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A ceiling full of paper lanterns, cozy family-style tables, citrus and spiced meat flavors wafting from the kitchen, and smiling faces. This is the atmosphere you will enter when you open the door to one of Salt Lake's newer restaurants, Plumb Alley.
Plum Alley just opened a few months ago. Ryan Lowder, the genius behind The Copper Onion is also the brains behind the menu at Plum Alley. This fact alone told me I was in for a treat, as The Copper Onion is one of my favorite eateries in Salt Lake. However, you will find a very different flavor, literally and metaphorically, at his new restaurant just a few doors down.
Plum Alley is an Asian inspired restaurant with everything from Steam Bums to Dtom Ka Gai soup. Flavors served here are anything but underwhelming. And, the family style seating makes it really easy to tap your neighbor on the shoulder and ask for a recommendation–which we did. We also gave some ourselves as new guests were seated next to us toward the end of our meal. My first reaction to family style seating is one of "no thanks, I don't want to have to talk to people I don't know"….however, something about Plum Alley makes you friendly, and I honestly enjoyed eating in close approximation to others. Go figure!
The menu at Plum Alley is great because you can go all out, or you can taste around and still keep your bill modest. Most things are meant to be shared and come tapa style. Plum Alley has a great selection of wine and beer and some great original cocktails as well (the Pickled Cow sounds interesting with stoli, soju, Worcestershire, and pickled beef…that's right, pickled beef). I enjoyed a light and refreshing glass of Bouchard Pinot Noir and Russ, that man of mine, kept it classy with a "Larger" can of Pabst Blue Ribbon.
I had heard great things about the Steam Buns ($6 for 2), so that was first on our list to try–we started with the Pork Belly. The buns were perfect–spongy and light and the Pork Belly was rich, as I was expecting.
We also ordered the Shrimp and Grits ($7) to start as well. This was a surprising dish, as the shrimp were large with the heads still attached and the 'grits' were actually polenta squares. The flavor was mildly spicy, evened out nicely by the polenta. I didn't even mind pulling the heads off my shrimp. The sauce was rich, creamy, and great for dipping the polenta in.
Of course, I always have to order Dtom Ka Gai soup ($9 for 2) if it is available, because I am obsessed with it. Plum Alley did a fine job–although the flavors were much more complex and spicy than I was expecting. The red chilis hit your mouth like a bomb of fire, however the coconut milk and tender chicken brought the heat back down. It was certainly more intense than your average Dtom Ka Gai, but outstanding.
Next up we ordered the Vermicelli Noodles & Crab ($11). This dish was also different than I was expecting. The crab was fresh and the noddles were light, but the flavor was a little more earthly than I had anticipated. It was good, but probably my least favorite of the items that we ordered. Something about the cilantro, crab, and sauce wasn't working perfectly for me–but Russ still ate the entire thing, he loved it.
We decided on one last item: the Duck Steam Buns ($6 for 2). These were BY FAR the highlight of our dinner. The duck with the preserved orange was the perfect combo of savory and sweet. I could have not eaten anything else the entire evening and had a wonderful dining experience just with the Duck Steamed Buns–they were phenomenal.
For dessert, who can pass up a homemade donuts? Yeah, not even this girl who has been avoiding sugar at all costs. We had to get one–the folks dining next to us wouldn't have let us get away with passing it up. Fluffy, not too sweet, lick your fingers, delicious. The dipping sauce was to die for. WORTH EVERY CALORIE! 😉
Check out Plum Alley on 111 East Broadway the next time you are looking for a dining experience that is different, unique, tasty, and fun. Enjoy the atmosphere, the great service, a delightful glass of wine (or even a tall boy of PBR for all you hipster kids), and sit back, chat with some new people, and leave happy and full. We will definitely be going back soon.
111 East Broadway
Suite 190
(please excuse the photo quality in this post–my camera's battery died upon arrival and I had to resort to my HTC…so frustrating!!)


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Get ready to bring joy to the world with this stylish illustrated Christmas card. It is great for a printed greeting or invitation, as well as for an electronic one.
- 6" x 4", 300 dpi, CMYK
- Layered and easy to edit EPS and AI files
- Additional corporate version with place for your logo
- Bonus envelope, A6 6.5" x 4.75"
All the files are layered, greeting text is editable.
Font required: Black Jack (free download) http://www.fontsquirrel.com/fonts/BlackJack
Thanks for viewing this design! If you have any questions or comments, please, don't hesitate to contact me. Enjoy!
And if you like this set, please, don't forget to rate it!

subset: commoncrawl


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Run on beautiful desert trails in Southern Nevada and have a beer at the finish line at the oldest bar in Clark County, Nevada! The race begins and ends at the legendary Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, NV (45 minutes south of Las Vegas), complete with a general store and outdoor firepits for your friends and family to enjoy while you traverse remote trails, pass through sagebrush and desert terrain, on your adventure in the heart of the old west. This is trail running at its best!
The course is a gently rolling dirt trail, out in the middle of nowhere! The dirt road is the original old road to California that the Pioneers used 100 years ago. It curves through rustic canyons amid scattered cactus and brislecone pine. It is pure untouched desert landscape out in the open country of Southern Nevada…..watch out for the desert tortoise and jack rabbits which are abundant out on the trail! If you want some solitude in the wild untouched backroads of the West….this race is for you!!


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Holy Innocents 2011
When Herod realized he had been duped by the astrologers, he was outraged. He then issued a death warrant for all the male children in Bethlehem and surrounding region two years old and younger. this corresponded to the time [of the star] that he had learned from the astrologers. With this event the prediction made by Jeremiah the prophet came true:
'In Ramah the sound of mourning
and bitter grieving was heard:
Rachel weeping for her children.
She refused to be consoled:
They were no more.' " (Matthew 2: 16-18, SV)
In lieu of a sermon or even a commentary, two stories. If the contemporary first one makes you think somewhat of the much older second one (especially the tradition of godparents to give poor children a chance in life), and then makes you reflect that the more things change, the more they remain the same...
well, it's because that tart observation is true.
And what Matthew meant was not to record an historical event, but to indicate that the world likes this just the way they are, thank you very much. And the world reacts quite harshly when it fears things as they are, are about to be changed. Especially when they are about to be changed radically.
Which applies as well to the story of the Christ child today as it did in Matthew's day. Or, as Robert Southwell put it:
As I in hoary winter's night stood shivering in the snow,
Surprised I was with sudden heat which made my heart to glow ;
And lifting up a fearful eye to view what fire was near,
A pretty babe all burning bright did in the air appear ;
Who, scorchëd with excessive heat, such floods of tears did shed
As though his floods should quench his flames which with his tears were fed.
Alas, quoth he, but newly born in fiery heats I fry,
Yet none approach to warm their hearts or feel my fire but I !
My faultless breast the furnace is, the fuel wounding thorns,
Love is the fire, and sighs the smoke, the ashes shame and scorns ;
The fuel justice layeth on, and mercy blows the coals,
The metal in this furnace wrought are men's defilëd souls,
For which, as now on fire I am to work them to their good,
So will I melt into a bath to wash them in my blood.
With this he vanished out of sight and swiftly shrunk away,
And straight I callëd unto mind that it was Christmas day.


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Many New Bern area businesses reopened their snow- and ice-frozen doors Thursday, although some did so a little later than usual.
Many New Bern area businesses reopened their snow- and ice-frozen doors Thursday, although some did so a little later than usual.
Area schools and governments, however, mostly remained closed and some had not determined by nearly noon Thursday whether they would open their doors Friday.
Area small municipal town halls except Vanceboro were closed Thursday, but the mayors of River Bend, Trent Woods, Bridgeton, Pollocksville, Cove City, Vanceboro and Dover told the Sun Journal they all hoped to be open Friday, with road conditions ultimately dictating the decision.
Vanceboro Mayor Chad Braxton said the town hall was open Thursday because the town clerk lives nearby. The downtown grocery store in which he is a partner also stayed open.
�We stayed open until 8 p.m.,� he said. �People have to eat.�
Some, but not all, grocery stores and fast food restaurants were among the businesses to remain open during the snow � or, at least, to reopen the quickest after it.
Chain stores like McDonalds, Walmart and Target were among the stalwarts, but small businesses like TriplePlay that help people relieve their day of boredom also kept the doors open.
Most downtown New Bern businesses and the New Bern Mall welcomed back members of the public, who were beginning to move around because of cabin fever.
Many accounting and medical offices reopened Thursday also.
Lou Cannon said that for McGladrey, LLC, in New Bern, �Mostly that decision winds up in my lap.�
Even though this is peak time for an accounting firm, Cannon said, �We have people coming from Pamlico County and Vanceboro and people with children in schools so a number of factors figure into the decision.
�I wind up getting up early to see what the roads are like. We have a call-in number I can change from home and, if we have enough lead time, we can tell people before they leave. We sent people home around 2 p.m. Tuesday, closed Wednesday, and had a two hour delay today (Thursday).�
Some tax and audit employees log on from home to avoid slick roadways, he said, �and we say �if you feel unsafe, don�t come.��
Steve Nuckolls, Coastal Carolina Health Care�s CEO, said his company has a similar policy: �We are concerned first and foremost about the safety of our employees and our patients. We try to balance that with the necessity of some of the services we provide. We encourage staff members and patients to stay home when there is a closing or delay with the conditions in which they should not travel.�
CCHC declared a weather emergency at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday when the sleet started setting in. The company reopened Thursday at noon.
�We did alter that for some individuals so we could keep a core staff to serve patient needs� like scheduled chemotherapy, Nuckolls said. The urgent care operation did not remain open for the full time, but served all who arrived before 2:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Schools and county government offices in Craven, Pamlico and Jones counties did not open Thursday and by noon the determination had not been made on whether to reopen Friday.
In Craven County, Emergency Services Director Stanley Kite said, �I have no idea at this point, but it�s looking slack.�
He was meeting about that time with County Manager Jack Veit to survey the conditions of county grounds and properties and take a look at the roads.
�We don�t want to create a hazard for our employees or the citizens who use our services,� Kite said.
Jones County Manager Franky Howard said, �We will have at least a two-hour delay on the county side and may or may not have court. Typically, we follow the school schedule, but tomorrow may be a little different.
�DOT officials said they are still working on primary roads and from what we can see, they are still covered with ice. As more snow gets packed down and refreezes overnight, we may have a worse situation than we do now.�
Sue Book can be reached at 252-635-5665 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter@SueJBook.


