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Open Badges (http://openbadges.org/) are one of those things which I had heard of many times. A number of these times were alongside Tin Can API – which may have been the reason I've never really bothered looking into them too much. But this week, the latest issue of e-learning age arrived on my desk, and seeing as it had a cover story about them, I was compelled to find out more.
The more I looked into it, the simple the concept seemed. You achieve your task (whether that be completing an e-learning package or undertaking some other actions, such as commenting on forums a number of times etc.) and you earn a badge. It's quite like being a child – at the scouts/guides and having to do something (to prove "competence" in it) then getting a badge for your uniform. The only difference here is that rather than having a physical badge which you can sew onto your uniform, you get an electronic badge which can be stored in your backpack (https://backpack.openbadges.org/).
Now a number of people will read this and wonder "what's the point?" – whereas other people will think "that's brilliant, what can I do with it?". As I pondered both of these points, I continued to read bits of information other people had written (from tweets, to comments, to blog posts). Now unfortunately I can't remember exactly where I found this one opinion, so I can't credit it, but I think it sums the situation up perfectly:
Imagine a time where, when you apply for a job, you're not asked for your CV, your not asked for your work experience, or the number of years you've worked for a company, instead the recruiter only wants to see your badges. Your badges could tell your recruiter your qualifications, but more importantly they would show how you utilised those skills, and prove that you can actually use the skills which you say you possess.
Each badge can hold metadata about how it was earned – but more importantly – it shows that you utilise the skills you have. Now that may be that you are a web editing expert, or that you regularly contribute to a wordpress blog – but in the wider sense, it could show the skills that you have. Badges can be issued for offline activities, so for those practical skills which you have to demonstrate as part of your job – they can all be shown too.
In the NHS we have a national competency framework. The concept behind it is that staff can undertake training in an organisation and be awarded a 'competency' for doing it. In this system, the competency is attached the the staff members Electronic Staff Record – then if they move to an organisation – (as long as the two organisations do the process properly) – the competency is taken with them to their new organisation – thus saving the employee from having to repeat training again in their new organisation. The issue here is that it requires a process to be completed by both organisations – and then will still only work if the organisations were using the national competencies. With badges – a user holds their own badge in their own backpack. They can supply links to their recruiter, or alternatively can embed it in a blog or a moodle instance. The opportunities are literally endless.
Will it take off? Who knows…..but I like the concept – and I'm already looking at how we could utilise it!


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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Only 8 teams remain in our Fast Money madness tournament. Did your favorite survive?
The competition is getting fierce. Just take a look at what's coming:
Google and Apple will fight it out in the tech bracket.
Berkshire and Goldman go head-to-head in the financial bracket.
Freeport versus General Electric in the industrial bracket.
Walmart goes against McDonald's in the retail region.
How will it play out? You decide. Text the word MADNESS to 26221 to start playing (message and data rates may apply).
Round 5 voting ends at 10am on April 1st.


