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oh the places i drove..and would subsequently recommend
with a nod to dr. theodor seuss geisel, who lived the latter years of
his life right here in la jolla, and was a brilliant imaginarian…
my drive from pittsburgh to san diego spanned 5 cities and covered almost 4000 miles..and if you ever find yourself in the vicinity, these
are (just a few of) the things i suggest you see for your very own
a hundred miles of cornfields – lincoln, ne
the rocky mountains – denver, co
sandia peak – albuquerque, nm
grand canyon national park – arizona
and finally
la jolla shores beach, ca
so when you get a chance, go ahead and take a picture of your own..
44 Comments
Hey Kevin! Great pics! Rocky Mtns are the best. I spent a week there this summer and it was Heavenly. 🙂
LOVE the pictures. I have had the pleasure of seeing the miles upon miles of cornfields in NE when I went there for a conference. I am going to Chicago over J-term, I will have to check out the American Gothic statue. Thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
Oh, man. Jealousy. I've spent very little time west of the Mississippi (including Minneapolis, because I get lost EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.), so I've always wanted to explore.
For people on a budget and without much vacation time, if you could only pick one, would you pick Denver, or the Grand Canyon?
rfd- im going with the grand canyon
Wow Kevin that's a lot of driving. It's great that you took pictures along the way. I love the hundred miles of cornfields one. You are so hot! You know what else I love, seeing your name back on the roster. 2010 season is going to be sweet I can feel it.
I hope you're having a whole lotta fun in la jolla. Keep taking pictures. Speaking of pictures, did you ever receive the picture I sent to you in the mail? Just curious..
WOW! That is a lot of driving! Looks like you had a blast. We are going to the rocky mountains next year, and can't waiT!! I would love to see those other places, too. They all look like amazing places to see, anyway.
I?m glad you made a trip through Chicago! I hope you saw and enjoyed more than just the ?American Gothic? statue and Trump Tower across the street. I liked the moose that was there earlier this year much better but the giant couple makes for a good photo op. I refuse to drive around Chicago myself (I go to Loyola University-Chicago) so I applaud you for making the trek. Looks like you had a fun road trip! Enjoy the warm California weather. (You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go.)
Really amazing pics. I would love to drive across the country. ive driven to NC from Mpls. That was pretty sweet..:) Also, speaking of pics, I know some have asked you about your facebook & you don't use it, but my question is, did you know you have a fan page & do you ever look at it? I saw some of your family has written on there. Sister, Aunts… I was trying to figure out how to post a pic on here, with no success. So I posted it there instead. It was from this summer at Majors. Im sure you will remember. 😉 So it you ever do get on there, take a look.
Can't wait til the 23rd to hear if your teammate is the MVP!!!!
that seemed like a fun trip what was the favorite part of your trip?
Hmph…I am going to disagree on the Nebraska cornfields. I just remember crying across that entire state on one of my families oh-so-fun roadtrips. I believe through the tears you could hear my saying "why would anyone want to come here all there is is corn and occasionally a cow!"
But then again…I think someone was crying at all times anyways…part of the fun of going on trips with your family…see any cows?
alice- we saw plenty of cows..and there was no crying
Beautiful pictures Kevin! How long of a drive was that? I would love to do a long road trip like that one day. I must say I always love reading your blog and it's very insightful to see what kind of a person you are off the mound and what your interests are. Keep the blogs coming! Much love Kevin and God Bless 🙂
rachel- it was about 40 hours of driving in total..but very well worth it
And you quote Dr. Seuss?.that?s completely adorable. Could you please pretend to have flaws? It?s just unfair for you to be so perfect, yet unreachable.
Hey Kevin, John from TwinsMVB.com again.
Looks like a great trip Kevin. Hope you had some good tunes to pass all that driving time, but I'm sure you appreciate all the landscapes of the country now.
I have a couple cool ideas I'd love to email you about for my Twins blog. My email is email@example.com if you have a quick moment and email me I can describe them in more detail.
Hope to hear from you. Continue to enjoy the offseason!
Fail. If no one cried at least once then you didn't do the whole roadtrip thing correctly…car trips are supposed to be full of crying, missed road signs, and dramamine. Well, there's always the return trip. Better luck then. Kudos on seeing some cows…after all happy cows come from california??
On an unrelated note…
Are you an e.e cummings fan; is your Shift bar broken, or do you just not like to use it?? No offense meant…I am completely in support of non-capitilization as well as "pretty how towns"….
aja – ha, i suppose i am an e.e. fan..and no offense taken..
WOW!! Looks like you got a chance to see lot of America's beautiful scenery on your drive. I guess I missed the American Gothic statue in Chicago…I guess I spent too much time on North Side at Wrigley Field. I hope you enjoy the offseason in sunny Southern California and GO STEELERS!!
Is that Paddy in the Denver pic? Slowey boys look so alike, and still very different! 🙂
I remember the hundreds of miles' worth of cornfields driving up to Indiana. I loved to tease my sister about "Children of the Corn" (movie and story) since she was going to be living up there for 4 years. As far as I know, she only went into a cornfield after dark once, and it was with friends.
Glad to see you enjoyed the journey–and I'm pretty sure La Jolla is pretty nice this time of year too.
lamb – pat did accompany me on the journey, and as a co-pilot, made it into plenty of the pics..
Raised a farm girl, however not Nebraskan, I appreciate your appreciation for the miles of cornfields.
the traveler – i appreciate you saying so.
Hey Kevin! Great pics. Just wanted to know if you made it to the bean while you were in Chicago?
Well done on the posing. A classic 'lean on the fencepost'.
I always wonder about the start of an athlete's career. Did you practice your autograph before you had to give thousands? Have you gotten used to being recognized? How do you feel about it? What is the strangest locale where someone has spotted you? What did you think when you first saw your name on someone else's back?
Before a season (or for your whole career), do you set specific goals for yourself? Would they be more like, win 20 games, all-star game, have an ERA of ___, etc.? Or just to improve every outing, give the team a chance to win…?
staff9 – thanks, ive been practicing that lean for quite some time…as for the start of a career…yes ( every boy practices his autograph, just look at their high school notebooks), not at all, im flattered, on the highway, 'awesome', not really anything specific, and the goal of constant improvement, etc. seems to be the best way to approach it, for me at least..
I have a similar pic of La Jolla! gotta love the bird poop on the rocks…kinda gross, but La Jolla itself, beautiful!
Temecula vineyards are a fun place to visit. 🙂
Nice pics, Kevin! The one at La Jolla Beach is awesome. Did you climb down the summit to the shore to take that pic, or something else?
Also, how did you get onto that huge ledge at Sandia Peak and stay up there? Lol dum question, right.
Hi Kevin. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Did you go home? Did you ever get onto your fanpage on facebook??
Kevin – Can you start sunday for the steelers? Injuries are killing us this year.
Kevin, Looking fwd to seeing you pitch in 2010. How is your throwing program going? Are you progressing with the wrist as expected? Sure hope to see the full arsenal of healthy Twins starters this season. Best of luck in your rehab and Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, Kevin! Hope you're ready for this big snowstorm!! (that is, if you are currently living in Minnesota!)
Where have you been?
Are you ready for A Christmas Story marathon? Less than 24 hrs til start time! ( I just checked, it starts @ 7 tomorrow night!:))
One baseball question… what team were you a fan of growing up?
Hope you have a fabulous Christmas.
Hey Kevin! Hope you had a great holiday 🙂 Love the blog, waiting for a new entry! How is the off season going? You excited for the 2010 season yet?
The fans seem to miss your comments.
Are you playing hard to get?
We miss you, please don't make us beg.
Have a super New Year!
< Omnia
I second that Omnia!!
He must just be having too much fun in La Jolla (not fair btw…) Hopefully he'll be back soon……..
Hey Kevin,
One quick question. I recently bought the TwinsFest Tickets, and thought that there would be a schedule, showing when the players would be appearing. I saw that there was a list of what players would be there, but not schedule as to when they were appearing on which dates. Do you know there is any schedule of any sort? Thanks for your help! I'm hoping that there will be one, but just not out yet. Thanks again!
Love the trip!
The "American Gothic" statue is one of the ugliest things I've ever seen. Its inspiration is a visual pepperoni pizza. In other words, a painting so overly exposed it has become a cliche. Two stiffs the size of King Kong? UGLY! Want to see a much more interesting work of art? The next time you visit Baltimore, stop by Pennsylvania Station. In front of it is "Male/Female." You'll love it. GO RAVENS!
First of all, yes, I realize this is an old post. However, I stumbled across your blog and was entertained, so I just kept reading. When I got to this post, I thought of a piece I should recommend, if you haven't already read it. I figure anyone who knows, and uses, the name Theodor Seuss Geisel will appreciate it at least a bit.
It's a piece I studied in college that was published in The Washington Post in 1979, but to me, it's timeless. Enjoy!