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"The best-no-holds barred book on the basic questions that Christian women ask about sex. This book will play a large part in healing lives that have been prisoners regarding God's plan for healthy sexuality."
–Emilie Barnes, Author
"Intimate Issues may well be destined to become a definitive and defining work in Christian literature. Specific, practical, and scriptural, it may have more potential than any new work I have read in recent years."
–Frank B. Minirth, M.D., The Minirth Clinic
"This is a mother-to-daughter book, a sister-to-sister gem to be shared. It is also a powerful resource for counselors and teachers, well-documented and deserving of serious attention."
–Howard and Jeanne Hendricks, Center for Christian Leadership, Dallas Theological Seminary
"A much-needed, biblically-based handbook teaching God's perspective concerning the wise use of His gift of physical intimacy."
–Cynthia Heald, author and speaker
"Don't be afraid of the word 'sensuous.' Linda and Lorraine present the union of two people so attractively, excitedly, and sacredly that anything less protected and binding seems cheap, tawdry, and counterfeit."
–Vonette Zachary Bright, Campus Crusade for Christ
"More than an excellent and well-written book; it is an important book. Intimate Issues gives practical help for every wife who longs to be a better lover to her husband as well as significant help for those who struggle with a painful past or a difficult present in their marriage. We highly recommend this book."
–Carole and Jack Mayhall, The Navigators
"Finally, a book that honestly addresses the real sexual concerns of women! The result will be marriages that reflect the joy and passion God intended."
–Mary Ann Mayo, M.A., M.F.C.C., A Woman's Place Medical Center


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Top 6 Reasons to Come to the Chicago Volunteer Expo
Created: 2/10/2016 Updated: 7/29/2016
Subscribe to the Nature Museum blog and never miss a post!
Later this month we will host the Chicago Volunteer Expo, now in its fourth year. We are proud to be the home of this city-wide event that showcases hundreds of volunteer opportunities at over 85 nonprofit and community organizations. Join us on Sunday, February 28, from 10am to 4pm, to find the opportunity that's right for you.
Need a little motivation? Here's why we think you should be there:
- It's free. There's not a lot more to be said here. Who doesn't love a Sunday outing that costs nothing?
- It takes place at the Nature Museum. Instead of a giant, boring convention center, we hold the Chicago Volunteer Expo right here at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Not only will you get to learn about hundreds of volunteer opportunities all over the city, you'll also have the chance to explore our exhibits. You can meet live critters, check out our historic collections, and get acquainted with urban nature. And I challenge you to find a more pleasant place to be on a February afternoon than our Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, which we keep at 80 degrees.
- You'll have real conversations, with real people representing great causes. Sure, you could go online and search for volunteer opportunities, but an in-person conversation just can't be beat when it comes to decisions like where to volunteer your time. Sometimes the most interesting opportunities are at tiny organizations that are not posted online and don't show up in Google searches. Even if you do find a good opportunity listed, too often you fill out an inquiry and simply never hear back from anyone. At the Chicago Volunteer Expo, you can personally meet with more than 85 organizations and learn immediately how you can help make an impact with your valuable volunteer time.
- Instant gratification. Even while you're still browsing the options at the Expo, you can start lending a hand on the spot. We call it speed volunteering – it's kind of like speed dating, but less awkward. All day long, you can help turn used plastic grocery bags into beautiful and functional sleeping mats for the homeless. It only takes minutes, and you can see your impact immediately.
- School credit or brownie points at work. Most schools now require service learning of some kind, but it can be hard for teens to find volunteer work. We carefully curate the organizations that come to this event, and 59% of them offer volunteer opportunities for teens. Another common challenge is finding opportunities for groups of coworkers to volunteer together – it's great for teambuilding, but a lot of places just can't accommodate groups. Never fear: 61% of the organizations at the Expo will take groups.
- Volunteering might make you happier. It's been studied! People who volunteer are happier than people who don't, and some researchers have even found a causal effect – volunteering actually caused the increase in happiness. If you're feeling those wintertime blues, why not lend a hand for a cause you care about? You might find that it's mutually beneficial.
Jill Doub
Senior Director of Public Engagement
Subscribe to the Nature Museum blog and never miss a post!


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Those unscrupulous sorts pirating the recent PC release of Starbreeze's Syndicate have found a little surprise buried inside the release. And it's not some kind of punishment or DRM.
It's...career advice? A message, which at first appears to be cracking instructions, is actually a note from Starbreeze to those digging through the pirated game's files, which reads:
Are you bored with watching from the sidelines? Ready to make the switch? Do you have considerable talents in any of the following areas? Art, modeling, texturing, sound design. Programming. Game design?
If you meet one or more of those criteria, and want to be a part of the fun, email us at firstname.lastname@example.com today!
Given the heavy-handed approach most publishers (and even developers) take towards those getting hold of a free game, it's nice to see somebody looking at things a little more practically.
Game Devs Want Warez Pirates To Switch Sides [TorrentFreak]


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About KidSport Lac La Biche
More and more kids are becoming team players every day. They're given the opportunity to swing a bat, shoot a puck, or smash a ball for happier, healthier lives thanks to KidSport™ and its local sponsors and volunteers. KidSport™ welcomes all new applications and donations so you can be a part of our team.
We believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports. KidSport provides support to children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport.
We do this by:
- Raising funds to provide sport opportunities for kids facing financial barriers.
- Promoting the KidSport mission to other community agencies with a view to creating strategic alliances to support sport participation and physical activity opportunities for kids.
- Advocating the importance of all kids having access to sport programs and advocate the value and benefit of kids playing sport in the pursuit of lifelong health and wellness.
We believe that through participation in organized sport activities, kids learn the values of:
- Co-operation
- Team play and friendship
- Commitment to goals
- Personal excellence
- Healthy competition
- Self-esteem


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Gun, stolen credit cards recovered in traffic stop
Three people were arrested Friday after deputies found a handgun and stolen credit cards during a traffic stop.
According to Douglas County Chief Deputy Mark Bilek, deputies spotted a suspicious pickup truck near 144th and F streets around 5 a.m. When deputies stopped the vehicle, they determined the driver, 33-year-old Jeremy Brungardt, had a suspended license. Deputies also smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle.
-- Mug shots: See who got arrested
Upon investigation, deputies learned that all three occupants were convicted felons. They found a defaced handgun and credit cards, some of which were reported stolen Jan. 4. A Halloween mask and gloves were also found in the vehicle.
Police arrested Brungardt on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a gun with an altered serial number and a suspended license.
Darren Sayles, 46, and Noah Strimple, 30, were both arrested on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a gun with an altered serial number.


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All Kinds of Mothers5/10/2010 12:11:00 AM Edit This 4 Comments »
Here in the Pacific Northwest we woke up to a Mother's Day surprise - sunshine!! It was an unbelievably beautiful day at 67 degrees with bright beautiful sunshine, clear air and amazingly lush landscapes. I think God was wishing all the mothers around here a Happy Mother's Day. Here's what my little ray of sunshine woke me up to...
It seems the Quast girls have decided on a new Mother's Day tradition - chocolate cake for breakfast!! Yesterday when we were at the store she told me we NEEDED a cake for my birthday. I reminded her that it was Mother's Day not a birthday but she said we still needed a cake. And you can't have a cake without a candle and a song. And once she had my present waiting for me at the table, there just didn't seem to be any reason to wait until tonight for the cake. So there you have it - Happy Mother's Day to Me!
Life is good!!
Life is good!!
We had to start at the Kids Zone which is just a great set up and it seems they are improving it all the time. Here is my little spider. Then she was eaten by a hippo...
but I rescued her and she escaped down the otter slide.
She would have gladly stayed in the Kid Zone all day if I hadn't reminded her about the camels. We rode one during Zoo Lights at Christmas but that was at night and she insisted that an almost 4 year old needs to ride one by herself. It seems Mojave was waiting for her. She could hardly wait to jump right on.
And boy was she throwing her little body all over the place.
She is one fearless little girl.
Next we were off to see the elephants, the tigers, monkeys followed by the birds. One exhibit allowed you to buy a little stick with a small amount of bird seed on it then try to find a bird hungry enough to come perch on your stick. Lexie was determined to find one so of course she did. She told me her name is Sarah. Okay then.
Lexie was so cute. She talked to her the whole time. "Now Sarah, this is really good for you." "Sarah where is your Mommy. You should not walk away from your Mommy." (Do you think maybe I said that one too many times today?) "Okay sweetie bird do you want some more?" Man do I love this girl!
After Sarah flew off to her Mommy (or more accurately to someone else's stick) we went to visit the fish tanks which are always a big hit. But our favorite animals of the day were the giant walruses. They were amazing and way beyond huge!!
This beauty was clearly the king of the pack or is it herd or family? Anyway, he was the head honcho no matter what you called the group. He seemed to have something in his flipper because he keep coming to the side and putting it in his mouth. It was fascinating to watch.
And look at those red beady eyes. This bull weighed in at over a ton! And man where they all frisky today. YOU HAVE TO WATCH THES NEXT 2 VIDEO!! (it's not of Lexie I promise!)
They seemed to loved swimming right up to the glass and at the last second turn over to rub up against the glass. Watch this one...
We were just mesmerized by them and could hardly drag ourselves away. Finally the promise of ice cream seemed to do the trick.
Once she was filled up and cleaned up we were off for our final stop of the day....the carousel. But we seemed to have picked up a friend along the way.
At first Lexie didn't even notice him. But when she turned around...
He certainly noticed her. Look at how he bent his neck at such a weird angle.
I think he really must have liked Lexie because he then showed off for her. His back was to her at this point but it was amazing to see his plumage from behind.
He followed us up the stairs.
Unbelievably beautiful and certainly confident in himself too I might add.
I have to say he had something to be proud of. He just keep on following Lexie until we stopped at observation area where Lexie was joined by 2 other little boys. I guess the peacock (Lexie keep calling him a peahawk) was jealous because he let out this horrendously loud squawk which none of the kids appreciated.
We finally lost the bird and made it over to the carousel which is Lexie's favorite part of the zoo...or so it was for the moment.
This girl knows how to have a good time. And you'll never believe who was waiting for us when the ride was over....
Seriously, it was a little freaky that he found us there and this time he was going to make sure Lexie saw him strut his stuff full frontal! I knew it was time to go home when we were being stalked by a bird!!
Happy Mother's Day to all the old mothers, new mothers and especially the mothers-to-be. Three years ago I was so disappointed that all the delays had caused me to miss being in Kaz for Mother's Day by just a couple of weeks. Now I'm so very blessed since that was my last Mother's Day without my Lexie. Hang in there Moms-to-be (especially you Lisa.) Your turn will come!


