text:
Laura Currence-Holden, MSN, FNP-C
Laura Currence Holden received her Master of Science Degree in Nursing from University of Virginia in May of 2012 where she became a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She previously received her Bachelors of Science in Biology from Radford University in 2003 and her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Old Dominion University in August of 2007.
Laura worked as a staff nurse in cardio-thoracic step down and cardiac surgery intensive critical care for 6 years as a RN. As a nurse practitioner, Laura has worked the last 4 years in Internal and Family medicine.
Laura has also enjoyed working in a medical spa since 2012 where she developed a love for cosmetic injectables and became an advanced injector. By gaining much knowledge and experience with medical based skin care, skin assessments, lasering, vein reduction therapy and injectables. Laura is excited to continue flourishing and expanding her knowledge in plastic surgery and aesthetics while delivering optimal care to her clients.
Laura is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners. Laura is a native of Suffolk and loves spending time with her husband, sons, family and friends.


text:
I'm not very well. In truth I have been poorly for several months, but of course, I just kept going. On several occasions I almost passed out. Fortunately I was always near a chair and I was able to sit down for a few moments, not for long, though, fainting is for whimps! And so I pressed on. Working hours that were too long, enjoying every moment, but just not feeling on really top form.
This week everything has 'come to a head'. Results from blood tests show that I need a little bit of TLC, so today I did something that is so unusual I am having to blog about it!
I had a lie in!
Yes, I've had 'lies in' before - but never beyond 07.30. The alarm regularly goes at 06.30 and I am always up before it sounds. I'm not one for going to bed early, either. Our family routine is such that I'm on duty until 11pm or later, so you can see that I don't usually take time out. Well, yesterday I just had to throw myself onto the bed in the afternoon, and I slept for 2 hours. I was in bed by 10 last night, and asleep almost before my head hit the pillow. Undaunted I slept until just before 09.30 this morning! AND THEN I DOZED UNTIL NEARLY THREE O'CLOCK!
Yes, I must have needed it, and I do feel more rested, but what on earth does the title have to do with all this twaddle? Well..... You know what it's like when you are neither awake nor asleep. Sometimes you just drift with eyes open, seeing, but not really looking. This happened today. I meandered backwards and forwards from sleep to not sleep, and every now and then my eyes alighted on what looked like a book title - 'Festering Filth'. I didn't think anything of it at first, after all, I wasn't really awake, and the title meant nothing to me. Finally, however, as 'awake' took over I looked harder. The title was out of focus... meaning it was time to pop on my specs.
Wish I hadn't! The title, one of DH's, was in fact 'Ffestiniog Fifty'. I was quite disappointed.
At least 'Festering Filth' might have had some 'meat' to it!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Chicago will join the world, sports stage on Sunday when it hosts its 36th annual marathon, and Mayor Emanuel and marathon leaders said Thursday they are focused on public safety.
The race will come several months after the terror attacks at the Boston Marathon killed three people and wounded hundreds of others.
At the Hilton Chicago Thursday morning, Emanuel and Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski expressed an eagerness to move ahead from that tragic time, and showcase Chicago's character.
"But, it was evident to me and our organization, how strong, how determined, and how united the running community is. And together we move forward, that we move forward with confidence, move forward with strength," said Pinkowski.
As part of new security measures, runners will not be allowed to bring backpacks or other bags on the route. They'll will be given clear, plastic bags instead to check their items. For the first time, only registered runners and spectators with tickets will be allowed near the start and finish lines in Grant Park.
The first wave of runners will take off at 7:30am. The race will wind through 29 neighborhoods. About 45,000 runners from across the U.S. and the world will compete in the event.
WGN News Writer C. Hayes published this story.


text:
Band pull Liverpool, Sheffield and Coventry gigs
Mona have been forced to cancel shows in Liverpool, Sheffield and Coventry due to singer Nick Brown being struck down ill.
The gigs have pulled on the advice of doctors after frontman Brown was diagnosed with laryngitis. Shows at the Sheffield Leadmill and Coventry Kasbah, due to take place on May 20 and 21 respectively, have now been rescheduled for June 20 and 28 respectively. Original tickets are valid for the new dates.
They have also been taken off the bill for tonight's (May 19) show at the 02 Academy Liverpool, which is taking place as part of Liverpool Sound City.
The band's UK tour will resume at Middlesbrough Empire on May 24 with the schedule now reading:
Middlesbrough Empire (May 24)
Cardiff Millennium Music Halll (25)
Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms (26)
Dublin Slane Castle (supporting Kings Of Leon) (28)
Nottingham Dot To Dot Festival (29)
Coventry Ricoh Arena (supporting Kings Of Leon) (30)
Birmingham HMV Institute (June 1)
Sunderland Stadium Of Light (supporting Kings Of Leon) (19)
Manchester Old Trafford Cricket Ground (supporting Kings Of Leon) (22)
Glastonbury John Peel Stage (24)
York Barbican (supporting Morrissey) (25)
Bradford St George's Hall (supporting Morrissey) (27)
Cheltenham Centaur (supporting Morrissey) (30)
Reading NME/Radio 1 Stage (August 26)
Leeds Festival NME/Radio 1 Stage (27)
Edinburgh Liquid Room (28)
To check the availability of Mona tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0871 230 1094.


text:
You have planned out your shopping trip. Your coupons are all in order. You have figured out exactly how much you will be saving. Your cart is filled with your great finds. Proudly you pile your deals at the checkout so excited to watch those coupons deduct one by one from the total. Or to receive that $10 catalina spit out of that little machine by the register. The cashier takes your coupons and begins what you think will be a simple, well thought out transaction. And then your whole plan turns upside down. Nothing goes as planned. Your hands get sweaty and your heart starts to pound. Sound familiar?
Well, you are not alone. These are the highs and lows of using coupons. We plan everything right down to the penny. Check to make sure we are getting the right product to match the coupon. We make sure that the coupons are not expired and so on. Then, the coupon police (that cashier that seems to think that we are taking money out of their pocket) takes our coupons and one by one picks them apart.
This coupon will not double, this coupon is for more then the price of the product, this coupon is not a real coupon it must of been copied, this coupon is a PDF coupon and we don't take those and the list goes on. Why does this happen and how do we avoid it.
One reason is simply some stores and store managers simply do not know their own corporate coupon policies. Take for instance recent comments from readers who went to Target trying to buy the 8oz body wash. They have said they were not allowed to use the $4/2 coupon on two $1.99 products because it was more then the item. Well, Target's policy, as are most stores policy, is to adjust the coupon down. Or, another reader got, this is a trial size product and you can't us it on a trial size item. Hello, when was the last time an 8 oz product was trial size. Will they allow that size on an airplane? I think not.
Or how about when you complete the transaction and everything goes as planned and no catalina prints out. Then you have to go to customer service, spend 5 minutes there (husband and kids in tow) discussing why you should have gotten a $10 catalina only to find that they didn't even know there was such a deal going on in their own store. Enough to make you wonder why you are doing this in the first place. Is it worth it?
For the amount of money you can save, I say yes. Because every single time is not going to be that way. Every single time will not require you to hold your breath, hoping and wishing that the coupon police do not show up at the register. "Sorry lady, you have just committed a coupon violation and you need to come with us while we take a 1/2 hour of your time to tell you why you can't use that coupon".
That won't always happen. And don't think it will never happen because it will. Most likely before the month is over you will be talking to that coupon police explaining your case. And what do you do? Well here are ways to help you out. Ways that I have found extremely helpful.
::Bring coupon policies for your stores (I will be posting policies for you to print out shortly). This way the cashiers and managers can see that they have no choice but to except your coupon over the amount of the item or any other excuse they give you.
::Know the store's policy yourself. If you plan on shopping at that store often to take advantage of their coupons or rewards program, then understand their policies. Read up on it. Educate yourself so you know what you can and can not do. What works and what doesn't work.
::Prepare to walk away from a deal. If they give you a hard time that you can't quickly resolve by pulling out your coupon policy or explaining it, then walk away from it. Sometimes it's not worth the hassle. There are so many deals to be found that having to walk away from one is no worry. You'll find another.The more you use coupons and become completely comfortable with them the easier it gets to explain your case. It really will. When you first start out using "coupons on steroids", as one reader put it, you are not completely sure of yourself. Did I do this right? Is this the right product? Do I need to buy 2 or 3 for this to work? It sometimes can be a bit confusing. So to plead your case to the coupon police sometimes can get a little nerve wracking especially if you're not 100% sure you even did it right in the first place. Well, that does get easier I promise. And the more you do it the more you can plead your case and sound like you know what you are talking about. Since most of the time, they (the coupon police) don't even really know what's going on, sounding like you know gets them to accept it. And I am by no means telling you to try to get away with sometime that is not on the up and up. I mean real deals that completely follow within the rules of the coupon and of the store's policy. I NEVER advocate trying to "one up" a store. NEVER!
So listen, nothing in life that is worthwhile is free. Things take time. Ask yourself this, if someone came to you and offered you $200 a week (you honestly can save that much money) for a few hours of work, work that you already do some of (and that you have to do anyway) and told you that hours were completely flexible and if you didn't feel like doing it one week here or there that would be fine. Would you take the job? Only you can answer that question. My answer is absolutely. I'll spend a few hours a week sorting through coupons, writing lists and going through the occasional sweaty hand, heart pounding, your deal just feel apart episode. Sign me up!! I'll take 200 bucks a week!!


