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The Single Most Important Thing You Should Clean Today
While we spend a lot of time cleaning and caring for our home environments, most of us don't give much thought to cleaning the tools we use to clean! That's why, today, you should give your housecleaning workhorse – AKA your vacuum cleaner – some much-needed maintenance in the form of a good, thorough cleaning.
Every vacuum cleaner, even the most expensive of models, needs some maintenance. After all, how can your vacuum capture all the dirt, mystery crumbs, and tumbleweeds of dog hair around your home if the filter, hoses, and rolling bar are clogged? And if your vacuum's suction is weaker than it used to be, that's a major sign it needs some attention ASAP. Ditto if your vacuum shuts off abruptly; many vacuum cleaners these days have a fail-safe feature to protect the parts from overheating due to tangles or clogs. The good news? Most basic vacuum maintenance is straightforward, and advice for more complicated tasks can be readily found on YouTube.
Luckily, cleaning a vacuum doesn't require any specialized tools or supplies. Here's what you'll need to get the job done:
Here's What You'll Need:
- Scissors or utility knife: To cut hair and tangles off the beater bar or rolling brush.
- Compressed air: To blow away gross build-up out of hard-to-reach places.
- Small brush: To scrub away grime and build-up. An old toothbrush will do.
- Microfiber cloth: To wipe away grime.
- Vital Oxide: To clean, disinfect, and deodorize.
- Bucket or basin: To soak dusty, grimy water-safe parts.
- Flashlight: To help find clogs.
- Screwdriver: To help take the vacuum apart when necessary.
- Work gloves: To keep dust and dirt off your hands.
- Mask: To keep dust out of your nose. Cloth or medical masks will work, though respirators are ideal if you have one.
How Long Does It Take to Clean A Vacuum?
Unless your vacuum has been neglected for a while (don't worry, we've all been there!), it shouldn't take more than 10 to 30 minutes for a basic tune-up, plus about 24 hours of drying time if you rinse any parts. Remember, never reinstall wet or damp parts back into your vacuum cleaner.
How Often Should a Vacuum Be Cleaned?
Generally, bagless vacuums should be emptied when the debris level reaches the top of the canister or after every use. Keep bagless vacuums fresh by wiping out the inside of the canister at least once a month with a cloth dampened with Vital Oxide.
In the case of bagged vacuums, remember to remove and discard bags when the captured debris reaches the indicated full line.
For vacuums with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, always refer to your manual for the suggested replacement frequency.
Whether you have a canister, upright, or hand-held vacuum, it should be cleaned regularly for optimum performance. At least monthly, or more often if you share your home with pets, or if you have allergies, asthma, or another respiratory condition, take a few minutes to check the hose and rolling brush for any problems, wash out the dust canister, change or wash the filters, and wipe down the outside to remove dust and grime buildup.
Without further ado, here's how to go about giving your vacuum some TLC:
Pro Tip As You Work: Clean Up Dust and Grime
While you're maintaining your vacuum, keep your can of compressed air, old toothbrush, and cleaning cloth (dampened with Vital Oxide) within reach that you can easily air-blast, scrub, or damp-wipe any buildup you find inside.
Step 1: Unplug the Vacuum
When you're ready to clean, unplug your vacuum or remove it from its charging station. If you're able, plan to tackle this chore outside so you won't have to worry about spreading dust around your home.
Step 2: Empty the Canister (or Replace the Bag)
For bagless vacuums, empty the container and disassemble as many parts of the cup as you can for easier cleaning. If your vacuum has a disposable bag, remove it and throw it away.
Refer to your vacuum's instruction manual for help. If you can't find your manual, you can contact the manufacturer directly or search for instructions online.
Step 3: Mix a Cleaning Solution & Soak the Dust Canister
Fill a bucket or sink with hot water and add Vital Oxide to the water. Vital Oxide cuts through grease and grime and will help loosen any residue in the dust canister. Completely submerge the canister for at least 10 minutes. Use an old toothbrush and a microfiber cloth to clean the inside and outside of the bin. Rinse well with hot water under the sink, spray liberally with Vital Oxide, and allow to air-dry.
Warning: Do not submerge any non-washable or electrical components in water. Refer to your device's manual or contact the manufacturer directly if you aren't sure.
Step 4: Wash or Replace the Filter
Dirty filters clogged with dust can cause a vacuum to lose its suction. Most vacuum cleaners available on the market today come equipped with sponge-like, washable filters. Start by removing the filter from the vacuum and shaking it out over a garbage can. Then, rinse the filter under the sink to flush out as much dirt and dust as possible. Gently press out excess water with paper towels, and spray liberally with Vital Oxide to sanitize and deodorize. Lay the filter flat to dry, and allow up to 24 hours for drying before reinstalling into the vacuum.
If your vacuum has a disposable filter, simply remove it, discard it, and replace it with a new filter.
Always refer to your specific device's manual when it comes to cleaning or replacing filters, as the instructions can vary wildly. Also, keep in mind that some vacuums only have a single filter, like most robot vacuums and the ever-popular Dyson cordless stick vacuums. In contrast, others (like the Shark Navigator Lift-Away series, for example) may have multiple filters in different parts of the vacuum. Be sure to find and clean them all!
Step 5: Detangle the Brush Bar
If anyone in your household has hair (or fur) longer than a couple of inches, it's likely that some of it is currently wrapped around your vacuum's spinning brush. Thread, floss, long carpet fibers and other string-like debris can also get tangled. In some cases, tangles can stop the brush roll from spinning freely, leading to damaged bearings, snapped drive belts, and expensive repairs.
To keep your vacuum in good repair, grab your scissors (or a utility knife) and carefully cut away the tangled debris. Just be sure to watch your fingers and make sure not to snip any of the vacuum's bristles.
Step 6: Wipe Down the Vacuum Housing
Use a microfiber cloth dampened with Vital Oxide to wipe down the outside of your vacuum thoroughly. Keep your compressed air handy to blow any dust out of hard-to-reach crevices.
Step 7: Wash the Hose & Attachments
If your vacuum has a suction hose, it will definitely trap dust inside! If the hose is detachable, submerge it in a solution of hot water and Vital Oxide for at least 10 minutes. Rinse the hose thoroughly with hot water, spray liberally with Vital Oxide, and hang up to air dry before reattaching.
While you're at it, inspect and clean any attachments you regularly use, for instance, the upholstery brush, crevice tool, and extension wand for dust, tangled hair, and clogs.
Step 8: Reassemble
Once everything is clean and dry, it's time to put your vacuum back together! Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to deep clean your vacuum again in another few months. Happy cleaning!
Have questions about cleaning or reducing allergens inside your home? We have answers! The Ecology Works has been helping folks with asthma and allergies since 1993. We can help you select the products you need to live a better, allergen-free life. Check out our Instagram for more allergen-reducing tips. Need more help? Please feel free to Contact Us or message us on Facebook. No question is too small! We're here to help.


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The Third Man
Pulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, black-market opportunist Harry Lime—and thus begins this legendary tale of love, deception, and murder.
Thanks to brilliant performances by Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles; Anton Karas's evocative zither score; Graham Greene's razor-sharp dialogue; and Robert Krasker's dramatic use of light and shadow, The Third Man, directed by the inimitable Carol Reed, only grows in stature as the years pass. - The Criterion Collection

subset: commoncrawl


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By Yana Basenko
As Heraclius said: "The only constant thing in life is change". It is ingrained in us. It is an inevitable part of our life cycles. It is unavoidable and quite essential. You are not the same person you were a year ago; tomorrow will mold you into a new "you". Circumstances, people, events, experiences – all leave a mark that in one way or another changes your reality and perception.
Travelling often takes it to a whole new level, where you get a chance to not only develop yourself but also dip your toes into the understanding of a completely different culture and way of living. The upbringings, surroundings, economic and political influences – have all shaped you into the unique individual you are today. The habits and norms vary from one part of the world to another making cultural integration a challenge for those who decide to leave outside of their home country.
Being raised in Ukraine and now having lived over 5.5 years in Finland I can say that it has been the most powerful time of self-discovery I have lived through. Coming here at the age of 17 has definitely made it a lot easier to adapt to the local way of living as all the existing beliefs still had space for adjustment. I have never seen the world as black and white, instead, I've always made sure to allow myself to notice and appreciate a different life perspective.
When immigrating to a different country, one often runs into an existential dilemma of how to adapt to a whole new culture while also maintaining part of your upbringing. How do you integrate the two and to what extent do you do that? I don't have the answers to that and I don't think anyone truly does. These experiences are so unique, unmatchable almost like fingerprints.
In the past years, I've learned to take the best of both worlds and mold them into one. The "best" parts are, of course, incredibly subjective – we all see things through a completely different lens. However, what I've gained from the experience is the beauty of integration, finding the balance between the two. Finns value personal space, while Ukrainians love being close. One culture is more individualistic, while the other one focuses more on the community. In Ukraine, small talk with strangers is an essential part of everyday life, while in Finland people tend to avoid it and communicate when necessary. At first, such an approach took me by surprise but having lived and adjusted accordingly I've found the balance that works quite well. The extremely loud and outspoken extrovert has now grown to enjoy solitude and silence. The Finnish slow living and comfort come hand in hand with the hassle and excitement of my Ukrainian soul.
Over the years, I've struggled to find a place I could call home; is it in Ukraine or Finland or elsewhere? Having taken some time to reflect and assess, I can firmly say that home is not an actual place – it is a feeling. I haven't fully reached it yet but with each passing year of integration and acceptance, I feel the warmth and comfort that comes with the sense of belonging. If you search for the differences you are guaranteed to find them but if you take a little closer look – you will start seeing the similarities that we all share.
Yana Basenko is a talented young Ukrainian writer who came to Finland to study and work just 5 years ago. She has just started as a new columnist for FinnishNews and as readers will discover, she is an excellent writer with a good command of English. She comes with that refreshing approach of a younger people full of positive expectations but with a steady eye for detail about us Finns. Your correspondent, also an immigrant from the early 1970's, feels more like a Finn today than the rather shy lanky guy who arrived on the Baltic Steamship Line's MS Krapskaya in June 1967! One wonders what Yana will be like in 53 years' time…


