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The left's plan has always been very simple. Find a grievance or create a crisis, in whatever order, and then cash in on it. Whether it's the economy or the murder of children, the left's response to any tragedy is to find a way to shamelessly try and cash in.
Recently a woman was charged with falsely raising money by claiming to be setting up a fund for some of the dead children of Newtown. This is the sort of thing that's illegal if you're an ordinary person, but perfectly acceptable if you happen to run the American Red Cross which raised a ton of money on the backs of hurricane victims, another fund that raised money for the victims of the Batman shootings and then decided not to give it to them, and Bill Clinton who has claimed another success in Haiti.
In April 2010, Mr. Clinton was named co-president of the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission, referred to as the I.H.R.C. Two months later, at a luxury hotel in the hills above Port-au-Prince, the commission held its first meeting. It would hold only six more, though, before the Haitian Parliament declined to renew its mandate and it faded into history, its Web site decommissioned and its public records erased with it.
"As a tool for Bill Clinton, the commission was good; it helped him attract attention to Haiti," said Dr. Boulos, a commission member. "As a tool to effectively coordinate assistance and manage the reconstruction, it was a failure."
Bill Clinton, the United Nations special envoy for Haiti, invoked the "build back better" mantra he had imported from his similar role in South Asia after the tsunami. And Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton cautioned donors to stop working around the government and instead work with it, and to stop financing "a scattered array of well-meaning projects" rather than making "deeper, long-term investments."
"One area where the reconstruction money didn't go is into actual reconstruction," said Jessica Faieta, senior country director of the United Nations Development Program in Haiti from 2010 through this fall.
Moreover, while at least $7.5 billion in official aid and private contributions have indeed been disbursed — as calculated by Mr. Clinton's United Nations office and by The Times — disbursed does not necessarily meant spent. Sometimes, it simply means the money has been shifted from one bank account to another as projects have gotten bogged down.
That is the case for nearly half the money for housing.
Cashing in. That is what it's all about. Pile up the dead and make your money and grab your power. And then wait to do the same thing to the next crisis and the one after that.
In Commentary, Max Boot has written yet another defense of the Arab Spring, now deep in its Islamist Winter.
"France, after all, transitioned from absolute monarchy by way of the French Revolution and its Reign of Terror… and, finally, in 1958 the overthrow of the Fourth Republic and the birth of the Fifth Republic which has lasted to this day."
So all we have to is wait around a mere 160 years and the Arab Spring will yield a bounty of productive and civil democracies.
.... No, Don't Have Patience With the Arab Spring
Haitian villagers have resorted to eating dirt. "In places like Cite Soleil, the oceanside slum where Charlene shares a two-room house with her baby, five siblings and two unemployed parents, cookies made of dirt, salt and vegetable shortening have become a regular meal.
Labor Secretary Hilda Solis on Thursday announced a $2.2 million grant that will be used to strengthen budding labor unions in Haiti and Peru.
Who needs food when you've got unions?
And for once we're not talking about students, but the Ivy League institutions that run our country.
While Harvard is the wealthiest university in the country, it also has $6 billion in debt, the most of any private college
Overall debt levels more than doubled from 2000 to 2011 at the more than 500 institutions rated by Moody's
The pile of debt — $205 billion outstanding in 2011 at the colleges rated by Moody's — comes at a time of increasing uncertainty in academia.
Any more questions about our national debt? If we really were governed by a dozen random people from the Boston phone book instead of the faculty of Harvard, this would not be happening.
Before the original Gulf War, Kerry urged Bush I to give Saddam Hussein room to back off, negotiating an Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait in exchange for allowing Iraq to make a claim on some Kuwaiti territory and proposing some Israeli concessions as well. He claimed that threatening Saddam "stiffened Iraq's resolve and weakened America's."
After the war, Kerry turned into a hawk, saying of Bush that, "The administration has basically sided with Saddam Hussein" and demanded that Saddam be tried for environmental terrorism. During the Clinton Administration, Kerry called for using ground troops to force Saddam out of power. It was no surprise at all when during the Bush Administration, Kerry flipped in reverse, going from a strong supporter of the war to a strong opponent of it.
Ladies and Gentlemen, your next Secretary of State.
This is what I love about progressives. They're such moral people that they are opposed to the death penalty, but will begin drawing up lists of who should be killed at the drop of a hat.
This differentiates them from most people who support the death penalty for murderers, but don't aspire to be murderers themselves and do not have lists of people they think should be killed. Particularly not people whose only crime is having different beliefs than them.
But this is why we should let progressives run our societies. It worked in Russia. It worked in China. It worked in Cambodia. It worked in Cuba.
How can it not work out here? What's the worst that could happen? A few million dead at the hands of cretins who think that the death penalty is immoral unless they get to draw up the lists of who should be killed.
Progressive Professor Demands Death Penalty for Global Warming Skeptics and the Pope
A team from West Middlesex University Hospital said violent crime is on the increase – and kitchen knives are used in as many as half of all stabbings
They consulted 10 top chefs from around the UK, and found such knives have little practical value in the kitchen.
None of the chefs felt such knives were essential, since the point of a short blade was just as useful when a sharp end was needed.
The researchers say legislation to ban the sale of long pointed knives would be a key step in the fight against violent crime.
Satire is dead. Anything you can think of has already been proposed.
1. Al Nusra has stopped trying to pretend that it's not Al Qaeda. They are now openly calling themselves the soldiers of Osama.
2. Al Qaeda wants Obama to intervene in Syria.
3. This isn't just about Syria, it's about Greater Syria, a territory that includes Syria, Israel, Lebanon, a piece of Turkey, and Iraq.
What that means is when Assad falls the conflict moves into its next stage. Our "good Syrian rebels" already have a deal with the Salafi militias. The Muslim Brotherhood will set up its government in Damascus and suck up Western aid. The Salafis will hold a number of cities and towns, and will continue killing Christians, enforcing Islamic law, etc, but will begin focusing on the next phase of a Greater Syria program.
So phase 2 is likely to be Jordan, Lebanon or Iraq.
Well that's just great.
On March 21, 2003 his arrest was ordered by Økokrim, the Norwegian law enforcement agency for financial crime, to ensure he did not leave the country while accusations that he had financed terrorist attacks using Norway as a base were investigated. Court proceedings against Krekar were however dropped when it proved impossible to prove his connections with the terrorist attacks staged in Iraq by Ansar al-Islam during his leadership.
Any day now...
Krekar told the Kurdish magazine Awene that he wants to return to Iraq to fight openly against the Iraqi government and the coalition, but that he lacked travel documents from the Norwegian government. He confirmed to a Norwegian newspaper that he had been correctly quoted. The Norwegian minister of labour and migration, Bjarne Håkon Hanssen, responded that Krekar could leave at any time and that he would be given "travel documents within the day. He'll also get money for airline tickets, taxi cab, and the whole deal. If he really wants to go, that is." Krekar is still living in Norway.
Norwegian Court Strikes Down Terror Charges for Founder of Iraqi Al-Qaeda Affiliate
We are not at a point in history where conservatives enforce traditional morality, but where we resist the enforcement of progressive morality.
Social mores are a political vehicle for the left. Neutrality is not an option. The left is not interested in some kind of libertarian sexual revolution based on the values of individual choice. The left uses revolutions in all spheres of human activity as a means of destroying existing institutions and replacing them with its own totalitarian approaches to doing things.
"Should Conservatives become Competent Liberals?"
New Poll Shows Hamas Will Win Presidential Elections
Former Al Qaeda in Mali Member Accuses Terrorist Group of Racism
This is a serious subject and if Islamic terrorists fail to take immediate action they risk losing the support of the left which could impact the number of pro bono lawyers available to them and the number of media columnists willing to write flattering profiles of them
US Government Paying for Birth Control, Abortion and Sex Changes for Illegal Aliens
Saudi Arabia Arrests 41 People for "Plotting to Celebrate Christmas"
EPA Chief Steps Down After Secret Email Account is Exposed
Mubarak Lawyer Claims Hamas Broke Morsi Out of Prison
Benghazigate Officials Fake Resignations, Go On Working Anyway
Obama Hijacks 500 Million from National Health Research Budget to Promote Diversity
UN Increases Budget by 5 Percent
Egypt Credit Rating Downgraded to "Junk" Status
Sudanese Islamists Financing Genocide by Wiping Out Africa's Elephants
Cameroon's Special Forces have been deployed to foil an imminent raid by Sudanese poachers who for eight weeks earlier this year slaughtered half the population of elephants for their ivory at one of the country's wildlife reserves.
The heavily armed and well coordinated poachers, who had told local villagers of their plans to kill as many elephants as possible, claimed they had killed as much as 650 out of some 1,000 that roamed the park.
Several Somali elders said that the Shabab, the militant Islamist group that has pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda, recently began training fighters to infiltrate neighboring Kenya and kill elephants for ivory to raise money.
The source, who is a retired security official from a Gulf country, made the claims while referring to one of his junior comrades who was tasked with undercover information gathering in the illegitimate state more than 7 years ago.
"He described a large, underground laboratory adjacent to the Negev desert where a highly-secured bunker was located, guarded by about two dozen troops of the elite Sayaret Matkal commandos and Military Intelligence units".
"He recalls those Zionists (Israelis) talking of 'super beasts' equipped with improvised weapons".
"Once, he shared details of a group of bizarre rhinoceroses and canines but never spoke on the subject again."
Muslim Intelligence Source Accuses Israel of Building Army of Mutant SuperDogs
The reason the Second Amendment was included in the founding documents was to ensure that the people could meet the threat of a standing army. Its writers knew from history that a standing army serves only the government, not the people. Since the form of government they provided rested the ultimate authority with the people, it was only fitting and proper that the people had a means to ensure their power was not usurped.
,,,from Ebben Raves' article, You're In the Army Now
In every state, the portion of families where children have two parents, rather than one, has dropped significantly over the past decade. Even as the country added 160,000 families with children, the number of two-parent households decreased by 1.2 million. Fifteen million U.S. children, or 1 in 3, live without a father, and nearly 5 million live without a mother. In 1960, just 11 percent of American children lived in homes without fathers...
This is what the left's version of utopia looks like. And here's a brief video of Allen West replying to a question about the perpetual search for role models in the black community.
The following is in a way the final word on the entire ridiculous gun debate
These failures of a minority of bad apples to get with the program invite the state to step in in an effort to provide controls and supports externally. Thus we all lose a bit of freedom each time some jerk, idiot, sociopath, addict, or lunatic abrogates his American dignity and fails at running his own life in the manner of an honest, free, law-abiding and upstanding citizen. It's a shame - and wrong - that the least moral and worse-behaving of our population should have the power to deprive freedoms from the vast majority of decent citizens who aim to construct honorable, dignified, and independent lives by following their consciences or God's will as best they can.
Go ahead and ask me why I might want a 30-clip magazine, or a Big Gulp Coke. Well, I don't really want those things, but I don't want them forbidden me. I have a handgun carry permit, but I don't walk around armed all the time. Rarely, in fact. I might as well ask why you need a car that goes 110 mph, when car deaths in the US are far higher than gun deaths (32,000, vs 600 deaths by rifle - half of them suicides and others accidents).
Leftist control freaks often try to find signs of "market failure" to justify government intrusion into the free and voluntary exchange of goods and services. Similarly, they seek signs of "freedom failure" with the same goals.
from Bird Dog at Maggie's Farm
During the day, Jerusalem's appearance was completely different.
From morning until the afternoon the colours change and alternate, forming surprising shades. About one hour before sunset the symphony of colours reaches the highest point. I can promise you that even the selection of colours by the most perfect computer could not produce even one shade from the many shades of the interweaving of colours created at the moment of the setting of the sun!
I looked around and asked myself, how is it possible that the human eye can feel and differentiate every single shade in the clearest way, but words are not able to express them? I thought how poor man's ability is to express the exaltedness of Creation:
...from Joseph Rosen's book, "Why a Jew..."
The Golda Meir Award for Best Anti-Jihad Blogger: Atlas Shrugs, Gates of Vienna, JihadWatch, Sultan Knish and The Astute Blogger (tie)
All it took was a collar and a name and Fatso was never beaten up again and certainly never went hungry ever again. In time his saunter became a strut. You couldn't help but like Fatso since liking him was what Fatso was all about.
....from Fatso the Cat, and a reminder of why Gerard was named Best Essayist
As the dreaded date approached, the media downplayed the Doomsday prediction as some authentic New Age gibberish propagated by people using medical marijuana for non-medicinal purposes. Such moral and intellectual guidance helped to stave off panic among the middle class working families, which could lead to a scarcity of wait staff at bistros that media personalities patronize. Privately, however, they realized that the prophecy was true and that we were all doomed.
But, as members of the fourth estate heroically passed their final hours feasting on wine and cheese while cursing people who disagreed with them on Twitter, something wonderful happened: NOTHING! It was like the fiscal cliff negotiations writ large.
Suddenly, as if by magic, all top-shelf, professional, state-accredited journalists across the nation knew the truth: the reason for both nothings were the actions of president Obama.
....from The People's Cube