text:
Sunday, May 28, 2017
I like mint sauce.
Last week I was very pleased to see my usual jar of mint sauce on special offer in the supermarket. It cost 80p rather than the normal £1.45.
I was much less pleased to see a label on the shelf saying "Reduced to clear", so I grabbed the last two jars.
This week I was very pleased to see the same brand of mint sauce back on sale in the supermarket, and for 26p less than a jar used to cost.
I was much less pleased when I noticed the mint sauce was in a smaller jar. So I did some sums.
The original sized jar cost £1.45 for 250ml. That's 58p per 100ml.
The new smaller jar costs £1.19 for 165ml. That's 72p per 100ml.
That's a 24% price increase, disguised as a 26p price cut.
That's for you.
...or read more in my monthly archives
Jan19 Feb19 Mar19 Apr19 May19 Jun19
Jan18 Feb18 Mar18 Apr18 May18 Jun18 Jul18 Aug18 Sep18 Oct18 Nov18 Dec18
Jan17 Feb17 Mar17 Apr17 May17 Jun17 Jul17 Aug17 Sep17 Oct17 Nov17 Dec17
Jan16 Feb16 Mar16 Apr16 May16 Jun16 Jul16 Aug16 Sep16 Oct16 Nov16 Dec16
Jan15 Feb15 Mar15 Apr15 May15 Jun15 Jul15 Aug15 Sep15 Oct15 Nov15 Dec15
Jan14 Feb14 Mar14 Apr14 May14 Jun14 Jul14 Aug14 Sep14 Oct14 Nov14 Dec14
Jan13 Feb13 Mar13 Apr13 May13 Jun13 Jul13 Aug13 Sep13 Oct13 Nov13 Dec13
Jan12 Feb12 Mar12 Apr12 May12 Jun12 Jul12 Aug12 Sep12 Oct12 Nov12 Dec12
Jan11 Feb11 Mar11 Apr11 May11 Jun11 Jul11 Aug11 Sep11 Oct11 Nov11 Dec11
Jan10 Feb10 Mar10 Apr10 May10 Jun10 Jul10 Aug10 Sep10 Oct10 Nov10 Dec10
Jan09 Feb09 Mar09 Apr09 May09 Jun09 Jul09 Aug09 Sep09 Oct09 Nov09 Dec09
Jan08 Feb08 Mar08 Apr08 May08 Jun08 Jul08 Aug08 Sep08 Oct08 Nov08 Dec08
Jan07 Feb07 Mar07 Apr07 May07 Jun07 Jul07 Aug07 Sep07 Oct07 Nov07 Dec07
Jan06 Feb06 Mar06 Apr06 May06 Jun06 Jul06 Aug06 Sep06 Oct06 Nov06 Dec06
Jan05 Feb05 Mar05 Apr05 May05 Jun05 Jul05 Aug05 Sep05 Oct05 Nov05 Dec05
Jan04 Feb04 Mar04 Apr04 May04 Jun04 Jul04 Aug04 Sep04 Oct04 Nov04 Dec04
Jan03 Feb03 Mar03 Apr03 May03 Jun03 Jul03 Aug03 Sep03 Oct03 Nov03 Dec03
Jan02 Feb02 Mar02 Apr02 May02 Jun02 Jul02 Aug02 Sep02 Oct02 Nov02 Dec02


text:
Mets manager Terry Collins has decided to skip pitcher Matt Harvey's next start, which was scheduled to come Sunday against the Rockies.
The Mets have decided to skip pitcher Matt Harvey's next start, which was scheduled to come Sunday against the Rockies, according to ESPN.com.
On Thursday, Mets manager Terry Collins said the team was considering such a move and that he and pitching coach Dan Warthen had discussed it, with a final decision coming Friday, according to MLB.com. Rookie Logan Verrett, who was recalled from Triple A on Tuesday, will make his first major league start in place of Harvey.
The Mets set an innings limit of 190 for the Harvey in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. Harvey is up to 154 innings through 23 starts, and his ERA is 2.57, sixth-lowest in the National League. He has averaged almost seven innings per start, efficiency that hasn't helped slow his road to his innings cap.
In an effort to ensure Harvey will be available for the postseason, Collins has said he would rather spread out his innings over the season's final month rather than shut him down completely after he reaches 190. Rookie starter Noah Syndergaard is also expected to have a start skipped soon.
Baseball Prospectus gives the Mets an 80.2% chance of reaching the postseason, despite their loss to the Orioles on Wednesday. The Mets remained four games ahead of the Nationals for first place in the NL East entering Friday.
• JAFFE: Chase Utley returns to roots with Dodgers
- Erin Flynn


text: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: GARRY H. DONNA March 10, 2014 (317) 925-8200HOOSIER BASKETBALL TABS TOP 100 SENIOR BOYS Enclosed are Hoosier Basketball Magazine's Top 100 senior boys' high school players for 2013-2014 as compiled by Garry H. Donna, publisher of Hoosier Basketball Magazine. This compilation is the result of observation of many games during the past season as well as contact and discussion with numerous coaches, sportswriters, sportscasters and college recruiters throughout Indiana. Further research and evaluation is occurring during the remainder of the 2014 IHSAA state tournament to determine a final list of 60 seniors. Those 60 boys will be invited to Hoosier Basketball Magazine's 27th annual Top 60 Senior Boys' Workout Sunday, April 6, 2014 on the campus of Marian University in Indianapolis.*Remember only 60 of the Top 100 will be invited to the April 6th Top 60 event. The purposes of the Top 60 Senior Boys' Workout are 1) To enable 60 of the best seniors from the class of 2014 to meet and compete. 2) To afford these same 60 seniors significant postseason exposure in front of numerous college coaches who will be in attendance. 3) To enable the 2014 Indiana-Kentucky All-Star Game Director and coaches to view the 60 participants for their purposes. The Top 60 Senior Boys' Workout, in conjunction with the Indiana High School Athletic Association and Indiana Basketball Coaches Association, will be divided into two sessions: 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. Both sessions are open to the public for one general admission price for both sessions. All media are invited to attend. Please contact Garry Donna 317-925-8200 to make a reservation for media credentials. Remember, only 60 of the Top 100 Senior boys will be invited to the APRIL 6th Top 60 event. All 100 will not be invited to the APRIL 6th event at marian university. Also, do not confuse this event with the IBCA/IHSAA Top 100 showcase to be held in july at Ben davis which does not include seniors ... only freshmen, sophomores and juniors. The list of Hoosier Basketball's Top 100 Senior Boys List follows:Tanner Andrews, Tippecanoe ValleyTyer Arens, Muncie CentralJoey Atkins, BremenJustin Baker, Indianapolis CathedralBret Barclay, Crown PointCollin Barthel, Indianapolis CathedralMichael Beaty, Ben DavisJalen Bell, Franklin CentralJames Blackmon, Jr., MarionTrevon Bluiett, Park TudorJordyn Bontrager, WestviewMorgan Booher, Greenwood ChristianErik Bowen, KokomoAaron Brennan, Guerin CatholicTyler Bryant, Center GroveMicah Bullock, Barr-ReeveBo Burkhart, Evansville BosseDevonte Campbell, Culver AcademiesJoey Cardenas, Beech GroveDevin Chaudion, FishersAustin Clark, Switzerland CountyTrey'von Covington, Fort Wayne SniderLarry Crisler, Hammond NollDaVone Daniels, Indianapolis MarshallEric Davidson, Hamilton SoutheasternMike Davis, Fort Wayne NorthTerry Davis, South Bend AdamsErnie Duncan, Evansville HarrisonTrent Elliott, Culver CommunityGrant Evans, WapahaniPerry Fairrow, Evansville BosseJosh Fleming, LaPorteJacob Foster, WapahaniDaeshon Francis, Lawrence NorthConner Funkhouser, AvonJordan Furlow, SpeedwayJordan Garnett, Warren CentralCurtis Green, Perry MeridianArthur Haggard, Bowman AcademyKeaton Hendricks, Bloomington SouthEvan Henry, Columbus NorthMacy Holdsworth, GreensburgJaren Hornbeak, GreenwoodLucas Huffman, Franklin CentralBrad Hunt, Jennings CountyShemar Isom, Muncie SouthSaikou Jallow, Bloomington NorthTyler Jenkins, Hamilton SoutheasternJacob Johnson, MooresvilleTra'veon Johnson, South Bend WashingtonAndrew Jones, ClarksvilleMike Jones, Indianapolis TechAustin Keisling, Lewis CassJustin King, Bowman AcademyBrody Kirby, FrankfortAaron Korn, FranktonJaraan Lands, Warren CentralBryce Lienhoop, Columbus EastTrevor Lockwood, McCutcheonTrevor Lucas, BrownsburgTrey Lyles, Indianapolis TechJim Mace, NorthviewKourtlandt Martin, Evansville CentralLeondre McBirth, New AlbanyD.J. McCall, Fort Wayne ConcordiaSteve McElvene, New HavenCalvin McEwen, ClarksvilleBryant McIntosh, GreensburgZach McRoberts, CarmelCayman Meier, CastleMack Mercer, PlymouthDevon Merder, Heritage HillsAvory Mickens, Vincennes LincolnJustin Mitchell, Fort Wayne WayneBryce Newman, Mt. Vernon (Posey)Gage Ott, LaPorteJustin Parker, Indianapolis TechLandon Perry, MadisonTayler Persons, KokomoLucas Peters, Greenwood ChristianKyle Platt, Huntington NorthPerry Poindexter, Lawrence NorthWhit Rapp, Guerin CatholicCollin Rigney, GreensburgNate Ritchie, NorthridgeKendall Rollins, PikeDwight Sargent, Irvington PrepDrew Schermerhorn, West NobleChaz Schneider, Brownstown CentralSean Sellers, GreensburgAustin Shelton, Park TudorTanner Shepherd, TritonTrey Shipley, HauserKeenan Simmons, Michigan CityGrant Sims, Bloomington NorthGrant Sinn, Fort Wayne CanterburyChristian Smith, FrankfortCory Smith, North HarrisonMichael Sollman, ZionsvilleTroy Spears, MartinsvilleJosh Sprinkle, Vincennes LincolnTrey Teagle, Jay CountyCole Teal, ChestertonTyler Thomas, FranklinP.J. Thompson, Brebeuf JesuitMike Tillman, RichmondBrandon Tonsoni, RossvilleJack Trittipo, NoblesvilleTyler Truesdel, Bloomington NorthAlec Turner, MarionJeremie Tyler, Indianapolis TechZack VanHook, LowellCarter VanWanzeele, MooresvilleJa'Mare Washington, South Bend RileyElliott Welmer, Columbus NorthBrooks Weszely, SullivanEthan Whitson, NorthviewTyler Wideman, Lake CentralTye Wilburn, Lake CentralJonathan Wilkinson, NorthWoodKeenan Williams, JeffersonvilleZach Zurcher, NorthWoodSELECTED BUT INJURED AND UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE — CJ Coleman, Mt. Vernon (Fortville)


text:
Sign In
Welcome. I hope this leads to more productivity within SOC, helps us organize our documents and serve our membership better. Join the fun!
Here we go. Now let's make this thing work.
Sign In
Visit ASNT.org
Terms of Service
ASNT Community is the go-to site for NDT professionals to learn, network, and advance their profession, while also building upon the body of knowledge and strong traditions of ASNT.
Powered by Zimbra


text:
Story of the day
Food & Drinks
The 9 Stages of Soy Sauce Production
By FDL on
ShareFacebook Twitter AddThis
Soy Sauce, we us it all over our sushi, dash it into the pan when cooking Chinese and grab it when our str fry needs that little extra kick.
It's an ingredient we've all used and eaten at some time but how many people actually know how soy sauce is made?
This infographic from the San'J soy sauce company tackles the stages of soy sauce production with simple visual graphics and text that explain exactly how soy sauce is made.
There's nine different stages, from soaking the soy beans in water to it's eventually bottles and sold, and this infographic covers them all.
Take a look.


