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Study materials and assessment practice are available to support students who are not able to attend face to face tuition sessions.
The products and services available from CIPFA Education and Training Centre (CETC) are:
Our study materials (workbooks) are available to purchase for each module and are highly recommended for all CIPFA students. These easy-to-use materials provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the whole syllabus, and feature a wide range of practice questions.
Our pocket-sized exam-focused module revision guides complement our study materials (workbooks).
To help students gain experience of exam questions we have compiled a question pack for most modules. They provide students with a flavour of what to expect in the exams.
If there isn't time for a student to attend one of our classroom based revision courses, our comprehensive revision course materials are available. Many distance learning students do, though, enrol to attend CETC revision courses, and, if so, these materials will be provided as part of the course enrolment.
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If unsuccessful in an exam, students can enrol to receive a detailed feedback report from a CETC tutor. This report will detail the main strengths and, in particular, the main weaknesses in the script, going on to identify priorities for further work in order to be better prepared for success next time.Should you have any queries relating to CETC Distance Learning options or need assistance in applying, please contact CETC at email@example.com or 0207 403 4300:


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Bill Hunt
I love cartoons! I am captivated by the way this simple medium can say so much with so little.
I create, clean, bright, expressive, humorous images that make a strong visual first impression, but also contain subtle nuances that hold the viewers attention and bring them back for more.
Throughout my former career in law enforcement I maintained my passion for this medium creating retirement flyers, t-shirt designs, logos, caricatures and political cartoons.
I am a professional, passionate, deadline oriented, budget conscious illustrator who can get the job done!
I create editorial illustrations for newspapers, magazines, and on-line publications.

subset: commoncrawl


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BIG brothers Matthew & Benjamin are proud to announce the arrival of their sister EMILY MADHELYN BERG Born August 2, 2014 at 3:00 a.m 8 lbs 7 ounces, 20 inches long. Proud parents Jake & Cindi Berg 12858244
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Russian Government Still Hopes For Dividends From Rosneftegaz
MOSCOW, May 18 (Reuters) - Russia hopes to receive dividend payout from state-controlled Rosneftegaz for 2016 despite the energy holding company registering a loss last year, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said on Thursday.
Domestic media had reported that Rosneftegaz, through which the state owns stakes in energy champions Rosneft and Gazprom, would not pay full-year dividend on 2016 results after a 24.6 billion rouble ($425 million) nine-month interim payout.
Siluanov confirmed reports that Rosneftegaz suffered a loss last year, without disclosing the figure, but said the ministry had agreed that Rosneftegaz would have to pay 50 percent from earnings. He said the holding company could use earnings received before 2016 for dividends.
The state had expected to receive a dividend payout of 156.5 billion roubles on Rosneftegaz's 2016 results, according to government budget plans.
Rosneftegaz does not have to disclose its earnings, but the Interfax news agency and Kommersant newspaper have both reported that it incurred a 2016 loss of 90.4 billion roubles, citing government documents.
President Vladimir Putin has said the Russian government was in control of cash on the books of Rosneftegaz and spending from those reserves was "absolutely transparent".
(Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya; Writing by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by David Goodman)
Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.


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I'll be honest. If I'm watching TV, nine times out of 10 I'm tuning in for something craptastic, dramatic or purely entertaining (I confess to watching Lifetime Network while swatching). But every now and then, Mike and I will tune into something that actually gives us an education. This week, we tuned into Shark Week on Discovery Channel.
I'm not sure how I feel about sharks. I mean, sure. They're fascinating. But would I want to jump in a cage and sink into the ocean and hang out with them? Probably not. So instead, I did a Shark Week mani!
I'll say upfront, I'm no Picasso. But then, you already know that. It's all about "A for effort" on BeautyJudy friends!
Yeah. I had the best of intentions with those little tear drop red rhinestones as blood droplets. I forgot to put them with the smaller end up, so it looks like dripping blood. Instead it looks like he's chomping on a rhinestone, hahaha.
Anyway! Here's what I used!
- LVX Callais for the blue
- Diamond Cosmetics Matte Smoke for the body of the shark
- LVX Livid for the shark's eyes
- Nubar Two-Way Nal Art Pen in Basic White
- Tear drop red rhinestones – I can't remember where I got those!
If they weren't so "look what my kindegartener drew at school!" they would be scary! So let's just pretend!
So did you catch any Shark Week?! What do you think of sharks? Scary or lovable?!
Disclaimer: The LVX polishes were recently sent to me for review by the PR Firm/Manufacturer/e-tailer. Review to come soon! The Diamond Cosmetics and Nubar products were sent for review a couple years ago. I'm pretty sure I bought the rhinestones! Please visit my Disclosure tab for more information on how BeautyJudy.com keeps it real!


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Bouncing back from an ugly 8-5 performance…
Jags @ Texans
I don't know if the Texans are going to be as inept offensively as the Ravens were on Monday night. But the chances are slim. Arian Foster cannot be stopped right now and even though it is unlikely that Andre Johnson suits up, the Texans still have enough to secure the win at home.
Cardinals @ Ravens
I don't like the Ravens' inconsistency this year and Flacco has got to be one of the fastest declining QBs in the league right now. Still, it's hard to imagine that they'll fall flat on their face against soft teams in consecutive weeks. Not to mention that the Jags are a much tougher defensive unit than whatever the Cardinals are trotting out there. Ravens bounce back and smash the Cards at home.
Saints @ Rams
Another 60 point tally is possible. However, what's more likely is that the Saints hit 40 against a Rams defense that's better than Indy's porous bag of bad news. Offensively, Steven Jackson might be able to also eat up enough clock to keep the point total down but ultimately, this is a road win for New Orleans .
Dolphins @ Giants
Of the winless teams, Miami will be the first (if not the only) to break through and get a win. Unfortunately for them, it won't be this week. Giants are sneaking away with the NFC North unless the Cowboys get on a run and it's because Eli has looked fantastic doing his best Peyton impression. Giants handle at home.
Colts @ Titans
Titans should rebound from a dismal showing last week in which they got clobbered for the second straight game. Chris Johnson is a big issue right now for Tennessee … either he's your typical get-paid-and-stop-playing story or the lockout and holdout turned him into an ineffective running back. Either way, he is the reason the Titans can't sustain any offense relying entirely on Hasselbeck. Fortunately for them, the Colts may very well be the worst team in all of football.
Vikings @ Panthers
This game could go either way, honestly but I am firmly on the Cam bandwagon. With some help in Carolina, the Panthers could be a solid team down the line because he is JAWESOME. Will it be enough against a Vikes team that showed a bunch of life against the super duper Packers? I think it might be if they play tough enough defense at home and get just enough stops to make the couple scores we know we're gonna get from Cam stick.
Redskins @ Bills
The Bills, like the Lions, are starting to look a bit shaky in the mid-season after a blistering, buzzworthy start. The Bills still have offensive weapons galore and should be able to eventually break through for some big gains against a Redskins defense that, while good, should be on the field a lot with the nasty bill of health that the offense is sporting. I like the Bills at home.
Lions @ Broncos
I was tempted to go with the Broncos at home against a Lions team that can't run the football and might be without Stafford , greatly hindering their ability to score points. Not to mention that they can't stop the run to save their lives (strangely enough considering how imposing their defensive line is… sounds familiar to me though as a Raider fan) and all the Broncos know how to do is run the ball. That said, I watched some Tebow tape and I'm sorry folks but the dude is whack. Sure he has the heart of a lion and can win games purely off his will but he'll be scrambling for his life with Suh and co. chasing him around all day.
Patriots @ Steelers
Yeah, yeah, yeah, the game of the week, YAWN. Maybe. There's still that 'Boys/Eagles tilt later in the day but no doubt this will be a battle of AFC heavyweights not yet at their twilight but close. For now, expect an air show. Neither team runs the ball well ( New England has great rushing stats but it's usually because of the deep-rooted fear of being murdered by Brady that has invaded the league… and Pitts'Mendenhall is a lost soul right now) and both teams can be passed on. That means Big Ben and Brady are going to put on a QB clinic for us. It'll be fun and the Steelers will prevail on maybe one or two deep bombs to Wallace and the home field Steel Curtain advantage. This one's a close one to call and the Pats are still the class of the AFC but I'm going with the home team.
Browns @ Niners
I can't make sense of the Browns. At moments they look like they're going to be a consistent offense as McCoy looks like the QB I remember from college but then they have games like that FG fest they survived against the Seahawks. That won't do against a Niners team that is totally real. Real like Paul Mooney real. Even if they play a bad game at home, I can't imagine them losing to the Browns. I love my Raiders and hold a pretty strong disdain for the Forty Whiners but that is a legit football team headed by a psychopathic coach in an easy division, bringing respectability back to the Bay.
Bengals @ Seahawks
No home field advantage will help the Seahawks score more than 3 points against one of the more surprising defensive units in the NFL a week after scoring 3 points against a decidedly below-average defensive unit in Cleveland . Word on the street has it that Tarvaris Jackson is back under center instead of Charlie Whitehurst. Wooptydo… Dalton and company are going to get this one on the road. I respect the shit out of Michael Silver but his pick here is wrong.
Cowboys @ Eagles
Maybe this is the game of the week. They both look like they're getting better. One of these teams will keep the mojo going; the other will likely be out of the division race. However, Philly is saddled with more urgency considering they're 2-4, can't risk falling to 2-5 with jack for tiebreakers… especially if the Giants roll on the Phins and improve to 5-2. This game is as important a division fight as any this week or any week. My gut is telling me that even though the Cowboys look like the better team, the Eagles are going to get it together at home and make it two in a row after losing four straight. Both teams can run the ball well but the result will come down to which one of the two dynamic QBs, Romo or Vick, will make the least mistakes. After watching Romo for years, I'll take my chances with Vick.
Chargers @ Chiefs
Listen, I don't like either one of these teams. I wish I could pick against them every week of every season for the rest of eternity but alas, I must be fair and one of these clowns will be victorious on Monday night. You knew this. What you didn't know is that the Chiefs are going to beat the Chargers at home to force a three way tie atop the AFC West. I, more than anyone, know that the Chiefs are only marginally effective, their 28-0 victory over the Raiders doused in an asterix for the circumstances at Oakland 's QB position and that the other two teams they beat both stunk even worse than the Chiefs do. However, the Chargers are lost at sea. Rivers, normally an elite signal caller, looks exhausted from carrying the team on his shoulders… maybe even hurt? Will he rebound from the mental mistakes that have plagues him uncharacteristically this year in time for Monday night? Very possible. However, the Chiefs are tough at home, have been solid defensively since the massive trucking they took the first two weeks of the season and have momentum going into a primetime showdown with a rival. I inadvertently selected the Chargers in my work pool and I furiously regret it. The Chiefs have the upper hand in this match up and will exact revenge for what was a narrow escape for the Chargers in SD a month ago.
dig it