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Armor Hunters #1: 2nd Printing
a cover of issue #1 of Armor Hunters by Valiant Entertainment
Issue description
Robert Venditti
Doug Braithwaite
This summer, Earth will be the greatest hunt of all when VALIANT FIRST unleashes the first issue of 2014's must-read crossover event - ARMOR HUNTERS - from superstar creators Robert Venditti (Green Lantern, The Flash) and Doug Braithwaite (Unity)! A relentless and surgical strike team from the farthest reaches of space - sworn to exterminate the X-O Manowar armor and all like it - have found finally their final target. They will hunt. They will trap. They will kill. And they will rid the universe of the X-O Manowar's incalculable destructive power…even if it means taking the Earth with it. In the tradition of HARBINGER WARS, Valiant's biggest heroes launch into the summer's blockbuster 18-issue crossover event right here in ARMOR HUNTERS #1 - and then take the fight to the world's first full-scale cosmic threat with UNITY #8 and X-O MANOWAR #26 in June, and ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT and ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER in July!

subset: commoncrawl


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Wall Street drops as Apple falls, "cliff" looms |
Friday, 14 December 2012 14:06 |
Stocks fell on Friday, with the Nasdaq weighed down by another drop in shares of Apple, and as the overhang of "fiscal cliff" negotiations kept buying to a premium.
Apple (AAPL.O) slid 4 percent to $508.75 after UBS cut its price target on the stock to $700 from $780. The most valuable U.S. company has seen its stock hit hard in the last three months, and it fell on Friday after a tepid reception for iPhone 5 in China.
The S&P Information Technology Index .GSPT dropped 0.9 percent as Apple fell and Jabil Circuit Inc (JBL.N) lost 6.2 percent to $17.38 after UBS cut its price target. The possibility of a "fiscal cliff" deal not taking place until early 2013 is rising. The back-and-forth negotiations over the fiscal cliff in Washington have kept markets on hold in what would already be a quiet period for stocks. "We're faced with uncertainty ... and that's going to continue now into January. It basically puts everybody on hold, and (you) just have the markets kind of thrash around," said Larry Abruzzi, senior equity trader at Cabrera Capital Markets Inc in Boston. President Barack Obama and House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner held a "frank" meeting on Thursday at the White House to discuss how to avoid the tax hikes and spending cuts set to kick in early in 2013. The S&P 500 dropped 0.6 percent on Thursday after six straight positive sessions. Investors are concerned that going over the cliff could tip the economy back into recession. While a deal is expected to ultimately be reached, a drawn-out debate - like the one seen over 2011's debt ceiling - can erode confidence. "The markets are not being reactionary right now, though we lost ground yesterday," said Stephen Carl, head equity trader at the Williams Capital Group in New York. "It doesn't look like anything has been resolved, or is leaning one way or another." Still, expectations of an eventual agreement have helped the S&P 500 bounce back over the last month, and on Wednesday, the index hit its highest intraday level since late October. For the year, the S&P has advanced more than 12 percent. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI slipped 24.09 points, or 0.18 percent, to 13,146.63. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX lost 4.81 points, or 0.34 percent, to 1,414.64. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC fell 15.50 points, or 0.52 percent, to 2,976.66. Best Buy Co Inc (BBY.N) slid 15.5 percent to $11.93 after the electronics retailer agreed to extend the deadline for the company's founder to make a bid. Shares jumped as much as 19 percent on Thursday after initial reports of a bid this week from founder Richard Schulze. Consumer prices fell in November for the first time in six months, indicating U.S. inflation pressures were muted. A separate report showed manufacturing grew at its swiftest pace in eight months in December. Data out of China was encouraging, as Chinese manufacturing grew at its fastest pace in 14 months in December. The news was seen as helping U.S. materials companies, including U.S. Steel (X.N), which rose 6.3 percent to $23.73. Comments (0)
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The White House President George W. Bush |
Print this document |
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 24, 2003
President Bush, Chancellor Schroeder Meet at United Nations
Remarks by President Bush and Chancellor Schroeder of Germany in a Photo Opportunity
Waldorf Astoria
New York, New York
Senior Administration Official Briefing
PRESIDENT BUSH: Listen, thank you all for coming. Gerhard and I just had a very good meeting. The first thing I told him, I said, look, we've had differences and they're over, and we're going to work together. And I believe when Germany and America works together we can accomplish a lot of positive things. We're both committed to freedom; we're both committed to peace; we're both committed to the prosperity of our people. And I reaffirmed to Gerhard that America and German relations are very important to this administration. I have said so repeatedly. I said so in the Bundestag, and I reiterated it today with the Chancellor.
We will work together in Afghanistan. I appreciate his efforts to help with a -- help Iraq grow to be a peaceful and stable and democratic country. We talked about the Middle East. We talked about proliferation concerns. In short, we talked about the things we can do together to benefit mankind. And I'm really happy we had the meeting today.
Thank you, sir.
CHANCELLOR SCHROEDER: I can only comment and very much confirm what the President has just said. We addressed a whole range of international topics, but we didn't just exclusively talk about international affairs. We also addressed the economic situation, because we feel that our problems, when it comes to that, are similar, indeed. Both of our economies are by now so closely intertwined that it really makes sense to think about them conjointly.
I cannot conceal that I was very pleased, indeed, that the President did appreciate the contribution Germany is making within Afghanistan. We very much are trying to make this a sustainable contribution, and I think our people on the ground are doing a good job, and therefore, I have to say I'm proud of the work they're doing for us, and for us together.
We then proceeded to actually talk about the situation in Iraq, and indeed, we very much feel that the differences that have been, have been left behind and put aside by now. We are both agreed that we want to look into the future together. And I would like to reiterate the fact that Germany has a very strong, in fact a vested interest, in a stable and very democratic Iraq, and to development to that effect. It is very important not just for Iraq as such, but for the whole of the region, for Germany, and therefore, also for Europe.
We certainly have emphasized the fact, and I have once more said this to the President myself, how very much we would like to come in and help with the resources that we do have. We could very much envisage that we will assist in providing training for security staff, be it police functions or be it some form of military function. We do have the capacities for that available in Germany, and we would very much like to put them to that purpose.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, sir.
Q Mr. President, what about the response to your speech yesterday?
PRESIDENT BUSH: I can only judge by your reaction to it. (Laughter.)


