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what do you mean exactly? like.... give me example i am not cleary understand
looks like we will be braching to a couple more games... i figure if we branch out to Ascend, it'll encourage me to revamp, and since we're doing it anyways, might as well redo twars's site since someone broke it. i'm also thinking of reviving digitalgamerz.com too, so it'll be a triple project, but it won't be like i tried before. i'm keeping the 3 things separate;TribesOne.com for T1 and Ascend Twars.org for Twars DigitalGamerz.com for news/reviews/info for other games like Skyrim, Serious Sam 3, BF3, MW3, Saints Row 3, TF2, Firefall, Afterfall (and any other suggestions) and upcoming games like CS:GO, HL3, SW:TOR anyone interested pm me
What happened to the friendly game I used to know


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subset: commoncrawl


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At the turn of the century, contact centers were run using on-premises hardware and software. While it all did the job it needed to, it meant that contact centers were limited to big companies with deep pockets, in order to pay not just for the infrastructure, but also the techs to maintain it.
These days, advances in internet technology mean that many services can be hosted or built natively in the cloud, allowing CCaaS providers to maintain and develop the software as a service. Not only does this mean lower overall costs, but also a lower bar for entry to the point where even the smallest business can now use a contact center to service their clients and customers.
While there remain some big name brands in contact center services, we're going to focus on featuring only those that specialize in providing CCaaS built natively in the cloud. This means the services have strong uptime records, quicker deployment cycles, and are easier to integrate with third-party software that hybrid legacy systems.
While a contact center will necessarily aim to at least provide a platform for Customer Relations Management (CRM), it will also commonly offer a unified communications solution for staff as well.
Here then are the providers we think offer the best CCaaS as we move into 2020:
- Check out the best business phone systems here
- Find the best web conferencing services here
- Find the best unified communications as a service (UCaaS) here
Want your company or services to be added to this buyer's guide? Please email your request to firstname.lastname@example.com with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line.
Best CCaaS - at a glance
- RingCentral
- Talkdesk
- Jive
- Five9
- Aircall
1. RingCentral
CCaaS with cloud office
The RingCentral Contact Center is a more recent product from the company, but it's been written specifically to cope with the complexities of the modern business, and offers a solid all-round CCaaS solution.
It includes all the main features you'd expect, from call handling to omnichannel routing, CRM integrations, to analytics for agent performance management.
One area where RingCentral stands out, though, is a collaborative approach that runs through the service, and intends to not only allow agents to have quick access to the information they need, but that this can also be updated on the fly according to changing conditions.
The result is that not only can agents meet customers using their preferred communications channel, they can also ensure that information provided is the most up to date, which can be especially important during everything from promotions to PR.
Another strong point is the wide range of integrations RingCentral is able to handle, such as from SalesForce, Zendesk, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Microsoft Dynamics, so that communications can better work with sales, CRM, and other essential backend software.
All in all RingCentral's CCaaS adds to an already impressive range of service offerings from the company.
2. Talkdesk
A complete cloud contact center solution
Talkdesk offers a complete CCaaS coded specifically to run in the cloud, allowing it to provide both a comprehensive features and third-party integrations, in order to deliver an accessible enterprise experience.
As would be expected, the service fully caters for all forms of voice calls, with a full suite of call handling features and click-to-call functionality from both desktop and mobile apps.
There's also a multi-level interactive voice response (IVR) option for routing calls to the correct agents. A visual editor allows for workflows to be customized and edited without the need for code. Detailed analytics is available for improving efficiency and providing insights.
There are also a wide range of integrations available, such as SalesForce, Zendesk, Slack, Freshdesk, Google, Shopify, and Zoho.
Where Talkdesk really stands out is in the call quality, with high clarity and minimal latency, which also comes with a 100% uptime guarantee. It's also fully secure and compliant with HIPAA and GDPR standards.
3. Jive
CCaaS live with Jive
Jive offers another leading CCaaS product that provides some nice additional features not advertised by other vendors.
There are the standard voice handling features, such as call queues and call recording, as well as interactive voice response (IVR) and automatic call distribution (ACD) with the option to weight and prioritize inbound calls.
Additional features include historical call, contact, and agent reports, that along with agent summary reports can help make it easier to gain performance insights from analytics.
Another feature of note is the ability to display live status wallboards, so that everyone in the team can see information on what's happening in real-time.
Jive actually offers two contact center levels, with the Pro version also adding in features such as an omnichannel interface, automatic call back, as well as automated speech recognition (ASR), text-to-speech (TTS), along with speech analytics.
4. Five9
Another magic quadrant CCaaS
Five9 is another Gartner-leading CCaaS provider, offering an intelligent enterprise-grade cloud contact center that aims to also be simple and easy to use.
The contact center offers a full range of voice handling services as well as covering omnichannel communications.
There are options for routing, self-service, and analytics for workforce performance management, with security and compliance is also provided as standard.
There are different interfaces provided for agents, supervisors, and administrators, but it's also a fully customizable platform, with various open platform APIs available as well as CRM and unified communications integration with existing packages you may be using.
As with most other CCaaS providers, there is no flat-rate pricing information provided, so you will need to contact Five9 for a quote.
5. Aircall
Aircall is another specialist cloud contact center provider, and the platform offers the full range of voice features that you'd expect from a developed CCaaS solution, such as call handling, IVR, through to call conferencing and the ability to blacklist spam telephone numbers.
There are also collaborative features included, with options for shared inboxes, tagging, comments, and follow ups to specific team members.
There are customizations available so you can build your own IVR menus and smart routing rules, and analytics allows you to measure workflows for KPIs across your teams..
There are also a very wide range of integration options available, such as with SalesForce, Zendesk, Hubspot, Freshdesk, Magento, Microsoft Teams, Pipedrive, Slack, and Zoho.
All in all, Aircall aims to provide a very efficient CCaaS platform so you can maximise the customer experience and eliminate missed or dropped calls from your business.


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She may think that you are competing with your MOM, or worse, is depending on your MOM. And this is not for nothing in their favor. ** Not to criticize it when it is putting effort this is the worst thing you can do. If she sees your not you value your effort and only criticize it, you would feel disappointed. I thought that you don't appreciate it.
So you must emphasize that effort and offer help to make this work. Here, Technology author expresses very clear opinions on the subject. * Never tell if your family don't like if you don't like your family, is better not say it. The reality indicates that she will get angry and will feel very insecure. This will create problems in the future and tension between her and her family. All you can do is make clear that his family knows whom has chosen and that they have to respect their decision. ** Not mention you nothing of your ex unless she ask. Never ever compare your quotation or things that make together, with things that pretended with an ex. Something painful is to her see that you're still thinking in another.
In addition, never compares it with your ex in bed. You may feel frustrated to believe that another was better in bed. No woman likes being compared to another, in any aspect. ** Not you boast of bad things that you have done in the past if she does not know something bad, it is better to keep your mouth shut. For example, if you tell him that you have cheated in the past, you will have a totally bad about you opinion, and also think that you can fool her also. Thus, these things do not must disclose. * Never tell that a soccer game is most importantly for you even if it is an important match, not tell you leave quiet at that time because you're busy with something interesting and that has no time for her.


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CryptoControl Launches Bitwords
The crypto news aggregator CryptoControl has announced the launch of Bitwords, a new and innovative ad-network platform.
What is Bitwords?
Bitwords is an effective content recommendation platform for advertisers and publishers in the crypto sphere.
For advertisers, the platform is beneficial for the following reasons:
- Dedicated Crypto Audience- Since the ads are displayed to crypto traders, enthusiasts and investors, the audience would be a 100 percent dedicated crypto audience.
- Transparency- Since all costs are recorded in a smart contract, advertisers can see exactly how much they spend and to which publisher the money was paid to.
- Advanced Targeting- With Bitwords, the advertisers get a wide range of targeting options such as targeting audience by the device, targeting audience by the language, targeting audience by the country, targeting audience by the keywords, and many other targeting options.
- High Secure- Funds belonging to the advertisers are locked in an Ethereum smart contract, which makes it 100 percent secure and advertisers would only be charged as much as is spent.
- Fully Refundable- Even if the platform faces losses, your funds are secure and fully refundable since they are on the Ethereum blockchain.
For publishers, the platform has the following benefits:
- Easy to Install- The publishers can install the ads easily using a simple WordPress plugin.
- High Profitability- Since the system is transparent, the commissions are lower than its competitors in the market. What this means for publishers is that they earn more.
- No Registration Required- Other than your Ethereum wallet address (for payouts), you won't be required to share any details.
- Daily Payouts- Publishers would receive payments on a daily basis straight into their Ethereum wallets. All transaction fees for the transactions are paid for by Bitwords.
- Transparency- The platform is truly transparent about how much a site earns as well as the cut Bitwords takes.
What is CryptoControl?
CryptoControl is a crypto news aggregator which allows users to track news from different news sources in a single place. Users can track news from mainstream sources, crypto news sources as well as social media.
The website takes large amounts of data from paid and private sources and then applies complex AI and NLP engines to process the accumulated data. The data is then presented in an easy-to-understand format through CryptoControl's mobile app and website.
CryptoControl has spiders which crawl over 1000 sites every 5 minutes, finding news and processing it to be produced in front of the audience.
Follow us on Telegram!