text:
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text:
Christmas giveaway contest have come to end and everyone who took part in this contest will get a pretty torch bauble, thanks to Taser! .
To find out what the winners have won the prizes are located on the contest forum. Thank you to all the participants for entering this contest !
A particular shop in the marketplace has been given a new stock of some very festive things!
The Festive Vasuki, Anubi, as well as Gremble now have festive beanie renditions,
thanks to Cypher!
Don't forget there is also the final day to claim an advent item! Head on over there after midnight to get yours so the party can start!
The Daylightpets staff also want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday!
Well it would seem as though Hyacinth has been at it again and has given the ribbons a cool new look! They still have the same effect as before, but they now carry a much cooler look that people will want to die for them!
Also, be sure you're collecting your daily Christmas rations, you don't want to miss out! They are very limited edition and may never return again until next year, or not at all, so be quick!
The Thanksgiving items have been retired from the marketplace!
Cruithneans, prepare to fight the crowd when you all head out to adopt your very own, redrawn Spike!
These revamped canines are just as feisty and playful as ever, and are also available in each seasonal variant, as well as in Albino!
You can thank the lovely Hyacinth for redrawing this lovable creature. Just beware those (much) enlarged spikes! Perhaps a spike trimming device is in store for future Spike owners?!
Christmas Giveaway Contest
Here is your chance to win one of great prizes of nebula ribbons, dP or cP vouchers, check out the Contest thread on the forum. Have fun and Good luck!
Pinch, punch, first day of the month! It's the 1st of December! You know what that means? That's right, get out your Christmas trees, wrap your presents and whip out those seasonal songs, because Santa is indeed coming to town. In celebration of the most cheerful month of the year, the Gift Rations will be dispensing a rare Christmas item each day! So, remember to head on down whilst you can and get today's gift!
On another note, the Prismlight season has now ended. We hope you managed to pick up on some of the items before they went! But as one season ends, another must begin. That's right, the Torch season has arrived! Put away your coats and bring out the fans, this will be the hottest Torch so far!
The Prismlight items have now been retired from the shops.
Now, when you purchase a month of premium membership, you get another month completely free! But this nifty sale is only for a VERY LIMITED TIME, so act fast!
Upon activation of a premium membership, you get 50,000 DP, 1,000 XP, one very special, pose-changing ribbon for your pet, a premium-exclusive Luna and avatar, increased bank interest, and an INSANE discount on marketplace items!
Oh, and there's more! You are also able to access the premium shop and adopt a Cain, Somnis, and an IguIgu! Plus, you get to navigate the world of Daylightpets without those annoying ads!
What are you waiting for? With these perks and savings, you would be crazy NOT to take advantage of the deal!
So, head here, to purchase cash points (CP). From there, you can purchase a premium membership, and after which we'll send you your second one completely free!
"Where is she?"
"You know where she is; I also told you that we'd be solely responsible for the feast this year."
Kouren, with her fur in disarray and her usually spotless apron covered in chocolate frosting and gravy, emitted an exhaustive sigh and began pacing in the center of the baking room. "This is going to be a disaster; I know it," she grumbled
Beo leaned comfortably against the door frame of a popular Settlement One food shop. "Just relax, girl. You overestimate our standards. Give us anything and something to wash it down with, and we're content."
"Relax... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Kouren's eyes burst with rage and her mouth widened in an aggravated snarl. "There is no time for that! I am not going to let my reputation spoil, because, because of..."
"...Because of something as unimportant as an adventure that could save Cruithne, our home?" Veles chuckled and approached Kouren, handing her a basket full of the cook's favorite recipes. "Ng and Callie have trusted us to take on the feast this year. If they return to us in a fit, how do you think that'll make us look? We may be a lot of things, but we're not incompetent."
Flipping a gold coin into the air, Beo added, "To be honest, from recent events, I bet the other settlers won't even care for another party. All parties lead to around here is disaster."
Kouren screamed and threw a plastic cup at the cool premium shopkeeper. "If you don't leave, we'll be serving you for the feast." She waited for Beo to smugly exit before she explained her plan. "Okay, okay. So obviously I have no time to prepare something as grand as I had wanted. But I will whip something up at such a high caliber that'll knock Sweets off her feet!"
The combat-adept Hiekkan grinned at his friend's restored confidence. After having months to accept his permanent departure from the battlefield, Veles directed his peppy energies elsewhere, further assisting those in need. His friends had given him something to be thankful for, so he was determined to leave others with the same. "Just tell me what I need to do."
The day of being thankful has arrived! New items are now available in the marketplace, featuring the Feathered Headdress and Tomahawk (given to us from Hyacinth) and even Kouren's delicious Sweet Potato Mocha (which was drawn by Kodi)!
But what is most important is not the food or the items; rather, it is being around people we love and who support us in what we do and in who we are. For it is insightful gatherings such as these that help shine light for what we're truly thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
-The Daylightpets Team
Professor Ng watched as Queen Edrea's crown, Rondal's Hourglass, and the Orb of Sapience floated within an ominous black shadow, which loomed over a large body of rock, which Ng presumed was Cruithne. Suddenly, spurts of crimson and tar shoot from the surface of the asteroid until eventually the entire surface of Cruithne was completely black."Oh my…" Was all Ng could muster.
"The prophecy states that unless balance is restored to Cruithne, in which a proper predecessor is declared before the rise of the second moon, everything will fall…""Why does it have to be me? I am sure there are other more qualified beings out there who could fix all this."
Gwilym grinned. "I expected you to say that. You made it obvious the second you walked in here: you have no idea what you're capable of. If there is one being suitable for this task, it is you, because you have no desire for power. I am sure you'd find the right candidate to take Agorr's throne as rightful ruler of Cruithne."
"So are my options… I can continue to pursue whatever is inscribed on that Harenian tablet, or I can save Cruithne by choosing someone I believe is best suited to be king or queen."
"Yet again you have it backwards, Agatha. To save Cruithne you must prevent the evil from obtaining Queen Edrea's items. They already have the orb, so that leaves the hourglass. There is not much more that I can tell you, except that your next move would be to further explore the oldest place known on Cruithne. Hidden there will be a more complete set of instructions of what to do next. And so you are finished here."
Eyes sparkling, Ng said, "There's more at Harena." And looking up at Gwilym, Ng could have sworn she saw the ancient spirit subtly nod his head.
But before Ng could rush out of the Sanctuary, Gwilym uttered, "Simply obtaining Edrea's items will not fulfill the prophecy. You must remember to find the right heir to the throne!"
Professor Ng nodded with understanding and exited the Sanctuary, rejoining Callie at the entrance of Sparkle-licked Spring, where she explained to her friend all that she had learned.
Suddenly, a white orb formed in Gwilym's palm, and in seconds, white lines began to appear on the cold rock on which they were sitting. The lines flowed toward one another and connected in various ways; eventually, they formed an outline of a crowned woman. Professor Ng gasped at what she noticed next.
"The hourglass!"
And once mystical white magic finished filling in the details of the crowned woman, indeed, she held an object the shape of an hourglass in her right hand, and a circular item, of which Ng had clue, in the other.
"Many, many years ago – not long after Cruithne had formed – a powerful species, called the Primorians, dominated the universe, with a queen at the head. This queen, Edrea, had abilities even the most adept users of magic today can only imagine. And out of all of her gifts, she needed only a select few to rule over all. However, even she was subject to mortality; she was dying.
"Although Callie had already filled her in on some parts of Queen Edrea's story, Ng could not help but to be enthralled by the story Gwilym was telling. His deep voice and apparent wisdom made everything seem so clear. He certainly knew how to tell a story. Ng wondered if somehow Dion met up with Gwilym.
"The queen could not be killed by another mortal, but she was susceptible to disease and infection. A disease similar to that of which plagued Cruithne, but much more potent and devastating, wrecked the planet of Primoria, the queen's home planet, inflicting the queen as well as the majority of the entire Primorian race, itself!
"Even with all her riches and her fame, there was one thing that the queen did not have: immortality. That was her goal since the beginning of her rule. Now, the immortality she ended up with I am sure she did not anticipate in the beginning…"
Gwilym waved a glowing hand, and the white cast of Queen Edrea shifted into three separate figures; the white turned to blue. "Although she had seen her own fate by peering into the future, she knew of one other way to immortalize her name, as well as her influence. She would accept death, if her power lingered on. And she would do this by transferring her own power into tangible objects, so whoever obtained these objects would in a sense be the next Queen Edrea.
"She decided that three items would be enough, and they would be three of her most prized possessions. The first: her seer's ball. Before it was bestowed with great power, it already allowed its user to see in real time other parts of the world on which it sat; however, Edrea enchanted it to allow its user not only to see other parts of the world, but also be able to manipulate and control the seen area to a certain degree. For her own pleasure, as she was very arrogant, she named the ball the Orb of Sapience."
"Hold on a minute…," interrupted Professor Ng. "I remember Callie explaining to me long ago that Agorr, the being responsible for ridding Cruithne of the dreaded disease, had a powerful orb that allowed him to scan the asteroid and survey the damage dealt by the disease. Could that…?"
"…You're getting too far ahead, now. Allow me to continue... Now, where was I? OH, right. The enchanting of the Orb of Sapience did not go without repercussions for Edrea. All the power she placed within these objects was removed from her own person, thus weakening her and allowing the disease to spread and become more infectious and harmful to her. So her time was limited if she wanted to achieve her sense of immortality.
"Next, she chose her most beautiful possession to enchant: her crown. It is said that for every star in the sky, Queen Edrea's crown had one embedded jewel. If you choose to believe such nonsense, then go ahead. The truth is, nobody truly knows except for the Primorians, themselves." The silver Nature Spirit paused to reposition himself on the rock floor.
"Now, anybody who thinks they know of Queen Edrea and her story will tell you that she was too conceited to ever have a family. But they would be telling you a lie. In fact, she did have one son, named Rondal. Rondal was only a child during this deadly plague, and sadly he was one of the first to die as a result. Losing Rondal crushed Edrea, so she vowed that her son live forever with her. And she would accomplish this by bestowing a gift she had given Rondal with untold power. It was an hourglass."
"This is what she had been searching for all along! The Harenian tablet had information about Rondal's Hourglass!" Thought Professor Ng.
"At this time, Edrea was very close to death. But she knew that her power could mean the end of time, should it get in the wrong hands. So, she chose to disassemble the items, Rondal's Hourglass in particular, and scatter the pieces throughout the galaxy.
This way, only the most achieved being able to travel the universe would be worthy of ruling. Alas, this wouldn't be the case. She hadn't enough power to properly hide the hourglass pieces throughout the galaxy."Instead, she hid the pieces on a recently discovered asteroid: Cruithne. Now, keep in mind, she did all of this in secret. Nobody else at the time knew of her imminent doom or transference of power. In fact, she didn't tell anyone of her plan until, shortly before dying, she told her would-be predecessor Lyra. But she told not of the location of the hourglass pieces. Instead, she had given the crown and the orb to Lyra, in hopes that she'd fulfill Edrea's dying wish for immortality.
"Instead, Lyra and the other surviving Primorians – at this time, the disease had mysteriously stopped – they agreed that the fate of the galaxy should not rest with one person. So, they formed the Primorian Order, which would consist of many notable survivors, to hold supreme power. And thus is the story of Queen Edrea. I am sure your foaming with questions, but they'll have to wait." The symbols had disappeared from the bottom of the cave, and Gwilym's face turned rigid. "Now, the prophecy…"
"Prophecy?" Professor Ng asked. "How does that include me? I'm not even a native of Cruithne.
"Gwilym shook his head and brought an index finger to his lips. "You continue to listen. I am not to answer any of your questions, as I made very clear in the beginning of our chat. You decide which is a path of more importance, as your options will become evident very soon.
"Your comment on Lord Agorr was indeed correct. The Primorian Order appointed Agorr to serve as a more independent ruler of Cruithne; the other individual planets and inhabited rock bodies received their potentates, as well. The Primorian Order has always had a fascination with Cruithne. Could it be that it is because they know the disassembled hourglass is hidden somewhere on this asteroid? Possibly. But that's really irrelevant. The takeaway from this is that Cruithne is supposed to have some higher power protecting it from threats. And now that the seat is open, the fate of the asteroid is unknown.
"A dark energy has destroyed Agorr and is now in control of his Orb of Sapience. I am not sure the evil being knows just how influential that orbs makes him, but I am positive he will find out soon. If all fails, this will be the fate of us all." With eyes closed, Gwilym sends a sliver of glittering magic into the air, which in turn bursts to reveal a large scene. Like a movie.
"You must be the young human scientist of which Elder Gwilym informed me. But you look nothing like any of the humans I've seen." A Nature Spirit standing guard near the entrance of Sparkle-licked Spring stopped Callie and Agatha Ng, before they could take another step deeper into the sanctified forest. Unlike Alethea, the sentry was bright blue and visibly much larger than the Organics shopkeeper. Due to discussions with the Risan Nature Spirit, Ng discovered that the size of the spirit is a determinant of its approximate age.Callie and Ng looked at one another in unison, unsure of how to explain the professor's transformation and to offer proof of her human past.
Suddenly, a familiar face appeared beside the guardian spirit. It was Alethea, ushering the visitors forward. "Oh, never mind Barich." She grinned. "He is known for his probing inquiries. You've arrived just in time. Elder Gwilym just adjourned the Nechurcal, so he's waiting in the Sanctuary."
Pausing, Alethea turned to Callie. "I'm sorry, but Elder Gwilym insists that only Agatha be present in the Sanctuary." Callie, in turn, nodded and retreated to the entrance of the forest. "But you're welcome to stay at the mouth. I'm sure Barich would enjoy the company.
"Sparkle-licked Spring truly was a remarkable place, and it baffled Ng at just how the Nature Spirits prevailed to keep the place hidden for so long; it wasn't small. Further down a trail leading deeper in the forest, Alethea and the professor came upon a vast clearing, a crystal-clear, crescent shaped body of water outlined with shale sat in the center of the clearing. A glittering waterfall plunged deep into the farthest edge of the spring, having fallen from a large rock cliff in the back. Near the summit of the rock face stood a towering tree sporting light pink leaves and bright purple buds. Flecks of warm sunlight peeked from above, causing the water surface to appear to be covered with diamonds.
Dozens of Nature Spirits, colored shades of purple, blue, green, brown, and red, sat at the edge of the water and around the serene area. All was quiet, save for the steady buzz of dragonflies hovering near the waterfall, and the chipper tunes of the songbirds nestled in the treetops.
"This is truly amazing," Ng whispered, shaking her head with disbelief. "I would understand why someone would never want to leave this place." Alethea only responded with a cheerful hum.
Upon closer inspection of where the Sanctuary might be, and questioning how it could be more serene than this sight, Ng realized there was an opening in the rock face, behind the waterfall, and they were walking right toward it.
Ng's beautiful guide stopped before stepping foot in the spring. "This is as far as I am allowed to go. But you go forth, and enter the Sanctuary. Within will be the Spirit Elder, and he'll discuss with you what he has promised."
"He would allow me to just walk in the sacred water?"
Alethea snickered and shook her head. "Your eyes trick you, Professor. You must remember that this place is much different than the outside world. Here, the rigid laws of the world are not necessarily so."
Agatha bade the Nature Spirit farewell and began to wade through the mystical water. But to her surprise, it was not water at all. Or, if it were, its properties were certainly beyond her knowledge. She didn't wade through the water; she walked on it as she would walk on any solid surface. But she wouldn't classify it as solid, either. To her feet it felt similar to gelatin, but when she reached down to touch it, her hand went right rough, as if it were a dense cloud! Needless to say, the waterfall wasn't a "normal" waterfall, either – it just fell onto her and condensed to warm vapor.
Inside the Sanctuary, a single, silver Nature Spirit stood in the center of the hall. He was larger than any of the other spirits, and his figure glistened bright even in the dim cave. He sported a long golden cloak laced with white gems; fingers on his left hand were adorned with several iridescent bands. And at last, he spoke: "Tell me, Agatha, what explanation have you construed as to the water of this spring?" His booming voice echoed in her ears, and at first Ng thought she'd wince at Gwilym's loud speech. But she remained unaffected.
"Oh, don't tell me the ever inquisitive Agatha Ng has deduced nothing? I had hoped we'd have a fruitful discussion.
"Indeed, Ng knew not how to react toward what was happening, but finally she found her voice. "I… honestly have no… idea." She struggled to keep talking; she was shaking."Then humor me. Surely you've thought of something!"
She could only say one word: "Magic." And even that one syllable seemed to give Ng cottonmouth.
"Understandable. But, no. The reason the human race has failed to evolve into a more prominent species in the universe is because of its eagerness to explain the unexplainable. And if all justifications fail, it tends to want to purposely overlook or disregard the matter entirely. And can you tell me why this is so?"
A trembling Ng remained silent as a Nurro, as she eyed the great Elder Spirit.
"Go on."
She opened her mouth, able to mutter more words now. "I imagine it's because of our want to feel in control. To make us feel as if we were the superior race."
"Why do you believe you're human?"
The question bolted into her skull and pierced her brain. This was not what she had planned to do; wasting time was all this would accomplish! Ng sighed. "Because that is what I am. There is no answer."
"There was no underlying question there, Agatha. To believe that you are still human is blasphemous! You are what this asteroid has made you. Reducing your actions to fit your species, which is what you have done, is the exact reason you came today. You came looking for answers, because that is the typical human response. Instead of searching for answers, you should be looking for ways to fix the problem. Explanations are not needed; they'll only make the situation murkier."
Ng had finally calmed down, now that she had realized what the elder was trying to tell her. And he made sense; instead of trying to figure out the whys , whens, and hows she should be looking for ways to stop the problem. "All this time I've been looking for answers has just allowed whatever is going on to escalate," She whispered."Yes! You've got it! But curiosity is evident in many species, which is why I agreed to assist you in your journey." He pointed a thick finger at the ground in front of the professor. "Have a seat. I've got information stretching millennia to tell you."