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How do I download, install, and register my new add-on?
A link to the file, as seen within the red circle in the image below, was included in the "Purchase Receipt" email sent to you from email@example.com upon completing your purchase.
In addition, you can download your add-on by doing the following:
- Head over to your Purchase History page (Accounts > Purchase History). You'll need to login if you haven't already done so.
- Click on the link for "View Details and Downloads" next to the date of you purchased the add-on (see image below)
3. Scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the link with the name of the add-on you purchased to begin downloading the add-on. In the example below, the add-on name is "The Randomizer v1.0.0".
Adobe removed support for the Extension Manager in CC 2015. ZXPInstaller is an open source replacement that makes it easy to install extensions. This is the preferred installation method. Note: the term "Extension", "Add-on", "Panel", and "Plug-in" are used interchangeably.
- The Installer Application: If you don't have it already, please download and install ZXPInstaller ( http://zxpinstaller.com/ )
- Quit either Illustrator or Photoshop if they are open
- Open the ZXPInstaller application
- Note: On a Mac, when you ZXPInstaller for the first time, you will receive the following message in a popup window:
- "ZXPInstaller" is an application downloaded from the Internet. Are you sure you want to open it?
- That's normal, click Ok to continue.
- Note: On a Mac, when you ZXPInstaller for the first time, you will receive the following message in a popup window:
- The Add-on: Purchase, download and uncompress the add-on if you have not already done so
- Drag the [The Name of the Add-on].zxp, e.g., TheRandomizer.zxp, file onto ZXPInstaller
- When ZXPInstaller says your installation is complete, your extension has been installed
- Restart Illustrator or Photoshop. You will find extension in the Window menu under Extensions / [The Name of the Add-on]
The 1st time you use it, you will be required to register the add-on. A License Key and the email address you used to purchase the add-on are required. The License Key was provided to you via:
- Purchase Confirmation page following your purchase.
- If you didn't save it, you should have received an email with the subject "Purchase Receipt" from "Created by Dr. Woohoo!" and/or "firstname.lastname@example.com" as well. Didn't get the email, you can check your Junk email folder or…
- Lastly, if you still can't find the License Key, you can log in (Account > Login) to the Created by… Dr. Woohoo site and go to the menu Account > Purchase History. Login info:
- Your login info is typically your WordPress login info.
- Otherwise, you might have created a new one during the purchase process.
- Otherwise, an account was automatically created for you during the purchase process and would have received the account info via email following your purchase.
- For all cases, a password recovery option is included
Additional questions? Please submit a support request.
Note: If this is your 2nd installation, e.g., you have a new computer that you're re-installing your software on, you will first need to Deactivate your previous license of the add-on by opening the add-on on your other computer, clicking on the flyout menu in the top-right of the panel, and clicking on "Deactivate " [the name of your add-on] as seen below.
How do I check and update my add-on?
Prerequisite: You'll need to be connected to the Internet
- Click on the Fly-out menu icon located in the top-right corner of you add-on panel.
- Click on Check for Updates
- After a little bit, a popup window will appear with a message that tells you whether your version of your add-on is up-to-date or not.
- If an update is available, the popup window will provide you with an option to download the latest version.
How do I find/open The Randomizer?
Window > Extensions > The Randomizer!
- Open Illustrator
- Click on Window menu in Illustrator
- Rollover Extensions
- Click onThe Randomizer!
How many installations of the add-on am I allowed when I purchase per license?
1. If you would like to install the add-on on a different computer, you will need to deactivate the active version via the fly-out menu option "Deactivate The Randomizer!" located in the top right of the add-on panel, as seen below.
I misplaced my License Key. Where can I get it again?
To retrieve your License Key:
2. Log into your account if you're not already logged in
3. Scroll to the relevant product and underneath its title is your license key. Please note that you can only have 1 active instance per license.
Tip: Workflow
Here are a few tips on workflows that work well:
- Select the Objects before you select the Swatches.
- Select the Objects on your Artboard and then click on the "Select Objects" button in add-on to link them.
- Select the Swatches in your Swatches Panel and then click on the "Select Swatches" button in the add-on to link them.
Tip: Start out small
When you are testing out some new random variations, select a smaller number of Objects. The number of selected Objects is relative to how fast your computer is, but you can try less than 100. After the objects are selected, select as many Swatches as you would like because they won't slow things down in the same was as the Objects will. With the Objects and Swatches selected, go to the Randomize section and click on the Randomize Once button to test out the colors.
When you're happy and confident about your color selection, select the larger number of Objects and proceed to either the Randomize or Batch sections.
Tip: Make sure the Fill Tool is above the Stroke Tool
In your Tools Panel, make sure the Fill Tool is activated, meaning it's in the foreground and above the Stroke Tool as seen in this image. If the Stroke tool is in the foreground weird things or no magic will happen.
How do I use Illustrator's Color Themes + Color Guides with The Randomizer?
This video walks you through a simple example of using a Color Theme to generate a larger series of swatches via Color Guides. The colors are then saved to the Swatches panel, linked in The Randomizer extension and randomly applied to the different paths on the artboard.
Additional questions? Please submit a support request.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
« All Events
« Back to previous page
August 25
Event Time: All Day
Location: Off Campus,
Site Information:
Event Type: College Events
If you are a Freshmen student (29 credit hours or less), you can run in the SGA election. The completed application is available online or text the Student Life Cell at 217-460-8554 for the link to apply! Elections will be held in the Laker Hub September 16 & 17, 2020.
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with United Concordia*
New Farm Bureau Members can enroll in any of these plans, any time, during the first 60 days of your membership. Otherwise, you are required to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll.
The next Open Enrollment Period will be held from November 15 through December 31, 2020 for an effective date of January 1, 2021.
*As a Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Member, benefit your oral health and your wallet by enrolling in one of the Farm Bureau's two dental plans through United Concordia. Through your membership with PFB, you are entitled to competitively priced group dental insurance.
Poor oral health can cause pain, embarrassment and even affect the rest of your body. A quality dental plan helps you take charge of your oral health. Your teeth and gums are important for almost everything you do in a day—from speaking and eating to living without pain or bad breath. And recent research shows that taking care of your mouth can:
• Help you manage diabetes
• Dramatically reduce hospitalizations and medical costs
• Stop dental conditions before they become major problems
Check the enrollment guidelines, the quality of benefits and cost savings provided by Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and United Concordia.
It's easy to enroll.
Just call PFB Health Services at 1-800.522.2375 to receive your enrollment packet.
As a Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Member, benefit your smile and your wallet by enrolling in one of the Farm Bureau's two dental plans through United Concordia. Farm Bureau offers a Standard and an Enhanced dental plan. Since research now shows that your dental health is linked to your overall health, there's never been a better time to enroll in a dental plan designed to keep you smiling for a lifetime. Through your membership with PFB, you are entitled to competitively priced Group Dental Insurance.
Below is important information
related to enrolling in our Dental insurance coverage:
- New Farm Bureau members who are not enrolling in one of our health care plans, can enroll any time during the first 60 days of your membership. Otherwise, you will be required to wait until the next open enrollment period to enroll.
- Current Farm Bureau members must enroll during the open enrollment period, which is held each Nov/Dec for a January 1st effective date. If you miss an open enrollment period, you will be required to wait for the next open enrollment period to apply for coverage.
- If you are enrolling in one of the Farm Bureau health care plans, you can apply for Dental coverage at the same time you are enrolling in a health plan.
United Concordia Dental, Protecting More Than Just Your Smile
Manage Your Benefits Anywhere, Anytime
Create your My Dental Benefits member account to easily manage your United Concordia Dental coverage online.
Most benefit inquiries can be handled conveniently online using our simple, self-service member portal. Create a My Dental Benefits account to better manage your insurance coverage!
Use your My Dental Benefits account to:
- Check claim status quickly
- See what your plan covers and how much we'll pay
- Print ID cards
- Find a dentist
- Evaluate your oral health with My Dental Assessment
After your plan's effective date, you are able to create your account. Here's how:
- Go to UnitedConcordia.com/MDB
- Click Create an Account
- Select Member
- Enter the ID number found on your insurance card and your birthdate. You can also use the Social Security Number of the policy holder in place of the ID number.
- Each dependent (spouse, child or in some states, domestic partner) with United Concordia dental benefits must create their own My Dental Benefits account.
Use your mobile device to access My Dental Benefits on-the-go and manage your coverage at any time.
The Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.


