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RDF, Semantic Web, user interface, scripting
The Web fulfilled a practical need of users in allowing them to conveniently author, browse and share content online. Similarly, we believe that Semantic Web technologies will be more quickly proliferated if they can prove to be directly useful to end users. The Haystack project [5] brings the Semantic Web to end users by leveraging key Semantic Web technologies that allow users to easily manage their documents, e-mail messages, appointments, tasks, etc. The Haystack user interface is capable of visualizing a variety of different types of information, including e-mails, to-do items, news feeds, and web page bookmarks.
The way in which the Haystack interface is constructed gives few clues to the notion that the underlying data model is represented using the Resource Description Framework (RDF)-the standard data representation language of the Semantic Web. Presenting information in a manner familiar and intuitive to users is key, as few users are familiar with ontological vocabulary and descriptive logic. In other words, end user Semantic Web applications need to be developed in such a way that users need not even be aware that the Semantic Web is involved!
In support of this cause, Haystack has been built as an extensible platform that allows various kinds of functionality to be developed easily and independently, and incorporated seamlessly. We wish to make the authoring of RDF-based content and Haystack features that act on such content as easy as authoring HTML web content. In this paper we describe the tools Haystack provides to Semantic Web developers for building end user applications based on RDF.
We believe that the availability of tools for prototyping and building programs that both produce content for and render content from the Semantic Web can help to improve the reception of Semantic Web technologies. The current generation of tools represents the first step in this direction in that they expose programming interfaces for manipulating information. Toolkits for generating, processing, and visualizing graphs of RDF data are widely available on most platforms [6]. Tools for editing data according to specific ontologies, such as Ont-O-Mat and Protégé, give knowledge engineers powerful tools for creating and manipulating data that corresponds to specific schemata [2] [4]. Furthermore, server-side software packages have been developed to help users aggregate RDF information for presentation to users [7].
Building on these toolkits, Haystack exposes functionality to users for interacting with information at higher levels of abstraction. Rather than exposing information as a series of RDF statements, Haystack concentrates on the concepts important to users of that information: documents, messages, properties, annotations, etc.
In a system such as Haystack, a sizeable amount of code-both in agents and in user interface components-is devoted to the creation and manipulation of RDF-encoded metadata. We have developed a language called Adenine that is specifically suited to manipulating RDF through special syntactic and runtime support. Adenine supports standard programming constructs such as for loops and statically-scoped variable bindings, in some respects resembling a version of Python with native support for RDF data types built in.
Like Lisp, Adenine is both a data definition language and an imperative programming language. RDF statements can be described in a syntax similar to Notation3 [1]. Pieces of executable Adenine code are called methods, which are named by URIs and can have RDF properties. Like Lisp functions, Adenine methods are also representable in the data language; the Adenine ontology describes a way to encode the execution of an Adenine method as a series of instruction resources linked by "next instruction" predicates. More information about Adenine can be found on our web site (http://haystack.lcs.mit.edu/) and in previous work [5].
In the past, programs that aggregated data from multiple sources, such as mail merge or customer relationship management software, had to be capable of speaking numerous protocols with different backends to generate their results. With a rich corpus of information such as that present in a user's Haystack, the possibility for automation becomes significant because services and agents can now be written against a single unified abstraction. (We will use "service" and "agent" interchangeably in this document, as both are autonomous, running entities that are capable of receiving and sending messages in Haystack.) Furthermore, agents can be written to help users deal with problem such as information overload by extracting key information from e-mail messages and other documents and presenting the user with summaries.
Agents in Haystack are callable entities that expose methods and maintain state. The core agents are mostly written in Java, but some are written in Adenine and some in Python (these agents are hosted by the Jython interpreter). We utilize an RDF ontology derived from WSDL for describing the interfaces to agents as well as for noting which server processes hosts which agents. As a consequence, we are able to support different protocols for communicating between agents, from simply passing in-process Java objects around to using HTTP-based RPC mechanisms such as HTTP POST and SOAP. In other words, Haystack agents are in effect Web services that implement a specific Java interface and where the appropriate WSDL metadata has been entered into the store; the system takes care of exposing agents via whatever protocols are supported.
Haystack uses RDF to, among other things, model the user interface. At the bottommost layer is the Slide ontology, which allows the developer to specify the appearance and formatting of user interface elements such as buttons, paragraphs of text, and tables. Slide is modeled after HTML and, like HTML, is assembled in a tree structure (expressible in RDF since trees are graphs). Adenine is used to hook up executable code to events such as mouse clicks. Individual Slide elements are described as RDF resources and are rendered to the screen by Java components.
There are two key benefits to our RDF representation over HTML. First, we feel that the way in which data that conforms to an RDF schema should be presented is just as important as the schema itself. Slide, in conjunction with Adenine and other user interface concepts discussed later, enables RDF to be used to describe both a schema and its ideal mode of presentation. Second, the Slide ontology is extensible; one needs simply to add an RDF description of a new Slide element to the RDF store in order for the component to be supported. In fact, we have support for writing components completely in Adenine, providing a pure RDF-based solution for distributing presentation logic.
Our user interface architecture uses the Slide ontology to present information in terms of views. Specifically, a view is a component that displays certain types of resources in a particular way. A given RDF class may have any number of different views associated with it. Furthermore, views are described in RDF, allowing them to be characterized according to the RDF classes they support and by the way they display resources (e.g., full screen, in a one line summary, as an applet, etc.). When a resource needs to be displayed in Haystack in a certain way, such as full screen, a view is chosen that possesses the necessary characteristics.
As components, views enable pieces of user interface functionality to be reused. The developer of a one line summary view for contacts (perhaps displaying a person's name and telephone number) provides an RDF description to the system that enables developers that need to display summaries of contacts to reuse the component. The best example of reuse can be seen in the case of views that embed views of other resources. For example, a view of an address book containing contacts and mailing lists needs not implement views for displaying contacts and mailing lists; the system provides a way for views to specify that a resource needs to be displayed at a certain location on the screen in a certain fashion (e.g., as a one line summary). In this way composite views can be constructed that leverage the specialized user interface functionality of the child views that are embedded.
Because the system is responsible for instantiating views and keeping track of where child views are to be embedded within parent views, the system can provide default implementations of certain direct manipulation features for free. A good example is drag and drop: When the user starts to drag on a view, the system knows what resource is being represented by that view, such that when the view is dropped elsewhere in the user interface, the drop target can be informed of what resource was involved instead of simply the textual or graphical content of the particular representation that was dragged.
Most systems provide some mechanism for exposing prepackaged functionality that can be applied under specific circumstances. For example, in Java one can expose methods in a class definition that perform specific tasks when invoked. In C, one can define functions that accept arguments of particular types. Under Windows, one can define verbs, which are bound to specific file types and perform actions such as opening or printing a document when activated through a context menu in the Windows Explorer shell. In general, these mechanisms all permit parameterized operations to be defined and exposed to clients.
In Haystack, the analogous construct is called an operation, which can accept any number of parameters of certain types and perform some task. Operations are Adenine methods that expose pieces of functionality in the user interface. The definition of an operation includes basic information such as its name, an icon, and a set of parameters, which is generated automatically by the Adenine compiler based on the definition of the Adenine method. Parameters are also given names and can have type constraints.
One particular type of functionality provided by many applications deserves special focus: object creation. Object creation manifests itself in many different forms, ranging from the addition of a text box to a slide in a presentation graphics program to the composing of an e-mail. Applications that support object creation usually expose interfaces for allowing users to choose the appropriate type of object to create or to find a template or wizard that can help guide them through the process of creating the object.
In RDF, the process of creation can naïvely be thought of as the coining of a fresh URI followed by an rdf:type assertion. The corresponding choice list for creating objects in RDF could be implemented by displaying a list of all rdfs:Class resources known by the system. However, there are many issues not addressed by this solution. The user's mental model of object creation may map onto three distinct activities in the programmatic sense: (1) creating the resource; (2) establishing a default view; (3) population of the resource with default data. For example, the creation of a picture album from the perspective of the data model is straightforward in that a picture album is simply a collection of resources that happen to be pictures. However, if the user begins viewing this blank picture album with an address book view, he or she may believe that the system has created the wrong object. With respect to the third point, Gamma et al. assert that object creation can come about in various ways, ranging from straightforward instantiation to creating objects according to some fixed pattern [3]. Haystack enables this flexibility with constructors-operations that initialize a resource instance in some fashion.


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Royal Mail is raising a glass to a great British tradition with its latest collection of stamps marked with pub signs.
The stamps, which go on sale today, feature five images which have been used on pub signs spanning the 20th century.
First-class stamps will feature the Station Hotel and the other stamps will show the White Swan, the Mayflower, the Barley Sheaf and the Cross Keys. Royal Mail's director of stamps and collectables Gavin Macrae said: "Britain boasts around 50,000 pubs with 17,000 different names so it was always going to be a challenge to select five signs from such a wealth of history and design.
"We wanted to use images that were not only beautiful to look at but also possessed an interesting history."