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Sam Ruby wrote: > > In fact, there is also a point that I would like clarification on. I > would like to know if longdesc is only ever intended to be used in > controlled educational environments with significant copyright > restrictions and for that usage universal adoption by mainstream > browsers is not a requirement? > If I may: I think we have unquestionably demonstrated that there is an immediate need TODAY for a mechanism that addresses the need for longer textual descriptions in the EDU sector. However, I will also point out that Geoff Freed of NCAM referenced a US Federally funded initiative that is seeking to improve the overall corpus of Longer Textual descriptions on the web, without specifically targeting that to one unique vertical market. We currently have one publishing vertical that is signally an urgent need, but that does not exclude others: Museums, government sector, health sector, etc.; content producers publishing content that is not as ephemeral as other popular web content. In fact, we have collected evidence (http://www.d.umn.edu/~lcarlson/research/ld.html#wild) from the Governments of Canada, Australia, South Korea, Japan, the States of California and Massachusetts, and more who are also using longdesc in their current production workflow. We have identified other verticals as well, including health (CDC, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHA), National Cancer Institute, Hipocampo), Art, Libraries or Museums (Dayton Art Institute, Yorkshire and Humberside Books, Santa Barbara Public Library), and Industry (IBM, the Linux foundation) so to suggest that this is only for content of an educational nature is to color the conclusion in an unhelpful way. Do all sites need @longdesc? Probably not. In Steve's raw data based on the top 10,000 web sites home pages I noted with an ironic smile how many of them were "adult" sites - they draw a *lot* of traffic but do we really need a long description of "Suzi Q"? I suspect not. (Note, I make no value judgment on the content of those sites - they have every much the right to use the public internet as you or I, or the University of Victoria, the Australian Government or CSS Squirrel - sites who are all producing @longdesc content today.) > Or is there a universal need for "long textual descriptions" that is > not > currently being met? I would suggest that this is a truer statement. The reasons why this need is not being met likely can trace its roots to a number of reasons, but suffice to say that one way of classifying the current situation is to reference the movie "The Field Of Dreams" - there is little demand because there is little supply, there is little supply because there is little demand. This is a Catch 22 problem, and I would further suggest that the first thing we need is a means to create supply, and easy access to that supply, at which point the demand will likely increase. (ref: Field of Dreams, Henry Ford and the Model T) Will it see massive adoption on the Top 10,000 homepages? That question has no relevance - many of those pages may never need to use @longdesc. > If so, what changes are required in order to get > browser vendors to sign on? A workable technical solution that meets the use-cases presented. There is no argument that the requirement for longer textual descriptions will always reside in the edge-case bucket, but when that edge case emerges, it is critical that we have a solution to meet that need. > Another possible answer is that this is indeed a market that long > descriptions (by whatever the attribute is named) is a requirement for. > In which case, we need to take this data very seriously first the TF > and ultimately the HTML WG as a whole will need to determine what > corrective course corrections is needed. > > And I will note that these answers are not necessarily mutually > exclusive. Perhaps we need two separate attributes. I fear that 2 separate attributes "forever" would be overly complex, and a burden to authors. I suspect that maintaining the status quo with @longdesc today, while working on a superior implementation of a method to deliver longer textual descriptions would prove more fruitful for all concerned. That effort could follow one of 2 paths: improve @longdesc while retaining the attribute, or work on a *future* replacement with a different name. If the latter, then a managed path forward would also be a requirement; ripping and replacing will have significant negative consequences on those examples of conformant @longdesc that it would be counter-productive to do so. I think that if you actually queried the majority of those involved with this debate that you would find a broader support for a 2-phased approach such as this, but I state that without actually asking others, and so only offer that as personal opinion. JFReceived on Thursday, 20 September 2012 22:35:09 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Thursday, 29 October 2015 10:16:27 UTC


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You can also get it in POD at Lulu, here: http://www.lulu.com/shop/michael-raston/the-blasphemous-roster-guilds-of-infinigrad-and-their-machinations/paperback/product-23761745.html
This thing has grown out of 3 years running my "Guild Dogs" campaign. The stuff in here has lead to a lot of really fun games and would be useful for any one running a campaign where nefarious groups do weird shit and get adventurers to do dangerous jobs.
There is literally 38, 400 possible guilds in here, each generated with an individualized name, expertise and modus operandi. There's also (if my math is correct) over 100 millions missions to be generated.
The layout looks like nothing else out there (other than maybe the brilliant "Broken System" OSR zine) and is designed to infect your brain with my "Infinigrad" Guild Dogs setting. It also features 26 pages of "visual generators" (a thing which I may have invented) which literally show you what the guild you generated looks like (both their members and their base of operations). It's literally magic!
This is currently the DMG of my Guild Dogs/Infinigrad setting, so if you like Guild Dogs/Infinigrad you should buy this.
The following posts will give you an idea of the content of The Blasphemous Roster (it just looks a lot cooler in the book):
From the product profile on RPGNow/DriveThru:
Infinigrad roils over a corrupted and mutated plane of intersecting multiverses, a situation brought on by wanton abuse of magically weaponry during the Alleyway Conflagration.
After long eons of fighting, The Law was introduced. The Law is a curse that prevents any of The Guilds directly raising arms against one another.
Only The Adventurers, those vagabonds who exist outside the normal strata of The City's social spheres, and its infinite network of shady alliances, can truly claim non-affiliation with any of The Guilds. Only they can keep the century long conflict going.
The Blasphemous Roster is a resource for generating the untold myriad of guilds that inhabit and infect The City and the blueprints of endless clandestine missions that The Guilds need doing by unlucky Guild Dogs. Their names, their expertise, the way they operate and the way they look are all festering within this very tome, ready to crawl out and continue secretly enacting their eon long vendettas against one another.
- 23 pages of Guild Generator - Generate thousands of devious guilds, including names, expertise, and modus operandi.
- Illustrated Guild Examples.
- 26 pages of Visual Generators - illustrating how the guilds members and their bases of operation you generate actually look.
- 12 pages of Job Generator - near endless ideas for city based missions needing doing by guilds you generate.
- A map generator for mission locations.
- A room stocker for mission locations.
Some sample pages from the book:
Every page overflows with a swirling feast of images to ignite your creative process! Your brain will be infected with ideas! Visit Infinigrad today!


