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"Redefining the intensity, passion, speed and fun of the game of tennis. Experience a stunning tennis game unlike anything you have seen before. Intuitive flick controls makes gameplay simple yet incredibly deep, allowing you to make your own strategy. A comic book takes you to a journey in style, putting you in front to drive the story! Be aggressive, or attack the game on the net, destroy your opponent and become an unstoppable force on the court. Flaunt your skills and challenge your friends to a head to head multiplayer duel. Breathtaking 3D graphics, hyper-realistic physics and real-life animations takes the game to a whole new level.
Difficulty Variations:
- 12 difficulty variations with 3 opponent levels (Beginner, Amateur, Professional) and 4 real-life tennis player types (Defensive Baseliner, Aggressive Baseliner, Volleyer and All-Court Player). Puts you in the center of the court just like in real-life tennis.
- Intuitive swipe controls for ground-stokes, lob, slice, drop etc.
- Strategic control to move your player. ONLY After hitting your shot, tap to move your player. Attack the game with serve and volley or play safe at the baseline!
- One-touch camera. Select a camera you are most comfortable with while playing the game.
- Save your game if you want to play your current in-progress match at a later time.
- Play the interactive tutorials in the game to master the controls.
Live through a tennis fantasy in a comic book
Play role of a Tennis Prodigy who must fight for his survival and become the best college tennis player. Follow his quest of joy, anger, despair and jubilation as he makes friends and enemies as you drive through 35 pages of comic book across 11 episodes.
Game Modes:
- Head to Head Multiplayer: Challenge your friends and family for a head to head multiplayer duel. Warning: Head to Head duels gets insanely intense :)
- Singles and Doubles match: Doubles adds a completely new dimension to the gameplay with fast-paced action!
- Exhibition: Unlimited hours of gameplay. Compete in the match with customized settings, players and stadium.
Stadiums and Characters:
- All 3 surface types (Grass, Clay and Synthetic) in 11 breathtaking tennis stadiums.
- 10 unique characters that comes to life in the comic book story."
Source: The Developer Website.


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Cary Grant glamour
Edge of Lake Como
Grand Hotel Tremezzo has the classic glamour and storied history we like in our elegant Italian stays. Its Espa spa, Lake Como-side location and in-house Italian dining have us ready to greet our holiday with a hearty 'Ciao bella!'.
This historic stay is one of the stops on our range of Italian itineraries.
Smith Extra
Get this when you book through us:
Tickets to Villa Carlotta botanical gardens. For GoldSmiths, there is also a bottle of prosecco and a cocoa-and-almond 'valentina' cake

subset: commoncrawl


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Forget the old notion of football widows, or wives who lose their husbands to NFL games all Sunday long as they watch their favorite teams play throughout the season. Today, football fans are taking in all the games with a new intensity thanks, in part, to the ever-growing popularity of fantasy football.
Continue Reading Below
The game allows participants to construct fantasy teams with players across the league, and calculate points based on how well their individual players do each game. Some leagues are free, while others have pots in the tens of thousands of dollars, upping the amount of time dedicated "owners" keep tabs on players and scores throughout the season.
The industry has long surpassed the $1 billion mark, as players have become addicted to the idea of building the perfect team and cashing in on their picks.
Julian Hagmann, 28, is one such addict. He began playing fantasy football nearly a decade ago and says he was hooked instantly.
"It's fun and gets you involved with other teams," he says. "I am a Giants fan, but I am more [inclined] to watch others play if I have those fantasy players on my team."
Hagmann says he spends about $300 a year on fantasy football, between three different leagues. But he stands to bring in nearly $2,000 if he wins. Annually, he says he probably spends about 100 hours on the sport.
"My best year was a few years ago, I won twice, around $1,900," he says. "So I am up on fantasy football overall. "
In 2012, 33.5 million Americans played fantasy sports, and 77% (25.8 million) played fantasy football. Paul Charchian, president of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association says one of the reasons the industry continues to grow is that many of its players get hooked and play for years.
In fact, Charchian says 80% of today's players say they plan to participate for the next decade, and 40% say they will play for life.
"People don't quit," he says. "We have also seen enormous growth in the under-18 player demo, which is our fastest-growing population. This is in part, because parents have been playing long enough to have kids old enough to play, and also because kids are now forming their own leagues in their school cafeterias."
In 2012, Charchian says $1.67 billion was spent on industry products and services, not including entry fees. This is up from $800 million in 2008.
Tracy Varites, a 28-year-old fantasy player, says this year she will participate in two different leagues, one in New Jersey and a second in Delaware. Her buy ins are under $150 total for the two leagues, and she can win up to $700 for one and $200 for the second.
Varites says she likes being a woman participating in the fantasy leagues, and taking some of the male emphasis off the sport.
"It's just a fun thing to do," Varites says. "I am a Giants fan, but this league helps you stay on top of what's going on all across the NFL. You're not just interested in watching your team—it makes it more fun. I play with a bunch of girls and it's a great way for us to get involved."
Cashing in on the Industry
Joe Bryant has seen firsthand just how ravenous fantasy players' appetites have become for information regarding their players throughout the season. He owns FootballGuys.com, a subscription service which he likens to The Wall Street Journal 's WSJ.com for fantasy football.
"People pay a subscription to access our premium content and tools," he says. "We currently have more than 295,000 subscribers to our free daily email update, and our site is serving over one million views a day."
Subscriptions begin at $30 a year, and Bryant says the service is really for more serious customers that are playing "for keeps" and want every edge they can get. On average, Bryant says the typical fantasy player spends around $50 minimum per year, and spends under 10 hours a week on the sport.
Raising the Stakes
High-stakes fantasy leagues have also gained in popularity over the past decade, although the FTSA maintains they are a small minority of the spending overall within the industry. Dave Gerczak runs a high-stakes competition called the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC), which has an entry fee of $1,650 for its main event with a $250,000 prize.
This year, Gerczak says the FFPC will have more than 5,000 players at different stake levels, some as low as $77.
"The higher-stakes industry is like a cult in a way," he says. "It's totally legal, but there's not a national awareness."
Whereas the average fantasy player will spend around 10 hours a week on their hobby, a high-stakes player may spend up to 40 hours a week watching games and calculating potential winnings.
"We have a player with 200 teams in the contest, who manages waivers each week and even took off a month to do his drafts," he says. "It's a hobby for people, and men especially, who don't have a sport anymore as they get older and love the sense of competition and the ability to compete and win."
One of Gerzac's 'cult' members is Mike Santos, a 32-year-old California dairy farmer, who has been playing fantasy sports since 1998. He participates in high-stakes competitions throughout the year. Santos says this year he is in about 20 different leagues with $1,600 entry fees each.
His biggest draw was in 2010, where he won $45,000, about six-times what he put in. Weekly, Santos estimates he spends between 14 and 20 hours on fantasy football.
"If I can double my money, I'm good. It's not a game of luck, it's a game of skill," he says. "It's like poker, the same players are at the table every year…. The return is greater—it's a chance to win the best prize."


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text: > > How about this really simple practical example: your > application accepts the following xml: > > <root> > <node>doSomething</node> > </root> > > You know this might change, so you wonder about using a > version attribute and/or a namespace, and what that namespace > should be. (if you do use a namespace, you want it to > "brand" your xml appropriately). > > A few months later your application changes to accept the > following xml: > > <root> > <from>customer name</from> > <node>doSomething<node> > </root> > > There are already lots of customers sending you the original xml. > What should happen here? If "your application" is the only application that ever consumes this data, then just modify the schema to add <from> as an optional element, and modify your application to understand it. If "your application" has been distributed around the world, or if other applications read this data, and if these applications make no provision for future extensions to the schema, then you're skewered whatever you do. No tinkering with the schema is going to make unmodified applications behave in a sanitary way with the new data. > > Personally I would: Use the same namespace for both, and add > version attribute to distinguish them. Yes: and this needs to be done right at the start, in anticipation of future changes; and applications need to be written to check the version and/or to follow some kind of policy like ignoring unrecognized elements. > I would also have two > xsd's, and validate each instance based on its version number. XSD 1.1 allows you to use conditional type assignment switched on the version number, so you don't need two separate schemas, it can all go in one. But the essential point is that this is not primarily an issue of schema or vocabulary design. It's primarily an issue of application design. If applications aren't future-proof, nothing you do in a schema will keep them working when the data changes. Michael Kay http://www.saxonica.com/


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Please print this page and fill out the Membership Information Form. Then mail it with your check to:
League of Women Voters of Westport
P.O. Box 285,
Westport, CT 06881-0285
City_______________________________ Zip Code __________________
Phone (home)___________________ Phone (work/day)_________________
Cell phone_______________Email address____________________________
Amount enclosed $______________________
Other available membership categories:
- Individual membership $60
- 2-member Household membership $90
- Supporting member: $85 (your added $25 supports our League programming);
- Supporting 2-member Household membership: $115;
Make check out to League of Women Voters of Westport.
- Please note we are a 501(c)3 for advocacy work and a 501(c)4 for education.
Dues are not tax deductible. Please write your check to: League of Women Voters of Westport
Comments (e.g. interests, how you heard about the League)
We are a 501(c)(4) organization.