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New Book
From Things Lost
forgotten letters and the legacy of the holocaust
by Shirli Gilbert
In May 1933, a young man named Rudolf Schwab fled Nazi Germany. He eventually arrived in South Africa and years later resumed a relationship in letters with the Nazi who in many ways saved his life. Karl Kipfer was that Nazi. He encouraged Rudolf to leave Germany and after the war helped him recover the family's property.
Shirli Gilbert takes readers on a journey through a family's personal history where we learn about a cynical Karl who attempts to make amends for his "undemocratic past," and a portrait of Rudolf holding together the fragile threads of his postwar existence.
The letters in From Things Lost act as a surrogate for the gravestones that did not exist and funerals that were never held. Readers of personal accounts of the Holocaust will be swept away by this intimate story.
Todd M. Endelman writes: Drawing on a recently discovered treasure trove of correspondence from the World War II era and beyond, Shirli Gilbert has written a psychologically nuanced account of a German Jew who fled Nazism and found refuge in South Africa. Her finely crafted book illuminates not only the stresses and strains of flight and resettlement in the 1930s and 1940s but also the inability of refugees from Nazism to ever escape the trauma of those years.
You can find the book on Amazon here
New Book: Jews in Uniform
A new photo-book has been published by Aster Publishing entitled 'Jews in Uniform' by Michael Greisman. It features a...
Katz Center Fellowship
Call for Applications: Katz Center Fellowship The Herbert D. Katz Center at The University of Pennsylvania is now accepting...


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We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But we may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.
Compare secured business loans
Secured business loans allow you to borrow more at lower rates by using collateral.
Last updated:
When you're looking to grow your business, any amount of extra capital could come in handy. You've settled on a secured business loan, but what's next? Learn what you can use as collateral and how securing your loan can benefit your business.
Get personalized financing options that suit your unique business needs in just a few simple steps.
Our top pick: Excel Capital Management Small Business Loans
Our top pick: Excel Capital Management Small Business Loans
Get personalized financing options that suit your unique business needs in just a few simple steps.
How does a secured business loan work?
A secured business loan requires that you put up some type of collateral against your loan should you default. This can be a piece of property, equipment for your business or any other expensive asset, either personal or commercial. By providing collateral, you may have access to lower interest rates and higher loan amounts than with an unsecured loan.
However, if you're unable to make your loan payments on time, the lender has the right to seize your asset to cover your remaining debt and any other expenses that have accumulated since default.
Compare providers that offer secured business loans
|Collateral Required
|Offer Details
|Excel Capital Management
|Receivables or assets (commercial real estate, inventory or heavy equipment)
|Loan options including split funding, term loans, equipment financing, invoice factoring, business lines of credit and more
|Funding Circle
|Lines of credit with a max draw amount of $500,000
|UCC lien on business assets is required for loans over $100,000
|Peer-to-peer lender offering small business loans up to $500,000
|Main Street Finance Group
|Assets (commercial real estate, inventory or heavy equipment)
|Business financing up to $1,000,000 through merchant cash advances, long-term unsecured loans, equipment financing, and lines of credit
|Term loans up to $100,000 and lines of credit with a max draw amount of $500,000
|Lines of credit with a max draw amount of $250,000
|Personal guarantee
|Microloans for small businesses with a max amount of $250,000
|Lines of credit and invoice financing with a max amount of $5,000,000
|Lines of credit and business term loans with a max amount of $500,000
How a personal guarantee works
How can a secured loan benefit my business?
A secured loan means less risk for the lender. And less risk for the lender means a better deal for you. You can get access to larger loan amounts and lower interest rates. This is a great choice for established businesses with reliable cash flow to make regular payments.
Here's the difference between secured and unsecured business loans
What can I use as collateral?
The assets most commonly used to secure a business loan are commercial and residential property. But realistically, anything of value can be put up as collateral. Depending on the lender and the amount you want to borrow, you may be able to use the following assets as security:
- Business inventory
- Business equipment
- Future invoices
- Personal vehicles
- Commercial vehicles
- Fine art and jewelry
- Personal savings
If you don't have any of these assets and don't own your property outright, you still could use these as collateral. You don't necessarily need to own the property to offer it as security. Business equity loans allow you to access the equity you have in your personal or business property to get the funding you need.
How much collateral is needed for a business loan?
What are the risks of secured business loans?
The main risk of secured business loans is that if you default, your lender can repossess your asset. This could have serious consequences for the future of your business, especially if you used property as collateral. Even worse, if you listed a personal asset as collateral, you'll lose more than just an important part of your business.
As with any other type of loan, you should always be wary of borrowing more than you can afford to repay. Be aware of how much regular payments are and the total cost of the loan once it's fully paid off before you sign on the dotted line.
What businesses are eligible for secured loans?
Businesses that can provide collateral and have a history of repaying its debts will likely qualify for a secured loan, however you can set yours apart by making sure these points are strong:
- Business history. Most lenders require that your business be operating for at least six months, or up to two years in some cases.
- Business financial strength. Lenders assess your business' profit and loss statements, average monthly turnover and income projections to determine if you can make your repayments.
- Appropriate asset. You'll need a suitable asset to provide security for the amount you wish to borrow.
Application checklist
Secured business loans are different than secured personal loans and require a bit more upfront work. These five points should help guide you toward a loan your business will be able to repay.
- The value of your asset. No matter what your asset is, have it professionally appraised. This way, you'll know how much your asset is worth and how much you should expect from your lender.
- Your business plan. Lenders want to see a business plan that details how you intend to use your loan. Without one, you're unlikely to be approved.
- Credit scores. Lenders use both your personal and business credit scores to determine your interest rate and how much you can borrow — even with a secured loan.
- How much you need to borrow. In your business plan you should be able to determine how much you need to borrow. Too little could result in more loans in the future. And too much could put you in a poor financial position.
- How you plan on repaying. Most loan payments will be set to be paid monthly, though some require weekly, or even daily repayments. Before you sign on to a loan, know if your business can meet the monthly payments to avoid default.
Compare more business loans from top providers
Bottom line
A secured loan can be great for a business looking to expand or a new business wanting to buy property or expensive equipment. Although it comes with a certain amount of risk should your business default, the low rates and higher loan amounts make secured business loans a strong option for companies of all sizes. You can compare more business loan options to find a lender that suits your business needs.
Frequently asked questions about secured business loans
Ask an Expert


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Need a piano for a photoshoot? If you answered yes, you have come to the right place.
Whether it's your birthday, an outdoor shooting or you need pictures for your magazine. Or maybe you have a promotional campaign where piano is going to be the basic element of your entire photoshoot, having the most beautiful and elegant instrument can make can steal the hearts and mesmerize the audience. And guess what? The most exciting thing is that you don't even need a working piano. For a photoshoot a piano shell is going to be perfect.
Piano House enhances your photoshoot with the large variety of pianos in all different sizes, colors and brands. If your photoshoot is for a high profile occasion or event, or you need a piano for your child's birthday and want to capture the beautiful moments using a piano, we got you covered. Let us know your requirements and we'll offer the most suitable instrument for you. Our team will assist you to choose the best piano or piano shell that will add elegance to your photoshoot.
Go to our online gallery and choose the piano that matches to your needs. You can send us an online quotation to book a piano. Or you can choose to visit us for a first hand look.
From grand pianos to upright and concert, we have what you need.
Call us now to book a piano for your next photoshoot.