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First of all, congratulations on your forthcoming nuptials. We know a lot of work goes into preparing for your big day, and the same is true of planning for your honeymoon. Having chosen this exotic North African country for your unforgettable honeymoon you now need to focus on exactly what to do and where to go. This is where we come in with some helpful advice and suggestions.
Morocco is a phenomenal travel destination and a superlative choice for honeymooning couples. Among the reasons why it should be your first choice for a honeymoon are:
1. The sheer variety of stunning landscapes, from snow-dusted peaks and dramatic gorges to towering sand dunes and sun-kissed beaches.
2. There are plenty of options for memorable romantic activities such as sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert, unwinding in a sumptuous spa of a traditional riad hotel and dining on a rooftop terrace overlooking the souks of an ancient medina.
3. The chance to get back to nature with treks through the countryside.
4. Learning about and experiencing a new culture together.
5. Luxuriating at five-star beach resorts.
Canva/Ma Rabelo.
For a stress-free Morocco honeymoon, it is a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance, especially if you have a list of must-see places that's as long as your arm.
The key to getting it right is not to cram too much in, to build in some buffer times for unexpected delays and to leave room for spontaneous activities and outings.
You can either give a list of what you want to see and do to a travel agent and let them plan it all for you or make the internet your friend and research your own trip.
Morocco is a land of dizzying diversity so think about the type of honeymoon experiences you want. Are you after thrilling adventures, rich cultural experiences or nothing but blissful relaxation? Perhaps you want to retreat to a fabulous beach resort or begin your life journey together by embarking on a desert safari.
Whatever type of honeymoon you're looking for, there's a romantic escape to suit all tastes in Morocco. Here are a few suggestions.
Between the Atlas Mountains, Rif Mountains and the Sahara Desert there is plenty of scope for outdoor pursuits.
See also: Mt Toubkal - 2 day trek
See also: Surf Trip To Essaouira From Marrakesh
See also: Paradise Valley Excursion From Agadir City
It's also a great fun to hop on a quad-bike ride. Wonderguide/Þórey.
Atlas beauty: A hiking trail in the Toubkal National Park. Canva/anass bachar.
The Todgha Gorge offers great opportunities for climbing. Canva/Leonid Andronov.
Surfers in Morocco. Canva/gabriellephotos.
A beautiful color palette at the Saadian Tombs. Canva/Jon Chica Parada.
Discover insights into the history, art, architecture and traditions of Morocco on a cultural escape. Embark on tours in the country's great historical cities.
Visit the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech, explore the Jewish quarter of Fez and browse archaeological artefacts in Tangier's Kasbah Museum housed in a former sultan's palace.
Surrender your bodies to sublime spa experiences that pamper the body, mind and soul. Morocco's spas are known for hammam treatments in a traditional steam/bathhouse as well as their use of unique products such as Rhassoul mud. This natural mineral product is only mined in the country.
While there are many wonderful spas to choose from all over Morocco here are a few that have caught our attention.
Photo: Kasbah Tamadot@Facebook.
This award-winning spa in the High Atlas Mountains is owned by Sir Richard Branson and features individually decorated rooms and superlative views of forest-covered mountain slopes. The spa offers a variety of treatments including traditional Moroccan hammam.
Photo: Mazagan Beach Resort@Facebook.
Located in Mazagan Beach Resort near the town of El Jadid, this luxurious spa boasts exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are 19 treatment rooms, private double suites and a menu of Moroccan beauty treatments and personalised treatments, including romantic partner massages.
Photo: Amanjena@Facebook.
This spa is nicknamed 'the peaceful paradise' and it's easy to see why with its two hammams, glassed-in whirlpool, relaxation courtyard and an extensive menu of treatments.
If your idea of a perfect honeymoon is sunning yourself on golden sands while cool waves gently lap at your toes then Morocco has seaside destinations by the bucket and spadesful.
See also: Agadir – Tips and Recommendations from a Local
Take your pick of hotels and resorts in one of the seaside towns facing the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea. Among the best are Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort, the Hotel Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea and Spa and the Grand Mogador Sea View Luxury Hotel.
Photo: Thalassa sea and spa@Facebook.
Photo: Grand Mogador@Facebook.
The choice is plentiful so during the planning stage devote some considerable time to discussing the type of accommodation you both prefer. Do you want to splash out on a five-star seaside resort or save some money with a more modest three-star hotel? Or how about a luxury campsite in the Sahara? Among the other types of accommodation are:
Riads in Marrakech. Photos: Canva.
Here's a lowdown of the essentials to pack in your suitcase.
Morocco is a Muslim country and while it is used to hosting visitors from all over the world it is a good idea to keep in mind the conservative nature of the majority of people. Therefore, when it comes to packing your suitcases for your honeymoon in Morocco it is best to pick modest attire.
While you can get away with wearing what you like in hotels and resorts as these are full of tourists it is different out on the streets, especially in rural towns and villages. The last thing you want to do is attract unwelcome attention. For men, shorts are becoming more acceptable, but it's best to stick to long trousers and jeans, t-shirts and long-sleeve shirts. When it comes to a refreshing dip in the pool, keep the skimpy speedos at home and pack swimming shorts.
Women should consider a one-piece swimsuit instead of a bikini. Canva/simbiothy.
For women, the advice is typically to avoid low-cut tops and to wear shirts/blouses with a sleeve and skirts that go past the knees. For swimming, consider a one-piece suit rather than a bikini.
No matter what time of year you travel bring at least one item of warm clothing with you for when the sun sets. While you might not need it if you are inland during the summer it can get a little chilly by the coast after dark.
Among the other items to pack are:
This can depend a lot on your own personal weather preferences but if you don't like it too hot or too cold then the best time to honeymoon is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).
See also: The Best Season to Visit Morocco
Your honeymoon is about the two of you and is arguably the most important holiday you will ever go on. Morocco is a richly diverse country filled with lots of bucket-list experiences so take your time to plan well.
No matter what type of honeymoon you yearn for, you will find it in this beautiful and captivating land.
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Local Azerbaijani brides are very proud that they are lovely. Azerbaijani woman desires to comprehend herself and make a superb profession. Household continues to be one of the vital important things in each girl's life. Nonetheless, Azerbaijani girl doesn't neglect about her household and children.
Ask Azerbaijani bride about the particulars of her life, be the primary one to send messages, ask her out. Present the Azerbaijani bride your curiosity: tell her how a lot you like this or that thing about her look and character. Azerbaijani wife wants to work to feed the family and on the similar time care for the entire household.
Inform fantastic Azerbaijani bride how a lot you want her. The bride's family gives a proper ceremonial dinner to members in the ceremony. If you're into ladies of oriental appearance, Azerbaijan will probably be a real paradise for you. Many of them nonetheless prefer to maintain their virginity (if going to marry an Azerbaijani man).
No must spend time courting totally different individuals. For this reason, Azerbaijani girls worth such emotions as safety, loyalty and respect. If the girl's father agrees to marry his daughter off, then initially the groom ought to entertain and sweeties to his new kin in the bride's home, which is known as the custom.
Azerbaijani brides are also on the lookout for trustworthy and loving males who could be faithful in all his affairs. Azerbaijani mail order brides are engaging. They won't intervene, however will carefully watch how foreigners care for girls. Each men and women marry to have youngsters and produce up a household, but financial safety is one other essential concern for ladies.
In case you are serious in looking for a bride from this nation you can be finest advised to do some research concerning the country typically azeri girls and their customs., the ladies are very stunning with that Eastern Attraction but it might take a lot of effort in your behalf to return near her and her household.
Ask Azerbaijani bride concerning the particulars of her life, be the first one to send messages, ask her out. Show the Azerbaijani bride your interest: inform her how much you like this or that factor about her appearance and persona. Azerbaijani spouse wants to work to feed the family and at the identical time maintain your entire family.
Women are smart and being sincere will make your relationships stronger. If you're trying to find an Azerbaijani wife, you should understand gifts are important. As for males, Azerbaijanis don't pose a hazard if you want to Find a Azerbaijani bride. These energetic girls from Azerbaijan all the time wish to keep match.
Respect the bride's family. Nevertheless, Azerbaijani ladies for marriage will no comply with have sexual activity if the relationships will not be critical enough. Do not make any jokes about the girl's family, even when you don't like those people. If the Azerbaijani bride is keen to proceed, ask the bride a number of questions about her family, pursuits, and so forth.


