text:
March 2010 Newsletter
Hello again from paradise!
Phew, we have been busy down here! So busy, in fact, that we never got around to sending out our February newsletter and we were within a week of missing March as well!
What has kept us so busy? Well, for one thing, we have launched our new redesigned website. Check it out at http://acacondos.com .
As well, our boutique hotel where we can rent your suite whenever you are not using it to generate good income has launched its new website as well. It is really beautiful and has some great photos, check it out at http://LTGPS.com. The hotel has only been up and running for a few months now but already we are nearly fully booked for April which is excellent news for owners of the suites as we are beginning to generate very good rental incomes!
Also, the penthouse suite #3002S has sold. But we have managed to list another penthouse suite now: suite #3006N. As well, we now have suite #2907S, a unique double-sized unit which is currently a very large bachelor suite but can easily be converted into a 1 bedroom. More info on both of those suites below.
We still have one suite available with the full upgrade package for under $60,000 USD, it is suite #1104S which is available for $56,000 USD. And suite 2503S is available with full upgrade for $62,000 USD.
Here is some more detailed information on the 2 new, large suites:
#2907S – Double Size Suite - $115,000 USD as is or $138,000 USD with complete upgrade package & LTGPS.com rentability
This is a fully titled double-size (90 sq meters not including large double sized patio) condominium suite located on the 11th floor of the South tower.
The unit is oceanview and with the upgrade package comes with all new furnishings including:
- · * Modern Sectional Sofa
- · * Large Living Room Table
- · * 1 King/Queen size beds
- · * Wall Mounted 42" LCD flat screen TVs
- ·
- · * US & Canadian roof mounted Satellite HDTV hookup
- · * Newly installed minisplit Air Conditioning Units
- · * 3 piece patio loveseat, chair and table
- · * New modern pulldown blackout blinds
- · * New kitchen cabinets and new large refrigerator
- · * New modern Mabe stovetop
- · * Large hot/cold bottled water station
- · * Pots, pans, dishes, glasses and utensils for use for guests
3006N – 2 Bedroom Penthouse Unit - $115,000 USD as is or $140,000 USD with complete upgrade package & LTGPS.com rentability
This 1060 square foot (98.50 sq. meter) 2 bedroom, 2 level Penthouse suite has one of the best views in all of Acapulco. The kitchen and living room as well as a full bathroom are located on the first level as well as a large patio. A spiral staircase leads upstairs to the very large master bedroom which has its own large private patio and is complete with ensuite. The second bedroom with ensuite bathroom is also located on the 2nd level. A third full bathroom is on the main floor.
The unit can be purchased as is with existing furnishings for $115,000 USD. But you will not be able to rent the unit through our hotel brand Las Torres Gemelas Private Suites (http://www.ltgps.com) as it will not meet our furnishing criteria. For $140,000 USD we can have the entire suite repainted, renovated and all new furnishings installed including the following:
* Modern Sectional Sofa
* Large Living Room Table
* 2 King/Queen size beds (or 1 King/Queen and 2 Double Beds)
* 2 Wall Mounted 42" LCD flat screen TVs (one in living room, one in master bedroom)
* 2 5.1 wall mounted surround sound systems
* US & Canadian roof mounted Satellite HDTV hookup
* 2 newly installed minisplit Air Conditioning Units
* 3 piece patio loveseat, chair and table
* New modern blinds in all 3 rooms
* New kitchen cabinets and large refrigerator
* New modern Mabe stovetop
* Large hot/cold bottled water station
* Pots, pans, dishes, glasses and utensils for use for guests
Like I told you, we've been busy!
As always, we offer discounts for rentals of our suites for interested buyers. So if you'd like to come down and bask on the beach in the 93F (34C) heat and check out our units, email us directly and we will try to get you into one of our suites at LTGPS.com so you can try living in one of our remodeled suites and living in the resort to see how you like it before you buy.
I am looking forward to seeing you!
Until next month,
Jeff Berwick
AcaCondos & Las Torres Gemelas Private Suites hotel


text:
Recent Posts
TagsAndroid award chiang mai chiang mai php developer chiang mai web developer cms design developers drupal e-commerce happy new year 2010 html iPhone iPhone app jscript magento Magento;Drupal;Web Development magento developers magento development magento iPhone template magento portfolio magento projects php php developer in chiang mai php developers php development php framework php web programmer portfolio Projects service silverstripe silverstripe developer silverstripe developer network silverstripe developers silverstripe development Technology thailand Thailand business web developer in chiang mai web development wordpress zend framework zend framework developer zend framework development
Links - Services
Links - General
Links - Montreal
Silverstripe Developer Network-we're in!
We are now in the Silverstripe Developer Network Continue reading
Project-Video/Audio platform on Zend framework
We won the complete re-design and development of a video/audio sharing platform for a large organization in Paris, France Continue reading
Latest update-what's going on?
To keep you up to date, in the last few months we hired 2 more people, one to help our front end team (html/jscript/design) and another one to boost our Zend framework capabilities. And we're happy to tell you it makes a difference. We can take more projects now! Continue reading

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Stargirl is a heartbreaking tale about a girl who just can't fit in. She arrived one day in school and nearly everyone loves her from her ukulele to her pet rat, Cinnamon. She captures Leo's heart with one smile and makes everyone laugh as she does the thing she loves most, keeping people's chins up.
But after a disaster of a basketball season she is hated by everyone, even her closest friend, but Leo won't give in. He thinks the only way for her to fit in is to be "normal."
Stargirl is a brilliant book. Definitely for lovers of heartbreak, drama and a little bit of adventure. This book is great for all ages but can be appreciated more by older children. I would give it 100%, five stars out of five as it is amazing all the way to the end!


text:
Distant Stitch Embroidery Diploma Module 2:
If you would like to enrol on this Course as a New Student please click the Enrolment link at the top of page.
If you are a Continuing Student then please log in at the top of this page.'Metallic Magic'
Design Theme - Study of the shimmering stitched surfaces of Opus Anglicanum and shi-sha mirrors.
Module 2 takes you through the first historical and other cultures study - specifically at Opus Anglicannum, the exquisite medieval ecclesiastical English embroidery and the rich exuberantly decorated textiles from countries like India using metal threads and other glittering items such as shi-sha mirrors. This study will discover different uses of metallic threads and other shiny non thread materials, learning fresh ideas for your contemporary study of embroidery and design. Both the embroidery methods and the designing ideas will then be taken forwards into a more contemporary sphere, where parallels will be drawn using our modern equipment and materials - all of which the embroiderers of the historical study period and different countries would have embraced had they been available to them at the time. The design work based on figure and face within this Module will be used to initiate the metallics assessment piece, a design idea already started in Module 1 or from Chapters in Module 2.
|Return to Previous Page


text:
Skin Disease
As skin is so visible, skin disease is one of the commonest conditions we treat. There are hundreds of different skin conditions and we can only explain about some of the more common ones in here.
Probably the commonest cause of complaint is 'itchiness', which is seen as scratching, chewing or licking at the skin. Most itchy skin disease is caused by allergies, but they are very difficult to tell apart.
- Parasites e.g. fleas, lice, ticks, mites. We advise using prescription flea treatment, as many over the counter remedies are not effective enough. Fleas spend the vast majority of their time living OFF the animal and in the furnishings, carpets and floorboards of the house. Occasionally, you see fleas on the pet, but more often you only see small specks of black flea dirt – if put onto damp tissue, a red 'halo' will form as they consist of dried blood.
The most common cause and the GOLDEN RULE is TREAT ITCHY PETS FOR FLEAS!
- Contact allergies. A reaction to something the animal has been standing or lying on, often affecting the feet and belly areas. Examples of causes include floor cleaners, carpet shampoos, washing powders, lawn treatments etc.
- Food. This is usually a reaction to a certain protein source in the diet e.g. lamb, beef etc. The skin lesions are often all over the body and respond poorly to tablets. Even pets whose diet has not changed can be affected, if the manufacturers change the formulation or use a different batch of meat.
- Atopy (environmental allergy). The body reacts to environmental allergens e.g. house dust mites, grasses, trees, pollens etc. It causes general skin disease that often responds well to tablets but relapses once they have finished. There may be a seasonal pattern, often being worst in the spring and summer.
We first need a full, accurate history – be observant, watch your pet – and above all, be honest with us, especially regarding how long it has been going on, any treatments given etc. It is important to remember that skin disease can be a complex and chronic problem, and often takes considerable time and effort to diagnose.
- Duration of signs
- Intensity – how itchy? Pets are good at scratching/licking when out of sight!
- What the skin looked like – Red? Spotty? Scaly? Dry? Greasy?
- Any changes in environment, diet etc.?
- Any seasonal pattern?
- Any skin problems in in-contact animals or humans?
- Any flea treatment used and when
- Any other treatment given and any response to it
- Any systemic signs e.g. tiredness, not eating, drinking more, etc.
- Skin scrapes – taking a scraping of the surface of the skin (often done conscious) can show evidence of skin mites
- Cytology – to see what types of cell and types of 'bugs' are present on the skin
- Culture and sensitivity – to see which bacteria are present and what antibiotics are effective. A culture can also be done for ringworm (a fungus), although this can take up to 2 weeks
- Skin biopsy – under general anaesthetic, to see the skin changes present. This tends to be used on lumps, ulcers etc. which do not respond to treatment
- Exclusion diet – feeding a 'pure' diet may help to tell if allergies are present, however it is ESSENTIAL to stick to it for 8-12 weeks before we know whether it has worked or not. This diet is difficult to stick to, especially with cats out hunting and dogs on walks.
- Intradermal skin testing – this needs specialist referral. Under sedation, tiny amounts of possible allergens are injected into the skin and we can tell which ones the pet is actually allergic to.
- Blood test – there is a blood test that can help determine causes of atopy. Blood tests may also help identify underlying causes of skin problems e.g. thyroid disease, liver disease.
No two animals will respond the same, so we may need to try several treatments until we find the most suitable one for your pet. We may also need to use two or more treatments concurrently.
- Flea control – regular treatment with a good quality flea product for all pets. Treatment of the environment is also essential.
- Shampoo – there are a varied range of shampoos for different conditions which may be used.
- Essential fatty acids often help, particularly in dry skin, to restore oils in the coat. These essential fatty acids aim to improve the general health of the skin and often helps reduce the dose of other drugs needed
- Antihistamines – these are usually used in combination with other treatments
- Antibiotics – are used in skin infection, where the skin is red and has 'spots'
- Corticosteroids – are usually the most effective way of reducing itching and at low doses are very well tolerated. Side effects can occur, e.g. increased drinking/urinating, liver damage, vomiting, weak immune system etc. and we always try to use the lowest dose we can.
- Diet modification to avoid sensitive foods
- Vaccine – in some cases a vaccine can be made to desensitise the animal
While a few skin conditions can be CURED, many can be CONTROLLED and need long term medication. This can be expensive – so we advise you to consider pet insurance BEFORE your pet develops skin problems!
Not all skin disease is allergic, other problems can include:
- Ringworm (scaly skin)
- Seborrhoea (dry or greasy skin)
- Alopecia (baldness)
- Immune disease e.g. lupus, pemphigus
- Systemic disease e.g. thyroid, liver, adrenal gland disorders


