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For nearly a decade, I've felt a certain allegiance to Robert Altman's Short Cuts, and I'd never seen a single frame of it. It was always known as a "big sister" to the sprawling ensemble films that I became obsessed with in the late 90s; if I loved movies like Magnolia so much, then there's no doubt that Altman's opus must've been exceptional. I took this allegiance so far as to chide anyone who would praise any new "tapestry film" with interlocking stories because, if they knew anything, they'd know that Short Cuts did it first.
Now, finally, I've met the "big sister."
As Altman has put it, Short Cuts is not necessarily a group of stories, but rather a group of occurrences. It lifts the roofs off houses and peeks in on the conversations. And it's not what the characters are doing that's important, it's the fact that they are doing it (and why and how). The film is not concerned with plot, but with people; the rest will take care of itself. It's a risky approach, and even Altman himself isn't always successful with the method—The Company took a similar tack with a smaller cast and more plot, and it didn't work as well as it should have. But it works in Short Cuts.
One thing that separates Short Cuts from the likes of Magnolia, and which separates most Altman films from the pack, is its unbiased exterior. No melodramatic violin cues are used to manipulate your feelings one way or another. Occurrences and emotions are simply placed in front of you for you to see and experience for yourself. Everything feels very matter-of-fact, and this, coupled with the film's humor, makes Short Cuts seem "light." Yet the objective nature of Altman's directing allows for so many subtleties to brew under the surface, so while the film may play as very funny and relatively happy upon initial viewings, you soon realize that, in a multitude of ways, it's actually a very dark film, laced with tragedy.
That's apparent in certain story threads, such as that of the Finnigan family (Andie MacDowell and Bruce Davison), whose child (Zane Cassidy) is struck by a car and survives, only to later die in the hospital. Yet I find the story of the Kaisers to be the most heartbreaking. Jerry (played by the late Chris Penn, who seems an older version of Jonah Hill) is a pool cleaner whose wife Lois (Jennifer Jason Leigh) helps make ends meet as a phone sex operator working from home. Some of Short Cuts' funniest moments come from the shock of seeing her character say some terribly provocative things on the phone while changing her baby's diaper. Through all this, Jerry begins to experience jealousy, confusion, and so many other emotions that he doesn't know what to do with. At one point he asks Lois why she doesn't talk to him the way she does to the guys who call in. Her response shows that she is completely oblivious to her husband's emotions. To her, sex is either part of a job that pays good enough money, or something so mechanical that she's really only going through the motions. I doubt that she feels that she's being unfaithful in any way—it's just that meaningful passionate sex is of no interest to her at this point. Perhaps it's because she talks about it and fakes it all day long. Or sometimes there are just people who for one reason or another are not that "into it." Regardless, Jerry still wants something that halfway resembles what his wife gives to the strangers that call in. He feels he shouldn't be jealous, and that he probably shouldn't want the type of "dirty talk" that his wife provides; but why, then, does he feel this way? Why does it eat at him? He's too mixed up and frustrated to sort out the ways in which he feels about the situation, and eventually, this spurs him on to commit a shocking act of violence. As disturbing as the bloody outcome of his story is, simply seeing Jerry struggle internally, trying not to feel the way he feels, is the most tragic part.
The beauty of Short Cuts is that most of its characters' conflicts aren't said or revealed. The majority of Penn's acting comes through silent expression, and that is one of the goals of Short Cuts: to force the viewer to fill in some of the blanks. As it is with Carver's short stories, it's not what you know, but rather what you remain in the dark about. Possibly more so than in other films, Short Cuts can be understood and interpreted in as many ways as there are people in the world.
Visually, this film is vintage Altman. Zooms are an under-discussed element of cinema—a zoom in one filmmaker's hands is cheesy, out of place, and inexplicable, but in the hands of someone like Altman, even the snappiest of zooms is personal, elegant, and evocative. There's something very old-school about the way he uses them. Even a respected director like Wes Anderson seems to wink at the audience with every long zoom, yet with older filmmakers like Altman or Woody Allen, something as mundane as a quick zoom into a glass of milk seems so much more sincere.
I think this is partially why Altman's films tend to look older than they really are. Short Cuts may have been made in the early 90s, but its aesthetic quality and style at times feels straight out of the 70s. In an age with too many steadicam or other fancy shots, zooms seem kind of outdated, but Altman always held on to them, at times putting the slickest dolly shot to shame with his zoom lens. But even his more recent films like Cookie's Fortune have an older feel because of this, and it's really not until the new millennium that Altman's pictures feel more visually "modern." Yet up until and including his final film, the gorgeously photographed A Prairie Home Companion, the zooms remained, and they were just as good as they were in M*A*S*H.
Short Cuts is about randomness. Not "random" in the sense that Magnolia connects its characters and not "random" in the way that Crash's protagonists supposedly meet by coincidence. This is chance without prejudice or agenda. It's what helps to put across the film's unbiased feel. Even the earthquake at the end of Short Cuts is an example of this. Some feel that it is a way to tie the stories together, but I never get that sense. It's sort of the ultimate capper to the randomness: earthquakes simply happen.
Because of chance, some characters are lucky and some are unlucky. Altman asserts, more or less, that they're the same thing. One person can win the lottery and another person across the globe gets killed at the same time by a falling icicle; good or bad, it's all the same. It's all chance. Looking at the stories of Short Cuts, we see this same randomness, and it's something that the characters must learn to come to grips with. In the story of the Finnigans, we see a family that is very well off. A family that does everything the right way and the safe way, yet it's their child who is struck by the vehicle. It's their child that dies. They think, "Why? Why us?" But why not? What they have to come to realize is that there is no "why." There is no reason why their son died, just as there is no real reason why the two-timing cop (Tim Robbins) ends the film with a happy family. Their lives, according to Altman, and Carver (in a way), are just random.
Relatively speaking, the story of Honey and Bill Bush (Lili Taylor and Robert Downey Jr.), the couple watching the apartment of traveling neighbors, is the weakest thread of Short Cuts. It's not a bad storyline, but it lacks some of the subtext that is found in other parts of the film. The more disappointing part is that the Carver short story that this segment is based on is actually quite good. I realize that Altman is in no way trying to deliver a pure and literal adaptation of Carver's works, but the original piece has more emotional involvement. In both pieces, the couple become obsessed with their neighbor's home and how it makes them feel to occupy it, yet in the short story there is a specific sense of desperation. There are signs of something deeper than just mere fascination on the couple's part. The film doesn't explore this; unfortunately, it doesn't feel like it explores much of anything with the storyline.
It's difficult to do justice to the film's various threads because there are so many facets to each of them. But reflecting on Short Cuts, I dwell more on certain moments and fragments: Earl (Tom Waits) and Doreen (Lily Tomlin), happy once again in their trailer, but for how long? Gene, the cop and sleazeball, standing as a hero to his family, his wife in his arms. The baker (Lyle Lovett) offering muffins to the Finnigans. The reveal of the dead body during the fishing trip. Jack Lemmon, as Howard Finnigan's estranged father, delivering a beautiful confessional monologue. Jerry's face as he listens to his wife perform her job. These moments and so many more serve as fragments and pieces of a brilliant whole. It's fitting that the Criterion Collection DVD of Short Cuts features a shared motif on its cover and its menus of a heart shattered into fragments. They're broken pieces, yes, but they still form a heart.
Images/Sound/Extras: Compiled into a tight little book are the nine Raymond Carver short stories and single poem that provided the tales for Short Cuts. With a brief but informative foreword by Robert Altman, it's easy to see the connection between the filmmaker and Carver. These stories are spare in language and in story elements, only giving you just enough to draw your own conclusions. It's easy to appreciate both artists' ability to reveal the most private moments of the everyman. I've heard people describe Carver's prose as "poetic," but when I read them, I didn't think so. On the contrary, the language is very straightforward and at times mundane, but then I realized that it's not the language that's poetic, it's the story itself.
As is to be expected, Altman's movie has its share of grain and the occasional film jitter, but a good job is done eliminating every other visual nuisance. The DVD also features a couple of disappointing deleted scenes (too short) and the usual trailers and TV spots, along with a nice archive of poster mock-ups that were part of a preliminary marketing campaign. There's also a lengthy look at Carver's life via a PBS documentary, as well as an audio interview with the late writer. He's more down-to-earth than I would have expected, but he never short-changes himself either; he knew when he did good work, and he is happy to discuss it. The one piece that's made specifically for the Criterion disc is a reflective half-hour conversation between Tim Robbins and Robert Altman. It features several good insights from both the actor and director, not only on making Short Cuts, but how they interpret the film when they watch it now.
Luck, Trust and Ketchup is a feature-length documentary on the making of the film (some video glitches at the bottom of the picture lead me to believe that the source material was transferred from tape). It's decent enough as a documentary, with some informative interviews from Carver's widow, some of the film's actors, and Altman himself, though most of the filmmaker's insights are found almost verbatim in the short stories' foreword. The real reason to see the feature is for the clips of Altman as he directs. It's one thing to read about the director's process or to hear him speak on it, but it's totally another thing to see the man in action. There are times when he's very specific about what he wants and there are times where he merely sits back, chuckling his head off at a scene, and turning to the documentarian's camera as if to say, "You getting this?"


