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Resourceful, adventurous and utterly indefatigable, Sophy is hardly the mild-mannered girl that the Rivenhalls expect when they agree to take her in. Kind-hearted Aunt Lizzy is shocked; stern Cousin Charles and his humourless fiancée Eugenia are disapproving. With her inimitable mixture of exuberance and grace Sophy soon sets about endearing herself to her family, but finds herself increasingly drawn to her cousin. Can she really be falling in love with him, and he with her? And what of his betrothal to Eugenia?
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
©1950 © Georgette Heyer (P)2011 Naxos AudioBooks
"Abridged versions simply don't work"
At least not if they are Georgette Heyer books. The Grand Sophy simply works at more levels than this abridged version gives it credit for. I so wanted an audible version of this book that I was willing to buy an abridged version. Never again! You turned a book brimming full of fun and cunning plot into a trite farce. Just listen to the unabridged version of Fridays Child and compare to this offering and wonder whether you are listening to the the same author. Unabridged versions of The Grand Sophy, Faro's Daughter and False Colours are definitely required! Read by whoever you choose, although I like Claire Wille and Phillida Nash.
"The Grand Sophie"
This is one of my favourite Georgette Heyer books and I have been waiting ages for it to come out in audio. I am disappointed that it is abridged, but downloaded it anyway. The reader is ok, but I think that Clifford Norgate, Phyllida Nash, Sian Phillips, Barbara Leigh-Hunt and Cornelius Garrett portray the characters best and show an understanding of the author's humour. I hope they will consider recording an unabridged version of the book read by one of the above.
"STOP abridging GH, it doesn't work!"
What a disappointment, abridged to the point of removing all that makes GH so great, the depth was gone and the story reduced to a trashy short story rather than one of Georgette Heyer best comedic romps! The music is also pointless and a blatant time filler.
The Grand Sophy is possibly the best of Georgette Heyer's Regency Romances, full of fun and outrageous characters and several inter weaved story lines. I was so looking forward to the release of the audio book, but this abridged version has removed so many of the incidents and small details that make the book magic, that I started wondering why they bothered with this version at all. To make it worse, the program is padded out with musical 'fillers', which felt as though they were inserted at the expense of the story detail. I really wish they had just had the unabridged version of the book read and without the music. If that version should ever be released I would buy it tomorrow, but this abridged version is not the book that I have ben waiting for, by any stretch of the imagination.
"Far too much of the story missing!"
This very abbreviated version omits far too much of the comedy between Sophy & Charles.
"Worth waiting for"
I have waited for The Grand Sophy to come out on Audible and was not disappointed. The reader is very good and brings it to life, but wish it was not an abridged version.
One of Heyer's best books with something for everyone and quite funny.
"Very Enjoyable"
This version of a well loved book has been skillfully abridged and the story flows very well and is also well read. I must admit that I would have preferred the unabridged version but hey, beggers cannot be choosers and I really enjoyed this reading. More Georgette Heyer please!
"Th Grand Sophy"
As with other reviewers, I found the abridged version slightly disappointing. This is my favourite Georgette Heyer novel and I would much rather have enjoyed it unabridged as I found much of the character of the story to be missing.
"Not my favourite Georgette Heyer."
Sophy gets up to some quite shocking things, so the storyline would have been promising had it not been abridged. Why, oh, why do they have to make it abridged? Apart from that a reasonable story (as far as it goes) and an okay way to pass the time of day. I might have enjoyed this story more had it been read by a different person, as Clare Wille sounds a bit hyperactive, which made it difficult to keep concentrating on what she was saying. So it's not my favourite Georgette Heyer.
"Can we get it unabridged?"
I'll make it unanimous. This is a great production, terrific reader, nice music, and a decent abridgement. But We Want the Whole Thing!
"The Grand Sophy," "Venetia," and "Frederica" are considered by many to be the "big three" of Georgette Heyer's Regency Romances. I'd add "Cotilliion" and "Bath Tangle" to those, and for those who like a touch of mystery, "The Quiet Gentleman" and "Regency Buck." Only some of these are available here, and I hope Audible gets unabridged versions of all of them (and of any other Heyers that aren't already here).
This version is beautifully done, and I love Clare Wille's narration, but the abridgement will disappoint those who will miss many of their favorite scenes and confuse those who haven't read the book. If Naxos was going to put this much effort into the book, why not do the whole thing? This novel certainly warrants it.
"abridged becomes a cartoon"
I was happy to see this released yesterday so that I could download it to soothe a head cold, but even with Naxos Audiobooks sound quality and a good narrator, a Heyer novel just becomes silly with only the broad story line exposed in an abridgement. It might be good nostalgia for those who loved the novel in print. What a waste - Heyer can be such good diversion, unabridged.
"The Grand Sophy abridged"
I have to agree with the previous reviewer, Heyer abridged is a shadow of the real thing: and I think it is nostalgia for the original book that makes me like this so much, mentally adding the depths of character that were washed out with the abridgment. I am not sorry I bought this, the narrator is terrific, but if they find an unabridged version I will buy that as well.
"Now, Let's Do It Again Unabridged!"
The narrator was absolutely wonderful and Georgette Heyer's Grand Sophy abridged is better than not at all. However, as wonderful as it was, it simply made me long for Sophy unabridged with the wonderful Clare Wille at the helm again. I had listened to the original unabridged version on cassette and though I wanted to like it, the narrator did not impress me. Ms. Wille, on the other hand, was perfection in my opinion and I would buy the unabridged version again if she were the narrator. Hopefully the publisher/producer is paying attention to our comments.
"Abridging took the Heart of the Grand Sophy!"
I am so disappointed The Grand Sophy was released abridged. Please Please released the unabridged version.
"Another abridged Georgette Heyer"
Clare Wille did a fine job of giving voices to the various charactors in the book.
Please release an unabridged version of the Grand Sophy. I bought this because I love the original story and could not resist, but it was a disappointment, not because of the reader, but because all the little nuances and some of the original story were left out. The author's original intent is lost in an unabridged book.
Please release some of the Georgette Heyer Mysteries in unabridged form (Duplicate Death, Footsteps in the Dark, etc). Unabridged!!
"Whoever edited this down should be slapped!"
This is a horrible travesty of Georgette Heyer! Her estate should never allow such hacks to decimate her work! The editor pulled out all the subtle nuances that added so much depth and texture and humor to this book. I will NEVER purchase an edited version again!
"Great story, despite abridgement"
Finally! my favorite Heyer book. And then it has to be adbridged. The Grand Sophy comes to London and sets a whirlwind going. In the end, everyone is happy and in love. Sophy is definitely a 21st century girl in a 19th century world (it's set just after Napoleon's defeat). The editor's did a pretty good job of abridging it. They did cut out some of the parts where you see the softer/funnier side of Charles. Somebody do an unabridged version! Somebody do a movie! Viva la Grand Sophy!
Somehow I missed the note that this is an abridged version. It's one of my favorite Heyer stories, but in taking out details to curtail the length they took out some of the best wit and converstaion, and fair amount of the underlying story.
NO. I suggest you go for an unabridged edition.
"Unabridged, PLEASE!"
This is my favorite Heyer book, sadly rendered flat and insipid by poor editing. All the smaller story arches, little comments, and delightful flashes of wit that make Heyer romances so wonderful have been omitted, leaving this audiobook a shadow of the real work. The voice artist's performance is only fair- but to be just, that could be because the all the juiciest, funniest bits were removed from her script. If any casting editor is reading this, crisp upper class British diction AND an excellent sense of humor and fun are a must for any actor cast for a Heyer book. PLEASE re-do this one!!!
I love Heyer books in print, but I will only order unabridged from now on.
It was a bit flat, and lacked the fun and humor of the actual book.
NONE!! You've already eviscerated it!!
See above
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Can anyone Id this beetle found down at my local woods/nature reserve please?
Apologies for the poor quality pictures....
Many thanks
Hello there.
I think this could be one of the 'Click Beetles'. Although I'm not to hot on these down to a species level. Your camera seems to have a good lens with a very short depth of field. Try 'image stacking' to create a really detailed photo. There are a couple of good free programs available for this on the net. It can be tricky at first and a monopod is very helpful in the field but it is really rewarding when you get it right.
Best wishes Lewis

