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WASHINGTON — On the eve of congressional hearings examining whether unfunded pension liabilities could trigger severe fiscal stress for state and local governments, a coalition of 10 groups representing state and local entities said public pensions are not in crisis and are not seeking federal assistance.
The National Conference of State Legislatures, the Government Finance Officers Association, the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, and other groups issued a fact sheet Tuesday, seeking to counter a mounting chorus on Capitol Hill calling for pension reform.
"One-size-fits-all federal regulation is neither needed nor warranted and would only inhibit recovery efforts already underway at the state and local level," they said.
According to the groups, public pensions are not beset by crisis for several reasons. State and local pensions are not paid out of general operating revenue, but rather out of funds reserved in trust from contributions by actively employed public employees.
Most retirement systems have substantial assets — an estimated $2.7 trillion — set aside in pension trusts for current and future retirees. And contrary to some perceptions, pension payments account for a relatively small portion — roughly 3% — of state and local budgets, they said.
In addition, a majority of states have already instituted steps, on their own initiative, to secure pension plans for the long term, with measures ranging from benefit-level changes to increasing employee contributions — which, together with investment returns, generate the majority of fund revenues, according to the groups. Typically, public employees contribute 5% to 10% of their wages to their pensions, a rate many state and local governments have recently increased.
Moreover, with more than $175 billion in annual benefit distributions, public-sector pensions stimulate local economies across the country, annually generating over $29 billion in federal tax revenue and more than $21 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Still, with several states facing budget gaps, some Republicans, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, have touted the state-bankruptcy option as a means of staving off federal bailouts and reducing the burden of unfunded pension debt.
Two House subcommittees have scheduled hearings on the state fiscal crisis: the Oversight and Government Reform Committee's TARP and financial services panel, slated for Wednesday morning, and the Judiciary Committee's panel on courts, commercial and administrative law, set for Monday. Though House Majority Leader Eric Cantor has signaled his opposition to state-bankruptcy legislation, Senate Republicans have been exploring bankruptcy legislation.
Several House Republicans, Reps. Darrell Issa and Devin Nunes from California and Paul Ryan from Wisconsin, are expected to re-introduce a bill, originally floated in December, requiring enhanced disclosure of state pension funding.
The bill would have prohibited states and localities from issuing tax-exempt bonds or receiving federal subsidies for taxable municipal bonds if they did not file annual pension plan reports with the Treasury Department.
Meanwhile, some lawmakers contend pension reform is necessary, including Rep. Mike Quigley, the ranking Democrat on the TARP and financial services panel, said in an interview on Monday that pension reform would be the "middle ground" between two extremes — federal bailouts and doing nothing.
For some observers, though, the clamor for bankruptcy protection is a distraction from budgetary challenges which, while significant, state officials and legislators have long dealt with through time-tested means of raising taxes and paring spending.
"States don't need it," said Michael Bird, federal affairs counsel for the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan research organization. "I don't think anyone is feeling the 'pressure' of going under and needing a bailout from the federal government."
Still, with two hearings on the upcoming calendar and congressmen from both parties calling for reform, state and local government groups are realistic.
"This isn't going away," Bird said. "Our inclination is to head off as much as we possibly can."
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text:
Yes it's true. I (Prez Jordan) am Discount. Discount is Prez Jordan. I have lied to you.
So who's Discount? No one, it's just a name I made up. I don't have a myspace, webpage, or anything beyond ilictronix. It's just for fun.
I make my songs on my Korg KP3, not much pre-planning or mastering, just loading some samples (made usually with Audacity) and recording output to my PC, nothing fancy.
Luckily, I was able to milk out some honest advice from you viewers, and I really appreciate your kind words. Hopefully one day I'll be good, but I don't see anything more than a hobby coming out of this "work."
Now for those of you who haven't heard the tracks yet, or if you just want properly-named MP3s, here you go. I know I might be violating Hypem's policy, but shhhh.
Ratatat - Loud Pipes (Prez Jordan's Stomp Edit) [right click to download]
Prez Jordan - Slap The Knot [right click to download]
Tell me what you think (if you haven't already), it's just for fun :)
Prez Jordan

subset: commoncrawl


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(HCC) Rating Action on HCC Insurance Holdings
A.M. Best Co. reiterated issuer credit ratings ("ICR") of 'a' and debt rating of 'a' on $300 million 6.3% senior unsecured notes due 2019 of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. (HCC).
Concurrently, the rating agency reiterated the financial strength rating ("FSR") of A+ (Superior) and ICR of 'aa' of the property/casualty subsidiaries of HCC.
Additionally, A.M. Best raised the ICR to "aa" from "aa-" and reiterated the FSR of A+ (Superior) of HCC Life Insurance Company.
All the ratings carry a stable outlook.
The ratings affirmation came on the back of its strong foothold in the specialty property/casualty market over a larger span of time, continued robust results, solid capitalization coupled with extensive financial support from HCC Holdings.
The ICR of HCC Life was revised upward taking into consideration its sustained position as a primary subsidiary within HCC Holdings, growing medical stop-loss business with a dominant foothold in medical stop-loss insurance market, besides the new individual and group health insurance lines of business. Moreover, it has a history of delivering solid results on the back of strong underwriting practice.
A.M. Best, subsequently reiterated FSRs of A+ (Superior) and the ICRs of "aa-" of American Contractors Indemnity Company and United States Surety Company, the primary underwriting companies of HCC Surety Group. The ratings carry a stable outlook.
The rating affirmations reflect continued sturdy operational results, solid capitalization along with its dominant position in the holding company.
Though the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the ICR of "aa-" of Perico Life Insurance Company, another subsidiary of HCC Insurance, was affirmed, the outlook was downgraded to negative from stable.
The outlook downgrade essentially takes into consideration the merging of Perico Life's operation with HCC Life.
Though a rating upgrade is less likely in the near term, ratings could be subject to downgrade if capitalization erodes, descending movement claims frequency or severity weighs on underwriting profitability or experiences adverse loss reserve development.
Rating affirmations or upgrades from credit rating agencies play an important part in retaining investor confidence in the stock as well as maintaining creditworthiness in the market. On the other hand, rating downgrade adversely affects the business, besides increasing cost of future debt issuances. We believe strong scorings with rating agencies will help it write more business going forward.
HCC Insurance Holdings holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), indicating an upward boost on the shares over the near term.
ACE Limited (ACE), The Travelers Companies Inc. (TRV) and W.R. Berkley Corporation (WRB), which closely compete with HCC Insurance, carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Read the full analyst report on "TRV"
Read the full analyst report on "WRB"
Read the full analyst report on "ACE"
Read the full analyst report on "HCC"
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Inside the Apple iPhone 4
Using the iPhone is fun; tearing it apart to see what makes it tick is fascinating. Here, the results of the first full teardown of the new iPhone 4.
Apple has finally gone "on the record" about iPhone 4's reception issue issuing a press release and saying a software fix is on the way.
Wait a minute, it was a software issue all along? That's what Apple's claiming, at least.
"Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong," a statement the company released said. "Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength. For example, we sometimes display 4 bars when we should be displaying as few as 2 bars."
"Users observing a drop of several bars when they grip their iPhone in a certain way are most likely in an area with very weak signal strength, but they don't know it because we are erroneously displaying 4 or 5 bars. Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place."
That's right it's not a hardware design flaw as most people have assumed.
I spoke to Apple spokesman Steve Dowling about the issue. Dowling said that any suggestion that this is a hardware design flaw is wrong -- it was simply a software "mistake." Apple says it has tested and retested the phones to confirm the problem. Dowling said overall reception in iPhone 4 is better than in any previous phone they've shipped. And my own experience confirms this: I have yet to drop a call.
Plenty of videos have surfaced showing users dropping multiple bars while their left hands are gripped tightly around their iPhone. According to Apple those users aren't really dropping that many bars. Steve Dowling says the effect is "amplified" by the poorly written software.
Some critics have suggested that Apple knowingly put the wrong software in the new phone to give the appearance of strong reception.
"That's not case. It was a mistake," Dowling said. To be clear this fix won't improve the iPhone 4′s signal strength, just how it displays it on the phone.
What about reports that some people are not just losing signal strength but are dropping calls altogether? Dowling told me that anyone who holds a cellphone will experience some attenuation of the signal strength -- especially in areas with weaker coverage. So would someone with only one bar of service potentially experience a dropped call if they gripped the iPhone 4 a certain way? "Yes," according to Dowling. To my mind that falls into the category of Obvious.
And what about the rumor that Apple was going to start handing out "bumper" cases for free, which may fix the issue? Nope. Apple told me that it has no plans to do that and that software fix should be here in a few weeks.
I guess in the meantime, just listen to Steve Jobs and "don't hold it that way."
Clayton Morris is a Fox and Friends host and the tech godfather behind the Gadgets and Games show. Follow Clayton's adventures online on Twitter @ClaytonMorris and by reading his daily updates at his blog.


