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Halfway between Los Angeles, California and New York City, lies the lively midwest city of Chicago, Illinois.
Chi-Town is home to some of the world's greatest pizza (sorry, Jon Stewart), the country's friendliest people, and the midwest's greatest comedy, theatre, music, and more. It's no surprise, then, that countless Latino stars got their start in the Windy City.
From Michael Peña to Aimee Garcia, these 14 celebs call Chicago their home:
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Cesar Chavez star Michael Peña was raised by Mexican immigrants on Chicago's South Side in the North Lawndale neighborhood across from Douglas Park. Before moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, he worked at Harris Bank in the Chicago Board of Trade.
Actress Raquel Welch was born Jo Raquel Tejada in Chicago, Illinois. She later moved to California when her parents divorced, but her roots will always be in the Windy City.
Freddy Rodriguez was born and raised in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago. "I went back to my old neighborhood, and I want to see familiar faces and no one lives there anymore," he told us. "Someone said to me the other day, 'Can you believe there's a Marc Jacobs in Bucktown?' I was like, that's crazy. I remember in the '80s and '90s, I would get shot on that corner that Marc Jacobs is on."
Southland star Carmen Corral is proud of her inner-city roots. She told us, "Chicago's known for its large immigrant communities. There were Mexican, Polish, and Puerto Rican people in the neighborhood. I love Mexican music. When you see me, you wouldn't think I'd be pounding banda music, but I grew up with a live corrido at every party."
Aimee Garcia was born, raised and educated in Chi-Town. She was born in Chicago proper, but moved to Oak Park as a child. Later, she attended Northwestern University in the northern suburbs. "Chicago is very near and dear to my heart," she said. "I'm a Chicago girl through and through."
Nadine Velazquez is proud of her Chicago heritage! She attended Notre Dame High School for Girls, and decided to stay in the city for college, graduating from Columbia College Chicago in 2001.
Alex Meneses caught the bug for theatre in her hometown! She studied acting at Chicago's infamous The Second City Improvisational Theater during her summer vacations.
24 actress Marisol Nichols was born in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, but raised in the suburb of Naperville, Illinois.
Tanya Saracho, the writer behind Devious Maids and Looking, was born in Mexico, but later immigrated to Texas in the '80s. These days, the playwright and screenwriter calls Chicago her home. She told Chicago Mag about her love for the Midwestern city. "I have lived a lifetime here – a couple lifetimes here," she said. "There's something of my DNA here. The people here feed my soul. Walking down the street, or having an exchange at 90 Miles with another Cuban person, or somebody dancing in the restaurant while they wait for their order – even that little thing is so different than my life in L.A. I want to stay in Chicago."
The Glades star Kiele Sanchez has her roots in the Windy City. She even married a fellow Chicagoan: Friday Night Lights star Zach Gilford, who was born and raised in Evanston!
Strong Medicine star Rosa Blasi cultivated her love for acting in the Windy City. She was born in Chicago, and studied theatre at the Piven Performance Company (owned by Jeremy Piven's parents!) and at The Second City.
Justina Machado was born in Chicago to Puerto Rican immigrants. There, she attended Lane Tech high school and performed with the Latino Chicago Theater Company. She later moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. "I'm from the Northwest Side," she said. "Logan Square is where my parents live. Every time I go back, Chicago is so different. The neighborhoods are so different. There are all these new restaurants. I'm always going to a new spot."
Rose Abdoo calls Chicago her home – and that's where she began her career. She performed at various improvisational theaters in the city, including four years with The Second City.
Although Lisa Guerrero was born in Chicago, she moved to San Diego and grew up in Huntington Beach, California.


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Restylane to Tear Troughs (under eyes)
102 of 812
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31 year old patient wanted to improve the dark circles under her eyes. After some simple Restylane injections in her tear trough area the dark circles significantly better.
By uploading this photo, Grant Stevens, MD has agreed with RealSelf.com policy that they've secured proper patient consent.

subset: commoncrawl


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© www.atomium.be - SABAM - Axel Addington
- Address:
Square de l'Atomium
1020 Bruxelles
- MAPS: Google Maps
© WBT - ThomasBlairon.be
© Christophe Licoppe – BeFocus – Sabam
© Christophe Licoppe – BeFocus – Sabam
Children are the Atomium's biggest fans. There's a host of activities and a special sphere just for kids.
They are fascinated by the unique architecture of this very special monument and by its long escalators with coloured lights.
The lift with its glass roof takes them right to the top and, from there, they can discover the children's sphere and its host of activities.
Just a few steps and they're faced with a panoramic view of the whole of Brussels!
Children from 3 to 6 love:
- the Atomium's unique architecture,
- the long escalator with coloured lights,
- the lift with a glass ceiling.
Children from 6 to 12 love:
- Guided visits
- Workshop are organised all year-round in the Kids' Sphere, so they can get to know this amazing building and breathtaking panorama, the permanent exhibition and various temporary exhibitions. Find the full yearly programme.
- A night at the Atomium - the possibility to spend a night with their classmates in the Kid's sphere: ask your child's teacher for more information.
Teenagers love:
- The Atomium's unique architecture,
- the labyrinthine aspect of the building,
- exhibits, both permanent and temporary,
- the panoramic view of Brussels.
Kids Sphere: an educational project
Children can spend a night at the Atomium, gaze at the sensational panoramic view of Brussels and choose which emblematic sites to see next in Brussels!
For more info: Visit the Kids' Sphere on the Atomium website.
The Atomium - Monument and Symbol Built for Expo 58 (LAEKEN)
The Atomium is the symbol of Brussels and Belgium, a unique monument and an emblematic witness to the Universal Exhibition of 1958....
We are not responsible for any price changes. Please contact the organiser prior to departure.


