items to a minimum.
Shoppers will also soon be able to pay for goods in a store and have them delivered to home, thanks to the new infrastructure.
"Customers won't need to go and buy the item themselves [back home], they will be able to complete the purchase in store [even if the product isn't in stock at that particular shop]."
Online payments provider Klarna, which is a hugely popular platform among consumers in the Nordics, has recently started to offer an in-store solution – and Oscar Jacobson is investigating ways of incorporating that into iVend.
"If you buy something online and come into the store you might want to add a new item to the same payment method as you previously used," says Knutsson, who believes ease of use and flexibility are the key facets of a strong payments system.
3. Localised eCommerce offering
Oscar Jacobson's Swedish and UK websites both cater for transactions but the international online platform does not. As the company extends its reach into new territories, the plan is to enter each market with a store and digital presence.
"The main focus now is to get the Norwegian website up and running," Knutsson notes.
"It's outside the EU so it's a bit more complicated with customs for example, but it is almost done. When people get more aware of the brand, [opening a localised website] is a good way to display the whole collection, especially as we're not opening flagship stores in every city and country we enter."
4. Personalisation
A key feature of the Oscar Jacobson offer is its 'Made to Order' service, which allows customers to pick specific fabrics and designs to be used in the manufacturing of their formalwear.
At present, this is the retailer's main method of offering a personalised service – but the new iVend platform is expected to open up opportunities for much more targeted and personalised digital communication.
"We're going to add the iVend Loyalty module and also integrate online and physical store data," Knutsson explains.
"We need to take that to one place. It will be easier to tell customers more specific information about things they have an interest in. If we have an event in Gothenburg it would make sense to send emails to people who have been to the store or who live nearby."
5. Front and back-end refresh
Oscar Jacobson has installed screens on its point of sale terminals containing images of the latest seasonal ranges.
In Norway, receipt information needs to be displayed in a standardised way, so the plan is to integrate the digital signage with iVend's platform to display the required information there.
Residing in the Täby store, meanwhile, is a large digital screen providing full-size model pictures displaying the latest ranges.
"It's an alternative to mannequins – you can explain more in a small part of the store. [These screens can] also provide inspiration for the Made to Order service," Knutsson notes.
The retailer has also decided that the time is right to invest in a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, in DHL. The company has grown to a point where it no longer sees efficiencies in running these processes in-house and has chosen DHL to manage them from one central warehouse.
"During the high peaks when delivering new season stock, it is more flexible to work with a 3PL to deal with demand. They can add more staff to the operations when it is needed."
Oscar Jacobson is already present in international stores, including House of Fraser and American Golf in the UK, via its wholesale arm. But the business has now hired an export manager, whose main focus will be on developing the brand in non-Nordic countries.
Once the most suitable locations have been identified, Oscar Jacobson will be bringing its formalwear to the UK as it looks to become known as more than just a golf brand outside the Nordics.


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Earning money from home doing something you love is the dream- and if you have a creative skill it could well become a reality. Thanks to the accessibility of the internet it's easier than ever to set up your own business and start making money from what you're good at. Whether you're looking to earn a little extra pocket money or quit your day job, here are a few ideas to get you started!
1. Blogging
If you love to write, blogging makes a fantastic hobby. You get to improve your skills and meet like minded people. As your blog grows you will get offered opportunities and can eventually earn good money from this. It does take a while to get to this stage, so at first you have to be in it just for the love of it. See it as a hobby with the potential to earn money later on instead of setting it up and expecting to quit your day job in a month. Lots of people have made blogging their full time career, so stick with it and work hard and it's definitely a possibility.
2. Woodturning Or Metal Forging
Something that men particularly enjoy although of course there are talented women carpenters and metal forgers too. You can make all kinds of things with a wood turning lathe or a home forge, and sell these from your own website or an online marketplace like Etsy. People love quality handmade items rather than mass produced things you can buy anywhere, so you have the chance to do well here. You will need a workshop for this, luckily companies like Steel Buildings Direct can set up a metal workshop easily in your back garden without the need for planning permission. From there you will need your setup and tools, and you're ready to start crafting some unique and interesting items to sell.