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PARIS French President Francois Hollande called on voters to back centrist Emmanuel Macron in the second round of the presidential election, warning of dangerous consequences if far-right candidate Marine Le Pen were to win.
"The presence of the far-right in the second round is a risk for the country," Hollande said in a televised address.
"What is at stake is France's make-up, its unity, its membership of Europe and its place in the world."
He said he would vote for his former economy minister, because he was best placed to unite the people of France. (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Geert De Clercq)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Updated Date: Apr 24, 2017 22:01 PM

subset: commoncrawl


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Instafreebie is now Prolific Works! Please contact us at email@example.com with any questions.
Other (Fiction)
Science Fiction
Teen & Young Adult
Free Book Giveaways
The Separation
In a world where men and women live on separate sides of a massive wall, seventeen-year-old misfit Eroyn Fairchild has always been too busy with her broken family to wonder why they live the way they do. When a man from the other side breaks through, Ero holds him hostage, hoping for a ransom large enough to pay for her Elder Grace's treatment. Things get more complicated as the man is followed by two others who make Ero question everything she's ever known about her life. As Ero searches for the truth, the lines between right and wrong blur, leaving her to choose between saving her city and saving herself.


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Erie Soccer Information Meeting
Date(s) - 04/26/2017
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Erie Community Center
Categories No Categories
Please join us on Wednesday, April 26 for an informational presentation about competitive and recreational soccer opportunities available to players in Erie. The meeting will begin at 7:00PM at the Erie Community Center and is open to the public.
Scheduled to be on hand to answer questions will be:
Adam Hayes (FC Boulder Executive Director)
Adam Creasey (FC Boulder Director of Recreational Soccer)
Luis Swisher (FC Boulder Director of Juniors U9-U10)
Phil Hufstader (FC Boulder Director of Girls Program)
Kyle Lineberger (FC Boulder Director of Boys Program)
For more information or if you have any pre-meeting questions, please contact Adam Creasey at email@example.com.


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First, once I completed the marathon for the Red Cross, I felt like I needed a bit of a break. The Concept2 March madness challenge, followed by the marathon, forced me to put in a lot of meters in a month and a half. By the time I finished the marathon I was starting to feel a little bit of burnout. I was just not feeling excited about getting back on the rower. That, to me, is a sure sign that a short break was needed.
Last weekend, I traveled with Laura to Dallas Texas for a CrossFit Level 1 certification class. I have been doing CrossFit for over 2 years now and have been wanting to get my teaching certification for about a year now. It was a long time coming, but in one regard I am glad I waited. The certification process is more formal now and includes a graded test at the end. This was formally introduced 4 weeks ago. Anyone who took the certification class in the past, needs to go back and take the test to be officially certified. So, I am glad I don't have to do that! The great news is that I passed the test and now am officially certified to teach CrossFit! Can't wait to start putting that to action!
It has also taken me a while to get into a good routine with my new dog, Kira. She's a great dog, but is still a bit of a handful - as puppies are prone to being. My past routine of waking up and rolling onto the rower for a 10K has become, rolling out of bed, letting the dogs out, running a mile with Kira, feeding the dogs, and THEN rowing 10K. Still working out the kinks in that schedule to find a reliable way of logging the meters on the rower. I'm sure I'll figure it all out.
I did manage to get a quick 1,500 meters in as part of a warmup at CrossFit earlier in the week. I have to pull that data off my log card and record it here. In the mean time, my 10K row from this morning is recorded below. Feeling like my technique is off a bit after the 2-week hiatus. Kept the pace pretty easy and tried to focus on that...
Finally, I just wanted to say one more time - THANK YOU!!! to everyone that donated, rowed, or provided support to the Row For The Red Cross! We are going to try to roll it out on a much bigger scale next year. I sincerely support all the encouragement from friends, and particularly from the online rowing community. (Speaking of which, if you happen to stumble upon my blog and are a rower, check out the rapidly growing community of rowers at www.c2tweetcrew.com Charles Anderson - the creator of the site and the founder of the Concept2 virtual rowing team "tweetcrew" - has done an amazing job with the site. Some awesome features there. Check it out!)
Total Meters
|Total for Day
|Meters to go


text: BTTT. Our forces there are attracting them like flies to a pile of manure. To the extent that they go there, they aren't here in our streets attacking our largely unarmed, unprotected populace. To the extent that we kill them, they can't kill any more innocents. Our soldiers are heroes, because they willingly go in Harm's way to protect us - and the strategy is smart because it keeps the vermin far away from our homes.


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the fog rolled in tonight. driving along the roads by the shore, it was so thick you could knit a blanket from it. "thick enough for stew" grandma would say. familiar sights and places became strange and twisted, wrapped up in ghostly grey tendrils of mist.
on the road home, headlights from cars carried miles in the fog, illuminating the cloud from within. but once the car passed, it was just me and the mist.
in a small coastal town, when the mists come, it's no joke. everything shuts down- everyone goes inside. inside it's bright and cheerful against the chill, but once you step out, you wish you hadn't. things crawl in from the sea. you can never see them- they're good at staying only in the corners of your eye- but you feel them there. things that aren't meant to be touched. they brush up against you when the mists come in.
i had to jump over the threshold with both feet so the sprites wouldn't catch hold of the foot left behind and sneak a ride into the house to cause trouble. you never know on nights like these...


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Read More
I am what I am. I may not be perfect and I make mistakes but when I care, I care with all my heart.
Thought For The Day From Selected Authors
To Live Is To Choose
Read More
To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.
Kofi Annan 1938 – 2018
it's Okay Not To Be Okay
What we always need to keep in mind about others is that not all stories are told and not all scars are visible. And for ourselves, we need to know it's okay not to be okay.
Charisse Hogan
Charisse: Living With Cerebral Palsy Read More
Greater Concern For Others
Read More
If we are to create a more peaceful world, made up of peaceful individuals, we need a greater concern for others — altruism. That gives inner strength, self-confidence. When you don't have much concern for others and you feel you're the centre of the universe, you'll be dogged by feelings of suspicion left and right. No matter how educated or wealthy you are, if you don't have peace of mind, you won't be happy.
Dalai Lama
Daring To Know
Read More
Daring to know, daring to understand, means risking the possibility that you could be wrong.
Michael Patrick Lynch
True Friendship
There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.
Thomas Aquinas
Be Your Own Best Friend
Somebody Was Once A Nobody
Read More
A somebody was once a nobody who wanted to and did.
John Burroughs
The Art Of Diplomacy
Read More
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock.
Will Rogers
Be A Traveler Not A Tourist
Read More
The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G K Chesterton


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Braskem Creates Wecycle Platform to Promote Circular Economy of Plastics
| Subj: Waste and ecology
To reinforce its commitment to the development of sustainable solutions in the plastics chain, Braskem announces the creation of the Wecycle Recycling & Platform area within the structure of the Polyolefins Unit of South America and Europe.
Recycling Plastics with Value
The new area aims to reinforce Braskem's strategic positioning and leverage the encouragement of initiatives, businesses and sustainable solutions related to the circular economy of plastics, in particular to recycling, as well as to manage the institutional and regulatory aspects relating to the subject.
An executive with extensive experience in the petrochemical industry, Fabiana Quiroga will lead the area. With more than 15 years at Braskem, it has worked in legal and regulatory activities, supporting the search for business solutions for the industrial, commercial, Innovation & Technology, and Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) areas, as well as the evaluation of Recycling value chain and existing models.
Commitment Towards Work
Edison Terra, Vice President of the Polyolefins Unit for South America and Europe, said:
"This initiative demonstrates Braskem's commitment to work on the development of technologies, solutions and programs that benefit the plastic production chain and, subsequently, society as a whole. There is no way to do this without addressing recycling and the circular economy."
Learn More About the Wecycle Platform
Under the leadership of Fabiana Quiroga, the Wecycle platform provides for the development of products with:
One of Wecycle's results so far has been the production by Braskem of quality polypropylene and polyethylene resins, produced with recycled content, from reliable sources and with traceability of the entire recycling chain. Companies such as the GPA Group and Muzzicycles are already partners of the platform.
Source: SpecialChem
Previous news


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Julia Lee Vagasky
Julia Lee Vagasky of Alamo Twp., MI passed away Friday, November 24, 2006 in Kalamazoo. Mrs. Vagasky was born February 24, 1917 in Mount Victory, OH to Paul and Gay (McKim) Friedly. Julia Lee was very active in the Methodist Church. She was an animal lover and especially loved her family. Julia Lee was everyone's friend and all who met her loved her. In December of 1946 in Columbus, OH she married Michael Vagasky who preceded her in death in 1996. Surviving are two sons and a daughter, Bill (Sandra) Vagasky of Otsego, Mark (Deborah) Vagasky of Delaware, OH and Lynn (John) Kinch of Ortonville, MI; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at the Price Funeral Home, 152 Main St., Dunkirk, Ohio. Friends may meet the family beginning at 1:30 PM Tuesday. Burial will follow at Dunkirk Cemetery. Contributions in Julia Lee's memory may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 3295, Kalamazoo, MI 49003.Print Obituary & Condolences
Offer Condolence for the family of Julia Lee Vagasky
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On Saturday 14th November, Unicorn Crafts has it's grand opening, I will doing demonstrations of various products during the 10.30am - 12.30pm opening, We will be serving tea & coffee and you can browse our stock as well as taking on some hints and tips for making some fab cards.
Also our Craft Workshop Schedule will be available for people to book on to and take a peep at what goodies you can make.
Hope fully see you on Saturday.
Event: 81 Unicorn Crafts, Eastern Green, Coventry.
Time: 10.30am until 12.30pm
Cost: FREE !!!!!! Tea & Coffee as well and it will only cost you if you buy something!!!


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The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) was formed in 1991 to ensure that the critically endangered mountain gorillas are conserved in their habitat in the mountain forests of the Virunga Massif in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Formed in 1991, IGCP comprises three coalition partners: African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The partnership also incorporates the respective protected area authorities of the three countries in which IGCP works: the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN).