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Meet a Member of Congress: Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns (D-NY-10)
Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns began his political career when he left his position as an administrator at Beth Israel Hospital to become Brooklyn's first African American Deputy Borough President in 1978.@blurbend He was elected to Congress in 1982 and began a long and distinguished career in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the previous Congress, he served as chairman of the powerful Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (OGR); he relinquished his opportunity to be its ranking member in order to return to his influential seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, a seat he has held since 1989. As a member of Energy and Commerce, he serves on the Health Subcommittee, which plays an integral role in the healthcare debate still raging in Congress, especially as Congress looks to reign in overall healthcare spending.
Congressman Towns has been actively engaged in several Congressional caucuses, including: the Congressional Black Caucus, which he chaired in 1991; the Congressional Caribbean Caucus; the Congressional Urban Caucus; the Congressional Mental Health Caucus; and the Congressional Labor and Working Families Caucus. He is currently serving as chair of the Congressional Social Work Caucus, a Congressional member organization he founded in the 111th Congress. The purpose of this group is to create a platform on the Hill for the more than 600,000 social workers throughout the United States who positively impact the lives of the elderly, the disadvantaged, children, veterans and/or other individuals in need of guidance and direction in their lives.
He has been recognized by numerous organizations during his storied political career. In 2010, the AUA and AUA Foundation thanked Representative Towns for sponsoring the Prostate Outreach, Screening, Testing, Access, and Treatment Effectiveness (PROSTATE) Act by presenting him with the 2nd Annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Award.
Q: First, on behalf of the AUA, I would like to thank you for championing the Prostate Outreach, Screening, Testing, Access, and Treatment Effectiveness (PROSTATE) Act of 2011, H.R. 2159. What was it about this bill that piqued your interest?
Towns: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death among men, and there are significant racial and ethnic disparities that demand attention. While there are currently significant resources focused on prostate cancer programs, there needs to be coordination across the federal agencies that are receiving these funds. This coordination would serve to improve accountability and actively encourage the translation of research into practice. Additionally, this coordination would serve to identify and implement best practices in order to foster an integrated and monolithic focus on effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The PROSTATE Act is a step in the right direction to coordinate the important work that is being done in the battle to end prostate cancer.
Q: Was it important that this bill be a bi-partisan effort?
Towns: This is an extremely important issue. This is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. This is a men's issue. In this current political climate, I believe that there needs to be an example of unity and cooperation in the House.
Q: Why is prostate cancer such an important issue to you?
Towns: This is such an important issue to me because I, just as many other Americans, have had friends and family members affected by this horrible disease.
Q: With all of the information available about prostate cancer and the need to be tested, especially for African American men, why is the message still not getting out? And what can we do to change this?
Towns: Though there is a copious amount of information about prostate cancer and the need to be tested, the mortality rate for this disease is still far too high—especially in the African American, rural and certain veteran populations ... We need to do all that we can to ensure that men, particularly those who have a higher risk of developing the disease, are screened and treated at the earliest possible stages.
Q: In parting, is there one thing you would like to say to our members?
Towns: Let's work together to ensure that we can pass this important piece of legislation. Please call or write to your Members of Congress and ask that they contact my office to sign on as co-sponsors to this bill.
Click here to view the list of sponsors and contact your Senators.
Click here to view the list of sponsors and contact your Representative.
Coding Corner:
ABNs and Modifiers
Steven M. Schlossberg, MD, MBA, AUA Health Policy Chair
In the 2009-2010 election cycle, UROPAC raised more than $1 million, making it the 10th largest physician specialty political action committee (PAC). Our 2011-2012 goal is to build on this success and focus our efforts to become even more successful moving forward.@blurbend
What is UROPAC? It is the only PAC dedicated exclusively to advancing the public policy interests of urology. As a voluntary, non-partisan PAC, UROPAC organizes urologists, residents and students who share an interest in electing and retaining pro-urology candidates in Congress. UROPAC is co-sponsored by the AUA and the American Association of Clinical Urologists (AACU).
In the 2009-2010 election cycle, UROPAC:
The fight for healthcare reform continues. As the 112th Congress and the Administration begin implementation of provisions in the ACA, UROPAC, the only PAC dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of urologic patients and urology, will need to ensure that the interests of the profession and its ability to provide high quality care to patients are protected.
We will advocate strongly for revisions to some of the more troubling provisions included in the ACA, such as the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), and address some of the significant issues that were missing from the bill, such as the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and medical liability reform.
UROPAC has adopted a revised giving strategy that we hope will allow us to focus our efforts more effectively. We will devote 70 percent of UROPAC federal funds to a slate that targets key leadership and committees with healthcare jurisdiction to develop champions on our issues. The remaining 30 percent of UROPAC federal funds will be reserved for contributions to other Members and candidates on an "as requested" basis.
Gary M. Kirsh, MD, Chair, UROPAC
Lawrence W. Jones, MD, Vice Chair, UROPAC
The UROPAC executive committee, composed of leaders from both the AUA and the AACU, has identified the top legislative concerns facing urology today and divided them into three categories:
Urology as lead:
Urology working with coalition partners:
Urology will continue to monitor:
The UROPAC leadership is committed to advocating for our profession at both the federal and state level. We will work with all Members of Congress to ensure that our interests and those of our patients are protected. Moving forward in this new Congressional cycle, UROPAC will pay close attention to these issues and support those Members of Congress that support them.
It is critical that those who have supported UROPAC continue to do so and others begin to do so. Our presence in Washington advocating for our patients and specialty has never be more important than in this time of dwindling resources and rapid change. In Washington, although achieving the $1 million status is noticed, losing it may be even more noticeable. We encourage you to visit the UROPAC* Web site (www.UROPAC.org) to understand how you can support these efforts. Please feel free to contact any of us at firstname.lastname@example.com with questions or comments.
*UROPAC is a separate segregated fund co-sponsored by the American Association of Clinical Urologists, Inc. and the American Urological Association, Inc. UROPAC will not solicit contributions from foreign nationals or individuals who are not members of AUA or AACU. Contributions from foreign nationals and individuals who are not members of AUA or AACU are prohibited.
Scanning Old Records into Your New EHR System
Recent discussions on the AUA Practice Managers' Network Q&A Forum about scanning records into a new electronic health record (EHR) system pointed out that urologists who are starting the conversion to EHRs can learn lessons from their more experienced peers.@blurbend One of the common transition challenges is how to access the patient records created prior to "going live." Most practices scan copies of past office notes, radiology reports, clinical lab results, etc.
In order to be as efficient as possible when accessing this historical data during future visits, it is essential to arrange these scanned images in a consistent and organized fashion so that all providers know exactly where to look to find the data they need. Some practices made the mistake of simply taking paperwork out of the patient's chart and scanning it all into an "old chart" file. However, even in paper charts, the documents stored were often subdivided into different categories; without subdividing the scanned information, finding a necessary bit of information became extremely time-consuming.
Most urology managers who have survived the transition recommend that the providers and managers discuss the transition of old records and develop a protocol before the first document is scanned. One manager on the Q&A Forum shared some good advice:
"I don't know if you can name your own tabs (we can do this in our system), but we named tabs 'old chart lab reports,' 'old chart path reports,' etc. This helped us differentiate them from any reports done after starting on EHR. Any paper documents received from outside sources that were scanned in after going live were just labeled 'labs,' 'paths,' etc. Our doctors also decided exactly what they wanted scanned from each chart—otherwise it would have been too much to try to scan every sheet from every chart."
Another suggestion included working with the providers to identify specific documents from each paper chart they felt should be scanned. This review took place during the first patient visit following the "go-live" date and the designated documents were then scanned into the proper sub-division in the electronic chart. From that point on, that individual patient's paper record was rarely ever requested again.
AMA Provides Online HIT Education
For those urologists who have seen some of their colleagues collect the first installment of the Medicare incentive bonuses for use of EHR and are thinking that the time is finally here to take the leap, there is some free education available on the American Medical Association's (AMA) Web site. Click here to access.
This online training is composed of the following six short video modules:
The education was launched in April 2011 and will continue until 2014. By completing all six modules and taking the post-test, urologists can also earn 1.5 hours of AMA PRA Category I Credits™.
Medicare Continues to Work to Align EHR Direct Reporting for All Incentive Categories
In the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, it is clear that Medicare will continue to let providers report on various programs by using their EHR system. Among the programs offering financial incentives for participation are the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), the Electronic Prescribing (ERx) program, and quality measure reporting under the Meaningful Use (MU) program.
For 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed that providers can report PQRS measures either directly from their EHR or by contracting with a "qualified EHR data submission vendor." To direct report, one must use one of the vendors qualified for the 2012 PQRS noted on CMS' list. These are not to be confused with EHR systems that are certified for MU. CMS explains in the proposed rule, "We are currently exploring ways to further align these two programs' reporting requirements for future years so that Certified EHR Technology may be used to satisfy both the Medicare EHR Incentive Program and the Physician Quality Reporting System without any additional testing. For 2012, we propose to modify the current list of EHR vendors qualified under the Physician Quality Reporting System to indicate which of the qualified vendors' products have also received a certification for the purposes of the EHR Incentive Programs."
Alternatively, CMS proposes that a provider using an EHR that is not qualified for direct reporting of PQRS may decide to contract with a vendor within the framework of a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Business Associate contract to "provide for the EHR data submission vendor's receipt of beneficiary-specific data from the eligible professional and the EHR data submission vendor's disclosure of the beneficiary-specific data on behalf of the eligible professional to CMS." The proposed addition of EHR data submission vendors will require prospective vendors to self-nominate their systems and submit test files to CMS to prove their format and data transmission processes are accurate. If this proposal is approved in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule in November 2011, it remains to be seen how many vendors will apply for this reporting arrangement and to what extent this will expand opportunities for providers using EHRs to report for PQRS in 2012 and 2013.
CMS is also proposing to allow those EHR vendors who are certified under the MU program to be considered qualified submitters of electronic prescriptions for the ERx incentive, as well. The intent is to reduce the investment in multiple technologies to meet requirements in the different programs. In addition, the reporting of the measure that defines successful electronic prescribing will also be reportable through qualified EHR vendors.
Click here for a list of the vendors currently qualified for reporting PQRS directly from a qualified EHR and/or reporting ERx directly from a qualified EHR. We expect if the data submission vendor concept is approved in the final rule, another list will be published on the CMS Web site in the future.
For more information, please e-mail email@example.com.
On September 15, 2011, the Congressional Tri-Caucus (Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus) introduced H.R. 2954, the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011. This is a comprehensive bill on minority health. The AUA is excited to announce that the PROSTATE Act, in its entirety, was inserted into this bill as Section 702. Click here to read the bill.
The AUA will closely monitor this legislation. Look for updates in the Health Policy Brief, as well as other AUA publications.@blurbend


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The fact is there is nothing that you can trust; and that is a terrible fact, whether you like it or not. Psychologically there is nothing in the world, that you can put your faith, your trust, or your belief in. Neither your gods, nor your science can save you, can bring you psychological certainty; and you have to accept that you can trust in absolutely nothing.Jiddu Krishnamurti
There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.Jiddu Krishnamurti
When we talk about understanding, surely it takes place only when the mind listens completely -- the mind being your heart, your nerves, your ears- when you give your whole attention to it.Jiddu Krishnamurti
All ideologies are idiotic, whether religious or political, for it is conceptual thinking, the conceptual word, which has so unfortunately divided manJiddu Krishnamurti
If your eyes are blinded with your worries, you cannot see the beauty of the sunset.Jiddu Krishnamurti
If we can really understand the problem, the answer will come out of it, because the answer is not separate from the problem.Jiddu Krishnamurti
Tradition, long conditioned thinking, can bring about a fixation, a concept that one readily accepts, perhaps not with a great deal of thought.JIDDU KRISHNAMURTI
When we talk about understanding, surely it takes place only when the mind listens completely - the mind being your heart, your nerves, your ears- when you give your whole attention to it.Jiddu Krishnamurti
So when you are listening to somebody, completely, attentively, then you are listening not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not part of it.Jiddu Krishnamurti
Your belief in God is merely an escape from your monotonous, stupid and cruel lifeJiddu Krishnamurti
Violence is not merely killing another. It is violence when we use a sharp word, when we make a gesture to brush away a person, when we obey because there is fear. So violence isn't merely organized butchery in the name of God, in the name of society or country. Violence is much more subtle, much deeper, and we are inquiring into the very depths of violence.Jiddu Krishnamurti


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G by GUESS Verna Metallic Leopard Pump
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Leopard pump
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Click anywhere to close this.


