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Roque Dalton, ¡fusilemos la noche! / Roque Dalton, Let's Shoot the Night! A film by Tina Leisch
Austria/El Salvador/Cuba, Biography/Human Rights Documentary/Poetry, 201387 min, DVCPro, ColorSpanish, French, English with English subtitles
Friday, April 25th 2:00PM
Mexican American Cultural Center
Free Screening
La palabra en el bosqueThe Word in the Woods
Jeffrey Gould, Carlos Henriquez
El Salvador/USA, Human Rights Documentary, 201156 min, DVCAM/35mm, ColorSpanish with English subtitles
During the early 1970s, hundreds of peasants in a remote region of El Salvador began to emulate the early Christians, working the land together and building communities based on solidarity. By the late 1970s, thousands of peasants in northern Morazan organized to resist National Guard repression, which often involved torture and executions. In the 1980s, the military engaged in scorched earth operations against their villages, inaugurating a 12-year civil war. La palabra en el bosque tells their stories, placing them in context within the light of current reality.
World Premiere
Carlos Henriquez Consalvi is the founder of the Museo de la Palabra y la Imagen which is committed to the investigation, rescue, preservation and public exhibition of El Salvador's history and culture. In 2002, he co-directed and co-produced with Gould the award winning Scars of Memory, El Salvador, 1932.
Jeffrey L. Gould is the James H. Rudy Professor of History at Indiana University. From 1995-2008, he was Director of the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. He is also a prolific writer. In 2012-2013 he will be a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.
Producer: Carlos Henriquez Consalvi, Jeffrey GouldScreenwriter: Carlos Henriquez Consalvi, Jeffrey GouldCinematographer: Guillermo Escalon, Paolo HasbunEditor: Carlos ColoradoSound Design: Jose HuwaidiMusic: Ygor de Gondaria, Ramses Calderon Print Source: Jeffrey Gould, email@example.com
Wednesday, April 25 - 6:30 PM
MACC (Mexican American Cultural Center)
María en tierra de nadie Maria in Nobody's Land
Marcela Zamora Chamorro
El Salvador/Guatemala/Mexico, Human Rights Documentary, 2010 86 min, MiniDV, Color Spanish with English subtitles
This documentary shows the parallel immigration stories of three Salvadoran women on a journey through Mexico. Doña Inés, a 60 year-old woman, is searching for her daughter who went missing shortly after she decided to immigrate to the US five years ago. Marta and Sandra, tired of the domestic violence they endured at home and hoping to overcome their impoverished lives, decide to make the trip through Mexico with only thirty dollars in their pockets. These women, Doña Inés' daughter, and countless other immigrant women face prostitution, human trafficking, rape, kidnap, and even death on a journey not often brought up in immigration debates.
North American Premiere
Marcela Zamora studied journalism in Costa Rica and went on to study film at the International School of Film and Television of San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba (EICTV). María en tierra de nadie is her first feature documentary.
Producer: Marcela Zamora, Oscar Martinez, Edu Ponces Production Companies: Elfaro.net, Ruido Photo, Idheas Screenwriter: Marcela Zamora Cinematographer: Keren Shayo Editor: Leopoldo Nakata Sound Design: Gina Villafañe Music: Sigried Masías, Leticia Servín Print Source: Marcela Zamora, firstname.lastname@example.com
Mexican American Cultural CenterMon. April 25 6:00 PM


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September 9, 2012 – Jacob Geiger, Work It, Richmond
Chances are you've never heard of Simple Survey, a startup that makes it easy for restaurants to get feedback from customers.
After all, the company didn't even exist at 9 p.m. Friday night.
But marathon sessions of strategic planning, web development and customer surveys this weekend brought the company to life. A group of entrepreneurs who spent the weekend developing Simple Survey pitched their concept Sunday night during the conclusion of Richmond's first-even Startup Weekend at the Virginia War Memorial and took first place.
The idea for Simple Survey grew out of separate pitches Friday from Rob Forrest, who was thinking about new ways to do surveys, and Martin Romero, who pitched an idea for creating paperless receipts that could be sent to phones.
Once they recruited additional team members, the group spent Saturday talking to local restaurants. Owners and managers told the team they struggled to get consistent feedback from customers and want an easier way to get that feedback.
Helen Dow, an accountant on the team, said she was impressed by the product's financial viability.
"I think the customer research we did was key," she said. "We're going to meet soon and set up the corporate structure. We definitely plan to keep going with this."
The other team members were Chase Worthington, James Goodwillie, Lee Gimpel, Joey Figaro, Hope Norman and Tim Masterson.
Startup Weekend is a global series of events backed by The Kaufman Foundation
Twelve businesses pitched their ideas Sunday evening. The 12 were selected by the Startup Weekend participants from a pool of 38 pitches delivered Friday evening when the event began.
Second place went to Event Space, a website that lets venues promote themselves online and helps organizations seeking a venue search based on various criteria.
Among the six judges was Karen Booth Adams, a serial entrepreneur who has launched 10 businesses in Richmond over the past 20 years. Her company, Hot Technology Holdings, has sold seven of those businesses and continues to run the other three. Also serving as judges were Ryann Lofchie Wayne and Ned Wheeler, CEO and COO respectively of The Frontier Project, a business strategy company.
Judges considered four topics when evaluating the companies.
Customer validation: The startups used online and face-to-face surveys to judge the market for their product.
Execution: What did the company build during the weekend? Did the idea change over that time?
Business model: Judges used the Q&A period after each pitch to ask about revenue projections and the competitive landscape each company would face.
Future plans: Who would serve on the development and management team as the business grew?
The teams took a break from their planning Saturday to hear from Aneesh Chopra, who served as the United States' first chief technology from 2009 to 2012. Chopra, who announced this summer that he would run for lieutenant governor, spent an hour with the teams. His remarks also were telecast to a Startup Weekend in Lincoln, Neb.
On Friday night, Julia Pfaff pitched a proposal to build a mobile app that would help gardeners trade vegetables. Say someone had lots of extra zucchini and wanted to trade some for a neighbor's tomatoes. Pfaff and Kelly Ward, an art designer, joined forces Friday night and got to work on their new company, which they named ShareGrown. They also got help from Anthony Peng.
"We built a [mobile] app over the weekend, mapped out the website landing page and started designing the back-end database," she said.

subset: commoncrawl


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Media enquiries
For general media enquiries please contact Rebekah Watson our media and communications person:
0115 993 4289
Our spokespeople include:
Mark Molden
Appointed as Chief Executive in January 2013, Mark brings to Marriage Care a wealth of experience from the commercial, public and voluntary sectors, having worked extensively in the education, social care, family and relationship support arenas. The value and significance of healthy relationships has been a consistent theme in Mark's work and he is passionate about helping to build healthy, lasting couple relationships. Read more…
Kit Dollard
Kit Dollard took over as Chair of the Board of Marriage Care in September 2014, following careers in the army, the city, property and the church; he is also the Founder of Christian Community Resources – a charity that promotes adult learning in England. Read more…
Bridie Collins
Bridie Collins joined Marriage Care in 1996 as a volunteer counsellor, subsequently qualifying as a supervisor and tutor of both counsellors and marriage preparation course facilitators. She is passionate about helping couples who are struggling in their relationships, having witnessed the pain and disruption of marriage breakdown amongst close family and friends. Read more…
Jean Marsh
Jean Marsh joined Marriage Care in 1980 following a career in education, which included working as a Principal of a Catholic school in Liverpool. A highly experienced counsellor and supervisor, she is an integral part of the Marriage Care Team. Read more…
Adrian Toothe
Adrian Toothe joined Marriage Care in 1990. He is a highly experienced counsellor, working with individuals and couples coping with relationship difficulties. These difficulties can include affairs, communication breakdown, redundancy, financial difficulties, parenting issues, loss, domestic abuse, low self-esteem, depression, abuse and addiction. Read more…
Marriage Care is the largest single provider of face-to-face couple relationship education (marriage preparation) services in the UK, working through its 53 Centres and 800 professionally trained and accredited volunteers. It provides marriage and relationship information, education and counselling support to thousands of people each year and has been doing so for just over 70 years. During 2013/14, over 71,500 people accessed information about marriage and relationships from Marriage Care. In the same period 7,600 clients took part in 9,716 sessions of marriage preparation or relationship counselling across England and Wales, whilst 60,714 people accessed the charity's web and social media resources. During 2013-2015 Marriage Care was commissioned by the Department of Education to lead and deliver a £1.6m contract focused on universal preventative support services, reaching 234,000 people with an integrated programme of support to help prevent breakdown in couple relationships.
Marriage Care has three brochures available for background information:
Better relationships, better lives – This brochure explains who we are, why our work is important, what we do, who we help, where we can be found, our volunteers and practitioners, our values and how we are funded.
Getting married? – A brochure for couples about to enter marriage, providing an explanation of our marriage preparation services.
Happy? – This brochure describes our relationship counselling service and answers the main questions couples ask when considering this step to help them through difficulties in their relationship.