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EXETER — Crestwood's Jeremy Harper shot a 1-under 70 and two other players shot in the 70s to lead the Wyoming Valley Conference champs past Abington Heights 308-315 in Monday's District 2 Class 3A team championship.
Abington Heights lost despite the stellar play of junior Troy Kelleher, who made five birdies and an eagle to finish with a 2-under 69 in rainy, humid conditions at Fox Hill Country Club.
Harper backed his 73 at Fox Hill in the WVC championship with a better score.
"Playing only three years on the golf team, winning a district championship for the first time, it's very emotional," Harper said. "Maybe we can keep going and reach states, but we have to take it one hole at a time and see what happens."
Crestwood also got a 77 from C.J. Bono and a 78 from Shane Angle.
The local Comets had been close before, winning four of the last five WVC titles, but Harper, who shot 2-under on his back nine, helped his team win its first district championship in head coach Mark Jarolen's 36 seasons.
Harper said he had a feeling before the round started that Monday might be special.
"When I was hitting balls on the range today, I was thinking possibly," Harper said of breaking par. "In these conditions today, 70, I can live with it.
"Shane and me had to stick with (Troy) the whole round. Luckily we did. Troy was outstanding. He was making putts here and there. That's why he shot 69."
Kelleher was gracious in defeat.
"I know Jeremy and I know how he plays," Kelleher said. "I know he has it in him. Obviously, they were better than us."
Abington Heights' season ended despite the best efforts of Kelleher, who made five birdies and an eagle in the very difficult conditions.
"It was tough," Kelleher said. "I had all the rain gear out. I think my putting saved me most of all because some shots were getting away.
"It was satisfying. Everything was kind of clicking. My putting was good. It was better than it was in individual districts because the greens were a little slower today because of the rain."
"Everybody just has off days," Kelleher continued. "We're definitely better than this. Our coach is saying this is our worst round of the year. We're capable. We have better numbers than this.
"There's always next year. What can you do?"
Crestwood will play District 4 champ Selinsgrove on Thursday at Eagles Mere.
In the Class 2A title match, Scranton Prep's Dan Hinton found resolve that most golfers lack.
Coming off a quadruple-bogey 8 to finish his front nine, the Cavaliers senior responded in a way he and his team desperately needed.
He birdied the par-4 10th and fashioned a back-nine 38, helping Prep turn back Holy Redeemer, 320-326.Hinton was cruising along on the front nine until he pushed his drive into the woods on No. 9.
A quick pep talk from playing partner and match medalist Jack Habeeb, who shot 76, got Hinton on track.
"That was good to get him back in focus," Habeeb said. "He was only down two or three shots to the guy in our group. I told him he could catch him."
It sunk in quickly.
"After that hole I was pretty out of my head," Hinton said. "Jack got me back to focus. I got a good break off the tee, got a good kick and turned around and made birdie. You learn not to give up on a hole."
With Habeeb verifying Hinton's read on his putt, the junior drained his 30-footer and went on to shoot a 2-over 38 on the back nine, finishing with 80, Prep's second-best score.
"You have a different mindset going into it after I sunk that putt," Hinton said. "Jack assured me I had the right read, and right after that I said to Jack, 'we're going to win.'
"I had to come back and hit some good shots and get back to playing golf."
The significance of the bounceback wasn't lost on Prep coach Ed Cimoch.
"Danny's turnaround was the key to the whole match," Cimoch said. "Most people who take a quadruple bogey on a hole, they just give up. He's mentally tough. He sucked that up and went out and shot 38 on the back side. Only one out of maybe 50 players could do that.
"Redeemer is a fantastic team, a young team with one senior, and they played beyond their years on a course they know. But we overcame that with good, solid play."
Prep overcame a 76 by Derek Answini and 78 from Martin Cryan and will take on District 4 champ Lourdes Regional on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Eagles Mere Country Club with the chance to advance to states for the second straight year.
"It's awesome to get a chance to go back to states again," Habeeb said. "Senior year, you want to go as far as you can."
Contact the writer: email@example.com; 348-9100, ext. 5437; @mmyersTT on Twitter
At Fox Hill C.C., par 71
(play 5, count 4)
Crestwood (308): Jeremy Harper 70, C.J. Bono, 77, Shane Angle, 78, Drew Barno 83, Mike Golden 87
Abington Heights (315): Troy Kelleher 69, Connor Kelleher 81, Will Brown 82, Nick Sebastianelli 83, Andre Kirtley 91
Scranton Prep (320): Jack Habeeb 76, Dan Hinton 80, Collin Ennis 81, M.J. Stivala 83, Josh Villarosa 85
Holy Redeemer (326): Derek Answini 76, Martin Cryan 78, Kenny Wallace 84, Sergei Scaramastro 88, Connor Maloney 89


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Give Advanced Micro Devices
AMD's flash memory business incurred a $39 million loss during the fourth quarter, more than $50 million worse than its showing the prior quarter and $36 million worse than the same period a year ago.
That, in a nutshell, is how AMD could break records by booking $1.26 billion in revenue but incur a $30 million, or $0.08 per share, net loss during the quarter. Sure, there were also $49 million in one-time charges to convert and retire debt, which reduced per-share earnings by $0.13. But even without the charges, AMD's earnings were still 56% lower than the year-ago period and 57% lower than last quarter. There's a direct correlation between that downturn and the downdraft in the flash business, which accounted for 40% of AMD's total revenue during the quarter.
There was little mention of rival Intel
When AMD first warned of its flash backlash a week ago, the stock took a more than 20% haircut and hasn't moved much since. Indeed, one analyst even -- wait for it -- upgraded AMD's shares today. An upgrade? Seriously? We here at the Fool have our doubts about Street analysts. But I can see the point here. I mean, really, can it get much worse for AMD? CEO Ruiz said the company believes there's room for more cost-cutting and that it has yet to yield all the benefits from its MirrorBit flash technology. Assuming AMD does no worse than break even in flash in future quarters, it can let the processor business, which grew 8% sequentially and 26% year over year, continue to carry the momentum.
But that won't be easy either, and AMD knows it. For example, during the conference call, Ruiz expressed admiration for Intel's recently unveiled platform strategy. He then said that, to counter, AMD will create "ecosystems" of partners that will combine technologies to create platforms. That's a reasonable alternative, but I have my doubts, especially after seeing how well the Centrino wireless package has done for Intel.
Do I lack faith in AMD? Maybe, but I still find the company's frankness in its conference call refreshing, especially when compared with the hype dished from its larger rival. Yet numbers are numbers, and none are more important than free cash flow. AMD's capital expenditures exceeded its cash from operations by more than $300 million during 2004. That can't continue, especially if, as Ruiz says, AMD really wants to change the competitive dynamics in its industry.
Perhaps someday AMD will become the Rule Breaker it wants to be. But it isn't now, and I wouldn't bet on it happening soon.
For related Foolishness:
- It was AMD's news flash that sent the stock reeling.
- Intel's next contortionist act wasn't like the first Mongolian feat we saw in October.
- AMD was technology's "it" equity before all this.
What do you think? How badly has Intel wounded AMD? Will the upstart chip maker come back strongly in the first quarter, or will Intel continue to punish its smaller rival? Debate all this and more at the AMD and Intel discussion boards. Only at Fool.com.
Fool contributor Tim Beyers admires AMD's fight, but not enough to invest in the firm's shares. Tim had no positions in any of the stocks mentioned in this story at the time of publication. To find out what stocks he owns, check out his Fool profile, which is here. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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UPDATED: The extra attention focused on House Speaker Thom Tillis this session as he makes his U.S. Senate bid is not just from the media.
American Bridge, a Democratic opposition research group, is a near-daily presence at the statehouse, filming House floor sessions and some committee meetings. The organization is a constant critic of the Republican speaker, who is challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan in November.
The "tracker" – as they are known – is the new norm in the digital age of politics, where a mistake caught on camera can embarrass a candidate. (A tracker for the Republican-outfit America Rising also has filmed committee meetings and followed NAACP President Rev. William Barber at the legislature.)
But the House isn't making it easy on the Democratic group – prohibiting them from filming at times in the center gallery above the chamber and imposing tougher restrictions.
Under new informal rules from the sergeant-at-arms and Tillis' office, the trackers are not allowed to set up tripods and use the center gallery area, which they say is reserved for credentialed media. No such restrictions exist in the Senate.
The trackers have used the area in the past, but Tillis spokeswoman Anna Roberts said increased press attention this session means more space is needed for media cameras. More news outlets are paying attention this session, based on credential requests, but the space is often empty. "It's a spatial, comfortable sort of thing," said Clyde Cook, the House sergeant-at-arms. "We don't want to stop them."
The trackers are allowed to sit in the corners of the gallery and film from their laps, the sergeant-at-arms told them Monday, but the views are obstructed by large chandeliers.
The new restrictions "came out of the speaker's office," according to video of the interactions that American Bridge posted online.
The speaker's office later sought to clarify the policy in a meeting Tuesday with the sergeant-at-arms staff. While the center section of the gallery remains reserved for credentialed press, Tillis' aides made clear that anyone who wishes may film from elsewhere in the gallery, and space allowing, may use tripods.
Roberts dismissed suggestions that the Senate race is at play. But Brad Woodhouse, the president of American Bridge, said Tillis is "going to great lengths to block or obstruct the videotaping of what's happening on the floor under his speakership."
"Thom Tillis's agenda as speaker has harmed workers, seniors and middle class families and now that he is running for the Senate he wants to do everything he can to shield the public from his record," Woodhouse added.


text:
- by 1Dslovingcarebear
- Rating:
- Published: 14 Apr 2014
- Updated: 14 Apr 2014
- Status: In Progress
She is no longer a mother to me...but a mere stranger.
Join MovellasFind out what all the buzz is about. Join now to start sharing your creativity and passion
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text:
Unfortunately, this vacancy is no longer active
Unfortunately, this vacancy is no longer active
Retail Assistant - Sales Floor in Leeds White Rose
NIGHTSHIFT VARIOUS DAYS 23.00-08.00Are you a retail lover with a passion for customer service? We're looking for enthusiastic individuals with the ...
Select the region you're interested in below and receive new suitable vacancies via email.
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Value of area's exports near pre-recession level
Federal report says $4.5 billion worth of goods went out in 2014
The nearest oil field may be hundreds of miles away, but that didn't prevent the Albany metropolitan area from exporting more than a half-billion dollars worth of oil in 2014. However, thanks to falling oil prices, that figure, $555 million, has declined steadily from $653 million in 2011, when the volume handled at the Port of Albany was likely lower.
The data are included in the latest report on metropolitan area exports from the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration. The Capital Region exported $4.5 billion worth of goods last year, up from $3.9 billion in 2013. That figure is the largest since $4.6 billion in 2008, at the start of the recession.
The bulk of merchandise exports flowed through the Port of Albany.
Last year, the top category was chemicals, at $736 million, up from $616 million in 2013; followed by crops, at $714 million, up from $168 million in 2013. That may be due to grains shipped from Cargill and other terminals at the Port of Albany. As with oil, most of that was likely produced elsewhere, in the Midwest or Great Plains, and shipped here. The exports are reported as originating in the Capital Region because that is where they leave the U.S.
Oil was third, followed by machinery, which totaled $410 million, down from $550 million in 2013. Computer and electronic product manufacturing totaled $397 million, up from $297 million in 2013.
The report lists the dollar volume for only the five largest export categories. The figures date back to 2005, when oil and gas exports totaled $1.3 billion, but the total for oil and gas has not exceeded that figure in the nine years of available data.
The $4.5 billion in merchandise exports wasn't enough to place the Capital Region in the top 50 export markets. Number 50, the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro, exported $5.8 billion last year, according to the report.
email@example.com • 518-454-5323


text:
Michel Heemskerk (BSc.) was born in the Netherlands and finished his study Business Engineering successfully in 2003. During his career he has gained extensive experience in different techniques and platforms in the fields of customer support, functional and technical software application development, software implementation, business process analysis and application and database management activities. Michel delivers the best performance in the area where business and IT come together, focusing on application development. As of November 2010, Michel joined the team as an external consultant at BearingPoint and moved to Curacao as per September 2012 to continue his career as a manager at Bearingpoint.
Dutch, English and Papiamento (learning)
BSc. Business Engineering, Hogeschool Utrecht
Software application design and development with several techniques:
Be Informed Knowledge modeling and Be Informed Case management, Progress Open Edge and Java. Business process analysis, database design and database management (Progress RDBMS, Microsoft SQL Server), Service Oriented Architecture (Sonic Software), customer support and customer education.


text:
Call the Capital Health Vein Center today to make an appointment.
"It's a lovely group of people that doesn't push, but rather encourages you to challenge yourself."
Read more...
"I'm continuing to work hard to get to the point where I can keep up with my kids."
"I told my wife I wanted to go to Capital Health."
This comprehensive diabetes program is taught by a multidisciplinary staff that empowers individuals to successfully self-manage their diabetes.
Click on the links below for directions to our two locations.
Directions to Capital Health - Hamilton
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Suite 104
Hamilton, NJ 08619
Directions to Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell
One Capital Way
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Capital Health is a 501(c)(3) organization.