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Channeling Janis
A few years ago, I was living in New York City working in theatre. When I wasn't touring or in a show I took an intensive scene study class, and when I say intensive, I mean that it was INTENSE. Crying, screaming, throwing things, cursing, and occasional mild violence were all par for the course. For an actor, it was glorious.
One evening, we did an exercise in which each student brought a photo or painting of a person, and then worked to bring that picture to life. My choice was a photo of Janis Joplin, in the midst of an agonized wail. I have always been amazed by her rawness and freedom. Especially during my days singing musical theatre, but even now, I am her polar opposite- with ten years of classical training, excellent vocal health, and a conventionally pretty sound. I wanted to act the way Janis sang.
To get into character, my teacher encouraged me to sing one of Janis's songs. At the time, I was feeling stuck in a bad relationship, so "Ball and Chain" seemed an appropriate choice. As I began to sing in front of my peers, something happened that I had never experienced before… I let go of all inhibitions. I sang with every ounce of passion I possess, with utter disregard for how I sounded or appeared. While performing, I was vaguely aware that my classmates were screaming and cheering, and only when I finished the song did I realize I was drenched with sweat and tears.
In all my years of performing, I had never sung with such honesty and abandon. The class instructor got down on her hands and knees and started bowing. Two of my best friends from the Boston Conservatory were there and were also crying- they didn't know I could sing like that. I didn't know I could sing like that. It was a moment of profound discovery.
I realized that, for me, singing is my way into my truest form of self-expression. Not long after that class, I decided to put acting on the back-burner to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter. The first song I wrote was called "Burning Now."
phil lenz
11/11/2015 07:40:12 am
Good choice.
Leave a Reply.


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Creating Jobs
Through domestic investment, a renewed focus on growing our tourism industry, and by striving to diversify our economy, many new jobs have been created in The Bahamas. However, the unemployment rate is still unacceptably high.
Some initiatives that are part of building a Prosperous Bahamas include:
- BAMSI in Andros is providing more opportunities for employment and food security.
- $200 million for Public Private Partnership (P3) projects in the fiscal 2015 budget to create jobs that will benefit Bahamians now and in years to come.
- $20 million for Investing in Young Bahamians through addressing youth unemployment. In 2015/2016 the Government offered over 250 applicants the opportunity to participate in the Fresh Start Programme, which helps Bahamians gain the skills they need to enter the workforce.
- Under a jointly funded agreement between the Government and Grand Bahama Shipyard Ltd., the shipyard will increase its intake of its apprenticeship program for skilled trades to 40 per year.
- Tax reductions have been implemented to support local business owners. Commercial property transfer tax has been reduced by 2.5% for businesses of all sizes. This measure will directly reduce costs for small businesses and contribute to job growth.
- Over 2,500 young Bahamians have personally benefited from the training, job placement services and opportunities offered by the National Training Agency. Over the past year, 140 trainees from the Agency have secured full time employment, with an average wage of $310 per week.
The Government encourages Bahamian entrepreneurship. As part of the National Investment Policy the Government has a Bahamas Entrepreneurial Venture Capital Fund and a Small Business Loan Guarantee Program in support of Bahamian small businesses.


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You have seen them and gone gaga over them. They are best, evergreen mind refreshing, comedy films, which have left their imprints in the mind of viewers over the years. Let's once again tickle our nerves by having a look at the numbers of the comedy films that have become classic over the years.
The film had Sunil Dutt and Saira Banu in lead roles. Kishore Kumar, Mukri, Raj Kishore and Keshto Mukherjee played the supporting roles. The essence of the comedy was retained by Mehamood, who played the role of Masterji,his south Indian accent..aiyo with his south Indian get up, made the audience go gaga over his character and the story of a simple town boy who fell in love with his padosan(neighbor)was knitted in a humorous way.
Image Source :www.madonmagic.com
Chupke Chupke (1975)
The story of the film revolved around the mischievous botany teacher Parimal Tripathi ( Dharmender) who be fooled his in laws. The dialogues, characters and the light hearted story, still tickle the nerves of the people.
Gol Maal (1979)
The film was directed by the Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The film is remembered for the double role of the Amol Parekar and the hilarious twist and turns which made the film ideal for other comical stints. The contemporary Golmal( all the three parts) starring Ajay Devgan,Tushar Kapoor, Paresh Rawal is also one of the contender of best best comedy films of modern times.
Chashme Buddoor(1981)
The film was based on the three bachelors, Siddharth (Farooq Shaikh), Omi (Rakesh Bedi) and Jai (Ravi Baswani) who made it a classic film of all the times. Recently, David Dhavan also made the film with the same name, but the film failed to create a same magic which old one did.
Andaj Apna Apna (1994)
The iconic acting of the Sallu Mia and Mr perfectionist as Amarand Prem ,with the refreshing story and how can we forget the crime master Gogo, are the perfect ingredients for cooking a best comedy film.
You May Also Like This : – 10 Most Underrated Bollywood Movies You Must Watch
Hero No.1 (1997)
Talking about comedy films and how can we miss our own Chichi Bhaiya aka Govinda who has forte in comedy. The film was inspired from 70's film Bawarchi. The mesmerizing Jodi of Karishma Kapoor and Govinda made it heart enriching.
Hera Pheri ( 2000)
The story revolves around three men, who end up in the mess for earning money. The film had best Jodi of Akshay, Sunil and Paresh Rawal, who left no stones unturn to make it a classic film.
Malamaal Weekly ( 2006)
Starring Paresh Rawal and Om Puri and written and directed by Priyadarshan. The film got poor ratings by the critics, but despite it, the film was a surprise hit at the box office. As of April 2006, the film was the top grosser in Delhiand made Rs. 120 million (about $2.6 million) overall. If rumors are to be believed the second instalment of the film Malamaal Weekly 2 will soon be directed by the same director.
Welcome (2007)
The film had Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif in the lead and Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor in the supporting role. The film garnered much appreciation for the dialogues and the acting. The film did a fairlbusiness at the box office, but it is remembered as one of the best comedy movie of the Akshay Kuma so far.
Dhamaal (2007)
The film is an official remake of Hollywood film It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, the sequel of the film Double Dhamal was released in 211, but was not able to garner same applause which earlier did.


