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Blur Shoe-Infant Sizes
Details https://www.belk.com/p/nina-blur-shoe-infant-sizes/4800113BLUR.html
Additional Information
This comfortable sneaker will be your little guy's go-to shoe he'll love to play in. Rich in warm tones, you'll be able to outfit him in dark wash denim, khakis, and corduroys for a simple ensemble.
- Velcro® closure
- Wipe clean
- man made
- Imported
California Residents
For orders being shipped to California, please click here for Proposition 65 WARNING.
Shipping Details
Shipping Details
This item ships directly from the vendor, usually within 4 business days. Shipping Details
Due to shipping weight restrictions, this item cannot be shipped to a PO Box.
Return Details
Returns are easy at belk.com. Easy returns

subset: commoncrawl


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Apologies because this is a little blurry but I had to get a picture of what I found the orange cat doing tonight when I got home (he'd obviously been sleeping like this quite some time). And then of course he moved when I tried to take another.
Life's hard when you're orange. Obviously just knocking down the cushion to sleep on isn't comfy enough, no, there must also be stuffing of the butt into a shopping bag to keep one's delicate rear end warm.
The grey cat has expressed an opinion that there is too much orange mentioned here. To which I reply 'yes but he does so many more nutty things than you'. Which earned me A LOOK. So now she's probably plotting something.
And now, because I need to exercise, eat and write before I can look at any of the books the nice postman delivered, au revoir


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life, 13 Nov 2011doesnot install applications like nimbuzz,ebudy,operamini etc..............how could i install... moreinstall any opera mini jar file,nimbuzz jar file..............every jar file will work on this mobile........
jjjjjjjjjj, 14 Nov 2011how can i watch youtube in this phone its not support for youtube website so if u wants see means than u have to instal software
Hey guys its loking nice mobile but when come to feature its not fine touch screen and sim also one of the favority website that is youtube is not working in this phone
it s looking so smart..net s so speed like 3g..the keypad s so useful msg typing...!
Hi friends can u plz help me i am getting confused whether i will buy r not?wht about the workimg of dual sim?
this model s such a good style n price also less amount only . . im using this mobile currently now . . i lik to use this . . but only one drawback s tat its not having such a video facility . . ya its not even support a 3gp high quality video songs . . so remember this while buy this
Nokia c2-03 is a good looking phone but it has many problems like it switched off suddenly & on after re inserting battery no scrol key is there which is very important for fast application
How can i surf internet with pc , where is sound & display setting; is anyone could help me pls
Battery back up is very poor and also giving trouble to detect network. I dont suggest to buy it
Im using within 2 months, problem on camera, touch the camera icon then its restart..
its very natural that while using sim 1,sim 2 is either switched off or is out of reach. i am having this exp.wid my other dual sim phs viz micromax q5fb & spice
yogi, 15 Nov 2011my nokia c2-03 show sim1 switch off when i am on sim2 call,,,very good phone for my work....
This phone is the worst phone ever made, I fell a victim of nokia tech trial.Bad touch screen, I returned it,nokia claming i was careless with it. Pls DONOT BUY THIS PHONE or else OYO or 1 chance.
This is a very good mobile and ALSo looking vry smat. i like this mobile vey much
buuaaaahhhhh, nokia should not make such kinda cells anymore, 2 sim slots but only one can be useful. other will be getting stuck.
This is the worstest mob i evr used...dnt hv good battry charge, internet facility is soo poor,touch s not gud n alot more..


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Excelling in a sales career requires a different kind of personality. You either have it or you don't. As Sales Manager of the 5-star Hilton Hotel in Osaka, Japan for the past eight years, Bruneian born Jason Lim has faced and conquered many challenges in this fast-paced, ever changing industry.
How did you end up in Japan?
I got a three year scholarship to study in Japan from the Japanese government in April 2003 and I've been here ever since.
What can you tell us about Osaka?
Osaka is in some ways similar to Brunei but slower than Tokyo; it is compact and relaxing. Most importantly, there are lots of kind and friendly people here.
What are you doing now in Osaka?
I am a Sales Manager for International Sales at Hilton Osaka. I am the only other non-Japanese in the Sales office besides my director. My other full time job is looking after my two girls, 5 and 3 on weekends (smile).
How did you get this position at the hotel?
After my three year scholarship, I had the choice of going back to Brunei but I really wanted to get my university degree so I decided to put myself through university in Japan with some help from my family, my Japanese friend and three part time jobs. One of these jobs was working at a restaurant and that's where I met my boss. He was having dinner with his family at the restaurant, we spoke, and after just one interview I got the job. I've been with the Hilton for almost eight years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Where should I start? There are just so many great parts but for a start, I can eat Japanese Teppanyaki every day and eat at fine dining restaurants in the hotel every night (but that wouldn't be too healthy). The truth is, the most positive aspect of this job is that I get to meet a lot of people from so many countries, with different cultures and thoughts. And for me, it's especially fun when I meet Bruneians staying at my hotel because I know that we will be connected somehow in Brunei and we'll have a good laugh about it.
What have you learnt from the Japanese work ethic?
The Japanese work ethic is something that many people will be very surprised at. You may have heard stories that the Japanese work like they know rule books character by character; they are hard to bend, etc. I cannot say that this is not true as I've done my time, but what I can say is that Japanese people are one of the best people to work for and with. They are diligent and straight forward, and I learned that you have to learn the culture to work with them.
What is your advice to local Bruneians wanting to achieve extraordinary careers?
I think a lot of Bruneians want to explore what's outside of Brunei. I would recommend that you talk with someone who is already involved in the career that you're considering. Get their advice; see if their situation matches yours; and figure out if you can see yourself doing that job. Sometimes I think, it might be easier to move back to Brunei than to live in Osaka – but on the other hand, the experience I get here is incomparable to anywhere I've ever been.
This article was published in the Oct-Dec 2015 Issue of Inspire Magazine. Download it here!


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2016 Membership Drive Kickoff!
Hello Friends, today we are kicking off our 2016 membership drive. As you likely have seen if you have been on Tenmile Lakes anytime in the last few years, our lakes problems: Water Quality, Weeds, Depth have continued to degrade. The only way we have any chance to improve our situation is a unified voice. Your membership, while the small annual monetary membership fee of $15 helps our organization running, helps us show our politicians how many people care about fixing this great natural resource
Please Click here here to Join/Renew your TLA membership. The membership form and payment options are linked there too.
TLA Granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status!
Announced at the June 8, TLA meeting was granted 501(c)(3) Status. View the notification here With this non-profit designation, we are now able to accept larger donation from individuals and organizations where the donor can claim the donation as a write-off on their taxes. Also, the TLA is now eligible to apply for grants for improvement projects. This is really a big news!
The TLA Board and members would like to thank TLA member Angie Cowan who volunteered her time and experience to lead the Board through the application process. The 501(c)(3) designation is a real game changer for the TLA and the benefits of Angie's work will be felt for years to come. THANK YOU ANGIE!
The Tenmile Lakes Association


