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Australia's leading jazz vocalist, Vince Jones, is also an interpreter and composer of songs in a contemporary jazz style. Vince Jones also plays trumpet and over the years his style has developed a distinctive reserve and subtlety.
Born in Glasgow, Vince and his family came to live in Australia when he was 11 years old. He grew up in Wollongong, NSW, listening to his musician father's collection of great jazz albums, and the feel, style and essence of the music became a natural part of Vince's world. At 20, Vince began playing the club circuit in Melbourne.
Vince's first album Watch What Happens, released in 1981, was a quiet, strong statement – showcasing his vocal and songwriting talent in tandem with stylish accompaniment. A loyal following developed and with each album and tour the Australian audience grew. Through the 1990s Vince Jones and his band found success on the European circuit making an impression on reviewers, audiences and promoters.
Jones uses his voice as an expressive instrument and the lyric as a vehicle for story and comment.
In late 1999, Vince's twelfth CD – 'Vince Jones Live' – was released. Recorded at The Basement in Sydney.
"The sonic quality here is remarkable for a live album . . . it's a mystery that Jones isn't a household name." Rolling Stone "Vince Jones is living proof that independence is not about genres …. He's a soulful survivor, with a voice as cool as a long G&T and a repertoire that balances jazz, rock and soul." Beat Magazine "
The Sound Lounge at Sydney's Seymour Theatre Centre is SIMA's primary venue for jazz.
Included as Downbeat's Magazine Great Jazz Venues 2012, 2013 & 2014


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ISO 50001:2018 is an international standard. As it follows the same High Level Structure (HLS) as other widely applied ISO standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, it will be easier to integrate with other management systems.
If you are already applying ISO 50001:2011, you will recognize most of the requirements in ISO 50001:2018. However, there are some changes from ISO 50001:2011 that you must prepare for in order to transition and comply with ISO 50001:2018.
Key changes in ISO 50001:2018 compared with the 2011-edition
These are some of the changes to consider:
1) Changes due to the adoption of HLS
- New clause for understanding the organization and its context (4.1)
An organization shall determine external and internal issues relevant to its purpose and that affect its ability to achieve the intended outcomes of its energy management system (EnMS) and improve the its energy performance. This can be considered as a high level understanding of influencial factors affecting, negatively or positively, energy performance and the EnMS of the organization. - New clause for systematic determination of the needs and expectations of interested parties (4.2)
The intent is to use the contextual information to identify the interested parties relevant to energy performance and the EnMS, and their needs and expectations (requirements) from a high-level perspective. - Strengthened emphasis on leadership and top management commitment
Chapter 5.1 includes new demands to actively engage and demonstrate leadership for the effectiveness of the energy management system. - Risk and opportunity management
Chapter 6.1 requires to determine, and where necessary, take action to address any risks or opportunities that may impact (either positively or negatively) the ability of the management system to deliver its intended results.
Note that considerations of risk and opportunities are part of the high-level strategic decision-making in an organization. By identifying risks and opportunities when planning the EnMS, an organization is able to anticipate potential scenarios and consequences so that undesired effects can be addressed before they occur. Similarly, favourable considerations or circumstances that could offer potential advantages or beneficial outcomes can be identified and pursued. This process can be regarded as complementary to 6.3 "Energy review", which is a more detailed operational review in order to control and improve the energy performance. - Competence (7.2)
Requires an organization to determine the necessary competence of person(s) doing work under its control and that affects its energy performance and EnMS. In addition to evaluate effectiveness of actions taken to acquire necessary competence. - Extended requirements related to communications (7.4)
- Includes also external communication, not solely internal communication.
- It is more prescriptive in respect of the "mechanics" of communication, including determination of what, when, how and who to communicate and with whom to communicate.
- Requires that communicated information shall be consistent with information generated within the EnMS. - Operational planning and control (8.1)
Some add-ons in the requirements to be noted:
- Control of changes and review the consequences of unintended changes (from HLS)
- Ensuring the control of outsourced significant energy uses (SEU) or processes related to SEUs
- Documented information to be kept to the extent necessary to have confidence that processes have been carried out as planned (from HLS) - Monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation of energy performance and the EnMS (9.1)
Additional requirements:
- required to determine methods for monitoring, measurements, analysis and evaluation
- unambiguous requirements for documented information, both from investigation and response after deviations in energy performance as well as from results from monitoring and measurements - Management review (9.3)
Some additional inputs and outputs to be considered for the energy management review
2) Changes that are specific to energy management
- The Scope (4.3)
- Explicit that energy types within the scope and boundaries of the EnMS shall not be excluded.
- Organizations shall ensure that it has the authority to control its energy efficiency, energy use and energy consumption within the scope and boundaries - Energy review (6.3)
Clarified process related to significant energy uses (SEU) to make a more logic "flow" and connected criteria: Identify SEUs => For each SEU define the relevant variables, current energy performance and identify persons that influence or affect the SEU - Energy performance indicators (6.4)
Some amendments:
- Determined energy performance indicators (EnPIs) shall enable the organization to demonstrate energy performance improvement
- When the organization has data indicating that relevant variables significantly affect energy performance, such data shall be considered to establish appropriate EnPI(s) to make sure the EnPI is "fit for purpose"
- The EnPI value(s) shall be retained as documented information. (Note: As also required in 2011, the method for determining and updating the EnPIs shall be documented) - Energy baseline (6.5)
Changes to be noted:
- Where the organization has data indicating that relevant variables significantly affect energy performance, the organization shall carry out normalization of the EnPI(s) and corresponding energy baseline to compare energy performance changes.
- New definitions for "static factor", "relevant variable" and "normalization" (3.4.8-3.4.10)
- The baseline shall be revised when there are "major changes to the static factors". - Planning for collection of energy data (6.6)
This term replaces the "energy measurement plan" in the 2011-edition. Add-ons are:
- Explicitly states that "The plan shall specify the data which is necessary to monitor the key characteristics and state how and at what frequency the data shall be collected and retained".
- Explicitly addresses for what "areas" data shall be collected: "Data to be collected (or acquired by measurement as applicable) and retained as documented information shall include:- the relevant variables related to SEUs;
- energy consumption related to SEUs and to the organization;
- operational characteristics related to SEUs;
- static factors, if applicable;
- data specified in action plans.
Some other changes to be noted
- Design (8.2)
This is to large extent similar to 4.5.6 in the 2011-edition, but the following amendment should be noted: Explicitly states that performance over the planned or expected operating lifetime shall be looked at when considering energy improvement opportunities and operational control in the design of new, modified and renovated facilities, equipment etc. that can have a significant impact on its energy performance. - 8.3 "Procurement"
This is to large extent similar to 4.5.7 in the 2011-edition, but the following amendment should be noted:
It is explicitly required that specifications are defined (as applicable) for the procurement of equipment and services, but now also for purchasing of energy.
- Chapter 3 Terms and definitions:- 40 terms are defined vs 28 in the 2011-edition.
- 18 terms are new. 13 of the new terms are adopted from the HLS, while 5 are new energy specific terms
- The 5 energy specific terms are: "energy performance improvement", "static factors", "relevant variables", "normalization" and "energy performance indicator value (EnPI value)". These should be noted as they help provide clarity.
- 5 terms from 2011-edition have been discontinued. These are: "energy services", "correction", "preventive action", "record" and "procedure"
- The HLS does not include a specific clause for or refer to the term "Preventive action". However, the concept of preventive action is considered to be implicitly embedded in the standards (e.g. through 4.1, 4.2, 6.1)
- "Documented information" is now the term used as replacement of 'Documents' and 'Records'
- The term "Management representative" is no longer used, however all responsibilities addressed to this role in the 2011-edition is now addressed to the energy management team

subset: commoncrawl


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Cloud Portal: The Backups Tab
Your RavenDB cloud products run a mandatory backup routine.
Backup files created by this routine are stored in a RavenDB cloud you have no direct access to, but you can see their list
from the portal's Backups tab and restore them using your
management Studio.
- In this page:
Backup List
The Backups tab lists your products, their databases and their backup files.


text:
Sorry, we couldn't find any results for "null"
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Complimentary design services including expert design consultations, in-home measuring and 3-D renderings of your rooms.