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What a hot topic Garden Burial has become since the MP for South Shields recently declared in the Commons that funeral poverty was forcing people to bury their loved ones in the back garden!
Well, yes and no. Firstly, yes, it will save you cemetery fees but no, generally people with the luxury of a privately owned garden are not usually the ones in funeral poverty.
Garden Burial – What are the rules?
There are a few but this does not mean that a private land burial is necessarily a good idea. The landed gentry have been doing it for generations and calls to our helpline are generally from farmers, small holders, woodland owners and those with generous gardens.
There are cases of individuals being buried in smaller gardens but as we will read below these are perhaps more prone to be exhumed by future owners.
Owning the freehold of the land with no outstanding mortgage is key.
Being high and dry, where the digging of a grave is not going to breach the water table is a good start.
The Environment Agency have issued guidelines regarding distances from running or standing water and obviously a body should not be buried anywhere near a spring or borehole used for drinking water.
As long as the death is registered in the normal way and the registrar informed of the location of the burial within 96 hours, using the slip at the bottom of the 'green form', you essentially do not need permission from anyone to carry out a home burial.
You only need planning permission for a garden bural if you are changing the use of the land, ie turn it into a cemetery by either burying lots of people or changing the use of the land by erecting large monuments or fencing it off. So a garden must stay a garden and a paddock a paddock etc.
Every week I send out 'how to dig a grave' pdfs and sample burial registers to those undertaking home or private land burials (you need to leave a detailed record of the grave and its occupant with the deeds). I always express caution on the subject, especially when the caller tells me that it is a garden burial in an urban area. I recently had a call from one gentleman from a Birmingham back-to-back with only a yard; he was determined!
So, on the one hand you have the likes of Kirstie Allsop burying her mother on her estate and then the case of Mr and Mrs X whose bodies were exhumed by professional exhumation specialist at Rowland Brothers and re interred in the local cemetery once their house was sold. Was this what they really wanted to happen or had their dream of lying undisturbed in their beloved garden been ill conceived, poorly planned and inadequately protected?
There is also a smattering of urban myth and assumption made about private land burial. The most common is that you will devalue the property. True, you may be restricting the number of prospective buyers but if your land is beautiful and the grave is tucked away somewhere, the purchaser might well appreciate and respect your desire to remain there and wish to join you when their time comes.
One estate agent advised a widow that, by law, she must exhume her husband from their 100 acre estate before it could be put on the market. She duly obeyed only to discover that this was his presumption and the whole episode and subsequent mental trauma avoidable.
It is the duty of a vendor to disclose the presence of a grave. I heard of one case where the farmer's wife sold up and did not disclose the presence of his grave, nor attach anything to the deeds. The new owner only became aware of the burial when at the local pub he was asked if he minded having farmer X looking over the family from the top field? They took the wife to court, got permission to exhume and sued her for the costs.
Exhumation from non consecrated land. (if consecrated a whole other raft of church laws apply)
You have to apply to the Ministry Of Justice for a licence. There is no fee applicable but you have to employ a professional exhumation specialist and this can be pricey. Interestingly if you employ the same firm to re-inter the remains elsewhere, it is classed as a funeral and you avoid VAT charges.
I have just read back over what I have written and it makes for pretty gloomy reading. To counter this I would say that the vast majority of home burials are beautiful and the families are very happy with the choice they made. They cause no trouble and are, on the whole I hear, very quiet residents.>>
I have asked Michael Gill to share some thoughts, drawn from his experience and give his perspective on private land burial:-
Personal view by Funeral Director Michael Gill.
So, according to Emma Lewell-Buck MP, funerals are now so expensive people are being forced to bury their deceased in their own back garden, and I, as a Funeral Director of thirty years standing should, presumably, be preparing our company for more home burials than we have seen before. Presumably, Ms Lewell-Buck has some evidence to back up her statement. Maybe home burials are becoming more attractive in South Shields although I would guess it may not be because of economic factors. So what is the reason?
My personal feeling is that ease of visiting and being near to family is not the main sentiment. It is usually the interred who wish to be buried in this way, not the remaining relatives. It is, I think, a wish to remain in a place you loved in life, and to remain there undisturbed. Does it work?
It's an almost unavoidable fact that, whatever one person buries, given time, another will dig up again. Even established cemeteries reclaim land from old, unattended burials, either by exhumation or 'cover and cut'.
So is it the feeling that being buried on the family 'estate' is more under the control of the bereaved.
I looked after the exhumation & re-interment of Victor Hervey, 6th Marquess of Bristol, who is now buried in the family vault of the private Church in the grounds of Ickworth House, Suffolk.
Effectively a garden burial and fairly secure as the estate is now owned by the National Trust. So, if this is the security you are looking for in perpetuity, with an estate in Suffolk, you can achieve it. Should your estate amount to less than 250 acres however, last week's exhumation would suggest garden burial isn't going to do it.
As long as it is known that deceased people are present on the property someone will wish to remove them, either future owners or neighbours. Anonymity seems to be more effective. King Richard III remained undisturbed beneath a car park in Leicester for over five hundred years (although it obviously wasn't always a car park) and Oliver Cromwell still lies undisturbed somewhere beneath what is now Marble Arch – both due to their graves being unrecorded, not an option available to garden burial as a register has to be added to the deeds.
There may be another advantage to garden burial that explains the renewed interest; ease of exhumation.
In my experience the most common reason for arranging an exhumation is relocation of the family. Having spent their working lives away from their roots, people wish to return home and want to take their deceased relative with them. Bury in your back garden and when the family are ready to move, the permission is issued by the Ministry of Justice in a matter of days. Bury in a cemetery and it is possible that the plot could be in ground consecrated by the Church of England.
The view of the Church is that burial is in perpetuity, although, considering how many Church Yard projects I have advised upon, even those buried within the Church grounds are not immune to disturbance. The Faculty document is, however, in consequence, a nightmare permission to gain.
So, is it a good idea to be buried in your own back garden? I think that can only be a purely personal sentiment and all the arguments in the world will not change someone's mind if that is what they feel they should do.
The exhumation Rosie referred to earlier in this article was that of an elderly couple whose whole lifestyle appeared 'different' and may not be representative of the reasons behind most people's interest in home burial. Their case does, however, illustrate some problems associated with the practice.
Their exhumation was an exercise in keeping a low profile whilst many curtains twitched. The burials had caused huge local debate and the exhumation just the same. How would you feel if your neighbour had their own private cemetery in their back garden? The new home owner's decision was taken with a heavy heart, knowing that their last wishes must be overturned in order to prevent the property falling into decay.
I wouldn't wish to place my descendants in such an awkward position, would you?
18th January 2015


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UK born but US based singer/songwriter, DL Burdon (or Davey to his mates), is a veteran of the punk and indie scene of his nativeRead more
7in & EP round-up: April 2019 (part 1)
Custody / The Phoenix Foundation – split 7in (Little Rocket Records) When Graeme Philliskirk hit me up about this one, he said he wasn't goingRead more
Dave Smalley & The Bandeleros – Join The Outsiders (Little Rocket Records, 2018)
Well now. Many of you will know of Dave Smalley as the legendary front man who sang for a variety of well known bands suchRead more
Staff top tens 2018: Tony Maher – 7in & EPs
What a year. In many regards. It's been a real emotional rollercoaster. I'm properly in my 40s now. I've seen my kid turn 1 yearRead more
7in & EP round-up December 2018 (part 2): Von Krampus special
Question The Mark – Nightmare on Misery Street 7in (Little Rocket Records, 2018) Wowsers. Are these guys Wales' best kept secret or what? Graeme wasRead more
Medictation – Warm Places (Dead Broke Rekerds, 2016)
Ho. Lee. Shit. This record fucking rules. This is pretty much the top and bottom line on all you need to know. Take that asRead more


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Cytologists are clinical laboratory technologists or scientists who focus on studying the structure and chemistry of cells derived from both plants and animals. They do not actually see patients but their work is often conducted on a team headed by doctors scientists or pathologists with a focus on studying cell division.
Typically cytologists prepare slides of thin slices of animal or plant tissue which can be observed under powerful microscopes to detect any abnormalities. They often apply dye to the cells to visually illuminate findings that may be suspicious. An important purpose of their job is to detect abnormalities in cell structure or cell division that could be indicative of cancer or of precancerous or other disease conditions.
Cytologists work in diagnostic and medical laboratories but some are employed by doctors' offices or by the federal government. Cytologists can also work in scientific laboratories located in colleges and universities. According to the website www.ehow.com cytologists need at least a bachelor's degree in a field of life science or in medical technology. This degree must be earned from an institution that is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Prospective cytologists must have a solid academic background in subjects such as anatomy physiology chemistry histology and immunology. Those with master's degrees in these or a related field will be more competitive on the job market. The website Diplomaguide.com says that in some states cytologists must be licensed. Job prospects for cytologists are better than average with expected job openings in many institutions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the average annual salary for cytologists is approximately $54000.


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Chief's corner | Emergency preparedness: Make a plan
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Chief's Corner" is a regular feature in the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza from North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Chief Mike Brown, offering information, tips and education material on fire safety, emergency preparedness and other pertinent topics.
Prior to a disaster, each family must have a plan. You can begin this process by gathering family members and making sure each person is well-informed on potential hazards and community plans.
Discuss with them what you would do if family members are not home when a warning is issued. Additionally, your family plan should address the following:
Escape routes: Draw a floor plan of your home. Use a blank sheet of paper for each floor. Mark two escape routes from each room. Make sure children understand the drawings. Post a copy of the drawings at eye level in each child's room.
Meeting places: Establish a place to meet in the event of an emergency and evacuation. For example, for a spot near your home, a good idea might be "the next door neighbor's telephone pole." Or, for a spot outside the immediate area, you might say "the neighborhood grocery store parking lot."
Evacuation plans: When community evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the media, door-to-door notification or citizen telephonic notification system such as Code Red. To register and receive alerts via email, cell phone, text messaging, go to http://www.readywashoe.com. You can also download Code Red application on your cell phone. You can also tune to 780 KOH AM radio.
Plan ahead: Additionally, there may be circumstances under which you and your family feel threatened or endangered and you need to leave your home, school or workplace to avoid these situations. The amount of time you have to leave will depend on the hazard. Many disasters allow no time for people to gather even the most basic necessities, which is why planning ahead is essential.
Next week we will focus on the rest of the steps necessary to complete the "Make a plan" process.