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Glass Hanger Rack - Matte Black - 24"L
- Buy 12 for $10.99 each and save 5%
In stock and ready to ship.
- Overview
Organize your delicate stemware without cluttering shelves and counter tops with this hanging storage solution.
The 24-inch-long Glass Hanger Rack is made of solid, durable chrome with a handsome matte black finish that complements a variety of decors. Use the three included mounting screws, to install it overhead or under cabinetry.
Once this glass rack is hanging in your space, you can use it to store wine, martini, and cocktail glasses with stems. To determine how many of your glasses the unit will accommodate, simply line up your glassware and count the number that fall within a 24-inch run. We also offer 16" and 10" stemware racks in this matte black finish.
In hanging your stemware, you keep them out of the way but within easy reach for efficient service. The Glass Hanger Rack is appropriate for home or commercial use, and is perfect for bars, kitchen, dining rooms, tasting rooms, and wineries.
- Matte black finish
- Made of steel
- Single channel design
- Adds style and function
- Holds stemmed wine, cocktail, and martini glasses
- Frees up space on counters and shelves
- Hangs overhead or underneath cabinetry
- Keeps glasses out of harm's way but within reach
- Promotes organization and efficiency
- Appropriate for homes, bars, kitchens, dining rooms, tasting rooms, wineries and restaurants
- Easy to install
Free Expert SupportContact Customer Care
- Specifications
- Height: 1 1/2"
- Width: 4 1/2"
- Depth: 24"
- Channel Width: 1"
- Channel Opening Width: 3 1/2"
- (3) Mounting Screws
- Shipping & Delivery
Related Products
- Customer Reviews
- Questions & Answers
- Browse 2 questions Browse 2 questions and 4 answersNo questions have been asked about this item. Be the first!Why did you choose this?Kegworks StoreI love these black rack. Match bar shelves. Wish they brought them back!epurchase55 on Dec 28, 2016
If You Like This, You May Also Like
About Backorders
This item is currently out of stock but we're expecting more soon.
For an estimated ship date, please contact Customer Care at 877.636.3673 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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HPV, Colposcopy, and Prevention of Squamous Anogenital Tract Malignancy, An Issue of Obstetric and Gynecology Clinics, Volume 40-2
1st Edition
Authors: Alan Waxman Maria Diaz
Hardcover ISBN: 9781455771288
eBook ISBN: 9781455772124
Imprint: Elsevier
Published Date: 12th June 2013
Cervical Cancer screening, which includes the PAP test and HPV testing is an essential part of a woman's routine healthcare. This issue of the Ob/Gyn Clinics covers colposcopy and screening for women at all stages of life, along with the HPV vaccine, treatment options, and what is on the horizon regarding ever-changing screening methods.
- Language:
- English
- Copyright:
- © Elsevier 2013
- Published:
- 12th June 2013
- Imprint:
- Elsevier
- Hardcover ISBN:
- 9781455771288
- eBook ISBN:
- 9781455772124
About the Authors
Alan Waxman Author
Affiliations and Expertise
University of New Mexico
Maria Diaz Author
Affiliations and Expertise
Request Quote
Tax Exemption
We cannot process tax exempt orders online. If you wish to place a tax exempt order please contact us.


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Pet Care in and around Tunbridge Wells
Find Pet Care in and around Tunbridge Wells, Kent, including contact details, local maps and information
This is a human edited free directory. If you would like your local business or organisation included in this directory then add a link to your website now.
Led By Dogs, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Doggy day care /boarding service. Walking also available.
PAWS n PURRS Pet Services, Sittingbourne, Kent
Paws n Purrs is run by Nadine & Lois, & covers Sittingbourne to Medway. We are a professional, friendly co. that offer a range of services inc. microchipping, nail clipping, dog day care, small animal boarding & pet visits. We tailor our services for each individual and give your companion special attention along with its own personal routine. NARP reg.
Paws-Galore Pet Services, Sittingbourne, Kent
We are a small, friendly business offering a variety of pet services in Sittingbourne. Over 25 years of pet care experience. Fully insured.
Pet Works, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex
Pet Works is the ultimate place for pet owners and professionals. At www.pet-works.net you will find Pet ID pet microchipping, Pet ID Equine Horse Passports and Pet ID Insurance.
Recavards Doggy Day Care, Cranbrook, Kent
Offering, Doggy Day Care & Home Boarding. Dog Walking. Pet Taxi. Pet Grooming. Micro Chipping. In our family home in Hawkhurst. No children. Fully LICENSED and INSURED


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Top Tips For Record Store Day
Tomorrow is Record Store Day. Indie stores across the country will be hiving with music fans keen to pick up some exclusive vinyl released exclusively to mark this great day.
If like us, you find yourself spending too many hours browsing and dithering over which lovely new EP or album to take home then let us do our best to help.
We've handpicked a John Cusack in High Fidelity style 'all time top five releases for Record Store Day 2013' so look no further!
Admiral Fallow – Tree Bursts In Snow
I've already got myself a signed copy of the 'Beetle In The Box' white label and this absolutely splendid album from last year would make a perfect accompaniment. Glorious Scottish indie folk.
Frightened Rabbit – Midnight Organ Fight/Quietly Now
The album that brought Glasgow's Frightened Rabbit to the masses available on vinyl for the first time and as if that's not enough it's partnered with the live session as well. Get old fashioned!
Grizzly Bear – Horn of Plenty
It was albums like 'Veckatimest' that brought Grizzly Bear to our attention but we need to go way, way back to 2004 to listen to this record. Where it all began for one of our favourite acts.
The Leisure Society – Fight For Everyone
Having had somewhat mixed reviews, The Leisure Society's latest album is a bit of a grower. Fight For Everyone is an instant pop hit though. Oh and it's on coloured vinyl. Be still my hipster heart!
Shearwater/Sharon Van Etten – Stop Draggin' My Heart Around
Jamming together on the road is a great place to spark the most brilliant ideas. This track was originally laid down by the legendary Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. We can't wait to hear this version.
Don't agree with our selections? Then let us know what you'll be picking up and playing loud. More information on Record Store Day including details of in-store sets, events and other releases can be found on the RSD2013 site.


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The Beauty of the Fool: Denis Podalydès in Conversation
Amanda MacBlane July 14, 2016
The Beauty of the Fool: Denis Podalydès in Conversation
July 14, 2016
Amanda MacBlane: What is your first memory of Molière?
Denis Podalydès: At school, my older brother had to play a scene from Molière's play Les Fourberies de Scapin and he asked me to read the other part. I was a little boy and I didn't understand anything but I knew then that I was really fond of theater. The second memory is at school. For French people, we get Moliere in the bottle, from the youngest age. At school, we learn that the 17th century was the century of good taste, the century of magnificence. France was the top power in the world and Molière was one of the world's great writers. We grow up with this idea and then we end up rejecting it when we begin to sense that it's a terrible cliché. In fact, there are many Molières. There's the Molière of childhood, the Molière of school, the Molière of high school, when we're brought to the Comédie française. And then, there's the Molière that I found as an actor and as a director. He has accompanied me throughout my life and I'm always amazed that there is something so universal in him.
AMB: It's true. It's been over 300 years since the premiere of Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme yet it continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Your production goes back to the play's origins as a comédie-ballet. What made you decide to put Lully's music and the dance back into the production?
DP: When I saw Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme at the theater a while back, it was subtitled "Comédie-ballet." It wasn't just a comedy, it was a comédie-ballet. I said to myself, "what exactly is a comédie-ballet?" I researched and discovered that it was an invention of Louis XIV who asked Molière and Lully to create a spectacle total with music, comedy, songs, and dance. The essence of this play was the integration of all of these dimensions. The challenge for Molière and Lully was to make the different disciplines come together in an organic way as "total theater." The genius of Molière was to create a character that yearned for all of these arts: Monsieur Jourdain. We find Monsieur Jourdains everywhere in the world, people who want to escape an inferior social condition. They want to learn philosophy, know how to dance, and play music to access the wider world. Someone who realizes that through the arts and through language, they can escape themselves, become somebody else. But it's an illusion. This person will never completely leave behind their social class. It's a person we see a lot in France.
AMB: There are a lot in New York as well. But we also have people who do the inverse, who come from a higher class yet pretend to be of the people. I guess you have that in France too, with the "bourgeois bohémiens."
DP: Yes, the "bobos!" I'm probably one of those.
"You will always have a world that is completely crazy, that is unfair, a world that does as it pleases. But within that world you have moments of grace, moments of poetry, and we must not miss them."
AMB: I suspect I'm more of a Monsieur Jourdain…
DP: Yes! What I wanted to show in this production is that Monsieur Jourdain is very likable. He's ridiculous because he believes that he is really going to become someone else by learning how to dance, philosophize, and play music in a single day. But what is beautiful is his desire for art. He spends everything to learn a little music, to learn a little philosophy, and ultimately, because of this, he supports artists. It's a system that has a ridiculous, mercantile side to it, but it creates art. In the first scene of the play there is an artist who says "we sometimes have to work for imbeciles who don't know anything but we get to work and ultimately there are other people who will hear our music." All this to say that art is never completely clean. To make art, you also need money. There is always something in Moliere about how man is never perfect. You will never have a pure world. You will always have a world that is completely crazy, that is unfair, a world that does as it pleases. But within that world you have moments of grace, moments of poetry, and we must not miss them. Depending on the direction, you can accentuate the absurdity of Monsieur Jourdain or the poetry of him. It's not easy because once you've accentuated the poetry, you lose what was funny and what you gain in comedy you lose in grace. It helps that in this play the music is infinitely graceful.
AMB: So then why is the play presented so often without the music?
DP: Because it's too expensive. Voila. That's all. The Bourgeois Gentilhomme is a character who never stops spending, so the show is naturally expensive.
AMB: I guess that wasn't a problem for Louis XIV.
DP: No, he had no problem! In fact, he wanted just that. At the time the arts were used for political purposes. Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme was meant to dazzle Europe. Louis XIV sent all of the French artists to Italy to study Italian art, which before his reign was considered the superior art, and he created the Academy of Rome for that. Then he brought them all back and made them work so that French art took over as he conquered the world. It's a little like the United States with movies. It's a weapon. It's the most beautiful weapon and, like it or not, masterpieces have been created this way. So, yes, Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme was made to dazzle and that's why he asked Molière and Lully, the best writer of his time and the best musician, even if they hated each other.
AMB: Really, they hated each other?
DP: They didn't get along at all. It was a horrible collaboration.
AMB: That's funny because it seems like a dream team!
DP: No, no, they hated each other. They knew very well they had to work together because they were the best in their fields and they couldn't refuse a command of the king, but Lully was ten times more ambitious than Molière. Lully kept all of the rights and then he prohibited Molière from presenting Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. Lully was a terrible guy. He came from Italy and wanted to have total power. He was sort of the Louis XIV of music and Molière had a really hard time with that.
AMB: What did Louis XIV think of Le Bourgeois gentilhomme at the premiere?
DP: He didn't laugh at all. Molière thought that it was a complete failure. Then, four days later, the king tells him that it was one of his best plays.
AMB: Was it normal for Louis XIV to not laugh at the theater?
DP: No, not really. It was actually because the premiere was at Chambord and it was very cold in the grand ballroom where they presented the show. The king was probably not in a very good mood, he may have been a little sick, and the show was very long. We actually had to cut a lot of the musical parts because for Lully it wasn't a comédie-ballet, it was a ballet accompanied by comedy. Molière, who was playing Jourdain, was probably not in great shape. He could feel that it was going poorly, he was tired from rehearsing so much, and so he probably wasn't very funny himself.
"It is quite moving, someone who wants to be knowledgeable yet knows nothing."
AMB: Can you imagine the horror of being both the actor and the playwright and when the first joke is delivered, no one laughs?
DP: Terrible! And especially when it's the king on whom your life depends. If you don't make him laugh, it's finished for you. Goodbye to your home, goodbye to everything.
AMB: So did Louis XIV see the play again after the premiere?
DP: He had it presented a little while later at Versailles for an important lord. It went very well and then each time it was performed after, it was a huge triumph.
AMB: Your production was presented in France, of course, but also in Belgium, in Russia, in China to very enthusiastic audiences. What is it about this play that is so universally appealing?
DP: I think that we find equivalents everywhere. The theme of the everyman who wants to climb to the higher ranks of society is something that we find in various repertoires. He's not ridiculous at all; he's a very appealing character. Depending on your point of view, it is quite moving, someone who wants to be knowledgeable yet knows nothing. It's like a young schoolboy who has a thirst for knowledge. It's at once funny and magnificent and it's something that exists everywhere.
AMB: In some ways, it is a beautiful thing to not be afraid to play the fool from time to time.
DP: That is exactly our Jourdain. He is not afraid to be kicked in the butt, or to fall in front of everyone and I personally find that very touching. I love Pascal Rénéric, the actor that plays our Jourdain. He has big blue eyes with a naiveté and an incredible energy. That's where the character becomes poetic. If you have an actor that's too old and a little pathetic who learns to dance, there is something degrading about it that I personally don't find funny. But if it's a man who is still a little fat, robust, fairly young, who still has a lot of energy, the music and the genius of Moliere's dialogues just carry him away.
Original interview conducted in French and translated to the English by Amanda MacBlane.
Amanda MacBlane is a senior writer/editor at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.