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An ear to the ground with an eye toward the future.
To successfully navigate the ever-changing world of consumer perceptions, it helps to understand the landscape. If you don't know where you stand, it's difficult to get to where you want to be. At Haelsoft, we know the lay of the land. Our unique blend of research straddles both digital and traditional, to help give brands a clearer line of sight toward their goals. Whether we're tapping into the world's largest focus group via social listening, or conducting ethnographies to better understand consumer behavior, we're here to answer questions and uncover new opportunities within the flux.
Social Listening
They say the Internet is the world's largest focus group. We happen to agree. Social listening, coupled with our own Search Informed Research®, allows us to tap into what the digital world is thinking. This gives a better understanding of cultural trends, the competitive landscape and how consumers perceive your brand. With ongoing listening, we observe real-time changes in these key areas to quickly identify challenges and uncover new opportunities.
Brand & Competitive Analysis
Our Brand CompassSM framework helps marketers effortlessly bridge the gap from insight to action, revealing useful information like brand health, competitor activity and growth opportunities. Brand Compass reveals online consumer perception against a map of your unique brand attributes. This not only tells you where your brand is, but where your brand should go.
Tribe Analysis
Haelsoft's Tribe analysis let's you know who's talking about your brand. Going beyond demographic profiling, we analyze the consumer's digital footprint to uncover specific passion points that drive behavior. This unique way of segmenting social audiences has implications for media targeting, as well as content and community strategy.
Consumer Journey Mapping
Haelsoft's Consumer Journey analysis illuminates the consumer's path from awareness to purchase. It gives a comprehensive, yet simple, map of this journey, delivering both online and offline insights, seen from our uniquely digital perspective. By revealing mindset, motivations and touchpoints, the Consumer Journey can inform messaging strategies, digital architectures, content creation and much more.


text:
Deputies investigate home invasion robbery in Collier
Collier County deputies are investigating a report of a home invasion robbery Tuesday night in Golden Gate Estates, on the 2400 block of 4th Avenue NE.
Deputies believe it happened around 9 p.m. They report getting a call from a "hysterical" woman about a robbery at her home.
According to the report, the woman told deputies the power inside her house went off. Moments later, two men with flashlights stormed in and told her and her two children to get on the floor.
According to the report - a man was also home at the time of the reported robbery but was in the shower. He says he didn't know anything was wrong until he heard the woman screaming.
It's not clear from the report how the man didn't know anything was wrong if the power went off while he was taking a shower.
Deputies say an undisclosed amount of cash and auto parts were stolen.
No one was injured during the incident. Deputies are still investigating.


text:
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text:
American music star Keri Hilson was in Abuja this weekend for the 2012 Face of Sofa concert.
While on stage, Keri attempted two of the trending African dance steps of the moment – Azonto and Etighi. Did she nail or not? Watch the video to find out!
the reason why i ll much prefer spending my money to watch a nigerian based artiste's concert than the overpaid american ones…so people paid thousands of naira to watch her perform azonto and dance to oliver twist?
if i wanted to see a fit american girl dancing oliver twist or azonto i ll go on youtube and it won't cost me a penny
Damn!!! Ure SO bitter!!!! She did well, infact very well, get over it.
where you sucking on limes when watching this video? You sound like all the orange juice has been squeezed out of you.
An America artist comes to Nigeria and took the initiative to learn Nigerian songs and steps and all you can do is show your negativity. thats a bad attitude and you should change it.
luca: ur now here??? nooooo….*sobbing*
she try
Wow Keri Hilson is sooo lovely! Best moment was when she dance on "Oliver Twist" sooo cute!
Love Keri but camel toe?? Noooooooooooooo
Soooo adorablee… Love love
It looked very DRY I must say…Beyonce would have done a better job at that -__-
Bella let me warn you about the anonymous individual . he/she/it will flood this blog with NEGATIVITY!! Ladun now has a fresh breathing space since he/she/it left. Please do not hesitate to ignore posting his comments. Bear with it, the NHS have currently run out of his usual, hence the tragic predicament. Y'all should go on toke's post and see for yourselves.
Camel toe! Loved it sha! Not the camel toe. Loved the performance.
LOL! Great minds think alike…
I love. Very entertaining.
She's got oyinbo nyansh, lol
Her stylish should be fired.
Stylish or STYLIST?
She sure killd it!!!i luv
I love Keri Hilson n she killed it
Where is her nyansh? Did she lose it on the plane? Cute girl but big fail on the Azonto dance. Come on now Keri all you needed was YouTube
yep……. she forgot alanta too.lol….
epic fail but B for trying.
she tried,cool
i think she nailed it!!! lovely try
awww, she did very well, but she started with the wrong foot both times. so hilarious.meanwhile, keri should just confess, she wants some of flavor's flavour, she's been raving bout this song for weeks now. ashawo smh
Nice try but she got such a flat ass and that tight was showing d lines of her *ahem*
wow,i love keri hilson, she is oneof my favourites, she simply rock,go keri go keri,mwauh
Her performance was dope. Love it… Haters check urself!
Lucabracee plssssssss you dont belong on bella naija take your razz ass back to libda ikeji and ladun, no unecessary bitterness here on bella, only constructive criticism, keri baby killed it live
She trieD shAa…lool
Kai! Some people can hate sha. She may not have done it the way some of us would have done it but she tried. At least she made an effort to learn our steps. Come on guys! appreciate that at least. In my opinion, she did very well. And here's from someone who isn't known for dancing like Beyonce or Chris Brown. She kill am abegi.
she has personality sha, it shone through.
Watched this without sound (for the fun of it) and She looks kinda ordinary, like really plain on stage. Without the usual crowds close to the stage, most just look like they simply can't perform, or maybe they simply can't and the crowd masks this
As much as I don't like her mainstream music, I like her initiative and versatile taste, she tries to ingest as much African culture as she can when she goes to African countries. When she went to Calabar and heard Flavour's Nwa Remix, she fell in love with the song and didn't hesitate to mention it on Twitter.
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Gingerbread Toddy
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Author Notes: This is an old brandy toddy recipe, to which I've added ginger liqueur, and switched out a lemon peel for an orange peel. I'd never had Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur before I was introduced to it through aliyaleekong's Smoked Earl Grey Tea Cocktail, posted on food52 a few months ago. It is such a fabulous liqueur (and I've been adding it to cider ever since I got it!). If you don't have the ginger liqueur, you may substitute a sugar syrup made with equal parts water and sugar, with 1" ginger sliced (per ¼ cup), though I prefer the Domaine de Canton. Do enjoy! —SallyCan
Makes: per drink
6" strip of orange zest studded with 5 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 shot Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur*
1 shot Cognac
¼ - 1/3 c boiling water
- Warm glass or mug under hot water and dry thoroughly.
- Place orange peel studded with cloves and cinnamon stick in warmed glass.
- Add Ginger Liqueur (or ginger syrup) and Cognac
- Add boiling water to fill glass or mug.
- Have a nice evening!
- *May substitute1 shot ginger sugar syrup, made by combining 1/2 c sugar and 1/2 c water in a saucepan with 2" fresh ginger, sliced. Bring to a boil, stirring to make sure that sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until ready to use. Strain before using.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for A & M's Annual Smackdown / Your Best Hot Toddy
More Great Recipes:
Breakfast|Dessert|Cocktail|Hors D'Oeuvre|5 Ingredients or Fewer|Vegetarian|Fall|Winter|Christmas|Thanksgiving


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For the 5th edition of the European Association Summit, visit.brussels offers the opportunity to be visible among top decision-makers from international associations present during this two-days special event. What's more, besides having more content, this year we offer a new opportunity for partners to share their knowledge and experience through workshops.
The deadline for partnership opportunities applications has passed. We thank all those who submitted their application.
Silver partner: €1,500 *
Gold partner: €3,000 *
Platinum partner: €5,000 *
Titanium partner: €10,000 *
*VAT not included


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Dr. Tucker utilizes a pediatric specific after-hours triage service located at Medical City of Dallas for support after normal office hours.
More Info
The emergency/after hours line is staffed with pediatric RNs to help answer questions and who contact Dr. Tucker in cases of emergencies.
If you are not certain whether your child requires treatment, please go to the nearest ER or contact our triage service at the number below:
After Hours Care: 1-888-563-5437
There is a $10 charge per call for this service.


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Definition of Humbug
1. Noun. Pretentious or silly talk or writing.
Generic synonyms: Bunk, Hokum, Meaninglessness, Nonsense, Nonsensicality
Language type: Argot, Cant, Jargon, Lingo, Patois, Slang, Vernacular
Derivative terms: Twaddle
2. Verb. Trick or deceive.
3. Noun. Communication (written or spoken) intended to deceive.
Generic synonyms: Deceit, Deception, Misrepresentation
4. Noun. Something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage.
Generic synonyms: Chicane, Chicanery, Guile, Shenanigan, Trickery, Wile
Specialized synonyms: Goldbrick
Derivative terms: Dupe, Fraudulent, Hoax, Put On
Definition of Humbug
1. n. An imposition under fair pretenses; something contrived in order to deceive and mislead; a trick by cajolery; a hoax.
2. v. t. To deceive; to impose; to cajole; to hoax.
Definition of Humbug
1. Noun. A hoax, prank or jest ¹
2. Noun. A fraud or sham ¹
3. Noun. A fraudster or cheat ¹
4. Noun. (British) A type of chewy sweet (candy) ¹
5. Interjection. nonsense! ¹
6. Verb. To play a trick on. ¹
7. Verb. To cheat, swindle. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Humbug
1. to deceive [v -BUGGED, -BUGGING, -BUGS] - See also: deceive
Humbug Pictures
Click the following link to bring up a new window with an automated collection of images related to the term: Humbug Images
Lexicographical Neighbors of Humbug
Literary usage of Humbug
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a Horse by Anna Sewell (1904)
"A humbug MY master was not immediately suited, but in a few days my new groom came. He was a tall, good-looking fellow- enough ; but if ever there was a ..."
2. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare (1912)
"... looks around at him when he says "wife" — credulously — she fears her husband is a bit of a humbug. She is putting on the gloves during this speech. ..."
3. The Library of Wit and Humor, Prose and Poetry: Selected from the Literature by Rufus Edmonds Shapley (1884)
"Sir, all humbug ! except the dampness of everything, winch is a moist certainty, and the cupidity of everybody, which is a diabolical fact, and the Indians ..."
4. The Musical World (1853)
"The Courier and Enquirer considers the whole a stupendous humbug. In what consists the humbug ? The music ?—In the | classic as well as the romantic style, ..."
5. History of California by Theodore Henry Hittell (1898)
"Subsequently in 1853, when hydraulic mining commenced there and a town started, it was also called humbug from the name of the creek. ..."