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Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE)
Added Benefits for CARE Communities
Technical Assistance from EPA's Brownfields Program
Brownfields are properties which are abandoned or underutilized because of real or perceived contamination. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and helps protect the environment. By participating in CARE, communities are eligible to receive additional assistance from EPA's Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TBA) program if they are awarded a Level 1 CARE cooperative agreement. This program helps localities minimize the risks of contamination often associated with brownflelds. For more information on TBAs, see: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/facts/tba_0403.htm
Legal Assistance from American Bar Association (ABA)
The ABA invites attorneys to volunteer their legal services to CARE communities. Several communities have used pro bono legal services. A community in Pacoima, California, found the legal assistance to be very valuable: "Pacoima Beautiful did not have the capacity to research the permitting and regulatory requirements of businesses. To have the benefit of someone who could, specifically attorneys, was of great benefit. As we move forward, we can anticipate all kinds of other needs we will have with regard to regulations and land use concerns." For more information, see: http://www.abanet.org/environ/publicservice/careprogram.shtml
Third-party Facilitation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
EPA can assist a CARE community by providing an outside facilitator to help the CARE project team agree on its highest risks and build consensus on a course of action to reduce these risks. EPA's Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center has provided such assistance to a number of CARE communities and has published evaluations of work with CARE. For more information, see: https://www.epa.gov/adr/cprc_evaluation.html


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This week's musing asks…Have you ever reread a book and found that your opinion changed?
I rarely reread books. Okay, so that's a lie. I do reread books all the time these days. Mouse had me read Louella the Ladybug's story five times in a row yesterday. And I've read Mouse's book about trucks too many times to count. But in terms of books I read for my own pleasure, I rarely reread them. It isn't because I have no plans to reread books. I just haven't made the time. When it comes to choosing what to read next, I am more likely to pick up a book I haven't yet read.
What about you?


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Sign up for our email newsletter to receive updates on sales, new designs, and events!
This Light Tan dye comes in a 4 fl oz container. The picture above shows an example of this dye on a gourd.
Directions: Clean gourd thoroughly. Apply dye using applicator of choice such as a brush, cloth or dauber. A second coat of dye may be applied, if required. Apply a layer of POLYCRYLIC to bring out the richest color. If your gourd is going outside please make sure to use a polyurethane marked for outdoor use. Carefully use Denatured Alcohol to clean up hands and skin.
Caution: FLAMMABLE. HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. EYE IRRITANT. Keep away from heat and flame. Do not smoke while using this product. If swallowed, call physician immediately. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of eye contact, flush with water for 15 minutes. Call physician. Use in well ventilated area. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.


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You can expect a professional staff when working with Alltek Restoration, Inc. We value and expect quality, efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness and courtesy from our team. Our commitment and dedication to our client's satisfaction is second to none.
- Quality work, Integrity, and Commitment
- Prompt completion and timeline.
- Detailed estimates upon invitation to bid.
- Explanation of contract and specification
Alltek has established successful working relationships with qualified and competent professionals, and subcontractors who share our customer oriented philosophy.
Our Guarantee: We warranty all work that is done with your project whether we ourselves do the work or our subcontractors do the work.
Choosing the right contractor is crucial for any project to be successful. We specialize in Emergency Services, Contents, Restoration, and Reconstruction. You can rest knowing that your project's interest is at the top of our concerns. Alltek is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality work and exceptional customer service, while assuring you of a well executed plan to complete your project. You and everyone involved in your project will feel confident we are leading the way.
Xactware® is recognized in the claims industry and used by many insurance providers. All of our restoration scopes and reconstruction estimates are generated using the Xactimate estimating software or Xactcontents for personal property.
With our estimating staff's knowledge, combined with the power of Xactimate, our estimates indicate exact quantities and materials & labor. This is accompanied with a clear description of work to be performed and graphical reference providing you with a clear concise scope of work that Alltek will perform on your project.
There are many aspects to your claim, that our trained and expert staff will guide you through the process. We provide you with a single claim solution from start to finish. Once you choose Alltek Restoration, Inc. you will have one point of contact for your entire claim. No call centers. You will never be a claim number.
Alltek performs both residential and commercial restoration for insurance claim repairs for both small and large loss. For all properties we provide complete restoration services for the following loss categories:
Fire Damage, Water Damage, Smoke Damage, Storm Damage, Vandalism, Vehicle and more.
Are very common requirements after storm or fire loss. The damages caused by the actual fire and tactics use to extinguish can leave your property with broken or blown out windows, burnt doors or broken doors, ventilation holes in roofs, and structural deficiencies all of which leaves the property open to accessible, in distress, and insecure. We will secure all loss related openings with temporary measures securing the property and temporary structural repairs to help prevent further damages.
Contact our office in Antioch, CA, at 925-732-7208 to speak with one of our construction designers about your upcoming project.


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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Living a Green Life and Celebrating Earth Day
Here in East Hawaii, where over 90 % of Hawaii's materials and food is imported, life takes on too much dependence on mainland lifestyle and practices.
Fortunately for myself and many of my earth minded citizens here in East Hawaii, we do make wonderful choices to live green and try to reduce our own footprint in the environment. We usually don't get that many choices and most of those options and services are very expensive to the average consumer.
In East Hawaii, most of us rely on water catchment systems to catch rain from the roof to water our plants, take our showers and wash our laundry and all our water needs. Those that do not have catchment systems go to county water spigots to fill up large containers for their water needs. Fortunately, rainy days on the east side of the island are plentiful and provide adequate nourishment to our tropical plants and the food we can grow.
Since there is no garbage service in our area, everyone is responsible for going to recycle centers (free) to sort out the greens, the bottles, the paper materials and re-use objects for the community centers… usually by this stage, I only have less than one small garbage bag of pure garbage to dump and thats about once a week.
This is the re-use/recycling center in our local district in Keaau, they recycle clothes, furniture, paint, toys, knick-knacks and other cast offs for re-use.
We have our typical container bins for glass, paper/cardboard, plastic and another section for green waste and lumber. Everyone here sorts out directly into each container, there is no such thing as recycling curbside pick up in Hawaii Island.
Mother nature is kind to us in East Hawaii and many do grow bountiful fruits and vegetables and have some small livestock and neighbors share their abundance with family and friends.
What we cannot grow ourselves can be found at a myriad of local farmers markets producing a variety of products and delicious take out meals, everything fresh and grown locally.
I believe in composting since we have minimal soil here, and we have to build up beds above the lava rock to create fertile soil…leaves, grasses and kitchen scraps all go back to the compost pile to create fertile mulch and soil.
Electricity rates are the highest in the country in Hawaii and we do watch our consumption. I typically set my water heater only for a few hours in the morning and at night. The laundry sits on a wire to be dried by the sun and all my electrical equipment is plugged together into jacks that can be switched off. We open our window for the natural breezes and most homes actually do not even have HVAC systems for heat or cooling…at least here in East Hawaii where the temperatures are moderate year round in the 70's to 80's.
Gasoline is also the highest prices nationwide in the US with Unleaded typically averaging $3.50 per gallon. My rule to using the car is that I need to do at least 5 tasks of related driving activities within an area to be able to use my car. This has effectively made me consolidate trips and stop wasteful last minute errand runs. Hitch hiking is still cool here and I usually pick up some interesting travelers from around the world visiting our island and with nice stories to share.
As you can see, in our area we are only given a few choices: either pay a lot upfront for these services, import most of our goods and materials or we can be more creative and efficient with what we have. We can grow and share what nature provides. I have strived to live a simpler and better lifestyle that espouses my beliefs and my wallet thanks me for being conscious.
Thanks to Jan at thanksfor2day blog for sharing with bloggers about this special event, please do go visit the her site to see how other bloggers are making a green impact to their own environments.
Mahalo to All for caring for the aina ( land )
To visit other Thats my World Tuesday go to http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/
21 comments:
- Bangchik and Kakdah said...
getting people involved in recycling is a good approach. ~bangchik
- March 23, 2010 at 1:46 PM
- Ami said...
Noel: Wow, big salute to you! Now I feel guilty to waste lots of resources (un-intentionaly although) in my day-to-day life.
- March 23, 2010 at 1:55 PM
- Darren said...
The fruits and vegetables that you can grow in Hawaii make me so envious! I try to emulate a tropical garden here.
I commend you on your recycling efforts, shame more people in the US Can't/Don't follow Hawaii's lead. - March 23, 2010 at 2:31 PM
- Noel Morata said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- March 23, 2010 at 2:58 PM
- Carol said...
You live in a great community Noel! It is so great to see and read about all that you and your neighbors do to be kind to the earth and your wallet! Very interesting to read about the water catchment systems. ;>)
- March 23, 2010 at 3:59 PM
- tina said...
I've never been to Hawaii but it sounds pretty much okay even with the high utility bills. I'm thinking moderate temperatures year round and the views. Ah yes. So great you all recycle so much. I had no idea.
- March 23, 2010 at 5:06 PM
- Meredith said...
I had no idea the islands depended on the mainland for 90% of their imports. Of course I suspect that we are all more interdependent now than we know. :)
Bravo to you for doing so much to treat the earth with respect and control your consumption. I think it's dreamy not to need HVAC. We went without AC in South Carolina last summer to see how it would be w/o the modern fossil-fuel-supported conveniences we depend on so much -- and yikes! - March 23, 2010 at 5:23 PM
- Jan said...
I really enjoyed your post, Noel, and learned a lot, as well. Thanks so much for your participation! You guys seem to 'have it down', re: conservation practices and 'awareness' of the importance of reducing our carbon footprint on the environment around us. It is impressive to read about the many ways you responsibly live in Hawaii;-)
- March 23, 2010 at 5:57 PM
- Noelle Johnson said...
Hello Noel,
I enjoy this glimpse of your life in Hawaii. When you first posted about water catchment, I was amazed and then impressed. I believe that those of us who live on the mainland could learn much about conservation from those of you who live on the east side of Hawaii. - March 23, 2010 at 8:30 PM
- Liza said...
You, sir, are like the rock star of the environmental movement. Kudos to you! And please keep up the great work!
- March 23, 2010 at 8:38 PM
- Kimberly said...
Noel, this post is a wonderful insight to the real life in Hawaii. Your life choices are an inspiration. Additionally, I didn't know about Jan's meme...I'm going to check it out right now!
- March 24, 2010 at 6:21 AM
- Adrian said...
Greetings from Illinois!
Just by visiting this page I learned so much I never knew. Congratulations to you on your ecological tropical lifestyle. - March 24, 2010 at 6:35 AM
- Christine B. said...
We've been over 3 bucks a gallon, too, for quite a while. Most people grumble that it must be because the gasoline is so fresh (we produce it here) that we pay a premium. Recycling is gaining more traction here, they are finally offering curbside pickup: hallelujah!
Christine in Alaska - March 24, 2010 at 7:02 AM
- Johnny Nutcase said...
Excellent post...always raises my hope in humanity when I see that other people care, thanks!! :)
- March 24, 2010 at 7:58 AM
- Diana Studer said...
And we are still struggling to get this little town to recycle, instead of DUMP. I do admire your green lifestyle.
- March 24, 2010 at 9:11 AM
- Helen at summerhouse said...
It's great to to find a kindred spirit in regard to recycling, and composting and being eco minded. And you've made it look easy too.
- March 24, 2010 at 10:03 AM
- RennyBA's Terella said...
What great, readable and informative post from your part of the world - and what great contribution in general and to Earth Hour movement!
I've added you to the Earth Hour 2010 Link Love Chain list on my blog (you might like to update your post with a link to that post :-) ) - March 27, 2010 at 6:28 AM
- Oman said...
these are truly amazing shots. you must have smile on your face when taking these because the outcome are truly heartfelt. great shots. thanks for sharing.
- March 29, 2010 at 2:20 AM
- Melanie J Watts said...
This is wonderful Noel, a glimpse into your Island life and how you are making a difference. Two Thumbs up!
- April 14, 2010 at 3:45 PM
- Window On The Prairie said...
People could learn a lot about conservation by reading this one post. Thank you.
Suzanne - May 27, 2010 at 6:21 AM
- Orchid food said...
Phalenopsis is an orchid type that needs repotting once every year until the plant reaches maturity, then you can reduce the frequency of repotting to once every two years. Don't worry about the pot size when repotting as Phalenopsis will rather grow vertically then laterally so the same pot size should be enough. For a Phalenopsis use medium grade orchid mixes, medium grade fir bark or sphagnum moss.
- January 20, 2012 at 7:15 PM