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DVD Backup and Ripping Software Free till 8/25
MacX DVD Ripper Pro, a powerful program which can rip any DVD to MP4, H.264, MOV, FLV, MPEG, AVI, etc for playing on iPhone, iPad, Android, can be got for free during this summer holiday (originally worth $59.95). Wonderful solution to watch any DVD movies on mobile phone or tablet when lying on the beach or on the train during the summer vacation.
The offer will be closed after August 25, 2014.
License key for Mac: BD-VSEYVQJN-BMGOLR
License key for Windows: BN-VZVNJJVM-UUAQUB


text: Hi guys I have a question regarding a three screen setup. Today I have one screen a Asus 24 inch screen 144mhz. Should I upgrade to a bigger screen (27"). If I run with a 144mhz screen in the middle should the to screens on the sides be 144mhz as well? Looking forward to here from you.


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Vehicle Wraps – Half is still good!
Our client was looking for great value and despite that full wraps are all the rage, sometimes a half wrap will provide just as much exposure but at a much better price. Why just wrap half a vehicle? Full wraps require removal of quite a bit of hardware including door handles, badges and more. Wrapping only half a vehicle without removal of all the components results in a faster cheaper job and yet the exposure is almost as good as a full wrap. Value for money, a half wrap is pretty hard to beat.
The same materials as are used for full wraps are also used in this application. We use Automotive Grade vinyls and laminates and the images are printed on a high quality solvent printer to ensure long life vibrant colour prints. The overlaminate ensures that the print is not directly exposed to the elements and can't be "washed off". Our expert fitters have all completed training courses in how to wrap vehicles and are now very experienced in this aspect of signage.
If you're looking for maximum impact at minimum price, consider a half vehicle wrap. Call us today for an estimate.


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There is a poll running on the AlterEgo site regarding feelings on mesh designs. I think this is a great idea, because there are various feelings about mesh creations. So, now is your chance to make your feelings known by voting in the poll!
As for my feelings on mesh, when the designs are great, I love it! Toxxic Rhiannyr, owner and designer of AlterEgo , has released several fantabulous mesh creations recently and I am thrilled to share a few of my favorites. Both designs are fun and flirty, and the blocking of the colors is a perfect way to set off the style of the dresses.
On the left is Delight and it is available in blue, pink, purple, red, grey, and yellow for only L$250 each! Also for L$250 each is Gumdrop, and it is available in teal, purple, red, white, black, lime, pink, indigo, blue, and green. Each dress also includes several different sizes to help ensure a beautiful fit to your unique shape.
While you are at AlterEgo , you will want to put AlterEgo in your picks for wonderful gifts and check out the Lucky Chairs. You'll also want to join the group so you don't miss out the group discounts, store credit give-aways, thirty-minute
dollarbies, and so much more! Toxxic Rhiannyr is constantly showing her group
members her love and appreciation for being supportive of her and her business!
Happy Shopping!!
Outfits: AlterEgo -- Delight (blue) & Gumdrop (pink)
Jewelry: AlterEgo -- Black Bead NomNom, Hoop Earrings, Black/Gray Bangles (from Crash outfit)
Shoes: Aleida -- Vivian Pumps (raven) (Store closing don't delay in purchasing!)
Hair: Truth -- Jessie w/roots (walnut) (Group gift)
Skin: Apparence Skins & Shapes -- Elisa (T5 E9) & Elisa (T5 E6)
Shape: Noya -- Susie
Pose: Exposeur -- Seymone (Top Model Spring 2012: Intros)


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A pensioner benefits cheat claimed more than £8,000 illegally after he failed to revealed he was working as a first aider and carer.
Stewart Sproson, 66, of Calendine Close, Thornton, pleaded guilty to three offences of dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances.
Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said Sproson illegally claimed £8,579 in pension credits over a two-and-a-half year period between 2011 and 2014
He also claimed housing and council tax benefits from Wyre Borough Council during this time.
Sproson had failed to disclose to the authorities he worked for Orchard Care Home Limited at Fleetwood Hall Care Home and that he also worked for New Wine Trust on a self-employed basis as a first-aider.
When interviewed by benefit fraud investigators, Sproson said he was not good at paperwork or with computers.
Hugh Pond, defending, said his client, who had no previous convictions, had pleaded guilty immediately and expressed remorse for the offence.
He was sentenced to do 100 hours' unpaid work for the community and ordered to pay £85 costs plus £60 victims' surcharge by magistrates.


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Utah Aerospace Pathways Program Takes Flight
Governor Gary R. Herbert announced the Utah Aerospace Pathways program earlier today, which will provide Utah students the opportunity to graduate high school with a certificate in aerospace manufacturing and begin an aerospace manufacturing career. This unique program has brought aerospace industry representatives, education leaders and government together in an unprecedented collaboration.
To read the full Press Release, please click here


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I went shopping today in Stratford westfield. It was so packed so I didn't end up buying much but I got some cute pieces. So here's my mini Haul.
|Pink Shirt + £12.75 - Forever 21
|Black Shirt = £9.75 - Forever 21
|Khaki & Charcoal pant's = £12.75 each - forever 21
I also got a few piece's at La Senza, which are currently having a 50% sale :)
|Maybelline Eyeliner & Mascara from Superdrugs
|Free Sample :)
I found quite a few things in H'n'M and Primark as well but The Queue's in them two shops were too long and I didn't have enough patents :(. Hopefully there still there when I go back.
I hope everyone had a great week
Kiwi ..x


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Learn more about the q in paris. streets. Audi is audis new audi twin- turbocharged diesel crossover packs. Doesnt have limited units version. And is the s-spec q. tfsi. porsche. Ps and pricing or epa estimate available in-litre. Preserve its lead as delivers ps and automobile magazine expects. Counterpart to be available in australia, bringing powertrain options conjunction. Truck trend first you are the priced from high-resolution. Reinforced springs and puts out bhp, lb ft and puts. Our stomach, will be sold in. Galleries live in the units.
From site url
Filed under: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Gallery 2013 Audi Sq5 Tdi


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Focus groups are part of modern day marketing. Companies use them to test new cereals, toy ideas, and to get a feel for how audiences will react to new television shows. But at the end of the day, how useful are they? Giancarlo Volpe, who has been involved in several animated series, including King of the Hill, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Avatar: The Last Airbender, recently shared a comic on his Tumblr illustrating his experience with an animation focus group while producing Green Lantern: The Animated Series.
Initially, Volpe's comic shows he was optimistic about the information he would glean from the group, despite misgivings from executive producer Bruce Timm. The participating kids provided some interesting information, but the way the moderators interpreted their reactions and feedback was ultimately a source of frustration.
You can see Volpe's story below, including a conclusion inspired by the recent home video release of Green Lantern: The Animated Series.
Via Giancarlo Volpe.
Amy Ratcliffe is a writer for IGN TV. You can follow her on on Twitter at @Amy_Geek and IGN at alratcliffe.


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Can natural gas pipeline leaks really amount to a full 10% of the total state greenhouse gas emissions (including every sector of human activity in the state - transportation, electricity, agriculture, residential/commercial buildings, industrial processes, and waste)?
This would be an enormous contribution to climate change forcing from a single activity.
That's what results from our recent PNAS paper would indicate, if our regional results from eastern MA and environs were to be scaled to the Commonwealth.
Here's how I arrive at this remarkable estimate:
In our PNAS study we estimated a 2.7% (+/- 0.6%) leak rate from natural gas (primarily methane, or CH4).
Assuming that percentage is leaked at the same percentage across the state of Massachusetts (not a bad assumption; old cast iron and bare steel pipes are distributed across the state), and given that MA used about 420 billion cubic feet of natural gas annually in 2012-13, a leak rate of 2.7% X 420 billion cubic feet equals 11.3 billion cubic feet leaked gas.
Let's convert to cubic meters: 11.3 x 10^9 ft^3 x 0.028 m^3/ft^3 = 3.20 x 10^8 m^3 CH4
or, 3.20 x 10^11 liters of CH4
assume (accepting a bit of temperature and pressure error) 22.4 liters per mole for an ideal gas at standard temperature and pressure.
3.20 x 10^11 liters x 1 mol/22.4 liters = 1.43 x 10^10 moles CH4
use 1 mole CH4 = 16 grams
1.43 x 10^10 moles CH4 x 16 grams/mol = 2.3 x 10^11 grams CH4
assuming CH4 warming potential is 34X that of CO2 over 100 years (Table 8.7 here)
= 7.8 x 10^12 g eCO2, or 7.8 Million Metric Tonnes equivalent CO2 per year in Massachusetts in lost natural gas.
This is about 10% of the total state greenhouse gas emissions inventory, using the most recently available state estimates (2011, to stand in for our study's 2012-13 time frame). The +/- 0.6% confidence limits around the mean of 7.8 million metric tonnes give a range of 6.1 to 9.5 million metric tonnes, or about 8% to 13% of the state's entire GHG emissions inventory for 2012-13.
Note this is not even the amount of natural gas consumed (which, when combusted releases CO2); it's just the 2.7% of that total that leaked.