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Amateur Radio Club of the National Electronics Museum
of the
8 March 2012
Monthly Meeting
Ted Bauer WA3AER Jim Nowotarski N3GOO
John Paul Howell AA3WI Zory Glaser KB3VQC
Steve Stitzer WA3ZWC Chip Weems W4PBG
Ulis Fleming K3LU Bob Gardehghi K3FQP
Jim Smith AB3CA Phil Bernache KB3WDI
John Barker KB3UTA Chuck Angel AA3FB
Tom Christovich K3YH Jim Dressler KB3GSA
Gary Johney N3BYN Tim Titus W1TRT
Nick Yokanovich K3NY John Lindley NK0J
Meeting chaired by John Paul Howell, President.
2. MINUTES – minutes from February's meeting accepted, approved
(a) Treasurer's Report - - Fred AI3Z (submitted via email)
Bank balance (2/27/2012) $2939.10
Dues (14 members; total now 104) $ 128.00
Tech Swap Meet sales $ 100.00 (included in 2/27/12 bank balance; for tube fund)
Postage (expense) ($74.39)
Rotor repair parts (expense) ($54.48) payment pending
Report accepted, approved.
(b) Station Equipment and Operation Reports
i. Power Line Noise - - Rol K3RA
Family Net reports low noise.
ii. Northrop Grumman Family Net, Wed. 3PM ET - - Chip W4PBG / Bob K3FQP
More than usual number of check-ins, including Italian station. Line noise low, but atmospheric noise up.
iii. 2M Net, Wed. 7:30PM ET - - Ted WA3AER
Net continues to do well with a wide range of topics. This week's net had fewest participants in a long time.
iv. Equipment Issues
• Power: Jim N. has discussed with Mike S., who is OK with 220VAC line for the station. Work order to be prepared and submitted.
• Yaesu Tuner: no instructional signage has appeared yet.
• Rotator: working fine since replacement; no drift.
• Headphone Amp: now connected to both rigs, extension cords in place; permits sharing headphones on both transceivers with independent volume controls.
(c) QSL Report - - Nick K3NY –
Received. Appreciation notes from Stillwater Elem. (Carnation, WA) school round up participants.
Now at 283 DXCC entities confirmed. Received. replacement Mt Athos card. New cards received.: Swains Is., King George Is., Cocos Keeling Is., Rep. of Congo, Jan Mayen Is., S. Shetland Is., Solomon Is.
Determined that 40 non-answered QSLs need to send DIRECT.
ST0R card still not received.
(d) FISTS Report - - Nick K3NY – no report
(e) FAR Report – no report. We still need a FAR Representative.
(f) Training Report - - Tom K3YH
Extra Class underway; test will be held May 1. Tom C. to send out notice to VEs.
Tech Class to follow in May-June (6-7 wks)
(g) Special Event / Contest Report - - (see also New Business)
Ted B. gave report on ARRL DX SSB contest: 796 contacts, 272 countries, 646,272 points. Operated 34 hours as Multi-1 High Power. 8 operators: 4 PVRC and 4 ARCNEM.
CQ WPX SSB coming Mar.24-25; none present expressed interest in participating.
Bob G. reports that Yaesu has inboard voice keyer. We should investigate using for upcoming special events: Titanic Anniversary and D-Day. Bob G. will leave a CD copy of FT-920 manual at the station for Ted.
• Inventory: Tom C. partially inventoried station desk, and has received older inventory info from Chip to help ID source(s). We want to categorize eqt. for disposal, sale, etc. Report will be complete by next mtg.
• Digital Picture Frame: no report (participants not attending)
• Titanic Wireless Assn,: K3MGY call issued. Plan to operate from K3NEM on 14-15 April (100th anniversary of sinking). Tom C. will solicit volunteers to man station. Ted B. offered to put info on ARRL Special Events web page.
• DX4WIN: Steve S. reports no further info received from vendor and no more progress.
• ARRL Club Info Update: John Paul H. will complete in the next 2 weeks.
• Techno SwapMeet: event was heavily attended in the morning. Items from Chip W. and Ted B. netted $100 for tube fund. Thanks guys!
• Cal Lab Tour: tour will begin promptly at 1800L before the April's business meeting. If NG or contractor, please bring badge to serve as escort.
• TS-700: Jim N. has cleaned up the rig and re-connected it into the station.
• BSA Merit Badge Day: date is Mar. 31. Jim N. and Mike B. need volunteers to support them and operate the station along with the Scout candidates.
Ulis F. suggests having a handout of next steps to get licensed; volunteered to make handout. He will serve as POC for interested youths.
Briefly discussed having a youth-only class; Rol would need to agree to such a step. AARC (Davidsonville) also has kids' program.
• Special Event: discussed commemorating the Battle of Midway, June 4. Falls within W2W window for D-Day. Agreed; will offer separate certificate. Ted B. will forward info to ARRL Special Events.
• Membership List Cleanup: Ted B. is working to update our list and remove those no longer in the club. Noted there are 66 names with delinquent/questionable status. Group moved and approved to send email to delinquent members; if no response, delete from rolls.
Jim N. and Ted B. will attempt to verify USPS addresses. Agreed those 2 years in arrears will be dropped from the rolls if no response.
Jim N. to send Ted a copy of By-laws.
• 3rd QSL Bureau: Ulis reminds all that he will gladly take envelopes to Incoming Bureau
• AMRAD: Chip handed out old newsletters and recommended membership for those technically inclined.
6. NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Special Events:
• Upcoming Hamfests:
Timonium GBHC: March 31 only.
York Hamfest: April 14
7. Technical presentations – Suggest or volunteer by contacting John Paul.
• The Last Big Field Day: DVD of W3AO's 50A operation.
Next regular meeting: 12 April 2012 at 6:00PM local time.
Respectfully submitted by Ted Bauer, WA3AER
*** Visit ARCNEM on the Web at http://k3nem.org ***