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By Cat Garcia
It's been anything but dull for the first few weeks of White Sox training camp in Glendale, Arizona. Sox fans have been able to catch a glimpse not only of live action baseball, but of their stars of the future.
With that being said, it certainly hasn't been a Spring Training for the faint of heart. Multiple injuries have mounted on the field, Miguel Gonzalez struggled in his first outing back in a White Sox uniform, and folks caught a glimpse of the less refined version of their future superstar pitcher Michael Kopech.
From Jake Burger to Nicky Delmonico, let's take a look at the biggest takeaways from camp so far.
Jake Burger Out For 2018
White Sox first-rounder Jake Burger ruptured his Achilles during a sprint to first base during a game against the Athletics on February 27th. Burger underwent successful surgery on his Achilles on March 1st in Chicago and is expected to miss the entire 2018 season. Despite the shocking turn of events, Burger has a positive outlook on the situation. "I can focus on nutrition, focus on my diet, focus on my body," Burger told the media in Glendale after the injury occurred. "I actually texted my academic guy back at Missouri State, and I'm going to go back for an intersession course, get three hours in." Burger said he spoke with newly appointed White Sox ambassador and former starter Jose Contreras, who suffered the same injury in 2008. "He was like, 'Look, man, it's a tough recovery, but you'll get back,'" Burger said of Contreras. "He said he lost 30 pounds while going through it. I'm looking forward to that and I'm looking forward to being back with my family for a couple of weeks."
Lucas Giolito Impresses
The future is bright for young White Sox starter Lucas Giolito, who showed flashes of brilliance in his short debut with the big league club at the end of 2017. But in training camp, Giolito seems to be picking up where he left off. Giolito has started two games and pitched a total of six innings, while accumulating nine strikeouts, and eight of those nine punchouts came on Saturday afternoon against the Chicago Cubs. Giolito walked two on the afternoon and pitched four solid innings. "I was just trying to mix my it up a lot," Giolito told the media after his outing on Saturday. "I was throwing the slider pretty much for strikes and was throwing the curveball a bit sharper, which is what I have been working on. With two strikes, I was able to get guys out with it. Overall my breaking stuff was working pretty well." Giolito allowed just one earned run on Saturday, a homer off Cubs backup catcher Victor Caratini.
Nicky Delmonico and Tyler Saladino Suffer Outfield Collision
As if the White Sox stockpile of injuries could mount any higher — two most players were added to the heap on Sunday. Outfielder Nicky Delmonico and shortstop Tyler Saladino collided trying to catch a pop-up in the seventh inning, and the collision prompted manager Rick Renteria to remove Saladino from the game and place him on the 7-day concussion list, while Delmonico has suffered a separated shoulder. "Just extended it," Renteria said of the Delmonico injury. "Didn't pop it. Didn't do anything. Just got extended and jammed it a little bit." With just two weeks until Opening Day, it is possible that for precautionary reasons, Delmonico will open the season on the disabled list. Delmonico was slated to be the White Sox starting left fielder, which now leaves the club ready to test the waters with Ryan Cordell, Leury Garcia and other options to fill that role.
Eloy Jimenez Returns
Not all of camp has been exceptionally gloomy in the way of injuries for the White Sox this spring. After being sidelined for two weeks with left knee tendinitis, the infamous Eloy Jimenez played his first full game of the spring on Sunday against the Diamondbacks. Jimenez first stepped up to the plate as a pinch-hitter in Saturday's game, only to hit a go-ahead home run that tied the game 4-4. Sunday, Jimenez continued his success, hitting another home run in his first at-bat off Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin. Jimenez went on to hit a triple on a line drive to centerfield and walked in his final plate appearance of the day. Despite the success, Jimenez has only played a handful of games above Class A and will begin the season in Double A Birmingham, even if the stay there is short before he ventures up to Charlotte. The show will go on for Jimenez, just not with the big league club for right now.


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Update Hague Family Law Conventions
The Hague Convention of 19 October 1996 on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children was recently ratified by various EU Member States, namely: Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Romania and Spain.
The Hague Convention of 13 January 2000 on the International Protection of Adults was accepted by Finland on 19 November 2010, whereas Estonia acceded to this Convention on 13 December 2010.
On 28 December 2010, Singapore acceded to the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
On Friday, 22 October 2010, the 1996 Convention was signed by the United States of America. (See also Secretary Clinton's Remarks: U.S. Signature of the Child Protection Convention.)


