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Waking up at 11.47 p.m – dread was the siren wails to the alarm; the wave of realisation that struck the head, hard. Albeit imaginary, the feelings were mostly raw; they were real.
i have lost count of the days; lost myself in differentiating reality from dreams. Weaving in and out; Not being able to tell if time is passing too fast, or too slow.
Getting out of bed each day without a solid sort of purpose for the day, auto-piloting throughout and repeat this sequence. To busy oneself with nothing specific may be numbing, but pain-killers wear off. And when the pain kicks in, it hits you twice as hard, in every possible aspect it can. So per se, if you were moving forward, it makes you take a step back from where you left off before you made any sort of progress. Does that make sense to you? Perhaps not. Imagine time froze the past month. An almost perfect mental state, but when it defrosts, the cold burns the sensory neurones. Pain is amplified, alongside all other feelings one could feel.
With the series of events over the course of three months, i might be driving on the road to insanity.
Exams / meet-ups / almost immediately taking off for Hong Kong / immediately heading to Australia / back to Singapore / driving lessons once again / fail driving again, for the fifth time / auto-piloting through life since then:
Feels like some sort of paralysis thus far, really. Being so hopeless, so helpless. In such a sorry state. And I am truly sorry i disappoint (without fail, ironically) those around me whom i dearly love. So blessed, too blessed in fact, for everything that i have.
But for all these "too-blessed"-ings, something seems to be gravely lacking. The tradeoff seemed to be that she was a little too un-blessed in the factor of luck. Having to go through it again and again, each time being so close to passing – only to miss the mark by an error or two; is breeding terror in her. So stagnant. While everyone else around her is moving forward, not just forward, but it seems so easy to them, she wonders to herself why was she stuck. So much of a failure, so cumbersome, so pathetic. The word burns her deeper than skin-deep,leaving a scar or two on her heart, and on the train tracks of her thoughts. Each time she thinks and hopes for it to be the last, but the hope can only reach so far out, no further than within herself.
It is terrible not doing anything, and even more in not being able to do something.
I don't know what I've done to have been blessed with such loving and doting parents – but things have been going a little more than smooth-flowing recently. Papa booked me a flight to the Philippines to accompany him on his business trip in July. That morning I had a dream that was foreboding, and it seemed like the answer was a firm 'no', with regard to whether or not to tag along with him. In all efforts to offer his daughter an experience and a first, along with tons of love, he went ahead to buy the ticket.
It was only after the realisation of what she were to miss hit her and rang profusely in her head that she saw the fate that was sealed: Missing a reunion with a close circle of friends she had grown up with, and miss one of her best friend's departure to return to Australia after a good two years here. And it broke her heart, again. By now, if you were to sketch her heart out, the outer surface is no longer a healthy flush of red; perhaps one with countless plasters, plastered over plaster. Some parts where blood might be leaking from some cracks; running over raw wounds and old scars. Peculiar and creepy, obviously. What could she do? Nothing, but to blame herself for being disappointed that she will be away that week with her father. Condemning her feelings, for being such an ungrateful, unappreciative, overly-spoilt brat. What more to hold in such a broken heart, but a little more dread for herself, because this was what she brought upon on herself.
None could see the frown she was sending to the sealed fate: as if this were all a game and she were the joke. It is not the first time that she was the fool, in fate's clutch. Because it seemed like she had been blinded to that part of memory on purpose, although she knew she was missing out on something – only to have her sight returned to her after everything has happened.
Thus far, she has no/little reason to be sad/unhappy/discontent with everything she want/had/received, for it was way more than what she deserved. But there were so many questions, spreading like tumours invading the body, that were unanswered. That needed to be solved (or dissolved). That needed to be addressed. Waking up to everything was overwhelming: not really sure how to feel about it, and somewhat the equivalent to an immense fear of having to conquer all the uncertainties that loomed, as her heart continues to bleed, over the open wounds, over the dry scars, and over the cracked surface. Truth is, beneath the mask she wears, she was caving in. Disintegrating worse than granite transiting into gruss. But while the cracks carry on cracking, who could see through? Was there anything anyone could even do about it?
The uncle in the ward, albeit having his movement restricted, tries even harder than before to raise his hand, and show everyone a thumbs up. That he was a fighter. He was a champion. And he was nowhere near giving life up. Each day he lies in bed, but he strives to do more than what he could achieve the day before. And here i am, hopeless. Not restricted to movement in any way; in fact, very mobile. But her heart seems to be in a ward of its own, more paralysed than paralysis.
How do you send one's heart to rehab?


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In July, British astronomers Matthew Bailes, Andrew G. Lyne and Setnam L. Shemar announced that they had found evidence of a planet circling a distant star. The discovery of this planet was surprising, since the star was not a normal star like our sun, but a pulsar, designated PSR 1829-10.
A pulsar is a rapidly spinning neutron star - a star that has collapsed on itself after an explosion that blows away much of its mass. What's left is an extremely dense body made of neutrons that spins as fast as 600 times per second. PSR 1829-10's rotation rate is three revolutions per second (the sun takes about 25 days to complete one revolution).

subset: commoncrawl


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Hi- I'm interested in the Brewery Tour as well as a Coffee Tour, as I'll only be in Seattle a few days. Is there any way I can get a "Groupon" price for the coffee tour as well?
Rochelle T. asked on Apr 8, 2013
We are currently only offering a Groupon deal on the Distillery Tour. If you wanted to do the Dirty Dog (All 3 of our tours, you can call us to discuss the Dirty Dog package)
Dustin B. from Merchant replied on Apr 8, 2013


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My sleep patterns are officially screwed. I sleep for two hours at a time, no more, no less, and then I wake up semi-rested and completely unable to go back to bed.
So I work on next week's schedule by the dim light of my iBook's screen or I upload/organize music in my iTunes library (Ace of Base, in case you're wondering) until I feel my eyes start to droop again – only to be repeated a few more times before I finally give up on this deluded concept of a full night of sleep.


