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Change of Art
Quite simply there's nothing as mad as a well spent afternoon in Dublin before or during or after The Races. Sometimes one brings the madness; the party will always follow. Several of her famous original racy set including a former Taoiseach and his sweetie lover have long since kicked their proverbial buckets but Noelle Campbell-Sharp is well and truly alive and very much kicking ass. The Charlie Haughey era is now banked, vaulted and sealed history. Today, Noelle captures the essential present face of a hugely successful Dublin art gallery and wildly far flung County Kerry artists' retreat. Her face is exquisitely framed by sharp green glasses and fiery red hair complete with a yellow flame curl. Aged 77 now, she would still pass for Vivienne Westwood's hotter more fun sister. Not many people, back in the day blonde, could outshine Jerry Hall. "I remember that was quite a party!" She's getting ready for the latest private view in her relocated Origin Gallery. "The key is attracting some of the brightest artists in the world." Like its forerunner the gallery is behind a Georgian façade in the Irish capital. That's where the similarity ends. Abruptly. Her new gallery is… drummer boy roll for understatement… calmer. Wedgwood blue ceiling, deep navy carpets, virginal white walls.
As for the original original Origin… oh yes, time to talk about Noelle's very steamy love affair with Napoleon. Perched above the piano nobile gallery, her just below the nursery floor eaves library was once a full blown homage to the homme. His heraldic birds and heroic bees were sewn into the carpet and painted onto the shutters while spreadeagled eagles boldly crouched on the bookcase columns, spreading their wings ever wider in an ever increasing ever encroaching clockwise span swooping over easy prey… "pray tell us more!". A double barrelled stripy fabric billowed across the ceiling like the last sails of the French General's ship. Among the miscellanea on display was an original drawing of the Imperial Arms of France. "What any French museum would give to get their hands on all this!" envied Karl Lagerfeld when he clapped eyes on her loot. A jib door in the trompe l'oeil wall slid through to a very sweet en suite decorated with the naughtiest mural in Dublin if not Ireland. It was enough to make sailors blush, although seemingly not the Napoleonic soldiers engaged in lots of action.
"I've totally fallen out with Napoleon. When I was a child I discovered tea chests in an attic brimming with his letters, jewels and toy soldiers. They sparked off my obsession. Actually I still sleep in an attic! I like to surround myself with antiquarian books. I can't pass them by. William Butler Yeats, Empire Period, Irish folklore … alright maybe I am still just a bit in love…" Noelle is soldiering on with her autobiography. Five chapters completed so far. She counts Karl, Yves Saint Laurent and David Bailey among the many entries in her not so little black book; Robert Maxwell definitely doesn't appear: he owed her £10 million before he toppled over portside; and with rock band manager, press baroness, socialite, conservationist, arts patron and gallerist filling her résumé, presumably there's enough material for at least five more chapters?
Noelle's forever dashing. An ostrich feathered fully plumed hat and sapphire laden museum quality choker necklace was once her fashion du jour. Tomorrow she's off to Cill Rialaig, the abandoned rural village she transformed into an artists' retreat with the help of celebrated architect Alfred Cochrane. "It's on the last road in Ireland. New York is caviar compared to escaping to Kerry!" That doesn't stop artists coming from far and wide – Argentina, Italy, Russia and so on. "There's a selection process, but really it's down to whoever spins the best yarn." The Emerald Isle's most recognisable Rolls pulls up on the street outside Origin Gallery. Ms Campbell-Sharp has left the building. Somewhere, across the city, a mad party is about to begin before or during or after The Races.


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Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 11:59 PM
Labels: Art, Drawing Things OutShare This!Drawing Things Out #2912016-04-05T23:59:00-07:00EmeraldArt|Drawing Things Out|Comments
Twitter: Emeraldat 7:45 PM
Labels: Community, Nightly DiscussionShare This!Nightly Discussion #2982016-04-05T19:45:00-07:00EmeraldCommunity|Nightly Discussion|Comments
Did you know that these two shows have a lot connections? Some are obscure, but some are actually interesting. If you're into both shows, check out the video below!
at 5:00 PM
Labels: Analysis, Fan Theory, MediaShare This!Steven Universe + Rick & Morty - 60 Degrees2016-04-05T17:00:00-07:00EmeraldAnalysis|Fan Theory|Media|Comments
Awesome visuals and music combine to make this a fantastic medley compilation! Be sure to check out the SU Medley below, performed by the extremely talented Jacob Sutherland!
at 4:00 PM
Labels: Music, Music: Cover, Music: VocalShare This!Spotlight Music: Steven Universe Medley2016-04-05T16:00:00-07:00EmeraldMusic|Music: Cover|Music: Vocal|Comments
What season do you think Steven will fuse with a gem? Which gem will it be? Would the old fusions involving Rose Quartz have the same memories? Would they have the same personality?
This was a great episode, with great character development. But not development for Steven, development for the Crystal Gems. They all admit they don't know how to raise a child, and how broken the team feels without Rose. It was always obvious the gems weren't perfect parents to Steven, but they've always tried their best. Still, this episodes shows that they still have a lot of doubt in themselves, kind of like a lot of first time parents.
A short theory by Steven Quartz Universe! No, not the Steven from the show, that's just his YouTube name.
[Adventure] [Friendshipping]
Author: sharethisgem
Description: Amethyst and Pearl try to track down a resilient group of corrupted gem monsters. Can they work together or are they too busy bickering?Keeping Scoreat 10:00 AM
Labels: Adventure, Amethyst, Author: sharethisgem, Complete, Friendshipping, Garnet, Opal, Pearl, Shipping, Steven, StoryShare This!Story: Keeping Score2016-04-05T10:00:00-07:00DaveAdventure|Amethyst|Author: sharethisgem|Complete|Friendshipping|Garnet|Opal|Pearl|Shipping|Steven|Story|Comments
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subset: commoncrawl


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|Nothing like a slow ride on a friday before a holiday
|the parts shop
|Narrow road, not many places to pull off
|The view to the rear
But if you're in a rural area, this is part of the scenery. If you're going this slow you sure do have lots of time to watch the countryside go by. Lovely country between arlington and bellingham along highway 9 if you'd like to take a trip.
But you may have a slow ride!


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Advanced Technology, More Energy. It's In Our DNA.
The New Standard for Energy Collection in Solar PV Modules.
The core of our technology is the patented stay-powerful Technology that interconnects solar electric cells and collects the power they generate. This innovation is a direct replacement of the conventional, high-temperature solar cell soldering process.
stay-powerful Technology is comprised of a polymer film embedded with a number of copper wires specially coated with a proprietary, low-temperature melting point alloy. This establishes a low-resistance electrical contact with the surface of the PV cell creating over 2,100 independent electrical contacts.
This seemingly simple change to the standard process triggers a number of far-reaching benefits, including improved PV cell efficiency and mechanical stability, exceptional PV module power density, and better long term performance where it truly matters – in the field.
The result is more kilowatt-hours over the lifetime of the product with virtually no power losses. It also improves power output and performance in both low light conditions and at higher temperatures compared to standard solar modules.
Intelligent Shade Protection for Real-World Conditions.
Shade reduces the efficiency of solar PV modules. Day4 Energy's work-smart Technology enables optimum performance by maximizing the energy yield, even when the module is shaded by trees and buildings or partially covered by leaves, moss, snow, or dirt.
Conventional solar modules contain three strings, or zones, of interconnected PV cells. When even a small portion of one string is partially shaded, the entire zone may no longer collect energy, significantly reducing the module's capacity. The flexible cell layout of the stay-powerful™ Technology allows for the design of a module with nine independent operating segments. If one is shaded, the other eight keep working.
This means that with work-smart™ Technology, modules are three times less sensitive to the effects of shade and debris than traditional PV modules.
Your Assurance of Quality and Durability in Solar Modules
Solar photovoltaic modules perform well under ideal conditions – particularly during their initial years of operation. Challenging environmental conditions over 25 years of use may significantly affect the performance of conventionally built modules. It's important to choose a quality solar PV module to make the most of your investment.
The live-long Technology mark from Day4 Energy is your assurance of durability, quality, and that the module will meet your performance expectations for two decades or more. Advanced technologies, quality components, and superior manufacturing processes go into every module that carries the live-long™ designation.
Solar modules with the live-long™ mark feature a watertight back-sheet material containing aluminum foil. Certified to protect from the damaging effects of moisture and salt-mist, these solar modules are immune to harmful gasses like ammonia found at greenhouses and farmlands and designed to perform exceptionally well in hot climates.