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How do I edit a project?
You can edit project information if you are the Field partner or Support partner of a project and have editor rights.
- Go to www.akvo.org and click login in the upper right corner. In the Akvo RSR box, click RSR administrator login page. Login with your username and password.
- After you've been logged in, click Projects and your organisation's list of projects will appear. Then click on the appropriate project number to go to the project you wish to edit.
- Edit the fields you wish to edit and save your changes by clicking Save at the bottom of the page.
Posted in: RSR Help


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I will have lots to say from my experience at the 2014 North American Bicycle Show in Charlotte, NC, but I it seems best to start at the end. Here are the overall winners in the various categories with a few comments.
Best Campagnolo Equipped Bicycle
This year, Campagnolo sponsored a contest for the best bicycle equipped with Campagnolo parts. The winner was from English Cycles in Portland, OR.
This was nice for Rob English because he didn't have his own exhibit this year, but was able to show this bike in the Campy booth.
Best Finish: Independent Fabrication
The team at Independent Fabrications won for Best Finish. The judges mentioned having to ask Indy Fab for clarification on the white stripe on the top tube. Turns out it was hand painted but with such precision the judges thought it might be a decal. You can barely see it in this picture, but I'll dig through my other photos later and see if I have a better shot.
Best Theme Bike: Sycip Designs
Next up was the Best Theme Bike. The judges said judging the show was the best job in the world but that this category was always hard because the themes could be so different. But they awarded Sonoma County, California's Sycip Cycles for the cookout bike. Jay and Jeremy built a bicycle complete with cutting board, knife, and grill. You would be invited to every party if you owned this Gates belt drive bike.
Best New Builder: Harvey Cycle Works
The Best New Builder went to Kevin Harvey of Harvey Cycle Works. I already showed a closeup of one the custom head lights on this award winning bicycle. Kevin has may years of machining experience in auto racing in the Indianapolis area.
President's Choice: Peacock Groove
Peacock Groove builder Erik Noren is a fixture at NAHBS, but this is his first award. He is known for his incredible bikes and to quote from his web site:
Erik is known for his flamboyant style, outsider attitude, and lack of verbal governance. But he's also known for his "deep custom" work with steel – shamelessly and unabashedly defying convention to make something remarkable.
As you can see he was quite excited to win.
People's Choice: Six-Eleven Bicycle Co.
A builder I am interested in is Aaron Dystra of the Six Eleven Bicycle Company in Roanoke, Virginia. He not only won on Saturday for Best Track Bike but took home the People's Choice award for his 29er. I hope to visit his shop later this year and report more on Aaron.
Best in Show: Argonaut Cycles
The show is not all about steel and titanium frames, as evidenced by the Best of Show winner, Argonaut Cycles with this carbon fiber beauty.
So that's how the show ends, but I will have plenty to say and photos to share from my three days in Charlotte. So check back with VeloReviews.com for more.


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Few surprises at the Finn Valley Centre
As expected, the Stranorlar Electoral Area was the first of the five electoral areas to complete the counting of votes on Sunday evening.
At 7.45pm, after the ninth count, Sinn Fein's Liam Doherty passed the quota and he was deemed elected along with Gerry Crowford (FF) and Martin Harley (FG), both of whom failed to reach the quota.
They were the last three of the six candidates returned. Earlier in the day, Sinn Fein's Gary Doherty topped the poll with 1,967 votes. He was elected on the first count along with Frank McBrearty (Ind) who polled an equally impressive 1,591.
So there were no real surprises at a count centre which was relatively quiet for much of the day.
Unlike previous elections, there was little excitement or tension because the six elected candidates were so far clear of the rest, going by the tally figures.
Liam Doherty's election ensured there was double reason to celebrate for Sinn Fein.
Crawford and Harley were also both happy with their respective performances - Harley being returned for the first time following his election to the council in 2009.
Patrick McGowan of Fianna Fáil polled 1,414 first preference votes - just over 1,000 short of the quota. He was never in any danger of not being elected and was returned on the 7th count.
A number of candidates will have been disappointed with their return while Fine Gael will look back on an election where once again, they managed to elect only one candidate.


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Soave Enterprises outlines the ways Ferrous Processing & Trading has set itself above the competition within the scrap metal recycling industry.
Scrap metal companies operate around all around the country, ranging from large corporate entities to small private operations. Ferrous Processing & Trading (FPT) is an affiliate of Soave Enterprises and is currently the fifth largest scrap metal recycling company in the United States and has been a dependable trusted provider for many years.
What Sets Ferrous Processing & Trading Apart?
When it comes to scrap recycling services, not all companies are the same. Ferrous Processing & Trading is dedicated to providing trusted and dependable services every time. FPT is a preferred supplier of ferrous and non-ferrous metals to all the major dealers, steel mills and foundries throughout the United States.
Service that Makes a Difference
Build upon Anthony Soave's ideals of delivering exceptional customer service, the company has earned a reputation for reliability and integrity. FPT takes a great amount of pride in consistently producing the highest quality of products in a timely manner and at a competitive rate.
Meeting the Needs of Individual Clients
Whether you need a single ton, a single load, a railcar, or several containers, FPT welcomes the opportunity to supply your scrap metal needs. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to partnering with your business to implement the most advanced technologies and efficient processes to meet your scrap metal processing and waste management needs.
Furthermore, Ferrous Processing & Trading has the necessary purchasing, selling and brokerage services to meet the particular needs of each client.
- Industrial Clients: FPT runs a dedicated purchasing department that will assist industrial clients with all their scrap metal needs. They are able to supply the necessary equipment from ½ yard hoppers to 100 cubic yard roll-off containers to support the sophisticated array of scrap handling systems offered.
Experts will work with each company to develop the most efficient internal scrap handling systems and scrap segregation programs. They also manage resale values and transportation issues according to the client's needs.
- Scrap Metal Purchasers: Through Ferrous Processing & Trading, Soave Enterprises sells and brokers over 2.5 million tons of scrap metal annually. Their dedicated marketing group is in contact with the major dealers, foundries, and steel mills throughout the U.S. Their advanced communication system allows FPT to access and obtain up-to-the-minute pricing on all grades of scrap.
Thanks to the ample backing provided by Soave Enterprises, FPT has the capabilities to expedite shipping or hold material in consignment stock or inventory and ship upon request. These versatile shipping capabilities allow FPT to ship scrap by water, rail, or truck.
Soave Enterprises conveniently operates multiple facilities throughout different regions in the United States. FPT currently operates facilities in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, and Ontario, Canada.
About Soave Enterprises
Soave Enterprises is a diversified management and investment company founded by Detroit businessman Anthony Soave. Soave Enterprises provides strategic planning, financial and other management resources to its affiliated business ventures in the real estate, automotive retailing, beer distribution, scrap metal, industrial services and transportation industries, among others. For more information on Tony Soave and Soave Enterprises, please visit http://www.soave.com.
Soave Enterprises
3400 E Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48207


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PEGNet Research Exchange Program
Setup of the research exchange program
In 2012 PEGNet initiated a new research support program to promote the exchange between researchers from top-tier universities, think tanks and networks in Africa and Germany. The PEGNet research exchange furthermore enhances capacity building and is aimed at fostering collaboration and initiating joint research projects by providing Post-Docs and promising Ph.D. students the opportunity to live, study, and work in Germany or various African countries while pursuing their research. The first round of exchange is planned to take place in 2013. Post-Docs or PhD students from 2 to 3 different African institutions are coming to Kiel AND 1 to 3 researchers from the Kiel Institute will spend some time at African institutions for duration of up to eight weeks.
Initial partners are:
As a research partner you should:
If you have any questions or for more Information write us an Email to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Visitors through the research exchange program
Christian Aboua from Côte d'Ivoire was visting us in October and November 2013.
He is coming through AERC and is a PhD student at the university of Dakar.


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About The Company :
At CGI, we're committed to helping all of our stakeholders succeed. Following the August 2012 closing of the Logica transaction, CGI now offers greater presence, service capabilities and expertise for our clients across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. Our 71,000 professionals in 40 countries provide end-to-end IT and business process services that facilitate the ongoing evolution of our clients' businesses. CGI is committed to helping our clients achieve their business goals; to providing our professionals with rewarding careers; and to offering shareholders superior returns over time. At CGI, we are in the business of delivering results.
CGI is conducting off campus drive @ BSA Crescent University , Chennai @ 9 AM on 12 May 2016 for the post of Associate System Engineer for 2014 / 2015 Batch passed out candidates.
Company Name : CGI
Company Website : www.cgi.com
Job Location : Chennai
Position : Associate Software Engineer
Salary : 2.75 LPA
Date of Drive : 12 May 2016
Last Date to Apply : 9 May 2016
Reporting Time : 9 AM
Venue : B.S. Abdur Rahman University, Vandalur, Chennai – 600 048
Eligibility Criteria :
- Year of Passing Out : 2014 & 2015 Batch
- B.Tech/ B.E Branches Considered: Computer Science, Information Science/Technology, Electronics and Communication, Electronics and Telecommunication.
- M.Tech / ME Branches Considered: Computer Science, Information Science / Technology
Skills Required :
- Good programming skills
- Strong understanding of basic concepts and knowledge about advanced concepts
- Good understanding of coding language
- Strong analytical and numerical skills
- Good communication skills
Selection Process :
- Online Test
- Technical & HR Interviews
- Click Here To Know CGI Placement Process
Job Description :
- Understanding and analyzing project requirements and translating it into specifications and programming deliverables
- Working closely with project leads and clients to enhance existing applications as well as build new applications.
- Testing and debugging the product in controlled, real situations.
- Maintaining the systems and updating as per requirements
How To Apply :
Last date to apply is 9 May 2016.
Apply Link : Click Here


