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Whether you're shopping online or in a brick-and-mortar store, finding and tracking deals takes some work. Some of these 10 incredibly useful sites can help you nab the best bargains.
We've also gathered several online services that offer practical assistance for when you're traveling halfway across the country or when you're simply stepping out for dinner.
We looked at a total of 52 incredibly useful sites. For the others, check out the stories below.
- 16 Productivity-Enhancing Websites
- 13 Terrific Sites for Managing Media and Sharing Files
- 13 Top-Notch Web Services for Business and Communication
- 52 Incredibly Useful Sites: The Full List
Find What You Want
Looking for an obscure item can be frustrating. TheFind will scour the Web for any product, revealing sales, coupons, and shipping deals to get you the best bargain.
Nerdy Wish Lists
Having trouble keeping track of all the hot gadgets you've been lusting after? Droolr gives you socially driven shopping lists of the wildest, weirdest, and coolest gear on the Web.
Tech Shopping Assistant
If you're struggling with choosing a digital camera, start by reading our camera buying guide. If you're still stuck, give Measy a whirl. While this quiz-based decision maker isn't exactly scientific, it can help you weigh the factors that matter most to you and zero in on a good selection.
Worldwide Coupon Clipper
You know what you want, and you know where to buy it. Now let RetailMeNot close the gap between your shopping cart and your bank account by looking up coupon codes for more than 50,000 stores. If the product you're buying has a discount code available anywhere, chances are this site will find it.
Move Up to Free Shipping
When you're 87 cents away from getting free shipping on your Amazon purchase, you need a filler item. Filler Item Finder will help you find a cheap but useful item to push your purchase total over the top.
Know What You're Eating
Do you have any idea how much fat is in the burger you're eating? If you log on to Nutrition Data, you can find out in seconds. The site offers nutrition information for most major chains, and makes analyzing recipes for nutrient content easy. Plus, you'll get a healthy serving of expert blogs and commentary to slice through the latest health-food fads.
Get a Table Anywhere
Don't waste time calling every restaurant in town to find a reservation for your next date night or business lunch. OpenTable will save you a spot at some 12,000 restaurants around the world.
Frugal Fuel Finder
If you just pull into the closest service station whenever your tank runs low, you're probably burning money as well as gasoline.
But if you punch your current location into GasBuddy.com, you'll get a list of gas prices for filling stations near you in the United States and Canada that are sorted by price and updated within the last 36 hours.
The site also tells you the average price of gas in each state or province.
Get the Best Seat on Any Plane
Unless you're willing to spend big bucks, any airline seat you occupy is bound to leave you with some aches and pains. But you can improve your odds of having a comfortable trip if you arm yourself with a little knowledge in advance. At SeatExpert you can key in your travel information to find the best seat locations for nearly any flight.
Bathroom Locator
When you gotta go, don't settle for just any old commode. Sit or Squat helps you locate the nearest clean, accessible restroom to your current location.


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When the world finally sees Natalie Portman as a surprisingly convincing ballerina in Black Swan today, they'll largely have Benjamin Millepied to thank. Millepied, an accomplished choreographer and principal dancer with New York City Ballet, worked with Darren Aronofsky, Portman (now reportedly his girlfriend), and co-star Mila Kunis on the film's dance sequences and portrayal of the ballet world. Millepied spoke to Vulture from Prague, where he's choreographing a commercial for the French high-speed train.
How were you first brought on? Did Darren tell you why he'd singled you out?
First I was contacted by one of the producers; they said he was looking for a choreographer and wanted to come in and watch rehearsals of a new ballet I was working on. I didn't know what they were looking for at the time, they were very secretive! He didn't say much, but since the ballet had a bit of a bird quality it appealed to him. It was funny that the modernist score would appeal to Darren; the recording was of the Kronos Quartet, which recorded Requiem for a Dream. But he really liked what he saw, so they brought me into the office and said, "Read the entire script in a room." I couldn't take it with me! So we talked about it, he said we're in business, next thing we have to do is meet Natalie and see how you guys get along, because obviously she had to be comfortable with me.
The relationship between dance partners is a really intimate one based on a lot of trust — difficult to develop even between longtime members of the same company. How did that evolve with Natalie?
We got along right away; she's very, very professional, not difficult — there's no attitude there. Mila entered later — Darren was looking for someone for a while and then one day he called me and said, "There's this girl, she's perfect for it, she's saying she's done some dancing, but I'm not so sure it's true!" He'd already hired her [laughs]. I had to find a coach for Mila, but Natalie already had one for six to nine months, from City Ballet. It was funny, the first steps of me seeing them both in class, we did it through Skype. I was just watching to try to get a sense of the level they were at.
From a dance perspective, what did you think of the film, initially?
I was taken with it in the sense that it was a page-turner; I wanted to know what was going to happen. It was a lot different then; it had more clichés, it was more campy, but as Darren got closer to the film, he talked to a lot more people in the ballet world, and things really evolved quite a bit. I saw a lot of cool choreographing opportunities, but I was nervous about it. Swan Lake is the most difficult thing to portray for a female ballet dancer; it really requires such specific qualities of articulation, agility, strength, and the arm work is something that takes a lot of training. I wasn't necessarily thinking it was going to be a piece of cake.
Natalie seems to have worked herself ragged …
Natalie was doing cardio every day, swimming in the morning. Even when we went to bed at eleven, she'd get up super-early, work out two hours before getting back on set, just to get herself going for the day, and to tone her arms. It was really very impressive discipline. She had a right-hand person to make sure she was always warm, not going to hurt herself, to remind her of everything she'd learned throughout the process. To me, what was very much a relief was that Natalie was a sponge — the first class, I gave her very strict basics about the body, and you have to do it every day for the body to catch on, and I was really happy between the first and second day she assimilated extremely quickly. She has that spongelike intelligence with her body. She's obviously smart, but there are a lot of smart people who can't move.
It's fairly noticeable that Mila doesn't do much actual, er, dancing in the film, and she herself has admitted she has two left feet. Your thoughts?
Well, Mila was different from Natalie. She simply didn't have as much dancing to do; I think that's the way the part was written … I saw her lose weight throughout the process for the part — she wasn't exactly not thin before. She worked a little bit, but it wasn't nearly comparable to Natalie. But she doesn't have two left feet! But she did like being lifted. Natalie on the other hand is a physical person; she's been interested in dance for a long time. So it came more naturally to her. It was more difficult for Mila.
What was the hardest thing to learn for both girls?
I think a lot of the wrists and hands were an issue with Mila. Bending and having fluid arms. And I would say probably what I was most on Natalie's case with was also bending her elbows. She did hours and hours of exercises to get the swan arms right.
At what point was the decision made that you'd actually be in the movie, playing Natalie's partner? Did that come directly from Darren or Natalie?
I was reading the script and partnering every day, and one day I called one of the producers and said, "I don't want to be presumptuous, but it's a very small role, do you think I could mention it to Darren?" And they were like, "Well, it's a low budget film … " But Natalie and Mila were comfortable with me at that point, and it made it so much easier — I was like a puppeteer to some extent sometimes. The kind of partnering we did in the film, it's a lot of movement, and it helped having a real dancer behind them. It would have made things impossible for me to teach an actor to partner. Whether it was me or not who did it, Darren was smart to allow it. I think he'd already thought of it by the time I mentioned it, so it was just a matter of making it happen. If the role had required some acting, it would have probably gone to someone else, but I didn't have to do any reading for Darren till the day I was on set.
The back-stabby dynamics of the girls in the company seem somewhat over-dramatized in the movie — are they?
Listen, it's hard to be a girl in these companies … it's obviously not quite the way it is in the film, but I'm not going to say there isn't a lot of competition in the corps of a big company. People knock on the director's door all the time, everyone thinks they should be a principal dancer, there are broken dreams. Most dancers have no awareness of how they look; half of them think they're fat. There is anorexia in the ballet world; there are those things. It's all things that are very alive, but the film's of course campy at times.
You've obviously had a taste of fame with this whole experience — is it odd to go back and forth between the ballet world and that of the red carpet? Or are your worlds more integrated now?
It is a back-and-forth, and there's really work in both; it's basically hard to stay in shape to dance. But I've been learning a lot of other things; the kind of precision of how much thought goes into a scene, what it has to convey, the amount of questions these people ask themselves. Directing is very close to choreography; you deal with space, time, emotions, lighting, making beautiful images. There is a definite tie. It's been nice to have that experience; you can get so closed-minded in the ballet world, it can become the only thing that exists, that matters. I'm starting to get back in shape now — now I really miss it, actually. It's been too long!

subset: commoncrawl


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Newborn Photography
Looking to capture your newest addition to the family looking as cute and cuddly as ever? Newborn sessions are the perfect way to ensure you have this precious memory of your child forever.
Newborn Booking Information
A little information upon booking your newborn session. It is best to book three months in advance to be guaranteed the best timing for your baby of 5 to 14 days old. Of course, we can still get a session after 14 days old, however, the baby is less sleepy/flexible after that time frame.
Newborn Sessions – What To Expect:
Tips on how to prepare for your newborn session.
– I recommend feeding baby just before your arrival. Please bring extra food to keep baby topped up and happy.
– Please dress baby in a zip up or button down so we don't wake him or her from pulling a onesie over their head.
– My Home studio is heated so please dress in lighter clothes. Outfits and wraps are provided for the baby.
– A warm bath is a great way to get baby relaxed and sleepy before a session.
– If you'd like to have photos done with your bundle of joy, your more then welcome to join for an additional cost. Adjacent to the studio is a separate toy room for toddlers or pre-schoolers to come and join in when it is there turn with the baby.
– I have a full studio of props, however, if you'd like to bring sentimental items to include in your photos your more then welcome to.
I also offer other variations of Newborn photography including:
Newborn Photography (with Family & Children)