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Product types
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Designed to be used every day, the simple and understated ECCO BJORN FLAP WALLET is an investment piece that will last. Expertly constructed from ECCO CLASSIC PEBBLE FINE GLOSS leather for a subtly textured finish and discreetly enhanced with an embossed logo, the streamlined wallet combines effortless functionality with long-lasting durability. Featuring a soft cotton-twill lining and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) protective lining, the organised interior is neatly divided up with billfold compartments, a coin compartment, four slip-in pockets, nine credit card slots, and an ID window.
Made with ECCO CLASSIC PEBBLE DELICATE GLOSS leather for an understated look. The full-grain pigmented leather boasts an embossed, pebbled surface with a luxurious glossy finish. ECCO leathers are meticulously crafted in our very own tanneries, where artisanal craftsmanship and relentless innovation are an integral part of the process. Born from the blank canvas of premium raw materials, ECCO leathers are designed, finished, and finessed into beautiful pieces that stand the test of time.
Our Scandinavian roots inspire our philosophy: unique, minimalistic design, intuitive functionality and the softest leathers that enhance the experience both now, and over time. We fuse innovative technology with old-world craftsmanship to create the exceptional quality, utility and outstanding durability that are fundamental to ECCO.
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Planten un Blomen is a park that is also known as Hamburg's "green heart." With its 7 different gardens, Planten un Blomen offers a perfect distraction from the stress of everyday life. In the newly established rose garden you can listen to live music and (if weather permits) on the Mediterranean Terraces you can enjoy the sunniest place in all of Hamburg. The park's lake also has a water organ that performs 4 times a day and at night the lake is decorated with light effects.
Free admission to Hamburg's museums, attractions, tours. Free public transport can be added. Discounts included.
incl. VAT and service fees, free shipping via e-mail


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He is one of the most successful and famous Asian players ever but how football remembers Shinji Kagawa could be determined by what happens in the next few months.
At the age of 28, the player should be in his prime, yet last week he was dropped by Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic. The reason was not to spare the busy German-based star a long trip home to take on two middling nations in fairly unremarkable friendly games. The Bosnian boss has left out the Borussia Dortmund man for two games against Brazil and Belgium, two of the strongest teams in the world.
Not only that but the action will be taking place on his doorstep –just over the French border in Lille and then in the Belgian city of Bruges. Kagawa was as polite and diplomatic as ever when asked about his missing out but the frustration was there. To be left out of such big games in his own backyard must be a real kick in the teeth for the player.
That there can be a debate as to how good Kagawa is seems strange. Here is a player who won big prizes at club and country level. He headed to one of the world's biggest clubs as a 21 year-old, itself an impressive show of confidence in himself.
Rarely, if ever, has a player from the east adapted so quickly and impressively in Europe. Turning out in front of 80,000 fans at Borussia Dortmund can't be easy for a youngster so far from home but the Kobe kid quickly became a fan favourite and was soon scoring goals and opening up defences all over Germany.
There were two seasons and two title successes and the former Cerezo Osaka star played a major part in winning those trophies. It is hard to think of another Asian player who has been so influential in his team winning a major European league title. At the time, there was a sense that there was no limit to what he was going to achieve.
Despite not being taken to the 2010 World Cup –he was on the standby list — a few months later, he was winning the Asian Cup with Japan. After the second German title, there was a move to Manchester United.
Dortmund are a big club with their 80,000 fans at every home game and UEFA Champions League trophies in the trophy cabinet but Manchester United are at a different level. The Old Trafford outfit are, along with Barcelona and Real Madrid, a member of the very elite club.
In terms of profile and exposure, there is little comparison. What happens with the Red Devils is reported and discussed everywhere to a level that just does not happen with the German club.
The transfer was massive news and fans in Japan were thrilled to see one of their own playing for the three-time European champions. The English Premier League title followed and he became the first Asian player to win the leagues in England and Germany.
Kagawa's time in England started well.
His time in Manchester started much of the debate about whether he is under or over-rated. It didn't quite go according to plan. In his first season – the last for Sir Alex Ferguson – was OK. There wasn't as much playing time as hoped for, injuries did not help and the impact wasn't as great as expected but then, this was a first season in a different league.
Then Ferguson left and David Moyes came in. It wasn't a happy time for anyone with Kagawa playing less and usually out of position.
Whether it was down to coach, position, luck or player, Kagawa's time at Manchester United has been deemed as unsuccessful and this has partly come to define him.
A poor display at the 2014 World Cup did not help. Japan in general disappointed but Kagawa was ineffectual and was famously dropped by coach Alberto Zaccheroni for the final game against Colombia.
Then he struggled to get back into his former groove when back at Dortmund in the summer of 2014. There have been flashes and good spells but the former consistency has not yet returned even if the signs this season are promising.
His mentality and strength of character has been questioned, strange for a person who moved halfway across the world at the age of 21 to step way out of his comfort zone to win major titles.
There's still plenty of time for the player to win over the doubters and the World Cup next summer would be the perfect time – if he can get in the team.


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For years, I've had a yellowing piece of paper neatly secured via magnet to my refrigerator. From its first home on a janky college refrigerator […] Read More
Category: Chocolate
The Girl Scouts that live on the corner have been tormenting me for a few weeks now. There they are, on the lawn of their […] Read More
On Monday it will be two weeks since my maternal grandmother passed away. Losing a grandparent – any family member – is sad, of course. […] Read More
When I bake sweets around here, it's like fostering a puppy. The process of tenderly preparing and raising this little delicacy of cute sugary sweetness […] Read More
This time last year I had only been blogging for a few months when I saw posts about the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap. What? […] Read More


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The discussion about cell phone radiation keeps on seething on. The most recent report discharged by Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz, which is The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, has uncovered the measure of radiation produced by cell phones at present marked down far and wide. The information is determined in "watts per kilogram", and lower scores mean lower radiation discharge from the cell phone. The report is terrible news for Xiaomi and OnePlus, as four of their phones make up the main 5 phones that produce the greatest radiation, according to the report.
The Xiaomi Mi A1 is the most noticeably bad guilty party according to the numbers, timing 1.75 watts per kilogram of radiation, trailed by the OnePlus 5T (1.68), the Xiaomi Mi Max 3 (1.58) and the OnePlus 6T (1.55).
The Google Pixel 3XL improved, enrolling 1.39 watts per kilogram of radiation, while the OnePlus 6 logged 1.33 on the radiation diagrams and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 logged 1.29 watts for each kilogram of radiation. To the extent the Apple iPhones are concerned, the most noticeably awful guilty party is the iPhone 7 (1.38 watts per kilogram of radiation) while the fresher iPhones, the iPhone XR (0.99), iPhone XS (0.99), iPhone XS Max (0.99) and the iPhone X (0.92) toll much better.
Samsung phones are doing very well in the radiation graphs, with the Galaxy Note 8 logging the most minimal scores of every single—0.17 watt per kilogram of radiation. The Samsung Galaxy A8 (0.24), Samsung Galaxy S8+ (0.26) and the Samsung Galaxy S9+ (0.29) are among the phones that emanate the least radiation.
The LG G7 ThinQ (0.24 watts per kilogram of radiation), the HTC U11 Life (0.28) and the Motorola Moto Z (0.30) have likewise done well as far as restricting radiation emanations amid device use.
The Huawei Mate 20 Pro, a standout amongst the best camera telephones in the market right presently hits the diagrams with 0.4 watts per kilogram of radiation rating. In the meantime, the Honor 8 Pro registers 1.28 watts per kilogram of radiation. The Nokia 8 Sirocco logs simply 0.59 watts per kilogram of radiation.
The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, be that as it may, has not tried telephones made by Chinese telephone organizations Oppo and Vivo.It is critical to take note of that while there truly is certainly not a particular benchmark past which phones are viewed as hazardous, the German natural office Blue Angel affirms cell phones with a watt for every kilogram perusing of 0.60 and lower—which implies a great deal of the wrongdoers in this most recent rundown are more than double the satisfactory perusing models. While there keeps on being a discussion about the evil impacts of radiation from cell phones, assuming any, reports throughout the years have recommended that delayed presentation to radiation from cell phones will in general be the explanation behind the blood-brain obstruction condition, head tumors and also impact male fertility, among others.