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My favorite track off of Square One. Shouts to Ka5p.
Archive for 05/01/2010 - 06/01/2010
[video] Mic Wilson "Ain't My Fault" LIVE
Drake "Best I Ever Had (DnB Bootleg)"
Drake "Best I Ever Had (DnB Bootleg)": I previewed this what it seems like ages ago. Good timing, considering his album drops next week... DJs beware - this is a dirty version - now "youtheyouthe besss" in the chorus at all. Nice liquid vibes, though. Should go off well for the drunken Soulsters in the club.
[video] Hi Stakez "I Just Can't"
Track produced by Jett I. Masstyr; video directed by John Carillo.
Digiwaxx Presents Memorial Day Mixtape
Here's the soundtrack to this weekend, mixed by DJ Gyvis, from the heads at Digiwaxx. Features include Kanye West, Dirty Money, T.I., Mike Classic, Rick Ross, French Montana and many others. Hit the jump.
MiLKMEN "Ms. Fat Booty Freestyle"
MiLKMEN "Ms. Fat Booty Freestyle": Them milky niggas are still on that Served With Milk & Honey, and revisit some classic Mos Def. One of my favorites, and I've been loving how they are re-imagining these jawns. Enjoy.
Dutch New York "Miss Me Freestyle"
Dutch New York "Miss Me Freestyle": DNY has a new mixtape, Katrina Flood, dropping on the 25th of June, and this is the first leak from that project. Dude's nasty. Fuck you for sleeping.
Purpose "Rising Sun"
Purpose "Rising Sun": Here's a serious banger from the Better Than Your Album mixtape, which will more than likely be better than most niggas albums. Too much malarky on major label CD releases... but you knew that already.
Gripz "Chosen One"
Gripz "The Chosen" (prod. by Vherbal): Gripz is still on his Poetic Literature 3 ish (which should be dropping via 2DBz and this very site sometime soon), and this is the newest latest jawn, not even 24 hours old. Enjoy.
[preview] Heist "I Need Killers"
I first heard this sick sick SICK tune on Heist's Sumo Beatz Podcast #1, and was immediately floored. I don't get too deep into labels and such, but this "drumstep" craze has me hooked. Criss Criss and Youngman have a "drumstep" mix of their "Kick Snare" tune coming on Technique, but this was the first tune from that genre that really had me going:
Heist - I Need Killers [radio rip]
So menacing. DJ Cable said it made him want to smash up his furniture. Sick tune. And you might've heard Skream rinse the dubstep edit of this one:
Heist - I Need Killers (140 Edit) [radio rip]
I need more tunes like this in my life.
[video] UFC 114: Rashad Evans vs Rampage Jackson
I wasn't around to stream this last night, but here's last night's fight, plus the post-fight interview. Enjoy:
[video] Willie Joe "It's Ova"
I need a video for "Lil' Rascals", but this will have to do.
Armond Snooze Button II
Been waiting for this one to drop - dude's deep. I can't even explain it better than this:
Snooze Button II is your alarm clock. You hit the snooze, you get 15 minutes of rest. You're sleep but you're really not sleep, nodding in & out, letting the sun hit your face. And then you snap up & start your day.
From 2007-2010 I hadn't wrote much of any music. And for somebody that writes everyday, that was incredibly difficult. But it was almost like a beaver dam inside of me that got punctured & suddenly things pour out, and continue to pour out.
Normally after I do a project, I take a few months off from writing, thinking, conceptualizing & give my brain a break. But after Dreaming Out Loud, things kept coming to me. It felt like 2002 when I could only write 60 bar verses & my hooks were terrible. So I decided to take it back.
The mixtape has become the "poor rapper's album" now. I remember when the mixtape was take a bunch of beats & go off & that's exactly what I did. No underlying theme, if anything a simple introduction to some & "a hey how ya been" Facebook message to others.
And with that, I give you...Snooze Button II.
Trenton's Own DJ Juice
After posting DJ Books' Classic Blendz Season 1 mixtape, I perused The Thieves Theme and fell upon some classic Trenton mixtape madness from the likes of DJ Juice, who is one of the area's more well-known mixtape DJs.What I've always loved about Trenton is the mixture of sounds - its obviously very Hip-Hop loving, but the community is a mixture - Puerto Rican, Haitian and many more. Music from the Caribbean, especially when it comes to Reggae and Dancehall. DJ Juice had a knack for taking a lot of these genres and creating some slick mixtapes, and I figured I'd post a bit of what I've stumbled upon for you right here!
- DJ Juice #13 [via REAL HIP HOP]
- DJ Juice #44 [via Kevin Nottingham]
- DJ Juice #37 [via Thieves Theme]
- DJ Juice #12 (part 1 | part 2) [again via REAL HIP HOP]
- DJ Juice #65 (part 1 | part 2) [via REAL HIP HOP]
The Thieves Theme Presents Classic Blendz - Season 1
I don't know about you, but I LOVE a dope blend. Not a mash-up or whatever you want to call it in 2010, but a dope blend. Ted Smooth still puts out quality blends, as do some others, and this mixtape from DJ Books (who represents The Thieves Theme and The Diggers Union) is taking it BACK with this one. Back to the DJ S&S days. Back before DJ Vlad was a journalist. Hit the jump for download links and the back cover. Proper Memorial Day steelo.
Wais P "Run Freestyle"
Wais P "Run Freestyle": This is easily one of my favorite RZA beats, ever.
RIP Gary Coleman
I won't go into the trials and tribulations of Gary Coleman's life. No need to joke on the man any more. Sadly, Gary died today in Utah, after suffering a fall and hemorrhaging earlier this week. I was a big fan of Different Strokes, and felt for dude's struggle in the years after the show was cancelled. He's forever a legend for being "Arnold Jackson", and will be sorely missed.
Peep some Different Strokes Minisodes, and hopefully some TV station will be playing full episodes of Different Strokes this Memorial Day weekend.
Rest in peace, Gary.
Friday, May 28th 2010 playlist
- Drake ft. Lil' Wayne "Miss Me" [clean | dirty] [Bonus Beats Drake ft. Young Jeezy "Unforgettable"]
- Kanye West ft. Dwele "Power"
- T.I. "Yeah Ya Know (Takers)" [clean | dirty]
- The Roots "Dear God 2.0"
- Fat Joe ft. Trey Songz "If It Ain't About Money" (prod. by Cool & Dre) [clean | dirty]
- Rick Ross "Money Maker" (prod. by Boi-1da)
- Young Jeezy "D-Boyz" (prod. by Don Cannon)
- Lloyd Banks "All I Want Is You Freestyle"
- Raekwon "Alphabet Soup"[Bonus Beats Raekwon & N.O.R.E. "Slow Down (Ha Ha) Freestyle"]
- Styles P "Nothin' On You Freestyle"
- Sean Paul x Ted Smooth "Wine It"
- Gil Scott-Heron ft. Mos Def "New York is Killing Me"
- Estelle ft. Nas "Fall In Love"
- Jagged Edge "Lay You Down" [clean | instrumental]
- Talib Kweli "Papers Please"
- The Pack "Wolfpack Party 2010"
- Bobby Creekwater "Shades On My Face"
- Serial Killaz ft. Uncle Murda "It's Whatever (G-Mix)"
- Sean Price "Snow Freestyle" [Bonus Beats Sean Price "Let Me Tell You"]
- Madvillain "Papermill"
- Blu "So Perfect" (prod. by Exile)
- Black Milk "Don Cornelius"
- Copywrite "Last Laugh" (prod. by Khrysis)
- Dice Raw "100" [via Dallas Penn]
- Donny Goines ft. Asher Roth, Mistah F.A.B. & Big Pooh "Rock NYC Remix (LGA/JFK Version)"
- Eternia & MoSS ft. Termanology & Reef The Lost Cauze "At Last"
- Sene "Love, Me" (prod. by Daniel Oshima)
- Cy Yung ft. Rashid Hadee & Melatone "Mayhem" (prod by J. Slikk)
- YC The Cynic "The Essentials (2 Turntables + A Mic)"
- Neako "Madonna" (prod. by Neako) [clean | dirty]
- Mic Wilson "Lights Out" [Bonus Beats Mic Wilson "Rajon Rondo"]
- Deal - The Villain "Pooches"
- Legit ft. U.G. "Valedictorian"
- Homeboy Sandman "Yeah, But I Can Rhyme Though" (prod. by Ski Beatz)
- Protoman "Runnin' From The Law" (prod. by Numonics)
- Nato Caliph ft. Kyjuan, Rome, QB, Rockwell Knuckles, Tef Poe & Rep "Anomaly" (prod. by Tech Supreme)
- Everliven Sound ft. Hakim Green "Crack and The Electric Chair"
- Pigeon Hole ft. D-Sisive "Light Show"
- Gerald Walker "Silent"
- Dre Robinson ft. Lexxus "No No No"
- Dyme Def "Do It Better" (prod. by Tha Bizness)
- Lyriciss "Who Dat"
- Singapore Kane "My Planet" (prod. by Purpose)
- duce "LeaveAMessageAtTheBleep"
- Tree City "Say It Again" (prod. by L05)
- Spek Won "2nd Chances" (prod. by GMF/Tone Mason)
- Doey Rock ft. Raekwon "Sunset Strip"
- HaLo "Don't Stop" (prod. by Sinopsis)
- N.B.S. "No Loyalty" (prod. by J.Cardim)
- Smoke Dza ft. Devin The Dude "White Papers"
- Ryan Perfect "Life Or Death"
- Blitz McBain & Cliff Po "For The Money"
- Cliff Po "Money In The Air" (prod. by Glizzo)
- B Magic ft. MNfrm & MC Noyz "The Sound Of Victory"
- Nicky D's "Gold Lettering" (prod. by Afro Butterfly)
- Co$$ ft. Reks & Naledge "Now Til Infinity" (prod. by Numonics)
- Strick 9 "Calling Out Freestyle"
- Leonard Dstroy "Hello Darling"
- KVBeats ft. Royce Da 5'9 & Pace Won "5'9+Won" [Bonus Beats KVBeats ft. Mic Geronimo "Clap To This"]
- Gripz "I Declare War Freestyle"
- Main Course "Joy In The Struggle" (prod. by Holy Soulja) [Bonus Beats Main Course "The Sound Of Music" (prod. by Holy Soulja)]
- Frank Ramz & Shortman Score "Down In The Bx"
- Diamond District "Streets Won't Let Me Chill (Apollo Brown Remix)"
- Just Blaze "A-Team Theme (Murdock Mix)"
- The Injustice League "I'll Never Be LOST Again"
- J.Y. ft. Killer Mike & Brandon "Bout To Kill Em" (prod. by Nard and B)
- MiLKMEN ft. Soulja Boy "Pretty Boy Swag (Remix)" [Bonus Beats MiLKMEN "I'm Single (Remix)"]
- Soul Litchfield "Dice Toss"
- Rusko ft. Gucci Mane "Got Da Groove"
- Pete Lawrie "All That We Keep (Cousin Cole Remix)"
- Black Eyed Peas ft. Jo Well "Rock That Body (Remix)"
- Gyptian ft. Joe Clark "Hold Yuh (Remix)" [via BuckMarleyXXX]
- Raekwon ft. Ghostface Killah "Criminology (Lightsaber Remix)" (prod. by Jett. I Masstyr)
- Lil Wayne ft. Kevin Rudolf & ¡MAYDAY! "Let It Rock (Mayday Remix)"
- DJ Eso - Lost In My Mind
- Pugs Atomz Kinda Like A Mixtape
- Seven Day Concepts EP
- Hypedog Presents The New School Beat Tape 2010
- DeeDotMillz The Title You Expected
- Mike Schpitz Mike Murder Mixtape
- Hatcha, Lost, Tes La Rok & Crazy D On Kiss FM (5/2510)
- The Mad Blogger's Weekly Podcast, EP9
- Styles Davis Crunkstep
- FuseBox Radio (Week Of 5/26/2010)
- CCDNB 24 Producer Showcase: Marcus Visionary
Here's the new video for Junk Science's "Really, Man"
Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend. Hope you have three glorious days of chillin' and reflecting. And thanks for your support!
Kanye West ft. Dwele "Power"
Kanye West ft. Dwele "Power": OK so I woke up to heads talking about a new Kanye leak, and when I see people like Cipha Sounds say its kind of tough, my interest heightens. Thing is, I get to work and it's some bullshit. It's GREAT to hear Kanye rappin', but what the hell is he rappin' on? Sounds like a Country band trying to make some backyard Hip-Hop. I'm not too interested in where the sung loop comes from, nor is this the Kanye I was waiting for. Sorry. I'm with you, Ant.
[preview] Stadium Status
Here's a preview of the new Internets Celebrities video, which I got to see the other day, and it's dope. Very well done, from the tone to the visuals. Insightful. Anyways, on June 1st, they IC's are showing it at the Brooklyn Public Library (RSVP via Facebook). Once this thing hits the Internets, I got you.
Protoman "Runnin' From The Law"
Protoman "Runnin' From The Law" (prod. by Numonics): Here's a cut that didn't make Being Cool Doesn't Pay The Bills, but is hyper dope nonetheless. Beat is fon-key, and Ft. Lauterdale's Protoman has a dope style he brings to this. Just download it, bitch.
Just Blaze "A-Team Theme (Murdock Mix)"
Just Blaze "A-Team Theme (Murdock Mix)": I hit you with the behind the scenes peek on how Just crafted this Bmore-heavy remix of the classic A-Team theme song, and now the full track leaked. He might need to say fuck Hip-Hop and craft more gems like this - he gets it.
MP3 via Meka.
[video] Rick Ross "Money Maker"
Bonus Beats Rick Ross The Albert Anastassia EP [via OnSMASH]
previous Rick Ross "Money Maker"
Dub Nation Brooklyn (5/28/2010)
Dieselboy doing a DnB/dubstep set? Wow. More info HERE. Shouts to Down:Low.
Soul Litchfield "Dice Toss"
Soul Litchfield "Dice Toss": I love when people give projects titles that just make a whole lot of sense. Soul Litchfield is the new moniker for King Britt's experimental beats project Headnod Acrobatics Vol. 1. Judging by the backyard funk in "Dice Toss", he wants to see how flexible your neck is, based on a series of top-shelf homebrewed beats. Feels like proper Pluto cookout jammin' on this one. Crack a beer (and/or a dutch) and enjoy.
Sean Paul x Ted Smooth "Wine It"
Sean Paul x Ted Smooth "Wine It": @TedSmooth's "Memorial Day Massacre" begins with this track, and it's a doozy. I've actually been hearing a GRIP of "Hold Yuh" versions, I think Cipha Sounds played like three or four during yesterday's morning show. I get tired of them after a while, but Ted punched this one up with harder-hitting drums. Nice shift for a track, and should be a nice gem to set a Memorial Day Weekend jam off PROPA!
Mic Wilson "Lights Out"
Mic Wilson "Lights Out": Well goddamn! I told Mic I was callin' him #MerkEarly, because he has come out the box DUMB QUICK with these tracks on your newest/latest rapper's jawns. We already went with the "Rajon Rondo", and now homey goes in on that new Drake ft. Jay-Z "Light Up" cut that's had your Internets going bananas overnight. Not sure how he does it, but I'm glad he does. Phase Two is on the way, trust and believe!
Rich Boy x N-Type
DJ Hipnotikk done done it again!
Gerald Walker "Silent"
Gerald Walker "Silent": Anthony YNMD hit me with this new Walker jawn, taken from his I Remember When This All Meant Something project, which is due out July 16th. This is dropping in the morning, but this is one of those jams you play during those late night love sessions, that's my word.
Sene "Love, Me"
Sene "Love, Me" (prod. by Daniel Oshima): Here's a follow-up to "WonLover" that didn't end up making it on Reality Bites. Like my boy J57 says, "Love is love, but love don't keep the lights on".
EDIT Here's a video of Sene's CDR Freestyle
The Making Of The Majesticons Bedford Park Artwork
The new LP by The Infesticons comes in one of the highest quality packages we've ever put together. Designed by Oscar and Ewan (Wiley, Roots Manuva,) it includes a screen-printed outer sleeve with gold text, full colour inner sleeve with battle scene design by Mike Ladd and heavyweight 180 gram vinyl with download codes. Best of all, each copy is hand signed by Mike Ladd, and hand numbered 1-1000. Some copies even have extra scribbles and lines written by Mike during the process. You can see some film and images of the making of the sleeves here... This truly is a collectors' item and lovely release to own - there's only 1000 for the world, so snap yours up quick!
Styles Davis Crunkstep
@DJCable hit me up about this new mixtape from LA's @StylesDavis, who is a talented DJ and lover of dubstep and Hip-Hop. In what @DJNappy christened as #thugstep, and DJs like Cable and DJ Tipz continued on, Styles flips his own brand of dubstep riddims underneath Hip-Hop lyrics. His technical skill brings forth some amazing mixes - that first 9 minutes is spectacular, and it just gets better. Hit the jump for download links, a tracklist and a stream.
The Mad Blogger's Weekly Podcast, EP9
Newest latest podcast from The @MadBloggers, with cuts from The Roots, TheSekondElement, YC The Cynic, Donwill & Von Pea and many more!
Dyme Def "Do It Better"
Dyme Def "Do It Better" (prod. by Tha Bizness): Seattle's Dyme Def and Tha Bizness link up for this bouncy romp, taken from their Sex Tape, which drops on June 1st and is being done in conjunction with T.I.T.S.. No Kendra, but you know, if you spit some of this slick to a female, you might be able to twist her out. Try it!
Copywrite "Last Laugh"
Copywrite "Last Laugh" (prod. by Khrysis): Here's a cut from @Copywrite's T.H.E High Exhaulted 8th Anniversary Edition, which oddly enough celebrates the 8 year anniversary of the release of The High Exhaulted, which is now ridiculously out of print. Shit, "Fuck Soundcheck" is still one of my all-time favorite Hip-Hop tracks. In the late 90s/early 00's, Copywrite was one of the only MCs I had known to be so lyrical and witty out of Ohio. Their whole crew was the truth, and dude still has it. He went in, recording new material to go along with the re-release, and this is one of those gems. Lookout for it on June 1st, followed by his next full LP, The Life and Times of Peter Nelson, which is dropping this Fall.
Neako "Madonna"
Neako "Madonna" (prod. by Neako) [clean | dirty]: Proper party starter from Newark's own @Neako. This is taken from Rubix Cube Yellow Edition, which is set to drop on June 23rd. Nothing too crazy going on here lyrically - dude's just paying homage to a sick looking female. DJs, get on this one!
Shouts to GFCnewyork.
Madvillain "Papermill"
Madvillain "Papermill": Hip-Hop Confession: I wasn't too into the Madvillainy album. Not sure what it was - I wasn't head over heels into the DangerMouse/DOOM album either. Something about DOOM for me is all about him over his own beats. Just how I got into him, right? I fucks with this, though. I think my appreciation for Madlib's output in the last year or two specifically has me seeing him in a different light than I was years before. This is the first bit from the forthcoming Madvillain album, which is still being worked on. This is also the 2nd in a series of Adult Swim Singles, so keep it locked for more of that. Anyone got an instrumental for this?
Deal - The Villain "Pooches"
Deal - The Villain "Pooches": While Jackson Jones isn't out yet, DTV felt the need to blast something out, and with this sly Al Green-flex from the one and only Madlib, he had to let these fudgin' pooches know not to fudge around with Tony. Or Deal.
Mike Schpitz Mike Murder Mixtape
After a number of sick leaks, Mike Schpitz' Mike Murder mixtape is out, presented by DJ Booth, Baller Status, Refined Hype, YNotMyDream and the Prolific Media Group. Dude takes out the knife and proceeds to massacre some ill instrumentals, that's the long and short of it. Hit the jump for the tracklist and link.
Cimer Amor "Another Classic"
"Another Classic" featuring Burke, Torae, Side Effect & DJ Waxwork is the lead single from Philly-based producer Cimer Amor's forthcoming producer compilation album Taking Nowhere, Somewhere. The album which drops on June 29th through Coalmine Records boasts features from Sha Stimuli, King Syze, Baby Blak, Jakk Frost, Equinox, Side Effect and more...stay tuned!!
Dre Robinson ft. Lexxus "No No No"
Dre Robinson ft. Lexxus "No No No": Good to hear Dre dig deeper into his Jamaican roots - this is straight up FIYAH music. Very high energy pon dis chune. Be on the lookout for Dre's Lost Treasures.
Rick Ross "Money Maker"
Rick Ross "Money Maker" (prod. by Boi-1da): Here's a cut from
Tits McGee Officer Rawse's The Albert Anastasia EP. Yes, I know who Albert Anastasia was, but come on, you can't come with an original nickname? You would think the real Rick Ross' lawsuit would stop a fake thug from appropriating new names to himself but I guess the cotdamn bawse isn't too worried bout it.
Sadly, like most ignant Rap, that beat is hot.
Strick 9 "Calling Out Freestyle"
Strick 9 "Calling Out Freestyle": New freestyle from EMS' own. He randomly got the urge to grab a beat and speak his mind. Gotta love that.
Diamond District "Streets Won't Let Me Chill (Apollo Brown Remix)"
Diamond District "Streets Won't Let Me Chill (Apollo Brown Remix)": My favorite track from In The Ruff gets the A. Brown treatment for Apollo's The Reset album, which is available right now on Mello Music Group. I didn't think a nigga could improve on perfection, but I like this version better than the original!
Tree City "Say It Again"
Tree City "Say It Again" (prod. by L05): Here's an ill cut from this 5 man (4 MCs and 1 DJ) collective, Tree City, who reps Ann Arbor, MI. Love the beat - real organic, and I love the piano in it. Latin-infused, and sparse enough for these cats to do lyrical acrobatics over. Be on the lookout for Thus Far, their forthcoming project.
Fraction Theory At The Phila Folk Fest
If you dig this, check out their Folk Theory, Vol. 1 album, which drops on June 1st!
DeeDotMillz The Title You Expected
I hopped you lot to DeeDotMillz with "Just Friends", and now Dee's The Title You Expected mixtape is out, and I highly recommend you getting into this. Dude isn't afraid to kick ill shit over a plethora of sounds, and has some gems in here! Hit the jump for the tracklist, download link and stream.
Brooklyn Bodega Interviews Lyriciss
Bonus Beats Lyriciss "Who Dat"
duce "LeaveAMessageAtTheBleep"
duce "LeaveAMessageAtTheBleep": Here's a sicknan track from duce, taken from miDDLecLassmen's Canteens For Floodgates, which is due out on June 1st. Love the progression of this beat - really smooth, and duce keeps it poppy. Fun funkery funtime funk.
Via soonervision (shouts to Ant THHE).
[video] Jermiside & Danny Diggs "Afraid"
Featuring Maverick Sabre:
Directed by Ilyas.
Mic Wilson "Rajon Rondo"
Mic Wilson "Rajon Rondo": Been on the low sending some of my favorite MCs some instrumentals, hoping to see what comes about. How did I know that @Mic_Wilson would hit me back dumb early with his take on that new T.I. banger (and not the sappy radio saccharine single). We stay playing hard... don't even!
After Square One, comes Phase Two!
24KMilkCrate Presents Killing Time With Sene
This features the track "Time Kills".
DOA Q&A: DJ Cable
The homey DJ Cable recently won the Urban Art Forms/Dogs On Acid 2010 DJ Competition, and earned a DJ spot during their UAF Festival, which starts on June 3rd in Austria. I just posted my interview with him over on DOA, and figured I should share his winning minimix.
DOWNLOAD [mirror]
01. DJ Baddmixx - Go DJ (Intro)
02. Deep Blue - The Helicopter Tune
>>>>Yung Joc - It's Goin' Down (Acapella)
03. Foreign Beggars - Contact (Noisia Remix) + Bonus "Scratch Section"
04. Xample Feat. Jakes - No Respect
05. Total Science - Nosher (Marky & S.P.Y. Remix)
>>>>Jay-Z - Dirt Off Your Shoulder (Acapella)
Hypedog Presents The New School Beat Tape 2010
Via Hypedog: "Yeh, we all know about J Dilla, Dre, Alchemist, 9th Wonder and Madlib... but yo, it's 2010! There's a slew of talented producers out there that need to be noticed! Luigi-Bo 87 rounds up talents from across the globe to combine the hardest, neck noddin, tectonic shaking beats built by up and coming producers from the US, EU and UK. Wether your boom bap purists or electro 8-bit glitch hop "The New School" in production is defined through these 10 beat smiths".
DOWNLOAD Hypedog Presents The New School Beat Tape 2010
N.B.S. "No Loyalty"
N.B.S. "No Loyalty" (prod. by J.Cardim): A lot of you have been hyped off that track "War" that N.B.S. did with Nickle Nine, and we've got a new track from their forthcoming album, The Prelude, which is set to drop this Summer on Big Bang Records. Massachusetts is a problem, shouts to That's Major for hookin' this one up.
Nato Caliph "Anomaly"
Nato Caliph ft. Kyjuan, Rome, QB, Rockwell Knuckles, Tef Poe & Rep "Anomaly" (prod. by Tech Supreme) [mirror]: Here's a new cut from Nato Caliph's REACH EP, featuring Kyjuan from the St. Lunatics, Family Affair (aka Rep & QB), as well as luminaries form The Force. Yeah, these niggas ain't fucking around - a fresh STL posse cut that you can blast in a number of hoods.