subset: commoncrawl


text: Cape Town - Suzuki Auto has refreshed its Ertiga MPV, based on the Swift platform, with new design elements and enhanced features.What's an Ertiga? Well, Suzuki calls its new model an LUV - or Lifestyle Utility Vehicle.Suzuki has streamlined its Ertiga range - GA Manual, GL Manual and GL Auto models. Why has Suzuki dropped its GLX version? According to the automaker: "The range-topping GLX model will no longer be available, thanks largely to the GL's increase in specifications."New design elementsThe upgraded Ertiga gains a new grille, tweaked front bumper and redesigned rear bumper with integrated reflectors. GL variants receive chromed highlights on the grille and bumper as well as embossed Ertiga badge above the number plate.Inside, GL variants receive new wheel-cover design, colour-coded, folding side-mirrors as standard.According to Suzuki SA: "Owners will find the greatest improvements inside the Ertiga's cabin where Suzuki has markedly improved the quality and tactile feel of the upholstery and door panels."Extra kitStandard kit includes immobiliser, air-con, electric power steering, dual airbags and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.Suzuki builds on this by upgrading the GL version's audio system with Bluetooth conectivy and MP3, USB and iPod integration.Further additions to the GL include rear-facing Park Distance Control (PDC), an additional 12V socket in the middle console behind the front seats and a third row bench that can now split in a 50/50 configuration instead of folding down as one single unit.Suzuki says it has also approved a tow-rating of 550kg in answer to many requests from Ertiga families to add a tow-hitch and towing capacity as option.André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa, said: "The Ertiga has attracted a loyal and passionate following, thanks to its MPV-sized cabin and its Swift-like driving dynamics."With the new model we have increased the Ertiga's functionality and appeal even further and look forward to welcoming ever more families to the Suzuki brand."PowerAll Ertiga units are powered by Suzuki's 1.4 litre K14B engine capable of 70kW/130Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 litres/100km. The 1.4 four-cylinder engine drives power to the front wheels via a five speed manual, while a four-speed auto is available for GL specification level.All Ertiga units is sold with a four-year/60 000km service plan and three-year/100 000km warranty.PricesErtiga 1.4 GA Manual R176 900Ertiga 1.4 GL Manual R202 900Ertiga 1.4 GL Auto R218 900


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KnowLouisiana is a production of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. We tell the stories of Louisiana through powerful scholarship, dynamic digital media and innovative public events.
Launched in 2015, the site synthesizes our award-winning quarterly magazine Louisiana Cultural Vistas with KnowLA.org, our robust, scholar-driven digital encyclopedia, to present the stories, artistry and cultural heritage of Louisiana in dynamic, accessible ways. We believe Louisiana's strength lies in its diverse assembly of voices and traditions. Our complex, vibrant state deserves new, multichannel platforms that can reach a global audience. Most importantly, KnowLouisiana seeks to serve the citizens of Louisiana by delivering high quality content, education tools and public programs that give expression to the lives and histories of communities in all 64 parishes.
The editorial direction of the site combines the thematic approach to each issue of Louisiana Cultural Vistas and the unfolding events taking place in our state—some planned, some surprising. The 2015 launch parallels "The Louisiana Governors Series: A Historic Job Description," the LEH's series of seven panel discussions in the hometowns of the last seven governors. Just as the fall 2015 issue of the print magazine centered on political history relevant to that series, the content debuted on KnowLouisiana.org contributed to those public discussions.
Of course, Louisianans know to expect the unexpected. Come hurricanes, political controversies, or reality TV, the humanities can provide context for understanding the complicated landscape of present-day Louisiana. KnowLouisiana publishes scholarship and digital media that contributes to the public conversation. The most recent example: when New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, in the face of tragic events and national debate, called for the removal of four Confederate monuments in the city, the LEH responded with a forum at the Louisiana Humanities Center. Four respected scholars discussed the history of these monuments, then engaged with a standing room-only audience in a lively conversation. We published transcripts, audio and video recordings of the event to spur more dialogue—including several editorials in local newspapers.
KnowLouisiana serves as a centralized resource for relevant, humanities-based stories about our life in our state.
With a quarter century of research, essays, and media in our archives, with strong partners around the state, and with the support of our readers and contributors, we believe this site can raise the bar on what it means to know Louisiana. We invite you to give us your stories and feedback. Click here to let us know what you think.


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The city council passed a resolution Thursday advocating for former Phillies great Dick Allen to be admitted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The resolution urges the Hall of Fame's Golden Era Committee, which votes to enshrine retirees who have long been considered but have not yet been honored, to elect Allen as part of the 2015 class.
Councilman Jim Kenney called Allen, a controversial figure who played for The Fightins from 1963 until 1969, and again from 1975 until 1976, "our Jackie Robinson."
"He played in an era that was ugly," Kenney said, "and I think he played in an era that retarded his ability to get into the Hall of Fame because of the social aspects of the time, and not the baseball aspects."
Allen was a lightning rod for racial prejudice despite his stellar performance on the field. The slugger, whowas named National League Rookie of the Year after his first season with the Phillies in 1964, was involved in an altercation with Frank Thomas,a veteran white player, the following year. The team released Thomas because of the incident, and Allen became the typical target of racially motivated attacks, both physical and verbal.
He was traded to the Cardinals in 1969 and would go on to win the 1972 American League MVP as a member of the Chicago White Sox.
"If he were here in the league today, I think he would be an awesome superstar," Kenney said.
The committee will announce nominees in the fall and will vote in December. Honorees are enshrined in July.
Follow Tommy Rowan on Twitter: @tommyrowan
Follow Metro Philadelphia on Twitter: @metrophilly
Follow Metro Philadelphia on Facebook: Metro Philadelphia


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The Morning After the Storm, Parkton, MD - Jonathan Hasson 2009
Is that a good "catch all" for the season? I almost have to get the greetings in all at once if I'm going to be able to do it at all. It seems as if time is just screaming by at light speed and I'm just hanging on for dear life to keep up. "Things" have taken over my mind and pushed the blog to the rear burner, unfortunately.
With all the down time one tends to have during the holidays, you'd think it would be an opportune time to catch up on so many of the pending photography tasks and writing ideas that have been stacking up. I had hoped to apply some of my time to adding some good things to this blog. But, alas, I've not been able to do much of any of it. Could it be the new Wii or Guitar Hero World Tour we've been playing so much since Christmas? Possibly…it's pretty addicting and time consuming. But even before then, the opportunity seemed to be leaving us behind.
Christmas usually is a time to slow down and contemplate all that we have been blessed with over the course of the last year. While we've been able to contemplate, the slowing down part has been successfully staying out of reach.
So, now sitting in my In-law's home in Mississippi, I'm able to take some time to get back to you, dear reader, and, belatedly wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mardi and I wish you all good health, good life and good blessings for 2010. If 2009 is any indication, it's going to be yet another year of major changes, challenges and opportunities.
Merry Christmas!


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Car Seats Gr 1 - 9 18 kg
Children who have outgrown their baby car seats and want to sit facing forward in the car can travel in Group 1 car seats. They have been designed for children weighing between 9 and 18 kg. These seats can be buckled in directly using your vehicle's 3-point belt or with an Isofix base or a belted base. A characteristic of car seats 9 18 kg - Group 1is that children are not yet buckled into the car's safety belt.
Your Shopping Guide
1. The "I'm-already-so-big" Car Seat
In the first few months, your baby will travel in a baby car seat., but as soon as your baby grows into a toddler, it's time to switch to a child seat of category 9 18 kg Gr 1. Here, the child will no longer lie down as in the baby car seat, but can sit upright and proudly demonstrate: I am already so big now!
2. Specialists
There are child car seats that have a significantly longer period of use than the car seats 9 18 kg Gr 1 – for example, car seats 0 18 kg Gr 0 1 for children from birth to the age of around four years, or car seats 9 25 kg Gr 1 2 for children from the age of about 1 year to well into school age. So where are the advantages of car seats 9 18 kg Gr 1?
The answer is obvious: car seats 9 18 kg Gr 1 are specialists that are exactly designed to meet the needs of toddlers. Toddlers are no longer babies and always want to see and engage with the world around them. That's why the upright seat in group 1 car seats is ideal. Also, toddlers and small preschool-age children are not yet physically developed as much as older school kids. Car seats of the category 9 18 kg Gr 1 are specifically designed for this age group.
3. Differences and Special Features: What to Watch Out For When Buying
Within the car seat category 9 18 kg Gr 1 there are different systems of car seat or safety restraint system, so you should check before you buy which type is best suited to your individual requirements.
- Car Seats 9 18 kg Gr 1 with Impact Shield
- These seats feature a seat with a sort of table that is attached in front of the child's abdomen and upper body via the car's 3-point seat belt. The advantage of this safety system is that the impact shield largely absorbs the enormous power of any impact during an accident or strong braking.
- Car Seats 9 18 kg Gr 1 with 5-Point Harness System
- These car seats feature a 5-point harness system, similar to the ones used in racing cars. This gives your child greater freedom. Important: They must be adaptable to the size of your child, so they offer the best support.
- Car Seats 9 18 kg Gr 1 with and without Isofix System
The Isofix system creates a rigid connection between car seat and car body via Isofix anchors, offering greater safety. More and more car seats, including those of 9 18 kg Gr 1, feature Isofix systems these days.
4. Timing: When to Buy?
Children have growth spurts, sometimes it can seem like they suddenly grow "over night", and so it's important to purchase the car seat 9 18 kg Gr 1 well in time. Otherwise the child is already too big for the baby car seat, and the next car seat has not yet been ordered or delivered.