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For the second straight week, the Green Bay Packers lose in OT. This is their 3rd loss of the season by exactly 3 points. It's the 3rd loss of the season that could be blamed directly on their special teams play.
For the 3rd season in a row, I don't know what special teams coach Shawn Slocum has to do to get fired. His units are always awful, and have held them back the last three seasons. The last time they were any good (2007), the Packers ran away with the NFC North. This was an especially tough game for them because the one major mistake (a 5 yard penalty on LB Robert Francois that turned a punt into an eventual Dolphins TD) was a mental/coaching mistake. And they got outplayed by the Dolphins, who came into this game with the 2nd worst special teams unit in the NFL according to Football Outsiders. The team could easily be 6-0 if they just hadn't had awful special teams play.
The injury to LB Clay Matthews was a major problem, as the defense had zero pass rush without him. This was something I was worried about back in March and April, when they let DE Aaron Kampman leave and failed to draft a pass rusher. Neither one of those decisions was bad in itself, but obviously its left them with a punchless rush when missing Matthews.
Despite all the disappointment, there were obviously a lot of players working their tail off to make this a close game. The defensive line has zero depth due to all the injuries, but DE Cullen Jenkins and NT B.J. Raji (plus a good game from rookie starter DE C.J. Wilson) played hard throughout the game though they had to have been exhausted. The offense clearly missed the two absent starters (TE Jermichael Finley and RT Mark Tauscher) as they only attempted 3 passes to their tight ends and rookie RT Bryan Bulaga gave up multiple sacks, but QB Aaron Rodgers was great again and the offense averaged over 6 yards per play.


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611 N. Wilcox St
Castle Rock, CO 80104
Local winery
Stopped by the new Purgatory Cellars Winery in Castle Rock today and tried some great local wines. Learned about Amphora style winemaking from Jordan and picked up a few bottles of their Chardonnay Amphora. Opening a bottle now! Welcome to the neighborhood!
— at Purgatory Cellars.
Deb Dysert


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Russia, Iran and Turkey, supporters of the main sides in Syria's complex civil war, on Tuesday failed to agree on the makeup of a UN-sponsored Syrian Constitutional Committee but called for it to convene early next year to kick off a viable peace process.
In a joint statement read out by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after the trio met UN Syria peace envoy Staffan de Mistura in Geneva, they said the new initiative should be guided "by a sense of compromise and constructive engagement."
The foreign ministers of the three nations had hoped to seal their joint proposal on a committee — which could usher in elections — and win UN blessing for it.
But the statement by the three made no mention of the composition of the panel, pointing to lingering disagreement over lists of candidates submitted by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his rebel adversaries.
Mevlut Cavusoglu, speaking to Turkish state media, said only that the three powers had made "important contributions" to the creation of the panel and that suggested names were assessed.
"The UN will of course carry out necessary work on the nominated names in the coming process," Cavusoglu said.
De Mistura, addressing a separate news conference, made clear the three powers had not nailed down a workable political forum yet, after years of abortive attempts at ending a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced around half of Syria's pre-war 22 million population.
'Extra mile'
"I believe there is an extra mile to go in the marathon effort to ensure the necessary package for a credible, balanced and inclusive constitutional committee, and for including a balanced chairing arrangement and drafting body and voting threshold — to be established under UN auspices in Geneva."
De Mistura, who steps down on Dec. 31 after four years, has struggled since January to clinch a deal on the identity of 150 members of the committee.
He said he would brief UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday and the UN Security Council on Thursday. He expected his successor Geir Pedersen to build on his work and "focus on the purely political aspect" at the conflict's end.
President Bashar al-Assad's government and the opposition fighting to topple him have each submitted a roster of 50 names. But Russia, Iran and Turkey have haggled over the final 50 members from civil society and "independent" backgrounds.
Assad, whose forces have reclaimed most of Syria with Russian and Iranian support apart from Idlib, a northwestern province, has clung to power throughout the conflict and is widely seen as being loath to yield power after it ends.
The Damascus government has previously brushed off UN-led efforts to set up a constitutional committee.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Tuesday: "We [have] always insisted on a political solution led and owned by Syrians. The West has now been compelled to accept this. But it needs to facilitate; not dictate."
Turkey supports rebels who control part of northwest Syria. A year ago, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan described Assad as a terrorist and said it was impossible for Syrian peacemaking efforts to continue with him.
Cavusoglu said on Sunday that Turkey and other nations would consider working with Assad if he won a democratic election.


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Designed to help reduce stress for autistic passengers. Uses JNCTION's new stress calculating algorithm technology.
When there is disruption on a route, Aubin suggests alternative routes or modes of travel by using the user's saved preferences to help the traveller get to their destination.
Aubin includes a digital autism alert card to assist passengers who find verbal communication with communication with other passengers and transport staff.
Aubin includes an emergency call function to contact a parent or friend quickly and easily.
There are roughly 700,000 people classified as being on the autistic spectrum in the UK today, and for many travelling on the railways can be a stressful and even overwhelming experience.
Unexpected changes when travelling – over 52% of autistic people said that a "Fear of unexpected changes" prevented them from travelling on public transport (National Autistic Society) Both the journey planner and travel companion can pre-warn users of changes in their journey
What is Aubin?
Aubin is a new journey planner app designed with the autistic community, for the autistic community. Unlike other journey planner apps, Aubin combines journey planner and travel companion and calculates the least stressful journey for the user, not the fastest or cheapest.
What challenges does Aubin address?
Using new route planning technology and detailed descriptions of each transport interchange and routes, Aubin finds the least stressful route for the user. In the event of a disruption, Aubin will also suggest alternative routes or modes of travel by using saved preferences to help the user get to their destination.
What are the benefits of Aubin?
For many autistic people, travel on public transport can stressful and confusing, with many avoiding using it altogether. Aubin is designed to give autistic users confidence and help make independent travel more practical, encouraging more people on the autistic spectrum to travel by rail.
How to get Aubin
Aubin is currently in development and will be available soon.


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HTML::CalendarMonth::Locale - Front end class for DateTime::Locale
use HTML::CalendarMonth::Locale;
my $loc = HTML::CalendarMonth::Locale->new( code => 'en-US' );
# list of days of the week for locale
my @days = $loc->days;
# list of months of the year for locale
my @months = $loc->months;
# the name of the current locale, as supplied the code parameter to
# new()
my $locale_name = $loc->code;
# the actual DateTime::Locale object
my $loc = $loc->loc;
HTML::CalendarMonth utilizes the powerful locale capabilities of DateTime::Locale for rendering its calendars. The default locale is 'en-US' but many others are available. To see this list, invoke the class method HTML::CalendarMonth::Locale->locales() which in turn invokes DateTime::Locale::codes().
This module is mostly intended for internal usage within HTML::CalendarMonth, but some of its functionality may be of use for developers:
Constructor. Takes the following parameters:
Locale code, e.g. 'en-US'.
Specifies whether full day names or their abbreviations are desired. Default 0, use abbreviated days.
Specifies whether full month names or their abbreviations are desired. Default 1, use full months.
Returns the locale code used during object construction.
Accessor method for the DateTime::Locale class, which in turn offers several class methods of specific interest. See DateTime::Locale.
Returns a hash of all available locales, mapping their code to their full name.
Accessor method for the DateTime::Locale instance as specified by code. See DateTime::Locale.
Lists all available locale codes. Equivalent to locale()->codes(), or DateTime::Locale->codes().
Returns a list of days of the week, Sunday first. These are the actual unique day strings used for rendering calendars, so depending on which attributes were provided to new(), this list will either be abbreviations or full names. The default uses abbreviated day names. Returns a list in list context or an array ref in scalar context.
Returns a list of short day abbreviations, beginning with Sunday. The narrow abbreviations are not guaranteed to be unique (i.e. 'S' for both Sat and Sun).
Provides a hash reference containing minimal case-insensitive match strings for each day of the week, e.g., 'sa' for Saturday, 'm' for Monday, etc.
Returns a list of months of the year, beginning with January. Depending on which attributes were provided to new(), this list will either be full names or abbreviations. The default uses full names. Returns a list in list context or an array ref in scalar context.
Returns a list of short month abbreviations, beginning with January. The narrow abbreviations are not guaranteed to be unique.
Provides a hash reference containing minimal case-insensitive match strings for each month of the year, e.g., 'n' for November, 'ja' for January, 'jul' for July, 'jun' for June, etc.
Provides a hash reference containing day of week indices for each fully qualified day name as returned by days().
Provides the day of week index for a particular day name.
Provides the fully qualified day name for a given string or day index.
Provides a hash reference containing month of year indices for each fully qualified month name as returned by months().
Provides the month of year index for a particular month name.
Provides the month name for a given string or month index.
This is the method used to generate the case-insensitive minimal match hash referenced above. Given an arbitrary list, a hash reference will be returned with minimal match strings as keys and the original strings as values.
Same as minmatch_hash, except keys are forced to lower case.
Returns a number from 0 to 6 representing the first day of the week for this locale, where 0 represents Sunday.
Matthew P. Sisk, <email@example.com>
Copyright (c) 2010-2015 Matthew P. Sisk. All rights reserved. All wrongs revenged. This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself.
HTML::CalendarMonth(3), DateTime::Locale(3)
To install HTML::CalendarMonth, copy and paste the appropriate command in to your terminal.
cpanm HTML::CalendarMonth
CPAN shell
perl -MCPAN -e shell
install HTML::CalendarMonth
For more information on module installation, please visit the detailed CPAN module installation guide.