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CHICAGO (Reuters) - A coalition of public labor unions is seeking an expedited ruling in consolidated lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of a new Illinois pension law.
We Are One Illinois and other parties filed a motion in Sangamon County Circuit Court on Thursday asking for a ruling in their favor in light of a July Illinois Supreme Court decision that underscored state constitutional protection for public sector retirement benefits.
The state's high court ruled on July 3 that health care for retired state workers is a pension benefit protected by a state constitutional provision prohibiting the diminishment or impairment of those benefits.
The same provision is the focus of the lawsuits filed against the pension reform law the Illinois legislature passed in December. The law reduces and suspends cost-of-living increases for pensions, raises retirement ages and limits the salaries on which pensions are based.
"We believe, then, that the state's defense is without merit and so have asked the court in this motion to rule in our favor on the state's defense that seeks to justify" the pension reform law, We Are One Illinois said in a statement.
The state has contended that its sovereign powers allow it to act in a fiscal emergency. Illinois has a $100 billion unfunded pension liability and the country's worst funded state retirement system. Illinois's credit ratings are also the lowest among U.S. states.
A spokeswoman for Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan did not immediately respond on Friday to a request for comment on the union coalition's motion.
Sangamon County Judge John Belz suspended the law in May and the next hearing in the case is set for Sept. 4. In the meantime, the coalition said it is "ready to work with any legislator willing to develop a fair and legal solution to our state's challenges."
(Reporting by Karen Pierog; Editing by Leslie Adler)