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Here I am again with another book review. I previously did a review of Zoe Sugg's book 'Girl Online' which can be found here. Today, I am going to be reviewing 'Love Tanya' by Tanya Burr,
Tanya Burr is a youtuber, blogger and beauty enthusiast who publishes a video on YouTube each week, whether it be baking, beauty, fashion or lifestyle related. Along with her own line of cosmetics such as lip glosses, nail polishes and false lashes, her debut book was set to be a hit from the moment it was announced; something she can add to her success. Unlike Zoe, Tanya's book is not a fictional story but it is still a story; it's a story about her life. Now, don't go thinking it's an autobiography either, because it isn't like that at all. It's a mixture of Tanya's life, her advice and inspiring you to go out and do something.
When I first found Tanya's book, I didn't really know what to expect. I couldn't imagine her writing a book and it not being an autobiography; how can someone write a book about themselves yet it not be classed as an autobiography? Well I couldn't have been more wrong. 'Love Tanya' is a book that you can open on any page, at any point in the day and there will always be something interesting for you to read. It tells you about her early life, she offers fashion and beauty advice, giving her top ten tips as to how you can look after your hair and her top 10 essential things for your make-up bag. As well as telling people about YouTube and answering some viewer questions, Tanya also offers relationship advice, gives out some of her favourite baking recipes and talks about travelling to different places. You, the reader, can also get involved in the book too by writing down some of your hopes and dreams, your favourite products and your favourite places to travel. In a nutshell, it's just the perfect book; there's something there for everyone.
As you can tell, there's a lot of different things included in the book, but one chapter that really stood out to me is the 'Confidence and Happiness' chapter. As many of us know, Tanya is such a positive, happy person and in this particular chapter, she tells us how she stays positive, how she deals with anxiety and informs us as to how we can be more confident in ourselves. This chapter really makes you feel a sense of confidence and positivity after reading it, and it was such a lovely part of the book to read.
'Love Tanya' is basically a book for everyone, it's not a book that you can read just once, you can read it over and over again as it never gets boring. I tried out one of the hairstyles included in the book today whilst I wasn't in college and it looks absolutely lovely. The images in the book are of such high quality and they look absolutely beautiful, Tanya is truly stunning. It's definitely clear that this book was written by and belongs to Tanya Burr; it has her name and personality written all over it. After reading it, you come away with the positive and happy feeling that Tanya always seems to have. Please, if you do anything, go and purchase this book. You will not regret it; it's the essential book for every girl!
Love Tanya - Tanya Burr
Rating: 5 Stars
Recommended: YES
Rating: 5 Stars
Recommended: YES
Lots of Love
Meg x


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|269 sq. ft.
|Property type
|Minimum Stay
|4 nights
Located on the territory of the commune of Sainte-Anne, one of the prettiest seaside towns of Guadeloupe, our bungalow for 2 persons is a typical Creole cabin. Located in a luxuriant tropical garden, it is also 200 m away from the lagoon and close to the most beautiful beaches. Beautiful hikes or bike rides starting from the bungalow will make you discover the beauty of the landscapes.
With all the modern comfort and very bright. It has: a bright air-conditioned bedroom, a living room with couch and television, a equipped kitchen corner (crockery, gas cooker, refrigerators, microwave and small household-appliances), a bathroom with toilets. Sheets, towels, bed linen are provided and changed once a week
On the covered terrace, a table and 4 chairs where you can have your meals surrounded by coconut trees. A hammock, 2 deck chairs and a barbecue complete the relaxation area in the garden.
Shops nearby. Varied nautical activities
This partner has demonstrated and is committed to fast response times, the best rates, and a great guest experience.
Our stay with Patricia and Christian was lovely! They have been so thoughtful in making the bungalow an extension of their home; cozy, welcoming and well-appointed. The bungalow is exactly as described, perfect for a couple with air conditioning, a stocked kitchenette, and beautiful outdoor space, in the garden, to start and end your day. Above all, Patricia is a wealth of island knowledge! If you inquire, she will give you local recommendations and advise to make your stay even more enjoyable. We can't wait to visit again soon!
Well kept and cozy rental. Perfect for single or couple for holiday getaway. Everything was clean and in good order. The host was friendly and accomodating. She made the extra effort to assist me in organizing transportation and activities while there. I would reserve for a return trip without reservation and would recommend this rental to anyone I know visiting.
Super location, le bungalow est très sympa, et bien situé - parfait pour des vacances relax!
L'accueil de Patricia et Christian est très chaleureux et ils sont plein de bons conseils, disponibles si besoin et très discret aussi!
Nous avons passé un superbe séjour chez Patricia et Christian qui ont été des hôtes très gentils, pleins de bons conseils et de bonne humeur et qui font tout pour que votre séjour soit le plus agréable.
Le gîte est très bien équipé, il est situé au calme et proche de la plage mais aussi de toutes commodités et à 5 mn de St Anne et St François. Nous avons pu nous reposer tout en profitant des coins touristiques aux alentours. Je recommande vivement cette location.
This bungalow is a must if you are around St Anne/St Francois! The hosts Patricia and Christian are very kind And Always helpful. The bungalow is in a beautiful garden, Was very clean and equipped with everything you need. The grill in front of the bungalow is a perfect addition. The beach is very close, and others can be reached In a short drive by car. Good place to go around on Grande Terre.
We have spent two weeks at bungalow and what we can say? Everything was perfect: the bungalow was spacious, clean, comfortable with nice terrace with palms and wonderful flowers immersed in exotic garden; the location quiet- you can feel like in the village, there is greeny, there are cows:) and its is very close to charming, white beaches with crystal water - our favourite was Bois Jolan. Our hosts- Patricia and Christiane are lovely, tactful and helpful people, it was a great pleasure for us to be able to meet them. Patricia is an artistic soul, cooks deliciously and is just incredibly good host, she was doing everything to make our holidays better and more comfortable, thanks to her we visited some places and tried new tastes. We truly recommend this bungalow for holidays in Guadeloupe!
Our bungalow for 2 persons is a typical Creole cabin equipped with all the comfort to make your stay enjoyable. You will have a private and secured car park. You can relax, rocked by the breeze in a blooming tropical garden, or swim in the turquoise waters of the lagoon 200 m away.
You bungalow has an air-conditioned bedroom, a bright living room with couch and television, an equipped kitchen area with crockery, microwave, refrigerators, gas stove, and a bathroom with WC.
On the terrace, a hammock and 2 deck chairs invite you to idleness. A barbecue is available in the garden for your grilling.
Located on the territory of the Sainte-Anne, a seaside town offering many activities, both nautical (water scooter, kite-surf, Scuba diving, windsurfing) and aerial (parachuting, first time in the air); golf, tennis are also offered. You are also close to the most beautiful beaches of the island and to the Pointe des Chateaux. Shops nearby.
Nice walks along the coastline are waiting for you, from where you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Dominica islands, Marie-Galante or the Iles des Saintes. In the evening in the seaside towns of Sainte-Anne and Saint-François, very animated with seaside restaurants, you will be able to taste local and world cuisine.
All year long on the island, many festivals and events, both musical and sporting, are organised, offering you a wide choice.
The owners, Patricia and Christian, will give you a warm and personalised welcome. In addition to the welcome fruit basket and cocktail, a light dinner is offered to the clients arriving at the end of the day, as well as the first breakfast.
possibilité de laver le linge, 4,00€ par lavage. Il est demandé une caution de 200,00€ payable à l'arrivée du vacancier par chèque ou espèces et restitué à son départ; déduction des éventuels dégâts occasionnés durant son séjour.
* Approximate monthly price. Actual pricing will depend on the days of the month you stay.


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Olson Gary Truck Repair can be found at County Road 130 18043. The following is offered: Truck Repair. The entry is present with us since Sep 8, 2010 and was last updated on Nov 12, 2013. In Paynesville there are 1 other Truck Repair. An overview can be found here.
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Kale, Spinach + Feta Pie
This is a delicious meal that I often make for my weekday dinner or as a portable healthy lunch. Preparation is effortless and the final result is beautiful as the fresh subtle flavours of green dance in your mouth. I love to serve mine with a large garden salad made simply of leaves from a variety of lettuce – tossed with the finger-tips ever so lightly and drizzled with French Style dressing just before serving. Enjoy!


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Mannion Drilling are a private family run company, with a history that dates back almost 100 years. Our Company Director, Jason Mannion, is a 4th generation Driller with over 30 years of Drilling experience & knowledge.
Our Head Office is strategically located in Gunnedah, New South Wales. We have been working in the Gunnedah basin for over a decade but also have worked from South Queensland and throughout NSW. Our people are among the best in the industry; highly skilled and experienced in all aspects of surface exploration drilling techniques and equipment, backed up by our trained administrative staff.
Mannion Drilling prides ourselves in providing exploration drilling services, that with the right people to get the job done safely, on time and within budget. We have a proven track record, so if you are seeking professionalism in a unique industry, then you have come to the right place.


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PHP SQL Script is useful to perform the operation of SQL queries in PHP. The PHP is a server side scripting language and open source software.
PHP SQL Script is useful to perform the operation of SQL queries in PHP. The PHP is a server side scripting language and open source software. The PHP supports many databases like MySQL, Oracle, Sysbase, Solid etc.
Understand with Example
The Tutorial illustrate an example from 'PHP SQL Script'. To make use of sql query in PHP, we create sql_script.php begins with <?php and end with ?>. The <?php enclosed variable con which is assigned to the mysql_connect ( ) function that accept the parameter like "local host", "user" and password to execute the SQL query in PHP. We create a MySQL database which consists of a table "emp_counter" with three column that is id of integer type, name of varchar type , reset_counter of datetime type. We insert a values ('1', 'sandeep', 'SYSDATE()' ) in the table. The Select statement is used to return the records details from table 'emp_counter'. Finally the print is used to print the successful insertion of values into the table 'emp_counter' database.
Table: emp_counter
Source Code of sql_script.php
<?php $mysql_db = "test"; $mysql_user = "root"; $mysql_pass = "root"; $con = mysql_connect("localhost", $mysql_user, $mysql_pass); mysql_select_db($mysql_db, $con); $drop_table = "DROP TABLE if exists emp_counter "; mysql_query($drop_table, $con); $create_query = "CREATE TABLE emp_counter (id INT NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT, name VARCHAR(250), reset_counter DATETIME, PRIMARY KEY(id))"; mysql_query($create_query, $con); print("Table Creation for <b>emp_counter</b> successful!<p>"); $insert = "INSERT into emp_counter VALUES (1, 'sandeep', SYSDATE())"; mysql_query($insert, $con); print("Inserted new counter successfully for this page"); ?>


text: Womens 711 Skinny jeans from Levis. Crafted from stretch denim, the 711 jean is cut with a mid-rise and a skinny leg, and features a button fasten with a zip fly and a classic five pocket design. Levis famous dual-arch arcuate stitching on the rear pockets and signature branded red tab on the right rear pocket are included. Complete with metal rivets and the iconic Two Horse logo on the rear leather patch, traditionally used to demonstrate the strength of the original jean. 90% Cotton, 8% Elastomultiester, 2% Elastane Model is 178cm/510 and wears a size W26/L32.Check stock and price