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(HealthDay News) — Bone scan, liver ultrasound, and chest radiograph are of little value in staging evaluations of patients with primary breast cancer, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual Breast Cancer Symposium, held from Sept. 13 to 15 in San Francisco.
Stuart-Allison Moffat Staley, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, conducted a literature review and included eight relevant articles with the primary outcome of detection rates. False-positive and false-negative rates were also reviewed.
The author found that detection rates for bone scan according to stage were: 1.29 percent for Stage I; 3.09 percent for Stage II; 2.43 percent for Stage I and II; and 12.5 percent for Stage III. For liver ultrasound, detection rates were: 0.47 percent for Stage I; 1.00 percent for Stage II; 0.82 percent for Stage I and II; and 4.20 percent for Stage III. Rates for chest radiograph were: 0 percent for Stage I; 0.42 percent for Stage II; 0.51 percent for Stage I and II; and 4.57 percent for Stage III.
Continue Reading
"Our literature analysis suggests that these three tests are of little use in screening women for metastases, and likely result in a lot of false negatives in early-stage disease," Staley said in a statement. "A full picture would require a head-to-head comparison of these radiological tests with more sensitive imaging, such as computed tomography or positron emission tomography."


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The Pen is mightier than the sword
Repository Of Information
fortress, #solitude, repository, information
Gathering the Pack
journey, lone, wolves, gathering, pack, fractal, #solitude, solitary, death, life, rebirth, insanity, spiritual, suffering, truth, knowledge, wisdom, community, family, hope, inspiration, love, emptiness, beauty, hopeless, strength, pride, passion
Creative Solitude: The Pen is mightier than the Sword
Free forum : A Place for Deep Thoughts and Friendship
free, fortress, #solitude, place, deep, thoughts, friendship
EVE Soldiers of Solitude Alliance
soldiers, #solitude, alliance, corporations, information, passed
Free forum : This is the ultimate Naruto RP site. It takes place during Early Shippuden.
free, naruto:, #solitude, this, ultimate, naruto, site, takes, place, during, early, shippuden


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Jana Prikryl Launches No Matter: Poems
Poet Sina Queyras talks to Jana Prikryl about her new collection, No Matter.
JANA PRIKRYL is the author of two books of poems, No Matter and The After Party, which was one of The New York Times's Best Poetry Books of the Year. Born in the former Czechoslovakia, she grew up in Canada from the age of six. Her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, The London Review of Books, The Paris Review, and The New York Review of Books, where she is a senior editor and the poetry editor.
About the book:
An urgent, visionary collection of poems from the author of The After Party
"One of the most original voices of her generation."—James Wood
Jana Prikryl's No Matter guides the reader through cities—remembered and imagined—toppling past the point of decline and fall. Conjured by voices alternately ardent, caustic, grieving, but always watchful, these soliloquies move from free verse through sonnets and invented forms, insisting that every demolition builds something new and unforeseen. In reactionary times, these poems say, we each have a responsibility to use our imagination.
No Matter is an elegy for our ongoing moment, when what seemed permanent suddenly appears to be on the brink of disappearing.
Librairie Drawn & Quarterly recognizes that our events and bookstores are located on the unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka. Many of us refer to Montreal as our home, but it is named Tiohtiá:ke. This has always been a gathering place for many First Nations and continues to be home to a diverse population of Indigenous peoples. It is important to think about how each and every one of us has arrived here. We are grateful that creating and sharing stories has been a part of this land for thousands of years and we urge you to seek out a story that is different from your own.
La Petite Drawn and Quarterly Accessibility information:
– Our event space uses StopGap.ca ramps in an effort to encourage accessibility. Both the step at the entrance, followed by a half step and a door have StopGap ramps. The door opens inward and is not automated. Once inside, there are no additional steps.
– It is not a sober space, our events sometimes offer alcohol.
♥ Please email firstname.lastname@example.com if you have any accessibility needs we can accommodate (for example, saving you a seat if you have mobility needs) for you to be able to enjoy our events, worry-free, and feel free to contact us for any concerns you may have ♥


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|Exploring the Possibilities
|Finished Stocking
I'm still working on the Apron Pattern. I've been making heads and the different hair styles and making sure they all fit together correctly. Checking through it all is perhaps the most tedious of the process but most important. I do end up with quite a few heads and hairpieces which I will use in later creations. The creative process is the really fun part of this endeavor!


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Originally serialized in Japan from 2014 through 2017, Gengoroh Tagame's My Brother's Husband received its first English translation release this year, courtesy of Pantheon Books. Volume one contains the manga's first fourteen chapters, so it's a hefty introduction to the series. My Brother's Husband revolves around Yaichi, a Japanese single father, Kana, his daughter, and Mike, the husband of Yaichi's dead brother Ryoji. The manga begins with Mike coming to Japan in order to see where Ryoji grew up, and over the course of the volume Yaichi must confront his homophobia and that of Japanese society at large. So, is it good?
This manga is about as close to flawless as a comic can get. Writing-wise, Tagame is a powerhouse. Each of the three central characters has their own unique and consistent voice, and all of them deal with the series' conflicts in different but emotionally moving ways. Yaichi is perhaps the manga's most conflicted character, struggling with his love for his dead brother and his growing fondness for Mike, all while still having homophobic thoughts and beliefs that he questions. Tagame renders such moments of questioning by pairing panels depicting Yaichi's actual actions with illustrated thought balloons showing his knee-jerk, bigoted thoughts. It's an effective strategy for conveying how Yaichi navigates his own beliefs and impulses. By displaying both the vocalized and the non-vocalized at once, Tagame impressively handles his subject matter in ways that mediums other than comics either could not do or could only do less effectively. He knows the strengths of the art form, and utilizes them well.
In addition to being a powerhouse writer, Tagame is a powerhouse artist. The rich depth of character conveyed throughout thoughts and dialogue is matched by the depth of emotion conveyed in characters' facial expressions and body language. Some of the volume's most moving panels are ones in which nothing is said; rather, we are allowed to feel the characters' shifting emotions through the ways their facial expressions change, from horror to calm and from sadness to moments of joy. The world the characters inhabit is also well-drawn, with strong shading and texture work that make the backgrounds of panels every bit as emotive as the foregrounds.
Another positive aspect of the storytelling in My Brother's Husband is its pacing. The story moves along as what feels like just the perfect speed, as characters bond and open up to each other at a believable pace. There's a palpable tension between Yaichi and Mike at the very beginning, and Tagame's handling of said tension (and the way it largely dissipates by the volume's final chapters) is superb. While Yaichi has homophobic thoughts and struggles to understand Ryoji and Mike's relationship, he makes conscious efforts not to act out on his bigotry, and not to pass on any such hatred or worries to Kana. As the volume progresses, more attention begins to be paid to homophobia in the characters' hometown and country. Watching the characters' shift focus from their own conflicts to those thrust upon them by other people does a lot in terms of making this volume feel like an organic and fully-realized depiction of homosexuality (and life in proximity to it) in Japan. As a result, the deeply character-focused drama feels believably immersed in its larger cultural context.
My Brother's Husband Vol. 1 is nearly flawless, and easily one of the best comics (manga or western) I've read all year. Its emotional potency cannot be overstated, as it handles themes of loss, bigotry, and societal pressure honestly and movingly while still managing to be a "feel good" read. The characters' joy and love for each other are infectious, and this volume is difficult to put down. Tagame is a natural at utilizing the comic format to its highest potential, and I can't recommend this book enough.
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- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
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Rock im park
Rock im park
Originally uploaded by juergenhoesch
Recieved the ticket for this festival a few minutes ago! So it is final, I'll be there. Listening to all those great bands like Metallica, The Prodigy, Nightwish, Kid Rock and much more. Definately one of the highlights this year.


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GLDS Set to Take the Show on the Road this Spring
The weather's getting warmer, baseball is back and the school year is winding down.
Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year, and with that in mind, Great Lakes Data Systems is pleased to announce that representatives from the company will be bringing the show on the road at three upcoming events. Let's take a look at where you can find us:
- The Cable Show: Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from April 29 through May 1, The Cable Show is the place to be if you're an Internet or television professional. With over 12,000 colleagues in attendance, conference-goers are certain to find business opportunities, build new relationships and learn about the cutting-edge trends that are pervading their respective markets. The show features leaders in the broadband, advanced technology and content creation spaces. According to the conference's website, attendees will "come away with actionable intelligence that helps advance [their] organization and role in it." We have a limited number of complimentary exhibit hall passes which are on a first come, first served basis. Click here to request one. You can also register here. GLDS will be at Booth #2337. Don't forget to come say hello!
- The GLDS 2014 Users' Conference: We're kicking off this year's user group with a reception on May 19 at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa. This year's conference will formally take place between May 20 and May 22, and offers the latest in technical information as well as hands-on training. After taking a deep dive into a full day of sessions, we'll be hitting the town together for some mingling and fine dining. Please click here for more information about the event.
- ANGACOM: If you're unable to see us in California, why not head over to the ANGACOM Exhibition and Congress for Broadband, Cable & Satellite held from May 20 through May 22 in Cologne, Germany. GLDS will be on hand, exhibiting with Azcorum in booth #10.1/V14. Key topics up for discussion include Next Generation Networks, Content Delivery, Smart TV, Multiscreen, Video on Demand and Connected Home. Click here for more information.
We hope to see you at one (or all) of these events!