subset: commoncrawl


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" Genre: Comedy / Suitable for 15 years and over / Director: Paul Feig / Actors: Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper, Maya Rudolph ... / Blu-ray released 2011-11-14 at Universal Pictures UK "
* Prices may differ from that shown
Bridesmaids is an American romantic comedy movie which was released in the United Kingdom in June 2011. The movie is a 15 which means that it must not be viewed by persons under the age of fifteen. The movie runs at five minutes over two hours long. The film is currently showing in cinemas now.
The Plot: Meet Annie! Meet Lillian! Annie and Lillian have been best friends forever! When Lillian gets engaged, Annie couldn't be more happier and is chuffed to bits when Lillian asks her to be Maid Of Honour. However, as the wedding gets closer the bridesmaids have a lot of 'get-togethers' to discuss the wedding and also to get to know eachother. Lillian's most recent friend, the gorgeous and absolutley rich Helen is also a bridesmaid (and a brat!), and can't help but compete with Annie. Annie's life is already in a mess (she's lost her job, her fiance) and so this is the last thing she needs. Whose side will Lillian take? Will Annie be able to get back on her feet again? Watch Bridesmaids to find out!
Wow! What a movie! I really enjoyed this movie! I thought that the plot was a really good one and I also found the movie to be hilarious!
~ * So what was the verdict...? * ~
There were so many scenes in this movie which had me laughing - from the very beginning, right to the very end there is something to laugh out. The opening scene is very funny (and very rude!) and also the ending scene is also very funny (and very rude!).
~ * What about the characters...? * ~
There were some interesting characters in this film. My favourites were definetely the 'in the background' characters, such as the brother and sister and also one of the 'manly bridesmaids', Megan.
Whilst I should have felt sorry for the main character Annie (all my friends did when we watched it), I don't know why, but I just did not like the character; perhaps it was the actress that I didn't like more than the character - but she was too cocky and just annoyed me at times, so much that I didn't feel sorry for her! (I'm so mean!!)
Whilst we are on the talk of characters, whilst there were some good ones, I would have liked if there had been 'more about' the other other characters. I would have prefered if they had been given major roles rather than minor ones, as to me the minor ones were as funny (if not at times, funnier than some of the main characters).
I was suprised to see that Matt Lucas makes an appearance in this movie as I didn't know he was going to be in it when I watched it. I plays part of a brother and sister (the actress who played the sister really looked like him - so much that I wondered whether she really was his sister in real life!
I also didn't feel that I connected with any of the characters which was a shame. I like a film where you can connect with the characters, however with this movie I just felt like I was watching then (which does sound quite obvious!). By that I mean, I like to feel a part of a group of friends, not just watch them (and feel left out! haha!)
~ * How was the acting? * ~
Despite not really liking the actress who played Annie, I did think that she was a brilliant actress and had such fantastic comedy timing - she was also very comical physically as well - such as when she was trying to show the policeman (when he pulled her over because he thought that she was drunk!) that she wasn't drunk and to prove it she started doing all these fancy moves (whilst still managing to walk straight on the white line!).
The acting in this movie was very believeable - so believeable that I was actually thinking of them as real people!
~ * Was It Funny ? * ~
Oh yes! In fact I think it was probably one of the most funniest movies I have ever seen - along with the movie Knocked Up (the makers of Knocked Up actually made this movie too!)
There was so much to laugh about in this movie - so many scenes! Such scenes which stood out the most for me were definetely the scene in the 'Bridal Store!' - I was in stitches! There were so many other funny scenes although I do not want to give to much away and so I will keep it at that.
There were also some really funny quotes in this movie. Such quotes went along the lines of:
Gil: Before you make those kinds of demands you should put a note on your door that says, "Do not come into my room and read my diary and wear my clothes."
Annie: You read my diary?
Brynn: At first I did not know it was your diary, I thought it was a very sad handwritten book.
Megan: This is some classy sh-...
Megan: I want to apologize. I'm not even confident on which end that came out of.
So as you can see this is a really funny movie!
~ * What else... ? * ~
The movie is very girlie which means that it makes a perfect night out with the girls. It will really make you value your friendships - whilst having a good laugh too! This is the kind of movie which really makes you smile.
I did find the movie to be quite long - which if I was watching at home on the sofa etc I wouldn't mind so much. But because the seats in my local cinema (it's very old and basic - not at all like Cineworld!) are so hard and crammed (you have no room as the people next to you are sitting on top of you and there is no room for your legs as the seats in front of you are very close!) - and so having sat like that for around two hours, I was fed up in the end - so I think it was the cinema that was the problem rather than film as the reason why I thought it was 'too long!'. (If that makes any sense!).
Although one advantage of the film being 'long' was the fact that it meant that the story wasn't rushed and so we got a proper idea about everything that was happening and also got to see the characters develop, and also see how they had got to be the characters that they were (by seeing and hearing about their backgrounds etc).
I loved the venue of the 'Wedding Shower' - it was so beautiful!!
~ * Would you watch it again...? * ~
Oh yes! Definetely! It is the kind of movie which you can watch over and over again! HOWEVER...next time I would like to be sitting somewhere more comfortable than the chair I was sat in when I watched this movie in the cinema!
~ * One Final Thing... * ~
Whilst it seems that I have made a lot of 'complaints' about this movie, they are in fact quite minor (despite there being a lot of writing). I would just like to say that despite these 'minor faults', I still really enjoyed this movie and would definetely list it under my list of favourite movies (I know, it's hard to believe right?).