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Blueberry Fruit Puree Syrup for Bubble Tea, Smoothies, Cocktails 5KG (11 Lbs) Jar
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Watch Brandon Victor Dixon Sing 'Superstar' from Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
We're less than a week away from NBC's epic presentation of Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. The Easter Sunday concert staging of the Broadway hit will feature a star-packed cast led by John Legend, Sara Bareilles and Alice Cooper. Two-time Tony nominee Brandon Victor Dixon will lend his strong vocals to the powerful role of Judas, singing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's showstopping "Superstar." NBC has offered up a sneak peek of Dixon's take on the rollicking number, backed by the super-talented Choir! Choir! Choir! Watch below and don't forget to tune in on April 1.
Are you ready to rock? Join @BrandonVDixon in this epic performance with @choirchoirchoir.
Don't miss #JesusChristSuperstar Live In Concert this Easter Sunday at 8/7c on @NBC. pic.twitter.com/BSmLguRPNg
— Jesus Christ Superstar (@JCSTheMusical) March 26, 2018


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Legal protection for individuals who unlocked their mobile phones for use on other networks officially expired last weekend.
As such, major US wireless carriers are now claiming that an unlocked phone purchased after January 26 (without a provider's permission) violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA") – whether the phone is under contract or not.
According to the folks at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the current situation isn't as bad as it sounds, but could be even worse in some ways than most analysts believe.
"[Basically], the DMCA prohibits 'circumventing' digital locks that 'control access' to copyrighted works like movies, music, books, games, and software. It's a fantastically overbroad law that bans a lot of legal, useful, and important activities," EFF rep Mitch Stoltz explained.
"In what's supposed to be a safety valve, the U.S. Copyright Office and the Library of Congress have the power to create exemptions for important activities that would otherwise be banned by the DMCA. In 2012, we asked for – and won – exemptions for jailbreaking or rooting mobile phones to run unapproved software, and for using clips from DVDs and Internet video in noncommercial vids."
In addition, Consumers Union and several smaller wireless carriers requested an exemption for unlocking phones. The Copyright Office granted their exemption too – but sharply limited the window to just a few months. The good news, says Stoltz, is that the legal shield for jailbreaking and rooting a phone remains in effect – protecting the masses through 2015 and perhaps even beyond.
"Unfortunately, the shield for unlocking your phone is down, but carriers probably aren't going to start suing customers en masse, RIAA-style," he noted.
To be sure, despite a number of sensationalist headlines, the Copyright's office doesn't necessarily make the unlocking illegal, as the practice is actually a legal grey area under the DMCA.
"The law was supposed to protect creative works, but it's often been misused by electronics makers to block competition and kill markets for used goods," said Stoltz. "The courts have pushed back, ruling that the DMCA doesn't protect digital locks that keep digital devices from talking to each other when creative work isn't involved."
Of course, it is patently obvious that no creative work is actually involved here. In reality, wireless carriers aren't concerned with "piracy" of the software on their phones, but rather, they are quite worried about people re-selling subsidized phones at a profit.
While Stoltz doesn't believe there will be mass lawsuits anytime soon, he does caution that the threat still looms quite large, as both carriers and prosecutors will likely go after businesses that unlock and resell phones.
So if a court does rule in favor of the carriers, penalties are expected to be quite high, up to $2,500 per unlocked phone in a civil suit and $500,000 or five years in prison in a criminal case where the unlocking is done for commercial advantage. Worse, such a scenario could even happen with phones that are no longer under contract.
"Phones are, of course, the tip of the iceberg of problems the DMCA has created. It kills aftermarkets, interferes with legitimate research, and squelches creativity in new media. The exemptions created by the Copyright Office can be helpful but, as this episode shows, they are too narrow and too brief," Stoltz explained.
"They also turn a small, specialized federal office into a sort of Technology Regulation Bureau. It's absurd that this small group of copyright lawyers and librarians is tasked with making decisions about the future of electronics markets."
According to the EFF rep, the public can help influence the creation and defense of the next round of exemptions due in late 2014. Of course, the courts could also recognize the DMCA is being misused and decline to apply it to anticompetitive software locks.
"Ultimately, what we really need is to either fix the exemption process or reboot the anti-circumvention provisions of the DMCA, or both," added Stoltz.


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There is no mistaking the precocious maturity of Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw. Whether in his calm focus on the mound or in the clubhouse, he is beyond his 23 years. He appears remarkably centered and at peace with himself, recognizing where he is personally and professionally.
Kershaw is a professional athlete, though unlike Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe, he is hardly labeled as "an disastrous signing". Kershaw and Uribe are two Los Angeles baseball players who outwardly approach their workout preparation and physical fitness in markedly different ways.
If there is a robust, does-my-girth-slow-my-bat-speed aspect to Uribe and his 2011 OPS+ of 56 (the starting lineup's worst), Kershaw has a more understated ERA+ of 163 along with a league-leading 248 Ks.
I've never heard him bring up his Cy Young Award-winning campaign and role as team role model while philantrhopically benefitting underserved Zambian children whom have lost their parents to AIDS. Yet, I have a clear understanding of his overall awesomeness.
"I think everybody has different approaches to it," Kershaw said. "For me, everything I do has a purpose to it beyond what's in this lifetime. At the same time, on the field I have a job to do and that's what I'm focused on.
"I guess you could say I'm a little more skinny than Juan is. Not to say either one is wrong, that's just kind of my body type a little bit."
- LAT: The Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw, Tim Tebow and Jesus Christ
- SoSG: LAT's Steve Dilbeck, Constrained By The Shackles Of His Dodger Beat, Finally Uncorks His Own Bottled Tebowmania
- SoSG: The Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw, and Beaker
photos: Uribe: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America; Kershaw: Jeff Gross / Getty Images


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Dress lying flat
This was really easy and quick to make, I cut it and finished it in about one hour and a half and it is done entirely by serger, including the hem which is blindstitched with the same serger.
The fabric is a nice cotton knit with a texture (you can see it in the photo above) and the back of the cotton is a bit fluffy, you know like in bathrobes. I'm sure there is a name for this fabric but I don't know it or can't remember it.
The entire top part is lined with self-fabric and this is how I did it:
- Cut 4 fronts and 2 backs
- Sewn the shoulder seams on the garment part and the fabric part, pressed the shoulder seams of the two in opposite directions (for the garment part, they are pressed to the back and for the lining to the front), in order to reduce bulk, especially at crossing seams.
- Sewn the neckline of the garment part to the neckline of the lining part. I didn't want to understitch because too lazy and in a hurry (I did this the evening before I flew to Brussels and the plane was at 7.00 a. m.) so I took care in doing everything to avoid seams showing on the garment part. Turned the two pieces right side out, pressed the seam towards the lining part and then pressed the two of them together, making sure the seam is a bit on the underside.
- Turning the seam a bit to the underside made the lining part a bit bigger at side and armhole seams therefore I cut the part peaking outside the garment part.
- I then stitched the two armholes together, turned and pressed. Making the lining part smaller keeps all the seams on the underside and they don't show at all. Pressing carefully makes them lie flat even without understitching.
This was more of a wearable muslin (I'm not that crazy about this cotton knit and I think the colour will fade during washing) and I plan to do another one in a green interlock, but it looks very nice. I've worn it in Brussels (with a black turtleneck and my houndstooth jacket) for a visit to the European Parliament and it was perfect!
Read my PR review here
The pants are Hot Patterns Denim Diva Pipe Jeans, made in a stretch black denim.
I cut a size 6 and they ended up loser than I thought but I decided to keep them this way. I find that, especially for clothes that follow closer the body, I like them to be a bit loser - they make you seem slimmer and more ... I don't know, classy??
This time I used a twin needle (100, space between needles 6 mm) to do the topstitching.
Sorry for the wrinkles, the pictures are taken after wearing the pants in the office for an entire day.
Side seam, topstitched, and hem (wider, I like a wider hem in jeans)
Read my PR review here.