text:
Although examples of 'Brain Fade' have titillated politicians and the media recently, there has been a dearth of academics leaping to obtain research funding for their pet ideas of its' cause. Without the need for expensive studies, chance observation around the Hobsonville Electorate, has revealed a possible cause.
On occasion, the most powerful brain in my household, the computer system, suffers severe brain fade, due to loss of its' WiFi connectivity. It forgets what it is doing, or has previously said, and displays a series of blankly flashing LED's that give the fish-eye appearance of a politician who has lost contact with their higher functions.
Others have experienced similar malfunctions in the Hobsonville area, and also noticed that these brain fades only occurred when the Air Force was doing its periodic circuit and bumps landing practices. Hooking up a scanner and display screen reveal that bursts of digital interference accompany each low-level aircraft approach, and that these anaesthetise some WiFi equipment.
It would seem logical that when the Member for Hobsonville is on a rare visit to his electorate, these rays have a similar effect. The temporary remedy – Re-Boot the Prime Minister, but who knows the permanent?


text:
Lower blood pressure linked to education1st March 2011
Women who have spent more years of their lives in education are more likely to have lower blood-pressure readings, according to a new study in the United States.
Both genders who had spent more time in education showed lower blood pressure in a 30-year study, but the effects were more marked in women.
The research team analysed data on around 4,000 men and women involved in a 30-year health study.
Women who had completed at least 17 years of education tended to have lower blood pressure, they found.
When they compared systolic blood pressure readings, researchers found that the more educated women had an average reading of 3.26mm of mercury lower over the 30 year period.
The equivalent for more educated men was 2.26mmHg lower.
However, the difference dropped to just 2.86mmHg for women and 1.25mmHg for men, once the results had been adjusted for blood pressure medication, smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity.
If all the study subjects' blood pressures were made equal at the start of the study, the most educated women had 2.53mmHg lower readings after the 30-year period.
The equivalent gap in educated men closed to just 0.34 mmHg, by comparison.
Study leader Eric Loucks of Rhode Island's Brown University, said that women with less education were more likely to be depressed, more likely to be single parents and more likely to be living in poorer areas below the poverty line.
The research was based on the 1971 Framingham Offspring Study, which followed the children of participants in the earlier Framingham Heart Study,
Heart disease experts said the findings appeared to support existing evidence about the link between heart disease risk and socio-economic deprivation.
But according to Natasha Stewart of the British Heart Foundation, the difference in blood pressure readings between more educated and less educated women was small, while in men, the difference was insignificant.
She said the study only looked at a relatively small number of people from a white, suburban background, and had not investigated whether or not the findings would apply to all ethnic groups.
Share this page
There are no comments for this article, be the first to comment!
Post your comment
Only registered users can comment. Fill in your e-mail address for quick registration.
Article Information
Title: Lower blood pressure linked to education
Author: Luisetta Mudie
Article Id: 17714
Date Added: 1st Mar 2011


text:
The Seven Cities of Gold is an adventure game created by Dan Bunten (and the game development team Bunten founded, Ozark Softscape) and published by Electronic Arts in 1984. The player takes the role of a late-15th century explorer for Spain, setting sail to the New World in order to explore the map and interact with the natives in order to win gold and please the Spanish court. The name derives from the "seven cities" of Quivira and Cíbola that were said to be located somewhere in the American Southwest.
Source: Wikipedia, "The_Seven_Cities_of_Gold_(video_game)," available under the CC-BY-SA License.


text:
In Africa, it is a nightmare for teachers and students to find quality educational resources that go beyond traditional textbooks.
Local textbooks have limited depth, while foreign textbooks seldom match the curriculum.
Technology literacy barriers make online search daunting.
Local power and internet infrastructure is unstable and unreliable.
We search the internet for the best educational videos and use machine learning to link them to local learning outcomes.
Our video content is presented in a way that mimics the classroom experience, making it familiar and intuitive.
Our battery-powered hotspots deliver our video content quickly and reliably.
We anticipate that using HITCH's invaluably relevant resources, will have far reaching beneficial impact in enhancing our teaching methods and learning outcome. We remain committed to continued collaboration with HITCH on this shared mission.
I believe that this is a solution that can change the face of the Nigerian educational system, making learning attractive and rightly equipping teachers to deliver excellence.
Please contact us for pricing options.
Questions? We'd love to help you.


text: Kryptogold CryptoGold provides access to the future market of cryptocurrencies. CryptoGold guarantees a first-class processing power – real lifetime mining for everyone! As part of the community, you can continue to benefit from outstanding career opportunities and top conditions. CryptoGold supports you in your entry into the future market of cryptocurrencies. Join here: https://krypto-gold.com/register/power4seniors Example: Bitcoin Mining pool Bronce — — Every portion BTC Mining costs 500$ which are used for the purchase of new Bitcoin-Miningserver. All preserved BTC are split among all members of the pool and are paid daily. Every portion earns 50%, other 50% are used for the purchase of additional Mining shares.


text:
One of the ongoing problems I have with exhibiting in public is the number of people who comment by saying "Oh! it's naive work". This is frustrating as they often have no idea what they are talking about and are missing the deliberate, subtle games the works play.
Naive art
So for those of you who profess to be Naive Art experts, here is a lesson on the established rules of Naif Art and why my work defies or subverts these conventions.
"Naïve art is simple, unaffected and unsophisticated – usually specifically refers to art made by artists who have had no formal training in an art school or academy"(taken from the Tate Gallery website).
The last part of the statement is the easiest to dismiss as I spent four years at art college and have a honours degree in the subject. Hardly a case of no formal training. I have studied, researched and practised the art of perspective, colour theory and composition since the age of five and have a complex understanding of the subject.
"Naïve art is characterised by childlike simplicity of execution and vision."
As I live on the Umbrian/ Tuscan border in Italy I am surrounded by examples of High Byzantine, Gothic International and Early Renaissance works. These periods are characterised by a rediscovery of realism, perspective and naturalistic painting.
When depicting buildings, vegetation and landscapes the likes of Giotto, Martini and the Lorenzetti brothers played around in a simplistic way. Using these artists as inspiration my work demonstrates the same principles of draftsmanship in my renderings of the Italian countryside.
Breaking art rules
This requires a good knowledge of oblique projection, aerial perspective and an ability to interpret the Medieval mindset and style. You need to practice in order to look at a modern scene and visualise it as it would have been seen 700 years ago.
As a one-eyed and colour blind artist I naturally see things from a particular viewpoint. My world is flattened out, like a postcard and has colours that are incredibly muted. Therefore, I explore different ways of deliberately painting three dimensions in flat images. I choose to ignore linear perspective but give depth through overlap, size difference, aerial perspective and tonality.
Colour blind art
The tenants of Naive art state that colours are unrefined. Whilst my paintings are incredibly bright there is a logic to be had here. Now people with colour vision deficiency (CVD) have certain colours "washed out" from their vision. Knowing this and trying to give CVD viewers a better experience I deliberately use luminous hues and occasionally confuse colours.
For us, red/green, orange/green, pink/grey and the mystical purple are all colours we commonly mix up and we have to take great care when painting with them. Luckily they write the names of the colours on the tubes. Although, if I see a pink sky, why should I paint it grey just because that is the supposed colour.
Colourful art
Despite what you might think of colour deficiency we do have some benefits and the sky, especially dawn, dusk and storm clouds give us wonderful experiences. The paintings often reproduce the types of dramatic skies I see with their pinks, purples and pale oranges. Don't ask us about the two colour rainbow though, very lame, we're not impressed with them.
Behind the painting
The composition uses the principles of golden mean proportions, where ratios and position are carefully calculated to give pleasing relationships. Hey! If it's good enough for Mother Nature and Vermeer, it's okay with me.
There are strong diagonals and the vanishing points are all placed so as to draw the eye to particular points. If you divide the pictures up into thirds or fifths you'll see that certain landmarks and features are placed at these junctures.
If these works should be called anything then Gothic Nouveau, Bosso Nova Byzantine or Faux Early Renaissance would be more appropriate. However, it would be naive to think of them purely as Naif Art.