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S7 Edge will easily cost 100$ or more than the LG G5. So this is actually an unfair match-up.
Obviously LG G5 should be a better option than Samsung s7 edge, as LG G5 is more customizable and more featureful. As it has its unique feature to change the back of phone with its cam plus module which extends its battery 40000mah. And LG G5 also has an plus point of dual camera which has the wide angle feature.
AnonD-416078, 28 Feb 2016Gamers?Dude a gamer would buy an amazing console(can buy 2 ps4 at the price of an s7)
or build a great CPU at it's price
Peolple are saying G5 has a smaller battery compared to the new Samsung flagships. G5 has a 2800 mah battery and S7 has 3000 mah. That is not much of a difference in the real world. May be compared to the S7 edge it has a smaller battery but not the S7.
AnonD-401822, 28 Feb 2016Lg g5. Removable battery is always an advantage. Despite the reduced battery capacityyes, but most people prefer better battery life over swapable battery
Lg g5. Removable battery is always an advantage. Despite the reduced battery capacity
[deleted post]Gamers?
S7 Edge because of the Exynos 8 Octa power, it has a bigger display and has that SD slot.
LG went slightly backwards with the G5, V10 and G4 are still ahead imo
[deleted post]No,Vulkan API is not a big deal... period
Devs would'nt optimise for S7 no matter the API,get used to that.
If you want to game,you go Apple route.Android as a whole sucks,no exclusive titles,late relise and usually second rate ports on great iOS firsts.The great deal is actually 'Metal' API from Apple,and you probably don't know that devs loves Apple : )
LG G5. It's just more interesting and innovative than S7. Samsung phones usually look great in reviews but when you hold them in your hand they are just ordinary.
S7 Edge obviously, in my opinion it has the better design/looks and a bigger screen which is important for me. Both of these phones needs Vanilla-Android, though.
AnonD-263286, 28 Feb 2016Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are as close to perfection as possible. G5 has a weak battery, a mere LC... moreIt seems that you are working for Samsung marketing department :) Nice try to highlight only the good things,but what about the cons?! Let's see them:
-Bland design (as always)
-All glass,slipery and prone to shatter on first drop
-Touchwiz (well this should be counted as cons twice) : )
-Downgraded camera since last gen (in good lightning)
-average selfie cam + below average loudspeaker
P.S.i would'nt count non removable battery as a con,since its water resistant... And want to be fair
That LG G5 is the Ugliest Phone I've seen in my life. No damn Joke.
Are you serious LG? 2016? that phone looks like a 2007's phone. They probably can make
a good design yet they decide to go with that Ugly Sh%$@.
S7 Edge is probably the best looking phone I've seen (except that I don't like the back at all).
This comes from a Sony Fan (which is going to go for Z5 anyway, as I like the back better).
LG is out of league in the Flagship department, it could be the best phone ever (internally) and a LOT of people is not going to buy it because just seeing it, is eye-hurting.
AnonD-263286, 28 Feb 2016Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are as close to perfection as possible. G5 has a weak battery, a mere LC... moreWow but I'm still gonna spend my money on Z5 Premium...THE BEST LOKING PHONE ;)
AnonD-444894, 28 Feb 2016both have gaming features .. they have the same GPUSamsung Galaxy S7/Edge have the Vulkan gaming API which is 4 times faster than others. LG doesnt.
Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are as close to perfection as possible. G5 has a weak battery, a mere LCD display with always-on battery drainer, a crippled screen size thats not small enough and not large enough, no water and dust proofing..etc. let alone some markets will get a cheat variation with only SD652 and 3GB RAM.
On the other hand, Galaxy S7/Edge has superior design. A massive 3600 mAh battery which is a huge advantage and can last at least all day long even with heavy use. Along with the stunning world's best super AMOLED display, IP68 Water and Dust Proofing. Fast Wireless and wired chargin, Vulkan gaming API which is 4 times faster than others, and even 64GB possible storage option. Along with optional true zoom and wide angle lenses. And even wireless battery packs. With the Free Gear VR / Gear S2, Galaxy S7/Edge is clearly truly the superior choise.
I work in marketig departament for many years ...
They will sell much much much more S7 and S7 edge over Lg G5 than it appears from this statistics because 90% of their customers are people with money , which don't ever read or enter this type of sites .
Lg G5 clients are exactly the oposite ( most of them ) , they are people with little money , searching permanently to maximise what they get for their little money
Apple is even higher than Samsung here .....


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Update: I could just fall over and die… 3 MILLION VIEWS! This is so great I am LOVIN THIS! If you liked this video, click to subscribe!
Update: EMAHGER 2 AND A HALF MILLION VIEWS!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH. If you like this video you should check the the sequel: MORE people getting scared.
I created this video at http://www.youtube.com/editor


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Parsons Creek will have to wait a little bit longer for their own fire hall.
On Tuesday, council approved the deferral and cancellation of seven projects, including the proposed station.
Meanwhile, the RMWB also agreed to enter a lease with the Fort McKay Metis Community Association for land for the rural community's new hall.
Mayor Melissa Blake tells Mix News the reason for the deferral is service delivery.
"What we're finding is from the Fire Hall in Timberlea, we're still being able to access the residents in Parsons Creek in eight minutes for ambulance and ten minutes for fire service so we're still in our service range."
Blake notes the building will eventually be built but not until the population of the community increases.
"It is all population based and service delivery establishment that we need to be able to meet."
The Fire Hall along Beacon Hill's outfall and pipeline upgrades were the two biggest projects to be deferred. The new building is expected to cost over $22 million.


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it was announced today.
This means that 90% of the University's piano stock are Steinway brands. Wolverhampton is the first University in the Midlands to hold this coveted status.
Steinway and Sons pianos are widely regarded as the finest in the world, and are favoured by top performers such as Elton John, Billy Joel, Harry Connick Jnr and concert venues such as Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
The new Performance Hub at the Walsall Campus will take delivery of 15 new pianos from Steinway and Sons, makers of the world's most respected pianos, in early September 2011. The Performance Hub includes new teaching and rehearsal spaces for the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure, which offers a range of degrees in dance, drama, music, sport and physical activity, leisure and tourism.
Dean of the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure, John Pymm, and Head of the Music Department, Kevin Stannard, both accomplished pianists, visited the Steinway factory in Hamburg, Germany, to personally select four Steinway grand pianos.
John Pymm said: "Steinway is a brand without equal: they're played by the finest musicians in the most prestigious venues. This is an unprecedented opportunity for music students at the University of Wolverhampton to play the finest instruments and aspire to great things in their musical career."
The University will take delivery of four new Steinway grand pianos, two new Boston grand pianos, two new Boston upright pianos and seven Essex upright pianos. The institution already has two Boston upright pianos.
Wolverhampton joins the list of more than 125 prestigious institutions globally that hold All-Steinway School status. The other two universities in the UK are Liverpool Hope and Royal Holloway College's Department of Music at the University of London.
Steinway & Sons was founded in 1853 by German immigrant Henry Engelhard Steinway in a Manhattan loft. Today, Steinway is dedicated to the ideal of making the finest pianos in the world, and the instruments are renowned for their unsurpassed quality. The pianos are recognised for their superior sound and responsive touch, and each Steinway grand piano takes nearly a year to create.
Research conducted by Steinway & Sons indicated that 99.6% of soloists throughout Europe chose to play a Steinway when performing with orchestra. The company also found that over 70% of music scholars in America looked at the All-Steinway Schools roster before selecting which institutions to consider for their music education.
For further information about the University's School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure, visit www.wlv.ac.uk/sspal
For information about Steinway and Sons, visit www.steinway.com
Picture: Dean of the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure John Pymm during the visit to the Steinway factory in Hamburg. Other pictures from the visit are available on request
For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736


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I've had a problem coming up with a hook for this blog. What can I possibly say that people want to hear, or haven't already heard a million times, in a million different ways? How can I make my blog interesting...creative...relevant?
My first idea? Dating as a single mom. Specifically internet dating as a single mom, which seems to be one of the few ways people like me with limited time and child care can meet other (sometimes) viable heterosexuals, except at church, or unless we live in hippie communes. I'm not knocking church. I love church. I even love a lot of the people I meet at church, but the idea of going there to look for a mate has always rubbed me the wrong way. I heard a pastor say that if you go to church to find God, it's likely that you'll find the other things you might not even have known you were looking for (i.e. community, friendship, a life partner). While that's very encouraging, I'm just gonna be honest and say that what I got out of that was church + God = mate. My over-simplified understanding of that formula has been making me uncomfortable ever since, so as a reaction, I go to church specifically not to find a mate. I don't think I've done a wedding ring check since the day I heard that sermon. I'm also not knocking communes. The idea of living sparingly, off the land, in community with others who share the fruits of our labors and barter for services that we each provide according to our individual talents is actually pretty appealing. Then I think how much I like shaving and wearing bras. And people who bathe, regularly. Maybe there are communes where people do those things, but...*shrug* I'm skeptical.
Eventually, I threw the dating blog idea out. I think they're only interesting to people who don't have to live the daily agony of dating. For the ones in the trenches, reading about other people's relationship hijinks can be like fingernails on a chalkboard. Maybe that's just me, but I still think that most singletons would stand with me when I say dating is a necessary evil that we do in order to get to where we want to be, which is in committed relationships. No one really wants to date forever, for it's own sake, unless they're lying to sound evolved. I'm not evolved. So, I've wracked my brain for a hook and finally accepted that I don't have one. This blog is really nothing more than random, neuronal firings that I occassionally have the energy to put in written form.
Today's firing, while not specifically about dating, is about love. In my 20's, I pretty much avoided it. I've always had lots of people that I care about, but most I kept at arm's length. Romantic love proved elusive, for reasons only my therapist seems to know. It's probably because I've always known on some level that I'm a no-take-backs kind of lover. Try though I might, if I let you into my heart, digging you back out again comes at great personal cost. I'm sure it's that way for everybody, but this is my blog, so it sounds like I'm the first person who's ever loved, I realize that. My point is that for most people, it's a worthwhile risk. For me, it's taken a while to believe that. Instead I pretty much chose a sterile existence--never risk, never lose.
Somewhere in there, though, I got all brave and decided to live the adventure. It has been a mess! You can't believe the mistakes I've made and the starts and misfires I've had. But, in many ways the messes haven't been all bad. I have loved some pretty incredible people, most of whom I still enjoy relationships with to this day. I hope that I'm a composite of all the amazing people who've poured into my life. I've loved true, I've loved hard, I've loved hopelessly, and most recently, since I became a parent, I've learned truly to love selflessly. It's been great, but I haven't known a moment's peace since. Instead of being comfortably insulated the way I used to be, I'm exhilarated, broke, nervous, joyful, heart-broken, concerned, over-worked, sleep-deprived, careful, celebratory, protective, wary, drunk, infatuated and covered in snot. All because I'm hoplessly intertwined in the lives of people who are living lives as risky as I have decided to live. It's a total cluster and I love every second of it. Mostly. ;)
Hope you're living and loving every second of your adventure, today, too.


