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A motion picture director may use a shot to serve a number of purposes, such as establishing characters, photographic qualities and film style. Any one shot in an entire movie made up of hundreds or thousands of shots produces meaning through more than just acting, dialogue and music. A shot is constructed of many cinematic elements that make up the mise-en-scene. Meaning is conveyed from the shot's context and where it is placed through editing in the relation to other shots and the general narrative of the film. In this article I will explore several aspects related to the construction of a shot in the 1927 movie 'Sunrise A Song of Two Humans', directed by German Expressionist F. W. Murnau at the end of the silent film era in Hollywood. The shot that I explore here occurs towards the end of the narrative. It is very similar to a shot that occurs towards the beginning of the narrative. The main difference between the two shots is the performance of the lead actor, George O'Brien. It is a technique used by directors known as the parallel shot. The shot that I'm exploring is probably the most emblematic of the central theme of the Sunrise: to cherish what we have and be careful what we wish for.
In their text Film Art. An Introduction (2012) David Bordwell and Kristen Thompson define the mise-en-scene as 'the arrangement of people, places and objects to be filmed.'
The mise-en-scene of a shot is made up of how it is lit, where it is set, the costumes and makeup, props, the composition, camera techniques seen by the audience, and of the actors. It is with a humble understanding of all this that I breakdown the particularity of the shot I have chosen to discuss, while also considering Sunrise in general and other shots that contribute to the meaning the audience may read from the shot.
I turn now to make some sense of the plan in the film and how this might fit into the broader patterns of form and style that structure the film. Bordwell and Thompson define form as 'the sum of all the parts of the film, unified and given shape by patterns such as repetition and variation, story lines, and character traits.'
The shot: The man in the bedroom
The shot begins with the empty bedroom of O'Brien's character simply credited as 'The man'. The camera, angled mid-height, is positioned opposite a door and does not move throughout the shot. Part of the man's bed is out of the bottom left frame while, opposite, 'The wife's' bed occupies most of the frame. (See Image 1 below)
According to Bordwell and Thompson directors exploit four major aspects of lighting: its quality, direction, source, and colour.
"The filmmaker will create a lighting design that seems consistent with the sources in the setting." (Film Art An Introduction (2012)
In the shot pictured above the setting is dark and lit from a source representing the moon. The light enters through a window in the left of frame and casts the clearly defined shadow of a cross on the bed and wall behind it. The light is also directed on an open doorway in the background.
A silhouette comes into sharp focus in the doorway before a man appears. (Image 2) He moves to the middle of the room and collapses to his knees, grief-stricken, hunched over his wife's bed. This is where the shot ends. (See Images 3 and 4)
The shot occurs towards the end of the film, and is 42 seconds duration. In the context of the narrative paradigm this shot's purpose is to show the emotional agony of the character in what screenwriter and author Jake Synder calls the movie's 'Dark Night of the Soul' moment.
The construction of the shot
The function of the cinematic elements that make up the shot's mise-en-scene work to draw focus to O'Brien's performance. The shot is almost identical to another shot at the beginning of the film in lighting, composition, photographic quality and cinematography. Murnau has chosen to place great importance on the difference between the two parallel shots in context to one another in the narrative form.
Bordwell and Thompson say patterns and variations engage the audience to participate in the film.
"As the viewer watches the film, she or he picks up cues, recalls information, anticipates what will follow, and generally participates in the creation of the film's form. … the film shapes our expectations by summoning up curiosity, suspense, surprise, and other emotional qualities." (Film Art An Introduction (2012)
Murnau has contrived to create a sense of familiarity between this and the earlier shot. Because the performance – the actor's movement and staging - is the only visual difference between the two shots this technique allows the audience to shape an expectation of what might happen.
Earlier in the narrative O'Brien's The Man creeps into the bedroom after a secret extra-marital rendezvous with plans to drown his wife. He has agreed with his mistress to do so. Later, he changes his mind, but events conspire to cause his wife to drown accidentally, and so he returns to their marital bedroom racked with grief and guilt.
It is my reading of the shot that its construction summons our viewer curiosity, creates suspense, and gives an insight into the emotional journey of O'Brien's character by drawing focus to the actor's performance. We the viewer recognise the similarities of this shot to the one earlier and therefore we are already anticipating what might happen this time. Murnau wishes to convey The Man's change of heart, he no longer wishes his wife were dead.
It is central to the shot's meaning that we know the husband is entering the room upon learning that his wife has drowned, and we are forced by our ability to recognise patterns to recall the parallel shot in which in O'Brien's character earlier entered the room with thoughts of drowning his wife. If you only watched these two shots side by side and nothing else of the movie you will still know this movie is about a man who had a wife who later dies.
How the function of the cinematic elements convey meaning
Murnau has made very deliberate choices when it comes to how the function of costume, lighting, composition, and performance allow the audience to create meaning in their reading of the film.
Lighting can be used to hint at the true nature of a character. Referring to the film in general, the costume and lighting for the wife and the 'Woman from the City' are a deliberate juxtaposition between light and dark respectively. The wife, fair-haired, is always softly lit, the camera uses a soft filter and her costume consists of lighter hues. Throughout the narrative she only moves in the well-lit parts of the settings. By contrast, 'The Woman from the City' has dark hair; constantly moves in the shadows, smokes, and her costumes are dark coloured.
The wife's bed is lit in a soft white light and is often the brightest part of the frame. The moonlight shining through the window frame casts the shadow of a cross on the bed, symbolizing the wife's good character. The element of the religious, the distinction between good and evil, and the sacrifice of an innocent are thus subtly foreshadowed by this lighting device. In this way the lighting adds deeper meaning to the shot as when the husband falls to his knees by his wife's bed it gives the impression of a sinner begging forgiveness from the divine.
The man's performance is stylised but together with the other elements of mise-en-scene function to convey his emotional turmoil.
How the technique of the parallel shot conveys meaning
According to Bordwell and Thompson ...
'... Any pattern of development will encourage the viewer to create specific expectations. … The pattern of development may also create surprise, the cheating of an expectation ...' - Film Art An Introduction (2012)
The use of the parallel shot and its position in the narrative paradigm allows the audience to see the irony and understand more deeply the character's heartbreak. In this way the performance, technique and context of the shot in relation to the narrative form allows for the emotional impact of the husband's grief to stir up greater emotional engagement by the audience.
The shot's composition, lighting and O'Brien's performance are almost exactly the same as the previous shot. The composition of this shot is slightly tighter, cutting off most of the husband's bed. This has the effect of focusing the audience's attention on and gives greater importance to the empty bed of his wife.
The only element in the shot's construction that is different between the parallel shots is the actor's performance. The staging is the same however whereas before he snuck, staying to the shadows before falling into his own bed, now he shuffles, shoulders slumped before collapsing against his wife's bed. This makes O'Brien's performance stand out in contrast to the elements that stay the same.
My understanding of what the film is about
'Sunrise' has a simple plot of a village married couple whose fidelity is fractured by the appearance of a temptress from the city. The temptress, 'The Woman from the City,' seduces the husband and convinces him to drown his wife. He agrees but later ends up remembering why he fell in love with her in the first place. Having spent the day rekindling their romance the irony of the situation and the weight of his foolishness hit both him and the audience hard in the parrallel shot when he returns to his bedroom after his wife accidentally drowns.
Final Thoughts
Murnau has chosen to use parallel shots as a technique to cue the audience to anticipate action, feel sympathy and other emotions; to read greater meaning from the shot. Murnau achieves this by controlling the function of lighting, composition, and performance to direct attention to elements of mise-en-scene. O'Brien's performance is stylised but retains a sense of realism even 80 years after the film was released; his loss is felt by the audience who know what choices he's made. The shot is constructed to show a turning point in the plot and the character's development. At the start of the narrative he desired to be free of his wife (by drowning her) and at the end of the narrative his wish came true, despite his best efforts to prevent it. In the one shot my understanding of what 'Sunrise' is about is visually conveyed by the image of 'The Man' kneeling before the shadow of the cross cast on his wife's bed; a symbol of her goodness, and a bitter reminder that he did not cherish what he had until it was gone.
Caden Pearson is a Writer/Director at Iron Gate Films in Far North Queensland, Australia. He recently wrote, directed and produced two short documentaries for the National Indigenous Television (NITV) series Our Stories, Our Way, Everyday. 'Norman Baird The Bama Digger' was produced through Iron Gate Films in mid-2015 and 'Doctor Gemma' was produced through Bacon Factory Films in late 2014. In late 2014 Caden was shortlisted for The Production Line Gold Coast Summer Series Masterclass with his short drama 'Samuel Star Wipe'. His short drama 'Good Catch' was screened at The Dreaming Festival in 2009, and licensed for broadcast on NITV in 2010. Caden also provided story development and script editing to short drama 'On Stage' (Directed by Ben Southwell, Turn Dog Quick Films) commissioned by Screen Australia through their Pitch Black Short Drama Production program, and screened at the Sydney Film Festival in 2015. His first award came from his short documentary 'Homeland' winning Highly Commended at the Queensland New Filmmakers Awards in 2004. With a background in news production and freelance filmmaking, he is enjoying the move to longer form documentary.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Point A: Settlement is on the horizon
The need to protect Medicare's future exposure in a liability setting has been the subject of on‐going controversy for years. In some cases these discussions can slow the settlement process to a grinding halt. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate as to whether a Medicare Set‐Aside (MSA) is the required method to protect Medicare's future exposure. These issues must be examined from three viewpoints: plaintiff, defendant/carrier and Medicare. The following gives us insight into Medicare's position and how the plaintiff attorney can navigate the sometimes bumpy road.
CMS' position that Medicare's future interest must be protected in a liability settlement is based upon language in the MSP statute that has been in effect since 1980. The MSP statute at 42 U.S.C. §1395y(b)(2)(A) states:
Payment under this subchapter may not be made…with respect to any item or service to the extent that…
(ii) payment has been made, or can reasonably be expected to be made under a workmen's compensation law or plan of the United States or a State or under an automobile or liability insurance policy or plan (including a self‐insured plan) or under no fault insurance. (emphasis added)
There are a few additional points to consider. Regulation 42 C.F.R. §411.46 states that Medicare must be considered in any Workers' Compensation (WC) settlement when the client might rely on Medicare to cover any future medical costs related to the covered work injury. The regulation does not mention liability settlements. There is not a CFR that states when Medicare's future exposure must be protected in a Liability claim. Furthermore there is not a statute that mandates Medicare Set‐ Asides. An MSA is Medicare's preferred method of a having their future interest protected in Workers' Compensation cases.
Point B: Navigating the path
We have some guidance through this ever‐changing journey in the settlement process. CMS has published memorandum in Workers' Compensation cases.
Since 2001 CMS has published and continues to publish memorandum on how to best protect their future interest in WC settlements: however, there are no similar memorandum for liability claims. In WC, a Medicare Set‐Aside is clearly Medicare's preferred method to protect the agency's future exposure. A CMS memo dated April 22, 2003 states the following:
A workers' compensation Medicare set‐aside needs to be considered in a settlement or award, and submitted to CMS for their review and approval when resolution of the dispute includes a commutation aspect where the primary payer is seeking to close out future medical benefits, and 1) the injured individual is currently a Medicare beneficiary and the case settles for more than $25,000.00, or 2) the injured individual is "reasonably expected" to be a Medicare recipient within 30 months of the date of settlement and the anticipated total settlement amount for future medical expenses and disability/lost wages over the life or duration of the settlement agreement is greater than $250,000. Reasonable expectation means that the individual: 1) has applied for SSDI or has been denied SSDI benefits and anticipates or is in the process of appealing or reapplying for benefits, 2) is 62.5 years old, or 3) has kidney failure but has not yet qualified for Medicare. Calculation of the total settlement amount will include, but is not limited to, wages, attorney fees, all future medical expenses, repayment of any Medicare conditional payments, and any previously settled portion of a claim.
Although CMS does not state it, the above guidelines have been generally accepted as an industry standard as to when Medicare's future exposure must be considered in a WC claim.
The CMS does not have published guidelines on how to protect Medicare future exposure in liability claims as they do for WC cases. Each of the 10 CMS Regional Coordinators who have juridiction over these matters may determine their own policy on how Medicare's future exposure must be treated. Regional Coordinators will tell us that Medicare's future exposure must be protected. The Region 6 Coordinator (AR, LA, OK, NM, TX), Sally Stalcup, states the following for liability claims:
Medicare's interest must be protected; however CMS does not designate a specific mechanism to protect those interests. The law does not require a "set aside" in any situation. The law requires that the Medicare Trust Fund be protected from payment for future services whether it is a Workers' Compensation or liability case. There is no distinction in the law.
She goes on to say:
There is no formal CMS review process in the liability arena as there is for Workers' Compensation. However, CMS does expect the funds to be exhausted on otherwise Medicare covered and otherwise reimbursable services related to what was claimed and/or released before Medicare is ever billed. CMS review is decided on a case by case basis.
The Region 9 Coordinator, Tom Bosserman, (AZ, CA, HI, NV, GU, MP, AS, FM, MH, PW) agrees that Medicare future exposure must be protected but has a differing view on CMS review:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has no current plans for a formal process for reviewing and approving Liability Medicare Set‐aside Arrangements. However, even though no formal process exists, there is an obligation to inform CMS when future medicals were a consideration in reaching the Liability settlement, judgment, or award as well as any instances
where a Liability settlement, judgment, or award specifically provides for medicals in general or future medicals.
It appears that in spite of the fact that there is no CFR that defines when to protect Medicare's future exposure in liability as it does in WC, Medicare's position is that their interest must be considered. What can a plaintiff attorney do?
Point C: The fork in the road
As a plaintiff attorney the above leaves you with a few options that include the following. First, you can tell the defense that because there is no CFR in liability like there is in WC you are not required to protect Medicare's future exposure. You may, or may not, have an arguable position. The defense will either agree or tell you that they will not fund unless Medicare's future exposure has been considered. They may also tell you that you will need to fully indemnify the defendant and carrier. There are eleven states where indemnification can be considered unethical.
Point D: The light at the end of the tunnel
If you decide to "consider" Medicare's exposure then you should first determine if the client is still treating, including taking prescription medications for the related injuries. If the client is not treating then Medicare has no future exposure. You may want to document that fact in your files or the settlement agreement. If the client is treating then you can move forward and determine what Medicare's future exposure is through an MSA allocation, re‐pricing the life care plan to only include Medicare's future related exposure, or negotiate or stipulate future medicals with the defense. The CMS Regional Coordinator from Region 6 has a definite opinion on the last approach, stating:
The fact that a settlement/judgment/award does not specify payment for future medical services does not mean that they are not funded. The fact that the agreement designates the entire amount for pain and suffering does not mean that future medicals are not funded. The only situation in which Medicare recognizes allocations of liability payments to nonmedical losses is when payment is based on a court of competent jurisdiction's order after their review of the merits of the case. A review of the merits of the case is a review of the facts of the case to determine whether there are future medicals – not to determine the proper allocation of funds. If the court of competent jurisdiction has reviewed the facts of the case and determined that there are no future medical services, Medicare will accept the Court's designation.
While it is Medicare's position that counsel should know whether or not their recovery provides for future medicals, simply recovers policy limits, etc., we are frequently asked how one would 'know'. Consider the following examples as a guide for determining whether or not settlement funds must be used to protect Medicare's interest on any Medicare covered otherwise reimbursable, case related, future medical services. Does the case involve a catastrophic injury
or illness? Is there a Life Care Plan or similar document? Does the case involve any aspect of Workers' Compensation? This list is by no means all inclusive.
We use the phrase "case related" because we consider more than just services related to the actual injury/illness which is the basis of the case. Because the law precludes Medicare payment for services to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made promptly under liability insurance, Medicare's right of recovery, and the prohibition from billing Medicare for future services, extends to all those services related to what was claimed and/or released in the settlement, judgment , or award. Medicare's payment for those same past services is recoverable and payment for those future services is precluded by Section 1862(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act.
"Otherwise covered" means that the funds must be used to pay for only those services Medicare would cover so there is a savings to the Medicare trust funds. For example, Medicare does not pay for bathroom grab bars, handicapped vans, garage door openers, or spas so use of the funds for those items is inappropriate. We include the designation of "otherwise reimbursable" because Medicare does not pay for services that are not medically necessary even if the specific service is designated as a covered service and Medicare does not pay primary when Group Health Plan insurance has been determined to be the primary payer.
Point E: The Finish Line
When considering Medicare future exposure you may also consider some methods for reducing Medicare's future exposure for legal reasons such as offsetting for fees and expenses, apportionment, etc.
In Hinsinger v Showboat Atlantic, 2011 N.J. Super.LEXIS 96, the Superior Court of New Jersey opines that claimants can reduce their liability MSA for attorney fees and expenses. In May 2008, Hinsinger was declared fully disabled by the Social Security Administration and started receiving Medicare in November 2009. The parties settled the matter for $600,000 in August 2010. In this case the plaintiff attorney petitioned the court to withdraw his fees from the Medicare Set Aside account. The MSA was calculated to be $180,600. Procurement costs totaled 32.77% of the gross settlement. The court allowed the MSA to be reduced by $59,196.67 or 32.77% of the MSA.
In its decision the court relied heavily upon 42 C.F.R. §411.37 which states that Medicare is not entitled to recover attorney fees and expenses for a past payment. The court decided that since the regulation falls under Part 411 entitled "EXCLUSIONS FROM MEDICARE AND LIMITATIONS ON MEDICARE PAYMENT," and Subpart B, which is entitled "INSURANCE COVERAGE THAT LIMITS MEDICARE PAYMENT: GENERAL PROVISIONS", reducing an MSA funds for future payment would apply.
The court also commented on a 2004 memo from CMS that stated a Workers' Compensation MSA cannot be reduced by fees and expenses. The court feels like the memo specifically addresses the cost
of establishing the MSA account itself, not funding the MSA. Therefore the attorney cannot reduce the cost of establishing the account (allocation report, submission to CMS, etc.) by fees and expenses, but the MSA itself can be reduced by fees and expenses.
There are no clear rules on when and how to protect Medicare's future exposure in a liability claim. Charting your own course on a case by case basis is the safest and most efficient path. Liability settlements are quite different from WC settlements. For example, there are policy limits, statutory caps, comparative fault issues and other issues with recovery that prevent a plaintiff from recovering the full value of his or her claim. Additionally, a liability settlement is for various types of damages, including non‐medical damages. How is one to deal with these issues in a liability setting, i.e., limiting Medicare's future interest to what was actually recovered for future medicals?
Because of the many variables in a liability case versus workers' compensation, and because CMS has not provided any guidance on how/when to protect Medicare's future interest in a liability case, we propose the application of a pro‐rata loss sharing method to reduce the MSA allocation when there is not enough money or when the MSA is eating up money intended to compensate the plaintiff for non‐medical injuries.
It was exactly this equitable resolution recognized in Bradley v. Sebelius, 621 F.3d 1330 (11th Cir. 2010) and Arkansas Dept. of Health & Human Services v. Ahlborn, 126 S. Ct. 1752 (2006).
In Bradley v. Sebelius, a policy limits case, the Court held that Medicare was entitled to $787.50, which was only 2% of its claim of $38,875.08, because the $52,000 settlement was 2% of the full value of the case, which was found to be $2,538,875. The $787.50 number represented what was actually recovered for medical expenses.
The U.S. Supreme Court in Ahlborn held that Medicaid's reimbursement was limited to only 1/6 of the state's payment for medical bills where the insured collected only 1/6 of her total damages. The Court held that "The statute does not sanction an assignment of rights to payment for anything other than medical expenses—not lost wages, not pain and suffering…."
This type of reduction may look like the following:
MSA Allocation x Plaintiff's Net Recovery / Total value of Injury, or,
$100,000 x $200,000 / $1,000,000 = $20,000
This figure of $20,000 is the actual amount of future Medicare‐allowable medical expenses that were actually recovered under plaintiff's settlement.
While it is unknown whether or not CMS would approve of either method of reduction, we feel that these are reasonable methods and absence any guidance from Medicare the burden is on them to prove otherwise. The only guidance we have from CMS is two‐fold: 1) adequately consider Medicare's future exposure and 2) document your file that you have done so. In essence it is a reasonableness standard. It is highly unlikely Medicare could/would ever argue that either method of reduction is unreasonable
when they have chosen to remain silent after many inquiries on how/when to protect Medicare's future interest in a liability setting. Since submission to CMS is voluntary in a liability setting, a decision not to submit may be the best one as it keeps the burden on Medicare to later show that what you did was unreasonable.