text:
In preparation for The Dark Below expansion and all the updates that will accompany it next week on December 9, Bungie has posted a preview of all the changes coming to Destiny soon.
Check out all the known details below:
New Legendary Gear
- Existing Legendary gear on display in the Tower will be replaced
- New Legendary gear will feature higher Attack and Defense values
- Legendary items will still require Ascendant Materials for upgrades
- This new, more powerful gear will be available to all players of Destiny
- Legendary gear will not be as powerful as new Raid gear or Exotics
New Rank Commendations
- In addition to Crucible or Vanguard Marks, purchasing new Legendary items will require a Crucible or Vanguard Commendation
- Commendations are received in Reputation Reward Packages delivered by the Postmaster upon reaching a new Reputation Level
Exotic Talent Changes
- As part of the December 1 Destiny Update, Exotic Armor and Weapons no longer require Ascendant Materials for upgrades
- The final power node of all Exotic Gear will require an Exotic Shard
- This new material is obtained by one of the following means: Dismantling unwanted Exotics; Purchased from Xûr for 7 Strange Coins
New Exotic Upgrading
Exotic Gear in The Dark Below will have higher Attack and Defense values than current Exotic Gear. For players and their current caches of Exotics, a path will exist to bring them forward into The Dark Below.
- Starting December 9, Xûr will offer players the opportunity to upgrade Exotics to the higher Attack and Defense values
- Upgrading an Exotic in this way will require an Exotic Shard: The upgrade will reset the progression invested into the item; Each week, Xûr will possess a selection of upgrades for existing Exotics in his inventory
Crucible (PvP) Changes
- Expansion I will include two new exclusive competitive playlists
- New Crucible arenas (Pantheon, Skyshock, and The Cauldron) will be featured in map rotation
- Playlists available in the Director will change week over week
- Experiences will alternate between 12 and 6 player engagements
- Map rotation will alternate between focusing solely on new expansion arenas and including original launch maps in the mix
Heroics and Nightfall (PvE) Changes
- With the Light level increase to 32, Heroics and Nightfalls will be increased by 2 Light levels to keep up with new content, level increases, and gear items
New Raid: Crota's End
- The new Raid, Crota's End, will unlock on December 9th
- Players at Light level 30 can lead a Fireteam immediately upon release
The reward system in Crota's End will address some issues reported in the Vault of Glass:
- Raid loot in Crota's End will drop at a higher rate
- New Raid gear will contain a wider variety of potential perks
- Weapons and Gear from Crota's End will not require Ascendant materials for upgrades
- Radiant Shards and Radiant Energy acquired in the Raid will be used to upgrade new Raid gear
- Unwanted weapons and gear from Crota's End will dismantle into Radiant materials
- Primary weapons will only drop in the harder version of Crota's End, released sometime in January
Bungie adds that they are "hopeful about the changes we're making to the way Raid loot works."
Any further changes to Destiny should be revealed when The Dark Below launches on December 9.
[Source: Bungie]


text:
THE Position OF LEGAL Specialists IN CONSOLIDATING GHANA'S DEMOCRACY AND Superior-GOVERNANCE
To chat about Superior Governance from the African point of view, we require to make reference to the Durban Declaration on Democracy, Political, Financial and Corporate Governance, which mentions among other matters "just, sincere, transparent, accountable, participatory government and probity in public lifetime". Accordingly, African States in that declaration have agreed to operate with renewed resolve to enforce the rule of regulation equality of all citizens ahead of the regulation personal and collective freedoms the appropriate to take part in cost-free, credible and democratic political method and adhere to the separation of powers, including protection for the independence of the judiciary.
In the accomplishment of these plans the purpose of the legal profession is quite substantial. I would therefore like to chat about the legal profession in just the context of democratic governance. Right before addressing this unique challenge, I deem it equally important to chat about Ghana's degree of dedication and overall performance in guaranteeing democracy and great governance as portrayed in its evaluation underneath the African Peer Evaluate System.
Democracy and great governance
The African Peer Evaluate System (APRM) is a mutually agreed instrument voluntarily acceded to by the member States of the African Union and it is an revolutionary strategy to increasing governance. The origin of APRM was the thirty seventh Summit of the Corporation of African Unity held in July 2001 in Lusaka, Zambia, adopted a document placing out a new vision for the revival and development of Africa, which was to develop into known as the New Partnership for Africa's Growth. (NEPAD)
Take note that as of June 2005, the APRM Participating Countries were being, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda Expressions of Intention to Accede to the APRM have been gained from: São Tomé and Príncipe, Sudan, Zambia.
The mandate of the APRM is to really encourage conformity in regard to political, economic and company governance values, codes and standards, among African nations. Ghana has been a shining example in the APRM method, remaining among the initially team of nations to signal the Memorandum of Knowing on 9 March 2003.
Ghana instituted a Countrywide Governing Council in compliance with the requirement for collaborating nations to have an unbiased self-evaluation of its governance record in four spots, namely: Democracy and Political Governance Financial Governance and Management Corporate Governance and Socio-Financial Growth. This report, even so, will concentration on Democracy and Political Governance.
To date, Ghanaians have had a lot more than a decade of peaceful and acceptable constitutional rule. Ghana has also been capable to change political rulers by means of the electoral method in a fashion normally perceived to be cost-free and truthful. The 2000, 2004 and 2008 elections have confirmed the citizens' acceptance of the electoral theory as the respectable mechanism for obtaining political power and assuming management of the institutions of governance. There is a increasing perception of reduction, self esteem and pleasure among Ghanaians that they have, at very last, reached political stability. It is this accomplishment that has informed the conclusion of the US President Barrack Obama to decide on Ghana as his initially region of check out in the Sub-Saharan Africa soon after becoming a President. Addressing the Ghanaian Parliament in Accra on 11th July 2009 to outline the US Overseas Coverage in the direction of Africa, President Obama confirmed it by stating "Below in Ghana, you exhibit us a face of Africa that is often forgotten by a environment that only sees tragedy or a require for charity" The credit rating is even that, despite the fact that our program of governance has determined certain important deficiencies in the guidelines and observe, Ghanaians are assured that they have the freedom, capacity and will to rectify these.
Ghanaians have also established exceptional institutions and procedures that other African nations could take into consideration emulating or adapting for their very own use. These consist of the Once-a-year Governance Forum, exactly where stakeholders explore chosen difficulties on democracy and great political governance. It is held just about every calendar year considering that 1998 underneath the auspices of the Countrywide Governance Programme. The other, instituted in 2001 is the People's Assembly, an annual conversation between the President and the people. The Assembly lets Ghanaians from all walks of lifetime to pose any thoughts to the President.
The Assembly and the Forum have expanded the political place for everyday people and have introduced the government closer to them. These institutions have definitely demystified the government, rendering it a lot less remote.
Even a lot more exceptional is the actuality that, compared with previously democratic transitions in the region that lasted only for a couple yrs ahead of they were being aborted, the present changeover has lasted about sixteen yrs and Ghana continues to go ahead as a progressive and democratic state.
In the past, couple women maintain key conclusion-creating positions in the economic, political and social lifetime of Ghana, and they come across really serious hindrances to their involvement in politics and in public political lifetime. Even so, the ruling government stipulates 40% illustration of women at all levels of governance, on Public Boards, Commissions, the Cabinet and Council of Condition.
Rule of regulation and supremacy of the Ghanaian Constitution
The supremacy of the Constitution and entrenchment of the rule of regulation are the simple foundations on which all the institutions of governance are grounded. The structure and the rule of regulation provide protection of personal lifetime protection from the government's arbitrariness or abuse of power and the assurance that a person can enjoy the fruits of one's labour.
The 1992 Constitution is made up of enough provisions that entrench the rule of regulation, and constrain the abuse of power and discretionary authority of people in government positions. The courts have evidently asserted their unbiased powers of judicial assessment and are inclined to pronounce certain acts or behaviour of the Government branch of government unconstitutional. Ghana has demonstrated that it is achievable for the judiciary to be unbiased in Africa.
Though the rule of regulation is a actuality in Ghana, some sections of the populace are routinely denied accessibility to justice because they cannot afford legal illustration. The superior expense of justice in Ghana is of really serious issue. Try is remaining manufactured to reduce the circumstance by managing legal aid amenities, but these are couple and insufficiently funded.
The judiciary itself suffers from absence of adequate capability to administer justice. Availability of place of work place and courtrooms is a important problem, both equally at the headquarters in Accra and countrywide. Just about every calendar year, budgetary allocations have been insufficient to meet up with the increasing infrastructure requires of the judiciary. This influences the simple circulation of justice and finally compromises the rule of regulation.
Legal provisions recognizing and guaranteeing human legal rights
In supplying a agency constitutional framework for endorsing respect for human legal rights by all Ghanaians and protecting against abuses by the Condition, the 1992 Constitution has been a refreshing advancement on preceding constitutions of the region.
Chapter 5 of the Constitution provides not only for civil and political legal rights, but also for social and economic legal rights. Among the civil and political legal rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, are: the appropriate to lifetime, the appropriate to liberty and security of the person, the appropriate to human dignity, the appropriate to equality and freedom from discrimination, the legal rights of accused, arrested and detained people, the appropriate to cost-free speech and expression, the legal rights of political participation, the legal rights of cost-free association and assembly.
These legal rights are not complete. Situations for deviating from them, generally for good reasons of Condition, are also stipulated in the Constitution.
Many provisions in the 1992 Constitution underscore the democratic legal rights of Ghanaians, and safe the independence of electoral mechanisms to make sure cost-free and truthful electoral procedures. The Electoral Commission (EC) and the Countrywide Commission for Civic Training (NCCE) encourage and protect the elementary constitutional legal rights of Ghanaians to take part in political and related pursuits. The judicial program is built to protect these legal rights and offers chances for redress by aggrieved people and teams whose legal rights are violated or infringed on.
Anti-Corruption and Superior Governance
Corruption is a important governance problem in Ghana. Even so, Ghana has manufactured a exceptional progress in the manage of corruption in public lifetime about the past decade. This is attributable to the collaborative effort of Anti-Corruption institutions in Ghana these as: The Significant Fraud Place of work (SFO) The Commission on Human Rights and Administration of Justice (CHRAJ) The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GIL) The Ghana Chapter of Transparency Global and The Protection Agencies. Through their contributions and recommendations, many anti-corruption payments have been enacted into regulation by the Ghanaian Parliament including: Safeguarded Public Desire Disclosure Act, (Whistle Blower Act) Public Procurement Act Money Administration Act and quite a few some others.
For the initially time in 2007, public hearings of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament took location and dependent on this the Attorney General's Department had set up an Anti-Corruption Device to analyze recommendations manufactured by the Committee and to prosecute scenarios that require to be prosecuted. Many pre-emptive measures are in location to counter cash laundering. The measures consist of Narcotic Enforcement and Sanction Law, 1990 three conventions on terrorism, ratified in 2002 A four-section motion system built in 2003 in reaction to the Inter- Governmental Motion on Revenue Laundering underneath the aegis of the Financial Local community of West African States (ECOWAS) The establishment in 2004 of the Money Intelligence Device. Also, complementary endeavours have emanated from the functions of banking and non-bonding fiscal institutions and the regulation enforcement businesses.
Though Ghana has been enthusiastic in acceding to, and ratifying regional and international standards and codes, a selection of key human legal rights instruments stay to be ratified. These consist of Convention Versus Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment and UN Convention Versus Corruption, (2003). This can weaken the country's democracy and great governance record. Ghana should take into consideration adopting a binding time-body in just which to accede to the many AU conventions. They consist of: African Kid's Constitution, 1990 Amendments to the Constitutive Act of the African Union, 2003 AU Convention in opposition to Corruption, 2003 Protocol on the African Courtroom of Human and Peoples' Rights, 1998 and Protocol on the African Courtroom of Justice, 2003.
The Position of the Legal Occupation
Initial of all we require to know of the legal profession in Ghana because there is a apparent hyperlink between the profession itself and the purpose it is enjoying in democratic governance
The legal profession lets a certified lawyer to observe as either a solicitor, barrister or both equally and can observe in all courts. The Common Legal Council is the statutory entire body regulating the profession and promotions with complaints in opposition to expert perform.
The Ghana Bar Affiliation (GBA) is the expert association for lawyers in Ghana. Membership is not obligatory but all admitted associates of the profession are instantly registered as associates with the GBA. Though not built in statute, it is recognized by the Constitution. As at now 450 firms are recognized by the GBA as remaining of great-standing.
The legal market is dominated mainly by little commercial techniques, a selection of which are ever more benefiting from making informal associations with intercontinental regulation firms.
Overseas lawyers are permitted to observe in Ghana presented that they have the expected skills from their residence jurisdiction, a letter of great-standing from their residence bar, happy by the Common Legal Council and go the expected test in Ghanaian Constitutional law and the Customary Law of Ghana. Non-Ghanaian citizens will have to reveal …