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MLB Preview 2011: Adrian Beltre and All 30 Teams' Most Unpredictable HitterFebruary 1, 2011
MLB Preview 2011: Adrian Beltre and All 30 Teams' Most Unpredictable Hitter
It's a bases loaded situation in the bottom of the ninth inning. You are on the edge of your seat as your team is down by 1. All's you need is a bloop base hit to the outfield and you win the game. The crowd is going nuts as (you fill in the blank here) comes to the plate. All 30 teams have "that guy" who could make your evening a pleasant one or make it tough to go to sleep that night. This installment will look at all 30 teams and their most unpredictable hitter. Undoubtedly there will be disagreements so feel free to chime in with your opinions. Enjoy!
New York Yankees: Derek Jeter
This may seem a bit odd right out of the gate but I'm going to jump on the "past his prime" bandwagon. Derek Jeter had quite a turbulent off season with his ongoing contract struggle with his beloved Yankees. This never would have happened two or three years ago when Jeter was leading the Yankees to their 26th world championship.
Last year Jeter had a down year and the buzzards were circling "the captain". After he signed his incentive laden contract, Jeter will be on a mission to prove that last year was a fluke and that he will be back around his career .314 average or maybe it is the end for Jeter.
Tampa Bay Rays: Manny Ramirez
The Tampa Bay Rays just signed two former teammates with the Red Sox: Johnny Damon and our next unpredictable hitter Manny Ramirez. The "Manny being Manny" routine has seemed to have run its course with the Dodgers parting ways with the slugger to the White Sox as a rent-a-player in the later part of the 2010 season. His numbers have been on the decline the past two years and the Rays are hoping he can reverse this trend in the 2011 season. It's hard to tell what will happen with Manny but at this point in his career, you never know which Manny will show up.
Toronto Blue Jays: Jose Bautista
Probably the number one, most unpredictable hitter, going into the 2011 season is Toronto's Jose Bautista. Bautista led the majors last year with 54 home runs. Bautista had a career high of 16 home runs going into last year then exploded for his 54. That stat alone brings back memories of Brady Anderson of the Orioles way back when we Anderson clubbed 50 then fell off the face of the earth.
Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz
Over the past three years, Ortiz has been an enigma for the Red Sox. In 2008, he had his worst season as a member of the Red Sox hitting 23 home runs and driving in 89I. Prior to that, he set career highs in home runs with 54 (2006) and RBI's with 148 (2005). From 2008-2010, Ortiz has been under fire because of his very slow April starts so much to the point that Red Sox pundits talked of wanting to bench the designated hitter. He finished strong those last three seasons but it's taken more and more time to get heated up. This may be the year that age finally catches "big Papi".
Baltimore Orioles: J.J. Hardy
The new Orioles shortstop was supposed to be the Twins answer at that position for the next few years. Instead it was a one year marriage that ended up with a trade to the Orioles. Hardy is a slick defensive infielder in which he has very few peers. His offense is another story. Hardy plateaued in 2007 with the Brewers hitting .277 with 26 home runs and 80 RBI. His offensive production has gone down hill ever since. This was a tough call as Mark Reynolds is a strikeout machine, but there were flashes for the Twins last year until the injury bug hit him again so it's difficult to tell what J.J. Hardy the Orioles got for 2011.
Minnesota Twins: Delmon Young
Delmon Young had a breakout season in 2010. The former #1 overall pick finally started to come into his own as a productive hitter in the Twins line-up hitting 46 doubles, driving in 112 and hitting 21 home runs. This is a far cry from his 2008 and 2009 seasons when he topped out at 69 RBI and hit a combined 44 doubles. Which Delmon Young will show up this year? The Twins hope the one from 2010 but until he puts back to back successful seasons together, Twins fans will have to play the wait and see game.
Detroit Tigers: Carlos Guillen
Carlos Guillen is a great hitter. The problem with Carlos Guillen is his health. Since maxing out at games played in 2006, he has seen his games played decline over the past four seasons with a career low with 68 games played. When Guillen is healthy, he's an integral part of the Tigers offense. With the additions of Victor Martinez and a healthy Magglio, Guillen should get plenty of opportunities to produce for the Tigers this year if he can stay healthy.
Chicago White Sox: Gordon Beckham
In the words of White Sox GM Kenny Williams "we're all in" for the year. That means how the Sox are fairing by July will ultimately decide whether or not they are in championship or rebuilding mode. One of the keys to their season will be Gordon Beckham. Williams brought in slugger Adam Dunn and resigned Paul Konerko to big contracts. The players around him will determine how big these signings were. Beckham is a prized jewel in the White Sox organization. He played in 131 games last year but posted worse numbers than the year before all the way across the board. In my opinion, it is essential Beckham has a solid year for the White Sox but he has a lot of work to do based on last year's numbers.
Cleveland Indians: Travis Hafner
Plain and simple: the Indians need Travis Hafner's bat in their line-up. The Indians are in a process of rebuilding and have some solid pieces in Shin-Sho Choo, Grady Sizemore and a stud behind the plate in Carlos Santana but not a true DH. Hafner has been on a steep decline since his career year in 2006. Hafner has the ability to change the game with one swing of the bat but unfortunately for Indians fans, that has been the exception versus the standard with "Pronk".
Kansas City Royals: Alex Gordon
This was a tough one as the Royals aren't exactly blessed right now with hitters up and down the line-up. However, one player had to be selected so after some thought, I decided to go with Alex Gordon. To say Gordon has been a disappointment for the Royals would be an understatement. After being drafted number two overall in the 2005 draft, Gordon has fallen considerably short of Royal fans expectations. He was sent down to triple AAA Omaha the majority of the 2010 season and ended up switching positions from third base to the outfield. Gordon has the tools to be a good hitter at the major league level. Unfortunately it hasn't come yet for him. Royal fans hope this is the year it all comes together for him.
Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim: Kendry Morales
Kendry Morales isn't on this list because of lack of production. He's on this list because of a freak leg injury that robbed him of most of the 2010 season. Morales has a breakout season in 2009 hitting 39 home runs and driving in 108 while hitting ,306. He had hit 11 home runs in 51 games before his injury in 2010. Morales will be a vital figure in the Angels line-up. With Abreau, Hunter and now Wells, Morales will be the "young gun" in the middle of this potentially high powered offense. Hopefully he can come back and have the season he did in 2009. Angels' fans will be ecstatic if he could.
Texas Rangers: Adrian Beltre
I selected Adrian Beltre for the following reason: what type of season will Texas get under this new contract Beltre signed? His first season in Seattle wasn't bad as he hit 19 home runs and drove in 87 but compared with his numbers the season before the Dodgers, they weren't as good as some may have expected. Same song different verse this season. Beltre put up solid numbers in his one year in Boston and now is armed with a 5 yr-$80 million contract with the Rangers. Will the numbers be the same as Boston or more like Seattle? For this much money, the Rangers hope its the latter.
Seattle Mariners: Chone Figgins
Figgins signed a 4 year $36 million contract with Seattle last season. It didn't go real well for Figgins or the M's. Figgins didn't come close to putting up the numbers he did in Anaheim last season so there is work to do this year. If Seattle is to be a contender, and with the players coming up they could be, in the American League West, Figgins has to improve his all around numbers in order for this to happen. The M's can't rely solely on Ichiro for the offense. Figgins has to step up and be the player the M's hoped he would this year.
Oakland Athletics: Kevin Kouzanoff
The Athletics put some money down this year to solidify an already solid pitching staff. That staff may allow less than four runs every night out. The problem is their offense may score about two runs a game and that will be based solely on speed. Kevin Kouzmanoff may be the only power source on this A's team. The A's tried to lure Adrian Beltre to Oakland this year but pulled out towards the end. Beltre would have been the power hitter the A's need in their line-up but so it goes. Kouzmanoff will be asked to knock in the big runs and provide the power for an A's line-up that is definitely short in the power department. Can Kouzmanoff be this guy? If so, he needs to improve on his career high of 23 home runs in 2008.
New York Mets: Carlos Beltran
Beltran didn't make to many friends last year when he elected to have knee surgery before the 2010 season started. After signing a 7 year-$119 million contract with the Mets after almost single handedly winning the World Series for the Astros, Beltran's numbers have slowly been in decline. His Mets numbers peeked in 2006 and have been on a downward spiral since then. At this moment, the Mets are really lacking the big bat in the middle of the line-up. Jason Bay had a decent season and David Wright's numbers were improved in year number two at Citi Field but Beltran must step up and add that third dangerous bat. With his injuries and declining numbers, Mets fan hope in Beltran's walk year they get what they paid for in 2006.
Washington Nationals: Jayson Werth
This may seem like an odd choice for a team that lost Adam Dunn to free agency and not having Bryce Harper up at the beginning of the season, but Jayson Werth is the big bat in the Nats line-up. Werth signed a huge 7 year-$126 million contract to stay in the same division as his old team the Phillies. What makes this player unpredictable is how will he be able to handle the pressure put on him via his big contract? Does Ryan Zimmerman scare enough pitchers to pitch to him instead of Werth? The Nationals must think so and so too do National fans.
Philadelphia Phillies: Jimmy Rollins
"J-Roll" is the, in the words of Reggie Jackson, "the straw that stirs the drink" for the Phillies. He leads off, plays shortstop and is the catlyst for the potent Phillies offense. When he is hurt, they simply don't score like they are capable of. With Ryan Howard and Chase Utley behind Rollins, pitchers are more apt to go right at him in so much they don't issue the walk and set up the 2 run home run that Howard and Utley are capable of hitting every time up. Rollins needs to have a come back year for the Phillies. Everybody is sold on their pitching but oddly enough, it's their offense that could give them problems this year if J-Roll isn't back to his old self.
Florida Marlins: John Buck
When thinking of unpredictable hitters, John Buck's name probably wouldn't be on any normal list. However with him signing with the Marlins in the off-season, he will be counted on to protect Mike Stanton and Hanley Ramirez. Buck set a career high in home runs and rbi last year with the Blue Jays. Buck will need to produce those same numbers this season for the Marlins to be a contender in the tough NL East.
Atlanta Braves: Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones, even at age 38 (he'll be 39 in April), is the heartbeat of the Braves. He has MVP honors and a world championship to his name. He is also coming back from major surgery and is hoping to get one more solid season out of his body. With Dan Uggla, Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman presumably the future of the franchise, Jones still gives the Braves a solid stick in the middle of the line-up. People are expecting the Braves to challenge the Phillies for supremacy of the NL East. In order to do this, Chipper will need to have a full productive season.
St. Louis Cardinals: Colby Rasmus
Colby Rasmus will be counted on this season to produce around King Albert and Matt Holiday. Rasmus made waves last year with some comments last year about a strained relationship with manager Tony LaRussa and demanded a trade. The Cardinals didn't give in and are now expecting big things from the young slugger. The Cardinals aren't heavy on offense so Rasmus's bat will be essential for the Cardinals to contend in the NL Central.
Milwaukee Brewers: Yuniesky Betancourt
Like the White Sox in the American League, the Brewers seem to be going "all in" in this 2011 season. With Prince Fiedler more than likely testing the free agent market at the end of the season and the trade for Zach Grienke in the off-season. The Brewers are a popular pick to win the Central. The "other" player the Brewers received in the Grienke deal is short stop Yuniesky Betancourt. Betancourt clubbed 16 home runs and drove in 78 for the Royals last year. Plugging Betancourt into a line-up that already includes: Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart, Ryan Braun, and Prince Fielder the Brewers are sure to score runs. The question is, can his offense production translate over to the National League? The Brewers certainly hope so.
Cincinnati Reds: Edgar Renteria
The Reds signed the world series MVP to take the place of Orlando Cabrera. Renteria's numbers haven't been as in years past but with this Reds line up, he won't be asked to produce as much as mayhbe he was in San Francisco. With Joey Votto, Scott Rolen, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce, Renteria's job will be to get on base and score runs (on the offensive side). He will need to pick up the production that Cabrera had during his short tenure in the Queen City. This line-up could rival the Brewers as the best in the NL Central if not the National League but Renteria will have to produce at a high level to make this perception reality.
Chicago Cubs: Carlos Pena
The big off-season signing for the Cubs may be the biggest unpredictable hitter in the Cubs lineup. Pena signed a 1 year-$10 million contract to take the place of Derek Lee who was traded last season. Pena really blossomed into one of baseball premier power hitters while in Tampa. Strikeouts and a low average though have been Pena's biggest issues at the plate. Pena's best season was in 2007 when he hit .282 with 47 home runs and 121 rbi. He did though strikeout 142 times. It's really kind of difficult to figure out what the Cubs are doing with their organization. As stated earlier, there is no doubting Pena's power numbers but how long will Cubs fans put up with all the strikeouts that come with it?
Houston Astros: Clint Barmes
Barmes signed a one year free agent contract with the Astros this off-season to presumably play short stop. Barmes is more known for getting injured in 2005 lugging up a slab of deer meat from then teammate Todd Helton when he fell and broke his collar bone. Barmes was having a respectable season up until the that point and then had a couple more decent seasons in 2008 and 2009 but lost his mojo in 2010. The Astros are not going to contend this year and have a few pieces in place for the future but in order to salvage anything this season, Barmes will have to duplicate is 2008-2009 numbers.
Pittsburgh Pirates: The Entire Pirates Line-Up
This is definitely a cop out but looking at the Pirates line-up, they are all so young it's hard to find one hitter that you can identify as unpredictable. You could make an argument for newcomer Lyle Overbay and his 20 home runs last year. You can make an argument for Garrett Jones and him being the only power source last year for the Pirates. You could make an argument for Ryan Doumit who had such high expectations that he hasn't really lived up to yet. You get the picture? This team has one superstar in the making in Andrew McCutchen and he is also the only known name on the Pirates organization (which is sad for this once proud franchise). Check back in a couple months to see who we can tab as unpredictable for the Pirates.
Colorado Rockies: Carlos Gonzalez
"Car-Go" took the league by storm last year with a monster second season. He hit 34 home runs, knocked in 117 and stole 26 bags. He also hit .336. MVP numbers right? Yes indeed they are however when you break the numbers down between the confines of Coors Field and his numbers on the road, there is a huge discrepancy: .380 at home vs. .289 on the road, 76 rbi at home and 41 on the road, and 26 home runs at home and 8 on the road. If this guy played at Coors Field all 162 games, he'd rewrite ever record baseball has. Alas that's not how things work out and the numbers show he's not the same guy away from home. Does this make him any less of a player? Not at all but it does make him an unpredictable hitter, especially on the road.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Kelly Johnson
Kelly Johnson put up his best numbers as a major leaguer last year after coming over from the Braves in 2009. He hit 26 home runs and drove in 71 while striking out 148 times (the amount of strikeouts on this team was incredible when you put Mark Reynolds into the mix). His best overall year was in 2008 with the Braves when he hit .287, had 12 home runs and drove in 69. His power numbers definitely increased upon his move to the desert but for the Diamondbacks to contend, he's going to have to put up the consistent numbers that he did last year from here on out. The Snakes have Chris Young and Justin Upton as stars and to have Johnson put up solid numbers would vault the team ahead of the Padres and the Dodgers in the NL West.
San Diego Padres: Ryan Ludwick
Many people forget that the Padres actually have to bat throughout the course of the game because everybody talks about their pitching. With the departure of Adrian Gonzalez, the Padres offense may be one of the weakest in the major leagues, down there with the Royals and the Pirates. Ryan Ludwick will be asked to pick up the majority of the rbi opportunities that Gonzalez would have knocked in last year and he'll be asked to do this with limited protection. When Ludwick had his breakout year with the Cardinals, he had this first baseman named Pujols who nobody wanted to pitch to ahead of him and Ludwick was the direct beneficiary of it. Ludwick hasn't put up those numbers since then and I would say he won't again this year.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Matt Kemp
This was a tough choice as well. Kemp was the golden child last year in baseball magazines all over the country with his solid numbers across the board. He could hit for average, hit for power and swipe some bags but his 2010 season didn't stand out as much as the previous two seasons did. He had some off the field personal issues and on the field didn't help himself with his suspect defense in center field. Kemp has the tools to be an absolute stud and this Dodger offense, although it doesn't have a lot of household names, does have solid players in James Loney and Andre Either to contend in 2011. Kemp will be a key to this but who knows if the same Matt Kemp from 2008 and 2009 will show up in 2011.
San Francisco Giants: Pablo Sandavol
Sandoval kind of fell of the map last year for the world champs. There weren't many "Panda" sightings during the playoffs and world series as Juan Uribe got most of the time at third base. Prior to last year, 25 home runs, 90 rbi and a .330 average made Sandoval a hot commodity at the hot corner. There have been some questions about his weight and his work ethic but nobody can question is talent when he's on. I don't think 13 home runs, 63 rbi and a .268 average is any indication of what type of player he is but the difference between the two seasons definitely makes him an unpredictable hitter for the Giants.