text: Is Participation in Occupational Physical Activity Associated With Lifestyle Physical Activity Levels?Kruger, Judy PhD, MS; Yore, Michelle M. MSPH; Ainsworth, Barbara E. PhD, MPH; Macera, Caroline A. PhDJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: November 2006 - Volume 48 - Issue 11 - p 1143-1148 doi: 10.1097/01.jom.0000245919.37147.79 Original Articles Buy Abstract Author InformationAuthors Article MetricsMetrics Objective: Little is known about the prevalence of lifestyle physical activity (PA) by occupational PA (mostly sitting, walking, or heavy labor). Methods: Descriptive and adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis of lifestyle PA (regularly active, irregularly active, inactive) and occupational activity was used (N = 6,360). Results: The prevalence of regular lifestyle activity was 45.7% among those who sit/stand, 49.6% among walkers, and 59.7% among heavy laborers. The regression analysis showed that adults working in heavy labor were almost twice as likely to be regularly active as those who sit/stand. Conclusion: Contrary to expectation, adults who engage in physically demanding work appear to be more active outside the job. Those who are sedentary at work could benefit from having access to opportunities for PA during the workday and trying to engage in activity outside of work hours. From the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Dr Kruger, Ms Yore), Atlanta, Georgia; the Department of Exercise and Wellness, East College (Dr Ainsworth), Arizona State University, Mesa, Arizona; and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University (Dr Macera), San Diego, California. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USDHHS, or the U.S. Government. Address correspondence to: Judy Kruger, PhD, MS, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy. NE, K-46, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com. ©2006The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine