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High School Curriculum Overview
Entering the High School brings with it many different opportunities and challenges. The courses we offer help our students prepare for the next level of their education.
We hope students make the most of their opportunities. We have a proven track record of supporting students to help them fulfill their potential.
Students in the High School must have a responsible attitude towards their studies. They play a key role to play in maintaining our school ethos and reputation and set an example for Primary students. High School students need to balance their work demands with their personal life, but they will be supported. We have high expectations for our students to develop their academic and personal strengths to help them succeed in the future.
For detailed information on all our High School grades and qualifications, please download our High School Options Presentation here.
Year 6 - 8 - AusVELS
AusVELS's triple-helix structure of three interconnected learning areas of 'Physical, Personal and Social Learning', 'Discipline-based Learning' and 'Interdisciplinary Learning' ensure a broad and balanced curriculum that will also enable students to learn about their own physical and emotional wellbeing, their place in a global society; to develop their social skills and knowledge of the arts, English, humanities, mathematics, science and other languages and to gain personal , learning and thinking skills to help them work together, solve problems and communicate effectively and creatively.
The curriculum takes into account the different ways that children learn, it supports innovative teaching and learning activities and promotes a "hands-on" child-centered environment. The curriculum assists us in meeting the multicultural needs of our children. Throughout the curriculum, there is specific material that caters to the needs of children that have English as a second or third language. The curriculum also supports special needs children to meet learning outcomes defined in AusVELS.
Learning programs are constructed from the following subjects:
Physical, Personal and Social Learning
Discipline-based Learning
Interdisciplinary Learning
For more information on subject offerings, please download our Year 6- 8 Options Booklet here.
Year 9 and 10 - IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE is the world's most popular international curriculum for 14-15 year olds, leading to globally recognised and valued Cambridge IGCSE qualifications.
Schools worldwide have helped develop Cambridge IGCSE, which provides excellent preparation for the Cambridge Advanced stage including Cambridge A/AS Levels and as well as other progression routes. It incorporates the best in international education for learners at this level. It develops in line with changing needs and is regularly updated and extended. Cambridge IGCSE teachers can draw on excellent resources, training, and advice from subject experts.
Subject Choices:
It is mandatory for students wishing to follow the IGCSE program at our school to take English, Mathematics, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
Optional subjects are to be selected from an extensive choice and we advise that students consider a humanities subject and a second language as part of their optional subject selection. Students are encouraged to choose courses that they have a particular interest in or strength for or would be useful in attaining their future academic/career goals. Requirements for university courses vary so it is advisable to seek additional information regarding specific course requirements from the relevant authority.
It is compulsory for the IGCSE students to choose at least one co-curricular activity after school involving a sport.
Students may choose a subject from each row from the list of the following optional subjects:
|Row 1
|Row 2
|Physical Education
|Row 3
|Row 4
|Business Studies
For more information on subject offerings, please download our Year 9 and 10 Options Booklet here.
Year 11 and 12 - Diploma
The Multinational High School Diploma aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who will help create a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. Students completing the program will gain the necessary foundation for further university studies upon high school completion. Subjects in the HS Diploma program are based on the International Baccalaureate standard level curriculum and the American Diploma curriculum.
The Multinational School Diploma is ideal for those students who find the A-Level program is not a good fit but who wish to complete school education and receive a High School Diploma and/or a Saudi Ministry Report. Students can pursue tertiary studies in countries other than the United Kingdom, however, if they do wish to study in the United Kingdom after receiving their Multinational High School Diploma, they would be required to complete a one-year Foundation Level Course at their chosen university. The A-Level certificate is not a requirement for admission to American Universities and universities in several other countries.
The MNS High School Diploma will provide the students with the advantage of keeping their options open at the university level as the course covers all the key areas of English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities. Additional options are available including Business Studies, Art, Psychology, and Computing. Minor compulsory subjects include Kingdom History and Geography, Kingdom Arabic and Life Skills.
For more information on subject offerings, please download our Year 11 and 12 Diploma Booklet here.
Year 11 and 12 - A / AS Levels
Cambridge International A/AS Levels and Edexcel are internationally benchmarked qualifications providing excellent preparation for university education. They are taken in over 125 countries and offer a choice of 60 different subjects. Some US universities give up to a year's credit as a result. Every year, thousands of A Level students gain places at the best universities worldwide.
A and AS Levels are very flexible. Schools can offer almost any combination of the available subjects and learners have the freedom to select the subjects that are right for them - they either follow a broad course of study or specialise in a particular area.
Subject Choices:
The A-Level qualifications are usually based on approximately 360 hours of guided learning normally over a two year period. They are highly specialized and a student will normally take three A Level subjects, although occasionally exceptional students take four. The AS Level represents the first half of an A Level course but may also be taken as a free-standing qualification.
Students are encouraged to choose courses that they have a particular interest in or strength for or would be useful in attaining their future academic/career goals. Requirements for university courses vary so it is advisable to seek additional information regarding specific course requirements from the relevant authority.
It is compulsory for the AS/A Level students to choose at least one after-school extra-curricular activity involving a sport.
The Multinational School offers the following subjects for the AS/A Levels. Students must select one subject from each row. Please note that CLAiT and Global Perspective are not AS/A Level subjects.
|Row 1
|English Language
|Row 2
|Business Studies
|Row 3
|English Literature
|Row 4
|Global Perspectives
Students will be appointed a personal mentor from among our staff members in order to discuss individual progress and any concerns or difficulties that may arise. Such staff members will facilitate students in the organization of their workload pertaining to coursework and homework.
Schools and learners find Cambridge/Edexcel International A and AS Levels very flexible. Schools can offer almost any combination of the wide choice of subjects available. Although learners can choose from a range of assessment options, the Multinational school students choose option 2 or 3.
|Assessment Options
|Option 1
|Take all papers of the Cambridge International A Level course in the same examination session, usually at the end of the second year of study.
|Option 2
|Take a 'staged' assessment route – take the Cambridge International AS Level in one examination session and complete the final Cambridge International A Level at a subsequent session*
|Option 3
|Take the Cambridge International AS Level only, either at the end of a one-year or two-year course. The Cambridge International AS Level syllabus content is half a Cambridge International A Level programme.
The staged assessment route is not possible in all subjects. The outcomes awarded for Cambridge International AS Level language syllabuses cannot be carried forward to Cambridge International A Level.
Although we will do our level best to accommodate all optional choices made, feasibility vis-à-vis number of students must be taken into account. In the case of any changes, which will be unlikely, you will be informed immediately.
For more information on subject offerings, please download our A-Levels Booklet here.


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Gasbuddy is one of many gas station price trackers on the Market, but consistently has the best prices of all the apps I check.
GasBuddy works like most of the other price-finding apps out there. Either enter a zip code of where you want to find gas or choose "Find Gas Near Me." From there, GasBuddy will give you a list of gas stations and their associated gas prices. By default, the stations are listed closest to furthest, but you can also sort them by price.
From the tabs at the top of the page, you can cycle through the prices for regular, mid-grade, premium, and diesel. You can also move off of the list view and switch to map view, which puts the logos of the stations on a Google Map with the price of gas below the logo.
GasBuddy manages to always have the most up-to-date gas prices by giving away points to registered members for updating gas prices when they're at the station. For every 1000 points you earn, you can enter yourself in a drawing for a $250 gas card. As a result, most of your results won't be more than a few hours hold when you check the stations around you.
The settings menu is rather bare, because there's not much in ways of customizing GasBuddy. On the settings menu you've got options to choose your default fuel grade, distance (miles or kilometers), showing all stations or just those with updated prices, and setting the default screen the app opens up to (home or stations near me).
If you're into saving money (and who isn't?), GasBuddy is an essential app for your phone. Even if you rarely use it, you'll be glad to have it when the tank is nearing the dreaded E. GasBuddy is a free app that seems to occasionally pop up an ad, but honestly, I haven't seen an ad until I decided to review the app right now. Even then, I'll take a rarely seen (and easily avoidable) ad if it means saving at the pump.
More pictures and download links are after the break.