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2016/2017 Citigroup Community Redevelopment Grants
A 2014 settlement on mortgage-related litigation between the US Department of Justice and Citigroup provided that ten Interest on Lawyers' Trust Account programs nationwide receive funds to support foreclosure prevention legal assistance and community redevelopment. As one of the selected recipients, the MA IOLTA Committee received $1.5 million, which will be distributed by the three charities responsible for granting IOLTA funds in Massachusetts: the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, the Boston Bar Foundation, and the Massachusetts Bar Foundation.
The MA IOLTA Committee has announced that MLAC directed its share of these funds to the HomeCorps Foreclosure Legal Assistance Program. The BBF granted its funds to the Lawyers Clearinghouse for Affordable Housing and Homelessness. The MBF distributed its allocation by means of a competitive grant process in which current MBF IOLTA grant recipients were invited participate.
Grants were awarded to the following recipients:
Dismas House of Central Massachusetts
Housing Stabilization Initiative, $75,000
To increase resources available to promote housing stabilization in Worcester, which has the region's the highest rates of foreclosure and poverty, as well as the lowest rate of home-ownership. This is a multi-faceted partnership initiative with the Oak Hill CDC, Home Ownership Center, and the Worcester Green Low-Income Housing Coalition.
Greater Boston Legal Services
Stabilizing Communities Project, $120,000
To provide advocacy and representation to make it possible for some of the approximately 1,200 properties owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the Boston area to be reclaimed as permanently affordable housing by either former homeowners or nonprofits. The project will seek policy changes to eliminate the current barriers to reclamation. This is a partnership project with City Life/Vida Urbana, Coalition for Occupied Homes in Foreclosure, and the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau.
MetroWest Legal Services
MetroWest Consumer Enterprise Project, $77,700
To provide legal education and representation to small business entrepreneurs in the MetroWest region in collaboration with the South Middlesex Opportunity Council's "SMOC Financial Services Program." Areas of legal representation will include incorporation, intellectual property rights, leases, contracts, corporate governance, and financial issues.
Northeast Legal Aid
Community Redevelopment and Entrepreneurship Program, $90,000
To assist low-income people to open small businesses by providing a broad range of transaction/business law services, as well as bilingual community education programs. Funds will be used to expand the program from the two cities where it currently operates (Lynn and Lawrence) to the entire northeast region of Massachusetts.


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In 2016, EUA consulted its members on Erasmus+ and published the "EUA member consultation: A contribution to the Erasmus+ mid-term review ." The survey found that the Programme has brought a number of improvements compared to its predecessors. However, it also highlights areas for improvement, for which EUA proposes 10 recommendations for enhancing Erasmus+ in 2020 and beyond. On behalf of its members, EUA will communicate these findings through the public consultation and encourages its individual members to also take part in the survey.
The European Commission consultation also covers the Erasmus+ predecessor programmes. The deadline to participate is 31 May 2017.
Brussels office:
Avenue de l'Yser, 24
1040 Brussels
Tel: +32 (0) 2 230 55 44
EUA Secretariat
Contact Information


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AUBURN, Neb. – The buzz and hype around Auburn and the high school's football team continues to build with the Bulldogs starting the season 3-0.
Auburn, off to their best start since they won the Class C1 state title in 2006, will face their toughest challenge Friday when they travel to Fairbury to play the Jeffs (3-0). Fairbury is ranked #7 in the latest Class C1 rankings.
Auburn Head Coach Tony Janssen says the Jeffs have the ability to accomplish big things this season after building the culture of their program the last three years.
"It's nothing that I don't think our guys are nervous, I mean, there's some nerves there. It's not something that they're afraid of, nothing that they're looking down on. They're excited about it. They think this is a great opportunity for them and they're preparing like that so far this week. I'm excited to see exactly what they're able to do when we get out on the field in Fairbury."
During Auburn's three-game winning streak, their opponents (Douglas County West, Southern and Omaha Concordia) have a combined record of 2-7. Fairbury's first three opponents (David City, Syracuse and Falls City) are a combined 1-8 this season.
According to Janssen, the keys will be to establish the run and be efficient in other phases of the game. Auburn averages 322 yards rushing per game and 12 of their 14 touchdowns this season have been on the ground. Junior running back Baily Darnell leads the team in rushing with 461 yards and seven touchdowns.
The last time the Bulldogs started 3-0 was in 2006 when they finished 13-0 and defeated Valentine in the state championship game, 28-27, in two overtimes.
Auburn and Fairbury kickoff at 7 p.m. at Quinn Field. Coverage on B103 (103.1 FM, B103.fm and the B103 app) begins at 6:30 p.m.
Auburn at #7 Fairbury
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Quinn Field, Fairbury
Radio: 103.1 FM, b103.fm, B103 app and ncnsportsnow.com


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KISSIMMEE — It took some hefty cutting and fund juggling to make up for a $1.6 million mistake, but the city's 1985/86 budget is balanced once again.
However, the $355,221 in direct cuts from five city departments and the nearly $1.3 million reduction in reserve revenues isn't leaving City Manager A.B. Preston smiling.


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The discovery of a mass grave in Ivory Coast is threatening negotiations to end an escalating rebellion in the West African country. The main faction of rebels says it may pull out of peace talks.
Rebels with the Patriotic Movement of Ivory Coast, speaking at the scene of negotiations in Togo Saturday, said they may withdraw from the talks unless mediators issue a condemnation of the latest killings.
The rebels accuse forces loyal to President Laurent Gbagbo of killing the people whose bodies were found in a mass grave discovered by French soldiers near the western Ivory Coast village of Monoko-Zohi late Thursday. Local residents estimate the grave contains more than 100 bodies.
The mass grave is near the scene of heavy fighting that has pitted mercenary-backed government forces against new rebel factions that have recently emerged in western Ivory Coast.
The new factions are separate from the Patriotic Movement of Ivory Coast, whose members launched attacks in September and have been holding the north and center of the country.
The Patriotic Movement of Ivory Coast's Secretary General, Guillaume Soro, lashed out at West African mediators who are brokering the peace talks, accusing them of failing to condemn the killings.
Mr. Soro said the rebels will give mediators until Monday to react and condemn the killings. Otherwise, he said, his group cannot continue discussions with the government, which he referred to as a genocidal regime.
There was no immediate response from the regional grouping, the Economic Community of West African States, which is mediating the negotiations.
Ivory Coast's government says it had nothing to do with the killings at Monoko-Zohi, which Ivorian Defense Minister Bertin Kadet said occurred in an area that is not under the control of loyalist forces. The government has instead blamed rebels.
Mr. Kadet on Saturday announced a general mobilization, starting on Tuesday, to crush the rebellion. He said the people of Ivory Coast will use all means available to fight for President Gbagbo and his government. The Defense Minister called on all Ivorian men between the ages of 20 and 26 to report to the army.
There are conflicting reports on the identities of the bodies found at Monoko-Zohi, and no official inquiry has yet begun. French military officers who are part of a buffer force in the area, say it is not part of their mandate as peacekeepers to probe the matter.
Rebels with the Patriotic Movement of Ivory Coast on Saturday said they have petitioned the International Court of Justice to investigate.
Peace talks, which have been going on for more than a month, have shown few signs of progress.


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This drama about the iconic British prime minister tells a darkly personal story set over just a few pivotal days during the Second World War. It's skilfully written and directed, and anchored by a wonderfully layered performance by Brian Cox. But there's a nagging sense that there's nothing new to see here, mainly because this is such a well-documented and dramatised point in history.
The story takes place over the first few days of June 1944, as the Allied military leaders make final preparations for the D-Day invasion. Due to his lingering trauma over his experiences in WWI, Winston Churchill (Cox) has serious misgivings about the plan, and challenges both the American commander Eisenhower (John Slattery) and senior British officer Montgomery (Julian Wadham). He even makes an appeal to King George (James Purefoy) to intervene. The problem is that he is coming across as a cranky man stuck in the old world, unable to see how warfare has changed in the previous 30 years and reluctant to relinquish control to the next generation. His wife Clementine (Miranda Richardson) is also becoming fed up with his ranting and raving, so she sets about trying to make him see reason.
Director Jonathan Teplitzky (The Railway Man) tells this story in a style similar to The King's Speech, a more revelatory true-life drama that fictionalises backstage conversations. This is an artfully made film, beautifully shot and edited. And Alex von Tunzelmann's script digs deeply into the characters and themes. So it's a bit frustrating that it's impossible to watch the movie without knowing full well whose argument wins the day and how the events will play out. At least the actors make the most of their roles. Cox delivers an awards-worthy performance as a veteran fighter struggling to remain on the sidelines as the battle approaches, continually adding emotional weight to Churchill's towering tirades. Richardson is limited to a series of isolated scenes, but shines as she takes him on.
Continue reading: Churchill Review
It's June 1944 and the war has been waging for five long years. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill wants to end it once and for all, but the last thing he would ever do is surrender as a nation. Despite the fact that the allied forced are standing at the coast ready for the orders to invade Normandy and take back the parts of Europe that Nazi Germany has taken over, Churchill doesn't want to rush in until he's certain they have the best chance of success. Naturally, the allied military leaders General Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery are becoming frustrated with the man's fear of failure - for it is only that that stands in the way of their D-Day victory. But there's a lot more behind this stubborn and volatile human being than most people see; one who does see it is his dedicated wide Clementine who may be the only one who can save him and, in effect, save Europe.
Continue: Churchill Trailer
After the traumatic events of the First World War, many devastated people are turning to the supernatural, in particular, the ghosts of loved ones. Unfortunately, many of the grief stricken are being conned by swindlers looking to make quick money. Florence Cathcart is a woman who exposes these frauds for what they really are. Her book on the subject is a bestseller, making her well known all over the country.
Continue: The Awakening Trailer
In 4th century Alexandria, Hypatia (Weisz) is a noted philosopher who teaches at the famed library. But the world around her is changing, as Greek and Egyptian beliefs conflict with Christians and Jews. And with the Roman Empire gaining power, the Christians have the edge. As Hypatia continues to explore her far-advanced theories about the earth and the universe, she finds herself caught between two men who love her: loyal servant Davus (Minghella) and the civic leader Orestes (Isaac). And the fundamentalist Romans aren't happy with her radical thoughts.
Continue reading: Agora Review
Set in Alexandria in 391 A.D. Agora tells the story of the astronomer-philosopher Hypatia. Knowing her city's in dire turmoil and about to fall to new christian rule, the only safe haven was in the cities legendary library which was housed inside it's own walls.
Continue: Agora Trailer
James (Rhys Meyers) is assistant to the American Ambassador to France (Durden) and is hoping to get involved in intelligence work. James' big break interrupts a romantic evening with his fiancee (Smutniak) as he's assigned to team up with notorious agent Charlie Wax (Travolta). The next 24 hours is a blur of bullets, bombs, cocaine, hookers and terrorists, while James just tries to keep up with Charlie's trail of carnage. And eventually he begins to see a method to Charlie's madness.
Continue reading: From Paris With Love Review
Richard Durden - Richard Durden and Guest New York City, USA - 'From Paris With Love' premiere held at the Ziegfeld Theatre - Arrivals Thursday 28th January 2010
They'll hit the UK and Ireland this November.
Slaves hold open auditions for a new drummer in the star-studded and ultimately heart-warming video for their new single 'Chokehold'.
Sometimes it takes more than 12 months to put together a fantastic season of one of the world's leading TV shows.
Orbital brought their spectacular show to the East Kent coast at the weekend to the delight of a variety of ravers.
This drama about the iconic British prime minister tells a darkly personal story set over...
After the traumatic events of the First World War, many devastated people are turning to...
Ambitious in scope, this film feels over-serious and oddly cold. Fans of historical dramas may...
Set in Alexandria in 391 A.D. Agora tells the story of the astronomer-philosopher Hypatia. Knowing...
From the gun-happy guys who brought us Taken, here's another slice of misogynistic, xenophobic mayhem...