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Holiday Message from the Chief Simplifier & Elf!
Happy Holidays! The Chief Simplifier [a.k.a. C.B. Whittemore] has become the Chief Elf with intense yet simple words of wisdom that she intends to apply to herself this Holiday Season!
1. Simplify!
Focus on what's essential this Holiday Season.
2. Recharge!
Focus on the positive sources of energy around you. If you can't come up with constructive solutions to the negative, then take a break from it. Once recharged, I bet constructive solutions will appear immediately!
3. Refocus!
What's essential to your customers, your business, you? What are your positive sources of energy? When you look back over the year, what worked? What offered you valuable insights and generated those Aha! moments that led to successes? Can you recreate more of those moments?
That said, how do you plan on making the most of the Holidays so 2010 becomes not just filled with possibilities, but also marvelous realities?
How will you Simplify, Recharge and Refocus!
What would you add to the list?
Happy, happy Holidays and all the best for 2010!
Intensely Positive & Simple Regards,
aka Chief Simplifier
aka Chief Elf


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Warm Autumnal Tones, Tasteful Turkeys and More
One of our favorite things about the holidays aside from gathering together with friends and family, eating a ton of delicious food and getting time off from work is decorating our home to reflect the spirit of the season. Â From wreathes for your door to autumnal throw pillows and blankets, we found 13 Thanksgiving decor items that will help set the mood and make all your guests comfortable when you gather to celebrate all you're grateful for this year.
Metallic Faux Pumpkins
We love the way warm metallics like rose gold, bronze and gold go with autumnal hues like yellow, orange and red. When it comes to decorating for Thanksgiving, try interspersing these sweet decorative gold faux pumpkins with candles, berries and more holiday-themed pieces for a modern and playful mix.
Faux Berry Candle Ring
There's something so quintessentially "holiday" about berries, even if their faux. So when decorating with real cranberries isn't an option, look for small, affordable faux options.
Festive Party Popper
Big family gatherings can be stressful, let's be honest. Once you gather the generations around the table, release a little tension and start dinner with a "bang" with these crackers. Each one contains a paper crown (to wear during dinner and perfect for fun Instagrams!) and a small toy.
A Seasonal Wreath
Welcome Thanksgiving guests to your home with a festive wreath. We love that this Magnolia wreath from West Elm because it's seasonal and festive but not outwardly thematic. The pinecones and gentle fall colors are perfect for Thanksgiving but will last throughout the winter.
Seasonally Hued Throw Pillows
Perhaps out-and-out holiday decorations aren't really your thing and that's okay. Bring in the warmth and color of the season with a few tasteful throw pillows. We love the affordable price and rich tones of this velvet cushion from Threshold. Mix them in with your usual decor for a nod to Thanksgiving colors without a decorative turkey in sight.
A Holiday Doormat
Go all-in on your Thanksgiving decor… From the outside get your holidays off on the right foot.
A Garland for the Hearth or Table
While perhaps more traditionally associated with Christmas, there are a lot of autumnal and Thanksgiving-appropriate garlands you can corporate into your tablescape or hearth decor. Crate & Barrel has one of our favorites oak leaves in muted shades of golden yellow and orange that will go perfectly with metallic and glass elements.
Poufs For Extra Seating
Hosting your extended family (or friends) can put a strain on your usual seating arrangements. For a temporary fix that will look stylish (and store easily when you're not using them) try a few Moroccan pouf
Cozy Throws
Perhaps you already have a throw blanket or two we get that. But picture the post-pie food coma you'll be facing on Thanksgiving. Gathering in the living room and snuggling up with a glass of red wine under a cozy faux fur will be just what you need to put the cherry on top of a delicious holiday.
Autumnal Scented Candles
t's no secret that Anthropologie is one of the best resources for tasteful scented candles without blatant branding or labels. These Mercury Moonglow candles come in a variety of sizes and prices, and with elements of cedar, make for a perfect Thanksgiving mood-setting scent before the kitchen takes over
Traditional Table Lines
Setting your Thanksgiving table with a traditional table cloth might sound a little stuffy, but hear us out. A rich cranberry color is both on-theme for the holiday and on-trend right now. The subtle leaf embroidery is evocative of the time of year and of course, the holidays, but it will have a modern feel when you top it with beautiful glassware, tea lights and simple dishes.
Festive Place card Holders
There's something so elegant and formal about place card holders even ones that are shaped like fancy turkeys. We found this fun and funky duo from One Kings Lane, but there are tons of playful and elegant options around the internet. Giving each guest at your table a specific seat will eliminate some of your planning anxiety and make everyone feel just a little bit special.
Glowing Pumpkin String Lights
Whether you string them around the entryway or up your banister, these playful pumpkin lights will add a whimsical touch to your Thanksgiving decor. At just $21, you can get a couple of strings and give any room a warm and inviting (and twinkle-y!) glow.


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Mum's stark warning over 'vile' graphic TikTok video being shared online
A mum has issued a warning to other parents about a "vile video" that could "traumatise" children on a viral video-sharing app.
Rachel Dawson, who is based in Fareham, Portsmouth, has concerns over graphic footage her daughter has been able to easily view - and urges other parents to keep an eye on what their youngsters are watching.
Originally posted to TikTok the video shows a girl with long dark hair dancing for a few seconds.
It then cuts to a very graphic shot that appears to show a girl being beheaded.
'It has left my daughter feeling upset'
Rachel said that her 13-year-old daughter was sent a link to the video.
She told the Portsmouth News: "When she opened it she dropped the phone and went white.
"I asked what was wrong, I viewed the video and it was of a male actually cutting off a girl's head, it's very graphic."
The video has been taken down from TikTok but is still circulating on other social media platforms.
Rachel added: "I just want parents to be aware so they know to observe their children because this video has left my daughter quite upset.
"I don't want another child to suffer or be traumatised.
"It's a vile video."


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The holidays are a big part of the fall and winter months. This is often a time to reconnect with family and loved ones, to attend social events, and celebrate your beliefs.
Unfortunately, it can also be a time of extra commitments, nonstop activity, and pressure to get it all done. This can result in a lot of stress both mental and physical.
Everyone feels stressed occasionally, but when it continues for a long time or gets overwhelming it can take a real toll on your health. The immune system is particularly sensitive to its effects, which means that ongoing stress can leave you vulnerable to colds, flu, and other illnesses.
The good news is that you can take charge of the stress in your life. One way to do that is to set realistic expectations for the holidays. Spend some time thinking about what's important to you. Rather than concentrating on making everything "perfect," try to focus on enjoying yourself whether that means spending time with family, volunteering to help others, or taking a vacation.
Another good strategy is to set boundaries. Don't take on more than you can handle, say "no" if you have to, and ask for help if you need it.
Other ways to beat stress include:
- Eating right: Remember to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and try to keep your intake of sugary holiday treats to a minimum.
- Rest: Get plenty of sleep, even if you have a lot to do, to keep your body and mind healthy and energized.
- Meditation: Take a few minutes during the day to sit quietly and simply focus on your breathing.
- Exercise: Try to work exercise into your schedule. It's a natural energy and mood booster. Yoga is an excellent choice this time of year.
- Talking to someone: Share your thoughts and feelings with a friend or a counselor. Expressing yourself may make you feel better and you might even find solutions to stressful situations.
- Vitamins and herbs: Be sure to take a daily multivitamin, and consider taking extra vitamin C to help strengthen your immune system. Herbs such as ginseng can help you adapt to stress and valerian can soothe and calm your mind.
Additional methods include treatments such as acupuncture and massage, which can help relax both mind and body. With a little preparation and adding some new coping strategies, you can make this year's holiday season both happy, healthy and stress-free!


