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Landon Donovan needs to earn World Cup spot for U.S.
For American soccer fans, Landon Donovan is either the best American soccer player in history or the most frustrating American soccer player in history.
He's the USA's all-time leading goal scorer and assists leader, poised to play in his fourth World Cup. He's the oh-can-you-believe-this guy who scored the last-gasp goal against Algeria in the World Cup four years ago.
And he's also the player who seems to drift in and out of games like an ocean breeze, who has all the talent in the world but preferred to ply his trade stateside. He's the guy who took a sabbatical during World Cup qualifying and at the start of the Major League Soccer season.
Donovan may be a legend, but U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann isn't interested in building a team based on the past.
When Klinsmann met with his 30-man team for the first day of World Cup training camp Wednesday, Donovan was there. But will he be there when Klinsmann takes 23 players to Brazil?
Heading into the team's exhibition against Mexico last month, Donovan failed to impress during training, so Klinsmann kept him out of the starting lineup. If Donovan is that player during the next three weeks, his spot will be in jeopardy. But if Donovan is the player he was Sunday in the Los Angeles Galaxy's 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers, he'll be in the starting lineup.
"He was all over the field, did a lot of things on both sides of the ball," said the Galaxy's Bruce Arena, the U.S. coach in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. "He was engaged in the entire game. There were no breaks. He was threatening going forward and made some outstanding plays defensively. He did it all. That player we saw on Sunday is the player that can help the national team in Brazil."
Arena says Donovan is entering camp in good form, mentally and physically. Donovan, 32, has stepped away from the spotlight, doing limited media interviews with a singular focus. This likely is his final World Cup. "Unless there's a miracle, it's my last chance to be a part of something like this, so I really want to soak it up and take it all in," Donovan told USA TODAY Sports.
"This time I want to enjoy it, really enjoy it," he said. "For me, that means being a part of the team and the team doing well. I want to play every minute of every game, and if that doesn't happen I'm at peace with that. I just want to help."
He needed time away from the game after the Galaxy won the MLS Cup in December 2012. He didn't expect his coaches to understand or like his decision. When someone is struggling with a physical injury, it's acceptable to take time off to recover, but when it comes to struggling mentally, there's still a stigma, he says.
"If I hadn't taken time, I would have been useless in a professional setting and probably a personal setting," Donovan said after he returned from his walkabout, which included a 10-day trip to Cambodia. "I needed a break and I don't use the word 'need' all that lightly. I had to listen to myself and do what was best for me."
Even if that meant jeopardizing his World Cup chances. "Landon doesn't do what many people want him to do, so there's this general sense that he's not just letting himself down but letting us down. I don't think it's fair, but it's the reality," said Alexi Lalas, a World Cup veteran and ESPN analyst.
Klinsmann acknowledges and appreciates Donovan's place in American soccer history but is not about to genuflect to 2010 when it comes to selecting the 2014 team. "We're not building the group based on the past," he said after naming the preliminary roster Monday. "We're building the group based on what we experience and go through together and what we believe, and as of today is the right decision."
On an ESPN documentary, the first of a series on the team, that aired Tuesday, Klinsmann made his point clear. The 23 players will be chosen based on what he sees the next three weeks. "The media thinks he's untouchable," he said about Donovan. "That's not how it works."
To some fans, it may seem Klinsmann has been unduly harsh. But Donovan says Klinsmann's point is fair.
"I knew very well what the consequences were," Donovan said. "He's trying to build a team, so when one of your better players says, 'I'm taking off for four months during some difficult games,' that has to leave a mark and I understand that.
"To his credit, although he made me work my way back — which I should have to do — he did give me a chance to get back in and I think some coaches would have said, 'No.'"
Klinsmann is about hard work and effort all the time, and Donovan is not, Arena said. "That's just not his make-up. Landon isn't focused on playing soccer 24 hours, seven days a week."
Donovan maintains balance in his life with monthly trips to see his family, especially his young nephew, who's named Donovan. He has done limited work for his sponsors, his efforts for the Skin Cancer Foundation notwithstanding. (His father successfully battled the disease and since Donovan works outside, the cause is especially meaningful.) His family and girlfriend are planning to be in Brazil.
But first, from now until June 2 when the final roster is due, Donovan must prove he belongs.
"Some guys need a kick in the ass and some guys need a pat on the back," Lalas said. "Landon has not always responded well to a kick in the ass. If you're younger, it tends to fire you up. If you've been there and done that, you lean back and let it ride. You can't let it ride in a World Cup."
Because, as Donovan knows, this is his last chance.


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The BT3540 Trio Digital Cordless Telephone is a stylish yet easy to use phone packed with useful features such as a built in answer machine and call transfer between headsets at an affordable price. BT3540 Digital Cordless Phone has also other useful features like a handsfree speaker 50 name and number directory that can be copied between handsets caller display and up to 20 mins recording on the answer machine The BT3540 Trio has a long outdoor range of up to 300m and an indoor range of up to 50m. This allows you to walk in and outside the house with freedom and without the fear of your call being interrupted or cut off due to low signal quality. With the BT3540 you can talk for up to 12 hours on a full charge or have it on standby for up to 120 hours when the phone is not in use. Perfect for those long conversations or when you need the phone close to hand. With its stylish Black design and easy to read blue backlit screen the BT3540 will look the part in any room.
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text: A Smart Balance of Mobility and Performance R1F converts easily between notebook and slate modes. A built-in fingerprint reader allows quick and painless biometric identification, enabling secure personal computing. Shop Modal header The 13.3" tablet PC with swappable optical drive, ASUS' latest high-mobility solution R1F converts easily between notebook and slate modes. A built-in fingerprint reader allows quick and painless biometric identification, enabling secure personal computing. Dependable Partner on the GoASUS R1F Series offer a smart balance of mobility and performance with comprehensive security feature that protects with both software as well as hardware solutions, providing a secure and convenient computing experience for users. Stylus Pen Lock Key Dual Engines, Double PowerEquipped with the latest dual core processing, provides enhanced responsiveness to enjoy audio & video playback & record, gaming, IM, and web-browsing simultaneously on your notebook. Moreover, it offers outstanding dual-core performance to enjoy multimedia management and digital content creation. Improves System Security with Increased Ease of Use ASUS Security Protect Manager is designed to be secure and easy to use. It improves system security and productivity by consolidating user passwords and network accounts within a User Identity and allow secure and convenient access to registered applications after logon to the ASUS Security Protect manager. Security and privacy are strictly enforced with ASUS Security Protect Manager, so all private data is available only to its owner, ensuring end-to-end security built on consistent, solid and manageable ASUS platforms Trusted Platform Module (TPM) The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a security device on the system board that will hold computer-generated keys for encryption. It is a hardware-based solution that helps to avoid attacks by hackers looking to capture passwords and encryption keys to sensitive data.The TPM allows the R1F to run applications securely and to make transactions and communications more trustworthy. When bundled with ASUS Security Protect Manager, it ensures overall system security, file protection capabilities and protect against email/privacy concerns. RF Biometric Fingerprint Reader ASUS R1F Series adopts the unique semiconductor based RF biometric fingerprint scanner. The RF electronic imaging mechanism reads the fingerprint pattern from the live layer of skin that lies just beneath the skin's dry outer surface layer. Therefore, the sensor is less affected by common skin surface conditions, including dry, worn, calloused, dirty or oily skin, that can impair the ability of other sensors to acquire accurate fingerprint images. Vibrant Visual Enjoymen To satisfy the most demanding reviewing standards, ASUS Splendid Video Intelligence Technology integrates different multimedia data sources to reduce noise and conversion rate for a sharp display. Users can enjoy vivid image with better contrast, brightness, skin tone and color saturation for all video applications. Easier and Faster Digital Data Transmission The ExpressCard™ standard promises to deliver high- performance, modular expansion to notebooks at a lower cost and in a smaller form factor. You will be able to add memory communications and security devices by simply inserting ExpressCard™ modules into the R1F. Multi-functional Module Bay Utilize this feature for high application flexibilities while the notebook is suspend. Exchange between hard drives, DVD Super-Multi drive or even a second battery pack accordingly to create the perfect smart machine. Utilize this feature for high application flexibility even while the notebook is up and running. Exchange between hard drives, ODD drivers, battery packs and traveler's drawer accordingly without compromising mobility. Direct Application Access A series of fast keys are available for instant launch of entertainment, connection, power management, and color adjustment applications. Located at the top of the keyboard, the keys are easy to access while keeping the keyboard area distraction free. Spill-Proof Keyboard The R1F spill-proof keyboard is protected from direct exposure and users will no longer need to worry about the occasional drink spills. Intel, the Intel logo, Centrino and the Centrino logo, Intel Core and Core Inside, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.


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- Frustrations of an Asian American Whedonite: "Would you ever tell a story that purported to have major elements of American gay culture, without having a single gay character in-frame for more than 3 seconds? What about a show that claimed some feminist themes, but cast only men, with women barely seen and never heard?"
- Olympians: Superhero Bodies and What Real Athletes Look Like: "In fact, [the bodies of Olympic athletes] seem a lot more varied than the characters in the pages of most super-books. So are superhero comics getting it wrong?"
- The Trouble With Wife Aggro: Aro reacts to a panel with "Wife Aggro" in the title appearing on the PAX Prime schedule: "When you title your panel 'Wife Aggro,' what you are saying is that this is a place for dudes and that women (unless they're committed monogamous lesbians from one of a handful of US states or Canada, I guess?) are not invited…"
- Scalzi: An Incomplete Guide to Not Creeping (at cons): "Yeah, I do meet a lot of people and/or I do find many of the people I know in a casual way to be attractive in one way or another. The very last thing I want is for them to feel that I am a creepy assbag. These are the things I do to avoid coming across as one."
- Meet Ouya, The $99 Android-Based Gaming Console With a Woman CEO: "To Uhrman, the Ouya is a 'love letter to gamers,' and its a beautiful letter thus far — I just hope its addressed to all gamers, 40-year-old Farmville-loving soccer moms included."
- Why It's Important To Cut That Creeper Guy From Your Social Group: "Beyond having good anti-harassment policies at the executive level of the convention, you and your friends or peer group should have an anti-harassment policy amongst yourselves."
- The Importance of a Gay Gamer Convention: "When you accuse these folks of segregating themselves, you forget that they were already pretty fucking segregated, and having them band together is the last thing their haters want, really — because keeping them isolated and singular is the best way to keep them quiet."
- [Trigger Warning: Rape, Rape Apologism] The Pervocracy: The People You Meet When You Write About Rape: Cliff Pervocracy has compiled a list worthy of a new bingo card.
You can suggest links for future linkspams in comments here, or by using the "geekfeminism" tag on delicious or pinboard.in or the "#geekfeminism" tag on Twitter. Please note that we tend to stick to publishing recent links (from the last month or so).
Thanks to everyone who suggested links.


