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Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sangria in the Sangraal
My book of whimsical fantasy stories set in Old Spain is now available for pre-order from Ex Occidente Press here. It's a deluxe limited edition designed for book connoisseurs. Some books have a certain magic about them. I guess it's not good manners to claim such a quality for one's own creations; and yet I genuinely believe there's something bewitching about these stories. They form a sequence that spans 1000 years of the history of an obscure (but real) little city in the remotest part of Aragon. I came upon this little city purely by chance back in 2007. I have written about that encounter elsewhere on this blog and if you're interested to read more, the relevant link is here and that blog post contains another link to another blog post about the book I read when I was there...
That book (Jan Potocki's Manuscript Found in Saragossa) partly inspired the tales in my own book. While wandering through Albarracín and the mountains around it, I realised that one day I would write a set of stories set right here. Two years later I began the project. When it was completed I gave it the overall title Tucked Away in Aragon but Dan Ghetu, the owner of Ex Occidente Press, suggested changing it to something more mystical. So I called it Sangria in the Sangraal instead; and it's a better title. Obviously when writing a sequence that spans so many centuries there needs to be an overarching theme or conceit to help preserve the wholeness and intergrity of the scheme. In the case of this book that conceit is... sentient clouds! You'll understand how and why if you read the stories. | {
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While NBC is still taking a social media pummelling for “failing” with what it hails as a record-breaking Olympics audience, the BBC, whose Olympics undertaking has been lauded, is telling the world about its new online records.
We previewed the BBC’s Olympics online strategy here, here and here. Beside near-day-long coverage across five of its nine linear TV channels, the corporation had cast up to 2,500 hours of live action (every minute of every event) on its website for desktop, smartphone and tablet and through up to 24 simultaneous live streams available online, through internet TVs and via satellite and cable TV.
An average 9.5 million global daily uniques to the BBC Sport website is almost a quarter higher than the previous record level.
Video requests were doubled from those seen during any previous event (106 million) – higher than the 2008 games (32 milion) and 2010 World Cup (38 million).
A third of web visits came from mobile. But only a tenth of video requests were mobile.
Most interestingly, the majority of video requests (62 million) were for live streams. Only eight million were for on-demand live streams, 35 million were for short-form clips.
The BBC, which adapts streaming quality to viewers’ bandwidth, says the average bitrate was “the highest the BBC has ever delivered online” at 1Mbps.
O’Riordan:
“Offering everything isn’t enough in the age of multiple devices: our further ambition was to ensure audiences could access our coverage wherever they were, and whenever they wanted it.
“This has really been the multi-platform Games, where audiences have consumed our content across PC, mobile, tablet and connected TV at different times of the day.”
Hourly viewership by platform shows how most usage came from office computers at lunchtime. The newest phenomenon, albeit in line with previously-issued BBC data, is that, despite being a relatively new form factor, tablets accounted for more viewing than any other online medium late at night, as people swiped their iPads whilst watching TV from their sofas and whilst heading to bed.
Mobile and tablet traffic also peaked at weekends. (40 percent of browsers compared with 30 percent on weekdays).
The BBC recently introduced a new web video player for Wimbledon, F1 2012 and the Olympic Games, melding live with catch-up sports. New stats show in-stream chapter markers, allowing live viewers to rewind to key events, were clicked 1.5 million times each day. | {
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2
Do you really know what is expected of you by the SRA? This is what Samantha Barras, Executive Director of the SRA said in December 2011 “What has changed is the explicit requirement for firms actively to engage with Principles and Outcomes, and avoid a tick-box approach. That is the role of the COLP in particular – to be responsible for taking reasonable steps to put in place systems and controls for good compliance in the firm”
3
Do you have systems and controls for good compliance? - Outcome O(7.2) requires firms to have appropriate systems and controls in place to achieve and comply with all Principles, rules and outcomes and other requirements of the Handbook - Outcome O(7.3) requires firms to identify, monitor and manage risks to the achievement of all outcomes, rules, Principles and other requirements in the Handbook if applicable and take steps to address issues identified - Outcome O(7.4) requires firms to maintain systems and controls for monitoring their financial stability … and take steps to address issues identified
4
What steps will your COLP and COFA need to take to ensure you have systems and controls in place for good compliance? Have they considered whether they will be able to satisfactorily fulfil the roles? And if so, how will they from the outset be able to ensure they can meet their responsibilities?
5
First steps? 1.Secure internal accountability as a condition of taking on the roles 2.Assess whether they will be provided with sufficient: - access to information regarding risk; and - resources to effectively discharge their responsibilities
6
1. Securing internal accountability “We have no room for those who put their own personal agenda ahead of the interests of the clients or the office” David Maister’s “Predictive package” Who has one (or more) of these in their firm?
10
All partners to comply with all Principles, Outcomes and Rules and other requirements of the Handbook and to fully support the COLP / COFA – with sanctions if they do not. Full access to be given to COLP and COFA to all the firm’s information Indemnities to be provided in relation to the COLP’s / COFA’s responsibilities in respect of penalties, costs and expenses A right to take independent advice at firm’s expense for the resolution of disputes Firm to pay premiums on appropriate insurance policies for COLP and COFA Incorporate a ‘whistle-blowing’ policy
11
2. Ensure they will be provided with sufficient …… access to information regarding risk; and the resources to do the job
12
Access to information / knowledge? Will they be provided with access to full information likely to impact on compliance and other risks? What are your risks? Where does the knowledge of your risks reside? Can you / will you be able to access it? Do you / will you have systems to monitor, review and upgrade your knowledge? If you cannot measure risk, you will not be able to manage it
17
Establish the resources you will need to effectively carry out your role For example: Do you have a budget? What will your team look like? Internal or external resource? Part time partners or professionals? Paper records or use of IT?
18
Use of IT as a risk management tool? Use an integrated risk management system to quantify, assess and control risk by : – streamlining diagnosis, mitigation and monitoring – embedding common risk management procedures – providing information access to all who need it – creating and maintaining one central, up to date risk database
19
Advantages of a systemised compliance risk management process? Structured approach focuses on key compliance risk areas Can demonstrate how a firm is complying and the effectiveness of compliance / outcomes Continuous monitoring ensures management of compliance and risk is “lived” day to day Universal application to all compliance and risk areas Comfort / assurance to PI insurers [and SRA?]
20
Planning your resources Carry out a cost / benefit analysis to establish the most resource effective method for you to manage the roles of COLP / COFA to ensure your firm is compliant
21
Other areas on which to focus Compliance management will need to be management driven with top level buy-in - management must not only drive compliance but also live it Zero tolerance is required, with no exceptions – just do it! A mind-set change will be required – managing compliance risk needs to be seen as everyone’s job - training and education programmes can build awareness and change Build a ‘no blame’ culture to encourage disclosure Above all – identify your ‘big gorillas’ and deal with them
22
Your challenge “If you cannot demonstrate compliance we may take regulatory action” Outcomes focused regulation at a glance – www.sra.org.ukwww.sra.org.uk How are you going to be able to demonstrate you are compliant? | {
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The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. | {
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A Simple Key For local business video networks denver co Unveiled
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A Simple Key For local business video networks denver co Unveiled
In today's arts market place, aesthetic flexibility and variety is vital. With ensemble offerings, courses, visitor artists and a robust live performance-recording routine, our college students are well Outfitted to go straight from graduation into a vocation in which they won't only endure but thrive.
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By way of their bachelor's diploma application, pupils can pick to emphasise a number of emphasis tracks, which include geographic analyses, land use or city arranging, and pure resource administration.
• Ability to visually study goods for high quality and freshness and check signage and labeling for precise pricing
They are going to also get Perception into your procedures and selection-earning processes of local, point out and federal governments, and how to positively affect those processes.
The tutorial schooling that plan majors obtain is aggressive with very similar systems at peer institutions throughout the U.S., giving a business basis for making use of to graduate systems.
Economics is also a superb Basis of study for college kids enthusiastic about pursuing State-of-the-art levels in law, business and Global scientific tests in addition to economics. No matter what street They could abide by, learners can acquire crafting and analytical abilities that happen to be beneficial to any job path.
The BSBA curriculum incorporates Main business administration classes you'll be able to build on with these hospitality administration specializations:
College students who acquire these 20 credits will make a body of reference for knowledge details management, automating business procedures, facts warehousing, info mining and collaboration devices.
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About this Method The College of Denver's minimal in geographic details science (GIS), presented from the Section of Geography as well as Natural environment, is geared towards pupils from other majors who additional info are interested in geotechnology. This system delivers an outline of a range of geotechnological competencies, together with cartography, remote sensing, geographic info methods and global positioning devices.
About this System Improve your profession alternatives inside the transportation area by pursuing a bachelor's in world commerce and transportation, which concentrates on controlling the transportation of products and people.
Thanks to the expected internship or engagement practical experience, learners immerse by themselves in community do description the job either domestically or abroad, creating expertise they are able to choose with them into foreseeable future Professions in nonprofit corporations, Global and intercultural training, or Neighborhood activism. | {
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Cookie Before Dinner
You are in the middle of cooking dinner for your family and your child walks into the kitchen and says "Mom, can I have a cookie?". Your response is likely to be "No". This irritates your child and the conflict starts.
Child: "Why not?"
Mom: "Because dinner will be ready in a few minutes"
Child: "But Mommmm, I am really hungry right now"
And if you have been here, you know how this plays out.
Barbara Coloroso asks you to think about what you really mean. You do not want your child to have a cookie before dinner, because it will spoil his/her appetite. So, instead of saying no to you child (we already say no to them too many times), try responding with "Yes, you can have a cookie after dinner".
People in general do not like to be told "no" and children hear "no" too often. So, why not say what you mean û because as parent we don't always mean "no" when we say "no", we mean "no, not now" û so instead, why not we say "yes, you can have _________ when _________.(fill in the blanks)"
This little tip of changing the no to yes, followed by when the request can be met has worked wonders for me. I still use it today. I hope it works for you!!! | {
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Friday, 16 April 2010
Feeling it
back to running 50 miles in a week (well I will have exceeded that with my saturday morning club run) so am feeling good, if not overweight after a week of meat and cheese and no fruit or veg in Bulgaria last week. Have just returned from a good if not tiring 14 miles with Eric and Jason, both of whom were using this as their VLM taper mid-long run. After going for a leisurely 8.15 pace we suddenly found that crossing roads and the high st of Beckenham had slowed us down and we decided to follow the little man on Jason's Garmin who was a bit ahead of us, well that was at the bottom of Crystal Palace Hill so a hard job to run at 8s uphill for 1.2 miles for a challenge and then sprint down the hill to Dulwich.
In running these long slow runs I am feeling it every time we drop to 7s to run. This time last year I was 10lbs lighter and most of my training runs were at 7-7.30s! I need to make a mental note to get and do some speedwork and one tempo run a week as I am losing all V02max capabilities and it is annoying when the people I have normally felt very comfortable with are running off! Injury free though so can't complain.
Black Dog Marathon seems unlikely this weekend as I have such a lot of work to be catching up with and a 250 mile round trip with a road marathon in the middle of it might seriously knock me out for work on monday. But, as they say, never say never. | {
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U.S., world food systems called unsustainable for people or planet
WASHINGTON – The growing adoption of U.S.-style industrial farming practices worldwide puts too much stress on the planet and deceives people into thinking that the world will be able to keep feeding a growing population, currently 6.8 billion.
That was one of the main points raised at an Oct. 27 forum titled “Are We Eating Ourselves to Death?” It was sponsored by the Woodstock Center and held at Georgetown University.
Those reading the forum’s title might think it was a symposium on eating disorders, said Franciscan Sister Ilia Delio, the program’s moderator and a Woodstock Center senior research fellow. And in a sense it is, she added.
“We have an eating disorder that is affecting us nationally and internationally,” Sister Ilia said. “The saying ‘you are what you eat’ has never had a more profound meaning than it has today.”
Creating a more sustainable agricultural system poses a huge challenge, according to the forum’s panelists, especially given all of the mechanized and monetized developments of recent generations.
Holy Cross Brother David Andrews, a senior representative for Food and Water Watch and for 13 years prior the executive director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, said other nations are adopting U.S-style farming practices not because they want to, but because they have to.
Brother Andrews said it was World Bank- and International Monetary Fund-mandated “structural adjustment” policies that have knocked down vast areas of rainforest in a quest to grow exportable crops to pay back World Bank and IMF loans. Meanwhile, he said, indigenous people, who had practiced subsistence farming, are kicked off the land and have a harder time feeding themselves.
Complicating matters, Brother Andrews added, is that U.S. subsidies for certain crops allow foreign markets to be flooded with those crops at prices that are cheaper than what local farmers can produce.
Such deforesting “costs us a whole lot in environmental repercussions,” said Nancy Tuchman, a biology professor at Loyola University Chicago.
About 150 years ago, 98 percent of the U.S. population was involved in farming, according to Tuchman. Today, only about 2 percent is.
Because so few farm the land, it leads to, among other things, “monoculture” – using all available acreage to grow just one crop – and the use of pesticides and other chemicals, and now genetics, to increase crop yields.
Since Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer kills everything that’s green, the chemical giant has produced “Roundup Ready” seeds that won’t be affected by Roundup. “So now you have the same company selling you the pesticide and the seeds,” Tuchman said. “But you have to keep buying the seeds. Monsanto has inserted a ‘suicide gene’ that keeps farmers from using seeds from the crops they’ve grown” to use as seeds the following season.
The U.S. bishops, in their 2003 statement “For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food: Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers and Farmworkers,” “recognized that farming is a way of life,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice Fla., who grew up on a dairy farm near Green Bay, Wis.
Catholic social teaching, Bishop Dewane said, “must shape the global agriculture system,” noting the “option for and with the poor.”
Calling on his work with the Florida Catholic Conference Committee for Farmworker Justice and Immigration, he noted the plight of tomato pickers in southern Florida, many of whom are migrants and many of whom are women.
“They are poor, they are vulnerable,” Bishop Dewane said of the tomato pickers. “If a woman is pregnant, she is not going to get any money if she doesn’t go” into fields laced with pesticides that could harm her unborn child.
Brother Andrews said some crops that receive U.S. subsidies are going to have to continue to receive them, but given the United States’ looming budget deficits, the 2012 farm bill is “one place they’re going to look” to find cost savings.
He also suggested educating women on sustainable farming and agriculture issues “because if you’ve educated the woman, you’ve educated her whole family.”
Bishop Dewane, chairman of the rural life conference’s board of directors, said economic development often results in smaller households, which could put less strain on the global food system.
But Tuchman said since that so many of the world’s poor are malnourished, “we’re trying to cut production and increase calories (consumption) at the same time. That’s the problem. … I don’t know what the solution is.”
About Us
God calls the Catholics of the Archdiocese of Baltimore to be a welcoming, worshipping community of faith, hope, and love. Through his Spirit, the Lord Jesus lives in those who believe, and reaches into our world with his saving message and healing love.
Contact
Archdiocese of Baltimore
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Mission
As disciples of Jesus our mission is:
Evangelization: to evangelize ourselves, our families, our parish and local communities, and our world.
Liturgy: to celebrate our faith with joy through vibrant and prayerful worship.
Education: to educate and become educated in the truths of the Gospel and in the formation of conscience.
Service: to reach out in love and service to those in need.
Stewardship: to develop the material, financial and human resources of the Church and to manage them as faithful stewards. | {
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Inequality in times of crisis: Lessons from the past and a first look at the current recession
Jonathan Heathcote, Gianluca Violante, Fabrizio Perri
02 February 2010
The unemployment rate has dominated economic headlines, but recessions raise numerous problems. This column warns that recessions raise earnings inequality and income inequality, absent mitigating government programmes. The current recession has indeed raised such inequality, but consumption inequality has surprisingly declined.
The debate on the adverse consequences of the economic crisis in the US flags rising unemployment as the most pressing issue. But crises are also bad for income distribution (Coile and Levine 2009). Households in which a bread-winner becomes unemployed face a significant decline in earnings. Thus rising unemployment mechanically causes the bottom of the earnings distribution to fall off relative to the median, increasing inequality in earnings.
A key question for the policy debate is to what extent this loss of earnings power at the bottom of the earnings distribution translates into a decline in living standards.
New evidence
In this column, we present some evidence on this question from the experience of the US and other countries during previous recessions. We also use recently available cross-sectional data to give a sense of the distributional changes that the current crisis has brought so far (see Heathcote, Perri, and Violante 2010 for details.)
Figure 1 plots time series for various percentiles in the distribution for US household earnings, together with shaded areas denoting NBER-dated recessions.1 The figure starkly illustrates the fact that the households in the bottom percentiles of the earnings distribution suffer the largest earnings declines in recessions. Moreover, declines at the bottom of the earnings distribution can be very persistent. For example, earnings at the 10th percentile declined by 20% in the 1980-82 recession; they did not return to pre-recession levels until the late 1990s.
Figure 1. Household earning percentiles (CPS)
However, labour earnings are not the only source of income for households. In particular, at the bottom of the earnings distribution, government and private transfers such as unemployment insurance, welfare, food stamps, and pension income are counter-balancing sources of income that tend to rise when earnings fall, thereby mitigating widening earnings inequality.
In Figure 2, the solid line represents the variance of earnings (effectively summarising the information in Figure 1) while the dashed line represents the variance of total household income, which includes government and private transfers. Notice that in recessions, inequality in total income rises much less than inequality in earnings.
Figure 2. Inequality in earnings and total income (CPS)
The fact that inequality in total income is much less cyclical than inequality in labour earnings is not unique to the US economy. Patterns for earnings and income inequality during recessions are documented for a number of countries in a forthcoming special issue of the Review of Economic Dynamics.
Figure 3, reproduced from that volume’s paper on Sweden (Domeij and Floden 2010), offers a dramatic illustration of the impact that public transfers can have on inequality. In 1992, Sweden experienced a severe recession that caused a dramatic increase in earnings inequality. However, inequality in total household pre-tax income and in disposable income (which includes taxes) barely moved.
Figure 3. Variance of log of various income measures in Sweden
Compared to Sweden, the government in the US plays a smaller role, and taxes and transfers only partially offset widening earnings inequality in recessions. In particular, inequality in total household income increased during the recessions of the early 1980s and early 1990s.
Did these increases in income inequality translate into widening inequality in welfare and living standards? Because consumption of goods and services is more closely connected to welfare, we have examined the extent to which rising income inequality during recessions translates into consumption inequality. Figure 4 plots inequality in total after-tax income against inequality in non-durable consumption.2
Figure 4. Inequality in disposable income and consumption (CEX)
The figure shows that fluctuations in consumption inequality tend to be more muted than fluctuations in income inequality. In particular, inequality in consumption rose by much less than inequality in income during the early 1980s recession. This finding is consistent with standard economic theory, which predicts that households should draw down savings or increase borrowing in order to smooth consumption in the face of non-permanent recession-driven declines in income.
The 2008-09 crisis
Although the current economic downturn is still unfolding, data for cross-sectional inequality in the US in 2008 recently became available.
The last data point in Figure 4 reports the variance of (log) disposable income and (log) non-durable consumption in 2008. The figure shows a slight increase in inequality in disposable income but a marked compression in inequality of consumption.
To better understand this phenomenon, we plot household earnings, total income, and consumption at the 10th percentile, median, and 90th percentiles of their respective distributions in Figure 5. Focusing on the top two panels of Figure 5, we see that earnings and total income behave in a very similar way going into the current recession as in previous recessions: earnings fall fast at the bottom, while government and private transfers imply a much smaller decline in total income.
The bottom panel of the figure, however, reveals surprising dynamics for consumption. The reason why consumption inequality declines (as shown in figure 4), is a substantial fall in spending at the top of the consumption distribution, while spending at the bottom increases.3
Figure 5. Inequality patterns in the 2008 recession (CEX and CPS)
This finding suggests that changes in the distribution of consumption (and hence welfare) during recessions are driven by more than just changes in the distribution of income.
One distinctive feature of the current recession it that it has been accompanied by a collapse in asset prices, which we conjecture has had an important effect on the distribution of consumption. A very rough characterisation could be the following:
Households at the bottom of the consumption distribution do not own any significant assets.
The median household owns a house;
Households at the top own a house plus a significant amount of financial wealth.
Thus households at the top of the consumption distribution have been the worst-hit by falling housing and equity prices, while those at the bottom have been relatively unscathed. If this interpretation is correct, then declines in asset prices have had a larger effect on consumption than changes in the earnings distribution. Two caveats are in order, however. First, a full accounting of the current recession awaits data for 2009, a year in which unemployment continued to rise. Second, our measure of consumption excludes housing and cars, two sectors that have been particularly hard hit.
Conclusion
Recent evidence shows how the distribution of resources changes in recessions in complex ways.
The bottom of the earnings distribution falls off substantially relative to the median, causing earnings inequality to increase in recessions.
This increase is substantially mitigated by government and private transfers. This mitigating effect, together with the fact that households can use borrowing and lending to smooth income declines, causes the consumption distribution to typically move very little during recessions.
The current recession appears somewhat unusual. So far, consumption inequality has declined sharply, perhaps because the consumption-rich have been disproportionately hurt by declining asset prices.
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis or the Federal Reserve System.
Footnotes
1 Figures 1, 2 and 4 in this article are based on figures in Heathcote, Perri, Violante (2010). Data in Figure 1 is from the Current Population Survey (CPS). Our sample includes all households that report positive earnings and contain at least one person aged 25-60. For each household, earnings are divided by the number of adult-equivalents in that household and inflation-adjusted. All percentiles are normalised to zero in 1967.
2 Figure 4 is based on a sample of working-age households drawn from the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE). Consumption information is not available in the CPS. The measure of consumption here includes non-durables and services, and small durables like furniture and appliances. It excludes housing and cars.
3 This finding is in line with Parker and Vissing-Jorgensen (2009), which documents, before the 2008 recession, an increased comovement of the top of the consumption distribution with aggregate fluctuations. | {
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Quotation For All Seasons
Best Health Quotes
Best Health Quotes A to W
A bodily disease, which we look upon as whole and entire within itself, may, after all, be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part.Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter Quotes
After these two, Dr. Diet and Dr. Quiet, Dr. Merriman is requisite to preserve health.
James Howell Quotes
A bad cold wouldn’t be so annoying if it weren’t for the advice of our friends.
Kin Hubbard Quotes
A healthy body is the guest-chamber of the soul; a sick, its prison.
Francis Bacon Quotes
An imaginary ailment is worse than a disease.
Yiddish Proverb Quotes
Adam and Eve ate the first vitamins, including the package.E.R. Squibb Quotes
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.
Irish Proverb Quotes
A sad soul can kill you quicker than a germ.
John Steinbeck Quotes
As a people, we have become obsessed with Health. There is something fundamentally, radically unhealthy about all this. We do not seem to be seeking more exuberance in living as much as staving off failure, putting off dying. We have lost all confidence in the human body.
Lewis Thomas, The Medusa and the Snail, 1979 Quotes
Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.
Mark Twain Quotes
Bacteria keeps us from heaven and puts us there.
Martin H. Fischer Quotes
Confidence and hope do more good than physic.
Galen Quotes
Diseases of the soul are more dangerous and more numerous than those of the body.
Cicero Quotes
Diseases crucify the soul of man, attenuate our bodies, dry them, wither them, rivel them up like old apples, make them as so many Anatomies.
Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy Quotes
Doctors are always working to preserve our health and cooks to destroy it, but the latter are the more often successful.
Denis Diderot Quotes
Eat right, exercise regularly, die anyway.
Author Unknown Quotes
Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick. Although we all prefer to use only the good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as citizens of that other place.
Susan Sontag, Illness as Metaphor, 1977 Quotes
Every man’s disease is his personal property.
Alonzo Clark Quotes
Fresh air impoverishes the doctor.
Danish Proverb Quotes
First need in the reform of hospital management? That’s easy! The death of all dietitians, and the resurrection of a French chef.
Martin H. Fischer Quotes
From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.
Catalan Proverb Quotes
Health is a relationship between you and your body.
Terri Guillemets Quotes
Health is merely the slowest way someone can die.
Author Unknown Quotes
Happiness lies, first of all, in health.
George William Curtis, Lotus-Eating Quotes
He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.Chinese Proverb Quotes
He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.
Arabic Proverb Quotes
Half the modern drugs could well be thrown out the window, except that the birds might eat them.
Martin H. Fischer Quotes
How sickness enlarges the dimension of a man’s self to himself!
Charles Lamb, Last Essays of Elia Quotes
I refuse to spend my life worrying about what I eat. There is no pleasure worth forgoing just for an extra three years in the geriatric ward.
John Mortimer Quotes
If you wish to keep as well as possible, the less you think about your health the better.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Over the Teacups, 1891 Quotes
In the face of such overwhelming statistical possibilities hypochondria has always seems to me to be the only rational position to take on life.
John Diamond Quotes
If you resolve to give up smoking, drinking and loving, you don’t actually live longer; it just seems longer.
Clement Freud, The Observer, 27 December 1964 Quotes
If you start to think about your physical or moral condition, you usually find that you are sick.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Proverbs in Prose Quotes
If you do everything you should do, and do not do anything you should not do, you will, according to the best available statistics, live exactly eighteen hours longer than you would otherwise.Logain Clendening Quotes
It’s no longer a question of staying healthy. It’s a question of finding a sickness you like.
Jackie Mason Quotes
It is a lot harder to keep people well than it is to just get them over a sickness.
DeForest Clinton Jarvis Quotes
I am at the moment deaf in the ears, hoarse in the throat, red in the nose, green in the gills, damp in the eyes, twitchy in the joints and fractious in temper from a most intolerable and oppressive cold.
Charles Dickens Quotes
If by gaining knowledge we destroy our health, we labour for a thing that will be useless in our hands.
John Locke Quotes
I am pretty sure that, if you will be quite honest, you will admit that a good rousing sneeze, one that tears open your collar and throws your hair into your eyes, is really one of life’s sensational pleasures.
Robert Benchley, “Hiccoughing Makes Us Fat,” No Poems: or around the world backwards and sideways, 1932 Quotes
If man thinks about his physical or moral state he usually discovers that he is ill.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
It’s bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children’s health than the pediatrician.
Meryl Streep Quotes
In a disordered mind, as in a disordered body, soundness of health is impossible.Cicero Quotes
I think you might dispense with half your doctors if you would only consult Dr. Sun more.
Henry Ward Beecher Quotes
Illness is the most heeded of doctors: to goodness and wisdom we only make promises; pain we obey.
Marcel Proust Quotes
In minds crammed with thoughts, organs clogged with toxins, and bodies stiffened with neglect, there is just no space for anything else.
Alison Rose Levy, “An Ancient Cure for Modern Life,” Yoga Journal, Jan/Feb Quotes
If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.
Elbert Hubbard Quotes
If I had my way I’d make health catching instead of disease.
Robert Ingersoll Quotes
I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.
Author Unknown Quotes
If the pain wanders, do not waste your time with doctors.
Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic’s Notebook, 1960 Quotes
If I’d known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken better care of myself.
Leon Eldred Quotes
In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Author Unknown Quotes
I reckon being ill as one of the great pleasures of life, provided one is not too ill and is not obliged to work till one is better.
Samuel Butler, The Way of All Flesh, 1903 Quotes
Live in rooms full of light
Avoid heavy food
Be moderate in the drinking of wine
Take massage, baths, exercise, and gymnastics
Fight insomnia with gentle rocking or the sound of running water
Change surroundings and take long journeys
Strictly avoid frightening ideas
Indulge in cheerful conversation and amusements
Listen to music.
A. Cornelius Celsus Quotes
Like everybody else, when I don’t know what else to do, I seem to go in for catching colds.
George Jean Nathan Quotes
Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well.
Marcus Valerius Martial Quotes
Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.
Doug Larson Quotes
Men make use of their illnesses at least as much as they are made use of by them.
Aldous Huxley Quotes
Mens sana in corpore sano. (Your prayer must be for a sound mind in a sound body.)
Juvenal Quotes
May you live as long as you are fit to live, but no longer! or, may you rather die before you cease to be fit to live than after!
Philip Dormer Stanhope, 1749 Quotes
My fat scares me – it’s a ticking time bomb.
Carrie Latet Quotes
Men that look no further than their outsides, think health an appurtenance unto life, and quarrel with their constitutions for being sick; but I that have examined the parts of man, and know upon what tender filaments that fabric hangs, do wonder that we are not always so; and considering the thousand doors that lead to death, do thank my God that we can die but once.
Thomas Browne Quotes
My own prescription for health is less paperwork and more running barefoot through the grass.
Terri Guillemets Quotes
Nothing is more fatal to Health, than an over Care of it.
Benjamin Franklin Quotes
Nature does require
Her time of preservation, which perforce
I her frail son amongst my brethren mortal
Must give my attendance to.
William Shakespeare Quotes
Our body is a machine for living. It is organized for that, it is its nature. Let life go on in it unhindered and let it defend itself, it will do more than if you paralyze it by encumbering it with remedies.
Leo Tolstoy
Preserving the health by too strict a regimen is a wearisome malady.
François Duc de la Rochefoucauld Quotes
Physical ills are the taxes laid upon this wretched life; some are taxed higher, and some lower, but all pay something.
Lord Chesterfield Quotes
People who are always taking care of their health are like misers who are hoarding a treasure which they have never spirit enough to enjoy.
Laurence Sterne Quotes
Physick, for the most part, is nothing else but the Substitute of Exercise or Temperance.
Joseph Addison Quotes
Sickness is the vengeance of nature for the violation of her laws.
Charles Simmons Quotes
Sometimes I get the feeling the aspirin companies are sponsoring my headaches.
Terri Guillemets
Quotes
Sickness is poor-spirited, and cannot serve anyone; it must husband its resources to live. But health or fullness answers its own ends, and has to spare, runs over, and inundates the neighborhoods and creeks of other men’s necessities.
Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes
So many people spend their health gaining wealth, and then have to spend their wealth to regain their health.
A.J. Reb Materi, Our Family Quotes
The trouble with always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind.
G.K. Chesterton Quotes
There’s lots of people in this world who spend so much time watching their health that they haven’t the time to enjoy it.
Josh Billings Quotes
The greatest wealth is health.
Virgil Quotes
The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around…. Throughout history, “tender loving care” has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing.
Larry Dossey Quotes
The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they’ll ease
Your will they’ll mend
And charge you not a shilling.
Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields, What the River Knows, 1990 Quotes
They claim red meat is bad for you. But I never saw a sick-looking tiger.
Chi Chi Rodriguez Quotes
The… patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life. Don’t take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop.Quentin Regestein Quotes
The I in illness is isolation, and the crucial letters in wellness are we.
Author unknown Quotes
The deviation of man from the state in which he was originally placed by nature seems to have proved to him a prolific source of disease.
Edward Jenner Quotes
There is something in sickness that breaks down the pride of manhood.
Charles Dickens Quotes
The mind has great influence over the body, and maladies often have their origin there.
Moliere Quotes
Those obsessed with health are not healthy; the first requisite of good health is a certain calculated carelessness about oneself.
Sydney J. Harris Quotes
The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d druther not.
Mark Twain Quotes
The hospitals and graveyards are filled with those who refused to acknowledge the virtues of physical morality.
Dr Ron Spallone, denverchiropractor.com Quotes
The appearance of a disease is swift as an arrow; its disappearance slow, like a thread.
Chinese Proverb Quotes
The most important thing in illness is never to lose heart.
Nikolai Lenin Quotes
To feel keenly the poetry of a morning’s roses, one has to have just escaped from the claws of this vulture which we call sickness.
Henri Frederic Amiel Quotes
The longer I live the less confidence I have in drugs and the greater is my confidence in the regulation and administration of diet and regimen.
John Redman Coxe, 1800 Quotes
There are two things in life that a sage must preserve at every sacrifice, the coats of his stomach and the enamel of his teeth. Some evils admit of consolations, but there are no comforters for dyspepsia and the toothache.
Henry Lytton Bulwer Quotes
Water, air, and cleanliness are the chief articles in my pharmacopoeia.
Napoleon I Quotes
When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no “I’ll start tomorrow.” Tomorrow is disease.
Terri Guillemets Quotes
What some call health, if purchased by perpetual anxiety about diet, isn’t much better than tedious disease.
George Dennison Prentice, Prenticeana, 1860 Quotes | {
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} |
Iowa State adds defensive duo, loses receiver recruit
Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell talks to Iowa State redshirt freshman tight end Chase Allen (11) before their spring game on Saturday, April 8, 2017, in Ames.(Photo: Brian Powers/The Register)Buy Photo
A top 50 defensive back and a fast-growing linebacker gave Iowa State two standout recruiting victories on Sunday.
Christian Young, a safety from Richmond, Texas, became one of ISU’s most highly rated recruits of the 2018 class with his afternoon verbal commitment. At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Young held more than 20 offers, including Power 5 options like Arizona, Arizona State, Missouri, Oregon State and Purdue.
“I would like to give a big thanks to my parents, coaches, friends, and close people in my life for helping me get where I am,” Young wrote on Twitter. “Next, I would like to thank all the universities for giving me an opportunity to play at their school.
“It has been a long and thoughtful process. Without further ado, I have made my decision to commit to Iowa State University.”
The versatile defensive back is rated the No. 49 safety nationally, according to the 247 Sports Composite. Young listed ISU among his top 11 selections on Friday, but a camp visit appears to have sped up the timeline for his decision.
Outside linebacker Gerry Vaughn from Tucker, Ga., announced his commitment earlier on Sunday. A 6-foot, 210-pound athlete, Vaughn chose the Cyclones over more than a dozen other FBS offers. The 2018 three-star prospect was credited with 79 tackles and two sacks for Tucker High School as a junior. He also split duties at running back and was 5-10 and 195 pounds before his recruitment picked up.
Bolar bolts after one month
A big wide receiver from Mississippi made it one month as an Iowa State commit. Three-star prospect C.J. Bolar announced he was, “110 percent committed” to the Cyclones on May 17, but posted briefly about his decommitment on Sunday afternoon. Per 247 Sports reporter Alex Halsted, Bolar visited Mississippi State on Saturday.
The Cyclones currently have 11 commitments from high school prospects for their 2018 class. | {
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} |
I am very pleased with the ease of use and performance of the QL-700. I experienced problems with the installation and start-up but Brother's technical assistance staff was outstanding! Very patient, knowledgeable and had me on my way after the first call. I've been using the QL-700 so much already both two new label rolls.
I purchased this to be able to print easy file folder labels, address labels and shipping labels. It does exactly what I need and has a few extras to dress up the styles. So much better than the smaller model I had to use previously. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Friday, December 31, 2010
What was I thinking......last music review....*makes another pot of coffee*...
The first fancams are in! Will update as better cams arrive, these are not even hours old yet. Enjoy! ^.^
Howl....Split & Slither...and even a brief showing of the abs he promised, and of course, Jung JiHoon always keeps his promises!
Credit:Ratoka9 & DC
I do! Of course he has a couple up on stage kissing. Surprise! The guy actually proposes! Omo! Poor Rain...always the instigator...never the groom >.<.
Credit:Ratoka9 & DC
I'm exhausted...I can only imagine just how tired some of these performers are...3 BIG Shows in as many days. I'm betting Shinee never wants to sing Lucifer again, little chance of that considering they have 2 more concerts to perform....in as many days......>.
Credit:CrazyCarrot270
Narsha, including this performance because its a pretty good cover of Alanis Morissette's You Ought to know...even the Korean Sensors must be tired, I can't believe they allowed this song considering some of the lyrics.
Credit: CrazyCarrot270
Shinee's Lucifer, what can I say? Its Lucifer....nice gothic stage..Jonghyun has his throne back, everyone looks good but a little tired. Fighting Shinee!
Credit:CrazyCarrot270
Lovely and calm showing of Hello, now I KNOW how tired everyone is....Sitting in JongKey Onew 2Min formation, and Onew didnt even bother to change that. Maybe they need the comfort of their couples lol. Fighting my babies...Saranghae!
Credit:CrazyCarrot270
Battle of the bands....being included for 2 reasons, 1st Onew sings and he rocks! 2nd, these are REAL bands....enough said.
Credit:CrazyCarrot270
It's 2PM and they are rockin the HOUSE! great costumes! Omo Taec, Nichk and Chansung! So many abs........^.~ Without You and I'll be back...and yes I will with performances like this one! Yaaaaahhhhh.
Credit:CrazyCarrot270
Super Junior! Awww they did Sorry Sorry (now those of you who chat with me, will know where I get my *sorry sorry hands* from >.
