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Fourteen thousand ex-workers of non-consolidated banks in Nigeria have sued the Central Bank of Nigeria over the bank's alleged refusal to pay their entitlements.
The ex-bank workers sued as registered trustees of the Association of Non-Consolidated Banks, Nigeria, in the matter that came up for hearing at the National Industrial Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on Friday.
Joined in the suit are the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; ministers of Finance, Labour and Productivity; and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Other defendants in the suit, which is being presided over by Justice A.K Ibrahim, include Eco Bank PLC, United Bank for Africa, AfriBank (now Mainstream Bank) and Zenith Bank.
The ex-workers are asking the court to determine "whether having regards to the CBN Guidelines and Incentives on Consolidation in the Nigerian Banking Industry of August 5, 2004, particularly the 'Social Safety Net', and the claimants are not entitled to be ameliorated and compensated in terms of their terminal benefits, salary arrears and allowances.
"Whether the tacit delay and intractable refusal of the defendants to implement the Social Safety Net and in so doing ameliorate and compensate the claimant job losses and redundancies as enshrined under the Social Safety Net is not tantamount to a denial to perform a statutory duty to a remedy enforceable by an order of mandamus.
"Whether it is proper for the first and second respondents (CBN and NDIC) to categorise the claimant's employers within the meaning of 'failing banks' in the light of the provisions of Section 35, 36 and 38 of Banking and other Financial Institutions Act, (Cap B3 LF 2004) and section 494 (1) of Companies and Allied Matters Act, (Cap 59) and in consequence of such classification treat the claimant's rightful benefit as other creditors."
Accordingly, they are seeking from the court a declaration that they are entitled to amelioration and compensation in terms of their terminal benefits, salary arrears and allowances in accordance with the 'Social Safe Net' enshrined in the CBN Guidelines and Incentives on consolidation in the Nigeria Banking Industry of August 5, 2004.
The suit has been adjourned to November 7, 2013 to enable counsel to the claimants, Emenike Azubuike, respond to the counter affidavits filed by the defendants.
Read more: Nigerian Eye


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Across the Universe #5 Limited Edition Embellished Print
This is a limited edition embellished print of my original mixed media painting on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag fine art paper.
Gold detail is added by hand after printing, making each one unique despite the fact that they are prints. For this reason, the actual print you will receive may be slightly different than the image shown here.
Prints will come signed and numbered in the bottom margin.
Prints are available with images sizes of 7x9 and 11x14 inches. Please note that images are printed with an external one inch border on all sides. (Actual image sizes are 5x7 and 9x12 inches respectively).
Shipped with USPS. To require a signature on delivery, please add the $3 "signature confirmation" option to your cart as well (US orders only).

subset: commoncrawl


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The 2018-19 season represents a new chapter for the Penn State Altoona men's and women's swimming program. With a new head coach and a new home facility, the Lions' swim teams are poised for a fresh start
The teams will be led by head coach Brad Brooks, who was hired in July to be the program's fifth coach in the NCAA Division III era of Penn State Altoona Athletics. Brooks comes to the Lions after a standout swimming career at McDaniel College, where he was a highly decorated star from 2012-16. Among his swimming accolades, he was a four-time NCAA Division III All-American, was selected the Centennial Conference's 2015-16 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and claimed 10 Centennial Conference individual championships.
The swimming program also begins its first full year using the brand new Adler Natatorium. After completion of the pool's $1.5 million upgrade, which was part of the larger Adler Athletic Complex Expansion and Renovation project, the Lions and Lady Lions were limited to just one late-season meet in the new natatorium. This year, the teams are utilizing the new facility as their full-time practice and home competition venue.
Brooks hopes that this all-around reboot of the Penn State Altoona swimming program will help lay the foundation that will produce successful collegiate teams. He also understands that, to begin to accomplish this, his athletes need to remain focused on the bigger process of creating a new culture.
"I'm looking forward to building a culture of success. I've constantly stressed that we are at a stage where the direction of the program and the attitude of the team mean more right now than any one individual on the team," Brooks explained. "I'm enjoying getting to know the team, both in and out of the pool, and establishing the mindset of a successful group of student-athletes, and seeing where that takes us. While there is a focus on the end goal of competing at a high level at the conference championships, I'm trying to stay focused on the day-to-day work and progress of the swimmers, which has already been impressive in our first five weeks of training."
Men's Swimming
Penn State Altoona's men's swimming team includes three important returners from last year: juniors Greg Landis (York, PA/West York) and Tanner Yaw (Palmyra, PA/Palmyra) and sophomore Andrew Lesnett (Middletown, NY/Minisink Valley).
"Greg and Andrew both came to me at the beginning of the year with pretty lofty goals, and they have backed those goals up with consistent quality efforts at practice," said Brooks. "We are also looking forward to getting Tanner back full-time once his soccer season ends, as he adds depth to our IM and sprint group."
The Lions' roster also features five first-year swimmers: Bryce Bauer (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone), Matt Beam (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone), Michael Begany (Strongsville, OH/Strongsville), Cooper Gilkey (Ebensburg, PA/Central Cambria), and Tyler Stauss (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional).
"We've got an interesting mix of newcomers to the team this year, and all of them bring something unique to the table," said Brooks. "Bryce, Matt, and Tyler have all shown promise in the sprint to mid-distance freestyle events, and Cooper and Michael should provide some depth in the backstroke that we really need."
Brooks sees this season as an opportunity for his men's squad to lay the groundwork for lasting success.
"Our focus is really on getting just a little bit better every day. With a smaller roster, we understand the challenges of going into meets against bigger teams, but we still have an opportunity to improve on an individual scale, which all stems from effectiveness and consistency during training," Brooks said. "We're also a very young team. We don't have any seniors on the roster, which means this year can serve as a stepping stone to building our roster up for years to come."
The Penn State Altoona men's swimming team's first meet is at home on Saturday, October 27 at 1:00 p.m. against Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference opponent Pitt-Bradford. After eight more regular season dual meets, the Lions will take part in the AMCC Championships on February 13-16.
Women's Swimming
The Penn State Altoona women's swimming roster features three returners from last season: junior Emily Beam (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone) and sophomores Danielle Bye (Hockessin, DE/Cab Calloway School of the Arts) and Hannah Kimmick (Greensburg, PA/Hempfield).
"We return three members of our women's team from last year. Danielle is coming off of an incredible freshman season, where she was named the conference newcomer of the year. Rather than being content, she wants to continue to get faster, go after team records, and make a push toward becoming the top swimmer in the conference," said Brooks. "Hannah provides much needed speed for our distance freestyle group, and her effort at practice makes her a great role model for both the men's and women's teams at practice. Emily gives us consistency through the butterfly and IM events, and she and Danielle should get some really high quality stroke training together as we move into the heart of the season."
The Lady Lions also welcome first-year swimmer Kaitlin Heil (Pittsburgh, PA/CAPA) to their ranks.
"Kaitlin looks to make an impact in a variety of events," said Brooks. "She is coming off of a three-year swimming hiatus, but she has already shown major improvements from day one of practice. Her versatility will be key, as we will need her to swim a variety of events in dual meets throughout the year."
Brooks' outlook for his women's team is similar to that of his men. He understands that there will be challenges, but he knows that progress can be made and success can be earned.
"Much like the men's team, we face the challenge of having a small roster. However, all of our ladies bring something different to the table, which gives us opportunities to compete in dual meets regardless of our size," he stated. "We also have very specific individual goals, which will allow our training to be focused and prepare us to swim fast at our conference championships in February."
The first meet of the season for the Penn State Altoona women's swimming team is Saturday, October 27, when the squad hosts AMCC opponent Pitt-Bradford at home at 1:00 p.m. The women's team goes on to compete in nine more regular season events before the season-ending AMCC Championships on February 13-16.


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Literary Review
Each quarter, The Literary Review publishes a new theme issue.
The themes are suggestive rather than prescriptive, and meant to be explored and developed by contributing writers in expansive, interesting ways. When you submit, please feel free to suggest an issue, but also know that we read simultaneously for all forthcoming issues and that if we like your work we'll find a theme, or invent a theme in order to publish it. We have lots of different ways of interpreting everything we mean!
We are especially interested in introducing writers from many nations to our readers. We invite you to read TLR before submitting to get a robust sense of our taste. Really, no more than one story should be submitted at a time; though we encourage poems to be sent in small groups of three to seven (depending on length).
Poets, please note, we would like your poems to be collected into a single document, so that you are not making multiple submissions. If one of the poems is accepted elsewhere, you must withdraw your entire submission and resubmit the available poems. Do feel free at that time to let us know that you are resubmitting—so that we can refer to our notes.
Authors of accepted work receive two copies of the issue their contribution appears in and a one-year subscription and our undying support and gratitude.
For more information about our editorial process, please see this post on our blog.


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Auto Northern Light
Recommendations | Affordable Cannabis Seeds
Linda Seeds
5/5 (7)
|Seed Type:
|Northern Light x Lowryder #2 x Ruderalis
Product Details
|Flowering Time
|6 - 8 weeks
|Indica / Sativa
|Seed Type
|Growth Area
|THC Level
|15 - 20 %
|Northern Light x Lowryder #2 x Ruderalis
Auto Northern Light
Linda Seeds
Auto Northern Light, has those spicey fragrances that only radiate from buds covered by crystals. Its psychoactive effects expand like a wave all over the body, relaxing the muscles and submerging the mind in a pleasant and dreamy state. A variety with fast flowering, easy to grow indoor and outdoor.
Date Added: 16 August, 2017
by rene f.
of 5 stars!
kompakte blüten. echt lecker!
Date Added: 16 September, 2017
by Vytautas R.
of 5 stars!
Amazing strain! I grew it in Lithuania which has about 50 % of rainy days and the buds I took off in 3rd of august were fabulous. I planted my seeds in 23 of may and they even managed to germinate in outdoors. Very resistant, very strong, and very nice plant. The buds has healing effects and it is very relaxing with a little buzz inside your head. You can pm me for more information.
Date Added: 26 September, 2017
by Timo E.
of 5 stars!
Gute Sorte, viel Harz. War nach 10 wochen fertig. Macht stoned. Nächstes Jahr wieder.
Date Added: 02 January, 2018
by Chris C.
of 5 stars!
Good seed good price good product thank you!
Date Added: 17 April, 2018
by Rene S.
of 5 stars!
description couldn't be more accurate; relaxed muscles and pleasant and dreamy state. Nice one!
Date Added: 29 January, 2019
by mustafa m.
of 5 stars!
Perfect plant, grows mid sized adn was yielding very, very good in Turkey!