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BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Fan Bingbing, an A-list Chinese movie star who has appeared in the "X-Men" and "Iron Man" film franchises, has more than 62 million followers online in China and fronted campaigns for Montblanc watches and De Beers diamonds, has disappeared.
The star's vanishing act – she dropped off the radar in June when reports started to swirl that she was involved in a probe into tax evasion in the film industry – has sparked wild speculation in China about her fate, including reports the actress had been detained.
Reuters was unable to contact Fan. Calls to her agent went unanswered. When asked about Fan, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry replied: "Do you think this is a question of diplomacy?" The Beijing Public Security Bureau declined to comment.
The real-life drama has been playing out at a time when Beijing is tightening the reins on popular culture, looking to stamp out behavior seen as going against the ruling Communist Party's ideological line and co-opting movie stars, pop bands and online celebrities to endorse socialist values.
"It is written in our new movie promotion law that entertainers need to pursue both professional excellence and moral integrity," said Si Ruo, a researcher at the School of Journalism and Communication at China's prestigious Tsinghua University.
"In the unbridled growth of the industry in the past few years, we might have overlooked the need for positive energy, so the government's intervention is reasonable."
Fan Bingbing is the most prominent example. The actress, 36, is China's equivalent of Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence. She topped Forbes' China celebrity rich list last year with earnings of 300 million yuan ($43.78 million).
A Chinese TV anchor in May was widely reported to have posted tax-dodging pay agreements online known as "yin-yang" contracts – one setting out the real agreed payment terms and a second with a lower figure for the tax authorities – that appeared to implicate Fan.
Hong Kong's South China Morning Post reported that Fan's studio denied she had ever signed separate contracts for a single job. China's tax bureau said in June it was launching a tax evasion investigation into the film and television industry.
But the culture clean-up is more widespread, snaring video games, online bloggers and rap artists. Critics say it threatens to stifle creativity in some sectors, and is hitting the bottom lines of firms such as tech and gaming giant Tencent.
State-run media have begun using phrases such as "tainted artists", with official bodies pledging to ban stars who behave badly, including drug taking, gambling or visiting prostitutes.
An open letter earlier this month from members of the Beijing Trade Association for Performances said the body would "purify" the city's entertainment and performance sector and guide artists towards "core socialist values".
"Celebrities are seen as a weapon in the Party's ideological battle, which is fought across all sectors all the time," said Jonathan Sullivan, Director of China Programmes at the University of Nottingham.
China has long sought to control the creative arts, from censoring movies to literature. However, a boom in online media has prompted a new push to cleanse the arts world, as President Xi Jinping looks to tighten his grip over a huge and diverse cultural scene popular with China's youth.
That drive has created a dragnet that has swept over the creative arts, leaving few unaffected.
Fangu, a grunge band from Beijing, which has toured across China, said it had hit an issue with its name, which translates literally as "anti-bone", though means something closer to "rebellious spirit".
The band was forced to change its name this week ahead of a concert in Shanghai.
"The relevant bodies do not allow the word 'anti' so we have to change the name temporarily," Qi Tian, an assistant to the band, told Reuters.
Video game makers have had to tweak their offerings to add patriotic Chinese elements. Others have simply seen approvals withheld. Big media platforms have been rapped for not censoring their content enough and some have had to take sites offline.


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Learning Center
We keep you up-to-date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.
Article Highlights:
Itemized Versus Standard Deductions
Medical Expenses
Charitable Contributions
If your tax deductions normally fall short of itemizing your deductions or even if you are able to itemize, but only marginally, you may benefit from using the "bunching" strategy.
The tax code allows most taxpayers to utilize the standard deduction or itemize their deductions if that provides a greater benefit. As a rule, most taxpayers just wait until tax time to add up their eligible expenses and then use the higher of the standard deduction or their itemized deductions.
If you want to be more proactive, you can time the payments of tax-deductible items to maximize your itemized deductions in one year and take the standard deduction in the next.
For the most part, itemized deductions include medical expenses, property taxes, state and local income (or sales) taxes, home mortgage and investment interest, charitable deductions, and casualty losses. The "bunching strategy" is more commonly associated with medical expenses, tax payments and charitable deductions, although there are circumstances in which the other deductions might come into play. There are many opportunities to bunch deductions, and the following are examples of the bunching strategies most commonly used:
Medical Expenses – You contract with a dentist for your child's braces. The dentist may offer you an up-front, lump sum payment or a payment plan. By making the lump sum payment, the entire cost is credited in the year paid, thereby dramatically increasing your medical expenses for that year. If you do not have the cash available for the up-front payment, then you can pay by credit card, which is treated as a lump-sum payment for tax purposes. If you use a credit card, you must realize that the credit card interest is not deductible, and you need to determine if incurring the interest is worth the increased tax deduction. Another important issue with medical deductions is that only the amount of the total medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) is actually deductible. So, there is no tax benefit in bunching medical deductions unless the expenses exceed this limitation.
If the current year is an abnormally high-income year, you may, where possible, wish to put off making medical expense payments until the following year when the 7.5% threshold is less.
Taxes – Property taxes on real estate are generally billed annually at mid-year, and most locales allow property owners to make semi-annual or quarterly payments. Thus, you have the option of paying it all at once or paying in installments. This provides the opportunity to bunch the tax payments by paying one semi-annual installment or two quarterly installments and a full year's tax liability in one year and only paying one semi-annual installment or two quarterly installments in the other year. In doing so, you are able to deduct 1-½ year's taxes in one year and 50% of a year's taxes in the other. If you are thinking of making the property tax payments late as a way to accomplish bunching, you should be cautious. The late payment penalty will probably wipe out any potential tax savings. This strategy won't work if your mortgage payments include real property taxes that are held by the lender until the taxes are due, as you can only deduct the tax payments that the lender makes on your behalf during the tax year.
If you reside in a state that has state income tax, the state income tax paid or withheld during the year is deductible as a federal itemized deduction. So, for instance, if you are paying state estimated tax in quarterly installments, the fourth-quarter estimate is generally due in January of the subsequent year. This gives you the opportunity to either make that payment before December 31st, and be able to deduct the payment on the current year's return, or pay it in January before the January due date and use it as a deduction in the subsequent year.
A few words of caution about the itemized deduction for taxes! Taxes are only deductible for regular tax purposes. So, to the extent you are taxed by the AMT (alternative minimum tax), you derive no benefits from the itemized deduction for taxes. Also, through 2025, the maximum amount per year that you can deduct on your federal return for state and local taxes (property taxes and state income or sales taxes) is $10,000 ($5,000 if using the married separate filing status).
Charitable Contributions – Charitable contributions are a nice fit for "bunching" because they are entirely payable at the taxpayer's discretion. For example, if you normally tithe at your church, you could make your normal contributions during the year and then prepay the entire next year's tithing in a lump sum in December of the current year, thereby doubling up on the church contribution one year and having no charity deduction for church in the other year. Normally, charities are very active with their solicitations during the holiday season, giving you the opportunity to make the contributions at the end of the current year or simply wait a short time and make them after the end of the year. Be sure you get a receipt or acknowledgment letter from the organization that clearly shows in which year the contribution was made.
If you think a "bunching" strategy might benefit you, please call this office to discuss the issue and set up an appointment for some in-depth strategizing.
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Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.
Hyperion offers both CDs, and downloads in a number of formats. The site is also available in several languages.
Please use the dropdown buttons to set your preferred options, or use the checkbox to accept the defaults.
After the huge success of their recording of Rutter's Requiem (featured in last year's Top 20), Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton, turn their attention to another popular work of John Rutter—Gloria. Also included on the disc are some first-recordings including the delightful unaccompanied works A Clare Benediction (written for Clare College, Cambridge) and Come down, O Love Divine—a double-choir piece premiered by the combined choirs of Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and St Paul's Cathedral in Westminster Abbey in 1998.
The City of London Sinfonia (involved in numerous recordings of Rutter's work) are joined by the fine brass ensemble, The Wallace Collection.
Ever since my musical life began, church music has played a significant and cherished part in it.
We could of course guess as much simply from John Rutter's output as a composer without the need for that statement from him. But then again we might not appreciate quite how deep is the well from which he draws as the list of his works to sacred texts grows ever longer.
The passion started at Highgate School in London, where Rutter sang as a boy soprano in the school choir – and not any old school choir. This was, after all, a period when Highgate School's vibrant musical life was nurturing other exceptional talents – fellow-composer John Tavener, for example, and the pianist Howard Shelley. In his teens, Rutter became an accomplished organist; then, as a student at Cambridge University, he had only to inhale the atmosphere to become heady with the glories of Anglican church music resounding from college chapel to college chapel.
By the mid-1970s he was director of music at his old college, Clare. Here his conducting talents lifted the chapel choir – the first in Cambridge to mix male and female voices – to international recognition. Subsequently a string of recordings with his own Cambridge Singers have been a mirror to an ever-widening exploration of the riches of the sacred music repertoire. (And if quantities of that music could be recorded in the exquisite visual and aural surroundings of the fourteenth-century Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral, just north of Cambridge, then all the better.)
This, then, is the backdrop to the remarkable contribution Rutter's own sacred music has made to the repertoire. And as he has become progressively more reluctant to write to commission, we can only assume that turning regularly to the church for inspiration comes as naturally as breathing. Which is not to say that he doesn't write with specific performers and occasions in mind. Far from it. This album is testament enough to that, not least to the extraordinary relationship Rutter has with choirs in the USA. Few in his native Great Britain will realise just how regular the trips to many parts of the States have become – including dozens of conducting engagements at Carnegie Hall in New York where he has become, as it were, part of the furniture.
Gloria (a concert work, despite the use of a religious text) in fact marks the occasion of Rutter's very first US engagement. The work was commissioned by the Voices of Mel Olson in Omaha, Nebraska, who invited Rutter to direct the first performance in 1974. The words come from the second section (the Hymn of Praise) of the Ordinary of the Mass, which in the liturgy follows the 'Kyrie'. The familiar opening words are those of the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus, as found in the second chapter of Luke's Gospel. Rutter's setting is based largely on one of the Gregorian chants with which the text is associated. He describes the three movements as '… roughly corresponding to traditional symphonic structure', the mood of the sections being respectively '… exalted, devotional and jubilant by turns'. The use of organ, brass and percussion makes for plenty of Waltonian punch in the outer movements and yet also for a hauntingly ethereal middle section.
I will lift up mine eyes has everything to do with that same first journey to the United States – and the selfsame Mel Olson. Gloria received its premiere in the concert hall on a Saturday, while I will lift up mine eyes (with words from Psalm 121) was first performed by Olson's church choir and orchestra – at the First United Methodist Church in Nebraska – during worship the following day. I will lift up mine eyes is marked by the gentle subtlety of its rhythmic flow, recalling Bernstein's Chichester Psalms – based on a lyrical 7/4 metre but with teasing excursions elsewhere.
I will lift up mine eyes is now a constituent part of the nine-movement Psalmfest, along with two other works which appear on this CD, The Lord is my light and my salvation and Praise the Lord O my soul. The Lord is my light again has a United States connection. It was written in the early 1990s at the request of a friend of Rutter's who was at the time the director of chapel music at Duke University in North Carolina. A sufferer from AIDS, he knew that his time was short and had taken particular comfort from the words of Psalm 27, which Rutter sets here. The music, featuring a prominent, liquid clarinet obbligato part, mirrors the psalmist's restless but fruitful search for consolation. The exuberant Praise the Lord O my soul – featuring words from Psalm 146 – was written as a commission from the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 1980. The forces used here return us to the sound-world of Gloria – brass, timpani and organ.
In 1993 nine of Rutter's psalm settings composed over many years were duly agglomerated into Psalmfest. This was given its first performance in June of that year at the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas – the singers being the combined high school choirs of Garland, Texas, under Rutter's direction. Five days later Psalmfest was heard at Carnegie Hall.
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace (written in 1980) also has a United States connection, having been commissioned (as one of a group of three anthems) by the Texas Choral Directors' Association. The famous words of St Francis of Assisi are coloured by a setting which Rutter has admitted owes something to the music both of Stephen Sondheim and Gustav Mahler – quite a burden for a miniature to carry! The original version of the work suggests the male-dominated make-up of the TCDA in 1980, being scored for tenors and basses with piano. Rutter has subsequently made two arrangements, the one heard here being for SATB with strings and harp.
To everything there is a season – a setting of the famous Biblical words from Ecclesiastes – was composed in the mid-1990s as one part of an intended larger choral work based on reflective and philosophical passages of the Old Testament. To everything there is a season thus far remains, however, the only section of that work to have been completed and as such remained in manuscript (and in the proverbial bottom drawer) until discussions over the content of this CD suggested it might be included. Its flowing musical lines are dedicated to the three school choirs in the USA which jointly gave the first performance.
Rutter's years as director of music at Clare College, Cambridge, from 1975 to 1979 inevitably inspired plenty of music. Much was to make its way onto the album of Christmas music which (along with Rutter's joint-editorship of the legendary Carols for Choirs volumes) helped significantly in bringing his name before a wider public. Clare College has remained close to Rutter's heart in the years since 1979 (he lives a few miles from Cambridge), producing recordings of the choir himself, in addition to offering further gifts of music. Two works designed to round off chapel services in contemplative mood can be found here. Go forth into the world – with words from the 1928 Anglican Book of Common Prayer – was written for the choir and its current director of music Tim Brown to take on a tour of (guess where?) the USA, in the 1980s. The brief, tender Clare Benediction was written in the late 1990s – written in both senses, as the words are Rutter's own. Two versions exist – SATB unaccompanied is the one heard here.
Come down, O love divine and Te Deum were written for ceremonial occasions, each taking place in a world-renowned English cathedral. Come down, O love divine (to fifteenth-century words by Bianco da Siena) was composed at the invitation of the Musicians' Benevolent Fund for its Festival of St Cecilia service at Westminster Abbey in London in 1999. (It was sung by the combined choirs of the Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and St Paul's Cathedral.) The festival takes place yearly both to honour the patron saint of music and to focus attention on musicians in need, upholding the widespread tradition of charitable St Cecilia's Day services which goes back hundreds of years. The text of this work, as befits an occasion recalling the inspiration of a patron saint, summons divine love and 'ardour glowing' from on high. The words drew from Rutter some of his most searching, introspective and intense music, which at times recalls the sounds conjured up by that other great twentieth-century provider of music for Anglican worship, Herbert Howells. Does this reflect the fact that the work's dedication also mentions the distinguished musician, the late Sir Thomas Armstrong, who was a close friend of Howells? Whatever, this is a ravishing, yet haunting addition to the Rutter corpus, and a real challenge to any choir.
Te Deum is a setting of fifth-century words which – sung to a variety of chants – form part of the traditional Anglican morning service of Matins. Rutter's exuberant version (originally matching choir with organ but subsequently scored for brass, percussion and organ, as heard here) was composed in 1988 for the Centenary Service of the Guild of Church Musicians. This was held in Canterbury Cathedral, the very heart of the world-wide Anglican communion. Rutter himself was made a Fellow of the Guild of Church Musicians in that year – an honour subsequently followed by the conferring on him of a Lambeth Doctorate of Music, received from the Archbishop of Canterbury in recognition of his services to church music.
The unaccompanied I my Best-Beloved's am, which inhabits something of the same world as Come down, O love divine, was written for a concert in Canterbury Cathedral given by the BBC Singers under Stephen Layton in October 1999. The concert's theme was the seven sacraments, and as there appeared to be no appropriate piece to represent the sacrament of marriage, Rutter stepped into the breach. The text combines words from the Latin nuptial responses in the old Tridentine rite (given a plainsong treatment) with passionate words of personal faith by the seventeenth-century poet Frances Quarles.
As is already clear, friendship pure and simple is one key inspiration for Rutter's music. As the bridegroom to his chosen was written for the wedding of Jeremy Taylor and Mary Mure, two members of Rutter's own Cambridge Singers. The text is fourteenth-century, by John Tauler (with modest alterations by Rutter himself). There are few better examples of the classic Rutter talent for writing gracious, melting melodies that caress the mind for days. Another lilting, gently rocking tune embraces the words of Thy perfect love, written in 1974 at the request of a friend, John Preston Bell, for his parish church choir in the tiny village of Meopham in Kent, south of London. The words are by an unknown fifteenth-century writer. Both these last two works subsequently received the orchestrations heard here.
John Rutter himself was to have written these notes. That he did not was due to the fact that at the time in question his 19-year-old son Christopher had just been killed in an accident on a Cambridge street. Chris had followed his father to Clare College as an undergraduate, singing in the chapel choir as a choral exhibitioner. It could not be more appropriate that this recording of his father's sacred music, so much of it consolatory in nature, should be dedicated to Chris's memory.
Andrew Green © 2001