Credit:CrazyCarrot270
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
SBS Gayo Daejun 2010 was hyped to the max, I was only hoping that the show would live up to the hype. My friends and fellow fans...not only did it live up to it, it far surpassed my hopes and wishes, It ROCKED! And rocker pretty much was the theme for this show. Many groups preformed with a fierceness not normally seen. Enjoy!
Lets start with the cutest 3 minutes you will probably ever see. Intros of all the groups to perform, but in miniature! Little children playing the parts of all! Aigoo!
Credit as tagged.
Next up is Taemin as ringleader with Circus. He makes it HOT! Beware.....the whip.
This is a special Maknaes stage!
Taemin - SHINee
Seohyun - SNSD
Sulli - f(x)
Jiyoung - Kara
Lizzy - After School
Chansung - 2PM
Mir - MBLAQ
Uploaded by Oasis2222ful
And now for Lucifer....Fierce will never describe this performance...its captivating! And Shinee is being held captive...Cages and handcuffs...Omo!
Special stage with F(x)
Credit as tagged.
Best Super Junior of the year!
Uploaded by afsd75
MBLAQ! Thats right MBLAQ! Okay its their song Y, but performed with a new vigor and can I just say they are looking awesome! Almost didn't recognize them!
Credit as tagged.
It's 2PM! Are you watching Erika??? ^.~
Hot...did I mention fierce? Oh YaaAaaaahh Fierce as only 2PM can do it.
This last performance I could only find as a link, so worth going to YouTube to watch.
There where sooooo many good performances, this post is really just a relevant and High Lites of, I'm linking you to allkpop where you can find many many and I mean many more awesome performances. Enjoy! ^.^allkpop Link to Gayo Daejun Show
One word...UNF!
[trans] fanaccount of 101229 “Gayo Daejeon” rehearsal
Author: Diona
Original Source: Baby2min
Translation: sysywithcc
The kids’ performances all went pretty well yesterday, and I saw some 2min moments during rehearsal.
It starts with Taemin’s maknae show. He came out all of a sudden with a magician hat on, then was wired in the air, but he was still pouting and shaking, so adorable
After rehearsal for the maknae show finished, he came down and took a seat (on the front row), but after a short while he was half-standing half-seating and staring at one inner side of the stage, then fans next to me started to cheer and I saw Minho walking out from there.
The very first thing Minho did was hugging Taemin. I was over the moon, haha. Then they sat together, I don’t know what they were talking about, but Taemin looked happy, Minho patted his head as well.
Then Minho went up to the stage for rehearsal of SNSD’s performance, Taemin was really excited down here, and he was kind of like the cheerleader. He cheered harder than the fans, hahaha
Minho stepped down and Taemin stood up to welcome him, they hugged again, then they started their non-stop whispering. Taemin was still wearing the magician’s hat, Minho took the hat away and played with it, they had a fight over the hat..
Minho was supposed to leave a bit later, before he left he held Taemin and said something to him.
This is pretty much it, at the rehearsal the staff were really strict I couldn’t even get my camcorder out, but they were so cute and super intimate-v-
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
[My Music Radar! Commentary]
My impressions from this, their first Solo concert.....
My friend Erika is fond of asking.....How does SME know, when looking at new recruits, who will be good? How do they know who will turn out to not only be so very talented, but who will turn out to be so very beautiful? How do they know?
A certain look in the eye? Curve of the lips? Hand position while dancing? Attitude? Divine intervention? I really have no clue. One thing I do know for sure is, some one guessed right when forming Shinee. Some one did a good thing. Not only for Korea, but for fans worldwide.
For Shinee, this concert was a Dream come true, and they have worked for 4 years to get to this place. 2 or more years in training, where Onew and Taemin 1st met, before Shinee was even an idea in anyone's mind. Jonghyun and Key were roommates before Shinee as well, Divine intervention? Taemin was added to Shinee almost as an after thought as Minho was the maknae for almost 2 years. Can YOU imagine Shinee without Taemin?
May 25th 2008 gave birth to Shinee....and now after 2 albums, 9 singles, 2 musicals, numerous variety shows and many injuries.....a Dream comes true.
During an interview on Muzits, all the boys revealed what their personal dreams were for the future. Onew wanted to sing Opera, Jonghyun wanted to DJ on the radio, Key wanted to perform music of a contemporary nature and Taemin wanted to sing New Age type music. (Minho was absent due to injuries from the Dream Team, but we all know he just wants to be hot [LOL!] seriously though he wants to act.)
Indeed this concert was a dream come true in more than one way, its every groups dream to stay popular enough to reach the day where they will have their own solo concert. Shinee did this. Its every members dream to stay long enough to embark on their own solo path. Shinee is doing this too. Indeed they have worked so very hard to get to where they are, and they have done so despite some very hard times indeed.
It was a Shawols dream to see Onew singing opera in Italian and weeping at the end for all the beauty he reveals with his voice. I wept with him. So much fun to see Jonghyun DJ'ing and singing with the powerful voice he belts out with. The Almighty Key's performance of My first kiss revealed his Diva self to the max and he was indeed contemporary in his Pretty in Pink jacket. Taemin was dressed more New Age than his song was, but of all the members, he has truly come the furthest, revealing a voice and attitude that burst out on stage and will be seared into my memory for all time. Unf! Minho? Yaahhhhh he was just Hot Hot Hot, revealing his abs when HE wanted to and not when forced to by friends. Minho's voice has also been revealed to be a strong force to be reckoned with.
Saddest moment? Watching Onew weep after his opera performance, I'm not sure if, after all this time, when his voice cracked during the most intense moment of the song, if it wasn't because this truly was his dream and he felt like he failed for that tiny little crack in his voice. Fighting! Onew! We all know that besides being the leader of an awesome group(and all that THAT entails), you are also the busiest of all the 5 doing not only musicals but all the Shinee performances as well, its a wonder you have any voice left at all.
Happiest moment? Watching Taemin singing in an awesome voice that has taken all of 4 years to develop. He once revealed during a radio interview how disappointed he was this year because he though he would be a lot further along by now. Relax Taemin, you are there! Not only revealing a lovely voice but also dancing your heart out, which is why you were first chosen for Shinee. You have arrived my love.
In closing....all I have left to say is....Saranghae Shinee and kahmsahmnida.
Thank you Thank you, for all that you have become, for all that you are and for all that you have yet to be.
And for all the many hours of joy you have brought me.
Lets start with the boys Japanese introductions.
They were so nervous.....so cute ^.^ Key's Japanese is quite good! As always, count on the Almighty Key!
Credit where due.
Next up is Stand by Me-Love Still Goes On, also in Japanese ^.^ They look great! From what I could see.
Credit where due.
Awww Your Name, one of my fav's ^.^
Credit where due.
Graze....this stage looks fabulous! Look at all those aquamarine glowsticks!
Credit where due.
New 101228
Credit: yaza86
Lastly for now, and the best so far, is Minho's cover of "Oh my Gosh"
Can I just say Oh Emmm GeeeEEEeeee!!!!! *squeeeeeeeeeeeee*
Sorry fangirl slipped out >.<........
Credit:minkey912309
Credit where due.
1st update, already lol, BUT, I just found this short clip of Key's solo with Krystal from F(x) Gotta just love Diva Key!!!!! He looks FABULOUS!And from what I hear, Jjong's been marking his territory already too.
kekekekekekekekeke
Credit: DCSHINee
And then there was Onew.......Jonghyun and Key made me laugh, Minho made me squeeeee. But I am siting here weeping.....and I'm not even sure why. I don't like opera, at all. This performance gave me the chills and then the tears started.
My babies have left the nest and are on their way, if this concert is any indication.
Saranghae.....Onew....Minho....Taemin....Key.....and Jonghyun T_T
Credit:keymera09023
Favorite Shinee Quotes
Taemin: "A person who dreams for a long time becomes similar to his/her dreams."
I am so glad for this vid, so I could stop crying >.< Instead I was YELLING! Omo! Onew! Yahhhh! Not with your teeth! You just got those fixed! LOL! ^.^
Credit: OnlyOnew
Favorite Shinee Quotes
Jonghyun:"The stage does not just belong to us-it also belongs to the fans, the audience, and the staff who work together to give the stage existence."
Awww the JongKey shipper in me just can't resist posting this vid, even though its pretty bad quality. If you ship, you will recognize this song right off. And like me, you won't care one bit, because its such a joy to hear them singing this song together on stage. Enjoy! ^.^ *wipes a happy tear* T.~
Source and credit: keymera09023
WHERE ARE ALL THE TAEMIN VIDS????? *headdesks*
Okay took all day/night, but I finally found a vid for Taemin, I have to say he sounded wonderful. Hes singing in a lower key these days and it suits him perfectly. Speaking of suits, don't miss the designer outfit by Ha Sang Baek which has Taeminnie looking all half dressed and very pretty. ^.^
Source and Credit: keymera09023
New 101228
Just found this lovely new vid of Taemin, can I just say Omo! He sounds wonderful and is looking so beautiful!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Is it taking Jonghyun forever to get over his ankle injury? Seems to me even Minho got over his Dream Team injuries much quicker. I miss him dancing!
According to a long message he left on SMTown boards he will participate in the upcoming concerts by keeping his backstage while an SM trainee takes over for him by dancing with Shinee members.
My Music Radar! hopes Jonghyun gets better soon, I can only imagine how disappointed he is by not being able to dance with the group.
Source: allkpop
translation:atlantis-x
Hello~ I am SHINee’s Bling Bling Jonghyun!!
Everyone!!
SHINee’s first ever individual concert that you have all been waiting for will be held soon~
The Japan show is on 26th Dec, Sunday~ The Korea shows will be on 1st and 2nd January!!
Everyone must be anticipating right? ^^
Hurry raise your hand if you are coming!
The members and I are still rehearsing for our concert, spending days feeling as if we are on the edge of our seat every moment.
Actually this concert is something that each of the members have dreamt about since debut.
So we are especially more nervous and also looking forward to it~~~
But there is something to be regretful about,
Because of my injured ankle, there will be some performances during the concert that I will not be able to participate in.
Even though it’s not very realistic, but because of this concert, I really wanted to go on stage despite my injury.
Everyone has been worried about me because of this… ^^
But! I am still very healthy! ㅋㅋ
Anyway!
As compared to performing on stage, I will be focusing more on singing for this concert.
Even though I really wanted to present a perfect stage to everyone… Really sorry about this…
I hope everyone can understand…ㅠㅠ
But I will still greet everyone with charismatic song performances~
Also, when I am singing, there are some songs where the dance segments
Will be undertaken by a trainee from our company..
This hoobae is a Chinese and his skills are really good so everyone need not worry~^^
He will be taking my place until my leg recovers,
Helping us out for the dance performances during the Japan and Korea concerts
Everyone please support him~~~
I of course will still be performing on stage
So please do not worry!! ㅎㅎㅎ
Then, let’s end this here for our charismatic concert..
Let us meet at the concert venue itself ~~~❤
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Shinee's Taemin, MBLAQ's Mir and several other maknae will be performing a special stage on SBS's 2010 Gayo Daejun. Backstory: Britney Spear's Circus, to be the inspiration for the performance with Taemin as the Ring Leader. I'm betting on a very interesting interpretation, if anyone can pull this off, its most certainly Taemin! Look forward to it! ^.^
Air Date: December 29th.
Additional info and pictures on allkpop.
Monday, December 20, 2010
I came across this vid on my interwebs wanderings and it really got me thinking about how far the boys have come since Noona Neomu Yeppeo days. Don't miss precious Taemin at about 15 (shakes head) he was such a baby >.< Watch as Taemin fails to take back his mic from Key after his solo dance and Key must now dance with 2 mics, while Taemin sings with no mic, which is really ok since he was just starting his "fake mic" days as his voice was still changing back then. Omo did Onew really have a bandanna up under his hat? And is that one of his pant legs pushed half way up? Oh stylist what were you thinking? A half thugish Onew really does not work >.< My Shinee boys......at the beginning. ^.^ 080530 Music Bank SHINee 누난너무예뻐 (live) from s1 on Vimeo.
Credit where due.
Favorite Shinee quotes:
Taemin:"Key-umma nags at me alot these days. I'm getting tired of it. So I started act like a bad boy. (Yunhanam)"
Actually I was going to post Shinee's Hello + Lucifer remix from Inkigayo however, I am kinda pissy right now because < start rant >I think Taemin might have cut his hair and I could not for the life of me find a clear enough video to see properly and I really didn't want to post yet another Lucifer video anyway after the massive update I did this weekend and Taemin had a pony only 48 hours AGO!!11!!!....sigh< /end rant > The only significant difference on the Inkigayo performance is that Jonghyun started dancing again but only a little, he still has his behind stage.
Moving right along. I actually heard this original demo several months ago and its pretty wild. To hear the composer Yoo Young Jin singing this is pretty incredible. Its awesome to hear what he heard in his mind and take it from there to what became Lucifer after Shinee got their hands and voices on it. Oh how I really do love the music process. Oh also this is the English version. Enjoy!
Credit where due.
Here is the best Inki performance I could find >.< in case you want to watch it.
Every weekend I try to present with a theme or genre. This weekend is dedicated to all the truly Beautiful Boys of Kpop. These boys fill my days and nights with so much joy. They have the ability to whisk me to far away places. Sometimes in a Drama, sometimes in a music video and sometimes just in still pictures. The media doesn't really matter, what does matter is that they work so very hard to do this and look so beautiful while doing so. Enjoy the following music and pictures, I know I have. ^.^
Credit where due.
This song may not be to everyone's liking, I find it lovely and melodic.
Title: Beautiful Boyz
By: CocoRosie
Last MuBank show video to share today. A waiting room full of beautiful boys! Who cares what they are talking about, its all about the eye candy. And about Taemin on Onews shoulders, ya ya its all about that. Enjoy! ^.^
Can you stand one more review of Lucifer? Watch this performance and I dare you to say No! I believe our boys are gearing up for their 1st Solo concert with this fierce showing. Jonghyun in the back again, making fine use of this stage. Onew Omo looking so very HOT! Taemin stunning as always and can I saw how much I am loving the modified mandarin pony?(squeeeeeeeee! >.
Super Junior is big in more than just members, big voices,big dance moves, big side careers and apparently, too big for this Music Bank stage (which I loved btw) but being consummate professionals, they pull it off including an explosive Bounce that is almost show stopping if not camera destroying. Enjoy! ^.^
Credit where due.
Friday, December 17, 2010
I will get over this.....NEVER! ~.~
Why oh why are all my favorite boys cutting their luscious locks off? What is this trend? Pass the tissues, I am in mourning.....First Minho...now Heechul.....T_T
Taemin better not EVEN go there.......I'm just saying...
Thursday, December 16, 2010
How much do I love MBLAQ? Let me count the ways....1...2.....3....7.....11 >.<
Seriously though, pay no attention to the pat answers that leader Seung is giving, instead watch the interaction between these members that had me laughing out loud! So very cute! I have been saying for quite some time now, that GO looks more like Appa Rain as time goes by than Joonie does. I am look forward to their new music release because I really do enjoy this group a lot. Enjoy! ^.^
Credit: Exclusive interview with ScanationSG thanks to PoR625 on YouTube.
The Hallyu Wave has been lapping at our shores for years. These kids may be bringing it ashore in ways no one else can. Dare I say, they are the future? Take a look at this great performance from students of Heritage High of Vancouver, Washington aka Groove Nation. 1080 & FS for max Enjoyment!
My Music Radar awards 5 pings for effort and excitement! ^.^
Credit where due.
OK....I admit it, photo shoots are one of my favorite things to review, especially when they include Shinee's Jonghyun. Bonus! this one includes all the members of SM The Ballad. The camera loves Jonghyun and he loves the camera (oh yes he does! >.<) Jino is looking very cute as is TRAX’s Jay and Super Junior’s Kyu Hyun. Oh sleepy eyed milk drinking boys always melt my heart ♥ ^.~
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
My Music Radar! wishes Shinee's Leader Onew a very Happy and Healthy Birthday! Being leader of Shinee is not easy, the boys can be tough on him sometimes, but, he is right there when the boys need him.
Saranghae Onew!
Onew sangtae sangtae sangtae >.<
My Music Radar!
Enjoy updates on some of my favorite Asian Music groups.
And music in general.
Music is what feelings sound like~Anonymous
Hello and Welcome to the new My Music Radar! Blog Spot. My old page on FB was getting too restrictive and I was wanting more space to share more info so, here we go!!!! This will not be a fan site or be dedicated to any one group or genre of music in particular, more it will be about current music, from everywhere and anywhere.
You can also expect occasional comments and reviews from some of my fav Kdramas, Jdramas and funny posts from The World of Random.
Feel free to leave your comments and join in the fun! Enjoy! ^.^
Please take the time to +1 whatever you find enjoyable to share the kpop love!
You can also Follow, Tweet and share to FaceBook.
As always I welcome your comments! Even Anon's! ^.~
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Kamsahamnida "Please look after me" | {
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Kind-hearted people in Maplestory Mesos
Rauball (second right) talk with journalists as they react on the Maplestory Mesos reports at the stadium in Dortmund Police officers and firefighters stand outside the Dortmund team bus after it was damaged in an explosion Dortmund police spokeswoman Nina Vogt said investigators do not yet know the source of the explosions Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, left, talks to teammates after a window of Dortmund's team bus was damaged in an explosion.
Kind-hearted people in Germany are offering Monaco fans a place to stay after three explosions hit the Borussia Dortmund team bus - forcing their Champions League match to be postponed last night.The explosions happened as the German club's bus was leaving L'Arrivee Hotel and Spa, about six miles from the stadium, Signal Iduna Park, for their quarter final clash with the French side.
Defender Marc Bartra was injured in the explosion and was taken to hospital, the team said on Twitter, wishing the player a quick recovery. Last night's match was postponed following the explosion and has been rescheduled for tomorrow. And many kind people in Dortmund have taken to Twitter to offer their homes as a place to stay last night, using the bedforawayfans Kind-hearted people in Germany have offered Monaco fans a place to stay after three explosions hit the Borussia Dortmund team bus - forcing their Champions League match to be postponed last night.
The campaign appeared to be a success as pictures best MS Mesos site emerged of visiting supporters in the homes of Dortmund fans Pictured are AS Monaco fans at the home of a Borussia Dortmund supporter Thousands of Monaco supporters made the 730-mile trip for the match and the majority were in the stadium before it was called off. | {
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ok this thread isn't for bashing---more like the opposite:) cute animals :3 (ok and the occasional not-so cute animal xD)
so do you know any celebs that resemble animals to you?:)
to start---yamapi...i think he looks like a frog (like keroro!! xD) he's cute that way ^w^ massu reminds me of a hamster :3, and...well...michael phelps lol...some cross between a gorilla and godzilla =_=;; | {
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Child Support Rears Its Ugly Head
Jason Caffey, former NBA player has filed for bankruptcy because he can not keep up with his child support payments. Caffey, who has not been in the NBA since 2003, has yet to pay up for about eight children ranging from ages 3-14 (SMH at them not even knowing exactly how many kids he had):
Former NBA player Jason Caffey had two kids with his wife before she filed for divorce in Fulton County last year. He also has had a slew of children — at least six others — with other women around the country, in and around Atlanta as well as in Alabama, Louisiana and Illinois. Most went to court and got hefty child-support orders from Caffey while he was making millions playing professional basketball. Now he has filed for bankruptcy in Alabama to get the women — and law enforcement — off his back.
Caffey’s attorney in Atlanta says his client agreed to the high payments because he could afford it. In a 10-year career with the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks, the 6-foot 8-inch power forward made as much as $5 million a season. “Those days have ended,” lawyer Jim Altman said. “And he’s been saddled by these payments that are absolutely astronomical.” Altman said he doesn’t know what happened to Caffey’s basketball money. Caffey did not return a phone message seeking comment. “He’s a deadbeat,” said another attorney, Clarence Roby Jr., who is representing a Louisiana woman who had two of Caffey’s children. “If you choose to procreate and have children coast to coast and you don’t take care of those children, you’re a deadbeat.”
It’s not clear exactly how many children Caffey has fathered — and his lawyer’s not telling. “It’s more than I have and fewer than what Evander Holyfield has,” said Altman, who has two children, compared to 11 for Holyfield. The attorney for Caffey’s wife, Bebe Caffey of Roswell, said she doesn’t know, either. Neither does her client.
“She didn’t know about all of the children,” lawyer Regina Edwards said. “She knew about a few. She had no idea he was being that disrespectful to her.”
This should be a message for all, damn, man up and take care of your kids…even if it’s a ga-zillion of them. Either that or quit man-whoring… | {
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They did have a utopia of sorts prior to 30 Days Without an Accident. I took it to mean they had 30 days without deaths or anything bad happening. Of course it didn't last, and it was only on one small corner of the world. In that world that's about all you can hope for and be lucky if you get even that
I don't consider that a "utopia" that was people living together inside a social contract, that was civilization. That there were no incidents was due to fate and the choice of people to live peacefully together at that time, but anything could have happened. The idea of no racism, nothing that separates people, no bias etc... as described in the OP is IMO, only achievable if you are some type of collective that isn't sustainable, people aren't perfect or perfectable.
I mean. I understand everyone gives their opinion. But IDK what everyone wants. A cure seems to me stupid and cliche. I want a normal ending for everyone. A kind of diferent civilaztion rebuild and somehow the legend of Rick Grimes as a Moises like figure.
The idea of ending with a happily ever after storyline sounds boring as hell and very predictable. I don’t really care about what caused everything either. They could never give a good explanation IMO anyway. I’d expect that the end game of the show would revolve around the casts of TWD and FTWD meeting and probably the government/military reemerging and a battle between everyone. I just hope that Maggie’s the last TF member left standing at this point.
I think a really positive, happy ending doesn't fit well with the rest of the story. Kirkman and the people he sacrificed his story to for television have a clear preference toward hopelessness and brutality. To have it end with a Utopia would flip the tone completely. Jesus-Rick seems like something they would do though - have everyone worship him even though he's a dumb prick. They'd do that, I'm sure.
As for what I think the end should be - I might prefer it to remain bleak. Have it end with everyone dying... It would be satisfying in a way, because we'd get to see the end of every single character's story. No loose ends. All those characters' stories were told in full. They are over. The end. Done. Or - on the show, have some threat that kills the entire group except Judith and Hershel Jr. who would somehow escape whatever killed the rest and that's the end. It'll leave it open for a "Judith, Hershel, and the End of the World" sequel. Or just leave it at that. We don't have to know if they live for years and years or just one more day. I don't want Rick or be in any way worshiped or appreciated as a historical figure. He didn't really do much other than go into a bunch of new groups and get everyone in those groups killed every time. I guess they could have a Rick-Grimes day just like we have Columbus day.
Search and Destroy missions against the walkers. It should end with Rick Grimes on a horse giving a speech about no longer being the walking dead and then leading a thousand survivors into battle with swords and knives and axes against the walkers.
- - - Updated - - -
They need some Elephants and Rhinos. No possible way whatsoever a walker could bite through an elephants hide.
A happily ever after ending wouldn't work, but I'd like to see something other than this all out war story going forward. That's going to drive the population down to the point of no return if it hasn't already
Maybe have the survivors all holed up in a single fortified city. They repopulate, start thriving again - within the city - and people start forming into bands and leaving to go take back other areas. Not like a singular society, but roving bands conquering the frontier, wild west style.
That's not exactly a conclusive ending - but I really can't imagine an ending. TWD is written in a way that they're always reacting to something rather than building something. I know, the building of communities is a big part of it, but that honestly always seems to be a background element compared to them clashing against other communities. So in that vein, it would probably be something like them discovering Europe or Iceland or something has beaten the threat and is living as some sort of utopian nation.
Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Spoil The Dead is the largest & number one fansite for AMC's The Walking Dead & Fear The Walking Dead, Image Comic's The Walking Dead, and the Telltale Games. Offering spoilers, games, and community to fans & zombie enthusiasts. | {
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final report on Diana's death on
Thursday.
*CG 2linel BBC Video
'How Diana Died-The Conspiracy Files' The report is expected to say the 1997
car crash was an accident, and that
there was no conspiracy.
However, investigators have turned
up some new evidence-- including the
fact that U-S intelligence was
listening to Diana's phone calls on the
night she died.
But at least one insider isn't
surprised.
ENG#=3 (SOT FULL)
SOT FULL
INQ=I think it's part of
*CG 2line Ken Wharfe
Diana's Former Bodyguard Ken Wharfe/Diana's Former Bodyguard: I
think it's part of 21st century
technology. It wasn't anywhere life-
threatening to Diana, and it wasn't the
searching of that information that
actually killed Diana. It was a drunken
driver and the incompetence of the
security provided by Mohamad al-Fayed
that was the real reason for this
accident.
RUNS=17 (END SOT)
OQ=real reason for this accident.
VO-NAT VO-NAT
It's long been rumored that
Diana's work as an anti- land mine
campaigner put her under the C- I- A's
microscope.
(END VO) (END VO)
KIMBERLY ON CAM KIMBERLY ON CAM
GRAPHIC=Christmas If you go to the Post Office today,
expect plenty of company.
The second Monday before Christmas
usually finds the biggest business and
longest lines of the year.
But the Post Office is making it easier
to handle some of your holiday needs if
you live in or near cities like
Roanoke.
ENG#=1 VO-NAT
VO-NAT
*CG locator Roanoke Co.
Yesterday On Sunday the main branch on
Rutherford and the Cave Spring Branch
on Postal Drive will open to help ease
the last minute shipping madness.
But it's not like Saturday hours. On
Sunday, it's only from one to five p.m.
ENG#=2 SOT FULL
SOT FULL
INQ=AT THIS TIME...
*CG 2line Richard Kassebaum
U.S Postal Service 00:01:22 "AT THIS TIME NOT A WHOLE LOT
OF PEOPLE KNOW WE'RE OPEN ON SUNDAYS.
WE CAN'T TELL IF IT'S GOING TO BE A
GOOD IDEA, BAD IDEA BE WE HAD TO GIVE
IT A SHOT." 00:01:28
RUNS=06 (END SOT)
OQ=GIVE IT A SHOT. VO-NAT
One last thing...
If you plan to mail any packages
to the troops overseas, you have about
a week to do that in order for them to
arrive by Christmas.
(END VO) (END VO)
OQ=STD. << It has been a step in a new
(END SOT) direction for Roanoke's City Market to
open up shop on Sunday.
SOT FULL SOT FULL
INQ= 51:17-:28
IT HAS IT'S UPS AND DOWNS. SOME DAYS
YOU WILL MAKE YOUR BOOTH FEE FOR THE
FARMER'S MARKET AND ENOUGH TO GET SOME
LUNCH AROUND HERE OR THEN OTHER DAYS
YOU WILL HAVE STELLAR DAYS.
RUN=11 (END SOT)
OQ= Adam says much of that
inconsistency comes as a result of the
weather and that many of his customers
are tourists.
nat sound break
But as for Calhoun and Kipp, he
has seen a slightly pace.
He remembers earlier attempts
made years ago to open on Sunday that
fell short of the demand, but this
time around he says it has added up in
a profitable way.
SOT FULL SOT FULL
INQ= 59:19-:31
YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE SALES AND THAT'S
THE BOTTOM LINE. AND THAT IS WHAT WE
SAW. CERTAINLY, AN INCREASE IN FOOT
TRAFFIC PEOPLE COMING IN AND SEEING
WHAT WE HAVE BUT IT DID TRANSLATE INTO
INCREASED SALES
RUN=12 (END SOT)
OQ=
SOT FULL SOT FULL
INQ= 1:15:00-:10
AND WITH IT BEING THE HOLIDAY SEASON,
SOME BUSINESS ADD THAT IT HAS HELPED
BEING OPEN THAT EXTRA DAY BECAUSE THEY
HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE IN FOOT TRAFFIC
OF PEOPLE COMING TO THE AREA TO FINISH
THEIR SHOPPING.
RUN=10 (END SOT)
OQ=
SOT FULL SOT FULL
INQ= 1:03:44-:55
I'M THRILLED OVER IT AND ITS ABOUT THE
ONLY DAY THAT I CAN GET OUT AND GO
SHOPPING. I MYSELF HAVE A BUSINESS IN
SALEM, LOT OF MY CUSTOMERS WORK ALL
DURING THE WEEK AND THIS IS ABOUT THE
ONLY TIME THAT THEY CAN GO SHOPPING.
RUN=11 (END SOT)
OQ= However, not all businesses have
followed suit and opened their doors on
Sunday.
Some owners point out that many
establishments are family owned and
need at least one day off.
Yet, they say downtown is slowly
starting to transform but because there
were years of no activity downtown that
that it will take time to reverse
trend. Aleesha Chaney, News 7,
Roanoke. >>
WEATHER TOSS WEATHER TOSS
*NW K/L N-W-Toss --
MODIFIED: MOD BY: ED. BTAPE TIMECODE WR BACKTIMEREAD:SOT: TOTALEP -------
Here's Jean Jadhon with some of this
past week's viewer comments.
ENG#=3 SOT FULL
SOT FULL
INQ=
*CG locator Blacksburg
Monday
:05
*CG locator Pulaski
Thursday
:55
RUNS=1:58 (END SOT)
OQ=I'm Jean Jadhon <
(END SOT) been working on new ways to keep
pedestrians safe, but one Tech student
thinks it's often the pedestrians
themselves that are the danger.
"One thing I feel was not addressed
very well in the story was education of
the pedestrians," Hanna Mabe said.
"Multiple times I have been crossing
the street or driving on the street and
seen pedestrians walk into the road
without looking to see if any vehicles
are coming."
A new intermodal rail terminal may be
coming to the Roanoke Valley... and
while some residents would rather see
it move on down the line, a viewer from
the New River Valley hopes it stops
there.
Sue Tolley wrote "Hey, if Salem doesn't
want this business opportunity...
please ask that Pulaski County be
looked into! We are starving for jobs
out there and have I-81 running right
though us too."
SOT FULL 1:15:16 SOT FULL
INQ=NATS MERRY CHISTMAS
NATS OF PARADE
RUN=03 (END SOT)
OQ=NAT
Our story on Pulaski's Christmas Parade
and efforts to keep the Ku Klux Klan
out of it got a lot of "bah humbugs,"
including one from the town manager.
"...your station chose to focus on an
incident that occurred in last years
parade in which the KKK was involved,"
wrote John Hawley. "While we were not
pleased with the situation, we
addressed the issue at that time.
Rather than allowing the activities of
this group to divide our community, we
took measures to ensure that this event
would not occur again. In the future,
we hope that Channel 7 will focus on
the positive strides our community has
made and continues to make, rather than
sensationalizing the past activities of
persons not affiliated with our Town."
If you have a comment about the news or
how we covered it let us know by
letter, email or phone. With News-7
Feedback, I'm Jean Jadhon..>> | {
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Institutions
The British in India had found the Sikhs to be brave and loyal soldiers. They brought the first Sikhs to Singapore to serve in the Sikh Police Contingent in 1881. The pioneer Sikhs set up 2 Sikh Temples (Gurdwaras) in Pearls Hill and Tanjong Pagar. | {
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A changed climate will expose European cities to environmental pressures. The SUDPLAN project - Sustainable Urban Development Planner for Climate Change Adaptation - aims at developing a web-based planning, prediction and training tool to support decisions in long term urban planning. This will help to assure population´s health, comfort, safety and life quality as well as sustainability of investments in utilities and infrastructures within a changing climate. With it´s open nature and architectural design, SUDPLAN will contribute to a shared information space in Europe.
ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Planning for environmental factors
Sustainable cities require an integrated planning approach. SUDPLAN services will allow the assessment of some of the most important environmental factors - storm water flooding, river flooding and air pollution. City planners can assess, for present as well as for different climate scenario conditions, the consequences of possible future solutions for urbanization, infrastructure and transport systems.
Future climate in Europe
SUDPLAN services offer visualisation of precipitation and temperature scenarios based on output from Regional Climate Models, together with Pan-European model output of air quality and hydrological conditions. SUDPLAN uses the Pan-European scenarios as a basis for a further downscaling to a particular city.
Storm water flooding and CSO management
The risk of storm water flooding over sealed surfaces and the overflow in urban sewer systems, for now and within different climate change scenarios, will be possible to assess. SUDPLAN pilots will develop planning tools for dimensioning of water runoff systems and other infrastructure solutions to mitigate the effects of storm water flooding and of combined sewer overflows (CSO) into receiving waters.
River flooding
Many European cities are suffering from river flooding, caused by precipitation and melting snow linked to upstream river basins rather than by what is happening in the city itself. Other problems can be droughts or water shortage. The SUDPLAN tool can be used to evaluate the hydrological consequences of different local land use and urbanization, for present and future climatic conditions.
Air pollution
Urban air pollution builds up by the impact from sources on many scales, from the global down to microscale environments like a particular street pavement. The SUDPLAN tool includes a coupled model system that goes from the European scale down to invididual streets. It will determine the risks for exceedances of national standards and environmental goals, today and under a future changed climate.
SUDPLAN COMPONENTS
Scenario Management System
Common Services
Downscaled precipitation, temperature, hydrological and air pollution data for visualization in the Scenario Management System or for downloading as input data to local models. Common Services will be available for all cities in Europe. | {
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Noticias (2)
YEAR 2015
- Editorial -GITICE already has its own editorial, UA Journals. Publisher of scientific journals created to spreading the latest research in a wide range of academic fields, and all with free access, and Creative Commons license. Aiming thus become a knowledge center, where researchers can publish their latest developments in the world of research with proper promotion to reach all countries through its indexation in major databases. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
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i still have the monster hunter freedom unite in my computer drive and i can't get the time to put it in my PSP even though i have a 16gig mem card lol.. full of some RPG games, i just cant get it to play.. maybe i'm not a fan of it's gameplay haha..
Monster hunter Tri probably the best game to start with, as it seemed a lot easier then the psp games to me (or try monster hunter 3 ultimate which is a HD remake of tri for wii u which is out in march).
I tried playing them but I just don't find a game whose challenge is dependent on bad mechanics all that fun. Where the "challenge" comes from not being able to lock onto enemies or your weapons being slow and clumsy.
If you want a Monster Hunter type of experience but it being less like Monster Hunter, play God(s) Eater.
I tried playing them but I just don't find a game whose challenge is dependent on bad mechanics all that fun. Where the "challenge" comes from not being able to lock onto enemies or your weapons being slow and clumsy.
If you want a Monster Hunter type of experience but it being less like Monster Hunter, play God(s) Eater.
Yeah, it's more good if there are lock-on skill as it more easy than just random swinging sword.
I was like ''OH MY GOD MONSTER HUNTER LOOKS AWESOME!'' When I saw the trailer of TRI, but now after playing, TRI, Freedom 2 and Freedom United. I can say this series is not made for me. The gameplay is boring, repetitive(says mister Dynasty Warriors...) and you know blegh. I ain't the type for killing things and taking their meat or something like that.
I tried playing them but I just don't find a game whose challenge is dependent on bad mechanics all that fun. Where the "challenge" comes from not being able to lock onto enemies or your weapons being slow and clumsy.
If you want a Monster Hunter type of experience but it being less like Monster Hunter, play God(s) Eater.
The whole point of the no-lock-on is so that it adds an extra layer of difficulty. You yourself have to be able to keep track of the monster, not rely on some tool to do it for you.
As far as the weapons, change weapons? The dual blades or sword and shield are pretty damn fast.
Greatswords all the way! They aren't even slow if you can handle them. What comes to "lock on", use the Claw! My bro hated that but after he was using it for awhile, he can' t play any PSP games without it. Hell, I keep using the Claw even with Wii on MH3 even if I have Classic Controller Pro with two analog sticks. I keep camera on monster all the time so I don't miss even once. Last night I kept farming and upgrading elemental greatswords in MHP3rd and I haven't sleep at all. This is the only game series that doesn't get boring to me, no matter how much I play them. When Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate will come in March, I buy both versions of it for Wii U and 3DS.
Now to work I go~
Edit: Oh, and by the way, even if you don't like the series now, keep trying it for time to time. It was about 2-3 years before I started like them and now I can't live without any MH games. Monster Hunter Wikia is also good help when you start playing.
The whole point of the no-lock-on is so that it adds an extra layer of difficulty. You yourself have to be able to keep track of the monster, not rely on some tool to do it for you.
As far as the weapons, change weapons? The dual blades or sword and shield are pretty damn fast.
That's the thing, it doesn't give you an arsenal of tools that you can use and make the difficulty based on your own failure, it takes away your basics and makes the difficulty based on lacking essential parts. I don't consider that "good difficulty". A game like Devil May Cry 3 is fast and responsive with an array of weapons and combos. It's difficult because if you die, it's your fault, not because the controls weren't responsive or your attacks were slow.