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It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Nexon has partnered with MMORPG.com to bring our readers the first-ever look at a new character set to enter Vindictus soon. Her name is Vella, the Dominant Mistress of the Seas. We've got her story, an exclusive video and screenshot to introduce Vella to the world. Read on!
Little is known of this dominant mistress of the seas except that she spent most of her childhood by the ocean. She wields twin swords to quickly decimate her opponents with equally effective offensive and defensive skills. Even the strongest mercenaries struggle to equal her expertise in combat, and she will stop at nothing to vanquish every last Fomor.
Read more of our exclusive developer preview, Vindictus: Vella - The Mistress of the Seas Revealed.
Originally posted by ulrik12345
Nexon/Devcat spends WAY too much details on the character when the environment in general looks like shit compared to the characters. No offence.
Many people, like me for example, care a whole lot more about character detail than environment detail.
When is she going to be out already!?
And damn, Asian MMO's seriously have some of the best looking animations around. They're absolutely spectacular.
Psyched for this character. Might have to shelf my Evie for a bit soon.
There isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to play, if you want to use a screwdriver to put nails into wood, have at it, simply don't complain when the guy next to you with the hammer is doing it much better and easier. - Allein
"Graphics are often supplied by Engines that (some) MMORPG's are built in" - Spuffyre
Originally posted by Ozmodan
Now if they could only fix the game from being tedious and extremely boring.
They can't. They decided to make boring characters with a small amount of comboes. Is it so hard to make a 3D streets of rage with many people playing? Apparently, yes
Vindictus lack open world and pvp.
But Vella looks great!!!!!!!!
Where's the any key?
She looks boring... nothing apart from the other sword characters.
The big dude (name slips my mind) was the only interesting looking character, should really reinstall to check him out...
Somehow taking away the text makes it feel more like gameplay, rather than a trailer.
Also I really like this games animation quality, I'd say it's some of the best in the industry. Especially considering the engine and the actual age of the game.
You received 25 Agrees. You're posting some good content. Great!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Now Doesn't That Make You Feel All Warm And Fuzzy? :P
It is very mmo light, but its a great hack n slash game. I would call this multiplayer rather then mmorpg but the gameplay itself is pretty good. Since it use the mmorpg label it can become to grindy and repetive over the course. Stil the pirate babe looks fun so ill return when she enters Vindictus.
Originally posted by theoneandonly
Vindictus lack open world and pvp. But Vella looks great!!!!!!!!
There's PVP in Vindictus. Not sure about the specifics of it but I see my son playing it all the time. It's some kind of capture the flag thing he plays with a ball instead of a flag. I don't know if there are other modes.
There isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to play, if you want to use a screwdriver to put nails into wood, have at it, simply don't complain when the guy next to you with the hammer is doing it much better and easier. - Allein
"Graphics are often supplied by Engines that (some) MMORPG's are built in" - Spuffyre
Not worth playing.
I know The recent changes to vindictus have been decent, but the customization and cash shop is way too expensive. To fully customize a character the way I want to I have to spend over $50 per character, and its a single time thing, not only this but inventory storage is limited to 2 or 3 tabs, and to my knowledge you have to pay for extra storage per character, not per account the costs are just too much.
Nexon needs to stop milking cows give us real game play and fun where we actually want to play and pay the cash. Stop restricting our raids too especially for VIP's give them unlimited.
Well I played vindictus since Beta, and during Beta nexon wasn't as greedy I had no problems game was somewhat enjoyable, and then they made all these changes to the game like. 1. Limits on Raids, 2. Bound every Material Item to my character instead of account, 3. Started to over price the Cash Shop, 4. Bots Galore spam everywhere. I like this game it has potential but someone with brains and marketing without scamming needs to step in and take this game over from Nexon because Nexon as a company is a failure look at their official forum you will see that there are posts already about the game being dead. I mean this Vella patch is nice she looks cool great design, but really its no more than a dual bladed Lann throw in some new skills possibly, new animations, give her cool customizations that you by the way have to pay for yet again or look very ugly when you first make a character. It just sucks I would wait for Blade & Soul, or something else worth paying a decent amount so you get your monies worth. Even GuildWars 2 while it has a cash Shop is no where close to as greedy as Nexon I don't have to spend a dime of my own RL money if I don't want to to change a characters apperance, I get plenty of inventory space, and can buy extra for I think it was 400 gems.
Probably the best game ever for animations and character detail. Looking forward to seeing Vella soon.
PvP is off the main map in exploration areas. Labyrinth, capture the flag and monster brawls.
Originally posted by Renoaku
*15 sentence wall of text*
There's this thing called the enter button.. Much less this amazing thing called paragraphs..
Anyways, the stuff you listed is a giant load.. Most everything in vindictus is cosmetic or just "starter gear" type of junk that you really don't need anyways..
I know you're just trolling, but that was downright pathetic.. Much like GW2 and how little there is to do in it..
But where are her pants?
She looks fun-ish, but it's not enough to make me reinstall. I was over this game 4 years ago after playing off and on for a couple months during the betas. It didn't change much since then either, when they fooled me into reinstalling last time.
If you want this kind of gameplay, go play C9. It's a better game. For a few days.


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Parsons student Brecht Vanthof shoots surf films
with the eye of an editor and the heart of a local.
He uses Creative Cloud to stay in the zone.
Check out Brecht's latest films. Don't miss his chilling portrait of the Wedge — the infamous Newport Beach surf break.
Featured products:


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HELPER- Our loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Emery Francis Weber, age 73, passed away Feb. 15, 2008 in his home.
He was born Oct.6, 1934 in Isabella, Okla. to Emery Hal and Marjorie Blake Weber. He was the second of four children born in the family home attached to the filling station that his father operated.
Married Jerry Eastin they later divorced. They have two children, four granddaughters and one grandson.
Emery graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1960, and was a lifelong Jayhawks fan. He worked for many years for the US Geological Survey, surveying for topographical maps from the Canadian to the Mexican border, and in a number of large information processing businesses.
While living in New Mexico after retirement, he started working at Wal-Mart to keep himself busy. In 2005 he moved to Helper, and again started working for Wal-Mart in the electronics department until his passing. A radio enthusiast almost from birth, with a stockpile of parts always at hand, Emery always had an interest in electronics, computers, and tech gadgets. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. We will forever feel his loss.
Survived by his son, Gary (Bobbi) Weber, Riverton; daughter, Pam (Ken) Duckworth, Tulsa, Okla.; brother, Ivan (Linda) Weber, Salt Lake City; sister, Carol Jones, Mulberry Fla.; uncle, Phil Blake, Wichita Kan.; former wife, Jerry Weber, Jamestown, Colo.; grandchildren, Andrew Weber, Elizabeth (Clark), Ashley (Sean), Jennifer, and Savanna; many nieces, nephews, close friends, and extended family.
Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Abbot.
His son Gary would like to extend a special thanks to Vivian and Bob Teny of Price, and Irene and Bill VanSoelen of Helper for taking him into their families and giving him comfort.
A family memorial will be held this summer in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price.
PRICE- Neesha Kay Thorsen Lee, age 45, passed away suddenly February 22, 2008 in Price after a lengthy battle with health problems.
She was born November 16, 1962 in Provo, Utah to James Kenneth and Gwen Brasher Thorsen.
She married Scott C. Lee, March 16, 1989 in Elko, Nevada.
Neesha's greatest love was for her family, and she cherished the wonderful memories that she shared with her husband, children and grandchildren. Everyone will miss her wonderful sense of humor and her sisters will miss the fun times they shared. She enjoyed family gatherings, camping, barbeques, and working on the computer. Neesha loved angels and was constantly intrigued with paranormal and supernatural events.
"Neesha we love you, and will miss all the joy and happiness brought us."
Survived by her loving husband, Scott Lee, Price; one daughter and three sons, Toni Jaramillo, Wellington, Tracey (Misty) Olsen, Tyler Lee, Travis Lee, all of Price; granddaughters Tyrca and Cerenity; four sisters, Deanne (Dale) Ashton, Lehi, Becky (Larry) Fox, Orem, Jolene Hamouri, Lehi, Karla (Gordon) Hall, Price; and a special sister, Sherri Thorsen, Price; and a loving step-father, Virgil Engvall, Carbonville; special friend, Debbie Zele, Price.
Neesha was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Karen Seevers; brother, Rocky Thorsen; and mother-in-law, Cora Lee.
Funeral service, Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 11 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will be at Mitchell's Monday evening from 6-7 p.m. and Tuesday one hour prior to service. Interment, Cliffview Cemetery, Price.
Charles F. Force, born in Lake Charles, La. died quietly at home on Feb. 4. 2008 after a brief illness.
Charlie was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Lauderdale, he trained racehorses, he was an artist, he taught school, and he had a farm for more than 20 years.
Charlie was a master storyteller collecting friends every place he lived and from all walks of life,. He loved nothing more than to get together with friends to share laughter, a few beers, songs on the guitar and tall tales.
His family and friends were deeply cherished.
He leaves behind his wife Genevieve with who he shared 44 years; his children Owen Force of Seattle, Wash., Pamela (Randy) Orwin of Silverdale, Wash., and Karen (Manny) Ibanez of Price, Utah; and his grandchildren Paige, Craig, and Hagen Orwin and Veronica and Gabriel Ibanez.
A memorial mass will be held at the Mission San Rafael in Huntington on June 27 at 11 a.m.
HELPER-Our loving brother-in-law, uncle, neighbor and longtime friend, Daniel Victor "Naz" Giordano, age 73, passed away suddenly February 23, 2008 at home while clearing snow.
He was born March 4, 1934 in Helper, Utah to Angelo and Helen Verde Giordano.
Naz married his sweetheart Betty Lou Anderson on September 22, 1962 in Helper, she passed away on April 3, 1994. Naz and Betty were blessed with a loving son Michael Giordano who passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 2002.
He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and Stella D'America Italian Lodge # 77 of Helper. Graduate of Carbon High School Class of 1952. Served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict as a military police officer. After returning from the service, Naz began working in Helper for D&RGW, and eventually ended up retiring from the IPP.
He was active in baseball in the area, where he played for the American Legion and Helper Merc in the semi-pro industrial league. He loved to cook and bake, and he shared many of his dishes with family and friends. For the past several years his constant companions were his two little dogs Morgan and Chelsey.
"We love you Uncle Naz and you'll be forever in our hearts."
Survived by his sister-in-law, Lois Giordano, Helper; nieces, Kathy (Don) Fausett, Helper, Sandy Funcannon, Tucson, Ariz, Mona (Paul) Jaramillo, Price, Judy (Darin) Olson, Helper; brother-in-law, Stanley Anderson; and many loving great nieces and nephews; special friends, Karlo Kuru, Julie and Butch Crandall, and Brian Taskar.
Naz was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty; son, Michael; and brother John Giordano.
Funeral Mass, Wednesday, February 27, 2008, 10:30 a.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church, with the Vigil service beginning at 10 a.m. at the church in Helper. Friends are invited to a visitation Tuesday evening from 6-7 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home. Committal service, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper.
December 7, 1946 - February 24, 2008
Life is short love is sweet and death comes to us all.
When the time had come and the time was short, you did not check or stall.
You covered the ground, being a man to always cross the wall!
Across the wall and giving all, holding you family close at hand.
For to never shirk nor ever quit can be more precious than any life,
And for that you are a man.
A man among men both family and friend, with love and honor, we will meet again.
To you I say, you're the idol of man.
Love, your family, and always
Love, Dan.
A viewing will be held Saturday, March 1, 2008 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary (680 East 100 South - Price, Utah.) Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary.
FERRON/PRICE-Our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandma, Donna Bryan Wallace, passed away peacefully February 22, 2008, at the age of 87.
She was born September 30, 1920 in Ferron, Utah to Clinton and Reva Rasmussen Bryan.
She married James Thomas Wallace, May 12, 1943 in Kenilworth, Utah; he passed away January 5, 1980.
Donna was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a longtime resident of Emery and Carbon counties where she was a teacher for many years. Donna always enjoyed a good hand of cards with the girls, and she anxiously awaited her bus trips to Mesquite and Wendover. She loved family outings, barbeques, and spending time with her loved ones.
Survived by her three daughters and their spouses, Colleen (Larry) Davis, Spring Glen, Joan (Bob) Coli, Arizona, Laurey (Scott) Herzog, Price; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Bryan, Price;four grandchildren, Michael Davis, Lisa (Travis) Wilberg, Shane (Amy) Herzog, Nick Wallace; five great-grandchildren, Tony, Kayla, Marissa, Zoie, and Caulen.
She was preceded in death by her son, Tome E. Wallace; one brother and two sisters.
A celebration of Donna's life will be held, Wednesday, February 27, 2008, at Mitchell Funeral Home. The family welcomes friends to join them for a visitation beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a sharing of memories starting at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the Ferron City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home.
PRICE - Vera Elizabeth Finley, our loving wife, mom, grandmother, sister, and wonderful friend to all who knew her, passed away due to complications of pneumonia, after a very courageous battle on February 22, 2008.
Vera was born on February 27, 1921 in Brigham City, Utah to John and Dora Rolph, where her mother taught school for several years. Prior to that time, her mother taught school in Star Valley, Wyoming. Vera, along with her mother moved from Brigham City to Emery County and settled in Castle Dale, Utah where her mother taught school again. Vera attended grade school and high school there before she accepted a scholarship to Snow College. There, she studied hard, learned shorthand and became a legal secretary. She was employed by the law firm of Romney and Nelson in Salt Lake and later, the law office of Frandsen and Jensen in Price, Utah.
She married her sweetheart Max Finley on October 17, 1942, just a few months before Max was inducted to the Army during World War II and was sent to the battlefields of France and Germany. After nearly 2 � years, he returned to his cherished love and they made their home in Hiawatha and then in Price.
Vera was passionate about the beauty in life, especially that beauty created by Mother Nature in the nearby Alpine areas, where she loved to spend her free hours studying the beautiful landscapes. Remembering the beauty she found there, she painted oil landscapes which now bless the homes of her family.
She loved flowers, both wild and tame. They were her treasures. She studied each variety carefully and could name many with their Latin names. With this enthusiasm, she and her husband produced a wonderful wildflower book that has become well known and is placed in hundreds of homes and used often in schools. "Wildflowers of Castle Country," has been a great success for her. Her gift to all of us was the beautiful roses she grew in her several flower gardens. We believe she loved roses more than any other wild or tame flower.
Above all else, she loved raising her cherished children. Her life was complete, she often said, when she became the mother of twins, Stanton and Shannon, and then later, Randall. She raised them to love life, as she did, to be energetic, hard working, and kind, loving persons. She was always so involved with the many activities that her children and grandchildren were involved in and loved to be part of the important things in their lives.
She loved her church work, including, working and teaching in Relief Society and teaching Primary. She belonged to the Carbon County Historical Society and the Utah Historical Society because of her love of local history. She lived through a Great and Remarkable Generation. She was the "Lady of the Greatest Generation," selling World War II bonds. She sold a great number of these. She was also a great comfort to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the war.
Vera was a wonderful friend to many people and was devoted to helping them any way she could.
Vera's work here on earth is complete and she has gone to join Heavenly Father and prepare a way for her family. She is survived by her sweetheart, Max R. Finley; three children, Stanton Finley, Shannon (Gail) Hamilton, and Randall (Jill) Finley; a sister, Helen (Kirk) Snow; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank our family doctor and his staff for their help and the nurses and attendants at the hospital and Parkdale Care Center.
This poem expresses her heartfelt thoughts, which she knows to be true: "Across the years I will walk with you in deep green forests; on shores of sand, and when our time on earth is through in Heaven too, you will have my hand."
Funeral Services will be held Wed., February 27, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Price LDS 4th Ward Chapel (545 East 400 North - Price, Utah.) A viewing will be Tuesday, February 26, 2008 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary in Price with a viewing one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Cliffview Cemetery. Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Utah Historical Society (801-533-3500 / 300 South Rio Grande Street - Salt Lake City, Utah 84101.)
MAYFIELD / CASTLE DALE - Earl Jeffs, age 89, died Feb. 19, 2008 in Mayfield, Utah. He was born July 30, 1918 to Elmer Jeffs and Hilma A. Frandsen in Castle Dale, Utah. He is survived by his two sisters, Arlene Callahan of Castle Dale, Utah, and Ruth M. Christiansen of Manti, Utah. Funeral Services will be held Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 at 12 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary (720 North Center - Castle Dale, Utah,) with a viewing one-hour prior to the service at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Castle Dale City Cemetery. Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary.