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You can help Wild Wings by sponsoring the care of one of our wildlife residents through the Adopt-a-Bird
program. Your "adoption" donation will help provide food, medicine, veterinary treatment and special materials for perches and
housing enclosures called "mews." The adoption packet includes a photo card of your bird and a personalized adoption certificate. Adoptions make unique gifts and are a wonderful way to share the message of the importance of saving birds of prey and their natural habitat.
Adopt Olivia (American Kestrel)


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Clutch relief, Pence's hit key in Giants' comeback
Posey homers after San Francisco's four-run frame rescues Lincecum
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants wrote the story of Saturday's 5-3 Interleague victory over the Cleveland Indians in the fifth inning. Buster Posey punctuated the tale with an exclamation point one inning later.
Reliever Juan Gutierrez rescued the Giants and Tim Lincecum from potential disaster by striking out Yan Gomes to leave the bases loaded in the fifth. Then the Giants erased a 3-0 deficit in their half of the inning, as Hunter Pence's two-out, two-run single highlighted a four-run surge.
Posey interrupted a 3-for-40 tailspin by leading off the sixth with his fifth homer of the year, a drive off Cleveland reliever C.C. Lee that landed halfway up the left-field stands.
The Giants have won the first two games of this series after posting the Majors' third-worst Interleague record (13-22) in the previous two seasons.
Reversing their fortunes has required a variety of contributions from the bullpen to the batting order to the bench.
Gutierrez's strikeout began a stretch of 4 1/3 hitless innings from Giants relievers, including Sergio Romo, who recorded his sixth save in as many chances. San Francisco's bullpen owns a Major League-low 0.45 ERA in 11 home games this season.
The Giants entered Saturday with a .138 batting average (13-for-94) with runners in scoring position during their previous 12 games. They collected two such hits in their big fifth, receiving pinch-hitter Gregor Blanco's RBI single before Pence came through.
"We have a good vibe," Pence said. "We have a team that's going to compete hard. ... Those are the kinds of wins and kinds of games that we feel we're going to bring to the ballpark every day. That's our effort."
The effort accelerated after Lincecum, who complained of inconsistent mechanics, issued two-out walks to Michael Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera to fill the bases in the fifth. In came Gutierrez, who fanned Gomes with a 95 mph fastball. Though Gutierrez has a reputation for throwing hard, he said, "I know the guy [Gomes] was looking for a breaking ball with two strikes."
Freezing Cleveland's lead was essential, particularly since Indians starter Zach McAllister (3-1) had blanked the Giants on one hit through four innings.
"A base hit kind of puts the game out of reach," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.
Michael Morse's leadoff single began the Giants' surge in the fifth. Brandon Crawford singled and Brandon Hicks walked while forcing McAllister to throw 15 pitches. That loaded the bases with one out for Blanco, another slumping Giant who connected on McAllister's first pitch to score Morse.
"The plan was be aggressive," said Blanco, who received that advice from coaches concerned with his .100 average.
After Angel Pagan's sacrifice fly delivered Crawford, Blanco sustained his forward approach by stealing second base. That put him in position to score along with Hicks on Pence's grounder, which scooted past second baseman Jason Kipnis.
"At that point, you have to be ready for his fastest pitch," said Pence, who hit a 95 mph fastball from McAllister.
Kipnis attempted to field the ball upright and appeared to have a chance at snaring it.
"I was planning on diving the whole time until I kind of gained ground on it," he said. "I caught up to it and thought I could reach it. It kind of caught me in between steps and it's one of those ones where you just don't know if you can bend down, slide or dive. I went for the reach and it scooted under my glove. ... It cost us pretty much the game."
The Giants' sixth began with Posey's homer, which ended his 0-for-24 skid against right-handed pitching. It also snapped a 27-inning homerless streak recorded by Cleveland's bullpen.
Posey thrilled the AT&T Park crowd by clobbering Lee's 3-2 slider.
"You're looking to battle anything close," Posey said. "Fortunately I had a good pitch I could handle."
Posey mentioned the importance of timing at the plate after he homered last Sunday at San Diego. Saturday, he explained the difficulty of maintaining that quality.
"You play this game every day. Every day's different," he said. "Your body feels differently. You're facing different pitchers. You play in different ballparks. You're playing day and night. Each day's not going to be the same. The big thing is making adjustments day to day."


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Workplace diversity occurs in every organisation. Diversity occurs in many forms including race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, the way people think, tenure, organizational function, educational background, beliefs and more. Diversity impacts how people perceive themselves and those around them, which in turn affect their interactions. Being treated with respect, dignity and without prejudice or bias is a basic human right that everyone deserves. This program aims to help you manage equality in your diverse workplace, and is suitable for personnel at all levels.
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The theme song of Adventure Time may only spotlight Jake the Dog and Finn the Human, but over the course of this show's five seasons, it has accumulated quite the cast of memorable supporting characters. This week's episode brings together an assortment of fan favorites to help Ice King make his way through a dungeon, and it's a delightfully insane episode that features a constant stream of jokes and visual gags as Ice King, Tree Trunks, Shelby, Neptr, and Lemongrab overcome obstacles thanks to their individual skill sets. Dungeons and the bands of heroes that traverse them are a major part of nerd culture, from Tolkien to Dungeons & Dragons, and each character in this episode fills a specific role, although it's not the traditional model of Thief, Cleric, Fighter, etc.
This episode is a showcase for this show's amazing voice talent, and each of these characters has a wonderful, distinct voice that reflects a lot of their personality. Polly Lou Livingston's Tree Trunks is a kind-hearted older woman that isn't quite present in a lot of situations, Pendleton Ward's Shelby is adorable with a bitchy side, Justin Rolland's Lemongrab is exaggerated and crazy as hell, and Andy Milonakis gives Neptr a childlike innocence and appreciation of the world around him. Then there's Tom Kenny's Ice King, who is probably the show's most demented and tragic figure. The characters spotlighted in "Mystery Dungeon" all have their own unique personality quirks that result in an incredibly madcap story when combined. This episode is a bit like It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World or Rat Race in that respect, with each member of Ice King's team having certain qualifications needed to move forward while also providing a huge amount of comedy.
Tree Trunks has the baking skills needed to make the pie that will awaken the rat that opens a trap door, but she also can't get other characters' names right (she calls her companions Ice Cream and Lemoncarb) and has a tendency to speak about her pies in a very sexual manner. ("If you want a taste of my juicy apple pie, you better be nice, you got that?" "Alright gentlemen, have a look at my luscious, gooey apple pie.") Shelby is supposed to be the bait for a giant fish that the group encounters after the pie rat, but he's not having any of that. In one of the episode's best jokes, Tree Trunks asks, "How are we ever going to worm our way out of this fishy situation?" Shelby has an idea, and in the next shot, Tree Trunks is dangling over the water, waiting to be eaten by the fish as the water warms her undercarriage. The fish eats her, the men pull it out of the water, and Tree Trunks cuts her way out, noting that "Wow, that was heavy, man." Shelby is also the most reasonable of the group, and he's the first one that catches on that Ice King is hiding something.
After the giant fish, the team encounters a giant three-eyed, tentacled monster that can only be defeated by being sprayed by Lemongrab's vital juices. Lemongrab is the scene-stealer of this episode, a ridiculously over-the-top character that needs to scream every line and views everything as a life-or-death situation. He's obsessed with eating the Ice King, and when Ice King says, "I'll just die here, and y'all can eat my body if you want to survive," Lemongrab opens his mouth and bares his razor-sharp teeth in anticipation. And then there's the part where Lemongrab punches a giant rat in the face and eats an apple pie out of its mouth. Lemongrab's purpose seems to be to provide disturbing visuals, like when Tree Trunks revives a juiced Lemongrab by sticking her trunk in his mouth and pumping him full of fluid. (Saliva? Do I really want to know?)
The only character who doesn't really mind being in the dungeon is Neptr, who isn't even supposed to be there in the first place. Neptr is happy that he gets to spend some time with his "papi," but it turns out Ice King only brought him along because he thought he was BMO, who would be able to break through the esoteric encryption system that is the group's last obstacle. When Ice King curses himself for grabbing the wrong robot, he exposes his plan to the rest of the team, and while Neptr may not have BMO's hacking abilities, all he has to do is throw a pie at the door to gain entry to their final destination: the chamber of the Sleeping Magi of Life Giving, who is able to grant life to whatever object touches his magical flames. Shelby is pissed that Ice King didn't just tell them his plan because he would have freakin' brought something, but Ice King doesn't want to risk the Magi's power being used up on anything less than his most prized possession, and he tosses his "Fionna And Cake Omnibus" into the flames.
For a moment, it seems like this show is going to bring Fionna, Cake, Marshall Lee and the rest of the Ice King's beloved gender-swapped characters to life, but then the book jumps out of the flames, sounding like Mickey Mouse and farting a lot. It's just the latest in the series of disappointments that is Ice King's life, but Neptr is there to comfort his dad when he sinks into a depression. He reminds Ice King that his characters will always be real in the garden of his mind, and as Ice King meditates and enters his Imagination Zone, Neptr gives voice to imaginary Fionna to give his dad something to live for. Finn, Jake and Shelby watch nearby in horror, and Finn asks, "Who in this world is sadder than the Ice King?" Shelby replies, "Me. Watching this," but he's wrong. Nothing and no one in this world is sadder than the Ice King. It's a surprisingly moving ending to a wild ride, and hopefully, future stories will continue to spotlight the rich cast of characters that populate the land of Ooo, because this week's episode is freakin' hilarious.
Stray observations:
No real stray observations this week, so here's a collection of memorable quotes:
- "Avast! Hold tight your buns, if your buns you do hold dear!"
- "Check out my mods, bro!"
- Lemongrab: "Ice King, how do you taste?" Ice King: "Nice, I guess." Lemongrab: "MILD OR SPICY!?" Ice King: "Kinda lonely."
- "Make pies, slave."
- "Shlop your mouths up!"
- "Don't criticize my running, Shelby!"
- "Stop selling fib bibs and get it straight."
- "The grand prize of me loins!"
- "Write in me!"