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Discover the best top things to do in Riezlern, Austria including Kanzelwandbahn, Breitachklamm, Kleinwalsertaler Bergbahn AG, Ski Resort Ifen, Casino Kleinwalsertal, Fellhorn / Kanzelwandbahn, Pfarrkirche Maria Opferung Riezlern, Nebelhorn, Walser Museum Riezlern / Kleinwalsertal, Skischule Riezlern.
Restaurants in Riezlern
4.5 based on 114 reviews
On top of the Kanzelwand is a short hike which is wonderful to do with kids: there is a track with all kind of water plays. Great during hot summer!
4.5 based on 582 reviews
Although we knew that Breitachklamm is very popular destination we were surprised by number of tourists at the place, although weather that day was not perfect. We didn't have a problem with parking, were able to find place at the parking place directly at the entrance and all visitors behave surprisingly thoughtfully, but still it was not very comfortable. At the other hand the scenery is breathtaking, so I think visiting it was worth it that little discomfort. After visiting the canyon we decided to hike a bit in neighborhood. The trails were almost free of hikers, walking was not very difficult and was very enjoyable. Nature in the area is beautiful.
4.5 based on 57 reviews
We had a nice trip up this cable car and were afforded excellent views form the top station. The trip is scenic but the walks available at the top were limited at the time of writing this (late May). There's a viewing 'platform' and a kitschy personal lift down to a lower level. A trip up is a fun thing to do but if you hop on over to the German side of the Allgau there are a number more cable cars to ride (e.g. Nebelhorn, Fellhornbahn) with better trekking available. Recommended but not essential.
4 based on 28 reviews
The Ifen is a very interestingly formed mountain and there are very popular winter trails reserved for walking. You get a marvelous view and there are restaurants on the mid and the top station. If this is not the only peak to visit at one day consider buying a day ticket which can be cheaper for multiple cable car trips and you do not need to visit a cashier at every location.
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Experience exciting hours with our diverse range of gambling possibilities, let us pamper you in our Casino Restaurant and enjoy a first-class atmosphere in the trendy tanzbar nightspot. In addition, we offer you an exclusive area for activities and seminars in the Cuisino events room.
a nice place to spend a few hours for people which like to gamble,i dont know why in the slot machine room you need a jacket it looks me very
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Took Kanzelwandbahn up to Bergstation, magnificent views to surrounding snow capped Mountains on a beautiful sunny day. The walk up to the Walser Hammerspitze is a little bit challenging in places but well worth the effort. Awesome views also to the Kleinwalsertal.
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Es lohnt sicht, hier anzuhalten, auszusteigen und die Kirche nicht nur von außen im Vorbeifahren kurz wahrzunehmen, sondern in sie hineinzugehen. Vgl. die hier schon wiedergegebenen Fotos!
4.5 based on 400 reviews
A very scenic summit which features a cafe and a restaurant. The way upto the top is serviced by gondolas and costs €35 if you aren't skiing. The prices at the restaurant is very reasonable and the views are so good it's worth every penny.
5 based on 10 reviews
This museum has such a great display of the local history and the staff are very knowledgeable about that history. Would highly recommend this when in town.
5 based on 5 reviews
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Pressure Washing Services Glasgow | Driveway Cleaning Glasgow
Exterior Cleaning Services in Glasgow
Eco Driveway Cleaning provide the highest standards of Professional Pressure Washing Services throughout Glasgow, Bearsden, Clydebank, East Kilbride and Hamilton. Then you can stop looking now and contact us for a free quote by filling in our quick form.
Why Eco Driveway Cleaning?
Eco Driveway Cleaning have earned a reputation for its expertise and for delivering a reliable, friendly, professional service.
Commercial & Residential
Your outdoor space deserves to look it's best – Eco Driveway Cleaning can help maintain your space. Whether that be a helping a commercial client maintain a large monoblocked car park area or a domestic client needing their driveway, patio or decking pressure washed.
We are here to help you enjoy your outdoor environment to its fullest while creating a great 1st impression for visitors. We achieve this without you needing to get involved with the mess and time involved. Putting you the customer 1st, we hope to bring your outdoor surfaces back to life.
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Fill In our quick form below and somebody will contact you regards getting your exterior looking great again.
Commercial & Residential
Watch Us At Work Transforming This Glasgow Driveway
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The apperence of the exterior of your property is just as important as the interior. A clean exterior can do wonders for your home or business as it gives a great first impression. Pressure washing is the solution to make your driveway, patio or garden decking look great again just like it did when it was first installed.
We can clean most exterior hard surfaces, if it can be pressure washed, we can help including driveways, patios and decking amongst other things.
The Scottish weather can be tough on any home or business premises. Our wet climate is perfect for the growth of mould, mildew and algae. Our expertly trained pressure washing team in Glasgow can take care of all your pressure washing needs for you.
What Services Do We Offer?
Eco Driveway Cleaning provide professional commercial and domestic external cleaning services in Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Let us restore your driveway to it's best. You will be amazed at the difference not only to the driveway but the overall improvement to the look of your property.
Like all outdoor spaces your patio is a great addition to your property. Get it restored to its former glory, get the patio furniture in place and enjoy your summer outdoors.
Remember when your decking was newly built? Well let us restore your decking back to it's best. Make the most of your outdoor space this year and enjoy the sun when it arrives.
We are able to pressure wash almost any exterior hard surface including driveways, patios and decking, removing all dirt, grime and organic matter, leaving your surfaces looking new again.
Modern uPVC soffit and fascia boards look great when they are clean and sparkly white. But left unmaintenance they quickly look unkept and green. We can get them looking great again.
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Why our customers choose us?
We have invested in the most advanced pressure washing equipment. Using powerful petrol pressure washers, flat surface cleaners and various other professional tools available on the market.
We are able to beautifully clean and restore all your outdoor surfaces. Removing of the dirt, mud and weeds, restoring your outdoor spaces to a more pleasant, clean, bright area were you are happy to spend time.
Our system is eco-friendly, we only use water under high pressure, meaning no need to worry about your plants, pets or children. In extreme situations were chemicals may be required we will discuss this with you to explore the options best suited to your requirements. It is also guaranteed to leave your driveway, patio or decking Fresh, Clean and Bright.
Also we never forget that you have a choice when it comes to picking a pressure washing company, so we work tirelessly to ensure that Eco Driveway Cleaning are the best possible option for your needs.
If you have a question about any of your outdoor spaces and how we can restore them send us a message 7 days a week or call on 0141 255 1070 during opening hours.
Read Our Latest Google Reviews…
Professional Pressure Washing Service
Trusted in Glasgow and beyond…
Just look at the reviews we have received from customers who have used our pressure washing services to have their driveway, patio and decks cleaned.


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Tingley Rubber Corporation, a leading supplier of protective footwear and clothing, has expanded its highly successful Job Sight line of high visibility apparel with a new insulated bomber jacket. The Bomber II conforms to the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard for waterproof, high visibility outerwear and provides excellent performance at a great value.
Engineered to provide comfort, safety, and warmth in tough work environments, the Bomber II offers a wide array of design features to provide ultimate wearer comfort and convenience. The Bomber II jacket is ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 3 compliant and is available in both fluorescent yellow-green and fluorescent orange-red. The fluorescent background material is excellent for daytime visibility while the level 2 reflective tape reflects light for 360° nighttime conspicuity. Additional features include mic tabs and a roll-a-way hood in collar for added convenience.
The Bomber II is ideal for use in environments where waterproof, high visibility, insulated outerwear is desired for wearer safety and comfort.
For more information please visit the Tingley website at www.tingleyrubber.com.


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If you have ever visited any land-based casino, you must be aware of various problems there, such as a lot of traveling, steaking risks, carrying a lot of cash, etc.
Moreover, you will get a limited number of gaming options. On the other side, you will get huge varieties on online platforms.
For convenient gameplay, you can refer to Bandar bola resmi website. There you will also get various rewards and bonuses. Moreover, you will also get a chance to win a big jackpot.
Games like online slots offer an awesome return on investment. The game is also easy to play, and you will also enjoy graphics and visuals.
Types of gambling games
- Online poker – the game is all about shuffling of cards. To play this game, you need to understand its rules and regulations. Moreover, it is advisable to learn some strategies and tricks.
- Online slots – earlier, people use to go to land-based casinos to play slot games, but it is quite complicated. Today, you can play slot games from home also.
- Online roulette – if you are a gambler, then surely you will be aware of this game. It is famous for its high return on investment that is also said jackpot.
Features of online gambling games
- Various online gambling games come with convenient and effective features such as easy access, graphics, visuals, fast gameplay, etc.
- If you are searching for an entertaining platform, then online gambling platforms could work for you.
Lastly, every game has different rules and regulations, so it is advisable to go through terms and conditions before investing real money. You should visit these platforms at least once.


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By refusing to sign the new UN Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty, Japan has put itself on the wrong side of history, geography, legality, morality, and humanity. The treaty is part of the broad historically progressive trend since 1945 to limit and abolish nuclear weapons and their use. The normative architecture includes the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, regional nuclear weapon-free zones, the Proliferation Security Initiative, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Geographically, global nuclear risks and threats exist in especially acute form in the Asia-Pacific and most states of the region voted solidly for the ban treaty. The NPT's legal obligation to eliminate nuclear weapons was strengthened by the World Court's Advisory Opinion in 1996. Most countries and peoples of the world overwhelmingly abhor the bomb as deeply immoral. The ban treaty expresses their collective moral revulsion and is rooted in humanitarian principles.
|Original language
|Pages (from-to)
|Journal of Peace and Nuclear
|Issue number
|Publication status
|Published - 2018