3. Gardening
If you're green fingered there are lots of ways you can earn money with your love of gardening. You could grow edible or medicinal plants, and sell them as they are or create your own products such beauty products, herbal medicine or edibles like jams, jellies and chutneys. You could propagate seedlings and then sell the starter plants for the home or garden or nurture them longer and sell full sized plants. If you use a greenhouse you will get the most from the growing season and have better control over what you grow.
4. Baking
Baking can earn you some good money, just be sure you have the correct food hygiene certificate in place. If you're selling home baked goods you will need to inform the authorities who have the power to inspect your kitchen at any time to make sure it follows hygiene laws. People always need cakes for things like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and christenings. It's something you can get really creative with and turn into a full time job if it does well.
Would you ever consider turning your skill and passion into a business?


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Summer Cutting cycle with test e, primo and tbol
Filed Under (Cutting Steroids cycles, Pre-contest cycles, Summer Cycles) by admin on 31-05-2010
Tagged Under : steroid cutting cycle, summer cycle, testosterone enanthate and primobolan cycle
Summer cutting cycle with Testosterone Enanthate, Primobolan and Turanabol
SteroidsCycles.Net presents you another cutting cycle for summer which will make you look hard and solid. As a base we will use testosterone enanthate however you may replace it with testosterone propionate as in some individuals enanthate will make visible water retention but I dont think this is a problem as you dont prepare for the contest, right? 🙂 On the other hand switching to propionate will bring you another headache as you will have to inject it EOD plus you will inject Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate) 2-3 times per week so having to inject primo and test propionate will keep you really busy and will not give your injection sites enough time to rest.
It is worth mentioning that some individuals while on testosterone enanthate will not experience too visible water retention and if you are one of them you don't have to worry about getting that separation on muscles. Testosterone Enanthate is injected twice per week each time in 250mg.
Second injectable anabolic steroid is Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate) which is very good when it comes to cutting. Many use it pre-contest or just when they want to look ripped. Primobolan is very good drug and is considered to be the safest and least suppressive anabolic steroid, and is extremely effective. Primobolan is injected 3 times per week (200mg per injection) since a cc contains only 100 mgs.
And Turanabol (chlordehydromethyltestosterone) which is used for first 4 or 6 weeks (in our case it is 6) to kick start the cycle.
Post Cycle Therapy: In the scheme we put only Nolvadex and Clomid but what will you use to recover actually is up to you as there are different methods and probably you have found what works best for you.
Importance of vitamin E in recovering natural testosterone production cannot be underestimated so do yourself a favor and get enough of it.
And last but not the least important moment is proper nutrition and training. Eat a lot of protein, don't forget about whey protein shake after training and early in the morning. Eat 5-6 times per day with small portions.
Regarding training: you can workout 4-5 days per week and last 3-4 weeks train with supersets, as a guide you may use this training routine: http://www.musclesprod.com/bodybuilding-training-routines/superset-workout-system-for-contest-preparation/
|40-50mg ED
|Testosterone Enanthate
|Vitamin E
Good luck!
Download this cycle in PDF.
to open it you will need Adobe Reader
(C) All rights reserved by SteroidsCycles.Net, you can use this article only with source indication.


text:
To NACAR members, supporters and friends,
We are grateful for your continued support this year. We wish you peace and joy during the Christmas season and throughout 2016.
Enjoy this year of video memories from 2015 as a gift to you!
Merry Christmas!
NACAR Board of Directors and Staff
Clipart from http://www.cruzblanca.org/hermanoleon/


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The DAM Lowdown returns with: The impact of the Amazon outage on DAM, more KIT Digital news, Digital Asset Management Forum in Chicago on May 5, DAM Education launches in North America and Europe plus more Quick Hits.
What Does the Amazon Outage Mean to the DAM Market?
Along with every housewife in America, no one was happier to see the Royal Wedding come along than the public relations department at Amazon. The fallen cloud has been covered extensively, to say the least, but how does said failure effect the digital asset management landscape?
The impact could be substantial, considering the push by almost every DAM vendor to move its customers onto a cloud solution. Think about it: Nearly every solution that is covered in this column is either a new cloud-based product or an existing product being updated to leverage a cloud architecture.
Downtime is unavoidable for any software application, and, while it won't make your customers happy, it isn't the end of the world either. Data loss, on the other hand, is a different story. Customers can handle their platform being down for a little while. But if assets are missing when it comes back up, that's not good.