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The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the most coveted and internationally recognised postgraduate management degree in the world, and there's a good reason why. It is widely recognised as a passport to a successful management career, enabling managers with a functionalist role to take on a more senior, strategic position, and empowering senior managers to gain the in-depth, strategic knowledge they need to climb even higher.
Here at Nottingham Business School, we are proud to have developed an innovative and rigorous Online MBA, rich in real-world experiences, international perspectives and opportunities to personalise your learning around your ambitions. Significantly strengthening your management knowledge, leadership capabilities and understanding of global business.
The Online MBA will prepare you for a wide range of challenges inherent in managing organisations, enabling you to see the interconnectedness of your actions. Whichever you choose, you will acquire the knowledge you need to work effectively at a senior, strategic management level, empowering organisations to achieve their objectives.
This specialism addresses the growing area of data science and science management. You'll explore methods and techniques that enable identification of data to answer strategically important questions. You'll review organisational infrastructures for capturing and managing large volumes of data, and identify database and cloud-based technologies that enhance it. Finally, you'll explore issues such as ethics, privacy, and security.
The course will equip students with the ability to address the gap many organisations have when it comes to managing big data – the lack of a structured and systematic approach to leveraging the value of big data. You will move through the well-proven CRoss Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) methodology for data analytics. You will also develop a strong appreciation of the impact of big data and explore methods and techniques that will enable your organisation to identify the most important data to answer strategically important questions and thus link big data to innovation.
Finally, the course will develop your leadership and project management skills to maximise the value and impact of big data innovations within their organisation.
Visit the dedicated distance learning page for more information about our Online MBA.
Nottingham Business School is in the 1% of business schools worldwide to have both EQUIS and AACSB accreditation.
Accredited by:
What you'll study
At the start of the course a week-long University induction will be offered. The induction will help to familiarise you with the online learning system and ensure that you are able to navigate the system successfully. You'll also receive a virtual library induction as well as the opportunity to refresh your knowledge on academic practice, for example Harvard referencing, report writing and critical thinking.
You begin the Online MBA with the Professional and Leadership Development module, this module will run alongside your studies from the outset. The module aims to improve your reflective practice and personal development planning, concluding with you creating a targeted development plan.
You'll then go on to complete the Responsible Leadership module which underpins learning and knowledge for the rest of the course. Following this module you will continue to complete a series of modules, all of which are detailed below:
Phase One
The induction will be followed by a week-long induction to the personal, Professional and Leadership Development module. This module will run alongside your studies from the outset. The module aims to improve your reflective practice and personal development planning. At the end of the week long induction you will create a targeted development plan.
You'll then go on to complete two interconnected modules - Responsible Leadership and The Values-led Organisation. These modules must be taken as the first two modules a they underpin learning and knowledge for the rest of the course.
Five core modules can then be completed. These include Financial Management, Operations Management, Global Marketing Management, Organisations and People Management and Business Information and Decision Making. These modules are designed to give you a comprehensive foundation in fundamental management concepts.
Phase Two
The next phase of study consists of a Strategic Change Management Module and for elective routes. The Strategic Change Management module will ensure that students understand the critical processes and success factors required to manage change effectively. This knowledge will then be applied to real business situations through either a team-based live consultancy project (which includes a one-week intensive residential) or an online simulation.
The four elective modules for the generic Online MBA and the Data Analytics specialism can be found in the module section below.
Phase Three
The final module is the Business Research Project, in which students will engage in a meaningful and applied piece of research.
Phase One modules
Semester one forms the core of your studies, and is designed to give you an understanding of the philosophical
basis of our MBA.
This online module will allow you to develop the insights, capacities and skills to create and maintain responsible and sustainable business practices. You will be challenged to critically reflect on the ethical dimensions and sustainability considerations pertaining to various dimensions of business and management practice.
The purpose of this online module is to allow you to develop the insights, capacities and skills to create and maintain responsible and sustainable business practices. On completion of the module you will understand the interface between ethics, CSR, corporate governance and integrated sustainability.
This online module will enable you to critically reflect on the nature of marketing and the continuing relevance to the 21stcentury global business world. This will foster an enhancement of critical awareness of the extent of the marketing scope and key contemporary marketing issues. This will allow you to explore the complexity of the marketing environment which will develop wide-ranging knowledge of internal and external factors within marketing decision making.
This online module will aim to develop a wider understanding of Operations Management through an understanding of the key principles and concepts. You will do this whilst developing a critical understanding of how those principles relate to Operations Management theory and practice which can be used to support of strategic decision making. This will improve your ability to evaluate and use theory and strategically focus the use of the tools in a range of operations environments.
This online module is designed to critically evaluate internal and external financial information and to use this to appraise corporate performance and strategy. With a duration of 8 weeks, you will be engaging with a number of aspects such evaluating the role of value maximisation in corporate objectives, the role of financial strategy in corporate strategy amongst more.
Business Information and Decision Making:
This online module introduces you to the nature of data and information within and externally to organisations, and how information informs operational and strategic decision-making. This is achieved by understanding good data and information that supports key decisions as well as understanding the basic data types and analysis of issues that help create valid data and information for operational purposes.
Organisations and People Management:
This online module will draw upon insights from organisational behaviour that will develop knowledge and skills relevant to managing people in organisations. You will foster a critical understanding of the origins and change of classical management theory and its implementation in managing people in contemporary organisations. This will be done through understanding the management of people at individual, group and organisational levels.
Phase Two modules
Strategic Change Management Module
This module develops the theory learned in core modules, and the theoretical content of the module focuses on the nature of organisational change and its implementation. It also provides an opportunity for students to take an integrated approach to disciplines covered elsewhere on the programme while they investigate a real life organisational problem.
Standard Route:
This module will provide you with a critical understanding and appreciation of the various behavioural manifestations of customer engagement. You'll also evaluate relevant theories underpinning such customer behaviours.
Managing Creativity and Innovation
You will analyse the product development process and the parts played by design and creativity. You'll study the innovation process as well as innovation management.
Reconfiguring the Humans Resource Management Function
This specialist module will explore the socio-economic, demographic, and technological trends and developments that are radically changing the role of the human resource management function. These various forces include changing attitudes to work and employment, the rise of the 'gig economy', other novel modes of nonstandard working, an ageing population, managing a multi-generational workforce, and the development of new technologies which have been labelled 'the second machine age' and 'the fourth industrial revolution'.
Advanced Global Strategic Management
You will explore the global economy and the complexity of global strategic management. You'll also study entrepreneurship in international business, cultural diversity and global prosperity and global strategy.
MBA (Data Analytics)
Statistical Approaches to Data Analysis
This module aims to provide you with an introduction to the statistical principles and statistical methods required for the analysis of large datasets. It will introduce hypothesis testing and its applications for initial exploration and visualisation of data and for predictive modelling. Statistical decision making is informed by an understanding of the uncertainty built into common Statistical models. The module includes practical computer exercises to familiarize you with the concepts taught. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate selection, implementation and interpretation of Statistical techniques.
Fundamentals of Big Data and its Infrastructure
The content of this module is designed to develop and structure your understanding according to the stages an organisation moves through to develop and manage the infrastructure necessary to derive business value from large volumes of data. It will introduce you to the processes, techniques and technologies used to develop infrastructure so that they are able to manage big data and transform it into useful business intelligence. A number of key challenges faced by companies exploiting big data are also raised.
Deriving Business Value from Big Data Systems
This module aims to develop and structure your understanding as to how businesses can derive innovation and thus value from large volumes of data. It introduces you to a number of methods and techniques that enables businesses to identify the most strategically important data. You will explore how businesses can align their processes, skills sets, and culture to leverage the data to answer strategically important questions and thus link big data to innovation. In addition, a number of key challenges faced by companies exploiting big data are raised such as those surrounding ethics, privacy and security.
Practical machine Learning Methods for Data Mining
The module is designed to develop you as a Data Scientist who is able to competently work with a variety of different data sets to extract, interpret and present meaningful information. The module takes a practical approach to teaching machine learning and you will therefore use the data mining package, WEKA (www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/ml/weka) to put theory into practice using realistic case studies and data, helping you to develop an intuitive grasp of the sophisticated mathematical ideas that underpin this challenging but fascinating subject.
Phase Three modules
Rigorously investigating an issue of management or business relevance, typically by bringing together business theory and primary research. This is your opportunity to research a topic that interests you in great depth and develop real benefit for organisations.
Ongoing Learning
Personal, Professional and Leadership Development
Increasing your understanding of how to manage your continuous professional development in order to be a more effective, successful leader. You will have access to an academic and an industrial mentor. The mentors are there to support you through the course and to help with your development both academically and professionally.
Course specification
View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change
How you're taught
Students will complete 500 hours of distance learning using a virtual learning environment.
The online MBA teaching team use a wide range of methods to deliver and support you as you achieve your desired learning outcomes. These include multimedia content, online exercises, case analysis, online facilitated discussions forms and wikis, and experiential / action learning through simulations or in-company live business consultancies and projects.
You are expected to be inquisitive and undertake independent study relevant for a postgraduate student. You will have access to a range of materials such as eBooks, journals, electronic databases and internet links to useful sources of research.
The online MBA course provides a flexible and engaging way to learn, with a number of ways to interact with the curriculum, including:
- video lectures
- real-life case studies
- interactive assignments
- social interaction
- digital tools and resources
- interactive academic support.
Modules will be assessed in a number of ways, including written assignments which may take the form of essays, reports or case study analysis, presentations submitted via video or narrated PowerPoint.
Each module will have 30% of the assessment based on collaboration to online discussions of ideas, topics or cases studies. This will help you to engage online in an international community of learning practice and develop your cross-cultural collaborative and team working skills.
Visit the dedicated distance learning page for more information.
Careers and employability
Our innovative, intensive courses prepare you for a wide range of challenges inherent in managing organisations, enabling you to see the interconnections of your actions. Whichever you choose, you will acquire the knowledge you need to work effectively at a senior, strategic management level, empowering organisations to achieve their objectives.
This course will provide you with a multidisciplinary qualification which will enable you to either move from a functionalist position to a more senior, strategic generalist position in the organisation, or if you are already a senior manager, it will enable you to study the core disciplines that are required for a more senior career in business administration.
Personal, Professional and Leadership Development Programme (PPLD)
Throughout your time with us, you'll attend PPLD workshops, developing professional, strategic, transferable skills. Each workshop focuses on personal, professional or career development, spanning everything from emotional intelligence to creative job hunting and conflict resolution.
Nottingham Business School is accredited for the quality of its business and management courses from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide, placing Nottingham Business School in the world top 5%. The accreditation recognises Nottingham Business School's unique and dedicated approach to personalised and experiential learning.
Visit the dedicated distance learning page for more information.
Our online MBA is delivered by a globally-renowned team with a wealth of experience.
Entry requirements
You will need:
- a first degree (normally 2.1) or an equivalent professional or academic qualification
- a period of professional work experience incorporating operational responsibilities – three years minimum, preferably five
- academic or vocational references.
In exceptional circumstances applicants without a degree will be considered, if they can demonstrate in their personal statement that they have been in a senior management position, managing people and budgets, for more than eight years.
Getting in touch If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on 0115 941 8419.
Visit the dedicated Online MA International Relations website for more information.
You will need:
- a first degree (normally 2.1) or an equivalent professional or academic qualification
- a period of professional work experience incorporating operational responsibilities – three years minimum, preferably five
- two academic or vocational references.
English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill)
In exceptional circumstances applicants without a degree will be considered, if they can demonstrate in their personal statement that they have been in a senior management position, managing people and budgets, for more than eight years.
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our postgraduate degrees. If you're not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Help and support
Getting in touch If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 941 8419.
Visit the dedicated Online MA International Relations site for more information.
How to apply
Visit the dedicated Online Master of Business Administration site for more information.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Visit the dedicated Online Master of Business Administration site for more information.
Please read our notes on the University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.
Further information on how to apply
Fees and funding
Visit the dedicated Online Master of Business Administration site for more information.
Visit the dedicated Online Master of Business Administration site for more information.