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A trend that has been developing in Europe and is just beginning here in the US, is 20 mph streets. Typically, 25 MPH is the default minimum – often reserved for residential roads, but based largely on the design speed that the roadway was designed for. Somerset, MD, a small lovely residential hamlet in Montgomery County, has made a policy decision to reduce the speed limit for the entire town to 20 MPH.
This decision was not an engineering one (which typically deals with only the safety of drivers that are already pretty safe wrapped up in a 3000 lb steel box). Rather, it was a decision based on planning for slower roads and roads that are safer for all users (children, joggers, cyclists, etc.).
Some of the the positives and negatives of a slower Main Street are:
· Slower speeds making walking more comfortable for pedestrians.
· Slower speeds are better for bikers (speed differential between cars and bike is a main factor in bicycling level of comfort and broadening its appeal to more users.
· A pedestrian getting hit at 25 mph has 4-fold higher likelihood of dyeing than at 20 mph.
· Slower drivers are more apt to see the types of businesses that line Main Street.
· There is simply no engineering reason to allow/encourage 25mph speeds on Main Street, but there are certainly economic and safety reasons for lowering the speed limit.
· A driver will need an extra 23 seconds to travel the main retail stretch from MD 216 to US 1.
That's it. On the surface, relying on planning and policy, rather than what a roadway could handle, sure seems to be a better way for towns to assign speed limits.


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Been a while since I've done one of those and yet, it's a series I very often think about continuing. Well, there I was, looking for something entirely different, when I stumbled across one of those oddities I couldn't ignore ... So here's a little one about another Rules Cyclopedia Oddity!
I don't need to tell you all that the RC is huge, at times confusing huge, even. It's easy enough to navigate most of the time, but structure had never been it's greatest strength. So it's not that surprising to find some missing links between, say, monster entries and encounter tables (like rolling up a monster with one to find out there isn't an entry for it in another or at least not in the index). Stuff like that happens and given the nature of the project (coming around after the release of AD&D 1e and all that) it's a little miracle that it turned out as good as it actually did.
|D&D Rules Cyclopedia, p. 155
Reflecting now about this, I think it's exactly those short comings that make it such a pleasure to read and re-read. It's those little oddities that make you stop and think about its contents and a good example for such a thing is this here entry on the right. It can be found in chapter 14: Monsters and is the last thing before they start with the monster entries.
The funny thing is that it's not a mistake. One would think that those tables belong into Chapter 7: Encounters (my first thought, at least), but no, those tables belong to the passage right before that, titled Humanoid (Giant Humanoid, Demihuman, Human) which closes with how complex human NPC characters are and what a DM can do about it (hence the tables as inspiration).
There is so much wrong with it that it's worth mentioning as an oddity. For one, it assumes that most (or even all!) human NPCs the characters encounter are one class or another. It's contrary to almost every other encounter entry in the book.
Or is it? One could argue that even a pirate or an alchemist could have some of the basic classes, right? The rest is tapestry ... Anyway, Human is not a Monster but a Monster Type. To make things even more suspicious, there are Monsters like the Headsman/Thug (RC, p. 184) which work like classes of their own right!*
I'll also mention the rather dubious alignment spread on that table: not one third each alignment, as one would expect, but in favor of lawful alignments! That's worth a debate I'm not ready for quite yet. The implications for a gaming world are .. interesting, to say the least. Let's not go into the missing random determination of the NPCs level.
That's just a cruel way to let a DM hanging in mid-air ...
So it's at least debatable if that first table has a right a exist as it does before one even could discuss if it belongs where it is in the book ... Which is a non-issue (in my opinion), since this really belongs into Chapter 7 with all the other Encounter Tables, Monster Reaction Tables and so on.
Same goes for the other table below that. The question is not only why it is there, but why the f*ck does it even exist, right? I mean, as far as I'm aware it's the only time in the whole book where things get as specific and finale as they do here: 8 (!) reasons for NPCs to appear. That's not much, but easy enough expanded on. It's not even the problem. There are some nice ideas here. Nothing special, but a nice table to have handy nonetheless ...
And yet, it is strange. There's not even a sample dungeon in there (or the tables to build one, for that matter**). But here they go, giving you an incomplete list of specific ideas what that strangely disconnected NPC might do wherever he is encountered. And for those wondering, gender is a non-issue here, too, at least in those tables it is. It's all a bit lacking, really.
So that's my little post about another oddity I found in the Rules Cyclopedia. You are, as always, welcome to discuss it and share your observations and ideas in the comments below (or on g+).
The other oddities can be found here.
* You can count on a future post about that oddity. Just sayin' ...
** Also worth a future post, now that I think about it.


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2015 Christmas Gift Guide with Chloe & Rach in Santa Suits!
ChloeMorelloPublished: July 21, 20162 views
Published: July 21, 2016
Hope you like all these gift ideas for 2015 Christmas! Please SUBSCRIBE to my channel to be notified of my new videos!
Check out Rachaels video here hahaha her intro and ending is hilarious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrIRt2o3vhM
Sportsgirl Floating Flamingo Coasters
Charlotte Tilbury The Gif


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Welcome to Aviation Strategy — the boutique Aviation Consultancy and Publisher.
Our focus is on all aspects of commercial aviation. Our clients include LCCs, Regional, Charter and Network airlines, private equity houses, government and regulatory bodies, airports, banks, leasing companies and manufacturers. Based in London, our clients are global — in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Americas. When required, Aviation Strategy forms teams of established experts to address particular issues. To find out more about Aviation Strategy please call +44 (0) 207 490 4453, or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Services Offered
The principals and associates of Aviation Strategy have extensive experience in analysing, commenting, reporting and forecasting on all commercial aspects of the aviation industry.
- Business Planning and Due Diligence
- IPOs, Privatisation and State Aid
- Operating & Financial Models
- Market Analyses
- Governments
- Expert Witness
- Airport Forecasting
- Slot Valuation & Trading
The specialist newsletter Aviation Strategy is published ten times a year (Jan/Feb and Jul/Aug are combined issues). Our editorial policy is to analyse contemporary aviation issues and airline strategies in a clear, original and objective manner. Aviation Strategy does not shy away from critical analysis, and takes a global perspective, with balanced coverage of the European, American and Asian markets.
The newsletter is available under a personal digital subscription (special offers are available for multiple subscriptions, intra-net distribution and academic study) and is emailed on publication. A subscription also provides online access to over 20 years of archives.


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Learn from practising editors and writers how to plan, develop and publish your own magazine. Create your own self-published interest or community magazine or design and post your own e-zine. Whether free, paid or subscription, learn from professionals how to acquire advertising and how best to market your magazine to your target audience.
How to Start your own Magazine (How To Course)


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Over 200 delegates from major British employers attending yesterday's Stonewall Workplace Conference in Manchester heard from inspirational speakers including Coronation Street actor Charlie Condou and Leicestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Steph Morgan. ITV, the British Army, Accenture, the Co-operative and Ernst & Young were among the employers sharing best practice at the Conference, which was supported by Barclays.
During his speech about being a gay man working in the media, Charlie Condou said: 'If I'd seen gay role models back in my teens, those years would have been very different. Thank god gay teens today can see dozens of different pictures of gay adulthood, letting them know they can be whoever they want to be – just like their straight friends. It's not perfect, but we're getting there.'
During a heartfelt speech about the importance of being a role model, Assistant Chief Constable Steph Morgan said: 'You can't be a leader if you can't be yourself. I had a team, and I couldn't tell you who was married or much about their lives – I never asked those questions because I didn't want those questions back. I realised I had to come out, and to show an interest in others if I wanted to lead them.'
Stonewall Head of Workplace Simon Feeke said: 'People perform better when they can be themselves, and it's no coincidence that employers who recognise this perform far better than those who don't. It's fantastic to see so many great employers taking equality so seriously, and treating it as a major factor in their success.'
Stonewall's next Workplace Conference is in Cardiff on 8 October. Booking is open online
Photo : Charlie Condou addressing the Stonewall Workplace Conference in Manchester.