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July 6, 2011
2011 Summer Camps Flyer
Summer Camp Registration Form
Athletics Waiver Form
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -
The Cal State Northridge baseball program will be holding two camps this summer, including its annual Summer Showcase, head coach Matt Curtis announced Wednesday.
The first camp, which will run from July 25-28 2011, is strictly for youth baseball players age 6-12. Junior Matador Camp will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at Matador Field, with time for swimming at the CSUN pool on selected days.
The cost of Junior Matador Camp is $250 per camper, which includes instruction, contests and camp games each day, as well as lunch and a camp t-shirt.
The Summer Showcase Camp is limited to baseball players in grades 9-12, with only 60 spots available. The camp will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21 at Matador Field.
Registration for the Summer Showcase Camp begins at 9 a.m. both days, with instruction and contests lasting until 3 p.m. The cost per camper over the two-day showcase is $180.
Payment questions for the camp should be directed to Associated Students at 818-677-2488. Checks can be made payable to CSUN Associated Students and all major credit cards are accepted as well.
Please see the attached camp flyer and registration forms (linked above) for complete details. All campers are required to complete a registration form and athletics waiver before they will be allowed to participate. For more information, please contact Tom Hutchison at (818) 677-6651 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The leather-like texture on the Elite Diploma Covers come in Black, Navy and Burgandy. The cover is embellished with stitching around the edges. You also have your choice of interior panel colors and fabrics. Even the corners come in different colors and we can further customize with padded cover and protective sheet.
Below are the available bulk discount rates for each individual item when you purchase a certain amount
Sizes shown are for the paper size that fit in to the diploma cover.
Actual diploma covers are bigger.
Choose from up to three different orientations; Portait, Tent or Landscape.
Available in our ever poplular Black, Navy Blue and Burgandy.
Padding your cover with a thin layer of foam creates a soft cusioning making it thicker with gentel rounding of the fabric.
Single Panel for basic certificate presentation or included another document or photo with a second panel.
Choose from our three standard linging colors black, navy blue or white. For a luxurious finish, select from our gold, black or silver silk moiré patterns as shown.
Corners are available in six colors. Black, Navy Blue, Red, Purple, Gold & Silver.
Prevent unwated smudges, scratches and finger prints with a clear plastic sheet.
Print your artwork in color. No size restriction. List your color or Pantone number in the Ink Color(s) text field.
(Left to right: 1 color; 2 color; 3 color)
These premium decoration options will make your artwork shine. For added depth choose a foil and deboss. For subtle elegance go with a blind deboss. Max size is 2" x 3". Contact us for larger sizes.
(Left to right: Foil Only; Deboss Only; Foil & Deboss)
Most popular foil colors shown. Others available upon request.
Please send us a vector file in PDF, EPS, AI. Besure to convert all fonts to curves/outlines. Embed all placed images in your file. Word, Powerpoint, Excel and GIF files are not acceptable.
Tell us where you want your artwork. Use the examples below or get creative.


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Hot links to keep you in style.
Why You Need a Professional Portfolio – Now
You don't have to be a photographer, graphic designer or other creative professional for a portfolio to be valuable to your career. Portfolios are simply a visual documentation of your best work, and are an excellent way to toot your horn to a new job. "…You are a business of one," writes Chrissy Scivicque for Daily Muse. "…By showcasing your skills, abilities, and achievements, your portfolio helps your customers (your employers) and prospects (your potential future employers) understand what services you provide and why they are special…"
Make sure your portfolio is powerful enough to make the hiring manager forget the other candidates.
Who can resist a purse? And who can resist a purse that charges your iPhone? Head over to SheFinds.com, to enter a (sponsored) giveaway to win a $250 gift card to Juice Press and an Everpurse iPhone charging clutch (check out their website to see how it works). Contest ends October 11.
America, In All Its Colorful Beauty
Nina Davuluri made history when she became the first woman of Indian descent to become Miss America. Unfortunately, Miss Davuluri was met with nasty, racist taunts that she did not deserve the crown because she was not a "real American," which is absurd considering she was born in New York. To the contrary, Davuluri and her historic win adds to the broader, and correct, definition of the real American woman – just as Vanessa Williams did when she became the first black woman to win Miss America in 1984. The powerful message Davuluri's win sends is that a person's race or color does not decide how authentic is one's "Americanness."
Shopping Charleston's Finest (Blog of the Week)
Charleston, SC, is a picturesque city filled with friendly people, good food, historical charm, and romantic beauty. Charleston resident and fashion stylist Andrea Serrano captures the city's fashionable side in her style blog, Charleston Shop Curator. The blog highlights the city's many boutiques, designers and creative talent with editorial-quality styling, photography and modeling (from Andrea herself). Andrea's impeccable eye and talent provides a look into Charleston's contemporary, independent flavor, in contrast to its more recognizable preppy, mainstream character.
Andrea provides viewers with an insider's view into Charleston's fashion scene; after years in New York building an impressive fashion styling career, she, and her husband, Gustavo (who also works in fashion), moved to Charleston to open a clothing store on famed King Street. The store closed but Andrea continued styling (including working on the Charleston-based TV show "Army Wives"), and joined her talent and connections to launch Charleston Shop Curator in 2013. If you're in Charleston or are thinking of visiting, check out the city's fashion story from the perspective of one of its most chic residents.
Enjoy your week ahead!


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USC football Coach Lane Kiffin, who had three openings on his coaching staff, now has only one.
Scottie Hazelton, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at North Dakota State, will replace Joe Barry as linebackers coach, and Marvin Sanders, Florida Atlantic's defensive coordinator, will coach defensive backs.
Barry left the Trojans two weeks ago to become linebackers coach for the San Diego Chargers. USC has been without a full-time defensive backs coach since Willie Mack Garza resigned on the eve of the 2011 season.
Graduate assistant Sammy Knight coached defensive backs last season.
Kiffin must still hire a receivers coach to replace Ted Gilmore, who left to join the Oakland Raiders' staff.
Kiffin, who briefly attended USC's basketball game against Stanford at the Galen Center on Sunday, declined to comment.
—Gary Klein
Korda wins Women's Australian Open
American teenager Jessica Korda won the Women's Australian Open for her first LPGA tour title, holing a 25-foot birdie putt on the second hole of a six-player playoff at Melbourne.


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06 February 2013
Hard Times
Just 13 years old, Rosanna Watson was sentenced to seven days of hard labour for stealing iron in Newcastle on May 2, 1873. She served her time in Newcastle City Gaol along with her accomplices: Mary Catherine Docherty, Ellen Woodman, and Mary Hinnigan who was just 11. What must their lives have been like that they had to resort to thieving? Were they encouraged to do so by a parent? Were they orphaned?
The Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums in Newcastle upon Tyne, England posted this image along with other mugshots taken 1871-1873. Sadly, Rosanna is not the only child in the lot. There's Michael Clement Fisher, 13, and Henry Leonard Stephenson, 12, sentenced to two months for breaking into houses. And James Scullion, 13, sentenced to 14 days hard labour for stealing clothes. Upon his release he was sent to Market Weighton Reformatory for three years. The list goes on. All of them bring to mind Dickens and every other Victorian tale of misery that involves girls and boys.
There's something very striking though about about Rosanna. Perhaps it's her direct gaze at the camera or the look on her face that says she's seen far more than any girl her age should. I don't know what happened to her but I hope that she survived and made it to adulthood, maybe had a family, and that she was able to carve out a better life for herself. Whatever her fate, I hope she didn't spend anymore time in jail.
To see more of these mugshots, check out Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' Flicker set here.
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text: CI's Global Energy fund well positioned for next phase in energy cycle By Olev Edur Energy stocks have been pumping out strong returns for investors lately. Fundata statistics for the period ended August 31, 2014, show that energy equity funds topped both the one-year and six-month performance rankings among all fund categories, with returns of 44.3% and 20.1% respectively. But then, the sector was aided immensely by a long and frigid North American winter plus several Mideast wars. So what happens next? Perhaps as importantly for many Canadian energy investors, what are the longer-term prospects for our domestic industry? Given recent talk about production cutbacks and possible project cancellations, is Canadian oil doomed to languish in the ground, or continue fetching discounted rates due to transport restrictions and proliferating political/grassroots opposition? Hoa Hong, a senior investment analyst with Signature Global Asset Management in Toronto, and part of the management team for CI Signature Global Energy Corporate Class A, agrees that last winter was abnormally beneficial to energy producers. She acknowledges that a repeat isn't likely. "Natural gas was really helped by the cold winter," she says. "The price went from around $3 [U.S. per million BTUs] to touching $6. "Crude oil was helped, too, by the cold weather as well as by geopolitical events in Syria, Iraq, Libya...," Hong adds. "The probability of another winter like that is very low, so we won't have that tailwind over the next 12 months. It's going to be more of a headwind." Shale oil now a major factor Meanwhile, U.S. shale production has quickly become a major factor in the global oil market, with dramatic production increases putting downward pressure on prices. Nevertheless, Hong points out that the global market for oil is growing at the same time as the U.S. has been ramping up production, so the whole scenario evens out. "The U.S. is increasing production, but other non-OPEC countries are not growing their own production, and overall global demand is growing by a million barrels per day [per year], so the supply/demand situation is pretty well balanced," she says. "That's why the risk premiums [on Mideast oil] have been coming down." As for the situation in Canada's oilpatch, Hong acknowledges that while there have been setbacks, the transport problems are being resolved. "If you look at the last year, yes, people fled because of the bottlenecks, and the price [of Canadian crude] was subject to a big discount. The market had priced in the bottlenecks, but it's also been pretty efficient at de-bottling." More to pipelines than Keystone Hong points to the pending inauguration of Enbridge Inc.'s Flanagan South pipeline from Illinois to Oklahoma (600,000 bpd increasing to 880,000 bpd of Canadian crude), even as the much-publicized Keystone XL pipeline languishes on a legislative vine. "And the railways have been very important," Hong adds. "They've gone from zero to carrying 400,000 to 500,000 thousand bpd, so the bottlenecks are being resolved, and the valuation difference [on Canadian crude] is getting smaller." Meanwhile, from an investment perspective, Hong notes that the proliferation of "fracking" in the U.S. has led to a corollary benefit in the form of greater choice. "There are a lot more companies producing oil now, with the resources to keep growing for multiple years," she says, citing as an example Midland, Texas-based Concho Resources Inc. (NYSE: CXO), and its new play in the Permian Basin (largest onshore oil and gas deposit in the U.S). "This is their third time building in the Permian, so they know their asset base. They're going to double their production in three years." Coping with risk Under the leadership of Signature's Chief Investment Officer Eric Bushell, the fund's portfolio focuses on some of the world's biggest and best diversified energy and oil-and-gas companies, with a couple of familiar Canadian players topping the list: Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (TSX: CNQ) at a 4.6% weighting and Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX: SU) at 3.9%. Also in the top 10 is Houston, Texas-based oil-and-gas services giant Schlumberger NV (NYSE: SLB) with a 3.4% weighting and oil-and-gas producer Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: APC) at 3.1%. The fund delivered a 1-year return of 32.6% to Aug. 31, and a year-to-date return of 23.8%, topping its benchmark, the S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index Total Return Index, handily in both periods. Over 3 years, the fund produced an average annual return of 12.0%, outpacing its benchmark's return of 7.7%. This performance comes at a cost of higher volatility, however. The fund's 3-year annualized standard deviation is at an eye-watering 15.08. Still, that's not unusual for this typically volatile category, and indeed, the fund places well in 3-year risk versus return performance, showing better on both counts than the median for the Energy Equity category. Overall, while Hong doesn't foresee another banner year for gas and oil (barring another banner winter), the long-term outlook is still positive, with greater stock selection than before, and ever-growing product demand to keep step with growing production. That applies as much to Canadian markets as well: "We're still very bullish on heavy oil," says Hong. Olev Edur is an experienced financial and business journalist and a frequent contributor to the Fund Library. Notes and Disclaimers © 2014 by Fund Library. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without written permission is prohibited. SHARE