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Huawei Mate 9 Case SecureCard Series Hard Phone Cover with Card HolderHuawei, Mate 9
- Faux Brushed Metal Design:
- Gives off a premium look and texture
- Adds a bit of elegance without going overboard
- Credit Card Slot:
- Unlocked the hinged security door to store a card or cash when on-the-go
- Keeps your valuables safe with the locking door and conveniently in one place
- Fold-out kickstand:
- The card holder door doubles as a kickstand feature
- Go hands-free at the perfect viewing angle
- Slim Fit Protection:
- Dual layer design - flexible inner TPU rubber layer and a hard polycarbonate outer layer for two levels of protection
- Even for a hybrid case the SecureCard series offers excellent protection with a slim fit and lightweight feel
- Faux Brushed Metal Design:
Huawei Mate 9 Case Atomic SeriesHuawei, Mate 9
- CoverON® Atomic Series hybrid armor case with built-in kickstand
- Made of a shockproof soft TPU rubber inner layer and a rigid polycarbonate outer layer
- Dual-layer construction for maximum protection
- Built-in kickstand for a hands-free viewing experience
Huawei Mate 9 Case ClearGuard SeriesHuawei, Mate 9
- See Thru Design
Full clarity back plate shows off the natural design of your phone
- Slim Fit
Designed to be incredibly lightweight for easy handling
- 2 Materials - 1 Piece Fusion
The hard back cover made of tough and clear polycarbonate is attached to the semi-flexible and shock absorbent TPU bumper rim
- Raised Bevel Lip
Offers screen protection with a raised front lip to keep your screen lifted off surfaces when face down
- Attention to Detail
Perfectly cut port openings and easily pressable button covers
- See Thru Design
Huawei Mate 9 Case Shadow Armor SeriesHuawei, Mate 9
- Built with two layers of protection:
- Slim fit semi-hard semi-flexible TPU inner cover
- Protective hard polycarbonate outer layer
- Stay sleek, stay slim:
- Super slim fit does not add too much extra weight on your phone
- Easily slide in and out of the skinniest of jeans
- Fold-out kickstand:
- Go ahead, pop that stand out and lock it back into the case when on the go
- Hands-free at the perfect angle
- Don't forget the protection:
- Corner bumpers add extra protection where needed most
- Good combination of drop and scratch protection
- Built with two layers of protection:
Mate 9
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[PHOTO via NATION] Following the tragic news that a female farmer lit herself on fire after falling deeply in debt to a loan shark, police have refocused their efforts on regulating the activities of over 3,000 money lenders, none of whom are beholden to any financial institutions.
Tired of watching loan sharks terrorize the population with their ruthless collection practices, the Deputy National Police Commissioner General Worapong Chewprecha has stated that there will be zero tolerance for these sort of tactics going forward.
Sangvien Raksapetch, a local farmer, set herself on fire amid an ongoing debt to a loan shark, prompting Chewprecha's harsh rebuke of these intimidation efforts and scare tactics. The woman had turned to government officials for help, but to no avail.
At press time, Raksapetch is still alive in a local hospital, but her long term prognosis is uncertain as her conditions only continue to worsen. Her younger sister states that while she did loan BT 350,000 over four years ago now, the loan shark claimed that Raksapetch's debt had risen to 3.5 million.
It was only after the family told the authorities about this outrageous and infuriating gambit that the loan shark reluctantly agreed to lower Raksapetch's debt to 1.5 million, an amount that was still far out of reach to the farmer and her concerned family.
Raksapetch reportedly not only tried to pay the debt off in a timely fashion, but had also agreed to a whopping interest rate. Unfortunately, her crops did not grow as she expected, making it much more difficult to come up with the loan shark's preferred amount of restitution.
This is a problem that is occurring throughout the nation. In Bangkok, a market vendor confessed to reporters that they had been a victim of a similar loan shark scheme. The loan shark had lent her BT 10,000 at an interest rate that has to be seen to be believed: 30 percent, daily.
Even after repaying the lender BT 400,000, the vendor's home was raided, with threats being made on their life. Thailand's Lawyer Council, recognizing the growing problem, is now urging those who have been trapped into similar agreements to seek help before it's too late.
The council claims to have BT 25 million at the ready, waiting to help those who are in need. While Raksapetch's lender has agreed to cancel the debt, her sister Janja has expressed concern that the agreement is not in writing yet.
The Lawyers Council is now in the process of looking into laws that can be established to avoid future incidents. The council also promises to educate local farmers and merchants about their rights to a fair debt repayment plan. All of this sends a clear message to loan sharks: your activities are not welcome in this society and if caught, you will be punished.


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- Schwabisch-Hall, Germany
|Target Category: Airfield -
|The airbase Schwabisch Hall was constructed 1934-1936 and housed the German Pilot School. The design of the buildings was made resemble civilian use. During the war a number of different organizations with different types of aircraft were stationed here. At the beginning of the war Schw?bisch Hall was one of the take-off bases for attacks on France. After the successful conclusion of the Western campaign Schw?bisch Hall was used mainly for rear duties including training of crews for remote missiles Fritz X and HS 293. In 1943, a 1,800m runway was built. In April 1944, training began for the jet Me 262. In a nearby forest, the aircraft were assembled. Following months of bombing, the raid of 22 March 1945 completely destroyed the base. Near the end of the war, a pilot flew a Me 262 to an American-held base. This was the first intact Me 262 to fall into Allied hands. It was tested at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio. On 19 April 1945, Schwabisch Hall was taken by American troops. In 1947 it was renamed Dolan Barracks by the US military. In 1993, the US left and the site is of mixed-use, both business and aviation. http://www.fliegerhorste.de/swh.htm
|Click here for Maps & Photos.
| MISSIONS TO TARGET - Click on date to open a new browser tab
1944-09-13 8th AF 628
1945-02-23 8th AF 843
1945-02-25 8th AF 847
1945-03-22 8th AF 906


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Mediation is a great alternative to going to court and having a judge make decisions about your important life issues. With mediation, you have the opportunity to help shape the outcome of your case. After meeting with Dr. Croninger and coming to a resolution that meets both parties' needs, this resolution is then presented to your judge for his/her approval and signature. It is a much less painful process than entering the courtroom.
Dr. Croninger is a Certified Mediator who assists people with small claims and family and divorce issues.


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Irancell managed to receive the prestigious award for "The Nation-wide Customer Satisfaction Conference with National Products and Services Protection Approach" from National Association for the Protection of Consumer Rights.
According to MTN Irancell Public Relations, during a meeting held at IRIB International Conference Hall on Wednesday night of 17 April 2019, the prestigious award for "The Nation-wide Customer Satisfaction Conference with National Products and Services Protection Approach" was awarded to Irancell by National Association for the Protection of Consumer Rights.
Irancell received the mentioned letter of recognition and trophy based on the review of 17 quality indices such as observing the regulations set for indication and notification of the products and services prices to the consumers, compliance with the regulations set by National Association for the Protection of Consumer Rights, transparency in notifying and labeling prices on the products and services, up to date notification of the prices associated with manufactured products through the company's website and media, developing agents service network throughout the country, creating appropriate communication network for the subscribers, establishing an efficient, structured and executive system for dealing with the customers and handling their complaints (CRM).
Irancell, as the leading operator in gaining customer satisfaction, had previously been awarded with the national certificate and trophy for respecting the rights of the consumers for 5 consecutive years.
Irancell launches the first private "International Voice Calls Gateway"
Irancell selected as "the Top Operator in the Field of Business" during National ICT (FAVA) Festival
Irancell Appears Strongly in 2019 Elecomp
Irancell Extends Cooperation with Young Gamers
MTN Irancell to participate on the construction and reconstruction of schools in flood damaged areas
Mobile Services.
Fixed Internet Services.
707 (From Irancell Operators)
09377070000 (From Other Operators)
Receive the latest news of your choice direct to your inbox or phone as a sms
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- Description
Combining the performance attributes of our new UST Road Tubeless system and purpose-built disc-brake technology, this new addition to the Ksyrium family is a versatile all-rounder for your most challenging road rides. The lightweight rims, engineered with our unique ISM 4D technology, are built wider with a 19mm internal width and 23mm external width. They are integrated with the new Yksion Pro UST tubeless tire to create a user-friendly tubeless system that makes it easy to install and remove tires. And the benefits of the Road Tubeless system are clear: lower rolling resistance and the smoother ride quality that comes with the ability to run lower tire pressure with a reduced risk of punctures. So you can ride faster, more comfortably, while expending less energy. Our extensive experience designing mountain bike disc wheels informed the engineering process of these wheels. Unlike a wheel with rim brakes, braking torque is distributed through the hub, spokes and lower rim before it reaches the ground. The braking load is also higher on the front wheel since the center of gravity is transferred to the front of the bike when it's decelerating. Thus, the front wheel needs to be overbuilt with more spokes (24 instead of 18 or 20), and those spokes need to be crossed on each side of the wheel to make sure brake torque is evenly distributed. The rear wheel also needs 24 spokes, but since the braking torque is generally lower, we use Isopulse lacing (radial lacing on the drive side) to maintain a better balance of the spoke tension, thus greater stability and stiffness. The front hub is convertible from 12mm to 15mm thru-axle or quick release. The rear wheel features the fast-engaging Drive 360 freewheel system. It comes with a 12x142 thru-axle and is convertible to quick release. The freewheel system is compatible with Shimano/SRAM and can be converted to Campagnolo or SRAM XD with optional driver bodies.
Roll faster and smoother with a reduced risk of puncturesWith UST Road Tubeless, no tube means no friction. So you experience less rolling resistance and higher speeds.
UST Road Tubeless lets you ride with lower tire pressure for smoother ride and a reduced risk of punctures
Our patented UST system offers a perfect union between tire and wheel, so installation, removal and maintenance are easy
Climb and accelerate with efficiency and agilityISM 4D rim machining produces superlight rims
Zicral spokes and Instant Drive 360 freewheel system lower overall weight while maintaining stiffness, giving you low friction and fast engagement
Descend with the confidence of powerful, reliable disc brakes24 spokes front and rear for optimized brake torque distribution
Front hub convertible from 12mm to 15mm thru-axle to quick release
Rear hub convertible from 12x142 thru-axle to quick release
6-Bolt or Center Lock brake compatible, Also XD Road with an optional driver body
- Reviews
Customer ReviewsWrite a Review
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- Delivery
This item is available for International delivery. For orders outside the UK, please contact us for a quote. Read more.
UK orders are sent using Royal Mail Tracked 48, Royal Mail Recorded or Royal Mail letter post for small, light orders and Parcelforce for heavier, bulky orders. Please allow approx 2-3 days for delivery after the order has been despatched. Large and heavy items, e.g turbo trainers and work stands, will be sent by Parcelforce (UK Mainland only). Overseas orders are sent using Royal Mail International Signed For service and Royal Mail Airsure service (where permitting). Heavier items e.g. bicycles are sent using Parcelforce Worldwide. Delivery times will vary depending on destination, customs clearance, local postal service etc. Please allow up to 14 working days for delivery. Postage costs include Insurance for the value of the order. Bicycles sent within the UK are sent by Parcelforce 48 Hour Service.