text:
Safe - 8-3-2017 Manhattan
Meow Gallery: The layout slider is not available in this version.
MALE, GRAY / WHITE, HAVANESE MIX, 8 yrs
STRAY – EVALUATE, NO HOLD Reason STRAY
Intake condition EXAM REQ Intake Date 07/29/2017, From NY 10455, DueOut Date 08/01/2017
Medical Behavior Evaluation BLUE
Medical Summary Estimated age: 8-10 years Microchip noted on Intake? neg. Found tied up outside with no one around to claim him; noted to be vocalizing in pain when attempting to defecate. QAR, shy but allows all handling BCS 3.5/9 EENT: OU-immature cataracts, ears clean, no nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: mm pk, tacky; CRT <2 sec; severe tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: soft, nonpainful; large fluctuant swelling over R rear; fecal matter in colon palpable in swelling; suspect perianal hernia U/G:male intact, 2 scrotal testicles present MSI: ambulatory x 4 with no signs of lameness moderately matted hair coat thin BCS CNS: mentation appropriate – no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: R sided perianal hernia with loop of colon Assessment perianal hernia dental disease underweight Plan gave 0.1 ml hydromorphone/0.2 ml dexdomitor IM to sedate for radiographs, shavedown and further palpation-removed 2 firm/normal fecal balls from colon; colon present in cutaneous swelling to R of rectum R lateral radiographs- large swelling along hind end with multiple bowel loops present including distal colon with fecal material; ingesta in stomach gave 200 ml SQF gave 0.4 ml cerenia SQ gave carprofen 50 mg/ml 0.2 ml SQ reversed with antisedan 0.2 ml SQ continue enulose 2 ml PO TID, can add miralax if needed gabapentin 0.8 ml PO BID until placement needs surgical correction of perianal hernia ASAP Prognosis: fair to good with surgical correction SURGERY: perm waiver due to age/perianal hernia
Weight 8.6
For more information on adopting from the NYC AC&C, or to find a rescue to assist, please read the following: http://urgentpodr.org/adoption-info-and-list-of-rescues. If you are local to the Tri-State, New England, and the general Northeast United States area, and you are SERIOUS about adopting or fostering one of the animals at NYC ACC, please read our MUST READ section for instructions, or email [email protected] Our experienced volunteers will do their best to guide you through the process. * We highly discourage everyone from trusting strangers that send them Facebook messages, offering help, for it has ended in truly tragic events.* For more info on behavior codes and ratings, please click here: http://information.urgentpodr.org/acc-placement-status-descriptions. For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please see: http://information.urgentpodr.org/category/frequently-asked-questions/. You can call (212) 788-4000 for automated instructions.
View all entries in: Safe Dogs 2017-08
Reader Interactions
Facebook Comments
July 30, 2017 at 15:38
This little boy really needs to be adopted and get help for his rectal condition, he must be so miserable having been neglected for so long. He will be so happy once he has proper medical treatment….it's so sad what these neglected animals have to go through , but hopefully this little angel has much better days ahead. Im actually relieved that he is in the shelter getting some pain meds and basic care…..more than he's had probably in his entire lifetime. But he really needs to get out of there asap and get experienced and specialized vet care for his condition.
July 31, 2017 at 14:20
I wish more than anything that I could foster but I will happily contribute $100 to his medical bills if a rescue is able to pull him. Please email a reminder. Praying for him!
August 1, 2017 at 16:53
They did such a wonderful job grooming Phil….now we can see that adorable face even better! I'm so glad that he is getting some basic care and attention, but we all know that this shelter could decide to kill him at anytime,….please contact the helpdesk asap if you could foster or adopt, he really needs to get out of there.
August 3, 2017 at 14:59
How can anyone abandon this sick little one after having him in the family so long? Damn heartless monsters..
August 3, 2017 at 18:11
YEA!!!! Bless you adopter for taking in this baby..Happy life Phil
August 4, 2017 at 00:52
Yay! Happy life cute little Phil! ❤


text:
Roads Kill Kids
What should be the most pressing issue for those concerned about the welfare of the world's children? Malaria? HIV/AIDS? Access to clean water?
According to the new report "Safe and Sustainable Roads: An Agenda for Rio+20," authored by Kevin Watkins, a non-resident senior research fellow at the Brookings Institute, and published by the Campaign for Global Road Safety, road traffic is the world's silent killer of children. "The sheer scale of the road traffic injury epidemic is not widely recognised. There is a widespread tendency to see that epidemic in terms of isolated and unpredictable events -- as 'accidents' that befall unlucky individuals. In fact, there is nothing unpredictable about road traffic injuries. And the 'road accident' vocabulary deflects attention from the systemic nature of the risks that claim so many, many lives," argues the report.
"The economic costs of all these traffic-related fatalities, in terms of lost income, lost educational opportunities, and health care expenditures, are massive. And yet there is no philanthropist stepping in with a huge check to fund prevention of traffic deaths, the way Bill Gates has with malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Instead, world financial institutions have pumped billions of dollars into road infrastructure, while dedicating only a tiny fraction of that to road safety," writes Goodyear.


text:
Here's a tutorial I've had on my computer for a while. I have mixed feeling about this one. And apparantly so do my youtube viewers. lol.. oh well. you win some you lose some.
What are your thoughts on this design?
Materials used:
Wet'n'Wild - Night Prowl (can be purchased at any drugstore)
Costmetic sponge (can be purchased at any drugstore)
Rimmel - Pop Quiz (i have no idea where to get this polish. sorry)
Color Club - Puccilicious (I purchased at Winners)
Script Brush - (purchased at local art/craft store)
Rimmel - White french tip pro (can be purchased at any drugstore)
Konad stamping plate M60 - purcahsed at www.wowsocool.com can also be found on ebay.
Special Konad polish - purchased at www.wowsocool.com
thanks for watching!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Abstract Prowl
from the keys of Miss80Million at 10:37 PM
Labels: Color Club, Cosmetic Sponge, Detail Brush, fading effect, Konad, M60, Nail Art Brush, Rimmel, Special Polish, Tutorial, Video, Wet'n'Wild, wowsocool.com, YouTube
2 comments:
loved your blog and I'm following you, you follow me tooReplyDelete
I like the blue & white stripes and the sponged on dark corner. For me, the rest of it doesn't come across very well in the video, perhaps a close-up shot is needed, but maybe it's great in person. I didn't hear whether you liked this mani or not. Thanks for showing us your ideas!ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Today he's shown why that esteem is well-merited.
The front page of The Herald declares that Lord Ashdown has condemned the controversial £500,000 gift to Better Together from Ian Taylor, CEO of oil giant Vitol.
Recently I asked whether accepting the donation was wise. I also questioned whether the actions of Ian Taylor and his company in apparently silencing a group of artists was in the interests of free speech and democratic debate. Finally, and most pertinently in my view, I queried why Liberal Democrats active within Better Together seemed so uncritically supportive of Ian Taylor.
I am absolutely delighted that Lord Ashdown has shown both courage and integrity in making this stand. That stems partly from a relief that at least one senior figure in the party does not adhere to the apparent prevailing orthodoxy that Better Together are beyond any kind of criticism (presumably the product of a misplaced belief that such criticism will inevitably destabilise "the greater good"?). It also reassures me that I am not in fact a sole voice crying in the wilderness, as someone recently described me. But, more reassuringly, it demonstrates that there is a section of the party that is deeply uncomfortable with being associated in any way with this donation and the donor himself.
Ashdown understand the Balkans as well as any modern historian or political commentator and, referring to Vitol's protests that any dealings with Arkan had been honest and legal, commented that "anybody who did business in the Balkans who didn't realise there were networks of corruption that extended into any and all governments was naive."
Indeed. Ridiculously naive. Criminally naive, even.
Which raises the questions: are Ian Taylor and his company simply stupidly naive? Or were they aware of the nature of "business" in Serbia? Either way, Taylor doesn't emerge with much credit and I continue to maintain that the Liberal Democrats should wish to associate with neither incompetent fools who "innocently" supply money to murderous criminals nor corrupt chiefs of unethical multi-nationals.
There is no question that Ashdown supports the Union and therefore, by implication, the cause of Better Together. But clearly he believes that criticism of this donation must be voiced: "wherever you are coming from, it's a perfectly legitimate line to pursue" he insisted. He's absolutely right. Why should such criticism be confined to the SNP and Yes Scotland? Why should the kind of criticism Lib Dem activists would freely be expressing had Nick Clegg received a gift from Vitol not also be voiced when such a gift is made to Better Together? (Quite why the success of Better Together is of apparent greater concern to some Lib Dems than that of their own party is a difficult question to answer adequately and one reserved for a separate blogpost).
So thank you Paddy for showing that it is possible to be critical of the Taylor donation and have difficulties in accepting his money without supporting independence (or indeed holding any other particular views at all). Now, how many more Lib Dems will join him?