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A heavy thunder breaks the deep lethargy within your head....
...causing you to upstart suddenly, like a person who by force is awakened. Before you stands an enormous gate with an inscription that reads:
Through me the way to the eternal pain,
Through me the way that runs among the lost.
Justice urged on my high artificer;
My maker was divine authority,
The highest wisdom, and the primal love.
Before me nothing but eternal things were made,
And I endure eternally.
Abandon every hope, ye who enter here."
Welcome to the Dante's Inferno Hell Test, the original and the best. This test, sponsored by the 4degreez.com community (the fine people who brought you the famous Personality Disorder Test), is based on the description of Hell found in Dante's Divine Comedy. Answer the questions below as honestly as you can and discover your fate. Based on your answers, your purity will be judged and you will be banished to the appropriate level of hell. Abandon all hope.
Dante, The Divine Comedy, Revised Edition
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The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise + maps & images
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Divine Comedy Trilogy + Life of Dante on Audo CD
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Inferno: A New Verse Translation
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The Dore Illustrations for Dante's Divine Comedy
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The Divine Comedy: Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso
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Dante's Gallery of Rogues: 36 Color Reprodutions of Original Paintings Illustrating Dante's Inferno
Dante's Inferno Hell Test is based on Dante's Divine Comedy, written in the early 1300s by Dante Alighieri
Background Information About This Test
Link to this test: http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-test.mv
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Britax Car Seats – The Safety for Your Child
Looking for high quality and safety oriented car seat for your child? Well, you need to consider a Britax car seat for your baby. Britax is one of the few top brands that frequent most car seat reviews. Products from the Britax might seem expensive to purchase when you see them for the first time. However, the Britax Roundabout is a fairly affordable car seat which every parent can afford. While many car seat brands ignore it Britax often gives special attention to impacts of safety o your child while in the car seat and they are also very easy to install. They are often taken through crash tests and this has seen them in many car seat reviews. Over time Britax has since proven itself as a good brand not only for safety but also the comfort of your child. It is tremendously easy to use as well. You will not miss this car seat from the major retail stores.
As a parent, you might be stuck between choosing Britax Marathon and Britax Roundabout. Their sizes are different and so are the prices. Britax Marathon is slightly bigger than Britax Roundabout and therefore, the former is designed for the children with a weight range of 5 to 40 lbs whereas the Britax Marathon is meant for kids who weigh from 5 to 65 lbs. Even though Britax Marathon also has more benefits and improvements it is also not easy to make a conclusion that the Marathon is better than the Roundabout. This is because the Roundabout also has advantages over the Marathon. For example, it is fairly cheaper compared to the other. Moreover, since it has a fairly smaller size, the Roundabout is ideal for aircraft travelling. In fact, it is FAA approved for kids who are age 3 and below. You only have to be prepared to get another car seat because your child might outgrow it real soon.
You can get a booster car seat which is if your child has outgrown the current one he uses. Booster car seat is installed in the back seat of your car and therefore, you shouldn't try installing it on the front. Remember at a very tender age your child is not strong enough to withstand impacts from airbags and so the booster is only meant for kids who are 40 to 80 lbs in weight. This is why Britax released the Britax Frontier which never received so much response from consumers. Britax Frontier offers better levels of protection. However, most parents find it not so easy to install in the car. The other car seat worth noting is Britax Boulevard which is almost the same size as the Britax Marathon. It has an additional True Side Impact Protection (TSIP). Britax Monarch is also another model equipped with the EPS foam. These side wings which provide True Side Impact Protection (TSIP) just like in the case of Britax Boulevard. The Monarch is one of the most selling car seat in the market based on the fact that it is the safest.
Britax is easily the best in car seat industry standards. All parents who are concerned about the safety of their children and want to have that extra Peace of Mind should go for this brand. Families from all over the world have opted for Britax and it is no doubt that it will remain a good choice for many years to come.


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Florida Girls Giving Back Funded Projects
We've funded over $126,000+ to local nonprofit programs.
The Bougainvilla House
Arc Broward
Covenant House
Habitat for Humanity Broward
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Support
Proceeds from the 2018 FGGB MSD Fundraiser benefitted the wife of Chris Hixon, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School athletic director killed in the tragic Parkland shooting on February 14, 2018.
Pace Center for Girls
Proceeds from the 2023 Air Show benefit year-round middle and high school academic services, counseling, life-skills training, and career preparation for girls 11-17 years old.
Florida Girls Giving Back Community Service Projects
Our Journey As it Unfolds… Here's where we put our words into action. Committed to expanding our horizons of helpfulness improving the lives of those less fortunate, and improving our Broward community, we band together to make a difference.
3rd Annual Broward Health Air Show Family Viewing Experience Presented by Ed Morse Automotive Group
April 2023
Stella Potenti, Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, honored by Association of Fundraising Professionals
November 16, 2022
September 10th Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center: Spark Joy Event Provided Gently Used Purses & Accessories to Moms & Children
September 13, 2020 – FGGB is the sponsor of the Book of Well Wishes for Miss Arc Broward Pageant. FGGB members writing letters of encouragement for each contestant.
March 8, 2020
Class 2 hard at work planning for the Inaugural Fort Lauderdale Air Show benefiting FGGB
October 13, 2019
Florida Girls Giving Back Class 1 and Junior Board Members making "cheer signs" for Miss Arc Broward Pageant.
October 7, 2019
Florida Girls Giving Back site visit to Arc Broward. Created cheer signs for Miss Arc Broward Pageant.
September 8, 2019
Florida Girls Giving Back rallies together and donates supplies for Hurricane Dorian relief.
April 28, 2019
Florida Girls Giving Back donates 2,160 to Covenant House Florida proceeds from the Spring Break Blow Out Fundraiser. All members (dad's included) cleaned out their closets to support the clothing closet at Covenant House.
Habitat for Humanity/Bed, Bath, & Beyond Project
Believing that every child deserves a safe space to call their own, Florida Girls Giving Back (FGGB) teamed with the 2015 Habitat for Humanity family sponsored by Surfacelogix. With a teenage girl and two boys in the family, FGGB provided an afternoon excursion to Bed, Bath, & Beyond, allowing each child to select bedding and décor for his or her bedroom. For the teenage daughter, in particular, this included decorative candles, a vanity mirror, wall hangings and a comfy bedding ensemble. Helping each child select their very own room theme, the FGGB girls provided approximately $800.00 worth of items, yet the ultimate value was the smile on the family's faces.
Exploring with Taylor's Closet
Pursuing our vision of impacting the lives of those in need throughout our community, FGGB spent a day learning more about Taylor's Closet, a south Florida-based organization committed to empowering girls in need to break the cycle of abuse and neglect and to live healthy, happy, and productive lives. We look forward to partnering with Taylor's Closet and helping in its mission to provide a safe place for girls to shop designer clothes for free, and in helping to unlock their creative talents in fashion, art, and design!
We're partnering with Habitat Humanity for another amazing opportunity
FGGB is proud to announce that we are serving as a Legacy Sponsor for Habitat for Humanity of Broward's most recent project—the construction of a new home for a local mother and her three children. What really sets this family apart is that the mother is hearing impaired and two of her children are physically disabled (one deaf, and another suffering from cerebral palsy). Habitat Broward is starting construction of a home that has been specially designed to meet the needs of the local family. We are extremely grateful to get involved! We will be aiding the entire process—helping with the interior framing of the home, building a mailbox , designing and planting a garden, and much more. Once completed, we will even have the privilege of presenting the Williams Family with the official key to their home in a heart-warming home dedication. The ground-breaking will take place on November 20.
"FGGB been an amazing learning experience for me but it has completely changed my view on volunteering in the community along with learning the steps needed to make a non-profit run effectively. Yes, joining FGGB will look extremely good for college however, I guarantee you will get more out of FGGB than a simple resume builder. Joining FGGB allows you an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, collaborate with other likeminded ladies, plan & attend fundraisers, potentially hold a leadership position, and most importantly change the lives of others."
Abby Juskiewicz, Junior Board President
© Copyright 2012 - 2023 | Florida Girls Giving Back | All Rights Reserved


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Other NWV
New Mental Health Program Alarms Parents in Illinois
Damage Control: Selling Patriot Act on Road Show
Senate Passes Unborn Victims of Violence Act
Book Banned In America While Troops Die For Freedom
November 1, 2004
12:57 AM Eastern
According to Michael Peroutka, Constitution Party candidate for President (search), The Christian Coalition has refused to list him as a Presidential candidate in its voter guide, denying millions of Christians the right to know where he stands on issues and their right to know there is an alternative to President Bush. According to his web site, Peroutka's campaign has been unwavering in support of "America's Godly heritage and the sanctity of life."
The Peroutka campaign issued a press release which states:
"The Web page of the Christian Coalition of America says that it is our country's "leading grassroots organization defending our Godly heritage." This page says the CCA "is dedicated to equipping and educating God's people" and it points out that "effective citizen activism begins with knowledge."
Peroutka is on the ballot in enough states to win the required number of electoral college votes to be President. His campaign attempted to get answers directly from the Christian Coalition. In a statement from Peroutka, he said:
"When my Communications Director John Lofton asked CCA President Roberta Combs why I am not in their voter guide since I am a strong Christian and conservative Presidential candidate, she said because in the past her organization had included only the Republican and Democrat Presidential candidates. She referred him to Drew McKissick, the man responsible for the CCA voting guide.
"In a conversation with Mr. McKissick, John Lofton asked him: "Why does your organization, in its voter guide, list only the Democrat and Republican Presidential candidates and their positions on the issues you consider important?" He replied: "We only include the two major parties and have done this since the early 1990s."
"But, why? Why only the Democrat and Republican Presidential candidates? Mr. McKissick: "That's just been the practice for all Federal races around the country. "But, why not include Constitution Party Presidential candidate Michael Anthony Peroutka who is a strong Christian candidate and who has run an explicitly Christian campaign? Mr. McKissick: "We only include the major party candidates and have never deviated from that." He adds that the CCA voter guide "must cover a wide range of public policy issues. Our focus can't be too narrow." He says that those Presidential candidates in the voter guide must have "a reasonable chance" of winning.
"But, why not, in your voter guide, offer Christians a wide range of Presidential candidates from which to choose? Mr. Peroutka is on enough state ballots to win enough electoral votes to be President. Mr. McKissick says they just don't include "minority party" candidates because if they did they would have to include them all. When asked what would be wrong with listing the "minority party" Presidential candidates, Mr. McKissick says he does not want to argue about this. He reiterates his defense of rating only the Democrat and Republican Presidential candidates.
"But, why continue to do this if there is a third party candidate --- like Michael Anthony Peroutka --- who is a stronger Christian candidate than the Democrat and Republican Presidential candidates? Mr. McKissick: "Well, that's a very subjective thing to say about someone." He says the CCA doesn't want to be put in the position of defining who is or is not a stronger Christian because of what might be done to the CCA by the Federal Election Commission or the Internal Revenue Service.
"When pressed, Mr. McKissick said the CCA had "an agreement" to put Presidential candidates in its voter guide only if they polled more than 15 percent of the vote. Where did the 15 percent figure come from? He says "it was decided years ago." By whom? By "someone in the Coalition," he says. But, why 15 percent and not 14 percent or 16 percent? He says: "You've got to set a line somewhere."
Peroutka's final comment on the matter was, "To be excluded from the voter guide of the Christian Coalition of America is unfair to millions of Christians who look to the CCA for an honest and thorough representation of the available candidates. Moreover, it is self-contradictory for the CCA to arbitrarily limit the information it provides voters when the organization's stated purpose is to educate Christians to the alternative candidates."
Several months ago, candidates from other political parties filed a lawsuit against the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) (search) because they excluded all but President Bush and John Kerry. While constitutional hawks commend these parties for fighting back, they all agree that the courts will continue to dismiss such lawsuits. The CPD is a privately owned and funded operation and will argue that as such, they are under no obligation to include any candidates they don't want to participate.
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According to Michael Peroutka, Constitution Party candidate for President (search), The Christian Coalition has refused to list him as a Presidential candidate in its voter guide, denying millions of Christians the right to know where he stands on issues...