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Olympic Track and Field 2012: Olga Rypakova Wins Gold in Triple JumpAugust 5, 2012
In a replay of the 2011 IAAF World Championships, Olha Saladuha of Ukraine, Olga Rypakova of Kazakhstan and Caterine Ibarguen of Colombia reached the medal podium.
This time, however, world champion Saladuha slipped to third, as Rypakova claimed Olympic gold with a best jump of 14.98 meters, and Ibarguen took silver at 14.80 meters.
Through the first three rounds, Rypakova led the field with her third-round jump of 14.98 meters. Ibarguen was second at 14.67 meters, and Hanna Knyazyeva of Ukraine was third at 14.56 meters. The top eight competitors were allowed to continue in the second half of the competition.
None of the fourth- or fifth-round jumps bested the three top scores posted by Rypakova, Ibarguen and Knyazyeva in the first half of the event, leaving the three in position to medal into the final round.
Rypakova's fifth-round jump of 14.89 was the second-best of the event, but was below her third-round score.
Saladuha moved into silver medal position with her final jump, a leap of 14.79 meters, pushing Knyazyeva off the medal podium. Ibarguen bested Saladuha by .01 meters in her final jump, slipping back into silver medal position. Rypakova had the gold locked up before her final jump, but took a 14.40-meter leap for good measure.
Crowd favorite Yamile Aldama of Great Britain finished in fifth place, with her best jump of 14.48 meters coming in her final jump.
The triple jump has been a staple of the Olympics since the first modern Olympiad in Athens in 1896, and a version of the event extends back to the Ancient Greek Olympics. Women did not compete in the event until the 1996 Olympics, and Eastern European competitors dominated the sport early, with athletes from Ukraine, Russia and the Czech Republic earning medals in Atlanta.
Francoise Mbango Etone of Cameroon and Hrysopiyi Devetzi of Greece ended Eastern Europe's control of the medal stand at the 2004 Olympics with their gold and silver medal jumps. Since then, the event's elite competitors have tended to hail from Eastern Europe and the Caribbean.


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The Speight's Ale House - Tower Junction, Christchurch
Please Note:
Jan 26, 2018 - We have now re-opened after our renovations!
Our Website is currently being updated and a new site will be online ASAP.
The Speight's Ale House Tower Junction opened for business in December 2005. Owners Bill and Cath Haig hail originally from Dunedin and have been in the hospitality business for over 30 years. The indoor/outdoor fit out provides Tower Junction patrons with plenty of options , especially during summer.
In 2006 Speight's Ale House Tower Junction entered the HANZ Hospitality Awards and won the overall prize as The Best Bar/Restaurant in New Zealand. Speight's Ale House Tower Junction was awarded the Christchurch Entertainment ™ Gold Award in 2008/09 in the Casual Dining section voted anonymously by customers.
The Speight's Ale House Tower Junction has all of the superb Speight's family of tap ales available. Our menu features Ale House classics like seafood chowder, blue cod, lamb shanks, steak, venison as well as vegetarian options.
All meals are expertly matched to one of our fine tap ales, although an extensive range of wines, spirits, coffees and non-alcoholic drinks are also available. The Speight's Ale House also offers set menu options for groups, including package deals which can include a tour of the brewery. If you are looking for the perfect gift, meal vouchers are available on request at the bar.
The Speight's Ale House is a superb venue for a group outing whether it is for a meal, drinks and nibbles in the bar or to enjoy the game on our big screen. Our venue, located close by to the Westpac Trust Centre and Addington Raceway caters for both locals and visitors to Christchurch


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mp3 of the Week: Pinback – Good to Sea
The mp3 for this week has been on my list for quite sometime now. Pinback's 2007 release Good to Sea, off of Autumn of the Seraphs has recently started gaining ground in the blogosphere. An old school indie mainstay, Pinback is once again relevant in today's indie scene. Their electro backdrops and chill wave harmonies fit in perfectly with what everyone seems to be craving these days. Which raises the question, how far ahead of the curve were these guys? Food for thought…enjoy.
Listen: Pinback – Good to Sea
[Bonus] New Track: Pinback – Penelope
Posted on August 17, 2011, in mp3 weekly, Music and tagged Good to Sea, mp3, Penelope, Pinback. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.


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This recipe was inspired by one that came from King Arthur's website.
Let me just say that it was a HUGE hit with the kids. I have never seen them eat that much zucchini in one sitting :)
We will definitely be making this one again!
3 medium sized (or 6 small) zucchini
1 large egg or egg substitute
1 cup of bread crumbs
Cut the zucchini into thin "wedges".
Here's the genius that I learned from their website...drain the zucchini!!! Crazy right, but it made a huge difference.
All you do is sprinkle about 1 TBS of salt on the zucchini and let them sit for about an hour. I laid them on the paper towel to help absorb some of the liquid. This is so great because the finish product is much less mushy.
While they are "draining" you can begin the sweet onion dip (below).
Preheat the oven to 425.
When the zucchini is ready, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Bread the zucchini by dipping them into the egg and then into the bread crumbs. One hint is to keep "one hand wet (eggs) and one hand dry (crumbs)". This goes faster when you have a little helper :)
Sweet "Bloomin Onion" Sauce
1 sweet onion, sliced
1 TBS olive oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
2 TBS BBQ sauce
1/2 cup Vegenaise
Carmelize the onion by heating the olive oil in a large pan and cooking the onions over medium-low heat, stirring occassionally. Be careful not to burn them. This will probably take about 20 minutes.
When the onions are carmelized, transfer them into a food processor with the vinegar, honey, and mustard.
Process until smooth.
Put the mixture into a bowl and then stir in the mayonnaise and the BBQ sauce. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.


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So when I went to dinner and couldn't order wine I was aware of how that made me feel. When I went to the bar and got hit on by drunk strangers, asking me if they could buy me a drink, I paid attention to their reaction when I said "no, I'm not drinking". When I didn't drink Friday night at one of the biggest parties of the year, I took note of how people treated me.
It was an interesting little experiment and it started off with genuine curiosity. I was interested in asking why: why people enjoy drinking, why people feel more comfortable with a drink in their hand, why people abuse alcohol and why the drinking culture is the way it is. But somewhere in the middle of the week I crossed a very thin line and I found myself judging other people, which was the opposite of what I wanted to accomplish this week.
It's much easier to evaluate others than to take the time to evaluate yourself. It's almost like a defense mechanism: to deflect the attention away from you and your own actions and put that attention on someone else. It's also a low level to stoop to in order to make you feel better. I could have wasted a whole week analyzing the actions and behaviors of others when the more constructive thing to do would be to analyze my own actions and behaviors.
Which reminded me of this friend I have, she is often the life of the party. She is loud and cute and fun and she can out-drink most of her guy friends. In the past few years that I've known her, I've noticed every once in a while she'll go a few weeks without drinking at parties and I never got around to asking her why. When we were talking about my challenge this week she mentioned her occasional patterns of sobriety. She said that when things start to get out of control, she'll take a break from drinking for awhile to prove to herself that she can do it, to prove to herself that she doesn't need to drink to have fun.
I admire my friend because she's intentional about keeping herself in check. This week was about being intentional about asking the tough questions and evaluating my own actions.
So here's what I learned: I learned that I can close a party down without drinking. I learned that I assume the worst will occur when I go into a situation I'm uncomfortable with and I also learned that it's never as bad as I image it will be. I learned that it is, in fact, possible to have a great conversation at the bar as well as have a great time on the dance floor sober. I learned that my expectations determine my attitude and behaviors more than anything else. I learned that people, specifically the people at the Halloween party Friday night, are better people than I gave them credit for, not once did I feel pressure from others to drink (so thank you). But most importantly, I learned that while it's important to be aware, it's so much more important to be self-aware.
I encourage you to ask the hard questions, to evaluate your behaviors and to be intentional about reflecting on your own actions.


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As I open my eyes, I stretch out my toes and take a deep breath in. I lightly kiss Seth on the cheek as I pull off my covers. I slip on some comfortable clothes and quietly head out the door. I find a canyon to hike to the top of and bring my yoga mat for an early morning sunrise stretch. I would take a moment to close my eyes, relax and feel the warm rays tickle my skin. The air would be crisp and clean, I would hear nothing but the trees and grass rustling softly with the breeze.
I'd make my way back home to pick up, fold laundry, and get clean and ready for the day. I would make breakfast for Seth and I as we discussed politics, music and finalizing our trip out of the country coming up. After sending him off, I'd brew myself a cup of coffee and get to work. I'd catch up on e-mails, brainstorm concepts, work on my upcoming book and post to my blog. I imagine myself in a beautiful room surrounded by bookcases full of my favorite novels. A space all my own that's filled with art, photos, music, literature and memorabilia.
After a few hours, I'd stretch my legs and go for a bike ride to my favorite park. I'd pack a lunch and my hammock and a good book to read. The sky would be that infinitely gorgeous blue color with only whispers of clouds. The leaves would softly blow in the breeze. I'd spend my time reading for a few hours, close my eyes and listen to sounds, or maybe take a quick cat nap. I'd head back home to meet up with Seth to go out to dinner. We love to go out to a movie, concert, open mic night or a show together. I would end the night with a quick rinse off shower, dress in comfy clothes and make a cup of tea to unwind with. I'd cuddle up close to Seth and we would fall asleep watching our favorite T.V. shows.
That to me, that sounds like a perfect day.
Thanks For Reading,
Love Nick