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The Canon Pixma PRO-100 ($895.00 at Amazon) may be the new junior model in Canon's professional photo inkjet line, but as such it can still output gallery-quality prints at sizes up to 13 by 19 inches. It's a good choice for an amateur photographer who's looking to take the hobby more seriously.
At 8.6 by 27.2 by 15.2 inches (HWD) when closed, it's slightly larger than its Epson counterpart, the Editors' Choice Epson Stylus Photo R2000 ($1,338.75 at Amazon) , and about the same weight. Like the R2000, it lacks an LCD; instructions and data like ink tank levels are displayed on the screen of the computer you're printing from. It offers WiFi and Ethernet as well as USB connectivity.
The PRO-100 uses eight ink tanks for its dye-based inks: black; gray; light gray; yellow; magenta; photo magenta; cyan; and photo cyan. The high-end model in the series, the Canon Pixma PRO-1 , sports 12 ink tanks. Although the PRO-100's sticker price is much less than that of the PRO-1, its ink costsat least in price per milliliter of ink, as there's no good way to measure the cost per printed page for this sort of printerare considerably higher. Each of its tanks holds 13 ml of ink, at a cost of $1.31 per ml, compared with an even dollar per ml for the PRO-1, which has much higher capacity (36 ml) tanks. The PRO-100's ink costs per ml are also slightly higher than the $1.25 per ml of the Editors' Choice Epson Stylus Photo R2000.
The PIXMA PRO-100 has two paper trays: A rear tray for a variety of fine art and glossy photo papers, and a manual slot for thicker media. It also permits printing onto printable CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
Similar Products
Speed takes a back seat to quality with near-dedicated photo printers, but faster is still preferable, all else being equal. I timed the Canon Pixma PRO-100 (using QualityLogic's hardware and software) at an average of 1 minute 17 seconds to output a 4-by-6 print and 2:01 to output an 8-by-10. This is slightly slower than the 51 seconds per 4-by-6 and 1:42 per 8-by-10 for the Epson R2000, but much faster than the Canon Pixma PRO-1's 2:14 and 3:53 times.
Output Quality
No one buys a photo printer like the PRO-100 to print text, but it's good to know it can do so if you need it to, as it has above-average quality for an inkjet. It did especially well on several of the more common business fonts. Graphics quality was slightly above par for an inkjet, though colors were off on a couple of illustrations.
It's with photos, though, that the PRO-100 really shines. In our standard photo tests, it did very well in capturing detail in both light and dark areas, and in faces. There was the barest hint of a tint in a monochrome image, but only a perfectionist is likely to notice. I also did some ad-hoc testing, including with larger-format (13 by 19 inches) prints. It didn't do quite as well as the PRO-1 in printing images with very dark backgrounds, which isn't surprising as five of that printer's 12 ink tanks are various shades of black or gray. In a couple of prints, the colors were slightly off. Still, the overall photo quality is good enough to produce prints for exhibition or sale.
The Canon Pixma PRO-1 costs twice as much as the PRO-100 and is bigger, heavier, and slower, but has considerably lower ink costs. The PRO-1 did a superior job of printing photos with black or very dark backgrounds, and did slightly better in printing other photos as well.
The Epson Stylus Photo R3000 ($849.99 direct), which prints top-tier photos and graphics, adds a color LCD and the ability to print from paper rolls.
The Epson R2000 is a touch smaller than the PRO-100 and has a slight edge in speed, as well as slightly lower ink costs (per volume at least). That said, they both produce gallery-worthy prints, and choosing between them may come down to whether you prefer the look of Epson or Canon prints, which have slightly different qualities. They both offer WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity.
The Canon Pixma PRO-100 may be at the low end of near-dedicated photo printers geared to photo enthusiasts, but it still produces photos worthy of hanging in a gallery.
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'˜Dogs and cats can get ill too' - Vets warning over winter hazards for pets
As temperatures start to drop, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) are warning that pets can be affected by the cold and get ill.
The associations are advising to walk dogs for less time but more often when temperatures drop, and consider putting a dog coat on old dogs or those with thin fur to keep them warm.
Older cats should be kept inside when the weather gets very bad and make sure that even healthy cats are able to access shelter and warmth.
Pet owners are also urged not to bathe your dog or cat too often over the winter months - unless of course they have rolled in something unbearable. If you do bathe your pets, make sure the water is warm and that they are dried thoroughly to prevent them getting cold and becoming ill.
When walking your dog in ice and snowy conditions, do not let it off the lead and avoid walking in areas where ponds or lakes may have frozen over - animals often don't understand the difference between solid ground and ice and can fall through. In this situation vets urge owners not to go in after their pet as although distressing, it is never worth risking your own life as well as your dog's.
Sean Wensley, president of the British Veterinary Association said each season brings its own set of hazards and winter is no different.
He said: "We ask owners to make sure their animals are kept safe and warm over the winter months.
"Simple things like leaving your dog sat on the cold ground outside a shop whilst you pop in or putting your cat out all night can cause it to get chilled and suffer from a range of illnesses. If you notice your animal shivering due to the weather then it's time to get them warm again."
Ross Allen, spokesman for the British Small Animal Veterinary Association said we must also think of winter specific hazards around us.
He said: "Give paws a thought – when it gets cold many of us use de-icer, which often leaks onto the ground – this can prove deadly to pets, so it is worth wiping down their legs and paws after being outside.
"Extreme cold, as well as salt and grit used on the road, can irritate your pet too so when you wipe paws also check for cracks and bleeding. The cold can also worsen some established conditions, such as arthritis."
Top tips to keep your dogs and cats safe this winter:
- Make sure your pet's bed is in a draft free, warm spot off the floor in the house.
- Dogs need to be exercised, however during the darker winter months try to walk your dog before night falls. If that isn't possible, make sure you use a reflective lead, collar or dog coat for your dog and always carry a torch so that other road users can see to avoid you.
- Make sure to wipe your dog's paws and belly on returning home from a snowy walk to remove any ice or salt, and to regularly check for cracks in paw-pads or for redness between the toes.
- Wiping your pets' paws can also prevent them from ingesting toxins that they may have stood in whilst outside. Antifreeze in particular is highly toxic, with one in four vets reporting having to treat cats for antifreeze poisoning in the last year and a further 2% also treating dogs.


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English Language Teaching pag. 15
Happy Days in England
by Mario Papa, Janet Shelly and Peter Walton, Zanichelli Editore, Bologna, 1995
When the team of ELT experts that had built up the BBC English Department suddenly and unexpedtedly found themselves victims of a massive "restructuring" programme last year, other publishers found themselves in the position of being able to make use of the talents of producers of prize-winning videos such as Follow Me and Muzzy in Gondoland. Zanichelli has done so to the extent of making available to Italian teachers an excellent and highly affordable video produced by Petr Walton on the basis of dialogues written by Mario Papa and Janet Shelly.
Happy Days in England consists of ten episodes showing the everyday life of four young people in Britain. Two young brothers, John and Mike, , John's American girlfriend, Judy, who works in the City in a computer firm, and a young Swiss student, Nathalie, meet up and spend time together in London and Cambridge. They also have parties, go shopping together and do the kinds of things that most young people normally do in their spare time in Britain today.
The first episode takes us down the Thames on a riverboat with the two brothers and Judy and shows the viewer all the main sights. This is an excellent introduction to London as it reflects more or less the kind of trip that many visitors might take on their first day in the city.
This is followed in the second episode by Nathalie's arrival from Switzerland, after which all four meet up for a day out in Cambridge. We then follow Nathalie as she learns how to make a phone call, deal with the Underground and sign up for a course at a language school
The language content in Happy Days in England progresses quickly but naturally through simple but totally authentic dialogues that never make the mistake of intruding into the presentation of the characters or the events in which they participate. This is unusual. We so often feel, when watching videos for language learners, that the language is somehow "forced" and artificial. This is not the case with Happy Days in England. The viewer is so interested in the four people and the development of their relationships that he or she is motivated to understand the language in order to understand them.
At the same time the structures presented in each episode are reinforced by a simple but effective device called Video Frames which freezes, one by one, each element of dialogue on the screen at the end of each episode so that they can be studied and reproduced. This of course also means that Happy Days in England is effective for self-study.
The original score and costumes by Benetton U.K. also combine to give the impression of London as it is today: a youthful city where fashion and music are important.
This video is accompanied by an Activity Book and Teacher's Guide (which can be used alongside TakeTurns) and both components are available at the modest price of L. 32.000.


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Mind-bending Math
Posted October 2007
When viewed from the outside, a human brain appears as a volume with a highly wrinkled surface having numerous long crevices.
Sulcal fundi are 3D curves that lie in the depths of the cerebral cortex; informally, the fundus of a sulcus is the curve of maximal average depth that spans the length of the sulcus. The sulcal fundi serve as anatomical landmarks, `segmenting' the cortex into functionally distinct regions. They are often used as landmarks for downstream computations in brain imaging and can be used in creating deformation fields for warping the cortical surfaces of different brains onto one another.
Cortical sulci and sulcal fundi have traditionally been manually identified by labeling voxels in an MRI brain volume using a GUI that displays only three orthogonal 2D brain slices. This process is extremely tedious and time consuming and, not surprisingly, prone to human error. Given the large number of high resolution MRI datasets currently available for analysis, automatic and objective extraction and labeling of cortical sulci has become a necessity. IMA industrial postdoc Chiu Yen Kao and collaborators Michael Hofer (TU Vienna), Guillermo Sapiro (Minnesota), Josh Stern (Minnesota), and Daniel Rottenberg (University of Minnesota and VA Medical Center), have developed an automatic sulcal extraction method that promises to improve the quality and reproducibility of the process as well as yielding considerable time savings.
An outer hull surface is computed from a mesh representation of the graymatter (GM) surface by applying a morphological closing operation to the level set function. After the outer hull surface is obtained, the the geodesic depth (distance) for any given point on the pial surface to the outer hull surface is calculated. This results in the association of a sulcal depth estimate with each mesh triangle; the sulcal regions are determined using a depth threshold of 2.5mm. The connected components are identified using a labeling algorithm and the results are run through a thinning algorithm, yielding a skeleton of each connected component. The extracted sulcal fundi are represented as polylines that are further smoothed by an algorithm that minimizes a counterpart to the cubic spline energy for curves on surfaces.


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If you are an entertainer, movie producer, or musician, an entertainment lawyer can assist you with important legal issues, including intellectual property rights. Hiring an entertainment attorney will enable you to negotiate or write your contracts, deal with intellectual property issues, and work on publication deals. Entertainment lawyers serve fields such as film, music, theater, and more. If you are seeking to package your talents for profit, an entertainment attorney can help direct this process.
Entertainment lawyers provide services to the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, theater, publishing, visual arts, and multimedia. They also represent sports stars and other celebrities. Entertainment lawyers negotiate and write contracts, deal with intellectual property issues, and practice employment and labor law. For example, entertainment lawyers negotiate and document film stars' compensation, musicians' recording contracts, and authors' publication deals, as well as movie distribution and rights. If you are an entertainer planning to package your talent for profit, an entertainment lawyer will help you navigate the trade.