I tried playing them but I just don't find a game whose challenge is dependent on bad mechanics all that fun. Where the "challenge" comes from not being able to lock onto enemies or your weapons being slow and clumsy.
If you want a Monster Hunter type of experience but it being less like Monster Hunter, play God(s) Eater.
Slow attacks doesn't equal bad mechanics. Slow attacks mean that you need to be able to read the monster before dedicating yourself to a strike. I never thought the controls were unresponsive either, infact the opposite. The game is largely about learning the moveset of the monster, mastering your weapon of choice, and making quick judgements about when to evade, attack, heal, capture, and so on.
Also, the lack of automatic camera control is largely due to some monsters using their speed to disorient you as a player, not your character. Some monsters dig, some fly, and some leap around the arena. It's up to the player to keep track of them. But regardless, why is this an issue? You're using both control sticks just like any other game, often of which the right control stick is used for camera control in some form. Slamming the game for lack of automatic camera control is like slamming FPS games for not having a on-rails light gun genre camera system.
Slow attacks doesn't equal bad mechanics. Slow attacks mean that you need to be able to read the monster before dedicating yourself to a strike. I never thought the controls were unresponsive either, infact the opposite. The game is largely about learning the moveset of the monster, mastering your weapon of choice, and making quick judgements about when to evade, attack, heal, capture, and so on.
Also, the lack of automatic camera control is largely due to some monsters using their speed to disorient you as a player, not your character. Some monsters dig, some fly, and some leap around the arena. It's up to the player to keep track of them. But regardless, why is this an issue? You're using both control sticks just like any other game, often of which the right control stick is used for camera control in some form. Slamming the game for lack of automatic camera control is like slamming FPS games for not having a on-rails light gun genre camera system.
Well here's a perfect example, when you go to heal, you do this stupid animation for no reason at all. Like you eat and then your character strikes a pose for no reason. This is just inflated difficulty. If you're in a battle and need to heal, you need to be pretty damn lucky to run away, eat, let your animation finish, and get back to it without getting hit.
You have to read your enemies in most any other game that requires a modicum of skill, the difference is that Monster Hunter just makes you unbelievably slow and takes away your lock on and most basic features.
And no, your FPS simile doesn't work. Lock on camera controls are essential for most any game played like Monster Hunter. If a monster wants to disorient you with speed or digging or flying, stop locking on. It's as easy as that. It just becomes a giant pain in the ass (especially on the single-stick iterations of it) to keep the enemy in view and have yourself miss half the time.
My whole point is the game is entirely reliant on everything being clunky to be difficult while a game like Devil May Cry is as smooth as a baby's buttered bottom while the same if not more difficult. It's why I find Dragon's Dogma to be a superior Monster Hunter-like game than Monster Hunter.
Well here's a perfect example, when you go to heal, you do this stupid animation for no reason at all. Like you eat and then your character strikes a pose for no reason. This is just inflated difficulty.
I disagree. The animation is supposed to make you think twice before healing in a fight. Although you might call it inflated difficulty, I just call it difficulty. The game makes up for it by allowing the player to carry a generous amount of healing items.
You have to read your enemies in most any other game that requires a modicum of skill, the difference is that Monster Hunter just makes you unbelievably slow and takes away your lock on and most basic features.
You're only slow if you're using a slow weapon class. You are certainly not slow when using the dual swords, sword and shield, light bowgun, longsword, and so on.
Although it is true that most games require you to read a enemy, but Monster Hunter places a huge amount of emphasis on it and expects you to react quickly. The Greatsword (the slowest weapon in the game) especially requires excellent reading of monsters, and good timing. But the damage potential is huge if you're proficient at it.
And no, your FPS simile doesn't work. Lock on camera controls are essential for most any game played like Monster Hunter. If a monster wants to disorient you with speed or digging or flying, stop locking on. It's as easy as that. It just becomes a giant pain in the ass (especially on the single-stick iterations of it) to keep the enemy in view and have yourself miss half the time.
The single-stick control scheme was admittedly horrible, but that was due to the PSP, as Capcom were fine with enabling real controls for Tri. No argument there.
Back to the camera tracking, many others and myself feel that automatic camera tracking is not essential to the Monster Hunter franchise and in fact enjoy its absence. You need to get used to it, though.
However, Monster Hunter is not perfect. For instance, the chance-based loot system is heavily flawed, especially given that battles against a single monster can last over 30 minutes. Having an 4% chance for a drop from a horn or something every 30 minutes (assuming you're fighting the monster repeatedly) is, as you can imagine, pretty disastrous.
Some people can go over 100 fights without gaining the item that they're looking for, which is especially quite rubbish considering you usually have to complete special requirements to have a chance at them, such as breaking monster parts.
That's the thing, it doesn't give you an arsenal of tools that you can use and make the difficulty based on your own failure, it takes away your basics and makes the difficulty based on lacking essential parts. I don't consider that "good difficulty". A game like Devil May Cry 3 is fast and responsive with an array of weapons and combos. It's difficult because if you die, it's your fault, not because the controls weren't responsive or your attacks were slow.
Comparing DMC to Monster Hunter.....
THE STUPID! IT BURNS!!!!!
I'm sorry, but you DO realize those two games are completely different categories right? Shit you might as well have just compared it to Mario or Metroid.
Also it DOES give you a vast array of weapons at the start of the game you're given one of every weapon type so you can choose which style fits you best.
As far the combos, it's not a Platinum Game. It's mean to be semi-realism. I hate to put it like this but God-Eater is for the uh... younger audience if you will. Not saying it's not a good game, but because of the tools it gives you it is MUCH easier than Monster Hunter. | {
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Category: Innovation
News Flash…
“As we enter the year 2027, the all knowing iNHS Super Intelligence – HUNT – H.ealth U.nder N.ew T.echnolgy, faces attacks and sabotage as out of work doctors, A.K.A. “Lub-Dub-ites”, continue to throw their stethoscopes into the gears…”
1.2 million patients in North London are to be offered assessment and advice via an Artificially Intelligent Chatbot using an App provided by Babylon, a private firm who already offer private video chat GP appointments for £25.
“Please report to the administrator’s office…”
It was the early 1980s and Dr Archie Brain was living in the nurses accommodation block. Whilst sprucing up his room, the cleaning lady had stumbled upon a collection of home made, orchid styled latex objects that had been hung out to dry. Suspicious of what use they might be being put to, she had reported the matter. Fortunately, Dr Brain was able to convince the administrator that it was all part of his legitimate research.
Prototype Laryngeal Mask Airways
Changing the world of medicine can throw up all sorts of unexpected problems!
Those of you with an interest in anaesthetics will recognise the name. Dr Archie Brain invented the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA). He took it from an idea, to a listed company (LMACO) and an essential piece of life saving anaesthetic equipment in use all over the world! His story holds some interesting lessons for would be health innovators.
Welcome back for part ⅖ of my series of posts about the world of health innovation and startup culture. There is a hope and belief that through innovation and the application of emerging new technologies, medicine can continue to improve health and wellbeing outcomes whilst also meeting the challenges of rising costs, complexity and demand. Artificial Intelligence, Social Networking, 3D Printing, Smart Devices, the Internet of Things… The list and possibilities go on.
These posts are based on my notes and reflections from the Doctorpreneurs day conference held at St Thomas Hospital London on Saturday 5th November.
Today we will examine that most vital piece of the anatomy of a medical startup… The idea behind it all.
Part one in the series was an exploration of the “Doctor Founders” behind medical startups. If you missed it then catch up here.
Where do health innovation ideas come from?
In essence, a health technology startup is built upon a solution to a problem or more specifically a need.
Doctors are exceptionally well placed to spot problems and to innovate solutions. Those without the valuable of experience working at the “coalface” of patient care are not so well placed to spot the unmet needs in healthcare.
‘Well all this holding of facemasks does seem to me to be a bit awkward really.’ – Thought Dr Archie Brain
I have always found the entrepreneur an intriguing character. Growing up in the 80s and 90s I held a fascination with figures such as the nerdy but supremely wealthy Bill Gates of Microsoft, or Britain’s own charismatic and adventurous Richard Branson. They have wealth, control and the confidence that comes from knowing that they made it all happen themselves.
Most impressively, entrepreneurs often use their self made fortunes to attempt to benefit mankind. Bill Gates intends to give away most of his billions to help cure disease and Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, Tesla and Paypal, wants to colonise Mars within our lifetime.
Before entering medicine, I would wonder if one day I might become an entrepreneur.
Of course, I’m now contented and settled in my role helping my patients as a GP. But I still have respect for the entrepreneur and for startup culture. They are inventive, creative, hardworking and prepared to fail fast and fail often until the problem is solved and job is done.
Healthcare is facing a perfect storm of challenges. The list is familiar; increasing patient expectations, older and more medically complex populations, availability of more but higher cost treatments, and shrinking or static budgets. To continue to deliver universal care, good care and to also control costs, we will need to do things differently.
Many believe that medical entrepreneurs and startups can help us face these challenges by using new and emerging technology to find innovative solutions. To allow us to improve care, control costs and treat everyone. To let us have our cake and eat it.
With these hopes in mind, I joined a hundred or so other medical, technology and financial professionals at the Doctorpreneurs day conference at St Thomas Hospital London on Saturday 5th November.
It was a great opportunity to listen, talk to and study that fascinating species, the Doctorpreneur. Over the next 5 weeks I will take you back to anatomy class and we will peel back the skin and take a look at what is behind a doctor led medical startup.
“This is the most mismanaged gp surgery I have ever had the displeasure to use. Difficult to get appointments, impossible to plan around work, rude receptionist…”
It is difficult to see how any surgery could use this sort of general criticism to achieve anything positive. More often I find that this sort of comment leaves staff demoralised and defensive.
The premise of NHS Choices sounds superficially sensible. Provide potential patients with honest, good quality testimonials about GP practices. These rational and informed consumers will then choose to take their business to the best practices. The good surgeries are rewarded with new business. The underperformers will respond to patient feedback and improve, or eventually lose patients and go broke.
In most industries and under normal circumstances this would make sense. But, General Practice is not a normal industry and these are strange times. In an environment of clinical staff shortages, many practices simply do not need or want to attract more patients. They simply cannot find or afford the staff they would need to look after them. In addition, due to practices boundary rules, patient choice may be limited to only a collection of equally poorly rated practices facing shared recruitment and demographic problems.
Feedback is powerful. Thoughtful feedback given with good intentions by a skilled tutor or friend can encourage a student to improve and excel. But, careless feedback can hurt, demoralise and block progress.
Feedback is a useful tool when applied in the right way to a suitable problem…
Working as a GP in the esteemed but overstretched british national institution which is the modern NHS can be tough at times. I felt this a little more than usual last week having just returned from my summer holiday in the artificial bubble and pinnacle of one of America’s own national institutions – Disney World – the “happiest place on earth”.
Since beginning this blog, I’m always on the lookout for innovative ideas. Free association of unrelated concepts is a great source of inspiration. So I kept my iPhone in hand to jot down any thoughts that might help improve life and care within General Practice or the wider NHS. | {
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Surprisingly, when I met Modi, he did not utter a single word about [R. B.] Sreekumar. He asked me why my case is getting prolonged for so long. He said, "I understand that it has been more than 19 years." I told him that it was because of the games played by various political parties that it was still going on. I told him that it was a false case foisted by both the coalition fronts (the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front) in Kerala, as was established by the CBI. Neither coalition wanted to admit the error in their judgment, as it was a matter of prestige for both.
I was not able to fight my way through, as they were both involved in it. I told Modi what the CBI had found [that the charges were false], and what the Supreme Court's ruling was [not guilty on all counts]. The CBI had asked the state government to take action against the police officers [responsible for malicious allegations], but they sat on it without divulging what they were doing about it. When the Kerala government wanted to go ahead with the case even after that, the court quashed it with heavy strictures. I also told him about the compensation that I have demanded from the state and Union governments.
I came out of the room full of admiration for Modi. Somebody from the media asked me later, 'Why did you meet a chief minister from Gujarat?' I asked him, 'Why not? Kerala has had five chief ministers—K. Karunakaran, A. K. Antony, E. K. Nayanar, V. Achuthanadan[,] and Oommen Chandy—since the case broke out, but not even one chief minister had the courtesy to talk to me.' But somebody from Gujarat showed an interest in meeting me and hearing my story. I felt great about it. If he had any political motive in meeting me, he would have done so in the public glare. But instead, he met me quietly at 9:30 pm, and he issued no press statement about the meeting. | {
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Women in Technology: Alexandra Carl
Liquid Web’s Customer Experience Manager on her start in tech, her biggest challenge, and the value of offering a different point of view.
“Your biggest strength in this industry is in being a little different,” says Alexandra Carl.
Alexandra Carl grew up sitting at the kitchen table beside her mother, a small business owner. While Alexandra did her homework, her mother did payroll. “Growing up and seeing all of the negotiations and work that it takes to build and run a business is still very impactful.” She spent her youth watching her mother keep an eye on the big picture, while also being sure to spot and fill any gaps. This model of leadership has had a profound effect on Carl’s career. “My mother isn’t ‘too good’ for any role in her company. I try to model that as well.”
Carl has been lending this sensibility to her work at Liquid Web, her first technology job, for the past six years. She admits that she didn’t begin a career in technology because of any specific goals or plans. “I faced a choice to continue on my current path, which meant working three minimum wage jobs, or risking what I had to build a new career. I found opportunities in technology and, with the help of some very good friends, learned what I needed to learn to get my foot in the door,” she says. “It was hard at first to learn everything that I needed to know technically without having much of a background, but some base aptitude showed up after a few months and I learned quickly.”
That leap six years ago has led to Alexandra Carl’s current role as the Customer Experience Manager at Liquid Web, where she analyzes each encounter crafted for Liquid Web clients. From customer surveys to feedback within the portal and communication in tickets or chats, she is always on the lookout for what can be improved, where she and her team can be better, and how the customer service experience can be enhanced. “I joke that my job is to roam around looking for problems so that I can fix them,” she says. “When you see something broken, congratulations! It is now yours to fix or to shine a light on.”
She is inspired by the knowledge that Liquid Web’s customers are business owners, community organizers, and people with big ideas. “Crafting an excellent customer experience is about listening, being willing to take a real look at the choices being made, and smoothing out rough areas internally so that all that customers need to do is worry about their business. I like that, in a small way, I am helping a lot of people do their work better.”
Her biggest challenge and proudest accomplishment came a few years ago when she was a last-minute selection as the project coordinator for a large acquisition, suddenly running her first team on a tight budget with a nearly impossible timeline. “It was amazing the way the whole company banded together to end with a successful project. I love the camaraderie that I find in tech teams, and being surrounded by tremendously smart people.”
In addition to her role as Customer Experience Manager, she is also the Department Head of Service Delivery, a team that assembles and deploys all of the physical hardware needed by Liquid Web customers and by the company internally. “I love the balance of running a production team as well as an idea team,” she says.
Alongside learning from her mother’s focus and diligence, Carl credits mentors at Liquid Web for guiding her through career challenges. “Ani King, Crystal and Sebastian Green-Husted, Benny Vasquez, Terry Trout, Nicky Bulmer, and Jack Hayhurst. They have been with me from learning the basics to facing big decisions.”
She encourages other women who are interested in joining the ranks of women in technology to embrace that which makes them unique. “Your biggest strength in this industry is in being a little different, in looking at things in a new light and bringing those ideas into the group. The industry is well established, but established by people who largely think in the same way. New ideas from people that are not traditionally on these teams and in these roles are where the growth and improvement will come from. Make some noise and push your point of view. We will all be better for it.”
From her mother’s kitchen table to her current role at Liquid Web, Alexandra Carl’s career has been shaped by a belief in constant improvement, both big and small. “At each step, I do everything I can and then take the next step in the direction that makes the most sense. I don’t know what the top of the mountain looks like, but I know which direction I should be marching in to get there.”
About the Author
Mayra Pena, is the Communications Manager at Liquid Web and has over 10 years of experience in technology. Her passion is being a Helpful Human by creating and sharing valuable content for the Liquid Web community. | {
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*Membership spots not really limited!
DANG!
Punchy wrote:Well, he wasn't sitting on his butt this issue, he was stopping a massive fucking satellite from falling to Earth.
The 'legwork' that Clark does is probably mostly as Superman.
It's only been 1 issue! Perhaps we will see Clark's blog work in more detail, you are jumping the gun so bloody fast here.
So Clark's just going to report on Superman stopping satellites falling to Earth and stuff like that? How is that "crusading journalism?" I doubt that Clark is that narcissistic just to write about himself all of the time.
You miss the point, too. I'm talking about using Clark's job as a reporter as an entry point into stories. It's not that hard of an idea to follow.
a)Perry White sends Clark out to cover a story.b)Story evolves into something that requires Superman to intervene.
Example: Clark covers a political rally. Rally comes under attack by super-villian. Job for Superman ensues.
DANG!
Punchy wrote:Well, he wasn't sitting on his butt this issue, he was stopping a massive fucking satellite from falling to Earth.
The 'legwork' that Clark does is probably mostly as Superman.
It's only been 1 issue! Perhaps we will see Clark's blog work in more detail, you are jumping the gun so bloody fast here.
So Clark's just going to report on Superman stopping satellites falling to Earth and stuff like that? How is that "crusading journalism?" I doubt that Clark is that narcissistic just to write about himself all of the time.
You miss the point, too. I'm talking about using Clark's job as a reporter as an entry point into stories. It's not that hard of an idea to follow.
a)Perry White sends Clark out to cover a story.b)Story evolves into something that requires Superman to intervene.
Example: Clark covers a political rally. Rally comes under attack by super-villian. Job for Superman ensues.
Strict31 wrote:I'm not sure that combining the nigh-uncontrollable power of LOLtron with the Nacireman is a good idea. Some years from now, when mankind is on the verge of extinction, we'll be able to look back and remember this moment, and say, "DANG."
Staff Writer
Juan Cena wrote:So Clark's just going to report on Superman stopping satellites falling to Earth and stuff like that? How is that "crusading journalism?" I doubt that Clark is that narcissistic just to write about himself all of the time.
You miss the point, too. I'm talking about using Clark's job as a reporter as an entry point into stories. It's not that hard of an idea to follow.
a)Perry White sends Clark out to cover a story.b)Story evolves into something that requires Superman to intervene.
Example: Clark covers a political rally. Rally comes under attack by super-villian. Job for Superman ensues.
We saw in this very issue that Clark made the story not about Superman, but about the people aboard the satellite, it was called 'Unsung Heroes' or something like that.
And as I said, it's been one issue of this series, Snyder very well may use Clark's blog as a tool to start stories, he may not. It's just the same as working for the Daily Planet, sometimes it was crucial, at others not. In this issue, Superman was only Clark for 2 pages or so.
You're acting ridiculous, you only want Superman stories that fit into your narrow viewpoint, and you want them to do your ideas exactly.
Staff Writer
Juan Cena wrote:So Clark's just going to report on Superman stopping satellites falling to Earth and stuff like that? How is that "crusading journalism?" I doubt that Clark is that narcissistic just to write about himself all of the time.
You miss the point, too. I'm talking about using Clark's job as a reporter as an entry point into stories. It's not that hard of an idea to follow.
a)Perry White sends Clark out to cover a story.b)Story evolves into something that requires Superman to intervene.
Example: Clark covers a political rally. Rally comes under attack by super-villian. Job for Superman ensues.
We saw in this very issue that Clark made the story not about Superman, but about the people aboard the satellite, it was called 'Unsung Heroes' or something like that.
And as I said, it's been one issue of this series, Snyder very well may use Clark's blog as a tool to start stories, he may not. It's just the same as working for the Daily Planet, sometimes it was crucial, at others not. In this issue, Superman was only Clark for 2 pages or so.
You're acting ridiculous, you only want Superman stories that fit into your narrow viewpoint, and you want them to do your ideas exactly.
Strict31 wrote:I'm not sure that combining the nigh-uncontrollable power of LOLtron with the Nacireman is a good idea. Some years from now, when mankind is on the verge of extinction, we'll be able to look back and remember this moment, and say, "DANG."
DANG!
We saw in this very issue that Clark made the story not about Superman, but about the people aboard the satellite, it was called 'Unsung Heroes' or something like that.
It's still Clark's reporting being more reactive than proactive.
And as I said, it's been one issue of this series, Snyder very well may use Clark's blog as a tool to start stories, he may not. It's just the same as working for the Daily Planet, sometimes it was crucial, at others not. In this issue, Superman was only Clark for 2 pages or so.
Only DailyPlanet.com probably is read more than Clark's blog.
You're acting ridiculous, you only want Superman stories that fit into your narrow viewpoint, and you want them to do your ideas exactly
.
Nieto hack your account there?
Besides, I'm the only poster around here that accusation can be used on, right?
Actually I want stories where Clark's reporting is more central to the story than just being ancillary to it. Not all the time. Just more than once in a blue moon. That should happen more often with three Superman books out.
It just seems funny that writers only want to use Clark when it comes to his personal life as a break between the action, and not as a way to move the plot forward.
We saw in this very issue that Clark made the story not about Superman, but about the people aboard the satellite, it was called 'Unsung Heroes' or something like that.
It's still Clark's reporting being more reactive than proactive.
And as I said, it's been one issue of this series, Snyder very well may use Clark's blog as a tool to start stories, he may not. It's just the same as working for the Daily Planet, sometimes it was crucial, at others not. In this issue, Superman was only Clark for 2 pages or so.
Only DailyPlanet.com probably is read more than Clark's blog.
You're acting ridiculous, you only want Superman stories that fit into your narrow viewpoint, and you want them to do your ideas exactly
.
Nieto hack your account there?
Besides, I'm the only poster around here that accusation can be used on, right?
Actually I want stories where Clark's reporting is more central to the story than just being ancillary to it. Not all the time. Just more than once in a blue moon. That should happen more often with three Superman books out.
It just seems funny that writers only want to use Clark when it comes to his personal life as a break between the action, and not as a way to move the plot forward.
"I have my heroes, but no one knows their names"- Sons of the Desert
Strict31 wrote:I'm not sure that combining the nigh-uncontrollable power of LOLtron with the Nacireman is a good idea. Some years from now, when mankind is on the verge of extinction, we'll be able to look back and remember this moment, and say, "DANG."
Besides, I'm the only poster around here that accusation can be used on, right?
Actually I want stories where Clark's reporting is more central to the story than just being ancillary to it. Not all the time. Just more than once in a blue moon. That should happen more often with three Superman books out.
It just seems funny that writers only want to use Clark when it comes to his personal life as a break between the action, and not as a way to move the plot forward.
Besides, I'm the only poster around here that accusation can be used on, right?
Actually I want stories where Clark's reporting is more central to the story than just being ancillary to it. Not all the time. Just more than once in a blue moon. That should happen more often with three Superman books out.
It just seems funny that writers only want to use Clark when it comes to his personal life as a break between the action, and not as a way to move the plot forward.
The Lord of the Monkeys
Juan Cena wrote:First, gold isn't considered legal tender to begin with, so it's a moot point. You can't walk in and drop a $100 gold coin and buy groceries with it. It's considered a commodity.
And even if you could do that, only gold coins minted by the US government would be considered legal tender. So Supes would technically be counterfeiting. Some GOP-controlled states are trying to make gold legal tender, BTW. They're probably not actually allowed to do that under the Constitution.
Where did you get counterfeiting coins from what I said? All I said was "melt gold".
And it IS a commodity. One which, like everybody ELSE in this country, he could SELL. For money. Which IS legal tender.
For that matter, Jesus Christ, Nac. You can accept the reality of a fucking space alien who looks so identical to humanity as to pass unnoticed among us, possessing powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men... But the idea that this alien might manage to monetize his blog is where you draw the line?
And as Punchy said, it's issue one. Maybe give it a couple of issues before we start declaring the sky to have fallen....
The Lord of the Monkeys
Juan Cena wrote:First, gold isn't considered legal tender to begin with, so it's a moot point. You can't walk in and drop a $100 gold coin and buy groceries with it. It's considered a commodity.
And even if you could do that, only gold coins minted by the US government would be considered legal tender. So Supes would technically be counterfeiting. Some GOP-controlled states are trying to make gold legal tender, BTW. They're probably not actually allowed to do that under the Constitution.
Where did you get counterfeiting coins from what I said? All I said was "melt gold".
And it IS a commodity. One which, like everybody ELSE in this country, he could SELL. For money. Which IS legal tender.
For that matter, Jesus Christ, Nac. You can accept the reality of a fucking space alien who looks so identical to humanity as to pass unnoticed among us, possessing powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men... But the idea that this alien might manage to monetize his blog is where you draw the line?
And as Punchy said, it's issue one. Maybe give it a couple of issues before we start declaring the sky to have fallen....
DANG!
Lord Simian wrote:Where did you get counterfeiting coins from what I said? All I said was "melt gold".
And it IS a commodity. One which, like everybody ELSE in this country, he could SELL. For money. Which IS legal tender.
I took it as you meant that Supes was melting the gold to change it into a more suitable form, such as gold bars or coins with the purpose of exchanging it for money or products. At least one of those actions (possible both) could fall under the category of counterfeiting. . As for gold bars...
Bars generally carry lower price premiums than gold bullion coins. However larger bars carry an increased risk of forgery due to their less stringent parameters for appearance. While bullion coins can be easily weighed and measured against known values to confirm their veracity, most bars cannot, and gold buyers often have bars re-assayed. Larger bars also have a greater volume in which to create a partial forgery using a tungsten-filled cavity, which may not be revealed by an assay.[48]
Good delivery bars that are held within the London bullion market (LBMA) system each have a verifiable chain of custody, beginning with the refiner and assayer, and continuing through storage in LBMA recognized vaults. Bars within the LBMA system can be bought and sold easily. If a bar is removed from the vaults and stored outside of the chain of integrity, for example stored at home or in a private vault, it will have to be re-assayed before it can be returned to the LBMA chain. This process is described under the LBMA's "Good Delivery Rules".[49]
The LBMA "traceable chain of custody" includes refiners as well as vaults. Both have to meet their strict guidelines. Bullion products from these trusted refiners are traded at face value by LBMA members without assay testing. By buying bullion from an LBMA member dealer and storing it in an LBMA recognized vault, customers avoid the need of re-assaying or the inconvenience in time and expense it would cost.[50] However this is not 100% sure, for example, Venezuela moved its gold because of the political risk for them, and as the past shows, even in countries considered as democratic and stable, for example in the USA in the 1930s gold was seized by the government and legal moving was banned.[51]
DANG!
Lord Simian wrote:Where did you get counterfeiting coins from what I said? All I said was "melt gold".
And it IS a commodity. One which, like everybody ELSE in this country, he could SELL. For money. Which IS legal tender.
I took it as you meant that Supes was melting the gold to change it into a more suitable form, such as gold bars or coins with the purpose of exchanging it for money or products. At least one of those actions (possible both) could fall under the category of counterfeiting. . As for gold bars...
Bars generally carry lower price premiums than gold bullion coins. However larger bars carry an increased risk of forgery due to their less stringent parameters for appearance. While bullion coins can be easily weighed and measured against known values to confirm their veracity, most bars cannot, and gold buyers often have bars re-assayed. Larger bars also have a greater volume in which to create a partial forgery using a tungsten-filled cavity, which may not be revealed by an assay.[48]
Good delivery bars that are held within the London bullion market (LBMA) system each have a verifiable chain of custody, beginning with the refiner and assayer, and continuing through storage in LBMA recognized vaults. Bars within the LBMA system can be bought and sold easily. If a bar is removed from the vaults and stored outside of the chain of integrity, for example stored at home or in a private vault, it will have to be re-assayed before it can be returned to the LBMA chain. This process is described under the LBMA's "Good Delivery Rules".[49]
The LBMA "traceable chain of custody" includes refiners as well as vaults. Both have to meet their strict guidelines. Bullion products from these trusted refiners are traded at face value by LBMA members without assay testing. By buying bullion from an LBMA member dealer and storing it in an LBMA recognized vault, customers avoid the need of re-assaying or the inconvenience in time and expense it would cost.[50] However this is not 100% sure, for example, Venezuela moved its gold because of the political risk for them, and as the past shows, even in countries considered as democratic and stable, for example in the USA in the 1930s gold was seized by the government and legal moving was banned.[51]
[/quote]
"I have my heroes, but no one knows their names"- Sons of the Desert
Strict31 wrote:I'm not sure that combining the nigh-uncontrollable power of LOLtron with the Nacireman is a good idea. Some years from now, when mankind is on the verge of extinction, we'll be able to look back and remember this moment, and say, "DANG."
The Red Stands for Irony
Obviously, Clark derives income from the Kent farm, which he rents out to a local farmer. He obviously takes that income and wisely invests that in a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, commodities and real estate, which allows him to spend the bulk of his time blogging without having to worry how to monetize his work.
Jesus, guys. Gold bars? Do you know how idiotic you all sound? Is Nac the only person who's done his research on why Superman wouldn't rely on precious metal resale as his primary source of income?
The Red Stands for Irony
Obviously, Clark derives income from the Kent farm, which he rents out to a local farmer. He obviously takes that income and wisely invests that in a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, commodities and real estate, which allows him to spend the bulk of his time blogging without having to worry how to monetize his work.
Jesus, guys. Gold bars? Do you know how idiotic you all sound? Is Nac the only person who's done his research on why Superman wouldn't rely on precious metal resale as his primary source of income?
DANG!
Now where the heck did you come up with that idea? I just said I'd like to see a story once in a while that develops from Clark actually doing out and covering a story for the Planet or his blog or whatever. Which, by the way used to happen.
Now where the heck did you come up with that idea? I just said I'd like to see a story once in a while that develops from Clark actually doing out and covering a story for the Planet or his blog or whatever. Which, by the way used to happen.
"I have my heroes, but no one knows their names"- Sons of the Desert
Strict31 wrote:I'm not sure that combining the nigh-uncontrollable power of LOLtron with the Nacireman is a good idea. Some years from now, when mankind is on the verge of extinction, we'll be able to look back and remember this moment, and say, "DANG." | {
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SSC Announced Calendar for CGL Exam 2017-2018 and various ssc recruitment exams
SSC New Calendar 2017 Official Notification – Are you searching for latest news or notification announcement by Staff Selection Commission for combined graduate level examination 2017 for Tier-1/ Tier-2/ Tier-3/ Tier-4 , Stenographer Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Examination, Rectt. of SI in CAPFs, ASI in CISF and SI in Delhi Police Exam -2017 (Paper-II), Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) – CHSL Exam, 2017 (Tier-I) and Various exams under ssc that will Going to be conduct in 2017-2018 session for filling various government jobs Posts overall in India. All the interested candidates who posses Graduation qualification and doing preparation for CGL Tier 1 Exam in 2017, that’s Notification get Postponed, Every-one searching for exact date when SSC Will publish official notification and open Apply Online link to Doing Registration for CGL Tier-1 Exam 2017. Here, we have a good news for all eligible candidates, is that SSC (Staff Selection Commission) recently announced Revised Calendar where S.S.C Provided all New dates for Exam and Notification that Get Postponed.So, Interested candidates Must check this page complete to the end to Known all Updated Dates by SSC for upcoming NOTIFICATION AND EXAMS 2017.
As, all of we Known that, SSC Again fail to Publish recruitment exam notification for CGL Exam 2017 According to their SSC CGL 2017 CALENDAR that was, announced on 18, October 2017 is that, CGL Tier 1 Exam Notification will publish on 11-March-2017 (Now Postponed). In, 2017 Staff Selection Commission Late official notification by 2 months. According to revised calendar that, was announced on 12, April 2017 in their official portal website i.e ssc.nic.in that official notification and online apply link will be activated on 16-May-2017 to 19-June-2017. BELOW YOU WILL GET ALL SSC UPCOMING EXAMS NOTIFICATION New Releasing date. So, Keep Reading…
SSC CGL 2017 Revised Calendar Out at SSC.NIC.IN
Staff Selection Commission (ssc) Recently, announced revised calendar for CGL and Various Upcoming Exams. According to latest notification, CGL Exam Official Notification will be Published on 16, May 2017 and Tier 1 Exam will be conduct on 01 -8-17 to 20 -08-2017 then, Tier 2 Exam will be conduct on 10.11.2017 &11.11.2017 then, Tier 3 Exam 21.01.2018 and last Tier 4 on Feb.,2018 (SKILL). SSC, Also announced Combined Jr. Hindi Translator in Subordinate Office//Hindi Pradhyapak Exam. – 2017 official notification in their official notification who’s apply Online dates start from 15-April-2017 to 5-5-2017. JHT Exam will be conduct on 14-6-2017. Below we provided all upcoming Exams dates and complete revised calendar with Official notification pdf Downloadable link.
SSC CGL 2017 Calendar Official Notification PDF
If you want to download all upcoming SSC Exams tentative schedule PDF then, ssc also provide us PDF that, you can download from the link below and save it for future Use. If you Known exacts dates for Upcoming Government Jobs Exam 2017 then, you can do Good Preparation in short period of time. So, Download Official revised calendar PDF Below:-
SSC CGL 2017-18 Latest Updates
As, this is only a general information about Staff Selection Commission. We are continuously working you to provide all latest information about CGL Exam 2017. You can visit our website on regular basis. This is an official page that, will provide you all latest or Upcoming notification by SSC in their official websites or in employment newspaper. So, stay tuned with Us. You can also check more government Jobs in 2017. | {
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Arborists Serving St Clair
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Planners are asking people to voice their opinions on the best location for the new hospital, which is due to open in 2019.
To help integrate its development within the local community and improve the decision making process.
The list includes 11 new locations in addition to the current premises of Bootham Park Hospital which closed down in October 2015, leaving patients with just five days’ notice.
The closure came as a result of a sudden inspection undertaken by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – a UK healthcare regulator.
The investigation found Bootham Park Hospital to be unfit for purpose and inspectors claimed patients were at “significant risk of harm” under the supervision of staff in the Yorkshire health facility.
As a result, responsibility for mental health and learning disability services transferred to Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust on October 1st 2015 in order to improve the quality of the services provided at the hospital.
The NHS will also be revising the number of beds required within the hospital as well as optimising the design of the building to allow for the provision of improved care for vulnerable patients who will eventually reside there.
Since its autumnal closure, patients have been forced to seek alternative care arrangements including help from community groups and some have even been forced to venture as far as Middlesbrough to receive support.
During the interim period, an adult inpatient unit is planned to open in Peppermill Court this July in order to lessen the impact of the hospital’s absence on vulnerable people in the area.
Whilst this news is devastating for all those involved, it is also a reassuring reminder of the hard work completed by the Care Quality Commission in protecting the wellbeing of people suffering from mental health issues.
NHS staff must learn from the mistakes made at Bootham Park Hospital and make significant improvements to the way in which patients are treated.
Failing to do so will only intensify the issue of negligence being faced by countless people in the UK suffering from mental health issues and learning disabilities.
Encompass help people on a daily basis to deal with enduring mental health illnesses and learning disabilities by providing services such as respite care, supported living and day care support.
Find out how the Encompass team can help you or a loved one by clicking here. | {
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Notes on math, coding, and other stuff
Tag: bijection
If you were asked to find the sum of the first four cubes, you would easily be able to do so:
But here you may notice something interesting:
It turns out that this holds for the sum of the first cubes for any — an identity. This identity can be written also as:
A second way of expressing the same identity simplifies the right side and expresses it as a combination:
A proof by bijection
This identity can be proven combinatorially by noticing that is the number of ways to choose 2 elements with repetition from the set {1..n} — the following is a proof by Benjamin and Orrison.
In this proof, we prove the third form of the identity
by constructing one set of size and constructing another set of size , then constructing a bijection between the two sets.
Let be the set of ordered 4-pairs such that — that is, the fourth integer of the pair is greater or equal to each of the other three. If we fix , the number of possibilities for the variables is . As ranges from 1 to n, the total number of elements in is equal to .
Also, since is the number of ways to choose 2 elements with repetition from the set {1..n}, there are pairs of integers satisfying . So let be the set of pairs of such pairs where and . The number of elements in is then .
We further partition the sets as follows: let be the subset of where and let be the subset of where . Similarly, let be the subset of where and let be the subset of where . We can construct a bijection between and by constructing two bijections:
The following is trivially a bijection from to — the case where :
The equivalent bijection from to — the case where :
We can confirm that the two operations we defined are indeed bijections. This proves the identity.
About a year ago or so, I created a math problem and submitted it to CsTutoringCenter. Titled Stepping Stones, my problem statement went like this:
In a certain river, there are a bunch of stepping stones arranged from one side to the other. A very athletic person can cross the river by jumping on these stepping stones, one at a time.