text:
Summer Three Hundred Club Draw on Thames Launch Inglesham
Private Charter Cruises
Private Charter Cruises on Inglesham operate on week days in the summer from St John's Lock, near the Trout Inn, Faringdon Road, Lechlade on Thames, GL7 3HA
How to choose your Private Charter Cruise
Click here to view the details and choose your cruise
Call our Charters Administrator on 01453 752 568 to make your booking
Public trips
Public, half hour trips on Inglesham operate on Saturdays & Sundays 12 noon until 4 pm from Riverside Park, Lechlade, GL7 3AL.
Access to the large car area on Riverside Park is from the A361 Highworth Road.
There is no need to book. Just turn up and step aboard.
The Summer Three Hundred Club Draw
Cotswold Canals Trust Lechlade Trip Boat Manager Alan Driver is pictured pressing the winner's button on board Inglesham


text:
Our Emergency Department is here to provide for you and your family in case of any emergency. The department is staffed 24/7 by qualified medical professionals. Dr. Jerad Widman serves as our Emergency Department Medical Director. Working under his direction are Advanced Practice Nurses Kirsten McGuire, Jonna Rechterman and Michelle Birdashaw. In addition, Doctors Deborah Herrmann and Matthew McClure routinely provide care in the Emergency Department. When needed, the contracted service of Docs Who Care is used to supplement physician staffing.
Nursing staff in the Emergency Department is certified in both advanced and pediatric life support. Full laboratory and radiology services are available on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Average wait time in the Emergency Department is less than 30 minutes.


text:
Dr. Ravitch,
Thank you so much for your voice of informed sanity in the midst of so much disastrous action to our children, schools and teachers. The interview with Brill was too painful to watch. His arrogant misinformed manner was too much. I know you have to face this time and again. I just want you to know that there are so many of us who admire and thank you for helping our teachers and schools to become better in a ...Continue Reading → Share


text:
Earlier this week, the Fifth Circuit issued a decision, Fisher v. University of Texas, that may partially grant Roger Clegg's wish that affirmative action come to an end.
The court in Fisher upheld UT's race-conscious admissions program (governing those applicants not in the top ten percent of their respective high school classes). In doing so the court relied on the Supreme Court's decision in Grutter v. Bollinger, upholding the use of race as a flexible "plus" factor in elite college admissions.
Fisher presents the Roberts Court with an opportunity to revisit the constitutionality of the use of race in college admissions. Given the present composition of the court, there's a fair likelihood that racially conscious programs won't pass strict scrutiny muster (i.e., that the use of race in admissions serves a compelling state interest and is narrowly tailored to serve that interest).
Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito signaled in the dual 2007 grade-school-assignment cases (Seattle and Louisville) that "diversity" isn't a compelling state interest. But even if the Court doesn't address whether diversity on college campuses is a compelling state interest, the Court should still strike down the UT program. That's because Grutter prohibits colleges and universities from using race or ethnicity as a predominant or decisive factor in admissions. The evidence is irrefutable that if race/ethnicity were not a decisive factor in admission, fewer blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans would meet the admissions thresholds of most elite colleges. An analysis by the Center for Equal Opportunity shows, e.g., that at some schools blacks are preferred over similarly situated white comparatives by a factor approaching 700 to 1. That's not a mere "plus." That can't survive even Grutter.


text:
Osteoporosis Makes Foot Bones More Liable to Break
Victims of osteoporosis have weaker bones and therefore are more prone to breaking them. Osteoporosis is to blame for about 1.5 million bone injuries per year, and these often include fractures in the feet. Doctors suggest that those who have this condition get regular exercise and make sure they get enough calcium in their diets.
These measures will help make bones stronger. If you have osteoporosis or are trying to avoid developing it, a good way to keep your metatarsals strong is to play sports like volleyball that involve putting all your weight on your feet.
Stress fractures are likely to occur if feet aren't taken care of. If you believe you may be suffering from a fracture in your foot, call a podiatrist like Dr. Greg Khaimov of Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. Dr. Khaimov can diagnose your problem and will present you with the best corrective options available.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.
What are Stress Fractures?
Common among individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
-people affected with Osteoporosis
-play tennis or basketball
-high impact workouts
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.
The individual and the degree of injury depend on the fracture of the foot. Some fractures heal very fast while others take a long times and one would need crutches.
- Surgery with support pins around the fracture helps
To learn more about Stress Fractures of the Foot, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our offices in Fort Lee, NJ, Brooklyn, NY, and Queens, NY. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet your needs.
Read more about Stress Fractures.


text:
Smith, Peter
The youngest son of Barthold Smith of The Boltons, London, he came to Bramston's from Summerfields, Oxford. He was at Trinity College, Cambridge when war broke out and in September 1914 enlisted in the Royal Engineers, proceeding to France the following January as a despatch rider.
He was mentioned in despatches in June 1915 and a few months later received a commission in the Royal Engineers. He afterwards transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and was killed while flying near Avesnes-Le-Comte during the Arras Offensive on 28th April 1917.
He was a skilled artist and during his time in the school won prizes for drawing.
War: World War 1
- Surname: Smith
- Forenames or initials: Peter
- House: H
- Years in School: 1908-1912
- Rank: Lieutenant
- Regiment: Royal Flying Corps
- Date of Birth: 25th February 1894
- Date of Death: 28th April 1917
- How Died: Killed on active service
- Location in War Cloister: Outer E6
- Decoration: NA
- Burial Site: AVESNES-LE-COMTE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION: Grave IV.C.35


text:
I will greatly rejoice is an anthem for harvest, first published in 1913. It is scored for SATB chorus with Organ accompaniment, and sets a passage from the book of Isaiah, which describes how the prophet rejoices in a successful harvest.
Edward Bairstow (1874-1946) was a British composer, organist and conductor. He studied under Frederick Bridge at Westminster Abbey, and later became Organist at York Minster and Professor of Music at the University of Durham. He is best remembered for his settings of the Anglican liturgy, as well as anthems such as Blessed City, Heavenly Salem and Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.


text:
Insight: Dina's Diary 10 Years Later / 'The Miracle of the Christmas Wish Holder' / Sound Advice: Classical
Dina's Diary Re-Airs Friday
Ten years ago, Carmichael resident Dina Howard was diagnosed with breast cancer. As she underwent treatment for a year and documented the process with an audio recorder. Her story, "Dina's Diary," re-airs Friday in place of Insight.
"The Miracle of the Christmas Wish Holder" Becomes An Audiobook
A local writer and producer has adapted his own holiday novella into an audiobook. Rick Cabral joins us to talk about what it took to turn his novella into an audiobook.
Sound Advice: Classical Christmas Selections From Carl Watanabe
Capital Public Radio's Carl Watanabe joins us for this week's Sound Advice to share sounds of the holiday season.


text:
If you are unable to use your tickets, please let us know as soon as possible. You may return them for a tax credit, or share them with a friend.
Subscribers may also exchange them for tickets to another concert. Call the UChicago Arts Box Office at 773.702.2787 by noon on the day of the concert to donate or exchange your ticket. If you call outside the Box Office's operating hours, feel free to leave a message with a donation or exchange request, and a representative can assist you when the office reopens.
All subscribers receive 20% off single ticket purchases. Please visit tickets.uchicago.edu to buy additional tickets.


text:
Cisco to slash workforce by 20 per cent
The new emphasis on software is requiring staff with a different set of skills, CRN reported.
Meet the Millennials
They're young, tech-savvy and impressive. Four Gen Y entrepreneurs reveal their secrets to success.
WeWork to bring its global community to Martin Place and Pyrmont
WeWork, the fast-growing leader in co-working office space, will open in Sydney later this year, first on Martin Place and then in Pyrmont.
Virtual fences to enclosed livestock
Having the power to move and monitor animals from a smartphone might soon be a reality for farmers.
Bill Ferris: digital make global possible
A key part of the National Innovation Agenda implementation, led by Bill Ferris, is to remove barriers so entrepreneurs can break out of the 'small market economy' mindset, writes Tamara Plakalo.
Google's rapid rise to S&P 500
The speed at which new companies, particularly technology driven businesses like Google and Facebook achieve global scale has accelerated dramatically over the last two decades.
New Australian VC fund to channel China's millions
A new Australian venture capital fund has been created to capture the estimated $400 million of Chinese visa money that has been designated to back technology start-ups.
How to find a job in 2015
Social media, blogs and job sites are disrupting the recruitment sector and making searching for new work a full-time job. But don't neglect the old ways – they can still pay off.
Is giant Google too big to tackle and too mighty to ignore?
It's the leviathan in the room. Say you make widgets – no matter how carefully you build your business or lovingly build your lists and nurture your customers – there is a danger that Google will ride into town.
How much of yourself will you sell for personalised service?
Australians are relatively free and easy when it comes to giving information about themselves – especially when it comes to making their lives simpler.