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|Dead dolphin in Ocean View on July 31, 2013. Photo by WAVY/Walter Hildebrand.
Another deceased dolphin was found in the Ocean View area, making it the third in a matter of days. The bottlenose dolphin was found near Beaumont Avenue and appears to be in a decomposed state. This is the third dead dolphin to wash up on an Ocean View beach in about a week and the fourth in the last three weeks. Earlier this month, 10 On Your Side asked the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center if there could be a connection between the dolphin deaths, and they said no.
Now, the aquarium's biologists are a little more concerned. "We are a little bit concerned about it," said Mark Swingle with the Virginia Aquarium. "It's definitely at a much higher level than we're used to seeing at this time of year." Swingle said there are a number of reasons that dolphins die -- disease, predation, or just being at the mercy of fishermen's nets or boats. And even though is is prime dolphin season, the number of bottlenose dolphin deaths along the Chesapeake Bay is unusually high for this time of year. "We have, as of this morning, about 82 dolphin strandings for the year, and typically we average in a whole year about 64 dolphin strandings. So, it's definitely elevated," Swingle said.
WATCH: Ocean View sees third dead dolphin.
An aquarium press release said 44 of the 82 dolphin strandings this year happened in July -- the average for July is seven. The aquarium's Stranding Response Team is working with the NOAA Fisheries to investigate the causes of death, but it will take time. "We know how to investigate dolphin strandings, we know how to look into whether or not the animal is diseased or sick," Swingle said. "And things like that, the challenge is, it does take a little bit of time for those kind of tests to be run." Most of the recent dolphin strandings are exclusively male, according to the aquarium release. The aquarium is receiving help from other members of the National Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and so some of the dolphins from Hampton Roads will be transported to North Carolina for examination. If you see a stranded animal on the beach, do not touch it. Instead, call the stranding hotline anytime of day or night: (757) 385-7575. - WAVY.
WATCH: 5 more dead dolphins wash up in Virginia.
Read more about the Virginia strandings here.
Virginia isn't the only state dealing with the increase in dolphin strandings. New Jersey is also reporting a higher than usual number of dead dolphins washing up on shore. Maggie Mooney-Seus, a spokeswoman for NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, tells NewsChannel 3 that the agency has e-mailed an alert to stranding teams along the East Coast asking them to monitor and report dolphin deaths. The agency is hoping to collect information to see if there are any trends. NewsChannel 3 also spoke with the Karen Clark, program coordinator for the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, who reports that the number of dolphin strandings in the Outer Banks have not increased and remain typical compared to previous years.
The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team stresses that if you find a dolphin on the beach, don't touch it, but immediately call the Stranding Response Team. Their hotline is (757)385-7575 and is staffed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. To learn more about how to report a stranding, click here. - WTKR.
|This year's "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico is more than twice the size of last year's. CBS News
On the pristine beaches of Mississippi, thousands of dead fish, stingrays, crabs and shrimp have washed ashore this month. They died from a lack of oxygen in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It's called the "dead zone," and it appears every summer. This year's dead zone, though, is larger than average and more than twice the size of last year's. "The alarming news is that it continues to be large year after year after year," says marine biologist Nancy Rabalais has measured the dead zone since 1985. The primary cause of the dead zone is nitrogen-based fertilizers in Midwest fields that are washed down the Mississippi River by spring rains and in to the Gulf. There they create blooms of algae that rob the water of oxygen.
Scientists believe last year's drought has made the dead zone worse, as fertilizer that was never absorbed by crops was swept into the Gulf. In Dulac, La., David Chauvin worries about what that could do to his shrimp business. "Shrimp are one of the most fragile creatures on the face of the earth," he says. "You take a shrimp and put them into a bucket with no oxygen whatsoever, they'll die within seconds. ... That could mimic a dead zone." It's not just his business that's at risk. Seafood in this part of the Gulf is a $2 billion a year industry.
Five years ago, the states in the Mississippi River basin agreed to a plan for reducing the amount of nitrogen flowing into the Gulf, but it had little effect. Now environmental groups are suing the federal government, calling for standards that are enforced. Chauvin says that right now, it doesn't sound like the government is "doing anything." The dead zone usually lasts until late summer or early fall, when powerful storms churn the Gulf and put the oxygen back in the water, leaving people here wondering what's worse -- a dead zone or a hurricane. - WTSP.
What's causing the deaths isn't yet clear. The number of dolphins brought in for testing — an average of two per day — has delayed the center from getting closer to an answer, Schoelkopf said. "This is unusual," he said. "It's a high number." Officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service said last week that a typical year could see more than 1,000 strandings of dolphins and other marine animals such as seals and whales from Maine to Virginia.
This time of year often leads to dolphin strandings because they are migrating and between more boats in the water and a higher population, human interaction or just a sudden sickness could bring a dolphin to shore, said Maggie Mooney-Seus, NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center's communications specialist. Fisheries have started collecting information, which includes asking its other regional stranding network members to report any strandings they have so NOAA can track any trends, Mooney-Seus said.
Schoelkopf said all but one of the beached animals have been bottlenose dolphins. A common dolphin was brought in Tuesday after washing onto the beach in Harvey Cedars. They range from 125 to 500 pounds, he said. The stranding center picks up the animals, briefly studies them at their headquarters in Brigantine, and then takes them to the New Bolton Center in Chester County, Pa. There, they undergo a necropsy — an autopsy for animals.
"We keep taking them (animals) every day. The lab is pushing as hard as they can," he said. While the locations of the dead dolphins has varied, Schoelkopf said his staff has found nine of the dolphins along the 18-mile stretch of Long Beach Island. Long Beach Township has had to report three dead dolphins, Beach Patrol Supervisor Don Myers said. The three dolphins that washed on his beaches July 19, 24 and 30 came later in the day when few people were on the beach, Myers said. His staff follows protocol by keeping people away and notifying the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, he said. His staff examined one of the dolphins, which had various cuts, scrapes and punctures.
But he said he isn't certain what has been impacting the dolphins. "I tell my staff they're mammals like we are. They have respiratory infections or die of natural causes like anything," Myers said. The dolphins haven't forced beach closures and the health department cleared the beach of health issues, Myers said. His beach hasn't had problems with sharks, either, he said. Schoelkopf said some of the dolphins that they found had been badly decomposed because of sharks eating the carcasses. He is urging anyone who sees a dolphin to keep themselves, their pets and children away from it and to report it immediately to the center or local authorities, such as police or lifeguards. - Daily Record.


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Besides talking about how they got started, TV stars ED McMAHON (""Star Search""), LORENZO LAMAS (""Renegade""), DON CORNELIUS (""Soul Train""), RAY COMBS (""Family Feud""), and JANE WHITNEY (""The Jane Whitney Show"") give advice to aspiring performers on making it in the entertainment world. Also: a special look at actress/singer LONETTE McKEE (""Watch The Birds""). Plus: music by MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER (""Passionate Kisses"") and k.d. lang (""Miss Chatelaine""). Featuring: Mel Menefee, Sibyl Motley, Dave Wilson, Jewel Whitworth and Robin Murrel.
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NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - Authorities have released the names of the two suspects involved in a police chase and narcotics investigation on October 19, which police say resulted in a car crash that hospitalized seven people.
Qualil Handy, 18 of Mays Landing and Jordan Toleito, 28 of Atlantic City, both face an array of charges after attempting to flee from police following a drug stop, according to a statement from Captain JT Miller, a spokesperson for the New Brunswick Police Department.
Two detectives initially conducted a traffic stop at the corner of Suydam Street and Remsen Avenue shortly after 6 p.m. that Thursday, Miller said.
Handy exited the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting officers to engage in a chase, according to police.
Meanwhile, Toleito sped away and crashed into a passenger van at the corner of Jones Avenue and Suydam Street, injuring all seven occupants, Miller said. Toleito was hospitalized for his injuries, as were the seven occupants in the van.
Officers caught up to Handy as he was attempting to jump a fence and discard a package of suspected drugs, Miller said.
One of the detectives sustained a laceration on his arm while trying to apprehend the suspect, Miller said, which required hospitalization and sutures to close the wound.
Toleito faces drug charges, eluding, obstruction and aggravated assault. Handy faces drug charges, resisting arrest, obstruction, eluding and causing injury to law enforcement as a result of resisting arrest.


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From: Mike Sherlock
Mountbatten Drive
Over many years, political parties of all colours have failed to fully address the funding of caring for the elderly; they have tinkered around the edges, but the problem exists and grows .
The latest move is to allow local authorities to increase council tax specifically for this purpose. Is this fair on council tax payers?
Apart from the crude banding of properties by historic value, council tax (like VAT) is a regressive tax and any increase impacts more on the less well-off.