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This pledge closed almost 7 years ago
Testing on animals is cruel and unnecessary. By signing this pledge, I refuse to spend my money on companies that make animals suffer for their products or to support corporations that abuse animals.
Now that you've taken the pledge, please take a moment to let decisionmakers know that no cosmetics product or ingredient justifies inflicting suffering on animals.
When you take action here, you'll be entered into a chance to win lunch with rock star and animal rights activist Dave Navarro (see contest details). To be entered into the contest, the alert must be submitted by 11:59 PT on October 31, 2013. The winner will be chosen at random, notified, and announced by 12 noon PT on November 10, 2013.


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We are Tottenham Hotspur supporters who after many years of standing and singing on the terraces, have wanted to spread the word of our beloved team, so we created the tribal sports wear brand of N17 Club®.
We got to work drawing up designs of exclusive Tottenham related T shirts and joined up with various garment manufacturers to set a stall up by the famous Tottenham Hotspur Football ground for match day trading. We have now been there for every home game, day or night since 1996.
Our match day stall is situated on the Tottenham High Road opposite the White Hart Lane traffic lights, so you cannot really miss us. You will see the flags, scarves and banners of the N17 Club®, waving in the wind or you might hear the shout of 'wear your colours.'
We are now selling selected official Tottenham Hotspur merchandise which we are licensed to sell.
N17 Club® continues on its quest of spreading the word, supplying spurs supporters all over the world with their 'colours.' We intend to keep the brand alive with up to date humorous designs.
Enjoy our website and the N17 Club® shop and our clothing collection.
The N17 Club® is a community, let's sing together out loud, 'we are N17.'
Watch this space.


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PERU — A regional effort is needed to create jobs in the Illinois Valley area.
That was the message given Thursday at a meeting of leaders of businesses, cities, industrial companies and financial institutions held at St. Bede Academy.
The meeting's purpose was to identify all possibilities to revitalize the Illinois Valley region and to establish jobs for the geographic area, just a little beyond the boundaries of Illinois Valley Community College.
Everett Solon. president of Centrue Bank, acted as chairman of the meeting. He said about eight people gathered in January to discuss the region's economy and what needs to be done to create jobs.
"We felt at that meeting we had a problem of maintaining young people in our communities, mainly because of not enough good-paying jobs," said Solon. "Our goal is to assist local economic development area serviced by IVCC, an area that has about 150,000 people."
Solon said it is better to market the area, not individual communities. LaSalle, Putnam and Bureau counties have a good, quality workforce; good educational system and quality health care, reported Solon.
"We need to capitalize on those assets," he said. "We spend about $10,000 a year on each student going through our schools. We graduate about 2,000 seniors a year and have spent $260 million on their education."
Solon said there needs to be a push to keep those graduates in the area because businesses are spending that money on their education and not getting their investment of tax dollars back if they leave the area for better-paying jobs elsewhere.
Peter Limberger, an entrepreneur and husband of Inga Carus of Carus Corporation of Peru, told people assembled that he has started new businesses and bought existing companies around the world during his career.
He said many communities try to attract one business employing 1,000 people, which rarely happens. He suggested it would be better for communities to financially help entrepreneurs create 100 companies employing two to five people each, a method that is more stable than attracting larger companies.
Limberger said that if 2 percent of the students in the area are aided in starting new businesses, that would mean the creation of 500 jobs.
"Any kind of business means higher quality of services and better downtown areas by encouraging new and unusual ideas from the younger generation," he said. "Young people want to go places at night if they live here, and that means having nice restaurants, art galleries and concerts."
He said this can be accomplished by simply helping starving artists find a place to display their artwork.
Two million tourists come to this area each year and spent their money. Limberger said there needs to be an effort to attract more tourists and help them leave the expensive suburns and live in this area.
He suggested starting a $1 million incubator program in the Illinois Valley area to help young entrepreneurs create businesses and jobs. Limberger said he and his wife will be the first to donate funds to start this program. He felt he needed 20 to 40 investors in the program to reach its $1 million goal.
Limberger said the region needs higher paying jobs even though he wouldn't turn down companies creating minimum-wage jobs, but prefers those businesses paying higher wages to help the region's standard of living.
Jack Rooney of Springfield, a native of Cherry, said the Illinois Valley area has a rich personality and culture unlike any other region of the state. He said the area is the heart of the United States with Interstate 80 and Interstate 39.
He said the timing is perfect to help create jobs by smaller companies instead of relying on larger companies that have left the area over the years like the St. Paul Coal Co. plus many factories in the 1970s and 1980s.
Jack Schultz, author of "Boomtown USA" and "The Agurban," told about communities in the United States helping their economy by recreating themselves. He cited one of those towns as Peru, Ill., when it spent $100,000 to extend infrastructure two to three miles north when I-80 was first built.
This action by city leaders was controversial at the time, but Peru now gets $5 million a year in retail sales from the retail created and eight manufacturing companies located there as a result of that investment.
Dick Janko, who organized Thursday's meeting, asked those attending to get the regional organization going to create jobs for the Illinois Valley. He can be reached at email@example.com.
Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.


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stormrider Category Description
April 27th, 2011
Wal-Mart is the largest retailer in the world.There are however some disturbing facts about Wal-Mart. If you had a bad experiance at a Wal-Mart either as an employee or shopper or a protester share your stories here.
Welcome to Wal-Mart the land...
April 2nd, 2008


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Tagged: hercules
The Squire Comes to Pigtown
On this day in 1912, Charles Ebbets, "The Squire of Flatbush", announced he had acquired land in the Pigtown section of Brooklyn for a ballpark. Construction would start later that year, and the ballpark would open by Opening Day the next year. The name of the park: Ebbets Field (like you couldn't guess, heh).
From what I've read, he decided to name the park after himself. And after working his way up with the Brooklyn Base Ball Club from errand boy/vendor in 1884 to team president in 1897 (meaning he was there from practically the beginning), I think he earned it. Plus, I'd pity the guy who would've suggested otherwise, Hercules was Ebbets' middle name. Really.
While the Ebbets-inspired, soon-to-open Citi Field in Queens cost $600 million to build, Ebbets Field was build for less than a thousandth of that: $450,000. Today, that would get you close to 5 years of choice season tickets at the new Yankee Stadium.
(Picture inspired by photo in Whittingham's Illustrated History of the Dodgers , and info found on Baseball Reference.com , Whittingham, and the Citi Field page on Ballparks.com .)


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The premiere final fixative spray for charcoal, pastel, pencil drawings, and sketches. Prevents smudges and finger prints. Protects artworks, drawings, layouts, type proofs, photographs, blueprints, maps, documents, typing carbons, models, signs, ceramics, etc. Colorless, non-yellowing, and flexible. One-coat cover.
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How do you apply Grumbacher's matte final fixative on pencil drawings?- Asked by John J. Fahsbender on 21-Apr-14
Clear the surface of dust and dirt. Set the work vertically. Shake the can vigorously. Test spray on white paper. Hold can upright 12 in. from the artwork. Apply in a side to side motion evenly. Allow 5 minutes between coats if multiple coats are needed.- Answered by MisterArt on 23-Apr-14
Can this be reworked after it has dried?- Asked by Jim Valekis on 11-Apr-14
According to the manufacturer, the Final Fixative may be reworked when dry.- Answered by MisterArt on 15-Apr-14
Will this seal Prismacolor pencils?- Asked by Char on 26-Mar-14
Yes, this product works well with Prismacolor drawings.- Answered by MisterArt on 01-Apr-14
Will Prismacolor final fixative spray keep Sharpie art on canvas from bleeding?- Asked by mary on 08-Jan-14
This is mainly for pastels and colored pencils, not wet media such as alcohol-based inks. Try applying multiple thin coats of Lascaux Aerosol Spray Fixative. Be sure to mist the work from a distance rather than a pressurized spray which could reactivate the Sharpie ink and cause bleeding on a non-porous surface such as primed canvas.- Answered by MisterArt on 09-Jan-14
Can this fixative be used to seal a fabric that has an image printed with an inkjet printer?- Asked by Jacki on 07-Jan-14
This fixative is designed for paper or photo paper, not fabric. Most Inkjet prints can be heat set with an iron to make them washfast. For the best results, use pretreated fabrics. In the case of an already printed image, might try applying a fabric medium such as GAC 900 or Fabric Mod Podge.- Answered by MisterArt on 09-Jan-14
Can I apply a urethane gloss finish over a workable fixative?- Asked by MD west on 30-Sep-13
Because this is acrylic based, you can use acrylic, oil, or polyurethane, although oil will yellow over time. If it has a shine to it, you might want to rough it up a bit with sandpaper for a better surface for paint application.- Answered by MisterArt on 30-Sep-13
Do you have a link to the instructions?- Asked by midori on 10-Nov-12
The link to the Fixative instructions is: http://www.grumbacherart.com/pdf/fixative.pdf- Answered by MisterArt on 12-Nov-12
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Sea Bright Recieves Flood Prevention Grants From FEMA
Here's some good news for Sea Bright homeowners. The Borough is being awarded nearly $1.4 million dollars for the replacement and repair of bulkheads. In an announcement by U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide $1,373,964 through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
FEMA says the funding will be used to install a new bulkhead and repair five others in the borough where homes often flood because of overflow from the nearby Shrewsbury River. The funding is in response to damage to homes by a February 2010 storm.