text:
A User ID is a user name and password that can be used to access several Honeywell Web sites.
With Hydroshield, workers can now work fog-free for longer than ever before.
Learn More »
Uvex XV100 Series is a quality value-based safety spectacle that provides great fit at a low cost. It is available in Hardcoat and Uvextra anti-fog coating.
Polycarbonate Lens Coatings available in:
Value Proposition
Uvex branding history
Competitive Advantage: SCT
Clear Lens, Anti-scratch Coating
Gray Lens, Anti-scratch Coating
I/O Silver Mirror Lens, Anti-scratch Coating
Clear Lens, Uvextra Anti-fog Coating
Clear Lens, Uncoated
Gray Lens, Uncoated


text:
Photo Galleries
Contact Us
Area Map
Meeting Minutes
Amortization Chart
Board Minutes
Annual Minutes
Board Members
Feedback Form
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes for 04/17/08 19:00:00
4/17/08 7:00 p.m.
Kurt Arras, Dale Godfrey, Scot Kerns, Carl Renoud, Rick West
Minutes of the 3/13/08 Board meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer?s Report:
Budgeted and actual YTD spending was reviewed. At this time income appears to be well able to cover anticipated expenditures for 2008 and through the first few months of 2009. A summary of our financial position will be provided to all association members by posting on our GPOA website.
Committee Reports:
Architectural ? No report
Streets & Lights ? No report.
Landscape ? The Greens landscape service started full services in March.
1. Greenbrier/Belle Trace Interface Agreement ? Belle Trace, earlier this month, asked us to reconsider our position of not sharing the expenses of their very costly landscape services for the entrance. We reaffirmed our position that we will not reconsider. We will continue to share, on a 50/50 basis this year, the utility costs for water and electricity for the entrance. We will re-evaluate our cost sharing position with Belle Trace at the beginning of 2009 for that year.
2. Fencing on Common Property Lines with Belle Trace II ? The BTII Covenants were formally amended and filed with the city on 4/7/08 to include provisions that: (1) BTII homeowners can no longer construct any new privacy fences along the common lot boundaries with Greenbrier, and (2) Privacy fences already erected and in place along common lot boundaries can not be replaced or upgraded in the future, except with fence construction identical to the fence requirements in the Greenbrier Covenants.
3. Dues Payment Status and Actions to Collect Delinquent Dues ? 6 homeowners are delinquent in paying their 2007 dues. 7 homeowners are delinquent in paying their 2008 dues of $90 which were due on 3/1/08. 29 homeowners have not yet paid their 2008 special $50 dues assessment which is due on 5/1/08. Carl Renoud is to write letters to the realtors for the two homeowners who have their homes for sale and are no longer living in Greenbrier ? outlining the dues that are due and where to send monies that must be collected at closing. Kurt Arras is to write letters providing a last and final notice to the other delinquent homeowners; a letter informing these homeowners that they must bring their dues current or a lien will be placed on their homes.
4. Actions to Address Home Businesses ? Greenbrier Covenants do not allow any building or structure in the subdivision to be used for business or commercial purposes. Additionally, Broken Arrow Codes and Ordinances prohibit commercial activities in any single family residential district. Hence, the enforcement of this type of violation becomes the responsibility of the City of Broken Arrow. Therefore, the City will be notified and asked to investigate and resolve any type of activity that appears to be in violation.
5. Pond Maintenance ? Four situations require attention: (1) Mowing, (2) Inlet/outlet cleaning, (3) Small tree/bush cutting around the pond perimeter, and (4) The need for riprap at the south-east inlet to prevent serious erosion. The Board has received a quote of $100 per mowing to provide brush hogging service. This will be scheduled approximately every 4-5 weeks during the growing season starting in May. Kurt Arras will plan and schedule an association work day during which volunteers will clean the inlets & outlet and cut down the trees/bushes around the perimeter. Carl Renoud will arrange for the purchase and delivery of riprap to be placed at the base of the SE inlet.
6. Trees ? It was decided that the planting of trees on each home site would be left up to each homeowner - to decide what they need to do to meet the spirit and letter of the Covenants.
7. Cars Parked on Streets ? There is continuing concern regarding the congestion caused by cars being parked, on a permanent basis, on the streets. Carl Renoud will write a letter to the City seeking their guidance and advice on how to address this concern.
1. Changes to Bylaws ? There is a need to define how persistent violations of the Covenants are to be appropriately addressed. Carl Renoud will survey other homeowner associations to see how these types of issues are being effectively addressed in other associations.
2. Alert Neighbors Program ? Representatives from this program will be invited to attend our ?summer social? (to be graciously hosted by Rick & Sharon West again this year) which will be scheduled sometime this summer. If there is sufficient interest, then a full neighborhood meeting will need to be scheduled to review and implement this program in our subdivision.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday 5/15/08, 7:00 p.m. at Dale Godfrey?s house.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
For the board:
Carl Renoud
Area Map
Visits: 384102


text:
Avon Park HS (APHS) Class of 1998 Alumni List
Help us Update the Avon Park HS 1998 Class List by adding any names missing from the list below:
Registered Alumni
1998 Class List
- Danner Amber
- Melissa Daniels
- Amber Danner
- Julie Gr
- Tisha Knight
- Dana Laye
- Luz Lopez
- Shelley Massey
- Kristin Morgan
- Toddesha Packer
- Michael Pattillo
- Cecilia Roberts
- D'kwon Robinson
- Matthew Simineau
- Fontana Skinner
- Eddei Weatherspoon
- Eddie Weatherspoon
- Stephen William
Know Avon Park HS Class of 1998 graduates that are NOT on this List? Help us Update the 1998 Class List by adding missing names.
The top movie in theaters during 1998 was Saving Private Ryan, grossing over $216,335,085 in its lifetime. The most popular television series for 1998 was Seinfeld
Hit Songs From 1998
Hit Movies From 1998
Hit TV Shows From 1998
Reunions and Avon Park High School News
More 1998 alumni from Avon Park HS have posted profiles on Classmates.com®. Click here to register for free at Classmates.com® and view other 1998 alumni.
The students that went to school at the Avon Park high school called Avon Park High School and graduated in '98 are on this page. Register to add your name to the class of 1998 graduates list.
For former Avon Park students from FL, you can view the class reunion information that has been posted by other site visitors. In addition, we encourage you to post your profile in the alumni directory, share information about the school activities you were involved with and reconnect with Avon Park High School alumni.


text:
Salome Lounge, Treasury Brisbane Arcadia, South Bank - Ages 16+
10, 17, 24 SEPT, 6:00pm-8:00pm (120mins)
Dr Sketchy's is a global institution, where burlesque performers take the place of traditional life models and you're invited to put paint, pen or pencil to paper and express yourself. This is no structured art class but instead an excuse for amateurs, enthusiasts or pros to get creative and be inspired by real-life performers who pose with attitude. Bring your drawing equipment and grab a drink, class is in session!
Register →
Food Marquee, Treasury Brisbane Arcadia, South Bank - All Ages
16 SEPT, 12pm - 1pm
Join Dale Chapman from First Food Co as she takes you on a tasting journey through Indigenous foods, cooking techniques and culture. Using ingredients such as bunya nuts, lemon myrtle leaf, wattleseed and lilli pilli, this event will offer a fascinating and tasty introduction to native bush tucker.
(No registration required)
Brisbane Airport Music Runway, Treasury Brisbane Arcadia, South Bank - All Ages
16, 19, 21 SEPT - 11:00am-12:00pm (60mins)
Join Elements Collective for a series of fun and energetic Hip Hop dance workshops with some of Brisbane's best dancers. Each session is lead by a different teacher so come to all of them and learn some groovy moves that'll get the party started.
Register →
Salome Lounge, Treasury Brisbane Arcadia, South Bank - Ages 5+
16, 17,19 & 26 SEPT, 10:00am-11:00am (60mins)
Make a scribble bot in this all ages family friendly activity! Design your own robot and see what art you can create. Combine a motor, pens and batteries for a spinning, dancing, drawing robot.
Register →
Meet at Little Creatures LIVE, Treasury Brisbane Arcadia, South Bank - Ages 10 and under
16, 17, 26, 27, 28, 29 SEPT, 10:30am-12:00pm (90mins)
Construct your very own wearable art creation, combining creature parts to create a fantastical and mythical masterpiece. Rehearse a musical production with live percussion, choreography and then parade and around the grounds of Arcadia for a grand performance, an encore for all to enjoy!
Register →
Casus Circus
The Courier-Mail Magic Mirrors Spiegltent, Treasury Brisbane Arcadia, South Bank
21 & 22 SEPT, 12:00pm-1:30pm (90mins)
Come join the circus with Brisbane-based company, Casus Circus! Participants will practice a variety of circus skills and acrobatics, will learn how to trust each other as they explore the mechanics of the body. The workshop will also include improvisation techniques and tools, building upon the confidence and creativity of participants.
Register →
Craft Workshop
Salome Lounge, Treasury Brisbane Arcadia, South Bank - Ages 5+
20, 27 & 28 SEPT, 11:00am-12:00pm (60mins)
Jump on the bandwagon of DIY culture and learn to make your own recycled paper bunting- the perfect addition to any hipster's bedroom. Discover clever ways of transforming paper into 3D shapes and make something cool to take home while you're at it.
Register →
Kaleidoscope workshops (ticketed)
Cremorne Stage, QPAC
WEDS 27 & THURS 28 SEPT, 2.45pm - 3.45pm
For those attending Kaleidoscope, post-show workshops exploring circus skills, creativity and performance are available for two different age groups. Question Time (for 8-13 year olds) and Rumble Tumble (for 5-7 year olds).
These are ticketed events costing $15 (A fee of $7.20 applies per transaction).
Catch an Uber to your Brisbane Festival event! First-time riders can use code BRISFEST18 for up to $20 off their ride
Parking: Paid car parks at QPAC and South Bank Parklands
Park at South Bank from 6pm Mon-Thurs for just $10 for 3 hours. Read more.
Bus: Cultural Centre busway station
Train: South Brisbane train station
Ferry: South Bank ferry terminal
Visit TransLink for public transport options