Thanks for reading!
July 2011
Xdonzx (also posted under xd-o-n-z-x on dooyoo)
"The Next Best Film Since Bridesmaids..." "From the producers of Bridesmaids..."
Lately, every review of a new comedy contains these words, or something similar. Either way they're all being compared to Bridesmaids, the 2011 American comedy from Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. Directed by Paul Feig and produced by comedy alumni Judd Apatow, Bridesmaids had some high profile names on its credits but perhaps not household names. Yet it managed to defy expectations and become a BAFTA nominated success instantly.
Bridesmaids tell the story of Annie, a single mid-thirties woman who resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her bakery recently failed, her boyfriend left her, and she's left working as a clerk in a jewelry store - frightening newly engaged couples with her cries of 'love does not exist!'
Her best friend Lillian, however, has it all. Recently engaged to a wealthy banker from Chicago and planning the wedding of her dreams, Lillian asks Annie to be her maid of honour. A decision she may later come to regret...
Initially I was slightly sceptical if I would enjoy Bridesmaids. An over-rated comedy chick flick in my eyes, i'd wrote it off from the start. When it arrived from Love Film, I contemplated sending it right back. "I won't like it, i'd rather get Sherlock Holmes sooner" went through my mind. But I figured i'd give it a go. No point wasting a rental. And i didn't regret it in the slightest.
From the offset, it's hilarious. You can sympathise with Annie, and yet it turns her sorry story into comical genius. If you're ever feeling slightly down, Bridesmaids is the film to sort you out. At just under two hours long I was expecting it to be dragging by the end, but in actual fact I was disappointed when it finished.
As it was a rental I didn't experience triple-play. However, triple-play means you can watch on normal DVD, blu-ray or as a digital copy. The blu-ray was incredibly clear, however not necessarily worth double the cost.
Whilst I still don't believe the accolade "the best film since Bridesmaids" necessarily makes a film amazing, it does mean it should be decent to say the least. Highly recommended to anyone who wants a mood lightening flick.
Bridesmaids is a 2011 American comedy set in Milwaukee, written by Kristen Wilg and Annie Mumalo it tells the tale of Annie (Wilg) who is asked to be maid of honour by her friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). Annie soon falls into a competition for Lillian's affections by fellow bridesmaid Helen (Rose Byrne) wife of Lillian's boss, the other bridesmaids are Lillian's co-worker Becca, her cousin Wendi and her future husbands sister Megan.
Annie is a rough and ready girl in her 30's, she has a job which doesn't stretch her, is having a casual relationship with a rich man and whose life is generally drifting. Annie is pretty in a girl next door day and when the immaculate Helen appears, always perfectly dressed and with impeccable manners we have the ingredients for a classic battle of rough v civilised.
The story then tells the tale of Lillian's hen life, we have Annie organising the hen party, wearing the wedding dress and finally the wedding. The film has an early scene where Annie is pulled over by a cop for not having break lights, the cop Nathan (Chris O'Dowd) lets her off when he realises that she was the previous owner of a famous bakery which went bust when Annie's boyfriend dumped her. Nathan and Annie start hanging out and bickering of her relationship with Helen is set against a more exciting new aspect of her life.
The feud between Helen and Annie comes to a head at the hen party when Helen steals all her best ideas, the explosion leads Annie and Lillian to split up and she has a huge argument the following day with Nathan and now she's without her new boyfriend and her oldest friend. Cue the ending.
This film was produced by Jupe Apalow and has a healthy pinch of American realism and whilst still a RomCom is more a ComRom than a RomCom. The humour is earthy and sparkier when compared with the usual bland RomCom fare, the film is stolen completely by the performance of Melissa McCarthy as Megan. Megan is the comedy element of the film; she is a larger than life character in every way and has a tendency to speak before thinking. McCarthy gained an Academy award nomination for supporting actor for the role and she just gives the perfect performance as the slightly over the top character, yet doesn't stretch to too much physical comedy or gross out moments. She does have the best line when making a burp type sound at the dress fitting and admitting that even she's not sure which end that sound came out off.
I think this film is the first American film which has poked fun at the generic RomCom fare, whilst still keeping to the traditional 15 minute moment where the films main characters life collapses 15 minutes before the end leading to the classic everything is all right finish. The film does feel like a female version of the Hangover, slightly over the top characters, the sexually frustrated housewife Wendi, the chaste virginal wife Becca, the embarrassing Megan and the superhot Helen all spin around the main character Annie giving great scenes and quality comedy lines. It clearly shows that a group of women can do crudity, drinking, whoring and vulgarity and the film explores all aspects of modern female American life.
This film has stand out moments, the flight to Vegas is hilarious, the dress fitting is gross on a new level and Annie's attempts to get Nathan to help her are brilliant. I loved the film, the writing is sharp and tight, the acting clever and the actors are clearly enjoying the lines they are given. This is super stuff and a Bridesmaids 2 can only be a heartbeat away.
I loved this film. I have watched it twice so far which for me is unusual as I don't normally watch films again after I've seen them fairly recently. I thought the storyline was simple but so effective and funny. I think it can be humorous for both men and women although it is mainly a chick flick. The humour is strong enough to entertain a wide audience and keeps you hooked from the beginning til the end. The film is just the right length, not enough time to get bored (as I sometimes do with very long films!). The acting is good from everyone and people might like to see Matt Lucas having a role to play in it. I don't want to give anything away in case you watch it but the best scenes are the ones when they try on the bridesmaid dresses - make sure you're not eating at the time!!