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
Show All Answers
The Citizens Police Academy is your opportunity to learn more about how the Battle Creek Police Department operates. The Academy runs once a year. The Citizens Police Academy is a group of Battle Creek area citizens who are interested in learning more about how their Police Department operates and the policing challenges our community faces. Participants in each session commit to meeting for 3 hours, 1 night per week for 10 weeks to learn about each aspect of the department.
The purpose of the Battle Creek Police Citizens Academy is to develop positive relations between the police and community through education. The goals are to create a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential of influencing the public opinions about police practices and services. Citizens will gain an appreciation of the problem and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. They must be a resident of the City of Battle Creek, Bedford Township, a business owner in the area or otherwise have a vested interest in the community. Participants will be chosen at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
You may contact Jenny Mualhlun at 269-966-1678 for more information, or just fill out the quick and easy


text: Find Bank Foreclosures for sale in the best online source. Buying Bank Foreclosures in Texas is a good way to save money. You will also find updated Texas Bank Foreclosure Listings in our database. Check out our bank foreclosures and Bank Foreclosure Homes. Join now and get instant access to the Texas bank foreclosures data. Bankforeclosurelistings.org provides the most reliable and up-to-date listings of Texas bank foreclosures.


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For many men, wearing a tie is a necessary evil of fashion. We aren't quite sure which tie to wear, but this infographic makes it easy to pick out the right one and try some different knots.
We've covered different ways to tie a necktie before and how to tie one really quickly, but the folks at the Long Tie Store organized everything you need to know in one graphic. It'll help you decide which style of tie to wear to any occasion, along with what the width of the tie says about you.
Obviously they are trying to sell ties to taller men, but the suggestions are helpful regardless of your height.
How to Pick Out A Tie | Long Tie Store via Visual.ly