text:
CGT relief for two dwellings for the same period
As a general rule, there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on a property which has been used wholly as a main family residence. This relief from CGT is commonly known as Private Residence Relief. Conversely, an investment property that has never been used as a main residence will not qualify.
It is not uncommon for taxpayers to own more than one home, and there are a number of issues that home owners should be aware of. For example, an individual, married couple or civil partnership can only benefit from CGT relief on one property at a time. It is possible to choose which property benefits from a CGT exemption, but there are special rules which determine the timing and frequency of changing an election which will need to be considered.
Planning opportunity
However, there is an Extra Statutory Concession (ESC - D49) that under certain circumstances will allow for CGT relief for two dwellings over the same period.
The ESC applies under the following circumstances where there is a delay in taking up residence in a new home:
- where the delay in taking up residence is because a dwelling house is being built on that land,
- where the delay in taking up residence is because of the continuing occupation of the previous residence while arrangements are made to sell it,
- where the delay in taking up residence is because alterations or redecorations are being carried out.
This ESC allows for relief for up to 12 months and can be extended to 24 months under exceptional circumstances.
Latest News
- Tenth anniversary of first Debt Relief Order
16/04/2019 - More...
Debt Relief Orders (DROs) were first introduced in April 2009. The DROs assist people who have small levels of assets
- Estate Agents targeted
16/04/2019 - More...
HMRC has launched an unannounced crackdown on money laundering regulation non-compliance by estate agents. This
- Job related expenses you can claim against your tax
16/04/2019 - More...
If you are an employee and use your own money to buy things that you need for your job, you may be able to claim tax
Search Archive
With our newsletter, you automatically receive our latest news per e-mail and get access to the archive including advanced search options!


text:
Mr. Long
Yojimbo meets Tampopo in maverick director Sabu's surprisingly tender modern fable about a taciturn sword-wielding hitman who hides out in a Japanese village, makes friends, and cooks surprisingly tasty noodles, until his past comes back to haunt him.
"A unique blend of ruthless gang wars and the soft boil of noodle cooking"—Diana Cheng, Asian American Press
Friday, June 2, 2017
- Purchased Tickets
- Limited Availability
- On Standby
- Matinee
Thursday, June 8, 2017
- Purchased Tickets
- Limited Availability
- On Standby
- Matinee
Saturday, June 10, 2017
- Purchased Tickets
- Limited Availability
- On Standby
- Matinee
Maverick Japanese director Sabu is a SIFF mainstay, having brought us such visually lush, darkly comic films as Kanikosen (SIFF, 2010) and the horror satire Miss Zombie (SIFF, 2014). This year, he has cooked up a surprisingly tender modern fable, one that packs a hefty emotional wallop while still delivering on the boldness we've come to expect. Mr. Long (Chang Chen, The Assassin) is a taciturn, knife-wielding hitman out of Taiwan. On his latest mission in Japan, the assignment goes terribly wrong, and the injured assassin is forced to hide out in a nearby village; this town has seen better days, many of its buildings abandoned or filled with heroin-addicted junkies. Still, despite not knowing a word of Japanese, Mr. Long is taken in by the townsfolk, people whose kindness overwhelms the dilapidation around them. With many days left before he can catch the next boat back to his homeland, the culinarily adept Long is convinced by his new neighbors to start up a Taiwanese noodle stand. As his cooking skills give him a new life and identity, his violent past eats away at him, threatening to rear its ugly head at any moment. Mr. Long can best be described as Yojimbo meets Tampopo, a seemingly effortless mix of genres that portrays humanity at its best and its worst.
Director Biography
Born in the Japanese prefecture of Wakayama in 1964, he started out as an actor before turning to writing and directing. In 1996, he made his directing debut with D.A.N.G.A.N. Runner. Until now, he has directed 15 feature films which include Postman Blues (1997), Monday (1999), Miss Zombie (2013) and Chasuke's Journey (2015).
Sponsored by The Japan Foundation - Los Angeles, Japan Studies Program UW, Tito's Handmade Vodka
- Director: Sabu
- Principal Cast: Chang Chen, Shô Aoyagi, Yiti Yao, Runyin Bai
- Premiere Status: Seattle
- Country: Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Germany
- Year: 2017
- Running Time: 129 minutes
- Producer: Shozo Ichiyama, Koki Kageyama, Yoichi Shimizu, Jacky Pang, Stephan Holl
- Screenplay: Sabu
- Cinematographers: Koichi Furuya
- Editors: Georg Petzold
- Music: Junichi Matsumoto
- Website: Official Film Website
- Filmography: Happiness (2016); Chasuke's Journey (2015); Miss Zombie (2013); Bunny Drop (2011); Dead Run (2005); Hold Up Down (2005); Blessing Bell (2002); Unlucky Monkey (1998)
- Language: Mandarin, Japanese, Taiwanese
- Has Subtitles: Yes
- Format: DCP
- US Distributor: Jet Tone Films
- International Sales: Jet Tone Films


text:
memory- the mental capacity or faculty of retaining and reviving facts, events, impressions, etc., or of recalling or recognizing previous experiences.
says mr. webster.
i'm slightly notorious for not always going with webster. i generally prefer connotation to denotation. i am absolutely in love with the poem 'anyone lived in a pretty how town' simply for its connotation. if you love denotation, that poem will kill you. with a baseball bat.
so i'm thinking that this webster definition of memory is a little too technical. it's verbose, but isn't webster always? but here's the thing- we can't really make it less technical. i was honestly going to write this blog with my own definition of memory, and then i realized something.
i don't have one.
memory is something i want to try to wrap my brain around. i've been stewing on it for a while for a number of reasons.
1. i have a somewhat functioning photographic memory that generally works when i don't want it to.
2. there are people in this world that have perfect, flawless memories.
3. and there are people that have perfect photographic memories called eidetic memories.
my photographic memory is pretty spastic, but when it works, it works well. unlike my perfect pitch, it doesn't work on command, and if it did, i would've gotten a much better grade in my precalculus class. mostly it works with numbers and history texts. during history exams if i didn't know the answer, i could close my eyes and read the textbook, assuming i'd read it before. i also have a strange ability to memorize dates and numbers without trying. i don't necessarily think it's memorization, though, because they definitely have a memory context. i got my braces on february eleventh, i got them off and february third. this was almost nine years ago and i remember the dates. i went and got coffee with my friend ainsley on june twenty-fifth 2009, on april eighth 2009 my friend kevin told me he was methodist, and if you tell me your birthday, i'll probably remember it forever. i memorize music without trying to as well. i have never understood people who practice and practice to try to memorize musical pieces. it just happens to me. i can play piano songs from fourth grade, and if i get stuck, all i have to do is close my eyes and nine times out of ten, i can keep going. i also memorize neaningless numbers, normally locker combinations and license plates. i think the license plate thing could get me a steady job at the FBI. when i was eleven there was a black ford escape that cut off my father while we were driving in alabama- and i know its license plate number to this day.
the idea of a perfect memory simulatenously excites me and terrifies me. there are lots of things in my life i wish i could forget (like pointless dates, numbers, and fifth grade), but these select people with flawless memories know every moment they've ever lived through. can you imagine that? i would remember typing every word of this blog, how i felt while typing it, when i cracked my toes and ate a jelly bean. every moment has a fountain of memories, and they just build and build and build.
children between one and three years old have a kind of memory with language- they hear a word once, they assign meaning to the word by context, and they can use it. when we try to learn spanish in high school we have to repeat and repeat and repeat. wouldn't the world be wonderful if we could just hear it and pick it up like these children?
the memory that children have is possibly closely linked to eidetic memory, which is my photographic memory on steroids. people with these memories are able to read something or look at something and be able to recall it in perfect detail on command. since i'm still on my criminal minds kick i can reference reid, and if you've seen the show, you know what i'm talking about. he can recite the entire bible and memorize everything he's ever looked at.
since i have a small brush with this awesome memory, i have that fatal syndrome where you know what you could have but don't have it. and that's okay with me, because the more i look at it, the more terrifying and mysterious memory seems to be. i think i'll be okay walking around with dates, locker combinations, and history books in my head rather than an entire lifetime of EVERYTHING.
but it would be pretty sweet to be able to recite the bible. i can almost do it with harry potter.