Therefore, the Amazon outage shines a spotlight on the reliability of cloud-backed systems. DAM vendors that are pushing the cloud need to be able to answer one question: "If it can happen to Amazon, why can't it happen to you?"
KIT Digital Stock Gets Hot: Is That a Good Thing?
It seems like I can't write a DAM Lowdown without mentioning something about KIT Digital. This week it is the realization by The Motley Fool -- and other stock analysts around the world -- that KIT Digital could become the Salesforce.com of the video asset management industry.
Naresh Sarwan, writing for Digitalassetmanagementnews.org, isn't quite as enthusiastic about this news as most KIT Digital shareholders probably are. Sarwan goes so far as to use the "b-word" (bubble) and refers to the dotcom era of the late 1990s when many web content management vendors had a more attractive stock portfolio than they did a product portfolio.
While I am not quite as concerned as Sarwan about KIT Digital's fast-rising start, I can't help but agree with him on this statement:
"Rather than basing the investment case on vendor lock-in (which is never as secure as those that pursue it hope it will be), I would prefer to see DAM companies promote positive benefits, like the versatility of their product and compliance with open standards. To me, these seem like more effective methods of encouraging a critical mass of user adoption, which will ultimately lead to the opportunity for long-term sustainable revenue generation (which is what investors should be looking for)."
Digital Asset Management Forum in Chicago on May 5
Enough seriousness. Let's move to a topic that we can all enjoy -- conferences. It seems like every week, we have a new meetup to mention, and this week is no different. This time, Extensis invites us to Chicago, IL for a free one-day seminar.
The focus of the event is the presentation of a real-world case study in how DesignPac leverages DAM for both 1-800Flowers and 1-800Baskets. Attendees will learn:
- How DesignPac finds and repurposes design files while maintaining brand consistency and rights usage compliance.
- Digital asset management best practices for both agencies and internal marketing departments.
Oh, and don't forget about the obligatory networking that goes on over mediocre appetizers and over-priced cocktails.
DAM Education Launches in North America, Europe
Just when you think the industry couldn't possibly support another consulting firm, along comes a new one. Appropriately named, DAM Education specializes in DAM education and training -- I said the firm was appropriately named.
Furthermore, DAM Education offers training on the following topics:
- Fundamentals of DAM
- Fundamentals of Metadata
- Fundamentals of Taxonomy
- DAM for Social Media
- DAM & Workflow
- DAM & Digital Preservation
Training is available online and in-person using the following formats:
- 3-hour seminar
- 1-day workshop
- 2-day workshop
- 10-week course
- custom webinars, courses, seminars and workshop are available upon request
DAM Education is currently making the conference circuit and you can also follow them on Twitter @dameducation.
Quick Hits
You may as well get comfortable with this section, because there is always more information in the DAM world than can reasonably fit in this column. Let's finish up with some product announcements.
MerlinOne Releases New M5 Client
After five "person-years" of development effort, MerlinOne releases a new version of its digital asset management client, Merlin 5. The latest release is a ground-up rewrite, focusing on support for multicore processors. Early returns are that the performance improvements are substantial.
Xinet Supports QuarkXPress 9 with WebNative Suite XTensions
When a player like Quark announces a major release, everyone in the ecosystem gets in line to support it. The recent update to QuarkXPress leads to a new version of Xinet's WebNative Suite XTensions. The XTensions include: Picture Wrangler XT, WebNative XT, FullPress XT and Annotator XT.
360Works Launches DocuBin
If you are looking for a FileMaker Pro solution for document and digital asset management, take a look at DocuBin from 360Works. DocuBin provides an upgrade to existing file servers with features such as version control, multiuser edit locking and flexible query controls.
DocuBin is available starting at US $295 for single users and US $1,800 for 10-user workgroups, with discounts for educational and nonprofit organizations.
As always, thanks for your time and I will see you next Monday.


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Gmail Bug Blacklists Thousands
Search Engine Journal
No company is perfect. Not even Google. So, marketers who sent email campaigns to or from Gmail accounts last week may want to check their recipient list. Yvonne Bell points to a bug in Google Gmail that blacklisted users. The bug resent multiple emails, even when the recipient deleted the message. Google believes this bug only affected less than 2.5% of its 176 million users, Bell tells us. A Google employee wrote and posted an apology on the Gmail help form.