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Cooking and eating outdoors, in the open air, is far more relaxed and mindful than exactly the same meal prepared and eaten indoors.
It really is high summer, a time for long evenings, barbecues, and alfresco dining. Chill the wine and the beer, and prepare to be relaxed and happy. This week we are going to concentrate on salads and vegetables to go along with whatever meat or fish you have on the grill. Unless you're vegetarian or vegan, or just like vegetables, in which case a lot of these recipes will make a complete meal for you.
Personally, I just love salads.
From San Diego cook Averie Sunshine we have this dish of grilled vegetables with smoky honey mustard dipping sauce ~ looks fabulous. Averie says this recipe is easy ~ ready in 5 minutes ~ healthy and there's zero cleanup. Grilling vegetables is so very good.
Grilled Vegetables with Smoky Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
The Bojon Gourmet has a very elegant looking dish, a summer vegan green goddess salad ~ avocado, crispy lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, seeds and a cashew herb dressing. I think this salad looks interesting, different, tasty, and refreshing. I also think that most of us could add our own little interesting twist to this recipe.
Summer Vegan Green Goddess Salad
The cool and together Jessica at How Sweet Eats has published a recipe for a 20 minute Thai avocado salad, and you have to admit this looks fantastic, filled with taste and texture. I guess it's 20 minutes if you can use a chef's knife.
20 Minute Thai Avocado Salad
Elise Bauer at Simply Recipes has found for us this dish by Summer Miller; lentil salad with summer vegetables. This should take you 35 minutes to make, and is a brilliant side dish, or as a light lunch. Make a lot and take some to work the following day.
Lentil Salad with Summer Vegetables
Heather Christo has a different kind of recipe for a warm summer afternoon, this tomato peach and avocado salad with cilantro vinaigrette. Heather says that this is a beautifully simple 30 minute salad that will totally blow your socks off. I tend to agree. Nice to take to work for lunch too.
Tomato Peach and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette
I very much like the recipes from Cookie + Kate, and this one is no exception. Anyway, what's not to like about colourful strawberry arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette?
Colourful Strawberry Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Lastly for this week, from Chungah at Damn Delicious we have 15 quick and easy vegetable side dishes. This cool collection includes this 25 minute recipe for baked Parmesan mushrooms ~ I love baked mushrooms. Actually I often like side dishes and appetisers better than the entrée.
Baked Parmesan Mushrooms
jack collier
Marmaduke also likes salads


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My first apartment in Paris was Montmartre. Located in the 18th arrondissement it wasn't the center of the city but Montmartre has a vibe of its own and its so boho chic. Its a little neighborhood different from the rest of the city. This will always be special to me as its where I spent so much of my time when I first moved to Paris. The area has changed over the years and there are finally a few places to get a good cup of coffee which makes it even better 😉 If you follow along on my instagram you know I like coffee..
I have stayed in 8 different apartments in Paris all over the city. I love seeing the inside of places and the views… Balconies are my favorite and when I saw that there were three balconies in the Haven in Paris apartment I stayed in a few weeks ago I was thrilled! The Montmartre Hideaway was just a few blocks away from my old apartment so I was already familiar with where to get my baguette, grocery shop and coffee. The apartment was five flights up with no lift so I worked off my croissant before even arriving to the boulangerie.
It rained just a few minutes after my arrival to the apartment and it was really beautiful to watch the rain fall from the windows. The rooftop view in Montmartre is unlike anything else in the city. The perks of staying in an apartment in Paris are the washer and dryer, full kitchen with an oven, and a lot more space. I will talk more about choosing one over the other in a follow up post.
I am typically in a hurry for the light in the morning but I did take a day out to enjoy a breakfast on the balcony because I had to enjoy the view. I grabbed these delicious strawberries at the market down the street. I swear strawberries taste better in France than anywhere else…
This view from the bedroom was incredible and so wonderful to wake up to in the morning. There were curtains to block out the light but I made sure to sleep with the windows open to catch the morning light and the fresh breeze.
For more information on Haven in Paris click here
The apartment I stayed in is available here through Haven in Paris


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Spring cleaning and more....
Hey, how was your weekend? Mine was....well.....cathartic. Anytime I get lots of studio time is fantastic! I'll have several pictures to share with you all this week. I finished a few projects over the weekend AND I'm trying to reorganize my space (with the help of Emily extraordinaire). Stay tuned for more info! In the meantime, come and see me at Big Mouth! I'm super excited about all of the new products we have - and the ones that are on the way! Cynthia and Emily have been HARD at work reorganizing the store to make room for new things, and to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for. Don't forget to like us on Facebook and check back here often (so that I don't have to talk to myself all the time).
Have a happy week......
4/22/2016 12:19:16 pm
Can't wait to see your finished scrap room Your so right about Cynthia and Emily redesigning the shop. It looks so exciting. Wow!!!! Please tell Cynthia not to do away with the "no whining" sign. Lol. I hope everything maintains its flavor. I just live the ambience. Post pictures. We want to see. Btw. Last weekend was a blast. I had so much fun in the tag class. Learned a lot too. Thanks Jacqui. Leafy for the next. Woo hoo.
Comments are closed.
Jacqui Blackowiak
May 2019