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In ages past, the cool days and long shadows of late autumn brought a change to the dwarven city of Aughundell. The smithies and workshops and forges fell silent, for it was harvest time and every available hand was needed in the farms and fields. The harvest season culminated in the great festival of Hammer's Rest, a time of music, merriment, lavish feasts, and, of course, abundant ale.
The coming of the Withered Aegis changed that. There was no harvest during the First Siege of Aughundell, or for many years after that. For 99 years, the hammers of Aughundell have rung endlessly, night and day, crafting the tools and gear of war. This year, that changes. The dwarves of Aughundell celebrate Hammer's Rest once more and invite the Gifted of Istaria to celebrate with them.
Come to the festival grounds near Aughundell and listen to a tale of ages past while you sample one of the specially prepared brews. Fill your mug with a variety of beers straight from a wooden cask, or sink your teeth into a Dwarven Sausage. Or maybe a nice juicy pickle is more what your taste buds are craving? Are you hearty enough to dance a polka after a few pints? Then hike your skirts, tighten your boot laces, and kick up your heels because the dwarves have brought in musicians from all around Istaria to play tunes not heard for generations. Rumor has it that one of the musicians has brought back the art of playing "ye ole squeeze box" to join the band. And if you wake to find that five really was one too many of Knut's Fire Whiskey, worry not. Your companions drank just as heartily as you, and so probably won't recall what happened either.
Not to be outdone by the dwarves, Istarians of all races have once again erected their own festival tents near Dalimond in celebration of fall as well. The Living Races gather to celebrate traditions older than even the most ancient of dragons can recall. Sweet treats to tempt the tongue are again being given to all who wander by. But beware, for a few tricksters still roam the grounds hoping to catch you in a harmless prank or two. Don your own costume and disguise yourself as one of the scarey undead and perhaps you'll become prankster instead. Don't forget to show your own spooky spirit by decorating your own home for fall with jack-o-lanterns, skeletons, and even someone special's headstone in your front yard.
Fall Harvest
Tavern Talk Back to the Battlefield Spread the Word Istaria Gear Customer Support Download Istaria Military Program Unity Transfer Istaria.com


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We Might Know What The Next Fortnite Skin Will Be
Epic Games has just released the latest update for its massively popular battle royale title, Fortnite. The current hunter-themed season continues to provide players with a whole slew of content, the most important being a possible new skin. Dataminers have gone through the new patch and discovered that this new costume will more than likely be based on the titular Predator from the Predator film franchise.
Lucas7Yoshi, a leaker in the Fortnite community, found a banner icon that clearly resembles the Predator while digging through the latest update. In addition to this, a space pod seemingly belonging to the Predator has crashed on the map near the Stealthy Stronghold. Despite these obvious clues, the actual Predator skin has yet to be leaked or discovered.
The 15.20 update for Fortnite features a new battle pass that hosts a series of challenges that revolve around the Predator. There are currently a total of three missions that players need to complete. These quests involve the players having to find the crashed spaceship and completing requests from NPCs who are near the crash site. Upon completing each task, the player will unlock a variety of Predator-themed cosmetic items.
These three challenges are reportedly just a taste of what's to come. A report from Forbes suggests that there may be more missions for players to take on before they can fully unlock the Predator skin. The skin is also projected to release in one to two weeks after the update. So for now, the only thing that players can do is just wait and see when Epic Games will either make an announcement revealing the new Predator skin, or add more missions to the battle pass.
Fortnite is well known for its bizarre crossovers, ranging from real life streamers like Ninja to franchises like Star Wars. Just last year, the game did a massive collaboration with Marvel Comics. This crossover was a part of Fortnite: Chapter 2 - Season 4, which featured heroes and villains from the Marvel universe. Skins based on Iron Man, Captain America, Daredevil, Wolverine, and a variety of other characters from Marvel could be unlocked by players in the item shop, or by participating in competitions.
The latest Predator-themed update is sure to get fans excited for what's to come as more content relating to the patch gets released. While there's currently no way to know for sure how to unlock the Predator costume, players who hold the current battle pass should definitely start completing challenges now. Those are likely to pay off as this season of Fortnite continues.


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It used to be tradition that playoff exits were complimented by eulogies on Puck Daddy. But with Wysh off in the Connecticut hinterlands and those who remain at Yahoo! being a bunch of Canadian giblets who take things far too seriously (and Lambert being angry and definitely not a Bruins fan), we don't need them to do what we do best. So fuck it. We'll eulogize all 15 teams that will eventually fall. And we take unique pleasure in getting to do the Kings first.
Leave it to the Kings to play quite simply the most unwatchable series since the Lockout of '04-'05. There are snuff films that have been lighter fare than their four-game outhouse-cleaning loss to the Knights. If they'd offered this as a prop bet it would have been easy money. While they locked Darryl Sutter out of the dressing room multiple times and eventually kicked his muppet-gone-wrong face out because he made them play a style that would have broken Noriega, when the chips were down John Stevens went back to the only thing the Kings know. Dump, crash, rumble, back up, repeat. Except it didn't work, and the Kings three goals in the whole series pretty much attest to that. But what three goals they were!
What's infuriating about the Kings is you can find no better example of a team not learning a lesson from its own methods. Better than the Oilers or Flames or even Hawks. While the Kings were able to belch/fart/ralph their way to a Cup in '12 thanks to a sweetheart draw and Quick's .946, they won again in 2014 by beating the Hawks at their own game. They were fast. They were creative. They were lethal. They had Kopitar, Gaborik, Carter, Toffoli, Pearson, Williams shotgunning all over the place. Doughty, Muzzin, Martinez, Voynov (blech) were pushing the play from the back to a ridiculous pace. Nothing has ever come close to the sheer madness and coke-binge hockey (maybe literally) that was the '14 West Final. The Kings got it, and did it better than anyone to win their second in three years.
And then they went back to their covered-in-dung ways, while the rest of the league went about trying to replicate what they had just done. Such brilliant moves as trading for Milan Lucic and/or Dion Phaneuf or Vincent Lecavalier or bringing back Rob Scuderi. It was like Homer telling the car designers "I need an immobile asshole here, here, and here!" The result has been one playoff win since. One.
The Kings are basically the obnoxious frat boy who did well in college with dumb sorority girls who didn't know better (or were forced not to because all frat boys are rapists, SCIENCE FACT), but then met a wonderful girl right after and suddenly became a really good guy…until dumping her after reading Barfstool or a few months because she didn't shotgun beers or something. And now they're just the old guy at the same bar, not realizing it's all over.
In the end, this is what Kings fans want, because it'll give them more time to bitch about the individual awards their players won't win. Not only do Kings fans feel aggrieved that Kopitar or Doughty won't be taking home hardware, they'll accuse everyone of lacking moral fiber who doesn't think they should. I guess we shouldn't expect anything else from a city that blows itself as hard as LA does about the industry they created and only they really care about. DiCaprio didn't campaign as hard for "The Revenant" as these dinguses. Last week every writer east of the Mississippi received a tote bag marked "from TheRoyalHalf on behalf of Anze." Next year everyone get ready for a "Trevor Lewis Should Win The Selke And If You Don't Vote For Him You Killed Jesus" campaign.
The Hawks window may be over, but it didn't slam nearly as hard as the Kings did. And no one in LA is going to miss them, because next year the Lakers might win 30 games. Also, Drew Doughty eats the homeless from Skid Row.