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(AllHipHop News) Actress Jada Pinkett Smith was a drug dealer when she first met late rapper Tupac Shakur.
The "Matrix Reloaded" star has always maintained she befriended the "Changes" hitmaker when they attended Baltimore's School of Arts in Maryland together, but now she has opened up about the real story behind their relationship.
Will Smith's wife came clean about her early hustle during a U.S. radio interview with DJ Sway Calloway, revealing she is planning to tell all in a future memoir.
Asked about how she and Shakur first became acquainted, Jada said, "It's kinda hard because I haven't really told the whole story. One of things that's very interesting, that I've never really said before, is that when I first met 'Pac, I was a drug dealer…"
The mother-of-two declined to share specifics about her first gig, but teased a big turn of events which shocked her into living on the right side of the law.
"I won't get into the details of it, because I'mma (sic) write a book about it," she explained. "Just to give you like, (an idea), that's how we started, then something really bad happened to me (and) as I was coming out of the life (of a drug dealer), he was going more into the life."
Jada's confession emerges a month after she took aim at filmmakers behind the recent Tupac biopic "All Eyez on Me," insisting the way they depicted her close friendship with the late hip-hop star was full of inaccuracies.
In a series of Twitter posts sent on the day of the movie's release on June 16 – what would have been the rapper's 46th birthday – she wrote: "Forgive me… my relationship to Pac is too precious to me for the scenes in All Eyez On Me to stand as truth."
She claims suggestions, in the film, she attended Pac's shows by his request and once had an argument with him backstage are not true.
She wrapped up her rant by admitting the "reimagining of my relationship to Pac" has been "deeply hurtful."


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WEST CHESTER — Students in six schools, including Patton and Kennett Middle Schools, learned how to stretch food dollars to purchase nutritious food while also working to alleviate hunger in their communities during the Farm Bureau's annual Food Check-Out Week.
Susan Rzucidlo developed and organized the program for the second year, which involves connecting student groups from local schools with food cupboards and agriculture. Each student group was given $100 to spend at their local supermarket to purchase nutritious food listed as being most needed by the Chester County Food Bank. Students had to compare prices, special offers and use coupons. The total dollars saved by careful selection of brands and items allowed students to purchase up to $160 worth of food for the $100 they had to spend, a valuable lesson indeed in these economic times.
The food and money donations were delivered by the students to the Food Cupboard nearest to them. Many students were not aware of these Food Cupboards or of the great need in Chester County. Delivering food to their local Food Cupboards offered a new experience for many of students. They learned that "even if you are 12 you can make a difference to someone." Schools also held food drives during this week.
At the ceremony in the Commissioners' Office in West Chester on Wednesday February 29 to honor the students who participated, Commissioners Kathi Cozzone and Ryan Costello reinforced the message "Stretch your dollars, eat healthy" and "help families who can't afford to meet their food needs". They reminded us that one in eight people go hungry during some part of the month in Chester County, one of the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania and 24th wealthiest in the nation. We were also reminded that agriculture is the number one industry in Chester County, second of all counties in farm sales revenue in our state.
Susan Larson, Kennett High School teacher, really liked the program as it "provided a real life experience outside the classroom" for students who would soon be making food purchase decisions when they left school.
Penn's Grove Middle School, Oxford students were also enthusiastic about Food Check-Out Week. The program enabled them to consider not only food costs but also healthy eating choices in selecting and purchasing the food they delivered to Neighborhood Services.
The Future Farmers of America (FFA) group at Octoraro High School designed a poster and has been collecting funds so that they can purchase strawberries to give to every kindergarten student in late March together with nutritional information.
Students from the Charles F. Patton Middle saved $64.06 by shopping smart and taking advantage of the deals. The Kennett Food Cupboard receives approximately 150lbs or canned and boxed foods.
Charles Graydus, Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau Board member and Octorara High School FFA advisor, explained that the mission of the Farm Bureau is not only to advocate for farmers but also support the local community and provide food to the hungry and education on food and farming to youth and consumers.
The schools participating were Kennett Middle and High School, Oxford's Penn's Grove Middle School, Charles F. Patton Middle School, After-The-Bell program, Kennett Middle School and the Future Farmers of America, Octorara High School.
The Farm Bureau and the students invite everyone to locate a food cupboard near them and take food or a donation to continue to help our neighbors in need. Peanut butter, tuna, beans, cereals and rice are in great demand right now.
The Chester-Delaware County Farm Bureau is a voluntary organization that works to advance the interests of agriculture and rural communities by working with policy makers at state and federal levels. It offers numerous benefits and services to its over 6,000 members, and is affiliated with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation.


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Oksana Dramaretska
Allan on March 11th, 2022
How is Mexico affected by the Russia-Ukraine War? More than you might expect, although its leaders are careful to look out for the interests of Mexico. Mexico's Ukraine policy combines its non-intervention doctrine with a consideration for Mexican trade and for Mexicans residing in Ukraine. For the entire article, click here. Article by Allan Wall, […]


text: My Sell list I am trying to raise some funds for an HDTV myself and my wife want. I have aprox 200 transformers from beastwars to energon, plus some japanese and reissues and alternaters here and there. Prob about 200 in all. I would like to sell the collection all at once, rather than single items here and there, but I will take requests of 10 bots at a time and split them up. So this is the basics of what I have. If you want something from that line, PM me or post and I will tell you if I have it (or still have it) and how much with shipping. Pretty much every Beast Machine toy in super shape with instructions/tech spec if applicable. Pretty much all of the japanese Carrobots toys (minus optimus because hes incomplete and the spychangers) including Brave Maximus complete. Pretty much every Armada toy with instructions/cards Pretty much every Energon toy with instructions/cards Some various Japansese reissues (starscream, hot rodimus, new years optimus prime (no matrix or mouse pad) ) American reissue Jazz complete with box Alternators Viper and Subaru (forget names) complete with instructions REMEMBER: to keep me from spending the rest of my life at the post office, I want to sell 10 bots at a time or more, or single purchase of a particularly large or valuable bot. EDIT: I also have about 6 unopened beast machines toys to go with this as well. (the bee, the first primal, a dinobot or 2, and 2 tank drones, and an aero drone.


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Novelist John Sundman is a national treasure. His best work, Acts of the Apostles, predicts CRISPR, advanced genetic engineering, and chip-based Trojan Horses and his writing is at once dense and thrilling. I got the chance to talk with him this week for the Technotopia podcast.
Sundman lives on Martha's Vineyard and has been a tech contractor as well as a volunteer fireman and carpenter. He's not exactly down on the idea of a better future, you'll find, but he is worried. He expects we'll see very powerful DNA control systems in the future.
"This offers all kinds of interesting promise for curing all sorts of genetic diseases," he said. "But it also opens up a Pandora's Box for all kinds of other applications."
Sundman also expects VR and feedback loops for examining and controlling genetic material.
You can download the episode here or subscribe here.