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Rey Maualuga's four years in Cincinnati have been an uneven affair. The Bengals linebacker isn't sure there will be a fifth.
"I felt as if the (wild-card loss to the Houston Texans) was sort of like, if I perform well they would want me. I don't know if they want me, but I do know I didn't perform well," Maualuga told Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer. "If I did well, good results will happen."
Maualuga was an instant hit with Bengals fans after being drafted in the second round in 2009, but his play -- mixed with some off-the-field nonsense -- has put him in the doghouse more than once. Coach Marvin Lewis called out the 25-year-old linebacker this season, asking him to play more of a leadership role.
Cincinnati's defense was sensational down the stretch, but Maualuga's play was scattershot. He led the Bengals with 10 tackles against Houston, but lost the one-on-one matchup with Texans tight end Owen Daniels.
ProFootballFocus.com points out that Maualuga ranked dead last among the 35 inside linebackers who played more than 50 percent of the time this season. Maualuga also tends to get caught up mentally on "external issues," per Reedy, instead of focusing on the task at hand.
"He takes everything very hard, takes everything to heart, and sometimes that holds him back," defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said last Monday. "We were talking about it today. That was two days ago that we played the game. I said, 'You've got to let that go.' That's not doing him any good to harbor all those thoughts that he let this guy down or me down or the team down. Because he didn't."
Said Maualuga: "I really don't know if they want me back."
The Bengals aren't a poor fit for Maualuga. There's consistency with the coaching staff, and Zimmer is a no-nonsense leader running a talented young defense. Whether or not Cincinnati wants him -- and we'll know soon enough -- Maualuga must decide how much this opoortunity means to him.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.