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Chris Bachalo has pushed the boundaries of what's acceptable in modern day mainstream comic books to the extreme. Highly intricate, cartoonish page layouts depict insidious caricatures of popular characters. With blade like precision, Bachalo creates highly detailed dream sequences from whatever writing he's handed. Forming a visual world of monsters, uggos, bandits and vagabonds throughout his career he has sent out Superheroes dressed for the streets. Pushing the concept of the superhero closer to street level has made Bachalo a hero of mainstream comic book readers deserate for an alternative interpretation of their favourite characters. After almost 20 years working with DC and Marvel (as well as a brief stint on his own title with Image imprint, Cliffhanger) it's fair to say Bachalo has achieved exactly that.
Bachalo was born in Canada August 23, 1965, Portage la Prairie but was raised in Southern California. Perpetuating the idea that many great comic book artists arrive at their calling because of weaknesses in their preferred fields, Bachalo had grown up wanting to be a carpenter until he discovered he was allergic to dust. He attended the California State University at Long Beach, where he majored in graphic art and illustrated a number of underground comics.
Following graduation, Bachalo found work pretty much immediately with DC Comics. His first published assignment The Sandman #12 (1989) – however he had already been hired as regular artist for Shade, The Changing Man, revived by writer Peter Milligan with a greater adult orientation. With clear black and white definition in his work, Bachalo demonstrated the influences of Sam Keith (artist and writer on Maxx and Zero Girl, with a liquid attitude to realism in his artwork), Bill Sienkiewicz (Eisner Award winning artist and writer best known for his work on New Mutants and Elektra: Assassin, utilising oil painting, collage and mimeograph) and Michael Golden (famous for his work on Marvel's 1970's Micronauts as well as his co-creation of characters Rogue and Bucky O' Hare.
Initially, Bachalo's work was visibly influenced from many different directions as he began to try to find his own style. This leant itself nicely to Shade as it was a kaliedoscopic, dream-like character and loaded with abstract ideas. Bachalo's work has always held a certain dark and teenage self-conciousness, reminiscent of rock cultutre of the early nineties – something which strangely has carried forwards with his development – somehow always representing very well the graphic representation of youth at the time. As the design work of a less disenfranchised youth became more assured, brighter and more heavily influenced by street design, graffiti and graphics so too has Bachalo's work. Most likely coincidental it is this that has catapulted him into the most mainstream family of books there are today.
His early 90s work is minimalist with strong, thick lines, quirky characters and little concern for realism. Never shying away from detailed landscapes but showed a rare inclination towards pages with many small panels, something that deepens any artist's involvement in a piece.
In 1993, Neil Gaiman selected Bachalo for the Sandman miniseries: Death: The High Cost of Living, starring the Sandman's older sister. The popularity of Sandman at the time and the strength of the series itself bolstered Bachalo's visibility significantly. The creative team reunited once again in 1996 for Death: The Time of Your Life. Apart from returning breifly to DC in 1999 for the Witching Hour with Jeph Loeb for it's Vertigo Imprint, Bachalo's future lay with the other side of the comic industries fermament. The X-Men were calling.
Bachalo's introduction to Marvel was during his tenure at DC comics, illustrating X-Men Unlimited #1 – an anthology to the ongoing X-Men comic books. Based on the noise generated by his introduction in this book Bachalo ended his time on Shade and made a permanent transition over to it's big rival. His first project was as part of the forward thinking and innovative 2099 universe, reinventing popular Marvel characters into a corporate nightmare of a future. His particular nightmare blended his own dual fascinations of steam twisted tech and metaphysical beings with Ghost Rider 2099. A technological reincarnation of the Spirit of Vengeance, Bachalo's rip-snorting, highly detailed blend of twisted perspectives and steam punk edge furthered Bachalo's influence with what was, otherwise, a more minor title in the 2099 universe. He also drew a cover for Runaways.
It was with Scott Lobdell, Uncanny X-men scribe, that Bachalo introduced a new youth team to the X-canon. Generation X lurched out of the Phalanx Covenant crossover bizarre and idiosyncratic because the creative team wanted to avoid the recent trend in superhero teams, where every member of the team represented a stock character. Generation X became a hit with the series' namesake due to Lobdell's realistically cynical and emotionally immature teen characters and Bachalo's atypical artwork. Bachalo illustrated the series through much of its first three years, taking a break in late 1995 and early 1996 to illustrate the second Death miniseries, Death: The Time of Your Life.
During his time in Generation X, an unusual influence began to appear in Bachalo's work. While still intricately detailed. Influenced by the unlikely inspiration Joe Madureira, his characters became more cartoony and manga-like, with large eyes, heads and hands. He gravitated towards extremes in anatomy, drawing characters that were previously portrayed as bulky, short or thin as even more so. This elongation, bulk out and caricature of easily recognisable characters in Marvel would make Bachalo a staple and an unusual choice for major events.
In 1997, Bachalo left Generation X folr Uncanny X-men, arguably the industry's most popular title and his new found inspiration's previous assignment – where he remained for more than a year until the end of 1998.
In 2000, Bachalo luanched Steampunk, a comic book series deliberately inspired by the genre of fiction of the same name, which emulates early science fiction by intentionally applying self-conciously antiquated and deliberately awkward solutions to modern design. Written by Joe Kelly, the series came under heavy critical fire for it's obscure artwork, small panels, detailed panels and muddy, dark colouring which many felt made it difficult to tell what was happening. Kelly's writing at the same time was not as straight forward as many readers would have preferred at the time. Conversely however, the hardened fan base for the title, which was brought out via Image's creator owned imprint, Cliffhanger, supported it for the same reasons. Regardless, the luke-warm response to the title saw it end prematurely at issue #12 – it's intended 25 issue run sliced in half. It is currently available in two reprinted trade paperbacks, Steampunk: Manimatron and the perhaps aptly named Steampunk: Drama Obscura.
Following his aborted tenure with Cliffhanger, Bachalo returned triumphantly to the halls of Marvel, completing occasional work on various X-men series including the new alternate universe, Ultimate X-men, Ultimate War, Grant Morrison's New X-Men (collected in New X-Men vol.5: Assault on Weapon Plus and including one of the finest examples of a single issue story). In New X-Men Bachalo realises a scene beautifully envisioned by Grant Morrison in which Wolverine and Sabretooth find themselves at the urinals of the Hellfire Club – a no violence rule allowing a moment of barely contained aggression between the two of them. Bachalo's combination of clean, crisp lines and perspectives – mixed with the organic, intuitive detailing of the figures and the characteristic elongation and exageration of the two figures brings the light but knowing humour of the scene beautifully forward to such a pleasing degree that it might well be one of the finest combinations of writing and artwork in a Marvel comic book of all time. Not an understatement (though obviously a matter of opinion) and the sequel to the Age of Apocalypse Crossover.
Bachalo was also the artist on Captain America for 6 issues (21–26, running December 2003–May 2004 cover dates) pencilling a divisive run written by Robert Morales. In an attempt to humanize Steve Rogers, the pair managed to split fans opinions fairly resoundingly with both leaving the title – Morales 10 issues short of his intended contract for the series.
From 2006 to 2008, Bachalo was the artist for the X-Men title along with new writer Mike Carey after completing his final story arc for Uncanny X-Men (#472–474). He was often filled-in for by artist Humberto Ramos, however.
Bachalo has also pencilled (and coloured) a number of cards for the Vs. collectible card game. These have been renditions of both Marvel and DC characters.
On top of his continuing work for Marvel, Bachalo finished issue #7 of Comicraft's Elephantmen, an issue 4 years in the making. The issue was done entirely in double-page spreads and marks his reunion with Steampunk writer Joe Kelly. The issue's story, "Captain Stoneheart and the Truth Fairy" also represents Bachalo's first work outside Marvel and DC since his fill-in issue of Witchblade.
Bachalo has also been one of the four artists who was originally part of the Spider-Man Relaunch. Brand New Day, along with Phil Jimenez, Steve McNiven and Salvador Larroca.
Starting with New Avengers #51, Bachalo will provide variant covers for the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Billy Tan to bring use the "Who will be the next Sorceror Supreme?" storyline.
When Richard Friend inks Chris Bachalo's pencils, the piece is signed "Chrisendo", a portmanteau of the names "Chris", "Friend", and "Bachalo". Antonio Fabela is a regular colorist of Bachalo's work.
Pictured some way above is Bachalo's latest assignment, a critical and fan hit by the name of Wolverine and the X-Men. It's the next generation of X-Men back at Xavier's School for Higher Learning under the tutelage of the ol' canuckle head and it seems pre-fitted to Bachalo's specific style. Anarchic, high octane and cartoonish, Bachalo's lavish imagery has found a great home for his brief tenure in these pages. Writer Jason Aaron even going o far as to create BAMFs – small Nightcrawler-esque imps – that create havoc everywhere they go in order to harness Bachalo's habit of dropping unusual midgets into otherwise mundane panels.
As his graffiti style of comic book art would suggest, Bachalo will leave an indelible and lasting mark that brightens up everything around it. An anarchic and chaotic practitioner – Bachalo is an artist who has caused the mainstream comic industry to adapt to him – something that has furthered the pursuit of great stylistic innovation in mainstream comic books. Bachalo so much pushing the envelope as setting fire to the envelope and feeding it to the little toothy deamons that hide at the edge of his pages.