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A split personality poly home fabric from England. One side has subtle ripples in the fabric and is light with dark-colored contrast; the other side is smooth and is dark with light-colored contrast. Ideal for pillows, curtains, duvet covers and light upholstery.
Color: LINEN
Width: 54
Content: 100% POLYESTER
Country: ENGLAND
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Why weren't they in sooner? That's the general consensus about the Pumas right now after a smooth arrival to the Rugby Championship.
Why weren't they involved sooner? That is the general consensus about Argentina right now after a smooth arrival to the Rugby Championship.
An opening night defeat was backed up by a draw against the Boks in Mendoza before New Zealand were next to feel the full force of Puma beef.
Furthermore, the pre-tournament ringed home fixtures are still to cap what has already been a memorable and justified debut at the top table.
Next up is Australia who, despite being heavy favourites with the bookmakers, are set to face a gruelling evening at Skilled Park this Saturday.
If Australia do claim the win, they will have come through a right of passage against a pack Tatafu Polota-Nau praised as being 'jacklers'. Polota-Nau continued by rating the Argentinean forwards as being right up there, if not the strongest, group of eight in the 2012 Rugby Championship. It's a fair point as, if asked to name the competition's form XV, then Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Rodrigo Roncero would go straight onto the list.
As has been the case over the years when planning out our then Tri-Nations previews, the 'Recent Results' section would be packed to the rafters. Not so this year as these two have met just four times in the last twelve years. Just three players remain from the last clash as Patricio Albacete, Nathan Sharpe and Juan Martin Hernandez go at it again. Those asking where old stager Roncero was, he did feature in RWC 2003 but didn't make that squad.
Roncero will, of course, be in attendance this weekend and is most definitely going out from Test rugby with a bang – credit to consultant Graham Henry for reportedly coaxing him back from his retirement call. With Marcos Ayerza patiently waiting his turn, the future is bright.
But what can we expect on Saturday? Blank out their most recent results for a second and going solely on form I'd have no qualms backing Argentina winning on Australian soil. Reasons for a so-called upset (they are 5/1) are that the Wallabies are expected to come off second best in the forward scrap – Lobbe and Roncero will hope to accelerate that process – while the last time Nick Phipps started a Test it was in a bruising defeat to Samoa. Much like Samoa on that day, Argentina arrive confident and face a line-up that is far from at its strongest. One wonders how much Australia they miss Sitaleki Timani and Will Genia.
Their scrum did hold up well last week and that is welcome encouragement for the Wallaby front-row and their coaches. But the Pumas arguably bring a more complete arsenal than the Boks of 2012, and with the Wallabies far from top form and the Argentines oozing confidence right now, we could see a 'shock'. How long before that word ceases to exist?
Ones to watch:
For Australia: If they haven't already, Argentina would be advised to watch a re-run of Samoa's victory over the Wallabies last July. That win uncovered a few home truths about some of the Wallabies, with a couple of players having rarely featured again since. Will Genia's replacement, Nick Phipps, was on the receiving end of a big tackle and he will no doubt be targeted by the Pumas. Watchers of New Zealand's 'The Crowd Goes Wild' might remember they did a 'Smashed 'em Bro' solely based on that game. Here it is. Argentina will look to show the spirit of the islanders this weekend and get amongst these Wallabies. If Phipps is going backwards, he might be in for one heck of an uncomfortable game.
For Argentina: Coach Santiago Phelan seems to have no qualms with changing personell even when the team is performing well. Martin Rodriguez has subsequently been benched for someone who copped the same treatment after the Newlands defeat, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino. The full-back returns this week and will be hungry to prove that he's the number one number 15 in South America. Amorosino is a smooth runner when given a chance but he definitely is a confidence player. If the Pumas get him firing – alongside wing duo Gonzalo Camacho and Horacio Agulla – Australia will have their hands full for 80 minutes.
Head-to-head: Two very different specimens clash on the openside at Skilled Park as the compact yet powerful Michael Hooper faces off with Juan Manuel Leguizamon. Hooper has filled the void left by David Pocock to good effect while Leguizamon is given another opportunity after an average half a game return to action in Wellington last week. Both with their own specific tools are going to be key to how this one pans out but there is just a sense that having Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Julio Faras Cabello alongside him might see the ex-London Irish and now Lyon flanker come out on top. Another battle worth watching will be Adam Ashley-Cooper against Marcelo Bosch. Two complete footballers.
Recent results:
2003: Australia won 24-8 in Sydney
2002: Australia won 17-6 in Buenos Aires
2000: Australia won 32-25 in Canberra
2000: Australia won 53-6 in Brisbane
Prediction: Argentina couldn't ask for a better opportunity to win on Australian soil. While the hosts enter after beating SA, there is a sense they might come unstuck. The Pumas have the pack to better their rivals up front and if 'El Mago' pulls the strings, Argentina by 2!
The teams:
Australia: 15 Berrick Barnes, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Radike Samo, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Nathan Sharpe (capt), 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore/Saia Fainga'a, 17 James Slipper, 18 Scott Higginbotham, 19 Liam Gill, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Anthony Fainga'a, 22 Kurtley Beale.
Argentina: 15 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Juan Martin Hernandez, 9 Martin Landajo, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (capt), 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 6 Julio Faras Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Eusebio Guinazu, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 18 Leonardo Senatore, 19 Tomas Leonardi, 20 Nicolas Vergallo, 21 Martin Rodriguez, 22 Juan Imhoff.
Date: Saturday, 15 September
Venue: Skilled Park, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 20:00 (11:00 BST, 10:00 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
TMO: Matt Goddard (Australia)
By Adam Kyriacou


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Cardiff Blues welcome back Josh Navidi into their starting XV as they face PRO12 holders Leinster at the Arms Park on Thursday.
Cardiff Blues welcome Josh Navidi back into their side for Thursday's clash with Leinster at the Arms Park.
Navidi has been ruled out of action through injury since last month's Heineken Cup clash with Toulon, but the fit-again Wales international is now recalled by Blues as they hunt a vital win.
Director of Rugby Phil Davies makes a total of seven changes to his starting line-up with exciting young wing Owen Jenkins, who last month signed a long-term deal at Blues, one of four changes to the back division.
Gavin Evans is named at inside centre, where he will partner Isaia Tuifua, while a new-look half back pairing will see Gareth Davies and Lewis Jones join forces.
Sam Hobbs will captain the team from the front row while James Down is recalled for his second start of the season in the RaboDirect PRO12.
Macauley Cook moves to blindside flanker where he links up with Navidi and Robin Copeland in the back-row.
Changes on the bench include a call-up for back row Luke Hamilton and Wales Under-20 scrum half Tomos Williams.
"In all the Irish provinces there is huge depth and Leinster will be strong no matter what side they select. They showed that last weekend against the Dragons as they claimed a bonus point win," said Davies.
"We have a total of 22 players missing in total, either away on international duty or injured, but have great faith in our boys and I know they can do a great job. We have a number of young players involved and it's exciting to see them get an opportunity to impress.
"The squad has worked very hard and we've had good patches throughout this season. But this is the most important period we have had and we are going to have this season.
"After the frustration of the last match against Glasgow the quick turnaround it's great," he added.
"It's a big challenge as we hunt a top six place and we need to start getting positive results. It's vital we get the team emotional and physically ready for this game and hopefully we will have a big crowd right behind us to see us tackle the champions."
Meanwhile for Leinster, coach Matt O'Connor has made wholesale changes to his pack and a number of changes to his backline due to players being away on international duty..
Most notably both Richardt Strauss and Luke Fitzgerald return from injury and are both named to start, albeit that Fitzgerald will again be assessed ahead of the game in Cardiff.
Following on from last weekend's forward display, Leinster will be hoping for more of the same but from a completely new front eight. Michael Bent, Strauss and Tadhg Furlong make up the front row with Tom Denton and Quinn Roux selected in the second row. Bent will win his 25th Leinster cap at the Arms Park.
In the back row Kevin McLaughlin captains the side from six, with Academy player and Ireland U20s capped Jack Conan selected at eight for his first Leinster senior start. Dominic Ryan starts at seven after impressing off the bench last weekend against the Dragons.
In the backs Noel Reid and Brendan Macken get another outing at centre with this the third game in a row that they have started alongside each other. Zane Kirchner continues at full back with Darragh Fanning once again selected on the wing but switching to the right to accommodate Fitzgerald on the left. Should Fitzgerald not be cleared to play Sam Coghlan-Murray will start in his stead.
At half-back Eoin Reddan is again selected at scrum half having fully recovered from a calf injury with Jimmy Gopperth selected at 10.
Form: Cardiff Blues' only victory in their last seven RaboDirect PRO12 contests came at home to Dragons on New Year's Day. The Blues have beaten an Irish province just once in their last eight encounters: 21-10 against Connacht at the Arms Park in round 2 this season. Leinster have been defeated just once in the PRO12 since round five: 6-11 at Edinburgh on 20th December. The Leinstermen have not been defeated by a Welsh region in any competition since they visited Ospreys in the PRO12 on 4th November 2012. Cardiff Blues have won just one of their last 14 encounters with Leinster since 2007: 11-3 in the PRO12 at the Cardiff City Stadium in February 2011.
The teams:
Cardiff Blues: 15 Dan Fish, 14 Owen Jenkins, 13 Isaia Tuifua, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Harry Robinson, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lewis Jones, 8 Robin Copeland, 7 Josh Navidi, 6 Macauley Cook, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 James Down, 3 Scott Andrews, 2 Kristian Dacey, 1 Sam Hobbs (c).
Replacements: 16 Rhys Williams, 17 Tom Davies, 18 Patrick Palmer, 19 Chris Dicomidis, 20 Luke Hamilton, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Simon Humberstone, 23 Tom Williams.
Leinster: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Darragh Fanning, 13 Brendan Macken, 12 Noel Reid, 11 Luke Fitzgerald / Sam Coghlan-Murray, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Dominic Ryan, 6 Kevin McLaughlin (capt), 5 Quinn Roux, 4 Tom Denton, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Richardt Strauss, 1 Michael Bent.
Replacements: 16 Aaron Dundon, 17 Jack O'Connell, 18 Edward Byrne, 19 Mike McCarthy, 20 Rhys Ruddock, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Darren Hudson.
Date: Thursday, February 20
Kick-off: 20:05 GMT
Venue: Cardiff Arms Park
Referee: Andrew McMenemy
Assistant Referees: Gwyn Morris, Greg Morgan
TMO: Paul Adams