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Making Mooncakes the modern traditional way for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival | Adventures in Multicultural Living
A tray of hand-made pineapple mooncakes hot out of the oven.
photograph courtesy of my daughter Margot
The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is this Monday. That means mooncakes!
A harvest festival, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is a Chinese (Zhong Qiu Jie),Vietnamese (Tet Trung Thu) and Korean (Chusok) festival that celebrates the end of the harvest, family and food. It's sort of like Thanksgiving (without the turkey), Octoberfest(without the beer) and Sukkot (without the tent). It is always celebrated on the largest full moon of the year, the Harvest Moon.
Mooncakes are the centerpiece of this festival, as much for eating as for giving to other people. They are round like the full moon and symbolize family unity. To call mooncakes "cakes," though, is a bit of a misnomer. They are not light, fluffy, frosted, candle-studded confections. Rather, imagine a giant Fig Newton, the size and shape and weight of a hockey puck, dense and heavy and rich with red bean, date, lotus seed, dried fruit or pineapple filling.
One legend surrounding the origin of mooncakes comes from the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), when Chinese statesman Liu Po-Wen baked messages of revolt and battle plans into mooncakes, which were then distributed to villagers and rebel forces, right under the noses of the Mongol soldiers. The Chinese people rose up at the appointed time on the night of the Moon Festival and successfully overthrew their much-hated Mongol rulers.
Some people also say that this is where the Asian American inventors of fortune cookies got the idea.
The children and I were thrilled last year to be invited to join some friends at a local nonprofit and help with their annual fundraiser in which they bake and sell mooncakes.
We spent the day together talking and laughing and learning more about each other while rolling out the dough; wrapping big balls of red bean, lotus seed, and pineapple filling; pressing them into carved wooden molds; brushing the tops with an eggwash; then baking the mooncakes under the watchful eye of handsome Eastern Accents owner Ben Sun until they turned a deep golden brown.
Ironically, I first thought of this as a way to help my children learn more about their heritage, to bake mooncakes the traditional way, like "real" Chinese people from China and Taiwan. What we learned was that these days, almost nobody bakes mooncakes the old-fashioned way any more.
Most people buy them from a store, pumped up full of shelf-stable ingredients and baked in a factory. Eastern Accents is the rare jewel where one can find freshly baked, wholesome, hand-made mooncakes. Awesome.
Funny the things we can learn by looking at old things with new eyes and new things with old eyes.
The "Multiple Impressions: Contemporary Chinese Woodblock Prints" exhibit at theUniversity of Michigan Museum of Art through Oct. 23 similarly takes an old tradition and showcases "the extraordinary innovations, in both technique and conception, which have transformed this long-established art form in recent years…. [and] provides an important framework for understanding both contemporary art from China and contemporary Chinese society."
The Moon Festival is also a love story about a family separated by circumstances — the beautiful fairy Chang Er lives on the moon and her husband Hou Yi the heavenly archer lives on the sun — who come back together again this one night every year. It can be a story of power, greed, impetuousness, sacrifice, responsibility, love, or foolishness — depending on how you tell it.
On this somber tenth anniversary of 9/11, my hope is that the Moon Festival themes of family unity and togetherness cast their light across our nation to help us get past the Islamophobia and race-baiting to come together again, and in the process, better understand each others' cultures, histories, perspectives.
Note: On Wednesday, Sept. 21, 6-8 p.m., Frances Kai-Hwa Wang will be teaching a course through Rec and Ed at King School about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, which takes place on Sept, 12 this year. The course will feature the great mooncakes of Eastern Accents, a Chinese paper cutting craft, stories, history and tradition. (Appropriate for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult).
Frances Kai-Hwa Wang is a second-generation Chinese American from California who now divides her time between Ann Arbor and the Big Island of Hawaii. She is editor ofIMDiversity.com Asian American Village, lead multicultural contributor for AnnArbor.com, a contributor for New America Media's Ethnoblog, and a contributor for Chicago is the World. She is on the Advisory Board of American Citizens for Justice. She team-teaches "Asian Pacific American History and the Law" at University of Michigan and University of Michigan Dearborn. She is a popular speaker on Asian Pacific American and multicultural issues. Check out her website at franceskaihwawang.com, her blog at franceskaihwawang.blogspot.com, and she can be reached at email@example.com.
Written by frances on September 17, 2011
Filed Under: Blog, Frances Kai-Hwa Wang Blog, IMMIGRANT STORIES, LIFE & CULTURE
Tags: Adventures in Multicultural Living, arts, culture, diversity, Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, holidays and celebration, multicultural, parenting
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Directed by Lisette Marie Flanary- Feature Documentaries
- 72 mins
TOKYO HULA explores the explosive popularity of the hula dance in Japan from both Native Hawaiian and Japanese perspectives. Today it is estimated there are nearly 2 million people dancing hula in Japan – a figure greater than the entire population of Hawai'i, where the native art was born. This phenomenal growth has created a multi-million dollar industry based on culture as commodity. But what motivates Japanese students and teachers to dance hula and how is it translated into a foreign culture? How do Native Hawaiians participate in this cross-cultural exchange? Through the personal stories of Hawaiian master hula teachers and Japanese teachers and dancers, the documentary examines how tourism, economics and a love affair with the islands of Hawaiʻi has made hula big business in Japan.
Director Biography: Independent filmmaker, educator, and hula dancer, Lisette Marie Flanary creates films that celebrate a modern renaissance of the hula dance and Hawaiian culture. She is the writer, producer and director of Lehua Films and her award-winning documentaries, AMERICAN ALOHA: HULA BEYOND HAWAIʻI, NĀ KAMALEI: THE MEN OF HULA, and ONE VOICE have broadcast nationally on public television and shown in film festivals around the world. Her latest film, TOKYO HULA, the final film in a trilogy of hula documentaries exploring the explosive popularity of hula in Japan, premiered at the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival in November 2019. She is currently an Associate Professor at the Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is one of the co-directors of Good Pitch Local Hawaiʻi.
Program includes exclusive Q&A with director Lisette Marie Flanary.
Co-presented by: The Queer Paulettes, Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California
Plays in
With support from the Consul General of Japan, CAAMFest FORWARD will showcase and celebrate storytellers from Japan. This special section will include three films, all streamed on-demand.
For many years, CAAMFest has partnered with Pacific Islanders in Communication (PIC) to bring stories from the Pacific Islands to Bay Area audiences. We are thrilled to continue this legacy through our virtual festival.


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NBC News
Berlin's LGBTQ refugee center a haven for those fleeing civil war, homophobia
When gay refugees are placed in mainstream shelters, they often face the same discrimination and homophobia they were trying to escape in their home countries
Meet the 'Angels' Keeping London's Gay Nightlife Scene Safe
Run by the LGBT Foundation and Westminster City Council, Soho Angels volunteers help people to party and get home safely
Frustration drives trans consumers to create sell-out brands
Using appropriate gender pronouns, not asking invasive questions and being aware of sensitive areas of conversation are basic requirements for businesses serving trans consumers
NBC News
From Rio to Orlando, self-defense classes are catering to LGBTQ people
LGBTQ people face a heightened risk of hate violence, and this is part of the reason martial arts studios are tailoring classes to their specific needs.
Iran's Persecuted LGBTQ Community Seeks Refuge Online
Despite pressure, discrimination, and persecution from one of the most repressive regimes in the world, Iran's vibrant LGBTQ community has survived, buoyed by a network of citizens and dedicated expats.
How coronavirus has amplified LGBTQ+ mental health inequalities
"I am queer, black and disabled, and I am really worried about the health inequalities I will face if I get ill. I do not want to die because of structural oppressions."


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There is no greater time of the year for outfits than right now.
It's not too cold. It's not too hot. It's jacket weather, killer-coat-weather. You can layer in a light manner, pull on statement boots, grab your leathers. Yet you can still wear crops without fear of freezing your tits off, and enjoy being able to see your outfit – before the depths of winter hit, huddled into as many layers and resembling the Michelin Man.
Cropped knits and jumpers are an absolute staple for me. Turtlenecks, sweats, knitted bralettes and cashmere blends – I wear them all in abundance. Likely paired with a pair of high waisted trousers or shorts with tights underneath.
At this stage, it probably goes without saying that I love everything clothing wise from bodysuits to sweater dresses. It must be said that a special place is reserved in my heart for jackets and coats. If you live somewhere as bleak as England weather wise, you've gotta get into them. This season I picked up my first brown coat and have been lusting over this shade – I've now obviously got my eyes on chocolate brown bags.
It's pretty much high waist or no waist for me. There is simply no other way to wear bottoms. I find this the most flattering for my body shape, it always feels the most comfortable and pairs well with the rest of my wardrobe and how I like to put outfits together. My absolute favourite Prada shorts [above] I sadly cannot find online despite the plethora of online shopping sites, but I highly recommend a pair of Prada nylon shorts in another style [more linked below] – such easy wearing. I've said it before & I'll say it again – I'm all about an all black outfit in a mix of textures.
Accessories complete an outfit, fact. Obviously – I would say it – an ĀRDĒO harness is a total must. It's the ultimate styling piece. We're working hard to get these back in stock soon after they unexpectedly flew out the store.
So much more than an accessory, my ardent love of bags is eternal. As so with many people, my first luxury purchase was a bag and the deep joy I felt using and owning it was exactly how I anticipated it to be. I don't come from a family that adores luxury, no 'hand me down' items or pieces to await…It was a save up, and keep saving up, situation.
Quick fire bags I am reaching for the most at the moment – the Bottega Pouch, Fendi First, Gucci 1955, Chanel Coco.
P.S autumn VS fall – a mini history lesson.


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Watching a friend or family member spiral through a drug and/or alcohol addiction in Piscataway can make a person feel helpless. Often, a loved one wants to help the person, yet is afraid of scaring them away or having them sink further into their addiction. When a person doesn't know where to turn, drug intervention in Piscataway can help. A drug intervention can be a formal or informal meeting with a person who struggles with addiction as a means to encourage them to get professional help for their addiction.
An intervention is usually planned and performed with the assistance of a specialist from a drug intervention center. These individuals specialize in helping others recognize their addiction and use their experience and knowledge to encourage a person to get the help they need at a drug rehabilitation facility.
Some of the main components of a drug intervention in Piscataway include:
Drug interventions are especially important to carefully plan in certain types of individuals. These include those who have previously tried rehab and relapsed, those who have a history of violent behavior, and those who have a history of mental illness that could lead to suicidal thinking. Individuals with this history will especially benefit from a carefully planned and expert-supported intervention.
While there are several different ways to personalize a drug intervention for addiction, some intervention components tend to be the same regardless of the approach selected. Examples of these steps include:
Deciding who should participate in a drug intervention for addiction can be difficult as many well-meaning loved ones can express interest in participating. However, a drug intervention for addiction can be a very tense and emotionally charged meeting. As a result, it is important that participants represent only an individual's most trusted loved ones. Persons who should NOT participate in the drug intervention in Piscataway include:
Those involved in a drug intervention for addiction should be trusted members of a person's inner circle. They should act with a person's best interests at heart and should contribute to the meeting in a meaningful way. While there isn't a set limit of people that should participate in the intervention, keeping the meeting as small as possible can help to prevent feelings of intimidation and resentment that can sometimes occur at a drug intervention.
The goal is for a person to realize the severity of the situation, how seriously their loved ones take it, and that everyone present is truly acting for the person's well-being. When this occurs, the intervention has the greatest chances for a person choosing to enter treatment.
The final result is hopefully that the addict agrees to enter a drug rehab in Piscataway to receive treatment. Call us today at (877) 804-1531.