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Pelaez St, Brgy Kamagayan, Kamagayan, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines, 6000
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Health Insurance 101
What Is Health Insurance?
Health insurance is a mechanism in which you can manage your health care costs. Basically, you pay health care companies, premiums (a set amount each month) and you get benefits to pay for your eligible health care expenses. Your plan could also have a deductible, which is a set amount that you have to pay for covered services, before your insurance plan foots the bill.
A co-payment or co-insurance, is a set amount that you pay for covered services, usually after a deductible is met. For instance, you may have a set co-pay of $200 for an emergency room visit or a 70/30 co-insurance for advanced imaging, where you cover 30% of the costs, and the other 70% is from your insurance carrier. In general, the more you pay per month (premium), the lower your deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. You will also notice your plan will have an out-of-pocket maximum, which means that after your total health care costs in a calendar year reach this amount, the health insurance carrier will now be footing the rest of the bills, until the new plan year starts.
You usually will also have prescription drug coverage built in to your plan, in which you may have to meet a deductible first, and then have set co-pays or co-insurances for each tier or level of drugs in your plan's formulary. Keep in mind, generic drugs are usually going to be more in-expensive than brand-name drugs. For example, when at the local Walgreens, you may notice that the Tylenol brand is more expensive than the Walgreens brand of the same drug. Same ingredients, but lower price. This is essentially how it works with prescription drugs.
What is The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?
The Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare", is a federal law that requires most everyone to have health insurance. This can be done in a multitude of ways, from obtaining coverage from an employer, buying directly from an insurance carrier, or signing up for coverage on the government-run exchange, known as the Health Insurance Marketplace. If someone does not obtain such coverage, then a tax penalty could be awaiting you around tax time. An important feature of this legislation, is that is does not allow insurers to deny coverage based on a health condition you had before getting on a plan, known as a "preexisting condition", and you can't be charged more because of it. For more on the nitty gritty details on The Affordable Care Act, click here. Something to keep in mind is that plans under The Affordable Care Act, are not required to cover vision and dental for adults, but if someone is under 18 years old wanting coverage, these could be offered. If you are needing to get either dental or vision coverage, we are more than happy to help you.
Why Should I Buy Health Insurance?
Literally everyone should buy health insurance because it is mandatory, unless you qualify for a hardship exemption. One thing that may come to mind naturally is that it may make more sense to take the tax hit than to buy an expensive policy, that you may not think you need. First, keep in mind that health insurance can be less expensive than the tax penalty you face if you don't have health insurance. Secondly, the amount you would have to pay out-of-pocket for a medical emergency if you do not have health insurance is much higher than the tax penalty. In fact, medical bills are a leading cause of consumer debt and related financial problems. Data from 2009 shows this number to be around 60%, quite frightening to say the least. For a real world example, consider this. An uninsured with appendicitis might pay nearly $40,000, while an insured one with the same condition, could pay as little as $1,500.
What If I Have A Family?
If you have children, it is quite likely that they may need to visit the doctor or urgent care more frequently than a relatively healthy adult. One thing you want to ensure, is that your deductibles, co payments, and coinsurance are affordable for you. Keep in mind also that your plan may have a family deductible in addition to individual deductibles for each family member. Individual deductibles are often times lower than a family deducible. Once an individual will hit their individual deductible, their health insurance plan kicks in just for them. On the flip side, when a family deductible is met, health insurance will kick in for every member of the family, regardless of whether or not an individual has reached their deductible.
What If I Am A Student?
You can stay on your parents health plan until you are 26 years old, so no need to buy health insurance if your parents are willing to let you stay on their plan. A good option is also to check your local university for any health insurance plans they may offer, which in some cases, can be quite affordable. Keep this in mind especially if you are attending a college or university out of state, as your parents plan network may not be usable in that state.
What If I Am Self-Employed?
If you just became self-employed after leaving a full-time W2 job, an option would be to use COBRA to continue your previous employers coverage until you are able to find a new plan. If it is not an open enrollment, you should also be able to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to shop on the marketplace. Ensure that your premiums are affordable, as your monthly income may be variable. Your health insurance premiums are also tax deductible, so keep that in mind around tax time. Additionally, if you travel frequently for work, you might want to consider a plan that allows you to see out of network providers, like a PPO.
What If I Have A Low Income?
If you are on a low income or tight budget, you should check to see if you qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid is a public health insurance plan available for low income individuals and families. If your income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty line, you may likely qualify for a subsidy from the health insurance marketplace. This subsidy can make your health coverage more affordable. The most important thing to keep in mind is to have some sort of coverage in place. A serious health issue can turn into a financial disaster if you're not careful. If you qualify, look into catastrophic plans as these plans can protect you from the cost of serious illnesses and accidents.
What If I Am A Veteran?
If you are a veteran, you may qualify for health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Affordable Care Act does not change VA health benefits. If you qualify for VA health benefits, you do not need to purchase an additional health insurance plan to meet the Affordable Care Act's health insurance mandate. If you have health insurance coverage thorough a private-sector employer, you can have and use both health insurance plans at the same time.
What If I Am Pregnant?
All health insurance plans that count as qualifying health insurance cover pregnancy and childbirth related services. Maternity care and childbirth are one of the ten essential benefits required on qualifying health plans under the ACA. These services are covered even if you became pregnant before your coverage starts. Having a child also counts as a qualifying event for a Special Enrollment Period in which you can enroll in a new plan or switch plans. Maternity care and childbirth are also covered by Medicaid and CHIP. If you qualify for Medicaid and CHIP and are pregnant, you can apply at any time during the year through your state agency or marketplace.
What If I Am A Senior Citizen?
If you are above the age of 65, you likely qualify for Medicare. Medicare is a federal program designed to help you cover healthcare costs into your old age. You can also purchase supplemental insurance, called Medigap, that can help pay for your deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. Check out the "Medicare Solutions" page on our site above, for more options if you fit in this category.
What If I Am Currently In The Military?
If you are an active duty service member, your healthcare (and your family's health care) is covered by TRICARE. You do not need to purchase additional health insurance to comply with the ACA.
What If Am Married But Do Not Have Kids?
If you are married but don't have kids, you don't need to buy health insurance as a family. You can buy individual plans from separate companies, if that makes sense for you and your spouse. You can also purchase a family plan from the marketplace. One of you can also be dependent on the other's employer-provided health insurance plan, if that's available.
Which Type Of Health Insurance To Buy?
Generally, there are two types of health insurance: public health insurance (like Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP) and private health insurance. Most people have some form of private health insurance, whether they purchase it through a marketplace or get it from an employer. State exchanges and the federal exchange can offer consumers both public health insurance and private health insurance.
On-Exchange Private Health Insurance:
On-exchange private health insurance policies are plans that are sold on government-run exchanges, like a state exchange or Healthcare.gov, the federal exchange. On-exchange plans must cover the ten essential benefits, plus any additional services that are mandated by your state government. Additionally, every insurer that wants to participate in a government-run exchange must offer a plan at every metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). On-exchange plans are the only plans for which premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions (government subsidies) are available. We at the Harrin Group are continuously monitoring the future of the Affordable Care Act and will update this page as more concrete information comes available in this ever-changing field.
Off-Exchange Private Health Insurance:
Off-exchange private health insurance policies are plans that are sold either directly by the health insurance company, through a third-party broker, or a privately run health insurance marketplace. These plans must cover the ten essential benefits and other rules dictated by the Affordable Care Act. The caveat with these types of plans is that they are not eligible for any government subsidies, to drive the cost down. They also allow the insurer more flexibility in plan offerings, like only offering plans in a certain tier like Gold.
Short-Term Medical Insurance:
Short-term health insurance plans provide limited health coverage for a temporary gap in coverage. As of March 28th, 2017, these types of plans are limited to a duration of 3 months of coverage, and at that point, the applicant will have to apply again. Keep in mind that short-term medical plans do not count as qualifying health coverage, but these plans seem to be gaining popularity for people who missed the deadline to sign up for the exchange, or are in between jobs,etc. We want to stress that short-term medical plans will not cover any pre-existing conditions, and you do have to fall in certain health parameters to qualify, like height and weight. We also have some options for people who would like coverage beyond 3 months, and want pre-existing coverage also. Please reach out to us if any of these seem like a fit for you currently.
Types Of Networks:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)- The most restrictive type of plan when it comes to accessing your network of providers. With this plan, you will be asked to choose a primary care physician (PCP), that is in the network. Think of your primary care physician as the gatekeeper, who will coordinate your care and refer you to any specialists you may need, that are in the network. HMO's will not cover any out of network costs.
Private Provider Organization (PPO)- These plans are the least restrictive when it comes to accessing your network of providers and getting care outside of your plans network. You typically will have the option to choose between an in network doctor, whom you can see at a lower cost, or the freedom to see an out of network doctor, at a higher cost. These plans do not require referrals from your primary care physician to see a specialist. You may also choose to have a primary care physician with these plans and keep in mind these plan types are generally more expensive than an HMO.
Point of Service (POS)- These plan types are a hybrid of the HMO and PPO. You will have a primary care provider on an HMO style network who will coordinate your care. The difference lies with the access to a PPO style network with out of network options, at a higher cost. The HMO network will be more affordable and you will need to get a referral to see HMO specialists. POS plans typically have more expensive premiums than pure HMO's but are less expensive than PPO's.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)- These plans are another mix between HMO and PPO plans. They give you the option of seeing a specialist without a referral. Keep in mind these plans do not cover out of network physicians. EPO plans typically have more expensive premiums than HMO's, but less expensive than a PPO.
Metal Tiers:
Bronze: In general, have the lowest monthly premiums, costs are split 40% consumer responsibility, 60% insurer.
Silver: More expensive than a bronze, but will typically have a wider network. Costs are 30% consumer responsibility, 70% insurer.
Gold: Gold plans are more expensive than a silver and have the insurer take on more of the costs, with a 20% consumer responsibility and 80% insurer.
Platinum: The highest level in the metal tiers and the most pricey. This comes with a 10% consumer responsibility and 90% insurer.
Health Insurance Cost Factors:
- Your age
- Your location
- Whether or not you use tobacco
- Individual or family plan
- Your plan category (bronze, silver, gold, platinum)
When To Sign Up?
The Open-Enrollment Period starts November 1st, 2019 and runs through December 15th, 2019. You may be able to sign up outside of this period with a Special Enrollment Period, which enables one with a qualifying life event (having a baby, getting married, loss of coverage) to sign up at any point throughout the year.
More A Visual Learner? Here Is A Quick Recap:
Did You Know?: As of 2016, 27 million American's do not have any health coverage. And out of those 27 million people, 46% cited the reason being they tried to get coverage but it was too expensive.
Want to see how much we can save you? Just request a quote to find out.
Sources: The Balance,LearnVest,Healthcare.gov, CNN.com, U.S. Dept. of Labor, Medicaid.gov, VA.gov, CHIP, Medicare.gov, TRICARE, Maryland Health Connection, Bloomberg