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This article is from the archive of our partner .
Players: Supporters and opponents of capping the number of psychics allowed to operate in Salem, Massachusetts. Back in 2007, Salem lifted a long-time cap on the number of psychics allowed in the city. Specifically, Salem was legally limited to allowing five psychic licenses for every 50,000 inhabitants. As of last year, the number of psychic business in the city has increased fourfold since the cap was lifted.
Opening Serve: Certain Salem residents, psychics in particular, are frustrated by the growth and want the cap reinstated. "Now, walk down the street, it's like the strip in Las Vegas," Barbara Szafranksi, a long-time licensed psychic told the Salem News back last October. "I predicted three or four years ago when they took the cap off this would happen. The city has become a haven for people who want to do readings, and I don't mean good readings." She and others argue the influx of competition has significantly hurt her business.
Return Volley: The push to bring back the cap does not have everyone in Salem's support. Christian Day, for one, is the self-proclaimed "employer of the largest number of psychic readers and the single largest generator of psychic license revenue in the city of Salem," and outspokenly opposed to limiting the cities psychic industry in anyway. "First, I think there are serious constitutional issues with limiting fair trade, especially when that trade centers around a practice so intrinsically tied up with religious belief systems such as Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism, Spiritualism and other faiths that embrace psychic work," Day suggested in a Salem News op-ed in February. "Second, to now stifle the licenses for future potential businesses is as unfair to new businesses as the old ordinance was to us.Competition is good. It forces businesses to raise the bar, and this can only improve options for the consumer."
What They Say the Fight's About: Proponents of curbing Salem's psychic operations, such as City Councilor Joan Lovely, "don't want a psychic on every corner." As Salem "witch shop" owner Laurie Stathopoulos explained to Fox News in late March, she was "one of the biggest advocates of keeping Salem quaint and small and magical and the more people we let in could hurt that name. Just like having a Chanel bag, you want the real thing. You don't want the run-of-the-mill or knock off bag." This line of thought has wound up, over the years, leading to a number of amusing ideas about how to test would-be psychics. Opponents like Day, on the other hand, urge the value of competition. "It is rather interesting to me that people expect government to protect their business," Day told Fox News. Your ingenuity should protect your business. Your talent should protect your business. Your aggressiveness to succeed will protect your business."
What the Fight Is Really About: Government regulation vs. the free market. The Boston Globe's Rob Anderson puts it into context. "While it may not be the most conventional of examples, the dispute is not all that different from the dilemmas cities have dealt with licensing other businesses like taxicabs," he notes. "In fact, the episode makes for what University of Michigan economics professor Mark Perry calls 'a good case study of occupational licensing, with economic lessons in barriers to entry, contestable markets, and government regulation vs. market competition.'"
Who's Winning: Salem's free psychic-market proponents. To date, no limit has been placed on the number of psychics allowed in Salem, much to the chagrin of some of the city's oldest fortune tellers. Though the audience of Salem outsiders following this debate has thus far been small, it seems for the most part, according to available internet evidence, to be leaning towards Christian Day's pro-competition argument. "Say what you will about psychics, it seems the real scam is the onerous and pointless regulations foisted on businesses by the City of Salem," writes Reason Foundation policy analyst Adam Summers.
This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.
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What's Hot Today
Now that Emma (Jennifer Morrison) is back in Storybrooke, we're wondering what that means for the position of sheriff, which David/Charming (Josh Dallas) took over while she was stuck in Fairytale Land. It's Emma's job, but it's a good fit for her daddy dearest, too. A new set photo seems to give us a hint about the future of the job. Read spoilers at your own risk! For more on Wetpaint Entertainment's philosophy on spoilers, click here. //feeds.wetpaint.com/~r/wetpaint/latest/excerpt/~3/wG0XnRuqzaw/once-upon-a-time-season-2-spoiler-is-charming-still-the-sheriff-of-storybrooke-photo
Mr. Gold/Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle) is one of the most complex Once Upon a Time characters. In turns sympathetic, heartbreaking, and downright terrifying, it's hard to know if we should root for him or run away screaming. We're on the edge of our seats waiting to know what happens to Rumple/Gold when OUAT returns. Will he find his son? Will he make things work with Belle (Emilie de Ravin)? Will he snap when he discovers Hook's (Colin O'Donoghue) in town? In a recent interview... //feeds.wetpaint.com/~r/wetpaint/latest/excerpt/~3/VJCE2gq3O14/once-upon-a-time-season-2-spoilers-you-actually-will-feel-sorry-for-gold
On Once Upon a Time Season 2, Episode 5: "The Doctor," we finally learned that the mysterious Dr. Whale (David Anders) is actually Doctor Frankenstein. Based on recent casting spoilers, it sounds like we'll be learning a lot more about this character when the show returns in January. Read spoilers at your own risk! For more on Wetpaint Entertainment's philosophy on spoilers, click here. As we've previously reported, Dr. Whale's brother, Gerhardt, has been cast. It looks like he's... //feeds.wetpaint.com/~r/wetpaint/latest/excerpt/~3/gRzIENxLrzM/once-upon-a-time-season-2-spoiler-another-member-of-frankensteins-family-cast
Dr. Frankenstein/Whale's family is getting even larger. Last month, it was revealed that Chad Michael Collins had landed a role on ONCE UPON A TIME as Frankenstein's brother, Gerhardt, and now ABC has confirmed that 24 star Gregory Itzin has signed on to play their father, Alphonse. According to TVLine, Itzin will appear in the [...] //www.givememyremote.com/remote/2012/12/06/once-upon-a-time-gregory-itzin-to-guest-star/
One of the most intriguing new characters on Once Upon a Time Season 2 is Neal Cassady (Michael Raymond-James), Emma's (Jennifer Morrison) lost love and Henry's (Jared Gilmore) father. We met him in a flashback in Season 2, Episode 6: "Tallahassee," and have been assuming we'll see him again this season. But will we? And if so, how soon? Read spoilers at your own risk! For more on Wetpaint Entertainment's philosophy on spoilers, click here. //feeds.wetpaint.com/~r/wetpaint/latest/excerpt/~3/0vWRBWwYqnI/once-upon-a-time-season-2-spoiler-is-neal-definitely-coming-back
With so many new characters coming on Once Upon a Time Season 2, it's hard to keep track sometimes. But we can't help but get super-excited about a new character named Tamara, mainly because she sounds like just the kind of girl who could keep up with tough girls Emma (Jennifer Morrison) and Mary Margaret (Ginnifer Goodwin). Read spoilers at your own risk! For more on Wetpaint Entertainment's philosophy on spoilers, click here. According to SpoilerTV, the role of Tamara is... //feeds.wetpaint.com/~r/wetpaint/latest/excerpt/~3/xk9OJDFl9RQ/once-upon-a-time-season-2-episode-15-spoiler-who-is-new-character-tamara
Grab one of Jefferson's (Sebastian Stan) extra hats, put it on, and declare it your "thinking cap." We have a mystery to solve — or at least speculate about! According to Spoiler TV, Once Upon a Time Season 2 is casting for a "Little Girl" for Episode 14. It's a guest role for a character described as "a quick-witted, defiant 10-year-old prisoner of war who can see the future, and shows little fear against the soldiers." You'd be... //feeds.wetpaint.com/~r/wetpaint/latest/excerpt/~3/LUuy84qObwg/once-upon-a-time-season-2-spoilers-role-of-psychic-10-year-old-girl-being-cast-for-episode
A lot went down in Once Upon A Time 's winter finale: the Charming family was reunited, Hook and Cora re-hydrated a magic bean and then set sail for Storybrooke, and Regina revealed she has a soft spot for her evil mother, but I was a little too distracted by the epic developments in the Aurora/Mulan womance to fully appreciate anything else. OUAT has an excellent track record when it comes to female friendships. Last season, the bonding between Emma and Mary Margaret was a highlight, and every flashback to the days when Red and Snow roamed the countryside in color-coordinated cloaks has been delightful, but the series has outdone itself with the tale of the warrior woman and the princess who went from being in love with the same guy to being best friends. Read More... //www.tvequals.com/2012/12/05/once-upon-a-time-season-2-an-ode-to-the-epic-duo-of-aurora-and-mulan/
Last time we saw the dynamic duo of Mulan (Jamie Chung) and Aurora/Sleeping Beauty (Sarah Bolger) on Once Upon a Time Season 2's winter finale, Episode 9: "Queen of Hearts," they were running off to do whatever it is they felt they could do to help save the soul of their beloved Prince Philip (Julian Morris). We wondered if they will be back for the second part of Season, or if their post-apocalyptic Fairytale Land story done for now? TVLine has the answer ... kind of. Read... //feeds.wetpaint.com/~r/wetpaint/latest/excerpt/~3/Ny1fXCcgX9Q/once-upon-a-time-season-2-spoilers-will-we-see-mulan-and-aurora-again-soon
We've been waiting for more scoop on the Storybrooke "visitor" coming to Once Upon a Time Season 2 — mostly because he'll be played by beloved actor Ethan Embry. We still don't know much yet, including when he'll show up or who exactly he'll be playing. Jennifer Morrison (Emma Swan) told TVLine, "[All we] know is he's an outsider, he is a stranger and he is not a fairytale character ... at least he's not someone anyone recognizes from Fairytale... //feeds.wetpaint.com/~r/wetpaint/latest/excerpt/~3/V4em4vb5tIQ/once-upon-a-time-season-2-spoilers-ethan-embrys-character-is-spoiler


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Dirt Rally – Early Access Racing Review by Hitch!!
In 1996 a video game was released. This video game sparked my love affair with the world of rallying, or rally racing. That game was Network Q RAC Rally Championship and it was developed by Magnetic Fields who went on to release several more classic rallying video games. Sadly this wonderful developer team no longer exists in it's original form and bar Richard Burns Rally, released 2004, the world of rallying video games has all but ceased to exist except for the odd rally mode in games like Forza Horizons or the Codemasters Dirt series, neither of which come close to the classics of Network Q or Richard Burns Rally. That was, until now.
The year is 2015, the game is Dirt Rally and yes, in name it does seem to be yet another Codemasters entry into the Dirt series but thankfully it is in name only. Now, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the odd Dirt game. I play Dirt 3 with friends and it mostly gives me my rally fix but as usual with games these days that fix is a watered down arcade styled fix that whilst fun is not exactly taxing or stimulating for those of us who loved that old '96 game so much. Dirt Rally however is a brilliant back to basics rally sim of the highest quality.
Released for PC via Steam on early access this is no arcade game, nor is it some wishy washy console port. This is PC racing at a level of quality we haven't seen in quite a while, it is taking the rally simulator genre head on and wearing it's sneakers is running ahead of the competition.
If you buy into it's early access you get seventeen cars right now with more promised later. All are fully detailed models both inside and out with several liveries to choose from for each car and beautiful cockpits to sit behind that steering wheel for those of us that insist on "doing it right". Your navigator sits at the side of you and if you glance at his notepad you can even see his detailed notes on the upcoming corners and jumps you shall have to get around and over.
The cars are from the 60s, 70s, 80s, Group B, Group A and the 2010s. Choice was obviously important to these devs and it shows.
Right now there are thirty six stages over three rallys, Greece, Wales and the famous Monte Carlo Rally in Monaco. I saw no promise of more to come but I would suggest it is likely down the road. As it stands right now there feels to be enough as is with each stage being long enough to satisfy most rally fans.
Of course the biggest question for most potential buyers will be one of handling. It's a racing game, more than this it is a rally racing game so handling is not only important it is primary. Let me calm your fears and bring that smile in, the handling is great. This is a simulation but like all good simulations you can adjust various assist options to make it more or less realistic with points awarded for turning it all off. ABS, Traction control, Stability control can all be adjusted from 1-5 or turned off completely and it even includes a Manual Launch Control, whereby you hold the handbrake on until the green light and then let fly with any jump starts penalised. The settings work well with the difference felt between off and max setting but even on maximum the cars still feel like you control them and not the other way around.
I played with an Xbox 360 controller and it worked brilliantly though this game makes me want to buy another steering wheel, it feels that good.
Being a PC game we expect, but often do not receive, options galore. Let those console port fears be gone! Graphical options range from a preset Ultra-Low right up to a Ultra High with all options in between. 60 or 40 refresh rate is catered for and of course you get all the separate options to turn various graphical effects on or off or somewhere in the middle. We even get a Field of View bar for in cockpit mode and the ability to turn up, down or off the camera shake.
The HUD can be turned off completely or you can turn various aspects of it on or off to your own preference. I turned it all off and for a few minutes I was sat in my Monte Carlo liveried Mini Cooper for real, then I crashed and turned them back on so I had a little more clue which corner went which way. Give me a couple of weeks though and that HUD will be off again.
Audio is not left behind in the options either with the ability to turn on or off, lower or higher all aspects of the audio in game and even to alter the dynamic range or EQ.
Game options are not left behind in this adoration for PC gamers and our choices. We get a full career mode that starts us with fifty thousand dollars and the chance to buy a car from the 60s with others opening up as we earn more money. Custom races can be created from all stages and with all cars, owned or not with a choice of A.I. drivers or using the community delta to time yourself against.
Online play is also present with daily, weekly and monthly challenges to prove your metal against real players from around the world in timed stages. For these challenges you do have to own your own cars so progress in the career mode is a must if you want to race the best of the best. Luckily for us the career mode is such damn good fun this should not pose a problem.
You can also form a league with friends and join up to six leagues yourself and in the career mode there is a team management section where you can hire mechanics and the like and train them up as you progress to get faster, better repairs etc.
Bottom line then. This game in it's current early access state is a joy to behold. It races hard and fast and whilst being more simulation than arcade it offers progress to those who persist. I crashed several times on the first half of my first stage but by the end I was feeling like a professional and it just got better from that point on. It looks lovely, it plays better and there are enough options to please any die-hard PC gamer and/or rallying fan.
Race times and Statistics: https://driftcompany.co.uk/blogs/news/best-cars-for-drifting
Review Written by @Hi7ch