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Cardiac thromboxane A2 receptor activation does not directly induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy but does cause cell death that is prevented with gentamicin and 2-APB
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Abstract Background We have previously shown that the thromboxane (TXA2) receptor agonist, U46619, can directly induce ventricular arrhythmias that were associated with increases in intracellular calcium in cardiomyocytes. Since TXA2 is an inflammatory mediator and induces direct calcium changes in cardiomyocytes, we hypothesized that TXA2 released during ischemia or inflammation could also cause cardiac remodeling. Methods U46619 (0.1-10 μM) was applied to isolated adult mouse ventricular primary cardiomyocytes, mouse ventricular cardiac muscle strips, and cultured HL-1 cardiomyocytes and markers of hypertrophy and cell death were measured. Results We found that TXA2 receptors were expressed in ventricular cardiomyocytes and were functional via calcium imaging. U46619 treatment for 24 h did not increase expression of pathological hypertrophy genes (atrial natriuretic peptide, β-myosin heavy chain, skeletal muscle α-actin) and it did not increase protein synthesis. There was also no increase in cardiomyocyte size after 48 h treatment with U46619 as measured by flow cytometry. However, U46619 (0.1-10 μM) caused a concentration-dependent increase in cardiomyocyte death (trypan blue, MTT assays, visual cell counts and TUNEL stain) after 24 h. Treatment of cells with the TXA2 receptor antagonist SQ29548 and inhibitors of the IP3 pathway, gentamicin and 2-APB, eliminated the increase in cell death induced by U46619. Conclusions Our data suggests that TXA2 does not induce cardiac hypertrophy, but does induce cell death that is mediated in part by IP3 signaling pathways. These findings may provide important therapeutic targets for inflammatory-induced cardiac apoptosis that can lead to heart failure.
BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2014 Dec 17;15(1):73
Chad D Touchberry et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.


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Cali Skirt
Cali Skirt
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Regular price €492,95
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Clements Ribeiro are always innovative and surprising in their use of colour and stripes. Cali skirt mixes diagonal stripes and diamond pattern in exquisite colours, through intarsia, a hand-controlled technique that keeps the sweater flat and seamless.
Cali skirt is a below-the knee-straight skirt with a soft elasticated waistband. A versatile staple that elevates even the most basic white t-shirt into a fabulous outfit. Perfect with the Cali top for a stunning total look.
Fit and size
Fit and size
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Details and care
– 100% Cashmere
– Made in Scotland


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Sunday Michael, a good Samaritan and Uber driver who assisted the late former Big Brother Naija housemate, Patrick Fakoya, aka Rico Swavey, in his final moments, has finally given his account of how the reality star died.
Glamsquad recalls that the ex-Big Brother Naija housemate died on Thursday, October 13, 2022, following a deadly automobile accident on Tuesday, October 11th, at the Abraham Adesanya crossroads in Ajah, Lagos State.
Michael revealed at a press conference on Thursday, October 27th in Ikeja that the late singer was not inebriated, as stated in medical records by Doren Specialist Hospital.
He went on to give a detailed account of what happened.
He said:
"Rico was never drunk and I did not perceive any alcohol in his mouth while trying to help him. The road where he had the accident is dark and quite dangerous. If one is not conversant with that road, any driver can run into that pavement and have an accident."
"At about 12.30 am, I was driving down from Sangotedo to Ajah when the incident happened at Abraham Adesanya traffic light. This young man (Rico) drove past me and in less than five minutes, all we heard after he ran through the pavement was a heavy sound.
"I noticed no one came down from his car after and I had to help out. I broke through the windscreen to open the door and I saw him (Rico) bleeding from his nose and his mouth. I took him out after I removed the seatbelt. I felt sad and broken. Cars were passing and they did not help even after I had asked them to assist.
"After I carried him into my car, I took him to Doren Hospital, Ajah. We wasted about two hours there. Nobody called his phone which I took out from his car with his purse. Even when I removed his phone sim card to call, I could not get any number to call.
"The doctor said that an instant surgery needed to be done on him and they did not give him any injection apart from the drip. I was still there, scared. The doctor asked us to take him to either two hospitals that they mentioned. I pleaded with the doctors at Doren that Rico was already bleeding and that my car was filled with blood.
"I pleaded with them for an ambulance but they refused. They said that their ambulance is not working. I wondered why a standard hospital does not have a working ambulance. When I pleaded with them, they were nonchalant. I became scared because I was told Rico had 90 minutes to live. That was when I brought out my phone and did a video of it because this is Nigeria.
"If I had decided to take Rico out of Doren to Evacare hospital and he died in my car, it will be something else. So, I needed evidence for myself. By the time I was making the video, Rico was lying on a chair, he was not even given a bed to lay (comfortably) on. Still, on the chair, they gave him a drip, brought a 'machine' that looked like a straw, and put it in his mouth to suck out the blood from his mouth which was now becoming thick. He was not breathing well at this point and I was still begging the doctors. It took us two hours and yet no ambulance.
"When I realised that the doctors were not willing to help, I had to take him in my car to Evacare hospital.
"Meanwhile, all this while, nobody called Rico Swavey's line until after arriving at Evercare when one of his friends called, she later came to join me but at the sight of him, she collapsed.
When I got there, he was rushed inside and carried on an emergency bed. I was outside waiting and in less than five minutes, the doctor that attended to him said I have to make a deposit of 4.2 million before he will be treated.
"I felt at this point, I have done what I was supposed to do and I should be on my way home. However, the doctor asked security not to let me go. He insisted that I pay the 4.2 million or carry Rico away from the hospital.
"Some minutes later, the doctor then said that he remembered who Rico was and that he is a celebrity. That was when he said Rico should be treated. At about 5 am that morning, somebody called Rico's phone saying that he was his manager. I then went home and still kept in touch with Rico's family. It was on Thursday morning (October 13) I was told he died."


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Range Rover has just released their latest model, the SV Coupe. Yes, indeed it is a coupe version of their full-size luxury SUV. My first thought was, "why on Earth would anyone make a two-door version of an SUV?" And then of course I realized the all-too-obvious answer: Money. If Range Rover went to all this trouble to make it, they must know there's enough people out there willing to buy it.
Perfect Fit
In a lot of ways, a Range Rover is the Perfect SUV. Since 99.9% of SUV buyers will never take theirs off-road, and since they are mainly used as a way to convince others of their superiority when compared to all other mobility options, what better vehicle choice than a full-zoot Range Rover? Sure, you could go with that Bentley thing, but isn't that a little on the ostentatious side, old sport? The new Lamborghini what-zit? Come-come now. That's an Italian car. No, the Range Rover is it.
Extensive & Personalized
And sure, you do get a lot, even with this demonstrably lame Range Rover SV Coupe. For one thing, it's a limited-run piece. They are only making about a thousand of them. And, it's a two-door, indeed the world's first full-size luxury SUV Coupe. And since it's a Rangey, and limited in numbers, they thoroughly went over all the appointments one will find within. Range Rover says there are "beautifully curated interiors" that "set new standards for materials and craftsmanship, with extensive personalization options for SV Coupe clients." Curated. They really used that word.
Interior Treatments
The whole interior design option palette is right out of a Savile Row tailor. SV Coupe buyers (Range Rover refers to them as "clients" obviously since "buyer" is so nouveau riche and low class) can choose from any of four front-to-rear contrast interior selections. Rover (can I just use the single name?) calls them "colorways," and I have no idea why. If the front-to-rear fade is a little too avant garde for you sir, there is also a range of single-tone interior colors from which to choose.
Of course, whichever you choose, they will be complemented by your choice of three elegant wood veneers, including a first for Range Rover, the Nautica veneer. Nautica veneer seeks to sensitively balance heritage and craftsmanship with new technology by fusing walnut and sycamore together. Obviously, this Nautica stuff might be too much for some buyers. Best to play it safe.
And if the interior is that dolled up, you can rest assured the exterior is just as affected. There are new optional exterior paint finishes named Liquesence (no, really) that join the "suite" (ugh) of available paint options. And yes, the paint names are as equally conceited and senseless: Constellation, Parallax, and Obsidian, along with Ethereal, Flux, Valloire, and Desire.
Power & Performance
On the upside of the balance sheet we find the engine. The SV Coupe is the fastest-ever, full-size Range Rover, so there's that. This brick on wheels tops out at 165 mph, which is impressive given its shape. That top speed comes by way of a lovingly overpowered V8 plant: 557 horsepower worth of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 powertrain lies beneath the big flat-ish hood. And that is, in case you're wondering, the most powerful engine currently offered on the full-size Range Rover.
So you can blow your own horn about that tidbit too. This means the SV Coupe can hasten from zero to 60 mph in a scant five seconds. Pretty good for a truck that tips the scales at slightly more than the HMS Ark Royal.
Interesting References
And here's an odd bit that jumped out at me from the company's press release: "Noble Chrome metal side vents with Brunel Metallic mesh and Satin Indus Silver metal surrounds complement frameless doors with Power Close functionality and Bright Chrome embellished body color door handles."
Brunel Metallic mesh? Is that a reference to Isambard Kingdom Brunel? They make no mention as to why they call some of the brightwork that, but it is a nice flourish and it's probably a reference to one of the most interesting and oddest people England produced in the 19th century. And yeah, I'm including Jack The Ripper in that list.
Pricing & Availability
The SV Coupe will be hand-built at Range Rover's SVO Technical Center in Warwickshire, UK, their in-house custom department. There will be no more than 999 examples available worldwide and they will start at $295,000 in the United States. $295,000! Cor' Blimey!!
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.