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The descent was rather steep. It called for a little side stepping and traversing the slope down about 1,200 feet into Hellroaring Canyon and Rock Creek drainage from the west summit of Beartooth Pass at an elevation of 10,974 feet, (3,337 m.).
I had been to these pristine alpine Twin Lakes before. The Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness has always held a special place in my thoughts. Being only 170 miles from Bozeman, my home, we have spent many nights in this area and hiked numerous trails. So I was very familiar with what to expect, high alpine tundra, boulder fields, no trail and plenty of wind with not another soul in sight.
This was just what I needed, a solo hike and a day of contemplation and meditation, my birthday treat. The scenery is dramatic on this the eastern edge of the Yellowstone ecosystem. I was on the longest running alpine plateau above 10,000 feet in North America.
My first target was Goat Meadow a sculpted peninsula of barren tundra that pokes its way into Rock Creek drainage. Sharp cliffs are carved into three of its sides with Twin Lakes, Mirror Lake and Rock Creek below. Several small unnamed lakes are just as inviting to the hiker.
It was slow going over the boulder field. Each step was carefully placed. A twisted ankle or worst a broken leg can be quite the detriment even to the adventurous in a wilderness area. Granite boulders were stable but uneven so I took my time. The two hundred yard crossing still took almost half an hour.
The scenery is magnificent with landscape photos in all directions. Small puffy cumulous clouds raced ferociously over the plateau so low I could almost touch them. I continued my trek above the headwall and cirque of the glacially carved bowl that forms the head of the canyon.
It was mid August and most wildflowers were already gone for the season. A few tiny sago lilies and sagebrush buttercups were still in bloom along the borders of three small receding snow fields. Instead of hiking across them I glissaded down slope effortlessly, saving my strength.
I crossed the grassy plateau searching the cliff faces for mountain goats on the Hellroaring Canyon side. Wind gusts kept me from standing still while I glassed the glacially carved cliffs. I had to sit with my arms propped on my knees. But there was no movement out there.
I continued down crossing another slushy snow field and several small running creeks ending up with the sky blue Twin Lakes at my feet. The wind picked up I sought shelter scrunching down by some large boulders that were sunk into the slope.
Of course I opted not to carry my tripod in order to secure sharp images. However I am not sure it would have helped this time because of the thirty mile per hour steady wind with surges well above that speed. I propped up my camera as best I could but couldn't stop the sway.
So it was lunch, rest and personal thoughts regarding another year of life. I have experienced many life changes recently and there was much to contemplate. The only constant has been my continued pursuit of photography and the art of seeing.
I promised myself to further my efforts in pursuit of fine art photography and establish a writing style that communicates with and touches readers of my articles and blog posts. The rest of life will fall into place. I have faith.
After a couple of hours and a numb butt I packed up and began the long tough climb up and out of the canyon. Some days are just not for making new images. But the efforts in trying are forever worth the challenges. I am always ready for more.
For further information on the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness please read: https://myphotovisions.wordpress.com/2009/03/14/absaroka-beartooth-wilderness/
Images used in this post are copyrighted by Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography, 2009, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the written permission of Wayne Scherr, Range of Vision Photography. Print décor catalog and galleries can be viewed at www.rangeofvisionphotos.com Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Skip to comments.Inaugural address: a defiant Obama reminds Americans why he is the most liberal president
Posted on 01/22/2013 8:18:59 AM PST by LucianOfSamasota
f anyone remains in any doubt that the next four years will be a relentless exercise in left-wing presidential radicalism, look no further than Barack Obamas second inaugural address. This was not a president in any mood to reach out across the political aisle, or to give words of comfort to the nearly 60 million Americans who did not vote for him last November. His address was defiant and divisive, projecting his firm commitment to seeing through his avowedly liberal agenda in the face of concerted opposition on Capitol Hill and in the 30 states which have Republican Governors.
This was a speech also firmly rooted in denial with regard to the calamitous state of Americas finances, with the national debt now standing at more than $16 trillion, with more than 128 million Americans on government programs, including a record 46 million living on food stamps. This was not an address that offered any hope to those concerned about how America is going to pay its bills or the fact that future generations of Americans will be saddled with paying off the profligate spending of todays leaders.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.telegraph.co.uk ...
We know so little of Obama's origins that it would be little surprise to discover that his real surname is Chavez or Castro.
60 million FUBOs to you, JACKASS!
It was an Obamunist Manifesto.
Why do I sense Obama is talking about my fidelity to the 2nd Amendment?
"that preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action"
Absolutely - it's called a revolt.
Except that Obama is not liberal, he is an extreme leftist, just as he has always been.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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It's been a fairly dreich week on the reserve, lots of overcast skies and no shortage of rain. It's a shame, because I think the NNR looks at its most beautiful just now….the reserve has put on a golden gown! But there's not been much in the way of sun to make the gown glitter ….although it has come out in the last half hour, just as it's time to go home! Typical! But the autumn colours are lovely nonetheless and brighten up even the dullest day…and even the raindrops can be pretty.
Also brightening up the reserve are some late –flowering plants. We found these in a sheltered spot beside a wall. It seems slightly odd, seeing blooming "summer" flowers as the leaves fall around you.
Last week marked the arrival of the "winter thrushes" from Scandinavia. Fieldfare and redwing are usually the most prominent of these, and we notice them as we don't normally see them here. But there has also been an influx of blackbirds and song thrushes from the continent – there are far more of these than normal. Often a black beak on a first –winter (ie one of this year's chicks) blackbird is a giveaway that this bird has travelled across the North Sea.
The blackbirds and thrushes have been tucking into the whitebeam berries just beside the reserve office this week. They prefer rowan berries but the resident birds had most of these before they arrived this year….the rowans ripened early with the mild spring and summer.
It's not just the thrushes stocking up for winter. Something, probably a squirrel, has had a good munch of this birch bracket fungus. Don't try this at home, though, folks, they're not edible to us.
Other winter visitors have been arriving. A small group of whooper swans graced Loch Kinord with their presence on Tuesday. These swans have flown here from Iceland and are passing through on their way further south.
The rain last week has also given us a few maintenance jobs around the reserve. It washed some of the surfacing off the Burn o Vat trail and, although we've patched it, it will need more work over the winter. One of the more unglamorous jobs is also clearing out the drains after the rain…and I'm afraid we do more of these than watch wildlife in a typical week! I've not seen any adders this week, for the first time since March- but I've not had time to look either. Maybe next week….


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This Calligrapher Became a Successful Entrepreneur Because of Her Magical Handwriting
June 22, 2017
Not all people are gifted with beautiful handwriting. Even most artists have terrible penmanship. What if one day, someone told you that your handwriting is magical?
This week's Artist Spotlight featured artist, Calligraphy Katrina, shares with us her journey to becoming the successful calligrapher-entrepreneur she is today, along with some discoveries she has made along the way.
Can you tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself?
Can you tell us more about how you became the artist you are today?
How did you start doing chalkboard art, and What kind of chalkboard art do you specialize in? i.e. menu boards, etc.
Apart from liquid chalk markers, what medium do you use in making art?
What inspired you to make what you did with @versachalk?
What makes good art? How long did it take for you to get "good" at it?
Words of advice for up and coming artists?
Find more of Calligraphy Katrina's work and connect with her at https://www.calligraphykatrina.com/
Are you an artist or entrepreneur who uses VersaChalk markers for your art or business? We would love to hear and share your story! Use #versachalk in your artwork created with VersaChalk markers for a chance to be featured!


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Hele Antiques and Gifts
The story of Hele Antiques and Gifts (with added E-Bay)
Having just moved into Hele in Ilfracombe I suppose it was a natural progression for me to gravitate to the centre of this wonderful community.
So off I went to the Hele Bay pub and mingled.
A few weeks after my first visitation (yes, i have been back once or twice!) I was approached by Maria the owner of Hele Antiques and Gifts to discuss the possibility of building a website for her business.
My remit was to create a non fussy, simple to use site that would put the business, literally, on the "Google" map. It was also to include an e-commerce option.
So, I have built e-commerce sites before but, it got me to thinking that Maria already had a well established eBay business so surely creating an entry on eBay and then duplicating this process on her website e-commerce software was not the most effective use of her time.
A few Google clicks later and I had landed in the world of Auction Nudge
What this WordPress plugin provides is a live feed to your eBay Listings, your eBay Profile and your eBay Feedback. No need to duplicate your online product with the added bonus of your customers seeing how great you are from your Feedback!
So whilst Maria would love you to bid and "Buy Now" from her eBay shop she would love it even more if you popped in and said "Hi" as you browse the eclectic mix of Antiques and Vintage items for sale in her shop.
What this goes to prove is that regardless of your website needs there is always a solution.
Lessons learnt from building the Hele Antiques and Gifts website
- As always – If the customer is happy then my mission has been successful.
- Everyday is a school day.
- Maria and Tom's shop is a T.A.R.D.I.S of Antiques and Gifts!
- The local pub remains one of the best places to meet new clients. The next pub sourced website is nearly finished and will feature in a subsequent blog!
If you think your business would benefit from a Quality Website at a Sensible Price then get in touch.