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Sask creates 2,800 jobs, Canada loses 51,600 in August
September 9, 2018 3:34 pm
Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey report shows that full-time employment in Saskatchewan increased by 2,800 jobs in August 2018 compared to August 2017.
Employment increased by 1,400 jobs in Saskatchewan month-to-month (seasonally adjusted), compared to a loss of 51,600 jobs nationally. Saskatchewans unemployment rate was 6.7 per cent (seasonally adjusted).
Saskatchewan continues to grow, however we remain cautious of headwinds in the labour market created by the federal government, Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said.
Our economic growth continues to be put at risk by trade disputes, the job-killing Trudeau carbon tax, and the federal governments inability to get a pipeline project built that they now own.
Picture (Device Independent Bitmap) 1.jpg
Other August highlights include:
Major year-over-year sector job gains were reported for health care and social assistance up 4,000 jobs; business, building and other support services up 2,900 jobs; and educational services up 2,500 jobs.
Employment in the private sector up 2,900 jobs year-over-year.
Female employment up 2,800 jobs year-over-year.
Youth employment up 800 jobs year-over-year.
Off-reserve Aboriginal employment up 800 jobs for five consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
Aboriginal youth employment in Saskatchewan is up 400 jobs for five consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
The provincial figures are in stark contrast to the national numbers, which show the Canadian economy lost 51,600 net jobs last month in a decrease that helped drive the national unemployment rate to six per cent, up from 5.8 per cent in Julyy.
The drop was fuelled by the loss of 92,000 part-time positions.
Ontario alone lost 80,100 jobs last month.
The Statistics Canada report also showed that average hourly wage growth, which is closely watched by the Bank of Canada ahead of rate decisions, continued its gradual slide last month to 2.9 per cent after expanding 3.2 per cent year over year in July and 3.6 per cent in June.


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Wonky: The Crazy Cubes Card Game
Wonky is a tower-building game that requires patience! It consists of a deck of specialty playing cards and 9 cubes of different sizes. There are three large, three medium, and three small cubes. Essentially, you are dealt a hand of cards and you play a card, stacking the designated block on the tower. Sounds easy, right? Except the cubes actually have uneven or wonky sides! Since you can only play a cube based on the cards you hold, you may have to place a large cube on a small cube, you may have to draw more cards, or you might have to skip a turn or reverse play! The object of the game is to be the player who stacks the last block on the tower, or the first player to play all of their cards. We had only played a few minutes when my game-loving junkie yelled out "I love this game!" The recommended age range is 8+, but it's fairly easy to learn, and non-readers can use the pictures on the cards to play as well. The age recommendation is probably more for patience and motor skills, because younger kids are likely to get frustrated when they make the tower fall, and they're more likely to bump into the table. We've had a lot of fun with this game, and I am thrilled to have it in our game closet!
Tapple: Fast Word Fun for Everyone
Tapple is another exciting game! The game consists of the Tapple Wheel, which has a timer and 20 letters (Q, U, V, X, Y and Z are omitted), and 36 game cards. Batteries are required for game-play. Simply put, you start by choosing a card. The cards have an "easy" and a "difficult" side, and each side has two categories. You pick a category for that round, and then on your turn say a word that starts with any letter on the wheel that hasn't been used and tap the letter before your time is up! It's a fun, competitive, exciting and fast-paced game! It's also aimed at ages 8+ and suggested for 2-8 players. We've been playing with 3 people (mom, dad and 8 year old) and we've had a blast. There are more suggestions on the website for playing with younger players, adding more educational twists to the game, playing on teams, and even more playing categories. This game has a lot of potential for variety and personalizing for your family.
Final Thoughts
These are excellent games. They appear to be high quality, although we've had a little trouble with one letter on Tapple not wanting to remain depressed. It may take several tries for the player to get it to stay down, or it might pop back up, which means the letter appears to still be in use. This is a little distracting, but overall we've still enjoyed the game.
Both games are fun and require a variety of thinking skills, so even though they're top picks around here for family-night, they offer educational value as well. For individuals or families that enjoy games, these would make great gifts. They'd be fun for classrooms or co-ops who use games for small group activities as well. I would certainly recommend both of these games to family and friends!
Be sure to find out more about Wonky and Tapple, as well as other USAopoly games, and definitely read more crew reviews to see how much fun other crew members have had with these games!
Twitter https://twitter.com/USAopoly
Instagram https://instagram.com/usaopoly/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/usaopoly
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/usaopoly/
©2011-2015 Mom's Heart. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://www.moms-heart.com