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If you need to let your inner 'Julia Childs' free, this is the class for you. You'll master some of the simple and classic techniques French cooking is famous for. Our talented Tamarind Chefs will take you through simple yet traditional techniques that you can easily replicate at home. Enjoy flavours from different regions of France and learn subtle hints and tips to achieve the best from your ingredients.
The menu on the day will consist of:
- Seafood Chowder
- Pan Seared Duck Breast with Organic Puy Lentils and Mustard
- Classic Viniagrette
- Chocolate Mousse with Orange Compote
Please note any dietaries in 'Special Requests' at the time of booking. Menu is subject to change.
For $195 per person- The class includes lunch, one glass of wine, an apron to take home & a recipe book with all the dishes you cooked so you can recreate them at home.


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The Lower East Side is getting a little less weird, losing not only one of its last stalwarts of experimental performance arts, but one of its most prolific supporters as well. The Living Theatre is closing its Clinton Street location after falling behind on rent, and founder and theater maven Judith Malina is being forced to move along with it.
According to the New York Daily News, Malina is now relocating to a retirement home for performing and entertainment artists in New Jersey called Lillian Booth. (Yes, such a place exists for older artists who have worked in performing arts, and the assisted-living facility, which has been around since 1902, is run by the Actors Fund.) "I'm in the theater because I'm a revolutionary and I'm very unhappy about having to give this place up," she told the Daily News.
As an instigator in the off-Broadway theater scene, the Living Theatre was founded back in 1947 by Judith Malina and Julian Beck. With stagings of pieces from Gertrude Stein and William Carlos Williams, as well as Cocteau and Brecht, they established themselves in the 1950s and 60s as an alternative to the dominant commercial theaters that was aggressive about attacking its taboos. This isn't their first time to face loss of space, leaving Cherry Lane in 1953, a venue on Broadway in 1956, a theatre on 14th Street in 1963, and on Third Street in 1993. (It must be said that running an underground performing arts theatre is likely one of the toughest lines of work to go into and requires wells of determination, and it's remarkable that the Living Theatre has existed not just in its Clinton Street space, but for more than six decades.)
The last performance to run in the Clinton Street space, where they moved in 2007, was Malina's Here We Are, an interactive performance concentrating on anarchists collectives that involved the audience through the building of sandals. This Wednesday performance artist Penny Arcade is heading a benefit for Malina that will lead the final evening of performances at Clinton Street. It remains to be seen if the Clinton Street location will be the Living Theatre's last permanent location, but it seems unlikely that the theater's devoted community of artists, musicians, actors, and performers will dissolve and that its spirited leader won't continue to find new ways to connect with the audience, even if it means crossing the distance from New Jersey to engage in something as unexpected as making shoes.


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There are a lot of people who suffer from frequent pain in their back. There are many different possible causes of the pain. If you happen to have this problem, read this article to find tips to relieve back discomfort and live a more productive, happier life. Choose a mattress that feels firm enough for... » read more


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After this morning's apprenticeship levy update from the Department for Education – which FE Week was the first to report on – the CBI was quick to reiterate its call for the levy to be delayed. Here Neil Carberry explains why a levy that puts quality and system design first can only be achieved by delaying its implementation.
At last. The launch of further information from the Government on the apprenticeship levy. Companies and providers – already running hard to work out what they will do from April have more certainty now, albeit a full two months later than promised.
That, at least, is something to welcome – as is support for smaller firms and movement on funding for equivalent qualifications. But you don't have to go far into the document to realise businesses will still be concerned at the direction of travel.
Before I set out why, let me be clear on one thing. We really believe in apprenticeships and improving the quality of our vocational skills system – in the workplace and in colleges. Some have accused the CBI of wanting to "gut" the levy. Nothing could be further from the truth.
We want a system that defines success in the right terms – filling skills gaps for firms and improving outcomes for learners, all delivered by a sustainable and high quality provider base. A levy is one way to fund that – but only if you put quality and system design first, not fiscal and political targets.
Our view is that levy design is coming to these vital economic and social goals too late – the system we have is designed to work for Whitehall – but won't work in Walsall.
Firstly, the system proposed isn't flexible enough to meet firms' needs. The rates and caps suggested, together with the government's view that business investment in training beyond off the job costs has little or no value leaves firms in a bind. For them, the system incentivises either cutting back on the quality or numbers of their apprenticeships – or to reducing or rebadging other training. Many committed firms will soldier on despite this, but how can it be good to make it more expensive to train than to just pay the levy as a tax? We need a system – like so many other levies around the world – that is flexible enough to fund what firms and learners need and make those who don't train pay the costs of those that do.
Secondly, the system needs new standards that pass the government's big test – transferability. We agree with them that a big reason not to allow levy funds to be spent on any old training is that the courses have to be high quality and add to people's employability. If we are honest, not all of the frameworks have done that in the past.
So why are we seeing qualifications actively purged from trailblazers? Why will the employer-led Institute for Apprenticeships have no voice over the set-up of the system, only its operation? In truth, this is still essentially the same approach cooked up by BIS officials last summer. For all the effort across the sector, we have been heard but not listened to. The radical redesign the CBI and so many others wanted is not happening yet.
But there is one thing that can't be ignored – the ticking of the clock. The tune from inside government has changed on this over the past few months. Enough people within government know what a project timeline in trouble looks like – and the levy system is one of those. On the digital service, cross-border issues with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and many more concerns. In truth, it is highly unlikely that the structures and rules necessary to make the system work on day one can be delivered effectively on the current timelines.
Perhaps this last point is the one that will finally lead the government to pause for thought. Perhaps those advocating a new approach for the levy have the best interests of our skills system at heart. Perhaps in fact, all we want – businesses, providers alike – is a system that works from day one? A system that closes skills gaps, and delivers three million opportunities – not just three million starts.
Our new minister, Robert Halfon, has made some pointed remarks on the need for apprenticeships to make a difference to young people's lives in terms of offering opportunity. These are a welcome ray of light, as is the newly reinvigorated debate about industrial strategy. Delivering on these concerns also requires a change of approach.
And we can do this – with the right approach that rewards businesses who do the right thing, high quality business-led standards, and a system that works on launch day. This can be done – business will put its shoulder to the wheel to achieve it. But we need a delay to make it work.


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People all over Iran have long witnessed waste pickers going around cities carrying huge, filthy bags on their backs, diving in bins to salvage whatever they can sell or reuse.
Though dirty, it is a well-paid job for bin divers and a lucrative business for those who run the show behind the scenes.
Urban waste pickers operate legally in the developed world as their activities are monitored and their contribution to urban sanitation and lowering municipal costs cannot be denied. In fact, in 2008, they held the First World Conference on Waste Pickers in Bogota, Colombia, to facilitate global networking. The term "waste picker" was adopted then.
However, waste picking is not at all monitored in Iran, allowing few people to run the business behind the scenes without dirtying their own hands. Officials have often expressed concern and sometimes laid out plans to tackle the problem. All words, no action.
Acknowledging the problem, Mohammad Javad Haqshenas, member of the Tehran City Council, told Ensafnews that "mafias" operating in the shadows employ young children to do their bidding.
Last week, Mozafar Alvandi, secretary of the National Body on the Convention of the Rights of the Child, revealed that waste pickers— 60% of whom ostensibly are refugee children — have special cards issued by Tehran Municipality which allow them to search the trash bins!
The cards, which surprisingly bear the stamp of TM, cost the holder 3 million rials (about $78.5) per month.
This shocking statement means that city officials are not only aware of the hands behind the scenes, but also their activities, despite touting measures to tackle the problem.
However, whenever the matter is brought up, TM absolves itself of any responsibility and blames contractors. Assuming city officials are right and there are contractors with no direct link to municipalities, another question comes up: Aren't municipalities and local councils responsible for collecting and segregating waste in the first place? Or, should contractors not be monitored?
Waste pickers, young and old, put their lives at risk by working in unsanitary environments and are deprived of a normal life so that a handful of greedy people line their pockets.
Those who misuse children, whether contractors or municipal officials, must be stopped. For that to happen, legislators must reform a law that allows children to work only in workshops with fewer than 10 employees. This legal loophole must be redressed to prevent the mafias and culprits from justifying their actions and promoting child labor.
Addressing the problem is integral to the prosperity of the country; failure to do so will not only continue to expose the poor waste pickers to health hazards, but will also impose heavy medical costs on the government.