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Charlie Sheen seems to have figured out the secret to winning is being a good sport.
The deposed "Two and a Half Men" star tweeted his approval to the show's brass for their choice of Ashton Kutcher to replace him. The gracious missive reversed his initial reaction, which panned the selection.
"#Winning Congrats to the cast and crew…CBS & WB..! My best to @aplusk !!" Sheen tweeted on Friday night. "The show must go on… You got the right guy! c."
U.S. & World
Kutcher reciprocated with a tweet of his own. ""#2.5 @charliesheen Thank man. Always been a fan, always will be!" Kutcher wrote. "BTW you were 'born big'"
Meanwhile, the cast and crew seems happy just to know the top-rated show is back on track.
"I'm jazzed about the news this morning that "Two and a Half Men" is coming back! For all the rest of the cast and crew I'm sure they are equally excited," co-star Jon Cryer wrote in a statement.
"I want to express my enormous gratitude to Charlie Sheen for eight great seasons," his statement continued. "I'm extremely proud of the work we've done together and I will miss him. But I'm also looking forward to this new beginning."
As for Sheen, he appears to have come around from his first take on the casting news, in which he took yet another swipe at executive producer Chuck Lorre.
"Ashton Kutcher is a sweetheart and a brilliant comedic performer. Oh wait, so am I," Sheen said in his statement to Access Hollywood on Friday. "Enjoy the show America, Enjoy seeing 2.0 in the demo every Monday, WB. Enjoy planet Chuck, Ashton. There is no air, laughter, loyalty, or love there."


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The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.
Core Components
2.A. The institution establishes and follows fair and ethical policies and processes for its governing board, administration, faculty, and staff in its financial, academic, personnel, and auxiliary functions.
2.B. The institution presents itself clearly and completely to its students and to the public with regard to its programs, requirements, costs to students, faculty and staff, control, and accreditation relationships.
2.C. The governing board of the institution is sufficiently autonomous to make decisions in the best interest of the institution and to assure its integrity.
2.D. The institution is committed to freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning.
2.E. The institution ensures that faculty, students, and staff acquire, discover, and apply knowledge responsibly.
View Assumed Practices: Ethical and Responsible Conduct


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NEW YORK — The Dow Jones industrial average closed at an all-time high Wednesday as the good narrowly outweighed the bad for the stock market.
After investors assessed a series of company earnings reports, the latest move from the Federal Reserve and an unexpectedly weak reading on first quarter economic growth, the stock market ended with its third straight day of gains.
Stocks started the day lower after the government reported that the U.S. economy stalled in the first three months of the year as winter storms chilled business activity. The Commerce Department said growth slowed to a barely discernible 0.1 percent annual rate in the January-March quarter, less than the rate of 1.1 percent forecast by economists, according to FactSet.
The market's reaction to the report was muted because most investors expect the slowdown to be temporary as growth rebounds with warmer temperatures.
"Most people, including us, expected March to have been the strongest month of the first quarter" and that growth will continue to pick up, said Sean Lynch, global investment strategist for Wells Fargo Private Bank. "That's an OK environment for the market."
The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 5.62 points, or 0.3 percent, to 1,883.95. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 45.47 points, or 0.3 percent, to 16,580.84, four points above its previous record set Dec. 31. It was the first day the index closed in positive territory for the year.
The Nasdaq composite rose 11.01 points, or 0.3 percent, to 4,114.56.
Some solid earnings reports and corporate deal news helped offset the weak economic report, and by midday stocks had eked out small gains.
Pepco Holdings surged $3.97, or 17.4 percent, to $26.76 after it agreed to be acquired by nuclear power company Exelon for $6.83 billion, creating a large electric and gas utility in the mid-Atlantic region. Exelon will pay $27.25 per Pepco share, an 18 percent premium to the company's $23.10 closing price on Tuesday.
Sealed Air was one of the companies that gained after reporting earnings.
The company's stock rose $1.72, or 5.3 percent, to $34.31 after the food packaging company's earnings easily beat Wall Street's expectations. The company also said it was on track to post full-year earnings at the upper end of the range of its forecast.
More than 60 percent of S&P 500 companies have reported first-quarter earnings. Analysts currently expect earnings to grow by 1.7 percent in the period, according to S&P Capital IQ data. That compares with growth of almost 8 percent in the fourth quarter and 5.2 percent in the same period a year ago.
Stocks climbed higher in afternoon trading after the Federal Reserve's statement following its April policy meeting was in line with investor's expectations.
The Fed said Wednesday it would reduce its monthly bond purchases by another $10 billion to $45 billion. The stimulus is intended to hold down long-term interest rates and support the mortgage market. The Fed also reaffirmed its plan to keep short-term interest rates low to support the economy "for a considerable time" after its bond purchases end, likely late this year.
Bond prices rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.65 percent from 2.70 percent on Tuesday. The yield on the note has fallen from 3 percent at the start of the year.
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As bond yields remain close to historical lows, stocks will likely remain attractive to investors, said David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist at JPMorgan funds.
"What else are you supposed to do with your money?" said Kelly. "For lack of something better to do with it, money is going to move back into equities."
Among other stocks making big moves:
— Twitter fell $3.65, or 8.6 percent, to $38.97 after its customer growth disappointed investors when it reported quarterly results late Tuesday. Twitter had 255 million monthly users at the end of March, up 25 percent from a year earlier, but 2 million fewer than industry analysts had expected. Twitter shot higher after its IPO at $26 a share in November, climbing as high as $73.31 in December. The stock has been steadily declining since then.
— Express Scripts, the nation's largest pharmacy benefits manager, fell $4.43, or 6.2 percent, to $66.58 after it lowered its earnings guidance for the year, saying that it would handle a lower volume of prescriptions. Express Scripts also reported a 12 percent drop in its first-quarter earnings Tuesday.


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CollabNet has announced a collaboration with HP that provides an end-to-end Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) solution that supports software application development from requirements definition, through development and testing, to release.
The solution enables business analysts, project managers, developers, and quality assurance teams to collaborate in defining, developing, and testing applications in a distributed environment while working with their choice of tools. At the heart of the solution is the CollabNet TeamForge platform's technical integration with HP Quality Center. The integration provides bi-directional synchronization of requirements, epics, user stories, defects, tests, and more. The CollabNet TeamForge platform will be offered via referral or co-sell in the HP MarketPlace Referral Program. Certified integration software is available as a free open-source download at www.collab.net/HP.
The integration with the CollabNet TeamForge platform includes HP Quality Center's Requirements, Defects, and Test Management Modules. The CollabNet TeamForge Connector Framework provides real-time synchronization between the products, associating requirements, defects, tasks, and other development artifacts directly with source code.
"HP Quality Center and TeamForge are ideal complements, each providing 100% agnostic support for every technology, IDE, and development process," said CollaNet's Bill Portelli. "The combination provides both developers and quality assurance professionals with unparalleled flexibility in creating business capabilities and applications -- enabling collaboration not only within a project, but also enabling software asset leverage across projects in the enterprise as well."


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After his parents took away Halo 3, Daniel Petric shot them both, killing his mother, according to the prosecution in this 17-year-old's murder trial.
Daniel Petric was caught with Halo 3 on his way into the house after sneaking out to buy the game. His father then took it, placing the game in a lockbox—the same lockbox in which he stored his 9mm handgun.
Somehow, Petric retrieved his game and the gun from the lockbox. And according to his father, Petric entered the living room with a chilling request.
Would you guys close your eyes? I have a surprise for you.
At that point, he was said to shoot both of his parents in the head, killing his mother.
Petric's lawyers gave an opening statement mentioning that he'd suffered from a severe staph infection and found himself homebound to games and television for a year.
As of late, video games seem inundated with tragedy.