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Boa Vista
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Private transfers are included for this hotel
Email Us
Call To Book
Overlooking the golden bay of Praia de Cruz, Marine Club is an attractive Italian-themed hotel boasting lots of facilities.
Our Guest's Opinion
- Mr Raybould
It's well worth upgrading to the Sea View Villas. You won't regret waking up and opening the doors to the view every morning.
- Not suited to anyone with walking difficulties, as some of the steps around the grounds are fairly steep and uneven.
Boasting a blissful hillside setting, and almost blending into the ocean over which it towers, you'll struggle to find a more paradisiacal location on the island of Boa Vista. By day, wander the bougainvillea-filled grounds to the large pool, which offers the perfect place to soak up the African sunshine, or for beach lovers, there's plenty of space on the soft sand to lay down your beach towel or relax on a sunlounger.
The bedrooms are scattered on the small hillside, and enjoy a good range of facilities, including air-conditioning, a television, safe and minibar, the latter two payable locally. Guests also have the option of upgrading their room, opting for a sea view.
An impressive viewing pier jutting out towards the ocean is arguably this hotel's most alluring feature, where you could choose to enjoy your current read, or plan your next adventure, all whilst watching the warming orange and pink hues of the sunset. Meals are taken in the main buffet restaurant or at the poolside restaurant Rochino, and as well as opting for half board, there is a full board and soft drinks option available at a supplement for those who prefer to dine in-house.
Beyond the stunning views and undeniable lure of the pool, guests can enjoy a selection of beauty treatments, a daily activity programme and plenty of evening entertainment. If you can tear yourself away from all of this, take a short taxi ride into Boa Vista's capital, Sal Rei, where there's a handful of shops, restaurants and bars to discover, or explore some of the island on a bicycle, which you can hire from the hotel.
Official local hotel rating: 4 star
Brochure Page
Interactive Map
Sleeps up to 4 (3 adults)
These detached villas have 2 bedrooms and a spacious terrace. Sleeps up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children. Our prices are based on this room type.
Sea View Villa
Sleeps up to 4
These detached villas have 2 bedrooms and a spacious terrace with sea view. Sleeps up to 4 adults or 2 adults + 2 children.
Superior Sea View
These rooms have a double or twin beds with a sea view from either a balcony or terrace. Sleeps up to 4.
Opening dates are subject to change and beyond our control.
Sodade di nha Terra - Rabil
Cape Verdean
More information
Esplanada Cafe Kriola - Sal Rei
Porton di Nhos Ilha - Sal Rei
Esplanada Silves - Sal Rei
International cuisine
Ca Baby - Sal Rei
Unspoilt expanses of beach and sea Boa Vista is home to some of the most dazzling beaches on the archipelago covering a staggering 55km. Closest to the African mainland, Boa Vista is not only renowned for its stunning beaches but its marine life too. Nightlife here is very low key and quiet with just a scattering of local restaurants and bars.
Boa Vista is quite literally covered in sand and many buildings have been completely absorbed leaving an endless blanket of sand. A great example of this is on Praia da Chaves, an old ceramic factory covered in sand is still intact with machines in situ! Sahara like dunes in the interior of the island with sprouting date palms are an impressive sight and well worth a visit.
Depending on the time of year you may even spot some turtles on the islands southern beaches. Boa Vista is thought to be third most important loggerhead nesting site in the world, with the favoured time of year for turtles to nest usually being during the months of June through to September.
The miles of unspoilt coast line are excellent for you to enjoy uninterrupted walks as well as being a popular location for windsurfing enthusiasts. Other water sports are available in addition to quad biking tours and line and deep-sea fishing.
The island of Boa Vista is also home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the archipelago with a dazzling 55km stretch of white powdery sands. The most spectacular is Praia de Chaves, where the sand dunes have been sculpted by the winds into some amazing arcs.
There are a few festivals on the island. Plans change from year to year but normally there is the common music festival that takes place in Santa Cruz in August. The other main colourful festival is:
Santa Isabel (Municipality Day) 4 July - the day of Santa Isabel, the patron saint of the island. Celebrated with processions, swimming, horse racing, tours and a public ball.
Boa Vista & Marine Club backed by your service provided exactly what we wanted
Mr Daintry – Guest – Marine Club
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Interior Ideas : Cool Game Room Ideas With Wooden Bookshelves And Wooden Floor, Fabulous Game Rooms Designs Ideas In Your Home
Published at Sunday, February 1st 2015 with game room decorating ideas with wooden table and chairs also billiard and entertaining space with brown leather sofa, game room decorating ideas for gamer with three pc monitor and black leather swivel office design, brown basement game room decorating ideas with black brown cloth pool table and red sofa.
Beside the youth white game room with green pyramid shaped bookshelves on black floor, white room design for game with grey sofa and black wooden pool table with beige cloth with have similarity with white game room with britton billiard table on brown rug plus black leather armchair and wooden antique table on black tile floor, white game room design with round wall mirror and brown wooden poker table with brown armchair, black pool table in white game room with square ceiling lamp design, large game room design with double wooden pool table on wooden floor plus wide aquarium, simple design game room design with black cloth antique pool table on red rug plus white mantel plus black leather armchair, white light brown game room in basement with black ping pong table design,
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Do you need to be a superwoman to be a good parent and good businessperson? Having it all at once as opposed to having it all over time? The importance of women in leadership was brought to the forefront recently by Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In. What is the ruckus over Sandberg's book? What is she saying? Does the fact that she's a married wealthy woman and the mother of two young children negate what she has to say?
Attorney Bettina Lawton, a role model for women in leadership, will discuss the importance of women in leadership positions in business and on corporate boards, the improv


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Welcome January and the New Year! I'm hoping that 2011 will be an awesome and amazing year.
What's really cool is that you have a hand in the outcome. Don't just wait for incredible things to happen. Make them happen. Get involved in your community. Find a way to extend a hand of help through the many organizations that already have programs set up.
Don't be content for life to happen; mark your calendar and get out there. You would be amazed at what there is to do and what little cost is involved. Also this year, make an effort to let me know of happenings in your home — births, weddings, birthdays and celebrations — and send that information to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Superhero Day party
The Washington County Recreation Department will host its inaugural Superhero Day Party on Saturday, Jan. 15, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Hagerstown Community College's ARCC.


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Tag! I'm it!
g from Doves2day tagged me with a meme...and since I'm getting tired of digging up stuff for Wordless Wednesdays, I guess I'll go ahead and oblige her. Here goes:
Four things you should know about me before you invite me to your house:
1. I notice everything, except dust bunnies, dirt, and dog hair on the couch. I'm way too busy trying to figure out the exact paint color you used in your dining room.
2. I'm a total klutz. Tell the kids to put away the skateboards and backpacks before I come over, because I'll definitely trip over them in the hall.
(See #1, above)
(See #1, above)
3. Ask me to help you with a home improvement project and I'll be over in a flash. I love group projects....mostly because it helps me to avoid the ones at our house.
4. I'm easily amused. Give me a glass of wine, a stoop (or front porch), some good conversation, and I'll be your friend for life.
That's about it...now I guess I've got to tag some people and pass it on. Hmmm.
That's about it...now I guess I've got to tag some people and pass it on. Hmmm.
You're it:
Magpie Musing
All Adither
Hold That Thought
Gotta run!


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Halo Is Mr Unpopular In South Africa?
If you haven't noticed there has been news floating around about Halo 4 over the last few days. With many fans and haters interpreting the incoming news with both dissent and wonderment. The success of this next installment in the Halo franchise, and the first release by 343 Industries, will undoubtedly be popular in the United States. But other regions of the world? This is questionable.
South Africa in particular has never had a strong local community supporting the Halo franchise. Of course, I'm not saying that South African gamers don't play any Halo games. What I'm pointing out is that the support dwindles in comparison to other games that the community plays. The community is playing games like Modern Warfare, Battlefield and Gears of War. This is not going to change any time soon.
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- Jessica Jones Disempowers Its Male Characters And The Effect Is Refreshing | 2 months ago
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Why does the Halo franchise not have a strong footing amongst South African gamers? I think that much of it has to do with the movement in the South African gaming community towards an appreciation of military shooters, and the long standing popularity of games in the Modern Warfare, and now Battlefield series. These games have now become the staple multiplayer experience of many South African gamers. The first Modern Warfare game, in particular, took South African LAN culture by storm and became a staple of many events to this day. Although, this may be soon changing with the release of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive around the corner.
Perhaps, there is a perception in the gaming community that Halo is an 'average' FPS that is a derivative of other hyper-paced first person shooters, like Unreal Tournament, Quake and Tribes. These are common assertions amongst haters of the franchise. But the same type of rhetoric, and overall argument, can be applied to the very military shooters which are popular nowadays. Every Modern Warfare release so far has been deemed a glorified 'map update' with a R600 price tag. So calling Halo generic and derivative is both hypocritical, and an exercise in idiocy of the highest order.
Relatively speaking, I think that the trend in South Africa at the moment for FPS gaming is vested competitively in both Modern Warfare 3 and Battlefield 3. The prospect of Halo 4 taking on these titans is pretty much a hard sell, where the Halo franchise being exclusive to Xbox 360 doesn't help matters in the least. The next Halo game becoming as popular as the aforementioned games is a pipe dream for Halo fans in South Africa.
It's all a matter of what is popular and trendy. With the eventual release of Halo 4, the game is going to have a tough time grabbing the attention of South African gamers. Sadly, military shooters are still king.
- http://egamer.co.za/author/cavie