text:
Learner of the Month – October
"Since I began English and maths tutoring my grades and confidence have improved.
I started in year 9 with a predicted grade D in English and E in maths but now I have been predicted a B in English and an A in maths!
Having a tutor has really improved the way that I look at and perform in exams and I now feel very much more confident in both topics.
I would recommend Tutors4gcse to anyone who needs and wants help."
Molly from Mold Session
Back to the blog
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


text:
Bitter Ange's fury over Brad's 'affair' with Sienna Miller
Angelina Jolie is reportedly filled with bitterness and jealousy as reports heat up that her ex Brad Pitt is in the throes of a new romance with stunning British actress Sienna Miller.
The pair are hotly rumoured to have hooked up at the Glastonbury Festival on June 24, where Brad and Sienna were spotted snuggling up a storm. Now there is talk of a full-blown love affair.
The news follows a strong denial from Sienna that the twosome were getting close on the 2015 set of 'The Lost City Of Z'. It was those claims of fireworks that first created the seed of resentment that Angelina has reportedly struggled with ever since - bitter feelings that US magazine Life & Style this week reports have now exploded into full-blown jealousy and even hatred.
Sienna said of the rumours at the time: 'It's predictable and silly. I've met him twice. He's not even been on the set.'
However the actress, 35, remained conspicuously silent on the matter last April after it was reported she and Brad, 53, were getting frisky at a Hollywood dinner for the movie's release.
Even after the Glastonbury hookup in front of thousands of revelers in the VIP area, Sienna remained silent.
A fellow festival-goer told US magazine Star: 'They were cuddling, really getting touchy-feely. They were clearly into each other.' The couple continued enjoying each other's company after reportedly moving to a private Winnebago later in the evening.
'Sienna's had a thing for Brad since forever!' spills a source to Star. 'Now that he's free, she's making her move.
'She can be aggressive when she's hot for somebody and she's after Brad big time. Sienna knew he was vulnerable, so she made her move. Brad certainly didn't seem to mind and I think they'll be seeing a lot of each other in the future.'
You might also be interested in:


text:
In addition to painting the facade of your building, I could help you with, colour and design, protection and maintenance, as well as further individual services.
Need to repaint the exterior woodwork or pebble dash? You have come to the right place.
My services include:
- plastic fascade
- painting
- decorating
Whatever the size of your project, I strive to use the best materials!


text:
Me, with guest host Tim Vincent of Access Hollywood trying unsuccessfully to charm my pants off.
Today I watched the conclusion of my stint on 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire,' then randomly drew a coworker's name and favorite charity out of a hat and will be donating 1% of my winnings to the Brooklyn Animal Foster Network. The show doesn't air on the West Coast until 7 pm, and I don't want to spoil it for my friends and family there, so I'll post the outcome later.
Edit: Okay, they've seen it! I won $25,000! No regrets! (And anytime regret might start to creep in... I remind myself how hard it was to get on the show in the first place!)
Friday, June 29, 2007
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Kuwait Stock Exchange
Today I went to the Kuwait Stock Exchange. It was my first time there and it was incredible. First to get in we had to pass through security which was rubbish. The metal detector machine you walk through wasn't working, in fact it was turned off, I saw the switch it said OFF. On their way in, people also placed their keys and phones in a basket before passing, I don't know why maybe out of habit since the security guard didn't seem to care. Also, if you had a bag, like I did, the security guard checked it with a handheld metal detector which I am sure was off because it had no lights and it made no sounds, although I had my camera, pda, iPod and PSP in it. Anyway when we went in, the place looked like an airport lounge. There was a restaurant, a Starbucks and a lot of people just sitting in chairs exactly like the ones you would find at airports. There was also a huge Times Square like electronic screen on the wall, they told me it was a new addition and that people can now watch the news and the stocks all from that "lounge". We then went to the stock exchange floor, now that place was huge and just totally packed with people. The shot I took only shows a third of the floor, since I am using a fixed 50mm lens I couldn't zoom out to show you more. This floor is where all the action takes place according to our guide, he told us this is where you can find people dancing or people fainting. He told us last week there were ambulances lined up outside the stock exchange building because when the stocks went down badly so did a lot of people. Today wasn't a good day either, when we got to the place all the stocks were down, turned out there was some kind of court case between the owners of Sultan Center and another party, people were waiting for the results of the case, then once word reached them that the Sultan Center owners won the case, stocks starting going back up. One thing that was totally strange about the KSE was that people actually wanted to be photographed. When I pulled out my camera old people started asking me if I was from CNN or Time magazine and they wanted me to take pictures of them. Its a very strange place..


text:
Of all the investors in the UK legal market few spend more, at least on a per lawyer basis, than US firms. And the signs are that for many of the lawyers at these firms the short-term impact of Brexit has been nothing but good.
"If anything Brexit has increased salaries at US firms in London, absolutely," said Hamish Drake, a legal market recruitment consultant at Michael Page. "I recently placed a 3PQE candidate at a top US firm on £190,000 plus. A year ago that role would probably have been around £50,000 less. Some firms are now pegging their salaries to the US dollar and they're also updating quarterly. I've seen candidates get an offer at one rate and then have this reviewed when they start. This is new since Brexit."
The rapid decline in the value of sterling has meant that lawyers at US firms who are paid in dollars have seen a major uplift in their pay packets. On top of that the ramped-up pay scales introduced at the end of 2016 have left associates at a raft of US firms in London on the highest salaries ever seen at these firms' outposts in the City.
Last year New York firm Cravath Swaine & Moore raised its starting salary for junior lawyers from $160,000 to $180,000 (at current rates around £143,000), sparking copycat rises among many of its competitors includingKirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins and Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy, all of which moved their UK associates on to the new US pay scale.
There are also indications that more senior associates are in clover like never before. Preliminary research for The Lawyer's forthcoming US Top 50 firms in London report has revealed that some lawyers at the 3PQE level are being paid in excess of $200,000.
Akin Gump is one such firm. It is not only now paying its newly qualified lawyers on the Cravath scale but its 3PQE associates are on what is thought to be a record high remuneration of $210,000. Indeed last year The Lawyer revealed that Akin had reviewed its associate pay rates following the EU Referendum and the resulting decline in the value of the pound against the dollar. The firm now resets salary rates every quarter.
Akin's associates also qualify for a bonus. For example, class of 2013 associates receive a bonus of $50,000 while its class of 2009 get double that.
But even that's not all. As the firm points out in its submission to this year's US Top 50 firms report, "in addition, those associates and counsel whose performance and productivity are deemed extraordinary received additional bonus amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 above the market level for their class" (the full US Top 50 report will be published on 8 May).
No sign of any Brexit fears there. And in a related trend to higher salaries and more transparent career progressions, Sam Walters at Roberts Walters revealed that as well as more money, some US firms are also offering more clarity on partnership prospects.
"Basically they're starting to say to associates at around 6PQE 'we want to show you what a fair crack of the whip looks like'," said Walters. "The modern workforce wants partnership yesterday so firms are having more rigid conversations about it. We're certainly seeing this more than we're seeing things like currency hedging."
While most recruitment consultants agree that many firms remain wary in terms of hiring in the Brexit age, with numerous instances of candidates reaching the final round and then having the roles either pulled or not offered with no reason given, several US firms are still hiring furiously in select areas of their business.
"The financial restructuring recruitment market has become really busy because clients tend to restructure their debt at a time like this to avoid going into insolvency," said Drake. "I'd say there's an insatiable appetite. Some firms are even taking on lawyers with no experience and training them up because their clients are restructuring their debt."
Walters said that while the immediate impact of the referendum vote last June had been a slowdown in transactional areas such as corporate and real estate, activity levels had rebounded.
"The combination of the weakened pound and the post-Trump talk about deregulation, notably in relation to Dodd-Frank, has definitely resulted in a bounce back in some transactional departments," added Walters. "The derivatives space is certainly busy but I'd say one of the biggest areas currently is the real estate vertical coming back, with higher levels of investment into the property market because of the weaker pound."
"The obvious area is trade and financial regulation," added Sloane Poulton, a director at Edward Gibson. "Firms are certainly recruiting in trade and there's a very small pool."
One recent high-profile move in this area was that of Jasper Helder, the chair of Baker McKenzie's EMEA international trade and commerce practice who joined Akin in London at the end of last year.
Recruiters agree there are no signs so far of a Brexit-related exodus from the UK, although as the majority of US firms' London offices are outposts set up to service their US clients' overseas activities, should these clients become more active on the Continent it is likely only a matter of time before the firms do too.
"Law firms follow their clients," pointed out Poulton. "It's very rare for a firm to invest in an area simply to buy loyalty two years ahead of the time it might need it. They won't want to have people sitting around twiddling their thumbs waiting for the anticipated flood of work to hit. They're cash businesses. They have to justify the business case much quicker than 18 months to two years."
In the meantime, for the right lawyer in the right area, US firms in London currently look like they will move mountains to get the people they want.