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Kelly & Katie Meader Tote
Sorry, this item is sold out!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # 277800
The Kelly & Katie Meader tote is the perfect everyday handbag for carrying all of your essentials. With enough style to match any outfit, you'll love incorporating this bag into your everyday routine.
- Faux leather tote
- Top tab with snap closure
- Rolled handles with 10" drop
- Printed fabric lining with zip pocket, two slip pockets and center zip compartment
- Dimensions 14" x 5" x 12½"
- Imported
- View more Kelly & Katie Handbags
By: NickiB
Location: Upstate New York
April 29, 2014
Love this purse
"Really love this purse, only issue is it doesn't have an outside pocket but has enough pockets on the inside to make up for it. Stands up on its own. Built well (as far as I can tell) and does the job. Very happy with this purchase"
By: Sheets
Location: Falls church
June 24, 2013
Perfect bag.... Love it.....
"Perfect daily use bag with a lot of space. I'm a young mom and need space in my bag while going out. Like the brown color too....however I'm noticing some white ness on the back of the bag just within a weeks use....though not sure if this is the material flaw or the dress I wear. Looks great and more than its price......will buy again for sure. I'm giving 4 stars just because of whiteness issue."
By: nemom
Location: nebraska
June 20, 2013
loved it at first
"I really liked this bag to begin with but only had it for two weeks and the stiching in the bottom corner is coming apart and now I have a hole!"
By: LuvMyBags
Location: Pottstown, PA
April 18, 2013
Disappointed in the quality of this bag
"I was so excited to order this bag after reading the other reviews. It IS very nice looking . It's very roomy, has a nice secure zippered middle and is a beautiful shade of green.That being said I am extremely disappointed in the quality of the material used and the way 2 of the straps were attached. The "front" part of the bag has metal hard wear so the handle "moves" freely. The rear handle is sewn right onto the tote so it's stiffer and after only 6-7 days of using it, that rear handle has cracked on both sides at the base. I don't carry anything heavy and I don't overload the bag so there's no reason the handle should be cracking already other than due to the stiff "pleather" used.If you only want to use this bag sparingly then you may be very happy with it. It's not leather so I was only expecting it to last for this Spring & Summer. Sadly I don't think it would last the month. Wish I could just return it!"
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She touches the lives of every one she meets I am lucky to call her my friend ROCKS Laura is a very giving person She is a wonderful Nurse and Friend I will never forget how well we worked togetherShes a angle from HeavenRemember little David I dont want grandma to be a angle Amazing nurse
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about 8 years ago
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Couldn't decide which 'thanks for the add' graphic to send so you're getting my two favorites! LOL!
STILL love Ur profile pic! I luv butterflies! Have a great day! ~Susie :-)
Thanks For the Add Comments and Glitter Graphics Code
Thanks For the Add Comments and Glitter Graphics Code
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about 8 years ago
I have not been fishin' lately too darn cold for me to fish!!!! Im more of a spring and fall time fishermen!!!! How you been?
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about 8 years ago
Thought I would drop by and say howdy!!!
You are welcome. All you need to do is click on the friends comments and glitter graphics code or the one that has the address. It will take you to that site and then you just go to the card that you want to send. Once you have figured out what you want to send then at the bottom of the card that you are going to send is a comment box, in that box is a code you need to copy all of that code. ( you highlight everything in the box and then you right click on the box and scroll down and copy). Once you have done all of that you come back to nursing link and go to your friends page and paste the code that you just got done copying in your friends comment wall. I hope that this helps.
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Skip to comments.Morning Joe's Melodramatic Reaction To NRA Ad On Elite Hypocrisy Over Armed School Guards
Posted on 01/16/2013 6:28:51 AM PST by governsleastgovernsbest
Have a look at the screengrab: it shows Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, she holding chin in hand, he hanging head. Their melodramatic reactions come in response to an NRA ad decrying the hypocrisy of political and media elites who want "gun free zones" in the schools where most Americans send their children, while sending their own children to schools with armed guards.
The panel's reaction was one of collective hyperventilation. Mike Barnicle called the ad "political pornography." Donny Deutsch said it's "one of the grossest things I've ever seen in my life." Scarborough asked Mika "what's wrong with these people?" Brzezinski replied that some of the people running the NRA are "sick in the head" and that she is "embarrassed for our country." But what of the substantive point made by the ad?
View the video, including the ad, here.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsbusters.org ...
Spare us the melodrama and explain why armed guards are good for the children of the elites, while the rest of America is instructed to send their kids to "gun free zones"? Ping to Today show list.
He he ... 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards ... the ad hit the target.
Spare us the melodrama and explain why armed guards are good for the children of the elites, while the rest of America is instructed to send their kids to "gun free zones"? Ping to Today show list.
Gun Nazis. "No arms for YOU!"
I saw this ridiculous display this morning...he has turned himself into the white Colin Powell: a lib who calls himself a Republican so he can lecture the right endlessly on why we're no good, and the only choice we have is to become liberals. A pox on both their houses.
We need an explanation of why 0bama's kids aren't being home schooled.
obama is an elitist hypocrite. JS gave up his b***s when he went to work at MSLSD.
Two drama queens.
Mika is a graduate of this very exclusive school, "The Madeira School",located in the DC area.
Want to bet that there are armed guards on the campus?
Very simple translation in a "Nut-shell" from the LIBS' motto: "Just do as WE tell you, NOT like WE are doing"!!!
Wanna Pi$$ off a liberal? Tell the truth. Boy its fun to watch.
Any time a firearms-related thread is created on FreeRepublic, please be sure to add the "banglist" keyword to it so that interested FReepers don't miss it. Just a suggestion.
Let Freedom Ring,
Don't you people get it? Nobody cares if your brats get killed. They're nobodies just like you are. Of course important people like the Obamas and Gregorys have armed security. It's to protect them from all you morons. You don't need to have guns to protect your lives. If you get raped or murdered by a criminal because you didn't have a gun, well, sucks to be you. It's your own fault really. If you wanted to be important enough to warrant armed guards you should have become big superstar journalists like us, or politicians, or famous movie stars. Instead you're just a nobody who's too stupid to be trusted with such power. You'll just hurt yourself anyway or, worse yet, hurt one of us.
Hey...Joe Blow....how's your old intern doing?
Dead? Wow Joe, what happened? (Snicker)
Joe Scarborough: "Here is the latest NRA advertisement. Spoiler: We already hate the NRA so anything they say will be trashed."
(Ad runs)
Mike Barnicle: "This ad is political pornography."
Donny Deutsch: "This ad is one of the grossest things I've ever seen in my life."
Joe Scarborough: "What's wrong with these people?" \
Mika Brzezinski: "The people running the NRA are sick in the head, I'm embarrassed for our country."
Barnicle: "There is only one response."
Brzezinski: "They are Satan."
Barnicle: "Satan. And we need to kill them."
Deutsch: "We need to murder NRA members."
Scarborough: "All of them."
Brzezinski: "And their families."
Barnicle: "Rape their children."
Brzezinski: "That will show them we mean business."
Deutsch: "Drape their entrails on buildings."
Brzezinski: "Lick their blood, feast on their brains."
Barnicle: "Yum. Kill all NRA members and rape their women and children."
Deutsch: "Yes."
Scarborough: "They need to be taught to be nonviolent."
Deutsch: "By raping their children and women and killing off their bloodlines."
Scarborough (and all together): "Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. KILL. KILL. KILL. KILL. KILL. KILL. KILL. KILL. "
(They all start harmonizing and glowing, and begin to reveal that they are, in fact, Crystalline entities, and glow, and hum, growing into 12 feet shaped crystals)
Since their "Director of Safety" is a retired Fairfax Police Department lieutenant, I would say it's a pretty safe bet.
Yes, I went to the school's directory and found this.
John Kenyon, Jr.
Director of Campus Safety, Security
(703) 556-8237 firstname.lastname@example.com
Thanks for the transcription. I'm glad to see that cooler heads prevail over there at MSLSD ;-)
I still have vestiges of liberalism in me, but I saw this segment this morning and found NOTHING offensive about the ad. What I did find offensive is the double standard put forth by all the people on Morning Joe.
If you are going to advocate for the entire country then YOUR family had better be the first to follow the lead, but we know that is never the case.
The older I get I find that hypocrisy is the one thing that chaps me beyond all others. Especially when it is done w/ such false righteous indignation.
I still have vestiges of liberalism in me, but I saw this segment this morning and found NOTHING offensive about the ad. What I did find offensive is the double standard put forth by all the people on Morning Joe.
If you are going to advocate for the entire country then YOUR family had better be the first to follow the lead, but we know that is never the case.
The older I get I find that hypocrisy is the one thing that chaps me beyond all others. Especially when it is done w/ such false righteous indignation.
I see a lot of name calling in their "rebuttal",
but no addressing of the concept of why this is OK.
I guess it's "obvious" to them that the elite need special treatment.
It's also obvious to them that people will take offense if they actually admit this is their viewpoint on the issue.
Sorry for the double post.
Here in the UK I had a furious argument over the weekend with some typical limp-wristed Guardian readers.
I furiously blamed liberal gun-control policies for turning U.S. schools into gun-free target zones. I made the point about police stations never being the targets for killing sprees. And I quoted the statistic about violence in the UK being 2.5 times what it is in the States.
All they could do was blink in amazement. They had no answer. It was the damnedest thing.
hee hee...
As I was reading this I thought "This has got to be Laz..."
LOL- you nailed it again bro
So this Democrat believes that the murder of children is a "GOOD THING"?
Ed Rendell on MSNBC: Boosting Gun Control is the 'Good Thing' About Sandy Hook
Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/matthew-balan/2013/01/11/ed-rendell-msnbc-boosting-gun-control-good-thing-about-sandy-hook#ixzz2I9XLVtdN
Like the radical greens and agenda 21; they say the world population has to be limited. Why don't they set the example by killing themselves?
Thanks, Joe: will do.
People who watch MSNBC are part of the problem, not part of the solution.
It's a tough thing to glimpse the fact that the proverbial "useful idiot," is oneself.
The ad wasn't very well done but the point it makes is perfectly fair. Obama is an elitist, and he shamelessly flaunts a double standard.
An incidental point of information: people who want to make a point about an eleven person security staff at Sidwell should be aware that Sidwell has two separate campuses (lower school and middle/upper school), and that both are multi-building complexes with associated gyms and athletic fields. They are very nice campuses, and it is an undeniably great school. Sidwell's reputation is well earned.
My experience of Sidwell is limited to carting my daughter to the upper school campus to soccer games, and one winter to practices in the middle school gym (rented space for her club team). But from that point of observation, I'd say that the campus is very actively used until well into the evenings for sports teams, clubs, etc.
So ... if security arrives at 7 a.m. and stays until 9 or 10 p.m., at two campuses, both multi-building sites, we are not talking about an especially heavy presence. It translates into someone near the entrance, whose primary job is to keep undesirables (of whom we have an abundance in DC) from strolling through the gate, plus someone strolling the grounds. Two people times two locations times two shifts is eight of the eleven security slots right there. A security director makes nine. How many are full time, how many part time, and whether there is any weekend or night watchman coverage, I have no idea.
I don't actually know how Sidwell deploys their people, but posters on some threads seem to have the impression of intensive security. Not so. Yes, there is security, and at Sidwell's price tag there ought to be, but it's hardly an armed camp with a SWAT team at the ready. It looks and feels more like a small college campus minus the dorms, except that the college would have more campus police to deal with drunken students on Friday and Saturday nights.
Ha ha! Feels good to win once in a while, doesn't it? But I am amazed they he/she didn't just go into a scream-in-your-face rage which is what usually happens when you out-argue a liberal.
It's happened to me.
THIS has now been added to the article!
Note: A reader has alerted me to the fact that the tony Madeira School, that Mika attended, also has a campus security detail. From an article on appointment of the school's new safety director:
"Kenyon is in charge of guarding a high school, yes, but this is a school whose boundaries extend far beyond McLean. Many Madeira students, past and present, come from powerful families ranging from D.C. power players to national and international CEO's, figureheads, and moguls. Many Madeira girls go on to become women of distinction in their chosen fields; actress Stockard Channing is an alumna; so is the late publisher of The Washington Post Katharine Graham."
That show is a joke.
You can always tell when you hit a nerve,the left goes into shock,how has anyone avoided our brainwashing,they did not go to sleep with POD in the room,we can't let this stand without a frontal assault,if this TRUTH is allowed and spreads we are screwed
Thanks for the pings/posts. Emotional tugs to grab low-information/useful idiot watchers of the propagandists of/for/by Marxists. Mandates from Marxists/totalitarians BUMP!
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text:
By Michael Maresh
Journal staff writer
Article Last Updated: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 11:05pm
JERRY McBRIDE/Durango Herald
A winter storm came through Durango on Wednesday morning quickly leaving several inches of snow and making for a wintry walk for Jenna Meyer and her companion Heina on the Animas River Trail near 29th Street. The National Weather Service expects a 50 percent chance of snow today in Durango decreasing to a 20 percent tonight. A slight chance of snow returns to the forecast for Saturday through Sunday.
JERRY McBRIDE/Durango Herald
Charles McDainel, 17, and Tivonne Neuenschwander walk down East Third Avenue as snow falls in Durango on Wednesday morning.
JERRY McBRIDE/Durango Herald
Dan MacVeigh shovels several inches of snow that fell in Durango on Wednesday morning.