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The Killers invited Jimmy Kimmel to help them compose their annual Christmas single for the AIDS awareness organization (RED), and the pairing's results were fittingly quirky. Ultimately, the. Watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! : Kids love Christmas, but we wonder if they know why we celebrate this day.
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Bane Family
How would you rate your trip overall? Excellent
Comment: Planned trip one year ahead. You can imagine the level of expectation. Everything has beaten the expectations.
What was the most important reason for choosing AFRICAN PORTFOLIO? Referral
Please Specify: Referred by friend, Lisa D
How many safari companies did you consider before selecting AFRICAN PORTFOLIO? None
How would you rate AFRICAN PORTFOLIO'S representatives in Africa?
Tanzania: Excellent
What additional information (if any) would you have liked to receive prior to your departure from home? None
How would you describe your accommodation, facilities and meals?
Stayed at all Elewana lodging. Loved everything.
What and where was your favorite meal of the trip?
Hard to say. The Manor provided two special meals – one with African food, the other in the wine cellar. Two special meals at Pioneer – 2nd night dinner and farewell breakfast on the rocks.
How would you evaluate your safari guides and staff? None could be better than Titus. So knowledgeable and so personal- hard to say goodbye.
Was there anything you would have liked more of, less of, or done differently? Not sure how to change it, but the transfer luncheon back at Arusha Coffee Lodge felt a bit like an assembly line. After all the special experiences, would have preferred eating in the bar and not with "the masses" in the garden.
What was your most memorable moment in Africa?
The view from the reception at Pioneer camp.
If you could give future travelers one word of advice, what would it be?
Be open to what you are going to see. Do not go with preconceived ideas. Let it unfold.


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Through a range of engaging games and activities we have fun, laugh, and deepen our connections. A 45 minute sample of our preschooler + adult classes, with 30 minutes of kids-only play with us and 15 minutes of play with everyone.
Thursday, October 27th 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. @ Pacifier St. Paul, Highland Park.
For 3 - 5 year-olds and their adult/s.


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Possessions won or earned, earned income, luck. Abundance, financial strength in the present or near future. Sign of hope and plenty, success and happiness. Social success. Energy, foresight, fertility, creation/destruction (becoming)
Comes with a waxed adjustable loop style string.
I ship with tracking number.
The pendant is s 0.74 inches / 19mm long
Fehu Rune Pendant - Wealth
- Availability: In Stock
Tags: runes


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Various Critical Bandwidth
Published Dec 01, 2000Vancouver-based independent label Rasa Records' latest release, Critical Bandwidth, enters early 21st century "no boundaries" territory with this diverse set of tunes by electronic musicians from Canada to Europe and India. The result is a heady but smooth melange of lush down-tempo grooves and energetic drum & bass. While the European contributions maintain a dark-core breakbeat minimalist sound, Vancouver's DJ Si Unyil - who does a number of tracks with Larry Lively and Fantom - adds a stylish flavour to the mood by engaging in some deep house/acid jazz rhythms in the vein of St. Germain and British duo Lamb. There is a lot of that wonderful, twang-y upturned bass and intricate percussion sounds running through it, take the German contribution from Liquid Loop, which is all about cruising slowly into down-tempo territory. ArtiCool Action, whose track "Indian Vibe (Dub Flute Solo)" is an Italy/India collaboration that definitely resonates of "fusion" masters Talvin Singh and State of Bengal in its attempt at melding Indian percussion and Karnatic flute melodies with a synthetic dance beat. But it is not only electronic music, genre-specific territory that Rasa traverses on this collection. There is an almost Sebadoh/Folk Implosion-esque track from Vancouver's Panurge. It is all lo-fi vocals, four-chord guitar riffs and sounds like indie pop venturing into electronic music terrain. Though the tracks command attention and the compilation is ambitious in the ground it covers, its compelling moments are punctuated by tracks that don't particularly stand out. DJ Si Unyil's collaborative efforts are the most promising because of the warmth in its mood and the stylish edge it has to it. Just when you think the feel is about to fade out, Steb Sly's "Taste of the Groove," with lovely Latin percussion and its hint of Jacques Lu Cont-flavoured house, kicks in and ups the mood. There are some unexpected gems in here. (Rasa)