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Light the night? Monash research finds that some of us are hypersensitive to evening illumination
New research from Monash University has found human circadian clocks are "highly sensitive" to evening light, but that this sensitivity varies greatly among individuals.
The study found that exposure to typical dim indoor lighting before bedtime reduces the level of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, but there was more than a 50-fold difference in sensitivity in the people studied.
Led by Associate Professor Sean Cain, Dr Andrew Phillips and Dr Parisa Vidafar from Monash University's Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, the study examined how evening lighting affects circadian rhythms. It's the first project to systematically examine individual differences in light sensitivity in the human circadian system.
Participants were exposed to a range of light levels, including those experienced in the home, for five hours, starting four hours before bedtime, with researchers using a melatonin suppression measure of 50 per cent. A light-sensitive hormone, melatonin signals the start of the "biological night".
The study found that, generally, humans are highly sensitive to evening light. The 50 per cent melatonin suppression measure was reached at group level through exposure to just 30 lux, typical of evening home lighting, and the onset of apparent melatonin was delayed by 77 minutes.
"Electric lighting has fundamentally altered how the human circadian clock synchronises to the day/night cycle," Associate Professor Cain said. "Evening light can make it more difficult to get to sleep because it suppresses melatonin, a sleep-promoting hormone."
The researchers also found more than a 50-fold difference in sensitivity to light between the most and least- affected participants.
"We discovered that even when two healthy young individuals experience the same tightly controlled evening light environment, their melatonin suppression can differ vastly," Dr Phillips said.
"For typical indoor light, we found some individuals respond as if exposed to bright, natural daytime light, whereas other individuals have almost no response."
"Some individuals appear to be particularly prone to circadian rhythm disruption by lights we typically use in our homes, which could have massive knock-on effects on health," Associate Professor Cain said.
The study, titled High sensitivity and inter-individual variability in the response of the human circadian system to evening light, was published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America on 27 May 2019.
Associate Professor Sean Cain


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Ekiti decides: EFCC parades suspects engaging in vote-buying
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Saturday, arrested some persons in connection with allegations of vote-buying during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.
Upon their arrest, the anti-graft agency paraded some of the suspects at the Oke Ori Omi Area Division of the Nigerian Police Force.
The EFCC said some of the suspects were caught with monies allegedly used to induce voters, Channels reports.
The operatives further raided another residence where some persons were caught with a book containing details of voters of certain voting areas.
This is coming after the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Segun Oni, alleged that some residents were being paid to vote for some political parties.
Oni said, "Some of my agents are worried about the fact that they alleged that there is vote-buying in Ado-Ekiti, Oye and other locations across the state."
Kemi Elebute-Halle, the candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), also alleged that other political parties are inducing voters with money.
She claimed that the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and SDP were buying votes with N10,000; N5,000, and N3,000 respectively.


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Łukasz Borowicz has served as Artistic Director of the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra since March 2007. Born in Warsaw in 1977, he graduated from the Fryderyk Chopin Music Academy in Warsaw where he studied with Bogusław Madey and Antoni Wit. He is a prizewinner of four conducting competitions: in Trento (1999), Athens (2000), Porto (2002) and Bamberg (2004). He worked as an assistant conductor to Iván Fischer at the Budapest Festival Orchestra (2000/2001), to Antoni Wit at the Warsaw Philharmonic (2002–2005) and to Kazimierz Kord at the Teatr Wielki (Polish National Opera) in Warsaw (2005/2006). In 2006 he was appointed Chief Guest Conductor of the Poznań Philharmonic Orchestra.
Łukasz Borowicz has appeared as a guest conductor with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, the NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover, the MDR Sinfonieorchester Leipzig, the Orchestra of the Opera in Marseilles, Orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali in Milan, the Russian National Philharmonic Orchestra, the Slovak Radio Orchestra, the Prague Symphony Orchestra and most of Polish symphony orchestras. He has also appeared at many festivals, including the Rossini Festival in Pesaro and the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.
He made his operatic debut at the Polish National Opera in Warsaw with Don Giovanni. His subsequent operatic projects have included Orfeo ed Euridice with the same company, Don Giovanni, Eugene Onegin and Halka (Kraków Opera), Die Zauberflöte, Rusalka, The Bluebeard's Castle and Dido and Aeneas (Grand Theatre in Łódź), Moniuszko's Halka (the Schleswig-Holstein Festival) or Szymanowski's The King Roger (Bilbao, Palacio Euskalduna) with Mariusz Kwiecień in the title role.
Łukasz Borowicz has done a great deal to re-discover in concert performance and recordings with the Polish Radio Symphonic Orchestra the almost forgotten works, such as the operas Flis (Plavec / The Raftsman) by Stanisław Moniuszko or L'hirondelle inattendue by Simon Laks (world premiere recording released on CD by EDA Records). His recodings for the Polish Radio own label include, among others, Cherubini's Lodoïska, Roman Statkowski's Maria, Louis Spohr's Der Berggeist and Grażyna Bacewicz' The Adventure of King Arthur. He has made recordings with such prominent singers as Ewa Podleś, Piotr Beczała, Mariusz Kwiecień or Samuel Ramey. His latest recording with Piotr Beczała and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London is the CD Heart's Delight – The Songs of Richard Tauber (Deutsche Grammophon, May 2013). He is also the conductor in a series of recordings of British-Polish composer Sir Andrzej Panufnik's complete symphonic works with the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, due to be complete in 2014. Some of these recordings were honoured with prizes such as the 2010 Diapason d'Or, Poland's Fryderyk Prize in 2007 and 2010, a nomination for the Midem Classical Award 2008, or the German Record Critics' Award in 2009. In August 2010 his Panufnik recording for cpo label was the BBC Music Magazine's Orchestral Choice.


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Montreal QC, Toronto ON – Montreal hip hop artist and Reps Up representer, Blicky drops a brand new track entitled Another Day and it features Harvey Stripes from The Dot. This is a get money record about another day making another dollar. The beat is produced by High Klassified. Be sure to check this out below and let us know what you think.
Also check out "Blicky – So Ghetto Freestyle (Music Video)"
If you enjoyed this, don't forget to check out his single "Zoo Ft Mugz"


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Rufus Returns! |
Happy ending as feline friend is back home
Always pleased to report good news here at Ealing Today. Rufus, the friendly lion has returned from his wanderings after disappearing over a week ago Owner Penny Crocker is naturally delighted and thanks all her neighbours for helping in the search. Purrrr fect! September 17, 2009 |


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Announcing the revamp of www.BeckysBuys.com – your online resource for all greater Chico real estate for sale! I always endeavor to provide clients with easy access to up-to-date listings and information impacting the real estate industry. My goal is to enable you make the right decisions about one of your largest investments, whether you are buying or selling a home.
This feature rich website has everything you need to help you in your search for local homes for sale. Start your advanced search for greater Chico real estate now or search by map. Also check out my featured properties for sale. Have a few specific neighborhoods you are interested in then start your search using the Search by Neighborhood. Get the inside scoop with our comprehensive Chico real estate market reports – sign up for monthly emailed market reports. Have any questions about a listing or real estate in general then contact me by email or call (530) 520-0308.
Interested in being notified of the hottest listings to hit the market? Then be sure to sign up for FREE New Listing Email Notifications or a Free Market Analysis and stay informed of new listings as they the hit the greater Chico real estate market. Only get listings emailed to you that meet your specific criteria. Sign up today!
Have any questions don't hesitate to contact me, your Chico real estate expert.
Call (530) 520-0308


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Bhante Wimala Honored by the City Council of Tacloban
In recognition of his many projects completed to help the people of Tacloban City (Philippines) who were devastated by the "super" typhoon this past November, Bhante Wimala was honored by the city council. The session was held in the Legislative building in the city hall in Tacloban city. The resolution honoring Bhante Wimala was read by city Vice-Mayor and the presiding officer Hon. Jerry T. Yaonkasin and unanimously approved by the legislative council.
In part, the Tacloban City resolution reads:
"Whereas Rev. Bhante Yatirawana Wimala is a Buddhist monk who travels the world crossing religious, racial and cultural boundaries;
Whereas, he is well-known throughout the world as compassionate spiritual teacher and extends tireless humanitarian projects all over the world;
Whereas he was requested by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to help Yolanda victims in Tacloban City, for giving and repairing houses at Bliss Sagkahan, providing sanitation, school and health projects in the coastal areas of Tacloban, Resolve, we commend Rev. Bhante Wimala for his compassionate spiritual teachings and untarnished humanitarian service extended to the people of Tacloban City."
After the council read the resolution Bhante was asked to address the council. In his address Bhante encouraged them to take advantage of the moment and organize and prepare plans not just to get through this disaster but to rebuild the devastated region with the long turn well-being and prosperity of all people in mind.
One of the things so special about Bhante and his efforts to help alleviate suffering all over the world is that he goes himself into the field and directly works with those who are effected by the disasters to solve problems and address their issues. After two visits to Tacloban, Philippines Bhante has several projects underway, and more starting. There are many opportunities for people around the world to extend compassion and real help to the people of the Philippines through the work of Bhante and the Triple Gem Society.
Thank you Bhante, for the work you do on behalf of all of us.
Rev. Carol Lawson


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Playing with real money is a lot different than playing with fake money. Read on to learn about the specific benefits of playing online casino games for real cash, and find out why it's a brilliant idea to start now!
- Real money is more exciting than fake money
When you play for real money at https://www.magicred.com/, you're playing to win. You don't want to lose, and if you do, you want it to be as little as possible. Playing for real money is, therefore, a lot more exciting than playing for fake money.
And when you win real money, you're not just winning an amount of cash that's the same as the amount you put in – you're also winning a sense of accomplishment for having done so. So it's essential to start playing for real money now, not later!
- Real money brings real stakes
When you play for real money, there are consequences – namely, losing the money you've invested in the game. Because this is a real possibility, you have to think more carefully and strategically about your approach to the game.
For example: when you play slot machines for real money, you're going to be much more likely to put in just the right amount of money per spin. This means that you're more likely to give the slot machine a real shot at giving you back your money – because if it doesn't, it's going to cost you.
- Real money provides a real challenge
Another thing that comes with playing for real money is increased stakes. Your winnings will be a lot smaller – and not as big as they'd be if you were playing for fake money.
So when you play for real money, you're going to want to come up with a game plan to maximize your profits. This will require you to take a more strategic approach to the game and find ways to make it more exciting.
- Real money can help you win big
When you play for real money, there's a lot on the line. This is because when you hit the jackpot, it's not just some make-believe cash – it's actually your hard-earned cash.
Because, well, this is real money we're talking about! And when you hit the jackpot, it's going to feel so much better than when you hit the jackpot for fake money. You'll immediately begin to think about all the wonderful things that you're going to be able to do with the money that you just won.
Playing with real money is where the action always is
Sure, it's fun to play for free to study how the games work and all that stuff. However, when you're ready to enjoy the thrill of the game, that's when you put a few coins in the slot machine and take it for a whirl. And if you're playing for real money, it's going to be a much more exciting experience with more opportunities for fun and excitement than any free game can ever provide. That's why players who want to experience the highest level of excitement always make sure there's a little money on the line.