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If "modern" and "youthful" were two keywords in decoding Rio's exterior design, "firm" and "edgy" should be used to interpret its interior. Kia designers wanted to accommodate drivers' needs to look good and feel good during weekdays when they are going out to work, as well as during sporty weekends. The result is a driver-centered spacious interior that is strong, sporty and comfortable – all in one. The center air vent layout is simple and horizontal, which was inspired by classical looking cars, but the center fascia is solid-looking with three accentuated cylinders emphasizing state-of-the-art technology. Even the arrow inside the speedometer was refined to be more forward-looking. A huge door pocket and a bottle holder are in place to increase storage space and a multi-tray is adopted to the cup holder for maximum storage capability. Designed to handle your desires and needs any day of the week, Rio is a beauty inside and out.
What's the Meaning of Color? EVERYTHING
It is said that 60 to 80% of our perception relies solely on eyesight while the other 20% is made up of other senses. Kia designers wanted undivided attention from drivers. How? They created new colors from scratch, mixing and matching the colors with countless textile, fabric and materials to capture drivers' tactile satisfaction as well as giving pleasure to the eyes. The search for the right colors was not an easy fit. Not only did Kia designers consider the environmental factors and surroundings of the would-be drivers of Rio, but they also considered cultural color codes. They wanted the color to scream out luxury, but at the same time give a feather-soft sensation.
The final three exterior colors for Rio, Wendy Brown, Signal Red and Electronic Blue, were Kia's answers to their quest. Brown was targeted toward fashion-forward drivers who were stylish and chic. Other colors accentuated Rio's individualism and dynamic sportiness.
Interior colors were also a result of a very long search for the 'it' colors. A black that has a hint of deep blue that glistens in a soft light dubbed "Armani Black," and a grayish beige that conveys urban luxury were developed for Rio's interior design.
The parts in the Rio where drivers would rest their hands were carefully thought out. The upper part of the crush pad was placed using IMG or In-mold Graining to give a more luxurious feel to the touch and NPC or Nano PU Cell was used to prevent damages from daily wear.
As I mentioned, design should reflect a company's passion. The passion of the company should not be lost in translation in the final product. So it shouldn't be a surprise for readers to understand that Kia's passion is innovation. A continuous innovation to make a car that wows drivers. The Rio is a fine example of exactly that.
How do you define a design? Is it a shape? A color? Or a form? Team Kia believes design is more than just visible elements. It is a subtle language which is spoken through a car, which you perceive not only with your eyes, but also with your other senses. It is a combination of everything you feel, touch, see and hear. The language of design should also contain a hint of the company's philosophy and beliefs, but more importantly, it's the passion that stands out from competitors. All of this was required when numerous engineers, project managers and designers from centers in Europe, North America and Korea put their heads together to create the all-new Kia Rio, a car that continues to fascinate its producers as it makes bold ventures into the automobile world.
Defining New Luxury
Can compact cars be luxurious? It was a simple question, but a daunting task for Kia designers who wanted to change the perception that compact cars meant only "small" and "practical." New challenges required a new way of thinking. The developers involved with Rio were members who participated in the development of medium to large sized sedans or luxury models to ensure that they wouldn't be entrapped by their concept of what a 'compact car' should be like.
The result was a new way of looking at what compact cars should offer, such as wide space to provide comfort to drivers and passengers. There are now features and functions that were unavailable to drivers before in sub-compact car segment, such as LED headlight lamps, a cooling internal compartment box, a seven-inch navigation system, a rear-view camera and much more. All of these aspects make the Rio a new luxurious, affordable vehicle that transcends its deceptively small size.
Simply a Beauty, Inside and Out
Before setting out to design the Rio, designers did their research. Months of market research and passenger preference tests were done in Europe and North America, targeted toward young drivers in their 20s and 30s. The results showed that this segment of drivers is attracted to economy, fuel efficiency, dynamic style and sporty design.
So it is no surprise that designers came up with two important words that were essential in attaining their goals: "modern" and "youthful." Basic straight lines were used to emphasize a clean and modern look. Curves and volumes were used to give a youthful and dynamic look to the car. At the front, the intake grille and fog lamp graphics were expanded to establish a more confident and sporty image of the car while maintaining the design identity of Kia's tiger nose grille. The eyes of the car, or the head lamps, are literally eye-catching. Both projection low beam and LED daytime running lamps are incorporated into the head lamps, capturing high-tech images and a forward-looking stance.
The Rio's side profile is also the result of considerable deliberation among designers. Designers really wanted Rio to exude sportiness, so they added a dynamic window graphic with a cab-forward style and a black glass slant that continues from the front hood of the car.
We will come back next week with the All-new Rio design story-Interior. Stay tuned!


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text: Hello friends! It has been awhile since I have posted anything. I've been very busy with lots of projects that I can't wait to share with you. I am having issues with my camera and waiting to get it fixed before I can post pictures. However, I made this little owl for my front door last night. I saw so many similar to this at the fall festival I went to last fall. Tracy painted our front door and it looked so good -- but-- it just had to have a new wreath. So -- here it is. (sorry for the cell phone quality photo!) Hope you like it! Thanks again for visiting me.


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Since summer is coming, you need more than spf 15 as you tend to be out and about. So, I got my neutrogena sunblock with spf 100+ . And guys, make sure it has UVA/UVB protection. Now I need to find a lip balm with spf. Its crazy if you think about it. Sun rays is really harmful. Its true you get vitamin D from sun but if you expose yourself to sun without protection, you get sun spots, wrinkle and all that bad stuff. Basically it ages you. It dries your skin.
So drink lots and lots of water guys. What is your favorite sunblock/sunscreen?
|google image


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Destination Empathy
Now Open
Bring the whole family to meet animals along the path to a kind future. Proceed with curiosity at this interactive exhibition focused on empathy, respect and understanding.
- Navigate the golden rule with the help of a fish, elephant, insects and others - whether they speak the same language or different, have hands or paws, dark skin or light, fur or feathers.
- Dance like a bee, laugh like a dog, maneuver through grass like an insect and see the world through the eyes of a pigeon in search of food using immersive technology.
- Enter an augmented reality to glimpse a virtual tiger or an elephant and her baby in their home habitat
- Play a fun matching game to learn how to read the facial emotions of dogs
- Check out videos showing how animals help each other, how humans can help animals, and how the choices that we make every day affect us all
"Humans aren't as good as we should be in our capacity to empathize with feelings and thoughts of others, be they humans or other animals on Earth. So maybe part of our formal education should be training in empathy. Imagine how different the world would be if, in fact, that were 'reading, writing, arithmetic, empathy.'"
—Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist
Destination Empathy has been designed and built by experts dedicated to awakening and expanding participants' empathy and establishing a space for them to practice kindness and compassion. Brought to you by TeachKind.


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Greetings Dear Ones! It is I, Lord Emanuel who greets you this day! My heart is overjoyed to be among you again today and I wish to impart some words and some wisdom upon the subject of Mystery. Mystery and legend, the two go hand in hand, the word that describes that which is unknown, unexplained and unfathomable by the human mind. The Great Mystery being the unlimited unexplained phenomenon as referred to by the Native Americans, as they refer to God and All That Is. For they know that there is way more to it than a single word God. It is the Great Mystery because no human mind can comprehend it.
Great Mystery schools have always been in place upon your planet Earth. These are often totally hidden from sight and secret places that can only be found by the true of heart and those who have already shown a true commitment to the Path of Light. These places do exist Dear Ones, this is not fairy tale, myth or legend, these are places where your Great Ascended Masters can appear on Earth in physical form, places of such high energetic vibration that it is possible for us to descend into the physical form required for you to see us. Theses schools were hidden from sight and shrouded very deliberately in 'mystery' for two reasons, one to protect them from people of ill intent and also to keep the teachings pure. Only those of an already well established path of Light would be called to these geographical locations and guided into the schools to be taught by the Great Masters directly.
And so the teachings have been preserved and kept pure on this earth for the eventual saving of mankind. However, things have gotten so out of hand on this planet my Dear Ones, that we of the Ascended Realm are 'coming out of the closet' so to speak! Coming out of hiding and into your world in order to restore the Great Teachings and the Truth that you are all spiritual beings on a journey of discovery to expand and grow into greater expressions of yourselves as Creator Incarnate.
The time has come that this information must reach the masses and quickly! The Ascended Realm are coming to you in greater numbers and waking greater numbers of you to our presence and our importance in the hierarchy of Heaven.
The Ascended Masters are you Teachers while you reside on Earth and the Angelic Kingdom are your Guardians while you experience the Earthly journey. It is impossible, I will say it again, IMPOSSIBLE for any human being to incarnate upon this earth and live a fulfilling or meaningful life without the help of the Angelic and Ascended host realms. IMPOSSIBLE. And this would be to understate!
So long have you ignored us, so long have you denied our very existence and look what has happened upon this earth! The time has come Dear Ones, the time is NOW that you must speak your truth because you know of us. You know of the Ascended Realm you understand the importance of Angelic Guidance and help. It is time for you too 'to come out of the closet' and start to speak of us openly among your friends, your colleagues and your family. This takes courage Dear Ones, I know this. I understand that you risk being viewed as a bit strange, a bit 'weird' and I know very well that it is certainly very 'uncool' to openly believe in and have faith in God.
It is time to change this Dear Ones and the Bravehearts among you that read these words are the ones to make this change here on Earth. For we in the Ascended realm cannot yet come onto Earth in physical form for the masses to see. The Great Divine Director has deemed it too unsafe and we wait from the command from Heaven when that time is right and when it is safe for us to appear.
Until then it is in your hands Dear Ones to spread the word of God, to spread the word that God exists in all of you as a god spark in your Heart, that there is a whole world above the physical realm that you are not alone and indeed you are loved on from most High with an intensity that you cannot comprehend. Walk this path of Light with me Dear Hearts and you will live a life so rich and rewarding you could not dream it up of your tried. I Love you and wish for you to experience all that Heaven can shower upon you. Walk with me and the unending prosperity of Heaven is yours. This is my promise to you. I AM Lord Emanuel and I Love you and Bless your Dear Hearts.