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Robert's Rebellion
Robert's Rebellion,[2][3][4][5] also known as the War of the Usurper according to a semi-canon source,[5] was a rebellion against House Targaryen, primarily instigated by Eddard Stark, Jon Arryn, and Robert Baratheon, for whom it is named. It lasted "close to a year"[1] and resulted in the end of the Targaryen dynasty in the Seven Kingdoms and the beginning of Robert Baratheon's reign.
Tourney at Harrenhal
In 281 AC, a grand tourney was held by Lord Walter Whent at Harrenhal.[6] Many nobles from all over the Seven Kingdoms came to the riverlands to take part in the festivities. Amongst them were the heir to Winterfell, Brandon Stark, and his younger siblings, Eddard, Lyanna and Benjen.[7]
The most prominent visitor of the tourney was King Aerys II Targaryen, however. Aerys had not left the Red Keep for many years, ever since his half-year capture during the Defiance of Duskendale in 277 AC,[8] but he was inspired to come to the tourney by words from his master of whisperers, the eunuch Varys.[9]
The tourney was cause for great celebration, as spring had come to Westeros, or so men thought.[10] In addition, all of the Kingsguard had gathered to welcome their newest member, Ser Jaime Lannister. However, the tourney's ending was less joyful. After winning the final tilt, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen was to crown the new queen of love and beauty. Instead of crowning his wife, the Dornish princess Elia Martell, Rhaegar rode past her and crowned Lyanna Stark of Winterfell instead. Eddard Stark would later recall this moment as "the moment when all smiles died".[6]
Abduction of Lyanna Stark
At the coming of the new year, Lyanna Stark was abducted by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen near Harrenhal.[11] Her brother, Brandon Stark, was on his way to Riverrun to wed Catelyn Tully, when the news reached him. Brandon rode at once to King's Landing with his companions: Ethan Glover, Brandon's squire, Elbert Arryn, nephew to Lord Jon Arryn and the heir of the Eyrie, Kyle Royce, and Jeffory Mallister.[12] Brandon rode for the Red Keep, and outside its gates, unaware that Rhaegar was not present, shouted for him to come out and die. King Aerys II had them all arrested for plotting the murder of the crown prince, and summoned the fathers of all those who stood accused to court.[12] Lord Rickard Stark, who had been on his way south with the wedding party for Brandon's wedding,[13] went to King's Landing with two hundred men.[14] None of them returned north. In King's Landing, all of those who stood accused were executed,[14] with the sole exception of Ethan Glover.[15]
King Aerys did allow for trials, of a sort. Lord Rickard Stark demanded a trial by battle, and the king granted his request. Rickard dressed for battle, but Aerys declared fire to be the champion of House Targaryen. He had Rickard suspended from the rafters in the throne room, where his pyromancers, Rossart amongst them, kindled a blaze beneath the Lord of Winterfell. Brandon Stark was brought in as well, and placed in a Tyroshi strangling device, while a longsword was placed just outside his reach. Brandon was allowed to try and free his father, but the more he struggled to reach the sword, the tighter the cord around his neck became. Brandon strangled himself in an attempt to reach the sword and save his father, while Lord Rickard cooked in his armor.[12]
Next, Aerys demanded that Lord Jon Arryn send him the heads of Lord Robert Baratheon of Storm's End, Lyanna's betrothed,[16] and Eddard Stark, now the Lord of Winterfell after the deaths of his father and older brother.[17][18] Robert and Eddard were Jon's wards at the Eyrie, however, and Jon instead raised his banners in revolt.[17] This act is seen as the start of the war,[18] which would last "close to a year".[1]
The Rebellion
Taking of Gulltown
Fighting began in the Vale of Arryn. Though Jon Arryn called for all his banners, not all of his bannermen sided with him.[18] There were those who sided with the king, chief among them Marq Grafton. Grafton called the other loyalists to aid him in barring the rebels from entering the port of Gulltown.[19] With the port blocked, Eddard Stark decided to make his own way back to the north by crossing the Mountains of the Moon to the Fingers, where he would need to find a fisherman to carry him across the Bite.[19] Once north, Eddard could call his banners.
Gulltown's defenses eventually fell after an unknown amount of time, with Robert Baratheon slaying Marq Grafton in the taking of Gulltown.[19] Robert sailed to Storm's End to call his own banners as well.[1][18]
Battles at Summerhall
Just as not all the lords in the Vale had sided with Jon Arryn, not all the lords in the stormlands sided with Robert Baratheon. The first major battle in the stormlands took place at Summerhall. They were three battles (1 on the map), in truth, all fought on one day. Lords Grandison, Cafferen, and Fell had gathered their hosts and planned to join forces at Summerhall. From there, they would march on Storm's End. However, thanks to an informer, Robert learned of their plans and rode with his knights and squires to Summerhall, where he attacked each host in turn.[20] Robert killed Lord Fell in battle.[20]
Lord Cafferen and Grandison,[21] as well as Lord Fell's son, Silveraxe,[18] were taken captive and brought to Storm's End when Robert's returned there after the battles, for unknown reasons.[21] There, Robert turned his enemies into friends, as both Lords Grandison and Cafferen, as well as Silveraxe would later be loyal to Robert.[20][21]
Following his victory at Summerhall, Robert was now free to march north, to join up with Jon Arryn and the northmen.[18]
Battle of Ashford
The next major battle was the Battle of Ashford[22] (2 on the map). Robert marched out again, leaving his younger brother Stannis Baratheon in charge of Storm's End. At Ashford, Lord Randyll Tarly fell upon Robert's forces. Lord Randyll was the first of the loyalists to arrive, and with his van defeated Robert's forces before Lord Mace Tyrell could arrive with the main force from the Reach.[23] Despite the fact that it had been Randyll's victory, Mace Tyrell has taken the credit for the victory.[20][22][23][24] The battle is considered to have been indecisive.[23]
During the battle, Lord Cafferen was cut down by Randyll Tarly, who sent his head to King Aerys II.[24] Robert managed to escape capture with the bulk of his forces, to join his strength with Lord Eddard Stark and Lord Jon Arryn.[25] Following the battle, Mace Tyrell marched on Storm's End and laid siege to the castle (6 on the map).[22] This siege would last "close to a year".[26]
King Aerys, due to the events in the stormlands, came to believe that his Hand of the King, Lord Owen Merryweather, was ineffectual. The king was even considering that Merryweather might have been so ineffectual as to possibly aid the rebellion.[27] In result, Owen was stripped of his lands and titles, and exiled.[28] Lord Jon Connington, a friend of Rhaegar's with a reputation of a warrior, was named as Hand in Owen's stead.[27]
Battle of the Bells
Eddard Stark had managed to reach Winterfell, where he called his banners. He marched south with his forces, and joined up with Lord Jon Arryn. Together, they negotiated with Lord Hoster Tully, the Lord of Riverrun, for his support.[29]
Lord Jon Connington led a mighty army into the field. The forces he commanded gave chase, and Robert's march became a grueling one.[25] Robert, wounded through unknown means, and all alone,[30][31] eventually took refuge at Stoney Sept,[30] which would become the site of the Battle of the Bells[30][32][33] (3 on the map), the first major battle known to have taken place in 283 AC. Jon Connington's forces took the town by force and began to search every house. The residents of the town were actively helping Robert however, and despite the search, the offered pardons and rewards, the threats and the hostages Connington took and hung in crow cages, they could not find Robert.[30][31]
Battle began when Lords Stark and Tully arrived with a rebel army. The soldiers fought in the streets and alleys and on the rooftops, and the septons rang the bells to warn the residents to lock their doors.[30] Battle was fierce, and Jon Connington managed to wound Hoster Tully and kill Jon Arryn's cousin, Ser Denys Arryn.[30] Eventually, Robert Baratheon came out of the Peach, the brothel in which he had been hiding, and fought with Connington, almost killing him.[31]
Suspicious of the loss at the Stoney Sept, King Aerys exiled Jon Connington, stripping him of his titles.[31] Aerys began to realize that Robert was the greatest threat to his dynasty since Daemon I Blackfyre, and he named Lord Qarlton Chelsted as his Hand of the King in Connington's stead. Ser Jonothor Darry and Ser Barristan Selmy of the Kingsguard were sent to rally Connington's men, while their Lord Commander, Ser Gerold Hightower, was sent by King Aerys to find Rhaegar Targaryen.[34] The crown prince finally returned from the south and convinced Aerys to ask Tywin Lannister for help,[33] just as the rebels had or would do, at one point.[1] Additionally, Aerys commanded his alchemists to place caches of wildfire on multiple locations in King's Landing.[33]
With both Elbert Arryn and Denys Arryn now dead, Jon Arryn was in need of an heir. Hoster Tully swiftly betrothed his daughter, Lysa, who had previously proven fertile, to Jon.[2][17] In a double ceremony at Riverrun, Eddard Stark and Jon Arryn married Hoster's daughters, Catelyn and Lysa, respectively.[16] Amongst those present at the wedding was Robert.[25]
Battle of the Trident
After at first refusing to send aid to Aerys, both due to his caution as well as due to his anger over Elia's treatment,[35] Prince Doran Martell agreed to send ten thousand Dornishmen to strengthen the army Prince Rhaegar Targaryen was gathering.[33] King Aerys sent Prince Lewyn Martell, Doran's uncle, to take command of these forces, but also threatened him by stating that he held Princess Elia Martell, Prince Rhaegar's wife, and their two young children, Rhaenys and Aegon, hostage.[33]
The Battle of the Trident (4 on the map) was the decisive battle in the war. Fought in 283 AC[36] between the loyalist and rebels, the battle took place at a place known as the ruby ford since the battle, located on the northern bank of the Trident,[37] where Rhaegar tried to cross the river.[38] The loyalists had forty thousand men,[39] while the army of the rebels numbered fewer men, who were more battle hardened.[18] Rhaegar and Lord Robert Baratheon met in single combat with the battle raging on all around them.[16] Rhaegar managed to wound Robert[1] before Robert killed Rhaegar with a blow to the chest from his warhammer.[16] Eventually, the Targaryen host broke and ran.[1]
Around the time the Battle of the Trident was fought, Robert proclaimed his intention to claim the Iron Throne.[40] Out of all three leaders of the rebellion, Robert had the better claim,[41] due to the fact that his grandmother had been Princess Rhaelle Targaryen, the youngest daughter of King Aegon V Targaryen.[42] To justify Robert's claim, the maesters would later use his bloodties to House Targaryen,[43] though it was conquest which won him the throne.
Because Robert had taken a wound from Rhaegar during battle, he gave the pursuit of the remnants of the Targaryen army to Eddard Stark. Eddard followed the remnants of the army back to King's Landing, where the Red Keep was being held by several thousand loyalists.[1]
Battle at the Mander
Quellon Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands, desired neutrality for the ironborn during the war. After Pyke was informed of Rhaegar's death, however, Quellon was convinced by his eldest sons—Balon, Euron, and Victarion—to join the rebels as soon as possible or else lose all chance at spoils. Since it was still unknown whether House Lannister of Casterly Rock would side with the loyalists or the rebels, most of the ironmen's fleet remained at home, while Quellon led fifty longships in attacking the Reach.[44]
The Greyjoys captured some ships and raided some towns and villages. They were intercepted by the longships of the Shield Islands, however, at the mouth of the Mander. After Lord Quellon was slain in the battle at the Mander, his heir, Balon, led the remaining ironmen back to the Iron Islands, having accomplished little.[44]
Sack of King's Landing
Already prior to the Battle of the Trident, King Aerys had been preparing his wildfire plot. His Hand of the King, Lord Qarlton Chelsted, however, eventually became suspicious of the frequency with which the pyromancers visited the king. When he discovered the king's wildfire plot, he attempted to change the king's mind, and when nothing worked, he choose to resign his position. For this, Aerys had him burned alive.[33] Following the Trident, Aerys named Rossart, his favorite pyromancer,[33] as his new Hand of the King.[45] He would only be Hand for a fortnight.[33] Meanwhile, Aerys sent his wife, Queen Rhaella, and his new heir, their second son, Prince Viserys, to Dragonstone for safety, where they would have the protection of, amongst others, Ser Willem Darry, the master-at-arms of the Red Keep, and royal fleet.[15][46] Aerys refused to allow Rhaegar's wife, Princess Elia Martell, and their children Rhaenys and Aegon, to leave the city, keeping them by his side instead.[33]
While the Trident is seen by many as the decisive battle of the war, the capital remained untaken until the Sack of King's Landing[28][46] (5 on the map) in 283 AC,[47] the last major battle of the war. Because Robert Baratheon had been injured in battle, Lord Eddard Stark and his army pursued the remnants of Rhaegar's army, who had fled back to the capital. Lord Tywin Lannister, who had refused calls to arms from both the loyalists and the rebels until that point,[1] appeared at the gates of King's Landing with an army of twelve thousand men,[1] mere hours before Eddard Stark would arrive.[1] Lord Tywin professed his loyalty to King Aerys, and while Lord Varys counseled Aerys to keep the gates locked, the king chose to listen to Grand Maester Pycelle and open the gates to Tywin's men. Once inside, the forces from the westerlands began to sack the city.[33]
Upon the realization that all was lost, Aerys ordered Rossart to ignite the wildfire caches throughout the city, wishing to leave Robert nothing but "ashes and bones". He ordered Ser Jaime Lannister, Lord Tywin's eldest son and the only knight of his Kingsguard present in the city, to kill Tywin and bring his head to Aerys. Instead, Jaime killed Rossart, and upon the realization that Aerys would simply give the order to burn the city down to another pyromancer, returned to the Red Keep and murdered Aerys himself in the throne room, mere seconds before soldiers from the westerlands entered.
Meanwhile, Ser Gregor Clegane and Ser Amory Lorch had entered Maegor's Holdfast to deal with the rest of the royal family, to secure the throne for Robert, and to prove that House Lannister had forsaken the Targaryens forever. Gregor killed Prince Aegon Targaryen, Rhaegar's son and heir in front of the child's mother, Princess Elia Martell, and then raped and murdered Elia herself with Aegon's blood and brains still on his hands. Amory dragged Princess Rhaenys Targaryen from under her father's bed and killed her, stabbing her half a hundred times.
When Eddard Stark arrived in the city, he found Jaime seated on the Iron Throne and Aerys's corpse slumped below it.[46] Robert Baratheon arrived in the city at a later point, upon which he was presented with the bodies of Elia, Rhaenys and Aegon by Lord Tywin. Robert was pleased by these deaths, but Eddard called it murder of children. This resulted in an argument between Eddard and Robert, and Eddard rode out alone in anger to fight the final battles of the war in the south.[1]
In the days that followed the Sack of King's Landing, Jaime Lannister sought out and killed Garigus and Belis, the remaining two pyromancers aware of the wildfire plot.[33]
While Robert's Rebellion is considered to have ended at the Sack of King's Landing,[45] not all battles were fought. In the south, the siege of Storm's End continued, while Lyanna Stark was still missing.
End of the Siege of Storm's End
The siege of Storm's End (6 on the map) had begun after the Battle of Ashford.[22] Lord Mace Tyrell had led his forces to Storm's End, where they had laid siege to the castle for the better part of a year. Storm's End was being held by Stannis Baratheon, the younger brother of Robert Baratheon. While the castle garrison was starving and ate rats to survive,[48] the forces of the Reach feasted in sight of the castle.[26] A smuggler named Davos managed to sail past the blockade of the Redwyne fleet and sold his cargo of onions and fish to the residents of Storm's End,[26] thereby preventing them from resorting to cannibalism.[48] The new food supply allowed Storm's End to hold out long enough until Eddard Stark arrived from King's Landing to lift the siege. The lords of the Reach were quick to dip their banners.[15]
Combat at the Tower of Joy
After lifting the siege at Storm's End, Lord Eddard Stark rode further south with six companions: Howland Reed, Lord Willam Dustin, Ethan Glover, Martyn Cassel, Theo Wull, and Ser Mark Ryswell.[15] According to a semi-canon source, Ned's army did not accompany him south to Dorne.[35]
Near the Red Mountains of Dorne, they found three knights of Aerys II's Kingsguard, Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Oswell Whent, and the Lord Commander, Ser Gerold Hightower.[15] They were guarding a tower which Rhaegar is said to have named the tower of joy. The northmen and Kingsguard fought, with only Eddard and Howland surviving the combat at the tower of joy.[15] Inside the tower, Eddard found his sister, Lyanna Stark, who extracted a promise from Eddard, and Lyanna died shortly after with her brother by her side.[16] Eddard later tore down the tower, so he could use the stones to make cairns for the eight dead men.[15]
Afterwards, Eddard travelled further south, to Starfall, where he delivered the famed sword Dawn, which had been in the possession of the Sword of the Morning, to Arthur's sister, Lady Ashara Dayne.[49][50] The woman jumped into the sea to her death.[51]
Assault on Dragonstone
In between the Battle of the Trident and the Sack of King's Landing, Queen Rhaella Targaryen and her son and Aerys's new heir, Prince Viserys Targaryen, had been sent to the island of Dragonstone[33][45] with the Red Keep's master-at-arms, Ser Willem Darry.[15] There, Viserys was crowned by his mother,[52] while on the mainland, Stannis Baratheon began constructing a new royal fleet to lead an assault on Dragonstone.[26]
In 284 AC, nine months after the flight to Dragonstone,[46] Rhaella died giving birth to Princess Daenerys Targaryen during a great storm that destroyed the Targaryen fleet at anchor at the island.[46] With most of the Targaryen fleet destroyed, and with the Baratheon fleet ready to take Dragonstone, the household of the last Targaryen stronghold was willing to sell the children to the new king, Robert I Baratheon. Shortly before Stannis sailed to Dragonstone, however, Willem Darry and four loyal men smuggled Viserys, Daenerys, and her wet nurse from the nursery and sailed for the Braavosian coast, and the children subsequently lived in exile in the Free Cities.[46] While Stannis was successful in leading the assault on Dragonstone, Robert scorned him for allowing Willem and the children to escape.[26]
Establishment of Baratheon Dynasty
Following the conclusion of the rebellion, Robert I Baratheon was successfully installed as the new Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. Robert named his foster father, Jon Arryn, as his Hand of the King, and he named his middle brother, Stannis, as Lord of Dragonstone.[26]
Robert had no wish to marry following the death of his betrothed, Lyanna Stark, but Jon convinced him otherwise by informing Robert that the realm was in need of an heir. Jon suggested Lord Tywin Lannister's daughter, Cersei, as the marriage would ensure Tywin's support, should Viserys Targaryen ever attempt to win his throne back.[41] Robert and Cersei married in 284 AC.[53] Maester Yandel described the marriage as Robert's "first act" as king.[54]
Rumored Dornish Resistance
The deaths of Princess Elia Martell and her two young children, Rhaenys and Aegon Targaryen, infuriated House Martell. Prince Oberyn Martell, Elia's younger brother, attempted to raise Dorne for the exiled Viserys. Messages were sent by both raven and messenger, though their contents have remained a secret.[55] Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, went to Dorne the year after the rebellion,[56] returned the bones of Prince Lewyn Martell, and sat down with Doran Martell, the Prince of Dorne and the older brother of Elia and Oberyn. During his stay in Sunspear, Jon was "questioned closely" regarding the fates of Elia and her children,[56] and a hundred others were questioned as well.[56] While all talk of war ended in Dorne after Jon's visit,[55] Doran continued to plot a Targaryen restoration in secret,[57] working closely together with Oberyn.[58]
There are still those in the Seven Kingdoms who call me Usurper. Do you forget how many houses fought for Targaryen in the war? They bide their time for now, but give them half a chance, they will murder me in my bed, and my sons with me.[1]
Robert was betrothed to marry her, but Prince Rhaegar carried her off and raped her. Robert fought a war to win her back. He killed Rhaegar on the Trident with his hammer, but Lyanna died and he never got her back at all.[59]
—Bran Stark to Osha
Robert Baratheon led the rebellion. All commands came from him, in the end.[60]
And so ended both the reign of House Targaryen and Robert's Rebellion—the war that put an end to nearly three hundred years of Targaryen rule and ushered in a new golden era under the auspices of House Baratheon.[45]
—writings of Yandel
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 12, Eddard II.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 2, Catelyn I.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 22, Arya IV.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 21, The Queenmaker.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 So Spake Martin: The Siege of Storm's End (July 18, 1999)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 58, Eddard XV.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 24, Bran II.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 67, The Kingbreaker.
- ↑ 281 AC is called "the year of the false spring", showing that it had been winter previously. The term "false spring" shows that the warmer weather had only been for a short period of time, and that winter weather thus returned shortly thereafter.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: The Year of the False Spring.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 55, Catelyn VII.
- ↑ George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Catelyn Tully.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 53, Bran VI.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 39, Eddard X.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard I.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 2, Catelyn I.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 9, Davos I.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 54, Davos V.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: House Tyrell.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 19, Tyrion III.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 78, Samwell V.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Robert Baratheon.
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 A Clash of Kings, Prologue.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 So Spake Martin: Young Lord Connington (August 25, 2000)
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
- ↑ George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Hoster Tully.
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.5 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 29, Arya V.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 61, The Griffin Reborn.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 1, Jaime I.
- ↑ 33.00 33.01 33.02 33.03 33.04 33.05 33.06 33.07 33.08 33.09 33.10 33.11 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 37, Jaime V.
- ↑ George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Rhaegar Targaryen.
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 So Spake Martin: The Baratheon Brothers (September 11, 1999)
- ↑ A Forum of Ice and Fire: TWOIAF Spoilers Inconsistency or Intentional?: Earlier editions of The World of Ice and Fire erroneously state 282 AC in "The Fall of the Dragons: Robert's Rebellion"
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 15, Sansa I.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 28, Bran IV.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 36, Daenerys IV.
- ↑ So Spake Martin: US Signing Tour (Huntington Beach, CA) (November 19, 2005)
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 35, Samwell IV.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 22, Catelyn II.
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands: The Old Way and the New.
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Fall of the Dragons: The End.
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 46.5 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 3, Daenerys I.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Appendix.
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 33, Catelyn IV.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 6, Catelyn II.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, Dorne: The Andals Arrive.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 43, Arya VIII.
- ↑ George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Viserys Targaryen.
- ↑ See the calculation for Cersei Lannister's wedding to Robert I Baratheon.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Glorious Reign.
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 53, Tyrion VI.
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 41, Alayne II.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 38, The Watcher.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 66, Bran VII.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 17, Tyrion IV.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 25, Tyrion VI.
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text:
Hi Folks,
I was running behind this morning and did not have a chance to post but I thought you may have an interest in this new update from Nouriel Roubini:
RGE Monitor
January 22, 2009
RGE Monitor Estimates $3.6 Trillion Loan and Securities Losses in the U.S.
Nouriel Roubini and Elisa Parisi-Capone of RGE Monitor release new estimates for expected loan losses and writedowns on U.S. originated securitizations:
- Loan losses on a total of $12.37 trillion unsecuritized loans are expected to reach $1.6 trillion. Of these, U.S. banks and brokers are expected to incur $1.1 trillion.
- Mark-to-market writedowns based on derivatives prices and cash bond indices on a further $10.84 trillion in securities reached about $2 trillion ($1.92 trillion.) About 40% of these securities (and losses) are held abroad according to flow-of-funds data. U.S. banks and broker dealers are assumed to incur a share of 30-35%, or $600-700 billion in securities writedowns.
- Total loan losses and securities writedowns on U.S. originated assets are expected to reach about $3.6 trillion. The U.S. banking sector is exposed to half of this figure, or $1.8 trillion (i.e. $1.1 trillion loan losses + $700bn writedowns.)
- FDIC-insured banks' capitalization is $1.3 trillion as of Q3 2008; investment banks had $110bn in equity capital as of Q3 2008. Past recapitalization via TARP 1 funds of $230bn and private capital of $200bn still leaves the U.S. banking system borderline insolvent if our loss estimates materialize.
- In order to restore safe lending, additional private and/or public capital in the order of $1 – 1.4 trillion is needed. This magnitude calls for a comprehensive solution along the lines of a 'bad bank' as proposed by policy makers or an outright restructuring through a new RTC.
- Back in September, Nouriel Roubini proposed a solution for the banking crisis that also addresses the root causes of the financial turmoil in the housing and the household sectors. The HOME (Home Owners' Mortgage Enterprise) program combines a RTC to deal with toxic assets, a HOLC to reduce homeowers' debt, and a RFC to recapitalize viable banks.