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A bit more about the budget…
|The Ideal of "New Soviet Man": The monumental sculpture "The Worker and the Peasant Woman" ("Rabochy i kolchoznitsa", V. Mukhina) is 79 feet (24 meters) in height and was first exhibited on top of the Soviet Pavilion at the Paris World's Fair (Exposition Internationale) in 1937. Produced in 65 separate laminated stainless steel pieces weighing 75 tonnes, it is now located close to the site of the All-Russian Exhibition Center (VDNKh) in Moscow.
But echoing my point that Belarus is in fact fighting tooth and nail against the Russian Gas issue, the statistics mentioned show that during the five-month period of January to the end of May of this year, foreign trade in goods and services grew by 19% to $20,507 billion.
The article goes on to say that exports grew by 16% and also imports grew by 21.8%. Again, the export number is really colored by the gas and oil deals. In fat it is later mentioned that Russia accounted for 48.3% of the total trade turnover.
But it is still interesting to note that during this period of time, Belarus is said to have done business with 160 countries exporting to 125 states and importing from 140. Now this number is a bit lower than last years which might very well reflect the sanctions and embargos America and Europe have placed on Belarus, but still the numbers only represent the loss of 10 or fifteen countries over-all. I say that if you combine that there really was not so many countries which shied away as a result of all of the negative hype with the increased productivity in all sectors, you have a country which is by no means dead.
A couple of thoughts come to mind though.
Firstly, despite such a heated and acerbic agenda, the USA doesn't seem to have any problems selling its products here. You can buy a coke pretty much anywhere and Sprite and Fanta are available too. And just this morning we got a bag of Estrella potato chips- they by the way also have no problem needling their buyers: Their ingredients are printed in Russian and Belarusian. At the market there are literally hundreds of products being sold every day whose manufacture trace directly back to the good old US of A.
But secondly, this business of mislabeling the old cost of Gas and oil from Russia as a subsidy seems not to mesh with these figures. As I mentioned in the previous blog, Belarus during the time of the Soviet Union was about manufacturing. They were the worker's workers. They were also a model for the Soviet Union because of this. And don't think that belarus did not take being a role model seriously. Even to this day, 15 years after, politness and deference are still the mainstay of the culture. Just ask anyone who has been here: Belarusians are nice people.
Don't believe me? Think about it: To even have been named a role model for a worker's paradise would have to be about something relevant, wouldn't you agree? I mean, you could say that it was becausse people were so nice or that because they were honest or moral or didn't cuss, but really the bottom line for winning such a social position would have to have come from somthing they actually did to contribute and this means the work ethic.
And really, this is the truth: Belarusians are notoriously hard workers. Devotion to one's labor is still one of the most recognizable trademarks. Pretty much all modern Belarusian philosophy and culture is based on getting the job done and being resourceful. Proof of this could come from during some of the worst periods of the post USSR depression: The workers of Belarus maintained social order and continued to work at their jobs, even when there was little or no pay to support their actions.
In fact, another way to try and understand Lukashenko's popularity is to understand that he is speaking to a work oriented public and therefore his demands for discipline and devotion to reaching goals are received by locals as being simply the truth. He isn't seen as an evil dictator here; he is simply the boss of the whole company and is seen as doing a credible job of maintaining things.
With this in mind, I think that the most telling statistic of the article comes from the foreign trade in services which were up 40.6% against the same time last year. Exports of services upped by 32.5% to reach $1,079 billion, imports – by 61% to $514.5 million. Both the size of this number against the whole of the budget and the vast difference between giving and receiving really shows what is going on here. Sure you could say that this number has as much to do with how small wages are, but I say that it is a real indicator of what Belarus is really about. This is no pariah state; Belarus is not sitting around waiting for their welfare checks. This country works, has always worked, has worked regardless of devious, debilitating economies and, when considering US and European sanctions, socially despicable situations as well. And yet, through all of this the country has always managed to show up to work the next morning just the same. To me this is not a country to be laughed at; it is a country to be admired for its fortitude and perseverance.
Oh, and one more stat worth thinking about: The foreign trade deficit stood at $881.6 million but the trade in goods, minus services showed a debt of 1.5 billion. That's the oil and gas folks. Without the price hike (and certainly without all the jeeing and propaganda,) This country turned a profit simply from their labors. There is no need for any "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" talk here. I say to hell with any of you who say the word subsidy. There was no subsity. The situation is that the distributer took all of the profits out of the manufacturing business but the workers came in on Monday morning all the same. Just like they always have. And, if they do get to have their own say about how things in their counbtry need to be, they will continue to do so for a long, long time.
More soon...


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Wednesday, June 4, 2014
My Quarterback Roommate
4 comments:
- AnonymousJune 4, 2014 at 10:11 AM
The gay-nerd-to-homophobic-jock caps are done way too much.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 6, 2014 at 1:43 AM
how about something a little more everyday. like a business guy gettin switched with a shop worker or mechanic. see how he likes doin something other than a desk jobReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 6, 2014 at 7:20 AM
You might consider offering the more "negative" outcome and perspective more often, especially as the image. It would be a nice change of pace and breathe a little life into the nerd to jock swaps if we saw more of the.nerdsReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 6, 2014 at 11:29 PM
Totally disagree with the other comments. I *love* the nerd to jock/stereotype transforms, especially the new-jock's side, and mental changes are always great. To each his own...but for my own selfish reasons I'd hate to see you change course like they say. Keep up the awesome work!ReplyDelete
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(Source: Getty Images)
The New Trailer for Disney's 'The BFG' Is Heartbreakingly Beautiful
5 Killer Movies From Last Year to Watch on Netflix Today
Funny, Filthy 'Trainwreck' Stays on the Right Track
5 Movies Coming to Theaters This Month You Need to See
'The Mindy Project' Preview: Kris Humphries Joins the 'Getting Over It' Gang
Bill Hader is an American actor and comedian best known for being a cast member on the television show Saturday Night Live. He has also appeared in the films You, Me and Dupree, Knocked Up, The Brothers Solomon, Superbad, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Pineapple Express. Find more pictures, videos and articles about Bill Hader here.


text: Verkoper: leajiang (119.096) 97.7%, Objectlocatie: Glasgow, Verzending naar: EuropeanUnion, Objectnummer: 312228295891 Description Description: 100% Brand New and High Quality. Very comfortable for baby. Occasion: Everyday,Holiday,Party Material: Cotton For 0-4 Years Old Age Size Details: S:Flat Length (Tiptoe to heel): 10cm;Tube Length: 14cm ; For 0-2 years old M:Flat Length (Tiptoe to heel): 12cm;Tube Length: 16cm ; For 2-4 years old Note: Due to the different monitor and light effect, the actual color of the item might be slightly different from the color showed on the pictures. Thank you! Please allow 1-3cm measuring deviation due to manual measurement. Package included: 1 Pair Kids Baby Socks Payment Before you place an order, please kindly make sure that you have a Paypal account . We accept PAYPAL payment only. Shipping Item will be shipped after full payment is received within 1-3 business days during business days (except Saturday, Sunday and public holidays). Items will be dispatched to buyer's paypal address. Please do confirm whether your address is correct or not before you do the payment. Returns We committed to provide good quality products to our customers. We refund or reship for non-received or defective items for free. We promise to exchange or refund the item if you don't like it within 7 days (non-quality problem) under the premise of never used and it can be resalable(Buyer is responsible for return postage costs). Please contact us first through E-bay if wishing to return. Refunds are usually processed within a few days of us receiving the item back. We will refund you by the same method as payment. Feedback We are committed to the satisfaction of our customers and strive to provide the highest level of customer service. Your feedback and star scores are very important to us because it will help us to better target our products and services. To meet your needs,So, before you post permanent feedback.if anything about this transaction did not meet your expectations,please let us know and give us the chance to make things RIGHT. We promise to resolve your issue as quick as we can. Thanks again for visiting our shop. On 30-Aug-18 at 06:52:14 BST, seller added the following information: Condition: New with tags, Sock Size: S/M, Brand: Generic, Style: Knee High Socks, Main Colour: Multi, Material: 100% Cotton, Pattern: See details, MPN: Does not apply, Country/Region of Manufacture: China


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IT IS worth taking a trip to Strachur this weekend – and not just for the beautiful surroundings.
Organised by brothers and serving soldiers Alan and Peter Fraser from the village, with help from parents Liz and Alistair, an annual fundraising event will be held in aid of a forces' charity.
Troop Aid, founded 10 years ago, offers practical help for troops returning from conflicts.


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Nagqu Travel Guide
Nagqu is in the northern of Tibet. The name "Nagqu" comes from the Nagqu River which is the upper reaches of the Nujiang River. In the past, the river was also called "Heihe" (Black River). Today, "Nagqu" is generally referred to as Nagqu Prefecture. The Nagqu Prefecture Committee and the Nagqu Prefecture Administration are located in Nagqu Town.
Nagqu is one of the important political, economic, cultural and trading centers as well as a transport hub in Tibet. It is also the collection and reshipment centre for the region's animal products, mineral ores, and agricultural and forestry products. Nagqu has a unique landscape. The ancient Yamtung (or Zhangzhung) cultural site, the Bon monasteries, the Holy Lake Nam-tso( or Lake Nam co) and the life of the highland herdsmen are unique tourist attractions.
The local Tibetan people often refer to the plateau of northern Tibet as Changtang (or Qangtang), which is mostly located in Nagqu. An old folk song sings: "The mysterious Changtang is so wild and desolate when you are here the first time; it becomes your lovely hometown when you get to know
Nagqu Prefecture and the Population
Nagqu Prefecture has a population of 330,286, including 326,920 Tibetans (98.98 percent), 3,258 people of the Han ethnic group and 108 of other ethnic groups. It exercises jurisdiction over 10 counties and the Double Lake Special Administrative Zone. The 10 counties are Nagqu, Amdo, Nyainrong, Biru, Jiali, Baqen, Sog, Pangkog, Xainza and Nyima.
In Nagqu, the vast Changtang grassland commands unique geological features and changing natural landscape. The great force of nature has shaped the gorgeous mountains and rivers of this region. Lake Nam-tso, Lake Tangra Yumco and over 1,000 others are like jadeite scattered on the grassland or gobi desert. There are numerous hot springs and geothermal spots. The region also has rich resources of wildlife and alpine vegetation. There are over 20 animal species under level one or level two national protections. Such rare animals as wild yaks, Tibetan antelope, and Tibetan wild donkeys are being well preserved in the area.
The natural wonders and the special folk customs have formed distinctive tourism treasures. The local people have created colorful religious legends for the mountains, lakes and rivers, which have retained their natural appearance. At the town of Nagqu sits the famous Shodain Monastery with a long history. Every year, the town will host the Nagqu Kyaggen Horse Race that is sure to draw crowds of local people. During the one-week horse racing festival, different kinds of sports activities will be held such as tug-of-war, carrying rocks, archery shooting and yak racing. Song and dance troupes from all parts of Tibet add to the fun.
There are still more places worthy of visiting. Tourists will be impressed by the great grassland, the holy lake of Nam-tso, and the mysterious depopulated area in the northern Tibet. The Tsangdain Monastery at Sog County , the ruins of the Hor King's palace, the Duoduoga Skull Wall in Biru County are all worthy of visiting.
Useful Information
Nagqu Travel Administration
Add: 626 Seni East Road;
Nagqu Travel Agent
ADD: 626 Seni East Road;
Qiangtang Travel Agent, Nagqu
ADD: 626 Seni East Road;
Nagqu Zip Code: 852000
Nagqu Area Code: 08046
Top Things to do in Nagqu
Nagqu Travel Ideas
Nagqu Food
Food and drink in Nagqu Prefecture bear strong Tibetan characteristics. The traditional staple food is roasted highland barley flour (tsamba). Dairy products such as yoghurt and milk curb are popular. As to meat, they mainly eat beef and mutton and occasionally eat pork, canned meat and some wild an
Nagqu Restaurants
Currently, no restaurants in Nagqu Town serve Tibetan food and the only few restaurants there only offer Sichuan dishes. Most of the restaurants are located around the Middle Zhejiang Road.
Nagqu Attraction
Nagqu features vast, luxuriant grassland, clear alpine lakes. The main tourist draw in Nagqu is the Namtso Lake.
Nagqu Products
Special products in Nagqu mainly include jak, north Tibet sheep, ghee, dried meet, trachoma, aweto, caladium, snow lotus flower.
Popular Tours
Our local experts are always ready to create you a hassle-free tour. Get an authentic experience by contacting one of our travel advisors.