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Oh, no! Martha! That is the worst. I'm so sorry ... for all of you. Head back, iPod on, and a ziploc bag ;)
OH NO - that's never a welcome side trip. Great pictures and darling nephew though!
Oh no.....anthing but vomit and travel.....not good... x
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Friday night lights in Mansfield
Arlington Lamar tied Kennedy Brooks on Friday night 21 – 21. Unfortunately for them, they weren't just playing against the Mansfield running back – they also had to play against the rest of his team, resulting in the final score 35 -21.
In addition to Kennedy's three touchdowns, he also had 299 yards rushing and averaged 8.7 yards per attempt. His game against Arlington Lamar is just one of many awe-inspiring performances this year and it's scary to say it, but 299 yds, 3 TDs is regular Friday night for Brooks.
As it stands right now Brooks is a 4 star recruit, but perhaps it's time for an upgrade and here's why.
- He scored 5 touchdowns against a Nationally ranked team (Cedar Hill)
- Averages 10 yards per carry in one of the most competitive parts of the country to play high school football
- Averages over 3 touchdowns per game
- Averages 10 yards per carry
- He's rushed for over 1,800 yards in just 7 games
I've had the privilege of interviewing Kennedy as well as Charleston Rambo for an article I'm writing on the Sooner class of 2017 (it should be out this week) and he doesn't come across as the type of person that cares about ratings, but I just wanted to have FootballGazette.com go on the record by saying he deserves an upgrade.
I look forward to seeing Kennedy play at the next level and in the meantime you can stay in touch with all things Kennedy Brooks by following him on Twitter @offenseofmind


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Scott believes in fully funding education for Pre-K through college. Education is fundamental to the success of our communities and to having a fair and equitable society. Young people should not be burdened with a huge debt load. Additionally, we need more opportunities for people to participate in apprenticeship programs, especially for veterans returning to the civilian workforce. Finally, all students deserve a safe learning environment.
Photo Credit: Ilmicrofono Oggiono
Scott believes we need to fully fund transportation; transportation projects are vital to the success of our communities. Investments in transportation lead to the timely moving of goods and services throughout our region. There have been companies that have declined to startup or relocate to our region due to the state of our transportation system. Investing in infrastructure and transportation also provides family wage jobs for our workforce. Scott supports strong investments in upgrading our transportation infrastructure. Finally, Scott will work to make sure we have safe and efficient ferries and have a long term plan for timely replacement of ferries.
Photo Credit: Patrick McNally
Public Safety
Scott believes in supporting our First Responders. The state should do more to make sure they have the appropriate training, equipment, and personnel for natural disasters, especially an earthquake. As a professional firefighter, Scott has seen first-hand the difference proper training and equipment can make, and the current state of our infrastructure means we need to have well prepared first responders and emergency services. Scott also supports funding common sense measures that would protect our students and schools, as well as curb gun violence.
Photo Credit: Lee Cannon
Quality of Life
Scott believes in protecting our way of life in this beautiful part of our state. Scott believes in protecting our native fisheries and protecting the natural bounty of the Salish Sea. The growth management act is a vital tool, and it is important for protecting our farmland and encouraging smart growth. Scott believes climate change is real and we need to be prepared for its effects and do everything we can to mitigate further damage. Investing in clean energy jobs is the best way to protect our environment and create living wage, union jobs. Finally, we need to make sure we invest in public-private partnerships between local governments, the state, and the federal government to end the affordable housing crisis, and make sure that everyone can afford to have a place to live.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Miske


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Touch of happiness!
Our Mission
Our Mission: Let the world have nothing difficult to do!
The service center of the road show center: wholeheartedly serves the marketing masters of various industries, and has the virtue and positive energy.
Roadshow Center Service Models: Provide venues, training, parties, salons, sharing, lectures, etc.
Stardom Roadshow Center is committed to building a shared service platform that allows everyone to showcase themselves.
Stardom Services:
Offer to organize wine tasting events.
Help bringing Chinese wine buyers to the events.
Offer free interpreting.
Offer free use of the facilities at the Centre, such as projector,wine glasses, spittoons, biscuits, waters.
Follow up the orders and help buyers to communicate with member.
Wine samples free storage both in Stardom Roadshow Centre and in China.
Offer member space to display wines in Stardom Roadshow Centre so that the potential buyers can purchase wine samples easily.
Offer member space to display poster at Stardom Roadshow Centre


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Geron GERN, +2.74% is getting a boost of 46 cents, or 11.4 percent, to $4.50, after the Menlo Park, Calif., biopharmaceutical firm reported that researchers at Duke University Medical Center have published data that provides additional validation for the use of telomerase as an antigen for cancer immunotherapy. A phase I study of Geron's ex vivo telomerase vaccine is already underway in patients with metastatic prostate cancer at Duke. The company said that the results show "the RNA encoding the protein component of telomerase, when introduced into dendritic cells, is effective in priming telomerase-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes to target and destroy malignant tumors."
Geron surges on publication of promising research
Quote References
+0.04 +2.74%


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Carnival to Move Miracle West, Splendor to New York
Destination & Tourism Carnival Cruise Line Theresa Norton February 09, 2012
Carnival Cruise Lines in spring 2013 will reposition the Carnival Miracle to the West Coast and the Carnival Splendor to New York. The 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle will operate Alaska and Hawaii cruises to replace the Carnival Spirit, which is being repositioned to Australia. Carnival Miracle will also operate a seasonal seven-day Mexican Riviera program currently available on Carnival Splendor.
The 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor will assume Carnival Miracle's year-round eight-day Caribbean schedule beginning in March 2013, representing a 41 percent capacity increase. Before making its Big Apple debut, Carnival Splendor will offer three 13- to 18-day South America voyages in February and March 2013.
When Carnival Miracle moves west, it will operate a 15-day Panama Canal cruise to Long Beach, Calif., March 16-31, 2013. The cruise will call at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The Carnival Miracle will operate seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas in April 2013 and from October 2013 through April 2014.
The ship will move to Seattle in spring 2013 to operate the seven-day voyages from Seattle every Tuesday from May 7 to Sept. 10, 2013, calling at Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, B.C. It also will operate 15-day Hawaii cruises from Long Beach departing on Oct. 19 and Dec. 7, 2013, and Jan. 18, 2014. There will also be a 15-day Hawaii cruise from Long Beach to Vancouver departing April 14, 2013, and another from Vancouver to Long Beach departing Sept. 17, 2013.
Beginning March 23, 2013, Carnival Splendor will launch the eight-day itineraries from New York to Port Canaveral, Nassau and Freeport. Eastern Caribbean departures will visit San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. An "Exotic Eastern Caribbean" cruise visits the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk and Nassau. There will also be a seven-day Bermuda cruise departing April 16, 2013.
For more Family Travel options visits SellFamilyTravel.com
For more information on Carnival Cruise Line, New York
For more Destination & Tourism News
More by Theresa Norton
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Since Sunday, Felix and the tree are in Spitzbergen to complete the final preparations for the expedition team. In his spare time, Felix gave a speech to students of Spitzbergen School. The Spitzbergen School has 273 students from 20 nations.
In summer the temperature in Spitzbergen is between -2 and +17 °C, in winter it is between -25 and +5°C.
One of the biggest challenges on Felix' trip to Spitzbergen was getting the tree through security checkpoints. Fortunately, the tree passed all the checks.
Journey to Spitzbergen:
Preparing equipment/Speech at school:


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The Importance of "What" and "How"
I believe at any moment in a team two elements are present:
The "what" – core business issues that the team is addressing
The "how" – the ways that the humans on the team are working
Improving the WHAT and HOW is what I'm trained to do. With an MBA focused on organizational development, and a long record supporting teams on business and people issues, I have diverse experience and tools to draw on.
Why does that help? In key moments, leaders and teams might lock in on one element at the expense of the other. But what and how are the yin and yang of team success. Chasing one while neglecting the other does not work. These two elements shape each other, and to try to address either alone is a missed opportunity.
One cannot address team dynamics without referencing the real, important issues where they play out. The commitments will be abstract and not accountable. Likewise, teams that address business questions of any complexity and importance without unearthing the human dimensions will, at some point, hit a wall.
Core Values
Maintaining an appropriate distance from emotions and situations so we can observe and understand.
Thinking and speaking with precision, accuracy, and clear distinctions.
Saying what it real and important, event when it's difficult.
Knowing how important our work together is, and seeing the positive in situations and people.
Jonathan Becker
I am a management consultant based in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on team effectiveness. My goal is to help people who work together strengthen their mutual understanding, clarity, and trust … so they can achieve their goals. My natural style is to work collaboratively, bringing resources, frameworks, and facilitation to complement the intrinsic strengths and motivation of my clients.
I was born in San Francisco and grew up in the Point Reyes area of West Marin. I graduated from Marin Academy, Yale University (BA, Political Science), and U.C. Berkeley (MBA, concentration on organizational behavior).
I reside in the east bay with my wife and two sons. We are active in our schools and local community, and I have provided services pro bono or at reduced costs to nonprofits especially in the area of the environment. I am active in endurance sports, and have done the SF-LA AIDS ride and a Team-in-Training triathlon.


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Yay! it's Halloween!
We have a really fun lineup Sunday 10/29/17
Come early get a drink in you. Wear a costume if you want, Just come. Cause it's not a show without you there.
It's literally a bunch of empty chairs and couches.
Show Starts at 8pm. at Sensei Bar NYC 135 Eldridge St. NYC.
But it's a show, so get your ass there at 7:30. Have a drink, go pee, do what ever you wanna
If you can't make it this week, it's every Sunday so come another time.