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Statistica provides direct access to all statistical
and graphical analyses dialogs via the Statistics menu:
and Graphs menu:
(as well as from the Statistics toolbar
and the Graphs toolbar). These
menus are never disabled, i.e., they are available whenever any input
data document is open. The Statistics
menu provides access to all available analysis types within Statistica.
The Graphs menu provides direct access to a variety of commonly used graph
types ( scatterplots,
plots, etc.) as well as hierarchical access to all graph types in
Statistica including 2D Graphs,
3D Sequential and XYZ
Graphs, Matrix
Plots, Icon
Plots, Categorized Graphs,
User-defined Graphs, Graphs
of Block Data, and Graphs of Input
Data. It also provides access to Multiple
Graph Layouts. See the
for comprehensive discussions of all various types of statistics and graphs
offered by Statistica.
To take advantage of Statistica's
multitasking functionality
(see Multiple Analysis
Support), Statistica's analyses
are organized as functional units that are represented with buttons on
the Analysis bar at the bottom
of the application window (above the status bar, see the illustration
below, where Descriptive Statistics,
Analysis, and Canonical Analysis
are running simultaneously). Normally, at least one analysis button is
created, and consecutive buttons are added as you start new analyses.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose to minimize all analysis
dialogs when you select another window in Statistica or another application.
By default the Auto Minimize command
is checked; however, when your screen is large enough to accommodate several
windows, it is recommended that you clear this command. This keeps the
analysis dialogs on screen while the respective output created from these
dialogs is produced, thus allowing you to use the dialogs as toolbars
from which output can be selected.
It is easy to continue the current analysis or graph ( to change the
focus to the current dialog for a particular analysis). Select Resume
from the Tools
- Analysis Bar menu,
press CTRL+R, or click the analysis/graph
button on the Analysis bar. When
multiple analyses are running, you can select the specific analysis from
the Tools - Analysis Bar - Select Analysis/Graph
menu (as shown below).
To further facilitate the organization of
windows from various analyses, you can hide all windows associated with
a particular analysis when that analysis is deselected by checking Hide on Select from the Tools - Analysis Bar - Options menu.
By default, this command is cleared. Note that this command only applies
when the results are sent to individual windows; see Five
Channels for Output from Analyses for more details on managing output
from analyses. In addition, there is a command to close all document windows,
- Close All (or CTRL+L), and
a command to close all analyses, Tools
- Analysis Bar - Close All Analyses.
Check Bring
to Top on Select from the Tools - Analysis Bar -
Options menu to activate (bring to the top of Statistica) all windows
associated with a particular analysis when that analysis is selected,
replacing whatever dialogs were on top. This command also facilitates
the organization of individual windows from various analyses. By default,
this command is checked. Note that this command only applies when the
results are sent to individual windows.
Hiding the summary box
By default, a summary
box is located at the top of certain results dialogs (such as Multiple
Regression - Results) and contains basic summary information about the
analysis. You can hide an individual summary box by clicking the button in the lower-right
corner of the summary box. You can also suppress the display of all summary
boxes globally by checking Hide Summary
Box on the Tools - Analysis Bar
- Options menu.


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I no longer spend my days sitting in front of a glowing screen, as I so often had to do back in my office-work days. But neither am I completely separated from screens now either. I start each morning with a cup of coffee and some time at the computer–I post on this blog, scan the news headlines and, time permitting, have a look at a few other blogs. Later, I try to spend an hour at the end of the day, just before bedtime, with a book. But before sitting down with my book, I try to respond to the comments on my blog, again putting me before a computer screen.
A couple of months ago I did an involuntary media fast. I had to trade in my computer for a new one, so I spent several computerless days. Without my morning blogging routine, I found that I was outside starting the day at least a half hour earlier than normal (sometimes taking my coffee along with me). In the evenings, I started my book time sooner. It caused me to realize how much time I spend online–time that would otherwise be spent outside or reading a book.
I'm not one of those people who goes on the internet and complains about its existence. I enjoy the internet, and even as we've shed some of the things folks use to keep themselves entertained (like television), I wouldn't want to go back to life without the internet. I'm a fan of the information age, even as I recognize that its impact isn't all good.
But I'm wondering if I shouldn't take a break from it now and then. Instead of waiting for my computer to break before taking my next media fast, maybe I should make them a regular practice.
It's good to break a routine now and then, if for no other reason, just to know you can. I'm still thinking about it, and what a fasting discipline might look like. Just thinking on a rainy morning…


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Job Description : The Company.
The Company.
Our Client is an American multinational information technology company, developing and providing innovative hardware components for small to large enterprises across a wide range of industries.
They are currently recruiting for native French speaking candidates for their international partner in Barcelona, to reinforce their sales team and grow their revenue on the French market.
The Job.
As a Sales Representative, you will have full responsibility of your market and portfolio of clients, reporting to the Sales Manager.
The main tasks include :
Understand your market : research leads, identify and qualify potential clients
Bring new ideas to develop, enhance and grow the market
Respond and provide information and advice on client's inquiries
Prepare and present contract proposals
Understand the position and needs of the clients and tailor your services and solutions accordingly
Ensure clients' satisfaction and create long-term relationships
Accomplish your tasks in a timely manner and report results to your manager
Track, manage and report your sales activity
Execute and achieve your sales targets
The Offer.
A salary in line with market standards : 17.000 24.000 euros gross / year (including bonus)
Long-term position, standard office hours (39hrs / week), Monday to Friday
The opportunity to join a world's leader in the technology industry
An international company with a multicultural environment
Trainings, self-development program and career opportunities
A fun, rewarding and open-minded team
Expat contract / 'Indefinido' contract offered depending on current residence
Relocation package provided for candidates from abroad (up to 500 euros for your relocation costs)
Requirements : The Profile.
The Profile.
You have a native level of French + excellent level of English
You have previous experience in B2B Sales (Junior candidate with strong sales drive and affinity can be considered)
You are dynamic, motivated and proactive
You are open-minded, willing to work in a multicultural team and international environment (+20 different nationalities)
You have excellent communication skills both written and oral
You have strong organization and prioritization skills
You have a professional attitude and business acumen
You have the ability to adapt and communicate with high-level executives
You are a talented negotiator and can influence others
You have strong team spirit and willingness to support your co-workers when needed
Benefits : Skills :
Skills :


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I am encouraging students to dye and colour different
types of fabrics and trimmings, so they can have a palette
of textiles and embellishments to work with.
The laces were painted, sponged and sprayed
with various paints, inks and dyes.
The underneath papers and fabrics can be as interesting
as the pieces you are colouring.
Doubling your mediums!
See more by clicking on the labels below


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Empress Hotel's crisp décor and high level of service guarantee an easeful stay. The location—a couple of blocks from the restaurants and shops of Prospect Street and the ocean—is perfect for making the most of La Jolla.
Star Rating
Guest rooms are modern and stylish, with mini-refrigerators and high-quality mattresses. Ask for a room on a higher floor for a view of the ocean. For unwinding after a long day of work—or surfing—opt for an in-room massage. The Complimentary breakfast is substantial (expect waffles, hard-boiled eggs, fresh pastries, fruit and yogurt) and can be enjoyed on the sundeck.
Relaxed, beachy vibe, high-end service
Live piano music always draws a crowd at Manhattan of La Jolla restaurant—and you might be serenaded by a (very good) opera singer on occasional nights.
Manhattan of La Jolla serves Italian cuisine in a romantic room. Don't miss live music in the very popular cocktail lounge.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning in a breakfast room opening onto the 2nd floor sundeck.
Empress Hotel is in downtown La Jolla, walking distance to the ocean and Prospect Street. Torrey Pines Golf Course is about a 15 minute drive from the hotel.


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What did they know and when did they know it? We'll probably never know. And it probably doesn't even really matter. Afterall, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said he was acting only in the interests of the county when he decided to proceed with Gilbert's proposed swap — he didn't care what was erected in place of the partially constructed jail.
For now, Gilbert appears poised to wind up with several additional pieces of downtown real estate, growing his presence in the area that has come to be known as "Gilbertville." Because not only does he get the jail site if the swap is finalized, he gets the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Greektown and two other downtown jail facilities as well. The public will just have to wait and see what he has planned for all those new properties.
Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox.


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Tax Reform
More on Tax Reform
Congressman Alex X. Mooney Plans to Vote for Tax Cuts for all Americans
Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) intends to vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to deliver tax cuts for all West Virginians. He released the following statement:
"The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act means an average family of four will receive a $2,059 tax cut—that means more money in the pockets of all Americans.
Congressman Mooney Praises Tax Cuts for West Virginia Families
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) voted for H.R. 1 - the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will result in a $1,655 tax cut for the average family in West Virginia's Second Congressional District. He released the following statement:
"Today, I proudly voted for lower taxes for all hard-working West Virginia taxpayers. I share President Donald Trump's commitment to creating more good paying jobs in our state and country.
Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) Statement on Tax Reform Legislation
Washington, DC - Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) released the following regarding the introduction of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
"West Virginia taxpayers deserve a tax cut so that they can keep more of their hard-earned money. The plan released today will lower rates on taxpayers, including small businesses which are the back bone of West Virginia's economy.
Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-02) Votes for Fiscally Conservative Budget
Washington, DC – Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02) voted in favor of H. Con. Res. 71- the Building a Better America Budget resolution and released the following statement:
"Today, I voted for the Building a Better America Budget (H. Con. Res. 71) because it represents the fiscally conservative principles that I promised my constituents I would represent.
MARTINSBURG — U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-Charles Town, says he's all ears to hear what his constituents have to say.
To that end, Mooney listened to questions and complaints in a one-hour "telephone town hall meeting " conducted on Tuesday. Mooney fielded questions from residents living in the 17 counties he represents on topics ranging from health care, to jobs to illegal immigration, to opioid addiction to taxes.
Mooney represents West Virginia's 2nd District.
WASHINGTON D.C. –Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's first address to Congress.
"Tonight, President Trump laid out an optimistic agenda that will change America for the better. I am pleased that President Trump is keeping the promises he made to voters in November. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to bring back jobs to communities that have been devastated by the past eight years of former President Obama," said Rep. Alex Mooney.
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Yesterday evening, Congressman Alex X. Mooney hosted a telephone town hall meeting with XXX constituents from the Second Congressional District.
"Telephone town hall meetings allow me to hear input and answer questions from constituents in all 17 counties, from Harpers Ferry to Hurricane, spanning 343 miles across West Virginia. I appreciate hearing the passion and views from my constituents during our productive issue based discussions.
MARTINSBURG, WV. –Today, Congressman Alex X. Mooney hosted a financial services roundtable with business leaders in the Eastern Panhandle to discuss the challenges facing consumers.
WASHINGTON D.C. – Republican Congressman Alex X. Mooney (WV-2) released the following statement about the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump:
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Alex X. Mooney spoke on the floor of the United States House of Representatives Wednesday morning to stress the importance of stronger oversight of the Federal Reserve.
"The Federal Reserve's monetary policy impacts almost every facet of daily life in America; from grocery prices, to how valuable the money you have in savings is, to the price you pay for home loans," said Rep. Mooney.