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July 31
July 31
A Hard Saying
Let us be clear about the point: the teaching of Jesus is that divorce is permissible only in the case of adultery. To that St. Paul adds this: a Christian whose non-Christian spouse leaves is not bound to remain in marriage. And from those two statements we may conclude two things:
· God's intention is that once married, only adultery or death will split the bond between husband and wife.
· There is some sense of exception when one of the partners is not a Christian—but the Christian may not initiate the divorce in that circumstance.
It raises a natural question. What about (for example) the wife who takes up the regular practice of throwing butcher knives in the vicinity of her husband's head? Is one obliged by God to remain in the marriage? (I know of nothing in Scripture which forbids you to duck.)
Just where should the church draw the line? There are many answers to this. It is easier for a husband to deal with his own lust than with an evil woman. Jesus knows that. His answer is interesting both for what it says, and what it doesn't.
· He does say that this is a "hard saying." Not everyone can handle this problem. For that reason, some will find it best never to marry, as if they were eunuchs. In our day the thought of doing without sex for one night seems difficult; a lifetime, impossible. But if you seek first the kingdom of God, and sex is in the way, what else can you do? A hard choice to bear, but an easy one to think through.
· He does not launch into a list of exceptions. That would only start another round of legalism in the church. It seems that Jesus has left us with the problem and the statement that it is a hard one. He had no intention of making divorce easy, and so gave no list of exceptions.
At the very least this should cause us to enter marriage only after grave thought and seeking wise counsel. So few of us do that; we hurry into marriage and hurry into divorce. We should be slow to marry; much slower to divorce. Remarriage after divorce should be even tardier, both for our Lord's words and our experience. Marriage is God's doing; we should be reverent in starting it; remorseful to break it and reluctant to do it again.


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At our hotel you will enjoy a stay in an unequalled setting.
We spent four nights in this wonderful hotel. The staff were so friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. The pool/beach area was brilliant, so relaxing. Our bedroom in the annex was cool and very comofrtable. We will definitely go back. There were three gardens nearby, all well worth a visit and plebnty of excellent cafes and restaurants nearby. It is expensive, but is worth the money.
The Santa Marta is a very comfortable, quiet hotel in an idyllic location on the doorstep of Lloret De Mar. The location is excellent with fantastic views out over the Med and a lovely beach. The facilities retain a degree of old fashioned charm but are immaculately clean.
The resort is located on the top of the hill facing the magnificent laguna beach view. The hotel includes a wide range of facilities including outdoor and indoor swimming pools, Spa, a fanrastic beach etc. It includes also sevral dinning options including a lovely breakfast and amazing dinner. We will definitely return - highly recommended !!!


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How Safe Is Mexico?
According to howsafeismexico.com:
"The U.S. Assault rate is 5 times higher than Mexico's. Mexico's violent crime rates for Assault, Kidnapping and Rape are substantially lower than Canada's and yet the U.S. State Department issues no such warnings for Canada. The rate for Rape in the U.S. is more than double the rate in Mexico. The numbers in the charts below have been adjusted for unreported crime from the respected 2012 Prominix report and are the most accurate statistics available on this subject.
Unless you are involved in the drug trade, you are statistically safer in Mexico than anywhere else in North America. Even though the U.S. murder rate of 4 per 100,000 is lower than Mexico's, tourists and visitors are statistically safer in Mexico and much less likely to be a victim of violent crime than in the U.S., Canada and many other countries regarded as safe."


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News & Features
The Vanguard School Hosts Eagles Pep Rally
Students try on the Eagles Super Bowl Ring and take photos with Swoop and Eagles Cheerleaders
Vanguard School Admissions - Enroll Today!
The Vanguard School operates on a rolling admissions basis. Inquire Today!
Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Person with a Disability
Employing people with disabilities is more than just about doing what's right; it's about doing what's right for business. Here's why.
Special Kids Camp Expo
Saturday, January 26
Explore summer camps and programs for kids and adults with special needs.
Our Resource Fair Directory is now available! Featuring 40+ organizations providing services to adults and transition-age youth with disabilities.
Summer Programs
Summer Matters offers educational and recreational programming for young people, 4–24 years of age, with special needs and learning challenges. Summer Matters programs vary in purpose, format and length and build on participants' interests to help them succeed, learn and grow. From the development of social and daily living skills to experiencing opportunities to have fun and make new friends, Summer Matters programs maximize each participant's potential.
Summer L.I.F.E. Traditional Day and Overnight Camp offers traditional camp activities such as fishing, canoeing, zip lining, crafts and nature study during week-long sessions on a 200-acre wooded camp property in Schwenksville, PA. Programs are designed for campers experiencing social challenges.
School-Year Retreats Recognizing the importance of year-round recreational and respite programming for youth of all abilities, Summer Matters offers day and overnight programs throughout the year. These programs offer affordable, engaging opportunities for young people to develop independence, strengthen healthy relationships and broaden their recreational experiences in the real world while giving their families much-needed respite.
Extended School Year (ESY) at The Vanguard School We offer a five-week, full-day extended school year program (ESY) to support academic, social and emotional skills maintenance based on IEP goals and objectives. The program also includes enrichment activities and community trips to enhance learning and social opportunities.
ESY Career Prep Academy is a part-time ESY program designed for high school students who may not have specific academic goals or related service needs. The Academy combines small-group career preparation, financial literacy, customer service, peer interactions, career education and executive function skill building.
The Vanguard Transition Center Summer Experience is an ESY program for young adults, 18–21 years of age. This unique program offers the transition-aged population their own ESY program with an emphasis on maintaining vocational and daily living skills. This program includes a week-long independent residency at a local university.
The Vocational Immersion Program (VIP) equips young adults with developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and related social challenges, 18–24 years of age, with key social and employment-readiness skills through a four-week intensive program that includes classroom-based instruction, online learning, workplace internships with job coaches and a week-long supported living experience.
Upcoming Events
8:00 AM MLK Day: All Offices Closed
January 26, 2019
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Special Kids Camp Expo
March 29, 2019
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Vanguard Alumni Dinner
April 3, 2019
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Parent Education: Accessing Wrap-Around Services


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The Forger's WifeSubmitted by Karen on October 23, 2017 - 3:02pm
John Lang was Australia's first locally born novelist, publishing early work in Sydney in the 1840s and going on to write several bestsellers. The Forger's Wife (1856) is a lively adventure novel, set in an unruly colonial Sydney where everyone is on the make. The forger's wife is a young woman who follows her rakish husband out to Australia and struggles to survive as her marriage falls apart. She soon meets detective George Flower, a powerful man with a cavalier sense of justice and retribution.


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Posted by Bec, Tim and Boys at 1:14 PM 2 comments
Here is what we have been up to...
I started homeschool with Matthew last month, about 4 weeks ago, and it has been AWESOME! I am using the K12 program and the curriculum is unbelievable! Art is real art (learning about lines and how they create movement and mood) and History is so much fun learning about Nomads and Egypt and mummies that now Matthew wants to be an archeologist (which was my major for 2 semesters in college before changing to Health Science). Science, language arts, phonics, math, music and PE are all awesome too, I could go on and on, but if any of you are interested in it, LET ME KNOW! I'd love to go into more detail!
The coolest thing is that Andrew and Isaac get to join in on art, music, PE and some reading! Here they are doing an art lesson, making a print.
Levi has been such an amazing baby! He loves his baby toys and even though he was getting tired, didn't want to get out of his baby toy! So, he just fell asleep in it! So funny! He has red hair and blue eyes, is super chubby (weighing 20 lbs at 4 mos) and is such a great sleeper! He sleeps from 8pm to 5am, eats and then back to sleep until 8 am! He also takes 2 naps per day and is so happy and smiley! He also sleeps in his crib (my other 3 slept with me and would not sleep in their crib, so I didn't get good sleep)! He is awesome! He is getting his 2 bottom teeth and can roll over from back to stomach.
My sister in law is going into photography and took some AWESOME pictures of my boys! Here is a funny one of Isaac who would not smile for anything! We'll have to try again next time! Don't you just love his rolls?
Posted by Bec, Tim and Boys at 12:36 PM 8 comments


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Happy Relaxed Brown Cow With Horns, Leisurely Floating And Taking A Swim In A Tall Glass Of Milk Clipart Illustration by djart
Humorous royalty-free animal clipart picture of a happy relaxed brown cow with horns, leisurely floating and taking a swim in a tall glass of milk by djart, COLLC0006. This image is protected by copyright law and may not be used without a license. No free use allowed. #COLLC17231
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Second Annual Gospel Fest Fun Day
Shady Side
This event occurred in the past.
The Sounds of Joshua Community Praise Choir will be having their Second Annual Gospel Fest Fun Day. Gospel Program begins @ 2:00pm to 7:00pm. Good food for Sale. Table Rental available for Vendors. Rental $10 Call LaVera Neal-Thompson 410-336-5636. Many Gospel Groups Attending. Rain Date: September 10, 2016. Freewill Offering