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Welcome on MiNET.net!
Who are we?
MiNET is a student association promoting free and open source software and in charge of both the wireless and wired networks of the Maisel SudParis on the campus of Télécom SudParis & Institut Mines-Télécom Business School since 1991.
What do we do?
Apart from the day to day management of the network and support to our members, we are always working on projects to improve our services.


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"Echoviren" created by Smith|Allen Redwood Forest, California:
Smith|Allen is a design firm based in Oakland California. Our work is interdisciplinary in focus bringing design, innovation, and novel concepts to bear on a wide range of projects.
Smith|Allen brings together an architectural designer with a sculpture and installation artist. Our work responds to site, form, structure, and interaction. We are focused on creating design driven identities and products, site-responsive, large scale works and spaces that investigate natural, technological, and constructed systems within the built environment.
Utilizing digital fabrication processes, we make, do, create, and build projects that push the envelope of art, design, and architecture. We seek grafts, transmutations, and transfiguration within the spaces of our surroundings, and to push art and design in the public realm.


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Barrison loves being home for the holidays but before settling down for a cozy New England winter, she squeezed in one more adventure to Ireland. Our sales rep Betsy, who's also a flight attendant, got a her a great deal on airfare and offered to be Barrison's personal tour guide!
From the beautiful countryside along the Ring of Kerry to the historic ruins of Clonmacnoise, Barrison and Betsy had a fabulous time seeing the sights and indulging in the local fare. Of course, Barrison could visit Ireland without a cozy Aran or two. She knit up a dress in our Blackstone Tweed yarn, which got lots of compliments on her trip!
Get the free pattern for Barrison's dress: Dublin


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Scott Kuiper opened the FSU/Asolo Conservatory season in "The Actor's Nightmare" playing a lost and confused accountant who finds himself about to star in a play he knows nothing about.
But now he's causing nightmares (and laughs) for others as the title character in "The Liar," David Ives' contemporary version of Pierre Corneille's 17th-century French farce about a man who enjoys seeing what happens when he makes up lies.
Ives actually refers to it as a "translaptation, part translation, part adaptation," according to director Justin Lucero, who served as the Asolo Repertory Theatre's first directing fellow last season.
Kuiper, one of the second-year conservatory students who make up the cast, plays Dorante, a man who finds pleasure in telling lies to friends and family in part to see where it will take everyone.
"I never tell a lie to intentionally hurt someone, it's more with the idea of playing," Kuiper says, describing his character's childlike demeanor. "He doesn't have a filter in a good way or a bad way, which helps him in how he can lie and it can get him a little trapped."
The key, Kuiper says, is how the audience responds to the character.
"It's up to the audience whether they enjoy it and think it's fun or look down at the character and say 'tsk, tsk.' It's fun to see Dorante be able to spin this web and bring the audience along with him," he said. "If we realize his lies don't hurt anyone, it should be a good night of theater."
Dorante is also a bit careless in some ways and he winds up having two women interested in him, though he doesn't pay close enough attention to their names and gets them confused.
Kelly Elizabeth Smith plays Clarice, who is already engaged and is "only half interested" in Dorante, she said. Jessie Taylor plays the shy Lucrece who does have an interest for Dorante but she finds it "harder to voice up until I find my backbone and confidence to speak up and come into my own and tell the truth of how I really feel."
They star with Brandon Maldonado, Wyatt McNeill, Jillian Courtney, Michael Fisher and Brett Mack in the production that runs through Jan. 17 in the Cook Theatre of the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
Ives' version of the classic was first produced in 2010.
"He kept it in verse and it's very light and jovial the way they would be in the original," Lucero said. "But he injected tons of modern vernacular. The first page has a character saying turn off your cell phones. We see period costumes and you expect a Shakespearean type of approach, but it's already not that. The audience is told early on, just go with us, and hopefully they will."
The verse serves the storytelling, Lucero said.
"What's brilliant is that Ives is using this pentameter language as a vehicle for the lying. If lying is an invention and a fantastic fabulation of words, to do it in a kind of beat and rhythm and rhyme makes it that much more fun."
The verse also gives the audience a different perspective, Smith said.
"The musicality of the script will lend itself to an experience for the audience that is really not in our ordinary world, but something they can recognize and grasp onto," she said. "They can accept that this world just happens to be in rhyme and verse."
Lucero, who spent last season working with producing artistic director Michael Donald Edwards, and rep directors Frank Galati and Peter Amster on their mainstage productions, said one element usually infuses his shows.
"I know that an audience knows that they're watching something that's not real. That's a radical thing to say in an conservatory where they're teaching people to be real on stage. But it's powerful to use the knowledge that the audience knows that you know. No one watches 'Romeo and Juliet' and believes they're actually stabbing themselves and dying. Theater is meant to theatricalize and make you feel something, not make you duped into feeling something. This play already goes there."
The play, he said, is "perfect for training actors because they're learning how to lie for a living, learning how to be as convincing in non-truth as they can and this play gives them the opportunity to do that."
Runs Tuesday through Jan. 17 at the Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets are $28-$29, and pay-what-you-can for the Dec. 29 preview. For more information: 941-355-8000; asolorep.org


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The world is a global village and there are so many destinations many people with passports have access to. In addition, thanks to visas, there's an even greater opportunity to explore various locations. You may presently be thinking about visiting the EU but be unsure of where exactly you should go. Seeing as there are 28 countries and hundreds of cities to choose from, you definitely have a lot to choose from. Although where you should go is heavily dependent on what you want to experience, each city tells its own unique story and offers something different. On that note, you're going to find three top destinations to consider next time you head off to the EU below.
When thinking of EU destinations one of the first places that may come to mind is Paris as it's a popular city. However, you should also consider somewhere less popular like Prague which is located in the Czech Republic. Although this destination may not be as popular, it definitely has magic of its own. Rich in culture, one of the first things you should do in Prague is taste their distinct locally made food. Prague is also known for its Old Town Square, gothic-like churches, and medieval Astronomical clock. Overall, it's bound to be a unique experience, and it's relatively inexpensive depending on your budget and the time of year you go.
When thinking of EU destinations, Greece is a place that you're likely to love. This is a more popular destination and it had to be mentioned because of how stunning it is. If you decide to go to Crete which is the country's largest, you can visit the palace of Knossos, walk along the shores of breathtaking beaches, eat fresh seafood, and experience their distinct culture. In terms of accommodation, you can choose to stay in a local hotel and it might please you to know that hotel prices have apparently reduced by 9%. You can also explore Vacation Renter by Wilbur Labs as you'll find local guides and information about vacation renters if you'd rather have an intimate and homely feel.
Another place in Europe that is unique in its own right that you should visit is Hungary. Budapest, in particular, is a very vibrant and inviting city that is likely to grab your attention upon arrival. Some attractions include the city skyline, parliament building, and luxurious thermal spas which are said to have healing properties. Other things you can get up to in Budapest are visiting the Danube river, seeing sights on Castle Hill, and seeing the historic Buda Castle. If you enjoy opera or are a general music fan, then think about visiting the Hungarian State Opera House if you have time as well.
The EU has its own unique feel and is graced by characteristics such as rich history, small towns, unique architectural structures, and cultured people. If you want to learn more about these attributes, you should consider one or more of the destinations above. It's likely to be an experience like none you've had before.


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Graphtech Ghost Resomax NV Bridge 6mm Chrome PN-8863-C0
Product Description
ThePN-8863-C0is a ghost loaded 6mm ResoMax NV2 tune-o-matic bridge in chrome. This lightweight, high strength bridge will increase harmonic content and leave your guitar dripping with tone.
This bridge will work with any ghost preamp kit.
Ghost pickups contain a custom engineered piezo crystals that is encapsulated in a set of String Saver saddles. The ghost saddle pickups have a natural compression effect so you can play as hard as you want without overloading the input channel or experiencing the dreaded piezo "Quack".
Pickups are individually calibrated so you get a precision-balanced set of ghost saddles, for even string to string output. Any set of ghost pickups can be used in conjunction with any ghost preamp kit as well as many others on the market.
|String Spacing
|4mm post
|2 29/32"
|M5 x 0.8 4h
|6mm post
|2 29/32"
|2 1/16"
|M8 x 1.25
|3 1/4"
|M8 x 1.25
Ghost Pickup installation instructions
Ghost Pickup Frequently Asked Questions
Be the band with the ghost modular pickup system. Get studio quality acoustic tone or MIDI compatible output at the flick of a switch. Finally an affordable, modular pickup system in an easy to install package.
Imagine a rich, authentic acoustic guitar tone coming from your electric guitar - at the flick of the switch! Replace your current saddles with Graph Tech's ghost modular pickups and one of our Acousti-Phonic preamp and you'll have instant access to true, acoustic tone from your electric guitar or bass, without altering your electric pickups. With the ghost Acousti-Phonic system you can play one guitar! It can be electric AND acoustic, separately, or blended together for an infinite range of new and exciting sounds.
[Video] Graph Tech ghost Acoustic MIDI System - Guitar World
The ghost Hexpander MIDI interface system adds MIDI capability to almost any guitar or bass. Plug your guitar into pitch-to-MIDI converters by Roland or Axon and enter the MIDI sound universe. The Hexpander MIDI interface provides responsive and accurate tracking unequaled be any other system on the market today. Check out how affordable and easy it can be to make MIDI part of your music making.
"Because it's installed in my favorite guitar, there is no compromise in playability but I get all of the flexibility of MIDI> This is the perfect situation because I don't need to switch between a "real guitar" and a MIDI guitar. I can layer the pick up sound with the MIDI sounds, or just do one at a time. The piezo pick up is an added bonus--with one guitar I can enter MIDI, add electric guitar AND acoustic sounds. I'm really looking forward to the possibilities this new system could inspire!"James Valentine, Guitarist, Maroon 5