text:
© Jens Büttner/dpa/Corbis
Daylight saving time (DST) isn't just here to mess with your sleep patterns — it serves an actual purpose. How much do you know about DST? Find out by taking this quiz.
Start Quiz »
You scored
0 out of 30
Question 1 of 30
What is the correct terminology for DST?
daylight savings time
daylight saving time
The plural "savings" mistake is so common that more people actually search for the wrong term than the right one.
Question 2 of 30
Who wrote a brochure called "The Waste of Daylight" in support of DST?
William Willett
Willett died just before his ideas about DST became reality.
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson
Question 3 of 30
Which country did away with DST in 2011?
Russia eliminated it to reduce stress and illness in the country.
Question 4 of 30
How long did Russia follow DST until opting out in 2011?
8 years
22 years
30 years
After three decades the country decided to go old school.
Question 5 of 30
During World War I, which country was the first to use DST as a measure to conserve resources?
Germany was trying to conserve coal specifically.
United States
Question 6 of 30
What year was the Uniform Time Act passed in the United States?
The 1966 act (mostly) ended the confusion of tracking time in the postwar era.
Question 7 of 30
During World War I, which country was the first to follow Germany's lead in adopting DST?
United States
Only a month after Germany did, Britain decided that DST might be an advantage for its wartime efforts, too.
Question 8 of 30
Which American president decried DST as a "deception," explaining that people should simply get up and go to work earlier during summer months?
Woodrow Wilson
Calvin Coolidge
Warren Harding
President Harding ordered employees in Washington to go to work at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
Question 9 of 30
After World War II, how long did it take for the U.S. to repeal DST?
three days
three weeks
It only took three weeks. People were ready to be done with "war time."
three months
Question 10 of 30
Which U.S. state does not observe DST?
Arizona tried DST for one year in the 1960s but negative backlash nixed it permanently.
Question 11 of 30
In 1965 St. Paul, Minnesota, was on Central Daylight Time while adjacent city Minneapolis, Minnesota, was still on Central Standard Time. How long did this time difference last?
two months
two days
two weeks
St. Paul, Minnesota, switched to DST two weeks ahead of state law. Chaos reigned in offices and homes for those weird weeks.
Question 12 of 30
George Hudson, who first conceived DST, was from which country?
New Zealand
Hudson was from New Zealand. He liked to collect bugs and needed more daylight to do so.
United States
Question 13 of 30
A 2009 study found that mine workers are how much more likely to experience accidents after the spring time change?
6 percent
Mine workers are 6 percent more likely to have accidents. The fact that less sleep equals more accidents is no surprise.
12 percent
20 percent
Question 14 of 30
What year did Indiana adopt DST?
The Hoosier State was very late to the party, joining in 2006.
Question 15 of 30
Before the standardization of DST, states and localities could start and stop the practice whenever they wanted. At the low point of confusion, Iowa had how many different pairs of start/stop dates?
There were 23 pairs. The confusion would have been exasperating for people in the state.
Question 16 of 30
Which Canadian province does NOT adhere to DST?
Saskatchewan is effectively on DST for the entire year.
Question 17 of 30
Debilitating cluster headaches become more common in some people following which time change?
when DST begins
Reduced sleep and disruptions to the circadian rhythm are often blamed for the problem.
when DST ends
Question 18 of 30
Driving is safer during daylight hours. Observing DST the entire year might reduce vehicle occupant fatalities by how much in the U.S.?
It might reduce vehicle occupant fatalities by 200 and spare the lives of 200 pedestrians.
Question 19 of 30
Some people say the increased level of recreational activity during DST also spikes a usage of what?
This uptick in gasoline usage may offset any energy gains from using less residential electricity.
beach balls
Question 20 of 30
On the Monday following spring's DST change, people have more what?
broken limbs
heart attacks
People have more heart attacks. Some people speculate that less sleep negatively impacts our health, if only temporarily.
Question 21 of 30
Which of these pairs of cities opted to keep DST even after Congress repealed it in 1919?
Phoenix and Denver
New York and Chicago
New York and Dallas continued to practice DST. Other localities opted to make their own choices regarding DST, causing widespread confusion.
Los Angeles and Dallas
Question 22 of 30
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended DST by how many weeks?
two weeks
four weeks
It extended DST by four weeks and was signed into law by President George W. Bush.
six weeks
Question 23 of 30
Which hour does DST take effect in the U.S.?
2 a.m.
The 2 a.m. time change can get confusing if you're a night owl and awake during the time change.
3 a.m.
Question 24 of 30
Why don't countries near the equator follow DST?
Warmer weather means it doesn't matter when the sun rises and sets.
Their days are always the same length.
There's very little variation in their days no matter the time of year.
Politics in tropical regions are at odds with the theories behind DST.
Question 25 of 30
In North America what percentage of electricity goes to residential lighting?
4 percent
Four percent of electricity goes to residential lighting. Implementing DST helps countries scale back on the power needed for homes, if only by a tiny bit.
7 percent
12 percent
Question 26 of 30
The cost savings of reducing residential lighting is probably offset by increased usage of what?
air conditioning
People are awake during hotter hours, meaning they need more cooling from their air-conditioning units.
Question 27 of 30
How many months each year does the United States operate under DST?
The U.S. is on DST for eight months each year, which makes standard time seem less than standard.
Question 28 of 30
On which continent do most countries NOT use DST?
Most countries in Africa don't use DST, but several countries in North Africa do.
South America
Question 29 of 30
In addition to Arizona, which other U.S. state does NOT follow DST?
Rhode Island
Hawaii and the U.S. territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands and Northern Mariana Islands) do not use DST.
Question 30 of 30
Which group lobbied against DST in 1918?
retail shops
It's a common myth that farmers are in favor of DST.
golf course owners


text:
Posted on January 16, 2013
Five years ago Flickr Commons was launched as a partnership between the Flickr image sharing website and the Library of Congress. They had two primary goals. The first was to increase access to publicly-held photography collections. The second was to provide a way for the general public to contribute information and knowledge. During the past 5 years more than 250,000 photographs with "no known copyright restrictions" have been contributed by 56 libraries, archives, and museums worldwide. Many of the photographs have comments which provide additional information and details.
Search the collection and see if you can find any images to use in your family history. The image shown here of the staff of San Francisco's Station "B" Post Office posing in front of their building was taken in 1890. Check out the Library of Congress blog post to see which images are the "fan favorites." Each week additional images are added to this amazing collection.