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Lord Jesus, thank you for being the provider of all that we could ever ask or hope for in giving us Jesus. You have given us life, breath, the ability to run, move, dance, sing, and play outside. You continually fill our hearts with your peace, grace, and unconditional love. And yet you know us. You see us in our weakest hours. I confess that this week alone you have seen me when I have been literally unable to calm down because I've been so anxious about finances. You've seen me as I've spent money on things I don't need, and you've seen me as I've disdained money as something awful from the enemy -- neither of which was good...! And instead of looking at me with disappointment and disgust, you lovingly remind me that you are completely satisfied with me not because of my performance but because of Christ's perfect performance on my behalf. You are far too good to us, Lord. I ask that you would fill me with the Holy Spirit and speak through me. You know I lack so much wisdom and discipline in the area of finances, but I trust that you are all-powerful, Lord, and that somehow your power is made perfect in our weakness. I pray that I wouldn't write what I want to be true but that I would write what your Word says is true. May your glory and honor be manifest in my simple words this evening, Father. Amen.
A few months ago, I was driving through one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Oklahoma City with two of my best friends. I have driven through that area so many times, but this particular evening, the sun was setting so beautifully that everything from the trees to the rooftops seemed to sparkle. As we drove along, I envisioned each home with its perfect, little inhabitants -- wearing all J. Crew, praying over their meals, processing through their days as a family, lounging on beautiful Pottery Barn couches after dinner. Even though I know that is not reality, it's so easy to imagine, "They have everything they could ever want. They have to be happy."
I remember the thought running through my head, "Wow. If I ever get to live here one day...!" I pictured a life of peace, comfort, and ease -- five mile runs every morning, the perfect marriage, angelic children, cookies always in the oven, rocking chairs on the front porch, every room always clean, every piece of silver always shined and sparkling, the whole nine yards. Again definitely not reality, but you know how the imagination works.
About the time I was drifting far off into dreamland, one of my friends began to describe a John Piper sermon he had listened to in college. In the sermon, Piper spoke about how as humans, we are quick to desire for ourselves kingdoms here on earth and forget that our true kingdom -- our forever home -- is in heaven. So we do everything we can to fill our lives with peace and comfort and ease and security and beauty. Some days that looks like a new set of dishes from William Sonoma and other days it looks like a fabulous new outfit from Nordstrom Rack (I mean it was on sale, right?!). But the reality is that every single thing on this earth except for the souls of men will one day pass away completely. Every lamp, every pillow, every blouse, every iPhone, every candlestick will one day be gone.
Whether it is a big, white house with navy shutters and beautiful flowerbeds or the newest dress from Anthropologie, I see that my fleshly tendency is to lust after the things of this world, thinking that if and when I get those things, my heart will be more satisfied. I will be one step closer to the future, better version of myself I hope to become. I know that for me personally, my high (misplaced) value of money isn't so much about the money itself but about what it can buy, what I think it will give me.
For example, I find that when I'm struggling with deeply desiring the approval of others, I want others to think that I'm pretty and stylish. So I spend any extra money I get on new clothes or getting a manicure or pedicure. Are clothes and manicures bad? Absolutely not! In fact, I think that when done with the right motives and heart attitude, shopping and pedicures can be so relaxing and the sweetest treats! But admittedly, so often my motives are not pure. Usually I find that even my purest desires can be somewhat tainted with the desire to build a kingdom for myself. I want others to think highly of me. I want others to affirm and validate me. It's all about me.
Y'all there is this idol of image that I am so quick to serve. I want to be seen as the fashionable one. I want to be known as having expensive taste and good style. I enjoy eating at nice restaurants. I want to live in a beautiful, inviting home with fresh flowers on the kitchen counter and a volcano candle burning on the coffee table.
And honestly, sometimes there is absolutely nothing wrong with those things. There is nothing wrong with wanting to wear a cute outfit or buying a nice dress or going out for a fancy dinner. I truly don't see anything wrong with creating homey, beautiful spaces and environments where people feel comfortable, relaxed, and at ease. But I know that often my motives are mixed. A new dress can just be so fun and such a sweet blessing. Or it can become something I want to wear to impress other people or to be seen as the one who is "put-together" and pretty. An inviting home can be a wonderful place for people to come together in community and have fun and be known and safe, but I can also look to nice things to provide me with the comfort and security I should be looking for in Jesus. Our lives can be all about ourselves. Or they can be all about Jesus. We can use the things of this world to try and create heaven on earth, or the things of this world can point us to heaven.
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." ~Hebrews 13:14
We can enjoy a great party, a beautiful dress, an inviting home and think to ourselves, "Wow. What a great day. My life rocks." Or we can enjoy those things with the perspective that no matter how enjoyable the things of this world may be, they are only a mere shadow of the kingdom that is to come -- the kingdom of heaven, where death will be no more. All the sad things will come undone. We will be perfectly united to our Father, worshipping and enjoying Him for all of our days. Our hearts will be fully and completely satisfied. We will have absolutely no lack, no desire, no want for anything more.
"Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory in our Lord Jesus Christ." ~1 Corinthians 15:51-57
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away. And He who is seated on the throne said, 'Behold I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.' And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment." ~Revelation 21:1-6
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~Matthew 6:19-21
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." ~Matthew 13:44
The things of this world can be so appealing, and they can seem as though they'll meet our deepest needs and desires. But the truth is, have you ever bought a new purse and thought, "I love this so much! I will never need a new purse again as long as I live!" Only to find that a few months later, the Kate Spade outlet is having an incredible sale and... "Oh my gosh. This bag is perfect. If I get this, I will never need another new bag again as long as I live." I'm laughing. I use that example because it's true, as in I've so been that person. The treasures we think we can store up for ourselves on this earth, which will make us more valuable or important or worthy of love, will be here today and gone tomorrow. And even if they're still here tomorrow, chances are we'll be tired of them and onto desiring something else.
But there is a treasure that lasts forever. There is a gift that we can never lose, that will never end, and that is a relationship with Jesus. It's incredible that God loved us so much that even when we wanted nothing to do with Him whatsoever, He made a way for us to know Him. He initiated with us. He pursued us in sending Jesus, who though He was the King of the universe came to earth with absolute humility, bravery, and love. He came so that we could know God, so that we could see what He is like -- hear His voice, see His actions, experience His love, grace, power, and healing. He came to restore us back into a relationship with God. In the beginning when sin entered the world, relationship between God and humans was destroyed -- not because God didn't love us, but because we chose to go our own way apart from Him. We chose sin instead of God. We chose our own kingdoms instead of God's kingdom. But God loved us so much that He didn't leave us to destroy ourselves. He sent Jesus, who came so that we might be saved from our sins. He came so that we might have LIFE and have it to the fullest!
Jesus lived the life we never could. Though He was perfect and didn't deserve death, He died in our place. And in doing so, He took on our sins and gave us His righteousness. Everything good Jesus ever did is now attributed to those who call upon Him as Savior and Lord. He forgives us of all of our sins -- past, present, and future. And He gives us the gift of salvation, of knowing God intimately and personally -- who though He sees the darkest things about us, loves us more than we could ever imagine. Jesus is the true treasure, the lasting treasure who changes everything now and for eternity.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into run and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." ~1 Timothy 6:6-10
Consider a few of these questions to help you process where you're at in your journey with Jesus in regard to money...
Every dollar in your bank account -- where did it come from?
I once heard that if you want to know where your treasure is, look at your bank statement.
On what do you spend your money? Your heart will be close by.
On what do you spend your money? Your heart will be close by.
Are you storing up your treasures on earth? Or in heaven?
How are you stewarding what God has given you?
For what purposes do you spend your money?
In what ways do you seek glory for yourself?
What does the idolized "future, better version of yourself" look like?
How are you using money to serve that idol?
Have you sat down and spent time working through your budget with the Lord?
Would you consider sitting down with someone who is older and wiser and asking for help with your budgeting, giving, saving, and spending?
Who could you ask?
Would you consider sitting down with someone who is older and wiser and asking for help with your budgeting, giving, saving, and spending?
Who could you ask?
Are you giving to the kingdom of heaven?
How can you trust the Lord with your finances?
What is most valuable to you?
What is most valuable to you?
How does the fact that this world is not your permanent home affect how you spend your money?
I'm not going to lie. These questions are SO convicting to me. It is true that sometimes I can get so stressed out about the money itself. Do I have enough for gas this month? Am I putting enough in savings? Am I giving enough to the church? How much should I spend on coffee? Should I never have coffee again? Is it okay to buy flowers? When is it alright to buy a new pair of shoes? How much is too much to spend? But amidst any anxiety, we can have peace because of who our God is! When we trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He gives us the Holy Spirit to come and live inside our hearts. Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit came, that He would guide us into all truth. We have the incredible blessing and privilege as believers to have direct access to the Lord through Christ and the Holy Spirit. God does not want us to be controlled by our finances or the things of this world, so I truly believe that when we ask Him for His wisdom and guidance in our spending, saving, and giving, He will lead us in the way He would have us go. I know that for me, however, so often I just don't ask Him. I am impatient and want an immediate answer. I often think I know best and choose what is right in my own eyes, rather than asking for the Lord's direction. But I know that He knows best, and so many times in life, things would be so much less painful in the long-term, if I would simply ask Jesus and wait for Him to answer in the short-term.
Just yesterday, the Lord reminded me of when He called Matthew (aka Levi) to come and be one of His disciples. Levi was sitting in his tax booth, working for the Roman government, basically cheating the Jewish people out of tons of money. Everyone hated him. He was despised by pretty much the whole of society. And while he was in the middle of his extortion, his loneliness, his shame, Jesus called to him and said, "Follow me." And leaving everything, Levi rose and followed Him. Jesus knows that we are far from perfect. He sees all of the ways we look to the things of this world to satisfy us instead of looking to Him. He sees us in the midst of our filth and sin and countless mistakes and invites us to follow Him. He loves us not because of what we've done or haven't done, but He loves us because He made us. And by His grace, when we trust Him to be the Lord of our lives, He is committed to us forever. He will never leave us or forsake us. He delights in us and will continue to show us mercy, grace, and unconditional love until we meet Him in the best embrace of our lives in the kingdom that is to come.
Lord, we just confess that we are quick to hoard and store up things on this earth that have no eternal value whatsoever. All of our stuff will one day be burned up, but what will last forever is our relationship with you. Help us to see you in your glory and desire you above all else. We cannot change on our own, Lord. We don't just need to revise our budgets. We need new hearts. And in order to receive new hearts, we need you. Lord, we place ourselves, our money, our misplaced desires for value and status, and all our stuff in your hands. All we have is yours. Help us to steward the money you have entrusted to us in such a way that is honoring to you. Help us to be cheerful givers. Help us to see all spending in this world in light of eternity. We need your wisdom, Lord. We need your grace. Help us to take steps of faith to trust you in the area of finances. You are our good and perfect provider, Lord. Thank you for convicting us of our sin and taking such good care of us. Thank you that because of Jesus, our identities are not found in the size of our homes or the things in our closets but in the fact that we are deeply loved by the Creator of the Universe. We don't deserve you, Jesus, but we are so thankful for you. We love you forever!