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ІrAro x VIKELE STUDIO BAGUETTE BAG
Buy one click
Thanks for contacting us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Product details
Сode: v1801-10012
The irAro x VIKELE STUDIO baguette bag is created as a stylish accessory for the most necessary things and a laconic bag for every day.
- Dimensions: height 15 cm, width 27 cm, depth 7 cm
- Material: leather
- Made in Ukraine
- Comes with dust bag
- Designer colour: orange


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Are Your Blood Sugar Readings Accurate?
Glucose meters are an important part of blood sugar control. Find out how to interpret the numbers to effectively monitor blood sugar and help lower A1C.
If you have type 2 diabetes, testing blood sugar levels regularly — and understanding what the numbers on each reading mean — can help you monitor blood sugar and better manage the condition. These numbers are important because blood sugar test results can help you figure out how your diet, exercise, and medications might be affecting your diabetes.
When you master blood sugar readings, you'll be on your way to better blood sugar control and, ultimately, better results on your A1C test, the blood test your doctor orders to track blood sugar control over time. Maintaining good blood sugar control over a long period, such as a decade, could significantly reduce your risk of diabetes complications like heart attack and stroke.
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Even with highly effective modern technologies such as digital glucose meters, people with diabetes still worry about testing accuracy. Although you want to get the best results for each skin prick, when you're new to blood sugar testing it can be confusing to watch those results change throughout the day.
"It's helpful to understand that blood sugar changes minute by minute," says certified diabetes educator Karen A. Chalmers, MS, RD, CDE, diabetes services program manager in the section of endocrinology, diabetes and nutrition at Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts.
For example, a person might test before coming to a medical appointment and then be surprised to find that his or her blood sugar is higher or lower by the time the doctor tests it. At first, this can lead to self-doubt and asking yourself, "Am I testing right?" or confusion about whether your meter and testing strips are accurate or not.
"Blood sugar is like a wave in the ocean — it's constantly in motion," Chalmers says. That's why you'll likely gain more information by looking at your tests over the course of an entire day or week to find a pattern rather than focus on individual test results.
Still, there's a lot you can do to make sure that when you monitor your blood sugar you're getting the most accurate and useful daily results, and ultimately lower A1C results in the long run.
Know When to Test
Your diabetes team will likely make recommendations for when you should be testing your blood sugar as you get started. For example, you might be told to test when you wake up in the morning, before meals, one to two hours after meals, and before bed. If you exercise, you might also test before and after a workout to see how your body responds to it. Depending on the medications you take, including insulin, you might have additional or fewer times to test.
To achieve blood sugar control, always make sure you keep a log of the times you test and your results. If you're not sure why you have been told to test at certain times or why you are getting the results you get, talk to your diabetes team.
Additionally, if the cost of test strips throughout the month is difficult for you to afford, make a plan with your diabetes team to get the most out of the testing you are able to do. The cost of this maintenance may actually help you save money in the long run: A July 2012 article in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology reviewed studies of blood sugar testing at home and found evidence to suggest that because testing helps people maintain better blood sugar control, ultimately it can lead to lower diabetes care costs over a lifetime.
Know How to Test
Once you're accustomed to testing, you'll become more confident in your readings. Use these tips to help with the learning curve:
Set reminders for testing. If you tend to forget to test, use reminders to help yourself get in the habit. Leave your testing kit and record book out where you'll easily see them, such as on the kitchen table, or set a reminder on your phone or computer for the appropriate times. You can also ask a loved one to remind you. Find a system that works best for you.
Know your testing tools. If you're not sure how to use your glucose meter and test strips, ask a nurse or diabetes educator to show you how. Pay attention to details such as calibration codes for your meter if necessary. Newer meters may be easier for you to use. Even if you've been testing for awhile, it's sometimes helpful to try testing in front of a health professional to make sure you're doing it right.
Care for the meter and strips. Keep all of your supplies clean and stored in a cool, dry place. Always have extra batteries available for your meter.
Take your meter to the doctor. Bring your meter with you to appointments so you and your doctor can compare notes.
Stay sharp. A dull lancet will mean painful skin pricks and possibly poor results. Change out lancets frequently and don't share your meter with anyone else.
Use up-to-date strips. Test strips have expiration dates. Note the date on your calendar so that you'll never use expired strips.
Use the right test strips. Test strips can look a lot alike, but they don't all work for every meter. Get the kind or brand recommended for your specific device.
Clean your hands. Washing your hands immediately before testing will remove any dirt and debris as well as sugars from foods (such as fruit) that you might have eaten or touched. A soak in warm, soapy water can also make it easier to get a blood sample because it brings blood to the skin surface.
Get a sufficient sample. "Getting a big enough drop of blood is important," Chalmers says. Your meter will let you know if you didn't, but you want to make each prick and test strip count.
Know when results might not be accurate. Over time, you'll get to know your diabetes and how your body feels. While the majority of blood test results will be accurate, there may be times when your gut tells you that the numbers you're seeing can't possibly be correct. You can always retest after double-checking that your meter settings are right and your testing procedure were correct. However, based on how you feel, if you suspect that your blood sugar might be very high or going very low, call your doctor for advice or go to the emergency room.
By testing your blood sugar accurately at regular intervals, you'll learn how diabetes is affecting your body, improve your A1C test numbers, and help yourself stay healthier over time.


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The Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel is located opposite a park and a short walk from the Old Town.
Its interior was created by a trendy London design firm and all of its 228 modern rooms and suites feature convenient amenities like free high-speed, wireless Internet and tea and coffee making facilities.
The hotel's innovative aesthetic continues at its sleek restaurant, where you can savour grilled specialities in a glass-enclosed courtyard and enjoy refreshing drinks at the adjacent Bar.
This hotel in Riga also offers a well-equipped fitness centre with a sauna.


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COCOMO Model
Boehm proposed COCOMO (Constructive Cost Estimation Model) in 1981.COCOMO is one of the most generally used software estimation models in the world. COCOMO predicts the efforts and schedule of a software product based on the size of the software.
The necessary steps in this model are:
- Get an initial estimate of the development effort from evaluation of thousands of delivered lines of source code (KDLOC).
- Determine a set of 15 multiplying factors from various attributes of the project.
- Calculate the effort estimate by multiplying the initial estimate with all the multiplying factors i.e., multiply the values in step1 and step2.
The initial estimate (also called nominal estimate) is determined by an equation of the form used in the static single variable models, using KDLOC as the measure of the size. To determine the initial effort Ei in person-months the equation used is of the type is shown below
The value of the constant a and b are depends on the project type.
In COCOMO, projects are categorized into three types:
- Organic
- Semidetached
- Embedded
1.Organic: A development project can be treated of the organic type, if the project deals with developing a well-understood application program, the size of the development team is reasonably small, and the team members are experienced in developing similar methods of projects. Examples of this type of projects are simple business systems, simple inventory management systems, and data processing systems.
2. Semidetached: A development project can be treated with semidetached type if the development consists of a mixture of experienced and inexperienced staff. Team members may have finite experience in related systems but may be unfamiliar with some aspects of the order being developed. Example of Semidetached system includes developing a new operating system (OS), a Database Management System (DBMS), and complex inventory management system.
3. Embedded: A development project is treated to be of an embedded type, if the software being developed is strongly coupled to complex hardware, or if the stringent regulations on the operational method exist. For Example: ATM, Air Traffic control.
For three product categories, Bohem provides a different set of expression to predict effort (in a unit of person month)and development time from the size of estimation in KLOC(Kilo Line of code) efforts estimation takes into account the productivity loss due to holidays, weekly off, coffee breaks, etc.
According to Boehm, software cost estimation should be done through three stages:
- Basic Model
- Intermediate Model
- Detailed Model
1. Basic COCOMO Model: The basic COCOMO model provide an accurate size of the project parameters. The following expressions give the basic COCOMO estimation model:
Effort=a1*(KLOC) a2 PM
Tdev=b1*(efforts)b2 Months
KLOC is the estimated size of the software product indicate in Kilo Lines of Code,
a1,a2,b1,b2 are constants for each group of software products,
Tdev is the estimated time to develop the software, expressed in months,
Effort is the total effort required to develop the software product, expressed in person months (PMs).
Estimation of development effort
For the three classes of software products, the formulas for estimating the effort based on the code size are shown below:
Organic: Effort = 2.4(KLOC) 1.05 PM
Semi-detached: Effort = 3.0(KLOC) 1.12 PM
Embedded: Effort = 3.6(KLOC) 1.20 PM
Estimation of development time
For the three classes of software products, the formulas for estimating the development time based on the effort are given below:
Organic: Tdev = 2.5(Effort) 0.38 Months
Semi-detached: Tdev = 2.5(Effort) 0.35 Months
Embedded: Tdev = 2.5(Effort) 0.32 Months
Some insight into the basic COCOMO model can be obtained by plotting the estimated characteristics for different software sizes. Fig shows a plot of estimated effort versus product size. From fig, we can observe that the effort is somewhat superliner in the size of the software product. Thus, the effort required to develop a product increases very rapidly with project size.
The development time versus the product size in KLOC is plotted in fig. From fig it can be observed that the development time is a sub linear function of the size of the product, i.e. when the size of the product increases by two times, the time to develop the product does not double but rises moderately. This can be explained by the fact that for larger products, a larger number of activities which can be carried out concurrently can be identified. The parallel activities can be carried out simultaneously by the engineers. This reduces the time to complete the project. Further, from fig, it can be observed that the development time is roughly the same for all three categories of products. For example, a 60 KLOC program can be developed in approximately 18 months, regardless of whether it is of organic, semidetached, or embedded type.
From the effort estimation, the project cost can be obtained by multiplying the required effort by the manpower cost per month. But, implicit in this project cost computation is the assumption that the entire project cost is incurred on account of the manpower cost alone. In addition to manpower cost, a project would incur costs due to hardware and software required for the project and the company overheads for administration, office space, etc.
It is important to note that the effort and the duration estimations obtained using the COCOMO model are called a nominal effort estimate and nominal duration estimate. The term nominal implies that if anyone tries to complete the project in a time shorter than the estimated duration, then the cost will increase drastically. But, if anyone completes the project over a longer period of time than the estimated, then there is almost no decrease in the estimated cost value.
Example1: Suppose a project was estimated to be 400 KLOC. Calculate the effort and development time for each of the three model i.e., organic, semi-detached & embedded.
Solution: The basic COCOMO equation takes the form:
Effort=a1*(KLOC) a2 PM
Tdev=b1*(efforts)b2 Months
Estimated Size of project= 400 KLOC
(i)Organic Mode
(ii)Semidetached Mode
(iii) Embedded Mode
Example2: A project size of 200 KLOC is to be developed. Software development team has average experience on similar type of projects. The project schedule is not very tight. Calculate the Effort, development time, average staff size, and productivity of the project.
Solution: The semidetached mode is the most appropriate mode, keeping in view the size, schedule and experience of development time.
Hence E=3.0(200)1.12=1133.12PM
2. Intermediate Model: The basic Cocomo model considers that the effort is only a function of the number of lines of code and some constants calculated according to the various software systems. The intermediate COCOMO model recognizes these facts and refines the initial estimates obtained through the basic COCOMO model by using a set of 15 cost drivers based on various attributes of software engineering.
Classification of Cost Drivers and their attributes:
(i) Product attributes –
- Required software reliability extent
- Size of the application database
- The complexity of the product
Hardware attributes –
- Run-time performance constraints
- Memory constraints
- The volatility of the virtual machine environment
- Required turnabout time
Personnel attributes –
- Analyst capability
- Software engineering capability
- Applications experience
- Virtual machine experience
- Programming language experience
Project attributes –
- Use of software tools
- Application of software engineering methods
- Required development schedule
The cost drivers are divided into four categories:
Intermediate COCOMO equation:
E=ai (KLOC) bi*EAF
D=ci (E)di
Coefficients for intermediate COCOMO
3. Detailed COCOMO Model:Detailed COCOMO incorporates all qualities of the standard version with an assessment of the cost driver?s effect on each method of the software engineering process. The detailed model uses various effort multipliers for each cost driver property. In detailed cocomo, the whole software is differentiated into multiple modules, and then we apply COCOMO in various modules to estimate effort and then sum the effort.
The Six phases of detailed COCOMO are:
- Planning and requirements
- System structure
- Complete structure
- Module code and test
- Integration and test
- Cost Constructive model
The effort is determined as a function of program estimate, and a set of cost drivers are given according to every phase of the software lifecycle.