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Get ready to sparkle on Valentine's Day and treat your sweetheart with an epicurean, fine dining Valentine's menu and indulge in an innovative Thai cuisine with authentic flavors at Blue Elephant Restaurant Bangkok and Phuket.
Chef Nooror Somany Steppe has worked her magic wand to create with premium local sustainable organic ingredients supplied by local ingredients. On the 14th of February 2019 a special set dinner menu for discerning lovers looking to celebrate Valentine's not only to enjoy the delicious menu but also to experience a majestic atmosphere in a century old mansion.
As Blue Elephant sources premium quality in its Restaurants, only the freshest and healthy ingredients are used to prepare every single dish you and your lover will savour on the most romantic day of the year!
Chef Nooror will sparkle diners' eyes with her festive menu "Caviar Lobster Salad" crafted with organic vegetables, tangerine dressing, garnished with caviar from the Caviar House in Hua Hin; "Aphrodisiac Oyster Souffle" and "Natural Sea Grape Artichoke" from Korat as starters; followed by love bites such as "Tamarind Foie Gras Spring Rolls"; "Scallop Avocado Mousse" using superfood "Lampoon black pearl garlic"; and the ever so tasty "Chor Chompoo" with caramelized "free range chicken" stuffing.
The ambience intensifies with "Ginseng Duck Bird's Nest Soup" made from Dong Quai ginseng, organic duck and Ratchaburi honey or a surprise "Love Potion" which will definitely set the romantic mood to last the entire evening. Main courses to continue to light the fire of love include "Black Garlic Prawns"; "Saraman Beef" and "Crab Red Curry" served with Mangrove forest Ampawa Chakar leaves amongst others.
And as sweets are undoubtedly traditional for Valentine's Day, for those who want to culminate dinner with 'sweet kisses', the fragrant "Jasmine Panna Cotta" Namdokmai mango sticky rice and strawberries from the Thai Royal Project Farm completes an unforgettable evening for couples. Last but not least, he or she will 'be yours' with a mouthful of "Rose Flavored Macaroons" as petits fours.
Valentine's Set Dinner at Blue Elephant Restaurants Bangkok is @Baht 5,800 plus plus or Baht 6,827 nett per person. For wine lovers, an additional Baht 1,800 plus plus or Baht 2,119 nett will enhance the lovers' meal with the finest wines from Blue Elephant's cellars.
For reservations, please call Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant Bangkok Tel: 02-673-9353-5 OR Email: email@example.com


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A. Specification of Permanent Magnet 49TYD AC Synchronous Motor 24V 120V 220V:
1. Voltage: AC24V, AC120V, AC220V
2. Frequency: fifty/60Hz
three. Pace: 1-100RPM
four. Torque: 0.five-40Kg.cm
five. Output Energy: 5W
6. Noise: 40dB
seven. Motor Measurement: 49mm dia. *37mm
8. Motor Web Bodyweight: 210-250g (approx)
Note: The knowledge sheet is only for reference, We can make the motor in accordance to your requirement soon after Analysis
B. Organization Ability
HangCZPT Leison Motor Co. Ltd is a producer and exporter of numerous of motors with in excess of 10 many years knowledge.
Our product ranges include:
1) DC Brush motor: six-130mm diameter, .01-1000W output energy
2) DC Spur Equipment Motor: 12-110mm diameter, .one-300W output electricity
three) DC Planeary Gear Motor: ten-82mm diameter, .1-100W output power
four) Brushless DC Motor: 28-110mm, 5-1500W output power
five) Stepper Motor: NEMA 08 to NEMA 43, Can with gearbox and direct screw
6) Servo Motor: 42mm to 130mm diameter, fifty-4000w
7) AC Gear Motor: forty nine to 100mm diameter, six-a hundred and forty output power
1. Creation Line:
two. Testing Products:
3. Certificates:
four. CZPTer Visits:
six. FAQ:
Q: What is actually your major merchandise?
A:We currently make Brushed Dc Motors, Brushed Dc equipment Motors, Planetary Dc Equipment Motors, Brushless Dc Motors, Stepper motors and Ac Motors and so forth. You can check out the technical specs for over motors on our web site and you can electronic mail us to advise essential motors per your specification way too.
Q:How to select a suitable motor?
A:If you have motor pictures or drawings to show us, or you have thorough specs like voltage, pace, torque, motor dimensions, doing work mode of the motor, required life time and sound stage and so forth, remember to do not wait to enable us know, then we can recommend suitable motor per your request appropriately.
Q: Do you have CZPT services for your common motors?
A:Of course, we can personalize for every your ask for for the voltage, pace, torque and shaft dimension/condition. If you need added wires/cables soldered on the terminal or need to have to incorporate connectors, or capacitors or EMC we can make it way too.
Q:Do you have specific layout services for motors?
A:Indeed, we would like to design and style motors individually for our customers, but it may possibly require some mould demand and style cost.
Q:Can I have samples for screening first?
A:Indeed, definitely you can. Soon after confirmed the required motor specs, we will estimate and supply a proforma invoice for samples, once we get the payment, we will get a PASS from our account section to commence samples appropriately.
Q:How do you make sure motor top quality?
A:We have our own inspection procedures: for incoming resources, we have signed sample and drawing to make positive experienced incoming materials for production procedure, we have tour inspection in the procedure and final inspection to make positive competent products ahead of shipping and delivery.
Q:What is your direct time?
A:CZPTly speaking, our regular standard item will require twenty five-30days, a bit longer for CZPT products. But we are really flexible on the guide time, it will relies upon on the specific orders
Q:What is actually your payment term?
A:For all our new consumers, we will need to have forty% deposite, sixty% compensated prior to shipment.
Q:When will you reply right after obtained my inquiries?
A:We will reaction inside of 24 several hours as soon as get your inquires.
Q:How can I trust you to make sure my cash is protected?
A:We are licensed by the third party SGS and we have exported to more than eighty five countries up to June.2017. You can examine our track record with our present buyers in your place (if our customers do not thoughts), or you can order by means of alibaba to get trade assurance from alibaba to make sure your funds is risk-free.
Q:What's the minimal buy amount?
A:Our bare minimum buy quantity depends on distinct motor models, you should e mail us to check out. Also, we normally do not take personalized use motor orders.
Q:What's your transport strategy for motors?
A:For samples and packages much less than 100kg, we generally recommend specific delivery For large offers, we generally advise air shipping and delivery or sea shipping and delivery. But it all depends on our customers' wants.
Q:What certifications do you have?
A:We at present have CE and ROSH certifications.
Q:Can you send me your price checklist?
A:Given that we have hundreds of different items, and price differs for every various specs, we are not ready to supply a price checklist. But we can quotation inside of 24 hours as soon as obtained your inquirues to make sure you can get the price tag in time.
Q:Can I visit your business?
A:Yes, welcome to go to our firm, but remember to enable us know at minimum two months in advance to help us make positive no other meetings for the duration of the working day you check out us. Thanks!
Weclome contact with us if have any concerns about this motor or other merchandise!


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Today marked the special release of a full collection of Disneyland 65th Anniversary attraction pins, including incredible designs themed to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Main Street Cinema, Autopia, and more!
The shopping event is taking place for a limited time at the former ESPN Zone in the Downtown Disney District, and guests are required to have a reservation. Guests were lined up this afternoon for the first set of reservations, with two more pick-up dates to follow on September 1 and 2.
Inside, guests were directed to specifically-numbered desks to pick out and purchase merchandise, which also included this amazing new Sleeping Beauty Castle sipper.
The collection features 13 pins, all LE 2,000. Each pin costs $17.99, and guests are limited to 2 pins per style. Without further ado, let's take a look at these amazingly designed pins, featuring nods to some of our favorite classic attractions:
65th Anniversary Carousel Limited Edition Pin
King Arthur is in front of the carousel waiting for adventure!
65th Anniversary Dumbo Flying Elephants Limited Edition Pin
Float around Fantasyland with the newest Dumbo the Flying Elephants pin!
65th Anniversary Mr. Toad's Wild Ride Limited Edition Pin
Add adventure to your collection with Mr. Toad's Wild Ride attraction pin!
65th Anniversary Storybook Land Canal Boats Limited Edition Pin
Go on an adventure with Storybook Land Canal Boats!
65th Anniversary Peter Pan's Flight Limited Edition Pin
Nana overlooks the adventurous Peter Pan's Flight!
65th Anniversary Casey Jr. Circus Train Limited Edition Pin
All aboard! Join the Casey Jr. Circus Train as it sails around Disneyland Park!
65th Anniversary Mark Twain Steamboat Limited Edition Pin
Louie canoes down the Rivers of America admiring the Mark Twain Steamboat!
65th Anniversary Autopia Limited Edition Pin
Goofy is geared up and ready to speed down the tracks of Autopia!
65th Anniversary Disneyland Railroad Limited Edition Pin
Engineer Donald Duck is ready for adventure aboard the Disneyland Railroad!
65th Anniversary Jungle Cruise Limited Edition Pin
Skipper is ready for a boat ride down the Jungle Cruise!
65th Anniversary Limited Edition Mad Tea Party Pin
65th Anniversary Snow White's Adventures Limited Edition Pin
The Evil Queen holds a poison apple alongside Happy, as they prepare for Snow White's Adventures!
65th Anniversary Main Street Cinema Limited Edition Pin
Mickey Mouse rides his bicycle, ready for some fun at Main Street Cinema!
Will you be stopping by the Downtown Disney District for your shopping reservation in the next two days? Let us know what pins you're going to get!