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Ten Questions for Mike SmithMay 28, 2009
Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith had an incredible first year with the team as he led them to an 11-5 record and received the NFL Coach of the Year Award. His work ethic and determination were an example to the rest of the coaching staff and to the players as the Falcons made a quick turnaround from the wretched 2007 season.
Ten Questions for Mike Smith
1. In 2008, you walked into a tough situation, taking over a coaching job that many said nobody wanted. What was the biggest challenge for you as you assumed that role for the first time with a team as bad as the Falcons were in 2007?
2. Last year, Matt Ryan surprised a lot of people with his maturity, leadership, and physical skills as he took home Rookie of the Year award honors. What steps are you looking for him to take in 2009 as he continues his personal development into a franchise quarterback?
3. Michael Turner turned out to be one of the big stories in the NFL with his breakout year in 2008 as a starter with the Falcons. His play exceeded the expectations of people, as he rushed for nearly 1,700 yards and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl.
What were your realistic expectations for him last year and what are you looking for out of him in the future?
4. The addition of Tony Gonzalez has a lot of fans in Atlanta very excited. What does he bring to the team both on and off the field, and how will the offense change with him as a part of it?
5. The Falcons have made some big changes on defense this offseason with Keith Brooking leaving and the addition of Mike Peterson. The team has also drafted seven defensive players. How will the team improve in 2009 from those additions and what particular unit will change the most from 2008?
6. The big additions for the Falcons through the draft are defensive end Peria Jerry, safety William Moore, and cornerback Christopher Owens. Who in this group is ready to contribute in 2009 and what do they bring to the team?
7. While as a coach I am sure you have a lot of confidence in your team and their ability to perform. What one part of the team are you most concerned about or working the hardest to improve?
8. One of the areas that the Falcons need improvement on is their pass defense as they ranked 21st in yards allowed. As if it wasn't tough enough to face division foes Jake Delhomme and Drew Brees, this year the Falcons get to see Tom Brady, Jake Cutler, Tony Romo, Eli Manning, and Donovan McNabb.
How has the pass defense improved from last year, and how will the team hold up against the quality quarterbacks they have to face?
9. Looking at the schedule, the Falcons have a much harder road ahead of them in comparison to last year's schedule. What games this year jump out to you either as challenges, interesting matchups, or just a game that you are looking forward to?
10. Last year, the NFC South had more wins as a division than any other in the NFL. As you look around in this very tough division, what team do you view as the biggest obstacle in the Falcons hunt for an NFC South title?


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My name is Emily Lawrence, and I'm a doctoral candidate in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My primary research interests are in political philosophy in LIS, readers & reading, and aesthetics (especially taste and recommendation).
I earned a BA in comparative literature from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and an MLS from the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to beginning the doctoral program at Illinois, I worked in reference and web services at the National Library of Medicine.
My pronouns are they/them/their.