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The Lavezzi 40 has been hailed as the new standard to meet in cruising catamarans with its innovative design, advanced technology and easy offshore handling. The catamaran boasts an extremely open and airy saloon with an aft facing a semi-circular galley.
A large opening hatch combined with an off-centre door swiftly turns the galley into an integral part of the cockpit – a great advantage in Phuket's tropical climate.
- Phuket FantaSea Cultural Theme Park
- Phi Phi Islands Tour with Express Boat
- James Bond Island Full-Day Tour via Big Boat
- Coral & Racha Islands Full-Day Tour
- Whitewater Rafting & 4-Wheel-Drive Adventure
- Sea Kayaking at Ang Thong Marine Park
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience
- Canoeing Excursion in Phang Nga Bay with Thai Buffet Lunch
- Introduction to City Tour
- John Gray's Cave Canoeing Tour in Phang Nga Bay
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A variety of world-class musical artists, including several featuring international accolades, will be coming to the Lakeshore as part of Silver Lake College's 2014-15 Artist Music Series.
The five concerts will be held in Endries Hall at the new Franciscan Center for Music Education and Performance, located on campus at 2406 S. Alverno Road.
Season tickets are $80. Individual concert ticket prices are: $18 adults, $12 seniors (65 and older), $5 children ages 13-18, $2.50 children ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and younger. Tickets will be available starting May 29 by visiting the Capitol Civic Centre box office at 913 S. Eighth St., Manitowoc, or by calling (920) 683-2184 or visiting www.cccshows.org.
Silver Lake College's Artist Music Series also is offering special package deals in collaboration with the Capitol Civic Centre's Baileigh Industrial Marquee Series (a six-show series that is scheduled to be announced to Capitol members on May 28). Those packages will be available to Capitol members starting the evening of May 28 and to non-members starting June 23. For more information about the package deals, call (920) 683-2184.
Here's a closer look at Silver Lake College's 2014-15 Artist Music Series:
Petar Jankovic Ensemble
The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, 1014.
Led by classical guitarist Petar Jankovic, the ensemble also features the string quartet of violinists Maria Storm and Azusa Tashiro, violist Amanda Grimm and cellist Kyra Saltman.
Their repertoire ranges from traditional Spanish works by Albeniz and De Falla to classical jewels by Shostakovich and Debussy to passionate Piazzola tangos and rich Brazilian music forms of Gnatalli and Bellinati.
Jankovic, who began studying guitar at the age of 8 in his native Yugoslavia, is a visiting lecturer of music at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. After many years of touring the world largely as a solo performer, he initiated the ensemble, combining his Spanish and Latin American influences with the string quartet's European musical traditions.
Storm, a concertmaster of Composers Orchestra of Chicago, made her solo debut at age 14 with the Odessa Symphony Orchestra in Ukraine. While living in Europe, she established herself as an active soloist and chamber musician, performing with the Torun Chamber Orchestra and Rubinstein Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Tashiro, a native of Japan, began playing violin at the age of 4. She is the principal second violinist of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and has performed with various ensembles, such as the New Millennium Orchestra Chicago, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago (for which she was appointed as a concertmaster).
Grimm, the associate principal viola of Orchestra Iowa, has performed as a soloist, recitalist and concertmaster in the United States and abroad. Making her concerto debut at age 15 with the Parma Symphony Orchestra, Grimm also has soloed with the Baldwin Wallace Youth Orchestra, the Blue Lake European Orchestra, the Carnegie Mellon Baroque Ensemble and the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic.
Saltman, the principal cellist of the Chicago Composers Orchestra, has performed with the Aspen Festival Orchestra, Aspen Opera Theater Orchestra, the Illinois Symphony, Green Bay Symphony, Wisconsin Philharmonic and the New Millennium Orchestra of Chicago, as well as numerous festivals.
George Vatchnadze
The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2014.
Taking center stage will be Vatchnadze, who joined DePaul University as an associate professor of piano in 2011.
The renowned musician has performed with orchestras and in recital throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Israel, Russia, Japan, Taiwan, Chile and Guatemala.
In 1997, Vatchnadze made his recital debut at the prestigious Edinburgh International Music Festival and received the Herald Angel Award, presented by the Scottish Herald newspaper. Two years later, he made his New York recital debut at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall.
"Vatchnadze is a consummate artist, now at the height of his musical and intellectual powers," music critic Faubion Bowers has written in American Record Guide. "He can do absolutely anything he wants at the piano. He commands delicate pianissimi, massive diapasons and everything in between"
In addition to his numerous concerts around the world, Vatchnadze recorded two CDs with the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra and served on the jury of the 2008 World Piano Competition.
Mark Calkins and Cynthia Lawrence
The concert, featuring the husband-and-wife singing duo of Calkins, a tenor, and Lawrence, a soprano, is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Jan. 25, 2015.
Calkins, a native of Cottage Grove, Minn., is the director of music at Berea College in Kentucky. He has appeared in leading roles with opera companies throughout North America and Europe.
Calkins also was featured as Cassio in "Otello" on an A&E nationwide production of "Spotlight Colorado" and starred in a National Public Broadcasting System television production and world premiere of Robert Greenleaf's "Under the Arbor." In addition, he has performed throughout the United States in Broadway touring productions of "Phantom of the Opera."
In 2009, Calkins and Lawrence appeared in recital at the fourth International Conference on the Physiology and Acoustics of Singing at the University of Texas-San Antonio. In April of this year, they performed at a gala fundraising concert for the new Cancer Center at Georgia Regents University.
Lawrence, the Endowed Chair of Voice at the University of Kentucky, also is a leading artist with opera companies worldwide, ranging from operas in Chicago and New York City to Paris and London.
Lawrence appeared in more than 70 concerts with the late Luciano Pavarotti, touring throughout the United States and abroad in Qatar, Italy, Chile, Venezuela, Argentina, Germany, Norway, Japan, China, Malaysia, England, Canada and South Africa. She was one of 20 guests asked to speak at Pavarotti's memorial, which was held in Petra, Jordan.
The evening after the memorial, she sang at a benefit concert broadcast worldwide from Little Petra, helping raise millions of dollars for Afghan children and for refugees and the disabled in Jordan.
Isthmus Brass Quintet with Percussion
The concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Feb. 15, 2015.
The Wisconsin-based performers, who are part of the larger Isthmus Brass group, include trumpet players Dave Cooper and Don Sipe, trombonist Mark Hetzler, horn player Ricardo Almeida, tuba player Mike Forbes and drummer Keith Lienert.
Cooper and Lienert are professors at UW-Platteville, while Sipe teaches at Carroll College and Hetzler instructs at UW-Madison. Almeida performs with the Madison Symphony Orchestra, as does Cooper. Forbes is the principal tuba of the La Crosse Symphony and also performs with Sotto Voce Quartet.
The concert will be divided into halves. The first half will feature light classical music, some by composers like Bach, as well as a few original works by Forbes, who composes about 90 percent of the group's arrangements.
The second half of the concert will be a world tour of popular styles, ranging from Latin tangos to Dixieland jazz to a South African-style tribute to the late Nelson Mandela.
Wingra Woodwind Quintet
The concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. on March 15, 2015.
The Wingra Woodwind Quintet, an ensemble-in-residence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music, formed in 1965 and has established a tradition of artistic and teaching excellence.
Quintet members include Stephanie Jutt (flute), Kostas Tiliakos (oboe), Linda Bartley (clarinet), Marc Vallon (bassoon) and Linda Kimball (horn).
Jutt, a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, has performed in recital throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. She has served as a board member and program chair for the National Flute Association, and her all-Brahms recording, "Stolen Moments," with pianist Jeffrey Sykes, was released in 2005.
Tiliakos, a native of Greece, has been principal oboist for the Greek National Opera Orchestra in Athens since 1997. An avid lover of contemporary music, he has been a member of the Hellenic Ensemble for Contemporary Music since 1990 and has premiered and recorded works by contemporary composers. Tiliakos also has appeared as a soloist around the world.
Bartley is the principal clarinetist for the Madison Symphony Orchestra, in addition to serving since 1988 as clarinetist for the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson, Wyo. Recital tours have taken Bartley throughout the United States, Canada, Japan and Switzerland. Her performances have been heard on PBS, NPR and CBC radio broadcasts.
Vallon, a native of France, did his musical studies at the Paris Conservatoire. He was a founding member of the Nielsen Quintet in 1975, with which he played hundreds of concerts until its last concert in 2002. Vallon has taught modern and baroque bassoon at the highest level in the Paris Conservatoire and in the Lyon Conservatoire.
Kimball, a native of Appleton and graduate of Lawrence University, is principal horn for the Madison Symphony Orchestra and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. She has performed orchestral and chamber music in various European countries.


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SILICON SLOPES, UT — February 11, 2016 — Workfront, the leading provider of cloud-based Enterprise Work Management solutions, today announced that the company has been positioned by Gartner, Inc. in the "Leaders" quadrant of the Gartner Inc., 2016 Magic Quadrant for Marketing Resource Management (1).
"More and more marketing teams and creative agencies are seeing the value of moving beyond email and spreadsheets to manage their ever-demanding workloads," said Eric Morgan, CEO of Workfront. "This technology move by creative services, marketing operations, content marketing, and other teams has been the reason we've posted strong double digit growth in the marketing segment of our business. We continue to invest heavily in R&D, and the middle of last year we expanded our offering for marketing work management by acquiring the leader in digital review and approval, ProofHQ. Given the great respect Gartner has earned in the market, we appreciate the insight their report will provide to our potential customers."
This is the third consecutive year that Gartner has included Workfront in the Magic Quadrant for Marketing Resource Management. Workfront has also been recognized as a leader for the past four consecutive years in the Gartner Inc., Magic Quadrant for Cloud-Based IT Project and Portfolio Management Services, Worldwide (2).
Gartner evaluates vendors on five weighted criteria based on their relative strengths in the market, including: planning and financial management, creative production management, marketing asset/knowledge management, marketing fulfillment, and MRM analytic and optimization.
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Gartner Disclaimer
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
About Workfront
Workfront is a cloud-based Enterprise Work Management solution that helps marketing, IT, and other enterprise teams conquer the chaos of excessive email, redundant status meetings, and disconnected tools. Unlike other tools, Workfront Enterprise Work Cloud is a centralized, easy-to-adopt solution for managing and collaborating on all types of work through the entire work lifecycle, which improves team productivity and executive visibility. Workfront is trusted by thousands of global enterprises, like Cars.com, Cisco Systems, Comcast, iProspect, Schneider Electric and Trek. To learn more, visit www.workfront.com or follow us on Twitter @Workfront_Inc.
Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Marketing Resource Management," by Kimberly Collins, February 8, 2016
Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Cloud-Based IT Project and Portfolio Management Services, Worldwide, Daniel B. Stang, Robert A. Handler, Teresa Jones, 20 May 2015