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So it's the offseason, and the BFTB staff is going to go back through a few of the last drafts. Fun, right? Ask yourself: as an idiot redhead staff writer, what do you?
If you're me, you unthinkingly choose 2003. Oh boy, was the 2003 draft a dandy. You see, 2003 was the year that John Butler passed away.
The Chargers promoted Butler's assistant GM AJ Smith — then famous for his nearly unlimited Tommy Bahama shirts and not yet famous for his actually unlimited scowls — to the big GM chair. Obviously, that made it AJ Smith's first as the GM of our Bolts. It showed. The draft was not good. However, it's not fair to examine the 2003 draft without visiting the tragic circumstances surrounding it. (Legend has it that the Bolts did not make a single change to the departed GM's original draft board. As your honorary Captain Hindsight of the moment, that may have been a poor choice.)
To the picks!
Sammy Davis
Texas A&M
from PHI; trade draft pick 2003 1.15 plus rec'd 2003 2.30
This is beating a dead horse. Needing a defensive tackle and with "all the good ones" off the board, the Chargers traded down from 15th to 30th in the first round. Then they drafted a corner, another corner and a safety with their first two picks.
This was a good strategy because the Chargers defense at the time was pretty terrible. That is about as complimentary as you can get about the first three picks that year.
By trading down, the Chargers ended up bypassing such talents as Troy Polamalu, Nick Barnett and Willis McGahee. To add insult to injury, with the 31st choice, the Raiders drafted Nnamde Asmuagha. I know it's easy to play hindsight games in the draft, but damn, that is a lot of talent and this was a wasted pick.
Sammy Davis was awful. He looked lost in coverage, couldn't tackle and only lasted with the team for three years. They basically couldn't get rid of him fast enough.
Sidenote: The Patriots drafted Asante Samuel 160th overall in 2003. Think about that while you're stewing in AJ hate.
Grade: D-, only not an F for extenuating circumstances around John Butler (#ThanksAJ)
Drayton Florence
With their second pick, the Chargers again went with a defensive back: Drayton Florence out of football factory Tuskegee. Drayton actually had a several–year career with the Chargers, starting out as the nickelback and #2 cornerback behind Quentin Jammer.
That said, Drayton's infamous head butt, which prolonged a drive against the Patriots, turned out to be the last in a series of incredibly stupid mental mistakes (Marlon McCree, anyone?) and ultimately sealed the loss in a year that may have been the Chargers best chance at a Super Bowl.
Terrence Kiel
Texas A&M
from PHI; trade draft pick 2003 1.15 plus rec'd 2003 1.30 (was from GB; trade CB Al Harris)
You can't win them all. Unfortunately for the Chargers in 2003, they couldn't really win any of them. In trying to fill the shoes of the great Rodney Harrison, the Chargers fell in love with a big, hard–hitting and slow–footed safety from Texas. Sadly, he was not good at football. Terrence played only four seasons of professional football, all with the Chargers. Struggling in coverage and not nearly as good against the run as anticipated, Terrence didn't make much of an impact on the field.
But off of it? Different story. It's not fair to talk about Terrence without at least acknowledging his off the field problems. First, in July of 2003, Terrence was shot three times during an alleged attempted carjacking incident at a southwest Houston mall parking lot. Obviously, that's not really Terrence's fault, but it was unfortunately a sign of things to come.
In 2006, he was arrested for possession, possession with the intent to sell, and transportation of a controlled substance. He was caught with a substantial supply of codeine cough syrup, the active ingredient in what rappers affectionately refer to as Purple Drank. Worse, he was arrested at Chargers practice. That had to be embrassing.
To prove that he learned very little, Terrence got himself arrested for peeing in public the very next summer. He eventually plead guilty to the drug trafficking charges, and was cut. Tragically, Terrence's life ended just a year later when his car struck a wall and he was ejected in the crash. RIP, Terrence. Hope you found the peace you needed.
For reasons both that started as merely troubling and ended up being tragic, this was not a good draft pick by the Chargers.
Grade: D-, the Chargers didn't get much on the field from Kiel, and got a lot more than they bargained for off of it.
Courtney Van Buren
Courtney Van Buren
Arkansas-Pine Bluff
In looking at this draft, it's not unfair wonder if Chargers scouts randomly came upon some film of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and said "HOLY SHIT IT'S BIGFOOT!" Courtney Van Buren — who I always referred to not–so–cleverly as Count Van Buren — is a mammoth of a man, standing at 6 foot, 6 inches and weighing in at a whopping 350 lbs.
So he at least looked the part of an NFL player. Unfortunately, that's where the comparison ends. Count VB played in only 9 NFL games across four–year career due to having human knees that weren't strong enough to support the wooly mammoth body they were attached to. Seriously, look at the guy. No, those are not shoulder pads. He's just that big.
The reasoning behind the pick was sound. Courtney is huge and tested well at the combine, where he ran a 4.71 40, the second fastest of any Offensive Lineman that had ever tested at the time. He was also a track star at the shot put (what, you thought he was a marathoner?) and won eight individual championships in indoor and outdoor track & field during college.
So why did he fall? Mostly because Arkansas-Pine Bluff is not identifiable by 100 out of the 100 people that I just invented to give a fake survey to. I believe it's somewhere in Arkansas.
Grade: C-, a good attempt to find an offensive lineman on the cheap, who was never able to show what he could do on the field due to injury.
Matt Wilhelm
Ohio State
I loved Matt Wilhelm. A little undersized at 6-4, 245 and a little slow — running a 4.8 forty yard dash, which I believe at least Jerome and Patrick could still beat tomorrow — Matt was all heart. A true effort and instincts player, Matt was always around the ball, even if it was only just in time to hop on the pile.1
Throughout his career, Matt was solid depth to the Chargers Inside—Linebacking corps with his best year coming in 2007, when he replaced the departed Donnie Edwards and recorded 97 tackles, recovered one fumble, and intercepted 3 passes.
Grade: B, linebacking depth is great, but you'd like to find more high in the 4th round. Matt was a starter for 2 years, so that's something.
Mike Scifres
Mike Scifres
Western Illinois
By FAR the best pick in 2003, Scifres has punted at a near–Hall–of–Fame–level during his time in San Diego. Despite having Chargers All–Timer Darren Bennet on the roster, the Charges selected Scifres with a very high pick for a punter. All he's done since is be selected a Pro Bowl alternate 3 times.2
Most notably, Scifres' punts in the 2007 AFC Division Championship game were incredible, with an average of 51.7 yards over six punts. All of Mike's punts in this game were downed inside the Chargers' own 20–yard line, with 4 inside their 10–yard line. That's Game MVP level play from a punter!
Grade: A, even though he's a punter, Mike has been an impact player for the Chargers for his entire career.
Hanik Milligan
Mining for gold in the 6th round is never a bad thing. Drafting big guys that are fast and love to hit but who may lack a true position is a worthy gamble here. Hanik Milligan was one such gamble, running a 4.5 forty with a 36.5 vertical leap. The 3rd all time leading tackler from a school never known for defense, Hanik was a little bit of a shot in the dark. Unfortunately after being drafted, Hanik had the bad sense to immediately get injured, missing his rookie season due to a pectoral injury he suffered in pre-season.
Again, the rationale was sound. Big, tall, fast and strong, Hanik was another small school prospect, hailing from the then–not–awesome–to–watch University of Houston.3 He eventually ended up seeing spot time on the Chargers Defense and performed adequately, leading some to even suggest he should be given a shot at becoming the starting strong safety
While unrefined in coverage, the skills of being really big and really fast led to Hanik becoming a special teams demon, where he recorded 19 (!) tackles (16 solo) on special teams in 2004. He was named to the Pro Bowl and All Pro teams for his efforts on special teams, and then unceremoniously cut by the Chargers when he wanted more money for it. In a way, Hanik paved the road for eventual all-around awesome human being Kassim Osgood, so thanks for that Hanik.
Grade: B-, can't nag the process, and getting an All Pro year out of a 6th–round selection is a pretty solid showing.
Andrew Pinnock
South Carolina
A fullback/running back hybrid at the University of South Carolina, Andrew was the first in what has turned out to be a long line of fullbacks that could not make us forget Lorenzo Neal. He had a fairly forgettable career. Although he did get to try learning from Lorenzo Neal (aka Fullback Jesus), a man who I may or may not have a built a shrine to in my closet (don't look there, Katie!)
Grade: C+, when your 7th–round selection makes the squad, that's usually a sign of a combination of two things: the first being that he's a pretty decent football player and the second being that your team sucks. Andrew was a little of both.
Also check out ESPN's draft grades, if only for the formatting lulz. The Chargers received a B-, with ESPN singling out Hanik Milligan as a value pick.


text: This almost magical transformation is made possible by a centrally located electric motor, which stretches the vehicle with the help of two mechanical screw-and-nut gears by exactly 746 millimeters to its full extended length of 3.74 meters. The longitudinal members run on low-friction precision rollers and disappear like a drawer in the rear of the floor pan. Despite its variable length the engineers succeeded in designing the adjustable Presto floor pan with the torsional rigidity necessary for a roadster. To ensure absolute operational safety the extension mechanism also features self-locking safety latches.


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Philoxenia 2014: Minister Hopes Breakthrough in Thessaloniki's Tourism Next Year
"2015 may be the year for tourism in Thessaloniki," Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said Thursday, 13 November, following a meeting she had with the city's mayor, Yiannis Boutaris, on the sidelines of the 30th Philoxenia expo.
According to Mrs. Kefalogianni, Thessaloniki has the ability to attract and service much more visitors than it currently does as it offers a range of alternative forms of tourism.
The topics discussed during the meeting involved all areas where the local government can work with the state to carry out projects for tourism development.
Mrs. Kefalogianni announced that the Tourism Ministry would assist in the municipality's global promotional actions through its Greek National Tourism Organization offices abroad and also provide its expertise on any other activities related to tourism development.
She also informed Mr. Boutaris that the memorandum of cooperation signed with the country's national exhibition body, TIF-Helexpo, would give an extra boost to the city's conference and business tourism sector and contribute to its development in the city and the region.
In addition, Mrs. Kefalogianni and Mr. Boutaris also discussed ways to ease the movement of visitors traveling to Thessaloniki by sea and land and also to other destinations that could be accessed easily via the Greek northern city.
For details on the municipality's views and plans in regards to tourism, press here.
Philoxenia is Greece's annual meeting point for the development of strategies and business alliances among tourism professionals. The international tourism exhibition will run until 16 November at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center.