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That is what almost all "religious" people are, hypocritical self righteous bigots, that is (not to say that so called non religious people are not almost all also hypocritical self righteous bigots too). Yes, I have been doing some self evaluation again. It has never fully (until recently in 2008 C.E.) enter into my mind that I am religious. But looking at what I write about and what occupies my mind and activity most of the time whenever I am free from the cares and labors of life, I have to say that I am.
Which leads to the question in the blog title, am I a hypocritical self righteous religious bigot? Do I come across as such in my blogs and in my daily dealings with my neighbors?
No one has ever called me such. I have been called other names but that title as above has not been my honor to receive, yet. Which of course, do not mean that they (the 'neighbors' that is) don't think so. I believe that unless seriously provoked, people just aren't going to go up to your face and call you that, even if privately they think of you as such.
Not to say that I haven't seriously provoke people before. People often don't say what they think especially people here in the 'Eastern' nations. For the moment still, anyway.
Not to say that I haven't seriously provoke people before. People often don't say what they think especially people here in the 'Eastern' nations. For the moment still, anyway.
That is unfortunate for me because I almost always say what I think. It kind of made me out as a person at odds with his society. However that doesn't mean that I blurt out at anything and everything I encounter every opportunity I get. I do have some self restraint (well some anyway). I shy away from things I don't know anything about and reserved comments on things I don't want to be involved in. Also I try not to speak on things I don't have enough information about (try is the operative word here). But on things that I am passionate about I do ramble on. Double sigh.
Hmmmmm...... Didn't start out that way but this article is beginning to sound like another exercise in self indulgence. (Triple sigh, yes there were others). But never mind, I will finish what I have started.
Self Perception - Q and A (had to remove the ampersand symbol as Blogger screws it up).
Sane? Maybe. Or should the question be insane? Either way the answer is the same.
Know it all? Possibly.
Righteous? Absolutely not. I have no righteousness at all. Absolute zero. Not to say that I don't try. But mostly I fall flat on my face (yes, my sins are many, my screws up even more). I supposed if I dig a hole in the ground and bury myself in it. I could be righteous throughout that duration if I don't talk to myself or do any self evaluation stuff.
Self Righteous? Hopefully not.
Wicked? Sometimes. Too many times. (Quadrillion sigh).
Sinful? Never laid calm to being anything else.
Stupid? Yes definitely. The way I have screwed up my whole life is clear evidence.
Knowledgeable? In some subjects but only barely just enough to get by.
Intelligent? Yes. That is also what made me so stupid. You can't fault a person who is born stupid. But one who is endowed with intelligence, then screw up his whole life. What else is there that needed to be said? Except that I am not alone. Scary thought that. No, not the 'intelligents' who screw up their lives, but that I am not alone, that there are actually others out there who are like me.
Friendly? Yes but in an anti social way.
Lazy? Hmmm......... this one is private and confidential. No comment.
Hardworking? Refer to previous.
Sleepy? 90 percent of the day and 10 percent of the night. (I know, it is starting to get ridiculous)
Reliable? Only when I want to be.
Consistent? Only when it comes to inconsistency.
Sweet? Only as far as lemon goes.
Cute? Definitely, ugly but adorable. Is there any other definition?
Desireable? Only as much as a pain in the neck.
Now The Serious Stuff. Readers Q And A (Hypothetical).
Q. Do you come across as a hypocritical self righteous religious bigot in your blogs?
A. Most probably.
Q. Do you come across as a hypocritical self righteous religious bigot in your dealings with people?
A. Most likely not, unless they are intimately acquainted because 'looks are deceiving'.
Q. Why do you want to come across as a hypocritical self righteous religious bigot?
A. Want has nothing to do with it. Knowledge puffs up. Any kind of knowledge, little or much. Or for that matter any kind of power at all whether real or perceived (i.e. imagined or fantasized).
Q. If you know it why can't you stop yourself? Why don't you change?
A. It is in the carnal nature or human psyche. The best you can do is fight it with next to (but not absolutely) zero chances of success (that is the 'fall flat on the face part'). Change? Into what, a cockroach?
Q. Why don't you come off your high horse or the pedestal you put yourself on and stop judging and condemning everyone and telling them that they are wicked and GOD is going to kill them all?
A. The operative word I believe is 'judge and condemn everyone' which is not what I am doing. I am basically just telling everyone what I have been granted to understand about what is soon going to happen to this world hoping that the information I provide will allow all those who believe to escape the Great Tribulation (for the Elect and genealogical descendants of the Patriarch Jacob) and the Day of the LORD, a Type of the final Judgment Day (for the rest of mankind). It is hoped that all who read may not be deceived. What judges the world is what the world does. Wickedness is doing (in performing andor communicating) something wicked. This is exactly just as telling a lie is saying something that is not true. There is no high horse and no pedestal. I am basically relating and relaying the message of the Christian Bible. It is a responsibility.
Q. What about all those 'people of God and the elect stuff'? Don't tell me you don't consider yourself as among these?
A. If you were in my position what would you believe, knowing the stuff you know and understanding the things you understand? Of course not to leave out the commitment that had been made and to continued on with the commitment.
Q. If you are a wicked sinner and have no righteousness just like everyone else, how does that make you an elect or whatever you claimed yourself to be and different from the world that God is going to destroy?
A. For the full discussion on what constitute an Elect, you will have to read my book, Bible 101 — The Holy Bible Expounded in that chapter title, as it is not a one line, one statement or one paragraph answer. As to what makes me different, part of the answer is in that chapter, 'The Elect'. Here I will just say because I actually sincerely believe GOD and keep HIS Covenant and commandments. Now if I am righteous in my own right then I wouldn't have to as GOD loves the righteous. But since I have no righteousness at all, I seek to keep the righteousness of my GOD which are HIS commandments; I obey HIS voice which are the teachings, examples and exhortations of the Scripture of Truth; and I honor, keep and perform the Everlasting Covenant mediated by HIS SON, the MESSENGER of the final and everlasting Covenant. Basically I consider myself as being generally and mostly the same as everyone else and my appeal (i.e. plea) to everyone is that we should all refrain from doing evil, and to seek and endeavor to do that which is good against which there is no judgment and condemnation. For a more detailed discussion on what constitutes a true Christian please read in 'Christianity — Know The Basics' of the post 'Why Create Life Through The Process Of Evolution' in the blog, 'The Holy Bible Expounded' by yours truly, me.
A. The answer to that is in the Christian Bible, in my blogs and in the daily news. It is not my problem if you don't believe the Bible, and oblivious and clueless to what is happening around you. If you don't believe the Christian Bible it shouldn't even be your problem. That is, until the Day of the LORD or Judgment Day whichever will be relevant to you. Please also read the short discussion 'Random' on GOD righteous judgment. But if you really sincerely want to know exactly what evil is, as defined by the Scripture of Truth, you can find a very brief definition under the Glossary post of my main blog, the 'Glossary of Terms', or just click on any of the word 'evil' in this post.
Q. What if, all that you wrote proved to be untrue just like all the other Prophets of Doom that had come and gone?
A. Then I will be the laughing stock of all my readers and I can then take up a job as a stand-up comedian. I heard some of them are pretty well paid. But seriously there is no chance of that happening. I mean about all proving to be untrue.
Those who seriously and sincerely want to know the difference between this author and all the Prophets of Doom, can read the answers in the posts, 'The End Of World Or Not Part 3 – Credibility Issues' and 'The End Of The World Part 4 – Another Religious Prophet Of Doom?'
Q. If what you say is true why don't you go to the news network and warn everyone?
A. Others had, and are still doing that. But hardly anyone sane believes that stuff anymore by reason of the 'cry wolf' effect (although quite a number of incompletely sane/insane people still do). At least not until something scary happen such as a Martian invasion or giant comets crashing into the earth or a head of a large religion performing powerful signs and wonders. Then 'all hell will break loose' and they will believe even Chicken Little aka Chicken Licken**. The year 2012 end-of-the-world rumor advanced by all the Chicken Licken** Types Doom Day Prophets, that is currently going around is just another one of those adding to this 'cry wolf' effect.
You can read the discussion on all these Prophets of Doom and their ridiculous lies in the post 'The End Of The World Or Not Part 3 – Credibility Issues'.
Q. You mean the world is not going to end in 2012, didn't the Mayan prophesy said so, then when?
A. Definitely not 2012 C.E. as some of the incompletely sane have claimed. Sorry I don't do Mayan or any religion other than my own. It is all in my blogs systematically laid out.
Q. So when did you know about this and why are you only publishing it now?
A. People has short attention span and even shorter memory. If I had told it twenty years ago, close to no one who had read would remember anything coherently. In fact many who are now reading this discussion will hardly remember any of the things they have read in my blogs when the end actually comes.
Q. You mean it is going to be very soon, when?
A. That is what I have been saying throughout my blogs. It is in my blogs all systematically laid out.
Q. If hardly anybody believes all these dooms day stuff why are you still writing about it?
A. Would you believe it is because I have want of a better thing to do? Seriously though, you should read the Marvel comic's tagline for Spiderman which is, 'with great power comes great responsibility'. Of course that is not applicable to the real world. The tag line would more likely read, 'with great power comes the great ability to push and kick others around with impunity'.
Q. Hold on a minute, you mean to say there are others out there talking just like you?
A. Prophets of Doom have been around for centuries since the time the Christian Bible became available. And they are still at it today. Only problem is, that is just exactly what they are, having no notion or understanding of the Christian Bible, its focus, its framework, its perspective. Being totally rule-based they are completely unable to grasp the fact that most of the issues of doctrine raised in the Scriptures are concepts. So they are forever struggling with trees never ever being able to see and understand that they are in a forest. And just like Chicken Little (aka Chicken Licken**), every time an acorn falls on their head they ran around screaming, 'The world is going end, the end of the world is here, aaaaaaaaaargh we are all going to die'. Oh yes, aside from prophets of doom there are also 'prophets of not yet doom', but that belongs to another question.
Q. Isn't it overly presumptuous of you to think you know what is going on whereas all these others so called prophets of doom don't? What makes you so special?
A. The facts and truths speak for themselves. First read the Christian Bible completely from cover to cover, then check out what these hundreds (thousands if you count those with small followings) of so called Prophets (past and present) said and claimed against what I wrote. If you can't see the difference I suggest you get better reading glasses. The answers are in my blogs articles and my book Bible 101 – The Holy Bible Expounded. I will sum up three of the reasons for you. [1] Many scriptures are sealed for the time of their fulfillment and cannot be understood fully until that time. [2] Many prophecies and Scriptures are meant for the 'Time of the End' and cannot be understood until the time of the end, which is now unfolding. That is the power of prophecy and the testimony of JESUS CHRIST. These are the undeniable proof of the authenticity of the Christian Biblical accounts and the authority of the Christian Bible as GOD's Word. [3] I am not alluring my claims to some mystical knowledge or some cryptic numbers, but to simple clearly observable signs and events that anyone with average intelligence can track and follow, and thus easily confirmed as these events unfold. As for what makes me so special you will have to ask GOD, HE is the ONE making and completing me. And if you really seriously and sincerely want to know you can also read it in the post, 'The End Of The World Part 4 – Another Religious Prophet Of Doom?'
Q. This so called theory that you are also forwarding about mainstream Christianity not being Christian but an evil counterfeit, it is a bit too far fetched to be believed.
A. Have you considered that when you said that, what you are actually saying is, 'the Christian Bible is a bit too far fetched to be believed'? Because everything I am saying is straight from the Christian Bible. I am just putting all the puzzle pieces together (putting two and two to give the whole complete message) so you can get a clearer picture. Verifying what I say is so simple as the Christian Bible is widely available in numerous translations. But not to unduly worry yourself because most scientists today say the same thing about the Christian Bible too. In fact nearly the entirety of professed "Christianity" of this world said the very same thing too either explicitly or implicitly. You are in good company.
Q. You still haven't told us exactly when it is going to be, the end of the world.
A. It is all in one my books, 'The End Of The World, How It Is Going To Happen', systematically laid out.
Q. So are we doomed?
A. Yes sooner or later, one way or another. Life is terminal (our lives anyway, the present one). Yes I still fool around. Don't forget my favorite quote which is 'we are all going die' so don't get overly upset over anything.
But do understand that GOD has appointed a day where HE will require from every man and woman who has ever lived to give an account for all that they have done and every word they have spoken. HE will then judge and punish everyone according to all these things. No one gets away with anything, no one! Not even the Angels of Heaven.
But do understand that GOD has appointed a day where HE will require from every man and woman who has ever lived to give an account for all that they have done and every word they have spoken. HE will then judge and punish everyone according to all these things. No one gets away with anything, no one! Not even the Angels of Heaven.
Q. Isn't religion serious stuff?
A. Yes. But that does not mean that I can't 'kid' around? Hey it is my life and I can handle it anyway I choose. I am the one who ultimately have to pay for it. In fact I have been paying for it. That is why I am always in debt.
Q. But you sound so serious when you blog on religion?
A. That is because I am, dummy.
I am just a wicked person not wanting to be wicked, a sinner who does want to sin. Not laying any claims to being successful at either.
What that makes me out to be is a person who doesn't want to be who he is. Yes a person at odd with himself. Sigh, the travails of life.
The End. ■
**Chicken Little aka Chicken Licken refers to an old children story and is not a reference to any recent books, movies, songs, computer game, etc.
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Special Note
Please note that all discussion by this author are based on a general non expert assessment of information gathered from material published in the public domain (i,e, readily available to members of the public). All of this author's discussions are presented as material for any and all lay person with no special expertise. Anyone twelve years of age and older, who is not mentally incapacitated in some ways, would (or should anyway) be able to understand any and all the discussions of this author. You do not need to be an expert or a genius to understand the simple and straight forward truths discussed by this author.
All "proclaimed and acclaimed" super mega brilliant supremely intelligent geniuses leading experts, defining master authorities, super holier than GOD man, women, entities and beings of whatever godly glorious illustrative mega holy and reverent titles, please go somewhere else to announce and proclaim your supreme superiority and lowest humility over all other members of humankind.
Last Updated: 2015 07 12
First Posted: 2010 05 27
© Quah 2008 - 2015. All rights reserved.