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Stormwater runoff is rainwater that falls on buildings, pavement or lawns and flows across these surfaces into nearby streams, rivers or lakes. As water flows across these impervious surfaces it collects pollutants, such as sediment, bacteria and nutrients that are then deposited into local waterways. In the summertime, runoff also heats up as it moves across hot pavement, increasing temperature in local water bodies which harms fish and other aquatic life. Fast moving runoff can cause erosion of stream banks or other areas depositing sediment into our rivers.
Stormwater runoff is the number one source of pollution to waterways in Massachusetts and across the country. There are effective stormwater management techniques that can reduce pollutants to waterways. Stormwater runoff, also called non-point source pollution, is a widespread problem as runoff can come from every surface across a watershed. Stormwater management needs to be practiced by both municipal governments and property owners for the most effective results.


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Deep Learning Symposium
SAS World Headquarters, Cary, NC
Sept. 27 – 28
This will be a multiday symposium focusing on deep learning, machine learning and artificial intelligence, technologies that are transforming a diverse set of scientific, engineering and business domains.
The symposium has two components. An educational component will feature workshops led by Nvidia instructors on topics including deep learning for health care and image analysis, genomics, image segmentation and classification, neural networks and more. The second component will focus on how researchers are using these technologies in the Triangle and beyond, in particular at local institutions such as UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke and NC State, and at businesses such as SAS.
We hope that this gathering and sharing of ideas and knowledge will generate new avenues of inquiry and new possibilities for collaboration.
This event has reached capacity and is no longer available for registration.
Notice Concerning Training, Education, Food, Refreshments or Other Gifts Provided by SAS
At this event SAS will provide you items that may be subject to gift rules applicable for your organization. We respect these rules and encourage you to clear your receipt of these items with your organization. If you prefer, you may pay fair market value and receive a receipt for the items at sas.com/paysas.
In partnership with
Forum Location
SAS World Headquarters
Building C
Cary, NC
Questions? Please contact email@example.com.


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Photographers explore local landscapes and beyond
What: Exotic Landscapes Opening Reception
Where: VISEYE Photo Gallery, BBK's Pub
When: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 9-11 p.m.
The word "exotic" is often synonymous with a faraway locale. But a new exhibit opening this Tuesday at the VISEYE Photo Gallery defines "exotic" in more local terms.
Curated by original exhibitors Ellen Atkin, Jon Faulknor and Nelly Levesque, the gallery displays on the walls of BBK's Pub, a cozy little spot tucked into the space next to Chef Bernard's Cafe on the Blackcomb Benchlands. Following on the heels of Fresh, a solo show by Whistler local Dean Cote, the VISEYE is back to its conventional format of three photographers with Exotic Landscapes, the first new exhibit of 2004.
With several previous shows in the area under his belt including another VISEYE exhibit last year, the most prolific of the new trio is Dave Humphreys.
A professional photographer with a Squamish-based studio, Humphreys shoots mostly slide film with a Canon A2E set up. He says his contributions to Exotic Places will showcase desertscapes from Arizona and Utah as well as the South Dakota Badlands, but he also included local vistas in his selection.
"I still consider that exotic," explains Humphreys. "Just because I live here I don't think that takes away from the beauty of it or the exoticness of it. To stand up in the Tantalus range on one of the highest glaciers and watch the sun set, that's pretty exotic for me."
Displayed alongside Humphreys' work will be photos from first time VISEYE exhibitors Todd Lawson and Eric Jeanneau.
Lawson, currently a writer/photographer with the Squamish Chief, has been shooting in the area for the past two years. While he still makes use of a traditional 35mm film camera, he says lately he has been reaching more and more for his Canon D10 digital set up.
Landscapes will be Lawson's second showing in Whistler after his work was selected to be a part of The World As Our Teacher exhibit at MY Place last November.
Lawson says he chose mostly local subject matter for the Viseye show, defining the exotic in elements like colour and composition.
Rounding out the trio is Jeanneau, a first time exhibitor with the all-too-common background of coming to Whistler for "just one season," and four years later, finding himself still around.
Jeanneau's road to photography was one of personal development. For quitting smoking he says he rewarded himself with a simple Pentax 35mm camera and became an avid hiker, finding most of his subject matter on his various excursions all over North America.
Like Lawson, Jeanneau says most of the works he will be exhibiting at the VISEYE have been captured relatively close to home. But, he notes, pointing out the subjective nature of the term, the local vistas are what visitors consider exotic.
Visitors and locals alike will be able to check out Exotic Landscapes on the walls of BBK's Pub as of Tuesday evening. An exhibit reception takes place from 9 to 11 p.m. and features live acoustic tunes by local solo artist Leanne Lamour.
For information, call 604-932-9795.
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Number of patients prescribed opioids down 10% from 2013 More...


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It had to have been 2009 or so. A year-ish perhaps, maybe less, into my first long-term relationship right after high school (that would last another five years). He was living with my family and I - long story - and working at a popular pizza spot downtown. I expected him home late but as the hour crept beyond midnight, I began to wonder. Called - no answer. Called again - no answer. After all this time I can recall what it felt like to stand in my room as the TV lit the walls in this haunting sort of way in the darkness. The clock kept ticking and I was worried now. Not that he was doing something wrong - nothing like that in that moment. In my mind scenes of his forest green, Ford Ranger being submerged in a body of water with his lifeless body inside played on repeat, mixed with other images depicting the tragic demise of the boy I loved. Soon his phone went straight to voicemail (I had to have tried at least 30 times). I was terrified now and losing my grip quickly. I called the police station - crazy, I know. I called his friends (it was WAY too late to be calling anyone). I called his job. Before I knew it, it was about 3 AM and I was driving around downtown and past his family's house praying for a glimpse of him. Nothing. Around 4 AM I went home and went to bed, on the phone with a sweet friend of his who assured me that he was safe and that there was an explanation of some kind for all of this. By the time I found any rest, the sun had come up. Dis-ease and pure panic still radiating in my bones.
*In case you're wondering, he turned up eventually the next day very much alive and with a story I believed. I would find out a year after we finally broke up many many moons later that he was cheating all along. Not important at all to this story, however. Label no one surprised, though.
This would only be the beginning of my interactions with my anxiety.
Things got worse from there. My mind became a dark and scary place that I hated being alone with. The fear that something terrible was going to happen to the people I loved was an energy that haunted me every single day. If someone didn't answer the phone I instantly imagined the worst possible reason that could be so - something unspeakable happening to them. My boyfriend. My family. I had no friends at this time in my life so at least those four people were the extent of my uncontrollable worry. Over the course of many months, being with my own psyche was causing me not just discomfort, but a very real pain that was interfering in a significant way with my ability to live my life. I recall a night where my boyfriend and I were house-sitting for my mom's boss at the time, and the feeling that the walls were closing in on me and that I would ALWAYS feel like that was submerging me in a darkness that I couldn't drown out no matter how many lights I turned on in the house. There's a journal somewhere with my harrowing thoughts from that night that I kind of wish I still had. It's probably for the best that I don't.
Then came a night much like most others at my parents' house where I still lived probably somewhere in 2010. My boyfriend and I were both home as were my dad, mom, and brother. It was getting late and my mom and brother were standing outside talking about something. They were just outside our front door and I was flooded with fear. What if someone drove by and shot them (in our gated, middle class, security monitored neighborhood)? This fear was so incredibly real that I begged them to come inside. Frustrated with my irrational request, I remember that tone in my mom's voice as she tried to make sense of why I so desperately needed them to retreat. Everything came crumbling down. As my family circled around me, I wept and wept as I let them in on just how far away any control of my mind felt. I'd lost my grip on reality. Every moment was laced with sadness and fear. It was time to do something about my steadily declining mental health. I needed help. I really, really needed help. In the coming years, I'd go on to experience a year of debilitating depression and then several years later, another stint of anxiety that was different but still as disruptive as the first.
Anxiety and Depression are nearly impossible to understand if you have no direct experience. I am here to tell you that they are very, very real illnesses that impact millions and millions of people and they do not discriminate. There is biochemistry involved in these experiences included but not limited to imbalances related to such chemicals as Seratonin, Thyroid Hormone, GABA, Epinephrine/Norepinephrine, Endorphins, and Dopamine.
Any combination of nature + nurture can be at play here. Personally, I absolutely have a genetic predisposition to these particular strands of mental stress, AND there's no question that various aspects of my environment contributed to what ultimately manifested in my mind, body, and spirit. Recalling the fact that there were several, accident-related deaths of peers in my close sphere as I neared the end of High School illuminates just one way my mind and body subconsciously stored trauma and became programmed to perceive a tiger (let that be a symbol for a threat) lurking around every corner. I could (and have) fall down any number of rabbit holes to trace the roots of my anxious and depressive seasons. The point is these things are so real, so visceral to the person fighting them.
Everyone's path is different obviously, so help and healing aren't to be offered in blanket solutions. However, information is power, so no intelligently informed suggestion hurts as long as you're intuiting what is right for your journey to the best of your ability. From one person who understands to you, here's what I did to invite healing into my life as I summoned the courage to face my Anxiety and Depression:
1. Tell someone - I'd go as far as to say that healing these energies cannot be done alone. The moment I let people I trusted into my pain, healing could begin. Not only because they provided support in accessing the help I needed, but because being known in our pain is medicine in and of itself. Connection and love are important remedies not to be overlooked. Be held in your struggle. Trust me.
2. Get PROFESSIONAL help - as wonderful as family and friends and spouses and your dogs are to talk to, and as crucial as that is, it does not replace the experience of processing with someone who knows what the fuck they're doing. I got my ass RIGHT to therapy and I stayed there for a hotttttt minute. I still have a therapist. Ask people you trust if they have anyone they've been to and can refer.
3. Reprogramming thought patterns - before I had any indication that I'd do this for a living, and quite intuitively, when I was in the midst of an anxiety attack with fearful thoughts swirling, whenever I was able I'd bring myself through some prompts to come back to reality. When I was terrified that something had happened to someone if, let's say, they didn't answer their phone, I'd make myself write out five more likely reasons they weren't responding. I realigned my consciousness with my ability to choose what I gave power to - my anxiety or a health-filled thought. While it didn't eliminate my fearful responses entirely, it did allow me to cope with them and take a much needed deep breath.
4. Let's talk about medication - I have no problem with intervention from Western medicine in instances where Anxiety and Depression are interfering with your ability to live your life. For designated periods of time, I think it can be crucial to getting over a hump and balancing your brain chemistry. I've personally done it several times for short stints to help me get a hold on things and I am so grateful for the relief it provided so that I could summon the energy and fortitude to implement tools and strategies to form healthy coping skills. But let me be clear, it was my last option after trying with tremendous effort for many months to find relief through the first three options alone.
5. And now let's talk about meditation - Meditation is perhaps the single most effective thing I've ever done to be able to form new neural pathways. It revealed me to myself in astounding clarity. Besides begin the catalyst to my spiritual awakening, it allowed me to witness everything as neutral and revealed my ability to choose my reactions to my environment.
6. Yoga - First and foremost, this was transformative for me when I started practicing regularly because it was the first time in years that I had a community. I'd been so lonely for so long that just being around people every day was a gift I can hardly describe. Add to that the benefit of moving the chaotic energy in my body - revolutionary. On top of that, for someone struggling with anxiety, the feeling of being able to take a conscious, choice-based deep breath - I mean - sublime.
7. A friend on four legs - I would tell anyone that Apollo saved my life. During a time where I felt scared, insecure, unsafe and alone, he gave me a gift that is perhaps, deceptively profound - companionship. Dogs, in particular, give love unconditionally and that is no small thing to any person, let alone someone who's struggling. There's plenty of research to support how good dogs are for us. The remarkable bond I share with Apollo got me through the darkest time in my life, which is really all the research I need.
As I've said before, I don't believe in such a thing as being healed. I believe healing is an endless cycle of becoming. Am I no longer an anxious person? I certainly still have anxious moments, believe me. Where the shift lies is in the fact that it no longer controls my life. If you don't answer the phone, I'll be just fine. When I feel myself going there, I can intercept the ball on my own. I still keep Apollo close by, but that's never going to change. Am I absolved of my tendencies? Not forever, I'm sure. Am I alive? Very, very much yes.
In the midst of my seasons of greatest anguish, I've always been comforted by this passage from a poem by Emily Dickinson. I'd love to share it with you.
The Waves grew sleepy — Breath — did not —
The Winds — like Children — lulled —
Then Sunrise kissed my Chrysalis —
And I stood up — and lived —
Relief. Healing. Freedom. Living - is possible.
Don't give up hope.