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Political Bloviation in Doha, Qatar
The 13th Doha Forum has convened, with your loyal correspondent in attendance. It is an impressive gathering, filling the luxurious Ritz‐Carlton. Cars are checked for bombs before approaching the hotel. Guests have to go through a metal detector both entering the hotel and inside heading to the conference. The meeting room was full, with just about every citizen of Qatar (who only make up something like 15 percent of the population) seeming to line the hallway before the Emir arrived.
There are few more tragic figures than onetime national leaders who have fallen away from the centers of power. For instance, after the Qatar royals, who still do matter, opened the gathering, to the stage strode a frustrated former British prime minister trying to remain relevant. The Right Honorable Gordon Brown, who finally grabbed the premiership from his frenemy Tony Blair only to lose it in the 2010 election, twice quoted John F. Kennedy while chattering on about the importance of interdependence.
Brown also urged the creation of a North African‐Middle Eastern development bank to promote economic growth in such nations as Egypt—which, he failed to note, has been buried in foreign aid for years without generating economic growth. The former PM was introduced as preventing a new Great Depression (who knew!) and later lauded for his "profound" ideas (apparently defined as previously advanced by his hosts in Qatar).
Francois Fillon, a former prime minister of France, followed, telling us that we needed to solve the Syrian conflict, create a Middle Eastern financial institution, and "defend European civilization," whatever that means. The moderator declared his ideas to be "fascinating" and his mention of Europe to be an example of "self‐reflection."
Amadou Bondou, the vice president of Argentina—which has made a practice of looting the productive and stealing people's retirement savings—denounced austerity. These policies are having "negative repercussions" on poor people, he complained. No doubt, they are. However, if you have a wild party, you can't very well expect everyone else to pay the clean‐up costs. Next time countries, especially his own, should think before blowing their budgets to enrich favored interests and win votes.
Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, concluded the first session with a discussion about the importance of solving the Syrian conflict. He suggested a comprehensive conference to end the fighting and conduct of proxy wars in the region. Alas, what evidence is there that the parties are prepared to settle or that their backers are prepared to stay out? He also urged more humanitarian assistance for Syrians. He worried that if the Europeans fail to give more aid they may be left with no friends at all in Syria. Given the way that conflict is going, why would that be such a bad thing? Trying to make friends is about the dumbest reason one can imagine for getting involved in such a war.
Well, that's the start here in Doha. I just can't wait for additional "fascinating" observations from more "profound" thinkers like Messrs. Brown, Fillon, Bondou, and Ischinger!


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11 Ways to Turn Empty Boxes Into Fabulous Fun for Kids
Looking for something fun and creative to do with your kids?
Got any cardboard boxes ready to recycle?
Create some corrugated family fun! The editors of My Kids' Adventures have searched the Internet to find cool stuff you can make from cardboard boxes.
In this article I'll show you how to "upcycle" cardboard into several different projects that your kids will love. So hold off on that trip to the recycling center and read on for some unexpected ideas.
Why Make Projects Out of Cardboard?
Remember when your kids were little and they seemed to enjoy the box as much (or more) than the present itself? Preschoolers and toddlers have a knack for turning a plain old box into a car or a boat or some other kind of adventure. Kids are wired to be imaginative and cardboard is the perfect blank canvas.
Feed their imaginations! The fun doesn't have to end when your kids get a little older. They may just need some bigger ideas. Cardboard can be an awesome medium for anyone to make something fun out of. It's free, plentiful, strong yet flexible and easy to work with.
This time of year, you might have a lot of extra cardboard boxes around the house. Take a look at those boxes and envision your kids creating something innovative and entertaining. Here are some ideas to help.


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List: https://www.imdb.com/list/ls041761297/
Poll: https://www.imdb.com/poll/O35VJ5SLGVI/
On another note, Tom Servo (Kevin Murphy) does a SPOT ON Johnny Mathis impression! (See: MST3K: Mitchell.)
This is account #2
Edit: asked that before you've posted. :)
by ACT_1
Posted 2 weeks ago
IMDb member since January 2000
https://www.imdb.com/user/ur0127678/lists - 320 lists
Dan Dassow
Joined on December 20, 2012
IMDb member since February 2002
https://www.imdb.com/user/ur1612690/lists - 969 lists
IMDb member since December 2011
https://www.imdb.com/user/ur29602920/lists - 994 lists
Ed Jones (XLIX)
I have made close to 300 polls.
- - -
? ?
Dan Dassow, Champion
My Poll Watch
IMDb Polls - Alphabetical by Author
Vote 100 Years Behind the Scenes
Vote 1955's Top 35
Vote A Kid's Amazon Prime Cartoon Poll
Vote Acrophobia Acrobatics
Vote Arresting Developments... Celebrity Edition
Vote Before the Oscars: Best Picture of 1925
Vote Best of "Woman Warrior" Pictures
Vote Best Portrayal of a Singer or Group
Vote Elvira: My Bad Mistress of The Dark
Vote Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Vote Face-Off: 5 Continental Conquerors
Vote Face-Off: A Star Is Born "Again"
Vote Face-Off: Bogey and Bacall vs. Tracy and Hepburn
Vote Face-Off: Legendary 3 Ring Leaders
Vote Face-Off: R.I.P. Peter Tork of The Monkees
Vote Face-Off: Scary vs. Funny Frankenstein
Vote Face-Off: Seth vs. Ted vs. Stewie
Vote Favorite Israeli Born Actress
Vote Favorite TV Shows on the Air 50 Years Ago
Vote Filmed in The Mojave Desert
Vote Guest "Who"
Vote Here's Looking at Two Kid
Vote I Hear Voices: Alan Tudyk
Vote I'm Kissin' in the Rain
Vote John Wayne vs. Tom Cruise: Top Gun Tigers
Vote My Favorite Host: A Symbiotic Relationship
Vote Oh Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Vote Oscars 2019 — Best Animated Short Film
Vote Oscars 2019 — Best Documentary Short Subject
Vote Oscars 2019 — Best Live Action Short Film
Vote Out in The Boondocks
Vote R.I.P. Carol Channing
Vote R.I.P. Luke Perry
Vote Reliable Rustic Robby at 63
Vote Remembering Charles Lane and His 7 Decades of Obscurity
Vote Richard Lynch...A Face You'll Never Forget
Vote Scrat: Ice Age -- Mystery Science Theater Style
Vote Sy Fy Retry
Vote Taxi! Taxi! Deliver Me!
Vote The Best of Oscar Winner Kathryn Bigelow
Vote The Best Photos Through the Woods
Vote The Very Best of Acorn TV Mysteries
Vote They Lawyer-ed Up
Vote Tin Foil Thespians
Vote Top Actors Named James
Vote Trek Time Travel
Vote Who Can It Be Knocking At My Door
Vote Your Favorite Sci-Fi TV Show On Air Twenty Years Ago
Vote Your Tracey Walter Favorite Character's Name
Vote You've Been Mailed
I have asked you repeatedly to not reply to my poll posts.
Please do not do this.
This is at least the 6th or 7th time I have asked.
Now it is a public ask.
I do this very thing for Steven Atwood. And Steven does this on my polls.
We steer clear of each other.
Please do the same.
Put in some poor quality Image Replacements.
Reworded the question.
Put the Beatles Last.
For now.
Thanks for those two rubyfruit76!!!
All the watermark pics are out.
The new uploads are in.
Thanks Peter
Thanks RF76.
Will fix them later today
The Supremes: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040053/mediaviewer/rm4149910017
Nat King Cole: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040053/mediaviewer/rm3554217472
Tom Jones is the only one left who has no photo without a watermark in the series' photo collection. I found only one online that doesn't have a watermark:
It's not that great but I submitted it to IMDb. Here's the confirmation # of the upload: 190701-132056-823002 The options are: 1) Just don't include Tom Jones or 2.) Wait to see if IMDb approves the photo and wait until then for the poll to go live or 3.) Remove him from the list for now, let the poll go live, and if and when the photo is added onto Ed Sullivan's Show's photo collection, add it to the poll with a re-push. (Photos usually take anywhere from a day to a week to appear if they do appear - and they usually do.)
I really wanted to suggest Eartha Kitt, Ray Charles, and Louie Armstrong but their photos have watermarks, grrr, and I don't have the time to look elsewhere, unfortunately. I'm not a fan of the music of one of these artists but I'd recommend that they both be included:
Streisand https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040053/mediaviewer/rm3973713408
The Band https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040053/mediaviewer/rm3629947393
I didn't suggest Tom Jones of Nat King Cole: you already had them on the list; I just found photos of them without watermarks.
There are 30 choices.
No Water-Marks
Thanks so much.
Look at The Pet Preference Poll.
Rubee Pics!
Did you mean to not include the Supremes? It doesn't matter to me but I noticed that you had originally had them on there and removed the watermarked photo but didn't replace the photo with the one that I found without a watermark. I'm only bringing it up in case you meant to include them but, with all the changes, accidentally left them off. 'No implied pressure to include them, just a friendly heads up in case you meant too. :)
I'll definitely check out the photos over on the pet preference poll.
This poll looks good, btw.
Thanks RF76
I also lost electricity yesterday so I still have to check out the photos on the pet-preference thread.
A Really Big Shue: Ed Sullivan--The Singers and Bands
Live Poll: https://www.imdb.com/poll/O35VJ5SLGVI/
As of 3-Jul-2019 7:01 PM Pacific your polls have 25,417 or more votes, for an average of 348 votes per poll.
A Really Big Shue: Ed Sullivan--The Singers and Bands
7893rd Live Poll: https://www.imdb.com/poll/O35VJ5SLGVI/
This is the 2,554th image poll. Such polls have a total of 4,368,239 votes for an average of 1,710 votes per poll.
Total Number of Votes 17,543,542
Projected Date of 20 Million Votes 12-Dec-2020
Days Until 20 Million Votes 527
This is the list of Ed_Jones_XLIX's polls as of 27-Jun-2019:
Sorted Alphabetically
In Decreasing Order of Votes
Alphabetical List of Polls
Top IMDb Polls
IMDb Polls - Descending Order of Votes
Summary Statistics
Key Threads - IMDb Poll FAQs Index
How to Improve the Chance of Having your Poll on the Home Page
Just got shaken but not stirred 15 minutes ago!! 7.1 Earthquake 150 miles away. Was swaying without having to dance! LOL..... My first Quake.
Corrected to:
This is the list of Ed_Jones_XLIX's polls as of 27-Jun-2019:
Sorted Alphabetically
In Decreasing Order of Votes
= = =
Riding out an earthquake is definitely an E-Ticket (dated Disneyland reference). I experienced a few minor quakes (less than 4.0) when I lived with my parents in Lakewood and Long Beach, California from 1966-1968.
Missouri had a 4.5 earthquake near Risco, Missouri, in May 1991. Saint Charles County is close enough that we felt some minor swaying for a few seconds.
But what I'd like to see of Teresa is Sullivan Episode #12.12 where she does a Gay Nineties song and dance in a skimpy showgirl outfit.
(DO NOT tell me to "clear my cache").