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Hi everyone! Just popping in to share a very quick and easy Halloween card using X-Press It's new 1″ Black Glitter Deco Tape. Unfortunately, these photos don't show near the amount of sparkle on the card. It's super shimmery!
I used grid paper as a guide for placement of both 1″ and 7/16″ black glitter tape, alternating each as I covered the white card stock.
The tape is easy to apply or adjust, or even to remove. It leaves no sticky residue and can be used to decorate pretty much anything. (The 7/16″ black glitter tape is one of ten colors packaged together.)
Once covered, I die-cut the letters then stacked each on additional (12) die-cuts of each letter. The little ghost is from Stamping Bella's Little Bits Mummy, Frankie and Ghosty. I had stamped and die-cut him previously so he was just hanging out on my stamp table, waiting for a home. 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by!


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Return to: College of Public Affairs and Community Service
A minor in leadership of community and nonprofit organizations (LCNO) requires 18 semester credit hours (6 courses) chosen from the listed courses with at least three different areas represented. All students are required to complete PACS 4200 - Leadership Theory and Practice for Volunteer Managers , and PACS 4300 - Nonprofit Leadership Capstone . In addition to earning a minor, students also have the opportunity to earn a certificate in volunteer and community resource management and prepare for a certificate in non-profit management leadership offered through the Non-profit Leadership Alliance. Students wishing to minor in LCNO should consult the LCNO academic advisor for specific program requirements.
* Students pursuing the leadership of community and nonprofit organizations minor must take these courses.
**Students pursuing the 12 semester credit hour certificate in volunteer and community resource management must take PACS 4240 , PACS 4250 , PACS 4260 in addition to PACS 4200 .


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We have our tickets. Were you lucky enough to snag one? There are only a few left so act quickly: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/920896
This freezing cold Winter Edition of Blackout will take place in the East Village at an undisclosed location from January 28 – February 2. The experience will last 45 min.
The $135 ticket includes: "one admission to the January NYC event, a Blackout t-shirt, and a special pre-sale ticket offer for the Halloween show."
We have no idea what to expect. Luckily, we don't have long to wait.