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Apologising: A How To Guide
Apologising is uncomfortable, at least if you are doing it right, but it is the pain of cleansing a deep wound so that it can heal properly. Here are a few suggestions on how to make a good apology:
Seven ways to apologise:
1. Avoid defensiveness. "I don't have anything to apologise for!" Really? Think about it.
2. Be humble. You may even consider groveling if your transgression was extreme, like an affair. In that case, expect to grovel for a long time, but not forever.
3. Make it from the heart. Mean it! A mumbled, muttered, under-your-breath "I'm sorry…" isn't going to cut the mustard.
4. With chocolates and flowers. Gifts may be used only to open the door after the apology has been accepted, as a thank you. Do not expect treats to substitute for sincerity. No, not even a diamond tennis bracelet.
5. Face to face is best. Maybe because it's the hardest. A phone call comes in second. A hand written letter might work. Any form of writing needs to be carefully thought out when the advantage of voice and body language is absent. Email or direct message works for an apology, but only if there is seriously no other way. Be aware that privacy cannot be guaranteed. Texting an apology? You've got me there. Maybe for a fourteen year old? I'm not sure about this one, it may be a generational thing. I wouldn't recommend it.
6. Stick to the issue at hand. Don't apologise for all the sins of the past. That can smack of insincerity. If all the sins of the past is the issue, one apology won't cover it. You probably need a mediator.
7. Say you're sorry once. Genuinely said, with all the sincerity you can muster. Then let it go. Like a message in a bottle, send it off, be patient and hope it lands in receptive hands.
Receiving an apology isn't easy either.
Accepting an apology is like accepting a compliment – best done with grace. I'm sure you've been in the position of having to apologise for some major mess up, mustering up the courage to do it is hard and no doubt once you've worked out what you want to say and how you want to say it you want it to mean something to the person you're apologising to. Other times, you're the wronged party and you'd like an apology…here's what I appreciate from the person I've hurt:
1. Be direct with me. Please. There is nothing in this world worse than a cold shoulder, or finding out from someone else. "You should know what you did!" is a hopeless statement. For that reason directness is appreciated. Tell the person you are angry, why you're angry and as soon as possible…not 3 or 4 months after the fact. Give them a clue and the opportunity to make amends. If you don't, you allow resentment to build up and it really is a poison that slowly kills off relationships. You owe it to yourself to clear up upsets as soon as possible.
2. Don't beat the other over the head. The opposite of being direct could be stewing or nagging endlessly. Once you've been direct, and assuming an apology is justified, wait for it patiently, it will come. If it never does, that's a kind of answer too. What you do next can be informed by that.
3. Have an open heart. There are usually two or more ways to look at what happened. Hopefully, once the white heat of anger and hurt burns out a bit you can poke around and see if you had any part in the problem. Try seeing it from your transgressor's point of view. Compassion doesn't replace the apology, it does make it easier to hear.
4. Accept the apology when it's sincerely given. You can tell the difference. If it wasn't given honestly there was no apology, thus nothing to accept. I'm not in favour of flip phrases like, "Oh forget it", "You don't have to apologise", "It was nothing." It's too easy to go there when everyone is clearly uncomfortable but when you do this, you undermine yourself and how hurt you felt. Remember, you're always teaching people how to treat you, know that you deserve the apology, accept it with grace and move on. A simple "Thank you," usually works best.
Giving and accepting an apology with grace is just that. It's a blessed state for you both. For the one doing the apologising – because you chose to allow yourself to be vulnerable rather than get defensive. For the one who accepts the apology – because you used your power over a vulnerable soul with generosity of spirit instead of twisting the knife. Now the healing can begin.
What a relief!
But what about forgiveness? For most if us humans, forgiveness is another matter, involving trust, and that takes time to regenerate after a bad hurt.
Counselling Directory is not responsible for the articles published by members. The views expressed are those of the member who wrote the article.


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Archive for February, 2016
Organizing my Designs
Posted by Oakleaf Games in Game Design, Gaming Industry on February 24, 2016
Over the last few months, I've been working on a new system for organizing my game designs. I was digging through some folders and realized that there were games I had largely forgotten about after I set them aside. And my folder system was becoming clogged, making it hard to know where anything was. But perhaps more importantly, I realized that if I was going to focus on getting games published, I needed to be able to track more high-level information about these games. And my mind wasn't quite up to that task. So I took some time, geeked out, and created a spreadsheet to track progress on all of my designs. It has been very helpful to me so far, and I thought it might be useful to share both the method and the madness. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Win
Posted by Oakleaf Games in Game Design on February 18, 2016
Recently, I've been looking at some of the things that make my games stand out [a subject I'll return to shortly]. And one of the places I noticed that I wasn't seeing much variety is the end conditions. So many of my game designs in process seem to be a pure contest of victory points. I wanted to start differentiating them to make sure I was doing different things, but I realized I didn't know what my options were. So I wrote down a few I could think of and put out a call on Twitter for some more suggestions. Read the rest of this entry »
Avoiding the Sophomore Slump
Posted by Oakleaf Games in Uncategorized on February 2, 2016
A problem I've been concerned a lot with over the past year is avoiding a Sophomore Slump. New Bedford was my first game and a big success, and I was worried about being able to produce a second game that was just as successful and popular. There's danger from both sides with that attitude. If I make a second game and it's not as good, I've hit the slump. If I keep rejecting games waiting for that next great one, I also hit the slump. But now that I've officially got my second game announced, I have figured out what designers can do to avoid a sophomore slump. Read the rest of this entry »


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1) Cube bear fat into 1-inch cubes and place in mug or pan that can go directly on the flames.
2) Put a tablespoon of water in with the fat to keep it from sticking as it starts to render.
3) When fat is rendered, drop in 1-inch cubes of bear meat from the loin or back ham.
4) Cook bear meat all the way through, past 160 degrees in order to kill trichinosis.
5) Season with salt and enjoy.


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Delhi: HC seeks details of funds released for dengue control
The Delhi High Court on Monday sought response of AAP government on a PIL seeking direction to immediately release funds allocated for malaria and dengue control programmes to municipal bodies in the capital.delhi Updated: Sep 22, 2015 10:38 IST
The Delhi High Court on Monday sought response of AAP government on a PIL seeking direction to immediately release funds allocated for malaria and dengue control programmes to municipal bodies in the capital.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath asked Delhi government to file their comprehensive counter affidavits with regard to the amounts released to three municipal corporations here to control the dengue menace.
"The court is already seized of the issue and has sought response of the authorities concerned on the steps they have
taken to control the menace of dengue. Additional issue has
been raised in the present writ petition.
"Delhi government is directed to file a comprehensive affidavit with regard to all points raised in the petition," the bench said.
The plea sought direction to concerned authorities to ensure that none of the hospitals in the capital turn away any patient with symptoms of dengue and award severe penalties on refusing admission.
Advocates Aman Panwar and Mudit Gupta, appearing for Congress leader Ajay Maken, alleged that people of Delhi were in a state of panic as the "government admittedly is not equipped to deal with the menace and private hospitals have been turning away patients."
"Hospitals, both public and private, must be duly equipped with dengue testing kits (ELISA kits), platelet transfusion machines and ancillary medicines," the plea said, adding that additional strength of doctors be deputed in all hospitals controlled by government and municipal bodies "to curb epidemic-like situation in the capital."
Meanwhile, Additional Standing Counsel Sanjoy Ghose, appearing for Delhi government, informed the court that the present PIL has been filed by a politician who had suppressed information regarding a representation made to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the same context.
He also submitted that the Chief Minister had written a back to Maken urging him to join them in fighting the menace.
First Published: Sep 22, 2015 10:38 IST


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With award winning porno-photographic wunderkind Holly Randall at the helm, the already renowned Twistys visual style hasn't lost any of its lustre today. Still delivering HD videos with a succulent presentation, and photo galleries in a slightly glossier sheen, Twistys brings its members a gorgeous presentation of their favorite young adult achievers of today, as well as plenty of now retired but still commanding stars from years gone by. On its 11 exclusive websites, Twistys brings viewers tease and solo performances, steamy lesbian sex, and (mostly) one-on-one hetero sex that's usually fit for introductory couples' viewing as well as your alone time needs.
Known around the world for its hypercolor style of glitzy glam-porn, the notorious Brazzers network has been churning out innovative, influential porn for well over a decade. Today it offers a huge roster of 33 exclusive websites bringing eager fappers, rappers, and media pundits more borderline-insane porn than most can handle. Giant dicks meet giant tits sitting on top of giant hips with some of the bustiest hardcore performers around running wild at Brazzers. There might be a lot of setup involved when a ZZ camera rolls, but adult entertainment this advanced isn't made in basements by stoners. Brazzers is more the Universal Pictures of porn.
DDF Network is branded with the name of its creator, a name you should know well by now. Denys Defrancesco has been producing stunning sexual entertainment for decades and now on his DDF Network celebrates every aspect of his work with a comprehensive A/V emporium of smutty delights/ Wrapped in 1080p and 4K frames, DDF's fetishistic hardcore videos bring the man's visual style to your screen in amazing detail. As always, though, it's the cast of Euro stunners and the fun 'n' filthy fornication they enjoy that'll have you coming back for more daily updates from one of porn's true masters.
You know the name and you know the faces, but when was the last time you actually stepped inside Evil Angel's online den of depravity and explored the outer limits of human sexuality along with Buttman and his crew? With new directors entering the fold and a parade of sordid, debauched starlets and studs fucking their way across thousands upon thousands of epic sex scenes, many of them in 1080p HD streams and downloads, there's so much smut to enjoy at Evil Angel that it'll feel like a blissful porno binge you'll never want to end.
With more than 40 websites dealing with everything you can imagine porn's sluttiest, most lively MILFs, teens, and twenty-somethings getting up to in private (and then some), Reality Kings has grown from a little network that could to a major network that is! On such sites as Moms Bang Teens, Mike's Apartment, MILF Hunter, and Cum Fiesta, hotties both fresh-to-porn and well experienced dive onto RK's stable of in-house cocks and cunts for fiery performances and a little buffoonery in 1080p HD streams and downloads. Daily updates bring plenty of action your way when you're a member of Reality Kings.
From foot fetishism, infidelity scenarios, and a little anal play to facial coverings, double-penetration tryouts, and some of rather wild group sex, 21Sextury and its 21 exclusive sites cover a wide sexual territory. Delivering a near-daily dose of steamy hardcore in all manner of genre and niche, the network fills its members porno plates with impressive HD video content, high-res galleries, and now even some VR encounters that should keep everyone flocking back to 21Sextury for more glimpses into the future of porn.
Some pornstars these days… Seemingly more interested in gaining a few more thousands Instagram followers than they are just doing a good job when called to set to suck and fuck their way through a hardcore feature, some aren't worth the SD cards their scenes are shot on. At Cherry Pimps, however, fans of the tried and true American porno style will find a bevy of stunning babes, many given their very own websites on which to focus and feature their various sexual abilities and tendencies. Cherry Pimps, with its HD videos, high-res photos, and steady schedule of live performances presented via webcam feeds, is a fantastic place for anyone eager to see porn's greatest females in action and at their very best.
Ask Sara Luvv about GirlsWay and she's liable to start getting all gooey and fawning over her current girlfriend, lead director of the acclaimed all-female studio, Bree Mills. This kind of affection adds so much to GirlsWay's uniquely intimate plot-driven movies, making them much more genuinely arousing than most of the lame attempts at les-hardcore we see in porn. GirlsWay is fast becoming one of porn's most influential studios but, honestly, the thing that will really keep your eyes glued to GirlsWay's updates is the truly incredible cast.