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Capitalism is weakening our ability to cooperate—and undermining our own DNA in the process—according to sociologist Richard Sennett (A.B. '64), who related the Occupy movement, economics, and genetics during a talk Wednesday afternoon at the Franke Institute for the Humanities.
Sennett, whose work focuses on the effects of city life on the modern individual, described cooperation and competition as innate skills which are encoded in the human genome. Although the specific genes responsible for each behavior have not been unidentified, he explained that their encoding hints at their similarity.
"Cooperation and competition have often been used as opposing forces, but they are less separate than we might think. Even seemingly competitive children's games have established rules—a sign of cooperation," Sennett said.
Humans have a latent knack for cooperation that empowers them to work together in a variety of amazing ways, but Sennett warned that modern capitalism is eroding humanity's natural instinct to cooperate. He calls it, "de-skilling."
"The threat to cooperation is that the modern work environment has shortened our interactions with others and made them more superficial and competitive—merely means to an end for businesses," he said.
Sennett cited the Occupy Wall Street movement, which he studied this past fall, as evidence of people's ability to cooperate in the long term.
"These were ground-up interactions that exhibit genuine cooperation. Partially because the movement had no strategic end and no ultimate planning, people treated each other like other human beings," Sennett said.
Sennett criticized the media, however, for focusing on "hippie-looking" figures, claiming that most people involved were regular, middle-aged, unemployed people.
"These individuals had a superordinate goal to fraternize around, rather than relying on immediate self-interest, and that led to respect and a mutual empathy that wasn't degrading or belittling to the other party," he said.
"That is cooperation."
His talk was based on his recently published book, Together: The Rituals, Pleasures and Politics of Cooperation, published by Yale University Press on January 10.


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Plus: Check out Book Beast, for more news on hot titles and authors and excerpts from the latest books.
Cloris Leachman was an overweight octogenarian who wanted to compete on the endurance-testing reality show, Dancing With the Stars. "They said I was too old. They're denying it now, so I don't know what to think," she says. "Maybe they just didn't like me?"
If that's the case, audiences disagreed—Leachman argued her way onto the show and became an instant fan favorite, foxtrotting with retired pro Corky Ballas and cracking wise for the cameras. It's a pretty good representation of how her career, now in its sixth decade, has been progressing. At an age when most actresses are settling into occasional cameos and swan-song performances, Leachman is only accelerating. She was nominated for an Emmy each and every one of the six years she played scary Slavic Grandma Ida on Malcolm in the Middle earlier this decade. And in February, fresh from the hot tub and clad only in a bathrobe, the 82-year-old Leachman shared a much-hyped makeout scene with Jack Black, 43 years her junior, on The Office. He "couldn't be darling-er," she purrs about Black.
"Whether it was Judy, Marilyn, Marlon, or Gene, these were just people in my life, and I cared about them. They're not movie stars to me, they're human beings."
Now the Oscar-winning star of 1971's The Last Picture Show has a memoir, Cloris. In it, she shares the details of her storied life: helping next-door neighbor Judy Garland climb out of the depths of her depression, watching Marilyn Monroe grind on a dance floor with John and Bobby Kennedy, and having sex with Gene Hackman—"Some giant space magnet was pulling us together. It was epic," she recalls fondly. Leachman spoke to The Daily Beast about rehearsing her kiss with Jack Black, working with Val Kilmer and Quentin Tarantino, and why she was happy when her time on Dancing With the Stars finally ended.
You're not showing any signs of winding down your career. Why write an autobiography now?
It was kind of a lifetime decision, almost now-or-never. I was looking at my life and thinking, what should I do next? And my former husband, [producer and director] George Englund, was talking with my son and manager, George Jr., and they decided I should do a one-woman show and write a book. So we've done both of them.
In the book, you reveal some intimate experiences with other bold-faced names, like your brief affair with Gene Hackman, or when you talked your neighbor Judy Garland down from her severe depression. Was it hard to decide where to draw the line on what you'd share?
I didn't want to be salacious, but these were my experiences. People are people after all, whether you're a plumber or a movie star. We're just human beings. Whether it was Judy, Marilyn, Marlon, or Gene, these were just people in my life, and I cared about them. They're not movie stars to me, they're human beings. They have the same problems as anyone else.
You stole the show on Dancing With the Stars last season. You say they rejected you twice before accepting you?
Yeah, but I just kept pushing. They said I was too old. They're denying it now, so I don't know what to think. Maybe they just didn't like me? But we worked it out. In the end, we had arranged a meeting, there was about six of us. We had a wonderful time, laughing. And I was cursing a lot through it. I don't know if it scared them, but I wanted to be funny. At the end, I said, "I'm not leaving until everybody curses." And we went around the circle and everybody cursed until we got to one woman and she just couldn't do it! She couldn't say it.
Was doing Dancing difficult for you physically?
It was. I had gained about 30 pounds, and most of it was in my stomach. It made it really hard to dance. I couldn't even imagine hopping, and to dance, you have to at least be able to hop. I've lost half of the weight now, but I sure didn't lose it when I was on the show. It was wonderful, but it was hard. When you're on the show, that's your life. Three hours a day of rehearsals for me, and that's half of what some of the other contestants did. It went longer than I thought I'd be on it, for sure. I surprised myself. But I was happy when it ended.
What made you want to do the show? Dancing usually doesn't score Oscar winners.
Well, they could. They did, didn't they? It was great fun. We had a wonderful time. It was revitalizing in certain ways that I hadn't been revitalized. The fans of the show are so funny—I can always tell that's where they know me from. I guess I got a little out of hand on that show, huh? I'm going to be on again this week or next. Corky and I are both going to be on. We're not in touch, really, but we see each other from time to time. He is a lovely young man.
Speaking of younger men, you also played a cougar on The Office in February.
Hahahahaha! Cougar? Is that what they're calling it these days? It's so funny. It was a fun show to do. And Jack Black couldn't be darling-er. He's the sweetest man alive. I played Jessica Alba's grandmother and I stole Jack from her. Jack is a wonderful kisser. We had, ahem, "discussed" the scene for about half an hour in my dressing room. We had a good time. But I didn't have to give him any tips, even though I have more experience than him. I enjoy working with younger actors. I love to give advice, but nobody ever asks me. Everyone has their own approach.
In your book, you say your approach is that you're never afraid to make a fool of yourself.
That's certainly true. Let whatever's going to happen, happen. Don't judge it before you do it. Sure, sometimes it will be terrible, but sometimes it will just be amazing. That's where the gold is. My preference is to be different all the time—that's a conscious decision. I don't want people to think I'm who I just played. That's why I'm always looking for something new.
You also reveal a strong devotion to raising your five children. How did you manage work and family?
It looks like I was working all the time, but I really wasn't. In those early years, when my children were young, I wouldn't do things that would take me away from home for more than three days. And maybe I missed out on a few things, but I decided what was important to me. Now I love spending time with my grandchildren and my great-grandson, Braden. He's an adorable little three-year-old now and he's so funny. He wanted to play ping-pong with me yesterday, and so he just simply put his paddle straight up and waited for the ball to hit it.
This August, you've got Quentin Tarantino's new war shocker, Inglourious Basterds, with Brad Pitt.
I adore Quentin. I guess he is a fan. He's a dear, sweet, very talented man, and the script is one of the best I've ever read. It's set in Paris during World War II, and all the things that happened there just shock you. I was shocked that he would write this. I play an old Jewish woman and a young man comes to my door and he asks me to do something for him, which I do. I cannot reveal more than that under penalty of death.
After Basterds, what's next?
I've got an indie film movie with that guy who played Batman. What's his name? Val Kilmer. It's called American Cowslip. And I'm doing a children's movie this summer, the Oogieloves and the Big Balloon Adventure. I get to sing and dance in it, so I can't wait. My great-grandson will like that one. We're also talking about doing a stage version of Driving Miss Daisy, with some songs in it. I think that would be wonderful.
And I'm returning to my one-woman show, which got pushed aside a bit for Dancing With the Stars. I'm going to do it again. In fact, I just did it on a ship for 2,000 people and they loved it! They gave me a standing ovation before I even finished. It was lovely.
So is the show going national this summer?
I think it will, yes. I'm going to start in [my hometown] Des Moines. We need a new building for the high school, and I'm going to be giving them all the money I earn for that show. I'm a small-town Iowa girl myself, but I left before I even turned 20. When I go back to Iowa, people are always happy to see me. But California is home now.
You'll be 83 this month now, any plans to leave acting behind?
Oh, no! I absolutely love acting. I would never give it up. It's the most fun thing in the world. I get to sing and dance, I meet interesting people, I still get to play the piano. I'm very satisfied with the way things have worked out. I'm in a wonderful place in my life.
Plus: Check out Book Beast, for more news on hot titles, authors and excerpts from the latest books.
Screenwriter and journalist Sona Charaipotra has contributed to the New York Times, People, ABCNews.com, MSN.com, American Way and other publications. Formerly an editor at Teen People and a reporter for People magazine, she writes about travel, food and entertainment at www.IshqInABackpack.com.