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Dania BdeirBiography:
Dania Bdeir is a Lebanese writer & director with an intense love/hate relationship with Lebanon which she finds to be her biggest heartache and sincerest inspiration.Bdeir was born in Canada, where her parents traveled to escape the Lebanese civil war. After the war, they moved back to Beirut, where Dania received her Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from the American University of Beirut. In 2016, Bdeir received her MFA in writing and directing from Tisch School of the Arts.Her pre-thesis film Meshkal (English title: Kaleidoscope), has traveled to film festivals in France, Morocco, Pakistan, Mexico, Czeck Republic, India and many more. It has won a few notable awards including "Award of Excellence" at the 2014 Canada International film festival and "Golden Palm" at the 2014 Mexico International Film Festival. Bdeir's latest short film "In White" which was selected by Spike Lee to receive a production grant, had its world premiere at the prestigious 2017 Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival and continues to hit the festival circuit. In White is a proof of concept for Bdeir's first feature film which she is currently in development for.Filmography:2013: Kaleidoscope
Festival(s) & Award(s)
- 2017: Lisbon International Film Festival
- 2017: Auckland International Film Festival
- 2017: Clermont Ferrand International short film festival | International Competition
- 2017: Tripoli Film Festival
- 2017: BFI London Film Festival (UK)
- 2017: Brasov International Film Festival • Winner best short film screenplay
- 2017: Nitehawk Shorts Festival • Audience Choice award
- 2017: Milan International Film Festival • Best International Short Film
- 2017: Alexandria Mediterranean Film Festival • Best Mediterranean Narrative Film
- 2017: Int. Short Film Festival Curtacinema Rio de Janeiro (BR) • International Grand Prix
- 2018: International Changing Perspective Short Film Festival • Winner Professionals' Award
- 2018: Beirut International Women Film Festival • Special Jury Mention
- 2018: Panorama du cinema du Maghreb et du Moyen-Orient • Student Jury Award
Her father's funeral brings Lara back to Beirut from her modern life in NYC, forcing her to face the traditions she escaped and the untraditional fiancee she's been hiding.
"In White" was selected by Spike Lee to receive a production grant.
Technical Specs
- Runtimes: 16'
- Color(s): Colors
- Sound: 5.1
- Country(ies) of production: Lebanon
- Original Language(s): Arabic / English
- Subtitle(s) available: English
- Audience: General Audiences
- Format(s) available: ProRes HD
Artistic & Technical Crew
- Screenplay: Dania Bdeir
- Cinematographer: Christopher Aoun
- Editor: Johnny Bassett, Ted Raviv
- Producer: Dania Bdeir
Company Credits
- Produced by: Ginger Beirut Productions


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Country : Spain
Grape Variety : Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
Case of 6 bottles
A vibrant, concentrated red, full of ripe juicy red and black fruits with notes of spice, from the sought-after Ribera del Duero. The label is designed by winemaker, Carlos Estecha. This is a great example of wine from this area, at a comparatively accessible price point.
Tasting Note : Concentrated scents of black cherry on the nose. The wine is ripe and juicy on the palate, with intense cherry fruit, hints of vanilla and a spicy finish.
Food Pairing : Tomato-based casseroles; grilled red meats; barbecued pork.
More info : Situated in North Central Spain, Ribera del Duero is a bleak-looking landscape which produces some absolutely stunning wines. The main grape variety grown here is the Tinto Fino, known as Tempranillo elsewhere. In the more arid climate and extreme temperatures of this elevated plateau, the Tempranillo produces wines of more intensity, structure and dark colour than in the milder climes of Rioja.
Winery : Finca el Encinal was planted in the year 2000 by the Eguizabal family, owners of Bodegas Franco-Espanolas in Rioja. They built a modern wine-making facility and have now extended their plantings to 62 hectares, where they produce wines of great intensity and finesse. Winemaker Carlos Estecha splits his time between Ribera del Duero and Rioja to oversee the winemaking in both wineries. The wineries are dotted with Carlos's artwork (he is an artist as well as oenologist), and one of his paintings features on the label of the Finca el Encinal Roble.


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You've been made to believe several money myths and these might be the reason why you're struggling financially.
If you've read the article I wrote about money myths, then here are more money myths you might need to revisit.
by Joy on Leave a Comment
You've been made to believe several money myths and these might be the reason why you're struggling financially.
If you've read the article I wrote about money myths, then here are more money myths you might need to revisit.
by Joy on Leave a Comment
Grab your wallet. Check what's in there.
What do you see?
Are there old receipts, bills, coins, photos, credit cards, discount cards, IDs, etc?
A fat and a bulky wallet is not always a sign that you have a lot of money. It's most likely a sign that you are disorganized.
[Read more…]
by Joy on Leave a Comment
Are you ready when an untoward incident happened?
Sudden hospital visits, accidents, house repairs, major car fix, typhoons, disasters, or and unemployment.
Do you have money to spare if any of these things happen?
In case your answer is none, think again.
If you'll be using your credit card, take out a loan or borrow money from other people is your solution, you might find yourself drowning in debt later on.
Time flies – 2019 is just around the corner!
Do you still remember your new year's financial resolution?
How did it fare?
Are your financial goals closer to reality?
Or do you think you failed?
It is never too late. It's time to perform a financial review.
What went right and what went wrong? What are the strong points to retain and what to work on?
Your finances can still be fixed if you are still willing to start all over again.
How to make it right before the year ends?
by Joy on Leave a Comment
Last year, you promised yourself that you'll start to save and invest.
And maybe you had these lofty goals and aspirations like:
Want to be debt-free.
Save for retirement.
Get out of old habits and finally achieve financial freedom.
Do you still remember how inspired you were when you initially made your financial goals? How focused you were to change for the better?
Is the excitement still there? Can you still feel the burning desire to succeed?
If yes, congratulations! Keep it up!
If no, that's normal. But don't give up and let's get you back on track!
So, how to stay motivated in keeping your financial goals? Here are some tips to help you never lose your motivation.
by Joy on Leave a Comment
Do you work a lot trying to save for your retirement?
When was the last time you took a vacation or treated yourself with a simple weekend getaway?
Because of our responsibilities, sometimes we forget to live. We can be so busy planning for the future that we take the present for granted.
"I need to save for my emergency fund."
"I need to secure an insurance."
"I need to prepare for my retirement."
These are great goals to have but make sure while you're preparing your way to financial freedom, you're still enjoying life.
Yes, you can have financial freedom without being stingy. We don't have to deprive ourselves of the good things in life for fear of losing money. We just need to be smart in handling our finances.
So how can we save and at the same time enjoy?
Try these simple tips.
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Happy. Anxious. Excited. Nervous.
This is how soon to be parents describe their feelings as they wait for the arrival of their newborn.
There are a lot of things a new parent should be prepared of. But aside from changing nappies and sleepless nights, new parents should get ready for the financial responsibilities of parenthood.
Here are some financial tips you might consider as you wait for the coming of your bundle of joy.
Are you always running out of money and in need of an income boost?
Despite giving your best efforts to save and budget your finances, is your income isn't just cutting it?
It is also inevitable that sometimes unexpected things happen.
Your car breaks down. You get sick. You lost your phone. You don't have extra money to pay for these extra expenses. So what should you do to earn extra cash fast?
Here are some practical ways to earn money fast. When I say fast, I don't mean instant. It means that you still have to work for it but you don't need a huge capital. You can immediately raise income if you have the right skills and strategies.
How're your finances at the moment? Are you happy about it?
Do the years you've spent on your work to earn money worth the effort? If not, what do you think went wrong?
Is there any financial decision you've made in the past that you regret?
All of us might be making financial mistakes. Some we are aware of. And some were probably not.
But before you feel bad about yourself, don't fret. It's not yet too late. Every day is a new day! And every day is a new chance to become better. What's important is, you learn from these mistakes and start improving your financial habits.
First, accept that something is wrong and be aware of them. By being aware of these mistakes, you're most likely to correct them.
Here are some financial mistakes you might be guilty of and tips on how to overcome them.


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It's estimated that 1 in 3 persons will seek out the comfort of an escort, dancer or the sexual attentions of a prostitute at some point in their lives. The reasons are many: "the first time", bachelor parties, a fear of commitment to monogamous relationships or, very commonly, a sexually unfulfilling marriage. As we spend a great deal of time with one person, sometimes spread out over years, sex waxes and wanes. Sometimes it's hot and heavy and then can go tepid for a while. Cabin fever, jobs and their absence, kids, money stress, kicking responsibilities around, aging parents, a struggling economy, a mid-life crisis… countless are the reasons and excuses for married men and women to stray.
But how often to the people who seek out physical gratification actually want their marriages to end?
We marry our best friends. We spend months and years devoted to our mutual well-being. We become partners and parents together. We get each other through the tough times. We rely on each other. And those things are incredibly fulfilling on their own. But we still need sex. Some of us more than others. And some of us, a lot of it.
There is a cheating industry alone for married people looking to have an affair. The flagship of this industry has a tag line "Life is Short. Have an Affair". It promotes allegedly safer circumstances for those looking to cheat, assuming that if you both have a marriage to risk, you'll be less of a risk for each other. But their personal opinion on an affair versus the service they offer is a bit confusing:
Q: Does Ashley Madison encourage infidelity?
A: No, Ashley Madison does not encourage anyone to stray. In fact, if you are having difficulty with your relationship, you should seek counseling.
However, if you still feel that you will seek a person other than your partner to fill your unmet needs, then we truly believe that our service is the best place to start.
The problem is, even with a great deal to lose, it's easy to get wrapped up in an affair with another person, despite their marital status, and to get in way over your head. Personal lines get crossed, friends become a part of the scandal, and more often than not the affair comes home with you in ways you really don't want it to.
So, why do people seek out an extramarital relationship? For an open ear to listen to us vent about things that our partners can't hear us talking about. For sex, obviously. For excitement. For a change of pace. For emotional and physical comfort. For a fix of pleasure.
All of these are provided by escorts with far less drama and risk on the side. Here's why:
You're their paying client, and not the only one at that. It may be romantic to think that your escort goes home replaying the joy of your time together. If she does, it's because she's a professional and is pondering on how she can serve you better in the future. But even more likely is that she's moved on to figuring how to service the needs of another client. She's not romanticizing about what you're doing when you're not together.
Their care is limited. You share a part of yourself with your escort. You may need her to listen to what's been stressing you out lately, a mish-mash of your spouse, kids, job, parents etc. Or you may play out your most confident, poised fantasies together where life is just perfect. Either way, she's seeing a part of you and responding to that. For exactly the amount of time you've paid to spend together. No more.
They don't want to be "saved". Yes, some people go into escorting out of despair. But we choose to assume that, no matter the reason, the escort respects herself and is using her escorting business for personal and professional satisfaction and for a limited time. Her business is what's saving her. She's not expecting you to be Richard Gere and climb up a fire escape to rescue them. She wants you to be respectful, courteous, and to pay her for the time you share. She's not going to try to stamp herself on your life.
At the end of the day, it's their business. Your escort is genuinely going to be interested in who you are and the time you are going to spend together. But that's because you're paying her for it. You are her client, not her boyfriend. While this may take a while for you to fully make peace with, it should be rather liberating. There's no worry that she's going to show up at your office at lunch hour, or that you're going to have an incredibly awkward run-in in a crowded public space. Your escort knows discretion, and knows how to think on her feet to save both of you from an uncomfortable situation. Escorts know their role.
They're there to compliment, not question or judge. If you date another married person, even if you both think that you're cool with your situation, there will most likely come a point where one or both of you feels massively guilty. Or doubts their own part in the relationship. Or wants confirmation that they're not bad for wanting sex outside of marriage. It's a lot of drama. In conrtast, your escort reserves judgment. She's there to make you feel good, to offer support and friendship and intimacy. Not to question or judge your choices.
They have lives of their own. It's easy to forget that your escort has a full life outside of her job: kids, friends, spouses, hobbies, plans, career aspirations. She most likely has goals and dreams of her own. There's a chance that those in her life aren't fully aware of what it is she's doing for a living. Because of this, there's a far less chance that she's going to want to attach herself to you for any personal reason.
Overall, it's just a cleaner situation. There's no spending time figuring out the person on the other end of the relationship. Or checking someone out at the gym and then having to pursue them, watching your back as you go. There's no apologetic flowers or dramatic crying matches.
You get heard, get off, then go home.