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Need your recommendations in France, Atlantic coast(4 Posts)
Having trawled the web I am turning to the expertise of mumsnet campers!
Looking to go to France in August, with our own tent. Have been to vendee (tranche sur mer) before and think we want to go a bit further south, perhaps near Bordeaux.
We would like to be within walking distance of a nice beach and a nice town. When we were in tranche we loved being able to walk off site for a drink in the evening. Would like a nice pool area perhaps with a slide which will suit all ages. We have 3 kids who I'll be 9 6 and 2. Nice showers etc a must. Want somewhere with enough going on for the kids but not overly keen on lots of clubs and evening entertainment.
Look forward to hearing some recommendations, nine every camping holiday we have been on has been recommended on mumsnet!
we loved la palmyrie, royan. mates went to le vieux port, messanges and loved that too.
In my experience it is hard to find campsites within walking distance of a town. We did stay in a campsite called Village Corsaire des deux Plages in Chatelaillon-Plage which was a few minutes walk from Chatelaillon which is a gorgeous unusual town south of La Rochelle but the campsite was pretty yuck. There were other campsites in the area but none seemed much better. The sites seemed cramped and the mobiles were on top of each other. Other than that we stayed in Parc de La Cote Sauvage - beside La Palmyre which we LOVED. Right on the beach, very relaxed, but the beach was not one your children could swim off - wild! There was a calmer beach a few minutes cycle away. No village/town within walking distance but withing cycling distance on good cycling paths and bike hire at the campsite. We thought these were the cleanest loos/showers though from reading reviews we asked to be pitched near the most modern block and think this was what made the difference. This is the site the kids (then 9 and 3) would ask to go back to as they made friends - french and english and it just had a good feel to it. We also stayed further south in La Sylvamar in Labenne - which we hated though it had the best reviews of all those we stayed at last year - far too big and the area was yuck there was a grotty strip of half hearted bars, etc nearby. It had 5 stars but grotty loos/showers. Our last hol (first in a tent in years-have been staying in mobiles for years) really taught us that one mans dream destination is another's hell! This year we will go back to La Palmyre and then onto the Arcachon Basin which I am about to post about.....
Not quite where you're after Melrose, but we love La Grainetiere on the Ile de Re. Relatively small campsite for the island (compared to others). The cleanest campsite pool I've ever seen, with a beautifully designed roof that they can pull sections over if the weather is dodgy, only a small slide for toddler size kids though into shallow toddler section. Jacuzzi for older ones and tired parents!. Quite close to a main road, but you don't really notice it, and about 10 mins walk to the nearest towns - either La Flotte or St Martin which both have fab harbours, posh people in boats, cafes etc ... and cycling tracks everywhere. Can rent bikes everywhere (and trailers for 2yr old and beach stuff) - wouldn't really need to use the car at all once you got there.
Occasional entertainment, good bar on site next to pool, understated (French) kids club, and a wide mix of different nationalities.
We've been twice, in August, and loved it both times.
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justcocktails.org - dedicated to better imbibing
The last time we talked to the legendary Dale Degroff, we covered his early days at The Rainbow Room, eastern spirits and his Pimento bitters. The second half of this in-depth conversation focuses on his advice for bartenders to go from good, to great. (Link: Part I)
In looking at some of the influences around you, I was reading your wife's bio. She credited you as a great influence on her art. What influence do you feel you've had on Jill's art?
10 years ago, when I was trying to learn how to bartend, I didn't even know bartending was a profession. You could Google information, but it wasn't how it is now, where Google will give you the recipe to any cocktail and its history. 10 years ago it was just being put together.
"Grab a dictionary and try to look up the word 'mixology', and it ain't there. It's never been there."
Cocktail Kingdom is doing such a great job of reintroducing a lot of these old books. It's now on my list of things to do to make a Baker's Booster from the Gentleman's South American Companion. Prescription painkillers, lime juice, Angostura bitters in a blender… I don't think that's actually a good idea.
I had heard of the Soggy Dollar, but I'd never contemplated why it would be called that. That's awesome! I also wanted to ask you about your son Leo, who's a rising star in the craft cocktail world. Do you recall the first thing you consciously taught Leo behind the bar?
I'd have to concur: Long ago, I went to school to become a chef, and though I never actually ended up becoming a chef, I see that training comes back every single shift I work on the bar.
I still remember, it's V-BETH: velouté, béchamel, Espanola, tomato and hollandaise.
"Post-Prohibition, prior to craft bartending, nobody thought about flavor and taste in the bar business; that was a kitchen thing."
That's interesting. The last thing I read on yeast was that chapter in Proof: The Science of Booze, by Adam Rogers, the editor of Wired, which I found was absolutely incredible. The fact that they can take yeasts to that level is amazing, especially considering that when you go back far enough yeast was something that killed us. But then we developed a relationship with it, and as Rogers puts it in his book, yeast is man's best friend because we give it sugar and it poops out alcohol!
What do you think makes a good bartender?
"I've always said "I don't go to bars, I go to bartenders."
"I find excessive friendliness always helps me."
You mentioned that you thought it was a good idea to either have some acting or public speaking training.
Image credit Talia Kleinplatz twoforthebar.ca
The Painkiller, from Soggy Dollar Bar
3 oz Dark Rum
1 oz Fresh Orange Juice
2.5 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
1 oz Coco Lopez
Combine ingredients in shaker. Add ice. Hard shake and strain into a tall glass over crushed ice.
Garnish: Fresh grated nutmeg over. Beyond that, have fun, it's a tiki drink!
Pusser's Rum holds the trademark for this drink, which led to quite a controversy in 2011. DETAILS HERE
I'd like to thank, and credit, Martin Corriveau for his help in transcribing this interview from spoken word to print.
The Painkiller and Dale Degroff's best advice for bartenders


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Graphite and Photoshop ~ 250 minutes
As has elsewear been mentioned on this blog, I'm playing through my older games with the goal of either beating or getting rid of the 'back inventory' before I actually purchase any new games. Currently I'm tackling the Dead Space series, having purchased the entire available catalog en masse sometime last year;
Dead Space (one) has now been tackled, and I'm damned glad about it.
As was also previously mentioned, I'm arriving very late to the series. I see this as beneficial because (similar to watching television show's released on DVD) I now get to play through the complete series (to date) without having to wait 18 months at a time for new games to be released. And since the Dead Space series has bounced around a bit timeline-wise, I also get to experience the story in a linear fashion, which is cool. I beat the 'first game' in the narrative last year (brief review here); Dead Space: Extraction was a shooter on rails that turned out to be pretty fantastic. As a prequel to 2008's Dead Space (which I'll refer to as Dead Space 1), it gave a great deal of background on a few of the events that had occurred in the narrative. It's storyline concluded with the arrival of the spaceship USH Kellion, and aboard it the main protagonist of the series; engineer Isaac Clarke.
You control Isaac throughout Dead Space 1 as he winds his way through a nightmarish death-ship called the USG Ishimura, battling monsters called necromorphs. They come in a number of gruesome shape's and sizes, and are prone to leap out at you from dark corners, around shadowy bends in a hallway, or from flimsy ceiling tiles. All told the game was very good at making me jump, which is something that's new to me in gaming. I usually stray away from your typical 'survival horror' game on account of the fact that they usually make your character extremely slow and cumbersome. This is by design; they want you to creep slowly down hallways waiting for things to leap at you from shadows. But Dead Space 1 struck that balance where I felt I could get around, and I only slowed down when I was already really freaked out, gun drawn, unblinking and holding my breath. Honestly I'm kind of glad I've beat the game and it's over with. Full disclosure though; a huge part of why I was even able to beat the game is because I chose to play on the easiest setting. Besides the fact that I've never really been that skilled at playing video games, the 'going easy' choice had a lot to do with the lack of man-hours a week I have to commit to playing my backlog of games. If I play every game at 'Normal' or 'Hard' as I usually do, this project would take forever, and I wouldn't be able to purchase BioSock Infinite the second it comes out (as I fully intend to do).
All told I really like the Dead Space series so far, and I started the 'second' game in the series, Dead Space 2, this evening. Despite my efforts to remain fully ignorent of anything to do with story or design for the second game, I did hear lott's of good things about the opening. My first impression, which is actually my crystal-solid, for-all-time impression, is that the beginning is kind of neat, but I hate the voice actors, and I really don't like it when you have to race through a level and don't get to play 'video game archeologist'. Which is what I am – I crawl over every inch of a level, looking in corners, studying the posters on the wall and the small squarish books on the shelf, becuase I want to know 1) everything there is to know about the narrative I'm experiencing, and 2) how the level designers and environment artists spent their many hours while putting the game together. So when at the start of the game I had to blindly run through a medical bay, compeltely ignoring entire ROOMS of beautifully rendered stuff, it kind of broke my heart. Ah well. ALSO the game is really, really shiny. I liked the supremely grimy look of Dead Space 1, but I'm only about a half hour in and so shouldn't cast judgment on the overall look of The Sprawl just yet.


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A Greek withdrawal from the eurozone would make sense. It would create havoc in Greece for a while, but it would allow the Greeks to negotiate with Europe on equal terms. They would pay Europe back in drachmas priced at what the Greek Central Bank determines, and they could unilaterally determine the payments. The financial markets would be closed to them, but the Greeks would have the power to enact currency controls as well as trade regulations, turning their attention from selling to Europe, for example, to buying from and selling to Russia or the Middle East. This is not a promising future, but neither is the one Greece is heading toward now.
Many have made a claim that a Greek exit could lead the euro to collapse. This claim seems baffling at first. After all, Greece is a small country, and there is no reason why its actions would have such far-reaching effects on the shared currency. But then we remember Germany's primordial fear: that Greece could set a precedent for the rest of Europe. This would be impossible if the rest of Europe was doing well, but it is not. Spain, for example, has unemployment figures almost as terrible as Greece's. Some have pointed out that Spain is now one of the fastest-growing countries in Europe, which would be impressive if growth rates in the rest of Europe weren't paralyzed. Similarly, Spain's unemployment rate has fallen — to a mere 23 percent. Those who are still enthused about the European Union take such trivial improvements as proof of a radical shift. I see them as background noise in an ongoing train wreck.
The pain of a Greek default and a withdrawal from the eurozone would be severe. But if others see Greece as a forerunner of events, rather than an exception, they may calculate that the pain of unilateral debt restructuring makes sense and gives Greeks a currency that they can at last manage themselves. The fear is that Greece may depart from the euro, not because of any institutional collapse, but because of a keen awareness that sovereign currencies can benefit nations in pain — which many of Europe's countries are.
I do appreciate that the European Union was meant to be more than an arena for debtors and creditors. It was to be a moral arena in which the historical agony of European warfare was abolished. But while the idea that European peace depends on prosperity may be true, that prosperity has been lost. Economies rise and fall, and Europe's have done neither in tandem. Some are big winners, like Germany, and many are losers, to a greater or lesser degree. If the creation of a peaceful European civilization rests on prosperity, as the founding EU document claims, Europe is in trouble.
The problem is simple. The core institutions of the European Union have functioned not as adjudicators but as collection agents, and the Greeks have learned how ruthless those agents can be when aided by collaborative governments like Cyprus. The rest of the Europeans have also realized as much, which is why Euroskeptic parties are on the rise across the union. Germany, the country most threatened by growing anti-EU sentiment, wants to make clear that debtors face a high price for defiance. And if resistance is confined to Greece, the Germans will have succeeded. But if, as I think it will, resistance spreads to other countries, the revolt of the debtor states against the union will cause major problems for Germany, threatening the economic powerhouse's relationship with the rest of Europe.