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Spring Things
My blogging buddies and I are trying to force Mother Nature into bringing on Spring so to get you in the mood we have assembled over 100 Spring Ideas to get your creativity flowing. Just click on the thumbnails below for some Spring overload. If you don't have time to read them all today, pin them to your favorite boards and come back to them later.
You can follow me on Pinterest here.
I have some new things in the SHOP
Both collections come in pillows, phone case, mugs, and totes. The WATERMELON Collection and SUMMER FUN Collection are both new today. Just click on the photos above to place an order.
And here's the fabulous team of bloggers that bring you our top Spring ideas for this month.
Domestically Speaking | A Little Claireification | Debbiedoo's | The DIY Village | Creative Cain Cabin | The Happier Homemaker | Redhead Can Decorate | On Sutton Place | Cottage at the Crossroads | Tried & True


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ALEC BALDWIN celebrates fashionably with the DRUMS
New York: the launch of the fall collection for UGG Australia was at the top of the scenic Chelsea Arts Tower last week. The 25th floor opened into a sweeping view of the west side of Manhattan, overlooking the Hudson. A bevy of chiseled young men stood on platforms above the crowd, ensuring the the UGG rugged boots and apparel were eye level for the party attendees to ogle. Women's looks included stacked wooden clogs, bohemian inspired and paired with floppy hats and flowing skirts. The crowd sipped vodka cocktails with fresh strawberry and thyme, much needed refreshment from the stifling heat. Hunky waiters (a given at fash events these days) served up mini truffle grilled cheese and fruit shish kebobs while they mingled among the displays and snapped pics from the patio of the sprawling lower manhattan skyline. written by Elizabeth Landers.
The evening's entertainment included up and coming band The Drums, who played about a 20 minute set for the crowd. Somehow during their performance time, VIP and recent man about town Alec Baldwin slipped in the party mostly unnoticed, making a couple of photo stops with a few fans, mostly chatting with friends and the UGG team. fun times.


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This past Sunday I ran the Rock n' Roll Providence Half Marathon. The race was much better than last year from the weather to the bands to the organization! The weather was nice and cool in the am, so cool that my teeth chattered for a few minutes when I got out of the car. I didn't really know what to expect for a time; wasn't sure what kind of shape I was in. I was hoping to be able to run sub 8s but I honestly had no clue. I forgot about the hills in Providence, they weren't too bad, but since I rarely run hills (gasp) they felt pretty big to me!
I started off in corral 1 and found my grove right away. My first mile was 7:43, a little faster than I wanted but I thought "eh, just see what you've got and stay with it." I did NOT wear my Garmin, as I feel I run faster without it. I felt a lot better than I expected too and I never really got tired when I thought I would. I felt good but didn't want to push and harder because I had A LOT of glute soreness from a workout on Thursday. I ended up running 1:41:40, 7:42 pace. I loved the course because I got to see Ryan twice during the race. I also loved my outfit from the race. Have I told you lately how much I LOVE SparkleSkirts?? I have 7 of them now. They really are the only skirts (and shorts for that matter) that don't ride up on me! You can check out SparkleSkirts HERE. I was quite pleased with my race and now I feel like I am exactly where I want to be in terms of my speed. Anyone else run Providence? Looking forward to next year!
Any local ladies running the ZOOMA Cape Cod Half Marathon or 10k on September 22nd? They just announced a new and fun opportunity the night before the races, ZOOMA Cape Cod Mocktail Hour sponsored by Hint. The event is open to anyone running either race and will take place at the poolside bar at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth, MA., from 7pm-8pm. You do need to RSVP so if you are running the race and will be in town the night before, be sure to check it out!!! Go HERE for more information and to RSVP. Hope to see you there!!!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Wordless Wednesday: DETERMINATION
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Thursday, August 2, 2012
OMG I Cannot Believe I Really Did This!!!!!!!!!!!
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The politics of greed equals future generations in need.
On a finite planet, infinite growth in use of resources, endless economic growth, is a fantasy. Better to deal with this reality minimum deposit iq option now rather than fixing massive and foreseeable problems later (if late fixes are possible). Wouldn't you say?
Nature Commission Op Ed published: LA Times Daily Pilot on Banning Ranch
Drawing a line to keep development iq option how to deposit from where it should never go.April, 03, 2018
Ideas on Submitting Comments to Coastal Commission on Banning
Making your voice heard is key to creating change.April, 03, 2018
Does a $17 million sewer have to be put through the heart of Talbert Park?
Another meeting with OCSD leaves the question open.April, 03, 2018
Nature Commission proposes new Banning Ranch funding search
In grant applications, Coastal Commission hearings and conversations with other gov agencies, NC has started to find funding for a coastal nature preserve.April, 03, 2018
Banning Ranch: Oil profits past, 100% habitat future
Photos and facts that challenge the developer's portrayal of a wasteland. Info on the upcoming Coastal Commission hearing (May 12, NB), live music and food in an industrial setting https://iq-trading-ae.com/how-to-deposit-in-iq-option two blocks from Banning Ranch. Tues, May 10, 6 pm, Seaside Café & Catering 1559 Placentia Av, NBApril, 03, 2018
Travertine Point Riverside County buries farmland
A 5000 acre development that appears highly irresponsible, yet has Riverside County approval.April, 03, 2018
State water agency requests continued conservation while local gov ignores the long term
With severe drought despite recent rains, the State Water Board extends regulations to ensure that urban water conservation continues in 2016.Show more


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per item
Chokki is a great little layering piece to add to your autumn wardrobe. The multi-directional knitting and the use of two different types of ribbing add interesting detail to a simple silhouette. The back of the vest is divided into two halves, with a different color direction and rib pattern on each. The front panels overlap at the center to keep you extra warm, and the buttons can be fastened in different configurations to change the drape of the neckline. Designed by Tina Whitmore
- Shown in Autumn Rose and Fuchsia Ombre Sport
- Needles:US 7/ 5mm
- Five Sizes: Petite, Small Medium, Large and XLarge from 32" to 48" bust finished - garment should have about 4" positive ease
- Required Skills: Knit, purl.
- Pattern delivered as a PDF download.


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Stepping Stones is a community service, run by Family Works in South Dunedin, promoting mental and social well being and resilience. The service is focused on teaching clients new skills, assisting people to make informed decisions, and connecting people with their wider community.
In 2016 Stepping Stones celebrated its 20th birthday. Here's a wee video of our members, sharing what it is they love about Stepping Stones.
186 Macandrew Road, South Dunedin
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Adults living with mental health challenges


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About Project Room Key:
Project Room key is a collaborative partnership between the cities of Vallejo and Benicia to secure hotel and motel rooms for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in the Vallejo/Benicia area. It provides temporary shelter for the most at-risk people who don't have a home to stay in to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Project Room Key aims to protect high-risk individuals and prevent the spread of the highly-contagious virus in our community. By providing temporary shelter to these individuals, we can help to safeguard the capacity of our local hospitals, fire and police departments, and medical teams.
* As of November 2020, Project Room Key is full and no longer able to accept new participants. If you are someone you know is in need of shelter or other assistance, please use the following resources:
Resource Connect Solano - 707-652-7311
Vallejo Together - 707-205-7476
Fighting Back Partnership - 707-648-5230
Download the Project Room Key Flyer HERE
Staffing will consist of:
Administrative liaisons from the City of Vallejo
County health officials
Touro University Nursing Staff
County client services managers and case managers
Private security staff
Staff will monitor participant behavior to ensure that the program rules are followed, to provide daily health and wellness checks of participants, to deliver food to participant's rooms, and to respond to any participant needs.
A code of conduct has been established for participants at the Project Room key sites. This code of conduct outlines expectations for those participating in the program. Service providers explain the code of conduct to participants upon entry into the program and remind them of its provisions throughout their stay.
The City has contracted with a private security firm that has security guards on-site 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The security staff is present to ensure the safety of everyone on site.
Yes. Project Room Key is currently in need of:
New Men's Lg Shirts
New Men's Medium Sweatpants (size 30-32)
New Men's socks
New Men's underwear
Please contact Shelee Loughmiller at [email protected] for more information about where to drop-off donations.