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Arab League tries to turn out the Arab-Israeli vote
Cairo-based organization warns Israel may be able to pass 'racist laws against the Arabs' with greater ease if there are too few Arab Knesset members
Elhanan Miller is the former Arab affairs reporter for The Times of Israel
The Arab League on Sunday called on Arab citizens of Israel to vote in Tuesday's elections, fearing a low turnout.
Recent Israeli polls predicted voter turnout in the Arab sector may dip below 50% on January 22, prompting the Cairo-based organization to warn in a press statement against "the emergence of an upcoming [Israeli] policy of ethnic cleansing and the domination of racism, under the claim that the Arab poses a threat to Israel."
Founded in 1945, the Arab League is the highest representative body of the 22 Arab states.
In its statement, the Arab League claimed that it is closely monitoring the Israeli elections and the expected victory of the "racist extreme right." It argued the Israeli right "does not want peace and does not want the other, but only wants a Jewish state while claiming that the Arab poses a threat to the land of Israel," Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm reported.
According to the Arab League, low Arab voting rates will only enable the 19th Knesset to pass "racist laws against the Arabs" with greater ease. Arab MKs, the statement claimed, could oppose such laws and expose them to international parliaments and public opinion.
The call for Arab-Israeli voters to use the ballot box to fight perceived discrimination contrasts sharply with the Arab boycott of the 2001 elections, urged after Israeli police killed 13 Arab citizens in the course of Arab riots in October 2000. Some Arab-Israelis protested then-prime minister Ehud Barak by casting a blank ballot, but others, following calls from the Balad and the Ra'am parties, abstained from voting altogether.
Palestinian officials in the West Bank also expressed fear on Sunday that the new Israeli government will be more right wing than the previous, jeopardizing prospects of a negotiated peace agreement.
Three major Arab or predominantly Arab parties are running in the elections — Balad, Ra'am Ta'al and the Arab-Jewish Hadash. Most polls have the three winning 10-12 seats between them.
The Israeli High Court three weeks ago rejected a Central Elections Committee ban on Balad's MK Hanin Zoabi, clearing her to run for reelection. The petition against her, which was spearheaded by Likud MK Ofir Akunis, claimed that the parliamentarian had undermined the state and its institutions, including the IDF, by participating in the Mavi Marmara flotilla that tried to breach the Israeli-imposed maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip in May 2010.


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Best Diving in Sliema
Local Recommendations from our My Guide Malta team
Malta and Gozo are a diver's paradise. A climate that allows for diving all year round, clear blue Mediterranean sea, fully qualified dive centres and a plethora of underwater attractions, make the Maltese Islands a top-notch diving resort...
Experience breathing underwater, discover wrecks, underwater cliffs, cave formations and abundant marine life. The compact size of the islands means that all of the great dive sites are within easy reach by land or by boat. We have listed the most reputable dive centres in Malta and Gozo on these pages. Browse, inquire, book & good diving!


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Enabling organizations to harness the insights of their people
Founded in 2008, Prendismo has developed innovative and provocative ways to capture and share business insight and knowledge.
The word Prendismo (pronounced "pren-deez-mo") is our creation. It was was inspired by the Spanish phrase "prender la luz", which literally means to ignite, light or kindle – but when used colloquially translates to "turn on a light" as in an idea.
The Prendismo Collection, offers access to the world's premiere collection of digital video content on business, leadership and entrepreneurship. The collection is used as:
- A business resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners
- A channel through which companies can broadcast their brand to prospective customers, employees and partners
- A provider of tagged content that can be used by publishers and information companies to expand existing asset bases and enliven print-based products
- A tool for businesses who wish to capture the real stories of their executives and employees and capitalize on the wisdom in their organization


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The story of London spans back over 2,000 years. The city has seen the times of plague and has withstood civil and world wars. When you think of London what comes to mind? Red telephone booths? Double-decker buses? The royal family, the queen, Meghan Markle? I'd say for most, it's all of the above. If it's your first time visiting London, of course, you have to get that iconic photo of yourself with an old-school, candy red phone booth. But for those who want to take their London Instagram game to the next level, these six places are for you:
1. The Churchill Arms
This restaurant/bar is one of the most recognisable places in London. I mean—it's hard to miss with its beautiful exterior that drips in vibrant flowers against the contrast of the black and white building. You'd think this place would be a typical watering hole, the kind that serves peanuts and beer (maybe fries if you're lucky), but once inside you will find shelves of Churchill memorabilia, a Thai food menu and an array of local brews.
Find The Churchill Arms here.
2. Gods Own Junkyard
This is the type of place where you are just mesmerised from the moment you walk in the door. The "junkyard" in the name describes it perfectly as from floor to ceiling, it is littered with lights and is known as the place "where neon never dies". This place is a treasure trove of new and reconstructed neon signs from around the world. As long as you can get your lighting right—there is a new picture perfect background around every corner.
Find Gods Own Junkyard here.
3. Coppa Club
Dinner… in a snow globe type structure… overlooking London's Tower Bridge… can you think of anything more picturesque? The Coppa Club truly makes the most out of the restaurants sweeping views of the iconic cityscape. With each season, their pods get a makeover. From igloo in the winter to paradise pods in the spring—everything from the decor inside the pod to the views is beyond Instagram worthy.
Find the Coppa Club here.
4. Neal's Yard
Neal's Yard seems like something you would stumble upon while visiting a Disney park. You walk up and are immediately immersed in a new world. Narrow streets painted with vibrant colors and not a bare windowsill in sight. This whole area of the city is the background of our Insta dreams.
Find Neils Yard here.
5. Little Venice
While you're in London—why not get a taste of Venice, too? Here you can find a series of canals lined with trees and decorative houseboats of every size. You can take a boat ride down the canals to Camden market or sip on a bottle of wine on the water. Personally, I think the motto "make friends with someone who owns a boat" is always the best plan—no matter what city you're in!
Find Little Venice here.
6. Peggy Porchen
Everything about this famous cake shop is an experience. From walking up to the all-pink, flower-lined exterior to the light and airy interior with shelves of pretty picture-worthy confections. Here, you'll get your perfect tea time pic AND Vanity Fair named them as the best cupcakes in the world, so if that's not a good enough reason to go, IDK what is.
Find Peggy Porchen here.


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Student attendance is imperative. No student shall be tardy in his/her arrival for school or class,
without permission or excuse by school officials. No student who attends school during any
portion of any school day shall thereafter leave the school grounds prior to the end of the schoolday without permission or excuse from school personnel.
The following are recognized as excused tardies/early pick up:
• Personal illness
• Quarantine
• Death in the immediate family
• Medical or dental appointment
• Court or administrative procedure
• Religious observance
• Absences that in the judgment of the principal have an educational value at least as great
as that received during an equal amount of time in the classroom and permitted only if a
comparable opportunity shall not be available at a time other than during school hours
• Miscellaneous causes of an emergency nature approved by the principal or assistantprincipal
Excessive tardies result in being contacted by administration and recurring unexcused tardies/early pick ups may result in serving in or out of school suspension.


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Delivering first-class service is just as important as providing quality clothing and accessories. This philosophy has made Buttons the leading name in bridal and formalwear in The Bahamas.
Since 1988, our reputation has been built on unmatched, quality service at reasonable prices. We're the first company to supply formalwear on a daily basis in The Bahamas.
We've formed partnerships with some of the top designers and manufacturers in the world. We take pride in our growth and reputation as a dependable, innovative formalwear specialist.