text:
How you may help
"Sign the Route"
Thanks for your interest.
Signing the Route is something I think all of us can participate
in, and will hopefully bring some much needed media attention
to our preservation and restoration efforts.
In short, this should be a Route-Wide group effort. Those who are interested, and who reside close to Route 66, will need to "carry the ball" where they live. In the best interest of existing businesses along the Mother Road, Route 66 organizations are making adequate signage on the original Route a top priority. Restoration and preservation projects are commendable acts, but that hard work goes unrecognized when Route travelers take the wrong road and miss the true icons and deserving businesses they are looking for.
I hope the
Route 66 Chamber of Commerce
will be writing another chapter of Route 66 history here.
Bob Kooy, owner of Autoglass Outlet, donated $50. to fund this 18" X 24" large sign (#8) that was installed on his sign post at Zora and Rangeline, on 9-26-07.
This sign was removed once the turn was marked by a new "Byways" sign in 2010.
Route 66 Sign Theft Affects Commerce
Highway signs are always being stolen, especially STOP and YIELD signs,
and of course, ROUTE 66 signs. While not as dangerous to travelers as a missing STOP
or YIELD sign, a missing Route 66 directional sign results in travelers getting lost, and
when they get lost, most get upset and lose precious time trying to find the Route again,
especially foreign visitors who must arrive in California in time to catch their flight home.
These good folks may leave your community without stopping to visit your Route 66
attractions or eat at a local restaurant. They often comment that towns with poor signage
do not deserve their patronage because they do not "respect" their own Route 66 heritage.
It is a fact! t
owns, counties and states with poor Route 66 signage lose tourism dollars!
Simple. Install good directional signs! But don't stop there. Make sure those
signs don't end up on E-Bay or Craigslist. Here are some tips for D.O.T.'s and Public
works department to make signs difficult to steal.
1. Route 66 "Scenic Byways" signs in Missouri are mounted with simple nuts and bolts!
Even though they flatten some threads, it still takes only moments to steal the sign.
Why not use "Tamper-Proof" nuts and rounded carriage bolts with large washers?
2. Use a two-part metal epoxy bonding glue (J-Weld) to literally glue the sign to the post!
If the thief succeeds in removing the bolts, imagine the shock when the sign will still not
budge! This may also deter the thief from attempting to take the sign
the post as
they know it will take more time and they will likely destroy the sign trying to detach it
from the post.
3. Use of a imprinting devise to stamp something like "Property of MODOT #WC6" on the
reverse side of the sign will make the sign easy to identify as stolen, and thus more
difficult to sell. The "WC6" is a way of noting the town (Webb City) and the location of
where the sign was placed.
Yes, these methods will initially make signs cost a little more, but will soon pay for themselves by keeping the signs in place longer, making Route 66 travelers happier and communities a little richer.
Sponsors and Contributors in S.W. MO. in past years
The following individuals and organizations have donated the cost of one, or more, signs. We will be adding photos of other installed sign(s) and details as well, so please check back....and thank-you again for helping The Mother Road restore it's identity.
Bob Moore, Editor of Route 66 Magazine, donated $50. for 1 large sign which was put-up on Route 66 in Carthage, MO. on Wednesday, Sept.26th..
This page was last updated: November 30, 2018
Each Equals a Sign Donation
Left: Pat & Jennifer Bremer from Speedway, Indiana donated $25. for this sign. United Muffler allowed the sign to be installed on it's sign post on the corner of Garrison, indicating a right turn onto Central Ave. for Eastbound traffic.
Note: As of 6-15-10, this is still the only sign marking a right turn for eastbound travelers!
Left: David Waller, owner of Shelter Insurance in Carthage, allowed this first sign to be placed on his unused sign post.
Right: Rod Harsh with the first sign that was installed on Central Ave. entering Carthage from the East, indicates a left turn onto Garrison. This 12" X 18" sign was replaced by a 18" X 24" sign on 9/26/07 for better visibility at this busy intersection. The larger sign (#7) is shown in the lower-right photo. The original sign #1 will be used at another location.
Note: This sign removed when new "Byways" sign was installed in 2010.
Left: Sign #1 was later re-installed at the east approach curve on Old 66 Blvd. in Carterville. The sign was mounted on a steel mailbox post courtesy of owner Matthew Whitmore.
Right: To reduce the possibility of theft, carriage bolts were used. Placed through large washers, the bolts were hammered around the rear of the post.
The new "Byways" sign (100' away) has already been stolen!
The Route 66 Chamber of Commerce has continued to install it's self-funded signs where state-installed signs have been stolen or damaged. Missing signs have been reported to the Route 66 Association and MODOT, however it appears that there is a lack of interest in replacing the signs, and making sure they cannot be removed by using tamper-proof nuts and bolts. In other situations, the State signs are placed improperly at intersections, creating a risk to visitors who are on a high-speed highway and cannot safely make the turn to the original Route.
Additionally, the State of Missouri operates it's own Scenic & Historic Byways System, and is not participating in the Federal Historic Highway System, so it is not listed as such and overseas visitors cannot receive information about this State.
Since the State adopted the provisions and regulations related to the American Highway Beautification Act that now apply to the State of Missouri, MODOT has heavily restricted signage needed by businesses to direct Route 66 travelers to Dining, Lodging, Historical Sites and other points of interest that depend on signage to survive! Their excuse is that allowing signage, it would open the door for unrelated Route 66 businesses to place billboards. When asked by the Chamber to simply determine if the sign applicant would qualify for a small sign where needed, and can show that their business is of historical or tourism related business, then they could deny unrelated advertising. It is interesting though, that MODOT does allow a small sign for an annual large sum of money....money the business may not be able to afford.
The Route 66 Chamber continues to seek a hearing on this problem. We have contacted the State Tourism Office and several local officials with no response, and we have yet to obtaining answers to our questions If this situation cannot be resolved in time for the early travel season that begins in March, we are prepared to launch a petition to demand the State of Missouri to allow Route 66...a former Federal Highway....to rescind it's signage regulations and allow the Mother Road to become part of the proposed American Historic Highways System.
More details about this Chamber project will be posted with links on the home page.
Go to our new
CHANGE.ORG Petition
and sign it!
Website Designed
Make a Website
List Your Business


text: Psychologically: Every person has the need to belong to a social group. To be absorbed by something, stands for the wish to belong to a bigger whole, or edged out for the endeavours, or not recognised personality aspects to reintegrieren. The knowledge admission is an important part of the knowledge process. To be absorbed in the dream of an activity or experience, refers to the ability in devotion. Spiritually: The dreaming owns the ability to integrate the different aspects of his life into his personality. At the spiritual level absorption stands for the longing for the return to the origin.


text:
Archived Site
This site has been archived. You should visit our brand-spankin' new site!
Pixel Perfect: Drupal Slideshows and Photo Galleries
A common need for Drupal-based sites is the presentation of multiple photos in an organized method. Often these take the shape of a slideshow or gallery. In this talk, Martin Anderson-Clutz of Avatar Interactive will explore the variety ways to accomplish this need, from prebuilt install-and-use modules to more custom approaches that allow for a more individualized end result.
Avatar provides a variety of internet marketing solutions, from custom-built web presences to search engine marketing and more.
- Login to post comments


text:
Quote:Teen stabbed multiple times in Berks Co. school; suspect arrested
6 Action News
SPRING TWP., Pa. - January 15, 2013 (WPVI) -- A junior high school near Reading, Berks County was evacuated Tuesday morning after a stabbing. Now, one student is hospitalized - another is in police custody.
The stabbing was reported at 8:29 a.m. at Wilson Southern Middle School, located in Spring Township.
Medics transported a 14-year-old male student to the hospital. Authorities say the victim was stabbed three times - twice in the arm and once in the torso. He is currently listed in serious condition, but expected to recover.
Police have recovered the knife and arrested a 14-year-old suspect. He has not been formally charged.
Police said it all began as a dispute between the two teenagers over Facebook. The dispute turned violent when the pair met in person, leaving one of the boys injured, having suffered multiple stab wounds.
13-year-old Yazmen Crespo, a student at Wilson Southern Middle School, witnessed the altercation and spoke exclusively with Action News about the incident.
Crespo says it occurred in a hallway, saying, "I was walking to science class, and I saw two kids, and something happened. The kid screamed and dropped his books and ran the other way. And the other kid ran in the opposite direction. And we walked into science class, and the kid that hurt the kid, his books were lying there and we all were wondering what was happening."
Read More


text:
Pillars of life
Trees are an essential part of our sense of place, whether rural or urban, traditional or contemporary. Urban trees are particularly important; they have rarity value, and serve as poignant reminders of the wider natural world. It is no surprise that determined campaigns erupt when urban trees are threatened by developers or disease. We relate to trees very much as individuals; despite their size and form, they seem to have almost human characteristics, which gives all the more reason to defend them when they are threatened. In nature, trees grow alone only rarely. They are collective beings, the constituents of woods and forests, and we only really understand them if we see them as parts of a whole. Yet to fully appreciate their beauty, their majesty and in some cases their great size or immense age, we need to see them on their own, in splendid isolation. In her photography, Andrea Jones captures trees as individuals, with close-up details of their growth. Understanding trees, after all, is an essential part of our learning to be good stewards of the Earth.
The Splendour Of The Tree, by Noel Kingsbury; photography by Andrea Jones (Frances Lincoln, £25).


text:
Tortured Souls, #3
by R.C. Matthews @RCMatthews123
Release Date: November 6th 2017
Genre: Gothic Romance
When a pirate and voodoo priestess must lift a deadly curse on those they love, do they dare let a relationship blossom amid danger? River Road is the gothically satisfying end to this fan-favorite series!
Charles Moore relishes his dangerous life as the pirate Hatchet, since manning a clipper ship keeps his mind off the role he played in the brutal Civil War. But now an ancient curse has killed two of his loves, and he can't ignore the whispers that New Orleans's Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau herself, has hexed his family.
Creole widow Hope Leblonc bristles under the city's Black Codes that have stripped her of so many freedoms and forced her practice of voodoo underground. When Hatchet treats her like the respectable woman she is, she offers him a deal: she'll lift the curse if he'll steal back a family relic she needs to become a mambo in her religion.
But they're both holding secrets that endanger their lives. When ghosts from the past exact revenge for the skeletons in the Moore family closet, they reveal a connection between Hope and Hatchet that makes the curse more powerful than ever. Will they discover that love is worth the risk in time to survive the coming darkness?
READ more RIVER ROAD (Tortured Souls, #3) . . .


text:
Elk Rapids, MI Wedding | Rebekah + Kyle
From wedding rings with wood to planting a tree during their wedding ceremony to giving each guest a white pine, it was clear to see that Rebekah & Kyle loved the outdoors, yet loved one another even more. Their day began with a first look on a beaches of Traverse City, where they were able to share a quiet, personal moment with just the two of them. Then they went up the peninsula to a beautiful orchard, showering them in cherry blossoms.
Everything that day was perfect. The two of them were surrounded by those closest to them at their intimate ceremony, which lead to the reception just down the road. Before greeting their guests, Rebekah & Kyle walked down the street to put their marriage license in a post office box, which was then sealed with a high five. At Siren Hall, they laughed through toasts, ate wonderful food and danced with high spirits. As the night came to an end the couple left their reception through a tunnel of sparklers. Then as they stood in the middle of street, the sky was lit bright with fireworks.
The entire day was truly one-of-a-kind. Congratulations Rebekah & Kyle! It was a blessing to be part of your day. May God bless your marriage!
Bride's Dress: Jenny Yoo form BHLDN | Bride's Engagement Ring: Chasing Victory | Bride's Wedding Ring: Brightsmith | Bride's Accessories: BHLDN | Groom's Suit: Suitsupply | Groom's Ring: 2nd Street Ringcraft | Groom's Shoes: Allen Edmonds | Groom's Cufflinks: Tree Town Paper | Groom's Sunglasses: Shwood | Groom's Tie: Brooks Brothers | Bridesmaid's Dresses, Flower Girl's Dress, & Ring Bearer's outfit : JCrew | Ceremony Location: Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall | Reception Location & Caterer: Siren Hall | Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Lauren Paige Beauty | Flowers: Blooms by the Box | Desserts: All Cakes All Occasions | DJ: Freed Family Entertainment | Band: Oh Brother Big Sister | Party Favors: Arbor Day Foundation | Invitations: Kyle Mattson & Erin Anderson