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Cheap Flights, Holidays and City Breaks to Munich, Germany from Ireland
Are you thinking of getting away to an amazing destination this year? If you are, a trip to Munich should be high on your to-do-list and we offer the best available rates on flights, holidays and city breaks to Munich from Ireland all year round. Munich is the third largest city in Germany and it is an ideal place to experience German culture.
Munich as a holiday destination has so many attractions for the entire family to enjoy. If you are interested in history, art or architecture, look no further as you are sure to find it all here in Munich.
A trip to Neuschwanstein Castle is a must for any visitor to this stunning German city. Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th Century Romanesque Revival Palace located on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangen close to Fussen in southwest Bavaria.
The Palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as homage to Richard Wagner. Ludwig paid for the palace out of his own personal fortune as well as extensive borrowing. The Palace was supposed to be a personal refuge for the reclusive King of Bavaria, but following his death in 1886, it was then opened to the public. Since then, 60 million people have had the pleasure of visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. Experience it for yourself by contacting us today about a holiday, cheap flight or short city break to this fascinating city.
More than 1.3 million people visit it annually, with up to 6,000 per day during the summer months. Neuschwanstein Castle has appeared prominently in numerous movies and it was the inspiration for the castle in Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty.
During your Munich holiday, make your way to Marienplatz. Marienplatz is a central square that is very famous amongst tourists to this German city. Marienplatz has been Munich's main square since 1158. It is located in the heart of Munich. It's a very interesting place to visit, where we can offer cheap holidays and flights to Munich from Ireland all-year round.
During your exploration of Marienplatz, you will find the Mariensaule, which is affectionately known as the column of Mary. It was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish Invasion. The statue is topped with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, which was sculpted in 1590 by Hubert Gerhard. At each corner of the column's pedestal is a statue of a putti, which was created by Ferdinand Murmann. The four putti's symbolise Munich's pestilence, over coming of war, its hunger and heresy.
Right here in the square you will come across Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain). It is right near the Neuses Rathaus. The sculptor Konrad Knoll designed it in 1864 but the fountain was badly destroyed during World War II. It was rebuilt in 1954 to the delight of inhabitants of the city of Munich.
A trip to the Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall is a must for anyone visiting Munich on a city break. Munich's original Town Hall was completely destroyed by fire in 1460. It was re-built between 1470-1480. The old Jörg von Halsbach built Town Hall in the gothic style. The building was once again destroyed during the Second World War but it was rebuilt shortly afterwards following the original 15th Century plans.
A visit to Munich wouldn't be the same without a tour of the New Town Hall. The Square is dominated by the New Town Hall (Neuses Rathaus). This monumental 79 metres (259ft) high town hall was built between 1867 and 1909 by Georg Joseph Hauberrisser in Flemish Gothic style to alleviate the overcrowded Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) nearby.
Many visitors to the city of Munich are totally amazed by the Carillon (Glockenspiel). At specific times of the day (11.00, 12.00 and 17.00, visitors to this magical city can watch the famous Glockenspiel when the figures perform the Schafferltanz or the cooper's dance, which was originally performed in 1517 at Marienplatz to commemorate the end of the Plague.
You have to visit the Viktualienmarkt, Munich's most popular market, where you will find fresh food and a delicatessen. A very old feature of Munich's Fasching (Carnival) is the dance of the Marktfrauen (Market Women) of Viktaualienmarkt, who wear comical costumes.
The Auer Dult is held three times a year on the square around Mariahilf Church and it is one of Munich's oldest markets, well known for its hardware and its antiques.
One festival in particular, more than any other is synonymous with Munich and this is the Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest is a sixteen-day festival, which celebrates beer.
According to Mercer HR Consulting, Munich is consistently rated among the top ten cities with the highest quality of life worldwide.
Munich is one of Germany's most popular holiday and city break destinations, and it has so much to offer all its visitors. Once you have visited this picturesque German city, you will want to return to this bustling German city after your first visit.
If you'd like to visit other parts of Germany, we can offer cheap Frankfurt flights and holidays from Ireland, or you could plan a Riga holiday during your stay in Munich.
For cheap flights, holidays andcity breaks to Munich from Dublin, Cork or Shannon, call us today.
City Segway Tours
Historical Walking Tours Munich
City Sightseeing Munich
Bike Tours Munich
The city of Munich enjoys an Oceanic climate.
The warmest month of the year, on average, is July. The coolest month of the year, on average, is January.
Showers and thunderstorms bring the highest average monthly precipitation totals in late spring and throughout the summer. June, on average, records the most precipitation of any month. The winter months tend to bring lower precipitation, on average, and February averages the least amount of monthly precipitation for the year.
The higher elevation of Munich and the proximity of the Alps play a significant role on the climate, causing the city to have more rain and snow than many other parts of Germany. The Alps affect the city's climate in other ways, as well, including a warm downhill wind from the Alps (föhn wind), which can raise temperatures sharply within a few hours, even in the winter.
Eating out in Munich is a tasty, filling experience. If you wish to try traditional Bavarian dishes during your city break in Munich there are a wide range of eateries including market snack bars, chain outlets, rustic inns and gastronomic temples.
Restaurants known as Gaststatten are the best places to enjoy local food in Munich. They are located all over this German city. Even if you only want a snack, they are worth visiting just to sample the local cuisine against a backdrop of heated conversation, laughter and song.
Thebeer halls are also very popular with locals and visitors alike, as they offer real atmosphere and large portions that will certainly challenge the hungriest of appetites. Prices vary, but, generally speaking, eating out in Munich isn't cheap. In Munich the best value for money tends to be Italian fare, with a single course meal and a drink for one costing about €10-14. Traditional Bavarian food costs around €16-18 a head.
Most restaurants in Munich have a lunch menu, so checkout it out before you enter as it usually features the same items from the evening menu at cheaper prices and it is ideal for those of you who are travelling on a budget.
Public Transport in Munich
When in Munich the best way of getting around is to use its excellent public transport system. It is an integrated system that includes trams, U-Bahn trains (the underground), S-Bahn Trains and buses.
Bike Hire in Munich
Cycling is very popular in Germany and in Munich also. Cycling is a super way of getting around and exploring this picturesque city. There are cycle paths everywhere and cycling here is very safe. You will be able to choose from a number of cycle hire firms.
By Foot
Munich is a beautiful city to explore and discover on foot. It is safe, quiet, clean, green and a joy to walk around.
Munich's centre covers quite a small area and you could cover it all on foot. There are plenty of pedestrian zones, and many hidden away streets and alleys for you to explore also. Why not join one of the walking tours, which operate, seeing and learning a bit about Munich at the same time.
Deutsches Museum
Tierpark Hellabrunn (Munich Zoo)
Zirkus Krone
Legoland Germany - Amusement Park
Sea Life
Neuhauser and Kaufinger Straße
The boulevard between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz is a pedestrian zone since the 1970s and it is the busiest shopping area in Munich. Here you will find an accumulation of department stores and bigger shops for those of you on a lower or middle budget.
Theatinerstraße and Fünf Höfe
This street connecting the central square Marienplatz with Odeonsplatz is a primary address for those of you who wish to do a bit of luxurious shopping. Many boutiques and fashion accessories shops can be found here. An entrance leads to Munich's latest shopping centre, called Fünf Höfe (Five Courts); It is a fascinating ensemble of modern art and architecture with shops, bistros and cafés.
The representative boulevard planned by King Maximilian II is the most exclusive shopping area in Munich. It is a must see that's for sure. It is home to some of the best international haute couture and other internationally renowned luxury shops.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Marienplatz - Central square in Munich
Englischer Garten - Large Public Park
Viktualienmarkt - A daily food market and a square in the centre of Munich
BMW Museum
Bavarian State Opera
Olympiapark - An Olympic Park constructed for the 1972 Olympics
Olympic Stadium
Olympiaturm - The Olympiaturm in Olympiapark. It has an overall height of 291 metres and a weight of 52,500 tons
New Town Hall
Linderhof Palace
Munich National Theatre
Rathaus Glockenspiel - Located in Marienplatz. Major tourist attraction
Helabrunn Zoo - Is a 36-hectare zoological garden
Nymphenburg Palace
Munich Residenz - The former Royal Palace of the Bavarian Monarchs
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NatWest Bank has apologised to a customer after a bank worker accidentally left a three-minute voicemail message mocking his financial situation - and calling him a "knob".
Nathan Eames, 39, received a call from a business team manager to discuss the feedback he had recently left in a customer service survey.
The call went straight to answerphone and the business manager left a polite message requesting he call her back.
But the worker then failed to hang up properly and immediately began joking with colleagues and poking fun at Nathan - unaware the voicemail was still recording.
She jokes: "God, I'm glad he wasn't there, 'cause he's a knob."
Nathan, who declared himself bankrupt in 2009 due to the financial downturn, said he was "shocked" at the message.
The freelance photographer said: "Going bankrupt was an extremely difficult decision for me but, at the time, I didn't feel I had any other choice.
"But the bankruptcy was completely discharged and, for the past five years, I have been trying to get back on my feet.
"So to hear someone, who doesn't know me, insulting and mocking me to colleagues was completely unjustified and demoralising.
"Natwest should train all their staff to understand the complexities of going bankrupt. It was the hardest thing I have ever done."
Nathan, from Poole, Dorset, declared himself bankrupt in January 2009 after falling into financial difficulty during the economic slump.
But after getting himself back on his feet, he contacted his local NatWest branch in January to enquire about a £10,000 short-term business loan to enable him to buy a photography studio.
His application was turned down and he was told that he had not been discharged long enough from bankruptcy.
But he didn't let the hiccup get to him and instead he began putting money aside each month in the hope that he could then fund his dream.
Two weeks ago NatWest got back in touch with him and asked him to fill out a customer satisfaction survey.
Nathan said that the survey was mainly a tick-box exercise, but when asked for his comments he told the bank he felt they should consider giving loans to applicants whose bankruptcy had been fully discharged after five years.
Then, one week later, on the 22nd June, he was called back by the bank to discuss his feedback.
He didn't take the call but got a message on his voicemail from 'Sarah'.
She said: "Yeah hi, a message for Nathan, it's Sarah, the Business Specialist at the Natwest in Salisbury.
"It's just a quick courtesy call following your feedback on the 2nd of June with the monthly business banking survey.
"If you could give us a call back on ** and ask to speak to the North Dorset business team, thanks then, bye."
She thinks she has ended the call at this point and then says to her colleague: "Why? Oh really? God, I'm glad he wasn't there, 'cause he's a knob.
"He's complaining but it's so clear. It says.. No, no, he's put on here 'as ex-bankrupt I do not get anything from you" as her colleagues burst out laughing in the background.
There are further eruptions of laughter as she adds: "Start considering lending to ex-bankrupts' are his comments."
Nathan said: "I was appalled when I listened to the message. I was actually working at a wedding and couldn't believe what I heard.
"Being rejected for a loan is one thing - but being subjected to a torrent of abuse by ignorant people, completely lacking in empathy and compassion for my situation, is quite another.
"I am not an idiot, I'm a hardworking father of two who is trying to forge a solid career so I can provide for my children. It's a disgrace.
"I'm now considering closing my business bank account with Natwest. I'm not prepared to give them my business when they obviously hold me in such low esteem."
A Natwest spokesperson said: "We apologise unreservedly to Mr Eames.
"This is not the behaviour we expect from our people and we are currently investigating this incident, dealing directly with the members of staff involved."