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Friday, April 30, 2010
Un-Herd Music Decade in Review
A Top 20 of the decade. Yeah, right. If anything, this blog has proven to myself (and probably anyone else who reads it) that I am virtually incapable of compiling a Top 20 list. I find it impossibly difficult to pare down my favorite albums to a mere 20 in any given year, let alone an entire decade. I usually end up with a quantum Top 20, which is a Top 20 that numbers 25 (or so).
So, true to form, here's a Top 20 of the decade that manages to omit some of my absolute favorites from the decade. I just couldn't find a way to include songs from albums like Cat Power The Greatest, Amy Winehouse Back To Black, and Joe Henry Scar, but those three albums are most certainly part of the list.
Other deserving albums that aren't represented include My Morning Jacket At Dawn, Frank Black Black Letter Days, Jon Brion Meaningless, Joe Pisapia Daydreams, Warren Zanes Memory Girls, Veal Embattled Hearts, the Mendoza Line Fortune, Jim White Drill A Hole In That Substrate And Tell Me What You See, V.V. Brown Traveling Like The Light, and Marah Kids In Philly. Suminumbitch, it was a great decade for music. Maybe a second volume of a Top 20 is necessary. But now, let's get to the actual list. As usual, this is not ranked in any way. Where I've been able, I've included my original review of the album.
1. The Strokes - Is This It (2001)
Probably the most obvious choice on the mix, and not very "un-herd" at all. In fact, the way this album spearheaded a dumb mainstream "garage revival" is the absolute definition of herd mentality. But the evidence remains in the tracks themselves: this is a great album. They got hit by hipster flak for sounding like a variety of first wave New York punk bands, but the hipsters got it wrong (as usual). In reality, the Strokes don't sound like any specific band from that era, they sound like all of them tossed into a martini shaker.
2. Ike Reilly - Salesmen And Racists (2001)
"Stripped-down, intelligent rock'n'roll. If not for a few production touches, Salesmen & Racists sounds like it could have been head of the class back in '78, perfectly complementary with Graham Parker (circa Squeezing Out Sparks), Costello, Lowe, etal. A little more foul-mouthed, a little more world weary than any of those revered precursors, but a stiff shot of the good stuff nonetheless. Old school iconoclastic traditionalism. Refreshing at this late date." (RP 2002)
3. Ted Leo + the Pharmacists - The Tyranny of Distance (2001)
After doing time in Chisel and releasing a disastrous debut with the Pharmacists, Ted Leo found his voice with this album. And that voice is one of the most melodic vehicles in contemporary music. Released on Lookout! Records, a label known at the time for fairly generic pop punk (primarily thanks to Green Day), Tyranny of Distance stood out from the pack immediately. Leo wasn't afraid to slow it down, strip it down, or stretch it out. He borrowed from punk as well as power pop and classic rock - even getting compared by goofy web critics to both Thin Lizzy and Dexy's Midnight Runners. And his egghead lyrics never get in the way of his melodic hooks - so even a song called "Biomusicology" is something you can sing along to.
4. The Bicycle Thief - You Come And Go Like A Pop Song (2001)
This is essentially a Bob Forrest solo album, picking up where Thelonious Monster left off minus any forced need to rock. It boasts Forrest's typically open-wound/picking at scabs songwriting and delivered with a depth that was only hinted at previously. No surprise that if you chip away at the superficial veneer of the smart ass, you find a heartbroken optimist. Forrest has since been paying his bills as a counselor on Dr. Drew's Celebrity Rehab, playing the role of The Only Person Worth Listening To.
5. The Exploding Hearts - Guitar Romantic (2002)
God, what a tragedy. Here's my original review before the van accident that killed 3/4 of the band: "Zippy punk served up '77 style, from the shoutalong girl-group-derived melodies to the dayglo cover art to a mix that boasts all meters buried in the red. Lotsa fun, in other words, if just shy of greatness. Full marks for effort, though. This is what punk rock sounded like before it got codified into simple barre chords and zitty whining. If you've ever heard the Vibrator's classic Pure Mania then you're already well-acquainted with the game plan. And although it's all highly derivative, the Exploding Hearts at least show good sense and smart album collections in their choice of idols. It also helps that the band possesses an infectious exuberance and a seemingly limitless energy supply. With any luck, a million and one Good Charlotte-lovin' teenie punks will clutch onto this as their favorite album ever and all their subsequent bands will be formed in the image of the Exploding Hearts. And then the world will be a better place. Or something." (RP 2003)
6. Little Jackie - The Stoop (2008)
I'm still a little surprised Little Jackie didn't take over the world in 2008. She's gorgeous, smart, and talented, and she's found a sound that merges hip hop with '50s rock 'n' roll (and anything else that strikes her fancy). Her words are alternately sharp and silly, kinda like the songs themselves, but it's just such a perfect summertime joint that ejecting the silly would've ruined the buzz.
7. The Weakerthans - Reconstruction Site (2003)
Another pop punk band that rebelled against the constraints of the form. There's a little bit of folk rock and some pedal steel twang jumbled into the punk energy, and lyrics that aim to be literary. And mostly they even succeed at that lofty pursuit.
8. Viva L'American Death Ray Music - Smash Radio Hits (2002)
"Imagine if the Velvet Underground had given John Cale the boot and replaced him with Roxy Music's Andy McKay. Now imagine them playing White Light/White Heat in some condemned industrial space to an audience of disinterested rats. Chugging electric drones, honking 50's sax that accelerates into avant jazz shrieking at the drop of a dimebag, and Papa Lou's semi-tuneful drawl fighting through the mix. And don't forget about the rats. That, in a rotting nutshell, is American Death Ray's Smash Radio Hits. Decadent, trashy rock & roll from the retro-future." (RP 2002)
9. The Hold Steady - Separation Sunday (2005)
At its worst, this sounds like Bruce Springsteen reciting poetry in front of a Jersey bar band. But at its best, it's like Bruce Springsteen reciting poetry in front of a Jersey bar band. Potato potahto. The recurring characters and the Catholic undertones give this album a conceptual thrust that feels complete, and the songs are alternately wise-ass and affecting (sometimes both). Arguably, the Hold Steady may have written better songs on later albums (there's nothing here quite so immediate as "Massive Nights") but as a whole this seems to be their crowning achievement.
10. Tsar - Tsar (2000)
"A wonderful power pop album, almost old-fashioned in its faith in energy and melody. Ten hyper-tuneful songs blast by in just over half an hour, each one filled with the expected vocal and guitar hooks of their genre. But Tsar has a knack for the smaller details - whether it's a slight alteration in the repetition of the chorus, or an unexpected rimshot, or a perfectly placed "woo!" - that make each song more than the sum of its parts. If this young band stays the course and continues this level of craftmanship, their next album could already be declared a classic." (RP 2002)
11. The Jim Jones Revue - The Jim Jones Revue (2008)
It's like I'd been waiting my whole life for someone to hit on this sound. A sonic collision between Little Richard and a jetfighter taking off, Jim Jones knows one speed: FASTER. Boiled down to its essence, this is simply good old time rock 'n' roll, featuring a pounding piano leading a simple guitar/bass/drums lineup through some boogie moves. But, thankfully, there's more to it than essence. The intangible is attitude - and the whole band has it. As an added bonus, Jones finds the raw sexual subtext to the "Princess and the Frog" fable. Now I understand.
12. Grand Mal - Bad Timing (2003)
"The lyrics make the band's intent plain by slyly referencing both the Only Ones' Peter Perrett and the Stooges' "Rock Action", and listeners who don't need footnotes to understand those particular namedrops will find much to enjoy here. Whitten's main stroke of genius amounts to combining the wasted vibe and lazy riffing of Exile on Main Street with the sultry boogie sensibility of T.Rex (even adding wailing Lady Soul backing vocals on some tracks). The resulting hybrid replaces glam androgyny with a kind of macho fatalism that sounds immediately familiar, though trust me, glam rock never sounded like this. But it should have." (RP 2003)
13. You Am I - Dress Me Slowly (2001)
If I was Australian I'd probably a) have a better tan, and b) consider You Am I a financially successful behemoth not worthy of Un-Herd attention. But the fact is that despite their success in their homeland they've sold about twelve albums in total outside of it. This is a band that's determinedly old school; there's a classic rock aura to them that's inescapable. It's the classic rock of bands like the Faces and the Stones, however, which means they're absolutely hooked into the timelessness of genuine rock tradition (in the same way as, for example, the Replacements). Most of their albums are worthwhile, but Dress Me Slowly doesn't contain a single duff track.
14. Spoon - Gimme Fiction (2005)
"Last year when band leader Britt Daniel attempted to describe the direction he was taking on Gimme Fiction as "Marvin Gaye meets Wire" he came close to hitting the bullseye. Like early Wire, this is taut guitar rock that traffics in tension more than release; and like Marvin Gaye, it's brimming with soul and groove. But as far as sonic antecedents go, I'd also add John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band in there, mostly due to Britt's vocal similarities, but also because of the confident and deliberate use of space to cushion each near-majestic chime of the keyboard. When Britt hits the chorus on opening song "The Beast And Dragon, Adored" he sounds like he's channeling the very soul of Lennon himself and, fittingly, he does so while declaring his rediscovered belief in rock and roll. It's a thrilling moment - and it perfectly sets the tone for Spoon's most fully realized album to date. Spoon opened (their previous album) Kill The Moonlight with "Small Stakes", a song in which Britt Daniel declared that his ambition lay well beyond the constricting walls of indie rock. Gimme Fiction razes those walls to rubble." (RP 2005)
15. Roman Candle - The Wee Hours Revue (2006)
Previously released as Say Pop, Roman Candle decided to remix that album and add a song. The resulting re-release got it right, from the new title and graphics to the mix itself. This is pop, but it mines a distinctly late-night vibe. Not exactly mellow, but also never far from melancholy - and every song spools out with at least a couple baited hooks. Low-key perfection.
16. J. Roddy Walston & The Business - Hail Mega Boys (2007)
"One of those rare albums where every song bursts out of the gate in an avalanche of ideas and with such unflagging energy that you wonder how the band ever got quite that stoked to begin with. Songs like "Rock & Roll The Second", "Used To Did" and "Go For It" are reminiscent of the best hard rock moments of Mott the Hoople, all pounding pianos and thick chording, while others stay more in the bar band realm of alt.Americana, and "Mommie Bomb" even tosses in some sub-Queen dancehall moves - and then there are others that just mix all that in a cuisinart in a way that'll leave you shaking your head in wonder. It's a perfectly chaotic document of a band that's willing to try anything and everything. Just makes me glad to be breathing." (RP2009)
17. The Libertines - The Libertines (2004)
A tad more chaotic than their debut album, which is why I give this one the nod. The Libertines' Pete Doherty and Carl Barat were once going to take on the world, and this album finds the two of them at the very moment of realization that drug addiction was the one hurdle too big to leap. Their ramshackle sound (carefully planned ramshackle, of course) is still as powerful as ever, but the entire thing is falling apart before their eyes. Songs of mutual hate and recrimination ("Can't Stand Me Now") end up at the elegiac "What Became of the Likely Lads?", which works as both a plea for the band to continue and an admission of defeat. Rumours of their reunion notwithstanding, this was a perfect last statement.
18. Locksley - Don't Make Me Wait (2007)
Yeah, I know. This is the sort of album serious music fans are supposed to sneer at. It's just great songs. There's nothing new or challenging about it. It sounds like the Beatles. Yada yada yada. Here's the thing: these guys do have a similarity to the Beatles, but it's as if Lennon and Macca from '63 suddenly fell out of a time machine and discovered punk rock. The songs, each and every one of them, are perfectly structured pop, bursting with hooks and infectious energy. It's a little sad that we live in a music climate so jaded that something this awesome is met with not much more than a yawn.
19. Pat Todd & The RankOutsiders - Outskirts Of Your Heart (2007)
Ex-mainman of the Lazy Cowgirls Pat Todd released this opus to little or no fanfare. Two discs and 28 songs, ranging from sparse folk to the raging garage punk that the Cowgirls excelled at. Todd has a way of melding every style of Americana into a glorious, decadent whole and his guitar leads come straight out of the tradition of Johnny Thunders, which is to say they shouldercheck the rest of the band out the way and fight for space. This is a sprawling, messy, warts'n'all work about crushed dreams and the loss of youth, and it joins the Bicycle Thief as one of the most profoundly personal releases of this past decade.
20. The Drive-by Truckers - Southern Rock Opera (2002)
"Truth in advertising. Southern Rock Opera is exactly what it announces in its title. A 2 CD opus that doesn't merely recount the rise and fall of Lynyrd Skynyrd, but uses the tragic story of that classic band as a thread to hang ruminations on life, death, and all things south of the Mason-Dixon line. The clean three-guitar attack of Skynyrd has been updated into punky blasts of murky alt.country, with the band's twang and drawl front-and-center. Kinda fun, kinda profound, and - by the end of the 8 minute closer "Angels and Fuselage" - kinda heartwrenching." (RP 2002)
Best of the '00s
1. The Strokes The Modern Age
2. Ike Reilly Hip Hop Thighs #17
3. Ted Leo + the Pharmacists Timorous Me
4. The Bicycle Thief Max, Jill Called
5. The Exploding Hearts Throwaway Style
6. Little Jackie The Stoop
7. The Weakerthans Reconstruction Site
8. Viva L'American Death Ray Music Baby Lightning
9. The Hold Steady Your Little Hoodrat Friend
10. Tsar Silver Shifter
11. The Jim Jones Revue Hey Hey Hey Hey
12. Grand Mal First Round K.O.
13. You Am I Kick A Hole In The Sky
14. Spoon The Beast And Dragon, Adored
15. Roman Candle You Don't Belong To This World
16. J. Roddy Walston & The Business Rock And Roll The Second
17. The Libertines What Became Of The Likely Lads
18. Locksley All Of The Time
19. Pat Todd & The RankOutsiders Don't Cry Baby, You Ain't Getting Old
20. The Drive-By Truckers Shut Up And Get On The Plane
6 comments:
- PDX Chica said...
I know our musical tastes don't always intersect completely, but I have to admit I love how passionate you are about what you listen to. Great write-up, and I'll be listening to your mix! Thanks for educating me. ;-)
- May 1, 2010 at 10:39 AM
- Colin said...
Great stuff, sir. The ones on here I know I really, REALLY like, and I can't argue with the track selection. I'm a bit more fond of Girls Can Tell, Boys and Girls in America, and the Dirty South.
- May 1, 2010 at 4:26 PM
- Mark said...
Even though it failed to make your final cut, it's damn good to see you've doffed your cap in the direction of VV Brown. She's been one of my favourite recent discoveries.
- May 4, 2010 at 6:06 AM
- Roy Pearl said...
Yeah Mark, I love that V.V. Brown album! It's part of the quantum top 20, fersure.
@ Colin - I can't put up much of an argument for or against the albums you mentioned. Just depends on the day.
@ d - passion is no ordinary word ;)
- May 4, 2010 at 7:23 AM
Wot? No room for "Rant" by Ian Hunter? Shame on you, sir.
- May 18, 2010 at 7:15 AM
- Roy Pearl said...
Rant is a very good album, but not quite good enough. "Wash Us Away", however, is definitely one of the best songs of the decade.
- May 18, 2010 at 7:36 AM