text:
$15.24 $17.74
Crafted from premium stainless steel with exquisite craftsmanship; Never get rusty; Feels solid, sturdy and comfortable on your wrist.
Adopts button buckles and security folding clasp, firmly closed and quickly take off. Fashion brushed matte finish, satin texture, elegant.
Adjustable band length, easy to resize the watch band by the link remover tool provided, adjust the length to fit 20-22mm wrist.
Product Name: Watch Band
Material: stainless steel
Watch bandwidth: 20mm, 22mm
Wrist circumference: unisex
Color: as shown
Features: Made of stainless steel with metal buckle, comfortable to wear, easy to adjust length, suitable for men and women, with quick release spring
Packing list:
1 x Watch Band
1 x Watch Tool (for Link Adjustment Tool)
2 x Pin
All images and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only. The color deviation is subject to actual system configuration and slight dimension difference is allowed due to manual measurement. We recommend you could check with sales for exact offers if need.


text:
Spokesperson: Gloria Gaynor
Legendary Grammy Award-winning artist Gloria Gaynor is best known for her iconic hit, "I Will Survive," an uplifting and empowering song of survival.
For more than three decades, "I Will Survive" has been a beacon of hope for countless victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The film industry has featured "I Will Survive" on the soundtrack of more than half a dozen major motion pictures, and VH-1 honored Gloria Gaynor with the number one spot during their countdown of Top 100 Dance Records of All Time.
Evident by numerous awards received over the years, Gloria Gaynor's popularity has continuously flourished throughout the decades – a testament to how the message of survival resonates with women across generations.
As a spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Ms. Gaynor wants to bring greater awareness to domestic violence and help bring an end to this devastating social issue.
"I am truly honored to lend my voice to the National Network to End Domestic Violence," said Gaynor. "Over the years, so many women have shared their personal stories with me about suffering through abuse and seeing hope through my music. Domestic violence affects everyone, and everyone should become part of the solution."