text:
So I know people don't really read my blog anymore (yes I'm sad enough to look at my blogger stats)..but oh well.
I want to binge and purge. Or at least, I want to shop for a binge and purge.
I have a blood test on Wednesday.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
If I binge and purge will it show in my bloods?
3 comments:
Apparently even if your results are normal range they can tell by the levels of shit. Having said that I think it depends on who looks at the results/ whether they know b/p is a possibility. XReplyDelete
Yes, like Lissy said, they have ways of telling.ReplyDelete
The most likely indicator is your potassium level, I believe... the b/p lowers it significantly. However, if you've got till wednesday, it should stabilise. Particularly if you eat oranges/drink orange juice... that's my choice method of controlling potassium levels. xxReplyDelete
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text: Cool, thanks. 1.9 meters in diameter might be comparable to a modern day podocarp standing 30 meters tall. The tricky part is correlating the wood taxon to the the diameters. In other words, were the largest logs of Protopodocarpoxylon larger in diameter, on average, than the largest Araucarioxylon from the Yixian? I fear no one has done such a correlation, nor published a database of specimens big enough for me to do it. ________________________________________ From: email@example.com [email@example.com] on behalf of Ben Creisler [firstname.lastname@example.com] Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 3:54 PM To: firstname.lastname@example.com Subject: Re: Yixian Trees From: Ben Creisler firstname.lastname@example.com Unfortunately, the fossil log in this photo is said to come from the Late Jurassic in Yixian, not the Early Cretaceous. However, it does give a diameter of 1.5 to 1.9 meters. Clearly big trees existed earlier. http://art.people.com.cn/GB/41067/41121/7142516.html


text:
Borrowed clay
There's a path which must be walked.
There's no choice about it; no turning back.
A footbridge to be crossed –
high, narrow, pendulous; a candle
held before the chest, cupped hand
and cautious steps protecting its flame.
In the heart, there's a wine cup, brimful,
to be balanced precisely
lest a drop spills in vain. There's a prayer –
heartfelt, word for word -- which must be said
as the candle is protected
and the cup is balanced;
a silence to be kept intact
as the prayer is recited
and the cup is balanced,
the candle protected –
a silence pure, immense as the silence
Meher left after returning the borrowed clay.
And there are various outward, karmic circumstances
which must come together like stars
in alignment and agreement. Footbridge, candle,
wine cup, prayer, silence, stars and circumstance ....
O child of God, there is more to the path
the farther along you go.