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Hi ya'll.. Its been a cold and snowy winter in Northern Ontario. Granted, other 'places' south of us did receive quite an accumulation of snow over the past few months but their warmer weather tends to make quick work erasing any evidence. Anyway, the Groundhog didn't see his shadow, which is a good sign even if he has only been right 30% of the time, and the days are getting longer - which makes me smile.
This off-season has been busy. As if you've been following closely, you'll know that we've undertaken the project of making our own Beer. Thus far, we've got 3 batches under our belts and I'd say we're doing quite well. The 2nd batch is an easy drinking beer, light tasting and creamy. The 3rd batch is a special brew - one made specifically for the Hockey team that Denis plays forward on during the winter months. The Killer Strawberries is a Canadore College Rec League team and of course Canadore is alma mater for several of us Burnt Helmets. The official taste test is this weekend, so I'm certain we'll have a basket of feedback on the 'Killer Strawberry Blonde Ale'.
Beer making hasn't been the complete focus, Dave has been dabbling in Journalism with some tasting reviews of a few Craft Brewery Beers - you can read more here. Now, if we can only get him to put down the 'Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout' and grab a pen to write the review!
As for me, well - its been spin class 3 times a week with some weights for core strength. I feel fit, and expect I am about where I thought I'd be. Definately anxious to get on the bike outdoors. However, spin class has been much more social than spinning in the fitness room at home as I find I'm driven to push myself further than I would had I been alone. Regarding the racing season, we've only just begun to discuss options for this year. The MTB OCup schedule has been posted with another new venue for this year's championship and final race. Granted, things will be different but how different remains to be seen.
Thanks for spending your 30 seconds with Scott!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Longer Days, Warmth ahead?!?
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Click on an alumni listing from Pomeroy, OH to find more information about the person.
The listing of alumni from Pomeroy, OH includes graduates from 3 schools. To filter results, select a Pomeroy, OH high school using the links to the right. The Pomeroy alumni list on this page come from a variety of sources. Clicking one of your friends will give you locations that you can get back in touch with the fellow graduate. To view alumni that graduated in Pomeroy around your class year, enter your graduation year in the search box at the top of the page. You may also be able to find friends close to your home town. We also have listings for graduates from Mason, WV, Rutland, OH, or Cheshire, OH.
Approximately 100 of residents in Pomeroy (8%) are the normal age for attending high school (15-19). Also, around 100 Pomeroy residents (3%) are the average age for high school seniors (18-19). Population stats are from the United States Census Bureau.
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42091 Pomeroy Pike
Pomeroy, OH 45769
|Pomeroy, OH
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PGA Catalunya (Stadium) - Northern Spain - Spain
701 Caldes de Malavella,
17455 Girona,
- +34 (0)972 47 25 77
70 km NE of Barcelona
Contact in advance
David Bataller
Angel Gallardo and Neil Coles
Enric Lopez
The Costa Brava is the jewel in the crown of the Eastern Spanish coastline, nestling at the foothills of the Pyrenees and escaping the intense summer heat that burns the more southern parts of Spain. Catalonia (Catalunya), of which the Costa Brava is part, feels at times like a completely different country. The local food is very different - heartier than more southern Spanish fare – and the local Catalonian language has more of a French feel.
A visit to this area of Spain is a must for any golfer as there are a number of excellent courses that all offer thoughtful design in great surroundings. The various designers have created excellent challenges that are usually in superb condition due to the cooler northern climate. The best of these has to be the Stadium (formerly called Green) course at PGA de Catalunya, ranked in Europe's Top 100 ever since it opened at the end of 1998.
The Stadium course is the culmination of more than a decade of planning and design by the European Tour. They wanted to build their own Players Championship course to rival the PGA Tour's Sawgrass course. It has to be said that it was a decade well spent. The PGA is so good that within months of opening, it hosted the 1999 Gene Sarazen World Open and the Spanish Open in 2000. The Spanish Open returned to the Stadium course in 2009 (won by Thomas Levet) and 2014 when veteran Miguel Angel Jiménez extended his own record as the oldest winner in European Tour history winning a three-man play-off.
PGA Catalunya Resort is located 45 minutes north of the wonderful city of Barcelona and only a few kilometres from the regional airport at Girona, although this is never apparent as the course nestles in the Girona mountains just outside the quiet town of Caldes de Malvella. Utilising their combined 25-plus years of European Tour experience, the designers, Angel Gallardo and Neil Coles, have created a wonderful course that is a test for all standards due to the fact that every hole can be played from five different tees. Which is lucky as the course measures more than 6,500 metres from the championship tees.
Once on the first tee, the true majesty of the PGA de Catalunya is immediately apparent with an elevated drive to a dogleg left par four. Trouble waits in front of the tee and only a good, solid shot will provide the ability to reach the green with anything less than a long iron or fairway wood. For the handicap golfer, leaving this green with a bogey must be viewed as an acceptable result. From here on in, the course just gets better and better as it winds its way through the hills. Beautiful green fir trees, lush vegetation, scrub and an abundance of purple heather, frame each hole. The greens are well bunkered, undulating and always in excellent condition. Additionally, there are a number of large lakes on the course, which blend perfectly with the landscape and on some holes, the water is used creatively to form semi-island greens.
There are many "must-see" places in the world and the Stadium course at PGA de Catalunya should be on any serious golfer's "must-play" list. It's an absolute cracker. And their second course, called the Tour, is pretty special too.
In November 2014 the PGA Catalunya Resort was appointed as candidate venue for Spain's bid to host the 2022 Ryder Cup. Spain was one of six countries bidding to stage the tournament – the Stadium Course was originally developed with a view to hosting such a major event. Unfortunately the Catalonian bid was unsuccessful with Italy's capital city of Rome winning the right to stage the 2022 Ryder Cup.
PGA Catalunya is one of our Top 100 Golf Resorts of the World
Reviews for PGA Catalunya (Stadium)
Nice course well prepared but very dificult for high handicaps, the hotel it is also very nice, a golf course you must play.
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It's excellent. Amazing greens, undulating layout. Beautiful lakes, but I just can't put it in the same league as Valderrama. PGA Catalunya gets a lot of traffic, Valderrama doesn't. There were quite a few pitch marks in the greens when we played the stadium course and I've played it 6 times now. So I love it, but Valderrama pips it for me
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The course (design) is true test of golf, I liked it, but it will test at first your driver, both length and accuracy. You have to play a driver from every (yellow, mens') tee, but Par 3's, otherwise you play only for bogey. It is long, that is for sure. Many bunkers served during my visit as water hazards after the thunderstorm the day before, remaining bunkers were unraked and hard like concrete. Not what I would expect for this level of green fee.
Everything else is only disappointment. Course is nested between two highways, so if you are lucky to find a corner sheltered from roaring trucks, than you will be immersed into heavy construction place, full of cranes and trucks. Most of the trees shown on old photos and marketing materials are gone and replaced by mono design villas, often very close to the fairway. Not exactly what I enjoy. It is getting to be a pure resort course.
Talking about amenities, the clubhouse is nice modern design, but food served is only average. Both on site hotels are about the same, average food and very noisy, full of drunk golfing and cycling societies, singing and drinking till very very late night. And driving range closed on Sunday afternoon, if you wish. Should be 41/2 for the course design and 2 for the rest.
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A luxury 5 star resort with quality modern rooms and service to match. The complex contains 36 golf holes, a large state of the art driving range, swimming pool, spa, its own market, a cosy bar as well as fine dining, there is no storage of things to do for the travelling golfer. The real highlight was the 'stadium course'. With more movement in the land than you expect, the course weaves itself through beautifully with most holes using the valleys, manicured pines and water to work it's way around the land. It provided generous landing areas, lovely bunkering (without being to penal) and plenty of movement in the greens. While it was it great condition, it was easy to see this was a championship course (EuropeanTour) and made to test the best by carefully using the hints the course provides and so calculated risks are essential.
This is a really solid golf course with a great routing, a very consistent course in terms of 'no weak holes'. It therefore makes it difficult to determine standout holes, but highlights were the tempting par 5's such as 3, 7, 15 and the rolling par 4's 4, 6, 9, 13, 14 & 17. For the par 3's it was the downhillers with water lurking on holes 5 & 11.
But what really impressed me was how enjoyable and fair it was to play! As I came off the course I realised that not only is it a championship course, but a course that the average golfer enjoy too!
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Visited in march 2019 along with rounds at both Emporda courses and Pals. By far my least favourite of the four. It can work for professionals but huge carries on every hole and massive greens are not a great test of golf as far as I'm concerned. Some very good holes don't make up for a few really bad designs (#9, #16…). But more than that the environment is unpleasant. Cranes and scaffolding noises on almost every hole. The condition is pretty good, bunkers very consistent from hole to hole, greens are true, fairways are lovely. But it's not a good thing when you're actually happy that a round is finished.
This is by no means #4 on the list of best continental Europe courses. A Chantilly, Knokke le Zoute, Valderrama, Sotogrande or Cannes Mougins are far superior in every aspect of the game. If in the area it's a yes, if not not worth a trip.
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This is one of the best courses in Spain and in Europe. The resort is just great. They have villas and a nice hotel to stay very close to the golf course. Superb practice facilities. Just the golf restaurant could serve better dishes.
The Stadium course is a masterpiece as I see it, it saris withe the view from the first tee and lasts till the approach to the 18th green. Some really beautiful holes out there like the signature hole (13). But every single hole is a experience and you will need excellent golf shots for a good score.
Also superb are the greens with 12 on the stimpmeter really quick and undulating.
This is a true golfing experience on the Costa Brava region.
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A golfer immediately gets a heightened sense of challenge just by standing on the Stadium's first tee box. The holes are tight, fraught with danger and significantly longer. There is a palpable demand for accuracy of the tee, and the approach shots are relentless given the deep encroaching bunkers that are thirsty for stray balls.
Compared to the Tour course, the hazards are a huge factor on this course. I was captivated by the dramatic tee shots and changes in elevation. Be prepared for a few blind second shots and an abundance of undulating crowned greens. This course is ready for a major tournament, and there continues to the plans to improve the holes – especially the visuals.
I'm an old fashioned golfer who likes to walk and play fast. At one tee box on the front side, I was able to count 6 different ugly concrete cart paths from my vantage point. A number of other holes have concrete cart paths directly in your line of sight off the tee which is not pleasing to the eye. One could argue that other materials (eg: Astroturf) could have been contemplated when the course was being built to create the warren of paths. On other holes, the busy nearby motorway is in full view. Local politics pose challenges to tree planting and removal to block the traffic and trucks. I wouldn't be surprised if one or two greens are moved in order to re-route certain holes.
This is a very good course which will only get better with time, given the passionate investments being made and the endless budget for improvement. The club and the fantastic people who work here are really committed to achieving excellence in everything they do – both on and off the golf course.
Despite the challenging nature of the Stadium course, there is a variety of tee boxes available to assist with pace of play. What I really loved was the variety of the lengths of the par 3s and 4s. I hope the club doesn't forget that short holes are the greatest and that adding more length is NOT (always) the best way to "improve" a golf course.
Strategy off the tee is significantly better than bashing a driver all day long. A successful championship golf course makes a golfer think twice. The lovely variety adds memorability without sacrificing challenge. The "stadium" feel to each hole will make this an excellent venue for the Ryder Cup – which is the goal of the club. I wish them luck.
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A friend and I played a round on PGA Catalunya's Stadium course on March 21st 2018. The course itself ranks among the very good ones we have played: design, fairways, greens .. all was fine - some bunkers seemed to need some maintenance but nothing that bad given the time of the year.
The very big problem is that a majority of holes are currently surrounded by considerable works in progress, involving the erection of numerous villas sometime very close to the rough zones!.
As a results the immediate environment of the game is more often than not just a nightmare: ugly views, noise, dust, scafoldings, construction machines etc….
And this is likely to last for months!
The shame is that the club gives absolutely no hints of those troubles when booking a tee time and the green fees are still by far the most expensive in the vicinity.
How to rank a course in such conditions?
The experience could be superb and ends up just awful.
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I have played here quite a few times now since my first round back in 2010, so this review is a bit of an update. The Stadium course was an instant hit with me nearly seven years ago and remains so now. I would say that it gets a little better each year and in April 2017 was as good as I have seen it. One very slight negative right now, is that there is construction on a major level around and close to the course, including some of the buggy paths but if we are talking, 'just the course' then I can report that all is very well. My favourite holes are still; the 3rd, 4th, 9th and the 13th. For a course with plenty of rounds (especially when compared to more exclusive Spanish courses), the condition is fantastic, bordering on perfection - the greens this time were so fast and true. Of the 40+ Spanish courses that I have played, this remains the very best for me and a real shame this as a Ryder Cup venue in 2022, missed out to the Italian bid.
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PGA Catalunya combines top level service with world class facilities. The Hotel resort is great with friendly and helpful staff. The practice facility is one of the best I have come across!
The course itself is very good. The conditionning is on par with what you would expect from tour level courses. The greens are fast and true. The layout did not fit my eye perfectly, but that doesn't mean it is not good. It is a typical ''target golf'' layout, with narrow tree-lined fairways. The green complexes and bunkering place a premium on the ''air game'', with very few holes allowing for run-up approaches. That is not inherently bad, but I believe it limits strategy and enjoyment. The set of par 3's is the highlight of the course, as well as the good elevations changes on many tee shots.
It is a great place for a golf holiday!
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Laser.com: innovation for your wellbeing!
Laser.com creates professional equipment for the medical, aesthetic and "home" for training and body care. Laser.com is highly specialization, and has created specific equipment for beauty salons (Aesthetic Medical centers, Physiotherapy and Wellness Centers), with the quality of professional medical industry, with safe and exciting results.
Laser.com invests in research and development, in terms to offer you the best products and most advanced methods to eliminate the skin problems such as wrinkles, stretch marks, skin blemishes, but also to slim, tone, cellulite remove unwanted hair in a natural way, for a bright and well oxygenated epidermis. Laser.com technology is always up-to-date, with non-aggressive, non-invasive, natural, precise, hygienic methods for safe and reliable results.