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We can maintain, repair, and install overhead doors throughout the Summerville, SC area.
Overhead Doors in Summerville – Running a business can be stressful. Here at Overhead Door Company of Charleston, we recognize that all too well! Since starting our business in 2001, we have made it our business to help others in their time of need with their overhead doors. Overhead doors can play a crucial role in any business, and we want to ensure that if things aren't going smoothly, it isn't because of an overhead door problem! We have many ways we can assist you with your overhead doors, some of which are:
- Maintenance- prevention continues to be the best course of action when it comes to overhead doors. Our preventative maintenance programs allow you to sign up for regularly scheduled maintenance checks that will help ensure your overhead doors stay in great shape. Additionally, you can save money by fixing items before they become a costly expenditure.
- Repair–should you need to repair your overhead door, we can get there fast and get the job done quickly so you can go back to doing what you do best — running your business! We don't want you to lose out on precious resources or time because of a faulty overhead door.
- Installation--if you need a new door or need to replace an old overhead door, let us help you. Installing overhead doors can be tricky if you're new to their inner workings, and can cause problems if installed incorrectly. Our experience will ensure that your overhead door is installed the right way.
If you need help maintaining, repairing, or installing one of the overhead doors on your Summerville, South Carolina property, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would love to help you today!
At the Overhead Door Company of Charleston, we provide only the highest quality overhead doors for our clients in Charleston, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Walterboro and the surrounding areas of South Carolina!


text: I intermittent cath and some days I have difficulty inserting my catheter and other days it goes fine using surgilube. On the bad days it seems like my urethra dries out so much and this causes the problem. Not sure what causes it to dry out so much where I cannot insert the catheter. It definitely helps when by bowels move and can get a little urine the urethra to help the insertion process. Thinking about skipping days taking my oxybutinin tablets to see if this might help get a little urine in the urethra. Anyone else ever have this issue?


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DENVER — Winter doesn't officially start until Dec. 21, but resorts around the West are starting to open, and skiers are getting ready for their favorite time of year. Here are some of the new features for the upcoming season around the West, along with contact information and ideas to help you plan a trip.
CALIFORNIA: Alpine Meadows has added a high-speed quad lift in its Sherwood Bowl area. Kirkwood has added a high-speed quad, the TC Express, that will serve a beginner area and provide a quick return route from the popular advanced terrain of the Palisades.
The state's 34 downhill and cross-country ski resorts include Heavenly, Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley, Sierra, Mount Rose, Kirkwood, Boreal, Sugar Bowl, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Information at http://www.visitcaliforniasnow.com/ includes interactive maps showing resort locations, or call (800) 862-2543.
COLORADO: Snowmass has replaced the Fanny Hill lift with a six-passenger high-speed lift that will deposit skiers at Sam's Knob, eliminating one lift ride. Aspen Highlands' new Deep Temerity lift will offer access to some of the steepest terrain in the state. At Breckenridge, a new high-speed quad lift will reach the top of Peak 8, at 12,840 feet the highest lift-served terrain in North America. Mary Jane (Winter Park) is replacing the four-seat Summit Express with a six-seater.
Colorado has 24 ski resorts, but winter destinations and pursuits also include including ski biking at Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort; Vail's Colorado Ski Museum; ice-climbing at the Ouray Ice Park, opening mid-December, and natural hot springs where you can warm up after an afternoon of snow sports. Call (800) 265-6723 or visit http://www.coloradoski.com/ for details.
IDAHO: Tamarack, in its second year of operation, is adding a third high-speed quad, 10 new alpine trails and 1,700 additional vertical feet. Sun Valley has replaced its grooming fleet with 10 new machines, while Northern Idaho's Schweitzer Mountain is opening 400 new acres of terrain including five new runs for advanced, intermediate and expert skiers and riders. Schweitzer Mountain has also been chosen to host the World Cup Telemark Finals March 10-12, the first World Cup Telemark event to be held in the United States in three years.
Other winter destinations include Smoky Mountain Lodge, which claims to be the only fly-in heli-ski lodge in the lower 48; Boise's Bogus Basin Mountain Resort, offering lighted night skiing on a Nordic trail this year; and Silver Mountain Resort, which has an expanded terrain park and two new runs. For more information on skiing in Idaho, go to http://www.idahowinter.org/ or call (800) 847-4843.
MONTANA: Big Sky and its two-year-old neighbor, Moonlight Basin, will offer a joint pass and lift ticket. Combined, the two trail networks cover 5,300 acres served by 23 lifts and a vertical drop of 4,350 feet.
Montana has a total of 16 downhill ski resorts, and nine national forest areas have cross-country ski trails; details at http://wintermt.com/, where you can order a free winter vacation planner for the state, or call (800) 847-4868.
NEW MEXICO: A new triple chair at Ski Santa Fe will take snowriders to the top of Deception Peak, 12,075 feet, and will serve six new trails.
At http://www.skinewmexico.com/ or (505) 982-5300, you'll find information on ski packages at destinations that include Sipapu, Red River, Pajarito Mountain and other places.
Don't miss these Travel stories
Lords of the gourd compete for Punkin Chunkin honors
With teams using more than 100 unique apparatuses to launch globular projectiles a half-mile or more, the 27th annual World Championship Punkin Chunkin event is our pick as November's Weird Festival of the Month.
- Airports, airlines work hard to return your lost items
- Expert: Tourist hordes threaten Sistine Chapel's art
- MGM Grand wants Las Vegas guests to Stay Well
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- Lords of the gourd compete for Punkin Chunkin honors
UTAH: Deer Valley's Sultan chairlift has been replaced with a high-speed detachable quad that adds 1,000 feet of vertical.
There are also new lodges at Alta, Snowbird and Solitude, along with grooming machines at other Utah resorts and improved terrain parks for snowboarders. For the 2006-07 season, Snowbird is building a 595-foot, European-style tunnel high on its mountain to move skiers along a conveyor belt to the resort's back side at Mineral Basin, avoiding steeper slopes.
As for this season, if you can't get out there before February, don't worry. Snowbird was open until July 4 this year, its longest-ever season with 53 feet of snow. Details at http://www.skiutah.com/ or (800) 754-8824.
WYOMING: At Jackson Hole, a new lift, the Sweetwater, will take skiers from beginner slopes to intermediate runs for those who like groomed terrain. The resort will also close its 39-year-old aerial tram after this season, which means a new tram or chairlifts will have to be used to get to some of Jackson's most storied expert terrain.
Jackson Hole is also offering a new "Wild West Woods" theme for children on some of its beginner ski slopes, with teepees, bridges, life-size animal figures and a warming hut that looks like an old-style settler's tent. The trails also offer educational and environmental features, such as tree identification and displays on the science of snows.
Jackson Hole and two other major resorts nearby, Grand Targhee and Snow King, are among a dozen ski resorts in the state. For details, go to http://www.wyomingmade.com/ski.htm or call (800) 225-5996.
DEALS: If you plan to ski regularly in one state, consider getting a pass like those available in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico that let you sample most or all resorts statewide.
Also, ask individual resorts about package deals on airfare, lodging and lift tickets. Jackson Hole has a deal in which kids fly free, stay free and ski free with a fare-paying adult on certain flights; details at (888) 838-6606 or click on "Specials and packages" at http://www.jacksonholewy.com/. A similar offer exists for skiing in Crested Butte, Colo., in conjunction with American Airlines' "Kids Fly Free!" program, Jan. 2-Feb. 16; details at (800) 814-8893 or http://www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/.
Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Notable rock band reunions
Wick's World
When the original Whiskey River Band first hit the road 40 years ago, the Riverside Arena in Moose Lake had yet to be built. On Friday, the Fourth of July, Whiskey River packed the place.
The highly anticipated reunion of Moose Lake's hometown band from a bygone era more than fulfilled expectations of both the crowd size and quality of performance; and I'm sad to say, I missed it. I really wanted to see this progressive country rock band from the past, but what I hope was our last annual Fourth of July party on Sand Lake took precedence.
By the time the last of our revelers departed our party, the original Whiskey River Band had played their final encore to a large raucous crowd. At least that's how it was reported to me by one of the evening's bartenders. "I bet I poured a thousand drinks last night," he added.
Ironically, the first time I had the pleasure of listening to the original Whiskey River Band was at a Fourth of July concert held in the '70s on Long Lake just outside of Rutledge.
The place where I found my first job in this area was at a resort on Long Lake where I was bartending at the time. Playing the concert alongside Whiskey River that day was The Red Willow Band who were longtime friends of mine from South Dakota. Like their counterparts, next month Red Willow will also be playing a 40th hometown reunion at Newton Hills State Park in southeastern South Dakota.
Reunions featuring rock bands, especially from the '60s and '70s, have been going on around the country for some time now. Local gambling casinos are one of the main venues where you'll find bands like Santana performing their old hit tunes from yesteryear. My wife and I enjoyed the Fourth of July concert featuring Carlos Santana at Hinckley Grand Casino a few years ago, to the extent that we bought tickets to his Twin Cities performance with Rod Stewart next month.
Every few years, Cher has what is referred to as her Final Reunion Tour, only to reappear promising yet another final performance. Some people just have a hard time giving it up.
Some rock bands are called on to perform once again by audience demand. The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and The Who are legends who come to mind. Performers such as Bob Dylan and Willy Nelson seem to perennially stay on the road. Then you have your bands that will never be reunited because of deceased members, as is the case with The Beatles and The Doors.
The reunion of Jan and Dean, a few years after Jan Berry was seriously injured crashing his Corvette, was a complete disaster. Unbeknownst to their fans, Jan lip-synched his part to a recording. They were booed off stage when the record stuck.
During ZZ Top's reunion tour in October of 1987, the band famously booked the first reservation to the moon.
In related news, it was just leaked to the press that a much anticipated album by Pink Floyd will be released in October of this year. They are one of my all-time favorite bands, and I can hardly wait.