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The Problem of Toxics: Toxic Substances and Toxic TortsIn 1984, a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India accidentally released a chemical that caused the deaths of more than 2,800 people and injured tens of thousands. A year later, another accidental release at a Union Carbide plant in West Virginia sent 135 people to the hospital and provoked fears that a disaster such as Bhopal could occur in the United States. This course explores the problem of toxics: substances arguably necessary to our industrialized society with the potential to cause injury to human health and the environment. How should government manage the risk of these substances? And what is the role of common law in compensating those who are exposed? The course will be divided into two parts. First, we will discuss several different regulatory approaches taken to control toxics -- for example, outright bans, risk-benefit balancing, and warnings. Our primary focus will be on the federal regulatory regime governing production and use of such substances. Second, we will discuss toxic torts, the common law actions for injuries from exposure. Our discussion will focus on substantive law -- theories of liability, proof, and remedies -- as well the difficulties encountered in expanding the traditional tort paradigm to encompass injuries that may have long latency periods and other causes. The introductory environmental law class would be helpful, but is not necessary.
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I will, however, make a brief‡ observation on the NFL.
Many of the teams that most need to be pink aren't.§
When all the snide and snark drains away, I still want this:
I have all kinds of good Nintendo stuff,¶ Liberace stuff,# mascara stuff†† and maybe even a bit of knitting stuff.‡‡
Really... stay tuned!§§
*FOOTNOTE (asterisked... no, seriously): That's "pink" as in "Victoria's Secret," not "Pink" as in "Get This Party Started."
†FOOTNOTE (crossed): Brother texted me: "What the hell happened? I came in, it was 0-0, I put the groceries away, it was 14-0" While I was answering him, trying to find different ways to say "suck," they scored again. Dr. Doom opted for donuts at Safeway as a viable fun alternative to the game. OK, now I'm really not going to talk about it. And it truly takes a saint not to bitch about such a debacle.
‡FOOTNOTE (double-crossed): Look how funny I am! I made a panty pun!
§FOOTNOTE (swerved): Detroit Lions, I'm looking at you.
¶FOOTNOTE (paragraphed): Wii! (and in my head that's "wheeeee!" so it's another sort of pun, just doesn't translate well to print)
#FOOTNOTE (pounded): Really.
††FOOTNOTE (ddouble-ccrossed): Really.
‡‡FOOTNOTE (doubble-crossssed): Shock and awe!
§§FOOTNOTE (the mind boggles. Twice.): This blog is what RSS feed was MADE for.


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Princeton, TX Real Estate
Population: 3,477 Princeton is located in northern Collin County, between McKinney and Greenville. Princeton is full of small town charm and family-oriented people. In Princeton, you are sure to experience a taste of small town Texas. View Properties in this Community > Ebby Halliday Offices Serving this Community: Firewheel/190 > Sherman > Other Ebby Offices > Education Princeton Independent School District Area Colleges and Universities University North Texas Texas Women's University Grayson County College Austin College Southeastern Oklahoma State University Sherman East Texas State University Commerce Grayson County College Shopping Collin Creek Mall Specialty Shops on McKinney's Downtown Square Lake Lavon Lake Lewisville The Shops at Willow Bend Grapevine Mills Mall Recreation Parks & Recreation Department McKinney Community Center:...
Princeton, TX Homes For Sale
Search For Properties In Princeton
For a list of schools located within the district(s) please click on the link(s) below.


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More Website Templates @ TemplateMonster.com - November 14, 2011!
The Oregon Ryegrass Growers Seed Commision was formed by growers in 1965 for the purpose of promoting Oregon-grown Ryegrass seed use and developing new markets. It also contributes funds for continuing production and market research of Ryegrass. The Commission is a non-profit organization which neither sells seed nor quotes prices.


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WW Bathroom Scales Media Zone
- Search the list below for the product you require by name/number of the product.
- Click on the links below each to view associated images.
- Save the file into the folder of your choice on your hard drive.
Contact Us for Customer Service
Free call 1800 650 263 for Australia | Free call 0800 266 247 for New Zealand
Conair Australia: P.O Box 146, Terrey Hills, NSW 2084
Conair New Zealand: PO Box 251159, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140
Contact us by filling out the form below and pressing "submit".


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StarDust: Jamie Lynn Spears Misses Britney and Justin Timberlake Being a Thing + More
- Jamie Lynn Spears got drunk and nostalgic for the Britney/Justin Timberlake days. [Lainey Gossip]
- Matt Damon looks like someone you don't want to mess with in 'Elysium.' [ScreenCrush]
- Rihanna's Los Angeles home was swatted. [PopCrush]
- Gwyneth Paltrow says God made Kim Kardashian gain weight and that makes her beautiful. [Bohomoth]
- Sharon Osbourne will be testifying at Michael Jackson's wrongful death trial. [Evil Beet Gossip]
- Meanwhile, Janet Jackson is rumored to be leaving music to become a Muslim. [Rickey]
- LeAnn Rimes tipped off the paparazzi that she was being a supportive step-mom. [Amy Grindhouse]
- Taylor Swift goes shopping and it's so boring, you guys. [IDLYITW]
- The 'Carrie' remake finally has a full length trailer of creepy. [PopBytes]
- Congratulations, world! We're getting an annual Kitten Bowl! [SeriouslyOMG]
- Prince Jackson might be dating a Princess. And not just some girl named that. [Lainey Gossip]
- Facebook has its own phone. So now your old high school friends can annoy you 24/7. [Hypable]
>> Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook. We wish we knew how to quit you.


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Haltom City, TX Real Estate
Population: 39,018 Haltom City is located six miles northeast of downtown Fort Worth. It is surrounded on the northwest, west, and south by Fort Worth city limits; on the east by Richland Hills and North Richland Hills; and on the northeast by Watauga. View Properties in this Community > Ebby Halliday Offices Serving this Community: Southlake > Other Ebby Offices > Education Birdville Independent School District Area universities/colleges: Tarrant County College Texas Wesleyan University Texas Christian University Texas Women's University University North Texas University of Texas at Arlington Shopping Grapevine Mills Mall The Shops at Willow Bend Entertainment Amon Carter Museum City of Arlington The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Palace of Wax, Grand Prairie The Fort Worth Zoo Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Fossil Rim Wildlife Center...
Haltom City, TX Homes For Sale
Search For Properties In Haltom City
For a list of schools located within the district(s) please click on the link(s) below.


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"I do want to bring some enthusiasm, some fire, some passion," Peavy said Saturday. "I certainly think the ballclub could use a shot in the arm. I not promising anything, by any means, but I can promise you this: We're going to compete on that day. Not to say that we haven't been—but there's going to be more energy than we've had and go out there and try to turn things around, because we've dug ourselves a pretty nice hole here."
UPDATE: More Peavy:
"I've heard that, and it was tough for me to hear [questions like] 'Are you going to be honest with the guys this time, and tell them how you feel?'" Peavy said. "I've been honest my whole time in Chicago. I'm a competitor — I'm going to pitch if I feel I can pitch. If I'm under doctor's order not to, I won't. But I've been honest with everybody, and we all think at this point in time I'm as healthy and strong as I can be out of surgery. We don't think we're putting anything at risk. So I look forward to getting the ball and create some positive energy."
UPDATE #2: Is the money coming in too? Heyman @ SI:
One piece of good news about Jake Peavy, who has yet to pitch this season: The White Sox have insurance on Peavy, according to sources. One source suggested the team has already met its deductible, meaning it will begin receiving payments on Peavy if it hasn't already. White Sox GM Ken Williams recently defended the trade that brought Peavy to Chicago from San Diego two years ago, saying a No. 1 pitcher is imperative.