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A robust bouquet of warm, dark fruit and tobacco leads to elevated aromas of ripe black currants and cherries. Layers of coffee and dark plum notes unfold on the palate while the Genuwine Winery Dried Grape Skins produce soft juicy tannins.
Mivino's "half batch" kit size provides you with the opportunity to craft a single varietal half batch, or to experiment with a winemaking technique long established in wine regions around the world: blending one or more varieties into a single batch. The goal when blending wines is to combine the unique flavor profiles of different grape varieties to produce a more complex wine that delivers the flavor and aroma characteristics you love. With eight different varietals available, what you craft is up to you.


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Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he doesn't have any reason to believe President Donald Trump will fire special counsel Robert Mueller.
"I was at dinner last night with the President and Vice President. I haven't heard anything about this, any firing," Mnuchin told CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday morning.
"I don't have any reason to believe the President is going to do that," Mnuchin later said, adding, "but that's obviously up to him."
The comments come after lawyers for Trump's transition accused the special counsel of "unlawfully" obtaining tens of thousands of emails from the transition.
Mnuchin added Washington has to "get past this investigation."
"It's a giant distraction," he said. "Nobody has said that in any way this impacted the election. … I think it should be over quickly, because I think there's nothing there."


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In his 15th year at Dwyer, coach Jack Daniels could set a record, of sorts.
In 2001, Daniels' team graduated seven Division I scholarship athletes, the most in his tenure. Next fall, Dwyer could could see as many as nine more alums playing D-I ball, the most in school history.
Dwyer's Big Three seniors — Nick O'Leary, Jacoby Brissett and Curt Maggitt — get plenty of publicity, but running back Shawn McClaine, receiver Tommylee Lewis, linebacker Leroy Kelson, cornerback Darrell Hunter and linemen Shubert Bastien and Daevonte Barnett have solid chances to sign with big schools.
The Big Three: O'Leary leaning FSU, Brissett too? Plus official visits to come
Though national recruiting sites and major college fan blogs dig for clues, O'Leary, Brissett and Maggitt aren't tipping their hands.
Daniels said they're giving recruiting consideration, but they are far from sweating it. "I know that they're narrowing it down in their minds, but they're not getting serious about it because they're focusing on the season," Daniels said.
Daniels thinks O'Leary has "a pretty good idea of where he's going."
"I think he's going to go to Florida State, honestly," Daniels said.
"I'm just guessing. If he's leaning somewhere, I'd say he's learning Florida State. I don't think that's a secret."
Daniels said Brissett would likely take official visits to South Carolina, FSU and possibly Notre Dame. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds and one of the best basketball players in Palm Beach County, he wants to see if he can handle the load of both college football and basketball.
"I know all the schools he's considering have all said they'll give him a chance to play both," Daniels said. "He said he's going to do that his first year, and if he sees it can't be done, he's just going to focus on football."
He was at one time interested in North Carolina, but he's cooled on the Tar Heels.
"He was going to visit there, but they had two quarterbacks committed, even though one's 5-10," Daniels said. They might be dropping some scholarships. He's kind of put them on the back burner."
Maggitt, who has scholarship offers from Alabama, Florida, FSU, Miami and several others, is slated to make his decision on an outdoors show on Dec. 26.
But he still has no favorite. "He's wide open," Daniels said. "I know Curt's going to take his time."
Daniels said O'Leary, Brissett and Maggitt will visit Wisconsin for this weekend's game against Ohio State. All three will visit LSU for the Tigers' game against Alabama. He added that O'Leary and Maggitt traveled to Alabama for the Tide's Oct. 3 win over Florida.
Other D-I possibilities: Hunter an ACC possibility, Bastien, Barnett stepping up
* Hunter, who has played cornerback and receiver, has interest from "mostly MAC schools," but Daniels thinks ACC colleges will step up.
"Darrell's got a lot of interest," Daniels said. "But he's let everyone know he's not taking any visits until after the season. He's got such good tape out, both covering and receiving, that he's going to get some big offers."
* As far as McClaine, "he's going to play slot receiver at the collegiate level. He's not a running back. We're trying to work him in a little bit, and get him some film. But he's going to have to work on his grades a little."
* Lewis has been limited in practices due to various bumps and bruises, but has broken out as of late. At 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, durability is a concern, but Lewis has excellent speed.
Mostly known for a spectacular catch-that-wasn't in Dwyer's loss to Glenville, Lewis had 3 catches for 35 yards last week against Palm Beach Lakes, from which he transferred over the summer. Overall, Lewis has six grabs for 109 yards and a touchdown.
"He's starting to break out for us. He's small, but there aren't too many kids who can run like Tommylee. He's another one who has to work on his grades," Daniels said.
* Taking over Matt Elam's weak linebacker spot, Kelson has been one of Dwyer's steadiest contributers.
"He'll end up getting a scholarship somewhere. He wasn't a starter last year, and he was playing behind Matt," Daniels said.
* Daniels knows about talents like Park Vista linemen Mike Matulis and Cody Preble, but in his eyes, he has someone better.
"He's got to be the best lineman in the county," Daniels said of Bowers, who has an offer from Maryland.
"Daevonte Barnett's another kid for us, he's having a great season. He's going to be another D-1 kid. Then you've got Shubert Bastien at the other D-end.
"Shubert and Daevonte, with the size that they have, they've stepped up and got a lot better," Daniels said.
Next year, Patrick Miller is a player to watch. The 6-5 1/2, 220-pound junior is learning how to play defensive tackle, and should be one of the top prospects of next year's class.
"Against Palm Beach Lakes, I think, had a coming-out party. He was taking kids off the field," Daniels said. "He's getting better. He's only played six games at tackle.
You always hear about Park Vista's guys, but our guys can play."
* The 2001 squad, which had seven Division 1 recruits, was led by Rashard Butler, who starred at Miami and now plays for the Houston Texans, and former West Virginia/FAU quarterback Danny Embrick.
Last year, the Panthers sent six players to Division 1 schools, highlighted by three Gators (Matt Elam, Gerald Christian and Robert Clark).


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2020 Addison Street / Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-2020 / email@example.com
The Box Office window is open 12:30pm-7pm and during all performances.
2020 Addison Street / Berkeley, CA 94704
The Box Office window is open 12:30pm-7pm and during all performances.
Calaveras, Harlan James Bluegrass Band, Fools CreekPurchase tickets online
November 02 8:00 pm
We all know that the Bay Area is a veritable hotbed of roots music talent, come on over tonight and revel in the glory as three bands from right next door treat us to an evening of honest-to-goodness, toe-tapping, down home bluegrass, americana, Cajun, and original music.
As Calaveras, singer-songwriters Greg Beattie (guitar, bass) and Victoria Blythe (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass, recorder, harmonica), along with instrumentalist Dave Decker (guitar, baritone guitar, bass, mandolin), bring their rich vocals and acoustic instruments to bear on songs that run the gamut from the roots of American traditional song forms to explorations of contemporary sounds. Their top-notch treatments of haunting folk ballads, sultry jazz-fusion torch songs, and insightful originals about birth, death, and everything in between have brought the group numerous awards, including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk prize, grand prize in the West Coast Songwriters International song contest, and the Napa Valley Emerging Songwriter Award.
The six members of Harlan James Bluegrass Band are positively obsessed with bluegrass singing styles —the classic tight-stacked trio, the full-bodied gospel quartet, and the high-lonesome duet complete with a keening tenor. Linda Juratovac, Michael Thilgen, Jacob Ofman, Maureen Blumenthal, Kelly Trojan, and Eric Charles play primarily traditional bluegrass, finding inspiration in the down-to-earth melodies, the drive, and the tension of the bluegrass sound.
The eclectic style of Fools Creek beckons: "Come over to our house and let us play you some of our favorites." Guaranteeing an eclectic experience, the group's collective playlist ranges from Cajun to mariachi, from Appalachian fiddle tunes to Italian folk music, and from jazz standards to Puccini arias—all with an East Bay twist. Musical compadres Linda Schweidel, Marcia Condon, Dan Ringer-Barwick, Albin Renauer, and Patty Contaxis unite in this ambitious venture.
Visit Harlan Hames Bluegrass Band's website
Listen to a track from Calaveras:
Listen to sample tracks from upcoming artists.


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Become a Sponsor
Become a Sponsor
It is the generous support of our sponsors that allows Mint Hill Madness to continue and promote a safe, family-friendly festival in a healthy and artistic atmosphere that fosters community pride and civic involvement.
Your sponsorship covers the expenses associated with the festival including advertising, insurance, portable restrooms, entertainment, the stage including sound, light, performers and electricity. Your contribution shows our community your dedication to promoting and enriching our area with your giving.