text:
Preston Strip Clubs
Looking for some of the best Preston strip clubs?. We list popular Preston Gentlemen's Club in our directory. If you have problems finding a Preston strip club, please use our exclusive zip code search. Enter any zip code in the Preston area or search by club name, state, county or city, click the search button and voila a list of Preston strip clubs.
Go luck dear friends, it is time to visit your favorite Preston local club, please relax and have fun!.


text:
Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern ASK-EHS Engineering & Consultants Pvt. Ltd.'s relationship with you in relation to this website.
The term ASK-EHS Engineering & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. ' or 'us' or 'we' refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is 206-A Center Point, Ring Road, Surat-395002, Gujarat, India. Our company registration number is U74200GJ2008PTC054514 and place of registration is Surat. The term 'you' refers to the user or viewer of our website.The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:


text:
Wil Wheatons advice on dealing with Bullies
Fans of Star trek will recognize Wil Wheaton and last year at the Denver Comic Con he was asked a question about being called a nerd. Watch his response in this video where he describes that…
When I was a boy I was called a nerd all the time. Because I didn't like sports, I loved to read, I liked math and science, I thought school was really cool — and it hurt a lot. Because it's never OK when a person makes fun of you for something you didn't choose. You know, we don't choose to be nerds. We can't help it that we like these things, and we shouldn't apologize for liking these things.
The most important thing Wheaton said was that…
When a person makes fun of you, when a person is cruel to you, it has nothing to do with you. It's not about what you said. It's not about what you did. It's not about what you love. It's about them feeling bad about themselves.
This is relevant to just about all forms of online harassment. It applies to cyber bullies and cyber stalkers. They target you because of problems they have. When we understand them they become an object of pity and power is transferred. They lose power over you and you will feel empowered to deal with their harassment.
This video has gone viral as it should and there has been a follow up by the mother of the girl that asked the question on Reddit.
That was my daughter. She and the girl that bullied her are cool with each other this year. They aren't in the same class, though. This year has been a good year, but she noticed another little girl in her class kept getting picked on by the other students. She became this girl's friend and stands up for her when the other kids are being mean.
and then a response from Wheaton on his website
I really try my best to be the person I want other people to be. I don't always succeed, but when I see things like this and hear from people who have been touched or inspired by something I said or did in a positive way, it reminds me how important it is to do everything we can to be awesome.


text:
Strong Enough
Matthew West
You must, You must think I'm strong
To give me what I'm going through.
Well, forgive me
Forgive me if I'm wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own
Well maybe
Maybe that's the point
To reach the point of giving up
Cause when I'm finally
Finally at rock bottom
Well that's when I start looking up
And reaching out
Cause I'm broken
Down to nothing
But I'm still holding on to the one thing
You are God
and you are strong
when I am weak.
I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us
I feel that little needs to be said in addition to this song. This is very exemplary of where my heart is at right now; crying out for God to be my strength when so much has gone so wrong.
"Maybe that's the point, to reach the point of giving up. Cause when I'm finally at rock bottom, that's when I start looking up." A less eloquent version of this line has been running through my head all week, as I've known that I am not alone in all of the troubles I've been dealing with. Giving up was certainly a first thought, yet it was immediately followed by appreciation for the need to rest on God.
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
– 2 Corinthians 2:10


text:
Is it crazy to build your whole look around a pair of shoes? Not if it's Shoesday Tuesday! When it came to these llama-detailed velvet sneaks, it was love at first sight for me. But not buy at first sight. I hemmed and hawed for a couple of weeks, then panicked they would sell out. So…a few secs on my Mac, and they were mine. And now we're together forever, wherever they take me! I mean seriously…are they not the cutest.
Tag: pom poms
Palm Beach Preppy
I'm writing this post at the wee hours of our first day back. With a big 9am presentation looming. But my brain is on overdrive. Speaking of drives. It was a 14 1/2 hour one back to Jersey City from Savannah. Who knew Virginia had that much traffic? Yikes. I drove for maybe 1 1/2 hours? Chris was Superman. All in all, it was a great adventure, though next time (?!?) I'm pretty sure I would vote for breaking the drive back up north by one more stop.
DIY: PomPoms for President!
I wish! Chris and I are about to take off on a looooooong road trip — JC to Delray Beach, Fla. Bowie is coming along too. Call me nuts but I hope this will be a fun hang out, not an I-can't-stand–you experience. We'll see…
Cozy Does It
A few weeks back in February people were actually strolling around in sandals, shorts and tees and dining al fresco. Then March rolled in. It's gotten chillier by the day, and while I'm dying to break out my favorite new Spring pieces, it's still too soon to do it from head-to-toe. But…you can mix in the new (long cardigan, pom pom sneakers and white jeans) with cozier layers you already own (turtleneck sweater, cashmere beanie).


text:
In a double-barreled assault on the White House, FBI Director James B. Comey on Monday knocked back President Trump's claim of wiretapping by the Obama administration and disclosed that the FBI is investigating possible "coordination" between Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russian authorities.
Comey was the most senior U.S. law enforcement official to publicly debunk Trump's extraordinary charges, first made on Twitter on March 4, that President Obama had wiretapped him at Trump Tower.
"I have no information that supports those tweets, and we have looked carefully inside the FBI," Comey told a drama-laced House Intelligence Committee hearing carried live for nearly five hours on cable TV. He added that the Justice Department and its components also had "no information to support" Trump's accusation.
But Comey's rebuke of Trump, which was echoed by Adm. Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency, was overshadowed by disclosure of an active counter-intelligence and criminal investigation aimed at the top ranks of the president's former campaign and potentially the White House.
The FBI is investigating the "nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts," Comey said.
The White House downplayed the investigation into possible collusion by Trump's aides with Russian authorities. "Investigating it and having proof of it are two different things," Sean Spicer, the White House spokesman, told reporters.
Comey said the investigation was undertaken as part of the FBI's counter-intelligence mission and includes "an assessment of whether any crimes were committed."
"I can promise you we will follow the facts wherever they lead," Comey said.
Comey and Rogers refused to say whether the FBI investigation, which began last July, had uncovered any evidence of improper collusion or potential crimes, saying it was inappropriate to discuss an ongoing investigation involving classified sources and information.
Even their limited disclosures raised the possibility that some of Trump's current or former aides could face lengthy investigations and potentially criminal prosecution, saddling the White House with a major scandal.
The national security chiefs' testimony clearly rattled the White House. During the hearing, President Trump tweeted that the FBI and NSA directors had confirmed that "Russia did not influence electoral process."
That led to an unusual exchange in the House hearing room, when Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) asked Comey and Rogers whether the president's tweet had fairly characterized their testimony.
"It certainly wasn't our intention to say that today because we don't have any information on that subject," Comey said carefully.
Earlier Monday, Trump used Twitter to denounce the FBI investigation, as well as separate inquiries by the GOP-led House and Senate intelligence committees, as "Fake news," adding, "The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign."
"There is no evidence of a Trump-Russia collusion and there is no evidence of a Trump-Russia scandal," the White House said later in a statement.
The investigation of a sitting president's campaign by the FBI raises serious procedural and constitutional issues.
Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions already has recused himself from overseeing the FBI investigation after news reports disclosed he had met twice with Sergey Kislyak, Russia's ambassador to the United States, during the campaign but failed to tell the Senate during his confirmation hearing.
As a result, Acting Deputy Atty. Gen. Dana Boente will oversee the investigation. If he is confirmed by the Senate as deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein would be the last word in the case.
Comey is four years into his decade-long term. He can be fired by the president, though that surely would draw comparisons to the resignation of President Nixon's attorney general and the dismissal of the deputy attorney general in the so-called 1973 Saturday Night Massacre during the Watergate investigation.
Underscoring the delicacy of the situation, Comey repeatedly declined to answer lawmakers' questions about the investigation, Republicans' complaints about leaks to the media, or Democrats' attempts to draw him into discussion about which Trump aides might be involved.
"I cannot say more about what we are doing," Comey said.
The FBI director's testimony marked his second time at the center of a politically explosive investigation into the 2016 presidential campaign.
In July, he announced in a lengthy news conference that he was recommending no criminal charges be filed against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for using a private email server while she was secretary of State.
On Oct. 28, less than two weeks before the election, Comey shook up the presidential race by notifying lawmakers that his agents had learned of additional Clinton emails in an unrelated case that "appear pertinent to the investigation."
Although he followed up several days later with a letter to say that the FBI had found nothing to change his earlier recommendation, Democrats blamed Comey for helping sink Clinton's campaign at a crucial point.
On Monday, he spoke in far less detail about the Trump inquiry than he did about the FBI investigation into Clinton. He refused to commit to providing an update or to say when the investigation would be completed.
"I don't know how long the work will take," he said
Comey and Rogers said they stood by a Jan. 6 report by the U.S. intelligence community that said Russian President Vladimir Putin had approved an intelligence operation in an effort to hurt Clinton and to help Trump.
They also repeated that U.S. agencies did not try to assess whether the Russian effort, which included the hacking of Democratic National Committee computers and leaks of emails that embarrassed the Clinton campaign, had swayed public opinion or affected any votes on election day.
Both said they were surprised by the openness of the Russian operation.
"It's almost as if they didn't care that we knew what they were doing or that they wanted us to see what they were doing," Comey said. "It was very noisy, their intrusions in different institutions."
Republicans on the House committee focused their questions on leaks of classified information to the media about Trump's current and former aides, rather than on the investigation of Russian meddling.
Few offered any public defense of Trump's continued claims of wiretapping or of contacts between his aides and Russian authorities. Several sought to limit the political damage by questioning whether Putin actively sought to help Trump.
"Don't you think it's ridiculous to say the Russians prefer Republicans over Democrats?" asked Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), the committee chairman.
In contrast, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), the top Democrat on the panel, recounted numerous reports of contacts between senior members of Trump's campaign team and current and former Russian officials.
Several top Trump aides, including his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, and his former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, were forced out because of those contacts.
Other Democrats questioned Comey about the Trump team's removal of Republican Party platform language calling for arming Ukraine in its fight against pro-Russian separatists, as well former Trump advisor Roger Stone's contacts with pro-Russian hackers.
Several Democrats unsuccessfully pressed Comey to confirm some details in a dossier of unverified allegations against Trump and his associates that was written by a former British intelligence officer and made public in January by BuzzFeed.
"Is it possible that all of these events and reports are completely unrelated and nothing more than an entirely unhappy coincidence? Yes, it is possible," Schiff said. "But it is also possible, maybe more than possible, that they are not coincidental, not disconnected and not unrelated."
Schiff added that if Trump associates did collaborate with Russia, it would be a "potential crime" and "one of the most shocking betrayals of democracy in history."
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) pressed Comey to say whether the FBI was investigating leaks to the media that disclosed Flynn's conversations with the Russian ambassador, which apparently were picked up inadvertently on NSA communications intercepts.
"The name of a U.S. citizen that was supposed to be statutorily protected is no longer protected," Gowdy said.
"I don't want to confirm it by saying we are investigating," Comey said. "Be assured we are going to take it very seriously."
Twitter: @davidcloudLAT