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How many of us armchair QBs would have loved to have had the talent to play college football? Imagine my surprise to watch a FISCHER excel at high school football, be wooed by colleges, and then listen to the juicy stories that accompany the recruiting process?
In this case it was my brother's (Stephen) son Travis, or TJ as we call him, who emerged as a 6'3″ 190 lb. wide receiver who had soft hands and a vicious blow while blocking downfield. Yet after a year of play—he has stepped away from college football (while healthy) to compete instead in car racing on the circuit? Football is in my blood, as well as my brother's, so what, my feathered friends, would compel a young man to spurn the sport that we seemingly live for?
Extreme Athleticism
The goal of so many of these young men is to win races, move up though the amazing number of levels of car categories, and to eventually have the honor of climbing into an Indy car for the highest level of racing. TJ has been chosen to be a part of the newly formed Jeff Andretti Motorsports and sister company JAM Marketing Partners (founded by Jeff Andretti, son of famed racing legend Mario Andretti), and is considered to be a star on the rise. Like any football fan would ask—what skill set makes racing so difficult?
Stephen recently detailed the process that TJ goes through in making the first turn going into the Chicane at Portland International Raceway, where I recently watched him win again. I simply could not believe what I was hearing, thus, like my football analysis—I was learning right along with you readers!
TJ has to use his left foot on the brake to nail the exact braking point on the turn, but he must apply 650 lbs of pressure, with a window of only 50 lbs either way, or he blows the turn. At the same time he must use his right foot to blip the throttle to accommodate shifting gears, which is being done by the right hand going from fifth gear to first gear. The car is being steered by his left hand, thus, all four hands and feet are working simultaneously inside fractions of seconds. For a guy like me who has to keep an eye out for any elevated lip on a sidewalk, lest I stumble—the above scenario seems near impossible.
While all arms and legs are in a timed coordinated motion, TJ must be running only two to six inches from the wall at 140 mph at the beginning of the turn, and he must keep the car clear of other cars, otherwise they touch and spin out. Yet he is also overtaking others (it's a RACE!) and trying to pass them in the corner? Holy Crap.
Stephen explained, "the driver must keep his eyes on the NEXT corner's apex while all this is happening. He has to watch several steps ahead of where he is currently because of the speeds he is driving. It is too fast to react to where he is currently!" So with all that is described, he can't use his eyes to help arms and legs on the current corner? Wow.
Then they go into computerized video analysis after the race where TJ will get instructions from the racing team to brake 20 lbs. lighter into turn 5 (of 12 turns) and hit that pressure 10 feet sooner! Do all of the aforementioned complications in making a high speed turn AND make adjustments for next qualifying trial or race? How do you hit that small a patch at 140 mph? Stephen noted that those who can are rare, and thus become part of that small nucleus of exceptional drivers. Those who cannot do all the athletic feats described above AND adjust to instructions to changing conditions? They do not move up the racing ladder.
More Skills Required
Beyond the extreme athleticism required, is an intelligence that can compute the rapidly changing environment around him and yet remain cool under such pressure. TJ was a smart 4.0 student in high school, and was known to be less of a "rah-rah" guy and more of a quietly focused athlete, which is the precise combination needed for racing.
During the race in Portland, I was sitting next to the parent of another driver who was very kind and gracious in explaining what was unfolding in front of me. All around me were family members of different drivers watching a cell phone app that detailed lap times, who was leading and by how much. TJ had a 1.7 second lead at one point—is that good? "It is when you only have 20% of the race to go," I was told. You build a lead by a few tenths of a second at a time by making that turn described above just a little better than the other drivers, and bit-by-bit it builds up to the 1.7-second edge. This lead becomes almost insurmountable for opposing drivers trying to make up all those microseconds of advantage late in the race.
Andretti Comments on TJ…
Jeff Andretti explained to me after the race that TJ was actually beaten in some laps as we looked at the times, but the other drivers had lap times that varied wildly. "TJ has won 14 of 15 races (like today) because he is so consistent in all his driving motions and we are very pleased with his progress. The runner-up today was a great driver as well, but not as steady as TJ. TJ beat a national champion recently in Sonoma because of his craftiness in his racing plan."
I reflected upon that for a moment and remember my younger brother being a State Champion Soccer Coach at Lakeridge High School in Oregon. The talent and the game savvy ARE there in the Fischer gene pool! Obviously, I am a very proud uncle and brother.
In short, very few young men have the unique athletic and mental temperament to survive, and to flourish, in this punishing sport. THIS is why he chose racing over football, as he has already won one racing series title this year and is expecting to win several more, thus his movement next year up to the Pro Mazda Championship presented by Cooper Tires. This means a bigger, faster car and is only two levels below Indy cars when his season begins in the new year. He will be stepping into the professional ranks and he will not know many of his competitors, as they will come from not only the U.S., but also Europe, Asia, Central and South America to see who can prevail and move to the next levels.
Can a FishDuck fly? No, but my nephew can! His career will be fun to keep an eye on, and on occasion I will let the extended FishDuck family of readers know of his progress. Of course, he is always looking for additional sponsorship help, and I would encourage people to support this wonderful young man pursuing a vision that THIS Fischer can only dream about. I support his decision (while still attending college) and will enjoy hearing the stories from his father about his racing experiences to pass along to all of you. I hope you had as an eye-opening learning experience as I did with this, and I thank the Andretti racing team for sharing the inside info of this brutal sport.
While TJ is not a Duck, (yet!) and it is not football…"oh how we love to learn a little about racing!"
Charles Fischer (FishDuck)
To follow TJ racing action;
@travisjfischer; twitter and instagram
Facebook; www.facebook.com/tjfischerracing12
For marketing partnership inquires contact Erik Michael Lech at JAM Marketing Partners 602-405-0757 jammarketingpartners.com or firstname.lastname@example.com
*If you would like to join the other 80+ volunteers at FishDuck.com, and have five hours a week to donate… we have slots open for volunteer Editors, Writers, Analysts, Photo Archivists and Social Media Associates. Can you help us manage people? Consider our volunteer Sales Manager and HR Manager positions and give some time each week to help young associates learn! E-mail us at charles@fishduck.
*Don't miss our football analysis every Tuesday, our Recruiting Update every Wednesday and our new Chip Kelly updates every Friday!
The pictures you see of the Ducks on FishDuck.com come from professional photographers that must be paid! Please donate through one click so we have pictures from all the games this fall to use through the year. All previous donations helped to pay our big Web Developing bills recently, and I do appreciate it.
Our staff and the photographers who have thousands of dollars invested into their equipment to provide the high quality pictures do sincerely thank you. Charles Fischer


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Miley Cyrus: L.O.L. Wrap Party in Paris
With an umbrella over her head, Miley Cyrus heads back to her waiting car after celebrating the wrap of her new film, L.O.L. in Paris on Tuesday night (September 7).
The 17-year-old actress was joined by leading man Douglas Booth. Miley even stopped to take a picture with some fans before leaving.
It was just announced yesterday that Miley will be starring in So Undercover, a new film from Tom Vaughan.
Posted to: Miley Cyrus


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There are a great deal of ranges of kayaks that you can think about before entering into kayaking. Kayaks will usually be classified as leisure kayaks, fishing kayaks, surf play kayaks or kayaks on trip. Ahead of choosing whatever kayak you think of, you must firstly figure out the mode where it is going to be used. But above all, your health and wellbeing and ease while using the kayak must be of very first and utmost significance.
What you need to also know is that there are numerous kinds of products used for making kayaks. It is apparent that the kind of product used in making the kayak will also identify the ease and security in using the kayak. Once you have actually decided to spend for a kayak or other devices connecting to it, you need to first off get some lessons or perhaps a handbook that teaches you on ways to use it. Bear in mind that you are not only searching a chance to best your abilities in using these devices, but you are similarly making certain that your security is supreme. Keep in mind of the list below kinds of kayaks:
Fishing Kayaks
This kind of kayak is very stylish. Throughout the years, kayakers have actually preferred this kind of kayak when thinking about fishing leisure activities. This kind of kayak is very practical in getting to locations where other regular kayak will not get to. The fishing kayak is also of 2 classifications.
The very first type will include that which the kayaker typically rests on leading and the second will consist of the kind of kayak where the sitting position remains in a cockpit. Whatever design you mean to use, you ought to make sure that you have actually investigated on the benefits and disadvantages of each ahead of making your choice.
The kayak with a cockpit is repeatedly used than that with a sit-on position. But this cockpit kayak will in addition need you to use a skirt practically the cockpit so that water need to not enter into the cockpit. But if the cockpit is filled with water, this can only be drained pipes by hand. Bear in mind that the fishing kayak can be used for any kind of kayaking. Some will even consist of a place where you can protect your catch.
If you need to put ease of use when choosing which kind of kayak to use, the sit-on-top kayak ought to be more suitable. Remember that the sitting position means that it can be very hassle-free for you to move your legs about as well as to reach the shallow waters and fish. Bear in mind that if you are kayaking in warm waters, it will be easier to remain of the kayak. Some kayakers will also find it simple to adjust an unwinded seat on this kind of kayak. This kind of kayak must also be more effective if you will be investing longer hours in water.
Leisure Kayaks or Kayaks Used For Tour
Such kayaks are truly excellent for the newbie. Keep in mind that such kayaks have actually been produced with the idea of leisure in mind and have actually been customized to meet the needs of every weather. A great deal of such kayaks have extra baggage compartments that can endure the kayaker for practically 2 days. Leisure kayaks are much like kayaks implied for visiting. But leisure kayaks are most likely to be used on calm waters.
Something about kayaks suggested for touring is that they are more powerful than leisure kayaks and they have a storage compartment which can use up a couple of day's products. This kind of kayak is normally more powerful than leisure kayaks. If you would like to know the quality of kayak devices, the very best way is to evaluate the devices. This can be performed in person or you can get to the waters with a skilled kayaker.


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British singer Sting has become a first-time grandfather, according to a U.K. report.
The Police star's son, Joe Sumner, from his marriage to actress Frances Tomelty, is reportedly celebrating the birth of his first baby just two months after secretly marrying his girlfriend, Kate Finnerty.
Britain's Sunday Telegraph reports Sumner, who sings in rock group Fiction Plane, wed Finnerty in Big Sur, California and they have now become parents.
It is not known if Sting or Tomelty attended the nuptials.