text:
About Florida
And so it began on April 5th, 2014 at around 1 pm. There was excitement that I'll be driving my own/favorite car, Mustang GT, and doing my favorite thing of visiting new places, experiencing and doing new things. And then there was teeny bit of curiosity that I might be driving myself crazy for being alone most of the time. With those feelings I zoomed on Florida Turnpike destined for Atlanta to meet my best friend, Pavan. The drive was kind of a relief because I now know for sure that I was gonna leave the flatland for good. Miami is a great place to visit over weekends to bask in the glory of the world's best beaches and make your palate dance with some exotic Latin American cuisine but to live in it for more than 2 years just bores you to death especially if you're a person who likes exploring places around. On that positive note I reach Atlanta.
Read More
Best Time To Visit Florida
Best time to visit Florida is from January to May
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Crooked River Lighthouse
1975 Highway 98 W, Carrabelle, FL 3232
St. Marks Lighthouse
Tallahassee, F
Cape San Blas Lighthouse
200 Miss Zola'S Dr, Port Saint Joe, FL 3245
Saint George Island Lighthouse
2 East Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, FL 3232
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Overseas Highway Mile Marker 17, 6.5 miles south of Sugarloaf Beach, Sugarloaf Key, F
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Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum
2081 Radford Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 3250
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1200 South Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 3314
0 Hotels found


text:
As American business owners examine the Ford Transit Connect for the first time, they will notice many positive things. To begin with, it is not only fuel efficient, but also space efficient both inside and out. Originally designed for the streets of Europe, the vehicle is slightly narrower than many other large or full-size vans. More specifically, the driver has much greater maneuvering ability in terms of parallel parking and going in reverse.
The bottom line is that the Transit Connect is significantly more space efficient. The interior has three rows of seats which can easily be removed. In addition to small businesses, transportation and taxi companies have already begun using the vehicle to great success.


text:
Back in our launch review of fifteen Intel X99 motherboards for Haswell-E processors we weren't entirely sure about the purpose of ASUS' OC Socket, which contains more pins than the sockets other manufacturers incorporate in their boards. Haswell-E processors do indeed have more than 2011 contact points, a number of which are not actually used in the official socket. For the time being, Intel appears to be unable or unwilling to tell us why this is the case. Initially, ASUS was also unable to prove the claim that the additional pins can be used to deliver additional and more stable power.
During the tests for our upcoming Haswell-E OC workshop, we couldn't help but notice that the uncore, which includes functions such as the L3 cache and the memory controller, could be overclocked further on ASUS boards than on motherboards that are produced by manufacturers such as Gigabyte and MSI. This had a clear effect on memory performance. In the image below, you can see that memory performance is substantially improved when we increase the uncore frequency from 3 GHz to 4 GHz. The other settings are identical: a Core i7 5960X clocked at 4.5 GHz and DDR4 memory clocked at 3,000 MHz with identical timings. In the most favourable scenarios, the maximum speed of both the L3 cache and the memory is increased by some 30 percent.
Left: uncore clock frequency set to 3 GHz. Right: set to 4 GHz.
It would appear that there is something special going on with ASUS' motherboards, and ASUS themselves claim that this is because of the OC socket. However, as far as we're concerned, this was not yet proven, as ASUS could also simply have employed some clever tricks in the BIOS. ASUS' competitors MSI and Gigabyte both claimed from the get-go that the OC Socket was primarily about marketing, and given that ASUS was unable to describe the exact function of their special socket, we were growing increasingly suspicious as well.
Proof at last
German overclocker Roman Hartung, better known under the alias Der8auer, recently delved into this subject and used an external power source to deliver power to two pins that aren't part of the regular socket, but are included in the OC Socket. After this modification, higher uncore overclocks were also possible on Gigabyte's boards, proving that the OC Socket is indeed beneficial. As a side note, the OC socket will only be useful to the most die hard overclockers out there, but that's precisely the crowd that ASUS is targeting with this feature.
German overclocker der8auer proved that providing a voltage from an external source to two non connected CPU pins provides the same capabilities of the ASUS boards on Gigabyte and other brands.
Intel remains unwilling to comment on the OC Socket and the potential consequences for your processors warranty. For "questions about products, implementations, and innovations by third parties" they refer us to the respective partners. Although ASUS claims that using the OC Socket will not void your warranty, Intel has not yet given a explicit statement on this. Rumours about processors that were killed by the OC Socket are often questionable. There are barely any concrete known cases, and for those that have been identified, there is no evidence the problems were indeed caused by the OC Socket. Moreover, similar reports can also be found for motherboards made by other manufacturers.
Regardless, this does prove that the OC Socket hasn't simply been made up by ASUS' marketing department, as the additional pins do indeed allow for higher overclocks. We can't help but wonder how the rest of this story will unfold. Apparently, ASUS has claimed exclusive rights on the special socket with Foxconn. That said, we do feel that the claims of ASUS patenting the OC Socket are rather implausible, as the processor socket has been invented by Intel, and patenting an adjustment to said socket likely isn't even possible. To be continued...
Left: the regular Socket 2011 v3, as used by ASRock, Gigabyte, and MSI
Right: ASUS' special OC Socket with additional pins


text:
The team is built around the T-28 Trojan aircraft for several reasons. The T-28 is a crowd pleasing large, fast and loud warbird with combat history and a growling 1425 HP radial engine. Six of these warbirds have a commanding presence on your ramp and generate excitement in the air. The aircraft have smoke systems and sport authentic U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy paint schemes and markings to compliment the patriotic theme.
The 16-member team consists of former military pilots, decorated veterans, instructors, airline pilots, and experienced civilian air show pilots with hundreds of years combined experience, unblemished safety records and all required credentials.