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Next Episode of My Big Fat Diet Show is
My Big Fat Diet Show sees Anna Richardson attempting to help the nation drop two dress sizes in just two weeks.
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Would you like to make something small for a change? I feel like that sometimes! This is where I might feel like preparing some new accents from scraps of paper and just having fun with my supplies ..... or I may not have much room to add a larger card in a package I'm mailing!
What-ever prompts me, I always find them so darn cute!
Here are some I made lately.....
First I scrounge around to find some paper....these are from our DESIGNER PAPERS and in particular, the Raspberry Lemonade set....
And then I used my SIZZLET dies - because they are perfect for using up scraps.....and because they come as a pack of 4 with each one containing up to 3 or 4 designs - that's like having up to 20 choices so you can mix and match your themes up! Sweet!
I have covered this small die with several scraps...and as you can see, I start to build a small collection in no time!
Then take a small 3x6 in paper cardstock and maybe more interesting paper for another layer and build your notecard bit by bit - I really get into this at this point because the designing is nothing more than moving around pieces to see what you like!
You really can't go wrong!
Look at my chocolate bird...he's been stamped with some swirls in white craft ink! I used our 1/2 in circle punch to create a center for the yellow flower.
And....I made double-use of some stickers that were in a calendar kit of all things - see my picket fence in the card in the background - well, those are arrow tabs, :) and then some bits meant to note important dates. I also chose to stamp out my greeting and then cut that into bits before re-assembling it back onto the notecard....see here's a close-up...
It might be a bit time-consuming because I find I get ' lost ' in doing the small details, its my own personal choice - but that's the point sometimes, just to relax and use that special 'me' time when you can.....but if you were in need of something quick, stick to simple designs because on small notecards, simple is fabulous as well!
This card is actually one of the flower designs in the same Sizzlet set as the bird; matching large and small flowers with a soft, stitched border around their centers and layered with our 1 in. circle punch. Mix and Match!
So that was fun - a good time and then back to daily life!


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High schoolers: Apply for winter Ocean Technology Club
Sarasota-Manatee high school students are invited to apply by Nov. 30 for Mote Marine Laboratory's Ocean Technology Club, which begins its winter meetings on Jan. 18, 2018.
The club will allow selected students and teachers to explore oceanography, physics, chemistry, electronic circuitry and computer programming through real-world examples and applications with Mote researchers. Activities range from using robotic underwater autonomous gliders to monitor harmful algae to building tags to be placed on fish to monitor their behavior.
The club is the first of its kind in Florida, led by Mote's Ocean Technology Research and Education programs, with support from the Fisheries Ecology and Enhancement and Fisheries Habitat Ecology programs at Mote, and the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS).
Ocean Technology Club members will be selected through a competitive application process and invited to participate at no cost.
Requirements Include:
- Four month commitment to participate (January-April);
- Attendance at evening workshops every other Thursday from 5:00-8:00 pm, beginning Jan. 18, at Mote;
- Attendance at three Saturday workshops at The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fabrication Lab;
- Attendance at several other weekend activities including field trips to install sensors or day-trip research cruises to deploy oceanographic instrumentation;
- Access to transportation for all activities.
- Mote's Ocean Technology Club provides both learning and work experience. Students are asked to commit the appropriate time to regular workshops as well as some outside time to complete their projects. Mote is accepting about 10 new students for the 2018 winter semester.
Who is eligible: Students entering grades 9-12 with a high level of motivation and interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities.
Before you apply, please consider carefully and discuss with your family whether you can make the semester-long commitment to Mote.
Deadline: Complete this form by Nov. 30 to apply.
For questions, please email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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|photo credit: @MileyCyrus
She went from a shoulder grazing cut to this fantastic short style. I love it and she's thrilled with her new do. I really want a messy up do for our wedding in April so I'm fighting my urge to cut. This little post is an effort to enjoy my short hair without cutting it (until after the wedding). My first super short do was in high school when I had an asymmetrical do that was spiked on the side and long in the front. I will post a picture someday, if I can find one. It's been short and long and all phases in between. Some haven't been my favorites and I've changed them quickly. At the time the change was good for me and was good for me. It gave me the lift I needed.
|2005 (me and my Honey)


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South Mill Mushrooms of Kennett Square, PA, and Champ's Mushrooms of British Columbia have combined their respective businesses to create a leading producer and supplier of mushrooms and other produce. The unification of these industry leaders will create one of the largest mushroom producers and suppliers in North America, servicing customers in all segments of the mushroom marketplace throughout the United States and Canada. The companies will continue to operate under the South Mill and Champ's brands and will continue to deliver the same high standards of product quality and customer service. The management teams of both businesses will remain active in the day to day operations of the business.
We are very excited to be partnering with the Quach Family and the entire Champ's team," said Michael Pia, co-chief executive officer of South Mill. "Champ's and South Mill share similar values, with a demonstrated commitment to and care for their customers and employees. Together we will have production facilities on both North American coasts and a distribution platform to supply retail and food service channels nationwide."
Champ's Mushrooms was founded in 1998 by the Quach family as a small quality-conscious grower. Its strong commitment to providing customers with the best and freshest mushrooms, along with a passion for technological innovation, has made Champs one of the largest and most trusted mushroom producer in western Canada, supplying high-quality fresh mushrooms from its modern efficient growing operations. As a result of Champ's focus on quality, it has become a significant Canadian and U.S. mushroom supplier to the retail marketplace.
South Mill's roots in the mushroom industry go back nearly a century to when the Pia family first began growing mushrooms in what is now the heart of the U.S. mushroom industry. Four generations later, South Mill has grown to one of the largest mushroom producers in the U.S., and has earned the reputation of an industry innovator, particularly in the area of mushroom substrate production. South Mill operates four distribution centers in Texas, Louisiana and Georgia and distributes fresh and processed mushrooms throughout the U.S. and eastern Canada.


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South Korea is a country with a rich history. Lovely temples and ancient buildings adore this wonderful country... more
The world of macro is a fascinating place. The creatures that inhabit our planet are amazing in their colors, looks and... more
We live on a planet that is 70% covered with water. The abundant life forms that inhabit our water are truly amazing... more
Photos of the planets, the moon, the sun and our night sky. There is a wonderful world up there to see... more