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The City took fright after the car and bicycle retailer said the start of the year had been "very disappointing so far", and the shares fell nearly 15pc to 237p, a three-year low.
Mr Wild said; "I don't understand. We said the start of the year had been disappointing, none of the analysts downgraded us by more than 1pc or 2pc, and the shares have just fallen through the floor."
He said the slip had been entirely from its cycling ranges, which had been hit by the wet weather. "We feel optimistic that it is just a blip and not a structural problem and we are moving forward."
Matthew McEachran, an analyst at Singer, said: "It just looks terribly weak. The shares have got clobbered, but I think its probably justified."
Mr Wild said that the Olympics, where the British cycling team are expected to win a clutch of medals, would prove that the interest in the sport had never been stronger, and the recent fall in sales was entirely weather-related.
The company was reporting a set of profits which, though down, were better than expected.
Pre-tax profits fell from £118m to £94.1m on sales down 1pc to £863m.
Re-launched ranges helped Halfords' cycling sales increase by around 10pc in the last financial year as it targeted more of the £1.4 billion a year market.
However, it has come under pressure from the supermarkets and online retailers, which have started to sell ever cheaper bikes to take advantage of the interest in cycling.
Neil Saunders, who runs the Conlumino retail consultancy, said: "The cycle market has traditionally been one of strong growth and should also benefit from increased interest during the Olympics. However, the heady days of sales uplifts are over and the market is now more competitive than it has been for some time."


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Not the Turgenev but the novel by J.L. Carr: a mere 81 pages (of close text) and a gem.
Tom Birkin is a restorer of wall paintings and in the summer of 1920 arrives in Oxgodby, a small village in the north of England, to uncover a long hidden painting from the Middle Ages that is revealed as a masterpiece. Birkin is a survivor of the Western Front and carries with him the scars, made visible in a violent nervous tic that ripples across his face and a stammer. He is disappointed in love, a wife who has come and gone, come and gone again. Hard up, he lives in the church's belfry, much to the disapproval of the vicar, who like Birkin is a southerner and who has not been taken into the hearts of his parishioners, unlike Birkin himself.
The novel traces Birkin's slow restoration to the possibility of life, and a moment in time which seized will be an oasis of fine memory, even if future life disappoints (as the narrative suggests it will). It tells of the relationships he slowly forms: with Moon (another survivor, an archaeologist searching ostensibly for a tomb), the family of the stationmaster and Methodist lay preacher, and the Vicar's beautiful, life enhancing wife, with whom he declines the opportunity of an affair.
All the while the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the painting's uncovering (a Judgement over the chancel arch) and another kind of oasis, an offering from the past that both compels, and yet will one day slide into a feature, amongst other features, of an out of the way church.
As always when this subject arises, I am reminded of my own grandfathers (whom I never knew) but both of whom served on the Western Front and both of whom suffered from what would now be called post traumatic stress disorder (and was then simply shell shock or, worse, malingering) and which helped shape their lives and those of their children. One often retreated into the need for silence out of work and the other retreated to his allotment where his penchant for growing root vegetables, alienated my father from them for life! I often wondered how you might trace the effects generationally: trace histories of the continuance of the realities of war - the dislocations of the fathers inherited by their children.
It is a beautiful book with a wry humour and a vivid sense of the transience of happiness that you can only ever catch on the wing as it flies (to quote Blake) and though it offers no vision of final redemption, it does offer the minute particulars of goodness.
A Month in the Country was made into a faithful and fine film adaptation with Colin Firth as Birkin and Kenneth Branagh as Moon.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A Month in the Country
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Current Issues
Friday, October 27, 2017
Gov. signs bill preventing local food taxes
MGCOA is thrilled to share that Gov. Snyder signed HB 4999, the food tax preemption bill into law on Thursday, as Public Act 135 of 2017. The bill has immediate effect and prevents any local excise taxes or fees on the manufacture, distribution, or sale of food and beverages. Local units of government will not be able to follow in Cook County (Chicago) or Philadelphia's footsteps and enact a local tax or fee on food or beverages, whether for immediate or non-immediate consumption. The legislation also ensures pet food and food for animals also remains local tax-free. The legislation is a big win for retailers who faced both implementation challenges and loss of revenue/foot traffic in other states where a local tax was added to food items. Next step: None. | MGCOA Position: Support.
What are some of the gvernment affairs issues we have been involved in the last few month? Click here
Federal Judge Issue Injunction of FLSA Overtime Rule
Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas has issued an injunction that delays the implementation of the DOL's overtime rule. The judge ruled the Department of Justice overstepped their authority by raising salary cap below which all workers must receive overtime pay from $455 a week to $921 a week or $47,892 a year.
This was the key argument presented by the 21 states which joined the business groups, led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce asking the court to consider a motion to issue a preliminary injunction that would halt the new regulation. Read More
Texas Judge issues Nationwide Injunction Against Obama's Overtime Rule
10/10 Come hear the Macinac Center for Public Policy at our MI Golf Business Confernece and Vendor Fair November 28-30, 2016 at the Soaring Eagle Resort in Mt. Pleasant, MI.
9/29 Update on Wahlberg Legislation
Representative Walberg's bill H.R. 6094 was voted on in the house last night at 10pm. It was passed on a vote of 246-177.
H.R. 6094 — "To provide for a 6-month delay in the effective date of a rule of the Department of Labor relating to income thresholds for determining overtime pay for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees."
The bill now moves to the Senate where Sen. James Lankford (R-OKLA) Introduced "The Regulatory Relief for Small Business, Schools and Nonprofits Act".
The President has threatened to veto the legislation should it reach his desk.
Rep Schrader's bill has not been considered.
Will update as the bill moves through the Senate.
9/27 WAHLBERG LEGISLATION--Click below
We can use all the help we can get. Please support Rep. Walberg's legislation
Did you know that as a MGCOA Member we have paid for your membership in the Small Business Association of Michigan? There is a SBAM advocacy section that you can click here for more information on current issues
February 22, 2016
Read about Music Licensing from NGCOA.


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Mackie v Dunfermline
4 March 2012
A sleety Sunday afternoon saw a match-rusty Mackie under 15s side meet Dunfermline.
The Dunfermline side were first to kick. Despite a spirited defence by the Mackie players, pressure from the opposition eventually tied Macke up close to the try line and Dunfermline spun the ball out wide to score and then convert. 7-0
The Mackie side start was followed by some evenly matched skirmishes, but Dunfermline broke through to score a try off a dominant scrum close to the try line, and then convert. 14-0
Refusing to let their heads drop, Mackie continued to withstand opposition pressure with good defensive play. Some great passing moves from the Mackie backs got the ball over the try line (Euan Kirkwood), but sadly it was held up. From the resulting 5m scrum, the ball was taken forward by the scrum half (Ronan Leitch) but he was pushed into touch by Dunfermline.
From the line out, the Mackie forwards made a powerful surge, but again could not quite reach the try line.
Great forward pressure by Mackle in the scrum gave them possession and the ball was spun wide, and then back towards the centre by the backs for a try (Daniel Elphinstone). 14-5
Boosted by this, the Mackie backs took the ball forward again. Following a penalty for the opposition, Mackie passed the ball out to the wing and scored a try in the corner (Kyle Mair). 14-10
With only 4 points in it, the game was now alive. Return pressure from Dunfermline was thwarted by a Mackie tackle pushing them into touch.
Half Time
The second half saw Mackie take the first kick. From a lineout on the Mackie 22, a great individual effort by the Dunfermline Centre resulted in them scoring a try right under the posts, but they did not manage to convert. 21-10
In response, a big effort by the Mackie side took them close to the try line, but the ball was turned over in a tackle and kicked into touch by Dunfermline. Mackie took the ball on their lineout and won a penalty close to the try line. Again they got close to the try line, but a forward pass turned the advantage to Dunfermline. Excellent pressure by the Mackie forwards resulted them overpowering the Dunfermline scrum and when the ball came out it was taken over the line by the Mackie scrum half (Ronan Leitch) in a great opportunistic move. 21-15
Mackie put up a spirited defence to the responding Dunfermline attack on their lineout by pushing the ball, and the Dunfermline player, into touch. A subsequent attack by Dunfermline resulted in a penalty to Mackie, whose kick did not find touch, but they were saved by a knock on by the opposition.
Great attacking play from both sides continued until there was a Dunfermline turnover, followed by a concerted effort from the Dunfermline backs who broke through Mackie defences resulting in a converted try. 26-15
With both teams starting to fade, Dunfermline took advantage of a penalty to score again, and then finished off the game with a sixth try. 36-15
A very physical game with exciting and high quality rugby from both teams, with the final score line not reflecting the effort and commitment of a Mackie side who dominated in the scrum for much of the game, and whose backs had moments of brilliance.


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Scottish real bride Jill is romantically chic in Sophia Tolli wedding dress style Y11322, Lavinia. The lace and illusion bateau neckline of this bridal gown perfectly balances out the sweetheart bodice and cinching satin waistband with crystal brooch. The mermaid wedding dress by Sophia Tolli also features an eye-catching keyhole back with a traditional corset.
The Real Sophia Tolli Bride adds, "[My] Sophia Tolli dress was from June Brides in Glasgow. Carol is very experienced and gave herself the challenge of finding me the 'one' and she did! The second dress I put on was perfect and I bought! It was nothing I had ever looked at before; it was made from lace with lots of detail giving it a gorgeous sparkle. Everyone cried when they saw me in it! I thought I was going for a modern, bustier type dress with a big trail. Instead I ended up with a modern vintage style."
Featured on the wedding blog Confetti and photographed by Chantal Lachance Gibson Photography, Jill's wedding was held at The Lochside House Hotel, New Cumnock. For the entire gallery of Sophia Tolli wedding dresses, click here.