text:
CMS Development
CMS is nothing but Easy to Maintain / Develop / Create Website Development. We Give Quick Affordable and Easy to Update Features and Others. We Develop in Wordpres, Joomla, Mazento, Drupal and Other CMS Applications based on Customer Requirement.
Content Management System Features
- Easy to Update and Adding Content
- Installing Requirement Plugins
- We Make Responsive Websites Using CMS Applications
- SEO Friendly Website
- Device Compatibility Checking
- Browser Compatibility Checking
- Customizing Themes and Plugins
- We give Security Features in Websites / Applications


text:
Summer Fitness for the Young
We have all heard the news: Overweight and Obese teenagers are tipping the scales at an alarming rate, or the shocking story that overweight children are undergoing liposuction surgery. Watch out! This may get even worse in the next few months! Summers are approaching fast and school children or adolescents will relax at home and personify a fat potato. Busy with their own lives parents may scold, they may even spank them! But only to study. Now is the time to take care of your ward. Plan now – How to achieve summer fitness for the Young?
Follow these steps if you are serious about the Fitness of your child and family. Trust us! It's not at all difficult.These steps can be undertaken smoothly and that too without hurting the vacation mindset and sentiments of the child.
No Sleeping Off!
Children get up early in the morning for schools. Don't let this habit slip off during the vacations. The early bird catches the worm! Like the expression goes, getting up early will make them wiser. Study says-Early risers are more likely to demonstrate traits like optimism, satisfaction and conscientiousness. On the Contrary, nighthawks are more vulnerable to depression, pessimism and neurotic behavior. In summers, morning is the best weather to go out and involve in activities. Let them do whatever interests them but make this a habit of getting up before the sun rises. They can also be lured to join early morning activities like RAAHGIRI in Connaught Place, New Delhi, which happens every Sunday.
Alarm Is On!
Share with your kids the benefits of getting up early, how to maintain fitness and spend summer vacations. Getting them involved and planning together will make them feel more at ease. Enjoying the early morning weather with your child can actually do wonders.
Planning is irrelevant if proper action is not taken. Physical activities will make them fitter, healthier and free from illness. They can opt according to their own wish. The recommendations are:
- Sports
Sports – BlogBucketCricket is like a religion in India. The best, suitable, reasonable and successful option is getting them join a Cricket Academy. Who knows he may go on to become the next Sachin Tendulkar. Unlike boys, girls usually prefer indoor sports. In the air-conditioned indoor space, girls can participate in basketball, Badminton or Table Tennis.
- Cycling
High School kids usually like to spend the evenings by riding bicycles. So it can be a blessing in disguise for them. Is your child fat? This is the time to encourage him to ride more. Research says; Cycling reduces weight when ridden regularly. It also increases the calorie consumption and the metabolic rate, which can help lose weight. Make them join local cycling groups which already exist- Pedal Yatri, Delhi Cycling Club, Noida Cycling Club.
- Yoga
Yoga – BlogBucketYoga may sound boring to them but if done correctly can actually do wonders. It reduces anxiety, depression and stress.
- Dancing
Dancing – BlogBucketDance is a great form of exercise, every routine is a workout. It is great for your balance and focus, which is beneficial if you play sports because your performance will increase dramatically. Dancing is always a great way to keep busy and is a lot of fun, it can be done anytime, anywhere; even in the downtown areas where everyone stares at you
- Jogging, Running and Trekking
Jogging – BlogBucketIt is difficult to convince children and that too in summers for jogging and running. Early morning run can help burn those calories intake from last night. Trekking facility is not available everywhere but it can really help to maintain a healthy regime when out on summer vacations to hilly areas.
- Swimming
Hitting the pool for a good few laps not only helps with the general physical fitness, but it provides a number of other benefits such as breath control and muscle toning. As they say 'you are only one swim away from a good mood'.
- Busy Bee
Involving everyone at home into physical activities can also help attain that fitness mark. Floor mopping, Dusting can't be bad options. To impress dad, give them an option to wash his car.
Avoid that Junk
Eat healthily and live healthy! Although it is very difficult for children to prioritize the quality and quantity to eat .However, to shed few kilos and to maintain it, junk food if not stopped has to be curtailed. Children who prefer junk food are more prone to obesity and diseases.
Stress Busting With Meditation
The myth is – Children do not get stressed. The fact is Children are more stressed than adults. No exercise or diet routine works if the mind or body is stressed out. Take care of your ward and make sure heshe is not over thinking. To achieve better results meditation is the best option.
Eating healthy and maintaining fitness regimes may not only keep your child active over the summers but also recharged for a better life after the vacations. Do not forget, it is very important to develop healthy habits at a young age.
Remember – A change happens when you vow to take the initiative!
Stay Fit, Be Happy!


text:
Our Recipes
If you are looking for some new ideas on how you can use your favorite cereals in delicious new ways, you've come the right place. We love to offer you choices.
Simply search by recipe or brand name below, or make selections among the choices offered on the left, and you will see your options shown on the right. But come back often. You never know what choices we'll come up with next.
Almond Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies will sure to be a crowd pleaser. Thanks to EmilieEats for this great recipe.
MADE WITH: Better Oats
Prep Time: 10 Min
Maple & Brown Sugar Waffles
MADE WITH: Better Oats


text:
Our Story
Fluid Research Ltd has a long standing reputation for quality and service and offers the most up-to-date and innovative technologies for all aspects of resin dispensing. From table top machines for developmental projects to bespoke, large volume production, fully automated machines, the product range is hard to match.
Fluid Research is a 'Total Solution' provider of products that are designed for accuracy, longevity and ease of use. From project inception through to completion their dedicated approach for unique solution provision with full technical support is unsurpassed.
Over 40 years of experience and leadership are behind our dedicated approach to dispensing systems.
As a manufacturer of standard and special equipment for handling industrial resins, we are an essential element in production processes across industry. Providing the total package of equipment solution with full technical support is our business.
Dispensing Solutions
Each application has its own set of requirements and each customer has their own preferences. Fluid Research Limited combines impartiality as to choice of material handled with a willingness and ability to provide unique design solutions from a wide range of equipment. We offer solutions to dispensing needs in a diversity of industrial processes. If you need to efficiently mix adhesives, sealants or encapsulates, then contact Fluid Research today.
Technical Support
Unparalleled support services for new and long-standing users of Fluid Research equipment:
- Service Contracts
- Emergency call-outs
- Guarantee assurances
- Commissioning support
- Inspection and test
- Pre-sales proving demonstration
Collectively, these support services put Fluid Research in a leading position to ensure long, trouble-free service from the finest liquid dispensing equipment.
Fluid Research® Ltd
Unit 2, Wendel Point
Ryle Drive
Park Farm Industrial Estate
Phone: +44 (0) 1933 277571
Fax: +44 (0) 1933 440273
Conditions of Sale
Our conditions of sale can be download by Clicking Here (PDF).


text:
PETER J. GROSE, farmer and stock raiser, P. 0. Deweyville, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 4, 1852; the
second in a family of six children of Jacob and Marry (Sherick) Grose, natives of Pennsylvania
and of German descent. Jacob Grose, who was a cabinet maker in early life and in later years a farmer, came to
Hancock County, Ohio, in 1855, settling on a farm. Peter J. Grose received his education in the common schools
and also attended Findlay High School. He was reared on the farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his
life. He owns 120 acres of well improved land on which he resides. He was united in marriage, in 1876, with Harriet
Bolton of English lineage, and daughter of Michael Bolton, an English professor, and for many years a school teacher.
To our subject and wife were born the following named children: Alverda May, Pearl Estella and Merritt Roy. Mr.
and Mrs. Grose are members of the Church of God, in which he is an elder, and of the Sabbath school of which he
is a teacher.
History of Madison County, Ohio
Published by: Warner, Beers and Company
Chicago, Illinois 1886
Privacy Policy for
Hancock County, Ohio Biographies
New York
For all your genealogy needs visit Linkpendium


text:
When planning a vacation to Slovenia, Borovnica can be a good choice to include in your travel itinerary. Tehniski muzej Slovenije Grad Bist is one of the tourist attractions that one can cover during their tour to Slovenia. Travel planning to this city also includes a visit to some famous places near to Borovnica. Read traveller reviews of Borovnica tourist attractions & hotels before planning a holiday. Borovnica trip planner that helps travelers select the perfect places to visit, sights to cover, things to do and hotels when visiting the city. Borovnica travel planning made easy with JustOrbit.
Borovnica is famous for & as:Museums
+ Add to Trip
Days Required1
Budget per nightUSD None
Many cities are accessible from Borovnica. We have selected the most popular tourist cities that you can visit after Borovnica. Based on number of days in hand for vacation these cities have been listed and can be added to your travel itinerary by selecting "Add to Trip" displayed on the right of each city name.