text: What is the recommended age range for the Dyno Smartwatch? Coolpad Support Follow Dyno is recommended for kids 4+. Related articles Coolpad Surf (Sprint/Boost) User Manual & Quick Start Guide Is the Dyno Smartwatch waterproof? How do I send a text to my child's Dyno Smartwatch? Will I pay for roaming charges since the network my watch is on is in Canada? How do I connect my Coolpad to my computer for Tethering (use as a Wireless Modem)? Comments 0 comments Please sign in to leave a comment.


text:
Izanami is a shared configuration service well-suited for micro-service architecture implementation. In addition to shared configuration, Izanami provides feature flipping and A/B Testing. Izanami provides a UI to allow non-tech users to toggle features and to handle A/B testing.
Izanami also provides first class integration. We provide Java, Scala, Node and React clients to integrate with your apps. We also provide webhook integration.
Izanami is written in scala using the playframework and developed by the MAIF OSS team.
See our documentation
You can join these groups and chats to discuss and ask Izanami related questions:
Contributions are welcomed.
Refer to the CONTRIBUTING.md file for more details about the workflow, and general hints on how to prepare your pull request. You can also ask for clarifications or guidance in GitHub issues directly.
Izanami is Open Source and available under the Apache 2 License.


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- 09/11/15, 00:20 #1AnonymeIntroduction
This document aims to inform foreign WHV holders going to France with a working holiday visa (WHV) of the different recruitment formalities.
We recommend that you become familiar with this document before leaving for France and add it to your favourites because you will probably need to consult it frequently once you are in France.
If some of your questions remain unanswered after reading this document, leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
The Obligation to Hold a Work Authorization
Before hiring a foreign worker, the employer has the obligation to verify that this individual has a valid residence permit allowing them to work in France as an employee. If that is not the case, the worker must request a work authorization from the competent authorities.
France currently delivers working holiday visas to youth from the following region and countries:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong (the Special Administrative Region)
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Russia
- South Korea
France and Brazil signed a WHV agreement in December 2013 but it has not yet entered into force.
WHV Holders Still Concerned by the Obligation to Obtain a Temporary Work Authorization
The WHV holders from the following countries are delivered a long stay visa that allows them to stay in France without having to obtain a residence permit:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Russia
However, this visa does not allow them to work. For each job, they must obtain a temporary work authorization (TWA) for the expected duration of the employment.
WHV Holders Exempted from the Obligation to Obtain a TWA
WHV holders from the following destinations are delivered a long stay visa that entitles them to work. These individuals are not required to take specific steps before starting to work.
- Argentina
- Hong-Kong (the administrative region)
- South Korea
Important Note:
Administratively, there is currently confusion about the nationalities requiring a work authorization. Before starting your job search, and even before arriving in France if that is an essential point for you, contact the office of the Direction Régionale des Entreprises, de la Concurrence, de la Consommation, du Travail et de l'Emploi (DIRECCTE) serving your area of residence to confirm if you still need a work authorization.
The Steps to Obtain a Temporary Work Authorization (TWA)
This part only concerns nationals from Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Russia on a WHV in France.
Required Documents
Generally, you will have to provide the original and a copy of the following documents:
- the form to request a TWA
- your work contrat in the prescribed form (the contrat must be for a fixed-term and include the end date of your employment. This date cannot go beyond the validity period of your working holiday visa. That being said, some WHV holders were able to obtain a TWA with a contract of indeterminate duration referred to as " contrat à durée indéterminée (CDI)".)
- the identification page in your passport (the one with your photo ID and your personal information)
- the working holiday visa affixed in your passport
- a pre-addressed envelope with a stamp (sometimes, a second letter is requested so a copy can be sent to your employer)
- identification photographs (originals only)
The required documents to apply for a TWA can vary depending on the department. Therefore, it's important to contact the office of the DIRECCTE serving your area of residence to confirm the necessary documents and the number of copies to provide before submitting your application.
Where to Submit Your Request for a TWA?
The application must be submitted in person to the office of the DIRECCTE serving your area of residence. In some offices, you can also avoid the line up by going through the counter for individuals with a student permit referred to as "permis de séjour étudiant" (even though the WHV isn't one). The unit of the DIRECCTE you must see is the foreign labour service referred to as "Service de la Main d'Oeuvre Étrangère (SMOE)".
There are no fees to obtain a temporary work authorization.
Processing of the Request
Some offices of the DIRECCTE send the TWA by mail while others process applications on site.
Once your application has been reviewed, the DIRECCTE will hand you directly or send you by mail a copy of the form stamped by the French authorities. This form is your TWA and it will grant you the right to start working for your employer for the expected period of employment.
Each time you will find new employment, you will have to apply for another TWA.
Employment With a Temporary Placement Agency
You can do short temporary asignments for a temporary placement agency. The agency will provide a work contract that will allow you to apply for a TWA.
Pre-Employment Declaration (PED)
This part concerns all employers who wish to hire foreign WHV holders in France.
The employer must transmit a pre-employment declaration (PED) referred to as "declaration préalable d'embauche (DPAE)" (formerly referred to as "declaration unique d'embauche" i.e. one-time employment declaration), regardless of the type of contract.
This declaration must be done at the earliest eight days before hiring or before the trial period of the WHV holder and at the latest the minute preceding the beginning of work.
The PED also allows the employer to request the WHV holder's registration with the French social security system if it is their first job in France so he or she can then ask for a social security number.
How to Submit a PED
There are two ways to submit a PED: by mail or online.
Employers can submit the request online through one of the following websites:
- URSSAF (directly through URSSAF or through Net-entreprise.fr) for a non-agricultural sector employee
- the Mutualité social agricole for an agricultural sector employee
The employer will immediately receive a reply acknowledging reception of the PED of which he will have to hand you a copy for your files.
By Mail
Employers who do not have access to the Internet can download the request form for the PED, fill it out and submit it by registered mail with a receipt acknowledging reception to the URSSAF or the Mutualité sociale agricole to which they report to. The receiving organization will then send the employer a document confirming the reception of the PED and the information recorded.
In this case as well, the employer must hand you a copy of the PED or a copy of the receipt acknowledging reception for your files.
Unforeseen Circumstances
If, for any reason, you will not start working on the expected date, the employer must cancel the PED in the same way it was submitted.
Useful Links:
- Procédure d'embauche sur le site de ServicePublic.fr (general information on the recruitment process)
- Effectuer la déclaration préalable à l'embauche sur net-entreprises.fr (submitting a pre-employment declaration)
- La déclaration préalable à l'embauche à l'URSSAF (pre-employment declaration with the URSSAF)
- La déclaration préalable à l'embauche à la MSA (pre-employment declaration with the MSA)
Employment Declaration to the Prefecture for a Foreign Worker
Under the French labour code, the employer has the obligation to verify with the prefecture the existence and validity of the TWA, or for foreign nationals who do not require a TWA, the validity of the long stay visa for employment purposes. This process therefore concerns all WHV holders in France.
Where to Submit the Employment Declaration
In the two business days before the date of hiring, the employer must send the prefecture of the department in which the workplace is located (or in Paris, the police prefecture referred to as "Préfecture de police de Paris") a letter dated, signed and sent by registered mail with a request for a receipt of acknowledgement on reception or an email, accompanied by a copy of your working holiday visa and your TWA, if it applies, and information on you and the employer.
Other documents may be required depending on the department. In case of doubt, the employer should consult the website of the prefecture of which his business depends for detailed information.
Processing of the Request and Processing Times
The prefect will inform the employer of his response within two business days by email, mail or fax. Unless otherwise stated, the employer is considered to have fulfilled his obligation after this two-day period has passed.
Useful Links:
- Liste des préfectures (the list of prefectures)
- Code du travail - section 6 : contrôle des autorisations de travail (Labour Code - section 6 : checking process for work authorizations)
Steps to Obtain a Social Security Number
The social security number is a code that allows, amongst other things, employers to identify the employees for whom they are paying employer contributions so that these employees can get coverage in case of sickness or an accident.
It is a unique and personal number composed of 15 digits.
The number is composed, in that order, of the following information:
- the individual's gender (1 for a men and 2 for a women)
- the last two digits of the year of birth
- the two digits of the month of birth (from 01 to 12)
- the number 99 is assigned to individuals born abroad. Otherwise, it's the department of birth.
- the three digits of the country's INSEE code (Argentina: 415; Australia: 501; Canada: 401; South Korea: 239; Hong-Kong: 230; Japan: 217; New Zealand: 502)
- the following three digits are an order number assigned by the INSEE
- two digits that correspond to a control key determined by an algorithm using the preceding digits
The Social Security Number for Foreign WHV Holders in France
WHV holders carrying out paid work in France must obtain a social security number.
This number grants you the right to work but it does not entitle you to French health insurance benefits. If you remember, a requirement to obtain the working holiday visa is to subscribe to a complementary health insurance that covers hospitalization, medical evacuation and medical fees.
Useful Links:
- La définition et la composition du numéro de sécurité sociale (the definition and composition of the social security number)
- L'attribution et l'utilisation du numéro de sécurité sociale (the assignment and use of the social security number)
- La page Immatriculation à la Sécurité sociale : premier emploi de ServicePublic.fr (registering with the French social security system)
Requesting a Social Security Number
Part 1 - The Employer
For individuals born abroad and for whom it is the first time working in France, it is the employer that starts the process for the assignment of a social security number when they fill out the pre-employment declaration (PED).
Some employers can be reluctant to the idea of hiring WHV holders because they don't have a social security number. Not having a social security number is not a valid reason to refuse to hire a candidate and it is important to specify that it is not illegal. The employer can simply ask for one by submitting a pre-employment declaration.
Part 2 - The WHV Holder
When you receive your first pay slip proving you have worked at least 60 hours you can ask for a social security number. You must submit the original and a copy of the following documents:
- your employment contract
- your first pay slip (you need to have cumulated at least 60 hours)
- a bank account identification (referred to as "relevé d'identité bancaire (RIB)") to your name and delivered by your bank
- the identification page in your passport (the one with your photo ID and your personal information)
- the working holiday visa affixed in your passport
- your birth certificate legalized and dated less than three months
- an official translation of your birth certificate in French, if your birth certificate is written in another language
Additional documents may be required. Contact the office where you will submit your request before submitting your application.
Where to Submit Your Request for a Social Security Number
You must submit your request to the office of one of the following organizations serving the area of your workplace:
- the Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie (CPAM) (non-agricultural sector employees)
- the Mutualité sociale agricole (agricultural sector employees)
There are no fees to request a social security number.
Processing of the Request and Processing Times
Once your file has been submitted, you will receive a certificate of registration with your temporary social security number. This number generally starts with the number 3, 7 or 8. This number must not be provided to your employer; it is only intended to be used so you can follow up with your request.
After reviewing your file, if your request is accepted, you will be assigned a definitive social security number within two to three months. Delays due to missing documents for example, can further delay the reception of your social security number. You should therefore ensure that you have all necessary documents from the start.
Once you have obtained your social security number, you will no longer need to request a new one each time you get hired. Your French social security number will remain valid your entire life.
Special Cases
You will have to request a social security number for yourself from one of the organization mentioned previously in the following circumstances:
- your employer did not request your registration with the social security system
- you are working for multiple employers
- you occasionally or intermittently work for the same employer
- you work for an employer whose business does not have an establishment in France
A Few Tips to Avoid Complications
Here are some tips to consider:
The odds are very high that most employees in the French administration will not know about the WHV. You may therefore receive different instructions depending on the person you are speaking with. Your dealings will often require a lot of perseverance!
Contact the office of the organization receiving your application or your request to confirm the list of required documents, accepted submission methods and processing times.
Create a personal file for each request or application you will submit and keep it in a safe place.
Be ordered and meticulous in how you prepare your file.
Before submitting your request or application, ensure that you have all the required documents; forgetting something could easily delay the process and make you lose time.
Ensure you have readable and integral copies of your original documents. Don't forget to make a copy of the back of these documents when it applies.
Favour the use of email or mail with an acknowledgment receipt in your interactions with French authorities when it is possible, and keep copies of all your communications.
You can bring more documents than what is required if that makes you comfortable but you should only provide them when requested to do so.
Finally, remember that for a lot of French nationals, French administration can also be somewhat of a mystery sometimes!
- 30/01/19, 02:04 #2
- 30/01/19, 02:22 #3Bonjour,
Elles sont avant tout disponibles en français
Formalités pour l'embauche en France (pour les étrangers en PVT) - pvtistes.net
Tu as posté dans la discussion qui traduit en anglais le dossier initial
Identifiez-vous pour répondre
Pour accéder à cette fonctionnalité, vous devez vous inscrire au préalable ou vous identifier grâce au formulaire ci-dessous.