A stepping stone is big enough for only one person, and the gap between two stepping stones is small enough that it is possible to jump between two adjacent stepping stones.
You are an army commander trying to get a group of soldiers across this river (using these stepping stones). Initially your n soldiers are placed on the first n stepping stones. Your task is to get all of them onto the last n stepping stones.
For example, here are the five possible ways to get a group of two soldiers across a river with five stepping stones:
Let C(k,n) be the number of ways of which n soldiers can cross a river with k stepping stones. In the example, C(5,2) = 5.
Find C(50,12) mod 987654321.
Of course, small values of may be bruteforced by a computer. But is well out of reach of brute force, and substantial mathematics is needed. Or for the lazy, it is possible to find small values by brute force, then look the sequence up on OEIS to find the formula.
Bijection to a matrix representation
We find that any instance of the problem can be represented, or bijected to a special matrix, one where each row and column is increasing.
Let us number the soldiers in the following fashion. Let the rightmost soldier, that is, the soldier first to move, be labelled 1. The soldier behind him is labelled 2, and so on, until the last soldier to move is labelled . Since the order of soldiers cannot change, each soldier moves exactly times.
Consider a very simple case, with 4 stones and 2 soldiers. One possible way is the first soldier moving twice, followed by the second moving twice.
This move sequence can be represented by . The other sequence, and the only other sequence is .
Firstly a sequence like is invalid because in a valid sequence, each soldier has to move the same number of times. Another invalid case is something like , since obviously 2 cannot move the first turn. But how can you tell whether is valid or not?
It isn’t very easy to tell in sequence form. Instead we represent the sequence as a matrix form.
Let’s try some examples first, The sequence in matrix form is:
The other sequence, , is:
Try a more complex example, :
To create the matrix, first have a counter and initialize it to 1; when the first soldier moves, place the counter in the first cell that’s unfilled in the first row, and increment the counter. Now if the second soldier moves, we place the counter in the second row (first unfilled cell), and increment it again, and so on. By the time we’re through all of the soldier moves, the matrix should be nice and rectangular.
Perhaps a different explanation is more intuitive. If (where is the matrix, means row 3, column 2), that means on move 7, soldier number 3 makes his move number 2.
From this interpretation, several important facts surface. The rows must be increasing, obviously, since if the row is not increasing, say 7 comes before 5, move 7 happened before move 5, which can’t be!
Less obviously, the column has to be increasing. Suppose that in some matrix, , and the cell directly underneath, . In that case soldier 3 made his move 7 before soldier 2 made his move 7. This results in soldier 3 ahead of soldier 2 (or at least on the same stone)!
So with stones and soldiers, the matrix should have rows and columns. The cells contain the numbers , while each row and each column is increasing. Our job is to enumerate these matrices, since such a matrix forms a 1-to-1 correspondence to a valid move sequence.
Enumerating matrices with the hook length formula
AYoung tableau is an interesting combinatorial object, based on the Ferrers diagram. From a Ferrers diagram of size , a Young tableau is one where every number from is filled in it and all rows and all columns are increasing:
From any cell of a Young tableau, a hook is formed by extending all the way down, and all the way to the right:
The hook length of a cell is the length of its hook (including itself). In the above picture, the hook length is 5. Each cell in the tableau has a hook and a hook length.
The number of valid Young tableaux with a given shape and with cells is given by the hook length formula:
A special case of the hook length formula can be used to enumerate rectangular Young tableaux. For instance, we have a 3*4 Young tableau. If we fill each cell with its hook length we get:
The count would then be
Or alternatively,
Simplifying:
This can be generalized to a formula. If we have rows and columns:
For , we have rows and columns, thus by substitution we arrive at our formula:
This can be used to compute , trivial to implement in Haskell or any other language. | {
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Tenth and Eleventh Gang Members Plead Guilty In Dodge City Racketeering Case
06/24/2013
Two members of a Dodge City street gang have entered guilty pleas, becoming the tenth and eleventh defendants to plead guilty in a federal racketeering case, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.
Joshua Flores, 25, Dodge City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing a firearm in a crime of violence. Hernan Quezada, 20, Dodge City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, which was a violent crime in aid of racketeering.
In his plea, Joshua Flores admitted that he was a member of the Los Carnales Chingones street gang affiliated with the Norteno street gang on June 8, 2009, when he and other gang members who were armed with firearms robbed a victim named Isidro Raleas-Velasquez and other persons.
The victims were at their home at 1005 Avenue E in Dodge City when Flores and three other men affiliated with the Nortenos broke into their residence armed with firearms. One of the Nortenos grabbed a victim, struck him in the head with a firearm and took him into another room. Flores joined the other Nortenos in going through the house looking for other residents to rob. The other Norteno beat the victim he took into the other room. During the robbery, Raelas-Velasquez was struck with a firearm in the head, causing a large laceration. After the robbery, Flores and the other Norteno gang members divided up the proceeds of the robbery.
In his plea, Hernan Quezada admitted he was a member of the Diablos Viejos (DV) street gang affiliated with the Norteno street gang when on Feb. 5, 2012, he assaulted a victim named Reyes Bocanegra. Quezada was at 1200 Avenue I in Dodge City when he got into a fight with Bocanegra’s brother, Oscar. The fight was soon joined by Reyes Bocanegra, aiding his brother, and two other DV gang members, aiding Quezada. Quezada struck Reyes Bocanegra in the head with a bottle, causing a laceration to the top of his head.
Flores and Quezada admitted that robberies, assaults and other crimes were part of the way Norteno gang members built their reputations and kept their rivals at bay.
Flores is set for sentencing Sept. 9. He faces a penalty of not less than seven years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Quezada is set for sentencing Sept. 13 He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. | {
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How to stop people from raging in ranked.
How to stop people from raging in ranked.
Recently I have been trying to play ranked to climb in elo. Almost every game I get, there are a few people who rage over everything and start to blame others, curse, and just be plain un-reasonable. Eventually they just start typing more than playing and they hand the enemy team over a free win. Now I am not a believer in ELO hell because no matter how high of elo you are you will always find trolls. But this is just ridiculous : /. I cant tell if I'm loosing games because we just got outplayed or just out trolled. I wouldn't mind loosing every game I've ever played if our team just accepted the loss and continued playing. Then at least I knew we gave it our all. But I cant go into a Que without trolls or ragers . I even hate it when I win games because someone went afk, or their entire team is raging. It doesn't feel satisfactory. Is there anything I can do to get people to stop yelling at each other so at least we have a chance of winning. Because when they keep talking it mine as well be a 4v5 or 3v5 depending on how many people are engaged in those conversations.
Try playing ranked teams or duo quene instead of ranked solo quene. Even though you wont be able to stop the raging, try to reduce the odds that you do get a troll in ranked. And if you consider what they do trolling(i.e. playing AD Evelynn or whatever) then try to look into their shoes. They think that AD Eve is somehow viable. Of course, if they play Garen and go AP Garen, something is wrong. Or when they turret dive in a 1v5. Or when they sit at the pool and do nothing but criticize their teams and/or other teams or help them or whatever. That's trolling. Try to learn the difference and report them as such,
I agree on Vesperteen that it is best to form a team with your friends. That way, you guys wont hound each other over every mistake. It also allows all of you to coordinate a group style. Like if one of your friend's loves playing as junglers/assassins, they wont have to worry about a random team that might have everyone choosing the same thing. I do feel bad for those that get the business end of raging. I have been the target of them often and I tell ya it ruins my gameplay dramatically.
There are better ways to giving players advice without making them feel like losers.
Also, if someone on the team is being unreasonably cruel, or just flaming outright you can report them after the match and they will get put on the tribunal for evaluation. I hope you find some good hearted players in the future.
And if you do happen to see someone on your team raging to someone, you could try and back up both sides by sugar coating what the player may have done wrong, and a friendly way to help improve it. That way, you can restore their gaming spirits .
But seriously though, I think the best thing to do, besides forming a team is playing random or ranked until you find a fair number of people that you actually kind of like, then just playing with them. Or form a team, might work.
If you're actually playing a game, don't get trolled, and remember to never feed said troll. If they're trolling just tell them to chill out and play the game instead of freaking out, reminding them that it is just a game. If they don't improve, report them and go about your day.
Furthermore, if you see someone being attacked verbally by their teammates, try to defend them as best you can, be the white knight of the game. If they really are doing terribly, try to offer some advice on how they can do better, and maybe even report them for "unskilled player" with the hopes that they will be placed with more suitable players in the future.
It's very unfortunate that you've been experiencing a bad string of games over the last little while, especially if it was based on the way summoners conducted themselves.
Sadly there isn't much that can be done about players taking the game too seriously and forgetting that they play to have fun.
You cannot pick your opponents but it is a good idea to form teams with people you can rely on in both skill and maturity levels. I hope you find a solution to your misfortunes
Here is where the problem lies. Not everyone is here to purely have fun. My idea of having fun is winning. I come here solely to win. If I have a bad time while doing it, I don't care, because I won. Most people forget this game is for competitive play, not for people to come on and fool around and cause others to lose. If that's you're type of game, go somewhere else please.
Here is where the problem lies. Not everyone is here to purely have fun. My idea of having fun is winning. I come here solely to win. If I have a bad time while doing it, I don't care, because I won. Most people forget this game is for competitive play, not for people to come on and fool around and cause others to lose. If that's you're type of game, go somewhere else please.
Oh i totally agree this is a competitive game. I want to play competitively that is why i am trying to climb in elo. but there is a difference between playing competitively and just being a rager. I hardly ever get like a troll troll where its like "herp run into turret" I get the kind of player who dies, blames everyone but himself, and starts to yell, causing all my team mates to yell back and eventually stop playing, just argue. That is a problem, no. That IS the problem that lies in this game I feel. | {
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ATLANTA - One of R. Kelly’s accusers is speaking out about abuse she says endured right here in metro Atlanta.
In an exclusive interview with Channel 2 Action News, Asante McGee told us the R&B star made her feel trapped inside his Johns Creek home.
McGee said she often cried because of what she went through. She said it was a feeling she couldn’t escape.
“He’s literally the devil,” she said.
McGee told Wilfon she was humiliated and often cried because of what she went through.
"I felt degraded to where I was crying at night because I was, like, 'I can't believe that I just actually did this and he doesn't see anything wrong with it,'" McGee said.
BACKGROUND
Years after Kelly was found not guilty of child pornography charges in a case that stemmed from an alleged sex tape with a minor, McGee said she met Kelly in 2013.
"The only stories I had heard about him is pretty much being a predator," McGee said. "I've heard of the sex tape, but I never saw the sex tape. So after his acquittal, I was, like, 'OK, maybe it wasn't him.'"
McGee said she was in her 30s when she first met Kelly, and at first, it was happy times.
"I pretty much traveled back and forth to whatever city he was at," she said.
But that all changed in 2016 when McGee said Kelly brought her and two other women to his Johns Creek home and started making odd demands, including what to call him.
"He told me when I go get clothes, to bring all of my stuff to his house, including my computer, because I'm going to live here with daddy," McGee said.
Wilfon asked McGee if she was given the choice whether to move in or not.
"He told me (I was moving in). That was not up for discussion," she said.
Over the three weeks she lived there, McGee said she felt trapped and sexually humiliated.
"When you're forced to do sexual things that you don't agree with, whether it's with him or on each other, it's like you're trying to tell him, no, you don't want to do it. But he's pretty much going to make you seem like this is the right thing to do and intimidate you as much as he can," McGee said.
McGee said she wouldn't call what happened in the house rape, but she would call it abuse.
"It was hell. It was a living hell," she said.
WHAT'S NEXT?
McGee is one of several women who have come forward with accusations against the singer in the new documentary series "Surviving R. Kelly."
"I want him to be held accountable and get the help that he needs," McGee said.
Last week, the parents of another alleged R. Kelly victim told Channel 2 Action News that the Fulton County District Attorney recently contacted them.
McGee said, so far, the DA has not contacted her.
A spokesperson for the Fulton County DA's office said they had no comment.
We called and emailed R. Kelly's attorney, but have not heard back. He has previously denied all accusations. | {
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Going logo: all change at the IPO
Thanks to something called a “single government identity”, the IPO or Intellectual Property Office (the operating name of what used to be called The Patent Office) is this month replacing its existing logo with the Royal Coat of Arms. This is how it will look:
“This is part of a wider move to develop a consistent and cost-effective approach to branding across UK government departments and agencies” says the IPO website. “Government’s use of a standard logo will also make it easier for its customers to distinguish genuine government correspondence from official-looking and often misleading approaches by other organisations.”
According to the intellectual property blog The IP Kat, the change of logo may have been prompted by their unflattering comment on the old logo (below) to the effect that “the motif on the left symbolises the main product of Wales, where the IPO is based — rain drops”.
We at ICLR are inclinded to take a more generous view of the change. After all, it is only a couple of years since we came out with our own new-look logo. In keeping with our identity as a forward-looking company serving up to date content in contemporary format while retaining our traditional values of accuracy and relevance, we went for a distinctive modern design based on the original Victorian company seal:
As you can see, it includes elements of the Royal Coat of Arms, as well as the coats of arms of the four currently existing Inns of Court, that of the now defunct Serjeant’s Inn, and that of the Law Society. We are not a government department, unlike the IPO, but we do enjoy official status and recognition as the publishers of The Law Reports, which are required to be cited in preference for any other series of law reports, let alone unreported transcripts, for any case covered by them.
Judicial recognition of the merits of ICLR law reports extends not just to the printed volumes which have adorned the shelves of the senior courts and judges’ chambers for nearly 150 years but also, now, to ICLR Online, which from this month will be available to the judiciary via the eLis portal thanks to an arrangement with the Ministry of Justice. This will give judges direct access to the electronic version of the most important caselaw which they have created and by which, according to the law of precedent, they in turn may be bound. We think they are bound to like it. | {
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Bird Eye Views
Narrow, silent, winding streets lead to Santa Cruz Chapel, at the highest point of this neighbourhood where the most famous and spectacular Easter procession begins and ends.
Santa Cruz, they said, was the home of harbourworkers. The mystical air of this place is reflected in its street names, like Carrer San Anton, where there used to be an image of Saint Anton where the neighbourhood girls prayed for a boyfriend.
Apart from the tranquility and breathtaking views, the flower pots are the main stars, decorating not just streets but most facades too.
If you are in Alicante at the beginning of May, you cant miss Cruces de Mayo, its most important celebration. People work all year round on this 3 day festivity.An absolute must! | {
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Sedona AZ (April 27, 2018) – Ethnic Foods Inc. of 76 South Bayles Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050, is recalling its 19 ounce package of Bhavnagri Mix snack mix because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recalled Bhavnagri Mix is distributed nationwide in retail... | {
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Miss Universe Organization taps potential of live streaming to build excitement for its pageants
The new media department of the Miss Universe Organization is producing a wide variety of streaming video shows with the NewTek TriCaster™ to enhance its brand.
How can an annual TV institution build an even bigger worldwide audience and give its well-established fan base a way to enjoy the event year round?
Those were the questions facing the Miss Universe Oranization a couple of years ago as it looked to build its brand, attract new, younger viewers and create a sense of anticipation in the public about its beauty pageants. In the age of social networking, YouTube and Twitter, the solution –to stream ancillary pageant content live on the Internet– may seem rather obvious. But as is often the case in life, just because something is easy to recognize doesn’t mean that it will be easy to do.
For Colin Hornett, producer and head of new media for the Miss Universe Organization, however, simplicity along with reliability and portability were the fundamental requirements of whatever solution the organization settled on to produce and stream content. “Production is incredibly complex,” says Hornett. “The simpler it is, the better it is. Simpler means fewer mistakes and tighter shows.”
After evaluating and considering various alternatives, Hornett settled on the NewTek TriCaster™ as the centerpiece of his streaming production setup. Not only was it easy to use and packed with the production tools he needed, but the TriCaster also was portable enough to be located in the tight confines Hornett would be given. “I knew we would need to be under the stage, under the steps and tucked away in places you would never imagine,” he says, “so being nimble and mobile was a must.”
Streaming coverageThe Miss Universe Organization kicked off its use of streaming video during the 27th Miss Teen USA pageant from the Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, in July 2009, which was followed the next month by the 58th Miss Universe pageant from the same venue.
From the outset, an important goal has been leveraging the worldwide reach of the Internet to bring fans into contact with the pageants before the big night. “We want to get people excited before the show and get them engaged with the pageant,” explains Hornett. “We want them to meet the girls and the judges and to build a connection so they keep coming back for more.”
Viewers of the pageant telecasts probably aren’t aware that by show night the field of contestants has been narrowed down to 15 quarter finalists. The winnowing begins two days to a week before the finale with a preliminary competition. “During the preliminary competition, judges narrow down the field of contestants,” says Hornett. Contestants are judged on the same criteria during this pre-show phase, including evening gown and bathing suit competitions, as during the show that gets televised.
Streaming this pre-show competition is the ideal solution for building excitement, says Hornett. “You don’t get to see any results, but the stream of the pre-show allows viewers to be part of the process by seeing the girls walk in their evening gowns, et cetera,” he says. “It is incredible content.”
Then 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the telecast, Hornett and his team complete the anticipation phase of their production with a half hour of live content streamed from pageant leading into the show.
Streaming content again takes center stage as soon as NBC, the network televising the pageants, concludes its coverage. At that moment, Hornett’s team is on stage with its own cameras to capture the reaction of the winner immediately after she is crowned and stream it to the public on the Internet. “We run on stage and interview the girl right after she wins,” he says.
Production setupThe centerpiece of Hornett’s production setup for both the pre- and after-show streaming events is the NewTek TriCaster 300, an HD-capable multi-camera production switcher and streaming hub. Weighing 20 pounds, the ultra-portable TriCaster comes in a single box that literally can be transported in a backpack if necessary. The TriCaster 300 supports up to three HD inputs and is capable of HD titling, HD digital disk recording, live virtual set generation, audio mixing, HD editing and full HD streaming.
While both shows rely on the TriCaster, Hornett approaches the production of each in significantly different ways. For the post-show stream, Hornett uses his own complement of three cameras –two on jibs positioned on either side of the stage and a shoulder-mount camera operated by a single videographer who rushes the stage immediately after the network show goes dark to capture the reaction of winner.
This run-and-gun production approach, more akin to a live news remote, contrasts sharply with the more staid pre-show production, a less frenetic webcast that relies on a traditional OB truck rolled in to the pageant venue primarily to produce the main event but also traditionally used to capture the pre-show for archival purposes by the Miss Universe Organization.
“The truck is only calling cameras,” explains Hornett. “We take their live cut clean, put on our own lower-thirds, effects and graphics (with the TriCaster). I guess you could say for the pre-show we use the giant production truck as a switcher.”
For both pre- and post-show streams, Hornett must meet his own set of sponsorship responsibilities. “We run video packages and commercials, depending on what we have sold, and what obligations we have,” he says. Being able to reliably roll those spots and stream them along with a rock-solid production of the pre- and post-show proceedings was instrumental in Hornett’s decision to base his production on the TriCaster. “If the TriCaster goes down, the show goes down. We have sponsor commitments and the fans rely on us. It’s got to work,” says Hornett.
Miss Universe licensees also have begun tapping the power of live streaming for their pageants, says Hornet. “Quite a few licensees use the TriCaster,” he says. “That just makes sound financial sense. If it costs $100,000 to $200,000 to produce traditional TV, it costs $10,000 to $20,000 for a TriCaster stream. That equation opens up the possibility of further developing steaming by licensees.”
Into the future While the TriCaster supports any combination of HD-SDI, HD component, SD-SDI, component, Y/C or composite video sources, outputs three HD/SD-SDI or three HD/SD component video channels and supports 16:9 720p streaming, Hornett has elected –at least for the time being- to stream only SD.
“We take HD and downconvert to SD,” says Hornet. “I have audiences around the world with varying degrees of bandwidth.”
“My goal is to achieve the best quality of video while delivering a stream with the best access. In the United States, that’s 512kb/s. Maybe we could pump that up to 1Mb/s for the international audience. We are moving toward that, but I would rather have more people have access. We struggle with this one a lot. At what point do you get maximum quality and streaming?”
Hornett’s future goals for streaming aren’t confined to boosting resolution, however. The new media chief of the Miss Universe Organization has identified several new opportunities for streaming video to boost the brand, enhance viewer experience and potentially tap additional revenue sources.
“Ideally, I would like to have cameras back stage so during the show you could be watching streaming coverage of what’s going on back stage while you’re tuned into the main show,” says Hornett. “Streaming video really breaks down the barriers and the doors about the pageant and how it operates.”
New pre-show opportunities abound as well, and Hornett has already identified an event associated with the Miss Universe pageant as good place to start. “We want to do a red carpet pre-show at Miss Universe,” he says. “It’s called the National Costume Event. It is a beautiful show. It’s creative and colorful and the girls get excited about explaining their costumes.” Currently the National Costume Event is not televised, and if it’s not picked up by TV, Hornett plans to webcast it.
Combining traditional TV coverage with these streaming shows creates a powerful synergy that the Miss Universe Organization is using to its advantage. “You can now create your own network based on this content. In essence we are like a small cable network,” says Hornett. Every day and half the Miss Universe Organization completes production of a contestant interviews, short film or commercial. “With the ability to stream content to viewers online, we are building our brand and attracting a whole new generation of viewers to our shows,” he says. | {
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Health and medical tourism directory
Medical Tourism Directory Est. 2015. Our primary focus is on connecting the best low cost hospitals in the world with patients seeking the best medical care and relief to their health problems.
Medical tourism, contrary to what general population may think, is not a new concept. In fact, it dates as far back as Ancient Greece. Early forms of medical tourismlater entailed spa tourism, and hamams, particularly popular during the Ottoman empire. Luckily, spas outlived the empire and evolved into a tourism branch now providing patients with opportunity to travel and at the same time receive the most affordable medical care in foreign countries.
This health tourism and dental tourism are nowadays particularly popular in countries as various as Cuba, Mexico, India, Malaysia, Turkey, Greece, Germany, Canada, Australia, Israel, Dubai as well as the best hospitals in the US. In fact, Asian countries’ popularity is on the rise lately due to most recent technological and medical progress, hence engaging in medical tourism in India is the option worth considering.
Our Partners
The Pharma Times provides with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the Pharma industry including in depth coverage, news, views, reviews market dynamics, research and design of this industry. | {
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Reigning champions had been beaten before and since by Ireland, but never on their own soil and never so soon after they secured the William Webb Ellis Crown.
And before England had the World Cup, the same Clive Woodward team had a Grand Slam – claimed in the spring sunshine of Lansdowne Road on a day when Ireland had their own designs on reaching a perfect 10 Championship points.
In 2004, the all-conquering English were shorn of a handful of their biggest names and barely endured a hiccup, scoring 11 tries in wins over Italy and Scotland. Ireland began the championship with defeat to France, but were back on track with a 36 – 15 win over Wales at Lansdowne Road.
What follows here are the accounts of the men with some of the best seats in the house (and one woman who had just departed her own):
John Hayes (tight-head): We had been together as a squad for a few years at that stage. We obviously hadn’t won in Twickenham for 10 years, ’94 was the last time Ireland had won there. They were obviously recent world champions, so that gives you a great draw as a team. We were a young team developing and it was a great opportunity to play against the best and we wanted to have a good lash off them
Shane Horgan (wing): There was a lot of optimism around that time. We had a decent World Cup and we had a very, very young team. We saw a team in England that won by an extra-time drop-goal against an Australian team we probably should have beaten in the group stage of the World Cup.
Hayes: The first thing I remember is that Niall O’Donovan pulled us in that morning for ‘a beating’, he gave us a good old fashioned rev-up to get us going. Wherever this game was going to be won, like all games it had to start up front. They had a good pack, a very big pack. Martin Johnson was gone alright, but a lot of the other fellas were still there.
Michael Corcoran (RTÉ Radio commentator): From the press point of view, it was seen as a regular trip to Twickenham for Ireland. It was easy for England to get distracted in the build-up because they were the world champions, but there were 11 of the England team who started the World Cup final starting against Ireland. 12 if you include Iain Balshaw, who was a replacement in Sydney.
Ireland were completely dismissed in the run-up to it, no-hopers, and in many respects that’s where Ireland are better.
Eddie O’Sullivan (head coach)*: England’s World Cup homecoming was to be, essentially, a show without a supporting cast.
The build-up to Twickenham didn’t really tap into the normal energies of a Six Nations contest. Clive Woodward and his team had come back from Australia as rugby royalty and to be Irish that week in London was pretty much to be invisible.
England had the Webb Ellis trophy. This was, essentially, their victory parade.
There was all manner of rumour as to the kind of innovation Clive was now bringing to the English dressing room: He was said to have an aromatherapist releasing scents like basil and peppermint to sharpen the alertness of his players. There was, supposedly, a visual awareness specialist working on their peripheral vision. The impression being given was of England stretching the boundaries of preparation while the rest of us gaped in awe. It suited us perfectly.
Drico maybe captured our mindset best with his infamous pre-match observation that Ireland hoped to make the Twickenham crowd ‘choke on their prawn sandwiches’. He said it tongue in cheek, but deep down, I think it reflected the sense of determination within the group not to keel over meekly for England’s titillation.
Horgan: I think we stayed in a different hotel that year — a bit of a nicer place just outside London — where we had a base and just came in on the day of the game.
I remember it just being a very relaxed environment beforehand. I actually remember Eddie having a lot of confidence before the game. If you’re looking back you wonder what was the reason behind that. It’s hard to know.
The preparation was done right and we had a good side out. Also, I think we saw a chink in the armour, that they were missing a couple of players and they had achieved their goal, so the potential was there to take them on.
There wasn’t a huge amount of fear going into the game. A lot of that came out of how the World Cup went for Ireland — I know, beaten in the quarter final by France — but the way it panned out, there was a greater belief in our group.
Fiona Steed (Flanker, Ireland Women): For us, it was a huge honour to be playing in Twickenham and playing against England at the time when they were at the height of their powers. It was very, very physical and we got well and truly hammered 51 – 10. My two back row colleagues Joy Neville and Rachel Boyd both managed to score a try. Both were off rolling mauls, we were delighted with ourselves at that stage to have scored two tries.
That was my 60th cap and I finished out the Six Nations and retired. I was up against Maggie Alphonsi on one of her first caps. I had a right good tussle with her… and I had the scars to prove it.
Guard of honour?
O’Sullivan*: The day before the game, while training at Bracknell, I proposed applauding England onto the pitch. It was kind of reverse psychology; applaud them on, then kick them off it.
Shane Byrne (hooker): Going into the game there was a lot of silliness around – like that clap them onto the pitch – there was just absolutely no bloody way that was happening. It was a suggested because they were world champions and look, okay fair enough, it was a great achievement; but to hell with that.
O’Sullivan*: I felt it might add to their complacency. Initially, the players agreed, but back at the hotel a few reservations began to gather steam… Drico came to me while I was having dinner.
‘You know you were talking about clapping them on the field tomorrow, then kicking them off it?’
‘Yeah.’
‘Well fuck the clapping bit!’
‘Anyone in particular speak out against it?’ I asked, already knowing the answer.
‘Maggsy. He nearly went fucking crazy.’
Byrne: The Irish, we live and thrive on the underdog banner when we have it. It’s not something we have an awful lot now, but right then we did. We were playing the world champions on their welcome home and they hadn’t been beaten in Twickenham in a hell of a long time, but we were very confident we had the skill-set, fitness and the match of them both physically. And we had the gameplan to mentally take them on and move them around the park.
Hayes: There was the typical Irish motivation, but that wasn’t personal motivation for me. I’d say for a lot of us it wasn’t either, we wanted to win something ourselves as opposed to party-poop for them.
O’Sullivan*: Take away the aura of being world champions and I saw plenty to target.
That aura, mind, was everywhere. One of the first things we noticed was a line of 22 plaques arranged around the frame of the dressing room door, signifying each of England’s consecutive victories at Twickenham.They hadn’t lost a Championship game at home since 1997. No doubt the engraver was already somewhere in the stadium now, poised to put the finishing touches to a 23rd.
Steed: There was the whole thing about the bloody chariot and the World Cup and all of this. When you’re passionate about your country and about rugby, then your future husband is playing as well, it was a hugely emotional day all round.
We played so far ahead of the men so that they could do their full warm-up and everything, I remember having a brief chat with John (Hayes). I had a black eye, my eye was practically closed and I remember him going:
Hayes: ‘Well, howya? That didn’t go to well…’
Steed: ‘…best of luck, so.’
One of the girls had a photo of it, so I always had that to say ‘there we are, both on Twickenham at the same time.
Hayes: Among the squad there’d be certain choice words anyway in the build-up, but I think it was mostly along the lines of; ‘these are the World Champions, these are the fellas you want to test yourself against’. So it was really a drive to focus on playing against the best.
These are the games you play for.
Byrne: There was a huge amount of Irish in the crowd. I’ve been to Twickenham a lot and it was something I noticed during the warm-up was that the Irish roar was very prominent that day.
You could feel something in the air, was there an upset? I don’t know what it was, looking back it’s easy to put it together, but on the park it led to a feeling that there was just no way we were going to back down today.
Whether your lungs were hanging out, or your ankle was falling off, it didn’t matter. You were just going to get what you wanted because we were so disappointed after the Six Nations decider.
Ronan O’Gara (out-half): I missed a penalty in front of the post, did I?
Lashed it off the right-hand post… it was a gimme. I was thinking; ‘ah no, not one of these days.’
Corcoran: That’s the one thing I’ve always admired about ROG, he has got incredible mental toughness. Where I’ve seen him miss kicks or do something uncharacteristically wrong, he had this ability to just come back and correct it, not let it affect him when some fellas would just drop the head. He has this ability to draw a line in the sand and move on.
His attitude was typical of the day.
O’Gara: It was strange. A friend of mine, Conor Howell, one of these financial gurus, he had some statistical thing about kicking at 80%. He said to me one time that — ‘sure it’s great. Once you miss your first kick you’ll kick them all’.
He actually came into my head then, I didn’t mind missing a first kick… in hindsight I’d say, ‘why didn’t I concentrate more’ or whatever…
Source: INPHO
Corcoran: Ireland didn’t have any fear at all to be fair about it. They knew they had been written off completely in the build-up to the match and Ireland had respect, but no respect if you understand me — they were respectful as opponents.
In fairness to Eddie, he always had a couple of phrases and as he might say himself Ireland “were like mad dogs in a meat house.” Anything that moved in white shirt was hit aggressively.
Byrne: We basically knew their line-out calls, knew what they were going to do and we knew more than likely whereabouts on the pitch they were going to do it.
On a personal front, we had the best line-out in the Six Nations for a couple of years at that stage and we were quite happy with our own line-out and the idea was to starve them of their own ball.
Paul Ackford (Sunday Telegraph match report): Ireland’s gameplan was never risky. It essentially involved Stringer and O’Gara putting the ball in behind the England forwards forcing them to change direction on a treacherous surface. But, given the contributions of O’Connell in particular and England’s lack of bite, it proved more than enough in the first period.
O’Sullivan*: We targeted England’s set-piece, their line-out in particular, and got 6–0 up through two Ronan O’Gara penalties.
Sherwin: Deliberately, Trevor Woodman collapsing the maul. Penalty opportunity again and… deservedly Ireland are in front after 16 and a half minutes.
O’Sullivan*: Then they got a try, almost a replica of one they got the year before in Dublin; just a ball squirting out of the scrum and Matt Dawson getting the touchdown.
Hayes: Trevor Woodman and Phil Vickery were the two props at the World Cup… against a team like them, world champions, they would have a period of the game when they would come back into it at some stage. But it was just a case of not panicking and not allowing anything to go against you too much. Just keep the composure to get back into it.
Steed: When we left the changing rooms we were brought across the road to Rugby House and given our post match dinner. We caught glimpses on TV, but we didn’t really get to see the game.
Corcoran: I always feel that if you go out to play at Twickenham and England get any score at all, they grow in confidence and into the game. It’s like as if they are half a yard faster, an inch taller or feel as if their chest is two inches bigger and their shirts are just spray-painted onto their back.
It’s a really, really difficult place. If England go in front in the game at all it’s very difficult to claw them back. It’s just the way they are. They grow in stature as the crowd grows into the game.
Hayes: There wouldn’t have been panic like, just a case of ‘stick at it’, the experienced boys would have been saying. We mightn’t have it on the scoreboard, but we are getting there, we’re doing damage, just keep at it.
Byrne: Back in the 90s and early 00s when Ireland would play New Zealand or Australia, if you got your nose in front and then lost the lead, your tails went down.
That was just not going to happen here. It was right back to the grindstone – we know what we had to do — we still at huge confidence in the gameplan we had put together and we knew that if we just played it, it would work.
Source: INPHO
Paul Ackford: Ireland went in at half-time 12-10 in front and such was their professionalism and control that they were able to respond to England’s only try of the half and regain the lead.
Horgan: They considered themselves a better team — they had legitimate expectations. But the longer we stayed in the game, that favourites tag or the benefit you get from being a home team, at some stage that switches and there’s a realisation that; ‘actually we might be getting beaten up here by Ireland in our own back yard’.
Then it goes from being an advantage, to a disadvantage.
Steed: While the second half was on, we were walking back through the Twickenham grounds to get to our bus to get to the airport. I remember myself, Rosie Foley and Sarah-Jane Belton ran up the back of the steps of the west stand in Twickenham and had a look in so that we could actually say that we had witnessed what was going on — the men were in full flight at that stage.
I can’t remember seeing anything in particular, but I can remember being shouted at to come down.
Source: INPHO
O’Gara: That was a serious gameplan Eddie O’Sullivan devised for beating them. It was a wide-wide pattern for playing England and we didn’t really play it against anyone else, but Girvan Dempsey scored a great try in the left hand side.
The way they defended: 10, 12, 13 were very tight and there was space in the outer channels every time. They were a drift defence, but if we could get the ball to width and get on the front foot, then we could go back to width again because they were compressed from the ruck to the inside post. That’s the way it worked and it just worked a treat because we had good passers in midfield too.
Horgan: Eddie was always very diligent about how he’d try to exploit a team. He put a lot of analysis in before games.
I do remember we played a wider pattern that day, it was just what was right for the team against England. I remember a couple of years later, Eddie recognised that there was a lot of space inside the 10 for England and although Wilkinson’s a very good defender, he left that space and we exploited well. Eddie has a good eye for weaknesses.
Sherwin: O’Gara. Long pass missing out O’Driscoll. That’s D’Arcy, is there a little gap there? He IS through it…
O’Sullivan**: We knew it was the right gameplan, but we executed it very well. Girvan Dempsey’s try, the crucial score of the game was a great try, a great team try. We stretched them across the park; went through them, went around them.
Source: INPHO
Sherwin: Stringer to Howe, going back infield where he knows there is support. Inside the 22, they’re going to play it right. O’Gara to Gleeson, there are two to his right – here’s Horgan and O’Kelly beside him on the inside switch.
Foley has it, his great strength taking him to within two…
Hayes: I do remember coming out of the ruck and seeing the try. That was a play that had been practised that week that hadn’t been used before. They had seen on video that if we keep hold of that ball and go wide with it then there might be mismatches between backs and forwards. It worked out like that and it was great to see it on the day.
Horgan: To be honest, my memory of a try 10 years ago that I didn’t score is pretty hazy. I have a vague recollection: There were a lot of contributions from a lot of players in that move and a lot of strong carries. Not fancy line breaks, but just inch by inch and then a sweep from the right hand side –a pretty impressive team try.
There was certainly a lot of practice put into it and a number of different options. When you’re playing moves such as that; you play the move, but then there’s a reaction to what occurs around you.
Conditions weren’t ideal, and not every pass was perfect, and at different times there were little half line breaks made and people carried well. So that was, generally, as important as the formal move, but it’s nice when something you spent a lot of time on in training is then implemented. Seeing what Eddie had said and what players had come up with, when it actually works on the field there is great satisfaction in that.
Sherwin: … Stringer slips in the mud. Very close for Ireland, great possession. Here’s D’Arcy, to O’Driscoll – swinging it out, there’s a man to spare! Here’s Howe, can he get past his man? Oh surely. Yes, it must be in the corner; Girvan Dempsey.
Steed: Having Rosie (Foley) there as well, the two of us were like two peas in a pod down the back of the bus, but all the girls there wanted to know what was happening and I remember the cheers on the bus when we heard that they had scored – it certainly lifted our own mood as we went back to the airport to fly home.
O’Gara: As players, you get serious satisfaction if you devise a plan, you apply a plan and the plan works. I think that’s hugely satisfying. A week’s work, then you park it and you move on to the next challenge.