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This is a message from Vincenety! He can't access this website so he's asking me to tell you all this!! So listen closely!
From Vincenety:
I have lost my Tyranitar HP after I was going to heal it! Its HP is now 0/0 so I can't even heal it. This is my second level 100 Pokemon that i have lost!! So reminder to all Pokemon Indigo Trainers the bug that makes your Pokemon's HP to zero is still here!! Be careful! You've been warned!! Thank you for listening!
i have the same problem with my ivysaur, crobat and slugma, and NEARLY my butterfree.
I think i know what happened. When you try to switch pokemon, if the screen freezes when it's loading, and you click away. The pokemon automatically ends up having 60/0 HP. when you go to the pokemon center to heal your pokemon, the pokemon's HP turns to 0/0 HP.
BUT if you battle your pokemon again, before you take it to the pokemon center...it will return to having it's original HP. This is what happened to my butterfree (which is why i said 'nearly')
however...if this still happens...which it probably would. Can someone (Simon??) FIX this problem!!!


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1990-2001 Flora & Fauna Series, Set of 55 Stamps
1999-2000 Fruit Berries, set of 16 stamps
1991 1c American Kestrel
1995 1c American Kestrel (cent sign)
1991 3c Eastern Bluebird
1991 19c Fawn
1991 30c Cardinal
1992 45c Pumpkinseed Sunfish
1990 $2 Bobcat
1995 20c Blue Jay
1991 29c Wood Duck, black, booklet single
1991 29c Wood Duck, red, booklet single
1993 29c African Violet
1995 32c Peaches, booklet single
1995 32c Pear, booklet single
1993 29c Red Squirrel
1993-95 29c Red Rose
1993 29c Pinecone
1995 32c Pink Rose
1995 32c Peaches, self-adhesive booklet single
1995 32c Pear, self-adhesive booklet single
1999 1c American Kestrel
2000 1c American Kestrel, blue inscription
1996 2c Red-headed Woodpecker
1996 3c Eastern Bluebird
1998 $1.00 Red Fox
1996 1c American Kestrel, coil
1999 2c Red-headed Woodpecker, coil
1996 20c Blue Jay, booklet single
1996 32c Yellow Rose, booklet single
1998 20c Ring-necked Pheasant, booklet single
1998 20c Ring-necked Pheasant, self-adhesive
1999 33c Coral Pink Rose
2000 33c Coral Pink Rose
1996 20c Blue Jay, coil
1997 32c Yellow Rose, coil
1998 20c Ring-necked Pheasant, coil
1999 33c Blueberry
1999 33c Raspberry
1999 33c Strawberry
1999 33c Blackberry
1999 33c Blueberry, booklet single
1999 33c Raspberry, booklet single
1999 33c Blackberry, booklet single
1999 33c Blueberry, coil
1999 33c Raspberry, coil
1999 33c Blackberries, coil
1999 33c Strawberry, coil
2000 33c Blueberries, coil
2000 33c Strawberries, coil
2000 33c Blackberries, coil
2000 33c Raspberries, coil
2001 34c Apple, booklet single
2001 34c Orange, booklet single
1999 33c Flag and City, self-adhesive coil
1999 33c Flag And City, booklet single
1999 33c Flag and Chalkboard
1999 22c Uncle Sam, coil
1999 33c Flag And City, self-adhesive
1999 33c Flag And City, coil
1999 33c Flag And City
1999 33c Flag Over City, self-adhesive booklet stamp
1999 33c Fruit Berries, coil stamps
Issued to raise funds to help treat those impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Add this popular stamp to your collection now!
Get every U.S. commemorative stamp issued In 2019! Save time and money with this year-set. It's the easy way to keep your collection up to date.
Build your collection quickly with this mixture of U.S. stamps, foreign stamps, and stamps on covers. Hours of fun and excitement guaranteed!


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The take away here is simple. If you belong to a network that is ad-based, chances are good to excellent that everything you do is being linked to you personally. You're not anonymous.
Pembroke Pines, Fl (PRWEB) May 08, 2012
UmeNow announced today that it applauds the Federal Trade Commission for exposing how Myspace allegedly misled millions of users by sharing their personal Information with advertisers.
"It's unethical and wrong to allow advertisers to spy, tracking what people look at and do. In the FTC complaint against Myspace, it's alleged that advertisers were even allowed to know your name," stated Evelyn Castillo-Bach, founder and CEO of UmeNow, an independent social network that has banned all ads."
"Myspace's privacy policy promised it would not share users personally identifiable information, or use such information in a way that was inconsistent with the purpose for which it was submitted, without first giving notice to users and receiving their permission to do so. The privacy policy also promised that the information used to customize ads would not individually identify users to third parties and would not share non-anonymized browsing activity," states the FTC statement released today.
The FTC charged that the deceptive statements by Myspace in its privacy policy violated federal law. The full complaint may be read: In the Matter of Myspace LLC, FTC File No. 102 3058.
According to the FTC complaint, advertisers could combine the user's real name and other personal information with additional information to link broader web-browsing activity to a specific individual.
"The take away here is simple. If you belong to a network that is ad-based, chances are good to excellent that everything you do is being linked to you personally. You're not anonymous," stated Castillo-Bach, who is known among her followers as Privacy Mom.
According to the FTC, Myspace has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it misrepresented its protection of users' personal information. The settlement, part of the FTC's ongoing efforts to insure companies live up to the privacy promises they make to consumers, bars Myspace from future privacy misrepresentations, requires it to implement a comprehensive privacy program, and calls for regular, independent privacy assessments for the next 20 years.
Company Information:
UmeNow promotes itself as the People's Network. It has banned all tracking and all ads.
Features include:
Multiple Walls for friends, families, colleagues and groups.
Private photo gallery.
Love-n-Likes section where members share with each other without friending.
Blog section that permits posting anonymously, with a real name, or a pseudonym.
Option to share blogs with the whole world or friends only.
Ability to edit or delete anything posted, at anytime.
Simple and clear privacy settings.
When something is deleted, the company deletes it forever.
Zero tolerance for cyberbullying.
Zero tolerance for data mining and data brokers.
Zero tolerance for tracking, face recognition technology, and other spy tools.
UmeNow has a 2-tier membership structure. Anyone may join for free and enjoy many of the site features. Free members and subscribed members receive the same level of privacy protection. Premium level members who subscribe for $6.00/ month have access to all site areas.
Evelyn Castillo-Bach is the founder of UmeNow and Collegiate Nation. UmeNow entered into its silent launch in July 2011. Collegiate Nation--also known as GoCNCN.com-- is the first and only private network exclusively for college students. Castillo-Bach was interviewed earlier this year by Miami television to address privacy issues impacting college students.
Both UmeNow.com and Collegiate Nation are known for fiercely protecting the privacy rights of its members. All ads, third party apps and games are banned because they are back doors to tracking and extracting private information. Castillo-Bach earned her M.S. in 1993 from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has traveled extensively in Ethiopia and in the Balkans, accompanying her Danish husband who is a lawyer.