text:
Overview of Robert Kellar
Kellar always wanted to be a singer in a rock and roll band. He would hitchhike to California, Colorado and Florida, exploring the United States and chasing that dream. The last time he left, he never came back.
According to family members he wasn't acting like himself in the months prior to his disappearance. He was depressed and also had other problems that were hard for him to handle and may have been using drugs. Kellar's family reported him missing in 1992, two years after he left on his last cross-country trip. They assumed he would be back. Muscatine Police took the report but didn't find evidence of a crime. Because there was no indication of foul play in the disappearance of Kellar, the investigation concluded that he left the area voluntarily.
Kellar's family believes he is residing in another state probably Colorado, California, New York or Florida. They have not had any contact with him and are concerned as a result of this. (Information retrieved from NamUs.gov)


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For all the current readers of Critics at Large, we've resurrected the Luna Sea Notes website to publish previous posts. The idea is to introduce readers to pieces they may have missed from earlier in our incarnation. Since we now have a huge body of work to draw from, the goal is to post articles that may also have some relevance to events of the day.
Mari-Beth Slade normally doesn't review movies for us but she wanted to tackle this one. It made sense. Mari-Beth is one of those rare folks from a marketing background who questions rather than simply markets. Morgan Spurlock had already made a name for himself exposing the detriments of eating at McDonalds in Super Size Me. But, in his latest film, Mari-Beth astutely sensed something a little more self-serving at work.
Disclaimer: I fell asleep during this movie. Granted, it was the late movie on a Tuesday night after a full day of work, a softball game, and endless errands. It's also not the first time I've turned the cinema into my personal napping studio. But still, after Super Size Me (2004), I had grand expectations for Spurlock's next documentary. I'm not a cinephile or a film connoisseur. I'm just an ordinary moviegoer hoping to learn something and be diverted for a few hours. Super Size Me confronted us and demanded that we reconsider the consequences of every empty calorie we consume. I hoped for a similar challenge with POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. I expected Spurlock to ask the tough questions about product placement, selling-out and the effect advertising has on rampant consumerism.Mari-Beth Slade normally doesn't review movies for us but she wanted to tackle this one. It made sense. Mari-Beth is one of those rare folks from a marketing background who questions rather than simply markets. Morgan Spurlock had already made a name for himself exposing the detriments of eating at McDonalds in Super Size Me. But, in his latest film, Mari-Beth astutely sensed something a little more self-serving at work.
The Most Boring Movie Ever Watched: Morgan Spurlock's The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
I received no such challenge. The film was essentially a poorly-edited and loosely-connected series of meetings that Spurlock arranged in an attempt to secure sponsorships for his film. One reviewer pointed out that this is cleverly "very meta." Fair enough, but it would also be "very meta" to catalog a book about the Dewey Decimal system – and equally as dull. Many of us spend our lives attending meetings and can think of nothing more monotonous that watching someone else do the same thing for two hours with no comic or cunning interpretation. It's this interpretive twist that makes the mundane mischievous. Consider the TV show The Office: who would have thought it would be entertaining to watch pedestrian clerical workers all day? Yet the result is wildly amusing, an acute depiction of the ridiculousness of office life. Spurlock had the same potential with this movie, but missed the mark.
Conversely, another reviewer claims that Spurlock "shoots straight enough that the audience can make up its own mind" (you'll have to excuse me; I had to pore through other reviews to make up for what I slept through). Again, I concede the point. The film was exceedingly straightforward and not the least bit leading. But don't we want to be led, or at least guided? Isn't the filmmaker supposed to have some point of view, even in a fact-based documentary? The film was all exposition, no persuasion. I realize that we need to be told the whole story, but we also need a narrator. I could gather the facts myself, but I go to the movies to get the insight that pure facts cannot deliver. Unfortunately, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold did not deliver either.
It wasn't all a wash. The segment on identifying your personal brand was useful. This is something that we don't do enough: treat our lives like a business. It's amazing how, on a personal level, people will amass large amounts of debt, kindle unfruitful alliances, or engage in aimless activities, when they wouldn't dream of doing these things in a commercial context. Approaching our lives as we would a company is a powerful metaphor that, most of the time, will lead us to make the right choices. Watching Spurlock learn what his personal brand stands for and align his relationships appropriately inspired me to be more entrepreneurial about my own personal brand. Spurlock's brand was summarized as 'playful meets mindful' and jibes with corporate brands like Apple, JetBlue Airlines, and Mini. This left me wondering about what I want my personal brand to be and scared that my corporate counterparts aren't near as cool as Spurlock's.
POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (apparently that's the official title) did get me examining product placement in other films. While watching The Next Three Days, the abundance of Toyota vehicles was strikingly obvious. The line "What kind of criminal drives a Prius? The socially responsible kind" confirmed that Toyota must have paid big bucks to get their cars in the movie. For a moment I felt like I was watching a commercial. I would have loved if Spurlock provided some sort of insight into how much more likely I am to buy a Toyota after seeing The Next Three Days. But once again, Spurlock neglected to ask and answer the truly intriguing questions about in-film advertising and product placement.
If you're the type of person who enjoys looking at pictures of your friends' vacations and appreciates the minutiae of others' lives, you might find this movie interesting. If, however, you are like me, and prefer the opinion to the objective, you'll spend the whole time wondering what Spurlock actually thinks (if you don't fall asleep, that is).
- originally published on June 7, 2011 in Critics at Large.
– Mari-Beth Slade is a marketer for an accounting firm in Halifax. She enjoys hearing new ideas and challenging assumptions. When not hard at work, she appreciates sharing food, wine and conversations with her family and friends.