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The official, irregular blog for Sarah M. Anderson. I'm a mom. And an author. But that doesn't necessarily mean I'm crazy.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Nothing Beats New Crayons
You may have guessed, but I was one of those kids who mostly LIKED going back to school. Not always, but mostly. And the best part was the new school supplies. If you read the Frugal? Or Cheap? post, you probably figured out that I didn't always get the newest, trendiest school clothes every August. (Which, in hindsight, was just as well. Being in the height of fashion back in 1987 was quite a travesty of style. Frugalness saved me from some of the worst.)
But school supplies? Brand new pencils? Mead Trapper Keepers that no one else had ever trapped anything in? Oh, those folders with the built in three-ring brass thingies (guaranteed to shred your paper, if you bothered to try and use them?) I loved them all.
Even today, my hubby has to restrain me when the back-to-school flyers start hitting just after Memorial Day (seriously, it's earlier every year). It can be a little touch and go - now, I have my own credit card and car. He'd never know - at least, not until the bills came due.
This year has been hard, because I've been setting up my own little Virgina-Woolf-room-of-my-own office for months. I can actually justify the trip to Staples by saying, "I need more paper - that last book was 635 pages!"
Now, honestly, I do not need a new ruler/protractor/compass combo, no matter how cute they are in new designer colors. Hell, I never needed them in school, but I got them every year anyway. And I want them now.
Blissfully, I have gotten a little help out in this. The toddler is in a new classroom, the three-year-old room - love the teachers, and they sent home a school supply list.
God bless those daycare ladies - a reason to go school supply shopping!
I bought poster paints and tape, pencils and scissors, markers and crayons. The toddler could have cared less, until we got to the crayons. Then his little eyes lit up, and he wanted multiple boxes. And heck, they were only 20 cents, so I bought four.
He colored with his aunts. He colored at the restaurant. He colors before story time. And now, he's not even peeling the wrappers off like he did last year. When I broke one (on accident, people!), he told me the other crayons were sad.
Maybe by next year, I can show him how to color evenly on all sides to keep them pointy.
3 comments:
- lucylucia said...
I loved going school supply shopping when I was little too!! We would usually go a week before school started and I would pile everything up next to bed at night. I just loved those cardboard boxes that you stored your pen/pencils and crayons in.
- August 19, 2008 at 9:27 AM
- Caley Greene said...
I still love shopping for school supplies, but now I call them office supplies and must have tools of the writing trade. The colored pencils keep my terrains and kingdoms divided, and the crayons ===
I just took my bug out to get her school supplies - she likes new school supplies too. :)
- August 20, 2008 at 5:48 PM
- Caley Greene said...
It was also suppose to say:
Toddler guilt trips - gotta love 'em. Bug still tries with the big sad puppy dog eyes. :)
- August 20, 2008 at 5:57 PM


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Cobalt makes Linux-based "server appliances," servers designed to do a limited number of tasks with a minimum amount of fuss. The company filed to go public in September.
Through the agreement, Gateway adds server appliances to a server line that thus far has included only general-purpose machines that stemmed from its 1997 acquisition of Advanced Logic Research.
Some of Gateway's biggest competitors, including Dell, Compaq, and Hewlett-Packard, have embraced the server appliance strategy. Though analysts project a big market for the relatively simple machines, they also predict sales of server appliances will steal revenue away from general-purpose server sales.
The Cobalt machines, such as the Qube and RaQ, use the Linux operating system, a clone of Unix that's developed through the open-source method of sharing programs freely. It's not Gateway's first contact with Linux, though. The company announced it will custom install Red Hat Linux in September.
Gateway said in a statement that the deal with Cobalt will help Gateway in its effort to sell Internet infrastructure to small and medium businesses.
Verio, a Web site hosting company, will use Cobalt RaQ servers to power a new service it is offering. The company has about 1,650 servers, of which 130 are from Cobalt, the company said.
The Verio service offers customers email accounts, Web page storage space for high-traffic sites, search engine tools, and round-the-clock server monitoring. The service, which costs between $230 and $475 a month, was designed by DigitalNation, a company Verio acquired.
Cobalt Networks isn't the only company to see green in the server appliance market. CacheFlow, which sells special-purpose high-speed servers to speed Internet access, filed to raise as much as $50 million in an initial public offering.
In the three months ended July 31, CacheFlow had revenues of $3.6 million but a net loss of $6 million.
CacheFlow's IPO is being underwritten by Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse First Boston, and Dain Rauscher Wessels, the company said in a September 28 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


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... this stamp set actually sees ink! Yes - I bought the "Flower For All Seasons" two years ago ... maybe it was THREE!! I bought it because I wanted to make a little desk calendar (you know - the ones that were all the rage a few years ago) and this set seemed to be the perfect size and style (truth be known I wanted the TREE for all Seasons but it hit the retired list and I didn't want to buy a set that was retiring ... although I still like ... and want that set ... so if you have it and want to sell it to me let me know!) But, as usual .. I digress ... I bought the set and have NEVER used it. I'll betcha $20 it retires this year. It's been around a while now and it is on the SAB list of items you can pick for free. ANYway ... I am now trying to focus more on customer service and that involves putting a little Thank You note in with all of my orders. I stumbled across a cute little card created by Dawn Olchefske (Google dostampingwithdawn or http://www.dostamping.typad.com/) and decided to make one similar for a 3x3 thank you note. Here it is:
Have a great night :)


text:
Day With Destiny At Lucky Pants Bingo
Lucky Pants Bingo are really rolling out the red carpet to welcome in 2018 with a promotion that, although only running for four days, has an impressive 100 Virgin Experience vouchers to be won! The vouchers are valued from as little as £5 to as much as £200 and all winners will be announced by 5th January.
If you are one of the winners in this promotion from Lucky Pants Bingo then you can spend your vouchers on a variety of great experiences from Virgin. It could be that you fancy visit a number of London landmarks, or maybe you want a night or two away with the other half.
Read the rest of this entry »


text:
by katie ward
(liverpool uk)
I had me nose about 2 months ago and i've still got a lump on the inside of me nose where the hole is on the inside and it's all white around and i cnt wear nose Studs because me nose is really thick and flat so i have to wear labret studs me mum had her nose pierced at the same time and the lump inside her nose has gone
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text:
The winter in Canada has been strangely mild, thanks to our good friend global warming. For the first time, I decided to experiment and not buy a TTC metropass. Instead, I bought tonnes of tokens.
I'm trying to save money and walk more. I definitely walk more than I ever have but, let me tell you, it's much, much easier to convince myself to take a cab to work when I'm running late when a token costs $2.75. So saving money? Probably not. It's likely worked out evenly. But, thwarting the monopoly the TTC had on my winter travelling in past years made for happier cold months filled with discoveries I never would have had if I'd succumbed to the pressure of buying a monthly pass.
Another bonus? I have new material for yet another project. I found myself with layers and layers of paper transfers lining my coat and purse pockets. To paraphrase from a woman in a promotional ad for Hoarders, "I don't consider myself a hoarder, I consider myself a collector of things." It's a fine line, sister.
All these little pieces of paper serve as an interesting record of my city routes and I'm excited for bike season to start so I can complete my jar of winter TTC transfers and get started on turning them into something.


text:
If there is a specific type of weather that the east coast is familiar with, it is wet and cold. This is precisely why it is imperative that you hire a reliable roofing contractor in Waldorf, MD, and other areas to inspect and make repairs or replacement of your roof as necessary. New Image Elite offers residential and commercial roofing services with over 30 years of experience to back up our workmanship.
Don't Leak Like the Rest
Your roof is supposed to keep water out of your house when it rains, so a leak is a problem that should be taken care of as soon as possible. When you're having trouble identifying the location, call on us to fix the issue for you. Our roofers are capable of identifying and patching leaks, , performing new installation, or roof repair in La Plata and other areas. How do you know when it's time for a new roof? You might need a replacement when:
- Shingle granules collect in your gutter
- You have bald shingles
- Shingles are missing
- You have curling, buckling, or cracking shingles
- You can't remember when your roof was installed
With quality materials, a roof can last for decades without a problem. You should have your roof regularly inspected in order to extend its lifetime.
The New Image Elite Difference
We are a family-owned business with decades of home improvement experience passed down one generation to the next. We use honesty, integrity, and quality workmanship as our guiding principles. Our goal is to provide customers with top-quality service at competitive prices. We do this by also offering high-quality products from reliable manufacturers. When it comes to roofing, we offer a variety of products from GAF to achieve the best results.
Get Started Today
When your roof starts to go, your home, office, and possessions are in danger. Call on New Image Elite at 301-934-5454 to receive a consultation for roofing in Clinton and neighboring cities. We'll find a solution that works at a competitive rate. You can also fill out our convenient online form. We look forward to hearing from you.