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Prospective Students | Current Students | International Students | Faculty/Staff | Community | Foundation
Apply Register Schedule Classes
WLAC Transfer Center
(310) 287-4542
Transfer Programs
New LMU - WLAC Business Scholar program launched for traditional age freshmen students... About Program
Click button above to let us know what kind of workshops, university visits on campus, or any other information you'd like to know about!
The Associate Degrees for Transfers (AA-T & AS-T) - also known as Degrees with a Guarantee - are two-year associate degrees that are fully transferable to the 23 Cal State Universities and are no more than 60 semester units. With these special degrees, students who meet the CSU's minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed priority admission to a CSU campus, though not necessarily to a particular campus or major. Students may also be given a GPA bump when applying to an impacted campus outside your local area or an impacted major that is deemed similar. In addition, once at the CSU, if you are admitted and enrolled in a designated similar degree program you can complete your bachelor's degree with as little as 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of coursework. Find the course requirements for over 20 AA-T and AS-T degrees in the college catalog.
Student Services Building, 3rd Floor (SSB 340) | (310) 287-4542
The goal of the Transfer Center is to help students efficiently and successfully move on from West to the university of their choice. Students can get up-to-date information on transfer and admission requirements for public and private universities all over the country. Information on university majors, financial aid, and support services is also available.
List of Services:
Building AT-A | (310) 287-4369
ACT is designed for mature, motivated students interested in transferring to a university well prepared and in an efficient manner.
WLAC Transfer Honors Program receive priority admissions consideration to selected prestigious four–year institutions including UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz, Pomona, Occidental, Chapman and Pepperdine and other alliance universities. Greater potential for priority transfer admission to top universities.
For More Information please visit the THP page or contact:
Sherron Rouzan, Counseling, Counseling Office SSB 340
Student Services Building, 3rd Floor (SSB 350) | (310) 287-4257
West's counselors can help you develop your "Student Educational Plan" to meet your transfer goals. They can even help you select the right university for you based on your interests, abilities and goals.
These programs provide with university transfer, field trips to universities, and academic and financial support services to first-generation college students, and economically disadvantaged and other non-traditional students.
EOPS | Student Services Building, 3rd Floor (SSB 330) | (310) 287-4317
Found out how students a varied backgrounds made West a stepping stone to UC, CSU campuses and other universities around the country.


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Kurdish nationalists have long experience with betrayals and alliances of convenience, and know American perfidy very well. They have declared at the outset that in the event of an invasion, they will defend themselves from Turkish incursions. They are not willing to lose the autonomy they have gained over the last eleven years in Northern Iraq. This not only puts them at odds with US ally Turkey, it potentially puts them at odds with the US itself, even with US wishes that they participate in indigenous actions against Iraqi forces. The US does not want that region destabilized in the post-invasion period, because Kirkuk in the East of Iraqi Kurdistan is a huge oil producing zone.but go read the whole thing; it's all quite scary.
The very first complication of post-invasion Iraq will likely be the demand that US commanders disarm the Kurds.
Northern Iraq could easily become contested terrain involving partisan warfare between Turks, Kurds of three factions, the Iranians, and the US, with the Syrians in a position to play the silent interloper. This would amount to the devolution of Northern Iraq, a key strategic region, into another Afghanistan or Somalia. It is already straining relationships between Turkey and the United States, NATO allies, even as the NATO alliance itself comes under severe strain, with a Euro-American trade war as a backdrop.
And the Kurds have the motivation, tenacity, and fighting spirit to do those kinds of things that General Van Riper did to defeat the Rumsfeld "Robo-Military" in Operation Millennium Challenge.
We begin to see how the Bush Junta is the equivalent of a mad bee keeper, that no longer leaves the hive stable and merely smokes it into a stupor to harvest the honey. It now proposes to simply start swatting all the bees and taking the honey by brute force.
more happy war thoughts
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Please find detailed instructions for submitting an absence for your student here. Online attendance works together with Skylert to create a complete system of reporting and alerts for parents. Skylert will also be used to broadcast emergency alerts and attendance notifications via phone call, e-mail and/or SMS (text message).
Parents can log into Skyward and customize their Skylert settings at www.egrps.org/skyward. Detailed instructions for customizing your settings can be found by clicking here. All parents and guardians have a Skyward Family Access login. If you do not remember how to access your account or do not know your account information, go to the Skyward Login and click the Forgot your Login/Password? link.


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Eric. K
Romeo One Racing's first race in the FSR World Series in Silverstone was not the smoothest of the rides but a great learning experience for its two drivers. Penalized by a bad start probably due to a lack of experience with these cars, Ventis Didrihsons and Peter Duivelaar nevetheless managed to find their groove and move their way up the field. Mechanical problems prevented Didrihsons to reach the finish line but Duivelaar finished 8th in what could have been a double top ten finish for ROR in its league debut.
Duivelaar is very thrilled about his new team and his participation in the league: "First of all I really want to thank Eric for giving me the oppurtunity to drive in this league. I had the goal to finish and if possible also in the top 10. I am happy with this result in my first race, as I know the level of the other drivers is very good. I am looking forward to my next race in FSR".
Ventis is equally happy to be here. Even though he funnily "felt like Karun Chandock's in his first F1 debut", he is confident that Peter and him will be able to build on this first experience to improve and get closer to the leaders over the next few races: "The race was great fun even if I did some silly mistakes like not adjusting engine boost at the start thus losing 7 positions. Obviously we were way off the leaders pace, but it's good to see where we are and where to improve. I'm more than sure we will be back soon with some stronger performance. "
One of the first goals for the upcoming races is to improve starts, as both drivers struggled in that area, as Duivelaar describes it: "Somehow my start was really bad. I used the launch control, but for some reason I had too much wheelspin. As a result I was back in P20, and not far in front of me was my teammate Ventis." Hopefully, the rest of the race was more encouraging. "I stayed calm and after a couple of laps I had gained some positions and was now right behind Ventis. The gap between us was only about 3 seconds and that remained for a very long time the same. In the meanwhile we came closer to the other drivers in front and we gained some more places. In the last part of the race we were in position 9 and 10, so that would have been a very nice result for this first race, to finish with both cars in the top 10. But at the end Ventis unfortunately had to retire. In the last laps I managed to get 8th position as 1 driver had damage to his car."
With the help of his drivers' valuable feedback, Ross Grown and his team of engineers have already started on working on new evolutions to close the gap as quickly as possible with the leaders. The goal is to become soon competitive and integrate regularly the top 10. The next "rendez-vous" on the track is still a question mark as many of the drivers are on summer vacation.


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Global Automakers submitted comments to the California Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) in response to their March 10, 2017 notice of proposed action to amend sections of the California Code of Regulations concerning automated vehicles.
At the California DMV's Public Workshop on Automated Vehicles today, Global Automakers Senior Manager of Safety and Connected Automation Paul Scullion summarized the comments, stating that "the proposed regulations go too far in a number of respects, most importantly, the unnecessary regulatory restrictions the DMV seeks to impose on the actual sale, operation and deployment of automated vehicles in the state."
Global Automakers believes the regulations seek to codify aspects of the NHTSA federal policy, which raises the question of who is the primary regulator of motor vehicle safety in the United States. In Global Automakers' view, it should be NHTSA, and not individual state DMVs. Leadership at the federal level is critical to ensuring a consistent national approach.
Browse More Topics


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Adam Silver: No discussion about moving ASG from Charlotte
Get breaking news and SI's biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said there were no discussions during this year's owners' meetings about moving the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte, reports CBS Sports' Ken Berger.
The idea for the move arose after the passage of a controversial North Carolina law requiring public school and university students to use public bathrooms according to the gender stated on their birth certificates. The law has been criticized as being anti-LGBT.
• PLAYOFF PREVIEWS:Western Conference | Eastern Conference | Matchups
"The current state of the law is problematic for the league," Silver told reporters Friday. "But we're not making any announcements now. We can be most constructive by working with elected officials to affect change."
The league released a statement March 24 regarding the North Carolina legislation, suggesting it could impact its ability to hold the annual events at Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena, the home of the Hornets.
In February, the Charlotte city council passed an LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance allowing transgender people to use public facilities based on the gender with which they identify, which was set to go into effect April 1 but revoked after North Carolina governor Pat McCrory signed the new state-level legislation.
The bill also denies state municipalities from introducing new LGBT protection measures in response, such as building multi-stall transgender bathrooms. Only transgender people who have had biological sex changes on their birth certificates are exempt under the new law.


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Its Our Goal to Make Sure Every Child has the Proper Eye Care to Succeed!
Every parent knows kids don't come with an instruction guide. You figure it out as you go along. But when it's about their vision, you want to know that they are able to see clearly and accurately during their different stages of development. At Eye Care 4 Kids we make sure your child gets the proper eye care they need through each stage of life.
Our Clinics feature exam rooms with the latest technology, dispensaries with popular frame brands donated by our contributors and a state of the art optical laboratory.
Eye Exam
A pediatric Eye Exam is the first step to make sure you child's vision does not require corrective lenses
Professional Eyewear
Our clinics stock the latest styles and frames to make sure your child fits in with their new glasses
Contact Lenses
This is a great option for kids that don't wish to wear eye frames, but need their vision corrected


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kfsmd is an interesting tool to keep track of changes in your filesystems. This tool based upon inotify which is a Linux kernel subsystem that provides file system event notification. Useful for file auditing. From the article:
Applications can ask the Linux kernel to report changes to selected files and directories. I created the Kernel Filesystem Monitoring Daemon (kfsmd) to make monitoring filesystem changes simple. Command-line clients for kfsmd come in two categories: monitoring and logging. The monitoring client produces output on the console whenever something happens to a filesystem you are watching. You can log to either a Berkeley DB4 file or a PostgreSQL database.
=> Use kfsmd to keep track of changes in your filesystems
Related: Linux audit files to see who made changes to a file