text:
Urban Cinefile
24 May 2001
view article
By Andrew L. Urban
A musical Orpheus in the Down Underworld meets a fantasy Montmartre in Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge, reports Andrew L. Urban.
The story of Moulin Rouge echoes the Orphean myth of a young poet-musician who descended to the underworld in search of ideal love. "It's a myth about idealism and adulthood, and the recognition that life throws up things beyond our control: the death of loved ones, relationships that don't last," explains Baz Luhrmann, co-writer (with Craig Pearce) and director of the film.
"According to the Orphean myth, this will either destroy you, or you'll go into the underworld, face it and return having grown from the experience." Moulin Rouge's Orphean hero is Ewan McGregor's Christian, whose love affair with the courtesan Satine ends in tragedy.
In the film, the Orphean myth is central to what Luhrmann calls a 'Red Curtain' theatrical style, which is also evident in his two earlier films, Strictly Ballroom and Romeo + Juliet. Luhrmann explains: "We take a simple story based on a recognizable primary myth and set it in a heightened, created world that is at once exotic yet also recognisable." That is the world of Paris at the turn of the century, when artists (like Toulouse Lautrec) were reinventing painting; so, too, Luhrmann is reinventing the film musical, in every department.
If Baz Luhrmann is the painter with a unique, fantasy world vision of Moulin Rouge, Animal Logic Film is his paintbrush and his palette. In this intensely design driven musical, visual effects design was critical to the film's final realisation. At the start, there were plans for just 30 special effects shot - but it ended up with over 300, the largest undertaking for Animal Logic Film, one of Australia's leading digital design companies.
"Baz Luhrmann's imagination was as fired by the process itself as by anything else," says Animal Logic Visual Effects Designer Andrew Brown, who also worked on Jane Campion's Holy Smoke, as well as DreamWorks' Mouse Hunt. Moulin Rouge was fun, says Brown, in a big way. "It inspired us, it inspired Baz Luhrmann and I think it will inspire others on how to use visual effects. It was exhilirating . . ."
Moulin Rouge is a musical fantasy about love and inspiration set in the infamous, dangerous and glamorous Parisian nightclub, at the turn of the twentieth century. The film blends period with pop through its use of established songs - used in innovative contexts and unexpected arrangements. Nicole Kidman plays Satine, the club's most notorious star, forced to choose between a young writer's inspiration and another man's obsession. Ewan McGregor plays Christian, the writer who finds himself plunged into this decadent world where anything goes except falling in love.
The film also stars John Leguizamo as Toulouse-Lautrec, who plays cupid to the two lovers. In preparing for the role of the famous painter, Leguizamo took the research job seriously. He studied the painter's life and spent time learning about his background.
"I've read a lot of biographies of Lautrec…he was the product of first cousins and very wealthy, but he had a lot defects, so his parents stopped having children after him. He was born a dwarf with an enlarged tongue, so he spoke with a lisp, he drooled a lot, he had big sinus problems and he was a decadent little man who loved attention. He loved to be noticed. He found a way through partying; he loved to drink and he drank himself to death. He died of syphilis and absinthe poisoning. I've tried absinthe - it's wild stuff! It's like drinking acid…burns a hole right through your gut."
Lautrec's short stature meant that Leguizamo had to work on his knees, with little stilts attached. It's a musical, so he had to dance as well. His knees got such a copping he had to use walking sticks when walking about off the set.
The Australian ensemble cast comprises the Bohemians (Bohos) in ringleader Toulouse's gang, with Garry McDonald as the hallucinogenically inspired Doctor, Jacek Koman as the tango-dancing Unconscious Argentinean; Matthew Whittet as Satie, and David Wenham as writer Audrey.
In addition, West End musical star Caroline O'Connor, plays can-can dancer Nini-Legs-in-the-Air, Australian theatre veteran Kerry Walker plays Satine's dresser, Marie; Deobia Oparei plays performer Le Chocolat, Lara Mulcahy plays dancer Môme Fromage and Kylie Minogue takes on the small but key role of the Green Fairy. Every nightclub needs one!
Satine and Christian, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, are acknowledged as actors: but, asked the world, can they sing? As usual, Luhrmann defies expectations. Not just audience expectations, but those of the industry - and even of his cast. Kidman's remark that she "would find that if I was to sing I couldn't do it. But if I sang as Satine, I could," adds weight to the growing perception that Luhramnn is some kind of cinematic shaman, egging his actors and his crew to derring do they never before attempted on film.
Kidman reveals the secret pact she made with McGregor: "Ewan and I had a tacit agreement that we'd support each other throughout, taking risks, and be willing to make complete fools of ourselves in front of each other."
But she hardly made a fool of herself. Luhrmann is on record praising her work: "Nicole sings like a kind of Marlene Dietrich. She's an actress singer but she absolutely puts a hole in it. She's not Whitney Houston but she's an actor-singer who can kick it." And, adds Luhrmann, people will be surprised how funny she is. "She's really whacky."
The music was as critical to the film's realisation as the design. Luhrmann used contemporary music to instill in the audience the notion that the Moulin Rouge is the sexiest, wildest nightclub in the world where they perform the most dangerous and electric dance on stage. A rehash of the traditional can-can just wouldn't do it for today's audiences. "But if you hear Fat Boy Slim's music . . ." yeah, we get it.
The popularity of many of the songs helps to ground the film, according to executive music producer Anton Monstead, even if they are sometimes rearranged, like Sting and The Police's Roxanne done as a tango. Or Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend a la Kidman, or Bono with T-Rex's song, Children of the Revolution. The first single, Lady Marmalade, is already a disco hit - reworked. As is Nat King Cole's Nature Boy, with David Bowie and Massive Attack. Ewan McGregor teams with Placido Domingo for Elton John's Your Song. Is this weird or wonderful? It is certainly different and intriguing.
The familiarity with the basic musical material (and lyrics) makes for accessibility. It's inventive but also commercially sound. In that regard, Baz Luhrmann is perhaps a kind of Puccini of his day, a creative and passionate storyteller with refined talents who generates great works for the mainstream: think of Tosca, Puccini's love drama, say. Indeed, think of Luhrmann's productions of La Boheme (for tv and for the Australian Opera and next in New York), a precursor to his filmic view of the bohemian world of Moulin Rouge, no doubt.
The fact that the film was shot in the middle of Sydney at the Fox Studio complex, which is closer to the South Pole than to the Paris of Moulin Rouge, is evidence of the prowess of Australian filmmaking.
"Moulin Rouge perfectly demonstrates the flexibility and capacity of the production resource at Fox Studios Australia," says the Studio's Chief Executive, Kim Williams, "where the card carrying genius that is Baz Luhrmann and his remarkable design and life partner Catherine Martin, have created an inspirational, unique world. It really is an original piece of cinematic craft, invention and artistry."
The invention and the artistry created challenges that pushed everyone involved; the completion deadline came and went but there was always great faith in Luhrmann and his team. By early 2001, a month or two after its originally planned world premiere, the film was almost ready . . .almost.
Moulin Rouge was still 'work in progress' at the end of February, mostly because Luhrmann wanted as much visual detail in every frame as possible. But the process itself energized Luhrmann - and it also also energised the whole production team. "He would come in every day and spend about half an hour just going through his ideas for what the scene would be and involving everyone. It was a very collaborative relationship. He treated us almost like actors," says Brown of Animal Logic.
He also stretched everyone, from Kidman singing to programmers inventing. Animal Logic's Justen Martin wrote a plug-in street map of Paris, for example, which randomly generates buildings in the distance. The team also created some unique particle animation for the Green Fairy sequence featuring Kylie Minogue.
Luhrmann's intention with the film was to make Montmartre the cultural hub of Paris and everything outside that was inconsequential and boring. In fact, everything else outside it was reduced to miniature, shot with motion control cameras.
To create the striking, nostalgically surreal opening shot over Paris, "the front frame and mid-ground uses photos in a 3D environment, and beyond that we built 3D model buildings, " Brown explains. "We didn't have much by way of references to work with," says Brown, "so one of our designers flew over to Paris and took a bunch of collage shots, from the top of the Eifel Tower and the top of Montparnasse.
This establishing wide shot, the Paris vista, carries within it one of the driving design concepts that appeals to Luhrmann, which imagines a central axis running through the frame. In this case, it runs between the Eifel Tower, the Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur (which was being built at the time of the film's setting). This requires a slight rearrangement of the real Paris, but considering the fantasy-driven nature of the whole musical, it would seem churlish (not to mention pointless) to complain.
The essential stylistic guide laid down by Luhrmann meant that everything had to be related to the music and it had to play to the rhythm of the film. But after all it is a love drama, with powerful, uplifting music. The visual effects and the music are all part of the whole jigsaw that give the film its emotional impact.
That jigsaw also includes extensive production design, the area where Catherine Martin (CM, az Baz calls her) reigns supreme. In a film set in turn of the century Paris, where the can - can was today's rough equivalent to lap dancing, it is not surprising that Martin is prompted to remark that "we needed to make the whole world of entertainment under women's skirts".
Martin, in an article for a special fashion edition of Black and White, explains aspects of her approach to the costumes and design issues in general. She had to bear in mind - because not much physical reference material is available, that Moulin Rouge was a nightclub where all classes mixed: artists and aristocrats, sleazebags and sultry prostitutes mingled and drank and danced and debauched. "Originally, can-can dancers were personalities, so we tried to give every girl a gimmick. So Nini-Legs-in-the-Air (Caroline O'Connor) has a yellow dress with windmills on it, because she believes that if it wasn't for Satine, she'd be the star of the Moulin Rouge."
And she also acknowledges the power of pretence over purity of period. "I sort of believed from college days in the purity of the period, that everything has to be hand stitched and people should have dirty teeth and stains on their underpants . . .[but] I realised that if the aim is to give people a viscreal experience of what it was like to be in the Moulin Rouge at that time … to take the pure period…it just wouldn't read the same way to a broad audience. You'd have to know so much historical context to understand why it was shocking to flash a stocking."
Stockings, and just about everything else inspired by Moulin Rouge, are already the hot fashion item. Bloomingdale's in New York devoted itself to a Moulin Rouge inspired extravaganza on the eve of the film's launch at Cannes (to be closely followed by its US an Australian release). Merchandise with the stamp of CM's designs are spreading the word around the world. But for CM, Luhrmann and the whole team, the big moment comes at Cannes on the evening of May 9, 2001.
Luhrmann, who has "wonderful memories from when Cannes launched my first film, Strictly Ballroom," is particularly excited about being back at Cannes. "CM and I would like to thank our Australian cast and crew and all those at home who have supported us throughout this most difficult of projects. I am particularly gratified that an American-financed film almost completely created in Australia, and specific to French culture and history, has been embraced this way by Cannes."


text:
Viacom Inc. said profit slipped in its latest quarter, due largely to a blank summer movie slate.
Filmed entertainment revenue dropped 44% as theatrical revenue nearly halved. Last year, Viacom's flick "Transformers: Age of Extinction" was released during the comparable quarter, while this year's big summer movies, including the latest Terminator installment, were released a quarter later, the company said.
Meanwhile, Viacom's media networks segment--its largest--reported revenue that was essentially flat from a year earlier. Excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, revenue in the segment edged 2% higher.
The New York-based firm, which counts Nickelodeon and Comedy Central among its networks, has been grappling with weak ratings across all its major networks and facing concerns on Wall Street that pay-TV providers may decide they can do without its bundle of channels. As a result, Viacom earlier this year unveiled plans to slash jobs and write down the value of underperforming shows.
Viacom, which has said the restructuring would result in annual savings of about $350 million and $175 million this year, took expenses down by 15% in the latest quarter.
Profit in the quarter fell to $591 million from $610 million. On a per-share basis, earnings rose to $1.47 from $1.40, boosted by a lower share count than in the year-ago period.
Revenue declined 11% to 3.06 billion.
Analysts projected $1.47 in per-share profit on $3.2 billion in revenue, according to FactSet.
Domestic advertising revenue fell 9% because of a decline in traditional ratings, while international ad sales posted 58% growth driven by Channel 5. Last year, Viacom bought British Channel 5 Broadcasting Ltd. for about $760 million.
Shares in the company, down about 31% this year, were inactive premarket.
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