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We wouldn't tell you a fib: we're head over heels for beautiful details. Eye candy. Design projects. Handcrafted, one-of-a-kind loveliness. But we're also, believe it or not, completely enamored by the nitty-gritty (not so pretty) technical aspects of event planning. Budgets. Seating Charts. Schedules. Creating harmony between the two – planning and design – is our job. Bringing your event to life in ways that will delight and surprise is our joy!
While clients typically engage our services before a venue is selected, we couldn't be more thrilled to partner with you, whether you've just begun planning or you're closer to finish line. We offer full scale planning and consulting by the hour. Please inquire for more information; we'd just love to hear more about your plans! xoxo


text: Back African Studies Central European Studies Latin American Studies Political Science Philosophy Ph.D. Philosophy Master's degree Political Science You are here: Univerzita Hradec Králové » Degree Programmes » Political Science POLITICAL SCIENCE About study programme The Philosophical Faculty of the University of Hradec Králové offers B. A. degree which may be pursued in full-time study. The B.A. programme is meant for students who have finished their high school education. The study is designed as an overview of political systems, political thinking, international relations and European integration including modern history. Basic information about the field of study Bachelor Degree Study programme: Political science Study duration: 3 years Tuition Language: English Daily/full-time study. Tuition start: every September Tuition fees: € 1 500,- per semester, i.e. € 3 000,- per academic year. In case of good study results a scholarship of € 500,- per semester available. Study contents · Political systems (which include the issue of elections and electoral systems, political parties or analysis of the functioning of political systems in the countries of Western, Central and Eastern Europe), · Political thinking, · International relations, or · Problems of European integration. · Courses in modern Czech (resp. Czechoslovak) and European history or courses focusing on contemporary world affairs for better understanding these political science disciplines in the context and their connection with practice A strong emphasis is put on developing analytical and argumentative skills, especially through interactive seminars that complement the lectures. The graduates of the BA study programme of Political Science at FF UHK have theoretical and factual knowledge of political science and modern history, which they are able to apply in practice and thanks to them they can profit from understanding not only the context of Czech, but also of European and world politics. An integral part of our graduates' "equipment" is also the ability to work well with texts (both actively and passively) and the competence of public presentation, which the students acquire mainly through seminar activities or supported internships, and practices gained at potential employers. How to apply? by filling in the application form with attachments. Obligatory attachments include: · The certificate of achieving secondary education. As part of the admission procedure, the applicant will be asked to provide certified copies of the high school diploma nostrification. More information about this process here. · An essay on why the applicant wishes to study political science (about 800 words). · A confirmation of language skills to the study in the English language (e.g. an internationally valid certificate). If the applicant completed secondary education in the English language, no confirmation is required. Deadline for application: April 30, 2019 for winter term (starts in September 2019) The application with the required attachments must be sent electronically to the e-mail address firstname.lastname@example.com. Documents SelectTypeTitleCreatedSize Public Documents 14/11/2016 Internal Documents 14/11/2016 If you have no records in this section, you don´t have sufficient permission or your not logged in, please log in above to access this page. Last modified:  Machačová Markéta, 12.3.2019 10:26


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The corporate community is a vital source of support for the Foundation's mission of promoting cultural and historical literacy throughout the Commonwealth. In recognition of support from your business, the Library provides a variety of benefits to encourage access to its programs, exhibitions, and collections by key executives, employees, and guests.
The Library has a number of high profile sponsorship opportunities each year. Programs like the following thrive thanks to the support of Corporate Sponsors:
- Library of Virginia Literary Awards
- Strong Men & Women in Virginia History
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- Educational programs
Additionally, our Corporate Sponsors receive a variety of benefits that visibly recognize your support and encourage access to Library programs, exhibitions, and collections for your executives, employees, and guests.
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Subscription to Quarterly Events Calendar & LVA newsletter / Invitations to Special receptions and openings / Corporate listing in Annual Report
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All of the above, plus: Discounts (10%) for all employees on most library purchases / Link between Foundation and Corporate partners website / Archivists available for speaking engagements / Ability to rent LVA space for corporate events
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All of the Above, plus: Discounted rates on individual memberships for all employees / Specials Behind the Scenes Commonwealth Treasures tour (up to 20) / 2 complimentary tickets to the Literary Awards Celebration Gala
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Interested in renting the Library's facilities for your corporate meeting or event?
This benefit is available to all corporate partners who give $1,000 or more annually. The corporate partner is eligible to hold one meeting or one event at the library annually during the calendar year, with usage being dependent on the library's facility guidelines and our availability. The corporate partner is responsible for all other fees associated with the usage, to include but not limited to: rental fees for space and equipment as well as personnel fees.
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For more information about any of these programs, please contact the Foundation office at 804-692-3900, or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Berkshire Hathaway held its annual shareholders meeting over the weekend, drawing thousands of investors to Omaha, Nebraska to listen to the financial insights of 85-year-old Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett and 92-year-old Vice-chairman Charlie Munger.
Opinion: I hope I (don't) die before I get old — Talking about My Generation
Berkshire Hathaway held its annual shareholders meeting over the weekend, drawing thousands of investors to Omaha, Nebraska to listen to the financial insights of 85-year-old Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett and 92-year-old Vice-chairman Charlie Munger.
The Oracles of Omaha show no signs of retiring due to old age nor a willingness to hand in their driver's licenses nor questioning their cognitive acuity or their ability to live independently. The revered investment leaders of Berkshire Hathaway are dispelling many myths of aging.
Ageism is the stereotyping and discriminating against individuals or groups based on their age. Unlike racism and sexism, ageism is still not taboo in most social situations. In fact, if we make fun of someone based on their age we call it situational comedy. "I would have arrived earlier but I was behind an elderly driver." "I couldn't find what I wanted to say; I am having a senior moment." "She looks great for her age." "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." It's just a sign of old age." All of these expressions are ageist.
In a society that focuses on youth, the anti-aging movement has a strong hold on eliminating or reversing aging and reducing its effects through Botox, facial creams and cosmetic surgery. There is even a psychological diagnosis for people fearing old age or fearing getting older it is called "Gerophobia"
With older adults now the fastest growing segment of the population and their number expected to double over the next two decades, society's anti-aging mindset has to shift. As the baby boomers reach their golden years they will change people's perception of aging as a triumph rather than a disease. The unprecedented demographic shift is due in large part to the nearly doubling of life expectancy over the last century presenting both challenges and opportunities.
Like the wise leaders of Berkshire Hathaway, older adults are largely responsible for the overall growth and prosperity of western civilization and remain a vital part of society. Ensuring that older adults have opportunities to remain engaged, productive, and healthy members of society is not only beneficial for them but good for society as whole.
One strategy to combat ageism amongst younger generations has been launched in the small European country of Slovenia. The "Simbioza" project goal is to improve e-literacy in seniors by young people volunteering to teach computer skills. This project takes an important step to bridge the inter-generational gap. This experience has not only put technology into the hands of older adults but also instilled social responsibility into millennials thereby giving hope to both age cohorts.
Meeting the growing and evolving needs of an aging population requires the coordination and mobilization of the private and public sectors playing key leadership roles to produce the best possible outcomes in making this significant issue of national importance. There is certainly a role to play for governments of all levels to set standards, to be catalysts for social change and to reshape the delivery of health care and housing for older adults. A national seniors' strategy would provide the focus and commitment that will ensure a lifespan development outlook for all where childhood, adulthood and elderhood are all equally valued.
When communities become age friendly and dementia friendly, much like cities became accessible for persons with disabilities, the neighbourhoods and ways seniors are engaged in their communities will change in unprecedented ways. Going forward, a societal strategy is needed to: encourage independent productive and engaged citizens; encourage healthy and active lives; access community care closer to home; and support caregivers.
As Warren Buffett, taking a long-term investment strategy perspective, famously said, "Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." How true is his sage advice, after all, our children and grandchildren are depending on older adults to create a better world today and for future generations tomorrow.
Dan Levitt is executive director at Tabor Village and an adjunct professor of gerontology at Simon Fraser University.