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After a primary season marked by hard-line rhetoric toward illegal immigrants, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney sought to hit the reset button on immigration in a speech Thursday to Latino-American officials.
Talk of "self-deportation" is out. Promises of bipartisan collaboration toward a "long-term solution" on immigration are in.
Given Mr. Romney's gaping deficit in support from Hispanic voters, his election in November may depend on his ability to fix the perception that his party is inhospitable to them. President Obama's surprise announcement last Friday offering young undocumented immigrants a legal, though temporary, way to avoid deportation has made Romney's task all the harder.
But in his address to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) in Orlando, Fla., Romney started up that hill. He accused Mr. Obama of doing nothing to advance a permanent fix for the broken US immigration system. Then he addressed the president's June 15 announcement.
"Some people have asked if I will let stand the president's executive action," Romney said. "The answer is that I will put in place my own long-term solution that will replace and supersede the president's temporary measure."
His answer sidestepped the core question: Would he undo Obama's policy, in advance of trying for a larger solution to immigration, just as he promises that on his first day as president, he would issue state waivers on health-care reform if the US Supreme Court does not strike it down first – then work on a longer-term solution?
In his address, Romney laid out his immigration plan: redouble efforts to secure US borders and make it harder to overstay visas; reallocate green cards to keep families together; issue green cards to foreigners who earn advanced degrees in the United States; and offer a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants who serve in the US military.
"But improving access to legal immigration is only one part of the equation," Romney said. "We must also make legal immigration more attractive than illegal immigration so that people are rewarded for waiting patiently in line."
That's why, he said, his administration would establish a "strong employment verification system" so that businesses can be confident they are hiring people eligible for employment.
The challenge for Romney is to reach out to Hispanic voters, many of whom know people who are in the country illegally, while not alienating conservatives who reject any proposal that can be called "amnesty." During a GOP debate in January, Romney promised to veto the DREAM Act – legislation providing a path to citizenship for young illegal immigrants who complete some college or perform military service. He then softened his stance by saying he would sign a DREAM Act that offers citizenship only via military service.
The DREAM Act is popular among Latinos. And now that he is assured his party's nomination, Romney is softening his tone. But less than five months before Election Day, the former Massachusetts governor faces low support among Latino registered voters. A May survey by NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Telemundo shows 61 percent supporting Obama, 27 percent backing Romney.
In 2008, Obama won 67 percent of the Latino vote to 31 percent for GOP nominee John McCain. In George W. Bush's two presidential election victories, he won at least 40 percent each time. Romney doesn't have to win the Latino vote; he just needs enough to supplement his advantage among white non-Hispanic voters.
In a bit of demographic misfortune for Romney, some of the most important battleground states have large, fast-growing Latino populations, including Florida, Nevada, and Colorado.
In his speech to NALEO, Romney started with a message of economic opportunity, aware that the economy is the top issue for all voters. He noted that unemployment among Hispanics is 11 percent, higher than the 8.2 percent national average.
"The middle class under President Obama has been crushed," Romney said. "More Americans are living in poverty today than any point in American history. Over 2 million more Hispanics are living in poverty today than the day when President Obama took office."
Romney suffered a miscue earlier this week when ABC News reported that he wasn't considering Florida Sen. Marco Rubio – the only Latino Republican in the Senate – as his running mate. After a day of speculation, Romney came out and asserted that Senator Rubio was in fact under consideration. But the flap appeared to snub one of the Republican Party's brightest young stars.
At a Monitor-hosted breakfast Thursday, Rubio defended Romney and his handling of the immigration issue. He said Romney's comment about "self-deportation" in a January debate – that immigrants would go to their native countries of their own accord – was not a statement of policy.
"It is an observation of what people will do in a country that is enforcing its immigration laws," Rubio said. "And I think quite frankly some of that is happening now because of economic improvement in Mexico."
Rubio also rejected the idea that Romney has been vague in his views on immigration.
"I don't think he has struggled to articulate his position," Rubio said. "He supports legal immigration and anything he can do to improve the legal immigration system.... He doesn't have an immigration bill per se, but neither does the president."


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100 Years in Prison for a Drug Crime Committed by Someone ElseCheryl Aichele Special to Salem-News.com
Letter in Support of California's medical marijuana dispensary owner Charles Lynch.
(LOS ANGELES) - I'm a medical marijuana patient in LA who suffers from chronic pain due to a work-related repetitive strain injury.
This summer I sat through the trial of Charles C. Lynch after seeing Drew Carey's "Raiding California" Reason.tv episode for the Drew Carey Project. What I witnessed in that federal courtroom changed my life.
David Nott, President of Reason Foundation calls it "a grotesque miscarriage of justice" and he couldn't be closer to the truth of the matter.
White House Spokesman Nick Shapiro reacted to new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raids at medical cannabis collectives in California, saying he expects President Obama to end that policy when a new DEA Administrator is seated.
"The president believes that federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws, and as he continues to appoint senior leadership to fill out the ranks of the federal government, he expects them to review their policies with that in mind," Shapiro said.
Charlie faces up to 100 years in federal prison: ~ Even though he followed all his "Medical Marijuana Dispensary" business license requirements, city regulations, county restrictions, and State laws.
~Even though, he called the DEA and asked about opening a medical cannabis dispensary in California and they said "It's up to the cities and counties to decide how to handle that [medical marijuana dispensary] matter".
~Even though the Morro Bay Mayor, Janice Peters, and City Attorney, Rob Schultz, testified they never received one complaint about Lynch, his employees, patients or dispensary and each testified to Lynch's law-abiding nature.
~Even though, the only person accused of wrong-doing on the state level has legally declared Charlie had nothing to do with any alleged state violations.
I rely on people medical cannabis dispensers, like Charlie to get safe access to medical cannabis. If the federal government has its way, I will be forced to buy my cannabis on the black market. That's not only degrading, it's dangerous.
That's exactly what San Luis Obispo County Sheriff, Pat Hedges, did to over 2,000 of Charlie's qualified medical cannabis patients by shutting down the only medical cannabis dispensary in the county. My heart goes out to them. Not all patients can grow their own cannabis. I'm not expect to manufacture my own vicidin.
Attached is a pdf. presskit my friend David and I put together. You do NOT have to read it from beginning to end. Just read the introduction and click on anything else you want to see. It has everything anyone would need to know about this case. It's navigational too. The content page is linked. If you click on the title of a document on the content page, the pdf will bring you to that document. And if you click on the blue "Friends of CCL" logo in the upper-left hand corner of each page, the pdf will bring you back to the content page.
We are having a PEACEFUL protest (HOPE for Cannabis CHANGE) on Monday February 23, 2009 at Noon on the Corner of Temple & Main St. In front of the Federal Courthouse sign on the corner. The address is 312 NORTH Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012. I'm hoping you can help us promote this event and cover the story.
Al Roker interviewed Lynch for a MSNBC showed called "An Hour on Marijuana" scheduled to air in the coming weeks. In addition, John Stossel from ABC's 20/20 interviewed Lynch and his Federal Public Defenders for an episode called "Bullsh*t in America".
Hopeful for Cannabis Change,
To learn more about the case against Charles Lynch, visit friendsofccl.com/.
Comments Leave a comment on this story.
All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.
Elizabeth Pallett February 24, 2009 7:49 pm (Pacific time)
As a medical cannabis user who now awaits trial, this simply makes me more angry than I am already. The law makers of this world are nothing but murderers and torturers, they are knowingly keeping life saving and pain relieving medicine from the sick and dying citizens. Who by the way are after all in a theatre of war declared on the world by the USA to take pressure from a president who was in trouble. They are therefore war criminals under the Geneva Convention we are all signatures to and yet another Treaty western governments including my own here in Australia. The citizens need to stand up and demand our rights under our own constitutions and under all international treaties including the Single Treaty that clearly states that countries MUST make available Cannabis and opium for medical and scientific purpose, they are all in breach of this and all treaties we as citizens are forced to live under. The time is now to fight for our rights around the world and stop the dictatorships of western governments and bring back democracy NOW.[Return to Top]
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Butler Passed Gathering Tray
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- Updated: December 18, 2013
England Senior Men's coach Paul James has chosen a list of 15 players from whom he will select a team to compete against Ireland Select on 12 January at the NIA, Birmingham.
A game that is part of the BBL's Cup Final Day, England Select v Ireland Select will tip off at 12pm and coach James wants a positive showing.
"It should be a lot of fun, these games always are," he said. "They get intense but are always played in great spirit. It will be a challenge as the preparation time is very limited but as long as it throws up some all-star style highlights then it's a good spectacle for the basketball fan!"
The current 15 man roster is made up entirely of BBL players and offers a great opportunity for home grown talent to highlight their skills at an international level with GB summer selections in mind.
David Aliu (Manchester Giants)
Devan Bailey (Cheshire Phoenix)
Ben Eaves (Plymouth Raiders)
Zac Gachette (Sheffield Sharks)
Stefan Gill (Manchester Giants)
James Jones (Manchester Giants)
Perry Lawson (London Lions)
Nick Lewis (Sheffield Sharks)
Rob Marsden (Manchester Giants)
Louis Sayers (Plymouth Raiders)
Colin Sing (Sheffield Sharks)
Adrien Sturt (London Lions)
Mike Tuck (Sheffield Sharks)
Shane Walker (Plymouth Raiders)
David Watts (Manchester Giants)
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text: Criminal Mischief – Between the hours of midnight and 0600 hours on Monday, February 25, 2013, unknown subject(s) damaged a 2008 Ford Expedition while it was parked in the driveway of an Enterprise Drive residence. The rear passenger side of the vehicle had a four inch scratch in the fender. The value of the damage is estimated at $500.00.