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VICTORIA — B.C. New Democratic Party leader Adrian Dix opposes key aspects of the proposal by his national leader, Tom Mulcair, to rewrite the federal legislation regarding Quebec separation.
"Some of what Tom is doing is good," Dix told me Thursday, "But I have a different view."
The provincial NDP leader was reacting to a private member's bill drafted by Mulcair and tabled in Parliament this week by the federal party.
The proposed legislation would replace and to some extent weaken the provisions of the Clarity Act, enacted by the federal Liberals in 2000 to establish tougher ground rules for any future Quebec referendum on separation.
Dix expressed sympathy for his federal leader's venture into the controversial territory of the national unity file — "I'm very respectful of Tom."
But in the course of a telephone interview, backstopped by written references supplied by the provincial leader's office, Dix identified substantive problems with the Mulcair-authored "Act Respecting Democratic Change."
First and foremost was the federal leader's proposal to recognize a bare minimum threshold for success in any future "yes" vote on Quebec separation.
Providing the question were clear and there were no irregularities in the referendum, the Mulcair proposal would oblige Ottawa to enter into negotiations on Quebec separation if "the majority of valid votes are cast in favour of the proposed change."
Thus a bare majority would be enough to set the wheels in motion to break up the country.
"I disagree with that," Dix told me. He expects many British Columbians would also dispute that "50 per cent plus one would be enough" to automatically trigger negotiations on separation.
The provincial NDP leader repeated what he said earlier to my colleague Peter O'Neil of The Vancouver Sun: he favours the wording of the Clarity Act, with its reference to the need for a "clear majority" and the implication of a higher threshold, perhaps in the 55-per-cent range.
Dix also broke with his national leader on the role assigned to provincial governments in any acting out of another referendum on separation. Or, rather, as Dix characterizes it, the diminished role for the provinces in the Mulcair bill.
The existing Clarity Act specifies three opportunities for provincial governments to influence the course of events.
First, in deciding whether the referendum question is sufficiently clear to provide a mandate for separation, "the House of Commons shall take into account ... any formal statements or resolutions by the government or legislative assembly of any province."
Likewise, "in considering whether there has been a clear expression of will by a clear majority ... the House of Commons shall take into account any formal statements or resolutions by the government or legislative assembly of any province."
Presuming the referendum passed both of those tests — clear question, clear expression of will by a clear majority — the Clarity Act acknowledges a pivotal role for provinces in the subsequent negotiation:
"An amendment to the Constitution of Canada would be required for any province to secede from Canada, which in turn would require negotiations involving at least the governments of all the provinces and the government of Canada."
The Mulcair legislation drops any reference to provinces having a say in judging the clarity of the question or the decisiveness of the vote.
It does acknowledge, albeit grudgingly, that if the Constitution has to be amended to allow separation, the provinces could not be excluded from the process: "This Act does not limit the government of Canada's authority to negotiate any constitutional amendment with the other participants in Confederation."
Thus, in Dix's comparative reading, Mulcair's rewrite of the Clarity Act would eliminate any provincial role in the process, prior to the separation question being defined and decided. It is also less prescriptive as to the provincial role in any subsequent negotiation, seeming to give the federal government more flexibility in how it proceeds.
Mulcair envisions a process that would in large measure play out bilaterally between two parties, the Canadian nation and the Quebec nation.
Dix sees the country as a confederation of provinces and territories, each with a role in deciding on what grounds one of their number can depart legally and constitutionally. He also sees the need, as a would-be future premier of B.C., to preserve provincial prerogatives against any federal encroachment.
His comments highlighted a telling contrast to what Mulcair himself suggested in an interview this week.
"I'm not concerned about anybody in the NDP," declared Mulcair, when my Ottawa-based colleague O'Neil asked if he and Dix were at odds on the matter. "All I can tell you is this: I've spoken with all of my provincial colleagues and they were all very much aware of what we're putting on the table."
Aware, yes. Endorsing, no. Dix's clause-by-clause analysis delivered a made-in-B.C. critique of Mulcair's flawed approach on Quebec separation.


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by Christopher
The Maitlands from Beetlejuice Costumes Photo 2 of 10
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This homemade costume for couples entered our 2015 Halloween Costume Contest.
A word from Anders, the 'The Maitlands from Beetlejuice' costume creator:
Me and my girlfriend dressed up as Adam and Barbara Maitland from the movie Beetlejuice. We paid about 60$ for paint and materials and it took about two days to finish.
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Move over "Jerseylicious." It's Wasilla's time in the spotlight.
The Alaska salon credited with molding former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's up-do is reportedly getting its own reality show in September.
The two-part TLC series "Big Hair Alaska" will feature the Beehive Beauty Shop in Palin's hometown, The Associated Press and Reuters reported.
U.S. & World
The show "goes inside a busy hair salon in Wasilla, Alaska, where the personalities of the owner and her staff are as big as the hairstyles they create," TLC said in a news release.
While the network did not name the salon, Beehive owner Jessica Steele confirmed the news on Facebook, Reuters reported.
TLC cameras have already brought Wasilla to the small screen on the reality series "Sarah Palin's Alaska." Neither Palin nor the network have said whether the ex-Alaska governor intends to re-up for a second season.


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Herminia Coin Purse - Rojo Navidad
Check out a Herminia late release just in time for the holidays! Our Rojo Navidad coinpurse features beautiful Peruvian patterns against a vibrant red color scheme. Perfect for holding the essentials: keys, cards, and coins, especially while traveling.
Check out our matching Rojo Navidad clutch to make a beautiful gifting set!
Please note that due to the nature of the Andean fabric, every coinpurse design will vary slightly, making each product truly a one-of-a-kind piece!
The Huaywasi Difference
This coinpurse was lovingly made by Herminia, and took 2 and a half hours to complete.
32% of the final cost was attributed to labor, given directly back to the artisan.To compare, a larger fair trade brand attributed 17.60% of its final cost of a similar item to labor.
Daría, an artisan in her 40s originally from the highlands of Peru, has been hand-looming her unique textiles for over 17 years. Through the Huaywasi Artisan Project, she is able to provide income for herself and her two daughters while working from home.
Her eldest daughter, Wendy, currently helps Huaywasi with hand-stitched embroidery, passing down artisan skills generation to generation.
"Me gusta [ser artesana] mucho porque puedo trabajar en casa...y también mis hijas siempre me ayudan con lo que haga. Ademas, el trabajo que hago agrada a la gente que lo compra; estoy muy agradecido a todas esas personas porque puedo seguir haciendo lo que me gusta."
I like [being an artisan] a lot because I can work at home... and also my daughters always help me with what I do. In addition, the work I do pleases the people who buy it; I am very grateful to all those people because I can continue doing what I like.
Nélida, our expert knitter, has had a long history with the craft:
"Aprendí a tejer desde niña me gustaba inventar ropas de muñeca con palitos de espinos. Cuando tenía 12 año, mi abuela me enseñaba a hilar correas, hilar lana de oveja, tejidos como gorros, y otros. Tenía 5 hermanos menor y tenía que ayudar a mi mama. Yo hacía mis trabajo como artesanía para ganar alimento como maíz, etc. [Ahora uso mis talentos]... para ayudar a criar a mis hijos y pagar los gastos de la casa."
I learned to weave when I was a child and I liked to invent doll clothes with sticks. When I was 12 years old my grandmother taught me how to spin belts, wool from sheep, knit hats, and others. I had 5 younger siblings and had to help my mother. I did my work as a craft to earn food like corn, etc. [Now I use my talents]... to help raise my children and pay for household expenses.
In her free time, she enjoys taking a few moments to herself to practice yoga in her home, which she learned by attending yoga workshops with The Light and Leadership Initiative.
Through the Huaywasi Artisan Project, she has learned new knitting skills and enjoys teaching them to her children.
Saida, an artisan that joined the Huaywasi Artisan Project in 2014, is the project's ceramicist. Forming a great relationship with a previous Women's Program Manager, Carina, Saida discovered and built her skills through both LLI painting and ceramic workshops.
Some of her favorite LLI workshops included Financial Education, Painting, and Nutrition. She is proud to help support her children and her husband thanks to Huaywasi.
"Yo empecé [creando cerámicas y adornos] cuando estuvo la señorita Carina gracias a ella y todo los voluntarios tengo este trabajo que me ayuda económicamente en mi hogar...Me siento muy orgulloso del trabajo que hago y que mis productos es vendido en otros países"
I started [creating ceramics and ornaments] when Miss Carina was there. Thanks to her and all the volunteers I have this job that helps me financially in my home. I feel very proud of the work I do and that my products are sold in other countries.
Guillermina, an artisan seamstress, joined the project in 2014.
"Aprendí a coser hace 14 anos. Yo me siento bien trabajando en Huaywasi porque he aprendido hacer cosas nuevas y me siento agradecida porque es una ayuda muy grande para mí y mis hijos."
I learned to sew 14 years ago. I feel good working in Huaywasi because I have learned to do new things and I feel grateful because it is a great help for me and my children.
Through her work with Huaywasi, she has developed her skills as a seamstress to make fashionable clothing using Andean fabrics.
When she has the time, Guillermina likes to make a big Ceviche lunch for her and her family to enjoy.
She uses the income she receives from the Huaywasi Artisan Project to support her two children and her nephew.
Through the Huaywasi Artisan Project, Herminia, an artisan in her 40s, has learned to craft a variety of accessories using authentic Peruvian fabrics. Later, she discovered screen printing, which she utilized to broaden her skillset and product offerings.
She also has a long standing relationship with managers and volunteers from our parent organization, LLI.
"Soy un profesional técnico pero me fui para dedicarme a mis hijas. Afortunadamente encontré esta ONG [LLI] que me dio la oportunidad de ser parte de ella cuando asistí a sus talleres, los cuales fueron muy beneficiosos para mí.
Fueron las voluntarias Adriana, Carina y Jessy quienes me ayudaron a aprender sobre los talleres a los que siempre estaré agradecida. Aprendí sobre los accesorios con Carina y más tarde Joe, Susano y Shelby me ayudaron a entrar en la serigrafía."
I am a technical professional but I left to educate my daughters. Thankfully I found this NGO [LLI] which gave me the opportunity to be part of it when I attended their workshops, which were very beneficial to me.
It was volunteers Adriana, Carina, and Jessy who helped me learn about the workshops to which I will always be grateful. I learned about accessories with Carina and later Joe, Susano and Shelby helped me get into silk-screen printing.
What she loves most about being part of Huaywasi is working from her own home, where she is able to comfortably care for her two daughters and contribute her earnings to her family.
Alejandra, an artisan in her 50s, first learned to knit in high school. When she isn't busy knitting, Alejandra also likes to cook. Her favorite Peruvian food to cook is Pachamanca - a traditional Andean dish that uses layers of root vegetables, meat, and potatoes, slow-cooked in the earth with hot stones - yum!
Through the Huaywasi Artisan Project, she has learned new knitting techniques to help supplement the income from the local flower shop that she and her husband own.
Order Fulfillment
Thank you for supporting Huaywasi and its mission. All products will ship within 5 business days, often less! If you need your product in less turn-around time, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com immediately after placing your order and we'll see what we can do!
Taxes: Illinois residents will be charged sales tax.
Shipping: Shipping is calculated based on United States Postal Service real-time carrier rates--ensuring you get the best available shipping rate from USPS. You may choose the shipping option that suits you best. At this time, we do not ship via other carriers.
A note on shipping: As of March 10th, 2020 we will provide free US shipping for orders $60 or more! Thank you for being understanding of our shipping changes as international shipping costs have risen over the past couple of years.
International Buyers – Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to purchasing.
Returns and Exchanges:
Please download this form and review our policy below.
Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can't offer you a refund or exchange.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted:
Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error.
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.
Late or missing refunds:
If you haven't received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.
Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.
If you've done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at email@example.com.
Sale items :
Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately sale items cannot be refunded.
Exchanges :
We offer exchanges on all items within 30 days of purchase for unused and unworn products. If you need to exchange an item, please download this form. It must be included in your exchange.
To return your product, you should mail your product to:
Huaywasi: Handmade in Peru
6819 W. 167th Street, Tinley Park, IL 60477
The customer is be responsible for paying for the return shipping costs for the item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don't guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
Seven Women
Fair Wages
Products are ordered on a monthly basis, also providing greater financial stability and allowing Huaywasi artisans to plan their financial futures.
To learn more about how we abide by fair trade principles, check out our blog, The Huaywasi Difference
Huaywasi works as a component of the Women's Empowerment Program within LLI. Through LLI, educational workshops have been offered in the areas of Career Development, Health, and Art and Expression.
Our current workshop focus is a financial certificate program in which LLI invites women over the age of 18 to participate, free of cost, every Saturday and Sunday.
Over the years, artisans have been involved in numerous workshops, including yoga, painting, financial education, nutrition, & self-esteem.
Many have completed our current 3 month entrepreneurship program (Mujeres Emprendedoras) and are eager for the program to expand as they build their skills as small business owners. The program in 2018 helped 40% of their participants actually start small businesses, with many more already in business or in planning stages.
The purchase of each Huaywasi product directly supports not only Huaywasi artisans' financial future, but also encourages personal and professional growth by providing educational opportunities for women in Huaycán.