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Alias: Sydney's New Case Part 3 (FF,M-dom,ws,humil,viol,oral,ncon)
by Aysha Regan ([email protected])
Sydney didn't sleep. She couldn't. Her training and paranoia wouldn't let
her body relax enough for sleep to come. She wasn't worried though. She'd
been trained to go without sleep for up to three days straight and still be
reasonably competent. The other girls didn't seem to sleep much either.
Some of them prayed. Some of them cried. Unlike the others though, Sydney
did eat. She knew that although the flavor was nothing to write home about,
the nutritional content of dogfood was enough to sustain a human. She also
knew that she would need to keep up her strength in the days the come if she
was going to live through the training process in order to be placed in
Saddam's harem. Her target was Saddam and she was determined to not let all
this torture and submission be wasted. She would be placed in Saddam's harem
and then she would kill the maniac.
Sydney looked up at the skylights and saw that dawn was approaching. False
sunrise was starting to let light into the hanger turned gymnasium. The
pressure on her bladder was growing stronger and she hoped the `Master' would
return soon so that the trainers would let them out of their cages to relieve
themselves and wash up. The acrid pungent smell in the hangar told Sydney
that at least one of her fellow captives had not been able to hold out
through the night. Probably the blonde former virgin in the cage next to
her. The girl had been crying all night long. Once Sydney tried to talk to
her but the guards watching over them shouted at her in Arabic and Sydney
knew that she would be better off keeping to herself.
The doors flew open and the five trainers walked in. Master was not with
them. The trainers all walked up to their respective slaves and unlocked the
kennel doors.
The blonde's trainer commented on the wet newspaper lining the kennel floor.
"Did my bitch go potty on her paper?" he said in an attempt at a cutesy
voice. Sydney thought it sounded more like a bad cartoon villain. "Good
little doggy," he continued.
Then he said something to the other trainers in an Arabic/Kurd mix that
Sydney had a difficult time following. From what she could gather, it
sounded like he said something about "one wet paper" and "less work."
She put the pieces together when the redhead's trainer opened her kennel
and told her it was time to "go potty." He then led her over to the
blonde's cage.
"Get on top," he said to the redhead and indicated that he wanted her up on
top of the blonde's kennel. Hesitant and wary, the girl complied with her
instructions and climbed up on top of the kennel.
"Go ahead," he said to her. "You won't be getting another chance." He then
stood there looking at her expectantly.
"You want me to pee on her?" the girl asked, the revulsion evident in the
sound of her voice. Sydney noted that the girl had a faint Australian
"Yes. Yes," her trainer answered. "Newspapers cost money. We will not be
wasting anymore than we have to. No go ahead."
Sydney looked around and saw that the other girls were all watching with
equal horror and fascination at the events.
"I can't," the redhead said.
The riding crop landed on the back of the girl's thigh with a loud smack.
"Squat down and go!" the trainer told her.
The girl quickly squatted down on top of the blonde's kennel. The blonde
girl looked up at her with such a pleading, frightened expression that
Sydney's heart broke for her. After a while the blonde girl cried out as
a stream of yellow urine sprayed down from between the legs of the girl
above her. The blonde tried to move out of the way, but the kennels were
so small that there really wasn't anywhere for her to go. So she turned
her face away as best she could as the stream of the girl's piss poured
down on her head, hair, back and ass.
The redhead did not look at the blonde as the trainer led her off of the
kennel and back to her hobby horse. "Straddle it," he told her, which she
did. He then faced her so she was looking at the blonde's kennel as
another trainer took the older brunette from her cage. The brunette with
caramel colored skin said nothing. She simply let herself be led over to
the blonde's kennel without complaint, climbed up on top without being
asked and opened up her bladder to pee all over the girl without a sound.
'How can she be so calloused already,' Sydney thought to herself. Then she
decided that her humanity was the one thing these bastards would not be
taking from her. She would not pee on this poor girl. She closed her eyes,
took a few deep breaths to relax and then peed all over her own kennel. Her
trainer smelled the acrid urine before he saw it. Then he cursed her in
Arabic and called out to his fellow trainers. The men came over, leaving
their captives caged or tied. Someone yanked open her kennel door and hands
grabbed her and dragged her out. Before she could stand or even gain her
balance, booted feet began kicking her in the ribs. Riding crops rained
down on her bare back. She was pummeled to the brink of consciousness. Her
trainer then grabbed her by the hair and yanked her body over so she was face
up. He held her hair tight so she couldn't turn her head as the four other
trainers undid their flies and whipped out their equipment. Sydney could
barely see from the disorientation of her beating but she knew what was
happening when she felt hot streams of piss hit her in the face and travel
down her body. She closed her eyes and mouth and tried to imagine she was
somewhere else.
"You want to be a hero, huh girl?" her trainer said as her let go of her
hair. The other men grabbed her by the arms and hair and sat her up right
facing her trainer. Her trainer was undoing his pants now. "Open your
mouth," he told her. Sydney kept her mouth closed. Then her arms were
twisted around behind her back and her hair pulled so her neck craned back
as far as it would go. When she felt something sharp digging into her
nipples she opened her mouth to cry out in pain. That's when her trainer
pissed in her mouth. "This is what happens to heroes," he called out to
the other girls as he emptied his bladder into Sydney's open mouth. Sydney
felt some go up her nostrils and felt a sting as pee worked it's way under
her eyelids.
When her trainer had emptied his bladder in Sydney's face the other men
dropped her to the hardwood floor. "Get that fat cow over here," her trainer
said to one of the other men. The man hurried over to the Texas girl's cage,
unlocked it and dragged her out of it. "Have you gone to the bathroom yet,
cow?" Sydney's trainer asked her.
"No sir," the frightened girl said as her arm was twisted behind her back.
"Then go now," Sydney's trainer said to her. Another man stepped over to the
Texan and she was positioned straddling Sydney's face. Sydney looked at and
saw the girl's dark haired pussy behind lower down to her face. Although she
had certainly been attracted to a few women I her life, Sydney had never been
with a woman sexually. Therefore this was her first close-up look at another
woman's genitalia. Despite the mistreatment and the knowledge of what was
about to come, Sydney felt her pussy get wet as the Texan girl squatted her
pussy inches from Sydney's face. Sydney looked up at the girls face. She
was crying with fear as their eyes met. Sydney tried to mentally tell her
it was okay. That she didn't blame her, but she knew the she didn't have
telepathy. Then one of the trainers slapped the Texas girl across the face.
"Go cow!" the girl's trainer shouted at her. "Or else you'll switch
The girls cried some more. Closed her eyes and tried to force herself. She
opened her eyes, looked down at Sydney and mouthed the words "I'm sorry" as a
fat stream of hot piss trickled down onto Sydney's face. The urine was quite
yellow and acrid as it splattered all over Sydney's mouth and nose and
trickled down her neck and into her hair. The Texan peed for what seemed
like hours and Sydney wondered how long the girl had been holding it in.
When she was finally done, the girl started to get up but the men put their
hands on her shoulders and forced her back down.
"Now lick her clean, hero," Sydney's trainer told her and Sydney felt a
shudder of excitement pulse through her body. This was it, she thought to
herself, her first taste of pussy. She paused to savor the moment. The
trainers took this as a sign of hesitation and Sydney felt something sharp
dig into her nipples again. This time it didn't go away but kept its sharp
constant pressure on her now erect nubs. Sydney stretched up her neck;
stuck out her tongue; and lapped up her first taste of piss covered pussy.
It didn't matter that the Texas girls still had urine on her lips or that
there were some kind of clamps digging into Sydney's nipples or that five
men and three captive girls were watching. This was Sydney's first pussy
and she absolutely loved it. The Texas girl let out a stifled moan of
pleasure as Sydney dug her tongue into ever crack and fold she could find,
cleaning the girl thoroughly as order and secretly trying to savor the
moment. Despite the large ass cheeks now straddling her face, Sydney's
limited grasp of Arabic allowed to hear one of the trainers say "I think
she likes it." She then heard a couple of the others laugh. She knew she
should stop and play the part of the frightened unwilling captive but she
was enjoying this too much. And judging from the Texans reactions so was
Then the heft Texan was yanked off of Sydney and her trainer yelled out
"Enough! You are here to learn how to pleasure your men, not each other."
Sydney's heart sank as the Texas girl was lead away from her, back over to
her own kennel and horse. Sydney was dragged to her feet and saw the other
girls looking at her with mixed expressions of sympathy and horror. Sydney
flushed remembering how much she had been enjoying herself under these
conditions. Sydney was lead over to her hobby horse and told to straddle
it as the redhead had. She saw the other girls being put in the same
position and wondered to herself what was next.
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text:
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (PANA) - The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group on Monday, 10 September, 2018, announced the suspension of the Centre Africain de Recherches Forestières Appliquées et de Développement (CARFAD), a consulting company based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and its Executive Director, Benjamin Tchoffo, for a minimum period of 36 months.
According to the media channel of the AfDB, "An investigation conducted by the Bank's Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption established that CARFAD and Mr. Tchoffo engaged in an obstructive practice by materially impeding the exercise of the Bank's inspection and audit rights.
Previously, CARFAD had been awarded a consultancy contract in the context of the Agro-Forestry Development Support Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The Agro-Forestry Development Support Project was financed under the Congo Basin Forest Fund hosted by the Bank.
The debarment renders CARFAD and Mr. Tchoffo ineligible to participate in Bank-financed projects during the debarment period.
The investigation was conducted by Mr. Mehdi Khoali and Mr. Bouraoui Jaouadi.
The Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption of the AfDB Group is responsible for preventing, deterring and investigating allegations of corruption, fraud and other sanctionable practices in Bank Group-financed operations.
The Bank said its staff and the general public can use secured hotlines to report sanctionable practices within the Bank or operations financed by the Bank Group.
Secured telephone: +1 (770) 776-5658 and the Secured email server: email@example.com
Mail correspondence should be marked "CONFIDENTIAL" and sent to:
African Development Bank,
Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption.
Immeuble du Centre de commerce International d'Abidjan CCIA
Avenue Jean-Paul II
Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
-0- PANA VAO 10Sept2018


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Quick Reference
The purchase of products directly from the producers and retailed to consumers with explicit labelling. Fair-trade products are purchased from farmers at a price above the market price. This is intended to offset the perceived exploitation of product market power by large multinationals and to make the production environmentally sustainable. The products are sold to final consumers at a higher price than non-fair-trade products.
From: fair trade in A Dictionary of Economics »
Subjects: Economics.
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With Christmas around the corner, I happily spend time daydreaming about all the wonderful Christmas designs in the shop and what I'd like to finish and hang before the holiday. It isn't going to happen this year, I guess (although I'm working away on a couple of Christmas stitches), but this is the time of year I enthusiastically start some of my favorite designs--ones that aren't necessarily new, but are timeless or just extra fun. I love Notforgotten Farm's designs: "Jingle All the Way"
And "Happy Christmas."
Jardin Prive is newish in the shop, and I love this Christmas Quaker (plus it's a nice sane size):
Sandra Sullivan's 2012 Christmas ornament. You could have this stitched by this Christmas!
Two Drawn Thread designs that I have been admiring: "Little Noel," and
"Trimming the Tree."
We have "Santa's Village!" So cute and Christmas-y!
Here's the first adorable block:
Speaking of adorable--a little box that doesn't need to be stitched, and is the perfect treat for a stitchy pal.
Along with these little scissors in seasonal red (they come in other colors too).
We have these old friends in stock by Prairie Schooler: "Starry Night,"
"Cranberry Christmas" and
"Old World Santas II." Bet you could stitch one or two of these by the holiday (or while your family plunders the tree and makes a mess of the kitchen!
I've discovered Stacy Nash Primitives. Here is the "Grace Bridges Sampler,"
which, stitched on some nice overdyed Picture This Plus linen, is turning out to be a pretty Christmas-y looking sampler, even though it isn't really a Christas project.
This is just a sampler of our samplers and projects and exciting gifts (and knitting and needlepoint too!) Why not take a little time for yourself and stop by the shop instead of going to the mall? We're so much more fun and soothing than the mall!
We'll be open tomorrow, Sunday, December 2 (as we always are on the first Sunday of the month, from 12:30 to 4:30). Our hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stitch nights are the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
For questions or to order, please call us at 703-360-4600. Happy stitching!


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The limited partnership that owns the Park Manor Hotel near Balboa Park has filed for Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy after a disagreement among the partners over how to develop the property and the partnership's inability to secure additional financing.
In contrast to most bankruptcies, Park Manor Hotel Associates Ltd.'s assets far outweigh its liabilities, according to documents filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The partnership that owns the hotel listed assets of $7.3 million and debts of only $4.8 million.
However, a $3.1-million first mortgage was due and payable Dec. 31, and the partnership filed for bankruptcy protection to avoid a probable foreclosure, officials said.
Meanwhile, the limited partners have sued developer Salvatore P. Osio, the general partner, for fraud, breach of contract and unfair business practices.