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"You can't call it that!" a friend said to me in the early days of planning my festival of Living and Dying in Oxford on Autumn 2012. But I persisted (slightly nervously at first) and a huge number of people commented on how approachable the name made it all feel.
I think it takes a bit of chutzpah to run these kinds of things but it is so worth it. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting people's relief at finding a place where they could talk about the subject, not feel so isolated with their particular concerns, where death could become part of their lives not something fearful and hidden away. "I have lived in Oxford for 20 years and this has been the best two weeks of my life" said one festivalgoer.
I am a celebrant and I run a green burial ground on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire border. I am passionate about working with people so they understand all the choices they have about how they go about arranging funerals and burials. It rapidly became clear to me that I needed to reach people before they come to me at the burial ground when a death has already occurred. They are then in a state of shock and grief and it feels hard to take the time to think about things slowly. When the person who has died has left no clue about their wishes it can feel very confusing. This can really increase the amount of pain experienced especially when different family members do not agree what their mum might have wanted or when they plan it all as they think best and then find an outline of wishes they did not know existed which suggests something quite different from what they arranged.
So a Festival of Living and Dying to encourage people to broach the subject.
Our festival used a wide range of different approaches and venues to catch lots of different people. I have a background in the theatre and community arts and I know the effectiveness of the arts in helping us come to term with difficult experiences and feelings and in allowing us to see the world from a different angle.
Experiencing and imagining other ways of doing things can enable us to begin to live them for ourselves. So the arts were a crucial part of what we did but by no means the only approach. We worked through the primary and secondary schools, Blackwells bookshop, the Pitts Rivers museum, the Oxford Union, an independent cinema, a meditation centre, the Pegasus Theatre and the Old Fire Station gallery and performance space.
We used Oxford Quaker Meeting House for a wide variety of events and held a free open air fair in a busy shopping thoroughfare in the city centre. We facilitated or supported sessions with Sobell Hospice and Helen & Douglas House for young people and worked with the local homeless community. We aimed to catch people where they usually went, to talk to them through their particular passions and interests, provide practical information, inspiration through visual arts, music and performance and enable them to take part in a wide range of workshops. We ran 38 events over two weeks and involved over 1800 people. To see more about what we did last time visit www.kickingthebucket.co.uk
I think the way we approach our deaths often reflects how we live our lives. The invitation to really face our own mortality can lead to us asking some pretty fundamental and honest questions about what really matters to us and that isn't always comfortable of course. I know of some people with life shortening illnesses who say that they never lived life so vividly until they began to grapple with the reality of their own death. For others I know it can feel paralysing and impossibly hard to come to terms with in a myriad of ways and none of us know how we would react until we actually face it. But we can all get some benefit from facing our own mortality and realising we share this with everyone we know.
The work done by an Australian nurse, with people nearing end of life showed that people reported their priorities rested with their relationships, with living the life they really wanted to live not just responding to the pressure from family or society to live a certain way. Nobody said they wished they had worked harder! http://www.inspirationandchai.com/Regrets-of-the-Dying.html
Time and again people talk to me about feeling lighter after approaching the subject not gloomier and you would be surprised how much laughter as well as tears there can be in a room where death is being talked about.
I was very inspired by the 'festival for the living' death weekend run at the Southbank in January 2012 whilst I was preparing for my events, now there have been a number of other festivals around the country. I hope to see these becoming as common as gardening and music festivals. After all, death concerns each and every one of us not just a group of individuals with a particular hobby or interest.
Why not run something in your neighbourhood? It does not have to be on a large scale. Start with one evening event or a single day. Talk to local groups such as hospices, Cancer groups, Cruse, those involved with end of life care, build on the work already being done in your area. See where the gaps are. I would like to see National Death Trust Classes running everywhere just like we have support groups for people expecting a birth. We all need lots of advice, information and support in just the same way when approaching death. And people find themselves having amazing conversations with complete strangers and breaking down the horrible isolation caused by our avoidance of the subject.
We will be running another festival in the autumn of 2014. If you would like to receive information about it nearer the time please email us email@example.com. We will not bombard you with emails.
For information about our burial ground visit www.woodlandburialwestmill.co.uk. We were very proud to be the runners-up in the South West region People's awards from the Natural Death Centre.
by Liz Rothschild