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I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
by Felicity Heaton
Released: February 22nd 2014
Series: Eternal Mates #2
Published by Self Published
Format: eARC
"Felicity Heaton has out done herself!!! This book is awesome!" ~ Under the Covers
Felicity Heaton has out done herself!!! This book is awesome!
I am super excited about this series. Ms. Heaton had made this world magnificently full of big bad sexy paranormal warriors. Everywhere you look there are sexy dark vamps, elves, shifters, and damn hot demons. She has even added dragons and witches into the mix. Ms. Heaton again wrote an action packed, sinfully sexy and definitely a romantic read. This has to be her best work yet!!!
I did not expect the next hero was Thorne the Demon King. I actually thought it was Bleu since he openly flirted and protected Sable in Kiss by a Dark Prince. Obviously, I was wrong. Sable did have very intense moments with Thorne which totally pissed Bleu off. If you thought there would be a fight to win Sable's hands, you were right. Thorne and Bleu's fight for Sable's heart was super cute, but from the beginning she knew whom she wanted. Nevertheless Bleu's attempt was very sweet just the same.
I looooove Thorne for how he loves and cares. I love that he was observant and always taking notes on how to win and, please his mate. I adored that he respected her and let her be who she is. He acknowledged she was a good warrior. Yet when given the time, he treated her like a total female. Of course, he is super sexy and very strong; a powerful warrior and ruler. Well respected by his followers and the surrounding realms. Sable is one lucky bi*tch. Not only that she has the kick ass career she always wanted, she lands a sexy Demon to boot. Though human, she knows how kick immortal ass. Any heroine that can put up a fight with immortal beings earns my respect. Sable can definitely do that, and with her hidden talent, she adds value during combat.
Honestly, I wasn't too sure on where Ms. Heaton was taking this world to but she made one a thing clear from book one; the hate between the elves, vamps, demons and shifters were strong. She's made this world bigger than what I expected, and it's even clearer the war brewing between the realms. Thorne certainly is the right track trying to make an alliance with the surrounding kingdoms. Though not even close to world peace but surely is a great start.
I'm most excited about the family feud between the pure blooded vamps, Grave and Night. Apparently, they are related to Snow from Vampire Erotic Theatre Romance series. Looks like there are centuries of bad blood there.
Loren's brother, Veil made an appearance. It was brief, but he certainly made his presence known. It's clear that he is messed up in the head. His story is up next and I have a feeling that it will be a heart wrenching one. Thought Ms. Heaton herself mentioned that readers will be upset with his treatment of his mate. I can totally see him being that way. Let's see how Ms. Heaton bring him to his knees long enough to fall for his heroine.
If you like Thea Harrison's Elder Races and Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series, you'll enjoy Ms. Heaton's Eternal Mate series.
Review copy provided by author.
Did you like this review? If so, please tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
I coblog and review here at Under the Covers and occasionally review for Hot Listens.I love to read PNR, UF, Contemporary, New Adult, and Romantic Suspense. Occasionally, I will venture to Erotica, BDSM reads and rarely Historical Romance. There are some sub-genres that I don't always enjoy, but I'm open to stepping out of my comfort zone.For the most part, as long as there's a hint of romance, I'm pretty much in.
Latest posts by Angela (see all)
- ARC Review:Perfect Strangers by J.T. Geissinger - November 7, 2019
- ARC Review: The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco - November 1, 2019
- ARC Review: Rage by Cora Carmack - October 22, 2019


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Today, I heard someone in the restroom who was a fake hand washer. I was inside a stall so I didn't witness everything with my eyes… just heard the goings-on outside the stall. This woman rushed out the stall, placed her hands under the automatic faucet just enough to activate a splash of water, noisily grabbed some paper and rushed out. I have heard plenty of hand washings so I knew that that was just a noisy charade on the part of the woman to make it seem like she was not the dirty creature that she was. I had to resist the urge to shout out as she left, "I know you didn't wash your hands!"
The other time I experienced that, I told my coworkers about it. One pointed out that fake hand washers are worse than the people who did not wash their hands. That latter group might just be clueless about hygiene and do not know better. The fakers know that they are supposed to wash their hands, pretend to do it, and waste paper and water in the process.
If people want to be non-hygienic in private, that's none of my business. However, if they're going to touch public items like door handles, serving utensils, etc., they better keep themselves clean for everybody's sake.


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Emma Ioane
'I want to bring a different element to the legal field, inspire other young Pacific peoples to get into the legal profession...'
Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Pacific Studies
Administrator, College of Education, Health and Human Development, UC
Case Worker, Community Law Canterbury
It was her strong passion for the Law and to see more Pacifika lawyers in Canterbury that inspired Emma to carry on studying at UC after completing her Commerce and Arts undergrad degrees.
Emma's initial study in Human Resource Management began her interest in Human Rights and policies, which would eventually lead to her Law studies.
'I took this because I wanted better knowledge of interpersonal relationships, management and structure within the work place,' she says. 'I feel the skills and attributes are not merely academic but are practical in nature. For example you learn about the benefits and outcomes of building teams and organisational culture within a work place.
'It teaches valuable performance management and training and how to enhance personal growth in the work force which is something that every person who gains employment will at some point face in their career, and there is nothing more valuable than building relationships with others and knowing how to do that in a professional setting.'
Emma's Arts degree in Political Science tied in well with the skills gained from her Commerce degree, with its emphasis on people and the community.
'I had an interest in the NZ political system, and how it works with policy and power that is generated around the political system. It ties in with HR as once again it focuses on ideals, interpersonal relationships and the use of power to create and put systems in place.'
Now studying Law, Emma loves the challenge of her degree, and looks forward to learning about the different avenues of Law.
'I had previously wanted to intertwine my HR knowledge with Employment Law,' she says. 'Since starting the degree it has opened up other avenues to work in the legal field, and help people gain access to justice. I have a particular passion for Human Rights, Public and Commercial Laws.
'Canterbury Law School has some nationally and internationally-renowned teaching staff so I knew my education was in good hands. UC has given me a wide avenue to explore future career pathways.'
Alongside study, Emma is also a volunteer with Community Law Canterbury. The experience has solidified her career goals to one day work in a law firm as a barrister or solicitor, focused on supporting people's rights.
'I want to bring a different element to the legal field. Inspire other young Pacific peoples to get into the legal profession and find ways to access justice for immigrants, especially Pacific people and minority groups.'
She currently supports UC's Pacifika community, as a Pacific Mentor for the Pacific Development Team (PDT).
'This is more social and emotional support, and really helping Pacific students fit into the University, become equipped to handle University life and become involved on campus, and also enable them to be comfortable with studying at Uni,' she says. 'I have also been a Pacific representative for Orientation and volunteered at numerous PDT events. The culture is based around a sense of community and helping each other when it is needed.
'I have also been involved in the PASS programme. It has helped me with tutoring for some of my papers and is a good way to get to know more mature Law students who are further through the degree. Some of them have become good friends of mine following this programme so it has been helpful on more than just an academic level.'
With her journey through university so far, Emma encourages others to go for their interests and see where it takes them.
'You don't have to decide overnight what you want to do with your life. It's often good to plan, and find what interests you and take papers relating to those interests. Seeing a course advisor is very helpful.'
Student profiles
Alexandra Gilchrist
'I can see how applicable and beneficial this programme will be to young professionals...'
Alyssa Labradores
'I found it thrilling having the chance to apply what I've learnt in lectures and create something real for an organisation...'