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Event description
Individuals within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session, to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with the Easter Bunny during dedicated hours. Please reserve your complimentary ticket on EventBrite - ONE TICKET per group/family, please. Photo packages that capture holiday memories will be available for purchase at the event, pricing varies by location. Visit the center's website for additional information.


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Choose Our Upscale South Brunswick, NJ Area HotelCentrally located in the heart of New Jersey, the Crowne Plaza Monroe South Brunswick offers great accommodations off the New Jersey Turnpike. We are minutes from Princeton and New Brunswick and situated between New York City and Philadelphia.Business travelers in the know choose the Crowne Plaza Monroe South Brunswick when visiting NJ. Our hotel's location is near top companies, including Canon and Home Depot. As "the Place to Meet," we have more than 14,000 sq. ft. of space and everything you need for a perfect meeting. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel and a Business Center help you stay productive.There are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding towns of Cranbury, Princeton and New Brunswick, NJ. Our hotel is minutes from Englishtown Raceway Park, historic Rutgers and Princeton universities, Akshardham Indian Temple, and Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari and Hurricane Harbor located in Jackson, NJ. Since we are conveniently located off I95, day trips to New York City and Philadelphia are only an hour away.Our New Brunswick, NJ area hotel aims to make your stay as comfortable as possible by offering exquisite amenities, including a heated, indoor pool and a Fitness Center. Enjoy a delicious meal at Yogi's All American Grill & Sports Bar. With the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage Program, featuring comfortable beds, you can wake up refreshed each morning.
Family friendly restaurant featuring American cuisine.Yogi's All American Grill and Sports Bar
State of the art Grill and Bar with 19 high definition 42" plasma tv's with own sound box at each table.


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=====so what's next?
Any animal girl infiltrates the town I set in place, where any bounty hunter suddenly finds themselves conscious and on the ship in their quarters.
My two anthro girls arrived at the town, so if anyone wants to interact with them, feel free
You might remember me from a few days ago, here's an idea for a Native:Name: ReshikoSex: FemaleOccupation: Ninja/GeishaRace: Fox-Shark hybrid.Looks: http://www.e621.net/post/show/211653/2012-akiko-anus-ass_up-canine-demona69-female-fishPersonality: Reshiko is strong, confident and more than a little devious, while no means a criminal mastermind or an Evil Genius, she definitely wants to make more of herself than some lord's errand boy, she wants to rule. In a word, she's Ambitious, in many.. she's crafty, sneaky not afraid to stack the deck. Her Geisha training has also lead her to be a bit of a flirt, a tease and occasionally.. alright, more than occasionally to her Geisha trainers eternal dismay, a bit of a promiscuous slut. She always did excel at assassination though.. typically while in someone's bedsheets.She lives by the motto, "those with power make the rules." and she's always looking to be the one with all the power.Habits: She's always on the lookout for the next big deal, her next great opportunity to catapult her way into the throne of some kingdom. She also trains habitually in the mornings to keep her skills the best, at night she tends to train in someone's bed, if she can get them there. Since knowledge is power, she's often pouring over some book... usually a treasure map.Likes: someone who can keep up with her schemes, having a fall guy, people who understand her need for power.. Loves: Money, power, and anything that can get her such. When she's alone or in the company of friends she might even let her love of the finer things in life slip... you know the stuff, fine jewlery, fine weapons, food and drink.Dislikes: The holier-than-thou types, being forced to play fair (she often will find a way to tip the scales in her favor regardless) people who try to get her to go on the moral high ground.Background: Reshiko was born to a special class of society in her land, the elite group of warriors who ended wars with a single knife, or changed the history of nations with an arrow. They were followers of the way of the shadows. A secretive band of brothers and sisters who were taught to obey their lieges without question, and get the job done no matter the cost. But even more than that she was a female among those ranks, while not a rarity itself it did leave a mark on her training as she not only mastered the blade, but also the way of the Geisha for many, many years before her teachers realized the ambition the girl hid would not be tempered by mere oaths of loyalty and obedience, no this girl desired power even beyond that which the gods had granted her by birth. Of course, they learned this when she attempted to take over the school and learn the forbidden arts of the masters, but a few dead students, and a revolt that was quickly put down, were no matter for the kings and queens of the land. She was sentenced to be executed, but escaped into the wider world. Perhaps now she could make something of herself.Skills: Short and long range combat (Mainly Swords, kunai with chain, Bow and Arrow) 'wet' work, (Daggers Kunai, ect. Fans.) subterfuge, acrobatics, seduction (Mainly in the form of High class work as a Geisha might know), horseback riding, Ninjitsu.Things they find difficult: Treasure, money, wealth, the mention of a rare knowledge or artifacts of power..these are things she just can't ignore. While she won't go to stupid lengths to get such.. she finds rumors difficult to ignore... she also has a problem with any authority that isn't hers... though she may pretend otherwise, taking orders from others is actually..very grating.=====so what's next?
I am also waiting on more bounty hunters to wake up and join in on the combat fun before posting any more about the ship battle. So basically blame leyarite.
Well I hope we will have more bounty hunters but hmm... why is it necessary ?
More fun for all! Need more than just two bounty hunters for the big epic ship battle.
Why do you have two?
Okay, I think I'm interested enough to make a character for this. I was thinking of starting with a female bounty hunter character, and maybe down the road making a foxgirl or something.
You need a justification as to why your character is at a small farming town in the middle of nowhere. The more weird and exotic you get, the more unbelievable it becomes for them to be in such a location. And there is no such thing as magic magic in this setting. The wards are the only sense of 'magic'. Wards can be drawn by literally anyone, but like any trade skill you can specialize in them and do contract work. So a duke could contact the warder guild and have them do a job warding up a newly constructed bridge, while at the same time a farmer has no problem using wards to protect his house and crops by himself. You can draw wards on any surface in order to make the spell circle needed to defend yourself against the corelings. The circle can be as big or small as you can make it, which is why the farming town has one around it. If you are really screwed and out in the middle of nowhere at sunset, you could draw them in the dirt, but if a leaf falls on a ward or it rains you are fuuuuucked. Which is why the catgirl had her wards painted on wooden planks. Much faster getting those in place then drawing them out. The wards only act to prevent the corelings from eating you, as by themselves they have zero magical potential. Different wards are written to work against the different types of corelings.
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How do you upgrade a tortoise? With wheels, of course! Say hello to Tonka the tortoise.
Tonka got in a tussle with a local dog, who bit off one of her legs. Unable to walk around properly, rescuers had the idea to strap the wheels from a Tonka truck to her underside, turning her into the fastest tortoise around.
Local resident John O'Dea, 35, has now adopted Tonka and said she loved nothing better than roaming in the vegetable patch and going for 'walks'.
Surfer John said: 'She is doing really well and loves roaming around the vegetable garden on her shiny new wheels.
'She has a particular fondness for tomatoes.
'I take her for 'walks' regularly around my neighbourhood, I think she likes the speed but I do get a few funny looks.
Man, that hare doesn't stand a chance now. [Daily Mail via Neatorama]


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