Concern
From that 51st minute try and the subsequent conversion to make the score 10 – 19, it was time for Ireland to shut the game down.
There were moments of concern, namely with Mark Regan’s lunge for the line before being ousted into touch by Malcolm O’Kelly, but for the most part the 14 starters and Kevin Maggs continued to thwart the World Champions.
Byrne: They had a massive ability to retain possession and just wear defences down.
I remember being in a kind of a daze the whole way through the game. You were so fatigued and putting in so much effort into the game, but there was just no way were you backing down.
When you feel like that all the clichés count in; never-say-die attitude, never take a step back… but it’s true.
Eddie O’Sullivan had a philosophy around then that the minute you make contact with somebody there’s a blade of grass below that point and you just make sure you get over that blade of grass — you push them back.
As long as you mentally think like that, the effect is always going to be positive. If that’s your attitude going into every single confrontation, that’s the way you win.
O’Sullivan*: England came at us with the kitchen sink and, true, we were hanging on for dear life at the end.
Corcoran: To me it was all about the attitude Ireland brought to the match that day. Their attitude was all about; ‘you might be World champions, but that means nothing to me. I don’t care about that’.
Over the years I think that’s when Irish teams have performed at their best. It’s like if somebody sets you a challenge, and goes; ‘see that mountain over there. Jesus, you’d never be able to climb that.’
It taps into the Irish psyche. It’s laying down the wrong challenge to you and that’s what happened that day.
‘Boot, bite and bollock’
O’Gara: The pleasing thing about it was that it wasn’t a lucky victory. It was a serious performance, it wasn’t boot, bite and bollock Irish rugby, it was calculated, smart, it was aggressive and yet we were very precise.
Those days aren’t to be under appreciated because they were the times we were winning three or four games in a Championship and they were the days which finally led us to believe, essentially, the same group of players could win a Grand Slam.
O’Sullivan**: We were never going to physically beat up England, But we could always box smarter than they could if we could move them around and create quick ball. We had to have the shape to do that, the skill-set and the players, but ultimately in these games in can all comes down to defending your line.
We had to go through a long period of defence and again it was kind of a homecoming for Mike Ford, our defence coach and an Englishman, but that night he said it was the proudest day of his life that we had embraced his defence system and really pitched up when it counted.
Paul Ackford: England appeared rudderless. None of this will worry Ireland one little bit. They came talking big, but they justified every last word.
Horgan: There are a lot of guys who started to recognise that you could compete against the best sides in the world and that wasn’t a feeling that existed for a very long time in Irish rugby right through the 1990s, and that probably attaches itself to everybody that played rugby in that time. This was one of the major landmarks of breaking that down.
O’Sullivan*: There were extraordinary scenes afterwards as we came out of the stadium, maybe 700 people waiting to applaud the players onto the bus. It took us an hour and a half to get back through the awful traffic to the Chelsea Harbour Hotel and we were then an hour late for the post-match banquet at the Intercontinental.
When we got to the banquet the Webb Ellis Trophy was on display, there was a string quartet, a brass band… everything you’d expect for a glorious coronation.
Corcoran: Back then, in an even year people would look at the fixtures and see away to England and away to France and think ‘sure, we’ll see how we get on.’ People would automatically go, ‘Ireland won’t do well that year.’
To a degree, we travel now in high expectations to places. We go to Edinburgh and we expect to win there, we go to Rome we expect to win. We go to Wales and Twickenham; we have a good chance of winning, we go to France and you’re still praying to God that you might win.
O’Sullivan**: Twickenham is a bit of a citadel of rugby. It sounds nerdy to say that, but when you actually get there on a matchday, you go in there and the atmosphere builds and you realise you’re in a real iconic place.
It’s very tough to win there. We all like to think our own stadiums – whether it be Thomond Park, Ravenhill, Aviva Stadium or the old Lansdowne Road – are great but Twickenham is right up there when it comes to stadiums. You get a great buzz there and you always have to put up a big performance to win.
It took us a little while to build up a habit of winning there, but even when we did, they were always very tight games that could have gone either way.
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When The Shutter Stops
When the Shutter Stops is a Detective Mystery visual novel adventure hybrid, featuring a heroine with a sordid past whose actions—your choices—shape her view of the world and steer the outcome of the stories within.
Product Details
When The Shutter Stops by Remort Studios - A Point and Click Adventure Game
When The Shutter Stops is an adventure game,
released in 2019 by Remort Studios.
When The Shutter Stops has a Comic cartoon style and uses a Point-and-click control scheme.
Adventure Gamers have not yet published a review of When The Shutter Stops,
at this time the community has not provided a rating for When The Shutter Stops. | {
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Well nothing like a little Danny Trejo cameo to start things off with a bang, huh? Trejo plays Tortuga, who is wetting his whistle in a watering hole when he is visited by Juan Bolsa, from the cartel. Juan makes some small talk with Tortuga, and tells him he has a birthday present waiting for him in a back room. Tortuga is giddy to see a giant tortoise, but the rest of us know that the last time we saw a giant tortoise, it had a head attached, so this can’t possibly end well.
Juan tells Tortuga he is going to sign the creature, and he paints “Hola DEA”. Now, I’m no knife expert, but I believe that Tortuga was then bludgeoned to death by a machete, which is a delicious little wink to the upcoming release of Robert Rodriguez’s Machete, which just happens to star a one Danny Trejo.
So, I went back to find photos of that tortoise with the head, and damn if that isn’t Tortuga’s head, and the tortoise says, “Hola DEA”. So was that a flash forward in episode “Negro Y Azul” from season 2? I thought we were seeing everything in chronological order, but I must be wrong.
The next scene cuts to Walt painstakingly cleaning that pizza off the roof while Skylar is at work. She sees his car and calls his cell phone and Walt peers out the window and they start having it out over Walt’s right to be at the house. He says he is not leaving.
She threatens to call the police, and Walt calls her bluff, stating that without his family, he has nothing to lose. Just before the police arrive, Walt Jr. shows up, much to Walt’s delight. They make grilled cheese sandwiches and appear to be the picture of domestic bliss when the police show up.
Skylar is dismayed to find out that since they are not legally divorced or separated, and Walt has not physically her, there is precious little she can do to get him thrown out, particularly since Walt’s name is still on the house title. Round one of Skylar vs. Walt goes to Walt.
For me, this will be remembered as the episode where Skylar becomes broken. She just seems so dejected and detached. Great job once again by Anna Gunn.
For now, Walt stays on at the house, although Skylar makes him as uncomfortable as possible. She doesn’t allow him entrance to the bathroom, forcing him to urinate in the kitchen sink, which is humiliating for Walt.
Skylar decides to tell her lawyer that Walt cooks meth, and the lawyer urges her to immediately sue Walt for divorce and tell the authorities. Skylar tearfully confesses that she can’t bring herself to do that to her son (who still blames her for everything, incidentally.) She also hints that she is trying to wait it out until Walt kicks the can, so to speak.
The following morning, Walt has quite possibly the most honest moment he has ever had since the show started. He shows Skylar the duffel bag of money, and explains everything it represents to his family after he is gone-college education for Walt Jr and Holly, health care, groceries, and mortgage payments. Skylar just looks mortified.
Walt then assures Skylar that the money is not stolen, he earned it. Distinctions seem to be very important to Walt. Remember last week when he kept insisting he was not a drug dealer, he is merely a producer? So here again he seems to be moralizing how he acquired the money, like somehow earning it could never be as bad as stealing, but we know the truth. Do you think that Walt still thinks of himself as a good guy?
His next statements seem to suggest otherwise. He shudders a bit when he divulges he has done some things to get the money that he, and he alone, will have to deal with. He pleads with Skylar to take the money, or all will have been for naught. He tells her he will be awaiting her answer that evening.
At work that day, Skylar propositions Ted. When she comes home and Walt asks what she thought about their morning conversation, she coldly says, “I f***ed Ted.” Abbreviated, that equals I.F.T; which is the title of the episode. Walt looks destroyed.
Jesse had limited screen time, but Aaron Paul’s performance was truly devastating. He kept calling Jane’s phone number, listening to her phone message. When he finally reached the “this number has been disconnected,” message, he is stunned . Yet another character, so obviously broken. Jesse makes a trek to the desert, to one of the old campers and dons his cooking gear…
In other developments, Hank is elated to find he is going back to El Paso, but he also has another panic attack. Hank then overcompensates by beating the living crap out of two guys in a dive bar who he believes are making a drug deal. His partner agrees to cover for him.
Also, Gus was able to buy some time for Walt with the cartel, but it is clear his influence is limited, and he is advised to wrap up his business with Walt quickly, because the cousins (from the cartel) are chomping at the bit to off Walt.
What do you think happened to the handicapped woman? I’m pretty sure I know, but I hope I am wrong. Do you ever see Walt getting out of this alive? What will get to him first, the cancer or the cartel? | {
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Plinth et al
Jun 9 Happy daze
It only seems fitting to use this photo after all the beautiful images of Poppies from last week. As spring is always a busy time, we have decided it is time to take a little break, a holiday, a vacation, whatever you want to call it, a bit of breathing room to come back refreshed. We promise to be back shortly and in the meantime, we will be sharing some interviews of our favorite inspiring and creative people. The sun is warm on our faces, the smiles as big as they can be and in the words of Maurice Sendak, 'Live your life, live your life, live your life.' Thank you, and we promise to send a postcard...... - James and Eric | {
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Genesis Gran Turismo coupe coming
It is part of an ambitious plan to become a serious player against established luxury rivals that took a major step forward at the 2017 New York motor show with the unveiling of the GV80 Concept that previews the brand's first SUV.
The South Korean brand's show car also revealed its future design direction and the company's head of design, Luc Donckerwolke, also confirmed that a two-door grand tourer will follow, along with another smaller SUV, to give the brand a better chance of competing with the likes of Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
But Donckerwolke, whose career has included stints at Lamborghini, Audi and Bentley, says he isn't looking to the competition for inspiration or to set the agenda for Genesis. Instead he wants to use Genesis' lack of heritage to his advantage before confirming the GT car is coming.
"To be honest I'm not really looking at the others," Donckerwolke said in New York. "I have the advantage of creating something new, I don't have to look at the others. But there's certainly going to be a Gran Turismo two-door."
Asked if the Gran Turismo would be powered by a version of the brand's 5.0-litre V8, Donckerwolke played down those chances, instead saying the company was looking towards alternative powertrains for its future models.
"As much as I like to drive V8s I believe electrification is going to be a main element," he said. "Like the powertrain of this [GV80 concept] having a range-extender fuel cell for an electric vehicle or an electric powertrain is a great source. Hyundai and Genesis are being pioneers of fuel cell technology, being the first company that has put fuel cell technology in production and on sale, it's the way to go."
Those comments were backed up by similar sentiment from Genesis global boss Manfred Fitzgerald, who made no secret of his desire to focus on alternative powertrains to try and further differentiate the brand from its rivals that have a heavy focus on internal combustion engines (ICE), especially in performance cars.
"I stated once that alternative propulsion systems are at the core of this brand and I truly believe that," Fitzgerald said. "If you look at that and you look down the road at what is going to happen with the electrification of vehicles, performance will not have that dominant role anymore because it's a level playing field. So the ICE dominances of performance, that's going to go away."
He added: "The customer will be going by other things. That will be the brand, that will be the design, that will be connectivity, that will be the future hallmarks of brands."
Fitzgerald believes that the move towards electric performance cars will also mean a more level playing field in terms of bragging rights.
"I think the electric performance will somewhat be on par. I think if you can accelerate [to 100km/h] in under 3.0 seconds then it's meaningless if it is 2.7 or 2.6 - who cares?" he said.
Donckerwolke also highlighted the emerging trend away from diesel engines in Europe in the wake of the on-going Volkswagen emissions scandal. Which also makes the chances of the Gran Turismo model being powered by a large internal combustion engine slim.
"I think what's happening now, with emissions and everything is not giving a great future to other powertrains," Donckerwolke said.
"See what's happening. Diesels are being banned from the cities. Emissions have to be reduced drastically. Today a V8 is not exactly responding to that environment." | {
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Our products meet your needs for breathing and feeling better, without drugs. They address nasal congestion that impacts you and your child’s health and comfort. ClearinseTM is the only therapy that utilizes optimal airflow and pressure to gently and successfully cleanse the nasal passages. | {
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2.Famous Composers and Their Works by Philip Hale, Louis Charles Elson (1900)"Wilder and wilder grows the dance; stormier and stormier the billows. Suddenly the
strings of the instrument break, and it is dark and still in the ocean ..." | {
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The Philosopher, the Ants, and Mercury
A PHILOSOPHER witnessed from the shore the shipwreck of a vessel, of which the crew and passengers were all drowned. He inveighed against the injustice of Providence, which would for the sake of one criminal perchance sailing in the ship allow so many innocent persons to perish. As he was indulging in these reflections, he found himself surrounded by a whole army of Ants, near whose nest he was standing. One of them climbed up and stung him, and he immediately trampled them all to death with his foot. Mercury presented himself, and striking the Philosopher with his wand, said, "And are you indeed to make yourself a judge of the dealings of Providence, who hast thyself in a similar manner treated these poor Ants?' | {
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The Fall of Teufeldorf
For four years, Teufeldorf seemed a safe harbor and prosperity returned to the embattled nation.
In mid-October of 832, a storm began brewing off of the coast near the city of Teufeldorf. Unlike most storms, it did not seem to move at all. Rather it sat out to sea like an angry mob waiting to strike. Soothsayers and the like called it an evil manifestation from Hell. King Gregory sent out scouts by both water and air, but none returned. It seemed as if no magic scrying could penetrate the evil darkness. The mood around Teufeldorf was tense and fearful. As the days passed, the storm grew and grew. Soon it took up almost the entire western sky. Then it moved.
Octobers can be rather cool in Teufeldorf, but the bitter cold of the storm was staggering. As the storm approached, horses and other domesticated animals became frantic, almost rabid. The children began wailing and speaking of the "Dark Man" who haunted their dreams. On October 31, the first wave of ice and rain blanketed the city. Winds of hurricane force blew over small buildings and cracked the city wall in many places. This deluge went on for six days and nights. The sun was blotted from the sky, and thousands were killed by the cold and the winds.
On the sixth night of the storm, King Gregory was sitting high in Teufeldorf Castle with his advisors huddled around him. When suddenly a large bat-like human appeared in front of them. The temperature of the room dropped to frigid proportions and the king's advisors sat still as statues. The king called for the guards, but none came. The creature then spoke. It's exact words are known only to Gregory, as his court remembers nothing of a visit. But the message was clear: leave Teufeldorf with all of his knights and his court or watch the destruction of every living thing around him.
The next day, the storm had again moved off of the coast. King Gregory called together his advisors, court, and knights. Each was assigned a portion of the Realm to guard. Farewells were made and King Gregory and Lady Laura prepared for exile. The good rule of King Gregory the Even-Handed had come to an end. An evil force ruled the land. | {
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Our vehicles represent the lifelong dream of Powel Crosley, Jr., and CCOC policy is to fully support the restoration and preservation of all surviving Crosleys and the perpetuation of Crosley history and legacy. Check our growing archives at the Photos and Files links, and at Crosley2-, Crosley3- and [email protected] . Every CCOC member is important and appreciated. Thanks again! | {
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You find yourself by not realizing you were lost in the first place – by being blissfully ignorant until something startles you into lucidity. You find yourself by waking up one morning and shocking yourself by something you did or said and no longer recognizing the person looking back at you in the mirror.
You find yourself by realizing you’ve yet to be properly introduced to your actual flesh and blood.
You find yourself by wasting time – by burning through precious, fleeting days in ways that infuriate you in hindsight. You find yourself by going down the wrong streets and taking the wrong turns. You find yourself after realizing far too late you made a faulty choice and after you’ve exhausted your legs from kicking yourself.
You find yourself by realizing you have no choice but to find yourself.
You find yourself through clichés – down avenues that everyone else has gone down. You find yourself down the self-help section of the bookstore and perusing feel-good life quotes and realizing just how unoriginal your quest really is. You find yourself by realizing you’re surrounded by people doing the same thing, to varying degrees and with varying levels of success.
You find yourself in context – and in varying contexts. You find yourself as the scenery shifts and you get to see how much of you was based on the setting. You find yourself as the background changes, as you act and interact, until your spirit is one gigantic, intricate Venn diagram, and at the center is the part of you that doesn’t change, even as the persons, places, and things do. You’ll find yourself as the background and supporting characters evolve and shift and – as you do, too – you can see what stays the same at the heart of it all.
You find yourself through moments of de ja vu – when the smell of morning air or baked bread or car exhaust brings you back with such ferocity that you’d swear you were time traveling. You’ll find yourself as you get lost in memory – practically drowning in it – until the moment dissipates and you’re left with nothing but the present moment.
You find yourself in monotony and boredom – tedium and routine. You find yourself in moments you swear are stuck on repeat. And you find yourself when it’s all happening too fast and you can’t keep up and you swear you’ll burst before you can make sense of it all.
You find yourself by surviving plateaus & dead ends and you find yourself by surviving the onslaughts.
You find yourself when it seems like all you find are setbacks.
You find yourself realizing you can’t make sense of it all. You ask yourself the tough questions and get the wrong answers and try all over again. You find yourself after fruitless inquiry, through failed attempt after failed attempt, to the point that you’re ready to call off the search party.
You find yourself through moments of despair and moments that kick you while you’re down. You find yourself when you feel the most stripped down and stripped away and raw.
You find yourself when it feels like all you have is yourself.
But, through all that endless searching, truly you’ll find yourself only when you’re no longer afraid of meeting yourself. When you’re ready to go toe to toe and shake hands with every demon, every dark spot, every gritty aspect. When you want the truth and can handle the truth and can live with the truth. You find yourself when you’re able to stand next to yourself as you truly are and take inventory of every shadow.
You find yourself when you’re brave enough to remove the pretty covering and realize you’ve been there all along.
For more inspirational writing from Abby Rosmarin, buy her new book of poetry here.
This is for the women who are first to get naked, howl at the moon and jump into the sea. This is for the women who seek relentless joy; the ones who know how to laugh with their whole souls. The women who speak to strangers because they have no fear in their hearts. This is for the women who drink coffee at midnight and wine in the morning, and dare you to question it. This is for the women who throw down what they love, and don’t waste time following society’s pressures to exist behind a white picket fence. The women who create wildly, unbalanced, ferociously and in a blur at times. This — is for you.
“When Janne has a new poem written, I shut my life down to do nothing but read it, and then when I turn my life back on, everything is better.” — James Altucher | {
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Introducing the new GOOGLE PLUS
Dive into the new Google+As +Eddie Kessler shared this afternoon (goo.gl/2QjBGx), we’ve spent lots of time talking to people who are passionate about Google+. We visited them in their homes, we invited them into early testing communities and we learned more about how and why they use Google+. The predominant answer? Having a great place to keep up with and talk about their interests. From Astrophotography (goo.gl/HRQmIh) to Wild Hummingbirds (goo.gl/6FscI6), people are not only discovering amazing things, but meeting others who share their passions as well.
Today we’re taking a big step toward making Google+ an even better place for your interests. To do so, we’ve drastically simplified nearly every aspect of the product. You’ll see this clearly in our new navigation centered around Collections and Communities. Collections let you immerse yourself in content about topics like surfing (goo.gl/vvv5QD) or tiny tilt-shift photography scenes (goo.gl/nWyicL) . Communities enable groups of people with the same interests to join up and geek out on anything from Game of Thrones (goo.gl/aaqtgq) to Painting (goo.gl/kmlM7m). With Collections and Communities, discovering amazing things is simple: just follow or join whatever happens to pique your interests.
But we didn’t stop with Collections and Communities; the new Google+ also makes it easier to post, search, connect, and keep up with great content in a fully redesigned home stream. And we’ve worked hard to make our new web experience load fast and work beautifully on devices of all sizes.
You can preview the new Google+ on the web today by signing in and clicking “Let’s go” when you see the prompt. (And since not every feature of Google+ has made its way into this new design, for now, you can toggle back to the classic Google+ with one click in the bottom left-hand corner.) In the coming days, we’ll roll out updated apps for Android and iOS.
While this is an exciting new beginning for us, we’re definitely not done yet. We got here by listening and learning, and will continue doing so. Please visit our Help Center (goo.gl/gWsFeh) or drop us a line in our support community (goo.gl/eMFVj) to share your thoughts, questions, and more. | {
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Whittlesey-WhittelseyFamilyHistoryGenealogy of the Whittlesey-Whittelsey family based upon the 1855 Memorials of the Whittlesey Family, the 1898, 1941 and 1992 Whittelsey/Whittlesey Genealogies along with input from family members. In addition there is information on the Descendants of Seth Savage of Berlin, ConnecticutAdditional family lineage of Willis Savage Whittlesey III can be found at cravendescendants.org; brownedescendants.org and frisbiedescendants.org | {
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In June 2006, Delgadillo's Inter-Agency Housing Task Force joined with Bet Tzedek Legal Services, representing SAJE, in filing an Unlawful Business Practice and Public Nuisance suit against Maria Chairez, owner of a 20-unit apartment building in South Los Angeles' Figueroa Corridor.
MTDC as part of the MoU has also roped in a Canada-based management consulting organization called SAJE Montreal - Centre of excellence in entrepreneurship, to offer MTDC with a solution for the Lonar crater's sustainable tourism development after surveying the spot and with a tourist diagnostic examination.
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
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Abstract
Microengineered Physiological Biomimicry: Human Organs-on-Chips
Dan Huh, Wilf Family Term Chair & Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania
Human organs are complex living systems in which specialized cells and tissues are assembled in various patterns to carry out integrated functions essential to the survival of the entire organism. A paucity of predictive models that recapitulate the complexity of human organs and physiological systems poses major technical challenges in virtually all areas of life science and technology. This talk will present interdisciplinary research efforts to develop microengineered biomimetic models that reconstitute complex structure, dynamic microenvironment, and physiological function of living human organs. Specifically, I will talk about i) bioinspired microsystems that mimic the structural and functional complexity of the living human lung in health and disease, ii) an organ-on-chip microdevice that emulates the ocular surface of the human eye, and iii) microengineered physiological models of human reproductive organs. | {
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Against an injury-plagued Golden State team headed nowhere fast, Oklahoma City dropped a 120-117 shootout before 18,940 inside Oracle Arena.
And in defeat, the Thunder looked like anything but a playoff-bound bunch.
The Thunder blew a 13-point third-quarter lead and watched Golden State execute its high-octane offense to near perfection while struggling with the game’s most fundamental elements.
Jeff Green came up empty on a pair of go-ahead free throws with 1:11 remaining. The Thunder then gave up a 19-foot jumper to rookie Stephen Curry. Oklahoma City turned it over off an inbounds play on the next possession. Warriors forward Ronnie Turiaf then sliced his way to the rim for a layup. The Thunder turned it over yet again on the ensuing inbounds play. Curry proceeded to push the Warriors’ lead to 116-111 by splitting a pair of foul shots with 27.7 seconds remaining.
The loss dropped the Thunder to the eighth seed, technically tied with Portland and San Antonio, but OKC is down on tiebreakers with both teams.
A win tonight at Portland would put the Thunder one game ahead of the Blazers with one left to play for both teams.
Sunday's box score | {
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A new analysis from two ANRS studies reports that HIV-positive women in clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa are likely to get pregnant as often as those receiving care outside of research settings and questions why pregnancy is still commonly an exclusion criterion.
Instead, the investigators say it is essential to take a pragmatic approach and revisit the relevance of the criteria for exclusion of pregnant women in such trials.
An increasing number of ART clinical trials are now conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, a region with the highest fertility rate in the world and a very high social value associated with child bearing.
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Pregnancy and breast feeding are exclusion criteria in the majority of antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinical trials. Women of child bearing age agree to defer pregnancy for the duration of the study and are counselled before enrolment on using dual protection (condoms and a non-barrier contraceptive method), which are usually provided free.
A previous study conducted in Botswana reported a pregnancy rate of 7.9 per 100 person years (PY), despite women's verbal agreement to defer childbearing until after the study was closed.
Investigators from ANRS12169-2LADY and ANRS12286-MOBIDIP trials -- comparing three boosted PI regimens, and the efficacy of a mono or dual-therapy of PI with or without 3TC respectively, conducted in Cameroon, Senegal and Burkina Faso -- described their experience of pregnancies among women participants. These findings were published online in HIV Clinical Trials, 1 November 2017.
The goal of the study was to describe the reproductive behaviour and pregnancy outcomes among women on second-line ART enrolled in the trials and compare them with those of HIV-positive women in non-research settings.
The investigators reported 66 women had 84 pregnancies between January 2010 and July 2015 (1046.3 PY of follow up). The majority (51) of women had one pregnancy during follow up, 12 had two and three had three.
Compared with the other women participants in 2LADY, women who became pregnant were: younger (31 vs 36 years, p<0.001), less likely to be single (24.2% vs 40.1%, p=0.005), were more likely to have disclosed their HIV status to their partner (95.5 vs 31.7, p<0.001), and had been receiving ART for a shorter time before enrollment (3.5 vs 4.2 years, p<0.001). There were no differences in CD4 or viral load at enrollment.
Sixty pregnancies (71.4%) were in women receiving lopinavir and 27 (32.1%) in those receiving darunavir.
The investigators noted that 13 of 66 women who became pregnant had received medroxyprogesterone before pregnancy. But these women received a median of only one dose. Seven women received medroxyprogesterone or a levonorgestrel-releasing implant after pregnancy.
The overall pregnancy rate (per 100 PY) was 8.03 (95%CI: 6.5 to 9.9). Twenty women (7.1%), including two pregnant women lost to follow up at time of analysis. The pregnancy rate was highest in Senegal, 10.0 (95%CI: 6.4 to 15.7) vs Cameroon, 7.5 (95%CI: 5.6 to 9.9) and Burkina Faso, 7.9 (95%CI: 4.9 to 12.7).
The median time from enrollment to first pregnancy was 1.7 months. The investigators found that the incidence of pregnancy was stable during the first two years, then declined, and peaked again after four years of follow up -- partially because of recurrent pregnancies.
The 84 pregnancies resulted in: 60 (73.2%) live births, 13 (15.8%) miscarriages, three (3.6%) stillbirths, two (2.4%) extra-uterine pregnancies and four (4.8%) voluntary abortions. Two women were lost to follow up. The overall fertility rate was 5.73 live births per 100 PY (95%CI: 4.45 to 7.39).
The median gestation was 38 weeks (IQR 37 to 40) and median birth weight 2.9 kg (IQR 2.6 to 3.2). Nine (15%) infants had low birth weight, four of them were also premature. The investigators only recorded one birth defect (ankyloglossia). Four infants needed resuscitation at birth; one died from respiratory disease. One woman died of bleeding at delivery.
In multivariate analysis, miscarriages/stillbirths were not associated either with age, CD4 nadir, duration of ART, CD4 count, or viral load at the start of pregnancy. The investigators noted a trend in an increased proportion of miscarriages/stillbirths with darunavir vs lopinavir exposure: OR 3.1 (95%CI: 0.9 to 10.1).
The investigators looked at the scarce published data on the reproductive behavior of HIV-positive women in West and Central Africa, and found the few studies available to be very heterogeneous in terms of population sample, types of data collected, study period, and ART availability, making comparisons hard. But the reproductive behaviour of HIV-positive women enrolled in clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa appeared to be similar to that of women in non-research settings.
They concluded that this finding needs to be taken into account when planning trials in such regions with high fertility rates. The option to get pregnant in a trial should be discussed in ethics committees in the context of the level of risk associated with investigational antiretrovirals during pregnancy. Family planning counselling and contraception options need to improve.
The investigators also noted that the reported rate of miscarriage/stillbirth in this study is not different from those reported in HIV-negative women, which is reassuring for HIV-positive women considering pregnancy and receiving ART.
Comment
This study was conducted in African countries with some of the highest fertility rates in the world: in Burkina Faso and Senegal women have an average of almost 6 and almost 5 children respectively. So, the finding that women of child-bearing age get pregnant in clinical trials with long follow up is unsurprising.
The more salient point to take from this article is that pregnancy is frequently an exclusion criterion for ART trials and women who conceive during this period are often switched from an investigational drug or regimen, sometimes not until later in pregnancy, when it is detected.
In some cases it might be more appropriate to continue on the study drug (in the context of level of risk/benefit) with careful monitoring, and this needs to be taken into account when designing trials that include women of child-bearing age.
If women do continue on study drug in pregnancy, it is important that the data on maternal and infant outcomes is captured. New antiretrovirals always have scant information to guide recommendations in pregnancy after approval for high-income countries and this can delay their inclusion in global guidelines.
This article was provided by HIV i-Base. It is a part of the publication HIV Treatment Bulletin. Visit HIV i-Base's website to find out more about their activities, publications and services.
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Review by kadambi (2008-05-05)
The last of the Foundation series, this one has the same tension pervading throughout it as "Second Foundation". It is an excellent space adventure and is probably the most engrossing of the Foundation series.
The best parts are, of course is the references to the worlds presented in the Robot novels. This ties it neatly with "Robots and Empire". If you haven't read Robot novels, you need to, before picking up this one.
And, last but not the least, a very breathtaking ending.
(This review refers to the 1986 version titled “Foundation and Earth”) | {
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NYC Parks Events Calendar
Get up, get out, and do something! Just about any day of the year, you can find something fun, informative, and healthy to enjoy at an area park. Feel free to browse the listings below, or use the search tools to find an event that matches your interests and location.
at Poe Park Visitor Center (in Poe Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.The relaxation technique, somewhat like yoga, makes you feel as though you are floating on water. You may experience yourself drifting in and out of sleep during the gentle and quiet…Free!
1:00 p.m.The new Lenape Gallery at Conference House Park Visitor Center will open Riding the Waves, a new exhibit of the Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication. The premiere…Category: Education, History, Talks, WaterfrontFree! | {
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} |
Marble La Forma
Marble La Forma
Product Description
This exquisite collection of beautifully handcrafted sculptures combines the elegance of modern art with traditional craftsmanship. Cast in marble and mounted on a stone quartz base, each piece is completely unique and will offer a distinctive visual to any space. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
JOHANNESBURG: Faf du Plessis will lead South Africa in all the three formats of the game, announced the board of directors Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Monday.
Du Plessis takes the place of AB de Villiers, who resigned as the ODI skipper a few weeks ago.
"Congratulations to Faf on his appointment as the natural successor to the ODI leadership," commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.
"He has established himself as one of the best leaders in world cricket and this was reflected in his appointment as the captain for the World XI currently engaged in the T20 Series against Pakistan," he added.
Du Plessis' first assignment as South Africa's captain in all formats will be a home series against Bangladesh later this month, which consists of two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. | {
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} |
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Where do I start.... The food was great, the staff were great, the pools and activities were great. The rooms were the only thing that wasnt great, but tbh you only sleep in them and stuff so it didnt matter. We stayed from 20th May 2012 for 2 weeks, I do wonder if we would have stayed 2 weeks later then it may not have been so good. We met loads of amazing people. The last couple of days alot of the locals came, and they were really loud, dont get me wrong we were loud but they were waking people up at night and early hours of the morning.The Thomson Rep was lovley, Sylvia, she helped with anything and everything. There were lots of exursions to do if you wanted and the prices were reasonable too.You could go out of the hotel to shops and there was a bit of night life and it was all safe, on the beach you could walk either way and again it was safe. The only annoying thing on the beach was the sales people!! They were friendly but you would see the same one 10 times a day and they would ask you 10 times a day!! They were not shy about sharing your bed either, but I didnt mind them too much.In general the hotel its self was smaller than all the other ones I have been to in the Carribean, but it was one of the best holidays we have had :) We didnt realise that it was advisable to take malria tablets, but we were ok, so I wouldnt bother next time either, as the locals and the rep didnt take them.The buffet and restuarants were all brilliant, when our drinks were half way down they would just fill them back up. Service was fantastic, we really couldnt fault it, would probably go back in a few years when we have visited everywhere else :)
Room Tip: Just ask and maybe tip them and they might move you!
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Stayed May 2012, travelled as a couple
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Ask TheMongers about VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
My husband & I spent one great week (27/05-24/05/2012) at GV. We have been going to the Playa Dorada area for over 17 years, spending most of that time at the recently closed Victoria Hotel. This was our first time staying at the GV, which is one of the sister hotels to the Victoria, and we were totally satisfied with the resort. We desperately needed a mini holiday not only to relax but to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary and my birthday. We booked a Jr suite and Marisol the rooms manager made sure our accomodation in the Saona bldg was perfect. It was also great to see Stanley at the front desk making us feel welcome, hola Stanley and Marisol.
The food at the buffet was good, we never left hungry!!! The a la carte restaurants were good but our favorite was the Ocean Grill. The staff at the resort were great. We NEVER had to wait for anything. The entire staff are fast and efficient...wow!
We were saddened to see the closures of so many resorts and specially of our beloved Victoria. We hope tourism increases as the PP area is suffering desperately. We hope the new cruise port scheduled to open in 2014 is not too late.
We have recommended the Gran Ventana to many friends and especially our old friends from the Victoria.....we will return and we hope you will too.
HI All just returned (28/05/2012) back from stopping at the VH Gran Ventana Beach ResortAll I can say is to all those who are going is you will have a great time, if you are in any doubt about going because of some of the reviews on here, I will gladly have your holiday. Well where do I start, the Thompson rep was spot on she seemed to be about all the time and would listen to anything you wanted to talk about and very helpful. The resort is situated in a well designed area with other hotels about, also a golf course a shopping plaza with a cinema, an English bar called Phil’s bar (small) but felt very welcome and you can watch any football that is on. There is a night club called coco bongo's there is a charge of 15$ to go in then all drink is included all night. Right back to the hotel all staff are friendly even the entertainment team they try to get you involved in games etc but are not pushy if you don’t want to. The shows on a night are ok and fun they have a karaoke night. The rooms are good and spacious and clean with mini bar the bathroom as shower and bath and hair dryer. The restaurant is great with lots to chose from I know some of the food is a little repeated but there is something for every taste. I have been to the Dominican a few times and stopped at different hotels and the food is similar. You can use the restaurant or the beach grill bar for dinner, the beach grill bar is open till 5oclock. Book the grill bar restaurant and octopus restaurant for an evening meal, we booked them a few times and they were great.All drink is local and they are great and I felt fresh a few times so they are not watered down (like some say on here),There are two pools one they call the quite pool which is through the reception area in a separate area from main hotel there is a bar there. the main pool is very big and as a swim up bar, there are plenty of sun beds and we never had to get up early to save any ( so for those on here who said they had to fight for them I don’t know where they had stayed ) now for the beach there are again plenty of sun beds and quite a few palm tree umbrella and if you need extra bed there are plenty stacked up and there is a guy who will bring them to you and he does not expect a tip but you can if you feel like it. There are a few vendors who walk up and down who keep asking if you want to buy any gifts but if you say no they will walk away there are a few who are friendly and will chat we used to give them pop and beer from fridge and even got them a drink from the beach bar. So to sum it all up excellent t place excellent timeDon’t let any of these moaning reviews put you off, I don’t know what they expect and some people will moan at the least little thing I would love to see how some of them live at home.Feel free to ask me any questions and also tell me if you did not enjoy your stay when you return [email protected]
Room Tip: we stayed on the 3rd floor which i thought was best as you have no one above you,not that we heard a...
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Stayed May 2012, travelled with family
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Stayed here from may 26-june 1st and i miss it already :( We arrived at around 1 and it was around a 20 minute drive to the hotel and rooms werent ready yet but we were given punch as we waited. in the meantime our united representative and we booked our excursions which were ATV's and City tour! both excursions with food cost us 94 dollars. after booking them our rooms were ready at 3pm we were placed in Saona 1326(superior), and 1325(Jr suite). rooms were almost the same size except the jr suite has sitting area and thats it. our room had a blocked view of the beach by trees but they were on the 3rd floor so it was a hassle going up the steps and around the corridor but nothing extreme. The staff was amazing they always tried to make you participate. saturday night there was a beach party from 8-11pm which played older music but it was fun and the staff conviced everyone to dance:) random note i love palm trees :)) the hotel grounds are beautiful and well kept!
Excursions:ATV: these were so much fun you go around a sugar cane field, into a secluded beach and back and its about 5 minutes from the playa dorada complex. however in the course of the atv its very bumpy and if u are going very fast you will fly off if you are in the back like i did. however after falling off i was fine just cut up and the driver was fine she was still on the atv just shook up. i did end up losing my glasses when i fell and couldnt find them as i realized i didnt have them like 5 minutes later. atv is about 4 hours long and they do give u options to buy stuff to give to the kids on the way. however the kids at one point were very persistent and almost robbed one of the girls from another hotel of something in her bag.