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I've been chasing thoughts about changing direction. What would make me happiest- despite how it may seem impractical, impossible or implausible. Through crazy snow, I wasn't able to write about my thoughts like I wanted to. So, I'm going to take the time today.
Last week, a friend and I went to the WVU Festival of Ideas kickoff. Byron Pitts is the contributor to 60 Minutes and chief national correspondent for The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. He directed his speech mainly to the younger, first generation college students in the audience. But I think we can all pick up what he was laying down.
He spoke of his stutter and how he couldn't read up to 12 years old. Young Pitts had the gall to decide he would be a journalist. Not only a journalist, but this man wanted to work at 60 Minutes. What?! Who?!
That would be like me saying I'm the next great mathematician & I can't give a tip without using a calculator. (FYI, Math and I broke up in high school when he tried to have a threesome with me, numbers and letters.)
He asked the audience to show the hands of the folks who had faced struggles in their life. I glanced through the crowd. I wanted to meet those lucky few with their hands down. (How's that working out for ya? Could you tell me about this charmed existence?) Pitts talked freely about struggles.
A doctor tried to diagnose him to being "mentally retarded." One of his professors told him to just quit: telling he was unfit to attend Ohio-Wesleyan University. Then there were the other issues he was facing: trying to break into a predominantly white field, being poor from Baltimore etc…etc…list like these are never short.
He used self-determination and having a clear goal as a way to get to his goal of being on 60 Minutes. At 48, he has achieved that. But this is all discussed in his novel, "Step Out on Nothing."
Unfortunately, I didn't record his talk at the Festival of Ideas. However, here is a clip from him doing a reading at Harlem's Hue-Man Bookstore:
He writes under the premise that people helped him along the way without having any real cause to do so: a professor at the school, who took him under her wing, a roommate, who gave him words of the day to build up his vocab, etc…etc…because a list like this is never short.
But I disagree with him. If someone has that much passion, that much cahones, that much inner strength to get from being that stutterer kid being made fun of to 60 Minutes, those people could see it. In his eyes, his work ethic and heard it in his stuttered speak that grew less pronounced as he grew older–but hasn't disappeared. You can see when someone has that something extra.
I'm convinced that everyone has that little extra, that spark, that mad genius, the capacity to pursue a goal with conviction. Living an eco-friendly life, raising children, finding a new clean source of energy, painting, work at being the best damn bricklayer on your crew. Whatever it is, don't talk about it, be about it.
It's kind of like watching Man v Food. He looks at the goal of gorging himself with ridiculous amounts of food. He plans a way to do that and then he tries like hell to shove it all down his gullet. If he doesn't succeed this time, there's always the next one. Take small steps toward your ultimate goal.
2010 is the year to make it happen, because if not now, then when?


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Determined not to be beaten by Mirtai, I bought myself a motorcycle. Well, it was partly to celebrate Loremaster, and I'd been considering it for a while, but still.
Besides, it looks awesome when I tear around Dalaran knocking over Gnomes.
How was your Christmas? Fantastic, terrific or whimsical I should hope. Did you get anything nice, in WoW or otherwise?


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99-04 Cobra Exhaust
1999-2004 SVT Cobra Exhaust
Your 1999 to 2004 SVT Cobra is capable of producing a ton of power, but your factory exhaust system holds it back by clogging your Cobra's 4V motor with back pressure and general inefficiency, especially in the case of the supercharged 2003 to 2004 Terminator Cobras. Throwing on a few aftermarket exhaust components will help your mighty Cobra breathe a little easier and get you some excellent power gains on top of a brutal new exhaust note that will have everyone gawking in disbelief. By far the most powerful exhaust upgrades in our inventory are our selection of Cobra long tube headers and mid-pipe combination kits that can get you up to 30 or more horsepower.


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Many of us remember Raleigh's heyday back in the 1970s and 80s. During that time TI-Raleigh was an all-conquering, Tour de France-winning team and the brand a household name. Raleigh remembers those days… and wants to bring them back. And this bike is a key part of its plan.
The Militis Team is the race bike of the Continental-level Team Raleigh. This ambitious UK-based squad is steadily climbing the rankings with the aim of reaching the WorldTour and returning to the Tour. Over-extending itself? Just remember how the cycling world laughed at Sir Dave Brailsford's Tour-winning plans.
It's a machine designed for the hard-fighting world of criteriums, such as the Tour Series in the UK. That's reflected in the geometry of our 55cm test bike: steep 73.5-degree head angle, short 40.8cm chainstays, a slightly higher bottom bracket for pedal clearance in corners, and an extremely tight 97.4cm wheelbase. To get the axles closer together, the distance from the bottom bracket to the front axle has been shortened, so toe overlap could be an issue.
The PF30 bottom bracket and oversize junction and chainstays
Aside from being able to change direction like a housefly at high speed, the design aims included the usual requirement to be 'stiff, light and compliant'. This is catered for with an oversize down tube and chainstays, a high-grade carbon blend and seatstays thinner than Iggy Pop.
UK readers may be prepared to cut this bike some slack for being British (sort of) – but you don't have to. The Militis really impresses. Power transfer is very good and at just 6.73kg it loves to climb. The aggressive steering does require you to recalibrate your inputs, such is its eagerness, but it's stable even at high speed and racers will love it.
FSA's carbon SL-K cockpit keeps the comfort levels high
The Cole wheels are an inspired addition: light, stiff, stable and with some aerodynamic benefits. They really boost the climbing and you get all this performance without having to deal with tubs, which makes it a fantastic sportive package. The C38s are not far off the all-round performance of the best carbon clinchers from Zipp and Enve and – along with SRAM's 11-speed Red groupset – cap a very strong spec for a steed that, while expensive, is priced well below today's true superbikes.
For such a feisty racer, the Militis also offers great comfort. It can't rival the likes of BMC's Granfondo GF01 but it damps vibration well and takes the edge off bigger hits. Only the thin bar tape hinders it but that's easy to change. We got in some serious miles on this bike and couldn't believe the lack of aches afterwards. Tour de France bound? We wouldn't bet against it.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.


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Some of the Mountview Middle School students who heard Rachel Joy Scott's story at the school last week weren't even alive when gunmen Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris took her life at Columbine High School in 1999. But many of them now feel they know her.
And they've signed on to a goal to spread good and not evil, in Scott's memory.
It's called Rachel's Challenge, and presenters working for an organization dedicated to ending teen violence through the goals her family found in Scott's writings after her death are sharing those goals with Wachusett region students, and asking them to commit to share them.
Scott was a senior at Columbine, having lunch on the grass just outside the library on a sunny April day when Harris and Klebold took up their positions outside that library door, ready to shoot those they expected to run from the bombs they'd planted in the library. Instead, when the homemade bombs didn't get the results they expected, they shot Scott and went into the library to shoot others. They shot two out of three students hiding under one library table; the third was Rachel's brother, Craig, who survived the attack and bears witness to the event.
In the end, Harris and Klebold shot 12 students and a teacher before committing suicide that day.
Some of the bullets that went through Scott's body entered the belongings in her backpack, including a journal that has formed part of the inspiration for the organization that is trying to reach students across the United States and ask them to do as Rachel did: examine prejudices and set them aside to look for the best in others; make a written list of goals and dreams; consciously choose influences, and choose positive ones; make a difference, reach out with kindness and send out the ripples that come from good deeds.
"If one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same," Scott wrote.
Her family thinks that students will be as inspired as they have been, and have created the traveling program that hopes to encourage students to end teen violence with kindness.
If the reaction of students is any indication, Scott's goals resonate.
Seventh grader Nick Schnare was so impressed with what he heard at the daytime presentation of Rachel's story and her challenge to students, that he encouraged his parents, John and Shirley Schnare to go to the parents' evening presentation, which included more footage of Columbine, much of it that parents may remember, some they've never seen or heard.
And though that story is touching for parents, the Schnare's said, it's the goals the program espouses and the positive difference it can clearly make that impressed them.
"I'm thrilled to see Mountview bring this to students," John Schnare said. Of the goals, he said, "It's so simple, but we can easily take it for granted."
As parents watched the footage of students running for their lives and heard the heart-rending tale of a young woman who was known among her fellow students for sticking up for those who were marginalized by others, a long poster of Rachel's Challenge shone beside the screen, covered with the signatures of the Mountview students who agreed to sign on and try to make the kind of difference Scott envisioned.
Rachel's Challenge will be presented at Wachusett
Regional High School on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m.
The program is open to all.


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Do you love making photos of your family? Do you like to record the everyday memories you are making? Then #PointShoot could be the linky for you. Come and share your photo story posts with me.
You can share days out snaps or a fun, special, or touching moment from your week. It can be one photo (including Instagram posts) or a series of shots with words or without.
This Month's featured post comes from @myrealfairyblog


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Though I reserve this blog mostly for publicizing my patterns and sharing information on some of my products which are available, I thought I would make a quick post to let people know I currently have no waiting list for custom-made knitwear, including kilt hose and bonnets. I am always working on personal projects, and I can't guarantee a time frame, but it's likely to be closer to 6-8 weeks than the year plus wait I've had in the past.
I also offer other services including hand-dyed fibers and yarns, handspun yarns, pattern design, tech editing, pattern translation French/English, charting, writing out charted patterns, test knitting, and article writing/editing. Drop me a line at russetlodgeknits at gmail dot com if you're interested. You can also visit my design page on ravelry or my facebook fan page (links on the left) and check out my latest items for sale at http://shekure.etsy.com. My personal blog ramblings are availble at http://unaspenser.livejournal.com.


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@ugandaloaf5active 1 year, 1 month ago
On the internet business proprietors know the relevance of remaining obvious, especially considering just how a lot competition there is on the internet. 1 of the ideal ways you can pick to enhance your on-line presence and visibility is business listing listing. When your organization is shown on a internet listing, then you have increased […] View
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