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AT&T rewrites rules: Your data isn't yours
AT&T has issued an updated privacy policy that takes effect Friday. The changes are significant because they appear to give the telecom giant more latitude when it comes to sharing customers' personal data with government officials.
The new policy says that AT&T -- not customers -- owns customers' confidential info and can use it "to protect its legitimate business interests, safeguard others, or respond to legal process."
The policy also indicates that AT&T will track the viewing habits of customers of its new video service -- something that cable and satellite providers are prohibited from doing.
MBA BY THE BAY: See how an MBA could change your life with SFGATE's interactive directory of Bay Area programs.
Moreover, AT&T (formerly known as SBC) is requiring customers to agree to its updated privacy policy as a condition for service -- a new move that legal experts say will reduce customers' recourse for any future data sharing with government authorities or others.
The company's policy overhaul follows recent reports that AT&T was one of several leading telecom providers that allowed the National Security Agency warrantless access to its voice and data networks as part of the Bush administration's war on terror.
"They're obviously trying to avoid a hornet's nest of consumer-protection lawsuits," said Chris Hoofnagle, a San Francisco privacy consultant and former senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
"They've written this new policy so broadly that they've given themselves maximum flexibility when it comes to disclosing customers' records," he said.
AT&T is being sued by San Francisco's Electronic Frontier Foundation for allegedly allowing the NSA to tap into the company's data network, providing warrantless access to customers' e-mails and Web browsing.
AT&T is also believed to have participated in President Bush's acknowledged domestic spying program, in which the NSA was given warrantless access to U.S. citizens' phone calls.
AT&T said in a statement last month that it "has a long history of vigorously protecting customer privacy" and that "our customers expect, deserve and receive nothing less than our fullest commitment to their privacy."
But the company also asserted that it has "an obligation to assist law enforcement and other government agencies responsible for protecting the public welfare, whether it be an individual or the security interests of the entire nation."
Under its former privacy policy, introduced in September 2004, AT&T said it might use customer's data "to respond to subpoenas, court orders or other legal process, to the extent required and/or permitted by law."
The new version, which is specifically for Internet and video customers, is much more explicit about the company's right to cooperate with government agencies in any security-related matters -- and AT&T's belief that customers' data belongs to the company, not customers.
"While your account information may be personal to you, these records constitute business records that are owned by AT&T," the new policy declares. "As such, AT&T may disclose such records to protect its legitimate business interests, safeguard others, or respond to legal process."
It says the company "may disclose your information in response to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal process," omitting the earlier language about such processes being "required and/or permitted by law."
The new policy states that AT&T "may also use your information in order to investigate, prevent or take action regarding illegal activities, suspected fraud (or) situations involving potential threats to the physical safety of any person" -- conditions that would appear to embrace any terror-related circumstance.
Ray Everett-Church, a Silicon Valley privacy consultant, said it seems clear that AT&T has substantially modified its privacy policy in light of revelations about the government's domestic spying program.
"It's obvious that they are trying to stretch their blanket pretty tightly to cover as many exposed bits as possible," he said.
Gail Hillebrand, a staff attorney at Consumers Union in San Francisco, said the declaration that AT&T owns customers' data represents the most significant departure from the company's previous policy.
"It creates the impression that they can do whatever they want," she said. "This is the real heart of AT&T's new policy and is a pretty fundamental difference from how most customers probably see things."
John Britton, an AT&T spokesman, denied that the updated privacy policy marks a shift in the company's approach to customers' info.
"We don't see this as anything new," he said. "Our goal was to make the policy easier to read and easier for customers to understand."
He acknowledged that there was no explicit requirement in the past that customers accept the privacy policy as a condition for service. And he acknowledged that the 2004 policy said nothing about customers' data being owned by AT&T.
But Britton insisted that these elements essentially could be found between the lines of the former policy.
"There were many things that were implied in the last policy." He said. "We're just clarifying the last policy."
AT&T's new privacy policy is the first to include the company's video service. AT&T says it's spending $4.6 billion to roll out TV programming to 19 million homes nationwide.
The policy refers to two AT&T video services -- Homezone and U-verse. Homezone is AT&T's satellite TV service, offered in conjunction with Dish Network, and U-verse is the new cablelike video service delivered over phone lines.
In a section on "usage information," the privacy policy says AT&T will collect "information about viewing, game, recording and other navigation choices that you and those in your household make when using Homezone or AT&T U-verse TV Services."
The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 stipulates that cable and satellite companies can't collect or disclose information about customers' viewing habits.
The law is silent on video services offered by phone companies via the Internet, basically because legislators never anticipated such technology would be available.
AT&T's Britton said the 1984 law doesn't apply to his company's video service because AT&T isn't a cable provider. "We are not building a cable TV network," he said. "We're building an Internet protocol television network."
But Andrew Johnson, a spokesman for cable heavyweight Comcast, disputed this perspective.
"Video is video is video," he said. "If you're delivering programming over a telecommunications network to a TV set, all rules need to be the same."
AT&T's new and former privacy policies both state that "conducting business ethically and ensuring privacy is critical to maintaining the public's trust and achieving success in a dynamic and competitive business climate."
Both also state that "privacy responsibility" extends "to the privacy of conversations and to the flow of information in data form." As such, both say that "the trust of our customers necessitates vigilant, responsible privacy protections."
The 2004 policy, though, went one step further. It said AT&T realizes "that privacy is an important issue for our customers and members."
The new policy makes no such acknowledgment.


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Akumu Ink In The Darkness Women Tshirt
30 in stock
Original hand-drawn artwork of the love of a sea monster for her only friend in the world.-Available in a women's black 100% soft cotton t-shirt.
-Premium quality soft feel silk-screened print.
-Small coffin-shaped logo printed on back.
-Shipped from South Holland.
How to Measure?1. Find a t-shirt you already own that fits you comfortably.
2. Lay it out flat and compare the measurements to our size chart.
Washing Instructions:To keep your shirts looking new for longer, please follow these simple washing instructions:
-Wash inside out
-Machine wash cold
-Hang dry
-Wear it to death!®
Size Charts:
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1- Where do you ship from?Our warehouse is now located in South Holland (The Netherlands). We ship worldwide!
2- Shipping Costs + Delivery Times?
[Temporary COVID-19 Shipping Standard]
We have begun shipping orders again starting July 1st, 2020!
We are trying to keep safe during these COVID times. We will continue to self isolate so we can continue to be healthy and creative, while shipping out your orders once/twice a week from our Netherlands warehouse.
We are temporarily using UPS to ship your orders to ensure the arrival of your items, as local post offices all over the world have been generally unreliable since COVID started.
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If you're having problems buying on our website using your US credit card, we recommend choosing PayPal as your method of payment upon checkout. No PayPal account is necessary. Just follow these simple steps.


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Iriaqi's support the war! Someone inform the Slimes!
From FR….
VIDEO: Local (Everett) Iraqis Support War, Hope For Iraq
kirotv.com ^ | 3/19/08 | KIRO 7 Eyewitness News
Posted on 03/20/2008 2:47:23 AM CDT by USMC Brat
VIDEO: Local (Everett) Iraqis Support War, Hope For Iraq
Iraqis living in Everett see the five-year anniversary of the war as a time to celebrate the future of their country.
Related Video:
EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Local Iraqi man Ali Al-Faham explains support
WOW! But I thought that Iraqis "felt that the rapid buildup of U.S. troops in Anbar province and in Baghdad has made overall security worse, not better" and see the United States "through the filter of general antipathy." Maybe the pollsters are skewed?