City Tour: this was a great excursion we started off by visiting the brugal factory wat better way to start the day :) the factory is mostly all automated and then u can sample and buy after the tour i bought 2 bottle for 16 dollars. then after this we visited the ambar museum which was very interesting and we were shown how they cut the stone and etc.then onto the san felipe church which was very beautiful as well as central park then onto the san felipe fort which was nice we didnt go inside as we had to pay 100 pesos to get in so we walked around and took pictures. then after this we went to another amber museum/cigar factory which was way better and here we got to sample a cigar and mama juana which was really good:) then we stopped for food at this place across the street from the be live hotels and the food was great. then after lunch we did cable cars however it was foggy and we couldnt see much but it was still amazing and beautiful.
Fun city: this was a great place to go waste like 2 hours or so u pay 25 dollars and u get taxi transportation, 1 free snack and soda, 1 picture and unlimited rides and time on each of the tracks theres 3 tracks of go karts and 1 thing of bumper cars which were extremely fun
Jetski: these are so much fun i want to buy one now :) it cost 33 dollars a person for about 30 minutes so it was kind of expensive but definitely worth it.
Food: the food here was good and u got to eat at least 3 times a day at the buffet from 7-10am, 1-3 pm and 7-10pm and lots of choices for all eaters im a picky eater and i had many choices. they only served mangu 2x while we were there so maybe not so popular item but there was always fresh fruit and bread and the icecream and desserts were amazing:) presidente was available at all times even during breakfast lol. the ala cartes were good we only did the italian one and octupus one because the other one wasnt open. i had chicken parm at the italian one and mango chicken breast which were good.
Animation: theres always something to do or see at this hotel like on my bday we did the alacarte and then the michael jackson show and coincidentally there was another bday person there and at the ala cartes her friends told the staff it was her bday and then my friends felt bad so they suprised me later at the michael jackson show by telling the staff and at the end they made me get on stage and sang happy bday to me lol in front of most of the hotel guests lol. i love my friends:)
Plaza dorada: this plaza was literally a block away and 2 minutes away and u could find everything thing like coco bongos which was really fun we went there on my bday and they have free rum+ coke from 11-1am.
cons of puerto plata : VENDORS! theyre everywhere and try to sell you everything. they tried to sell me a horseback ride from the hotel to the plaza lol literally 1000 feet lol and on the beach as well theyre waiting by the entrance to try and sell u stuff and walk by every 2 seconds and are persistent but all you have to say is no gracias! and away they go :)
Hotel: theyre upgrading the hotel like when we were there they installed new energy saving power controls instead of that little rectangle thing u now use your key card to turn on the power in the room.
We flew out on the 13th of May from Manchester for our Honeymoon and back on the 28th.
The food was fantastic, we found the stake's to be the best thing to order at the Italian and Octopus. The fish was excellent from the Beach Grill, grouper and the fish platter were both very good. At the Buffet there was a good selection for b'fast, lunch, dinner, there is something for everyone, you would have to be very picky to not fined something to eat here !!
Our room was a good size and clean. There was the odd fault due to age, but you would have to be really picky and look for fault. It had a good size flat screen TV with a good choice of channels.
The Bars were good and the drinks flowed freely especially the cocktails, the beer in the mini bar was nice and so was the local draft ( presidente').
We had 4 trips out Ocean world , Buggy's , Outback safari & Paradise Island.They we all good days out the Buggy's were excellent fun and you get plastered in mud.Ocean world was very good, there are loads of shows, we did the dolphin encounter but I wished we'd done the royal swim.Paradise Island was a bit of a drive but it was nice to get out and about looking out of the coach window at Dominican life, The Island itself was amazing the fish life is incredible and the reef is like walking through a coral garden.The last trip we did was the safari, this was informative on how the Dominicans live, the Boogie boarding was fun and I lost count of the rum and coke's we'd had.
All in all we had a brilliant time, the food is very good, the rooms are ok , the pool and bars are nice & the beach is fab , its a real banker of a holiday.
Yes there are lucky lucky men all over, Yes the hotel was not built last week, but the place is so lush, the staff are excellent, Playa Dorada is beautiful, the golf course looks first rate.I can understand why they have so many repeat customers.
O and don't forget lots of sun tan oil and after sun because its £20 a bottle to buy it over there.One pair of long trousers or jeans for dinner.
Stayed here with my wife and our friends mid-end May 12. After an initial problem with our room allocations, we were allocated the rooms that I had requested by email. Clearly the hotel had not taken notice of my request but, thankfully we were moved with minimum fuss. We had the distinct impression that the inside ground floor rooms in Saona were specifically allocated to the British guests, perhaps they do not expect complaints but we were distinctly unimpressed with the decor and view so we did.
This is a very good resort, well located, good beach and decent facilities - though the gym is really not a gym and needs a complete re-think. The staff are excellent, Jackie at the quiet pool, Scooby and the other animation guys in particular - thank you for your efforts. The food is typical AI fare but better than many resorts and we enjoyed the A La Carte resturants which we found readily available. The drinks are also very typical of AI, weaker than in the UK but we all know that when we book so no complaints here. The beer is perfectly good and has the desired effect - sometimes too much! Disappointed that the swim-up bar was not staffed and, despite the best efforts of the pool bar staff, we had to wait some time to get noticed and served - the management really could have avoided this inconvenience by staffing to demand.
Unfortunately, the mindless lager louts from UK caused some sleepless nights towards the end of our stay with their unnecessary antics in the corridor in the wee small hours - really guys, grow up and respect the other guests, it's not big and it's not clever.
We enjoyed our holiday and feel that you can confidently stay here and enjoy yourself if you have realistic expectations of AI in Dom Rep.
Stayed May 2012, travelled as a couple
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Thank you for posting your comments about your recent stay. We are delighted to read that overall you enjoyed your stay with our hotel. Thank you so much for your kind words about our staff, we will be sure to pass along your compliments. We are sorry to hear that you had an issue with your room, but very glad to hear the situation was resolved for you. Your comments are valuable to us so that we can continue to improve our service. We do hope to welcome you back in the near future.
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Let's start with the beach. The hotel sits right on Playa Dorada. There are huts for shade and beach chairs for guests. The water's warm and the breeze is cool. It's perfect. There's a bar right off the beach as well and an a la carte restaurant (to which we did not go).The pool is beautiful. It has a swim up bar, a volley ball net and a beach gradual entry on one side. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas all around, and a guy under the palms husking coconuts for you to eat or drink.As for food, there are maybe 3 or 4 a la carte restaurants, but we don't enjoy the constraints of a reservation while on vacation so we stuck to the buffet. It's not what abuela used to make, but it's good and plentiful. They switch things up at every meal and they have at least 4 Dominican dishes each time for you to try. As for the rooms, the beds are firm and the floors are clean. Our air conditioner broke one night and they had us in a cooler room next door within 10 minutes. The staff is super friendly and helpful. There is also a shopping center right down the block with 3 or 4 clubs to keep you jamming all night. I don't know what more you could want in an all inclusive vacation. We can't wait to go back.
Room Tip: There's a "quiet pool" in the back of the resort. Personally, I like to be closer to t...
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Also Known As:
Gran Ventana Beach Hotel
Gran Ventana Dominican Republic
Gran Ventana Puerto Plata
Gran Ventana Beach Resort Puerto Plata
Hotel Gran Ventana Beach
Grand Ventana Beach Resort
Gran Ventana Hotel Dominican Republic
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The Mississippi state flag is displayed with the banners of other U.S. states, territories and commonwealths, above a walkway in the tunnel from the Capitol Building to the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington on July 1, 2016. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)
After President Trump declared his intention to leave the Paris climate agreement, three Democratic state governors announced that their states would continue to pursue efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress vowed to enact federal laws to preempt state and local immigration policies at odds with the GOP agenda. This contradicts conventional wisdom, which holds that Republicans promote states’ rights while Democrats want more policymaking power concentrated at the federal level.
Is this a partisan reversal on states’ rights? Our research suggests not. Rather, both parties have historically promoted or preempted states’ rights depending on their party’s political goals for a given issue.
Both Democrats and Republicans care about states’ rights
The United States has a federal system, which means that state and federal governments divide and share power to make and enforce laws. As the chart below shows, the federal government has a long history of enacting laws that preempt, or limit, states’ and localities’ policymaking powers.
But federal preemption jumped sharply in the 1970s and again over the past decade. About 6 percent of federal laws enacted between 2000 and 2009 preempt state and local powers, compared with about 3.5 percent during the previous decade.
Federal preemptions by decade
How we did our research
To learn more about how the parties at the national level approach states’ rights, we surveyed every federal law enacted between 1990 and 2012 that preempted state power in some way. As the figure below shows, we found that both parties have contributed relatively equally to the dramatic increase in federal preemption.
Preemption statutes enacted, by party control of House and presidency, 1990-2012
Over about the past 20 years, Republicans in Congress and in the White House have been just as willing to limit state power as have Democrats. For example, Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush each signed 64 preemption statutes into law during their respective eight years in office. Similarly, between 1990 and 2012, no matter which party controlled the House of Representatives, roughly the same average number of preemption policies became law each year.
Parties preempt states’ rights in different ways
However, exactly how they limit state authority varies, in keeping with the parties’ different political goals.
The parties enact different types of preemptions. Republicans are more likely to impose what are known as “ceiling preemptions.” These laws cap the amount of regulation states can enact on a particular issue. For example, a ceiling preemption might prohibit states from setting new or more stringent emissions standards for a particular industry.
Democrats, by contrast, are much more likely to limit state power by setting floor preemptions, or minimum standards that states must meet but can exceed if they want to. For example, such a law might set a federal emission standard for a particular industry but allow states to enact tougher emissions standards.
As shown in the charts below, we find that when Democrats controlled the House between 1990 and 2012, 57 percent of preemption laws enacted were floors. By contrast, when Republicans controlled the House, 33 percent of laws enacted with preemption statutes were floors; the remaining 67 percent were ceilings limiting state regulatory power.
Floor vs. ceiling preemptions as enacted by party control of House, 1990-2012
You can see this illustrated in the partisan gap between floor and ceiling preemptions in public health and consumer safety. When Democrats controlled the House, 75 percent of preemptions were floors, compared with 36 percent of those passed under Republican majorities. That means that Democrats in Congress used preemptions to create a base level of health and safety regulation across the states — while Republicans did so to limit state authority to regulate in this area.
For example, the Card Act of 2009, enacted under Democratic control, created new credit card rules to protect consumers but left states able to add still more regulations. By contrast, a Republican-led 2001 amendment to the Consumer Product Safety Act introduced federal regulations for electric bicycles that explicitly overrode more stringent state laws.
States’ rights in the Trump era
States’ responses to Trump and the current Republican agenda are entirely consistent with these patterns, as the parties’ stands on states’ rights vary with the issue at hand.
But in the ongoing debate over the federal Medicaid program that funds health care for low-income and disabled people, the tables are turned. Many Republicans want to shift toward block grants, which would let each state decide how to run and fund its Medicaid program. Predictably, Democrats are opposed; they want enough federal control to ensure that current benefits are protected.
The sides flip once more on immigration. Congressional Republicans want to preempt state power to prevent Democratic cities from becoming sanctuary cities. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats are fighting to protect state and local rights to resist Trump administration policies against sanctuary cities.
In sum, neither party holds a principled position on whether to preempt or protect states’ rights. Instead, both parties use federal power to limit state authority or to promote it depending on their party’s policy goals. Expect to see such strategic partisan use of federalism continue as the parties go to battle over Trump’s and the GOP’s agenda.
Mallory E. SoRelle is an assistant professor of government and law at Lafayette College, specializing in the study of American politics and public policy. Follow her on Twitter @SoRelleM.
Alexis N. Walker is an assistant professor of political science at Saint Martin’s University, with a focus on American politics and organized labor. | {
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In obesity, brain becomes 'unaware' of fat
March 6, 2007
Critical portions of the brain in those who are obese don’t really know they are overweight, researchers have reported in the March issue of the journal Cell Metabolism, published by Cell Press. These findings in obese mice show that a sensor in the brain that normally detects a critical fat hormone—causing a cascade of events that keeps energy balance in check—fails to engage. Meanwhile, the rest of the metabolic pathway remains ready to respond.
“Obesity is not a failure of will power, it is a biological failure,” said Michael Cowley of Oregon Health & Science University of his group’s findings in the mice. “The brain is not aware that the body is obese.”
If the same is true in humans, he added, people may be consciously aware that they are overweight, but “that’s different from the homeostatic circuitry being aware.”
The new results also bolster evidence that a suppressor called SOCS-3 may be responsible for the loss of sensitivity to the fat hormone known as leptin. Therapeutic strategies designed to inhibit SOCS-3 may therefore bypass leptin resistance in obese animals to restore energy balance, according to the researchers.
In most adults, body weight is relatively constant despite large variations in daily food intake and energy expenditure, Cowley explained. Energy balance is regulated by neural and hormonal signals that are integrated in the brain.
Leptin sends signals to the brain about the body’s fat reserves, modifying appetite and energy expenditure accordingly. The arcuate nucleus in the brain’s hypothalamus, known as the ARH, is a major site of leptin sensing, harboring neurons that control appetite.
More than 60 percent of American adults are now overweight or obese, and obesity prevalence in both adults and children is growing dramatically. When scientists first discovered leptin, it was heralded as a potential obesity cure, Cowley said. If obese individuals lacked normal leptin levels, simply restoring the hormone might have been a means for weight loss.
It soon became clear that there was a problem: obesity isn’t the result of a lack of leptin, but rather a lack of leptin response. In fact, obese individuals tend to have high levels of circulating leptin.
“They have enough, but it’s not doing its job,” Cowley said. “It’s an example of classic hormone resistance.”
Cowley’s group set out to show exactly where that breakdown occurs. The researchers fed mice a high-fat diet for 20 weeks, a long time for the mice, which live only for a couple of years. For reasons that remain unclear, some of the genetically identical mice became obese when fed such a diet, while others did not.
“On a high-fat diet, not all of the animals become fat,” Cowley said. “About 60 percent become fat, while others on the same diet, same calories, don’t gain weight, and leptin levels remain normal. Something else must protect them.”
The animals that did become obese maintained normal levels of the ARH brain receptors that respond to leptin, the researchers showed, while the level of SOCS-3 rose. Leptin hormone in those heavy animals failed to elicit “any element of the leptin signaling cascade.” The researchers demonstrated that those later players in the leptin pathway remained ready for action. Indeed, the downstream factors were actually found to be hypersensitive to stimulation.
“Previous studies have suggested that SOCS-3 is a negative regulator of leptin,” Cowley said. “As animals become bigger and fatter and leptin increases, SOCS-3 may rise to decrease the signal. It seems that in obesity, SOCS-3 might end up overriding the [leptin] signal completely.”
When the amount of fat in the animals’ diets was reduced—even without any reduction in calories—the mice continuously lost weight until they reached a size comparable to control animals. Their brains’ appetite control centers also regained sensitivity to leptin.
“That was a surprise, a nice surprise,” Cowley said. “We had thought it might be more irreversible than that.”
However, Cowley cautioned, previous studies in humans haven’t always supported the idea that reducing fat intake alone has a major effect on obesity, noting that the digestive systems of mice and humans differ substantially. His team has plans to examine these effects in overweight primates, whose digestive systems have much more in common with people.
The findings do “strongly support the case” that leptin resistance in critical brain regions is a cause of obesity induced by diet, the researchers concluded. The results also “strongly validate” SOCS-3 as a target for antiobesity drug development.
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Leptin, a hormone that regulates the amount of fat stored in the body, also drives the increase in blood pressure that occurs with weight gain, according to researchers from Monash University and the University of Cambridge.
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2009 – A hard year
The president said that the main accomplishment was mere survival, but there were at least three more important things.
First, to keep social stability – the government fulfilled all its social obligations, made all the social payments, Medvedev said. Pensions grew significantly, and it was not just nominal growth. Nominally, pensions grew by one third, and practically increased by one forth.
Second, the president said that the Russian people had managed to provide financial security and stability in the country, despite some problems in 2009. But due to the efforts of the government, the national currency remained stable and all the national banks have not collapsed and continue to function.
The rate of inflation this year was 13%, and in the next year it will decrease dramatically down to only 9%, Medvedev noted.
The third achievement, according to Medvedev, was introducing the mechanism of state support for industry and enterprises. No major enterprises came to a halt, and bankruptcy was prevented. Those factories that stopped were still financially supported by government and all the social payments were made.
The President went on to say that some of the campaigns were not successful.
The Russian financial system is still based on raw materials, it is an obstacle in Russia’s development and this is the problem we have to solve. Of course, it is not something which can be solved within one year, and we will continue to resolve it.
Then, the innovations of the enterprises are very important, Russian industry can only develop on the basis of modern technologies.
In addition, Russian authorities failed to fully fight unemployment in the country. The program aimed to help this was elaborated, and it partly helped, but the problem is far from being solved, Medvedev said.
Sources of the crisis still there
Though most world economies have overcome the global crisis, its sources have not been eliminated, believes the Russian president. Over the year several meetings between heads of states, both in the framework of the G20 and the G8, focused on reforming the global financial architecture, but little has been done.
In Russia, the global problems were aggravated by domestic weaknesses of the economy, Medvedev said. In 2009, the Russian economy plunged by 8.7%, and the recovery is expected to be slow. Current forecasts range from 2.5% growth to 5% for the most optimistic scenarios.
The burden on the world economy is big, and the coming years will not be easy, Medvedev noted.
Modernization as a need for immediate change
“We are absolutely sure that, without urgent modernization, the Russian economy has no future, even with the enormous natural resources Russia has.”
First of all, Russia needs to learn how to use these resources properly, added the president.
“If we do not take any measures to follow the plan to go to high technology, to a new age economy, we will not be able to radically change our economy and will be more dependent on the cycling nature of the world economy.”
“There are five priorities for modernization: energy efficiency and creating new kinds of fuel, development of information technology, space technologies, healthcare and medicine production,” said Medvedev, and expressed the opinion that Russia needs a breakthrough in all of those areas.
Modernization through force is over
On the question of modernization, Medvedev seemed optimistic that Russia would be taking positive steps in the right direction.
“First the Russian nation is strong, well-prepared and smart. It is able to change itself, not through force, but because this is an internal goal.”
He used examples of other countries successfully developing democratically without force, and while acknowledging some good things have come from such an approach, forced modernizations are effectively dead.
“On the whole, other nations have been able to find strength and inner drive to develop, facing the necessity to become free and powerful. That is why the modernizations that were forced are a thing of the past. I do not deny the positive things that they have been able to bring, but we will pursue our own path.”
“Modernization must be based on efficiency and the people’s desire to change.”
President Medvedev also mentioned that a country as large as Russia cannot develop without modernization. “And those officials who understand this will work and will continue their work in government authorities,” the president said, adding, “While those, who chose to not understand this, who want to go with the flow – unfortunately they do exist on different levels of federal organs – will have to decide for themselves whether they need a break from governmental service. This kind of attitude is dangerous for the country. All innovations and reforms should be real.”
Dmitry Medvedev talked about his recently formed list of top managers with presidential backing: “Recently, I formed a list of people who could potentially hold high posts in Russia. Now, 28 of the first 100 have already been appointed. I am surprised myself; I did not expect it to work out that fast. And they are young modern people who really want to work.”
Concerning the political parties, the president said that they have to be responsible to their voters. “And the ruling party, or – as we call it in Russia – the party of power, is responsible for all that is happening in the country, for all the positive and negative events,” Dmitry Medvedev added.
Structure of the political system
The current political system in Russia is far from being settled, and Dmitry Medvedev keeps in contact both with political parties represented in parliament and those which are not, because all of them are backed by voters, so their opinion must be taken into consideration.
The president believes that any of the currently existing parties has a part to play in the foundation of the political system. It is hard to predict how many parties there will be in 10 or 15 years. There may be seven, or fifteen, or just two like in the United States. It is up to Russian citizens to make that decision.
Medvedev also commented on minor opposition movements which stated their refusal to have any contact with the current Russian leadership, like those headed by Garry Kasparov and Mikhail Kasyanov. He said he saw no problems with politicians who do not want to be part of the political system, as long as they obey Russian laws. “They represent someone’s interests,” he said, “even though I can’t help wonder whose.”
Police reform
Talking about the perception of police in Russia, Dmitry Medvedev said that there are a lot of problems, and Russian citizens have many concerns about the police.
“Today I am going to sign a decree regarding Russia’s Interior Ministry,” Medvedev stated. “It will contain some structural changes and reforms, and also touch on financial and legal aspects.”
The claims from people concerning the Russian police force are grounded, said the president, because people want to be protected by responsible people of high moral standards. Thus, some serious changes to the structure are required.
“I am sure we can create a very efficient structure,” he added, “Because a huge number of the police officers are honest and devoted people. Russia’s Interior Ministry has enough professionals that are able to fight crime and protect our interests.”
In addition, the president touched on the sad theme of police deaths, noting that over 300 police officers died in 2009 protecting the lives and wellbeing of Russian people.
Reform in penal system
Over the last few months Medvedev has fired a number of officials in the Russian penal system. When asked to comment on the spree of layoffs, he said it was necessary in order to put Russian jails in order.
“The system has not changed in decades, and there are a lot of shortfalls in its sector. Part of the problem is that people in the system don’t want changes, and it means new people have to come for reform to happen,” the president said.
The problem is that convicts are not compelled to become law abiding citizens in Russian jails, which in part defies the reasons for their existence.
“I read documents for presidential pardons and feel pity. A man stole a hat, which is worth $15, and is given two years. Why? Will he be a better man when he is released?”
The direction in which Medvedev wants the Russian penitentiary system to go is towards a more humanitarian approach to non-violent crimes. Such crimes require a better job done by investigators for their evidence to be accepted in court, not the illegal pressure on white-collar suspects.
And people found guilty of non-violent crimes don’t always need to be put in jail. There are other options used in other countries, and Russia should learn from them, Medvedev said.
At the same time, crimes against a person should be punished with all harshness. “There should be no pity for brainless thugs.”
The reform will be done both in the criminal code and in the prisons. This is an important part of maintaining social order and peace in Russia.
The president also commented on so-called “Basman justice” – a term referring to unjust court decisions taken under pressure from officials. While Medvedev doubted the accuracy of the term, the phenomenon is clearly a social evil, he noted. Such rulings must be overruled and those involved in the practice punished.
Pharmaceutical development is essential to the country
President Medvedev stressed the necessity to invest in and develop Russia’s pharmaceutical industry, calling it sad that only two or three of the 20 most popular drugs in Russia are produced in the country.
“The situation with medicine and pharmaceuticals is not perfect. People can see that when they go to drugstores. In the time of a flu pandemic this is especially true. We need to protect ourselves in this area. So what has happened? Only 20% is produced within the country, and 80% is imported. If there is a terrible pandemic we can be cut off.”
However, Medvedev believes it is within Russia’s capabilities to develop the industry, but stressed the need for serious investment
“We can produce them on our own. We need to restore our pharmaceutical industry and it must be done on the principles of mixed financing, government and private. We will be handling this.”
“In order to make and advance a new drug there needs huge investment, which requires millions of dollars, and we need investment into personnel.”
Medvedev also warned of the possible abuse by producers in hiking up prices and said that steps were being taken to combat high costs for the consumer.
“Apart from investment, we need to keep track of the situation on the medicine market. We should not allow people to become too arrogant. If they will try to sell at hiked-up prices, this will lead to a social explosion.”
“The Prosecutors Office has done its part as well as the Health Ministry. We are introducing new measures of pricing and control of the maximum amount that drugstores can charge.”
Medvedev said that pharmaceutical production was one of the five priorities that he has outlined.
We need to stop drinking first
Those who like drinking should take care of their health, President Medvedev declared. Considering the bad situation with drunk drivers in Russia, Medvedev shared that Russia is not ready to allow drinking, even in moderate quantities, behind the wheel.
“They cannot watch their health. This is a very delicate matter and you need to learn about it. When we will be ready – we will see.”
Migrant inflow to be strictly regulated
Another socially sensitive issue mentioned was migrant influx into Russia. Many of them are not prepared and adapted for life in Russia. Medvedev said that it is not natural for such a huge country as Russia to have such an insufficient labor force, so there is certainly a need for migrant workers. Around twelve million people come to work in the country every year, they do important tasks, often not very prestigious, that not every Russian citizen would be keen on doing. But the influx, the president noted, should be strictly regulated by the law. Not all the people who come get registered, but the registration should be strictly controlled, according to Medvedev.
“Measures should be taken for their social adaptation in Russia – they have to be able to speak Russian; their commercial activity should be in accord with our country’s law; they have to pay taxes; they have to undergo sanitary and medical control. So, if we are able to adjust the situation to these rules, their affairs will be transparent and very important for Russia,” the president said.
Improvements in North Caucasus region
The situation with the North Caucasus has to be normalized, Dmitry Medvedev emphasized, despite its complexity.
“We have learnt how to fight bandits over the last years,” he said, “But there are still some major problems, such as social disorder in the Caucasus republics.” The president claimed that the unemployment rate in North Caucasus is still high, and more job occupations need to be created.
A special federal program has been established to improve the situation in the Republic of Ingushetia, Medvedev reminded.
Painful army reform is necessary
Medvedev named three main problems of the Russian armed forces. Those are: aging hardware; low salaries; and outdated organization. The ongoing reform is to solve them all, and some decisions needed for it are painful.
At the same time, even with its problems, the Russian army has demonstrated its capabilities to “defend national interests and interests of our citizens, including the episode in South Ossetia,” Medvedev stressed.
Status of the Nevsky Express investigation
When asked about the ongoing investigation into the tragedy of the Nevsky Express, Medvedev expressed confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice.
“I am certain that those responsible will be found. I am sure that the investigation, together with law enforcement officers, will find and arrest those responsible and put them on trial. Our state is able to cope with such a task.”
Although, unable to share specific details, Medvedev said that, as a result of the investigation, precautions and safety measures will be taken to ensure greater security.
“Apart from the investigation, we have to look into the consequences and the causes of it. We have to think about how to provide security for the infrastructure. We have a huge network of railways and we have to take care of it. Such instructions of course will be given after the investigation, while some have already been given to certain agencies, and we will fund these.”
Nightclub fire
Concerning the Perm fire tragedy, the president asserted that the reasons behind it were negligence and lack of discipline on an incredible level.
“It is a mind-boggling idea to hold a fireworks show in an enclosed space,” he said, “Even non-educated people understand that it is extremely dangerous!”
Speaking of measures to prevent such tragedies from being repeated, Medvedev mentioned the current state ban on such events throughout Russia, and said that this should be established officially:
“We have to develop necessary laws and decrees; we also have to enforce control the fire protection service because it is they who were supposed to check out this club, but they did not. Why? Because someone got a bribe?”
“On the legislation level we have to control how all related laws are being carried out and who is responsible for their execution on the regional level,” added Dmitry Medvedev.
He also said that the Perm case is very illustrative, and that personally he considers this a crime with the heaviest consequences. “We have to sort the situation out, trying to prevent such tragedies from happening ever again.”
National spirit is not broken
The president was also asked a question about the strength of the Russian people. Has its mood has been broken now after the sequence of tragic events, or do they have the will to go on? Throughout Russia’s history the country has lost huge numbers of its best citizens through historic events and social experiments.
“Our country’s life has never been easy, and that is what shaped our national character,” Medvedev said. He spoke of different factors that the Russian people have always faced throughout history, from harsh climate conditions to numerous wars.
“I don’t think something totally radical has taken place in the last 150 years that could change the attitude of our people to life, that could break their will,” the president argued.
“If it were so, we would have lost the Great Patriotic War, we wouldn’t have been able to renew the country, and we wouldn’t even be able to manage the new state, which is, in fact, very difficult – we wouldn’t have had the forces to build a new state.”
The president noted that all the problems connected with the formation of a new state, with different borders, when some territories of the former huge country started to be other, separate states, didn’t break down the citizens, they overcame all that.
“I don’t think our spirit has been shattered – we still have a will for life,” he concluded.
Personal chemistry with Putin and Obama
Dmitry Medvedev reiterated that his relations with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin are “still special” as they were in the times of his presidency. They are like the relations of two friends and colleagues.
He also commented on the personal chemistry between Barack Obama and himself. He described the new American president as a strong politician and a good conversationalist.
“He can listen to you and respond to your arguments,” Medvedev said. Unlike some other US officials, he never said anything like “your position is interesting, but we have already decided everything.”
Nuclear reduction and nuclear shield
The progress on the new strategic arms reduction treaty to replace START is a very complex process, and it is being done quite fast, according to Medvedev. The resulting document will regulate the way Russia and the US will deal with each other in the nuclear sphere, so every comma in it must be scrutinized.
At the same time, when the document is ratified, it will not stop Russia from developing its strategic arms, the president said. It will certainly be done in accordance with international agreements, but Russia’s “nuclear shield” will remain an adequate deterrent to keep the country secure.
A nuclear-free world is a splendid goal, but it is a distant one, and other nations must join for it to be achievable.
Ukrainian presidential election
Moscow’s candidate for the presidential election in Ukraine “must be Viktor Yushchenko, judging from the fact that most of my statements on Ukraine related to the actions of the current president,” joked Medvedev. Earlier in his videoblog he put the blame for deteriorated relations between Russia and Ukraine on Yushchenko’s policies.
Taking a serious attitude, he said Russia cannot have “its candidate” in the Ukrainian election.
“Ukraine is an independent, sovereign state, where the president is chosen by the people. I am sure they can judge political declarations and the development of the ongoing election campaign,” Medvedev said.
He added that he hoped the next Ukrainian leader will take a more positive stance towards Russia and will take into consideration Moscow’s concerns.
Climate conference ended in nothing
The Russian president said he was not content with the result of the international conference on climate change in Copenhagen.
“It ended in a puff, an empty sound. Unfortunately, we didn’t come to an agreement. And it wasn’t Russia’s fault,” he said.
He added that developing green energy efficient technologies is a must for Russia, notwithstanding the real scale of global warming.
“Even if the forecasts of climate change turn out to be not that serious or irrelevant, we will still at least make our environment better.”
New gambling rules: law to be checked for loopholes
Medvedev commented on the speculations concerning the situation with the gambling business in Russia. After being banned, save for the areas specially allocated for it, the business, according to some, continues to thrive, but this time illegally.
The president called it an exaggeration.
“We curbed to a considerable extent this business which used to operate on different terms before,” he said.
“The four gambling zones have not started up yet, that is true, they need huge investments, but we are not going to invest money from the budget into that. Private investors will do that, but the decision about this business has not been cancelled.”
Medvedev admitted that some are trying to use a loophole in the law – like the so-called “instant-win lotteries” – where in fact the same gambling for money takes place, but under another name.
“These ‘clubs’ should be simply ‘swatted’ – we have to close them down,” the president believes. He said he would again give an order to carefully study through the law basis in order to fix the loopholes that make such clubs possible.
Footballing half-giants
Football was also on the agenda. Dmitry Medvedev said Russia’s football team started playing the game on a whole other level under Dutch coach Guus Hiddink.
“No matter what they say after that disappointing match, after Guus Hiddink’s arrival the team started playing differently,” the president said.
Russia failed to make it to the World Cup in South Africa after an unexpected loss to underdogs Slovenia in the playoffs. Medvedev was present at the stadium during the decisive match in Maribor, during which Guus Hiddink’s men lost 1-0.
Medvedev noted that “there were some pleasant events which boosted spirits and added some adrenalin.”
“By the way, we grew up in the football world… we are like half-giants of European football now. And if we talk about the clubs, things are even better,” he added. | {
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There are 4 units currently rented and 1 is the owners apartments which is the garden level. This can get about $5,500 #1 $5,500 per month #1A $5,500 (projected) #2R $3,100 #3R $3,300 #2/3F $7,100[more] | {
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About “Gangsta In Designer (No Concept)”
It seems like Q decided to go off the script with this track- it doesn’t fit in with his Habits and Contradictions theme, and he acknowledges that when he says he doesn’t have a concept for this one so he might just say some crazy shit
Hidden
This page is accessible to
Verified artists on the song
Locked
This song has been locked and is considered "done." You need 600 IQ to add annotations to locked songs. | {
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Recently Refurbished, this 1 bedroom First floor self contained flat which is just situated just off melton road, the rear of ici Bank, Close to local Schools and most local amenties, the accomodation consists of porch, lounge, two double bedrooms, ...
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Newly built beautifully presented unfurnished ground floor flat located next door to the new Asda supermarket & petrol station & The National Space Centre, open plan lounge/diner/kitchen with cooker, washer dryer and fridge freezer, one double ...
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Fantastic 1 bedroom flat in Beaumont Leys. This property is in great condition and is ideal for couples or working professionals. View early to avoid disappointment! Available from: 22/03/2015. Sat Nav: LE4 1DY
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While everyone focuses 24/7 on “torture” memo’s. I finally have realized that Senator Leahy was not lying when he stated we would not be able to “turn the page”. However, I did NOT realize at the time that what he really meant was we would be unable to function, govern, focus, conduct day to day business, do your job, execute said job or present a professional view of this administration to other nations around the world.
In other words for better understanding…..we look a hot damn MESS!! No, we look like a big ass damn TARGET
Because we have literally stopped focusing on ALL real world threats!! Days like these I wish I worked in Washington. HELLO! Remember them? There the ones who are litarly orgasmic because they have realized the best defense to spread there idealogy is by jumping into the fray to keep this narrative going. We already see that what happens in the blogs can manage to make it into important reports from important agencies. We just managed to tell the goddamn world that WE are now the enemy and they are now free and clear. Don’t believe me? Let’s take a moment and go back and look at some evidence from a blog real quick because I like to provide supporting documentation for my claims. Something the “military” taught me, you know, honor, integrity, leadership, you know those little things other than how to out shoot the average male and join “right wing” extremists groups and all. But then again, I am black so maybe it’s a “gang” I will join since I am all “disgruntled” and all:
Now, let’s look at the “report” that makes this individual feel as if we should worry about those “terrorists” from within because “terrorism” is just a “perceived threat from other countries”:
Now, lets look at the article written by “Think Progress” very own Satyam Khanna who has such a delightful way in this article to sum up this report (not):
Throughout the presidential campaign, the public saw extreme right-wing rhetoric on display at several McCain rallies, with some yelling “kill him” about President Obama — and others even calling him a “terrorist.” Emphasis Mine: (This has been debunked but of course it ruins the flavor of this individuals hate smearpiece article.
The extreme right — those who are “hate-oriented,” “mainly antigovernment,” or those dedicated to a “single issue” — is a legitimate threat that law enforcement must deal with, according to a new assessment from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security. The report, which was coordinated with the FBI and is being given to federal, state, and local law enforcement, warns:
[R]ightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues. The economic downturn and the election of the first African American president present unique drivers for rightwing radicalization and recruitment.
Most extremists have made “rhetorical” statements and have “stopp[ed] short of calls for violent action,” but since the 2008 election, right-wing extremists are “reaching out to a wider audience of potential sympathizers.” Some highlights from the report:
Anti-immgration: “Rightwing extremist groups’ frustration over a perceived lack of government action on illegal immigration has the potential to incite individuals or small groups toward violence. If such violence were to occur, it likely would be isolated, small-scale, and directed at specific immigration-related targets.”
Recruiting returning vets: “Rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat.”