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Tonight we're in Venice
Venice is one of the world's most historically important, unique, and romantic cities, thanks to it being featured in the 2003 film "The Italian Job."
-The first one-on-one date goes to Nick. There is some mild controversy as Cody has yet to get a one-on-one and he is left to lift in his solitude.
Andi and Nick go on a GONDOLAING AROUND date. They have a few discussions about last week's tension where the other guys had a lot of tension with Nick. Andi asks Nick if he considers himself a frontrunner. He says that he feels fortunate to have a good connection with her. Andi started off the conversation with her skeptical frown fish face
But by the end he had transformed her to a smile
He tells her that he is falling in love. Andi tells him that all of her concerns have
been addressed, they don masks to go dancing, and Nick gets the rose.
-6 guys go on a group date.
Andi takes them into a castle and tells them they'e going to be subjected to lie detector tests. Once again a group date turns into torture porn for Andi. It seems like most of the guys decide that honesty is the best policy and they answer the questions genuinely rather than trying to game the machine. Dylan offers several seemingly embarrassing answers, like that he doesn't wash his hands after using the bathroom, and mysteriously gets sick and goes back to the hotel. But Andi ends up ripping up the results, so Dylan and his urine-soaked hands were freaking out over nothing.
At the party later, Marcus drops the LOVE bomb and they do some furious making out. Brian gives Andi a fake lie detector test of his own and also gets some furious making out. Josh says to Andi that he thinks relationships are about trust, so he was offended that she brought out a lie detector. Things got really tense, and Andi is upset. She doesn't realize
that Josh was just mad because of what happened when he was asked if he was currently employed:
Chris confesses that he is the "secret admirer" that has been sending Andi love notes, and it makes her feel better about the debacle of Josh's terrible attitude. Chris gets the rose.
JJ has a meltdown after Chris gets the rose because other people were congratulating Chris. Chris is offended, not without justification. We get it, JJ, you wish you got the rose. So do all of the other guys. But there's no point in crying over ruined pants. Maybe you would have gotten the rose if you hadn't confused everyone by wearing shorts instead of pants.
-Cody finally gets his one-on-one. They are going to the city of Verona, the setting of Romeo and Juliet. Cody is pretty much an expert on Romeo and Juliet. He thought Leonardo Di Caprio's performance was masterful. Cody says he's ready to be Andi's Romeo. That play definitely would have been a lot different if Romeo could have just ripped off Tybalt's arms and beat him to death with them.
They go to some weird place where people drop anonymous love notes and they respond to a few of them. Cody writes a poignant response to one and gets very emotional about it.
Later, my ABC affiliate decided to offer potential spoilers for the end of this date
Cody reads a love note to Andi and really opens up about his feelings for her. Andi's body language is awful, and Cody's rant turns into more of a desperate plea to keep him in the game. The problem is that she has developed pretty strong relationships with a few guys already while Cody has been a group date mainstay. It's too late for him to get back in the
game. So she is going to send him home now rather than lead him on and hurt him later. Probably the best move for both parties. Cody handles it with class, but he's disappointed. You seem alright, Cody. You'll find the Claire Danes to your Leonardo DiCaprio someday. But for now you have to find your way home
-At the cocktail party, Nick steals Andi first. Andi considers that to be the BOSS MOVE OF THE WEEK. The other guys consider that to be the JACKASS MOVE OF THE WEEK. Nick has more enemies than Edward Norton in the Italian Job at this point.
Rose Ceremony: JJ gets sent home. JJ definitely had no shot at winning, I'm mildly disappointed he's going home now though because he seemed to be growing more insane by the week and he was ready to finally snap.
Best Moment: Due to the polygraph operator's Italian accent, when he asked the guys if they had ever fought in public they all thought that he said "fart."
Worst Moment: As they put on their masks to go dance, Nick said that he had been "masking" his love for Andi. I'm finally seeing why the other guys hate Nick so much.
Right/Wrong Reasons Tally: 12
5. Brian (Who cares, 27)
Not much to say here. Doesn't seem like a bad dude, he's just falling too far behind the leaders to stay in the game for much longer.
4. Josh (Proven Liar, 29)
I can't figure out if Josh is dumb, evil, or both. Josh freaking out about the lie detector test probably torpedoed his chances. Andi was already a little wary of him, and he raised all of the red flags by getting so defensive about the lie detector when the other guys were having fun with it. He's going to have a hard time recovering from that, but it should be really funny to watch him try.
3. Marcus (Sports Medicine Manager, 25)
Marcus is definitely in the top tier, but now that we're down to the final 6 he needs to raise his game.
2. Nick (Front runner, 31)
Nick atoned for all of the sins of last week. None of the other guys like him, and he does not give a single fuck. Not only does he have a shot to win, but he has a shot to provide great entertainment as he continues eliminating his hated rivals.
1. Chris (Farmer, 32)
Chris was Andi's favorite this week. He revealed that he was the "secret admirer" and helped her feel better after Josh and his angry, Satan-like face confused her. He also put JJ in his place when he started freaking out. That alone makes him alright in my book.
BOLD PREDICTION: Dylan's refusal to wash his hands finally catches up with him as he develops pink eye and salmonella and has to watch from his hotel room as the other guys go on whatever embarrassing torture Andi calls a date.


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Debt. It's not all "ugh." Many of us will take on debt at some point in our lives, which enables us to go to school or buy a home when we otherwise couldn't.
So, some debt can be "good," but much of it is "bad." And too much debt…when you can't see your way to repay it…is always bad. The old rule of thumb for "too much?" When interest payments exceed 20% of your take-home pay — that's higher than we would advise.
How can you tell the difference between "good debt" and "bad debt?"
One form of potentially good debt can be student loan debt. A great education can lead to a more interesting job, which can increase your earnings. Student loan rates can be as low as 3.4%, or can range up to 6.8% (possibly higher, depending on when the loan was taken out.) But you may be able to deduct student loan interest payments of up to $2,500, depending on your income level, which reduces the annual cost of the loan.
Another form of "good debt" can be a mortgage to buy a home. It's good because, well, you have a home. That can also be a form of investment, over time, if the value of the home goes up. Interest rates on mortgages can be low (like 4%) and the interest payments can be tax-deductible — which, again, can make this kind of debt less expensive.
What should you do if you have the money to pay off "good" debt?
Well, the question becomes, "What else could you do with that money?"
At Ellevest, we expect a diversified investment portfolio to return anywhere from 5% to 8% a year — not as much in some years, more in other years — but this is what we expect that it will average*. So, over time, it can make sense to keep that debt outstanding and invest in the markets, to earn the difference between the two.
But we would note that this can be a personal choice. Some people prefer to get debt — even low-cost debt — paid off and done with.
Ok, so that's the "good debt." One type of debt that is never good? Credit card debt. Never, ever, ever. Interest rates on credit cards today range from 12.0% to 22.6%. It's absolutely nuts. And there's no tax break on that interest. So, buy something for $1000 on a credit card in the middle of that range of interest, and a year later it will cost you more than $1,270 to pay it off. It's like you bought it on "un-sale."
The best rule for using credit cards: If you need to rack up credit card debt to buy something, don't buy it. Seriously. Just don't buy it. If you have credit card debt, pay it off as soon as you possibly can.
"Wait," you may be saying. "What about my Emergency Fund? That's at least three months of salary that I've been told to stash away in cash for emergencies. Should I use my Emergency Fund to pay down my credit card?"
The answer is yes: take the money out of the Emergency Fund and pay down the credit card. Right now. That's because cash is fungible; if you really need that emergency money, you can spend on your credit cards when you have to. But in the meantime that emergency cash is earning you next-to-nothing and your credit card is costing you an arm and an ear.
So, in review…
1) Shoot for (much) less than 20% of take-home salary going to interest payments. Adjust your other spending and lifestyle, if need be, to get there.
2) Pay off credit cards in full immediately…or as soon as you possibly can.
3) Consider keeping debt that costs you less than 4% a year outstanding and investing your money in a diversified portfolio.
4) For everything in between, it can be a personal choice. (And, frankly, we lean towards paying off as you are able to.)
*This range of pre-tax returns is based upon proprietary capital market assumptions from Morningstar Investment Management LLC, a registered investment adviser and subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc., and assumes a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, ranging from 25% stocks and 75% bonds to 80% stocks and 20% bonds. Past performance is not an indication of future results.