text:
RMD Shop
Bhajan CDs
There are several hundred audio recordings of speeches and explanations of the chantings revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj (Shree Maharaj Ji) in Hindi, as well as devotional kirtan by Shree Maharaj Ji and the Sanyasi teachers. We are offering a selection of Discourses in Hindi by Shree Maharaj Ji, Devotional Chantings by Shree Maharaj Ji and other Devotional Chantings.
Showing 21–30 of 37 results
Mero Radha Raman Chitchor
This CD includes uplifting chants revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj and sung by Sushree Diwakari Devi.
1 Audio CD/ 3 ChantsListen to the fragmented chants from the CD:
Mero Radha Raman ChitchorAiso Hai Rakhavar HamaroHari Bol Hari Bol Hari Bol
Shree Radhey Radhey Govind Radhey
Devotional Chantings revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj and sung by Sushree Diwakari Devi
1 Audio CD/ 3 Chants/ 77 minutesListen to the fragmented chants from this CD:-
Shree Radhey Radhey Govind RadheyKripa Karu Kripa KaruTera Naam Soon ke Data
Mohin Swamini Ab Apnaiye
Dainya Madhuri pad Kirtans
1 Audio CD/ 5 Chants
Listen to a few fragmented Chants from the CD:Ab Apnaiye Mohi Swaminiouhu Din Kaab AihainShree Radhey Ju Ko Nam Hamaro Dhan
Jayati Guruvar
1 Audio Cd/ 4 Chants
Listen to a few chants from the CD:Jayati GuruvarBali Hari Hai Tihari GuruGuru Kripalu Mam Sharanam
Jhoomat Avat Shyam
1 Audio Cd/ 5 Chants
Listen to a few chants from the CD:Jhoomat Avat Shyam Dekhu SakhiPriyayam Nandkishor HamaroPiya Mol Amolak
Shree Radhey Rani Prem Tattva Ki Sar
1 Audio CD/ 3 Chants
Prem Tattva Ki SarRadhe Radhe Shree RadheRadhey Govinda Radhey
Sumiran Kar Le Mana Chin Chin Radha Ramana
Sumiran Kar Le Mana is a great bhajan that contains the essence of Hindu philosophy as taught and beautifully expressed by Shree Maharaj Ji. A must have CD for all…
1 Audio CD/ 1 Chant /30 mins
Sumiran Kar Le Mana, Chin Chin Radha Ramana
Sankirtan Sudha MP3
Sankirtan Sudha is a compilation of 46 most popular chants that explain beautiful leela descriptions of Radha Krishn. A 'must have' CD for all times.
2 MP3 CD's/ 46 Chants
Listen to a few sample chants from the CD:-
Bhajo Giridhar
Gopi-jan-vallabh-Shyam -
Raseele Shyam
Sung Live by Anup Jalota in a Concert at Radha Madhav Dham
1 Audio CD/7 Chants
Listen to a few sample chants from the CD:-
Hamaro, Rasik Rangeelo ShyamGaho Re Man! Shyam Charan SharanayiMathura, Na Jao Pranadhar
Radha Madhav Geet
Uplifting chants, describing the leelas of Mother Yashoda and Nandlala and some describing the beauty of Radha Rani…
1 Audio CD/ 6 Chants
Listen to a few sample chants from the CD:-
Saras Kishori, Vayas Ki Thori, Rati Ras BoriRangeeli Radha Rasikan Pran


text:
By Jim Puzzanghera, Los Angeles Times
WASHINGTON — Small-business owners were less optimistic about the economy last month despite reporting their most ambitious job creation plans since 2007, according to a private survey released Tuesday.
The optimism index from the National Federation of Independent Business fell 1.6 points in June to 95, the first drop in four months. Driving the decline was a steep fall-off in the outlook for general business conditions six months from now.
The net difference between the percentage of owners who expected conditions to get better and those who expected conditions to get worse was negative 10 percent in June. The figure was zero the previous month, meaning small-business owners were evenly split on the question then but now more have a negative view.
Six of the survey's 10 categories showed declines from the previous month, including sales expectations as well as plans for capital spending and inventory expansion.
Just two categories rose in June, both involving the labor market. The other two categories were flat.
The net percentage of small-business owners who planned to hire more employees in the next three months rose to 12 percent in June from 10 percent the previous month. The figure is approaching a normal level and was the best since 2007, the NFIB said.
Overall, 12 percent of owners reported adding an average of 3.3 workers per firm during the previous three months, while 13 percent of owners reported laying off an average of 3.1 workers in the same period. That produced a seasonally adjusted net gain of 0.05 workers per company in June.
The figures were in line with strong overall job growth last month as the economy rebounded from a first-quarter contraction largely caused by severe weather.
The Labor Department said Friday that the economy added 288,000 net new jobs in June and the unemployment rate fell to 6.1 percent.
NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg said the improved labor market views did not offset other concerns from small-business owners.
"While reports of actual net job creation per firm were positive, consumer and business owner optimism remain low, with both spending growth and sales expectations weak," he said. "This means there are more jobs but not much more output."
Tax Credits via Flickr


text:
NSW has become federal Labor's worst blackspot, and the government would lose more than 10 seats - predominantly in western Sydney and some held by ministers - if an election was held soon.
Despite Labor's modest recovery in the national opinion polls over recent months, internal polling shows it would be wiped out in western Sydney due to a combination of factors, including lack of trust, the cost of living, asylum seekers and problems with the Labor ''brand'' exacerbated by the current Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry.
''It's without a doubt our worst performing area, bar Western Australia, but there aren't as many seats there'' said a source familiar with the polling.
The NSW Labor senator Doug Cameron admitted to the problem in western Sydney on Monday and said trust was a key issue.
''We've got lots of work to do in the western suburbs of Sydney,'' said Senator Cameron, who backed Kevin Rudd in the February leadership spill.
''I don't think our message is out there and I think we have to put that message out there loud and clear.
''I'm talking to some people out there and there are issues of trust. There are issues of being able to make sure we deal with some of the problems that are in the western suburbs of Sydney.''
The seats that could fall include McMahon, held by the Immigration Minister, Chris Bowen, and Watson, held by the Environment Minister, Tony Burke.
Other seats include Parramatta, Barton, Reid, Werriwa, Fowler, Banks and Greenway, which, one source said, would be ''gone by 10 past six on election night''.
There are also concerns for the central coast seats of Dobell and Robertson, while the safe Labor seats of Blaxland and Chifley, both in western Sydney, would be close calls.
One MP who did not wish to be identified confirmed the internal research but said he did not need it to tell him he was in trouble.
''They don't like us,'' he said.
The Liberal Party research is picking up the same patterns and senior Liberals have been told to campaign in Labor seats held by margins of up to 10 per cent in the belief that they all are vulnerable.
The revelations come as the latest Herald/Nielsen poll shows Labor trailing the Coalition on a two-party-preferred basis by 53 per cent to 47 per cent. Labor's primary vote is 34 per cent, a significant improvement since earlier this year but still 4 percentage points shy of the 38 per cent it achieved at the federal election which produced a hung Parliament.
The poll figures all but rule out an early election, giving the government another nine months to try to haul back support in NSW and elsewhere.
There is also ongoing concern in the Coalition about Tony Abbott, who remains vastly more unpopular than Julia Gillard.
Mr Abbott has cut back on his public appearances and is trying to do less of the attack work on Labor.
He appeared with his wife, Margie, on Monday to launch a childcare policy.
One of his senior MPs said Coalition MPs were ''more worried'' about Mr Abbott than they were two weeks ago because constituents were beginning to raise concerns about him.
''He needs to freshen up over Christmas,'' said the MP.


text: Current fees and rates charged by Whatcom County Planning and Development Services (PDS) are adopted under Ordinance 2022-090. Please see the Unified Fee Schedule (PDF) for all applicable permit based fees.Building permit fees are largely based on the valuation of the proposed structure, the project's proximity to critical areas and the number of proposed mechanical and plumbing fixtures. Additional development permits, not included in this worksheet, may also be required. Such separate permits may include, but are not limited to, shoreline developments, encroachment and/or other applicable current planning and fire permits.EstimationsThe Building Permit Estimate Worksheet (XLS) helps estimate the projected cost of a single family residence or detached structure building permit. Building Permit DepositsAt the very least, a deposit fee is required at the time you submit your building permit application. This fee will be deducted from your total building permit cost with the remainder balance to be paid at the time you pick up your permit.


text:
Aussie body to consult proposed changes to sunscreen standards
If adopted, the revised Sunscreen Standard would be applicable to all cosmetic sunscreen products regulated by the Australian regulatory body.
The proposed changes outlined in the revised Sunscreen Standard 2012 include raising the maximum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) from 30+ to 50+ for face and nail products, and making broad spectrum performance mandatory for all skin care cosmetic sunscreens.
A work in progress
Over the past six years, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have been revising the Sunscreen Standard, drawing on scientific developments, as well as products and standards present in other countries around the world.
The revised Sunscreen Standard was published in May this year; however, the NICNAS Cosmetics Standard 2007 still requires compliance with the old Sunscreen Standard from 14 years ago.
Therefore, NICNAS will assess any regulatory impacts on businesses, community, and government of a proposal to adopt the revised regulation in the Cosmetics Standard 2007, affecting all sunscreens it currently monitors.
Considered approach
To do this, it is consulting with a large number of stakeholders of the Sunscreen Standard Committee; composed of representatives from a large number of Australian and New Zealand government, industry, consumer and professional organisations.
While some parties have expressed a wish for NICNAS to recognise the revised Sunscreen Standard 2012, there may be small businesses that are dealing with cosmetic sunscreen products, which are not aware of the revision of the Sunscreen Standard, or which are not members of any industry association, which may be affected by such a revision.
NICNAS therefore wishes to obtain the views of all stakeholders before proposing to Government whether the Cosmetics Standard 2007 should be amended to adopt the revised Sunscreen Standard.