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IN the new film "Cadillac Records," which tells the story of the pioneering Chicago blues label Chess Records, Beyoncé Knowles makes a memorable entrance. Playing the singer Etta James, Ms. Knowles is introduced to the label's co-founder Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody) in a hotel room, where she sprawls across the bed and snaps, "Don't be looking at me like I ain't wearing no drawers." She then curses at everyone and everything in sight before hiding in the bathroom, where she unleashes the voice that resulted in a long string of classic R&B hits for Ms. James.
It's startling to see Ms. Knowles — one of the few pop stars left with a wholesome, good-girl image — swaggering and swearing through her performance. But her mother, Tina, who vets all the scripts that are submitted to her, flagged this one as a keeper, noting that the hard-living, emotionally scarred Ms. James could be the role of a lifetime.
In an interview on the top floor of a hotel on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Ms. Knowles said that when she read the script: "I said, 'I have to do this movie,' but I was terrified. Was I really ready?"
Ms. Knowles's most significant previous role was in 2006's "Dreamgirls," for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination. Even so, her study of the life of Ms. James and her work on the film not only resulted in new dramatic range, it also altered the direction of her new album, "I Am ...Sasha Fierce," which is being released Tuesday on Music World/Columbia Records.
There was certainly no guarantee that a woman who appeared on the cover of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue could be convincing as the heroin-addicted daughter of a prostitute, whose powerhouse sound conveyed a lifetime of heartbreak and defiance in songs like "At Last" and "Tell Mama," incorporating a blues attitude into a wide range of pop genres.Continue reading the main story
"I was surprised at how much Beyoncé threw the glamour out the window so easily and so joyfully, and embraced the unattractiveness of being strung out," said Darnell Martin, the writer and director of the film, which is to open Dec. 5. Though the role was written with Ms. Knowles in mind, Ms. Martin said she was impressed by how far she pushed herself, physically and emotionally, into the darkest parts of Ms. James's life. "She was really excited about getting that raw," Ms. Martin said. "She really wanted to dig in and get real."
The climax of "Cadillac Records" — with a disheveled Etta James saved from an overdose by Leonard Chess in her empty, ghostly house — makes for an impressive contrast with the Beyoncé who strode quickly through the hotel room's door, talking quickly and smiling broadly.
On the day after the presidential election she was decked out in an "Obama-inspired" outfit—a navy blue double-breasted suit and a red-white-and-blue-striped tie. Ms. Knowles, 27, was supposed to be in Japan doing publicity for the new album, but she cut her trip short to be in New York to watch the returns with friends at home; she decorated her apartment with balloons and flags for the occasion.
"I fell asleep literally with tears in my eyes, crying and smiling at the same time," she said, seated cross-legged on a couch. "I almost feel guilty talking about the record, because there's more important things going on."
The album marks an ambitious step for the Houston-born Ms. Knowles, who — as a solo artist (using only her first name) and as a member of the trio Destiny's Child — has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide. It's a double-disc set: one CD, "I Am," is a ballad-heavy set of relatively spare, introspective songs; the second disc, "Sasha Fierce," takes its name from her onstage alter ego and shifts focus to more up-tempo dance tracks. (Continuing an annoying industry trend, the album is being released simultaneously in a "standard version," with 11 songs, and a "deluxe version," containing 18 songs.)
Ms. Knowles said she recorded more than 70 songs for the project and decided during the editing process that she didn't want to reconcile the two approaches into one disc. "There's my personal life, my sensitive side, and then me as a performer, sexy and energized and fun," she said. "Artistically it was more fulfilling recording and writing for 'I Am.' But if you went to see Tina Turner, and she did all intimate ballads, you would be disappointed. She's a great singer with great musicians, but you have certain expectations."
The album may represent a more personal effort than her previous releases "Dangerously in Love" (2003) and "B'Day" (2006), but a Beyoncé record remains an epic undertaking. Ms. Knowles helped to write and produce almost every song, yet no fewer than 32 songwriters and 19 producers are credited on the deluxe edition. Still, in a bold move for current pop and R&B these days, there isn't a single guest performer anywhere on the album.
"She was ready to take risks and redefine who she is," said the songwriter and producer Amanda Ghost, who worked on several tracks on the album, adding that Ms. Knowles hoped to "reach out for a wider audience — the people who buy John Mayer and Carrie Underwood records."
In the middle of recording, though, Ms. Knowles signed on for "Cadillac Records." To research Ms. James's addiction, she spent some time with women staying in a Phoenix House facility in Brooklyn. She had only six days on set in New Jersey to shoot her scenes, so she began rehearsing with Mr. Brody before the filming.
"I didn't anticipate her being as emotionally present and connected with the role as she was," Mr. Brody said. "She had her game on track. I think this meant a lot to her."
Ms. Knowles said that Ms. Martin and the other actors made her feel secure enough to delve into Ms. James's demons, allowing her to elevate her work beyond her own expectations. "For the first time, I was able to feel that out-of-body experience in a movie that I feel onstage," she said. She put on weight — 15 pounds — to match Ms. James's size and added a rougher physicality to her movements; she sings two songs associated with Ms. James with confidence and authority.
"Cadillac Records" takes its share of liberties with the chronology and the details of the Chess era — essentially writing Phil Chess, Leonard's brother and partner, out of the story — but strong performances (with Jeffrey Wright's stoic Muddy Waters at the center) capture the label's innovations and its legacy. As she learned the history of Chess Records — which added amplification and urban sophistication to the Delta blues on recordings by giants like Waters and Howlin' Wolf, and helped to usher in the rock 'n' roll era with artists including Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley — Ms. Knowles said she felt an extra obligation to the project as a musician.
"I realized what an important story it was, especially for my generation," she said. "We don't know where rock 'n' roll came from, we don't know that the Beatles and the Rolling Stones got their inspiration from people like Muddy Waters and Little Walter."
Ms. Knowles didn't speak with Ms. James — who, at 70, is still touring — until after the film was completed. "She's just the same, she's honest and no-nonsense," Ms. Knowles said. "And I know that in some interviews she was like, 'I don't know if she can play me.' But when I met her, she said, 'You are a bad girl,' and I know that's the ultimate compliment from her."
When she returned to finishing the album, Ms. Knowles said she was being drawn to songs and sounds that had previously been off-limits for her. "The music I made before and after the movie were very different," she said. "I was a lot more bold and fearless after I played Etta James, because of course some of the character stays with you. Some of the music I would have been afraid to make, I wasn't. I got more guts, more confidence as a human being.
"I think that's why I love doing movies so much, because it's not just an art form. It changes my life and my music and the way I look at things."
One striking change on "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" is the relative absence of the vocal embellishments and assaultive melisma that has plagued so many singers since Mariah Carey. Ms. Knowles's clean, plainspoken delivery matches the acoustic-based arrangements of songs like "Satellites" and the first single, "If I Were a Boy."
"She came from the movie straight into the studio with me," said Ms. Ghost (who wrote the hit "You're Beautiful" for James Blunt), "and I was shocked by some of the songs that she wanted to do. But I think she really was inspired by Etta James to express herself directly and honestly."
Things move at perpetually high speed with Ms. Knowles; hours after this interview, she was on a plane to London for the MTV Europe Music Awards. Next year, after the album's marketing campaign is finished, she has a 110-date tour planned, including a week in Las Vegas; a Spanish-language version of the new album; and the release of her first nonsinging role in a movie, the thriller "Obsessed." Then there's her continuing work with her fashion line, House of Deréon, and high-profile endorsements with companies like L'Oréal and Pepsi.
Ms. Knowles acknowledged that her husband since April, the rapper and label executive Jay-Z, has been an influence on her growing multimedia empire. "He's brilliant, and I'm very proud of him, and I've learned so much from him," she said. "But even before I met Jay, I've always been in control of my career."
Above all Ms. Knowles hopes that she will be able to look back on this moment as a turning point, both personal and professional. "When you're a pop star, it's a little conservative, you always have to stay in a box," she said. "You have fans that are 5 and fans that are 65, there are so many people that want so many things. But Etta James was the queen of rock 'n' roll, soul, R&B, jazz — she did it all, and she always made it her own. After playing her and singing her songs, I thought, it's time for me to challenge myself and do whatever I'm inspired to do.
"I know you have to make a transition into being legendary, and I knew that it was time. And I'm ready."Continue reading the main story


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Donegal County Council to host event in memory of Garda Gary McLoughlin
Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray has welcomed confirmation that Donegal County Council is to host an event in memory of Garda Gary McLoughlin who tragically lost his life in a collision in Burt in 2009.
The event, which will take place in the County House, Lifford at 2pm on May 4, is the result of a motion submitted by Cllr. Murray in July last year.
Welcoming the event, Cllr Murray said: "Last July, I asked the council to host an event to mark the tragic death of Garda McLoughlin who lost his life while serving the community in Donegal while only 24 years of age.
"The death of a young man who was working to serve and protect the people of Donegal shocked everyone in the county.
"It is fitting that we pay tribute to him and his family as was done previously after the death of Garda McCallion in Letterkenny."