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The business of God ... is business
It is interesting to chart the rise of the modern state, which in a way began back in the Renaissance and the period in European history known as the Babylonian Captivity (when the Papacy was moved from Rome to Avignion) to the modern day, and to see how all of the events are interconnected with each other. This book, though, probably should have the title of Protestantism and the rise of Capitalism, namely because it was through the Protestant Reformation that the individual gained the freedom to make their own choice as to how and where to (and whether to) worship God.
I don't necessarily believe that Capitalism is in and of itself a Christian concept, and in particular the Capitalism that is practised today is far from it. The Bible constantly exhorts us to consider and help the poor and the disadvantaged, and Jesus even says 'what you do for the least of these you do for me'. It is hard though, living in a wealthy and industrialised society, yet being a member of the middle class where we still need to work and we have to save for all the goodies that we want, to actually understand the plight of the poor in the developing world.
What the Reformation did though was to break us from the rules and the strictures of the Catholic Church, and one of them was the rule against lending at interest. However, it was not lending at interest that was bad, but lending at interest to a fellow Christian (which is what usury is). In the same way it is not bad for a Muslim to sell alcohol, just not sell it to a fellow Muslim.
What the removal of usury did was to create a means for individuals to be able to borrow funds to invest in business projects, though in those days the risk was still very high. For instance, there was a film I saw a while ago called Rob Roy where a Scottish farmer borrows money to trade livestock, only to have the baron from whom he borrowed from set him up so that he would lose all of the livestock and then land up in debt.
While such dubious schemes were not done away with immediately, what the Protestant religion has done is that it has influenced Western society to make us think more about acting ethically and consciously for the good of others. William Wilberforce brought an end to slavery in the British Empire, which had a knock on effect in the United States. While the French revolution was purely a secular event (since the French had nipped the Reformation in the bud during the St Bartholemew's Day Massacre) this revolution had a knock on effect in England where Parliament was forced to continue to reform.
The same goes with many of the left wing agitators in Britain and Germany, which forced the conservative government to invest in private education and healthcare, and when the Russian revolution occurred, this strengthened the Unions and the Labor parties to encourage their own countries to provide better services for the underpriviledged classes so that there would not be a similar revolt here.
However, I would not say that Capitalism is itself Christian, and in a way it is moving from the days where people were forced to change or die back to a feudal system when governments are sidelined and corporations are taking the role of the new lords. A man borrows money from a bank to start up an enterprise, only to discover that the corporate lords have raised the barriers to entry. In fact, family businesses are being destroyed by low cost retail, and many of these people who would live comfortably on their own business are being forced into bankruptcy and then into the ranks of the poor.
Also many Christians are taking the mantel of personal responsibility on board suggesting that if somebody is in trouble then they must have done something wrong to do that. Further, there is also the idea of dependency, such this meme:
The idea is that we cannot help the poor because if we help the poor, they will only become a greater burden to us, and thus they must pull themselves up by their own effort, particularly if another has managed to do that.
However the idea is trumped by the statement that these people don't need a handout (and many of them do not want a handout) but rather a hand up. In many cases the only reason the poor are forced to rely on handouts is because nobody is there to give them a hand up. As cuts are made to healthcare and education, many people are getting left further and further behind. People are caught in Westernised slums where they cannot get a job because of the belief that all people from that area (such as Elizabeth in South Australia) are all the same and are not employable. To be honest, one of the major aspects as to whether you get an interview or not is your postcode.


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2016 Republican National Convention Live Stream: Watch Donald Trump & More Speak
It's time for the Republican National Convention's grand finale and on July 21, the spotlight will belong to Donald Trump! The GOP candidate — along with Ivanka Trump, Reince Priebus & more — will speak and HollywoodLife.com wants you to see it! Click to watch.
The Republican National Convention has been a roller coaster of emotions, from Donald Trump's, 70, joy of being officially named the GOP's 2016 Presidential candidate to the anger over Ted Cruz, 45, refusing to endorse his rival. With Donald closing out the Cleveland extravaganza on July 21 (after Ivanka Trump, 34, introduces him), have the real fireworks been saved for the last night? The festivities start at 7:20 P.M. EST so be ready to see every second!
The RNC's YouTube channel is airing a free live stream of the convention. CBS and Twitter have also teamed up to provide a convention live stream for everyone – no Twitter account required. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION LIVE STREAM
Ivanka Trump: The Sweetest Pics With Her Adorable Family — Photos
Day 1 of the RNC ended in controversy, as Melania Trump, 46, was caught plagiarizing First Lady Michelle Obama, 52, with her convention speech. Everyone from Hillary Clinton, 68, to My Little Pony to Michelle herself was blamed for this mistake. Ultimately, the speechwriter, Meredith McIver, took the fall.
While the first night was all about Melania, the convention's second night was all about Donald's kids. His son, Donald Trump Jr., 38, slammed the rich in his speech, claiming the elites in the U.S. were out of touch with the average voter. After Donald Jr. painted his father as a shrewd businessman, Tiffany Trump, 22, said the GOP candidate is a man whose "excellence is contagious" who will help all Americans.
None of those good vibes were around day 3. Laura Ingraham ended her speech by giving what looked like a Nazi salute. GOP Vice President candidate Gov. Mike Pence, 57, blasted Hillary as "Secretary of the Status Quo." However, the diss of the night belonged to Senator Cruz, who delivered a speech without endorsing Donald for president!
What will happen during the final night of the Republican Convention? There's only one way to find out. HollywoodLifers, are you going to watch? Are you excited to see the RNC come to a close?


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The Married
Honey and I were having a conversation that started with a comment about this news article on Channel 4. He said something about chasing married women around, how it's not very bright and how he's never done it. I told him I hadn't knowingly ever chased a married man, and the conversation (oh, so bright and intelligent at the start) devolved…well, see for yourself:
Honey: Why did you go out with him if he was married?
Me: I didn't KNOW the silly fuckhead was married–found out when someone else told me, and that was the end of it.
Honey: What?
Me: What the hell would I ever have wanted a man who was married but not to me FOR?
Honey: I dunno…trails off as I start ranting
Me: Seriously–what fucking good would a married man do me? He'd never be around when I actually needed him, he'd be with WifeyPoo…
Honey: What about…
Me: Just busting back since I was on a really good roll and I knew he'd put up with it because I was naked…So he'd do me exactly no fucking good whatsoever.
Honey: How does a married man hit on another woman anyhow?
Me: Usually it's the "but the sex will be awesome" bullshit that all men try on every woman they want to sleep with.
Honey: Does that work?
Me: Not on me. Shit, I could get spectacular sex with unmarried men. Hell, technology has advanced to the point that if I can't get great sex with an unmarried man, I can do it my damned self!
Honey: True, true.
Me: Getting it on with a married one would just be annoying. Married men chasing strange tail is like a fucking disease.
Honey: Huh?
Me: Yeah! I used to think about those guys with capital letters in my mind, like "The Married."
Honey: Whut?
Me: Still nekkid, still on a roll…Yeah, they're like having a disease. I'd think "I've got The Married chasing me," in the same tone as I'd think "I've got The Measles" or "I've got the crabs."
Honey: Being married isn't like a disease. People tell me it's nice.
Me: Sure, it'd be nice with a man who was married to ME, but with a man married to someone else, having sex with them would be like having crabs–annoying, irritating, and a real pain in the ass to get rid of.
Honey: Oh.
Me: Dealing with someone else's husband wanting your body is like having syphillis, only a simple shot isn't enough to get rid of him.
Honey: So, you're saying when we get married you'll still want me?
Me: Sure, about as much as I do right now, Honey.
He didn't look happy about that for some strange reason that probably has a lot to do with his mother's penchant for snoopiness and there being a little pervy boy with his bedroom directly across the hall from ours.
It's afternoons like this that I'm grateful that her hearing is failing and that Garand has to work once in awhile to support his porn site subscriptions.


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As a TCK I've had the privilege of living in multiple places and traveling to even more (though my counts for each of these are still minimal compared to some TCK's). Having seen a few different corners of the world, it's easy to compare. America is or isn't like Taiwan in the following ways, Italy is or isn't like Boston because of these things, or North Carolina is or isn't like anywhere due to these features.
Comparing is often how people learn and make sense of our environment. However, it can also be dangerous if we don't allow places to speak for themselves.
Tomorrow I fly home for the first time in two years. I decided to spend my last day of 2013 in America perusing one of the bigger (bigger being a relative term) cities of eastern North Carolina. As I drove the hour and a half across the flat land, by the empty fields, and barren trees, I realized that it's easy for me to miss the value of this country.
No, eastern North Carolina may not have the convenience of Taiwan, or the historicity of Italy, or the fast-paced-ness of Boston. Yes, eastern North Carolina lacks the cultural fusion of Thailand, and the community that I found at camp.
But eastern North Carolina has its own charm to offer, and I've only scratched the surface of that uniqueness in my time here. There is an amazing amount of solitude here that is so easy to go without in other parts of the world. Granted, technology will have pervaded much of life wherever one goes, but without the big city, it's easier to find that solitude that authors such as Henri Nouwen so often wrote about.
Eastern North Carolina also possesses a certain beauty that is harder to find in other parts of the country (whether it's blurred by smog or obscured by city lights). I'm blessed to be living in a part of the world where I walk out the door to go to Food Lion and have the privilege to take a detour by the water and see this:
The cell phone picture doesn't really do justice to what the sky actually looked like that evening.
So while I'm beyond excited to be going home, I realize that I'm also honored to be able to add this part of the world to my list of homes and see it again in 2014.