text:
Quilliam have produced a new video, using the hashtag #notanotherbrother. As the blog site for the video states:
Daesh are radicalising our brothers to fight in Syria. They are tearing families apart. Enough is enough. Sharing this film will show Daesh that their extremist views have no place in our community. No family should lose another loved one to such hatred.
Not another child. Not another sister.
The video shows an ISIS fighter reading the letter sent by his brother back home. The brother narrates the letter he sent, with regret and anguish that his words encouraged his brother to start down the path of joining ISIS. The video ends with the caption:
Don't let your words turn our brothers into weapons
The message reminded me of the song by the Aha singer Morten Harket, "Brother", which he wrote after reading Maajid Nawaz's book "Radical."
You get more of a sense of what Quilliam and Maajid Nawaz are about in countering extremism in the above videos than reading The Guardian profile piece Maajid Nawaz: how a former Islamist became David Cameron's anti-extremism adviser. It is an article with flaws in how it presents Maajid Nawaz's views (which he has rebutted in full here), but a quote here by Nawaz is worth repeating:
"You don't have to support violence to subscribe to certain intolerant ideas which create a climate in which extremists can flourish … Ideas – like those of the despicable far right – which privilege one identity to the detriment of the rights and freedoms of others."
That message gets lost by looking to shoot the messenger. Never mind that Quilliam is a policy think tank – it gets compared with a grass roots organisation. Maajid Nawaz is no pious muslim – well he is not looking to pass a religious test for being a religious leader or a prophet for muslims. There are too many peacocks adorning themselves with the garb of pseudo religious integrity as it is.
Regarding the anonymous source "If you talk to people who went to school with him, they all say the same thing: they say it's not about the mission or the cause, it's about the man. I don't think Maajid believes anything. I think he's basically a man who says: what is my cause and what is going to get me the most attention, the most publicity?" I have heard a variation of that before spoken directly to me. In short, I do not think this was made up by the journalist.
It does though beg the question – why not speak to the people that went to school with him? I have regarding college – and I encouraged them to create their own blog post to talk about it. The answer I suspect, is because there is no relevance to his schoolboy days in heading a think tank in his 30s.
What is relevant, that Maajid Nawaz changed his conviction on religious political extremism. Wanted to make amends for the torture, and death, that the ideology inspired to happen in its name. One that he may have added to. If you read "Radical" that comes over – it is not an easy thing to live with knowing that your words and actions inspired others to do terrible things, and may have led to their own torture and death.
Which brings us to that #notanotherbrother video that captures both that and the remorse that follows. If you want to know the motivation behind such videos, read "Radical." Rather than a cheap profile by someone who stiffs the drinks bill to the person better placed than most to talk about how Islamist extremism works.
Article written by John Sargeant on Homo economicus' Weblog
Follow @JPSargeant78
Facebook: John Sargeant
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Today the virtualization technology has taken a new perspective and it is very popular in the hosting Industry. Because of this reason we provide good Linux Server Management and Linux Server Security to these kind of virtual private servers. We have virtual private server administration plan that will ensure total server management for your virtual private servers and 24x7 Linux Server Monitoring also.
We have special plans for VPS main node management.
Starter Plan :-
If you have less than 10 VPS
Simpler Plan :-
If you have more than 10 VPS


text: After 38 years as a new car dealer we decided to try a new concept in selling cars. What if there was no middle man? You deal with one person right from the start to the finish. No haggling, no back and forth games,just straight forward answers. That's what we have done, with very little overhead and a complete hand picked inventory of low mile CARFAX CERTIFIED vehicles,we can provide the nicest cars at the lowest prices. And most important, THE BEST SERVICE


text:
The fantastic upcoming first-person shooter Evolve is being reimagined for mobile as a match-3 iOS game called Hunters Quest, available for free today in the App Store. As in the original, players are hunting a big, bad alien and have to work together to make sure they don't become the prey. Over time you earn ability mastery points in the mobile title which carry over to the full-fledged console game.
The mobile title also provides simplified replays of your latest console or PC matches for strategic review. The open beta weekend not long ago saw a whooping 2.2 million matches played, and looking at the latest gameplay video, it's easy to see why Evolve is going to be really popular.
Here's a quick run-down of the features in Hunters Quest.
- Battle through over 100 exciting missions
- Unleash devastating attacks using a variety of hunters
- Match 3 tokens of the same color to attack enemies and activate hunters' skills
- Earn Mastery Points to rank up your character in the console game
- Collect unique wildlife in the Bestiary
Though unfortunately Evolve won't be natively available for Mac at the February 10 launch, we have a couple of ways you could get it to work.
- Free, IAPs - Download now
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.


text:
For this post, I decided on just a small watercolor for today.
This image is Arches paper and is presented unframed.
Image size is 8" x 8"
$100 plus S/H
This image is also available in prints through Fine Art America:
Rae works and teaches in all mediums.. please contact her through her website at:


text:
Moeller HS (MHS) Class of 1999 Alumni List
Help us Update the Moeller HS 1999 Class List by adding any names missing from the list below:
Registered Alumni
1999 Class List
Know Moeller HS Class of 1999 graduates that are NOT on this List? Help us Update the 1999 Class List by adding missing names.
The most popular movie of 1999 was Star Wars Ep. I: The Phantom Menace which has grossed over $474,363,310 since its release. The TV series ER was the most popular show of 1999.
Hit Songs From 1999
Hit Movies From 1999
Hit TV Shows From 1999
Reunions and Moeller High School News
More 1999 alumni from Moeller HS have posted profiles on Classmates.com®. Click here to register for free at Classmates.com® and view other 1999 alumni.
If you are trying to find people that graduated in '99 at Moeller in Cincinnati, OH, check the alumni list below that shows the class of 1999.
If you are an alumn of Moeller HS you should register now in the alumni directory. We also encourage you to interact with the rest of the alumni on this site. You can find old friends, share photos and stay updated on the latest school news.


text:
Our commitment:
We aim to ensure that the service provided is of the highest quality. contactSCOTLAND-BSL has a dedicated, trained and experienced team of online interpreters, supported by experienced supervisors.
Quality and performance – what you can expect:
- Our online interpreters only work in approved locations that are private and secure
- If there is an IT systems or power failure, calls will be diverted to a secondary location
- The online interpreter work stations are optimised and include studio lighting and standardised back drops
- Each online interpreter is registered with either the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI) or The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD), which sets out the prescribed standards of conduct that interpreters must adhere to:
- Confidentiality
- Competence
- Integrity
- Impartiality
- Professional Development
Click here to visit SASLI's website
Click here to visit NRCPD's website
Quality assurance:
Calls will be answered as soon as the online interpreter becomes available. contactSCOTLAND-BSL video relay service has a queuing system and will let you know where you are in the queue (First, Second and so on). Online interpreters follow set guidelines on handling calls and will carry out their duties in a professional and polite manner.
On occasions the interpreter may decline or end a call for one of the following reasons:
- A caller is abusive to the interpreter
- Poor internet speed from the callers side, screen resolution or other technical faults
- A conflict of interest arises – in this situation we would aim to connect you to another online interpreter
- When the deaf person is pretending to be someone else
- When wanting to connect to a third party that does not fall within the scope of contactSCOTLAND-BSL or when it is deemed more appropriate that a face to face interpreter should be used
- Subject matter that is inappropriate, or becomes inappropriate for a video relay call.


text:
Welcome to this page dedicated to Cheat Need For Speed No Limits
Cheat Need For Speed No Limits
Welcome to all game lovers. Today we are happy to present our newest version of Need for Speed No Limits hack. Our team of experienced programmers made an online Cheat.
It doesn't need to be download on your mobile or Pc. Using our online application
you can add to your favourite game Unlimited Gold, Unlimited Cash, Unlimited Gas,
Unlimited Nitro, Unlock All Cars.
Everything happens very quickly and safe by encrypted connection.
Feel free to use our generator where you can unlock all features.
Cheat Need for speed no limits unique features : Unlimited Cash And Gold : As we all know, how important is the cash and the gold in nfs no limits game and it is hard to obtain and consumes much time and bring stress to our readers. But now our need for speed no limits hack tool can generate/add up any amount of gold and cash in just a click.
No Limit On Gas And Nitro : After you have used our generator just check the option of Unlimited nitro's and gas and make them limitless.
No Need To Root/Jailbreak Your Device
Also yes, it is true that you can don't need to jailbreak your ios device or root you android device just use our cheat need for speed no limits tool without any jail-breaking and rotting of your device.
Google play : You guys can also check this game in google play store right now just click on need for speed no limits.
iTunes : need for speed no limits is also available on iTunes and we have |Generate| (Apk-Ios) Launched the hack for this platform to.
Secure | Hack Need For Speed No Limits : Our tool is 100% secure | Need For Speed No Limits and it has no known error or any defects till now.
Unlimited Gold and Cash for NFS no limits. working and tested for android and iphone.
Do you need additional Unlimited Gold, Unlimited Cash, Unlimited Gas, Unlimited Nitro, Unlock All Cars to Need for Speed No Limits? Don't wait!!
So try out the new NFS No Limit Online |Generate|. This best hack Online |Generator|
working now. This can be difficult to obtain without the cheat, but our
Need for Speed No Limits tool now allows you to add Unlimited cash and gold.
So is the best updated hack to all Android and iOS phones,
tested and working.
About our generator
NFS no limits is now online and ready to be in action.
Our team have worked so hard to bring out this cheat need for speed no limits,
after several thousands lines of codes and hard work of our team we have made this hack tool.
This hack tool is tested and was in beta stage (Testing stage) earlier now but now
it is a full version hack tool and is ready to be used by you guys.
So don't wait much longer, use our cheat need for speed no limits tool now.
This game also received a very genuine and a blasting review from Touch Arcade.
About The Game
Race for dominance in the first white-knuckle edition of Need for Speed made just for mobile – from the developer that brought you Real Racing 3.
So build your dream ride with an unbelievable range of cars and customization's.
|Generate| (Apk-Ios) Launch yourself between chaos and control as you hit the loud pedal and roll into underground car culture. Win races, up your rep, then kick into more races, more customization s, and more cars. Make your choices and never look back.
Tonight we ride! We personally have played this game and we have to say it's awesome and most adventuress game. The main problem comes when we have to unlock different cars and we can't do so because we don`t have enough gold or cash to buy them.
Our team had work hard for this and now we have done it and now we can unlock almost everything in this game.
Pick up the real-world cars you've always wanted, from the Subaru BRZ to the Porsche 911, and more.
Then trick them out with the hottest customization system on mobile, from spots like the Mod Shop and the Black Market, giving you over 2.5 million custom combos to play with. Your rides are waiting – take them to the stages or streets to go head-to-head versus the competition and prove yourself.
Steer onto the streets of Blackridge, driving reckless and juiced as sparks fly. Accelerate over jumps and around debris, into traffic, against walls, and through high-speed Nitro Zones.
Also flip on the nitrous and thrust yourself into another level of adrenaline-fueled driving and drifting.
Around every corner is a fresh race as you clash with local crews and local cops.
It's a world full of wannabe drivers – can you stay in front and earn respect?
Never back down as you race anyone crazy enough to take you on, leave them gapped, and increase your rep.
Dig, drift, drag, and roll your ride to wins with police on your tail, hitting each inch of the map hard
by the time you reach the big end. Burn rubber in over 1,000 challenging races – and that's
just the starting line.
So be notorious, own the streets, and score the world's best cars.
Because one ride is never enough!
Important Consumer Information:
This app: requires a persistent Internet connection (network fees may apply);
Requires acceptance of EA's Privacy & Cookie Policy and User Agreement;
also collects data through third party analytics technology (see Privacy & Cookie Policy for details);
contains direct links to the Internet and social networking sites intended for an audience over 13.
Reason to use Need For Speed No Limits HACKS:
– Gain Gold Unlimited
– Gain Cash Unlimited
– Tested on Android mobile phones and tablets and iPhone, iPad, iPod, iPad Mini and other iOS Devices!
– Don't need to root your Android device or jailbreak your iOS device!
– 24/7 free online access!
– No download or install needed!
– Updated every time with the game version!
– Anti-Ban Shield for the security your account game(you will never get banned if use our cheats)
– Very simple to use by anyone and it has a very user-friendly interface.
– Gain access to unlimited Gold and Cash and get an advantage in the Need for Speed No Limits game.
How to use HACK Need For Speed No Limits
*Click on the "Access Generator" button below,you will access our Cheat page!
*Extremely vital, follow the exact steps like we described below! If you are accessing from your mobile device enter your user name and select your operating system!
If are you using a computer or a notebook connect the device to PC,Notebook,Mac via USB cable/bluetooth and choose the device and in the User Name field put the name of the device.
Click on button Generate!
*Wait a couple of seconds to process your request!
*After your request is processed,you will take a verification process (we do this because a lot of users try to abuse from our cheat and is very hard to keep the cheat working from our side,do not worry it's very simple)
*After you will finish the verification,you will need to restart the game and the Gold and Cash will show up in your account!
Also you can see more here
So extremely vital,do not try to jump over from any steps above!
If you expertise any issues with our Cheat Need for Speed No Limits Generator,
please get in touch with us utilizing our contact page.
See also: Hack Hill Climb Racing 2