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Charles Gounod's adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (Roméo et Juliette) premiered Sunday afternoon, November 6 at LA Opera and will run until Saturday November 26. The familiar story of the ill-fated lovers stars Georgian-born soprano Nino Machaidze as Juliette and Tuscan tenor Vittorio Grigolo as Romeo. Vladimir Chernov plays her bombastic father, and the strong supporting cast includes Museop Kim as Mercutio, Alexey Sayapin as Tybalt, Daniel Armstrong as Count Paris, and Ronnita Nicole Miller as Juliette's attendant (the Nurse). This production is a revival of an original LA Opera version first mounted in 2005. It is directed by the Royal Shakespeare Company's Ian Judge and conducted by Maestro Placido Domingo. The opera runs just over three hours with one fifteen-minute intermission.
Georja: Friends and associates who are not frequent opera attendees are always asking me for advice on going to the opera. Hands down I would heartily recommend to them, and to ardent opera fans as well, the current masterful production of Charles Gounod's Roméo et Juliette at LA Opera.
Gerald: At rise, we begin at the end, with the huge chorus - the families Capulet and Montague - garthered around the bier of the dead lovers. They express their guilt and remorse - too late - for the bloody feud. Much of it is a capella, booming and powerful. The LA company's world-class chorus is a starring character in this emotional story.
Georja: This production has so much to offer and, having just seen it, I would consider it to be impeccable and the very highest artistic achievement. The timeless story itself is a built in calling card. Nearly everyone is familiar with Shakespeare's haunting and tragic love story about teens from warring families who fall completely in love. It is a compelling drama, more so than many of the story lines of other opera dramas, which tend to be more convoluted. This opera follows closely the bard's story line, minus many of the subplots. You also lose most of Shakespeare's magical poetry. But you do gain the delicious added element of the music, which embellishes and brings out every ounce of the intense emotional life of the characters.
Gerald: You'll find a few of Shakespeare's memorable lines in the libretto. But for the most part, this is big emotion, not words, with the extensive cast of the play and its complex plotting greatly simplified. Think "I love you" and "I need you" taking up an entire scene, and yet you're not bored in the least. It's the power of opera, something marvelous beyond what words - even forceful words - can express.
Georja: At the helm of the orchestra is the beloved Placido Domingo, Eli and Edy The Broad General Director. He also conducted the original LA Opera production in 2005. He writes, "Although I have been eager to revive Romeo, I was willing to wait until I could find the perfect duo of lovers for the title roles, and I hope that you will agree that we have found them."
Absolutely, Placido! Nino Machaidze, originally from the republic of Georgia, has become my favorite LA Opera soprano since seeing her in as Adina in The Elixir of Love, and Fiorella in The Turk in Italy, which we saw multiple times. Her talent is unsurpassed: charisma, beauty, comic ability, acting, gorgeous and memorable strong voice. She is the perfect Juliette. And coming from her role as Fiorella, where she plays a naughty and hilarious vixen, to Juliette, a youthful and eager romantic teen, goes to show her remarkable range. Luckily, Placido also discovered a Romeo who could hold his own with her, the young and very popular Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo. He has the vocal chops to keep up with Nino, as well as the looks and bravado on stage. This coupling is another compelling reason not to miss this production.
Georja: But it doesn't stop there! Everyone in the show was outstanding. Vladimir Cherov as Lord Capulet has energy, style and presence which are well suited to his role as charming host and proud father, as well as a very pleasing baritone. He is a professor of vocal studies at UCLA and combines teaching with his singing engagements. Museop Kim as Mercutio gives a very engaging and frisky performance as Romeo's best friend. Vitalij Kowaljow as Friar Lawrence, who played Wotan in the LA Opera's Ring Cycle, gives a beautiful soulful performance as Friar Laurence. Everyone was fantastic and we also must give special mention to Renee Rapier making her LA Opera debut as a stand in role of Stephano. She has a beautiful voice and was quite the cheeky boy in her pants role.
It was wonderful to have the talents and presence of a full LA Opera chorus under the direction of Grant Gershon showing off singers and dancers, as well as fighters, in many scenes. And wow the costumes, set in the 19th century French operatic style of Gounod, were detailed and perfect, thanks to the rich designs of Tim Goodchild.
Gerald: The creative team's choice of costume and setting is remarkable, I think. Gounod premiered his opera in Paris in 1867. Just a few years later, Paris would erupt in its own family feud, the second Commune, a class war that tore the city apart, neighbor against neighbor. Eventually the rebels took over the opera house and used it as their base of operations. Think of what it would be like if Occupy Wall Street went on for years as an armed struggle - with protesters living in Lincoln Center.
Georja: John Gunter's scenic designs were creative and allowed for quick changes and lots of actors coming in and out. His three tiered structures deftly served as inside and outside of the Capulet mansion, the church, the balcony area, and the Montague's house. The simplicity of the scarlet drapery and bed mid stage was genius. I must also mention the dramatic lighting patterns which so enhanced the story and brought out different elements as they changed. Thanks to lighting designer Nigel Levings.
Georja: Kudos to the director, Ian Judge, veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company for pulling it all together. All the action and staging was energized throughout with people running and fighting and loving and dying, constantly being compelled into every moment, from the very first moment of the prologue.
All I can say is, this is a true gem and anyone who loves the arts should make sure to get a ticket. I hope to get another before it closes.
Georja Umano is an actress-comedienne and animal advocate.
Gerald Everett Jones is the author of the Rollo Hemphill series of comic novels
Photos by Robert Millard for LA Opera
Roméo et Juliette by Charles Gounod
Los Angeles Opera
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 972-8001
(213) 687-3490 fax
[email protected]
Sunday November 6, 2011 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 9, 2011 7:30 p.m.
Saturday November 12, 2011 7:30 p.m.
Thursday November 17, 2011 7:30 p.m.
Sunday November 20, 2011 2:00 p.m.
Saturday November 26, 2011 2:00 p.m.


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Esher coach Chris Kibble has not dismissed Esher's title credentials completely after a 36-19 win over Worthing at Molesey Road ended a run of three straight defeats, writes Pippa Field.
The hosts' pack dominated as Mike Macfarlane, Tom Cheeseman and Stewart Maguire all touched down, before Worthing conceded a penalty try and replacement Freddie Strange scored late on to seal the win.
It closed the gap with third-placed Fylde, who lost at Tynedale, to just one point as Esher got their promotion push back on track.
Chief executive and former director of rugby Mike Schmid last week accused the squad of having a lack of pride in the shirt after defeats to Old Albanians, Wharfedale and Blackheath.
And Kibble feared recent form could yet cost his side dear.
"We're just so relieved to knock the bogey away and thankfully get back to winning ways," he said.
"It's the old saying about a winning habit, that's really important for the first team and everyone involved with the club as well. I'm glad we got back on track.
"I just wish we hadn't had those three [defeats] on the bounce otherwise we'd still be in the dizzying heights of the first-second area.
"This league programme is a marathon, not a sprint.
"We're starting to hope we can build on what we have got here and kick on through.
"Who knows? It's a funny old game."


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City of Fairfax, VAHome Menu
City Calendar
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City Council meeting
- Date: 09/08/2020 7:00 PM
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Click here for meeting agenda, video. Information: email@example.com, 703-385-7935


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Beatnick & K-Salaam (Feat. Bun B, 88-Keys & Colin Munroe) - Don't Die
The official music video for "Don't Die" by Beatnick & K-Salaam featuring Bun B, 88-Keys and Colin Munroe, from their album Where The Streets Have No Name, available now!
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Do you ever have trouble getting information out of your clients? Even when they could give you that information with just a little effort? Here's how to drill down to get to the bottom of a situation.
Do you ever have trouble getting information out of your clients? Even when they could give you that information with just a little effort?
"It's broken," said the client.
"Broken?" I responded. "In what way?"
"It's not doing what it's supposed to do."
"Could you describe for me what it's supposed to do that it isn't?"
"You know -- it compiles fine, but when you run it, it just dies."
"Dies how?"
"It gets an error and quits."
"What's the error message?"
"I didn't write it down."
Naturally, the problem doesn't reproduce on my test system. So I have to keep the client involved at least enough to give me access to their system. The client, however, doesn't want to be involved. They just want it fixed. Without saying so, they're probably thinking "Doesn't this software quack ever test this stuff? We're paying him the big bucks just to have this blow up in our users' faces, and then paying more to have him fix it!" They're not feeling at all like helping me, but I really need some information if I'm going to help them, because when I try it on their system it doesn't reproduce there, either.
"I need to know the exact steps you followed leading up to the error message."
To them, it sounds like I'm evading responsibility, because they have no idea what steps preceded this disaster.
Most of my clients are software developers, and it puzzles me how frequently they plop huge haystacks of code in my lap and ask me to find the needle. I often try to teach them good problem-solving techniques -- you know, teach a man to fish -- but I'm amazed at the resistance I sometimes encounter. Oh well, more billable hours for Yours Truly.
Here are some general problem-solving techniques I use. Many of these apply to all sorts of problems, not just software bugs.
- Make it smaller. Distill the problem down to the minimum amount of code required to reproduce it. Eliminate anything extraneous. Why go to all that trouble? One of the easiest ways to find the needle in the haystack is to get rid of most of the haystack. Sometimes, the problem goes away when you cut something out, which should give you an idea where it's hiding. Besides, if you get into an iterative debugging cycle, you'll be able to cycle much faster with less code and fewer steps.
- Question your assumptions. I had a client call me the other day to report a problem in which static data was supposedly being modified by a return statement. Ah, I know what you're thinking, but there were no objects involved in this code, so no destructors were being called. To believe him would mean that there was a horrible bug in the runtime environment for the language he was using, which didn't seem at all likely to me. So I asked him how he examined the data before and after the return. The data was stored in a library module for which he did not have debug symbols, so he added calls in his code to a standard routine to query the data. But he didn't realize that this routine (in the way it was called) also had the unfortunate side-effect of modifying the data, creating an instant Heisenbug. He had been moving these calls around, trying to isolate the statement that changed the data, when the debugging statement itself was doing just as much damage.
- Beware of false causation. How many times have you heard, "the only thing that changed is X, so the problem must be related to X." No, no, no, no, no, no, NO! More than half the time, it's something else that changed that they forgot about - or didn't even know about. When the "obvious" cause turns out to be a red herring, or even before, I always echo the famous words of Sgt. Schulz: "I know nothing... NOTHING!" OK, so it's intended more in the spirit of Socrates. But no cause should be assumed until proven. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't check out your hunches first, though. We have intuition for a reason.
- Start at the result and work backwards. I often see programmers start a debug session, then step through routine after routine, examining variables along the way, hoping to stumble across the moment when things go wrong. Usually that doesn't work at all, because problems have a nack for resulting from seemingly innocuous beginnings. It may seem counter-productive because code doesn't execute backwards, but it's more efficient to start at the moment of the failure's epiphany (an error message, for instance) and examine what's wrong at that instant. Then go back to the code that led up to that point to see where it went wrong, backing up routine by routine until you find the culprit. Ideally, debuggers should be made able to step backwards, but even if you have to restart your debug session a hundred times, you'll save time over trying to perceive the cause from the top.
- Refactor. Sometimes the complexity of the situation is part of the problem. Maybe the definition of what the "plugh" function does is not entirely consistent, and that's what's leading to a failure. By simplifying and clarifying the design, those inconsistencies often reveal themselves. But use this judiciously -- once you get started down that road, you might not be able to stop for a long, long time.