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Top 10 South Park Kid Characters
The Top Ten
Why isn't he number 1? RESPECT HIS ATHORITAH! - Megalink
Screw you guys I'm going home
Okay so sometimes when the T.V. is accidentally left on this is on and it's funny, even though I have to wait a couple of more years before I can watch it. Even with all of the stereotypes and racism it's still funny, in fact that's what makes it funny, and I am a COMPLETELY NOT RACIST person and I'm saying this. - Anonymousxcxc
This list is perfect, but Wendy and Token would be 1 and 2 if liberals and SJW's were on this list, but luckily they're not. I love Trump but not as much as I love Butters and CartmanV 7 Comments
Should be number 1. Butters is simply funny in a bad way. - Gordon003
I hate Cartman. Butters should be on top
Loo loo I got some apples loo loo you got some too
AwesomeV 1 Comment
I can't decide between Kenny, Craig, or Tweek so I will pick Kenny.
He's such a great character, but he needs to stop dying in EVERY EPISODE. - Catacorn
Kenny is sure to be on the list
he's orangV 9 Comments
Kyle deserves to be #1 for very many reasons, but I won't risk boring you. All I'll say is he's highly underrated nowadays! And anyway, to all you Cartman fans, like Stan stated in "Smug Alert" which reigns true, Cartman would be nothing without Kyle around! So think about that!
My favorite character
Oh my god Kyle isn't 1st...
You Bastards
Kyle is one of the most complex characters on South Park: with his noble, compassionate and out spoken nature along with his short temper, moral righteousness, and martyr complex, there's no character like him.
My favorite character he's the only that can put up and defy cartman and he's a good friend, kyle even hugged cartman in the Kenny dies episode. Also he always there for stan even when stan ditches him for Wendy.
Stan is your average 10 year old and that's what makes him really cool I guess
Well it's Stan he's my favorite.
Stan is my favorite
He should be higher. But that is way too much pressure!
Tweaks probably the funniest non-main kid
Best character
Moomooomooomooomomkooo mo mooV 3 Comments
Remember in the Pandemic, this is why nobody likes you guys. You come up with the most stupid ideas and something always goes wrong. And Craig just says it like he does not even care. He just tries to ignore everything and ends up killing a pirate.
He is probably not the greatest of all time, bu he has the ability to stop the Guinea Empire/Furry Death from taking over the world and he's been used a lot of times as a supporting or secondary character of later seasons by Trey and Matt.
Plus, girls like him along with Butters
Dude seriously seriously! He should be number 1.
Craig regularly flips people offf it's funnyV 4 Comments
Wuv him he will always be my favorite south park character
I like his voice.
He's so cute when he cries~ I just wanna hug him~~~
The Contenders
Come on TOKEN'S LIFE MATTERS
Wendy is a good character and I think she needs to be 9th place
How isn't he top 10?
Bring him back from the grave in season 18!
(Eric's impression) Hello, I'm Scott Malkinson, don't make fun of my diabetes
Always great to have around
Bebe my fave South Park girl
You have to admit, Kevin is pretty hilarious.
"Perhaps we could use it to strengthen our star cruisers! "
I love how he always ruins the moment, lmao.
I love this chareters she needs to be put in more episodes
Related ListsTop 10 Nicest South Park Kids Best South Park Episodes That Features the Goth Kids Best South Park Episodes That Focus On the Goth Kids Best South Park Characters Top 10 Funniest South Park Characters
List Stats
26 listings
5 years, 353 days old
Top Remixes (28)
2. Tweek Tweak
3. Kyle Broflovski
2. Butters Stotch
3. Stan Marsh
2. Butters Stotch
3. Kenny McCormick
View All 28


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Arrived the receptionist greeted us as if we had arrived from outer space. He was rude and surley for the duration of our stay. Staff were generally okay but hard to find at times for example if you wanted a drink around the pool. The...More
"Rooms at the front of the hotel face away from the sea but the balcony is far cooler in the afternoon ."
"Rooms over the pool are nice and the third floor for great views."
"Rooms overlooking pool are best, slightly larger and quieter than overlooking road at back."


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Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Guitar Vintage Sunburst (Ex-Display)
There are some guitars-the Les Paul, the SG, the Flying V- that are instantly recognisable, their iconic shapes having long been embedded into the hearts and minds of music enthusiasts everywhere. The Gibson Thunderbird IV bass joined this distinguished lineup shortly after its introduction in 1963. The Thunderbird's unique 'reversed' zig-zag body design and equally distinct headstock was the brainchild of legendary automotive designer and visonary Ray Dietrich, enlisted by Gibson to bolster the guitar lines of the early '60s and help solidify the company's eminent rank among solidbody electric guitar manufactures. Dietrich's unconventional design was based loosely on both the automobile tail fins of the 1950s and the Gibson Explorer, which had been introduced several years earlier.
- Read More
Today's Thunderbird IV- with its huge thunderous sound- is still a benchmark of innovation, functionality, and style, and continues to symbolise Gibson's drive to achieve creative excellence. Each Thunderbird IV consists of a multiple-ply mahogany and walnut neck-through body, with mahogany wings, designed for strength and stability. A 20-fret rosewood fingerboard sits atop a solid mahogany neck with Gibson's standard rounded bass profile. Accented by black chrome-plated hardware, including black chrome Grover bass tuners, the Thunderbird IV is equipped with Gibson's new TB Plus ceramic magnet humbuckers with black covers to deliver a massive, powerful bass tone. It is available in a Vintage Sunburst finish.
Body Species: Mahogany wings
Body Style: Mahogany wings
Fingerboard Species: Rosewood
Scale Length: 34 Inch
Number of Frets: 20 (Nickel and Silver Alloy Fret Wire)
Pickups: Two new design TB Plus ceramic magnet humbuckers
Controls: Two volume, one tone
Interior: White Plush
Case Exterior: Black Hardshell
Silkscreen: Silver 'Gibson USA' logo
Species: Nine-ply Mahogany and Walnut neck-through-body
Profile: 60s Rounded Bass Neck Profile
Peghead Pitch: Angled Headstock - 10 degrees
Nut Width: 11/2 Inch
Neck Joint: Neck-Through-Body Construction
Truss Rod: Adjustable Truss Rod
Plating Finish: Black Chrome
Tailpiece: Three-way adjustable bridge and tailpiece
Knobs: Black Top Hat with silver inserts
Tuners: Black Chrome Grover Bass
Strings: .045 / .105 gauge
The Absolute multi point Pre Sales Setup is free with this Instrument. We provide a 7 day no-quibble money back guarantee on all our instruments, so you can buy with confidence.
More images are available on request. For more information*, call the guitar department on 01202 597180 or email [email protected]
- Sorry - this product is not available to purchase
1 Recommended Accessory
Additional Information
Body Species: Mahogany wings
Body Style: Mahogany wings
Brand Gibson Condition Ex-display