text:
His voice would project from his 5-foot-11 frame, streaking out of the dugout when he coached his sons' Little League teams and filling hotel ballrooms packed with his clients. John spent his days as a management consultant and executive coach, flying from his Maine home to New York or Philadelphia or taking the train down to Boston. His voice was his instrument; timely interjection is everything in coaching. The days he didn't spend on the road were spent on the phone, talking through problems with clients. Then on the drive home, he'd crank the radio, singing along and drumming the rhythm with his hands.
In 2006 John opened his own coaching business and spent the next year constantly on the road. Two weeks of travel every month brought on a bout of pneumonia, which, even after he recovered, left him with overwhelming fatigue. But his wife, Linda, knew something else was off.
By each afternoon, his speech was slow and slurred, she says. For John, it was hard to enunciate; his lips felt awkward. They chalked it up to his work schedule.
One week that June, he headed back out on the road, to a meeting in Chicago. John and his clients sat down for a steak dinner and poured some wine. He began talking, and the two clients exchanged glances. They thought he was drunk; he hadn't taken a sip.
Small things started to pile up: trouble opening jars, cutting himself while cooking dinner, difficulty showing his son a guitar chord. In New York, he fell over on the subway. One October morning, Linda looked out the window and saw him in the driveway. He looked nice: khakis, a blazer. He placed the garbage in the back of his car and pulled to the street to toss it in the can. As he went to throw it, his momentum bowled him over, and he rolled down the driveway. Linda sprinted out the front door, crying. They made an appointment to see a neurologist.
On December 17, John and Linda took the Amtrak Downeaster train to meet with a specialist at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston.
With each stop, the train grew fuller with Christmas shoppers; at one point the whole car started singing carols. When they arrived, they walked 20 minutes through the early winter slush, Linda holding John up the whole way. The doctor was blunt: John had ALS. He gave John 18 months to live and offered the couple a coupon for a discounted wheelchair.
Linda limped John back across the now frozen slush and onto the train. She curled up, put her head on her husband's shoulder, and cried. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. They stayed like that for two and a half hours, all the way back to Maine.
John went back to work, and a new normal set in. Clients were understanding; email would suffice instead of phone conversations. Every afternoon at 3:30, John drove to Starbucks for a Venti-size coffee. Placebo or not, the coffee helped his speech. But it couldn't last forever. Within a year, the man who could command a ballroom with his voice was resigned to typing on an iPad and having it speak for him.
"Bossy Ryan" took over from there. The mechanical, demanding voice on John's iPad earned that nickname from Linda. Instead of John sneaking up behind her and whispering in her ear, she had tone-deaf Bossy Ryan. "You hear somebody on the phone, sometimes you can identify who that person is before they even say their name," Linda says. "You take that away from them and just give them Bossy Ryan? It's not right."
Although John had fully switched over to the iPad, he still had a BlackBerry, and on it a voicemail greeting: Hi, this is John Gregoire. I can't take your call, leave a message. Every day, Linda would call John's number just to hear that anodyne message, over and over. Hi, this is John … She knew every crack, every pause.
"You gotta get it back! It's in the cloud somewhere, right?"
One day she made the call, and it was gone. She checked the number and tried again. Still nothing. She jumped in her car and bolted to the AT&T store. It turned out that the employees who'd helped Linda arrange to have John's BlackBerry shut off had neglected to tell her she'd lose the message. Linda cried in the store.
"You gotta get it back!" she pleaded. "It's in the cloud somewhere, right?"
The employees shook their heads.
John and Linda still have home movies, but they're too hard to watch. To look back on those things now, Linda says, what's the point? They're a painful reminder of what they'll never get back: the whispers, the kisses, even the fights. There was something about hearing just his voice on the greeting, though, that had been soothing.
Rupal Patel strides onto the TED stage at San Francisco's SFJAZZ Center. A black slide with white type rises behind her. "In the words of the poet Longfellow," she says, "the human voice is the organ of the soul."
A photo of Stephen Hawking slides across the screen, and then one of a little girl, then three more people. All use communication devices to help them speak. And all of them, Rupal says, may be using the same voice. This problem, this lack of individualization, this lack of soul, was driven home for her 11 years earlier.
It was August 2002, and she had just gotten off the stage at the Conference of the International Society of Alternative and Augmentative Communication, in Odense, Denmark. She walked into the crowded technology exhibit hall, where people from all over the world were pitching voice programs, software, and research. There, she stumbled across a conversation between a young girl, no older than 10, and a middle-aged man. When they spoke, they used the same voice.
That voice, known colloquially as "Perfect Paul" (or even more colloquially, the "Stephen Hawking voice"), is the most popular artificial voice on the planet. You may also know it as the longtime voice of the National Weather Service. Developed in the early '80s by Digital Equipment Corporation for its DECtalk speech synthesizer, it got its name because it was the clearest artificial voice on the market.
As Rupal looked around the exhibit hall, she saw hundreds of people using only a handful of voices. "We wouldn't dream of fitting a little girl with the prosthetic of a grown man," she tells the TED audience. "So why then the same prosthetic voice?"
She reached out to Tim Bunnell, a speech synthesis expert who was already building personalized voices for people who lost the ability to speak later in life, people who'd banked their speech knowing it was escaping them. He did this by clipping together a person's speech samples and reconstructing his or her voice. Rupal had to find a way to reverse engineer the system with whatever vocal ability an individual had. Maybe that was the ability to pronounce one or two vowels, or maybe it was just a noise from deep within their larynx. Whatever it was, Rupal was going to capture it.
"What happens next is best described by my daughter's analogy—she's 6," Rupal says on the TED stage. "She calls it mixing colors to paint voices."
To create a voice, Rupal takes those unique source sounds from a speech-impaired person and combines them with full speech from someone roughly the same age and gender (similar regional accents are helpful, too).
She introduces the story of Samantha, a 17-year-old with perisylvian syndrome, a rare disorder that limits her ability to speak. But Samantha can still produce vowel-like sounds. Rupal plays an audio recording of Samantha pronouncing an "Ahhh" sound. She pauses. "Now, Samantha can say this," Rupal says.
A new recording begins. It's feminine and youthful and optimistic. "This voice is only for me," Samantha says. "I can't wait to use my new voice with my friends."
Two weeks before the TED talk, on Thanksgiving Day 2013, Rupal had set up a website, VocalID.org, which contained a small section where visitors could sign up to donate their voices. Before walking on stage, Rupal had 10 surrogate voices she could use to make personalized voices. Two hundred, she thought, would be a good start. That alone would be 10 times larger than her biggest study. Within a week, 1,500 people had signed up. Two months later: 8,000 people.
Money started trickling in from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Rupal hired a programmer to build out the website, making it possible for those 8,000 waiting donors to give their voices. But what should they say?
Rupal compiled 3,500 sentences based on their sounds and sound combinations. Some were selected for rhythm, melody, and emotion; 250 constituted our most familiar phrases.
Good to see you.
I love You.
Donors flooded the site. Voice drives surfaced at middle schools and as bar mitzvah projects. Chinese residents used the voice donation as English language practice. More than 10,000 people have now started or completed donating, no small feat considering the 3,500 sentences take roughly six or seven hours to orate.
To take all those donations and actually turn them into usable voices, Rupal needed to build a more complex algorithm that would search through the bank and pull out appropriate matches. In stepped Geoff Meltzner.
Geoff and Rupal had met eight years earlier, when he was working on silent speech recognition. (The work was fascinating: Imagine sensors on your neck and face that can recognize words even if you just mouth them silently.) Geoff built the algorithm Rupal needed and installed a computer in his basement to work through all the permutations. Before he came on, Rupal had to spend 40 to 50 hours manually massaging every voice created by her team at Northeastern University, smoothing out transitions or tweaking certain letter combinations. The computer's fine-tuning helped drop that number to about 15 hours.
To supplement the federal grants, Rupal launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising $70,000. Among the incentives, she included a "Trailblazer" option: If you donated $10,000 you could get one of the first voices off the line. (Or, in this case, out of Geoff's basement.) Rupal didn't expect anyone to donate that much; four families did. She chose three additional voice beneficiaries and got to work.
The recipients included a 59-year-old man with ALS from Windham, Maine, and a 12-year-old girl with cerebral palsy from Plano, Texas.
Signup to donate your voice to VocalID here
excerpt ©2016 Pace Communications. This article appears in print on page 64 in the May 2016 issue of Southwest: The Magazine.