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'Guns and Hoses' Endorse Byrne, Schwartz, and Falcone
Cops and Firefighters Back Mixed Ticket Against Incumbents
For the first time in 10 years, the politically powerful unions representing Santa Barbara city cops and firefighters have agreed to join forces to oppose the slate of three incumbent and more conservative councilmembers running for reelection — Dale Francisco, Randy Rowse, and Michael Self. Instead, the two unions, known colloquially as the guns and hoses coalition, decided to back two of the three candidates backed by the Democratic Central Committee — former councilmember Iya Falcone and current Planning Commissioner Deborah Schwartz. While those endorsements were expected, the big surprise was that the two unions endorsed Sharon Byrne, a community activist now running the Milpas Community Association.
Byrne, until recently, had been closely aligned with the conservative incumbents with whom she worked on limiting the number of medical marijuana dispensaries and increasing enforcement of laws targeting homeless street crime. With the endorsement from the public safety unions, Byrne finds herself elevated from outsider candidate with spoiler potential to a genuine threat. The endorsement gives Byrne — who sought elected office by crashing the party rather than pursuing more traditional routes — the good housekeeping seal of political respectability. For Democratic voters, there's the union appeal. For Republicans, it provides law-and-order street cred. And for cash-strapped campaigns, the two unions combined are good for about $100,000 — to be split among the three candidates — not to mention the impressive cadre of precinct walkers that cops and firefighters can be. Byrne is running as an independent, hoping to peel off votes among Democrats and Republicans disaffected with the toxic partisanship in both Washington and Sacramento. Her campaign manager, Andrew Russo out of Monterey, is best suited to help her with Republicans and conservatives. To help with Democrats and liberals, Byrne will consult with Olivia Uribe, a high-profile activist in the Democratic Central Committee.
According to representatives from both unions, Falcone, who enjoyed unusually close relations with the two unions during her two terms in office, was all but a shoo-in. Schwartz brought to the table an impeccable political pedigree — her mother, Naomi Schwartz, is a former county supervisor and major player in Democratic and environmental circles. But Schwartz worked exceptionally hard to court the cops and firefighters, intensely studying their issues of concern. The real suspense was always over the third endorsement. Although there are 10 candidates running for three seats, the real debate among the unions centered on incumbents Rowse and Self, and Cathy Murillo — backed by the Democratic machine — and Byrne.
Representatives from both unions were genuinely impressed that Byrne, during her relatively brief period of civic activism, has been a loud and effective hell-raiser, agitating always for more cops. But to endorse Byrne, the Police Officers Association (POA) had to turn its back on incumbent Councilmember Self, whom they'd endorsed in the last election. The firefighters never had any interest in Self, whom they regarded as too conservative and too outspoken, but the cops were torn. Self had opposed unilaterally imposing a new contract on the POA after an impasse was declared in the most recent round of negotiations between the cops and City Hall when other councilmembers, like fellow conservative Francisco, were willing to. But she alienated the cops when she called for an independent investigation of allegations of police misconduct by Officer Kasi Beutel in response to the 13-part series appearing in the front pages of the News-Press. Cops hold such investigations in the same disregard they hold civilian review boards. Likewise, Self won few friends within the POA by sharply questioning the wisdom of the City Hall's since-discontinued employee housing loan program. Many cops, including POA President Eric Beecher, bought their homes with such City Hall loans.
But Self's real offense with guns and hoses was her close political alignment with Francisco, the clear leader of the conservative faction now controlling a slim council majority. (That, too, proved the undoing of Rowse, owner of the Paradise Café and fixture of the downtown business world.) Francisco, the only registered Republican on the incumbent slate, has blamed public employee unions, in large measure, with bankrupting the State of California. Likewise, he's charged that public unions wield undue influence in local politics by contributing to the campaigns of candidates who will be amenable to their terms and conditions at the bargaining table. "It's not a surprise," said Self, "but I think for them it's not a good decision." Self noted that during the 10 years the "so-called progressives" controlled the council, "the number of officers was going down like a rocket ship. The department was bleeding officers."
In that time, the number of officers dropped from a high of 151, at least on paper, to a low of 137. But in the one year the conservatives have been in office, she said, the council increased the number of sworn cops from 137 to 141. Councilmember Francisco put it more bluntly: "The endorsement makes it clear what this is about. It's not about improving response times when citizens call. It's not about public safety. It's all about the money. It's only about the money."
In his campaign kickoff two weeks ago, Francisco boasted that the new, and more conservative, council had actually increased the number of cops — by four — authorized in the budget. One new additional sworn officer was authorized and funded; three new outreach workers were funded to deal with the homeless and thus, at least theoretically, free sworn officers to deal with more serious crime. In addition, the budget will pay for six "hosts," city employees who will patrol State Street, the waterfront, and Milpas Street to help keep street people in line. And lastly, at Francisco's instigation, the council authorized — but did not fund — three additional cops on top of that. The money, presumably, will come later, but from where — for a city government looking at a $3-million shortfall — remains unknown.
The POA is positively dismissive of such claims. The new cop, the union says, will focus exclusively on homeless-related crime, and the outreach workers and hosts will probably need to be rescued from out-of-control street people. Most critically, the POA remains convinced that the money is there — hidden within all of City Hall's many accounts and funds — to pay for more cops without cutting the budgets of other departments. City Administrator Jim Armstrong, they claim, has set out to bleed the department since he first took the helm 10 years ago. They dismiss the staffing increases that Francisco will tout in his campaign as empty political stagecraft and dangerously misleading to public safety. "The money is there to get the cops and provide the public safety the city needs and what our officers need to be safe," said Beecher. "This endorsement is not about our next contract. It's about whether we have a city council that will tell Jim Armstrong that the money's there."
Armstrong, in previous comments, has disputed such assertions. The number of cops, he said, dropped from 145 in 2003 to 136 in 2010. During the same time, he said, City Hall's expenditure on the Police Department increased from $17.7 million to $28.6 million.


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Endorphins are natural hormones that your brain
releases when it senses happiness. These endorphins
give you a sense of happiness, satisfaction and
well-being; they tell you all is well with your body.
It's that relaxed sense after a good meal, a good
workout, a good laugh or great sex.
Endorphins are produced in the pituitary gland and the
hypothalamus gland and release an opioid-like
secretion that masks pain with a natural analgesic and
tells the body that all is fine with the world.
Acupuncture has been found to have the ability to
release these compounds and relieve pain, at least for
the short term, and to leave you with a wonderful
sense of wellbeing.
Exercise, extreme happiness, good food and orgasm
releases natural endorphins, and endorphins make you
feel happy and satisfied with life.
The more often you can stimulate your brain to release
these natural hormones, the better you will feel, and
the easier it will be to put yourself into this happy
state of being.
Endorphins cannot be bought; only through your own
effort can you bring them into being.
There is no downside to putting yourself into the
position of happiness, either through laughter, sex,
food or exercise.
Happy creates happy; it is a cycle that you should
never break and you should take every chance to spur
these hormones on. Let them do what they do naturally;
light their fire and reap the benefits!


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Manavattira Sharada Mandana, a leading social worker of Coorg, is a culinary expert, especially of Kodava cuisine.
What is special about Kodava/Coorg cuisine is the way in which the various masalas are blended. The Kodava way of preparation is different from that of the other South Indian dishes. Certain dishes are very unique to the Kodavas or Coorgs. Some of the typical Kodava dishes are the Pandhi Curry (Pork Curry), Bamboo Shoot Curry, Jungle Mango Curry and Rice Roti or Otti as they are known in the local Kodava dialect. The usage of a black vinegar made out of a wild black fruit called Kachampuli, provides a distinct taste to the Pandhi Curry and other meat dishes like mutton. It is also interesting to note the process which goes into the curing/seasoning of the bamboo shoot prior to the actual preparation of the Bamboo Shoot Curry.
Day 1: The shoots are sliced very thin and soaked in water over night.
Day 2: The shoots are rinsed thoroughly, the old water discarded. Then the shoots are put into another vessel with just enough water to cover the shoots. Cover the vessel with a muslin cloth and keep in a warm place.
Day 3: Taste the water, it should have turned sour with a distinct tang. If you fail to get the necessary tang keep the shoots for a few hours longer. Then cook the bamboo shoots in the same water with salt and turmeric. It is now ready for use.


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School transmutation; Level druid 2, ranger 2
Casting Time 1 standard action
Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Magic > Spells (3rd Party) > Rite Publishing > A >
Magic > Spells (3rd Party) > Rite Publishing > A >
Arboreal Archer
You imbue limited intelligence to one non-sentient tree or shrub no less than 20 feet tall, allowing you to telepathically communicate simple instructions to the tree. On your command, the tree pulls back its branches and fires a volley of acorns, branches, or other debris at any target that you designate. The tree receives one ranged attack per round and its BAB equals your caster level plus your Dexterity modifier. Its attack deals 1d4 points of damage plus one point of damage per three caster levels and has a range of 30 feet. The tree is immobile, has an AC of 16, and30 hit points. The tree is incapable of defending itself; it only attacks when directed. The spell ends two rounds after you cease concentration or the tree sustains 30 or more points of damage.
Section 15: Copyright Notice – 101 2nd Level Spells
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Acting Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Thoko Didiza, says there needs to be a change in attitudes and cultural practises when it comes to raising both girls and boys.
She was speaking on the sidelines of the main event of Women's Day Celebrations at Vryburg in North West.
Didiza says certain behaviours need to be unlearned.
"Sometimes when we raise children, we will say boys don't cry, how else do they express their frustration and anger and we say women are supposed to be in the kitchen. Some of these things that at times just come normally because of our socialisation are the things that we must learn."
"So that from an early age we start to create a culture of respect among men and women. A culture of accepting that women can also participate in other spaces in terms of their employment and their choices must be respected," explains Didiza.
Meanwhile, most of the women who are attending the main event of the National Women's Day Celebrations at Vryburg in the North West, have appealed to government to double its efforts in dealing with gender based violence.


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Everton playmaker James Rodriguez believes he has more to offer as he prepares to return for the resumption of the Premier League.
The Colombia international has missed the last five matches with a calf problem but looks set to be ready for the visit of Crystal Palace on April 5th after beginning individual training this week.
Midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin is finally back with the main squad having not played at all since August 2019 because of a number of serious injuries but it is the re-emergence of Rodriguez which is likely to be pivotal to the club's hopes of securing European football.
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich forward has scored five Premier League goals and provided four assists in 18 appearances but he believes he can improve on that.
"I'm reasonably happy with how I am playing. I think there's more to come and I can hit some better form but when I've performed well, it's had a positive effect on the team," he told evertonfc.com.
"And that's what I want: for the team to play good football and perform at a high standard.
"I've come to a good club, a club that wants to achieve big things. I'm with a manager (Carlo Ancelotti) who knows exactly what I'm like. I get on fantastically well with him, just like a father and son.
"Many of my hopes and dreams have come to fruition, but when you fulfil your dreams, you want to achieve even more, so here we are, now, taking things step by step.
"Firstly, we need to be fighting it out around the top of the league. The past two games (defeats to Burnley and Chelsea) haven't been as good as we would have liked but that's the Premier League.
"Every game is like a final, a battle, but that's what we're here for and you have to make sure you're in good shape and strong mentally and prepared for everything, as it's going to be tough."