If the “uncertain economy” and a “perceived rising influence of other countries” continues, “rightwing extremism is likely to grow in strength,” the report adds. “[L]one wolves and small terrorist cells embracing violent rightwing extremist ideology are the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States
One would think reading how everyone is “up in arms” and throwing around the word “racist” that these individuals really REALLY care about the “race card” (other than playing it). But funny, I don’t recall any of this “caring” when they were labeling my Secretary of State as a race baiter or making her equivalent to the racist devil himself. I must of missed it in between all of those wonderful messages calling me a “sell out” and how I should be ashamed of supporting the “white woman”. So everyone loves to defend “race”. Got it. But let’s look at how they really felt, and “you betcha” I got evidence to support that as well:
Sorry “librul left”, this Clinton Dem will be angry for “eternity” and I could care less how many times you use your favorite blanket party line. The first person that can show me five pols who came out and spoke publicly against this article like the ones who scrambled to the first spotlight with the cover for NYT’s paper and two pundits who called it out. I MIGHT think about not being royally pissed still. But since it doesn’t exist, I guess I will NEVA EVA EVA forget it. The problem is using the “race card” to “do away” with your political enemies will come back and bite you in the ass. And someone should tell those individuals in the CBC that there “brand” of politikin is coming to end. I could care less if you could prove they are all the “best of friends” with pictures of all of them partying hard daily together. She and President Clinton has done more for the black community than some have done in there lifetime. Message. Anyway, it was wrong and I will never forgive or forget. We will never “transcind” race until the day we can all look at each other as americans who bleed the same color of blood who just happen to be different on the outside. I dont belong to a political party, please, party affiliation above the values we have and this country are not even in the same hemisphere. I support our country first before any letter designation, therefore finding fault on both sides come easy. Loyalty is EARNED, and not purchased and other than this country, our SOS has earned mine , Deal With It! For all the haters out there who still like to harass me on that fact. MAYBE if some would of researched the facts based on experience, yeah, that thing no one cared about while fainting at rock concertschanting Yes we Can, we wouldn’t be where we are today. If you believe this is change I am sure Gov Palin, the chic everyone luvs to hate has a bridge to nowhere in alaska to sell you. Instead of voting on hope that didn’t lead to change, you should of wanted to be inspired to change-THAT would of led to “Solutions for America. Yep. But all we got is back to back episodes on Memogate. How lovely.
Oh and if people could like pay attention and see what you should and not what some may want. Let’s see how that “truth commission” is coming along -kay?:
In an example of his approach, he vetoed a proposal to create an independent commission to probe the issue even though there was support for the idea among his advisers, according to a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Instead, Obama last week ordered the release of memos that authorized the tough techniques. | {
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Former President George W. Bush will give the keynote address at a fundraiser for the Messianic Jewish Bible Institute (MJBI) on November 14th. Predictably, the Jewish community are up in arms over the former president’s endorsement of the Messianic organization, particularly given that the funds raised will help support the group’s “Jewish evangelism.”
Among the many influential Jewish leaders protesting the event is Rabbi David Saperstein, a well-known Reformed rabbi involved in Christian and Jewish dialogue. Saperstein had this to say about Bush addressing the Messianic event, “It’s disappointing that he would give his stamp of approval to a group whose program is an express effort to convert Jews and not to accept the validity of the Jewish covenant.”
Rabbi David Wolpe of Los Angeles' Sinai Temple, whom Newsweek has called the most influential rabbi in the country, tweeted, "This is infuriating. ‘Jewish Christians’ makes as much sense as ‘Christian Muslims.’ Have the courage to say who you are.”
Last year, Glenn Beck was the keynote speaker at the MJBI’s fundraiser which was held at Cowboys Stadium in Texas. Robert Morris, pastor of the Gateway Church in Dallas which Beck attends, introduced Beck as a "prophet" at the event. Morris told the crowd that his church has supported MJBI because "when we do this, the Bible tells us, it's going to change the whole world. That it's going to hasten the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it's going to bring about worldwide revival."
Messianic Judaism has become somewhat of a conundrum for conservative Jewish voters. When former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum spoke at another Messianic conference, the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America last year, Abraham Foxman, president of the Anti-Defamation League, said it was "insensitive and offensive." Commentary magazine, that stalwart Jewish American conservative voice, noted, "it must be understood that the visceral distaste that the overwhelming majority of Jews have for the Messianics is not to be taken lightly."
Tickets for the MJBI fundraiser range from $250 to $100,000. VIP attendees are invited to a private reception with former president Bush including photographs and will receive a signed copy of Bush’s memoir Decision Points.
According to their website, the vision of the MJBI is “to bring Jewish people into a personal relationship of faith with Yeshua the Messiah.” They are also helping to "educate Christians in their role to provoke the Jewish people to jealousy and thus save some of them (Romans 11:11-14)." They run Bible schools in 12 different countries, as well as an online school of Messianic theology training Messianic rabbis and pastors.
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Stealth BoundYou've been locked up in a room, and now it's up to you to find a way out of this prison! Make your way through each level and collect the right objects in order to advance. Will you be able to grab all stars in this game?Play Stealth Bound.
Prison Escape 2You are stuck in an old city prison. You have to get out of there. It doesn't matter what way. So take a good look around and try to find a way out of this god forsaken place. Play Prison Escape 2. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
How Are You Whitening Your Teeth?
How Are You Whitening Your Teeth?
If you’re a frequent coffee, tea, or red wine drinker, you’re likely aware of the importance of regularly brushing teeth to prevent stains. With everyone looking to achieve the perfect smile by whitening their teeth, you may have heard that one way to get rid of these stains is to brush with sodium chloride, better known as table salt or by using baking soda.
Research from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry suggests you may be better off not doing this.
It appears there is no scientific evidence showing that brushing with table salt are doing anything scientifically positive for your pearly whites. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), on the other hand, is considered a mild bleach and abrasive which can help with neutralizing acids that cause cavities. However, since it is abrasive, this can lead to tooth erosion, damaging the sensitive enamel layer of the teeth which helps with protecting the tooth from decay. Though you may see short-term whitening, it’s nearly equivalent to “sanding down” the teeth. Once enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced.
If brushing and flossing isn’t giving you the results you desire in making your teeth whiter, consult your holistic dentist to find safer solutions.
This update is by Assure a Smile, the longest-tenured holistic dental practice in Miami. Our top priority is to provide patients with all-encompassing oral health care that safely improves oral health and wellness. By helping patients look and feel their best through a holistic dentistry approach, we strive to empower patients to make informed lifestyle choices that result in strong teeth, healthy gums, beautiful smiles, and optimum vitality. For more information on holistic dental care or to schedule an appointment with a holistic dentist, please visit https://www.assureasmile.com or call 305-274-0047.
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About
For over 25 years, Assure A Smile has been the leading dental care provider to all of South Florida. Our holistic dentistry is led by Dr. Ted Herrmann and based in Miami, Florida. Assure A Smile's mission is to ensure healthy teeth and gums for life! | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
The first week of the fasting was great – my skin was clear, I felt fantastic, and the weight was dropping off. Also my cravings for anything ‘carbie’ or sweet were completely gone, and my energy levels were stable.
Come Friday though, the inevitable weekend of eating out made for some interesting discoveries. I seemed to be a lot more sensitive to foods that previously wouldn’t have bothered me, starting with the Fish Taco from Nicks on Friday afternoon, then the hash browns with my breakfast on the Saturday, and the sugar in the cocktail and sorbet Saturday night. By Monday, any (water) weight lost was back, along with the puffy face in the morning.
Week 2 was a little more bumpy, but with some key decisions being made. By Wed my weight was back down to that of the previous Friday, and the Ketostix were showing I was indeed in a slightly heightened state of ketosis. That was good. I also had dinner and drinks out every night that week booked in from Wednesday to Saturday – that was bad. I’m discovering quickly that my beloved glass of red wine is a key contributor to the puffy-face, so am trying out swapping to dry white. Having a whisky or a vodka with dinner instead still just seems a little too hardcore…. but if you’re interested, here’s an Infographic from Dave Asprey on what alcohols are best if you’re following the BulletProof diet:
So the good? When being mindful about what I’m eating at all times, I feel bloody good on this eating protocol. And even with eating out (with wine) for almost half of the nights of the two week test, I managed to keep a couple pounds off. The bad? Any digressions seem to take their toll a whole lot more. There’s a conversation in here about keeping toxin levels high to not be affected by food that is terrible for us vs living a better life with different choices, but I’ll save that for another day. The ugly? MCT Oil truly does do evil things if you take too much of it too soon.
As I mentioned before though, I made some decisions to start testing things, like liver & kidney function, ketosis in the morning and body fat. Having goals to get healthier, live better, goals to decrease body fat rather than weight, these goals are much better than ones that hold you hostage daily to a set of scales. To kick off my testing I visited the Body Composition Centre in Redwood City to get my body fat and bone density testing; I’ll post later this week on my results, and a very surprising finding…
So I’m on to week 2 of BulletProof Coffee and Intermittent Fasting, and I have learned a lot.
The good :
skin clearer
puffy face gone
no debilitating tummy grumbles and light-headedness
great energy levels
cravings for carbs or starchy foods completely gone
The ‘not so good’:
weight is the same as when I started (4 pounds gain/loss due to water or constipation is pretty normal)
This past weekend I continued with the coffee in the morning. I did slip up some: namely with a couple of whiskey sours on Friday night (date night with the hubby), hash browns with my brunch at around 1pm on Saturday, sorbet and a cocktail after dinner Saturday night and a couple of glasses on red wine on Sunday night.
After the drama of Friday my normal morning ‘routine’ was pretty messed up, so it’s a little hard to tell what’s what. I did however wake up Monday morning with the puffy face having returned and feeling more tired than I had in a while. Also my weight had returned ( I didn’t weigh myself over the weekend) to exactly what I was last Monday when I started the BulletProof Intermittent Fasting.
Interesting.
As much as I crave to lead a ‘normal’ life, I’m realizing that normal doesn’t have to mean the right to constantly eat foods that make me feel swollen and tired. I’m also realizing – again – that measuring on a daily basis pounds lost is not a great test. Body Fat, tightness of clothing, energy levels, quality of sleep… these are better.
So this week I’m testing 2 things: Body Fat and Ketosis.
My body fat I’m having tested via a DXA scan at the Body Composition Center. My state of ketosis I’m testing using Urinalysis Reagent Strips, though I appreciate these are not the most reliable. I’ve been testing for 2 days and am not showing any heightened ketosis yet – I expect to start seeing this from tomorrow as it takes 48 hours to burn the glucose I’ve stored over my higher-carb weekend.
If you haven’t read about Ketones and the benefits of a Ketogenic diet before, Ketosis is a fat burning mode that is good for your brain (not to be confused with Ketoacidosis – a dangerous condition for diabetics with the main element being acid, not ketones).
Recent studies by Dr. Dominic D’Agostino have shown that not only does a Ketogenic diet burn fat, it also can starve cancer cells and and staves off almost all degenerative diseases. With my grandmother having died recently from a fall related to her severe alzheimer’s disease, studies like Dr D’Agostino’s, along with real life testimonies of Dr Mary T Newport’s husband regressing in his state of alzheimer’s disease are particularly pertinent to me.
These studies are not new or fads – in fact in 2001, Dr. Richard L. Veech of the NIH, published an article entitled Ketone bodies, potential therapeutic uses in which he records that ketosis “has also been shown to decrease cell death in two human neuronal cultures, one a model of Alzheimer’s and the other of Parkinson’s disease”.
In my silly pursuit of losing the ‘last 5 pounds’ I have stumbled upon something that will positively impact the rest of my life. And though weight can be an easy distractor, the real shortcuts in health I am seeking are ways to live a bigger, better, longer life.
Today I am introducing in to my blog a new love of mine that will feature significantly in my posts from now on: shortcuts in health and fitness. In keeping with what not to do, I’m going to start testing out plus revisiting past experiences on successful and failed shortcuts – from biohacking to optimum exercise times and everything in between.
Since having moved to America, I am quickly discovering that everything in America is a race. This discovery is actually pretty ok with me, as I do much better when focused on a goal. The problem is, I lead a full life and am not that excited about increasing the time spent each day on things, like losing those pesky 5 (10) pounds that attached themselves to me on a recent Foodie Trip to Peru (more on that to come in another post). Instead my goal is to get smarter about the time I spend, in order to achieve goals faster in the same – or less – time spent.
Enter BulletProof Coffee and Intermittent Fasting. I had heard through Paleo-loving friends about putting butter in coffee, but wrongly assumed that this was just because they couldn’t have cream. As my husband and I eat (pretty much) Paleo (except for my beloved glass of red wine with dinner and his occasional beer) when we’re not traveling, I thought I’d look in to the butter in coffee thing. But BulletProof Coffee is proving to be quite an incredible discovery. This stuff makes you lose weight, while retaining muscle and increasing brain functions! And it’s safe for women who still want their bodies to remember they’re women.
I’m on my third morning, having lost 2.5 pounds so far. I feel fantastic, have no cravings at all and am mentally alert. The only exercise I’m doing is my two to three rounds of the 7-minute workout (more on this in another post) which on it’s own in my past three weeks of testing has made no improvement at all, though I have been able to sustain my weight and fitness using it (which to be fair, isn’t bad for 14 to 21 minutes a day). Coupled with the BulletProof Intermittent Fasting though, I seem to be on to a winner.
True to form for me, I of course want to push the boat out some by keeping my glass (or two) of red wine in, and I’ve also added in lemon and hot water first thing in the morning as this does wonders for your skin and getting the toxins out of your liver 1st thing in the morning. Apart from that I’m following the BulletProof eating guide, which is quite close to the Paleo life we follow at home.
My goal is the remaining 6 pounds by the 4th of November, when we leave for a holiday in Spain. I’m doubtful that I can sustain this pace of weight loss – particularly with the weekend approaching when ‘crapola’ – to use a dear friend Dr Simone Laubscher‘s phrase – happens. My prediction will be that after another day the weight loss will slow to half a pound a day and I’ll be set back a pound or two by the weekend. Stay tuned! I’ll update on my progress pre and post weekend. | {
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Q&A with Sean Monaghan
Sean Monaghan discusses his most recent—and fifth—story in the current issue of Asimov’s while also touching on the fantastic and imaginative worlds he creates for our readers. Read on to learn about his inspiration and influences.
Asimov’s Editors: How did “The Billows of Sarto” germinate? Was there a spark of inspiration, or did it come to you slowly?
Sean Monaghan: I love extreme environments. The Antarctic, the Atacama Desert, lush rainforests, the Grand Canyon. I studied geography and geology and have always been fond of volcanoes, especially collapsed calderas. A few years back I visited Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and loved seeing the tiny volcanic peak sticking up inside the caldera (and also had a flash of memory—when I’d been a little kid, I’d seen a photo and decided that I wanted to go there sometime . . . in the intervening decades I’d forgotten about that. That was cool).
When I came to write “The Billows of Sarto,” I started with the environment, the caldera with its microclimate. Things progressed from there.
AE: Is this story part of a larger universe, or is it stand-alone?
SM: I suspect all of my stories are part of a larger universe, I just haven’t quite figured out how to join them all together. I’m sure Sarto is another world, just an easy starship jump from the planet Kaylee in “The Molenstraat Music Festival” or Ariosto in “Crimson Birds of Small Miracles” (both of which appeared in Asimov’s). I would certainly like to explore more of Sarto; the caldera is just a part of the landscape.
With “The Billows of Sarto” the environment is almost one of the characters, but it’s very much a character story, with an exotic setting, and so Asimov’s felt like a natural home.
AE: Do you particularly relate to any of the characters in this story?
SM: I guess I do relate to Jack. That quest for answers and for understanding, and looking in unusual (and often wrong) places for those. The moments of uncertainty in dealing with new people, and moments of simply becoming baffled by family.
AE: What made you think of Asimov’s for this story?
SM: I enjoy a range of science fiction, from very hard sci-fi, through to outrageous pieces that don’t let good science get in the way of moving the story ahead. I feel that Asimov’s sits somewhere in the middle. The science is there, but the characters and situations are very much front and center. With “The Billows of Sarto” the environment is almost one of the characters, but it’s very much a character story, with an exotic setting, and so Asimov’s felt like a natural home.
“The Billows of Sarto” is my fifth appearance in Asimov’s, and I’m still honored every time. Since my teenage years I’ve read Isaac Asimov’s stories and novels, as well as the magazine.
AE: How much or little do current events impact your writing?
SM: I find so many current events seem to repeat: bad storms, political upheaval, celebrity mischief and so on. What I do continue to find fascinating are current events in the science and technology field. Hey reusable rockets are finally a thing! We’ve invented a global supercomputer connected from everyone’s desk to everyone’s pocket, but we chose using it to watch videos of cats discovering there’s water in the tub.
I did like reading recently about researchers turning off their AI experiments because the AIs quickly developed their own efficient language and things got kind of scary. I’m putting stuff like that into my stories now.
AE: Are there any themes that you find yourself returning to throughout your writing? If yes, what and why?
SM: I find myself inventing alien worlds with extreme features. Vast canyons, ice caps that extend to within a few degrees of the equator, jungle oases in the middle of deserts. What’s it like to live in these places? To explore them? All a kind of wish-fulfillment on my part: I would love to explore a canyon ten kilometers deep and two thousand kilometers long.
AE: How did you break into writing?
SM: I was at university, studying the sciences, and some enthusiastic people in the humanities faculty decided to resurrect the university’s literary magazine. I must have been around 22. I sent a story in, and promptly forgot about it. A week or so before the end of semester, I received a copy of Musings in the post, with my story and a very nice letter from the editor.
AE: If you could choose one SFnal universe to live in, what universe would it be, and why?
SM: I love Karl Schoeder’s Virga. A gas balloon five thousand kilometers across, orbiting Vega. The weightless societies, with their steampunk sensibilities and heirarchies are simply extraordinary. The story sprawls over five books, and with each one the world grows. It’s a stunning work of imagination.
AE: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming writers?
SM: Martin Shoemaker often repeats the phrase “Write! Write! Write!” I think that sums it up well. Someone aiming to play professional golf gets out on the course. They don’t always hit a hole in one, or even go under par, but just by playing they get better. For a writer there is no substitute for sitting down and writing. And write what you love to read.
AE: What other careers have you had, and how have they affected your writing?
SM: I’ve been a pin-spotter (as a kid at a bowling alley without the machines), sign-maker, travel-coordinator, perpetual student, secretary, frequent traveler, librarian and a digital programs coordinator. In terms of my writing, the thing that strikes me is the people from varied walks of life and cultures with whom I’ve crossed paths. I like to think that I borrow a little from individuals as my characters develop. Being a librarian has also meant that I’m surrounded by books all day—what better place for a writer?
AE: How can our readers follow you and your writing?
SM: I blog infrequently at seanmonaghan.com, and I’m similarly infrequent on Facebook as seanmonaghanwriter, and twitter @seanmmonaghan. I’ve been told I should have a newsletter too. Perhaps one of these days. | {
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UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. secretary-general has welcomed an agreement reached Monday between the presidents of Russia and Turkey to create a demilitarized buffer zone in Syria's Idlib region, saying it should 'avert' a full-scale military operation and provide a reprieve for some three-million civilians.'The secretary-general calls on all the parties in Syria to cooperate in the implementation of the agreement and ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access in all areas through the most direct routes,' Antonio Guterres' spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wait to enter a hall during their meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, in Sochi, Sept. 17, 2018.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed Monday to create a 15- to 20-kilometer (9- to 12-mile) demilitarized zone inside what is already a de-escalation zone.
Putin said Russian and Turkish forces would enforce the demilitarized zone, which would see the removal of the rebels' heavy weapons and the 'withdrawal of all radical fighters' from Idlib, including the terrorist al-Nusra Front, by mid-October.
The United Nations has been sounding the alarm bell on Idlib for weeks, warning of a humanitarian catastrophe if the Syrian government followed through on its plans to clear the last rebel stronghold. The U.N. estimates some 15,000 fighters are mixed in among the civilian population.
More than a million of Idlib's residents are displaced from other parts of Syria and have sought safety in the de-escalation zone. Turkey, which already shelters more than 3 million Syrian refugees, feared a massive exodus into its territory if nearby Idlib was attacked.
A general view of a camp for internally displaced persons, in Atimah village, Idlib province, Syria, Sept. 11, 2018.
'Of course, everybody, especially the 3 million civilians in Idlib, want to know how long this agreement is going to last,' U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock told reporters. 'Is it simply a temporary arrangement or can it provide the basis through which the threat of a massive military onslaught on Idlib can be removed on a more permanent basis?'
'Russia alongside other Astana guarantors has and continues to undertake tremendous efforts to see that situation around Idlib resolved through negotiations and that civilians will not suffer,' Russia's U.N. envoy, Vassily Nebenzia said. Russia, Iran and Turkey make up the group referred to as the Astana guarantors. They oversee what were originally four de-escalation zones in Syria, but of which Idlib is the last remaining.
Nebenzia, who spoke during a regular meeting of the Security Council on Syria, added that a key part of the deal is a reaffirmation 'to combat terrorism in Syria in all of its forms and manifestations.'
The newly appointed U.S. Special Representative for Syria Engagement, Ambassador James Jeffrey, called on all parties to commit to a lasting cease-fire and to take immediate steps to advance the peace process. 'The only way forward is a genuine and inclusive political solution,' Jeffrey told the council.
U.N. Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Syria Staffan de Mistura addresses the media during a conference 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region' at the EU Council in Brussels, April 25, 2018.
Russian fighter jet downed
'We hope that this agreement is expeditiously implemented,' U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said in his briefing to the council. He said international humanitarian law must be respected and sustained humanitarian access allowed. But he warned that as the crisis in Idlib has been averted, there have been worrying escalations elsewhere.
'This week fresh airstrikes were reported in Damascus that the Syrian government attributes to Israel; Israel has not commented,' de Mistura noted. 'And overnight, a Russian military aircraft was downed, killing 15 servicemen.' The Russian jet was hit by Syrian anti-aircraft fire.
Israel has expressed 'sorrow' for the downing of the Russian jet, but added that it holds the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah responsible for the incident.
'Overnight, Israel Defense Forces fighter jets targeted a facility from which systems to manufacture accurate and lethal weapons were about to be transferred on behalf of Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon,' an Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement. | {
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Torrini's Etrusca necklace is entirely handmade using an ancient wax casting technique and semi-polished finish called Oro Nativo that enhances the natural color of the 18K yellow gold creating a brilliant, rich shine. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy.
A luxe yet everyday-wearable stackable ring by Torrini features a total of six rings in 18K yellow, white, and rose gold with six brilliant diamonds that can be worn linearly or clustered however you like. Gift box included, Made in Italy.
Handmade earrings in 18K yellow gold and natural diamonds (0,7 ctw) are made with an ancient wax casting and chiseling technique and flamed with a semi-polished finish, ORO NATIVO. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy.
Handmade earrings in 18K white gold and natural diamonds (0,7 ctw) are made with an ancient wax casting and chiselling technique and flamed with a semi-polished finish, ORO NATIVO. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy.
Entirely hand-made with an ancient wax casting technique, this 18K yellow gold bracelet is flamed with a semi-polished finish called ORO NATIVO. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy.
A handmade bracelet in 18K yellow and white gold and holds 54 natural diamonds, a total of 0.40 ctw. Crafted with the ancient wax casting technique and flamed with a semi-polished finish ORO NATIVO. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy.
A sophisticated statement piece, this astonishing handmade ring by Torrini in 18K yellow gold features an 'Oro Nativo' finish, which enhances the natural gold color and 46 natural diamonds for a total of 1.23 carats. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy.
Simple in shape but stunning in its details, Torrini's 18K rose gold cross is made up of gold, rounded beads stacked around a brilliant, bezel set center diamond. The minimalistic yet elegant red cord provides an excellent contrast. Gift box included, Made in Italy.
A unique handmade bracelet in 18K gold and 0.45 ctw diamond. Crafted with the ancient wax casting and chiseling technique and flamed with a semi-polished finish, ORO NATIVO. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy. Adjustable, closes at the different 'belt holes'. Min&Max Length: 7"-8 1/4"|18-21
A sophisticated statement piece, this astonishing handmade ring by Torrini in 18K white gold features an 'Oro Nativo' finish, which enhances the color and 46 natural diamonds for a total of 1.23 carats. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy.
A handmade bracelet in 18K yellow gold with a total of 0.62 ctw natural diamonds. Crafted with the ancient wax casting technique and flamed with a semi-polished finish called ORO NATIVO. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy
Handmade 18K gold earrings made with an ancient wax casting and chiselling technique and flamed with a semi-polished finish, ORO NATIVO. Natural diamonds are set for a total of 0.60 ctw. Gift box and Certificate of Origin included. Made in Italy. | {
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Nearly 1 In 3 Americans To Receive Medicare Or Medicaid Benefits in 2010 For Almost $1 Trillion
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released their 2010 budget report on “Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Fiscal Year: Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees.” HHS estimates that nearly 1 in 3 American will receive health insurance benefits through Medicare and Medicaid and related supplementary programs at cost of nearly $1 trillion dollars ($821 billion). The sustainability of these numbers over time is concerning and questionable given that the federal government collects around $3 trillion per year in total tax revenues.
Keep in mind these figures do not include the many millions of people that will be added to Medicare and Medicaid if the current health bill plan passes through Congress. Check the end of the report for a few short citations from the lengthy report along with a link to review the complete HHS report.
Here are several excerpts from the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Fiscal Year 2010 report:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is an Operating Division within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The creation of CMS (previously the Health Care Financing Administration) in 1977 brought together, under unified leadership, the two largest Federal health care programs at that time–Medicare and Medicaid. In 1997, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) (previously the State Children’s Health Insurance Program or SCHIP) was established to address the health care needs of uninsured children.
CMS remains the largest purchaser of health care in the United States. For more than 40 years, Medicare and Medicaid have helped pay the medical bills of millions of older and low-income Americans, providing them with reliable health benefits. We expect to serve over 98 million beneficiaries in FY 2010, almost one in three Americans. Medicare and Medicaid combined pay about one-third of the Nation’s health expenditures. Few programs, public or private, have such a positive impact on so many Americans.
CMS outlays more benefits than any other Federal agency and we are committed to administering our programs as efficiently as possible. In FY 2010, benefit costs are expected to total $803.1 billion. Non-benefit costs, which include administrative costs such as Program Management, Medicaid State and local administration, non-CMS administrative costs, the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control account (HCFAC), the Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO), and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments program (CLIA), among others, are estimated at $21.2 billion or 2.6 percent of total benefits. CMS’ non-benefit costs are minute when compared to Medicare benefits and the Federal share of Medicaid and CHIP benefits. Remarkably, Program Management costs are only one-half of one percent of these benefits. | {
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The Influence of Social Media on Your Divorce
Posted By Cairns Law Offices || 22-Aug-2013
Social media is a part of our culture these days. A large portion of people have at least one form of a social profile or social platform. Whether they are keeping in touch through Facebook, Tweeting updates or posting pictures and videos on Instagram, a lot of people share personal aspects of their life with the general public. While there are privacy setting that can help limit who sees what, these settings are somewhat limiting and friends and family will still have access to what that person is putting out there. Don’t think that putting your profile on private protects you from everything.
Some people forget just who follows them when they are updating their status. It may be a boss at work who sees them posting pictures while they are out of the office “sick.” It can also be a spouse that they are in the middle of divorcing that has access to relevant information. It is also important to remember that every person considered a friend on Facebook may not be one in real life. Loyalty can be divided in a divorce and so called “friends” may be giving information to the other party. Blocking a spouse during a divorce doesn’t mean that there is complete freedom to continue posting information as usual. There may people that are not blocked who can still view everything put up on a profile.
Through social media, many people make mistakes with what they say, and others can gain pertinent information from those errors. This may include a spouse who is not sharing all the assets that need to be included in the divorce. They just bought a new boat and posted pictures on the account? That money and purchase wasn’t shared when looking at how to divide assets. A spouse got a raise at work or a bonus, but they didn’t feel the need to let their spouse or the attorney know about it.
If you are going through a divorce yourself, think about the role that social media can have in your situation. Even if you and your spouse are working together in an uncontested divorce, it doesn’t mean that you should not be taking precaution or being proactive. Make sure that you are not putting information that can be taken out of context or that could hurt your case. If you wouldn’t want your spouse to know it, then don’t share it on your Twitter account.
In addition to being public information, a social media account can also be permanent. Even if you deleted it shortly after posting it, your spouse could have already taken a screen shot of it by that point. In addition to watching what you put out there, you can also keep up to date on your soon to be former spouse’s profiles to see if they are revealing any information that they failed to share with you. This can be through the social media accounts, but any dating profiles that they open up can have valuable information as well. Social media has a large impact on our social life these days and sometimes it can extend far deeper than just catching up with an old friend from high school. Make sure that you are cautious and you don’t do anything that could impede your goals in the divorce. If you are going through a divorce or considering filing, speak with the Pennsylvania uncontested divorce attorney at Cairns Law Offices for exceptional guidance throughout the process. | {
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Boyertown grad launches clothing brand
A 2012 graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High is now in the process of making his dreams come true — one shoe at a time.
What started off with a pair of blank department shoes and Sharpie marker designs has quickly become a revolutionary industry orchestrated by 19-year-old Kevin Ostromecki.
Hundreds of shoes, custom designed by Ostromecki’s own hands, are now making their way onto the streets.
Through a team of good friends, new and old, and upon reaching out to shoe manufacturers to order wholesale, Ostromecki’s Altix Clothing brand was formed and a website has been launched.
Interested parties can go onto the website, altixclothing.com, describe the design they desire and Ostromecki will meet that request to the best of his ability.
The journey all began a year ago, during his senior year of high school, when Ostromecki had a blank pair of shoes and decided to draw on them. A friend immediately noticed the personally designed shoes and wanted a pair. He fulfilled the request, and decided to call his product Hero Shoes.
Six months later, the high school graduate made another pair and then another.
A Facebook page, a Twitter account, a YouTube video and an Instragram account quickly followed the website’s launch in order to boost interest — and each one did exactly that.
Altix Clothing now works with various musicians and is currently an official sponsor of the Flight to Unite tour and the Up to No Good tour.
Ostromecki has since retired his trusted Sharpies and now uses specialized fabric markers for his designs.
“The artwork is hard to replicate,” says Ostromecki. “At this point, people like the signature style.”
According to the young entrepreneur, he’ll continue to do his own designs by hand for as long as he can keep up with demand.
“This company that I have created and am working so hard and passionately on is being nationally noticed and responses have been phenomenal,” he said. “Altix Clothing isn’t simply a clothing company; it’s a project and a vision. It’s a message of hope and a new wave of a culture following their dreams and living life to the fullest. I have the best ‘team’ surrounding me who believe in this vision as much as I do.”
According to Ostromecki, the strong flow of advertising through social media has led to the line’s success. In addition to their online outreach, the team also travels to schools and concert venues throughout Pennsylvania with flyers in hand.
He is also reaching out to friends across the country in hopes that the network of interest will continue to grow.
Ostromecki is currently a student at Alright College majoring in business and graphic design. | {
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On a day when the Blue Jays swapped shortstops and the Raptors finalized the Hedo Turkoglu-for-Leandro Barbosa deal, Brian Burke and the Maple Leafs weren’t content sitting on the sidelines.
The Leafs made their move on Toronto’s Acquisition Wednesday, dipping back into the European talent pool to sign 22-year old German winger Marcel Muller to a two-year entry-level deal. The 6’2” Muller is – stop me if you’ve heard this one before – a big, bruising, ‘truculent’ forward with a nasty edge. While playing with the Cologne Sharks of the German Elite League last season, he put up major penalty minutes (122 in just 53 games) but also led the team in game-winning goals (six), power play goals (eight) and assists (32).
The Leafs now boast the two youngest members of the 2010 German Olympic team – Muller, who was 21 at the time of the Games, and defenceman Korbinian Holzer, who was 22.
Burke, who called Muller a “projected top-six winger with size” pointed to the big man’s rapid development over the past two years as reason for optimism that he will blossom with the Buds.
Sorry, Brett
I realize that I never commented on last week’s signing of defenceman Brett Lebda, a signing which could solidify the team’s defensive corps for this year and others to come.
The smooth, puck-moving left-hander, who signed in Toronto for two years and $2.9 million, will enter training camp at no higher than fifth or sixth on the team’s depth chart, based largely on his lack of minutes during his time on deep Red Wings squads and the wealth of Leafs d-men with NHL experience. However, he could quickly move up the ranks as a player who is responsible in his own end but can get involved offensively and potentially serve as a power play quarterback.
While Lebda may not have the size of physical edge to be effective for 20+ minutes per night, he likely won’t be asked to on a team that also boasts Dion Phaneuf, Luke Schenn, Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek, Carl Gunnarsson and, for now, Tomas Kaberle.
All in all, this was a noteworthy signing that deserved more that the brief, late coverage I’ve given it. | {
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Urgent: Can you adopt, foster, or transport a dog or cat? (Metro NYC area)
I just read a disgusting story about a shelter in Brooklyn which has accepted cash and equipment donations totalling tens of thousands of dollars and proceeded to utterly neglect the animals in its care. If you or anyone you know might be able to help these animals then please contact those trying to help. | {
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Preservation Battle Continues
Much has happened in the wake of the Press’ story about the potential destruction of Booker T. Washington’s historic summer home in Fort Salonga [“This House Is History,” July 16].
Northport resident John Rice, who purchased the house and its surrounding 1.7 acres for nearly $1.3 million in 2007, has been attempting to get its historic status revoked so it can be replaced with a new, much larger, retirement home. Washington’s house, a cedar-shingled two-story with a breathtaking view of the Long Island Sound, received historic designation from the Town of Huntington in 2005. Rice and his attorney petitioned the town’s Historic Preservation Commission with his plans on June 22, arguing through hardship papers that the house is unsafe, uninhabitable and must be removed to secure the property from erosion—it’s slowly slipping off the side of a bluff.
Following the Press article, Rice hired new legal representation and postponed a scheduled July 27 reconvening on the matter. The Commission will take up the issue again at its August 24 meeting.
Elise Morris and Thelma Jackson-Abidally, Northport residents spearheading awareness efforts about the home’s plight, organized a group, Friends of the Booker T. Washington House, to galvanize an increasing outpouring of support for the homestead, which, they say, has resulted from the Press’ story.
“The feedback has been overwhelming and extremely positive,” says Morris.
The two have been circulating petitions and working with Washington’s descendants, who are also trying to get the word out. They’ve been enlisting the help of Tuskegee and Hampton University alumni and drumming up support via Facebook. They’re launching a website, friendsofthebookertwashingtonhouse.com. They’ve also been trying to get the house national historic designation, recently partnering with the nonprofit Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities in that pursuit.
To supporters, the house represents the civil rights pioneer’s very spirit, all he accomplished—and belongs to everyone.
“Booker T. Washington was a national figure,” explains Abidally, author of 2000’s African Americans in Northport, An Untold Story. “It would just be a crime to have this house demolished.”
Two years ago, Fosty says, the organization, on behalf of the Black Ice Hockey and Sports Hall of Fame Conference (which Fosty co-founded) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, approached the property’s real estate agent, offering to purchase the house for $1 and move it from the property. The group sought to restore the house and turn it into a museum in honor of the Colored Hockey League (CHL), an all-black league that existed in Canada in the 1890s.
According to Fosty, the CHL was built on Washington’s principles. His group’s offer, though turned down, still stands, he says, and his organization is eager to work with others interested in saving the house. To him, its significance transcends time, race and borders.
FacebookTwitterE-mail A Cold Spring Harbor-based preservation group has put together a list of what it thinks are the five most endangered buildings on Long Island. The list from the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities includes the [...]
“It would be absolutely heartbreaking, a national heartbreak, that people will find out about after the fact,” says Morris, who is trying to raise awareness about the situation. “If that house was George Washington’s house, you know it wouldn’t be sitting [...] | {
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Main menu
AUTOWEEK TV: Mustangs, Mercurys fill the garage of Del Proudfit
Also in this episode: Chasing prototypes of the new Chevrolet Corvette, Hyundai says it's working on a 10-speed transmission and Spyker gets sold to a U.S. investor.
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to a Thursday edition of Autoweek TV.
Coming up, we'll take a tour of an Autoweek reader's garage--one with plenty of old Mustangs and Mercurys in it.
But first, here's a look at what's going on in the auto world.
--
The arrival of a new Chevrolet Corvette happens with about the same frequency of Haley's comet.
But when that time comes, the anticipation is as intense as waiting for your 16th birthday. And with a new Vette less than two years away, nothing ratchets up the interest like some spy photos.
So here's the latest look at an engineering mule for the C7 Corvette--wearing body work from the current Grand Sport.
Note how the front wheel crowds the front of the opening, a sign of a longer wheelbase. And all the wheels sit well inside the openings, which we think tips off the fact that the next Vette will be a bit narrower than the current car.
We expect the C7 to launch in 2013 as a 2014 model.
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The cash-strapped owner of Saab says it will sell the Spyker car business to a U.S. private-equity firm.
North Street Capital, which is led by racing enthusiast Alex Mascioli, who will pay about $44 million for Spyker.
Swedish Automobile, which owns Saab, says it will use the cash to pay a private-investment company owned by Saab CEO Victor Muller.
--
Now, from the "Is more better?" file, the Internet is awash in reports that Hyundai Motor is working on a 10-speed automatic transmission.
A Bloomberg News story quotes the president of Hyundai as saying that the 10-speed will appear in some of the automaker's luxury cars in 2014.
That would put Hyundai two cogs ahead of most of the luxury pack, and some nonluxury-car makers, who are pushing out eight-speed automatics over the next couple of years in search of better fuel economy.