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Juliabeauty, location, personal tips & tricks, portrait
I have never met her before, except on the internet. She's all around the internet, google her and you'll know what I mean: Julia Yaroshenko.
We worked together a couple of weeks ago, I rent an Airbnb in Brussels and we did an afternoon session. A first image as a little preview.
This weekend I'm giving the first two of my workshops, about working with available light in portrait/boudoir/art-nude photography. The above portrait was created in a small bedroom with only one window. Not everything is possible, but a lot can be done with a little creativity and bounced light. If you're interested, there are still two spots available for next Saturday (01/06), tomorrows workshop is fully booked.
Studio Light setupstudio, studio light setup, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized
a long time ago I made some studio setup diagrams for this blog, … time to make a new one. First the image, it dates from a while ago, last fall I invited two friends to do some studio work. I rarely use my studio equipment for light, but in winter times it can be handy to have an alternative to available light sometimes.
the image:
I wanted Steven to get some sort of gangster look, cool looking, hood, sunglasses …
I wanted a soft light and deep shadows under the hood, so I went for some sort of symmetrical light setup, using two studio flashes with 60x60cm softboxes, and two large reflector panels to even enlarge the light source.
The setup:
it was only a matter of finding the good 'depth' position of the model, to create just enough light on the face, and keep the light only on the front.
another one without the hood:
thanks for watching, come again soon,
• Slippery • in the studio – NSFWbeauty, erotic, Nude, studio
not safe for work, except of course if you work in an open-minded place, which I hope everyone does. A little edgy maybe, glossy and slippery, these nudes I did with Sara Scarlet.
I'm enjoying the studio in these cold winter days. Shooting outdoors is not really handy now, especially if you want to do glamour or nude work … I put up the heating a little higher in the studio, and I can work at ease, without my model turning blue … so the blue you see here is purely a post-processing effect.
• Slippery •
the treasurerbeauty, Personal Pictures
Sorry if you have been trying to reach this site and blog in the last 24 hours, it has been down due to a PhP update on the host's side, and I am by far not a web-tech-geek, so it took me a moment to figure out what happened, and to fix things accordingly.
to compensate, a single image post.
I had this first collaboration with Emily two weeks ago, and we made some nice images. We worked in the studio first, to continue after that on the local city-square, where there was this fair going on. I shot two rolls of film on the Yashica 635. A first glimpse at the developed films shows that either there is something wrong with the film transport mechanism, either I have not paid attention and unintentionally double exposed some of the frames. To be continued.
• The treasurer •
thanks for watching, please come again soon.
Smooth curveslocation, Nude
Could there be any greater resemblance? The curves of the female body and the smooth shaped hull of a glider. At least I sea beauty in both, I hope you too can appreciate these smooth curvatures.
Taken with the well appreciated approval of the gliders club director, and the willing club-handyman. Somewhere in the Netherlands.
• Smooth curves •
model: Michelle Alba
Canon 5Ds with Sigma 50mm f1.4 A DG
1/500s f/1.8 ISO 100
Goodbye summer time, exhibit closed.exhibition, location, Nude
For the last day of the exhibit, i had posted an invitation on Facebook for a guided tour trough the exhibit. It was a cosy gathering, I gave visitors some inside, behind the scenes information, and people could ask questions about my work, my gear, the models, locations, etcetera.
The exhibit is now over, I have no idea about the number of visitors in total, as I was present only now and then. The reactions in the guestbook are mainly positive, some very positive, some very negative. It always shocks me to see how some people are still very narrow minded about nudity, even if it is brought with delicacy and taste. Fortunately I have my wife who is very supportive in getting me over this kind of comments. 🙂
Visitors have very different 'favourites', but in this exhibit, one image has received a lot of praise. It was an image not previously shown, and here it was shown in the massive size of 110x165cm (44″x66″), hard to miss. People praised it because it had a lot of 'naturalness', it seems not posed and very natural, at the same time intimate, and casual.
the model is Kate Ri, the image is titled • greenhouse flower • it was shot in the Royal Glasshouses in Meise, near Brussels, on a cold day in January.
The image is still for sale, as is all my personal work, if you are interested, send me an email on ludwig(at)ludwigdesmet(dot)com
thanks for reading, see you soon!
taking care of the vegetablesbeauty, erotic, location, Nude
the tomatoes need a lot of water in this warm weather don't they?
second shooting location after • flight club • the garden of the AirBnB where we stayed. Michelle is ready to do some role playing, and gladly gives the gardener a hand.
• taking care of the vegetables •
thanks to Michelle Alba for being my model on this very hot day, in a very hot glasshouse.
thanks to Bas for lending me her garden as a shoot location and for the hospitality all over the weekend.
statue in my gardenbeauty, location, Nude, Uncategorized
when things get messy … previewbeauty, Nude, people
Charisse was here again today,
and people who have been following my or her work, know that this is about 100% guaranteed to deliver some stunning images.
We took benefit of the hot weather we have in Belgium these days and made a little mess with some leftover clay I had from the walls of the boys' rooms on the attic.
Charisse is always in for a little experiment and I had been talking about the clay shoot earlier, so she sent me a text message a couple of days ago 'about the hot weather and da da da … ' . A hint not to be misunderstood.
this image is just a preview of the preparation, a preparation that I gladly took as a photoshoot occasion …
it got even messier than this, and much better as well 😉
make sure to come again soon, for the rest of this magnificent series, again.
The exhibit at Godshuis Sint Laureins (B) has started last Saturday, make sure to visit it if you can, more details in my previous post.
have a nice day,
Dionysos' museAnalog, location, Nude
Vita! for Life!beauty, erotic, location, Nude
Let's celebrate female beauty and the joy it brings us.
Let's celebrate life and the good things it brings us.
My model of that hot summer day in april was named Vita, which stands for 'Life' …
I have taken a lot of pictures with her, so more will follow, see it as a little preview.
Often I have to convince professional models not to pose, or in any way not to pose as a fashion model would do. I love it when they are not trying to seduce me or the camera, but in stead they manage to be just themselves, fierce, self confident, somehow unattainable women, living the life and enjoying their own bodies.
oh, and I have another thing to celebrate, I just saw today that in the last 365 days I had over 100.000 visitors on my site and blog. It was for the first time I noticed it. Thank you for being so present!
new behind the scenes video – Charisse black lingerie shootbeauty, Behind the scenes Video, Nude
Hi there,
I published a new video to my Vimeo and Youtube channel today, you can see it here:
or here:
this is a condensed summary of a 45 minutes session of the shoot day I did with Charisse, you can figure out some of the light situations I make, see which poses get it to the final selection of images, etcetera. Learn by looking 🙂
for your info, all images were shot at f1.6, ISO100, Shutter speed 1/80 or 1/100s.
you can find more details about the reflector panels I use 'by clicking here'
thanks for watching, if you liked the video, you might as well give it a thumbs up or subscribe to my channel(s)
two for the price of one …Analog, location, Nude
well yes, sometimes things don't go as expected, certainly when shooting with an old camera and film, you are having no instant feedback and surprises occur 🙂
there is no automatic film advance stop, so you have to look for film frame numbers in the dark red window at the back of the camera. Clearly I saw something that wasn't there.
shot with a Voightländer Bessa I 6×9 film camera, with Kodak TMax400 film, in a small roof flat in Leuven (Belgium)
Model Yana Mood, click for bigger version
the camera:
waiting for your gentle touch …erotic, Nude
the great-great-granddaughterbeauty, erotic, location, Nude
somewhere between sleeping and awakeness …beauty
An apple a day … – the entire seriesbeauty, erotic, Nude
I had worked with Charisse before, we had met each other at an exhibit in Damme (B) where I had my work exposed, she seemed interested in my work and browsed trough my book attentively, we talked briefly and I gave her my card.
Early this year we agreed to work together again, and besides fixing a date, we also discussed what style we were going to work on. She told me she had found more confidence in herself and that posing went better since she had been working with another photographer intensively some time ago.
I have tried not to interfere too much in the posing, and had her work on her own flow of poses without interrupting her. She managed to ignore me, and we found a good subject to guide her: an apple I left in the studio since I had been painting there two weeks before that. I kind of lost a bit of its freshness, but Charisse managed to compensate for it 200%.
First I would like to show a little behind the scene's video, fastforward trough the entire session, if you are a photographer, you might even learn something from my light setup:
Ludwig Desmet behind the scenes fine art nude photoshoot from ludwig desmet on Vimeo.
I am working with two camera's here, one with the Sigma 50mm f1.4, the other with the Canon 100mm Macro lens. I have light all over on the left side, I work with the sun screens from time to time, and I have one large reflector panel on the right side (styrofoam board)
Then the images.
I think they came out particularly well, Charisse well understood my style and she worked on different poses in an endless flow, God, wouldn't you want to be that apple? 🙂
images all shot at my studio in Ronse (Belgium)
Canon 5Ds and Canon 5DII
Sigma 50mm f1.4 DG and Canon 100mm f2.8 L Macro
1/250-400 f1.6 ISO 100 – 1/200 f3.2 ISO100
thank you for watching,
finding my way about in the new studiobeauty, Nude, people, personal tips & tricks, Uncategorized
I'ts been about a month that I have the new studio space available, it took me a couple of days to get the walls freshened up (two coats of paint) and a couple of weeks before I got some furniture and props ready and moved in, but I'm about to call it 'ready' for work.
I think it probably never be a steady setup, because I want to keep some variation in my images, and variation will probably mean that I will bring in some new stuff from time to time and get rid of some 'used' furniture in the same pace.
Some observations so far just in case you think about setting up your own studio space:
• I have windows (large) only on one side of the room. Not easy to work with, so get yourself some large reflectors to bring some light back from the non-window side of the room. I use styrofoam boards 120x180cm, painted black on one side.
• The wooden floor gives me a particular white balance in the space, some warm tone that is not easy to get right all the time.
• Too much light will kill you, or at least will often create overly bright images. I love to work with light and shadow equally, sometimes even more shadow than light. So I bought a large theatre cloth (6x3m) to cover up 2/3 of the windows when needed. I use additional styrofoam boards if needed to cover up even more window area.
• The space has sun-screens, I didn't even notice when I agreed to rent it. These are great to work with when there's direct sun falling in. The screens are fine woven, so they create no patterns, and they lower the light level not too much. They help evening out the hard contrasts in sunny situations. They are neutral in color. Perfect!
• The wooden parquet is kind of slippery, very good for moving around mattresses and large carpets without too much of an effort. For furniture I have a wheeled board for easy moving.
• The ceiling is at 2.90m, that is an absolute minimum. I have some curtain rails hanging up, they are kind of permanent, and sometimes they are hindering my viewing angles.
• I have an adjacent stock room, where I can move all unnecessary items (flash lights and their tripods when I don't need them, drinks, clothing, background system, paint, cleaning materials, … Perfect again!
• I have brought in a large trunk (some kind of monastery huge heavy dark wood piece) that I use for quick storage nearby. It makes your stored stuff invisible, it is useful as a decor piece, there's always something you might need in a minute, it's there.
some images taken in the new studio:
2 white walls, a black wall, a wall with plenty of windows, and some creativity …
more to come,
3x3m hotel room shootbeauty, location, Nude, Uncategorized
I arrived at Leuven train station at about 11 O'clock, the people from the hotel had guaranteed me that I could do an early check in at about 13:00hrs. That was the time that I had fixed for the model and the make up lady. They pointed me a different building than the adres on the website, about 100 meters further. They gave me the entrance key.
I should ask the cleaning lady to clean my room first. … No it was not cleaned yet, yes, she would take care of it right after she finished a room on the upper floor. (3rd, I was on second) I had the time to get my gear out of the car and have a quick bite.
Fifteen minutes to one, and I'm back at the hotel. I get pointed to my room, it is available …
… at least if you can call this a room, it is more like place for a bed, and half a meter around to manoeuvre around it. How on earth am I going to do a photoshoot here. There's no room for movement, there is no free wall, and there is no light. It is freezing cold outside so that is no option, even worse, it is a dark grey day.
How to shoot in a really tiny Hotel room, on a dark winter day?
Both the model and the make up lady are more or less on time, so we can start preparing. I get them installed by the window, when the chair is between the bed and the window, there's no more room to pass besides it. … this promises no good …
No panic though, I'm thinking about the options, outdoors, at 3°C, rather not, … dark corridors in the hotel, no light at all, … public places other than this, … probably not for the sake of clothing changes …
move the beds … move the beds, … are they fitted to the walls, no, that's great, let's move the beds: We moved the beds to the 'entrance hall' of the room, so we acquired a 3x3meter 'free space' to work in, talking about luxury.
(3D rendering below, showing a before and after situation, done by me, I still own and run www.renderhouse.eu remember 🙂
On the far left is the entrance door and hallway, upper left corner, the black chunk taken out of the volume is the bathroom, then the 'main room' with two single beds and window at the right, three night reading lamps (one on each side of the bed, one over the small table.)
And look, there's a heart in the lighting pattern, that was unintended, but definitely good sign. It was Valentine's day the day before I wrote this post …
It helps having a patient model in such cases. I worked with Pauline several times now, and we've got a good mutual understanding. She will express her goals, I will try to relate them to mine and we proceed from there.
I tried using off-camera flashes, but those gave me very hard and overly bright light, with no interesting light patterns.
We ended up using only the reading lights, (one of them can be seen above, next to Pauline) to create some kind of theatrical look, sometimes I used a plastic bag to make the light source a little bigger and hence soften it a bit, but that was our only source of light for these images:
It was rather important to have the lights positioned accurately, as you can see the shadows are really hard, due to the small size of the lights. In the last images I had to tweak the blacks a little in post production, but they came out quite well. The light sources had a really narrow beam, and they gave very little spill within the room.
A couple of hours later, we moved back the beds, nobody noticed anything, me happy, my model happy …
Settings on the first series of images (1/10s f3.5 ISO 400 – Canon 5Ds, Sigma 50mm f1.4 A DG)
Settings on the upright pose with curtain background (1/80s f2.8 ISO 1600, 50mm f1.4 A DG)
Settings on the nudes (1/8 f4.5 ISO1250 – Canon 5Ds with Canon 100mm f2.8 macro IS L)
I was rather surprised how sharp the images came out at 1/10th with no stabilisation 🙂
thank you for reading