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Become a REAL Supporter
The REAL Program is fully dependent upon community support. There are several ways to demonstrate support of this great program.
- The business community and individuals can support the REAL Program through financial and in-kind donations. Income tax receipts can be issued upon request for financial donations.
- Donation of new or used recreation equipment and/or organization of equipment drives.
- You can now donate to the REAL Program by dropping off your recycling with Evergreen Recycling, account # 5768684.
100 per cent of your donation will be spent on program spaces, equipment and/or transportation costs for children and youth. The sooner you support this program, the sooner children and youth can get active.
If you would like to become a partner, please fill out this Partnership Application.
Notice of Vacancies
REAL Program Fundraising and Promotion Committee
The REAL program is actively seeking members for its Fundraising and Promotions Committee. If you have experience in fundraising, promotion or marketing and would like to volunteer your time and talents, please contact us.
For more information please click here.
Give the Gift of Play
Murrins Family
The REAL Program would like to thank the Murrins family for their generous donation of $1000.
When Sherry Murrins son Justin was tragically killed in a car accident, the family searched for meaning. While nothing can take away the deep sadness, the family have found joy donating to REAL from "Justin's Birthday Bash".
"Our son loved children and we know he would be thrilled to help other kids. As an employee of the City of St. John's I know first-hand how this program works and I see the good work that my co-workers do. I also get to experience the smiles on the children's faces when they get to participate in a program which for some was only a dream."- Sherry Murrins
Lester's Farm Market (Pumpkinfest)
Pumpkinfest is a day-long, annual event organized by and held at Lester's Farm Market in October. Lester's Farm Market donated $14,837.16 to REAL from proceeds of the 18th Annual Pumpkinfest. REAL staff and participants send sincere gratitude to Lester's for their continued support. This year's donation provides 150 local children and youth with recreation and leisure opportunities.
Kiwanis Club of St. John's
The Kiwanis Club of St. John's made their seventeenth annual donation to REAL. The Kiwanis Club were among the first supporters of the REAL Program and have been supporters every year since. We are very appreciative for their continuing generosity. Here past President Sig Lenser presents a $1,500 cheque to REAL staff.
NL Craft Brewers Assocation (Royal St. John's Regatta)
During the 201st Royal St. John's Regatta the beer tent was operated, for the first time ever, by the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Brewers Association. The REAL Program was delighted to be one of groups that received a donation from the NL Craft Brewers Association. The $2520.21 donation provided 25 placements for local children and youth.
Canada Post Community Foundation
For the first time, the REAL Program received a grant of $2000 from the Canada Post Community Foundation. We are truly grateful to have been selected as a grant recipient this year. Thank you on behalf of the children and youth who will benefit from these funds.
"Canada Post is proud to help organizations and projects that make a difference in the lives of Canadian children and youth. Through the generosity of our customers, the Canada Post Community Foundation is able to fund important programs in communities across the country every year."
United Way NL
United Way NL has been supporting the REAL Program for several years, 2019 was no exception. REAL received a $6000 grant from the United Way NL Community Fund. This money will be used to provide registration, transportation and equipment to approximately 60 children and youth. We would like to express our thankfulness for your ongoing support.
For more information on supporting the REAL Program, call 709-576-8684 or 709-576-4556 or 709-576-2574, email firstname.lastname@example.com, fax 709-576-2308 or mail us at:
REAL Program
City of St. John's
P.O. Box 908
St. John's, NL
The REAL Program would like to thank funding partners and recreation organizations for their outstanding support and commitment to the children and youth of St. John's. To view our 2017 year end report please Click Here.


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Diplomacy and International Institutions
"How can the United States help Egypt?" is a common question heard around the Beltway these days. There are lots of good ideas, but too often they do not address the country's immediate and most pressing needs. It should be clear that Washington is not going to fix Egypt's political problems no matter how many times people say, "we need to get Egypt right." That complex and difficult task is up to the Egyptians—though there are a few discrete policies that Washington can pursue that might be helpful. All that said, here are four initiatives the United States can undertake that can make a difference in Egypt over the next 3 to 6 to 12 months:
1. The United States, European Union, and Asian allies should pool resources and provide loan guarantees for Egypt. Loan guarantees offer two primary benefits to donors and recipients. They are an effective way of leveraging large amounts of money with a limited commitment of resources—unless Egypt defaults—and it allows Cairo to borrow on commercial markets at significantly lower interest rates than a country with a CCC+ rating, such as Egypt, would otherwise obtain. They also leave the decision to use the loan guarantees up to the Egyptians, which is consistent with a central theme of the January 25th uprising—national empowerment and dignity. Still, there is no getting around the asymmetry of power between the United States-led consortium of loan guarantors and Egypt. Recognizing the sensitivity of the terms "conditionality," "conditions," and "condition", there would need to be a prior agreement with Cairo that the loans would be used for Egypt's greatest needs, specifically food, fuel, and medicine.
As Egypt's financial crisis has deepened over the last two years, observers have called for greater U.S. coordination of financial assistance with wealthy Arab states. This is a mistake, as it further entangles Egypt in the poisonous rivalries of the Gulf states. The idea also presupposes that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates share U.S. or each others' goals in Egypt. Instead, the Qataris are seeking to buy regional influence, the Saudis neither want Egypt to succeed nor fail, and the Emiratis want to undermine the Muslim Brotherhood. In the abstract, undermining the Brotherhood is not a bad outcome, but the clear costs of the policy are likely great and the benefits decidedly uncertain. The result would not necessarily be the emergence of a liberal democratic polity, but rather a narrower dictatorship or more instability, violence, and uncertainty. Does anyone seriously believe that the Brothers are going to give it all up so easily?
2. Food aid to Egypt ended in 1992; it should be started again. As the largest importer of wheat in the world, Egypt is particularly sensitive to changes in the global price of wheat. Indeed, between 2009 and 2011, food insecurity in Egypt increased by three percent.
3. The United States should continue to backstop Egypt's public health system through additional investment in NAMRU (Navy Medical Research Unit) 3, which is based in Cairo, though it is responsible for the entire Middle East, Africa, and Southwest Asia. Egypt has the dubious distinction of having the largest number of Hepatitis-C cases in the world, with 165,000 new diagnoses every year; avian flu and hoof and mouth disease remain significant problems; and the SARS variant Mers-nCoV virus, which has a 35-50 percent mortality rate, has recently appeared in Saudi Arabia, which, given the large number of Egyptians working and traveling to and from the Kingdom, represents a threat to public health in Egypt as well.
4. Everyone—Americans, Egyptians, Israelis—recognize that the Sinai is a major problem. Although it is not just a security problem, in the short run the United States can do some good in the Sinai through the expansion of the Multinational Force Observers that have been stationed in there since 1982 and working with both the Israelis and Egyptians on expanding their communication and intelligence cooperation. Still, this is no panacea. Largely by design, the Egyptians are unable to operate effectively in the Sinai and the area will be a major political and economic development challenge over time.
These are all things that do not necessarily require significant outlays of U.S. money and they are all initiatives that the foreign policy bureaucracy should be able to accomplish.
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Diplomacy and International Institutions


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Comment on "Meet and Greet Session for EBOP Connected Teachers"Wahoo! Loving the connectedness (connection?) of all these Connected groups! Connected Rotorua, Connected Taupo, Connected EBOP and shortly Connected Hamilton.
Comment on "The Connected Rotorua Presentation - 1st meeting"Awesome stuff, AnneMarie! We might have to poach some of your ideas for the Taupo Connected Teachers


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Introducing the May Stamp of the Month, Pinwheel.
Would you like to make the projects pictured above? Follow this link to the supply lists and notes.
It is available for $17.95, or if you place an order of $50, you can add it for just $5!
Click here to start shopping.