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Former prime minister Jean Chrétien played an instrumental role in persuading the government of Chad to grant lucrative oil and gas rights in 2009 to Calgary's Griffiths Energy International Inc., says the country's former ambassador to Canada.
Mahamoud Bechir said he attended a meeting with Mr. Chrétien and the country's long-serving president, Idriss Déby, and its then-Minister of Petroleum and Energy in September 2009. During the meeting, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, D.C., the former prime minister promoted the fledgling company, which was struggling to secure oil concessions in the African country.
Griffiths' pursuit of energy riches in Chad landed the company in legal trouble when it was discovered that the company had paid $2-million (U.S.) to a consulting company owned by Mr. Bechir's wife. Last week, Griffiths Energy pleaded guilty to bribery charges in an Alberta court and agreed to pay a $10.35-million penalty.
There is no suggestion or evidence that Mr. Chrétien was involved in any of the dealings that resulted in the bribery case, nor that he had knowledge of the payment to the ambassador's wife. Mr. Chrétien is counsel to Bay Street law firm Heenan Blaikie, which served as Griffiths Energy's legal adviser from Aug. 2009 to Jan. 2011. It is common practice for major law firms to hire retired politicians to help build relationships with domestic and foreign countries.
At Heenan Blaikie, Mr. Chrétien has helped a number of Canadian companies establish ties with a variety of African countries.
Mr. Chrétien declined through a spokesman to discuss the meeting, citing client confidentiality. A spokesman for Heenan Blaikie also declined comment.
In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Mr. Bechir, who was fired from his job as Chad's ambassador to South Africa on the weekend, portrayed Mr. Chrétien as a man who helped Griffiths' senior management gain access to key officials in the Chadian government. The ex-ambassador said his wife, Nouracham Niam, wrote a formal letter to the embassy proposing the meeting, which he approved "because this is Jean Chrétien. … He has the priority because he was the former Prime Minister of Canada."
The meeting took place in a small conference room next to Mr. Déby's suite at the Ritz. According to Mr. Bechir and other people familiar with the session, Heenan Blaikie lawyer Jacques Bouchard Jr. and two company founders, Brad Griffiths and Naeem Tyab, were also in attendance.
Mr. Bechir described Mr. Chrétien "a very funny guy," who set a jovial tone during the meeting and reassured the Chad delegation about Griffiths Energy's potential.
"This is a big testimony from a high-profile person," Mr. Bechir said. "I think that facilitated – it give some confidence to the government these are not just a bunch of people who are dreaming in the internet."
"I think that gave the confidence to the government that these people are serious, Griffiths' company is serious."
Mr. Déby responded by telling the Griffiths team that "they are welcome" in Chad, Mr. Bechir said. One month later, on Oct. 26, 2009, Griffiths Energy signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct due diligence on two oil blocks.
The agreement was a huge leap forward for a relatively unknown company that had failed after a number of visits to Chad to purchase rights to produce oil and gas in the country's rich southern oil fields. Mr. Griffiths, a former Bay Street investment banker, was so entranced with the investment opportunities in Chad that Mr. Bechir said the executive told him he would change his first name to Chad from Brad if the oil and gas investment was approved. He also promised a number of investments to build everything from new roads in Chad to a radio station at the Washington embassy, the ambassador said.
Griffiths Energy ultimately secured formal rights to the Chad properties in January, 2011, but the victory was short-lived.
Mr. Griffiths drowned in July, 2011, in a boating accident. The company's new management team discovered problematic contracts in the fall of that year and alerted the police to them, which culminated in last week's guilty plea.
Federal prosecutors have begun proceedings to force Ms. Niam to forfeit the $2-million payment and her large holding of shares in the company. According to an agreed statement of facts released by the court, in the fall of 2009, Griffiths Energy sold Ms. Niam and two friends 4 million so-called "founders shares" for a fraction of a penny each.
The statement said Ms. Niam was originally awarded 1.6 million shares for $1,600. Mr. Bechir said his wife later purchased an additional 1.6 million Griffiths Energy shares that were awarded to their children's teacher, Adoum Hassan, who was one of the original recipients of the founders shares.
Her stock holding is currently valued at about $20-million. Mr. Bechir said he plans to fight prosecutor's plans to force his wife to forfeit the shares.Report Typo/Error
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Feds Reject Considering White-Tailed Prairie Dog for Protection
DENVER − The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rejected a request Tuesday to consider federal protection for the white-tailed prairie dog, prompting the threat of a lawsuit by environmental groups.
The agency said in findings published in the Federal Register that there wasn't enough scientific information to warrant studying whether the prairie dog should be placed on the federal endangered species list.
Erin Robertson, a biologist with the Denver-based Center for Native Ecosystems, said the groups that sued to force Fish and Wildlife to consider their petition might sue to overturn the ruling.
"I think it's a pretty indefensible finding," Robertson said.
Sharon Rose, spokeswoman with the regional Fish and Wildlife office in Lakewood, said the agency would consider any new information about the white-tailed prairie dogs.
Agency biologists, however, found there wasn't enough information in the groups' petition to justify studying whether the species needs special protection, she said.
The white-tailed prairie dog is found west of the Continental Divide in sagebrush-covered lands in northwestern Colorado, northeastern Utah, central and western Wyoming and in south-central Montana.
It is a different species from the black-tailed prairie dog, which is found east of the Continental Divide.
Advocates argue that oil and gas drilling, disease, overgrazing and lax environmental regulations have eliminated the white-tailed prairie dogs from all but 8 percent of their historic range.
Source: Associated Press