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Are you Looking For JDM Imports in Kentucky?
Maybe you grew up watching the World Rally Championship and fell head over heels for the Toyota Celica GT-Four WRC, or saw Paul Walker street racing a Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R in 2 Fast 2 Furious; either way, the love for Japanese domestic market sports cars runs deep. At JDM Sport Classics we understand that love—it's why we started importing Japanese cars—and will do everything we can to help you track down and purchase your dream Japanese classic sports car.
The Best JDM Imports In Kentucky
JDM Sport Classics specializes in the identification, import, and sale of premium Japanese Domestic Market cars, trucks and vans. Located in Three Rivers, Michigan, but serving the continental United States, JDM focuses on finding the best quality, lowest mileage retro Japanese sports cars and bringing them to the US. We hunt them down using our extensive list of contacts all over Japan, check them to ensure they meet our exacting standards, and arrange all the details to import them to the United States and deliver them to your door.
Japanese Domestic Market, or JDM, refers to cars built and sold only in Japan—we find these cars, ensure their reliability, and import them legally so you too can enjoy these retro, customized, RHD cars. Some of the classic cars we offer include Subaru Impreza WRX, Nissan Skyline, Mazda RX7, Nissan GTR, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi GTO, Mazda Eunos Roadster, Nissan Pulsar, Honda NSX, Toyota Celica GT4, and many more.
Our JDM Vehilcels Are Built With High Standards
If you've ever bought a Honda or Toyota in Kentucky, you know these cars are famous for their reliability and lifespan. JDM cars were built exclusively for the Japanese market, meaning they had to adhere to strict build quality regulations and pass multiple inspections. This means that the cars imported and sold by JDM Sport Classics will not only be exciting, beautiful, and fun to drive, they'll also be safe and, importantly, reliable for years to come.
JDM Sport Classics employs a network of experts from all over Japan to source and purchase our cars, ensuring full transparency and efficiency in the authentication and shipping process. Our experts have a deep knowledge of the local market, and the contacts needed to seek out the rarest and most interesting examples of JDM sports cars. In addition, the company founders have many years of experience importing JDM cars to Europe and New Zealand, so you can rest assured that your dream car will be handled with care and integrity.
We Love Our JDM Imports
At JDM Sport Classics, we truly love the cars we import. From the classic Subaru Impreza of World Rally Championship fame, to the street racing cars built by Nissan and Honda, we grew up worshipping the craftsmanship, speed and looks of Japanese sports cars. JDM Sport Classics takes great pride in sourcing the finest examples of classic Japanese performance racing and daily driver cars—and if you're looking for cars with modifications like body kits, tuned engines with extra horsepower, cambered wheels, or carbon fiber additions, we can find and import them.
We adhere to the strictest standards in importing, ensuring our cars are 100% federally legal and completely dependable. We take pride in finding the rarest, highest quality examples of street legal RHD manual transmission Japanese cars and vans, complete with all required paperwork. Our experience in this industry allows us to find the best value and provide you with the lowest prices possible, while respecting the 25 year rule for our Japanese sports car imports.
Every JDM Vehicle Meets Quality Standards and Regulations
All our cars comply with the 25 year rule for the import of foreign vehicles. Once a car reaches that age, it becomes exempt from specific regulations from the NHTSA, EPA, FHTSA and DOT. Federal law prohibits the import or sale of cars less than 25 years old to the United States, so we endeavor to find the finest examples of classic Japanese domestic market autos from 1994 and earlier. If you are looking for a specific make or model, be it a Nissan Sunny or Toyota Celsior, we can help you track it down. JDM Sport Classics specializes in selecting and importing low mileage, rare, hard-to-find and limited edition Japanese cars from 1994 and earlier, with and without modifications.
Our JDM Cars Location
Our car dealership and warehouse storage in Three Rivers, Michigan, is open to visit and test drive our wide selection of legally imported JDM sports cars. Take a ride, feel the turbocharged engine beneath the immaculate exterior and enjoy the tuned manual gearbox as you cruise down Michigan country roads. You will love our comprehensive variety of all kinds of Japanese sports cars and daily drivers, as well as 4WD off-road trucks and hot hatchbacks.
We Will Track Down Any JDM Vehicle For You
Additionally, we can work with you to put together a wishlist of the type of vehicle you are looking for, be it a classic street racing car with a customized supercharged engine or a cute Honda Civic hatchback with low mileage, and look all over Japan to find the car of your dreams.
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After Pays Dogon, I managed to get back to Bamako in reasonably good shape. I stayed a couple of nights at the marvelous Hotel Djenné, created by the former minister of tourism who had a great idea when she invited artists to decorate the place. On the bus ride there, I met a Dutch woman and her French traveling companion who was working on developing schools for young women in Mali. I met some other travelers over breakfast. O, and the first evening, I went to pick up the package I had left at Hotel Yamey and to try to visit Damien, the French guy working at his father's restaurant, the Café du Fleuve. Unfortunately, he wasn't around so I returned to the northern side of town to eat at the Restaurant San Toro, also owned by the former minister of tourism.
As a single person, I felt very conspicuous when I entered the restaurant, especially when they had no place for me, but after awhile of sitting and listening to a man playing the kora, I got into the spirit of the place and they eventually served me delicious juices and a vegetarian platter. I was craving good food after weeks in the "brousse�? (countryside). Better nourished, and after a walk and a stop at the somewhat seedy cafe where I saw a transvestite, I returned to the hotel and slept well. I had tried to treat Samuel Sidibe and a professor friend of his to lunch, but he was busy, so I just stopped by to pick up the conference proceedings he had obtained for me. They included a griot's account of the history of the Mali Empire, a crucial contribution to my book.
I spent the rest of the day trying to get a flight in January from Timbuktu to Bamako and managed only to confirm my place on the waiting list. That evening I again tried meeting Damien at the Cafe du Fleuve and instead ended up sharing a delicious meal with a Dutch fellow Michiel and a female friend of his, also Dutch, Lisa Winnen. They were very kind of me and my spirits revived considerably in preparation for my trip to Accra.