text:
Forgot Username or Password
Energie Wasser Bern is investing in expanding an ultra-fast optical fibre network in Bern. KEYMILE's multi-service access platform MileGate is the Next-Generation access solution for the new optical fibre network.
Energie Wasser Bern is constructing an optical fibre network into homes (FTTH) in the Swiss capital…
Energie Wasser Bern is investing in expanding an ultra-fast optical fibre network in Bern. KEYMILE's multi-service access platform MileGate is the Next-Generation access solution for the new optical fibre network.
Energie Wasser Bern is constructing an optical fibre network into homes (FTTH) in the Swiss capital. For the access network, the energy utility and its telecommunications partner Ericsson have opted for KEYMILE and its multi-service access platform MileGate. With MileGate, homes will be connected to point-to-point optical fibre infrastructure and will therefore benefit from a future-proof data highway. MileGate is a compact and robust IP-based access platform with high port density. Up to 480 optical fibre lines can be accommodated in each 8-HU subrack. With its excellent scalability, low power consumption and wide range of operating temperatures, it is ideal for exchanges, collocation rooms and outdoor cabinets. In the Swiss capital, four optical fibres are laid per household and a total of 82,000 households are connected to the optical fibre network.
Peter Zbinden, Head of Business Development Telecom at Energie Wasser Bern comments: "We're delighted that KEYMILE is such a reliable business partner. Optical fibre expansion in the town started back in 2009. Now people living in 39,000 residential and business units can order ultra-fast broadband access. KEYMILE is supplying the access- and Ericsson the core-solution. In our complex communications structure, the two partners complement one another perfectly".
"Ericsson has been working with KEYMILE on a number of projects in Switzerland for years," reports Martin Bürki, Ericsson Managing Director Switzerland in Bern. "In the FTTH environment, we're taking a two-pronged approach: Ericsson for the core and distribution network and KEYMILE for the access network. In our opinion, MileGate is a future-driven addition to our end-to-end architecture. We enjoy a productive working relationship that we want to expand on in future".
The new optical fibre network is slated to connect 90 per cent of all buildings by 2017. Swisscom will contribute 60 per cent and Energie Wasser Bern 40 per cent of the investment required. The collaboration between the two partners specifies that Energie Wasser Bern will set up the optical fibre network on 70 per cent of the area the town covers. Swisscom will connect up 30 per cent of apartments and is also responsible for laying the optical fibres between the buildings and the exchange.
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text:
Mikhael is a Malayalam movie starring Nivin Pauly in a prominent role. It is a drama directed and written by Haneef Adeni.
If you are a representative of the production house, please share the details of the film with [email protected]
Sorry! None of the critics have had a chance to review this movie yet.


text:
"You promise not to be weird? We don't have much money. And my dad is a slob. The house is almost always a mess and I can't stand it! I just…I don't want my house to affect your opinion of me. People tend to get weird when they find out I'm poor."
Jonathan's heart dropped. He remembered the quick judgement he made when he first saw her, and he felt terrible for what he had done. "I promise. You've already got me, Sky! I'm in your life now, and I'm not leaving. Well…unless you have anything else you'd like to share. You're not an axe murderer or a criminal, are you?"
She laughed, and her load was lightened.
"Oh…you're not an alien, right? Cuz that would be a total deal breaker for me," he added.
"I'm not an alien!"
"Then we're cool! And, you know…maybe one day you wouldn't have to worry about any of this…"
She hoped what he said was true, not so she could escape her situation, but because being in his life permanently was something she really wanted to do. He took her by the hand, and they left the park. She tried not to act nervous as they walked up her street, but she couldn't help it. They passed a few plain, small homes on barren lots. Jonathan had never been to that part of town before, but his best friend, Tony, also lived in a small home so it wasn't like he had never been inside one. At last, they came to her lot. She lived in a small, narrow trailer with a tin roof. The yard was dry and desolate, and the only plants that existed were obviously planted. There was a rusty, beat-up truck park in the yard. It looked like it hadn't moved in ages. The front lawn was littered with garden gnomes and flamingos. It was a bit tacky, no doubt, but it had a certain charm. It was as though someone understood their home wasn't much to look at and tried to make it look as presentable as she could make it. Clearly, it wasn't what Jonathan was used to, but he didn't mind it one bit. As a matter of fact, he was excited to be there. After watching Skyla lament over this, he felt honored that she trusted him enough to be vulnerable.
Skyla stopped short of the porch steps as if she was giving him one last chance to escape. Or, maybe she was trying to save herself from the embarrassment.
He smiled, and that gave her the courage to continue on. She led him up the stairs and opened the door. He knew she would be watching him, so he tried not to look around too much. The decor on the inside was almost as tacky as the outside. They had a basic, red couch, a gothic style, red candle lamp, and heavy, green drapes on the window. There was a stack of books next to the television which sat on top of a plain coffee table. He saw a guitar in the corner of the room and a few piles of clothing on the floor as well as some sports equipment. Overall, the house wasn't nearly as bad as Skyla made it out to be which was a relief to Jonathan if he was to be completely honest.
"So," he began. "I'm here now, and I haven't run off. Do you feel better?"
"A little."
"Well, that's something!"
Jonathan never claimed to know much about girls, but one thing he knew about Skyla was that he often had to change the subject to divert her attention from whatever was bothering her. "Do you play," he asked, pointing his head toward the guitar in the corner.
She looked at it lovingly and said, "My mom did."
"Oh. Ummm…is it ok for me to ask about her?"
She nodded. "She was sick…and ummm…yeah. She's not with us anymore."
"Oh, Sky. I'm so sorry!"
"Thank you. It's ok though. I was young. My dad…he didn't do very well though. He drank…a lot. He wasn't dangerous or anything. He was just so depressed…he couldn't do anything for me. I had some aunts and uncles from out of town who wanted me to come live with them for a while. I didn't want to go, but my dad made me. So, I lived in Appaloosa Plains for a year. It was so hard being away from my dad and living with people I barely knew, but everything turned out fine. I learned a lot about farm living, and it was ok at the time, but I'd never want to do it again. When I finally went back home, I had a brand new dad, and we've been taking care of each other ever since!"
"Wow. You've gone through so much. I'm not sure I could be as strong as you. I'd probably be more like your dad, heh."
"You'd be amazed at what you can handle when you're in survival mode," she said.
"Survival mode. I don't even know what that is. I've never had to 'survive' before," he said awkwardly. "I mean, I've never lost anyone…I have more money than I know what to do with. I have everything I could ever want. That's just so foreign to me."
"I understand. I think if it ever came down to it, you would survive just fine with the right attitude."
"I'm glad you have faith in me. I hope you'll be around to help me when it comes time to survive."
"That can be arranged."
Loud snoring erupted from the bedroom, and Jonathan's head jerked around to see where the sound was coming from. "He's had a long day, huh?"
"Nah. He just sleeps really hard." She rolled her eyes. "I end up sleeping right here on this couch a lot to get away from the noise."
He didn't want to assume that there was only one bedroom, but he didn't see where another one would fit. "You guys share a room?"
"Yeah," she said feeling embarrassed all over again. Jonathan didn't quite know where to take the conversation next, but Mr. Oliver's snores reminded him that he should probably make his way home.
"I hope to see you in school tomorrow," he said. "I should probably get out of here."
"Can I walk you to the end of the street?" She winked.
"Of course."
They got up and went outside. He hugged her, said goodnight, and went on his merry way.
All the way home he thought about her and everything he heard and experienced. He wanted so much for her. He wanted her to not have to share a room with her father. He wanted her to live in a clean house. He wanted her to be proud of where she lived. He wanted her to be happy all the time. He wanted all of this for her not because she needed it and he could give it to her, but because she meant so much to him. He loved to see her smiling and being carefree. He knew she was the girl for him the first time he saw her, but now he had to marry her so he could spend the rest of his life making her happy.


text:
For many music goers the re-scheduling of the Shrewsbury Fields Forever weekender was a huge disappointment, but the Shrewsbury International Comic Festival did its best to sustain a certain sense of the festivities. Sitting alongside the tranquil River Severn in Quarry Park, and surrounded by the medieval beauty of Shrewsbury, this was a fun and fresh take on the traditional comic convention, that succeeded despite the odds – our intrepid reporter Olly MacNamee gives us the lowdown.
Lew Stringer
"Newcomers today want to start off doing their great graphic novel but my advice would be to start small" we talk to Lew Stringer about the Beano, Aces Weekly and Combat Colin
At this weekend's Birmingham Comic Con, part of the Birmingham Comics Festival, our roving reporter Olly MacNamee caught up with Brit comic stalwart Lew Stringer. man who has made a career in the UK and abroad as both a versatile writer and artist, with comical comicstrips as diverse as The Beano and Combat Colin. We talk about his early career, his republished Brickman comic as well as some sound advice for would-be comic book creators.


text:
Urgent - Year 4 Teacher Required - Long Term - Walsall, Walsall
Start date: ASAP - Expected to last until the end of the Academic Year, minumum
Contract type: Full Time
Contract term: Temporary
Suitable for NQTs: Yes
ABC Teachers are urgently seeking to appoint a talented and qualified Year 4 Teacher on behalf of a popular Primary School located in Walsall. The school require an enthusiastic teacher to begin working full-time, as soon as possible. The position is on a week-by-week basis, expected to last until the end of the academic year, covering a long-term sickness.
The Primary School is well established within it's local area, offering on-site parking and brand new facilities to aid both teaching and pupil learning.
This is a brilliant opportunity for any talented practitioner, whether Newly Qualified or more experienced; the school are seeking an individual who can hit the ground running, to commit to the school and offer this motivated classroom 100% at all times.
If you are interested in this position, please contact Alice Crouch today on 0121 274 0345 or 'Apply now' to submit your details.
Not found what you are looking for? Keep up to date with us on our Website, Twitter and Facebook pages for details of all our current jobs and upcoming registration days!
Website : http://www.abc-teachers.co.uk
Twitter: @SupplyTeach
Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/ABCTEACHERS
ABC Teachers are an REC Gold Standard Awarded Education Agency, part of TES. Candidates pay rates are competitive and in line with the AWR policy which means that after a qualifying period, supply teachers can be paid to the comparable scale offered by the school.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. All staff will hold an enhanced DBS disclosure (or be prepared to allow us to process one for you), need to provide professional or academic references and attend a face to face interview. A prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Telephone calls to and/or from ABC Teachers may be recorded for training, safeguarding and compliance purposes.
Contact ABC Teachers Limited
Thanks for your interest in this role.
Simply fill in the form below to ask any questions, request a call, or schedule a school visit.
This field is required