text:
Submit News
CES 2013: Ford Launches "First Open Developer Program in the Auto History"
Jason Mick
January 7, 2013 11:27 PM
Recipient E-mail
Sender E-mail
Automaker aims to become industry standard, offers up its specification royalty-free
Ford Motor Comp. (
) has received harsh criticism
from J.D Power and Associates
Consumer Reports
regarding its graphically overhauled
MyFord Touch infotainment system
. But despite the criticism, Ford appears to remain confident that its vehicles need more infotainment features, not less.
I. Ford Aims to Positions Itself as the "Apple" of the Auto World
The automaker continued that push on Monday afternoon, showing off a new program for developers at the
2013 Consumer Electronics Show
at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ford has worked hard to install itself as a regular fixture at a show dominated by electronics giants. The automaker first came to CES
back in 2009
, when it showed off the SYNC infotainment system, then followed up
in 2010 with MyFord Touch
, and then in 2011 with
the Ford Focus Electric
. This year Ford's VP of Engineering Hau Tai-Tang announced the "first open developer program in the auto industry's history".
The car maker began its efforts
with AppLink
last year -- a project to allow app-makers to use the vehicle's built in voice support to control their apps and the Bluetooth link to stream sound from apps as well.
Now mature, Ford is putting the finishing touches on the program, announcing a new developer website --
. Ford says that it has shipped 1 million vehicles with AppLink support and Ford says it should sell over a million more this year. It predicts that by 2015 there will be an install base of 14 million vehicles with AppLink on the roads. Ford plans to debut the technology in Europe and Asia later this year.
Ford announced the auto industry's "first open developer platform".
While some will surely disagree, Ford sees letting drivers use apps on the road as a safety feature. It cites internal research, which showed that 75 percent of users want to connect their devices to their car, and that users are twice as likely to use their touchscreen by driving if the (in-car) technology doesn't meet their needs.
Ford emphasized that it will instantly deny any app with video content or rich imagery, with extensive text or reading of text, or apps that involve playing games.
II. A Small Selection of Indie, Big-Time Developers Already Onboard
The company claims that it's relatively easy to add code to your smartphone apps using Ford's AppLink API. It gives stories like that of the creators of BeCouply, who finished an early build of their app in a single night. The app helps couples plan their dates, by offering voice-controlled suggestions of activities and nearby options in those categories.
BeCouply offers suggestions for dates.
But Ford also has paired with jacApps to offer an option to interested parties who aren't as experienced on the development front. jacApps will build you an AppLink app for a fee. And another company, Cetecom, is Ford's official testing partner, which it refers interested parties to.
For do-it-yourself developers who don't own a vehicle with SYNC, Ford is offering a special text box, which it nicknames "SYNC in a box". The box-shaped test console features the features of a standard SYNC-equipped center-stack.
It's Ford SYNC in a box!
Among the other apps announced include:
- An app to find nearby deals
WSJ Live
- Radio programming from News Corp. (
USA Today
- News app with stories read by "real people"
aha Radio
- Aggregates internet radio channels, podcasts, and other content
- Popular
music subscription service
with 16 million songs
- Reads audio-versions of articles in popular magazines and newspapers, including
The Detroit Free Press
Men's Health
, and
TV Guide
-- social networking and media content (for the CHinese market)
-- track your location and send email, SMS, Facebook, or Twitter messages to family members with your location
Amazon CloudPlayer
-- Streaming music from Amazon.com, Inc.'s (
popular online storage service
Ford is offering a number of launch apps with the help of its developer partners.
Amazon VP of Digital Music, Steve Boom agrees with Ford that AppLink is a safety feature of sorts.
He remarks, "At Amazon we're music lovers and music lovers tend to have lots of music in their music collections... when you're speeding down the freeway, rifling through your glovebox looking for your latest CD from Mumford and Sons is probably not the greatest idea... fumbling for your phone only to realize you didn't sync your songs to it ... also not such a good idea. Amazon cloud customers will be able to play their entire music libraries while driving in the car. [App Link is] a convenient, and more importantly safer, way to play your music."
Ford says it is offering the technology free of licensing or royalties. It says that contributing the software to the industry is a "service to developers". Ford reports that it is "working with several industry groups to become the standard protocol for smartphone communications within the car."
[All Images © Jason Mick and DailyTech LLC]
"If they're going to pirate somebody, we want it to be us rather than somebody else." -- Microsoft Business Group President Jeff Raikes
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text:
Today's Dallas Business Journal CFO of the Year Awards Luncheon was very exciting for those of us seated at the Pavestone table! We were cheering and clapping when our hardworking CFO, Jeff Richard, beat out an amazing group of nominees for the CFO of the Year in the Large Private Company category. Jeff is praised in tomorrow's issue of the DBJ for his award and is quoted as being very enthusiastic about Pavestone because of its potential. Congratulations Jeff!
No related posts.