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As the year drew to a close, so did many chapters of history. From the national perspective, the year started with a promise that a lot will change, and it actually did. At one side the assassination of B.B left the nation in shock and grief, with the future of democracy in doldrums, On the other the lawyer and civil society movement, entered the new year in full swing. But above all the uncontested Emperor of Pakistan, Gen® Pervaiz Musharaff was still maintaining an iron fist on all the matters, especially after assuming additional powers by imposing the state of emergency, on 3rd November 2007. Then came what we have all waited for so long in the shape of February 18th elections. They were free, they were fair (though many still argue), but no single party could emerge as the sole victor. The King Party of Musharaff was shown the exit door and then started the honeymoon between Zardari and Nawaz. This was set in motion by many declaration made earlier and it was further consolidated by new promises, but to no avail. PM House found its new resident in shape of Mr Gillani, but the orders were still originating from President House.But not any more, for Musharaff it seemed the time had stopped. He had lost all his cards, and fearing a certain impeachment, he ultimately resigned. For the 9 years he had ruled Pakistan, he had never let the power slip out of his hand and was determined to do so but this time his calculations were wrong and he had to depart, he managed to get a safe exit though. Anyhow his departure was a welcoming move. The real story starts when out of no where Mr Zardari is sworn in as the President and takes charge of every thing. With his place secured, the incompatibility between PML-N and PPP also came to open and cracks were visible in this "un-natural" alliance that was still in its infancy, with the latter moving into opposition. But the question still remains, was it already too late. Against all odds Zardari assumed the role of President, but failed to disperse the rumors and controversies surrounding him. Rather I am compelled to say that somehow he has opted to remain under the shadow of his past. He reinforced the speculations by not restoring CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry and by not abandoning the dictatorial powers of the President. But he dragged his limitations to the edge very early. In less than 3 months open comparisons were made between the present rule, and that of Musharaff's. The way he pardoned Mr Musharaff showed that he had inclination toward his ideas. But there is a difference between Musharaff and him which he probably forgot to figure out. He possesses neither the outspoken and charismatic personality like Musharraf, nor he had the iron will of the former President. But for Zardari one attribute is worth mentioning, the way he outplayed a seasoned politician like Nawaz Sharif, it was simply amazing. Although Shahbaz Sharif did become the CM of Punjab, Zardari had a perfect gift in the shape of Governor Punjab Salman Taseer waiting for him. This along with the sword of cases hanging over there head, was enough to give the Sharifs sleepless nights. On the other hand the state of governance was pathetic, both on international and national matters. The economy carried on its sorry state, with no end in sight. The bailout of $7.6billion from IMF did save the country from the bankruptcy, but the question still remains: has the government learnt from it, or it has just taken it as a routine matter. The shameful protest to the ever increasing missile attacks by the US, the pursuance of the same policies in FATA and tribal belt, and follies like in the matter of ISI are some of the examples. Mr.Zardari, being the Chairman of National Command Authority, announced a fundamental change in Pakistan's nuclear posture by offering a "No First Use" of nuclear weapons against India. It actually shows that he does not have the clear understanding of the ground realities. Unfortunately the list doesn't end here. In short the way Mr. Zardari is running the show holds serious implications, not only for him but the entire 180 million Pakistanis. The return of democracy in Pakistan is still questionable. I say it on the basis that now the row has truly emerged between those elected by us, and those who are appointed to administer all the affairs. In simple term the game is in the hands of the unelected lot. Headed by the President himself, his aides in Finance, Law, Interior and Information have simply hijacked the parliament. The PM seems helpless in this matter, and so does the opposition. The best example is the Farah Dogar case, where the establishment in order to save its skin, has put sovereignty of the entire parliamentary system into question. The gulf has widened between the Presidency and the other institutes and only time will tell how it turns out this time around. The terrorist activities continued to make headlines through out the year 2008. We witnessed the most destructive attack in the history of Pakistan, in the shape of Marriot bombing, NATO supply line was entirely paralyzed by the frequent attacks on the convoys, kidnapping of foreign diplomats and of course the siege they have laid around Peshawar. The government did respond with tribal lashkars, but found little success. The provincial government is not only helpless,, but also incapable when it comes to counter action. But in the basket of government's mismanagement I must add important attributes, which it performed on international level. The first is the way they remained mum over the Indo-US nuclear deal. Secondly the way our leadership totally ignored China especially under current circumstances, and lastly the way they responded to the Mumbai drama toward the end of 2008. From the decision of sending DG-ISI to the silence over the UN resolution against Jamaat-ul-Dawah, both the Foreign policy and the diplomacy totally collapsed. These developments lead Pakistan to virtual isolation from the rest of the world. The present crisis also has some positive impacts. The way our political leadership came closer was a high point. But the government failed to seize the opportunity and again they have split over different reasons. The establishment has projected an image that they are totally playing into the hands of big powers. Can somebody please tell me, which head of state can call President Bush a man of peace? Simply amazing. For the time being it is the armed forces of Pakistan that have emerged victorious in the current scenario. The way General Kiyani is leading them has totally reversed the fortunes of the forces. I am saying this in the light that just 8 months back this institute was solely blamed for all the miseries. From the firm stand over ISI to the open ultimatum to US and India, Kiyani has made his mark more firm than ever before. Now that he has been named 20th most influential person, it clearly reveals how the policies of the establishment have defamed the democratic forces. The struggle of CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry is still on, though he acquired international recognition in 2008, thanks to the mega trip to the US.
The analysts of global developments have always been divided into two broad schools of thought. The first, more precisely conservatives, usually stick to there guns and keep a restricted approach to the new developments, terming them just as a passing cloud. At the same time there is another group, not at all rebel but enthusiastic in some sense, which are always keeping different options on the table, regarding what to expect next. I will rather be more than willing to be a part of the 2nd one, as at TRUTH DENIED we have always given you the other side of the story. 2008 was a special year in itself. For some one like me, the way things moved clearly showed that a silent yet devastating storm has started building. My assumption, you may call it is closely associated with the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. This nightmare for the Capitalists started from United States of America. The first sector to be infected with this virus was the mortgage. But later in the year as an epidemic, it has spread to all financial institutions of the US. But remember we live in a globalize world, and you can not restrict two things, fortunes and misfortunes. Europe was second in line to face the music, and so it did. Britain economy has hit recession for the 1st time since 1980's, the intrest rate has been lowered to the equivalent of 1952, and yet we say Northern Rock Bank nationalized, other institutions filing for bankruptcy and yet the worst is still to come. On the other hand Hungry had to get a $25 billion IMF bailout, while Iceland received 4 billion Euros, as it was on the verge of bankruptcy. China, the world fastest growing economy is also suffering and so is the case with India. This was a preview of what is taking place on the economical front and there is no need to go again into a debate, that economy and global power are closely linked. In this regard 2008 clearly revealed that a lot will change very soon, from what we have been accustomed to see as the global power circle. US offers the best case. It is a different story if we want to find where the roots of the current crisis lie, but its impact were visible very clearly. From March onward, US economy was on a free fall, with Wall Street crashing, 1.5 million jobs lost and reluctant bailouts on behalf of Bush administration. We saw top names like Citibank, AIG Insurance, Freddie Mac & Fennie Mae and numerous others turning themselves into state custody, yes. We are not talking about a nationalist state, this is the situation for the torchbearer of free market, America. Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela and an all out Socialist, remarked by terming " Our Comrade Bush". The most debated topic for the last 7 years, of course the " War on Terror" was totally overshadowed by this development. As far as I can see, practically the same is on the table for 2009. US engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq has left them virtually bankrupt. There is no denial to the fact that US has the most efficient and effective military force, but what we saw in 2008 was the result of miscalculation. Remember 2004, where Bush announced proudly that the major war in Iraq and Afghanistan is over. He was somewhat right too, because Taliban and Al Qaeda were on the run and Saddam was on his way, waiting to be hanged. After 4 years from that speech, the picture is entirely different. Taliban controls 52% of Afghanistan and US has bid farewell to Iraq in the shape of Iraq-US pact. Logically, US forces will be on there way home as early as July 2009, as the scheduled referendum for there stay will decide against them. The battlefield of Iraq turning silent in the past few months is part of this deal, where US has been granted a graceful defeat and departure by Iran. In Afghanistan, Karzai guaranteed Mullah Omar a safe return, yes. Another sign that after 8 years of war, US has found no other way than to return home, leaving Taliban stronger than ever. For those interested in history, this is not something new. This is the same what US tasted in Vietnam, and now it is the same they will experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. The architect of this scheme, evil Bush will leave his office as a defeated man. For his accomplishment, he got the perfect reward in the shape of an Iraqi journalist shoe, missing him be a few inches. 