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I do not celebrate Pagan Holidays anymore. This day is worship of the earth and what it produces for those with the money to buy all the trimmings. For those of us who do not have the money to spend on the foolish food of the land we can take solace in the fact that Jesus Christ never celebrated this pagan holiday!
Yes, Thanksgiving is a pagan holiday – in the sense that it has become a holiday for families to spend the day together eating and enjoying one another's company. Thanksgiving no longer has Christian religious connotations – it has transformed into a day of what could be termed pagan pleasures – food, nature, good company and a good time – a day for the pursuit of pleasurable activities with loved ones. What could be better?
Since Thanksgiving does not worship or confer thanks to any pagan deity or deities, It isn't pagan. There is no biblical mandate to only celebrate Jewish festivals mentioned in the Old Testament. No definition of 'pagan holiday' is found in the Old or New Testament, Only those activities which praise or worship pagan gods.
Psalms 95:2 Let us come to him with Thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
So just being Thankful what Jesus done for us is Thanksgiving so praises of honor and glory and being with our family and friends friends sharing a meal is thankful for it. So no its not pagan!
To say it is pagan... Because it is not in the bible, then yes... It is a "pagan" holiday. The reason behind the celebration is to give thanks for what they were blessed with to survive. It originally was a three day event. This holiday has it's roots in the Jewish traditions of thanking G_d and it is believed it is formed after the Jewish tradition of Sukkot. The Pilgrims even thought of themselves as being in the New Jerusalem - the Promised Land in America.
Since the holiday falls on a Thursday, it in no way interferes with Sabbath.
Blessed are you, Lord God, Master of the Universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and brought us to this season.
ברוך אתה יהוה אלהים, ריבונו של העולם, מי יש שהשאיר אותנו בחיים, נגרם לנו והביא לנו העונה.
If anyone sees this as anything other than truly giving thanks for what you have been blessed with then yes... It is pagan.
I do not, I strongly feel this has serious Jewish roots...
I do not believe Thanksgiving is a pagan holiday. Thanksgiving has become a holiday celebrated by all people regardless of their religious beliefs. It is not attached to an exclusive religion. I am not aware of Thanksgiving having any pagan traditions or backgrounds, but it's not entirely impossible. My understanding is that Thanksgiving was created by the pilgrims and they would not have been pagan.
No, I don't believe that Thanksgiving is a Pagan holiday. There will be critics for all things in life, and religion and culture will always have the most. Since the day that the pilgrims first started Thanksgiving in the spirit of giving thanks to all that God has given us, naysayers have called it a Pagan holiday. However, there is no worshiping of Earth or nature during this holiday, which makes it an entirely Christian holiday, and not a Pagan holiday by any means.
Thanksgiving was started in colonial times to thank God for all the blessings he had bestowed upon the colonists. It was made an official holiday in the USA in 1939 by President Roosevelt to give people a day to celebrate family and to be thankful for all the good things in their lives. There is nothing pagan about it.
Thanksgiving is neither Christian nor pagan not affiliated with any other tradition. I think the best term, if a label must be applied, is "secular" -- because anyone in the US can celebrate it. Thanksgiving can be linked to a religious doctrine or completely separated from it. The important thing is that everyone comes together to reflect, say thank you, and enjoy a meal.
Thanksgiving is a decidedly American celebration. There are other countries who have a day of thanks, but Americans take Thanksgiving to an art form. Puritans celebrated the first Thanksgiving with Native Americans. The Puritans were Christians. The Native American tribe didn't necessarily subscribe to Christian beliefs, but their religion may not have been considered pagan either. Thanksgiving is a secular holiday that is not necessarily associated with one religion or another.


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Birches Serviced Apartments
160 Simpson Street, East melbourne, Victoria, 3002
Birches Serviced Apartments are located in fashionable East Melbourne, renowned for its beautiful parks and gardens, Stay in one of Melbourne's most Exclusive areas. Quiet tree-lined streets but only minutes from CBD. 10 minute walk
to MCG/Rod Laver/AAMI Park/Tram stop on our corner
IGA Supermarket & bottle shop 3 minutes walk. 5 %
discount being a Birches Guest!
Close to Bridge Road famous for fashion label outlets/close to many cafes bars & restaurants including Victoria Street (famous for Vietnamese food) Brunswick St/Lygon St. Renowed for great location.
Our apartments offer you fully equipped kitchens with microwaves and hotplates. Queen size beds in the bedroom with ensuite bathrooms.
Situated within a leisurely walk to the city centre, trams on the doorstep for major tourist, entertainment, shopping and sporting attractions.
Reception hours are
Monday to Friday 7.30am-7pm
Saturday 8.00 - 4.00pm
Sunday 8.30am-4.00pm
Resident Manager available on site.
If arriving AFTER 7pm Monday to Friday, or after 4.00pm on the weekend, PLEASE contact our office after booking is made for key & code instructions.
Room Descriptions
Birches Townhouse
A 2 bedroom delightful Birches Town House with full kitchen and dishwasher. Full laundry facilities. Courtyard with BBQ. Can sleep 6 people.Close to CBD,MCG/Rod Laver/Victoria St/Lygon St/Bridge Rd.Rate is for 2 people.No parties allowed.
Deluxe One bedroom Apartment
DELUXE 1 Bedroom Apartment with 2 Sofa beds.Wireless internet.Close to CBD /MCG /Rod Laver Arena.Great eating/shopping nearby Victoria St ,Lygon St ,Brunswick St & Bridge Rd.
Business Facilities
Wireless high speed internet available in all the apartments.
We are happy to assist you with faxing or photocopying if required - fees apply.
Local internet cafe only a 2 minute walk from the Hotel and with friendly rates and offers.
Check In Instructions
Check in is at 2.00pm but we try to get you checked in before.
Office hours are Mon-Fri 7.30am-7.00pm & Sat 8.00 am - 4.00pm & Sun 8.30am-4.00pm.
IT IS IMPORTANT if you are arriving after office hours that you contact us for key & code instruction
Children and Extra Guests Details
* Rates are per apartment for two people.
* Maximum of four people per room.
* Additional guests are charged at $25 per person per night.
* Cot Hire and Highchair Hire $10 each per night.
* Children aged less than 3 stay free of charge.
Car Parking Details
Full SECURE car parking available on site, which is $10.00 per car per night... bonus!
Travel Directions
Located at 160 Simpson Street (corner Albert Street) East Melbourne.
Tram 109 will deliver you to the heart on the city to the door from the city.
Skybus offer a door to door service from the airport and Spencer Street train station.
We have a direct-line with the taxi service.
Office hours are as follows.
Mon-Friday 7.30am-7.00pm
Saturday 8.00am-4.00pm
Sunday 8.30am-4.00pm
It is very important if you are arriving outside these hours you must contact reception for instructions once your booking is made.
Things To Do
Walking distance to CBD, MCG, Rod Laver Arena, Olympic Park, HiSense Arena, AAMI Park & Bridge Road shopping, sporting outlets and warehouses, restaurants, bars and cafes, Princess and Regent theatres.
Trams stop at our corner and take you to city, Queen Victoria Markets and Etihad Stadium.
- Air conditioning
- BBQ Facilities
- Car parking (fees may apply)
- Dry cleaning facilities
- Internet access
- Kitchen/ette
- Laundry facilities
- Non-smoking rooms/floors
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Satellite/Cable TV
- Tour Desk


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Chris O'Dowd, the star of "Family Tree," Christopher Guest's new series on HBO, about a man on a journey of genealogical discovery, has been thinking about his own family history. "My dad found out that my great-grandfather was a bigamist," O'Dowd, who is thirty-three, recounted the other day. "He was a travelling salesman and he had a family in Birmingham, England, as well as a family in Ireland. I looked into it, and George O'Dowd, who's Boy George, has family from Birmingham. I mentioned to him on Twitter that we could be illegitimate cousins, and he liked the idea of it."
O'Dowd was in New York to celebrate his nationality. Like Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Fallon before him, he'd been chosen as the recipient of the Jameson Irish Spirit Award, presented annually by the American Ireland Fund. As Irish and Irish-American young professionals mingled at a cocktail reception in the lobby of Capitale, in Chinatown, O'Dowd, dressed in a slim-cut gray suit and sipping Irish whiskey, worked the room with his wife, the English writer and television presenter Dawn O'Porter. (She took on the O' when they married.) They made their way down a table of items being auctioned off for charity, pausing to giggle over a pair of socks printed with green shamrocks, field compliments—"The episodes on 'Girls,' phenomenal"—and oblige requests: "Could we get a wee picture with you?"
"Ah!" O'Dowd said, as they came to a signed photograph of the English-Irish boy band One Direction. "Niall Horan is actually from close to where I'm from." "And we know Harry Styles a bit," said O'Porter, whose angular bob was set off by an ankle-length black vintage dress and platform pumps. She went on, "I saw him recently, and he said, 'You're married to the king of Ireland.' I said, 'Does that make me the queen of Ireland?,' and he said, 'No, that just makes you English.' "
Unlike Christopher Guest, who holds hereditary British peerage as the fifth Baron Haden-Guest ("Family Tree" is based on his experiences), O'Dowd stakes no claim to nobility. He does, however, trace his roots back to the O'Dowd clan, who held some twenty castles until they were seized by Oliver Cromwell in the seventeenth century. Last year, O'Dowd tried to buy one that still stands not far from Boyle, the small town where he grew up. "It sounds a lot more regal than it is," he explained. "It's just a lump of bricks, essentially."
O'Dowd bid on a photograph of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin having a drink, then he and O'Porter proceeded to Capitale's ballroom, where the award ceremony was beginning. After a step-dancing performance, Peter Ryan, Ireland's deputy consul-general to New York, accepted a community-service award for his efforts in the Rockaways after Hurricane Sandy. In his speech, Ryan joked that he was really there because his wife wanted to meet O'Dowd. (She wasn't the only one: "I think he's a hunka-hunka!" Frank McCourt's widow, Ellen, said.)
O'Dowd took the stage. "The only thing that comes to mind when I think of Irish spirit is a man called Joseph Moran," he said, and went on to tell the story of an Irish laborer who immigrated to London in 1968, where he lived upstairs from a pub. One night, the story went, Moran went down to have a drink, only to find a sign that read, "No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish." So he worked hard and saved, and, after fifteen years, bought the pub. "He still runs it," O'Dowd said. "And the pub is called the Black Dog." The audience roared with laughter. "I'd like to raise a toast for Joseph Moran and all of the Joseph Morans," O'Dowd said. He raised his glass, "To my Uncle Joe!"
When the din had quieted, O'Dowd continued, "Can't pigeonhole the Irish very easily, but, more than anything, we're storytellers." He paused, thumbing his beard. "I don't have an Uncle Joe. There is no pub called the Black Dog. I'm just a kid from Boyle, in Roscommon, standing in the middle of New York, telling a story. And the fact that you're giving me an honor tonight shows the Irish spirit in all of you." Pat Tully, the evening's m.c., took the mic. "Chris O'Dowd, ladies and gentlemen!"
Offstage, a rosy-cheeked woman tapped O'Dowd on the shoulder. Her name was Una Moran, and she had grown up down the road from him in Boyle. "I'm back more than I have been in years," O'Dowd told her—a result of the production schedule for "Moone Boy," the Irish TV series, based on his childhood, which he writes and stars in. "I stay with Mam when I'm home."
Moran and O'Dowd reminisced about one of his sisters, who used to hold him down and spit in his mouth, and then it was time for O'Dowd to go; he and O'Porter had to catch an early flight. He'd been outbid on the Sinatra photo, but he wouldn't leave empty-handed: the Spirit Award was memorialized by a heavy cut-crystal bowl. "That's where I'll keep the fish!" he said. ♦


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Map of the local innovation industry.
Meet some of the best and newest startups based in Los Angeles.
Invite-only mailing list.
We search the best weekend and long-haul flight deals so you can book before everyone else.
The innovative L.A. ad agency, design studio & creative services, aka CIA or The Agency
Global Software Marketplace
CodeShop is a global software marketplace to provide small to medium sized business owners with the tools necessary to help their business grow.
Unique Graphical Video Marketing Templates
My Easy Landing specializes in making your company look its best. With years of experience designing high quality advertising graphics and videos, we strive to deliver the highest quality with a creative touch. We are designed for small - mid size business owners ...
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Videos, Photography and Graphic Design
Studio Alek creates videos and digital photo albums for all occasions, i.e. Weddings, Christening, Birthday Parties, Bar/ Bat-Mitzvahs, Commercials, etc. Graphic Design services, from corporate identity (logos), photo retouching, and photo enhancing, etc. Printing ...
Put your invite codes to work
InvitationCode is a free tool for maximizing your rewards from referrals, whether you're a blogger, an early-adopter or just an helpful friend. Download a list of apps that pay generous comissions.