text:
Van Every pitching in everywhere
Outfielder makes a cameo appearance as a reliever
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
With the Red Sox getting crushed -- and on their way to a 13-0 loss -- manager Terry Francona was not in the mood to burn out his bullpen.
Instead of calling on Jonathan Papelbon, Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen or Ramon Ramirez to relieve the beleaguered Javier Lopez, Francona signaled for right fielder Van Every to come to the mound with one out in the bottom of the eighth. Lopez (one-third of an inning, four hits, five runs, one walk) then took Van Every's spot in right field.
All things considered, Van Every did a nice job minimizing the damage in his first mound performance in more than a decade -- when he was a senior southpaw for University Christian High School in Mississippi.
"It's been quite a while, but I figured I'd just throw the ball over the plate and let the law of averages play out," Van Every said.
Van Every started by getting a foul popup to third base. Michel Hernandez then ripped an RBI double to right-center that Lopez had to chase. After a walk to B.J. Upton, Van Every (two-thirds of an inning, one hit, no earned runs) ended his pitching cameo with a foul popup to first off the bat of Ben Zobrist.
It was the first time Francona has asked a position player to take the mound since David McCarty on Oct. 3, 2004. But that was different, as McCarty had spent all of that Spring Training rotating between position player and pitcher. Even more rare was Lopez making the move to right. No Boston pitcher had played another position since Tom Burgmeier manned left field at Texas on Aug. 3, 1980.
"It was strange, definitely, when the guy hit the ball to right-center and I see Javy running after the ball," Van Every said. "Luckily, nobody got hurt. [We'll] reload and get ready for tomorrow."
Van Every did not mix it up during his 17-pitch performance.
"All fastballs, 75-mph fastballs, just humming it in there," he said. "It's something you can tell your kids about. I pitched in the Major Leagues. It was cool. It was a neat experience."
But nowhere near as neat as belting a game-winner in Cleveland.
"Roller coaster," he said. "You're on cloud nine one day, you hit a game-winning home run. The next day, things didn't turn out the way we planned."
This certainly wasn't the way Francona drew it up.
"First of all, I don't like doing it," Francona said. "But at that point, we had checked with him earlier. I think he had an idea. I'm not going to let a pitcher get hurt. Javy had thrown three days in a row.
"I didn't want to embarrass anybody. Certainly, we didn't want to embarrass Javy. We're just not going to hurt somebody like that. We're already getting killed. It was a bad night. We have Ramon, Pap, Oki and Delcarmen [fresh for Friday]. If we play a good game [on Friday], we're not strapped [in the bullpen]. That's the whole idea."
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text: I was just watching Star Trek V and I noticed something. As the shuttle leaves Nimbus III, you can see in the shuttle: Kirk Spock McCoy Uhura Sulu Sybok Sybok's bald sidekick from the first scene of the movie St. John Talbot (Terran Ambassador) General Korrd (Klingon Ambassador) Caithlin Dar (Romulan Ambassador) And nobody else. I don't see anyone else on the shuttle as they approach the Enterprise. Once they crash land in the shuttle bay, after everyone I've mentioned above has exited the shuttle, about 8 or 9 of Sybok's followers walk out of the shuttle behind everyone else. Oh, those Federation shuttles. They're tricky... Where were these people on the shuttle? Were they hiding under the floorboards? That's almost 20 people altogether that should have been in the shuttle. Did anyone else see Sybok's followers in the shuttle? Because I missed them. Along with brainwashing, Sybok can magically turn his followers invisible, it seems.


text:
Why atheists should go to church
Yes, it may surprise you, but even we atheists might just have reason to visit church every once in a while. The reason: free stuff and some decent stimulation. Eternal life isn't the only thing that's free! The church has always been in big business. Now it's time we put it to work for the godless!
1) Scratch paper: that soon-to-be-thrown-away piece of trash you get handed to you when you walk in the door called a church bulletin, it can serve some practical uses, like being folded up and put under the leg of a wobbly table to level it. Who knows how many other odd uses junk like this could have if we really put our minds to it?
2) Free note cards: upon being seated, there will be attendance cards in the pews in front of you and nice little half-pencils that could be used to make out a grocery list or a "to do" list for the coming busy week.
3) Soft-core porn: church provides views of pretty, revealingly dressed young women with parents who don't seem to mind their college-aged daughters dressing up to become eye-candy for the congregation. Not many of us will let this go unnoticed!
4) Potluck meals: nothing beats potluck Sunday! Show up then and you've got a belt-buster meal and the generosity of strangers encouraging you to eat it all. Go on…eat it up; they'll be offended if you don't!
5) Canned foods or bags of groceries: poor? Nothing wrong with being the subject of a little charity now and then—at the church's expense, no less! Who said a church can't be useful?
6) Bill pay: having hard times? Can't quite make ends meet? Don't mind using an organization for strictly financial purposes? Well, then let the church help you out. They may be willing to pay a bill for you, freeing up some money to get cable TV turned back on.
7) A place to send the kids away: church can also be a place to send the kids away on camping trips for a few days so you and the spouse can have some good, old fashioned, conjugal fun. *Of course, you'll want to do a background check on whoever's heading up the camp first. The clergy doesn't always have the best track record when it comes to integrity and young people. It is also good to warn the youngsters not to believe the lies they will be told while they are there.
8) Good horror stories: an unexpected treat! Freddy Krueger doesn't have a thing on Jesus Christ and his hot-tempered daddy. In the Bible, you can find more stories of unsurpassed cruelty than in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the Amityville series, and every Friday the 13th movie ever produced. Murder, rape, incest, torture, slavery, cruelty to women and children, witchcraft, angry gods, lighting bolts, natural disasters, plagues, wars, duels, mutilations, crucifixions, more blood than you can shake a stick at, and of course, eternal torment! Freddy Krueger? Jason? The Nightflyer? Puh-leaze!
9) Free stand-up comedy: whereas in a secular comedy club, it would cost you upwards of $20.00 to get in. In the church, the comedy is free, plus you get a read-along script called the bible to stay up with the action yourself. It sure is a riot to hear the funny things these preachers are willing to say from their pulpits! And the comedy doesn't end there either. Debating people who take this humor seriously is also funny. To see them affirm with a straight face their belief in a Noah's ark, or that the sun was "stopped" until some Jews won a battle, is hilarious! Yes, churches can provide hours and hours of knee-slapping entertainment!
10) Free bibles: to serve as classical ancient literature, not to mention funny papers and comics.


text:
Footasylum are the undisputed experts when it comes to footwear from the leading brands. Our range of men's shoes is no exception. We stock casual shoes from huge brands like Timberland and Kickers for those days when your sneakers just aren't right for the occasion.
Our unrivalled collection of footwear for men means that we can provide you with the perfect pair of shoes to complement your style. Whether you're pairing with jeans, chinos or trousers, our shoe collection has something to suit you. If you're looking for loafers, leather shoes, canvas shoes or boot shoes, we've got the perfect pair right here. Browse the Footasylum men's footwear collection today.


text: I've been thinking was his death the right thing to happen in the movie. I was thinking would it have been better for pike to save kirk or spocks life but not get killed like in the other trek universe he saved cadets and got injured in the line of duty. So did you think it was necessary to kill off his character.??