text:
A Gawker Guide to Last-Minute Christmas Gifts
Christmas is only five days away, and it's likely that some of us (ahem) haven't done any shopping at all. Need some ideas? Here are some gift suggestions for the various weirdos you might still have to shop for.
... The Cousin You Haven't Seen in 15 Years
You're not really sure why, you guess everyone's just been busy, but you haven't seen this cousin since you were kids and now you're both basically grown up and don't know each other at all, but they're coming to your house for Christmas this year and it's going to be soooo awkward. Yeah you're the same age and all, but that's it! You'll be forced to hang out together and yet very likely will have nothing to talk about. Worse still, your mom has instructed you to buy them a Christmas present, because, y'know, you'll know what they like better than she will. You want to get them a gift that says you're cool but not trying too hard. You don't want to get them something that makes you seem weird and dorky. Really, it has nothing to do with them and everything to do with you. My recommendation? Get them that new Daily Show history of Earth book. Or something like that. Arrested Development on DVD. Y'know, something young and smart and "snarky," because that's pretty baseline appealing to people you and your cousin's age, right? The only way it would backfire would be if they're some weird Fox News-watching, humorless asshole. In which case, who cares. That's probably why you haven't seen them in fifteen years anyway.
... The Friend You Didn't Think You Were Exchanging Gifts With
Oh god, shit. Your friend totally just asked you "So when do you want to exchange gifts?" and you were like "Um... Sunday?" because you figured that at least bought you a day or two to desperately think of something. Dammit, why did your friend have to go and buy you something? You thought you two had an understanding! You're too broke or too busy to be running around buying presents for all of your friends. This is really inconsiderate of your friend, to just assume you're going to get a present for them. FUCK. You don't even like this friend that much! You kinda just call them up when no one else is around and you don't feel like sitting around the house. Does that make you a jerk? Yeah, probably, but no more of a jerk than this friend who thinks everyone's out there buying them presents all the time. You know, fuck it. Just get them like a hat/gloves/scarf set at Old Navy. Whatever. Try to wrap it nicely. You're sure whatever they got you can't be that good anyway. (Though, just in case, be sure to open theirs first. So if it's good, give them the hat and gloves and say "Also, I'm taking you to dinner!" Nice save, right?)
... The Awkward Receptionist You Got for Office Secret Santa
You and your project teammate tried to rig it so you'd get each other and just buy each other drinks, but it was a little harder to do than you'd thought, so now you're stuck with Donna, the weird receptionist who has a framed picture of a horse on her desk. Is it her horse? Is it just a horse she admires? You can't tell and you've never asked. So something horse related maybe? But what's under $20 that's horse related? A Seabiscuit DVD? Is the sequel to that, the Diane Lane one, is that out on DVD yet? How much do DVDs even cost these days? Um... Oh, you saw her reading Girl With the Dragon Tattoo a couple months ago, maybe she needs the next book in the series? No, she seems like someone who would read an entire book series pretty quickly. Dammit, why do you sign up for these stupid Secret Santas anyway, they're always way more of a headache than they're worth. If you could just get up the courage to ask your project teammate out on a proper date, you wouldn't have had to do this whole ridiculous Secret Santa charade. But no, you're too chickenshit, so now you're standing in the Hallmark store, trying to find a horse figurine for Donna. And you're not going to find one under $20 and you'll just end up getting her a Dunkin' Donuts gift card and for the next two weeks she'll trundle by your cubicle every morning and say "Thanks for the coffee!" and your project teammate will get engaged over New Year's, you didn't even know they were dating someone, how could you not have known that??, and you really need a new job.
... The Girl Who's About Your Age That Your Dad Just Married
So... you have to get this Kiki person presents now? Like, that's expected of you? That seems unfair. You already have to get stuff for mom, more stuff now that she's alone and living in that condo down by the water, and you're also supposed to get stuff for Kiki the travel agent? Nice, dad, really nice. Well, let's see. You don't want to rock the boat at Christmas, so while it would be kind of fun to get her something passive aggressive like a spray tan gift certificate or something from Forever 21, you're not gonna do that. Maybe a scarf? People like scarves, right? Well, your mom likes scarves. Kiki is definitely not your mom. Kiki is... Kiki is always carrying around that stupid little dog! Get the dog an outfit! That way you're not really even getting a present for Kiki, you're getting one for Prada the dog, but it'll still look like you put some thought into it and your dad will put his arm on your shoulder and say "You did good, kiddo, you did good. Thanks for trying. I know it's hard, but it means a lot to both of us." And Kiki will give you a big hug and then she'll give you the awesome present she got you, how did she know you wanted this?, and you'll feel bad for all the mean things you said about her to mom.
... The Significant Other You're Going to Break Up With After New Year's
I mean, you can't do it beforehand because you already have the hotel downtown booked for New Year's Eve and everything. And clearly you have to get them something for Christmas. But, really, is it worth it to get something that expensive? This thing's gonna be over in a little more than two weeks anyway. A sweater? People like sweaters, but they don't say too much, y'know? Obviously not concert tickets, because, well duh. Something technological? A cellphone? A digital camera? Those all sound awfully expensive. This is gonna be hard. But you've kinda been having feelings for your project teammate at work for a while and you're pretty sure they're into you, so doesn't that mean you have to break up with your significant other? It does, right? It's not like they're going to propose at the hotel room on New Year's Eve or anything. And it's not like you'll say yes or anything and then the next Monday at work you'll reluctantly tell your project teammate and they'll look disappointed and you'll feel a strange pull in your gut and weird Donna will walk by and say something about coffee and you'll think "I really need a new job." It's not like that's going to happen! You're going to break up. For sure. And you need a present. So, West Wing DVDs it is.


text:
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text:
BART workers will get paid 15.4% more by the time deal ends in 2017, AP sources says.
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The tentative contract that ended the San Francisco Bay Area's transit strike includes a 15 percent raise over four years but also increased worker contributions toward their health insurance and pensions, a person with direct knowledge of the agreement said Wednesday.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit district and its two largest unions reached the agreement Monday night, but its details have yet to be made public because the two sides still were double-checking the wording before presenting the deal to union members for a vote.
The person with direct knowledge of the deal that allowed BART service to resume after a four-day strike said workers would get paid 15.4 percent more by the time the agreement ends in 2017. That's more than the 12 percent raise BART presented as its best and final offer before the strike.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the details hadn't been discussed with rank-and-file members of the two unions, which represent more than 2,300 mechanics, custodians, station agents, train operators and clerical staff.
The deal also requires employees to contribute more toward their benefits. Monthly health insurance premiums would increase from $92 to $129. And, for the first time, workers would have to contribute to their state pensions.
The rate would be 1 percent in the first year, topping out at 4 percent in the fourth year. At the same time, workers would get back 72 cents for every dollar they contribute in an arrangement called a "pension swap."
Chris Daly, political director for one of the unions — Service Employees International Union local 1021 — confirmed the basic salary, health care and pension changes. But he disputed the suggestion that workers would be earning 15.4 percent more when the new contract expires, saying higher costs for health care and pensions make the take-home increase more like 2 or 3 percent over each of the four years.
"It's a decent contract," he said. "We fought very hard, we consider it a victory, and I'm happy to go advocate it to our members."
Both unions still must vote to ratify the contract, which will not happen before next week. A BART spokesman, Jim Allison, declined comment, saying "We are going to respect the process of the union leadership going to their members."
Specifics on nonfinancial work rule changes contained in the proposed agreement — the sticking point in the unions' decision to walk off the job last week — remained sketchy.
For example, BART originally wanted to be able to change work schedules with greater ease while the unions wanted to preserve schedules such as a four-day, 10-hour week. Other proposed changes would have affected the handling of worker claims of discrimination or harassment by managers.
The deal that will be voted on contains concessions by both sides, according to the person familiar with its contents. Union negotiators agreed to make it easier for BART to introduce technology into work routines.
The transit agency also agreed to several changes, including better lighting in stations and tunnels, the cutting of overgrown vegetation near tracks and the possibility of reopening bathrooms at several stations that have been closed more than a decade.
Under their old contract that expired in June, the members of SEIU 1021 and Amalgamated Transit Union 1555 earned an average base salary of about $71,000 and $11,000 in overtime annually, BART officials said.
The unions initially asked for 23.2 percent in raises over three years. BART offered a four-year contract with 1 percent raises contingent on the agency meeting economic goals.
During the evening commute Wednesday, a fire erupted under a train in the East Bay, sending smoke billowing throughout the station and forcing train passengers to evacuate.
BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost said Wednesday evening that the source of the fire was a semiconductor box under the train's lead car.
BART technicians and firefighters were working to determine the exact cause.
No one was injured, and the incident was unrelated to a Wednesday afternoon re-enactment of an accident that killed two BART workers Saturday, Trost said.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.