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Weather forecasting is a combination of science and art. The first is the collection of information, measurements and data, the second is the art of interpretation.
Thus, having a wide range of sources of forecast information and interpretations is very helpful. It is similar to having second opinions from Doctors or Lawyers.
mediaWEATHER.tv has been conceived and compiled by Tim Desbois who has combined a life as a professional Pilot of both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, with being the principal Aerial Co-ordinator at Flight Logistics - Film and TV aviation.
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Why review sites are good for your business.
Review sites are everywhere these days.
Want to book a holiday? Look and compare your choices on a review site. Looking at a major purchase for your home? New TV or kitchen appliances maybe, then you have a huge choice of review and selling sites to pick from.But making a decision that not only affects your business financially, but potentially one that could either hamper or encourage growth is a different matter.
When you run a MSP, you provide your years of skills, collective knowledge of your and your team along with and those little nuggets of weird information that you pick up along the journey, that no-one would teach you.
You also provide your clients with a framework of tools, services and processes to not only make their infrastructure run smoothly, but makes that client a happy, profitable one for your business. Getting more of those is the holy grail of being a Managed Service Provider and allows you to attract better staff, better clients and grow your business as the professional business owner you are.
But what happens when you start out as an MSP, or are looking at the next product or service to improve how you deliver your support solution?
If like most of the industry, you speak to other MSP business owners that you know and trust. You get their opinions. Then you go out, look at some products, maybe watch a few webinars and then get inundated with offers and products for all that information you signed up for.
As a business owner in an MSP, I know how frustrating it can be and how it can cloud your judgement to have constant interruptions from vendors and suppliers tight on a deadline to get new business signed up.
By using sites such as MSP Comparison, as part of your process, you suddenly have access to more than the group of MSP business owners you know. You have access to opinions, ratings and guidance from MSP business owners and employees just like you and your team, worldwide.
According to Forbes, 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. These people are your peers, your industry colleagues. Not only are they the business owners who you look upto, they are also the business owners and startups that lookup to you.
Some of these sites have their tie-ins, some have their listings and opinions as extras to the main focus of their site purpose. Sites such as MSP Comparison, provide to the MSP industry independent and industry specific listings of products and services that help you make the correct decisions when looking to add in a new product or if through growth, you need the next step up to help create a stable business framework to grow into.
We provide MSP Comparison as a tool to help the industry and with your help, by adding your review ratings and information about how a product works (or doesn't) for you, we can help those who want to offer the best they can to their clients.
The products that don't come upto scratch, feed back to the vendors with your honest valuable feedback and ratings. You can always come back and add updates when they take your feedback on board and improve their offering.
If we don't have it, let us and your vendors know. Vendors can add their own information directly, making sure that the data is accurate, pricing is upto date and new updates and releases are made known.
With your help and contributions into MSP Comparison, we can all lift the industry for the betterment not only of our clients, but for us, the MSP business owner. Creating standards for those to achieve that will ultimately increase how business sees our industry.
We are not just I.T people. We are Managed Service Providers that support businesses of all types, all sizes worldwide. We are the trusted technology partner of our clients and our success in what we achieve allows our clients to achieve their success.
Don't be just the "computer guy", be a part of the industry and help it growth through your feedback to help others looking for guidance.


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The outlook is bleak. One by one, counties around West Virginia are notifying teachers – and related service personnel – that they no longer have a job.
This is what we counted:
- Boone County: 77 positions (60 teachers, 17 service personnel)
- Cabell County: 61 positions
- Kanawha County: 25 positions (four employees at the Garnet Career Center and 21 teacher aid positions within the district)
- McDowell County: 30 positions (15 professionals including teachers and administrators)
- Fayette County: 18 positions
- Mingo County: 65 positions (including 20 teachers)
That's a total of 276 positions eliminated.
A state budget shortfall and dwindling coal tax revenues have been blamed.
Boone County is at the heart of the coal mining region – good and bad news since the industry has historically supported the community and its residents, but no more.
Coal's epic decline is literally touching classrooms there. School district officials have confirmed that in addition to the layoffs, three elementary schools will be closed.
That's because tax revenues – again, primarily derived from coal mining – are down by about half, according to officials, who say they have dropped from more than $8 million to just about $4 million in the last year.
These are permanent cuts, thanks to the district's rapidly declining enrollment that's occurring as families that once depended on a coal-based economy leave for new homes and jobs.
McDowell, Fayette and Mingo Counties:
It's a cycle that is being repeated in other communities, including McDowell County which has already been struggling with crippling unemployment rates, poverty and drug abuse.
A total of 30 positions – 15 professionals, including teachers and administrators, and the rest are service personnel – are now being cut and won't be part of the new year when schools reopen for the fall.
District officials report the system is facing a $1.5 million cut in local and state funding.
Declining enrollment – about 100 student annually for the last four years – is tied to the loss of funding. Fayette schools are losing 18 positions, while Mingo County is cutting 65 jobs – including 20 teaching positions.
Cabell and Kanawha Counties:
Last month, the Cabell County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve 61 layoffs and 97 transfers for professional and service employees.
At that time, BOE members approved 48 reductions in force – or RIFs – and 83 transfers of professional staff, as well as 13 RIFs and 14 transfers of service personnel.
The changes stem from continued enrollment decline, as well as an expected loss of $2.6 million in state funding when the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Kanawha County will lay off 25 employees at the end of the current school year – including four employees at the Garnet Career Center, and 21 teacher aid positions within the district.
Giving up, however, is not an option.
It is an eerily familiar scenario to Boone County Education Association President Jerry Pcholinsky who grew up around the steel mills near Pittsburgh.
He still vividly recalls the downward cycle as jobs were lost, families forced to relocate and communities changed forever.
Now, it's happening again to an area – and most especially, people – that Pcholinsky adopted as his own more than 30 years ago.
"Just being here and seeing the changes in the coal industry, you get to see and feel how it is when things change with mining. And for a lot of years, it was very, very good and money for our schools wasn't nearly so much of a problem," he said.
Mine layoffs in the entire region haven't been a surprise as the industry continues to plummet, so educators were prepared for budget cuts.
Talking about and planning for layoffs is one thing—but seeing colleagues lose jobs, schools close and students move is a whole different story, he said.
"We have been planning and working together. We will still be here for the students and do our very best for them. But now that so much is really happening, it is devastating on a lot of levels," Pcholinsky said.
"But don't count us out. We'll be here," he said.


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Consulting detective Mr. Sherlock Holmes in subzero Northern Scandinavia, featuring a female Dr. Watson from Finland, and the coldest Moriarty you have ever seen.
Based on the unforgettable characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock North is a contemporary crime fiction television series, which will consist of 10 one-hour episodes. The series, produced by Snapper Films, is being developed in collaboration with the Conan Doyle Estate Limited.
Created by Juha Wuolijoki
Written by Jenny Dahlström, Jari Olavi Rantala, Juha Wuolijoki


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The new targets from Praetor Defense go on sale next month on line. There are a lot of shooters who would prefer an anatomically correct target (for a number of reasons), and these should serve. Apparently in the future they will also be releasing versions that feature a target that is side-on and turned part way. Follow them on Twitter for updates.
New Targets from Praetor Defense
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For commercial landlords it's key to note that in two months' time, the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) deadline, set out in the Energy Act, will be with us.
The coming MEES requirements are fundamentally shaking up the UK commercial property sector, and there is now only limited time for landlords to react. An energy inefficient estate is about to become a serious headache.
A leading insurance company advises swift action: "Lower rated commercial properties will not only become less attractive to future occupants, but may suddenly become illegal to rent out without energy-saving upgrades in place to bring them up to the required level.
"With fines of up to £150,000 for non-compliance, it is essential that property owners are aware of the new regulations."
The bottom line; the new MEES rules, which come into force from April 1, 2018, mean that it will be unlawful to let or lease a commercial property with a poor energy rating.
Why MEES?
The built environment has been identified by the Government as a leading contributor to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, it must act to reduce GHG so it can meet its legally binding carbon reduction targets for 2020 and 2050.
The Government estimates that 18% of commercial properties hold the lowest Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of F or G. MEES requires all buildings to achieve at least an 'E' rating before they can be leased or rented.
The rules come into force for new lets and renewals of tenancies with effect from 1st April 2018 and for all existing tenancies on 1st April 2020.
It's important to note that the minimum requirement may be raised in the future.
How to react to MEES?
A leading property advice website, rather succinctly, advises that now is the time to undertake an energy efficiency programme. That may not seem simple, but there are in fact many fast acting, quick payback opportunities out there that can solve MEES challenges fast.
Priva UK's heating control systems are just one such example. The Priva Blue ID building energy management system improves the accuracy of heating control across commercial estates.
Priva realises that in these rapidly changing times, commercial landlords are now faced with the challenge of achieving a sustainable building, combined with an optimum working climate for the lowest possible operating costs.
Meanwhile, legislation like MEES will likely continue to impose ever stricter requirements; building owners can expect more such laws to come in the future.
Therefore, the recommendation has to be; consider how futureproofed your commercial rental estate is, not just when MEES arrives in April, but for many more years to come.
Intelligent buildings management systems will cut CO2 emissions, minimise legislative risk and deliver a more profitable building, desirable to commercial tenants.
With April just around the corner, now really is the time to act.