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Adding Negative Keywords
PPC Blog
Geordie explains how to integrate Search Query Reports into the Search campaigns Keywords tab in an effort to simplify adding negative keywords and site placements to campaigns. It can take a couple of days to fully populate the report with results, so make sure to provide enough time. For the exception of slight differences, the same approach works when adding negative site placements to campaign.
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Google's Blog-Ranking Strategy
SEO by the Sea
Bill Slawski identifies a Google patent describing how the search engine might collect information from a blog, such as the title, author, and related feed data as it attempts to understand the content. He tells us the patent technology doesn't focus on ranking individual blog posts for a particular query, but rather determine if a blog should rank for that query.
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Shut Up And Pay Out
Outspoken Media
Tax the bloggers, according to Lisa Barone, who believes it could bring professionalism to the "hobby" of blogging. She thinks taxing bloggers would help bring credibility to the profession, and proposes a fixed blogging fee to put the plan in action. If you're appalled by the idea of having to pay a one-time lifetime fee of $300, she writes, then maybe you shouldn't be blogging at all.
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Chrome To Accelerate Rendering Using CPUs
The Chromium Project
In a Twitter tweet, Matt Cutts points to a design document for how Chrome will accelerate the ability render using graphics processing units (GPUs). Although a little geeky, the document provides background and details on the implementation of hardware accelerated compositing in Chrome. The specs explain that new APIs and markup like WebGL and 3D CSS transforms are a major motivation for this work, but it also lets Chromium begin to take advantage of the GPU to speed up its entire drawing model. It means faster and better graphics.
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Creating Articles With 'Tail'
Graywolf's SEO Blog
Michael Gray says you should keep articles narrowly focused and keyword-centric to gain better SEO ranking because many times topics become too broad and convoluted. Gray provides a list of options that will help optimize the content, and suggests dividing up a broader topic into "much more in-depth, narrowly focused 'tail' articles first and [then] backing your way into the main or 'head' article."
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Known By The Company You Keep
Search Engine Journal
TrustRank: heard of it? David Harry defines it as a concept that describes the trust link structure between articles. He explains generally good Web sites link to other good Web sites, and bad to bad. Quality Web sites don't typically link to those filled with spam. So, he provides a checklist to help remain a good neighbor, including how to control the flow of PageRank.
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How To Make Product Pages Great Content
Rand Fishkin explains how to turn boring product pages into unique and interesting content -- a topical subject with the holiday season approaching. He walks through ways to outsell the same product 100 other stores on the Web do, and suggests marketers develop user-generated content like comments and ratings.
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What Happens When Google's Matt Cutts Climbs Kilimanjaro
Matt Cutts: Gadgets, Google, and SEO
Matt Cutts pushed Google aside for a week's vacation to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, penning about his experience in a blog post when he returned. Aside from providing lots of photographs, insight into his experience and the preparations it required to get there, Cutts provides a few tips on climbing the mountain in case others decide to go.
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SEO Options To Gain Advanced Link Data
Rand Fishkin gives us more than six options to replace Yahoo's Link and Linkdomain search commands. He tells us that while Yahoo will maintain the Site Explorer service, the use of advanced query parameters on searches using the link and linkdomain operators will no longer return results.
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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Investors are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the world's first exchange-traded fund backed by physical gold, and they're in awe over how much the investment vehicle has altered the landscape for the precious-metals market forever.
MarketWatch told you almost seven years ago that change was already in motion. Still, at the time, it would have been tough to imagine the true scope of influence the gold ETFs have had on the market.
Now "it is widely acknowledged that the launch of gold [exchange-traded products] has had a very significant impact on the gold market and is now a key part of it," Graham Tuckwell, chairman at ETF Securities, said in a press release marking the 10th anniversary of the first gold ETF.
On March 28, 2003, the first gold-backed ETF, developed by ETF Securities, was launched. It trades on the Australian stock exchange as the ETFS Physical Gold
Since its launch, interest in gold has grown astronomically as prices US:GCK3 have jumped to around $1,600 an ounce from about $332 at the time of the launch.
"We can certainly track the growth of gold ETFs since their invention, and see how investor interest in gold has growth significantly," said Will Rhind, managing director of U.S. operations for ETF Securities. Globally, there are now 143 gold ETFs available, with the latest data showing assets under management at roughly $132 billion, he said.