text:
Your search returned 180 cottages.
Just show me South Cornwall Cottages
Welcome to a region of rolling green hills, golden sand beaches, sweeping skies and dramatic sunsets. To one of the UK's best spots for diving, sailing and surfing. Add a string of top-class attractions and it's no wonder our South Cornwall cottages prove so popular.
Lots to see and do near your South Cornwall cottage
Hit the beach at Whitsand Bay, famous for its never-ending sands
and rolling breakers. Walk the coastal path. Discover the delights
of Polperro, cherished by artists and brimming with shops and
galleries. Set sail from Fowey, a trendy town awash with designer
shops and pavement cafés. It's also a wonderful spot for
canoeing and kayaking - and sampling calorie-laden, clotted cream
Step back to Georgian times and admire Charlestown's
beautiful tall ships. Join a pleasure cruise from medieval
Mevagissey, seeking out smugglers' coves along the shore.
Reduce your carbon footprint at the world-class Eden Project. Visit
Henry VIII's castle of St. Mawes, with its distinctive
clover-leaf design and elaborate décor. Book a private garden
tour of the Tregothnan Estate and savour exquisite tea. Head for
Truro for amazing shopping and amazing architecture, highlighted by
the splendid Neo-Gothic spires of Truro Cathedral. Go nautical at
Falmouth's National Maritime Museum and look out for regular
sailing events and regattas. Track down a local pub for traditional
fare and the warmest hospitality.
And if you're planning a South Cornwall cottage break over
the festive season, celebrate New Year in the seaside town of Looe.
So many reasons to book a cottage in South Cornwall with Sykes!


text:
|Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
|Publication Date
|7 March 2013
|Cite as
|Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Jailed Pussy Riot member seeks parole, 7 March 2013, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/513dd1e3c.html [accessed 20 January 2018]
|This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
March 07, 2013
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova
Pussy Riot member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, who is serving a two-year sentence in a Russian prison camp, has asked to be released on parole.
Lawyer Irina Khrunova told Russia's "Kommersant" daily that Tolokonnikova has asked a regional court that she be released on parole on several grounds, including the fact that she has a 5-year-old daughter.
The court is not expected to hold a hearing on her request until April at the earliest.
Tolokonnikova and a second band member, Maria Alyokhina, were jailed in October after being convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.
They had staged a protest performance against President Vladimir Putin in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral.
Both have been in custody since their arrest in March 2012.
Khrunova said Alyokhina also plans to ask for parole next week.
Based on reporting AFP and kommersant.ru
Link to original story on RFE/RL website


text:
Fashion Week Notebook | Narciso Rodriguez
February 8th, 2006
Photo Credit: NY Metro
Key Takeaways: In the past three seasons, Narciso Rodriguez has been loosening up his silhouette. Even though fashion is heading towards the more voluminous, we wish that Rodriguez would stay true to his roots and give us more of the svelte, understated style that earned him the praise of the CDFA in the first place. For women, key trends are: (1) short sleeved dresses, (2) bubble shaped skirts, and (3) colorblocking. For men, the key trends are: (1) the Three Button Suit, (2) narrow ties, (3) knee length shorts, and (4) short sleeved sweaters.
Color Palette: Black and white, with shades of cream, peach, and bluish grey.
Silhouettes: Not the classic Rodriguez "fits like a glove" silhouette–even the fitted items were worn looser. We also saw capes, short sleeved dresses (a new trend?), and slightly bubble-shaped and flared skirts for women. For men, we saw slim cut three-button suits, narrow ties, knee length shorts (paired with a button down shirt, tie, and jacket!), 3/4 length coats, and short sleeved and sleeveless sweaters.
Accessories Report: Structured handbags, bags with chain handles, capes, and colorblocked knee-high boots.
What's Wearable: Most everything shown, both for men and women, is wearable, though we would appreciate a more structured fit to the clothing.
What's Not Wearable: Shiny vinyl-type fabrics don't generally translate well off the runway. We also won't be wearing Rodriguez's long sleeved dress with a center front lower torso vertical cutout. And because of the generous cut, some of the dresses ended up looking matronly.
Entry Filed under: Men,Runway Reviews,Runway Reviews,Runway Reviews,Trend,Women
1 Comment Add your own
1. Almost Girl » Blog &hellip | February 9th, 2006 at 10:31 am
[…] More trends from New York Fashionweek, courtesy of Omiru: oversized collars, short sleeved dresses, asymmetry, powerful supa'working woman suits, and fur fur everywhere. Get the goods on Narciso Rodriguez, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Luella Bartley, Betsey Johnson, BCBG, Cynthia Steffe, James Coviello, Willow, Zang Toi, and Lacoste. […]
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text:
OCEAN CITY — When you hear it explained, it seems like common sense, but if you were to read the entirety of the newly adopted mechanical code in Ocean City, it seemingly makes very little sense at all.
The City Council may have unanimously passed a new mechanical code on Tuesday afternoon at City Hall, but there were some who raised their hands with visibly befuddled looks on their faces.
Chief Building Official Kevin Brown admits that there are parts of this complex state mechanical code that he hasn't fully digested yet, citing confusing terminology, cloudy descriptions and countless exceptions or variances.
Yet, the council passed through Brown's recommendation to adopt the 2006 International Mechanical Code and the 2006 International Residential Code on Tuesday as well as the Maryland State Plumber's Code, perhaps on the notion that the town wanted to comply with the state's wishes after some close brushes with mechanical disasters over the summer months.
After two very public carbon monoxide leaks at downtown resort businesses, and one leak in 2006 that claimed the life of two people at an oceanfront hotel, the town received a letter from Steven Smitson of the state's Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing on Aug. 14 that essentially implored that the town get up to date with the plumber's code and other mechanical codes adopted by state municipalities.
"The current policy places the health and safety of the residents, workers and visitors of Ocean City at great risk," read Smitson's letter. "Without this system of permits and inspections, it is impossible to tell if, in fact, performed by properly licensed individuals and whether these services comply with the plumbing code. Therefore, the board recommends that the city adopt policies requiring that all gas fitters require a permit and have all projects inspected."
Simply put, Brown vehemently recommends that any and all gas fitting devices in commercial and residential portions of the resort be handled, disconnected, and reconnected by licensed gas fitters only.
During a past conversation on the subject, Councilman Joe Hall had argued that at his restaurant on 60th Street, his in-house handyman did the rather routine disconnecting and reconnecting of gas ovens and fryers when the restaurant's kitchen was being cleaned. Despite Hall's absence on Tuesday, Brown sent the message pretty clear.
"[Hall] or anyone else in the restaurant industry shouldn't be doing the disconnecting or reconnecting of any kind in house, unless it's by someone that has a state certified license," said Brown, "It's just common sense to let the professionals handle it."
Essentially, these changes which mainly apply to large mechanical appliances involving gas fitting devices, are for single-family homes, duplexes, town homes of less than three stories in height, according to Brown, who said that the code is trying to create a level of public safety and prevent carbon monoxide or other hazards rather than discourage "do it yourself" home projects.
"It's been a state law since 1995, but we have had no technical mechanical code in 20 years," said Brown. "We've always relied on the licensed and certified installers. But, with as big as this town has gotten and the size of some of our buildings, it is time that we adopt this."
Still, the jargon confused a few of the voting seven on Tuesday, leading to a rather long discussion about something that seemed to be as simple as, 'if it uses gas, hire a pro.'
"I get why they are doing this, but this code is as clear as mud, said Councilman Jim Hall. "What is going to change tomorrow from how it is done today by us voting for this?"
Brown said the answer was that it is now a requirement to use a state-licensed gas fitter, which now that it is a town law, could be punishable by a municipal infraction, which could be up to $1000.
"The way I see it, "if you have yourself a gas fitters' license, you are about to get a whole lot of business," said Council President Joe Mitrecic.