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Christchurch has the bluest skies you can imagine. It plays the confidence trickster with visitors, fooling us into thinking that it's not really that bloody cold. It really bloody is.
|Barrier to the CBD
We visited the recently reopened museum, and yet again it was a great example of what every city should make available for inhabitants and visitors. The 'Hearts for Christchurch' display is especially poignant. After lunch we walked through the botanical gardens, winding along the river Avon, passing gigantic thousand year old trees, wondering what it would be like to see or feel this entire setting shake around you. From the peace within the boundaries of this place it's hard to imagine what went on outside them.
Just two blocks away you don't have to imagine. Buckled footpaths lead the way to the metal fencing that surrounds the centre of the city. Signs warning of extreme danger obscure the view of ragged buildings just beyond, with occasional flowers or notes of tribute dotting the metal perimeter.
This is a town that was hit by a force of nature, no one's fault and nowhere to lay the blame, making it all the more tragic. In a physical manifestation of irony, the bridge of remembrance – the city's tribute to fallen New Zealand soldiers is unapproachable. It looms large and proud yet unadorned a good ten metres behind a metal barrier that itself is now a place of remembrance, with wreaths, flowers, and poems marking loss of life. I read one note simply telling a daughter that she is missed every day, left by her dad.
|The Bridge of Remembrance
Outside of that centre, life goes on, exactly how I'll never know. Plans are underway to demolish and rebuild, some 12,000 homes may never be inhabitable again. Reminders are never far away, today the town should be bustling with Irish and Welsh rugby fans for the world cup quarter final, but the games have been moved to other cities. New Zealand's party continues, elsewhere.
We made the arrangements to come here back at the beginning of February, and it seemed only right not to change those plans after the quake. Today we'll rest up, before picking up the camper van in the morning and moving on to Dunedin.


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Ok, well I'm quite aware that I haven't posted anything in a while, and I really haven't taken any new photos to regale y'all with either, but I feel as though I have to put something up here if only to keep it fresh. I start to panic that too much time away means that I will never come back to this blog, and life's been busy lately, and will just become increasingly so over the next few months. Same goes for my livejournal. I've basically been forcing myself to post there lately since I haven't in the last six months or so, and people keep sending me all these little email "nudges". Who knew you could even do that? Not eye.
SO, here is one angora mitten:
and here's a blurry photo of me looking bored with it:
(image deleted)
And pale. Don't forget fish belly white. Boy that's a bad angle. It's like I have one mini arm and one jumbo arm. Ever see that King of Queens episode? Anyway...
That mitten has been single for almost a month now. The cuff on the other is completed and I know it wouldn't take much to just crank it out and be done with it, so what the hell is my problem?! Allergies I guess. AND an obsession with the nautical sweater which I had hoped to be done knitting by now. At this rate it won't even be done by this weekend, and I am DREADING how much finishing is actually involved with that piece. The completed tally so far: the back, the front, and one and a half sleeves. The bulk of it, really. I'm anxious to start some new things though, but I am holding off until it's done.
The dropped stitch vest? Indefinitely on hold. I did a little searching for it online, and really found that I was not at all liking the vest on other people, so now I'm re-thinking it altogether for myself. If the skinny minnies of the world aren't pulling it off then me and my hooters certainly won't be either. It's sitting on my desk right now looking at me. I don't think I've ever knit anything that I've hated knitting this much. And I'm feeling supremely guilty about it. Like it or lump it I usually hate UFOs and cannot abide having ANY. Is that weird?
Alright, that's all I've got...I'll try and take some photos of my sea of navy wool this weekend!
Friday, August 24, 2007
progress report?
Posted by Reckless Glue at 5:37 AM
4 comments:
- Miss Muffy said...
What are you talking about? That photo is cute! Plus, tans are overrated (coming from the girl who tried to get one all summer!)
That dropped stitch vest? I didn't like it on the model in the book, so I figured I wouldn't like it on me either. Some garments just don't flatter anyone!
- Reckless Glue said...
true enough! now I feel vaildated about that vest.
- Sarah said...
I like the idea of that vest but think I'm with you guys on how flattering a garment it is.
Can't wait to see the navy, you knit so much you shouldn't be worried about the mitten - if it's still unfinished when it turns cold then you should get concerned.
Thanks for the Esther vote :o)
- Reckless Glue said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
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text:
As soon as the fighting ended, both armies regrouped. At some places, the two lines were less than 400 yards apart. Curtis placed his divisions in a roughly east-west line stretching along the middle of the Cox field to a point where it crossed the Telegraph Road. Carr's troops held the south edge of the Ruddick field where they had regrouped after been pushed back from the Elkhorn Tavern. Carr's defense had allowed the Federals to move most of their supplies away from the Elkhorn Tavern before it was captured, and now, Curtis was able to replenish his ammunition and feed his troops.
The exhausted Southerners were not so lucky. During the night, Van Dorn failed to call up his reserve ammunition and supplies from Camp Stephens. The men ate what they could find in the supplies captured when the Elkhorn Tavern was overrun or from the haversacks of the dead.
Much of McCulloch's Division did not make it to the Elkhorn Tavern. Approximately half of the men marched back to Camp Stephens after the fight at Leetown. The remainder, now under Pike, joined Van Dorn during the early hours of March 8. The Southerners formed a line roughly parallel to the Federals along the north edge of the fields.


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text:
Febuary Meeting
Date: Febuary 7, 2018
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Burlington Public Library, Burlington WA
Passing Of A Former SAC Member - Info
Skagit Land Trust Call To Action - Info
Skagit Alpine Club Climbers Contribute To Science - Info
SAC Ski Weekend 2018
Date: March 9-11, 2018
The History of Park Butte Lookout - Info
Volunteer Opportunities On The Regular - Info
Recap SAC Park Butte Lookout Work Party - Info
Issues in the Pacific Northwest that SAC calls attention to.
Basic Mountaineering Course 2018 - Info
All information from the old website can still be accessed until the new website is finished. You can access it here old.skagitalpineclub.com.
Make a donation to the Park Butte Lookout
Pay your dues here thru PayPal


text:
CONVERSE - ALL STAR3:44:00 AMMohamed Samaras
The spring just began and I'm totally excited because of the great weather and the fantastic spring fashion. Starting from spring every dude needs a green item, as you can se i used this green Converse hoodie and a Champions beanie. More then that a Chuck Taylor ALL STAR Converse sneakers is a must-have and there's no escaping from it! In my case a decent Carhartt red plaid flannel shirts was the best option to match my blue denim H&M jeans.


text:
Five times during Kansas' record-tying 13-year conference title streak, the Jayhawks have finished two or more games clear of the Big 12's second-place team.
Don't expect it to be nearly so easy this season.
Eighteenth-ranked Texas Tech sent an early message Tuesday night that Big 12 titles are not Kansas' birthright and the Jayhawks will have to improve to claim first place this year. Not only did the Red Raiders win in Lawrence for the first time in program history, they led from the opening basket until the final horn en route to a convincing 85-73 victory.
A single loss isn't reason for Kansas to panic, but it is a strong sign that this year's Big 12 race should be far more competitive and compelling than usual. Not only is the league as deep as it has ever been this season, the Jayhawks (11-3, 1-1) are also unusually flawed.
While Kansas waits for top recruit Billy Preston to be declared eligible to play this year and midseason addition Silvio De Sousa to get up to speed, the Jayhawks only have one impact big man capable of rebounding, protecting the rim and scoring in the paint. Udoka Azubuike fought through back pain to post 11 points and seven rebounds against Texas Tech, but he was the only Kansas frontcourt player to score.
Texas Tech took advantage of Kansas' lack of frontcourt size and depth by fearlessly attacking the rim. The Red Raiders shot over 50 percent from inside the arc, got to the foul line 25 times and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds, all of which helped them prevent Kansas from getting any closer than six points the entire second half.
Also concerning for Kansas is the lack of shot creators on its roster besides senior Devonte Graham.
The Jayhawks struggle to get to the foul line and rely too heavily on the 3-point shot because nobody besides Graham has the ability to consistently initiate offense off the dribble or the court vision to set up teammates with open looks. While Graham scored 27 points and dished out six assists in Tuesday's loss, he had little help as Svi Mykhailiuk went cold from the perimeter and neither LaGerald Vick nor Malik Newman were effective off the dribble.
Kansas turned the ball over on 28 percent of its first-half possessions, helping a tough, aggressive Texas Tech team build an 11-point halftime lead. The Jayhawks took better care of the ball in the second half, but they failed to make the Red Raiders pay for gambling for steals, misfiring on all 12 3-pointers they attempted.
Entering this season, Bill Self had only lost 10 times at Allen Fieldhouse in 14 years as Kansas coach. Self has now lost home games to Texas Tech and Arizona State this season and also dropped a game in Kansas City against unheralded Washington.
Avoiding more home losses will be crucial for Kansas because winning on the road in this year's Big 12 will be challenging. Nine of the Big 12's 10 teams are ranked 51st or higher in Ken Pomeroy's ratings. Only Iowa State is somewhat of a pushover, and the Cyclones are still a top 100 team with a history of giving the Jayhawks fits in Ames.
UCLA is the lone team besides Kansas to ever capture 13 conference championships in a row, a run that started at the height of the John Wooden dynasty in 1967 and ended in 1979 four years after he retired. The Jayhawks would hold the record all by themselves if they win at least a share of the Big 12 title this season.
Even with Tuesday's loss, Kansas remains the favorite to win the Big 12. The Jayhawks have earned that benefit of the doubt by dispatching all comers the past 13 years.
But with Trae Young doing his best Steph Curry impression at Oklahoma, formidable West Virginia riding a 13-game win streak and Texas Tech and TCU both on the rise, there is some unusually strong competition this season.
Now it's up to Kansas to once again rise to that challenge.
– – – – – – –
Jeff Eisenberg is a college basketball writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at firstname.lastname@example.com or follow him on Twitter!


text:
After stirring up a frenzy by threatening to wring royalties out of Linux distributors for allegedly violating its patents, Microsoft is suddenly playing Mr. Nice Guy. The company announced it will back Open Document Format for standardization by the American National Standards Institute.
Considering that ODF is the chief rival of Microsoft's own Open XML when it comes to document standards, not to mention that ODF is primarily used in open source alternatives to Microsoft Office, we think the Linux Foundation's Jim Zemlin is on to something when he says the software giant is acting "schizophrenic" these days.
Open source advocate and attorney Andy Updegrove has another idea, according to PC Advisor:
On the one hand, Microsoft is saying, "Nice standard you've got there," while on the other hand warning, "[I]mplement it if you dare, but only for a price."
Updegrove also suggests that Microsoft's move might be a challenge to ODF advocates to vote for Open XML when it's up for standardization before the ISO later this year.
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text: In my last post, I showed you a new leather bracelet. Since then, hubby and I have been making key fobs out of leather upholstery scraps. They are simple to make and I think they are super-cute!! These are all one of a kind and are only in Etsy shop.