text:
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text: [colour=red]Memoirs of a Watch Case Engraver By Fritz Baumgartner Memoirs of a Watch Case Engraver – The Autobiography of Fritz A. Baumgartner (1866-1943); by Fritz A. Baumgartner, translated and Edited by Brian Pittman. Published 2007 by Lulu.com, softcover, 297 pages, many black and white illustrations, ISBN 1-4303-2311-2), available from www.lulu.com ), approx. $22 (softcover) or $34 (hardcover) plus postage. The text portion of this book was written down as a manuscript from 1941 to 1942 by Fritz Baumgartner and translated from German to English in 2007 by his great-grandson Brian Pittman. This story recounts the hardships and successes in the life of one individual during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Central to his autobiography are the Swiss immigrant experience and a struggling watch case industry confronting the Industrial Revolution. Upon immigrating to the United States in 1904, Fritz was one of 27 employees at the fledgling Star Watch Case Company, where he remained for over 25 years as an engraver and designer of watchcases. When the factory moved from Elgin, Illinois to Ludington, Michigan, Fritz remained with the Engraving Department until his retirement in 1931. Much of his work seems to have involved special order, one of a kind designs of engraved gold pocket watches, an item that was still fashionable among the affluent in the 1920s, but which disappeared during the depression. This narrative (including the reproductions of a score of surviving pertinent family photographs) takes up 87 pages. It focuses on family history and offers glimpses into the socio-economic environment of a highly skilled manual laborer in the horological industry of that time. In the opinion of this reviewer the text however is quite tedious to read: For one thing Fritz was certainly a better engraver than a writer (and in declining health by thetime he penned his memoirs), and the quality of the translation is somewhat disappointing. The descendant who painstakingly undertook the huge task to first transcribe the hard to decipher handwriting, and then translated the resulting text from colloquial, allemanic German into English admits to not knowing German and using primarily online translation software to make sense of the text. It is also obvious that the translator is neither familiar with the late 19th century environment in Switzerland covered in the first half of the text, nor with the watch case industry. Based on my own knowledge of both subject matters and the language of the original I was able to spot at least one serious error on most pages: All too often, whenever the published text seemed strange, I was able to guess the intended meaning only by reverse translating, by searching for a German word that had an alternative meaning from the one chosen by the translator and his software. There are numerous instances where one or two misinterpreted letters from the manuscript led to an English word that makes little sense in the context. In the view of this reviewer translation software can give you a rough outline of the story, but the details and nuances really get lost. It is a pitty the translator was not abel to get anybody interested in the project who knew more on the subjects and languages involved. For the horologist the meat of the book is after the narrative, in the middle part, where 137 pages are devoted to full page reproductions of the surviving sketchbooks and worksheets of Fritz Baumgartner. Much of this kind of original sources of horological history have not survived given their ephemeral nature. There you find images of literally hundreds of drawn designs by Fritz BAumgartners hand for pocket watch cases, monograms etc. There is everything from vague sketches to fully executed drawings to make master pantograph plates. There are geometric patterns, decorative ornaments and representational drawings of locomotives, wildlife, portraits and figures, and much more. Mr. Pittman deserves the gratitude of the hororological comunity for having published this rare material. Unfortunately that vast trove of information is completely unstructured and unlabeled. We don't know when or why Fritz created which drawing, which were ever used, etc. That section of the book contains much "raw material" for research on watch case iconography, but the book contains no research findings on the subject of watch cases or their engraving. The third part of the book (52 pages) probably is of little interest to anybody but members of the Baumgartner clan. It reproduces about 100 old family photographs from the estate of Fritz Baumgartner, many of them unlabeled or unidentified. I applaud the translator for making the huge effort to make this material available to a readership beyond the family, but fear that both, the morsels of horological history within the text and the visual information from the central part of the book, are unlikely to be consulted or used widely by horologists because they are presented in such an unfinished, unstructured and "user-un-friendly" way. Bookreview by Fortunat Mueller-Maerki, Sussex NJ July 12, 2007


text:
Lawrence: Stretch Run Upon Us
With six of eight divisions still up for grabs, many NFL storylines remain unwritten. So buckle up, Amy Lawrence says, it's going to be a crazy couple of weeks
Three weeks left in the NFL regular season--that's it! We're in the homestretch of what's been a resurgent year for the sport and the league. As a kicker, there's still so much we don't know about the playoff puzzle, from the byes to the bracket to home-field advantage to the favorites and the fresh blood. And with all the uncertainty, a handful of teams who harbored sky-high expectations now teeter on the brink of bitter disappointment. Heads will roll.
Only two of the eight division titles are secure. For the first time in franchise history, the Saints win the NFC South in consecutive seasons, though they remain locked in a fierce battle for the top seed. The Rams are West division champs for the second straight year, a feat that franchise hasn't celebrated since the late-'70s. The Bears defense made a resounding statement against LA to get back on track for their first trip to the playoffs since 2010. Hard to believe it's been that long for one of the league's original franchises, but January football at Soldier Field would be a fantastic way to ring in the new year. As the NFL's hottest team, the Cowboys haven't lost since the first week of November (5-1 with Amari Cooper). And with their four-game win streak, the Seahawks likely need just one more victory to earn a Wild Card berth.
Everything else is murky in the NFC. Only the four division leaders and Seattle currently own winning records. With Minnesota dropping three of its last four, a mere five teams out of 16 are above the Mendoza line! The Super Bowl champion Eagles are clinging to shreds of hope, but with Carson Wentz nursing a balky back plus a rash of other injuries, they could be the tenth team in the last 30 years to miss the postseason on the heels of hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy. After back-to-back campaigns with double-digit wins, the Falcons are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015, which raises a ton of questions in Atlanta. In the same division, the Panthers have bottomed out with a five-game losing skid. The NFC South is definitely a candidate for sweeping change in the next month.
In the AFC, four of the top six stumbled to begin the final month of the season. Pittsburgh's position atop the AFC North is precarious at best. If Baltimore had pulled off the overtime victory in Kansas City, it would be the Ravens on top of the division right now. Their future is riding on the outcome. They haven't made the postseason in the last three years, and they haven't ruled the North since 2012. Down the stretch, the Ravens will put their faith in rookie Lamar Jackson who will remain the starter despite Joe Flacco getting cleared from his hip injury. For the first time in more than a decade, a healthy Flacco will NOT top the QB depth chart. Talk about a seismic shift. He's under contract through 2021 for big bucks, but if they reach the postseason with a rookie under center, the offense could look a lot different next year. If they miss the playoffs again, Flacco AND Coach John Harbaugh may get a change of scenery.
The AFC gifted us fresh material last winter as the Jaguars, Titans, and Bills all returned to the postseason after extended droughts. In Buffalo's case, a miraculous turn of events on the final weekend put a beloved franchise with its passionate fan base into the playoffs for the first time this century. But the euphoria was short-lived. The Bills won't make it a repeat affair, nor will the Jaguars, who backpedaled from AFC Championship game to the South basement. The Titans are still alive, but the playoff bracket could feature more turnover this January. Like Tennessee and Baltimore, Indianapolis and Miami are sitting at 7-6. The Colts have been on the outside looking in since 2014 when they advanced to the conference title tilt in New England. The Dolphins' lone playoff appearance in the last decade was two winters ago, and they don't have a playoff victory to their credit since 2000!
The Chargers are morphing into one of the best stories of the year. They've been absent from the postseason since 2013 when they still belonged to San Diego, and they're still alive for the AFC West crown. But even if they can't overtake the Chiefs, they should be the top Wild Card. It's been too long since we've seen Philip Rivers on the grandest stage in football; he was a spring chicken of 32 the last time he threw a postseason pass, ha. And if you seek the improbable and incredible: the Cleveland Browns are still alive for their first playoff berth since 2002! After firing Hue Jackson and Todd Haley just before Halloween, they've ripped off three wins in four games. Similar to the Bills last season, they'll need all kinds of help to make it happen; but with no playoff success to their credit since before the rebirth of the franchise (1994), the Browns are an underdog worth cheering for right now.
The uncertainty, the parity, the annual surprises, the constant DRAMA--it's what we crave about the NFL week to week and year to year. We're down to the nitty-gritty with higher stakes, more pressure, and extra tension on the field and in our living rooms! Last season's playoff script will be tough to match with the Philadelphia Eagles rebounding from worst to first in the NFC East and surviving the loss of their star quarterback to knock off the Patriots for their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. With Nick Foles earning MVP honors, it was an unforgettable climax.
Three weeks to go, and we have our share of Cinderella stories in the making, including the Bears and Texans, who could both catapult from division basement to division title. All of our burning questions will be answered within days, so buckle up!
A well-traveled veteran of sports radio and television, Amy is the passionate host of CBS Sports Radio's late-night program, After Hours with Amy Lawrence, from 2-6am ET on the nation's largest 24/7 major-market radio network. Listeners can tune in from Canada and overseas, thanks to SiriusXM, cbssportsradio.com and the CBS Sports app. Amy has also handled basketball play-by-play and color duties for various radio and TV outlets over the past 15 years. Amy graduated from Messiah College with bachelor's degrees in Communications & Accounting before earning her master's in TV & Radio from Syracuse University. She is a native of Concord, NH.