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Edison's Demos
(2004, Not on label)
Let's get real Pollard process here. For Edison's Demos, Uncle Bob recorded the entire set of songs in one day, and then fucking released it on LP. However, there was a rhyme to the reason for recording. Edison's Demos are the skeletal tracks to what would become most of Guided By Voices 2003 LP Earthquake Glue. Apparently happy with the results, (or apparently just typical of his release schedule), Pollard issued the demos a year later in a limited run of 1,000 LPs.
Does the public need to hear this? If you're not a superfan, then no. HOWEVER, I will argue that some of these intimate demos fair better than the over produced end product that is Earthquake Glue. I am glad it's out, and if you're game enough, play them back to back to draw your own conclusions. If you really are drawing, say on a sketch pad, that conclusion might look something like a man sitting in his kitchen with a guitar, possibly wearing a wizard hat. On many of these tracks, the Pollard pop magic, as well as the cryptically surreal and beautiful lyrics shine brighter here. In addition, the production, for demo quality, is excellent. The LP sold out quickly and is now an artifact to the select masses. Below are reviews of the original demo tracks found on Earthquake Glue.
Mix Up The Satellite [Demo]-4 Brittle electric guitar, some vocals, and some second guitar orchestral stuff added. I prefer this to the Earthquake Glue version. Much more personal, and just prettier overall. Not bogged down by the annoying synths that so permeate the LP version.
I'll Replace You With Machines [Demo]- 4 Another tune, that I prefer over the LP version. Gone here are the distracting mechanical, crunching robot noises that pound away on the finished version, as the skeletal crux of this great song comes through.
Beat Your Wings [Demo]- 3 Excellently executed electric guitar demo of what I find to be a mucked up, less than average, and ultimately overly long song on Earthquake Glue. This demo proves "Beat Your Wings" was always a long listen. However, the demo presents the song as a more epic affair than its end results may have accomplished on the GBV LP.
Useless Intentions [Demo]- 4 One of the best songs off Earthquake Glue, this demo contains all the great hooks found in the full band version. Still prefer the full band version over this. In any case, what a wonderfully written tune.
Dirty Water [Demo]- 2 One of the worst tracks on the GBV LP, mainly due to Todd Tobias' mad-scientist production sound-effects overdrive. It's interesting to hear this as a guitar only demo. But really, "Dirty Water" remains a fairly boring, filler track material, rewarding only for Pollard's strong vocal performance.
She Goes Off At Night [Demo]- 3 Nice doubled vocals on this. Seriously, killer vocal performance on this. Retains its proggy The Who feel.
She Goes Off At Night [Vocals Only Mix]- 1 Okay, I know I said I liked the vocals, but why do we have to hear a vocals only mix? Who knows Filling track space I guess? This isn't some Beach Boys boxset here, Pollard!!! But hey, it's non-too offensive, I guess.
Dead Cloud [Demo]- 1 One of the most uncomfortably formed GBV tracks to date. Far too proggy for anyone's good. Still don't like this song, but the layered vocal build up in the chorus are a bright spot.
My Son, My Secretary, My Country [Demo]- 1 One of the tunes off Earthquake Glue that's additionally bogged down by Todd Tobias' production to an extent. However, this tune is still essentially one minute filler that feels unstable and just as unsatisfying.
A Trophy Mule In Particular [Demo]- 3 Hearing this as a demo is slightly more effective than the end result of the full band. This sounds like a darkened, downer, personal track that didn't translate well into the epic shrug that appeared on Earthquake Glue.
Main Street Wizards [Demo]- 4 One of the brightest spots on the Earthquake Glue LP. Still retains the beautiful melody, but the laid back yet sonically grand band version is preferable of the two. Hell of a short, melodic hook.
Main Street Wizards [Homemade Click-Track Mix Demo]- 3 Slightly rougher version in terms of guitar sound. Still an awesome song, but deduct one point because, really, why do we need this version too?
Blasted But It's Easy- 3 EXCLUSIVE TRACK! Unlike everything else on this LP, this one DID NOT appear on Earthquake Glue as a rerecorded version. Also, it wouldn't be a limited Pollard release without a totally exclusive track, now would it? Follows a similar formula of the other songs on the album. Fairly proggy pop, with some stop-starts, jangle minor chord noodling. Worth a listen for fans of the early '00s GBV.
Apology In Advance [Demo]- 1 Still feels awkward as all hell. Not the worst, but just jumbled enough chord and harmony wise to be feel too awkward. Not a winner in demo OR full band form.
Secret Star [Demo]- 2 Like the final version, this song is just flat out too long. Nearly five minutes! This demo is just plain boring to get through. Hard to see how this one made it out of the gates without a serious trim down.