text:
Letter from Te Kooti Te Turuki to Karanama, 25 Dec 1868
Reference Number: MS-Papers-0032-0692L-01. Object #1030675
2 pages, related to d Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki, Karanama Te Kapukaiota, Ngatapa, Ngati Porou and Rongowhakaata.
Download alow-resolution PDF or high-resolution PDF
Part of:
Inward letters in Maori, Reference Number MS-Papers-0032-0692L (11 digitised items)
Series 2 Inward letters (Maori), Reference Number Series 2 Inward letters (Maori) (3148 digitised items)
McLean Papers, Reference Number MS-Group-1551 (30238 digitised items)
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text:
Last night was a tough night for all of us.
Game One did not go to plan, with the Maroons going down in a record breaking loss of the Origin Opener.
And things are even worse for us Townsvillians, because it's looking like Cowboys centre Justin O'Neill has taken home more than the heavy loss.
O'Neill took a solid head knock in an awkward and controversial tackle by Jarryd Hayne in the dyeing minutes of the game.
The blow was bad enough that it forced O'Neill come off from the Suncorp ground before the end of the game.
Today it's been confirmed that O'Neill is recovering from concussion, and is unlikely to be play in the Cowboys home game against the Titans on Saturday night.
The Cowboys are currently in 7th on the NRL ladder, above the Titans in 12th, however with a mounting injury list including JT, Matt Scott and Pat Kaufusi we should be set for a hotly contested battle at 1300 Smiles.
image- Grafton Daily Examiner


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Basketball movies are some of the hardest sports movies to simulate, as some of Hollywood's finest actors have proven. So when in doubt, get real players.
Is there anything more pathetic than watching our favorite Hollywood celebrities try and dribble a basketball?
The list of stars that have tried but miserably failed at making themselves even remotely resemble a basketball player is littered disgustingly with some impressive names � most famously Michael J. Fox in �Teen Wolf.�
Then, there are the exceptions. The actors who actually could dribble, shoot or just walk and chew gum at the same time. Those are the ones that made the best basketball movies. With the debut of �Nimrod� � a documentary about small-town Michigan high school basketball � on the Sundance Channel last night � it�s a good time to look at The Five best basketball movies of all time.
5. �Teen Wolf.� From the so-bad-it�s-good file comes the Michael J. Fox farce of a joke of a basketball movie capitalizing on his skyrocket to superstardom in 1985, thanks to �Back to the Future.� The basketball scenes are so ill-conceived and poorly executed that almost every basketball movie made since then goes to great lengths to avoid the catastrophe that is Scott Howard�s basketball skills. But if you can get by the basketball stuff and the most ridiculously cheesy 80s soundtrack this side of �Karate Kid,� there are enough funny moments and Fox charm that makes this movie somehow hold up more than 20 years later. Somehow Jay Tarses as Coach Finstock gets grossly underused, even though he provides two of the funniest lines in 80s comedy:
�There are three rules that I live by: never get less than twelve hours sleep; never play cards with a guy who has the same first name as a city; and never get involved with a woman with a tattoo of a dagger on her body. Now you stick to that, and everything else is cream cheese.�
�I don't know. He quit. He was a third stringer, I didn't need him.�
4. �He Got Game.� As we saw in �Hoop Dreams� (see below), Spike Lee doesn�t like the collegiate basketball system he claims uses young black men as toys to make money for the colleges they attend. Who knows? He could be right. But where �Blue Chips� tried and failed to show the seedy side of college recruiting, �He Got Game� succeeds and then some. The biggest trick was making the at-the-time 23-year-old, 6-foot-8, Ray Allen look like a high school senior, which somehow Lee pulled off pretty easily. The movie itself is a great look at what high school stars go through, getting pulled in 800 different directions on a daily basis when everyone wanting a piece of the action. Lee was one of the first filmmakers to realize if you want good basketball scenes, get basketball players (Rick Fox, Walter McCarty, John Wallace and Travis Best are among the actors). It also features a who�s who of 90s college basketball coaching, all either parodying themselves or being parodied � it�s tough to tell the truth.
3. �White Men Can�t Jump.� If I ever write a �Best Movie Experiences� column, this is on the list. I saw it opening weekend in a predominantly black theater that made the movie that much funnier. But more important than the jokes � which come at you full bore � the movie is sold by Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes in some of the best, if not faked, movie basketball scenes of all time. Writer-director Ron Shelton admitted Snipes wasn�t a very good basketball player, but was able to still get good footage with his limited skill set. The movie itself follows the Shelton formula of guys, the girls who love them and money, and it drags in the middle, but it�s a very realistic look at playground basketball, a very tough thing to duplicate.
2. �Hoop Dreams.� The best script never written. Unfolding over five years in the basketball lives of William Gates and Arthur Agee, �Hoop Dreams� is the almost-impossible-to-believe-it�s-true documentary tracking the two from playground potential to college. Obviously, things don�t go as the two planned when they were in eighth grade, and that�s what makes this movie so incredible. Two things you�d never think would come out of a basketball documentary: One of the best movie villains of all time (St. Joseph�s head coach Gene Pingatore) and perhaps the saddest moment (William missing his final high school shot on an easy lay-up). There hasn�t been a documentary like this since, and who knows if there ever will be.
1. �Hoosiers.� No arguments will be accepted for not only the best basketball movie ever, but the best sports movie ever and personally, my favorite movie of all time. I�ve seen it so many times that when I got bored in class in high school or college, to keep busy I would right out the script from memory. While the formula is as cheesy as the final result, Gene Hackman gives the performance of his career, and stakes his claim to best movie coach ever. Barbara Hershey nearly torpedoes the movie about the religious experience that is Indiana high school basketball, but impeccable performances not just by Hackman but by Dennis Hopper (Oscar-nominated), Sheb Wooley and character actor Chelcie Ross (who later showed up as Dan Devine in �Rudy� and as the appliance store boss in �My Name Is Earl� last year). More importantly, every member of the fictitious Hickory Huskers not only can play ball � every actor played college basketball, except, ironically, for Jimmy Chitwood � but also can act. If nothing else, this movie is proof that it�s much easier to act than it is to look like you can play basketball. It�s the best basketball ever caught by Hollywood with no-name players.


text: The Bald River Wilderness is a 4000 acre area with a level trail and a beautiful creek, along with a series of rugged waterfalls. Near the end of the 5-6 mile trail there is the Cascades, a group of small falls with a big rock overlook jutting out over the creek. Here we threw down our daypacks and stopped for a picnic lunch.


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Peru, like the majority of countries in South America, believes in a distinctive security approach when adopting new surveillance solutions.
One such example is the famous department store chain Oechsle, located throughout Peru's major cities. Oechsle's success is also analogous to Peru's economic revival.
Only a few years ago, Oechsle was an all but forgotten brand name. A once famous Peruvian symbol that had fallen on hard times and been forced to close its doors. But as the nation's economic health has rebounded with an eight to nine percent annual GDP growth rate; the Oechsle brand was similarly reenergized with new owners and a host of new stores throughout Peru's biggest cities – locations that host 80 percent of the country's population.
Yet, just as Peru's economy and Oechsle's fortunes rebounded, one significant difference remained: security. Much had changed in the world since Oechsle's initially closed its doors in the 1990s, but most South American companies were still not embracing technological improvement. The concept of CCTV is new to Latin American countries – Peru included. As recently as only a couple of years ago, many major corporations and businesses were relying almost exclusively on traditional security guards to protect their investments.
As such, in 2009, Hikvision approached Oechsle's new management with speed dome cameras and DVR units. After testing Hikvision products against a variety of other competitors, Oechsle chose to go with Hikvision in order to better secure their stores.
After careful consideration, Oechsle management decided upon three Hikvision products for their stores. The first was the analog speed dome. This camera was selected for a variety of reasons, but most importantly, this camera particularly filled the security needs for a department store. It has proven to be a great match for Oechsle because of the nature of the business. Oechsle needed an analog solution that offered high resolution and was also extremely flexible.
Both high resolution and flexibility were, and are, key to Oechsle. This is based on the nature of the shopping environment: an open space with customers continuously moving to various areas. The analog speed dome allows personnel in the store's security center to discretely follow individuals and eliminate obvious and offensive traditional tactics such as prompting a security guard to continually follow this person. This is accomplished by this Hikvision speed dome's 1/4 inch SONY CCD, providing the essential ability to zoom onto questionable situations with a great degree of resolution; and 360 degree of endless pan range, providing the ability to discreetly monitor groups or individuals without their knowledge.
Additionally, Oechsle management opted for two Hikvision standalone DVR units. Both DVRs have greatly enhanced security efficiency and productivity at Oechsle's many stores throughout Peru. As with Hikvision's speed dome camera, this DVR revolution has changed the way that security departments now approaches these matters. In Peru, security video is generally stored for one month, but the DVRs allow Oechsle to easily exceed this. In fact, with up to 8 hard discs and 16 terabytes of memory, Oechsle can store more than 2 months of footage on one DVR alone.
Besides benefits such as this, easy-to-use functionality, and an overall high standard of quality, Oechsle's security department was greatly pleased with an additional benefit: the ability to view high-resolution video in order to settle customer disputes, and if needed, to provide as evidence in cases of theft or fraud.
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