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The Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2016 collection was inspired by diningware and kitchen elements. Will we wear it? Read our review here!
Review | Collection
Schiaparelli Spring Summer 2016 fashion show, 'A Gala dinner… or the pleasures of tasting' was held as a part of Paris Fashion Week. The collection, inspired by kitchen and gourmet feasting was showcased in the backdrop of diningware, while a pattern of kitchen objects formed the runway floor:
"Eating is not merely a material pleasure. Eating well gives a spectacular joy of life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship. It is of great importance to the morale." Elsa Schiaparelli, Shocking Life, 1954
The theme was set nicely into the collection, as dining table motifs and culinary inspiration were seen a lot. A set of sequin kettles embroidered on a jacket, a kitchen garden pattern embroidered onto a dress, common vegetables on a top and ornamental dinnerware printed on a skirt – As the fashion house describes – "The very essence of Haute Couture is about creating the extraordinary out of the ordinary."
Original and thought-provoking. And very cool. Even so, the kitchen theme will keep me from wearing it. I can visualize perhaps, Miley Cyrus rocking a lobster top or a vegetable garden crop jacket. But as a fashion girl living in a third world country where a girl's everyday life is about fighting gender stereotypes, I wouldn't wear a dress with dinnerware motif. A sequin top with some green peas and turnips to show my commitment to vegetarianism, maybe:
And I can even imagine wearing some of these pieces and having a cooking party with my friends involving root vegetables. But a skirt with a pattern inspired by a dining table top – no, I wouldn't. Because that would mean to reinforce the female stereotype, to remind people who believe that kitchen and dining are a female's domain that that's all a woman can do because her fashion proves it. And because 'I wanna look like the 'before' version of Cinderella', said no little girl ever!


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November 30, 2006
Are 21st-century conservatories training musicians for orchestras of the 20th century?
I recently had the privilege of spending about two hours with a group of students from the Curtis Institute of Music, most of them majoring in orchestral instrument performance (but some composers and keyboard players were among them as well). The subject which I was asked to address was, broadly stated, "where are orchestras headed?"
I have to tell you how encouraging this time was. To be in a room with about 30 young music students who actually cared - cared passionately - about symphony orchestras, and their role in society, their ability to connect with the next generation of audiences, their willingness to be flexible. I spoke for about a half-hour, and then engaged in discussion for the remaining time. I spoke about the need for orchestras to re-think how concerts are presented, especially to younger audiences who grew up in a television/video age. I spoke about the need for orchestras to connect to communities, for orchestras to be willing to help audiences understand this art form (the way audio guides help us in the museum). After going over the challenges facing orchestras, I said the following:
"So what does this mean to you - musicians who may well be going out into the field of orchestras to make your profession? I think above all it means not only being open to a more flexible view of what the concert experience should be, but in fact being active participants in shaping that future. It means interacting with managements and boards in a positive way - which doesn't mean you won't negotiate contracts aggressively and passionately, but it does mean you'll also interact with them throughout the year in a positive way. You will be open to new ways of the music being presented on stage, and you will be open to new ways of working in communities. You might, if it suits your talents, be asked to speak publicly, or teach, or interact with community groups. If orchestras are going to connect with their communities, this may mean sometimes getting outside of the norm of 80-100 musicians appearing on one stage in a concert hall.What was so encouraging was the students' receptiveness to these ideas - and, in the discussion, the contribution of their own ideas and energy. It does make one feel that the future is very strong and secure.
It is likely that we will have to find new ways of using technology too. The old idea of technology - specifically recordings - being a major source of income for musicians and orchestra managements is over; it now must be seen as a way of distributing the music to a wider audience - not as a cash cow. All of this cannot happen to its full effectiveness without musicians as part of the thinking - and it cannot happen without a flexible approach from all."
This topic is of course widely discussed in our field on an ongoing basis--what should musician training actually entail? It is the League's belief that orchestras and conservatories and schools of music need to be in frequent dialogue to ensure that music students are receiving a complete education, beyond performance. Here is a link to a SYMPHONY Magazine article by Susan Elliott, which explores how orchestras and higher education institutions are addressing this issue.
Posted by hfogel at November 30, 2006 4:37 PM
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You wrote: You will be open to new ways of the music being presented on stage....
That's a marvelously -- and dangerously -- ambiguous and ill-defined exhortation. It could mean anything from the imbecile notion of presenting pop and rock acts on the same stage with a symphony orchestra in concert to something as innocuous as orchestra musicians dressing in everyday dark suits or dresses rather than the formalwear now the typical norm.
What exactly did you actually have in mind?
Posted by: A.C. Douglas at November 30, 2006 6:40 PM
I can assure you that I did not mean presenting pop and rock acts on the same stage with a symphony orchestra. The possibilities are many and varied - and must always keep in mind not distracting from the artistic experience of the music. It can mean conductors speaking to the audience, whether to explain a new piece, or tell the audience why they happened to put a particular program together. It can certainly mean replacing white tie and tails with something less forbidding. It might mean using a screen to project a pianist and the keyboard, so the entire audience can see the contact between pianist and piano rather than just those on the left side of the house. It can mean that a program of music inspired by Shakespeare includes actors reading brief scenes from Shakespeare related to the music. These are just a few possible approaches - I think that orchestras need to explore a variety of approaches to vary the concert experience, to remove the sameness of ritual that hangs over many concerts. All of these things are being tried in different ways at different orchestras - and I would encourage that experimentation, and would encourage an open mind and willingness to accept some change among those in the audience.
Henry Fogel
Posted by: Henry Fogel at November 30, 2006 11:04 PM
How is it an imbecilic notion to have an orchestra share a stage with a rock band? How would the juxtaposition of rock and classical music be any different from juxtaposing an avant garde piece by Morton Feldman or Pierre Boulez next to a symphony by Beethoven? Is Elvis Costello's recent foray into the orchestral milieu an imbecilic idea or something that orchestras should consider as a way to expand the horizons of their audience?
Posted by: Ben Loeb at December 4, 2006 1:11 AM
It is imbecilic to mix classical symphonic music with rock for many reasons. 1. Classical music is acoustic, not electronic, as is rock. The two don't mix as one sound source is from instruments and the other is from speakers. 2. Rock music is dominated by mostly imbecilic rhythym and has little else to give beyond noise. 3. Rock music is commercial entertainment, classical music is art. 4. Rock music lacks form and thematic development and most other characteristics of classical music. 5. Classical music is based on fundamental precepts such as beauty and rock music is the opposite, based on precepts of noise, ugliness, animalism, raunch, egotism, greed and so on. 6. Classical music requires a great deal of thought, care, technique and training. Rock music requires energy, limited technique, a great deal of shallow thought, and not necessarily any training whatsoever. How someone could think they are at all compatible would seem to betray a complete lack of substantive thought.
As for telling students at the Curtis Institute that their perhaps most-cherished institution and dream, the symphony orchestra, cannot survive on its own merits is, to me, destructive, and unnecessary, and plants doubts and seeds of fear in vulnerable minds. It is sad how little faith administrators have in music. Granted, the youth of today are different, but the work is in teaching them, teaching to make distinctions, to think beyond the obvious, to not be puppets of mass merchants and technology, to look for beauty and substance and higher quality, to preserve their sense of hearing, and to also wait for them to be mature enough to appreciate what is there for them. There are reasons for symphony audiences to be older: the cost, the advance planning, the calmer energy, the emotional maturity and greater need for what the music has to give. We have to make sure they remember to come. We have to reclaim our place in the mass media whatever it is or will be. We have to proclaim unashamedly that not all things are equal, some things are inherently greater than others. We have to maintain cultural authenticity in our performances. We have to not get in between the audience and the music. It is appalling to come to a concert and be talked to by the conductor as if we can't understand or appreciate what we're going to hear. Who came up with the ridiculous idea of an "animateur?" and using such a nonsensical term? Talk about creating barriers to clarity. Now I'm starting to ramble, so I'll go with one more thought: non-profit organizational structures, theory, and its practitioners is killing music as much as anything else.
Posted by: SDZ at January 21, 2007 10:02 PM
I had a much longer response composed, detailing why my attitudes as a working conductor and professor of music are pretty much diametrically opposed to SDZ's, as enumerated in the post above. But then I hit 'preview' to read through it before I actually posted, and the whole page went away: the posting code on this page sucks. Thus, I go with the more pithy:
SDZ: you are an ignorant elitist. Educate thyself.
Posted by: SS at January 25, 2007 3:34 PM
Let's face it--young musicians are being educated in a more open-minded way than we were: very strictly classical, as opposed to being exposed to audiences of wider tastes these days, and presenters whose willingness to bend a bit to accommodate the varied ages they are targeting today. Today's younger audiences have 30 years more listening-to-the-radio and cd experience than the typical classical audiences of yesteryear, so the training of young musicians is thus more open-minded (atleast from what I hear and see at my concerts).
Sharing the stage means different things to different people. Sharing the idiom is another story: I was speaking with an orchestra manager yesterday--we chatted about various things. As soon as I mentioned Keith Emerson and his piano concerto, the tone of the conversation changed. He lit up the conversation, and was so excited. He said his orchestra played with the Moody Blues, Yes, and others. He remembered the London Philharmonio/Emerson, Lake and Palmer recordings--this was truly someone who came from the generation that simply couldn't ignore the sounds around him. Was his orchestra now ready to embrace works like the Emerson Concerto? Does he want to attract the 40+ crowd to buy tickets to the orchestra concerts--the same age group that was hooked on ELP, Yes, Moody Blues? You bet. Can Gershwin and Emerson be programmed on the same concert? You bet. How about Ginastera and Emerson? Absolutely!What's music to one person may not be to the next--and vice versa. What we are finding out is that most pop composers were initially classically trained, and know more about the classics than we could have imagined. Peter Tork, of the Monkees, has shared some profound classical music insights with me--the likes of which I would not have imagined during the 1960s buying The Monkees series of LPs! Don't be fooled--there's a great resource with these artists, and co-mingling the styles onstage with them is a good thing when done properly.
Posted by: Jeffrey Biegel at March 2, 2007 6:10 AM