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Sifiso Falala
Sifiso Falala heads the largest independent, South African and black-owned research company in the country. With more than 25 years' experience as a renowned researcher and CEO, he ensures that a quality-driven process is implemented and sound statistical methodologies are used to achieve actionable market research solutions. His dynamic and innovative approach is designed to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace and ensures that market research solutions are achieved through uncompromising professionalism, commitment and integrity.
Sifiso is a member of numerous business and industry associations. He is a former Chairman of the Southern African Marketing Research Association (SAMRA) and currently a member of the European Society for Market Research (ESOMAR). He is a seasoned writer for various media houses and has many thought-provoking articles to his name. He has personally trained and mentored several celebrated researchers and continues to make meaningful contributions to his community and the market research industry at large.


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Chesapeake Bay Program Overview
The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) is a comprehensive cooperative effort by federal, state, and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, academics, and other entities that share the mission of restoring
and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.
Created in 1983 and authorized by Section 117 of the Clean Water Act, the Chesapeake Bay Program is directed by the Chesapeake Executive Council (EC). The Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO) is maintained by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), supported and staffed by many partners, and provides support to the EC and CBP. The CBPO serves several critical functions, as defined in the authorization, including:
• implementing and coordinating science, research, and monitoring;
• reporting on the environmental quality and living resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed;
• in cooperation with other federal, state and local authorities, assisting in developing and implementing specific action plans;
• coordinating the actions of EPA with those of other federal, state, and local agencies and organizations; and
• implementing outreach programs for public information, education, and stewardship.
The Chesapeake Executive Council directs the CBP through signed agreements and directives. The most recent agreement signed by the EC, the Chesapeake 2000 agreement, describes a bold effort to combat the current trends and to restore the Bay by 2010. A hallmark of the CBP's success has been its use of science as the basis for building clear outcome goals for complex, multistakeholder restoration efforts, allocating those goals through a consensus-based approach among the partners, and measuring progress toward meeting those goals. The
partnership has developed unparalleled cooperative efforts and pioneered clean up strategies that have resulted in measurable gains in reducing the flow of pollutants into the Bay and improving aquatic habitat for the Bay's living resources.
The CBP reports its comprehensive understanding of Bay health and restoration progress to the public through an annual assessment using a series of related indicators. The most recent assessment, Chesapeake Bay 2007 Health and Restoration Assessment: A Report to the Citizens of the Bay Region, was released in April 2008.
Despite substantial effort and progress by the full spectrum of partners, the Bay's health remains degraded. Restoration efforts are being overtaken by current trends. For example, population in the watershed has grown nearly 17 million bringing more roads, homes, industrial and business parks, and other impervious surfaces which harden the landscape. Development has drastically altered the natural hydrology and thereby the natural filtering systems for nutrient and sediment pollution.
Context for this Report
In October 2005, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued its report Chesapeake Bay Program: Improved Strategies are Needed to Better Assess, Report and Manage Restoration Progress. The GAO report recommended that CBPO:
• complete efforts to develop and implement an integrated assessment approach;
• revise its reporting approach to improve effectiveness and credibility; and
• develop a comprehensive, coordinated implementation strategy that takes into account available resources.
In December 2007, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-161). The Act's Explanatory Statement directed EPA to:
• immediately implement all of the recommendations of the 2005 GAO Report;
• submit a report to Congress and to GAO, with supporting evidence, that demonstrates the GAO recommendations have been implemented; and
• develop a Chesapeake Action Plan for the remaining years of the Chesapeake 2000 agreement that contains specified components (i.e., realistic annual targets, actual activities, amount and source of funding, process to track and measure progress).
2005 GAO Recommendations Fulfilled – At a Glance
This Report to Congress describes the collective efforts of CBP partners to implement all the GAO recommendations. This report provides documentation and evidence to demonstrate how these recommendations have been implemented and will support enhanced coordination, collaboration, and accountability among the CBP partners.
In addition, this report describes the CBP's development of the Chesapeake Action Plan (CAP), which is an important enhancement of the CBP's management system that supports implementation of the GAO recommendations.
Chesapeake Action Plan – Purpose and Elements
Consistent with GAO's recommendations and the Explanatory Statement of the FY 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 110-161), the CBP partners have designed, developed, and begun implementation of the
first version of the CAP.
The CAP includes four primary components, each of which is described in this report to Congress:
• a strategic framework that unifies CBP's existing planning documents and clarifies how CBP partners will pursue the restoration and protection goals for the Bay and its watershed;
• an activity integration plan with comprehensive, quality assured data for 2007 that identifies and catalogues CBP partners' implementation activities and corresponding resources;
• dashboards, which are high-level summaries of key information, such as clear status of progress, expected progress toward certain Chesapeake 2000 goals, summaries of actions and funding, and a brief summary of the challenges and actions needed to expedite progress; and
• an adaptive management process that begins to identify how this information and analysis will provide critical input to CBP partners' actions, emphasis, and future priorities.
This first version of the CAP includes the implementation activities and corresponding resources of ten federal agencies, six states, the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission and two non-governmental organizations.
These components should promote enhanced coordination among CBP partners; encourage the partners to continually review and improve their progress in protecting and restoring the Bay; increase the transparency
of CBP's operations for partners and the public; and improve the accountability mechanisms of CBP as a whole and of the individual partners for meeting their Bay health and restoration goals.
The CAP includes the tools necessary to support a management system that more closely aligns implementation responsibilities with the unique capabilities and missions of the CBP partners. Through the activity integration
plan, partner activities will be made transparent and maintained in a centralized database to position the CBP to identify potential activity overlap and gaps. This will improve our ability to avoid duplication of effort and better target our resources. As a whole, the CAP represents an important enhancement to the way CBP will operate.
It is important to note that CBP partners have long been engaged in significant actions to advance the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. CBP partners are strongly committed to achieving CBP's goals for the
Bay. The CAP should place CBP on a course to accelerate the pace at which the partners implement actions to improve the Bay.
Chesapeake Action Plan – Next Steps
The CAP represents an important enhancement in coordination and accountability. While much has been accomplished in the design, development, and implementation of the plan, key next steps include:
• verifying and validating the preliminary 2008 and 2009 funding data currently contained in the CAP database;
• validating the design of the CAP;
• expanding the scope of the CAP to include additional watershed partners;
• continuing to refine the breadth and quality of the information on implementation activities by CBP partners;
• closely evaluating and considering how the CAP can better enhance coordination, collaboration, and accountability; and
• providing information about the CAP to the public and to other estuary and watershed programs.
Summary of CBP's Implementation of GAO's Recommended Actions
|GAO Recommendation
|GAO Recommended Action
|CBP Action
|Complete efforts to develop and implement
an integrated approach to assess overall restoration
|1. Complete plans to develop
and implement an
integrated approach to
assess overall restoration
|1a. April 2005
1b. May 2006
|a. Reduced more than 100 Bay health and restoration indicators into three indices of ecosystem health and five indices of restoration effort.
b. Organized 102 Chesapeake 2000 commitments into a six-goal strategy and began managing the program according to
this design.
|Revise reporting
approach to improve
the effectiveness
and credibility
of reports.
|2. Include an assessment
of the key ecological attributes
that reflect the
Bay's current health
|March 2006
|Developed 13 environmental indicators that
directly measure key ecological attributes of
the Bay. These indicators were the basis for
the first integrated health assessment of the
Bay, published in March 2006.
|3. Report separately on
the health of the Bay
and on the progress
made in implementing
management actions.
|March 2006
|Separated restoration activities from ecosystem
health and developed an annual reporting
process for both. Published annual
Chesapeake Bay Health & Restoration Assessment reports in new format starting in
|4. Establish an independent
and objective reporting
|Established a new reporting process based
on an independent review of the first integrated
Health & Restoration Assessment and
instituted longer term process for ensuring
continued independent review of the Assessments through the Chesapeake Bay region's scientific community.
|Develop a comprehensive,
strategy that
takes into account
available resources.
|5. Develop an overall, coordinated
strategy that unifies
the program's various
planning documents.
|May 2008
|Developed a strategic framework that unifies
CBP's past agreements, policies, plans, and
indicators into a single, integrated implementation strategy. This action, along with the action described in response to GAO's sixth recommended action, constitutes the Chesapeake
Action Plan.
|6. Establish a means to
better target its limited
resources to ensure
that the most effective
and realistic work plans
are developed and implemented.
|May 2008
|As directed by Congress, designed and produced
an initial activity integration plan that
identifies current and planned protection and
restoration activities undertaken by CBP
partners, as well as funding allocated by CBP
partners for those activities. The activity integration plan will continue to be revised and
improved. Developed initial realistic annual
targets for the remaining years of the Chesapeake 2000 agreement.