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lords of the andes: condors and glaciers
laguna humantay 2 day/1 night
Visit stunning landscape locations from dramatic valleys to glacial peaks.
See and photograph the largest flying bird in the world - the andean condor, against the majestic Apurimac valley.
Experience the incredible Laguna Humantay in a way no single day tour could allow you; in the best light of the day and without the crowds.
Stay in the luxurious Biodomes with stunning views of the incredible snow-capped peaks of Apu Salkantay and Humantay Mountain.
Visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi.
Private transport all day with a safe, professional driver.
Professional photographer guide every step of the way to help you get the best shots possible.
Day 1
07h00 - Pick-up from your hotel or hostel, begin our drive into the Andes.
09h00 - Quick stop at the Inca ruins of Tarawasi.
11h15 - Arrive at the trailhead and begin the 45 minute walk to the main condor lookout point, along the way we will pass sweeping vistas of the Apurimac valley.
12h00 - Arrive at the main lookout, here we will spend around 2 hours watching and photographing the condors in the valley as they fly over the incredible landscapes. We recommend to bring a good telephoto lens for this part, the lookout is left natural as opposed to other places that leave meat out to entice the condors closer to the tourists, as a result the condors don't tend to come in as close to humans as they do at these other locations. We will eat a packed lunch of local empanadas here at the lookout.
14h15 - We will begin the walk back along the trail to our vehicle.
15h00 - We leave the condor lookout and begin the drive to Soraypampa, the village below Laguna Humantay.
17h30 - Arrive at Soraypampa, here we will check into the luxurious Biodomes that will be the accommodation for the night.
18h30 - We will eat our evening meal prepared for us by our hosts at the domes.
19h30 - Free time for the evening, relax!
Day 2
4h45 - An early start, wake up, and begin the horse ride up to Laguna Humantay.
6h00 - Arrive at Laguna Humantay for sunrise, here we will spend a few hours photographing at the lake in the best light of the day, and without the huge crowds of tourists that visit every day at a later hour. This is a completely unique way to experience Laguna Humantay, see it how no other visitor will!
08h00 - Begin walk back down to domes.
09h30 - Breakfast back at the domes, you've earned it!
11h00 - Begin drive back to Cusco.
15h00 - Arrival in Cusco, drop-off back at hotel or hostel.
Getting up for sunrise is not essential, if you wish so we can get up later to head to the lake. We do encourage arriving for sunrise though as it is the best light in which to photograph the landscape.
It's not essential to take the horse up to the lake, if you are happy with walking we can do it this way.
We recommend doing this tour after having already spent some time in Cusco to acclimatise, this is an uphill walk at altitude, it will be harder without previous acclimatisation.
This experience should be reserved as far in advance as possible as the Biodomes tend to get booked up. Leaving it until the last minute means there is a good chance we won't be able to make the reservation there.
Weather conditions in the Andes are unpredictable so there is always a chance of bad luck, we wish we could control the weather but unfortunately we can not! Be aware that the months December through to March are the worst for rain, if you do book in this time frame, cloudy and wet conditions are almost inevitable.
Private transport the whole way.
All entrance fees.
Food: Lunch and dinner on day 1, breakfast on day 2.
One night at the luxury Biodomes close to Laguna Humantay.
Professional photography guide every step of the way.
Horse ride to the lake.
Single occupancy dome.
what to bring
Your Photography gear.
Warm clothes for the night and the morning ( gloves, beanie, winter jackets, winter socks ) Rain coat in case of bad luck. Good comfortable walking shoes.
Headlamp for the dark.
Sharp eyes and your smile!
recommended gear
Wide angle lens for landscapes
Telephoto for condors (they don't tend to get too close so as much reach as possible is best)
Filters for landscapes (ND, Grad ND, CPL)
Private expedition (1 person): $780 USD
2 people: $450 USD per person
3+ people: $360 USD per person
Note: Prices are for sharing domes, up to 3 per dome.


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On March 25, Dragon Ball Super's last episode will air, bringing to an end the series which debuted in June 2015.
Screenshot: 東映アニメーション公式YouTubeチャンネル
According to an Animage magazine scan, which was linked by Hachima but which Kotaku hasn't confirmed firsthand, the episode's title is apparently "A Miraculous Conclusion! Farewell Goku! Until The Day We Meet Again!!"
Animage (via Hachima) reportedly has this short summary of episode 131:
Goku falls from the arena. As for the Universe 7's defeat, everyone was supposed to be annihilated, but... It appears the fight isn't over, with Goku, who's surpassed his limits, and Jiren turning their eyes towards Zeno. Then, a Death Beam into Jiren's back. There is the figure of a battered Universe 7 member.
Even though the series is ending, a new Dragon Ball animated feature will be released in theatres this December in Japan.


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Now, Iran's most important clerical group blasts Khamenei on election irregularities
New York, July 5 (ANI): Defying Iran's supreme leader and emerging as one of the most public signs of a major split in the country's clerical establishment, the most important group of religious leaders in the country has called the disputed presidential election and the new government illegitimate.
A statement by the group, the Association of Researchers and Teachers of Qum, represents a significant, if so far symbolic, setback for the government and especially the authority of the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, The New York Times reports.
It even directly criticized the Guardian Council, the powerful group of clerics charged with certifying elections.
"Is it possible to consider the results of the election as legitimate by merely the validation of the Guardian Council?" the association said in its statement.
The committee called on other clerics to join the fight against the government's refusal to adequately reconsider the charges of voter fraud.
The committee invoked powerful imagery, comparing the 20 protesters killed during demonstrations with the martyrs who died in the early days of the revolution and the war with Iraq, asking other clerics to step in to save what it called "the dignity that was earned with the blood of tens of thousands of martyrs."
"The complaints of other candidates were ignored and people's protest, which was expressed peacefully, was violently crushed," the statement said. The statement was posted on the association's Web site late Saturday.
The government has tried to paint the opposition and its presidential candidate, Mir Hussein Moussavi, as criminals and traitors, a strategy that now becomes more difficult - if not impossible.
"This crack in the clerical establishment, and the fact they are siding with the people and Moussavi, in my view is the most historic crack in the 30 years of the Islamic republic," said Abbas Milani, director of the Iranian Studies Program at Stanford University.
"Remember they are going against an election verified and sanctified by Khamenei," The NYT quoted Milani, as saying.
Since the election, the bulk of the clerical establishment in the holy city of Qum, an important religious and political center of power, has remained largely silent, leaving many to wonder when, or if, the nation's most senior religious leaders would jump into the controversy that has posed the most significant challenge to the country's leadership since the Islamic Revolution.
The association of clerics formed under the leadership of the revolution's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, came down squarely on the side of the reform movement.
The group had earlier asked for the election to be nullified because so many Iranians objected to the results, but it never directly challenged the legitimacy of the government and, by extension, the supreme leader. (ANI)


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KT Hanna is in the hot seat!
The other week, KT Hanna released her second book. I was all "HOORAY! CONGRATS!" and RTing links. About a week later while checking my email, I noticed one from her discussing a guest interview. Hmm, I had sent the questions but never got the answers. After a few more emails, she got me her answers.
1)Let's start with the basics. Tell us a bit about yourself and what makes you tick.
I'm originally from Australia and met my husband in a computer game called EverQuest 2. I play the guitar, piano, and flute, write songs and stories, have two corgis, a cat, a gorgeous little toddler, and an awesome husband.
The first two books in my The Domino Project series are available through Amazon. My stories usually have several weird things about them, because I love writing weird stuff. Singular words are my most common spark for stories. And I think that's about it!
2)Do you have any hobbies, favorite TV shows, books? Anything you fangirl/boy over?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer – like woah. I'm obsessed with the show. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love Supernatural and Dr Who and Grimm – and a plethora of other shows, but Buffy the Vampire Slayer is something I can always re-watch and dream of creating something just as amazingly groundbreaking.
Otherwise I love to play the guitar and sing. I write songs, but don't have the time I'd like for it (due to writing). I also love horse riding, and swimming.
3) If you had one event from you past you could do over, what would it be?
Every time I try to think of something, I realize it probably would have changed my future, and I love where I am for the most part – I wouldn't want to change my husband and daughter for the world. So everything led me to here, and therefore I think it's best not to redo anything.
4)What is one thing from your past you're most proud of?
Playing Everquest 2. In my mind being in one of the best guilds in the world at the time, and meeting my husband through playing there – is something that's pretty hard to beat.
Let's do some fun questions.
5)Say you're on an abandoned desert island and have three items, what would they be?
I'm so bad at these
6)If you were caught dancing and singing in the shower, what song would be playing?
Probably Sam Brown - Stop
7)Name one guilty pleasure.
Long boiling hot showers
8)Let's play favorites:
Pepsi or Coke? Coke
Pie or Cake? Cake
White or dark chocolate? White
Playstation 4 or Xbox 1or WiiU? Can I say PC?
Paperback book or ebook? Paperback
Summer or winter? SUMMER – DEATH TO WINTER (Agreed!)
Puppies or kittens? Ooooo hmmmm puppies and cats ;)
Vampires or werewolves? Vampires that rip people to shreds :D
Thank you so much for having me!
It was a pleasure to have you, KT! You can find KT and her books on her website, Twitter, and Amazon.
Heather M. Gardner
11/20/2015 05:21:08 am
I love these questions.
11/21/2015 12:17:20 pm
Great interview! That's definitely a unique way to meet your future husband.
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Personalised Gingham Lace Socks
Simple and sweet, these subtle gingham socks feature a little lace edging to add a cute touch to your outfit - particularly when worn with boots!
Your custom labelled box of socks comes with 3 colours - navy, grey, and pink variations, all packaged up together to make this wonderful little gift.
To make it extra special you can add any name of your choice to the label, and even select gift wrapping so that these cute check socks are ready to send direct to recipient!
made from:
Soft cotton blend.
Ladies: UK 3-6, EU 35-39
L: 15cm W: 8.5cm H: 6cm