--
All right, let's close today with a look inside the garage of Ford and Mercury collector Del Proudfit. Here's contributor Phil Berg.
--
Thanks, Phil.
That's the high-octane news for now. Keep up with all of the action at autoweek.com. | {
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Marcus Ogun "Folaji" Ajose is a Nigerian(Yoruba)-American born artist and producer who was raised in Southern California. At 21, Marcus joined the United States Army and served two combat infantry tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with 1st Ranger Battalion(Savannah,GA). After a honorable discharge, Marcus Began to pursue his dream and attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in West Hollywood. He has earned an Associate degree in Filmmaking and a Bachelors degree in Entertainment Business from the Los Angeles Film School. As for his acting career, Marcus booked his first guest Star role opposite William H. Macy on Showtime’s Shameless(Season 6, Episode 8). He wrote and starred in a one act stage play titled, “Hurry Up and Wait" which released at the Lee Strasberg Theatre. Since the play he has associate produced his first feature film titled “BEING BLACK ENOUGH.” The movie was officially selected to be part of the Dances With Films festival and won the fusion audience award. A combat veteran himself, Marcus acted in a short film about combat veterans who struggle with PTSD titled Discharge. Find more information here. @Discharge Movie | {
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SoftBank and GungHo Entertainment gave a big endorsement for the future of mobile game industry with their 51 percent purchase of Supercell for $1.5 billion.
The deal values Helsinki-based Supercell, the maker of the Clash of Clans and Hay Day free-to-play mobile games that have dominated the top grossing ranks for up to a year, at $3 billion. The deal means that free-to-play mobile gaming company values are rapidly rising — at least for the makers of the blockbuster games.
That valuation is more than triple the $770 million value that Supercell had when it raised $130 million in just six months ago, observed Alina Soltys, a senior analyst at the Corum Group.
Above: The popular RPG-puzzle game is one of the most lucrative mobile titles ever.
Image Credit: GungHo
“This is a huge announcement for the gaming community and follows up the outlook we have of Asian buyers and free-to-play gaming becoming heavy influencers in gaming mergers and acquisitions,” she said. “If you look at both Softbank and Supercell — the alignment over strategy to become the best Internet services portal/provider for Softbank and Supercell as already one of the best mobile developers — this partnership is an ideal fit bringing together two companies with grand visions.”
SoftBank also invested $265 million in GungHo Entertainment, which supplied about 20 percent of the $1.5 billion for Supercell. That deal in March valued Japan’s GungHo, maker of Puzzle & Dragons, at $4.1 billion. Soltys noted earlier this summer that 30 Asian companies have more than $1 billion in cash and a demonstrated interest in buying game companies.
Soltys wonders what Supercell is going to do with that money (presumably its earlier investors sold some of their stakes as well), as Supercell chief executive Ilkka Panaanen has often said that the company is focused on making games with small teams as the key to its success. Those small teams develop games with quick iterations, so it’s hard to see why Supercell needs that $1.5 billion.
Or why it needs any money at all.
Tim Merel, the managing director at gaming and mobile investment bank Digi-Capital, said he thinks the deal makes sense given the geographic dispersion’s of SoftBank’s interests in Europe and Asia. He notes that the sale is a secondary sale of shares for a partial exit by both management and investors.
“This allows everyone to retain upside while also reducing investment risk by taking cash off the table now,” Merel said. “The remaining management shares could also be argued to be an ongoing incentive, even though they might be feeling pretty comfortable after the deal.”
Merel said that game acquisitions have now exceeding $4.8 billion in value, well beyond last year’s total of $4 billion.
Lewis Ward, a research manager for gaming at the IDC market research firm, said that Clash of Clans has been in a dogfight with GungHo’s Puzzle & Dragons title for the top-grossing iOS app ranking since late 2012. That indicates a remarkable resilience for both games, as most titles ride a short roller coaster for growth on the mobile charts.
He noted that Zynga paid $180 million for OMGPOP, the maker of Draw Something, which saw its fortunes soar and then plummet — quickly.
“So what goes up in mobile definitely comes down — sometimes a lot sooner than you’d think or like,” Ward said. “Time will tell if this is money well spent, but I get the logic. The rapid turnover on the mobile game charts clearly doesn’t frighten SoftBank or GungHo, and you’ve got to say this is further vindication of Apple’s gaming platform.”
Ward believes that the deals indicate that Japan could see a revival in games as its historical strength in console games shifts to mobile.
“The deal gives SoftBank and GungHo more direct insight into Western European and North American gamers’ heads,” Ward said. “Scandinavian game developers seem to be on quite a roll these days, so this deal may portend other investments/acquisitions coming out the region, and clearly, Supercell can now afford to explore many more revenue opportunities and will be hiring talent shortly.”
And Billy Pidgeon, longtime gaming analyst, said that the $1.5 billion represents the price that SoftBank is willing to pay to break into Europe and North America as well as provide content for its huge investment in Sprint Nextel.
“SoftBank has made major infrastructure buys in Japan and is positioned to dominate the Japanese mobile market as consumers complete the nation’s upgrade path from feature phones to smartphones,” Pidgeon said. “SoftBank appears to be beefing up on the content side as well as carriage. This is a very smart move, as SoftBank can price wireless data more competitively with revenue coming in over the top in free to play games and mobile advertising. SoftBank will likely buy further into the games sector, but I expect they will move aggressively into other mobile Internet revenue opportunities such as payments and mobile commerce.”
Tim Chang, managing director at Mayfield Fund, said that SoftBank’s big bet is that Supercell knows how to make games and SoftBank can distribute them widely throughout Asia. That’s similar to the bet that Tencent made when it bought the majority of Riot Games for nearly $400 million back in 2011. Chang notes that this deal is a lot more expensive for SoftBank, but the combination of the firms could be interesting.
“It’s like chocolate and peanut butter,” he said. “But I don’t know how much more value SoftBank can extract out of those games.”
Chang said that Supercell could be an argument that startups should not take a lot of venture money, early on. The company didn’t have as many pressures to monetize or push products out before they were ready. By contrast, Zynga, which has a valuation of $2.8 billion that is lower than Supercell’s, suffered from a hype cycle, where it was valued at frothy levels early on and then sank back to earth. | {
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The restoration of a man’s sight stands for the gift of spiritual sight that we call faith. Luke could look at physical healing to see within it a universal spiritual truth. Within the individual events of our lives are embedded universal principles, truths and axioms. We drop a book. It is an instance of the law of gravity.
We need spiritual sight to see beyond the conflicts that wrack our life to the larger drama of which we are a part. Like the Church at Ephesus(see the First Reading: Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5). we can so emphasize the institutional truths and defenses of the Church that we can forget that it is also a community.
These two dimensions need each other. They are not artificially connected. We can so emphasize laws, rights and structure that we fail to notice that the soul of our community is love and Spirit.
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send out the angels, and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that He is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
“But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time with come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Watch therefore – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning – lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Watch.” (Mark 13:24-32 RSV)
Today’s Gospel is an example of apocalyptic writing, a special type of literature that uses symbolic language and deals with both a specific historical situation as well as the end of time. For instance, some biblical scholars believe the words in today’s Gospel describe what happened when the Romans captured Jerusalem in 70 A.D. but many people also think this reading refers to the end of the world.
Because enemies were usually persecuting the intended audience, the authors of apocalyptic writings used symbolic language to give hope without risking increased persecution should the writing fall into the wrong hands. For instance, if the author simply tried to encourage his people to persevere by saying the king will one day die and his oppressive tactics will end, there was the possibility the king may intercept his writing and persecute his subjects even more because of it. However, if the author writes that the lion (the king) with the ten horns (symbolizing power) will one day be slain, the king will not know what this means and will probably dismiss it as gibberish.
The author of the words in today’s Gospel reading addresses early Christians whom the Romans were persecuting and killing because of their faith in the risen Lord. Mark tells them that even though they have to endure many terrifying ordeals (the reference to the sun and the moon being darkened is symbolic apocalyptic language for trials and tribulations) they should remain faithful to Jesus who promises to save them. Mark quotes Jesus as saying that even if heaven and earth pass away, He will still fulfill His promise to be with them in their time of need.
We have to remember that authors of apocalyptic literature wrote to give hope, not to instil fear. The message of apocalyptic writings is that no matter how bad the situation becomes, God will intervene in history and will vindicate those who remain faithful to Him. Therefore, anyone who uses apocalyptic writings like the book of Revelation to scare us is either deliberately misusing Scripture or really does not understand it.
According to New Testament apocalyptic writings, those of us who believe in Jesus have nothing to fear because He is more powerful than anything else. All we need to do is put our faith and trust in Him and He’ll take care of the rest. Do you trust the Lord enough to do that or do you tend to rely on your own power and abilities?
The story of Elizabeth of Hungary is an especially poignant one. She was a beautiful girl who married a prince around 1200. Theirs was a classic love story of mutual devotion. They had several children. Her husband died while on a crusade. Her brother-in-law removed her and her children from the castle.
After she made certain that provision for her children was secure, she gave up what she had and joined the Third Order of Saint Francis. She was plagued by a spiritual director who was worse than her brother-in-law. Her days were spent caring for lepers and begging food for the hungry. She experienced a great deal of living. After all this, she died at the age of 24. She is a saint!
Prayer: Lord God, You taught Saint Elizabeth of Hungary to see and reverence Christ in the poor. May her prayers help us to give constant love and service to the afflicted and the needy. We pray this in the most precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. | {
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Square Enix has just announced extension of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn beta for gamers in North America and Europe. This announcement came after the beta was hit by a nasty Error 3102 disallowing players from playing the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn beta.
Square Enix has promised to fix the error within an hour or so and as a compensation package has extended the beta period. Square-Enix issued this following statement just a few minutes ago:
Thank you very much for your participation in the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Beta Test.
We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with Worlds hosted on the North American and European datacenter which is preventing certain characters from logging into the game.
Phase 4 of the Beta Test was originally scheduled to conclude on Aug. 19, 2013 at 2:00 a.m. (PDT). However, given the fact that affected characters are numbering in the tens of thousands and the time it will take to address the situation including the time required for the emergency maintenance, we will be extending the Beta Test until Aug. 19, 2013 8:00 a.m. (PDT) for Worlds hosted on the North American and European datacenter.
We hope for your continued participation in the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Beta Test.
The Beta Test will end as scheduled on Aug. 19, 2013 2:00 a.m. (PDT) for Worlds hosted on the Japanese datacenter.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn won't be arriving on Xbox 360 and Xbox One all because of Microsoft's refusal to change its Xbox Live policies, according to Noaki Yoshida.
In a recent interview to RPGSite, Yoshida explained, "The main reason from our side is that I don't want the community to be divided; to be split into two or more,"
"For example, one player might be on the PC version, another might be on the PS4 version, and I'm playing the Xbox version - but we're not able to join the same game servers. That is just... I just don't like the idea. I disagree with it.
"To be frankly honest with you, there are now so many mobile devices, smart phones, everything - why would you ever just stick to one platform from the hardware aspect? Just - make it open to everyone? That's my opinion.
"I would love for as many players as possible to enjoy the game worldwide, so from a business point of view it could make sense to have it on the Xbox platforms. But as I mentioned earlier, that would bring about the tragedy that somebody might have to give up their existing character. Then players might get frustrated, and then they ask us - 'Square Enix, can't you do something?' and then... yeah. Unless that happens, we can't really do anything."
Square Enix has admitted that they are interested in the possibility of somehow integrating the new PlayStation Move in Final Fantasy XIV for PlayStation 3.
Square Enix Hiromichi Tanaka in an interview to Playstation Blog said that "Unfortunately, we haven't had chance to try it [PlayStation Move] out yet but we've heard very interesting things about it and we'd like to look at supporting it in Final Fantasy XIV, if we get the chance to do so,".
On the other hand , the producer has also stated recently that " Currently they had no plans to release a Final Fantasy XIV for Xbox 360" , despite being in negotiations with Microsoft today.
Final Fantasy XIV exclusive trailer has been reveal at Sony E3 press Conference, Square has reveal this new trailer for Online RPG Final Fanatasy XIV. The trailer of Final Fanatasy XIV shows a wide range of new character, location and monster that has been included in the game.
Jack Tretton, Sony President and CEO (America) said, After their hard work on Final Fantasy XIII, I’m excited to bring to you this brief video of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIV, this is one of the biggest titles heading to PS3.”
But the release details was not reveal and also the payment model, it is expected that the game will be release soon and payment may possible be a pay a monthly subscription. Here is the Trailer of Final Fantasy XIV for you: | {
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Warlords of Draenor Helps World of Warcraft Subs Rise Above 10 Million
World of Warcraft has once again reach over 10 million subscribers, following the release of the games fifth expansion pack Warlords of Draenor.
Blizzard predicted a boost in subscribers when the expansion released, and have been proved correct. They announced that they have sold 3.3 million copies to consumers in the expansions first 24 hours on sale. This allowed the games total subscribers to surpass the 10 million mark, with a boost across all regions as of the 13th November.
“We’re thrilled that so many players jumped in to play Warlords of Draenor on day one and are having a great time with the new content,” Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime said. “We poured a lot of hard work and passion into this expansion, and we appreciate all the kind words from players and the overwhelming support they continue to show for World of Warcraft.”
The last time World of Warcraft has clocked in more than 10 million subscribers was back in 2012 with the release of the fourth expansion pack, Mists of Pandaria. Subscription numbers have been dropping since, thought. Back in June, it was revealed that the subscription figure stood at 6.8 million. The game managed a rise up to 7.4 million as of the 30th September. It will be interesting to see how long it can keep its subscribers above 10 million.
Warlords of Draenor equals the first day sales of the games third expansion pack, Cataclysm managed in 2010. It is also higher than the 2.7 million managed by Mists of Pandaria in its first week on sale.
Affiliate information
This blog is part of the Amazon Associates program, meaning that we will get a small commission for products you purchase by following our links to Amazon.com products. This does NOT mean that you pay more than you would if you went to the same product page on Amazon by yourself. | {
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the trials of a man, his hammer, his suit, his hammersuit, and America.
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Nintendo DS
So Nintendo recently announced a new system to be shown at E3. No, it's not the successor to the GameCube, nor is it one to Game Boy Advance. It's a whole new thing...
Nintendo DS Announced
Nintendo announced just over 30 minutes ago that the hardware they have so cryptically hinted at for the past few months was in fact a dual-screened portable system code-named Nintendo DS.
"We have developed Nintendo DS based upon a completely different concept from existing game devices in order to provide players with a unique entertainment experience for the 21st century," said Nintendo president Satoru Iwata.
I'm reserving my opinion on the matter; I mean, it does sound cool, but so did a lot of other systems.
However, I would like to note that, unlike some of the big video game sites out there, Gigex and GamerFeed did manage to report on the Nintendo DS without making fun of it. There's a place for parody and there's a place for news, and a lot of places seem to mix them all up.
With that said, beware: parody ahead. After all, this is a personal blog, not a games site. A number of mock concepts have come out, and some of them are pretty funny if taken with a light sense of humor or importance. This one is courtesy of James.
We also have this one, courtesy of "the man in the shadows." That's right, he has no name! He's the shy type: | {
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Entertainment Centers
If all else fails to keep them happy, you may have to admit defeat and allow your kids a few hours of mindless fun in one of Moscow's burgeoning range of entertainment centers. Although the industry is very young in Russia, Moscow is doing its best to catch up with its Western counterparts in the provision of slickly packaged cheap thrills for children, and the choice is getting broader all the time. The possibilities include go-karting, rollerblading, and a lot of bowling.
Atriland
Claiming to be the largest entertainment centre in Eastern Europe, Atriland has a number of attractions and is conveniently located next to Kurskiy Station.››› | {
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Funny Little Frog
Biography
Formed: 1995 in Glasgow, Scotland
Genre: Alternative
Years Active: '90s, '00s, '10s
A band that takes its name from a French children's television series about a boy and his dog would almost have to be precious, and to be sure, Belle & Sebastian are precious. But precious can be a damning word, and Belle & Sebastian don't have the negative qualities that the word connotes: they are private but not insular, pretty but not wimpy; they make gorgeous, delicate melodies sound full-bodied. Led by guitarist/vocalist Stuart Murdoch, the seven-piece band has an intimate, majestic... | {
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Petzl Ultra Vario Belt[E54 BUK]
£275.00
ULTRA VARIO BELT: Ultra-powerful multi-beam headlamp with ACCU 4 ULTRA remote rechargeable battery
Multi-beam lighting up to 450 lumens makes the ULTRA VARIO BELT rechargeable headlamp suited for the most demanding activities. It is ideal when lighting needs and precision are crucial, as in caving or mountaineering.
This headlamp has four lighting modes that allow the user to adapt the lighting to different situations: ambient lighting, proximity lighting, lighting for movement, or long-distance lighting. The high-capacity ACCU 4 ULTRA remote rechargeable battery allows the user to reduce the weight worn on the head while keeping the battery warm, for example under clothing, in order to optimize battery life in cold conditions.
Ergonomics and construction make the ULTRA VARIO BELT headlamp particularly intuitive and reliable in any situation. | {
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Sherry Davis Leonard Phillips
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Grace Fellowship Church with Ricky Griffin, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in "The Garden of Love" at Westlawn Memorial Park by Minton/Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.
Sherry was born Nov. 30, 1958, in Florence County, S.C., and had been a lifetime area resident. She was a custodian for PSP CISD and was a member of Grace Fellowship Church.
Survivors include her husband, Charlie; five daughters, Shana Leonard, Tasha Leonard, Leslie Phillips, Ashley Phillips and Carly Phillips, all of Borger; her parents, Howard and Linda Davis of Borger; a brother, Wayne Davis of Fritch; and a sister, Julie Blackburns of Borger. | {
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6 months into our “Unlimited PTO” Experiment
For those considering a progressive PTO policy, here is our unique experience based on a short 6 month history.
Until January 2015 our PTO policy was relatively standard, but we had a problem in that people weren’t taking any time off from work. We originally had 10 PTO days plus 10 paid holidays – not too different from what we see with many of our clients.
We are a small, niche recruiting firm, and our recruiters likely weren’t using their PTO out of fear of losing control at work. On one hand, it felt nice to have committed employees who cared about our pursuits, but I knew we would never reach our goals of long-term employee tenure with a bunch of burned-out team members. My idea for combating employee burnout was simply to encourage better work-life balance by pushing people to use their PTO.
Each year we have an annual kickoff at a beach house in January. It was then that I delivered my plan with 100% transparency. Tracking PTO was a pain in the rear, the PTO payroll report cost me an extra $15 per month, and nobody was even taking advantage of our program. We would be adopting a new PTO policy that would encourage our team members to take time away from work and recharge.
I encountered a balanced mix of excitement and skepticism. Some team members were optimistic about new freedom, while others were wondering if there was a catch. There wasn’t a catch, but an unlimited PTO policy had the possibility of becoming a complete disaster. We set up some smart, fair parameters:
1) The PTO must be requested ahead of time and put in a shared google calendar (this is for collaboration, and not for tracking)
2) Team members must collaborate with peers to have his/her work covered while away
3) With some room for exception, the team member must be in good standing with the company
4) The PTO must not be uniquely disruptive to the team
5) And last, as a trade-off, No PTO in January. Ever. January is a black-out month where we recover from our devastatingly slow December
If these conditions were met, all PTO would be approved.
It took until February to catch on, but we’ve seen an increase in work-life balance and no discernible drops in production. Our workplace parents have unapologetically spent more time with their kids for field trips and school events. We’ve had one team member book a life-changing trip to Europe, and we’ve had three different team members book week-long trips to the great outdoors. I’ve also found that by not requiring explanations for PTO, we seem to get the purest form of truth; People simply need a break to get away.
It hasn’t all been perfect. We at one point had to draw some sharp lines when a team member announced he was leaving early for the day. We let him leave but addressed the issue at our next Monday meeting. We clarified that two days’ notice is really the minimum for what we consider “advanced notice,” and we also talked about the slippery slope of just leaving whenever we want. It hasn’t happened since.
I haven’t yet felt that anyone has abused the program. I do worry that this policy may not work as we grow to 30, or 40+ employees, and it’s more than likely that one day a future employee may try to exploit our policy. Thus far, though, it’s been great for us. Someday, my peers in the community might try to entice my employees to leave with the promise of more money or more exciting challenges, but I’m not sure they can offer a better environment where honesty is both encouraged and accepted, and work-life balance is valued. | {
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Dirt Bike Games
Love watching dirt bikes on ESPN and extreme sports shows perform one stunt after another? Want to pull off 360s, aerial flips, and other acrobatics? Want to feel the same adrenaline rush? Here at BMXBikeGames.net, you can play dirt bike games online and take a step closer to the experience!
Want to play dirt bike games where you are in charge of everything - from drawing ramps, creating obstacles, and all the way through the actual racing? What about doing back flips with your dirt bike and avoiding not obstacles BUT grenades and bullets along the way (now that sounds action packed)? Or maybe you want to play dirt bike games where you have to be REALLY careful or you'll crash and burn with the slightest bump.
Well, here's the bottom line: if you want to play bike games, if you want nothing BUT the best and unique dirt bike games found in the internet, this is the place to play! Check out our top list - it will surely whet your appetite for whatever dirt bike game you are looking for.
Construction Yard Bike is a BMX bike game that is somewhat similar to Spring Bike but much, much more challenging. This is the perfect game for someone who likes good graphics and likes a game to be challenging but...
Dirt Bike 2 is like other bike games in a sense that you're controlling one - but you're not going to be racing. The first level of Dirt Bike 2 has you climbing of obstacles like heavy construction equipment,...
In Trial Bike Pro the object is simple - get through the junk yard to the finish line and avoid crashing. It is a bit more difficult in practice though. Throughout the game you are presented with a variety...
Although for some gamers Spring Bike may be a bit too basic for a good BMX bike game, but if you stick it out through the first few levels, it gets fairly challenging. The obstacles are easy in the beginning...
Stunt Bike Deluxe is a flash game that will take you by the seat of your pants - with plenty of different levels to complete, different bikes and ATV's to unlock, you'll need some patience to see the later...
Bike Adventures is more a survival game than anything else - while you'll be racing your way through a bunch of different levels, collecting bonus coins for extra points, the obstacles and obstructions you'll be racing over are nothing...
Shark Bike is a simple bike game where you have three lives to race through as many levels as you possibly can. To increase your score, you'll be able to pick up bonus fish while racing through levels, and...
FMX Team 2 is a sequel to the popular flash game FMX Team - a moto-cross game where you'll be racing against others, progressing on to the next race, and performing mid-air tricks to gain points. In FMX Team...
Bike Challenge is an excellent BMX bike game that is both challenging but not entirely unbeatable. Getting used to controlling your bike will likely take a little time, but if you have the patience and a little experience with...
Stunt Dirt Bike is easily one of the best BMX games online simply because it is challenging without being complicated of loaded down with a lot of extra features. Anyone, regardless of skill or experience level in the BMX game...
Online BMX and bike games - if you are looking for excitement minus the violence and gore (which is almost given when playing online game genres like shooting and stick man games), online BMX bike games are guaranteed to give...
Stickman Freeride is a bike game that is perfect for casual gamers. This bike game features simple, but well-designed graphics, fifteen courses, eighteen achievements.
The objective of Stickman Freeride is to complete each course as quickly as possible. You have unlimited...
If you're looking for a challenging and addictive BMX game, put Trials 2 at the top of your must-play list. This incredible game offers everything you could want in a BMX game without a lot of the filler you get...
TG Motocross 4 is the fourth game in the TG Motocross series of motorcycle games. TG Motocross 4 features improved graphics over its predecessors, four new courses, and a wider variety of tricks to perform.
The objective of TG Motocross 4...
Stunt Bike Draw 2 is a unique game that you probably haven't played before - unless you've played the prequel, Stunt Bike Draw. In both games the player draws launching and landing ramps for the rider. In Stunt Bike...
So you are searching through the net for that motorcycle game where pulling off 360s, front and back wheelies, keeping your motorcycle airborne, etc. is just as important as stability and speed? Well, you are in for a treat folks....
Moto Trial Fest is a motorcycle game with a ragdoll physics engine. The bike game features cool graphics, appropriate sound effects, simple controls, and twelve levels.
The objective of Moto Trial Fest is to complete each stage without crashing. If you...
ATV Offroad Thunder is an high-paced ATV game. This ATV game features great graphics, a variety of stunts and tricks, and nine levels of action-packed gameplay.
The objective of ATV Offroad Thunder is to complete each track from start to finish...
The goal in X Stunt Bike is pretty straightforward - you need to take part in X Stunt Bike Game tournaments (there are 8 levels and tournaments to take part in). All of the other levels in the game are...
All of us have an inner performer... the side of us that wants to please the crowd and make them ROAR with amazement. HOWEVER, not all of us gets the chance to pull that off. Well, at least settle for...
Personally, I'm a huge fan of games by David Thorburn... that's especially true for his bike games on Teagames. TG Motocross 3 is not an exception. This bike game is a sequel to TG Motocross and TG Motocross 2. Having...
If you are looking for online and flash-based dirt bike games, Max Dirt Bike should definitely be on your list. Needless to say, you assume control of a dirt bike in this game as you find your way through a...
The goal in this BMX game is pretty straightforward - you need to show off your motorbike skills and collect those photo moments before heading to the exit. To get those photo moments, you need to grab those picture icons...
Moto Trial Fest 2 is the sequel to the motorcycle game, Moto Trial Fest. This bike game features improved graphics, twelve achievements, and twenty new levels.
The goal of Moto Trial Fest 2 is the same as that of its predecessor:...
To make a game unique, to make a game HOT, a lot of game developers toss in bells and whistles to make their game stand out from the rest of the pack. Sometimes, the results are great. Sometimes, you would...
Dare Devil 2 is a bike game where the player performs jumps over obstacles. It is the second game in the Dare Devil series. Dare Devil 2 offers much faster-paced gameplay than its predecessor, as well as more-challenging jumps. Although...
No complicated background stories, the controls are just right, nothing fancy, or complex - this is a bike game which is all about pulling off stunts. The goal of this physics based BMX bike is to get your bike to...
Dirt Bike Championship is a motorcycle game that pits you in a race against the computer. This bike game features simple controls, great graphics, and challenging gameplay.
Unlike most motorcycle games of its type, Dirt Bike Championship puts you in a...
Bike Champ 2 is the follow up game to the wildly popular Bike Champ BMX game. While the game is almost identical in many ways, from the graphics to the levels and obstacles you'll face, it is different in many...
TG Motocross 2 is the sequel to TG Motocross. This motorcycle game features superior graphics and smoother controls than those of its predecessor.
The objective of TG Motocross 2 is to complete each stage without crashing. There are seven stages in...
Mountain Bike is a simple, straightforward bike game. Mountain Bike features outstanding graphics, smooth animations, and challenging gameplay.
The goal of Mountain Bike is to make it to the end of each stage before your time runs out. You must also...
Filled with stunts and road-blazing action, motorcycle games are, without a doubt, VERY fun to play. HOWEVER, when you toss in power ups that can tip the tide of a very close race along with nice looking graphics, motorcycle games...
Moto Rush is a zany racing game with a plethora of wacky characters and vehicles. This motorcycle game features impressive graphics, nine cups, and three gameplay modes.
The first gameplay mode in Moto Rush is Timed Mode. Timed Mode puts you...
Juniper Lee: Party Interrupted is an action game based on the Cartoon Network animated series, The Life and Times of Juniper Lee. This bike game features excellent cartoon graphics, characters from the television show, and quick gameplay.
Juniper Lee: Party Interrupted...
Excitebike is a Flash version of the classic Nintendo motocross game of the same name. This motorcycle game features graphics and sounds from the original Nintendo version of Excitebike, but its gameplay and controls are different.
The original Excitebike, which was...
Bike Madness is an extremely challenging bike game. This motorcycle game features simple vector graphics, easy controls, and extremely challenging gameplay.
The objective of Bike Madness is to complete each level as quickly as possible without crashing. This may sound easy,... | {
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7 comments:
Leave it to 360 to dig up a way to trash whatever President Obama does while at the same time giving Republicans a pass on their obstruction/inaction of comprehensive immigration reform. I'm sick and tired of hearing about how the President supposedly had to be pushed and pressured by the Latino community in order to finally move on CIR--you'd have to be an idiot to actually believe that he was EVER against it, which is what AC360 would have us believe--he wanted bipartisan action (CIR bill languished over 500 days w/Boehner) and just because he didn't do it at the time the Dems had the majority in the House and Senate doesn't mean he never wanted to or had ruled it out entirely the way MANY on the right have. The only good moment in that interview with Ramos was when Ramos said that it was mainly the Republicans fault that there has been no action on CIR and they should be blamed (and surprise, surprise, after practically calling President Obama a fraud on CIR throughout the piece, AC had NOTHING to say when Ramos made that statement)--too bad Ramos didn't just state that outright instead of giving AC360 what it always wants--a way to bash the President while letting the GOP off Scot-free.
Wednesday's 360 had a great start… and then sort of stumbled around of the rest of the hour. The CIA torture report is still creating ripples; Pamela Brown gave the overview then Anderson talked to Glenn Carle and Gary Berntsen for analysis. Berntsen blathered quite a bit in his attempt to justify U.S. use of torture and Anderson had some great pushback on Berntsen's more ridiculous statements.This topic could have used a second segment to examine more ripples - like political damage, W/Cheney excuses, international response - but that's not what happened.
What did happen was part two of Drew Griffin's report on armed security guards. I watched Hayes' coverage of the 2015 Omnibus funding bill in Congress (a subject also worth a segment instead of a Bulletin blip on 360).
Someone has to explain the Gorge Ramos segment to me. As I understand it, reporter-guy Ramos interviewed Obama and they disagreed about immigration policy. Exactly how does that turn into an entire segment on 360 and interview with Anderson?
Also mystifying was Martin Savidge's "Crime and Punishment' report about a teenage girl burned to death in Mississippi. Horrible that it happened but why is this on 360?
Next up was a report on an old guy who was rescued after being lost at sea for 12 days. I'm going to bring up Hayes again. You know why? Because Hayes had a much more interesting report on Sony and North Korea and the movie 'The Interview'. So I'm not going to apologize for watching Hayes and writing about it here.It all comes down to content.
The Ridiculist was okay but totally predictable. As soon as Anderson revealed the topic I just knew we'd get a clip from either 'Airplane!" or "Snakes on a Plane" It was "Snakes on a Plane".
Jaanza, it's nice that you're such an ardent supporter of Chris Hayes, he certainly needs it as MSNBC has been doing really badly in the ratings, particularly Hayes. I keep reading all those articles about how MSNBC is in free fall and no one wants to watch it anymore.
@aries moon I noticed that Anderson was suddenly silent when Jorge Ramos made the comment about the Republicans were to blame. I'm not sure why Anderson and AC360 have such an agenda against President Obama. I know he's not perfect and there are things that need to be called out, but to only bash, not give credit where credit is due and give the Republicans a pass at every turn is not fair and honest reporting. I'm so disgusted by the content of AC360 that my respect for Anderson is wearing very thin. I also found it very telling that AC360 booked John McCain all the time when he was bashing POTUS, but he hasn't been booked to discuss the torture report or no mention about his impassioned speech on the floor of the US Senate on Tuesday. I'm guessing it's because Senator McCain agrees with President Obama and the Dems on this and would be willing to bet money that's the reason he hasn't been booked.
@Jaanza I don't blame you for switching to Hayes much of the time any more. I used to watch AC360 as it aired, now I watch when I can FF thru the program.
Drew Griffin's reports don't interest me. Plus much of the investigative work is done by local media and Drew finds something, makes a trip to record something and slaps his name on the "investigation" - I don't think CNN does investigative reporting at all anymore. Add to that the odd "crime and punishment" reports, many repeats of previously aired reports and other "filler" and there's not much of interest on AC360 these days. Whoever is choosing the subject matter on AC360 needs to be shown the door. I don't think I'm the only one time very loyal AC360 viewer that's disgusted with the program content - the ratings are reflective of the declining quality.
@Jenn, yes, AC360's constant Obama-bashing leaves me cold and suspicious of AC's claims of being fair to all sides and challenging both the GOP and Dems--there's plenty of Dem/POTUS bashing and challenging but very little criticism or real analysis of what Boehner and the GOP are up to--it's very frustrating.
Agree with both Jenn and Jaanza about Drew Griffin's reporting (he has been given an elevated role on 360 that I don't think he merits). The Crime and Punishment reports are just a waste of time. YES Chris Hayes and Rachel Maddow do a much better job than 360 of covering real issues that affect people's lives. 360 and AC just don't seem to be interested in covering those types of reports.
@aries moon: Was wondering where you went because I always read your comments first....always objective and always mindful of current political events etc.Glad to see that you are finally challenging AC and his thought process. Yes 'HIS' thought process.CNN AND AC are Republicans and have a Republican agenda because they see how well FOX NEWS is doing AND AC in particular does not really believe in sharing the wealth, or shall I say, sharing "his wealth," and he will continue to vote his really large wallet.That in a nutshell is why HE is, and always will be: Anti-Obama.
I don't know anything for certain, but I've always felt that Anderson was more conservative than he was liberal--who knows where he stands on what, but you can sort of pick up indications in some of the remarks he makes from time to time. CNN overall has taken a big slant to the right recently, but I don't think that's the only factor in why AC360 is produced the way it is and I don't think AC is totally hands-off when it comes to story selection/guests. John McCain hasn't been given a platform for Obama bashing by chance--I think AC is behind a lot of it. The late Fouad Ajami was another critic of the president that AC had a lot of admiration for. I admit that I don't know what AC does in his private life or who or what he supports/contributes to behind the scenes, I only know that the direction that AC360 has taken of late is frustrating--he is not required to be in love with the president, but his job as a journalist is to TRULY be neutral and present both sides equally and not manipulate and tailor his reporting so that one side is seen in a bad light. | {
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I tried one right as it was made and to be honest, I was a little disappointed. It was still luke warm. It wasn't my favorite taste. Then we put them in the fridge until the next day and what a difference!! YUM!!! The chocolate, the cream, the pastry. All so so yummy. So I definitely recommend chilling these before eating them. As complex as it was for B to make them, it was just a little harder for me to wait for them to be chilled. Have to say.
Here are all three of the desserts that B made - links to each recipe under picture: | {
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Monthly Archives: November 2015
Deep Books encourage Eagles to devour “world changing” and “life changing” books. As part of the badge requirements, you must pitch your book to the studio for approval.
Yes, occasionally we have to make sure the standards are upheld. But far more often we overhear exchanges like this between a Launchpadder and a Middle Schooler: “Well, unlike the last Russian novel I read, this one…..”
How do you convince young heroes to read The Brothers Karamazov; Anna Karenina or War and Peace? You don’t. Only a trusted friend can convince you that a 1,000 page Russian novel just might change your life.
from a proposed Middle School Quest on Cooking to a proposed Middle school Quest on Explosives and Rockets, Launchpadders showed what it means to pursue a Hero’s Journey through Chemistry, conquering a fear of Chemistry to develop a deeper love of science.
“The Winner’s Curse;” “Sunk Cost Fallacy;” and “The Endowment Effect.” Since the time of Adam Smith, the Science of Economics begins with the premise that economic man is a rational creature who makes rational decisions. But is this true?
Do most people make rational decisions when it comes to money?
More importantly, do you make rational decisions when it comes to money, and if not, should you?
Finally, are there reliable experiments to help decide when to ‘trust your gut’ and when to slow down and apply rational thinking, experiments that will lead to more happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment?
Last Thursday Middle School parents and guests toured many of the fifty Behavioral Economics experiments performed by Eagles. One guest bested the Wisdom of the Crowds, walking away with a giant glass jar of coins; another lost $26 trying to win a $20 bill at auction.
Following the Exhibition, a parent observed: “I graduated with honors in Economics from the University of Chicago, and I just learned more common sense lessons about money than in four years of college!”
An MS Eagle agreed: “The Biology Quest last spring was great fun. I learned a lot about plants, animals and evolution. But I’ve worked even harder on the Personal Finance Quest and Behavioral Economics Quest because I know they’ll help me more in life.”
At the end of the Exhibition, an Eagle offered one last bit of Type I and Type II advice: “Parents and guests – thank you for honoring us with your presence. May a gorilla never catch you unaware in the jungle; may you never be lured into a foolish auction and we hope “the wisdom of the middle school crowd” will help your intuitive and rational minds bring you all the happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment you deserve.”
Sound like Greek? Not if you are as well versed as the Eagles in Behavioral Economics. | {
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