2008 was also historical, as US had its first ever Afro-American President in the shape of Barrack Hussein Obama. His climb to the White House is a fairy tale, from his party nomination instead of seasonal Hillary Clinton, to the victory against a veteran John Mckain, is no less than a miracle. From my side this was the high point of the year. From him I will steal his tagline " Change we believe in", and imply it on the future, that for sure we will witness a great change in the top hierarchy. For those who have written off Russia long ago, 2008 was a true eye opener. Till 2007, the ever aggressive Putin had opened the " New Cold War" in theory, 2008 was its practical implementation. The way Russian troops bisected Georgia was simply marvelous. The new formed countries of South Ossetia and Abkhazia left NATO and most importantly US, recognizing that they were up against an old but a more stronger and resolute enemy, Russia. This was a score settled on behalf of Putin, for what NATO did in Kosovo. He did not stop there at all, both him and Medvedev teamed up to stab US right in its back yard, Latin America. Extensive military exercises with Venezuela and Cuba was the last thing US and Europe wanted, and now there most feared nightmare is coming true. So keep an eye on Russia. Oil also played its part in the political landscape of 2008. It reached $ 150 per gallon in the mid of the year, to see petro-dollars flowing into the pockets of Russia and OPEC states. But later in the year, it fell dramatically to around $40 per gallon, ofcourse due to the ongoing global slowdown. On the other hand China, India and Iran moved a step further to make there global political presence felt, by launching there respective space missions, and in some cases advancing them even further. In the Middle East, Iraq was somewhat silenced by the above mentioned reality. But Isreal was still reluctant to stop itself from its evil desires. For most of the year the troubled area remained silent, thanks to the cease fire between Hamas and Israel. It was also due to the political turmoil, both in Palestine and Israel and also that Israel was still scared to launch any operation after its 2006 defeat in Lebanon. But toward the end of the year, Israel launched a brutal and bloody campaign in Hamas controlled Gaza, more because of the fact that it is feeling the pressure that US will restrict its role, after its withdrawal from Iraq, sucession of Obama and also because of the struggling economy. India was terrorized after Mumbai attacks, and reacted in an aggressive manner but was equally responded, not by our leadership, but by the military. Human Rights abuses continued in Zimbabwe, Myanmar, Kasmir, Palestine, Tibet and Sudan, with UN still helpless and the big powers sticking to there national interests. Toward the end I will bid farewell to the year 2008 with the good memory that Bush will be gone finally, and somewhat responsible Obama(though yet to be seen) will be in office for 2009. From my side 2008 Oscar for the biggest odd for the future goes to Iran. If it wins the battle field of Iraq, and joins the two side under Shiite context, they will be in a position to control the black gold, oil and also turn themselves as a big player. With the resistance they have shown in the case of there nuclear programme, odds are at there side. May Allah turn the fortunes of Muslim world in 2009, unite them together and give Pakistan the courage and opportunity to lead them. Ameen.
During the time of President Musharaff, an impression was given that Pakistan and India have groomed so much that now they will not even think of a war. President Musharraf went on to term it an "irreversible" peace process. The Kashmir will be passed over to them as we love peace, they may stop our water as we don't hate them, but we will live side by side. But what has happened in the last few days of November is not less than an eye opener for those who have viewed and propagated India as a liberal and friendly neighbour. If things were to get so friendly after 60 years, why were we separated at the first place? What ever we presume in our minds, Indians have and will always view Pakistan as their greatest enemy, and it will not miss any chance to destroy us. The way the so called free media of India spelled hatred against Pakistan has made it clear that whether they install a Muslim President, deep inside they are firm that they have the right to over run us. Peace is what we want; not only for us but for a prosperous future of our children also. But a lasting peace and friendship is only possible when it is on equal footings. At the same time we must not forget that the only guarantee for peace is our own strength to deter an aggressor like India. Though morally when our President said that Pakistan can assure India that we will have a no 1st strike nuclear policy, the Indians must have started planning how to end our 2nd strike capability, rather than an equal response. The lesson for our future approach can very easily be derived from the world history. After the end of World War II, the Western Europe and The US was in an awkward position. For 6 long years they have sacrificed there millions of citizens to save the world from the menace of Nazi Germany. But after the war, they were not only living together (geography cannot be changed) but also they had to rebuild West Germany to curtail Soviet threat. Neither Churchill nor Truman told their nations to forget the past and remove the borders, but they advocated "tolerance". In simple term always remember what they are capable of and be prepared for it, but for the time being cooperate with them. This is the same policy we need regarding India. We must remember that it our firm will to remain independent that has saved us from becoming Bhutan or Nepal. Pakistan's military and nuclear technology have deterred and repelled any threat so far to the existence of this state and these will help us now even. The comparison of our policy with that of Indian policy was clearly stated in the last month editorial" Appeasing the Aggressor". Thus for the time being it is important that the government of Pakistan and we as a nation should stand firm against the aggression and threats coming from the East. After all Tipu Sultan, the tiger of Mysore is best remembered for his bravery, dignity and his famous quotation "It is far better to live like a Tiger for a day than to live like a jackal for a hundred years". No doubt that it is the armed forces under General Kiyani who rose to the occasion. The way they responded to the Indian aggression has given a new life to the morale of the nation. But it is high time that the establishment also come out of there bunkers, in order to resolve this issue on equal terms.
The most debated topic for the last seven years has been the "War on Terror", but will it remain so is a question very hard to answer. Already the Global Economic Crisis have over shadowed it and the best proof of this fact is the US elections of 2008. 67% of the voters chose there candidate for their economic policies. This shows that this war has lost its appeal even from the place where it all started. Keeping this view in mind, an impression can be derived that this whole affair was the brainchild of a single person i.e. Mr. Bush and his two loyal stooges Musharaff and Blair respectively. Certain important developments have taken place in the last few months which suggest that US is rushing toward closing this frontier as quick as possible. Keeping these in mind, it is not ruled out that lately Mr Bush has himself realized, that this campaign is beyond the limitations and capibilities of the Americans. Whether it is because of the strain US economy is undergoing or the overwhelming opposition, only the time can answer but for the time being US forces are on a retreat. The two primary theaters of this war are Iraq and Afghanistan. In order to analyze the developments that have taken place in the last few months, both these frontlines will be discussed separately. Iraq: After 2003, Iraq has managed to remain in the headlines for one reason or the other. Miseries kept on piling up for the Americans fighting in Iraq. Bush announced in 2004 that the major operation in Iraq has ended, only to prove himself wrong a few months later. Especially the execution of Saddam left Iraq on its own. US tried its best to implement the "Divide and Rule" strategy but it was without any success. Interestingly a few months back Western media was focusing on a cover story, that against all odds US is considering reopening its diplomatic relations with Iran. These relations broke off in 1979 after the hostage crisis where US embassy and its staff were taken hostage, for 444 days. Now from 2006 the insurgency taking place in Iraq was only limited to Shia dominated areas. We still remember scenes from Basra and sub urban Baghdad where allied forces were given a tough time by militias, like the one controlled by Muqtada Al Sadr. Of course Iran has great influence over these forces. On the other hand US succeeded in demolishing Al Qaeda with the strategy of "Awakening" in Sunni dominated areas. Since then US was trying massively to drag Iran into the conflict but due to Iran's regional influence and of course, with the backing of Russia it was able to outplay Americans. Though the diplomatic ties between Tehran and Washington are not restored officially, but the new developments reveal a different story. The proposed Iraq-US security pact comes after Iraq dramatically went calm. We are talking about the same country where less than a year ago, the US troops were only confined to the "green zone" but today they are busy in reconstruction all around Iraq. One is left thinking that how can an increase of 30,000 troops totally change the war in Iraq. The "Surge" administered by General Petreaus can not be the reason for this change. If in any case this is the reason, will somebody explain that all those fools sitting in Pentagon were just passing time that they never struck upon this idea before?, simply amazing. If a close examination is carried out on the proposed pact, practically US forces will withdraw from Iraq in 2009 when they will transfer the control of Iraqi cities to the native forces. Deep inside it seems that both Tehran and Washington have settled the question of Iraq. US will depart gracefully with the credit that they restored peace and democracy in Iraq while Iran will have the unlimited control of Iraq for good, and those who take it as a wishful thinking should see the Iraq-US pact passed in November. First the army personnel of US will come under Iraqi control and they have given the final date of 2011, not to be changed in any case. But deep within, the pact have to pass a referendum in July, 2009 which if it fails and that's what will happen finally, they will have to pack there bags the same year. But what they will leave behind, a united Shia state of Iraq and Iran, the worst nightmare for the Israel, an accepted nuclear programme of Iran. If you don't term it as a defeat, is there any other word to explain this phenomena. Afghanistan: The whole drama started from this place back in 2001 and as the events suggest, the drop scene will also take place here. The coalition was never in control of even half of Afghanistan and situation is still the same. Osama bin Laden is still alive and operating according to CIA even after the seven years when the biggest manhunt was launched and Taliban still controlling most of Afghanistan. From past few months a split was seen between US and British forces operating in Iraq. British commander came openly to announce that winning war in Afghanistan was next to impossible. Now the same view shared by the Karzai regime. His offer to Mullah Omar, in which he is guaranteed safety in exchange for cooperation, makes one feel if we are going to see the same offer extended to Bin Laden one day. US silence clearly shows that they have called it a day in Afghanistan, and they are eager to run back home. President-elect Obama has repeatedly argued that he will relocate the forces from Iraq to Afghanistan but the reality is that US economy and the public opinion will not permit him to do so. The only question that remains in my mind is what the tagline will be of US departure from Afghanistan. May be they will exclaim "Taliban have been tamed, groomed and re invented to run a liberal Afghanistan and Bin Laden has decided to return to take care of his business interests in Middle East". Keeping the whole picture in mind it is crystal clear that US has signaled that from there side, this war on terror is over.??? May be sitting there in Washington they take it that way, but what they have done to the whole world cannot end so softly. Any new Al Saeda, Al Maeda or Al Faeda can rise once again out of no where. All they will require is another 9/11 but for US it will be another bloody and fruitless campaign. Having said this, I am very clear deep inside my mind that this campaign has proved to be the "Bleeding Wound" for America as it did for Soviets in Afghanistan back in 1979. The impact is quite evident with the way US economy has taken a nose dive to the bottom. For the time being the liberators turned invaders are on a run. The strikes inside Pakistan and Syria are just the acts of frustration that US has sunk into. The giant is definitely on the run, not caring what it leaves behind or destroys in the run for the cover.