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With an on-site 180 seat theatre fully equipped with a professional sound and lighting rig, drama really does comes to life at Truro School.
The school runs a number of major productions throughout the year including the annual school play which encompasses all seven year groups.
We are fortunate in the Burrell Theatre to have one of the finest modern theatres in Cornwall. With a seating capacity of 180 and boasting a full professional sound and lighting rig, it is a magnet for touring productions and Cornish companies of the highest quality. We also have a long-standing relationship with cube theatre, our residential professional group. Cube theatre run workshops for students and have on occasion used Truro School students in their professional productions. Every two years cube creates a new piece of theatre for our sixth formers to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The impact that cube has had on the creative life of the drama department cannot be underestimated. Some students go on to work professionally in the industry and this is in part due to the transformative experiences they have had working with cube.
1st – 2nd Year Drama
Although drama is not a curriculum subject in the first two years, there is no shortage of opportunities for those with theatrical leanings. Each year there is a junior play in the summer term, and, in the first two terms, drama can be taken as a Wednesday afternoon activity.
In collaboration with the English Department, a Shakespeare Festival is held for all 2nd Year students. During this event, every member of the year group performs on stage in a Shakespeare-focused dramatic presentation.
Drama at 3rd Year and GCSE Level
Drama can be taken as an option in the third year. This is an ideal preparation for GCSE, but there is no obligation to continue beyond third year. Students develop core performance skills and explore various genres mainly through practical work. The emphasis is on students building their creative, reflective and collaborative skills. Students devise original work and study a contemporary play script.
Drama GCSE fosters skills and qualities such as teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, flexibility, self-reflection and self-confidence. At GCSE we follow the AQA specification, which has a strong practical element. Students devise and perform an original piece of theatre, which they analyse and evaluate through coursework; they perform extracts from plays for the visiting examiner; and they study set text The Crucible for the written exam.
Drama at A Level
We follow the AQA syllabus, which offers students the opportunity to explore a range of inspirational set texts, create their own work, develop their performance skills to a significantly high level, and investigate the methodologies of a range of influential theatre practitioners. In addition to the course content, students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the art form, through wider research, theatre trips, workshops, co-curricular drama and professional work experience with local companies.
We study Ibsen's masterpiece Hedda Gabler, the tale of a passionate woman suffocated in a world of convention, and Steven Berkoff's Metamorphosis, a retelling of the surreal story by Kafka of a young man who turns into a beetle overnight. Texts are studied through a combination of practical and theoretical lessons. Drama A level represents a valuable opportunity for students to engage with a course that has academic rigour whilst also having a significantly practical creative aspect. Students make discoveries about the arts, the world around them, and themselves.
Student View
"With such amazing facilities on hand, it would be hard not to get excited about Drama and Theatre Studies at Truro School; being able to perform in a theatre such as the Burrell would whet any actor's appetite. In my two years at Truro School, I had the opportunity of being in at least seven productions, ranging from classics such as Romeo and Juliet and Ibsen's A Doll's House to musicals and comedies such as Oliver! and A Servant to Two Masters.
As well as providing a valuable qualification and helping you to develop your own personality, Drama and Theatre Studies is a great relationship builder, with friendships evolving through the shared experiences of performance." – Bethany


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About the Kingdom of Lesotho
The Kingdom of Lesotho, known as "The Kingdom in the Sky", is a high-altitude country (lowest point 1,400 m; highest point 3,482 m), landlocked by the Republic of South Africa and criss-crossed by a network of rivers and mountain ranges. Lesotho covers an area of 30,355 square kilometres and has a population of 2.1 million (BOS, 2016). The vast majority of the population is Basotho (Lesotho natives) with a small group of Europeans and Asians. The official languages of Lesotho are English and Sesotho. It enjoys a rich history of being famous for peace and stability.
Lesotho is richly endowed in mineral resources, especially famous for producing large quality diamonds and has abundant water reserves. Lesotho has a continental climate with 4 seasons namely summer, autumn, winter and spring.
Lesotho is often referred to as "The Switzerland of Africa" owing to its beautiful sceneries, especially in winter when it has snowed, or in spring when The Alpine Flora of Lesotho such as the Spiral Aloe and the Red Hot Pokers blossom.
Lesotho's Highlands are the country's main tourist attraction with spectacular cliff formations and deep gorges found in the Maloti and Drakensberg mountain ranges. The Sehlaba-Thebe National Park, found in the Drakensberg Range area, has been declared a world heritage site and is home to over 2,500 species of plants and contains the world's richest concentrations of Stone Age rock art with more than 30,000 individual paintings recorded.
Landmarks in Lesotho include Mount Qiloane and Thaba-Bosiu, a fortress stronghold where King Moshoeshoe I established the capital of Lesotho in the early 19th century. Thabana-Ntlenyana, at 3,485 metres, is the highest mountain in Southern Africa, whilst Maletsunyane (Semonkong) Falls – below – is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world, plunging 192 metres (below).
Investment opportunities
The beautiful Kingdom of Lesotho offers investors unique opportunities to explore. The links below provide information about currently available opportunities.
- Seeking JV investment partner for expanding agro-processing company
- Invest in the establishment of a call centre in Lesotho
- National Broadband Network (NBN) Initiative
Interested investors are invited to contact the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) for more information or a discussion.
About Lesotho National Development Corporation
The Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) is the main parastatal of the Government of Lesotho charged with the implementation of the country's industrial development policies. The Corporation was established by an Act of Parliament known as Act No. 20 of 1967. It was amended as Order No. 13 of 1990 and again as Amendment Act No. 7 of 2000 which became effective on 25th October, 2000. The role of the Corporation is to promote Lesotho as an attractive investment location for both foreign and indigenous investors.
LNDC is wholly owned by the Government of Lesotho and falls under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing which is responsible for providing overall policy direction on industrialization.
Contact LNDC
For more information, visit: http://www.lndc.org.ls/


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|Little Egret Egretta garzetta
|Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris
Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
|male Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus
|female Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus
female Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus
Up in the hills, I've had a male Red-flanked Bluetail leading me up the trail lately, which is notable in that I usually only see the drab females. Yesterday I saw about 30 Grey Herons circling over a wet reedy area. Since mid-January, I've been seeing nice flocks of 20-50 Olive-backed Pipits in a wide range of habitats, like farm fields, wooded mountains, and coastal brush.


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The Game is finally here, but this year is a little different than years past. Ohio State will be walking into this matchup as about a four point underdog against the fourth ranked Wolverines. Michigan has looked far more impressive than Ohio State this season with their only blemish being a seven point loss at Notre Dame, the third ranked team in the country. The Wolverines have been firing on all cylinders this season and their "Revenge Tour" has victimized Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Penn State, with the last target being the Buckeyes. If the Buckeyes want to avoid being the last victim, they MUST do these three things:
- Stop the Run- Ohio State's run defense has been nonexistent this season. Anthony McFarland of Maryland just rushed for nearly 300 yards against the Buckeyes, and Oregon State's Artavis Pierce, TCU's Darius Anderson, and Minnesota's Mohamed Ibrahim all rushed for over 150 yards when they played Ohio State. It seems like Ohio State gives up a big, explosive running play at least once every drive. The Buckeyes can not give up that many big plays to Michigan, a team with two good running backs in Karan Higdon, who has eclipsed 1000 yards, and Chris Evans, who averages about six yards per carry. If those two are successful on Saturday, it's going to be a long day for the Buckeyes.
- Protect Haskins- Ohio State's offensive has struggled all year with speedy rushers, such as Minnesota's Carter Coughlin and Michigan State's Kenny Willekes. Dwayne Haskins is uber-talented, but even the most talented quarterbacks need just a little bit of time. Haskins and the offensive line are going to be facing the best defensive line they have seen all season in Michigan, who has studs like Chase Winovich, Rashan Gary, and Josh Uche. If Ohio State can block those players sufficiently and keep them from getting to their quarterback, then Dwayne Haskins will have the opportunity to be very successful.
- Win the Turnover Battle- Part of the reason that Maryland played so well last week was that Ohio State was turning the ball over way too much. The Terps recovered the ball on a kickoff, J.K. Dobbins had a costly fumble at the goal line right before the half, and Dwayne Haskins threw a pick six and coughed up the ball around midfield. Ohio State has to secure the ball better on Saturday. Also, the Buckeyes need to force some turnovers themselves. Michigan protects the ball extremely well, as Shea Patterson has only thrown four interceptions this season and the Wolverines have had only one fumble this year. If Ohio State can change that narrative by creating some turnovers and taking advantage of them, then the Buckeyes will have a much better chance to beat the Wolverines.