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At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery.
- "The ancient study of alchemy is concerned with making the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with astonishing powers. The Stone will transform any metal into pure gold. It also produces the Elixir of Life, which will make the drinker immortal."
- —A Hogwarts library book[src]
The Philosopher's Stone was a legendary alchemical substance with magical properties. This ruby-red stone could be used to create the Elixir of Life, which made the drinker immortal, as well as transform any metal into pure gold. The only known Stone to have ever existed was created by the famed alchemist Nicolas Flamel.
During 1991-1992 school year, Lord Voldemort made attempts to steal the Stone for his own purposes. The final and almost successful attempt broke out in a skirmish for possession of the Stone. Voldemort was foiled by eleven year old Harry Potter and his return to power was delayed.
The only known Philosopher's Stone to have ever existed was created by the famed alchemist, Nicolas Flamel, sometime in the 14th century or later. Flamel used the Elixir of Life exuded from the stone to extend his and his wife Perenelle's lifespan for over six centuries.[1]
Grindelwald's revolution
While living in Paris in 1927, Flamel kept the Philosopher's Stone on the shelf of a drawer, where it was briefly seen during his meeting with Jacob Kowalski.[2]
Protecting the Stone
- "I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected."
- —Professor McGonagall regarding the stone's safety[src]
In 1991, the Philosopher's Stone became the target of the Dark Wizard Lord Voldemort in his quest for the Elixir of Life in order to create a new body for his mangled soul after his failed attack on Godric's Hollow, though it is unknown how Voldemort learned of the stone. Voldemort used a human host, Quirinus Quirrell, to seek it out at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where it was being held. The stone was originally stored at Gringotts Wizarding Bank in Vault 713. However, possibly suspecting a threat, Albus Dumbledore had Rubeus Hagrid retrieve the stone the very morning of an attempted robbery.
After that, the Stone was placed in a special chamber and guarded by seven enchantments and creatures, provided by the professors at Hogwarts: Professor Sprout's web of Devil's Snare; flying keys, charmed by Filius Flitwick; a life-size board of Wizard's Chess, transfigured by Professor McGonagall; Professor Quirrell's mountain troll; Professor Snape's potion riddle; and the Mirror of Erised, placed there by Albus Dumbledore. Rubeus Hagrid's massive three-headed dog, Fluffy, guarded the trap door through which the chamber lay. In order to keep them safe from Fluffy and the other obstacles, Dumbledore forbade the third-floor corridor to all students.
Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger suspected that the stone would be stolen. In overhearing out-of-context conversations, they believed the thief would be Hogwarts Potions Master Severus Snape.
Harry felt compelled to protect the stone and he and his friends, using intellectual power and heroism far exceeding their years, fought past the obstacles, until finally Harry was forced to face Quirinus Quirrell and Lord Voldemort himself. In the final showdown, Quirrell lost his life, and Lord Voldemort lost his meagre hold on the physical world once again.
After securing the stone, Albus Dumbledore and Flamel discussed its future, and agreed that it was best to destroy it. Flamel ensured he had enough remaining elixir to set his affairs in order before he and his wife would ultimately die, a fate with which they were quite content. According to Dumbledore, their deaths would be like "going to bed after a very, very long day", after living for over 600 years.[1]
- "The Stone was not such a wonderful thing. As much money and life as you wanted, the two things most human beings would choose above all. The trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them."
- —Albus Dumbledore regarding the true nature of the Philosopher's Stone[src]
After his failure, Voldemort correctly deduced that Dumbledore would destroy the stone to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands again. Voldemort had then given up on the stone and waited for another method to regenerate his body.[3] He only wanted the stone to create a body for himself, and nothing more, as being dependent on the Elixir and Stone for his immortality is unacceptable.[4]
The Stone can turn any metal into pure gold, and produces the Elixir of Life, which grants immortality.[5]
The Stone is variously described as red and white in the many old texts in which it appears. These colours are important in most accounts of alchemy, and are often interpreted as having symbolic meaning.[5]
Behind the scenes
- The Stone is known in the United States books and films as the Sorcerer's Stone (with the exception of The Tales of Beedle the Bard , where it is referenced as "the Philosopher's Stone"). This was so because American children were supposedly not as familiar with the real-world mythology surrounding the Philosopher's Stone and to enhance the connection of the first book with magic.
- Critics of the Deathly Hallows claim that Beedle was inspired to create the life-restoring Resurrection Stone from the life-extending Philosopher's Stone.
- Historically for Alchemists, the Philosopher's stone was a symbol of achieving perfection, a theme that is carried throughout the Harry Potter series as Harry goes through a "Refiner's Fire" or "Crucible", and becomes the man he is at the end of the series.
- According to a page in Advanced Potion-Making, "the Philosopher's Stone was believed to mystically amplify the user's knowledge of alchemy so much that anything was attainable."[6]
- Five years after the stone's destruction, Harry suggested that if Voldemort was obsessed with immortality, he could either create or steal a Philosopher's Stone, implying that the one created by Flamel was not unique, nor is the method, or believing Voldemort is magically intelligent enough to duplicate the method.[4]
- Though given that it was said that the stone was the only one of its kind Harry may have said it in the theoretical sense or simply forgot that only one Philosopher Stone ever existed.
- When Dumbledore's Army meets for the first time in the Hog's Head Inn, Neville Longbottom refers to it as the "Philological Stone" ("Sorcerous Stone" in the U.S. edition) when discussing Harry's past achievements.[7][8]
- During Gilderoy Lockhart's studentship at Hogwarts, he would rant to anyone who would bother to listen about planning to achieve many impressive feats, one of which is to create a Philosopher's Stone before graduation; of course, he never did so.[9]
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game) (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Book (Mentioned only)
- LEGO Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
- Harry Potter for Kinect
- Harry Potter Trading Card Game
- Pottermore
- Harry Potter: The Character Vault
- Harry Potter: The Creature Vault (Mentioned only)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay
- Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
- Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery (Mentioned only)
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- ↑ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Writing by J.K. Rowling: "The Philosopher's Stone" at Pottermore
- ↑ http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/movie7/books/page_advancedpotionmaking.jpg
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 16 (In The Hog's Head)
- ↑ Harry Potter Lexicon - Differences UK/US Editions
- ↑ Writing by J.K. Rowling: "Gilderoy Lockhart" at Pottermore


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Wood Console or Side Table Modern Design X90, Light Gray
Interior designers love this upscale and flexible modern piece – we've seen it used everywhere from the kitchen to the cabana! This contemporary piece comes in a rainbow of colors and is ready to serve up a feast anywhere in your home.
- Design by Ignacio Santos
- Arrives partially assembled needing only a final touch to be ready for use
- Made in USA with eco friendly wood and stainless steel
- All weather & UV resistant stain finish
- Dimensions when assembled: L 54 x W 20 x H 31 inches


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Those dying to hear a first taste of Christian Burns' upcoming artist album, be prepared. Together with German producer Stefan Dabruck, he shoots right in with 'Bullet'!
He's worked with the likes of Armin van Buuren, Tiësto and BT. His impressive career includes three million albums sold as a member of the popular Britband BBMak.
Yes, you could say that Christian Burns has earned his stripes. Open-minded as the charismatic singer is, you'll find it no surprise that the first piece to flow from his new album, is another well-blended mixture of styles.
Combining his songwriting talents and dazzling voice with the producer skills of one half of the Dabruck & Klein team, 'Bullet' shows all different facades of the Burns world.
On remix duties, you'll find Dutchman Mischa Daniels rocking 'Bullet' with a feel-good house vibe, as well as the proggy touch of Colombian producer KhoMha.
Download this track now, exclusively on Beatport: http://s.beatport.com/BulletBP
Available on other portals on July 2nd.


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…continued from Part One.
2012/13 The Championship
7th July 2012. Saints sign David McGoldrick from Nottingham Forest for £775k
9th July 2012 .David Connolly and Radhi Jaidi are released.
18th July 2012. Ryan Dickson is sold to Swindon Town for £375k
Saints open their first campaign back in the Championship with a trip to title favourites Cardiff City, they lose 1-0, but put in an impressive performance. They lineup:- Davis, Butterfield, Seaborne, Martin, Shaw, Ward-Prowse, Hammond (c), Ritchie, Chaplow, Barnett, McGoldrick.
Youngsters Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse make their league débuts and suitably impress.
The team take confidence from their decent start and go on a six game unbeaten run, ending September in 6th place and prompting talk of successive promotions.
A couple of injuries to key players take their toll and Saints form dips, culminating in a dreadful run of 12 games without a win, leaving them 18th as the end of the January transfer window neared. Saints fans were hoping that the board would strengthen the squad so as to prevent a relegation battle.
21st January 2013. Luke Shaw is sold to Arsenal for £4 million.
Saints form is erratic for the rest of the season as they struggle to cope with the rigours of the Championship with a young inexperienced squad. They find themselves in the relegation zone with three games to go but rally enough to win the first two. They go into the final game of the season knowing that a point will save them, but could go down with a defeat due to their poor goal difference. They draw 2-2 with Barnsley at St. Mary's and finish 19th.
1st June 2013. Jason Dodd is relieved of his duties as Southampton manager. Assistant Paul Williams also leaves.
18th June 2013. James Ward-Prowse is sold to newly promoted Cardiff City for £1.2 million.
20th June 2013. Kelvin Davis announces his retirement.
30th June 2013. Saints sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot on a season long loan.
14th July 2013. The Saints board make a statement saying that the past seasons have taken a toll on the club financially and it is now up for sale.
16th July 2013. Martin Hunter is promoted from U21's coach to first team manager.
2013/14 The Championship
Saints open the season with defeat at Nottingham Forest, lining up Elliot, Chambers, Seaborne, Martin, Targett, Chaplow, Hammond (c), Ritchie, McQueen, Barnett, McGoldrick. Despite the poor feeling around the club and the coming season, Saints start well and are 9th by the start of October.
A run of defeats sees them drop to 15th and with strong rumours that the board are looking to cash in on the performances of youngsters Calum Chambers and Sam McQueen, relegation seems a very real possibility.
As the club hit January they sit in 13th and the board reiterate their stance that the club is for sale.
4th January 2014. Calum Chambers is sold to Liverpool for £2.8 million.
16th January 2014. Saints announce that the club has been sold to an American investor.
28th January 2014. Saints sign Danny Ings from Burnley as the first player under the new regime for £1.8 million.
Saints see out the remainder of the season in indifferent form that quickly turns to poor form culminating in a 10 game streak without a win, but with the goals from Ings and a unified more confident squad under the new owners, they find themselves safe from relegation with two games to play and would spend the summer preparing for a third season in the Championship.
It's worth remembering that in reality the last four seasons have been pretty good…