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External Interrupts
ATmega1284p has three external interrupts as well as pin change interrupts available on available on all IO pins.
Available External Interrupts
|IO Pin
Available Modes
Available Pin Change Interrupts
|IO Pin
Available Modes
Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs) are functions which are invoked when the interrupt is triggered. When an external interrupt is configured, a reference to a user defined ISR must be included. The format of these functions must be:
typedef void (*voidFuncPtr)(void);
Which is a function which does not return a value (return type void) and which has an empty parameter list.
Enabling an External Interrupt
An external interrupt can be enabled with a call to attachInterrupt():
attachInterrupt(interrupt, ISR, mode);
WhereВ interruptВ is the external interrupt number (i.e. 0 for INT0, 1 for INT1 and 2 for INT2),ISR is the Interrupt Service Routine function and mode is one of the supported interrupt modes (LOW, CHANGE, RISING or FALLING).
Enabling an Pin ChangeВ Interrupt
An pin changeВ interrupt can be enabled with a call to PcInt::attachInterrupt() from theSodaq_PcInt library.
PcInt::attachInterrupt(interrupt, ISR);
WhereВ interruptВ is the pinВ number (e.g. 4 for D4, A1 for A1), ISR is the Interrupt Service Routine function. Since the only mode available to a pin change interrupt is CHANGE, the mode parameter is not required.
External Interrupt Example
void setup() { В //Setup the Serial Monitor В Serial.begin(57600); В В //Switch on the second Grove column В pinMode(22, OUTPUT); В digitalWrite(22, HIGH); В //D10 Interrupt В attachInterrupt(2, exampleISR, RISING); //D10 Yellow Grove pin 1 } void exampleISR() { В //Normally it is bad practice В //to use a println() in an ISR В Serial.println("Interrupt!"); } void loop() { }
Pin Change Interrupt Example
void setup() { В //Setup the Serial Monitor В Serial.begin(57600); В //D10 Interrupt В PcInt::attachInterrupt(4, exampleISR); //D4 Yellow Grove pin 1 } void exampleISR() { В //Normally it is bad practice В //to use a println() in an ISR В Serial.println("Interrupt!"); } void loop() { }
Other Notes
When an interrupt is triggered, the microprocessor effectively suspends the current code, executes the ISR, and then resumes with the original code. If another interrupt is triggered during the execution of the anВ ISR, the new interrupt will be executed once the first ISR has finished. This means that interrupts are effectively suspended during the execution of any ISR.
Due to this behaviour it is recommended to keep the ISR code as simple as possible. Additionally, some function calls are unavailable due to those functions being dependent on other interrupts. A good example of this is the method delay(ms)В which inserts a delay of msmilliseconds. This method depends on a counter which is updated via an internal interrupt, as that interrupt is suspended during the execution of an ISR, the call toВ delay() will never return as the counter never reaches the defined target.
Sometimes it is desirable to disable/suspend interrupts during the execution of a critical section of code, code which wouldВ be negatively affected by jumping to the execution of an ISR. To achieve this, interrupts can be be suspended before thatВ section of code and enabled after.
SuspendВ Interrupts
noInterrupts(); // or cli();
Enable Interrupts
interrupts(); // or sei();


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Readers who have not heard of Phoebe Washburn will surely learn of her work soon enough. I say this not only because of her accumulating successes (she's been called "one of the country's most closely watched young artists"), but also because she will be at Guilford two weeks from today.
Phoebe Washburn, It Makes for My Billionaire Status, 2005 (installation view, Kantor/Feuer Gallery, Los Angeles)
The New York-based installation artist's public lecture will take place on Tuesday, April 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Bryan Jr. Auditorium in the Frank Family Science Center.
Washburn works in a monumental scale, using discarded and recycled materials such as cardboard boxes, wood from pallets, newspapers, and fish tanks. Her works are also largely contingent on the spaces in which they are shown, partly because they are often anchored into the wall. Yet, she says that "chance is definitely more of a factor in the final product than is any predetermined design. I just let the structures evolve by repeating the same action again and again."
Creating this sensation of repetition can be rather painstaking. Emphasizing the element of activity, she compares the process of producing her sculptures–which requires a team of assistants–to beavers building a dam. "The shapes are less about form than they are about the activity involved in amassing and assembling the forms."
Washburn has shown at the Deutsche Guggenheim, the 2008 Whitney Biennial and she is represented by Zach Fehlauer Gallery in NY. She received her MFA from the School of Visual Arts (NY). She is the daughter of two Guilford alumni, Parker ('69) and Arthur ('69) Washburn.
This lecture is an incredible learning opportunity for anyone interested in art. It's also free of charge and on Guilford's campus, so don't miss out!


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Homework -handy hints for parents and carers.
Always ask your child to write the date and title (or learning objective) in their book or on the worksheet. Ask your child to take care of the presentation and have pride in their work. Ask your child to look at the homework and decide what they need to do. You might need to read instructions to them. Make sure that your child has somewhere suitable to do their homework such as at a table and away from distractions like TV. Please provide a pencil for your child to write with and a ruler for drawing lines. If you do not have these please come and get them from school. If your child has really concentrated on their homework, praise him or her and tell him or her that you are proud. Return the homework to school on or before the date it is expected.
Jenny Haunch


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My name is Valerie Palmer, and I currently live in Los Angeles. I'm was a contributing editor at PLANET˚ magazine. My writing has also appeared in magazines like Mean, VenusZine, New Art Examiner, Fuse and Anthem. I've also contributed to art.blogging.la and Flavorpill LA.
My photos have appeared in The Burning House, Beyond the Street: The 100 Leading Figures in Urban Art and Mean magazine.
You can reach me at valerielpalmer at yahoo.com
4 Responses to "About"
Valerie from Nottingham? This is Karen and I am going to be in LA next week!


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Genova2008 (UK) 133 min Drama
Michael Winterbottom
- Cast
- Catherine Keener
- Colin Firth
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Have you seen it and what did you think? Please leave a comment
Michael Winterbottom's (24 Hour Party People, A Mighty Heart) moving story of loss and displacement follows Joe (Colin Firth) and his daughters as they embark on a new life in the city of Genova, Italy after the death of his much-loved wife. It is a heart-warming tale of how one family comes to terms with grief and begins the first tentative steps towards a new future. Genova doesn't pull its punches but its optimistic final message is that love (of a father and his daughters, or a daughter and her boyfriend, or a child for her lost mother) can help to conquer all.
Genova – A journey of Grief in an Italian city
Michael Winterbottom's film 'Genova' is an insightful, heart-squeezing study of family dynamics. It's a coming of age story that observes the nature of forgiveness and grief between a father and his two daughters as they learn to find their way in the spooky Italian city of Genova.
Switching from moments of harrowing grief to romantic cityscapes, the film gives its audience a rocky journey. You never know what emotion will be thrown at you next.
Why Genova?
Watching the film is a journey of cultural adjustment – it's as if Winterbottom wants to take his audience through the disorientating experience of landing in a completely foreign place. This is accentuated by Winterbottom's signature use of hand-held cameras and informal style of doing takes.
"We had a lot of fun, it was more like having a holiday and making a home video on the side rather than actually making a film." Genova was filmed on location in Italy, Sweden, UK and the US during the summer and winter of 2007
Winterbottom wanted to do something a bit closer to home and European in setting. Nearly all of Michael film hero's are European: German, French and Italian, so he was particularly enthusiastic about making a film set in Europe
The film was inspired by a visit to the city of Genova that Michael Winterbottom made some years before making the film. Comparing it with Venice he says "the atmosphere is similar with very narrow alleyways. It's very beautiful, but also quite spooky". He was also inspired by the novels "Moderato Cantabile" by Marguerite Duras, borrowing the idea of two girls going to a piano lesson in a city with a port and Nic Roeg's film 'Don't Look Now' for its Venetian atmosphere.
A film about multi-culturalism
It might seem unusual that Colin Firth, an English actor was cast into the role of 'The father who moves from America' – but in fact this greatly enriches the quality of the film as a representation of multi-cultural families. First and foremost, it accentuates the girls' experience of displacement in the film, as the father is already a European. Beyond that, it is a refreshing reflection of the increasing multi-culturalism in families of the world today.
Talking about Colin Firth's casting, Andrew Eaton says:
"It was important for Michael that the father be English as he's English, as a director it was easier for him to tell that story."
A very personal story
Michael Winterbottom talks at length about the importance of this film for him, saying: "For me the film is about a father's love for his children and the children's relationship with each other, the death of the mother is just a starting point, I was more interested in looking at how they get on with the rest of their lives, to the extent that they can and the repetition of those daily things that is at the heart being in a family and at the heart of getting over their grief."
When Eaton had read the finished script he noticed how there were so many personal parallels. "If you look at all of Michael's films, he's always interested in dealing with family and displaced people and of people in situations of stress and danger and examining how they deal with that. The first thing that struck me when I read this script was how much of Michael's life was in there. He has two daughters not dissimilar in age to the two girls in this story and there seemed to be echoes of Michael's own life in it."
When can I see it?
Genova will be showing as part of the From Blighty with Love season across Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, from 5th to 18th March 2010, with a chance to put your questions live to British filmmakers live after selected shows. The screening date for Genova is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday 9th March.
Time Out London
Evening Standard