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Hoshi no Samidare
Type: Summer 2022 Anime
Plot Summary:
One day, college student Yuuhi Amamiya is approached by talking lizard Sir Noi Crezant. Crezant immediately launches into a fantastical story: the powerful mage Animus intends to destroy the earth with his biscuit hammer, a huge contraption looming high in earth's orbit. Earth's only hope lies with the princess and her Beast Knights, whose task is to protect the princess and defeat Animus.
Yuuhi is chosen as the Lizard Beast Knight, and despite his misgivings, is quickly forced to defend himself from a golem created by the mage. He is saved by his neighbor, the princess Asahina Samidare, and swears loyalty to her. However, the princess does not intend to save the earth at all. She lets Yuuhi in on her real motivations: to prevent Animus from destroying the earth, only to then annihilate the planet by her own hand. The pair continue to fight off attacks by Animus's golems while the remaining Beast Knights are slowly being gathered and learning to use their powers. But Yuuhi will have to decide for himself whether to go along with Asahina's plans, whom he is getting close to, or to save the earth. In the process, he must also confront his true self, and determine where his loyalties truly lie.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Psychological, Seinen
Released: 2022
Status: Completed
Country: Japanese
Other name: Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer; 惑星のさみだれ
Aired: Jul 09, 2022
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Is sending inmates to county jail the solution to state prison overcrowding? In Los Angeles and much of the rest of California, the answer is no.
As part of a reduction of California's prison population ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court last week, counties are likely to be asked to accept thousands of new inmates. Los Angeles, where one-third of the state's prisoners originate, could have to take up to 10,000 inmates.
But L.A.'s largest jail has a long history of overcrowding, unsanitary and unsafe conditions, and inadequate medical care for inmates. Many of the same criminal justice advocates who supported the lawsuit that led to the Supreme Court ruling are now warning that Los Angeles and other local jurisdictions are unprepared to deal with the aftermath of this landmark legal victory.
The 5-to-4 ruling held that overcrowding in the California's 33 prisons have caused conditions that amount to "cruel and unusual punishment" in violation of the U.S. Constitution. The decision, which upheld a 2009 ruling by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, came in two consolidated class-action lawsuits dating back to 1990 that challenged the prison system's treatment of patients with mental illness and other medical conditions.
In response to the 2009 ruling, the state had already begun reducing its prison population (from nearly 162,500 in 2006 to around143,400 this past May), in part by sending 10,000 inmates out of state. But if the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) hopes to meet the court-ordered goal—a prison population not to exceed 137.5 percent of capacity—it must cut another 33,630 prisoners over the next two years.
The Supreme Court, which did not specify how the state should makes these cuts, has asked the CDCR to present a full plan of action by June 6. The CDCR and Governor Jerry Brown are advocating for what is known as the Public Safety Realignment Plan, in which future inmates guilty of nonviolent, nonsexual, non-serious crimes would be kept in county jails instead of being sent to state prison. Brown signed legislation OK'ing the realignment plan in April, but its implementation is contingent upon a constitutional amendment guaranteeing necessary funding, which is currently being considered by the Legislature for inclusion on an upcoming ballot.
The Benefits of Realignment
Criminal justice advocates see many benefits in keeping low-level, short-sentence offenders in local jails. Staying close to home makes it easier for them to keep in touch with their families and to create reentry plans for their release—both of which help reduce recidivism.
What's more, transporting and processing low-level inmates into state prison is costly and inefficient, especially for those serving short sentences.
"It is a long, expensive bus ride from the county jail to the prison just to just to say, 'OK, time's up, bye-bye,' and return them to the streets," says Jeanne Woodford, former San Quentin warden and former acting head of the CDCR, who recently became the executive director of the nonprofit Death Penalty Focus. "They have a higher recidivism rate because there is nothing thoughtful about the process."
In 2009, 47,000 state prison inmates were serving terms of 90 days or less.
"We've got to stop this churning in and out of state prison. Realignment is meant to address that revolving door," says Terry Thornton, spokesperson for the CDCR. "Offenders aren't just the state's responsibility, not just cities, not just counties—they are everybody's problem."
Passing the Buck?
But some complain that the realignment plan merely passes the buck.
"It's kicking the can further down to the county level," says Emily Harris with Californians United for a Responsible Budget, a coalition that advocates for reducing state inmates through prevention programs and the elimination of Three Strikes and mandatory minimum sentences. "The fear is that it will go from one big mess in one system to 58 [county] systems that will need whole new overcrowding lawsuits."
Unlike the prisons, many county jails are operating below capacity, due to a lack of funds to fully staff and maintain them. Counties are vying for state realignment money that would allow them to open all of their jails.
But even with jails running at full capacity, counties still won't be able to accommodate all 30,000-plus inmates being cut from the state prison system. In Kern County, for instance, which sends approximately 4,600 inmates to state prisons a year, jails are currently operating at 87.6 percent capacity. But pushing capacity to 100 percent would only add 334 beds.
Other county jail systems are already over capacity, including San Diego (at 103.6 percent), the second-largest supplier of inmates to state prisons.
In order to house inmates locally, more jails will have to be built.
"If it's, 'Let's just expand county jail, let's just hire more county sheriffs, let's just create more space to lock people up,' all we do is recreate the dynamic that led to the Supreme Court case," says Craig Gilmore, co-founder of the California Prison Moratorium Project. "That's how the state got into the problem it is in now."
The Los Angeles Problem
Of all the counties, Los Angeles County will play the most significant role in the realignment program, since one-third, or nearly 57,000, California state prisoners originate from that area.
L.A. County jails, which house an estimated 19,500 inmates daily, have 5,000 unused beds. The Pitchess Detention Center north of Santa Clarita, for example, houses only two inmates. (Those two inmates serve to maintain the jail's open status, to avoid any upgrades that would be required if the jail were to close and reopen.)
Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy D. Baca, whose department oversees the jail system, is welcoming the potential influx of prisoners in part because he hopes they will bring in as much as $90 million in funding from Sacramento to reopen shuttered areas of jails, invest in technology like GPS and ankle bracelets for parolees and improve education programs for inmates.
"Our proposed jail plan is solid. The plan needs funding and that is the if," says Steve Whitmore, spokesperson for the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. "No money, no jail plan. No money, no extra beds. It is real simple."
But according to prison watchdog groups, even with additional funding, the Los Angeles jail system will still be too crippled to handle the influx. While sections of the jails lie empty, elsewhere inmates are kept in conditions plagued with overcrowding, violence, unsanitary conditions and a lack of proper medical care.
Of particular concern is the city's—and the nation's—largest jail, Men's Central Jail (MCJ), home to an average 5,000 inmates a day. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been battling the sheriff's department since 1978, when the group successfully sued on behalf of MCJ inmates, challenging their living conditions as "cruel and unusual punishment."
The litigation led to temporary improvements, but the jails are still not in compliance with court orders and the case remains active. In 2006, a federal judge ordered a cut in the number of inmates at Men's Central, saying the jail's conditions were "inconsistent with basic human values" and had "defaulted to the lowest permissible standard of care."
Five years later, the jail remains "archaic, obsolete, dangerous, overcrowded and permeated with violence," says Peter Eliasberg, managing attorney of the organization's Southern California office. "The idea that the sheriff's department is capable of dealing with an influx of new prisoners from the state is laughable."
The ACLU receives six to seven complaints a week about unprovoked abuse, retaliation for filing complaints, sub-par mental health care and unsanitary conditions in the L.A. jails, all of which it blames in large part on overcrowding. Inmates are denied showers, outdoor recreation, and phone calls. There are plumbing leakages, poor ventilation, and dorms with more than 140 prisoners in bunk beds that are so close together that it is difficult to move between them.
Even if all the beds are made available, it is unlikely that Los Angeles would be able to handle more inmates immediately.
"That new capacity presumes keeping Men's Central Jail open, but it is so decrepit that the whole jail needs to come down," Gilmore says.
Meanwhile, the county says it can't move inmates from the decrepit MCJ to empty jails like Pitchess because it's a more expensive facility to run and it's too costly to transport inmates 40 miles to courts in downtown Los Angeles.
In order to deal with a $128 million budget cut in the current fiscal year, the Los Angeles sheriff's department has already decreased its jail population through incarceration alternatives such as electronic bracelet monitoring and improved education within prisons, but these measures are still not enough.
"Counties are going to be faced with a need to be able to create alternatives at the same time that there are cut backs on many other funding streams," says San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón, who was formerly an assistant police chief in Los Angeles.
"Particularly in counties like L.A. where you already have terrible overcrowding in the jails, people are going to re-offend because there isn't going to be any meaningful community-based supervision," Gascón says. "Those folks aren't going to be able to go back to state prison and those jails are already packed."
Most prison reformers argue that the state needs to come up with ways to reduce the overall inmate population through better reentry and rehabilitation programs proven to reduce recidivism as well as more prevention programs.
"If the thought is we just have to have this many people incarcerated, and if they can't be incarcerated in the state system, they need to be in the county system," says Eliasberg, "then we are missing a great opportunity to do some of the hard looking that other states and jurisdictions have done."
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Heather Ferguson
Manager, Global Content Marketing
Heather Ferguson is the Manager of Global Content Marketing at Rackspace Technology. With over a decade of digital marketing and content marketing experience, Heather brings a wealth of knowledge about crafting compelling stories and finding your audience. An ex-pat Canadian, Heather lives in San Diego, California with her husband Colin and her son, Owen.


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NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Never mind. Two days into its public courtship of Unilever, Kraft Heinz is walking away, scuttling what would have been one of the biggest brand mash-ups ever.
The food conglomerate, which is backed by investor Warren Buffett, withdrew its $140 billion-plus takeover bid for European consumer products giant Unilever.
"Kraft Heinz has amicably agreed to withdraw its proposal for a combination of the two companies," the companies said in a joint statement on Sunday. "Unilever and Kraft Heinz hold each other in high regard. Kraft Heinz has the utmost respect for the culture, strategy and leadership of Unilever."
Kraft Heinz announced its bid on Friday, offering $50 a share.
But Unilever turned down the deal, which it said "fundamentally undervalues" the company.
Kraft's interest was made public at "an extremely early stage," according to Kraft Heinz spokesman Michael Mullen.
"Our intention was to proceed on a friendly basis, but it was made clear Unilever did not wish to pursue a transaction," Mullen said in a statement. "It is best to step away early so both companies can focus on their own independent plans to generate value."
A merger between Kraft Heinz and Unilever would have been one of the largest ever.
It would have been the biggest in the history of the food and beverage industry, trumping the merger between beer behemoths Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller in 2016. That deal was worth nearly $125 billion.
Instead, Unilever may continue to focus on its own growth. Last year, the company scooped up Dollar Shave Club for $1 billion. It also bought eco-friendly home products maker Seventh Generation.
Kraft Heinz is known for its brand-name macaroni and cheese and ketchup, as well as Oscar Meyer foods, Planters peanuts and Jell-O.
The company was formed when Kraft and Heinz merged in 2015. Two years earlier, Heinz was bought by Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and private equity firm 3G Capital.
Investors have speculated that Kraft Heinz and Berkshire are itching to do another major deal.
Berkshire Hathaway did not immediately return a request for comment.
Unilever brands include Dove personal care products, Ben & Jerry's ice cream and Lipton tea.
-- Paul LaMonica contributed reporting.
™ & © 2017 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.


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