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Talking openly about an abortion is rare. Talking openly about your late-term abortion is even more so. Talking openly on a performance stage about your late-term abortion is …
Well, it may be something that only Nicole Stewart has ever done.
It certainly wasn't her plan when the performance was scheduled. "I thought I'd be telling happy, funny pregnancy stories," said the 34-year-old resident of Dallas' Lakewood area.
Nicole is the founder of Oral Fixation, a local theater series featuring true-life storytelling. Each show is loosely themed on a figure of speech. And last spring, Nicole was so overjoyed at being pregnant that she picked "Bun in the Oven" for the start of Oral Fixation's third season in October.
But happy and funny were not to be.
She and her husband went in for the routine first sonogram at 20 weeks of pregnancy. "We went just to find out the sex of the baby," she said, "and we found out so much more."
The sonogram revealed a number of abnormalities in the baby boy. More tests followed. Doctors brought up termination of the pregnancy. And Nicole was devastated. "This was the hardest thing I ever dealt with in my whole life," she said.
Ultimately, an MRI confirmed the worst. "The entire brain was abnormal," she said. Another sonogram showed that fluid was building up in the brain and lungs. "The baby was going to stop being able to swallow and essentially drown."
After much conversation and consultation, the couple decided on an abortion. Nicole was about 22 weeks along.
This was last June. And it so happened that at the very time, the Texas Legislature was debating a bill to forbid such an abortion. It would move the time limit from 24 to 20 weeks.
Not knowing much about the political process, Nicole was panicked that the law might be passed and take effect immediately. "I was already under such an incredible amount of stress," she said.
She learned that it would take effect later. But still, the timing was stunning to her. On the day of her preliminary visit to the abortion clinic, she listened to a live feed of state Sen. Wendy Davis' filibuster.
"The moment I clicked on that live stream, she was talking about me. She was describing my situation," Nicole said. "She was talking about women who go in for their standard 20-week sonogram and find out that the fetus is abnormal."
By now, we only talk of Davis' filibuster as a legislative tactic and political springboard. But for Nicole, it's still all about the substance of Davis' words that day.
"The main reason I have told my story is that I don't think a majority of people understand why a woman would want to or need to have an abortion after 20 weeks," she said.
"That's really all I care about getting out there — that this is not an irresponsible decision. It's not a decision against life. It's a decision that is medically driven and really should be between a doctor, her patient and the husband — period."
The new Texas law does create an exemption to the 20-week ban for "severe fetal abnormality," but Nicole is concerned that the government gets to define that rather than doctors and patients.
The Texas ban is based on the argument that a fetus can feel pain after 20 weeks. That's an issue still at play in federal courts — including the U.S. Supreme Court last week. But it's a settled matter in Nicole's mind.
"The care that I received at the clinic was such that I was never in pain, so I trust that the baby wasn't either," she said. An injection had stopped the baby's heart the day before the abortion.
Nicole shudders at being forced to carry a dying baby to full term. "Every day that I had that baby inside me, knowing that he didn't have a chance for a happy, healthy life, was a very, very sad day. Every day, every second. It was heartbreaking. I can't even imagine having to go weeks or months longer."
Even now, even after that public performance of her story and seeing it spread far on YouTube, she has to pause at times, close her eyes and steel herself to repeat the details. But she feels an obligation.
"The whole purpose for me of personal storytelling is to be as boldly transparent as possible so that we're in true communication with one another," she said.
"I'm not a political person. I don't keep up with politics. I don't engage in arguments about politics. But what I can do is tell the truth about what's happening in my life. That's why I told my story."
Follow Steve Blow on Twitter at @DMNSteveBlow and on Facebook at Facebook.com/DMNSteveBlow.
See Stewart's YouTube presentation


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Angela Merkel and German Exports
One of the big surprises in this recession has been Germany, both negatively and positively. Its economy was among the world's worst-hit. GDP is down 6.4 percent since its 2008 peak, and the depth of Germany's banking crisis is second only to America's. Now Germany is one of the first rich nations to emerge from recession.
Export orders are rebounding, GDP is up 0.3 percent in the second quarter, and unemployment started dropping again in July. So are things back to normal for Europe's biggest economy? That's what Chancellor Angela Merkel would like Germans to believe in the final stretch of the campaign leading up to the national election on Sept. 27.
Despite big questions about the sustainability of the export-driven economic model at a time when the major consuming nations, like the U.S., are in semipermanent decline, the chancellor insists that others could do worse than copy Germany's model. At the G20 summit in Pittsburgh later this month, she plans to tell the assembled leaders that they, too, should adopt the "social market economy." In August, a joint report by leading German economists defended the country's business model—including its dependence on exports for growth. Merkel herself insisted in July on a tour of German factories that Germany must remain "world export champion."
The question that few German politicians ask, however, is whether that model might itself be broken. The country's recent economic success has been almost entirely dependent on an innovative and super-competitive export sector, now generating 48 percent of German GDP, that has flooded the world with sophisticated products from industrial machinery to construction equipment and chemicals. The highly regulated domestic economy, on the other hand, has been virtually stagnant: 80 percent of Germany's GDP growth since 2000 has come from net exports, while domestic retail sales have been flat since the 1990s. The most striking feature of Germany's export prowess is that two decades of riding an unprecedented wave of global demand for German goods has utterly failed to kick-start any recovery of the domestic consumer economy, or increase long-stagnating wages. Instead, the country has racked up a rising trade surplus, reaching 6 percent of GDP in 2008.
These German surpluses, along with China's and Japan's, are the flip side of the debt-fueled booms in the U.S., Britain, Spain, and other countries with which Germany happens to have big trade surpluses. "It's not really coherent to argue that your model is the best when your export surpluses are dependent on the profligacy of others," argues Simon Tilford of London's Centre for European Reform. The fact that these countries now need to save more and spend less is one reason German exports are still 20 percent below last year's peak. Indeed, many of those countries hope to regrow their own economies off the back of rising exports.
In the past, Germany has taken steps now and then to fire up its domestic consumer economy, for example, by liberalizing telecoms and allowing weekday-evening shopping. But sectors like medicine, personal services, and education remain protected and starved of investment. Under Merkel, the average total tax rate rose from 50.7 percent in 2005 to 53.3 percent in 2009, drawing an additional €50 billion a year out of consumers' pockets. Impediments to entrepreneurship remain high; in the World Bank's index that measures the ease of starting a business, Germany ranks 84th.
Germany even has a small-business party, the Free Democrats, that has long protected many of the domestic sectors from reform. While changing these policies would be a slow and tedious process, it would ultimately help move both Germany's and Europe's economies toward a healthier balance.
Merkel's bravado is good electioneering but can't hide the need for reform. Bearish economists like Paul Krugman see Germany turning into Europe's Japan—an aging, shrinking country with an anemic domestic economy dependent on an explosive cocktail of accumulating export surpluses channeled into risky lending abroad. That would make Germany a drag on Europe's economy for years, if not decades.
And it's not even certain that Germany can once again export its way out of the present slump. Global green shoots don't signal anything near a robust recovery, and even Germany's own Bundesbank has warned that the country won't reach pre-crisis GDP until 2013. All that slack in Germany's economy could create a big problem for Merkel after the election. Her defense of the German export model, as well as her near-total abandonment of domestic reforms, make it clear that there is no plan B.