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This is a sweet video, lots of fun and although the 80's get a bad rap at times, that era marked the end of innocence and clean pop fun to me with regard to music culture and video to a degree. The same applies to writers who don't a lot of research and totally marginalize who I am as an artist. I mean – at the least I'm a Grammy winner, and a known pioneer and trendsetter in music, video, dance and style. Of course when I read how the writer described me in his piece, I had to shake my head..and it's Billboard, who also honored me with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Dance Music! My creative output has continued well into this era – 00's. My last #1 single, was my last release in 2007, giving my a chart history that began as a solo artist in 1987 and continues to evolve. Prior going solo, I was an original member of Shalamar from 1977-1983. I've had hits in each decade and remain relevant and fresh – it just so happens I'm a legacy artist to boot, and not your average one I'd add. It gets frustrating at times when seeing writers not do their homework. – there's more than one trendsetting woman artist who came out of that era..smaller budget and less controversy but still!
French Horn Rebellion chose to not appear as main characters and cast the video to tell the story of "Dancing Out." It's all about unleashing the awkward person who lives in us all – and how dance can free you to simply let go – to be quirky, goofy, have a bit of fun and let your guard down for a little romance as well. Catch the Jody Watley sighting in the video – I adore it and the fact I can still sing in that pure childlike tone!
To see the video, click: Here


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When I was a kid, the holidays always meant at least three things:
- Watching "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" on a continuous loop from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. (Actually, I still do this…)
- Helping my late-shopper dad wrap slim-pickings presents on Christmas Eve. Because every wife has "the last bottle of drugstore perfume available" on her wish list.
- And dancing around the living room to Bing, Rosemary and Frank crooning Christmas carols from my mom's old record player. (Yeah, record player. We were into vinyl way before it was cool.)
So, it was no wonder, then, that I got a little nostalgic the other day when I stumbled on the classic version of "White Christmas" while scanning my car's radio stations. Listening to Bing made me miss not only my childhood holidays, but also those "good old days" his carols always evoke. You didn't have to worry about Twitter, dirty politics or global warming back in the '50s. Everything was just poodle skirts, Norman Rockwell and glass-bottled Coca-Cola.
Or … not really. Because there were real problems and challenges in the 1950s, too — racial and gender inequality, post-war rebuilding, global conflict … no Twitter! The passage of time (and deep-throated singers) just allows us to think otherwise sometimes.
It's a rose-colored way of thinking I find often in the life insurance industry. Agents lament that selling nowadays isn't as easy as it was at mid-century, when people knew the value and importance of life insurance coverage and cared enough to protect their families. Distractions like the Internet and cable television weren't around, and door-to-door salesmen were the norm, even welcomed by many families.
And sure, a lot of that's true. Life insurance ownership hit a 50-year low in 2010; attention is at a premium; and door-to-door salespeople are a reviled, outmoded species in most neighborhoods these days. But the old-fashioned life insurance salesman's heyday was far from ideal.
I've spent a lot of time going through archival issues of Life Insurance Selling, and agents had the same fundamental challenges back then as they do now: How do I find prospects? How do I get them to listen? How do I get them to actually buy? And those agents worked hard to get premium dollars, knocking on doors every evening after husbands returned from the office and spending weeks on the road to cover more ground. Agents with overly fond views of mid-century selling also neglect the fact that a lot of people were buying back then because we were either in or just coming out of war time. When death is no longer a far-off abstraction, selling life policies gets a lot easier.
Agents stuck in the past don't realize how good they have it today. Sure, they can still knock on prospects' doors … or they can just email them, send them a Tweet or post a message on their Facebook wall. Want to meet with a client in another state? It's as easy as pulling up Skype on your desktop. What's more, sophisticated life products can now be used to meet a wide range of client needs, not just the provision of a future death benefit. Tablet-carrying agents can even produce quotes and paperwork instantly, without having to bother with a briefcase or multiple appointments.


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The 2011 Christmas Expo opens tomorrow and features four regions of Christmasy goodness. From entertainment to shopping, there is plenty of seasonal goodness to be had. This event is in support of Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society and runs till December 18th. I had the privilege of getting a sneak peek of all the holiday inspired items that make up The 2011 Christmas Expo. I'm showing a little glimpse with this adorable house called The Christmas House from Heart Homes. This little house features rezzable Christmas decorations as well as winter inspired scenery. I love how you have the option of easy decorating as well as leaving it bare. This makes it a versatile choice for any homeowner. Featuring a 26x22 footprint and 118 prims, this house really shows the rustic-like feel of an old fashioned Christmas.
|Large View of House
|Outside of House
|Inside View of House
Well, that's about all I have to show off for now. Be sure to check back for a look at more goodies from The 2011 Christmas Expo.
Style Card
Dress: Sticky Fingers (Michell Tomsen) My Cable Knit Sweater Dress in Sepia (NEW!)
Tights: RIDDLE (Chrystina Noel) Argyle Stockings in Brown #1
Shoes: BM (Pixieplumb Flanagan) Winona Boots in Coffee
Antlers: *Viita (Hiroro Mayo) Reindeer Antler (Freebie!)
1st picture's background: Michigan's Shack (2WAT Michigan) Rustic Winter Hut (Christmas Expo!)
Other pics: Heart Homes (Marina Ramer) The Christmas House (Christmas Expo!)


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Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr says stress tests of banks have inherent limitations, suggesting they shouldn't be relied on.
"We emphasise in our public articles that stress testing results should not be read at face value," Orr says in a letter.
"Both the significant modelling uncertainties, and the fact that the banks know how/when the stress situation ends, limits the value of stress tests," Orr says.
"Further, passing a stress test covering only dairy portfolios is not a meaningful indication of overall capital strength, given it is only approximately 10 percent of banks' exposures."
Orr was responding to a BusinessDesk story questioning whether the central bank's proposed new capital requirements for the major banks amount to gold-plating.
The Reserve Bank has published the results of a number of stress tests, including one that looked solely at dairy portfolios, but it has also conducted more general tests.
The major banks are also required to conduct their own stress tests on a continuous basis and to share those results with the Reserve Bank, although the results aren't made public.
But the last time the central bank conducted such a test itself was in 2017 when it looked at the big four banks in conjunction with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority – APRA. The banks passed with flying colours, as they have in all such tests.
The scenario for that test was far broader than just the dairy industry – it included a 35 percent plunge in house prices, a 40 percent fall in commercial property prices, unemployment of 11 percent and a Fonterra payout to dairy farmers averaging $4.90 per kilo of milk solids for three years, below break-even for the average farmer.
On top of that, the regulator overlaid an industry-wide scandal relating to bad behaviour in mortgage lending, such as customers successfully suing the banks for poor lending practices and failure to abide by the Responsible Lending Code.
This scenario includes far more severe conditions than the last actual test of banks' financial resilience, the global financial crisis, but the New Zealand registered banks have come through all such tests, real and simulated, with their balance sheets intact and capital capacity to spare.
According to the Reserve Bank's new Bank Financial Strength Dashboard, the big four banks' mortgage books account for another 58 percent of their balance sheets, so that latest test covered more than 68 percent of bank lending, not counting commercial property lending.
The big four banks, ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac, account for about 88 percent of New Zealand's banking system.
The Reserve Bank is proposing that the big four banks will have to effectively double their minimum tier 1 equity during the next five years.
Orr says that the actual increase will be between 40-60 percent, "given that current capital levels are above current regulatory requirements."
However, when announcing the proposals on Dec. 14, deputy governor Geoff Bascand said that "we are proposing to almost double the required amount of high-quality capital that banks will have to hold."
But banks do hold significantly more than the minimum capital required currently. ANZ Bank, for example, which is New Zealand's largest, had a tier 1 equity ratio of 11.1 percent at September 30, much higher than the 6 percent regulatory minimum.
The Reserve Bank is proposing to lift this to 16 percent – the smaller banks would have a slightly smaller 15 percent minimum.
Given banks' current practice of comfortably exceeding statutory minimum capital requirements – their prized banking licences depend on such compliance – it would be unreasonable to expect they will hug minimum requirements in future.
Orr also dismissed criticism from Australian Financial Review journalist Tony Boyd who has written for that paper on banking issues for more than 35 years and currently writes its flagship Chanticleer column.
Boyd had suggested that the Australian banking regulator, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, has more stringent capital requirements than most Western countries – but not nearly as stringent as the Reserve Bank is now proposing – and that no Australian depositor has lost money.
All four of New Zealand's big four banks are owned by Australia's big four banks and Boyd was clearly suggesting the Reserve Bank proposals are extreme, but Orr dismisses his views.
"Group capital requirements are not relevant for New Zealand creditors and/or taxpayers. Only capital in the New Zealand subsidiary can be relied on," Orr says.
The Reserve Bank has long insisted that the New Zealand arms of the major Australian banks have registered subsidiaries with their own capital adequacy requirements distinct from their parents.
It famously won a long battle with Westpac in late 2004 when that bank finally agreed to incorporate a local subsidiary, a process finally completed two years later – Orr was Westpac's chief economist between 2000 and 2003.
"No Australian bank depositor has lost money because a) the Financial Claims Scheme has been in place since 2008 and b) institutions that failed in the early 1990s period of stress were rescued by state governments," he says.
BusinessDesk also highlighted international ratings agency Fitch's view of the Reserve Bank's proposed changes as "radical."
It also considered them "highly conservative relative to international peers" and would go "well beyond the international norm."
But Orr argues that "the Fitch article also said the proposal 'sets a global standard' and is 'positive for banks' credit profiles, although we do not expect any immediate rating changes."
There's no question the proposals would make New Zealand banks much stronger but there is a question as to whether they amount to unnecessary goldplating.
Orr also dismisses the suggestion that the Reserve Bank might have failed to consult APRA on its proposed changes.
"We are in constant dialogue with our Australian colleagues at APRA. On this particular topic, we have shared many conversations, papers and briefings over a period of many months," he says.
"Our APRA colleagues are always pleased to be briefed and we jointly recognise each other's sovereignty with respect to the issues."
Orr says the Reserve Bank will shortly release all the background material that supports the consultation document released on Dec. 14. The consultation period ends on March 29.