At the end of 2003, AUM was at just about $191,000, ETF Securities data show.
The first gold-backed ETF in the United States, the SPDR Gold Trust
GLD, the largest gold ETF on the market, is also one of the biggest funds in terms of value of the assets it manages. That makes it "incredibly influential in the overall investment marketplace — not just the gold market," said David Beahm, executive vice president at precious-metals investment firm Blanchard & Co.
It has holdings valued at around $63 billion.
With asset values at that level, "gold has proved itself as a portfolio diversifier and a foundational asset rather than just a trading vehicle," said Tom Lydon, editor and publisher of ETFtrends.com.
"Gold ETFs now rival central banks in holdings," he said.
Physically-backed gold ETFs as a group are the fourth-largest holder of gold, falling just behind the U.S., Germany and the International Monetary Fund and ahead of Italy and France, said Lydon, who is also president of investment advisory firm Global Trends Investments.
Big footprint
Among the biggest reasons for the popularity of gold ETFs has been their accessibility and addition of liquidity in the market. But they've also contributed more volatility.
Before the first gold ETF, investors could not invest in gold easily, said Rhind. They could buy coins or bars, but due to the costs of storage and acquisition, "it was really a market for specialists," and investing in gold was "not at all liquid, transparent or efficient."
The introduction of the ETF provided people with access to the gold spot market in equity form for the first time. "Suddenly, gold could be traded just as easily as buying shares of any stock."
Some gold ETFs are backed by physical gold stored in a vault, while others invest in futures contracts. With physical gold-backed ones, investors can buy a share that says they own fractional interests in the gold.
"Over the long term, the ETFs are putting the world's gold into the hands of the investing public," said Brien Lundin, editor of Gold Newsletter. They are "in effect, democratizing the management, and mismanagement, of the world's money supplies," he said.
That said, there are some negatives linked to gold ETFs.
A gold-backed ETF is "not an exact proxy for gold and has become a victim of its own success," said Luke Rahbari, managing partner at Stutland Volatility Group, a private investment management company. The same liquidity and size of the market has made it "a problem for the ETF sponsor to physically control that much gold without impacting the markets."
For gold, that means ETFs could disrupt the price and trading mechanism going forward if the size of the gold ETF holdings continue to increase, he said.
The decade-old investment vehicle has also taken some demand away from gold equities.
Gold equities were traditionally the method by which investors leveraged the moves in the metals, said Lundin. "Ironically, then, while the ETFs have helped the price of gold, they have hurt the companies that mine gold."
Rhind pointed out that gold companies have had a hard time outperforming the gold price over the last few years and, as such, "more investors are simply electing to buy the gold ETFs directly."
Performance prospects
So far this year, gold-backed ETFs haven't fared all that well.
The SPDR Gold Trust has lost nearly 5% year to date, but it gained 1% for the month of March. Since Dec. 31, 2012, fund outflows for GLD totaled about $6.6 billion as of Wednesday, according to IndexUniverse.com.
George Soros's Soros Gold Management Fund cut back holdings in GLD by 55%, according to an SEC filing covering the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2012. But Paulson & Co., the largest investor in GLD, kept its stake at 21.8 million shares.
"The outflows of funds from gold ETFs is due to speculation and trading and short futures games," said Steven Evanson, chief executive officer at Evanson Asset Management. Gold futures lost 4.8% for the first quarter of the year.
There is no sign that the drivers for gold, which include rising U.S. government debt, are about to abate and "demand for gold will eventually overwhelm the short futures and ETF short speculators," said Evanson.
That leaves a lot more room for interest in gold-backed ETFs — and gold — to grow.
Worldwide, bars and coins still represent the largest portion of investment demand for gold, according to Juan Carlos Artigas, global head of investment research for the World Gold Council, while only about 1/4th of investment demand is typically in the form of ETFs.
"As investors grow more attuned to the benefits gold brings to portfolio performance, especially as a tool to manage risk effectively, we would expect to see a higher number of institutional investors such as pension plans, endowments and foundations to use gold as part of their strategic allocations," Artigas said.
In Japan alone, over the course of 18 months, more than 200 pension plans have started to include gold in the portfolios, he said.


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This is the most comprehensive and interactive UK website devoted to Boarding. Coupled with its high prominence on the world wide search engines.
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CREDIT: Image header taken from BSA member school Leighton Park School