text:
Reagan's Mob Connections Hid
A long time friend of Reagan, the powerful and connected Lew Wasserman — Chairman and CEO of MCA (Music Corporation of America), the parent of Universal Studios, until 1990 when it was sold to Matsushita for $6.6 billion — protected Reagan from any taint of ''dirty'' money. Wasserman was "connected," but that it was not known precisely how and few wanted to know. Julius Stein and Wasserman had had little choice — in order to succeed in show business in their day, they had to deal with the Mob — especially Stein, who started out in Al Capone's Chicago, and formed a liaison with James Petrillo, the head of the American Federation of Musicians local in Chicago and, eventually, its national president. They did what they had to do — in the world of the ''Great Depression''. When MCA bought Universal Studios, federal regulators forced Wasserman to dissolve MCA's agency wing because MCA was representing performers as their agent while its production company was hiring them; as this violated anti-trust laws in 1962. Wasserman made an estimated $350 million from the sale, and was retained as a manager. When Seagram bought MCA in 1995, he retired from management, but remained on the board of directors until 1998. Paradoxically, he was a committed Democratic and one of Bill Clinton's earliest backers.
I'd Trust Him Over Reagan Any Day!
In an recent article John Waters reminds all that Connie Bruck stated in her book on Lew Wasserman When Hollywood Had a King: The Reign of Lew Wasserman, Who Leveraged Talent into Power and Influence, that Reagan used to go out whoring with the Hollywood mob fixer and lawyer Sidney Korshak. He was a confidant of several studio heads and negotiated corporate mergers, political deals and labor settlements behind the scenes. He became almost as renowned for his penchant for anonymity as his backroom dominance. Part of his cache was the ability to serve as a liaison between corporate titans and underworld chieftains.
The "Doonesbury" strip from July 11th, 1979
Sidenote: Connie Bruck's book is more epic, covering as it does the business careers of Jules Stein and Lew Wassermann from the 1920s into the 21st Century in addition to telling the history of their company MCA and the industry they "ruled". There is not much surprising celebrity scandal that unfolds, except some strong hints that Ronald Reagan was a charming empty suit who received many sweetheart deals from the industry and he gave back in return. In some ways the Wasserman life story told here is one of the rise and fall, the young mans glory being used by younger students against him. And even though MCA associated with the mob and the mob with them Wasserman gave heavily to his industry and charity. Bruck makes such correlations with consummate precision while preserving, throughout her examination of Wasserman ("a shark you almost had to admire as he circled you") the nuances of his multi-dimensional humanity. Wasserman's fondness came from Reagan being the star that earned him his first million dollar contract.
Also Iran-contra, Nikki Finke reports: Henry Denker, a well-known theater, TV and radio writer penned a thinly disguised ''roman à clef'' about the "TCA" talent agency, its ties with the mob and a has-been actor turned Western state governor. The Kingmaker disappeared soon after publication, reportedly because Wasserman had it deep-sixed. It remains one of the hardest books about Hollywood to find. More easier to find is mystery and screenplay author Roger L. Simon's 2nd ''Moses Wine'' novel ''Wild Turkey'' which features mobster ''Meyer Greenglass'' who is clearly based on Sidney Korshak and deals with a mystery that focuses on that era in Hollywood.
Crusading muckraker Dan E. Moldea shows the three were connected as the rise of MCA and its move to Hollywood paralleled the rise of the Chicago Mafia and its infiltration of the motion picture industry. While MCA was representing some of the top motion picture stars, Chicago mobsters took control of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the major Hollywood labor union — through Willie Bioff, a small-time hood, who was supervised by Chicago mob lieutenant Johnny Roselli. Though soon Hollywood was told Sidney Korshak was their representative.
No One Asks Why The Media Gave
Reagan A ''Pass'' On A Charge of Rape
But Everyone is Ready To Give Kitty Kelly
A Kick To Her Crotch
On what was called "The Battle of the Couch" by Kitty Kelley, she describe a date rape-like situation involving then 19 year old Selene Walters and Reagan. Further, in the April 29, 1991, issue of People Magazine, Selene Walters said that 42 year old Ronald Reagan raped her in 1952 confirming the basic version of the episode in Kelly's unauthorized biography of Nancy Reagan:
" … Kelley's account of his late-night visit is essentially accurate,
although he never forced his way into her apartment. I opened
the door. Then it was the battle of the couch. I was fighting him.
I didn't want him to make love to me. He's a very big man, and
he just had his way. Date rape? No, God, no, that's Kelley's phrase.
I didn't have a chance to have a date with him. … "
In their editor at large Jack Shafer's March 5, 1999 Slate article, Gipper the Ripper: - "… Ronald Reagan successfully stonewalled the Walters' story when the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times picked it up briefly in April 1991. And remember, this was three and a half years before his Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. The weekend the book was released, a reporter asked Reagan for a comment about it as he entered church.
"... I don't think a church would be the proper place to use the word I
would have to use in discussing that," he said.
Not exactly a denial."
Losing Wyman Drove Ronnie Into The Arms of Hookers
Kelley other insight into Reagan's character comes off even worse: After the breakup of his marriage to Wyman and before he met Nancy, Reagan had an affair with starlet Jacqueline Park, later the mistress of Warner Bros. studio boss Jack Warner. Park told Kelley that when the two began dating, Reagan couldn't perform sexually. I think he was still suffering withdrawal pains from Jane Wyman. Throughout their liaison, Park said, "He never took me out in public, never gave me a present and never ever paid for a cab for me." According to Park, when she became pregnant; Reagan denied that the child was his and ended the affair. When questioned later Jacqueline Park admitted Kelley quoted her fairly accurately: " … When I told him I was pregnant, he said he didn't want to have anything to do with me anymore. He just ran out on me. …"
Assorted Miscellaneous Information
You Can Use To Stymie Reagan Youth
From Kevin Jeys article October 29, 1998 Elective Affinities, Part II:
"… The sexual shenanigans of Ronald and Nancy Reagan were never a secret. Both were most relentlessly promiscuous while in Hollywood, locus of the nation's largest, longest, strongest and most obsessively tended gossip grapevine. Many a starlet seeking studio entree via the well-traveled smile-and-spread circuit hopefully ungirdled her loins and passed under Reagan, while Nancy's name was routinely circulated among executives in search of a fast and practiced backseat blowjob. … Though until Kitty Kelley I'd never heard the tale of how Reagan blithely bounced the bedsprings with lover Christine Larson while wife Nancy struggled to give birth to daughter Patti, I was one of probably millions of Americans cognizant of the open joke of Nancy's cuckolding of Ronnie with longtime lover Frank Sinatra in the residence quarters of the White House, and anyone in the nation who paid attention to the numbers—and could count even to nine — realized Nancy was four months pregnant when she pledged to Ron "I do." …"
The above referenced in Jackson Thoreau's article" Republicans Involved in Sex Scandals as Much as Democrats in the section — The affairs of Reagan and the conservatives who went after Clinton — " … Ronald Reagan was revered by conservatives … But how many know about Reagan's extramarital affairs, including how he reportedly had sex with mistress Christine Larson as Nancy Reagan gave birth to daughter Patti? Or that he was regularly known to engage in extramarital sex with various Hollywood wannabe actresses?"
Nancy's Revenge
We should also mention that Nancy was among the many Hollywood housewives who revenge themselves on philandering husbands by a visit to Uncle Miltie:
You know the old story about Milton and Forrest Tucker having big _______, right? I guess Berle and Tuck both had ones in the 12" to 16" neighborhood. The show biz guys all had a steam room they went to in New York. Jackie Gleason was horsing around one afternoon, and decided he wanted to measure them to see who's was bigger. Berle allegedly had the advantage by about 2 inches. Gleason said, "Come on Milt, just take enough out to win the bet for me."
Dick Shawn described being in the steam room with Berle this way, "I didn't have my glasses on. I thought he had a small child standing next to him… until I realized it was his ______." But the quote seems more akin to Buddy Hackett.
The Hollywood A-List has this to say about Nancy in a nastier manner: ''"The eminence grise(ly) in the Reagan White House. Used astrology to determine policy decisions. Slept with Frank Sinatra in the White House itself. Personally pro-choice but kept quiet and supported anti-choice actions for her husband's career. Former "Hostess Girl Escort'' for the studios when they needed to recruit investors or starpower; Famous for giving the best head in Hollywood in her day according to Peter Lawford. Was three months pregnant when she married Ronnie. Failed to say ''no'' to pot at least once. Supposedly verbally abused her children. Went to orgies with Alfred and Betsy Bloomingdale with Ronnie.
Sexually linked with:
- Milton Berle,
- Yul Brynner,
- Clark Gable,
- Peter Lawford,
- Frank Sinatra,
- Spencer Tracy,
- Vicki Morgan, and
- Mike Wallace.
YMMV - Sparky