text:
- Description
Weighted 8" base supports a 39 1/2" tall hanging hook. Ideal for our 8 oz. hummingbird feeder. Made from steel, powder coated black.
Write a review
Read More
Jan 30, 2011 | By Richard Smith
Very disappointed in height or lack there of. I will have to modify the heigth for it to be useful.
Mar 25, 2014 | By Norma Bybee
This product is too flimsy. The first wind we had it blew right over. There is no weight in the bottom to hold it steady and is useless to me.
fHummingbird feeder Stand
Apr 29, 2014 | By Elizabeth Walker
Poorly made & engineered
Humminbird Stand Feeder
Apr 29, 2014 | By Elizabeth Walker
Just doesn't work. Poorly designed & false description. Can't possibly stand up due to the flimsiness of the stand, the anchoring of the stand into the base, and lightweight stand.
Hummingbird Feeder Stand
Jun 3, 2015 | By Barbara Wachter
I have been looking for a small stand to attach a feeder for the hummingbirds. This was the perfect size for the area where I wanted to use it. Thank you.
for the hummers
May 1, 2016 | By Sherry
Love this stand. It's a perfect size for my deck - and it's the 2nd one I bought!
May 11, 2016 | By Ruth Slovik
Great height for this humming bird feeder stand. The bottom is weighted just enough to make it very stable.
hummingbird stand
Mar 26, 2017 | By Karen Fitzhugh
have not used yet. may have to anchor it down as it is light in weight.
Hummingbird feeder stand
May 21, 2017 | By Stephanie Bukartek
Not happy....bottom not attached to top and it tips in the wind. Very expensive for the quality
Read More


text:
Version End of Life. 30 June 2018
The following changes have been made to Tungsten Clustering and may affect existing scripts and integration tools. Any scripts or environment which make use of these tools should check and update for the new configuration:
In previous releases, a client
PINGcommand would open a new connection to the MySQL server, execute a
SELECT 1and then returns the OK (or failure) to the client. This could introduce additional load and also affect the metrics if statement execution counts and connections were being monitored.
This has been updated so that the PING request is sent verbatim through to the server by the connector.
Issues: CT-1
The default security configuration for new installations is for security, including SSL and TLS and authentication, to be disabled. In 5.0.0 the default was to enable full security on all components which could lead to problems and difficulty when upgrading.
Issues: CT-18
The manager is no longer restarted when updating the configuration with tpm when using the
Issues: CT-120
The following issues may affect the operation of Tungsten Clustering and should be taken into account when deploying or updating to this release.
When performing an upgrade of MySQL 5.6 to MySQL 5.7, and after running mysql_upgrade, the MySQL server must be restarted. Failure to do this could cause switch or failover operations to fail.
Issues: CT-70
Under certain circumstances, the rsync process can randomly fail during the installation/ deployment process when using the staging method of deployment. The error code returned by rsync may be 12 or 23.
The error is transient and non-specific and deployment should be retried.
Issues: CONT-1343
Improvements, new features and functionality
Support has been improved for CentOS 7, addressing some issues regarding the startup and deployment scripts used to manage MySQL and Tungsten Clustering
Issues: CONT-211
tpm has been updated to cope with changes in the configuration and operation of MySQL 5.7.
Issues: CONT-1060
When performing a persmissions check within tpm, changes to the way password and other information is confirmed has been updated to work correctly with MySQL 5.7. In particular, due to the way passwords are now stored and used, tpm will confirm the configured user and password by checking that login functions correctly.
Issues: CONT-1578
During installation, tpm will no longer check
the connector credentials if the connector has been configured
to operate in bridge
mode if application specific credentials are not
supplied. If the
--application-user and
--application-password options
are provided, tpm will run the same checks
even if bridge mode has been selected.
Issues: CONT-1580, CONT-1581
The connector has been updated to provide an acknowledgement to
the MySQL protocol
COM_CHANGE_USER command.
This allows client connections that use connection pooling (such
as PHP) and the change user command as a verification of an open
connection to correctly received an acknowledgement that the
connection is available.
The option is disabled by default. To enable, set the
property to
true during
configuration with tpm.
Issues: CONT-1380
For more information, see Section 6.7.6, "Connector Change User as Ping".
When validating the existence of MyISAM tables within a MySQL database, tpm would use an incorrect method for identifying MyISAM tables. This could lead to MyISAM tables not being located, or legitimate system-related MyISAM tables triggering the alert.
Issues: CONT-938
The Nagios tungsten_nagios_online command
would report nodes in the
standby role that were
in the
OFFLINE would
indicate that the node was in a warning state.
Issues: CONT-1487
The Zabbix related monitoring tools, zabbix_tungsten_services, zabbix_tungsten_progress, zabbix_tungsten_online, and zabbix_tungsten_latency were not marked as executable.
Issues: CONT-1493
The tpm update would fail if the installation directory had been specified with a trailing slash.
Issues: CONT-1499
If the cluster is put into maintenance mode, but the coordinator node, or the terminal session that put the cluster into maintenance mode fails, the cluster would stay in maintenance mode. The node is now tracked, and if the node goes away for any reason, the cluster will be returned to the mode it was in before being placed into maintenance node.
Issues: CONT-1535
Running tpm connector while multi_trepctl is running on the same host would fail with the error:
ERROR >> db2 >> There is already another Tungsten installation script running
Issues: CONT-1572
The connector would not retry and/or reconnect transactions that were automatically redirected to a slave. This has been corrected so that all slave-targeted requests are retried or reconnected and retried in the event of an error.
Issues: CT-22
Automatic retry of query could fail due to interference of keep alive request while re-executing the query.
Issues: CONT-1512
The Tungsten Connector would sometimes retry connectivity on connections that had been killed. The logic has been updated. The default behavior remains the same:
Reconnect closed connections
Retry autocommitted reads
The behavior can be modified by using the
Setting to
false disables
the reconnection or retry of a connection outside of a planned
switch or automatic failover. The default is
true, reconnecting and
retrying all connections.
Issues: CONT-1514
When deployed within a composite service, a race condition within the manager could cause the master replicator to start up in a shunned state.
Issues: CT-2
The show slave status command when used through a Tungsten Connector connection could fail with the error Data truncation: BIGINT UNSIGNED value is out of range.
Issues: CT-85
An entity called
POLICY_MANAGER would
appear in the output of ls
resources. This could cause problems with monitoring
tools which parsed the output. The check
script has now been updated to ignore the resource in the
Issues: CT-90
In the event of a mysqld restart, the cluster could recover into a state with multiple masters.
Issues: CONT-1482
Recovering a
node would switch the role of the node once recovered to be a
slave, instead of
remaining as a
Issues: CONT-1486
The embedded Drools libraries have been updated to Drools 6.3. This addresses an issue in Drools which could lead to a memory leak.
Issues: CONT-1547
The generated mysql_read_only script would use password on the command line, and could execute a query that returned multiple rows. Both issues could cause issues during executation, particularly for MySQL 5.6 and later.
Issues: CONT-1570
Tungsten Clustering 5.0.1 Includes the following changes made in Tungsten Replicator 5.0.1
Tungsten Replicator 5.0.1 is a bugfix release that contains critical fixes and improvements from the Tungsten Replicator 5.0.0 release. Specifically, it changes the default security and other settings to make upgrades from previous releases easier, and other fixes and improvements to the Oracle support and command-line tools.
The following changes have been made to Continuent Replicator and may affect existing scripts and integration tools. Any scripts or environment which make use of these tools should check and update for the new configuration:
The default security configuration for new installations is for security, including SSL and TLS and authentication, to be disabled. In 5.0.0 the default was to enable full security on all components which could lead to problems and difficulty when upgrading.
Issues: CT-18
The Ruby Net::SSH module, which has been bundled with Tungsten Replicator in past releases, is no longer included. This is due to the wide range of Ruby versions and deployment environments that we support, and differences in the Net::SSH module supported and used with different Ruby versions. In order to simplify the process and ensure that the platforms we support operate correctly, the Net::SSH module has been removed and will now need to be installed before deployment.
To ensure you have the correct environment before deployment, ensure both the Net::SSH and Net::SCP Ruby modules are installed using gem:shell>
gem install net-sshshell>
gem install net-scp
Depending on your environment, you may also need to install the
gem install io-console
If during installation you get an error similar to this:
mkmf.rb can't find header files for ruby at /usr/lib/ruby/include/ruby.h
It indicates that you do not have the Ruby development headers installed. Use your native package management interface (for example yum or apt and install the
ruby-devpackage. For example:shell>
sudo apt install ruby-dev
Issues: CT-88
The replicator is no longer restarted when updating the configuration with tpm when using the
Issues: CT-120
For compatibility with MySQL 5.7, the tpm command will now check for the
super_read_onlysetting and warn if this setting is enabled.
Issues: CONT-1039
For compatibility with MySQL 5.7, the tpm command will use the
authentication_stringfield for validating passwords.
Issues: CONT-1058
For compatibility with MySQL 5.7, the tpm command will now ignore the
Issues: CONT-1059
Improvements, new features and functionality
The Rhino JS, which is incorporated for use by the filtering and batch loading mechanisms, has been updated to Rhino 1.7R4. This addresses a number of different issues with the embedded library, including a performance issue that could lead to increased latency during filter operations.
Issues: CT-21
The Ruby Net::SSH libraries used by tpm have been updated to the latest version. This addresses issues with SSH and staging based deployments, including KEX algorithm errors.
Issues: CT-16
On some platforms the keytool command could fail to be found, causing an error within the installation when generating certificates.
Issues: CT-73