text:
In my last piece, I spotlighted a few nonprofit organizations making major impacts on our community. Today I'll highlight a few noteworthy individuals who are making positive impacts on Savannah in their own unique ways.
I list these in no particular order, and it pains me to limit my list to six, but here we go:
1. Kristin Russell, Teri Schell and the army of food lovers who created and sustain the Forsyth Farmers Market. The farmers market is almost single-handedly creating a new food movement in Savannah.
Every Saturday, farmers from throughout our region congregate at the south end of Forsyth Park to hawk their wares and educate visitors on healthy food and produce items. Local restaurants purchase produce here, alongside Savannah's most nutrient-rich individuals.
The volunteers who make this market happen every Saturday deserve a big hug from the culinary conscious public. If you haven't been, go and be healthy. forsythfarmersmarket.com.
2. Sticking with the food scene, we cannot overlook the painstaking hard work of Rene Tran and his cadre of Well Fed content producers.
Rene publishes a monthly periodical covering the entire food landscape, chronicles the local food movement and has successfully produced for two years in a row Food Day. Pick up Rene's publication, meet the man and become a part of the Well Fed movement. www.wellfedsavannah.com.
3. Kay Wolfersberger and her fiance, Ben, came into my life over a year ago when I tried to talk them out of starting an art gallery. At the time, Kay worked for SCAD in its Working Class Studio department. She has since departed the friendly confines of SCAD to parlay her design aesthetic into a private enterprise.
You can see her branding work on local startups, regional websites and secretly impacting popular styles and brands in our fair city. Stay tuned to Kay's new collaborative effort dubbed The Maker Collective, at kaylovescandy.com/.
4. There is a coffee revolution afoot in Savannah. The Sentient Bean and Gallery Espresso started the madness many years ago, and both of these establishments are flourishing. However, Philip Brown of PERC and Jen Jenkins of Foxy Loxy and now Coffee Fox are trending. Jen's shops are handsome, clean, friendly and fresh. Philip's roasts have many of the same qualities.
5. Sticking with the theme of revolutions, let's talk about music. Bill Dawers, the most prolific attender of happenings I know, has an incredible blog covering the Savannah music scene better than anyone in the region. If you care about Savannah music, stay tuned to www.billdawers.com.
Kayne Lanahan's Savannah Stopover Music Festival solidifies the spring as the best season to be in Savannah. Kayne has transformed a simple idea into a movement, and her festival has grown into a regional powerhouse of great music. Stay tuned for bigger and better acts in 2013.
Blake Olmstead and Peter Mavrogeorgis' recent opening of Dollhouse Studios is not only a world-class recording facility but an incredible place to hang while watching fantastic emerging acts. It's exciting that Blake and Peter have committed time, money and energy to producing a state-of-the-art music facility in Savannah.
6. Matt Hebermehl and Kathryn Sandoz are individually changing Savannah's art scene. Hebermehl is street, gritty, youthful and graphic; Sandoz is refined, polished and bucolic. Apart, they are individually powerful, but when working together, they scream.
I am excited by their commitment to Savannah, the local art community and activism. Their connections, warmth and ability to bring new people into the fold does more for Savannah than any museum or gallery could ever do.
Savannah remains a town of old money and heritage, but this new, young, vibrant movement of people transforming our local scene is exciting.
The success of these individuals and countless others is reassuring. We should support these folks and their contemporaries. These are individuals who are committed to our community and are willing to invest time and resources to make our community more diverse, more engaging, more entertaining, healthier and more savory.
Make a resolution to get off the couch, get out and support Savannah's local art, food and music scenes in 2013.
Jake Hodesh is the executive director of The Creative Coast, a not-for-profit organization that promotes the creative and entrepreneurial community within the region. Jake can be reached at 912-447-8457 or email@example.com.


text:
SAE 2013 Thermal Management Systems Symposium
October 22-24, 2013
Troy, Michigan, USA
Increase your corporate recognition and reach your target audience. High-visibility sponsorships are cost-effective, powerful solutions for increasing your on-site SAE 2013 Thermal Management Systems Symposium presence. Select from a Gold Partnership, or an exclusive sponsorship. Have something else in mind? We can create a customized option that will help you achieve your goals at SAE 2013 Thermal Management Systems Symposium.
The Sponsorship & Advertising Information is available as a PDF.
Event Quick Links


text:
This seminar will explore U.S. regulation of investment managers and investment companies, including hedge funds and mutual funds. Topics will draw heavily from federal securities laws—particularly the Investment Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act of 1940—and will encompass regulatory developments/proposals and policy considerations underpinning investment industry regulation.
Not offered this academic year.
© Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved University of Washington School of Law
4293 Memorial Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98195


text:
Something they had looked forward to for weeks, friends Jessica Kiraly and Kaylee Sanborn spent Monday morning walking on the beach near Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle.
The Havelock High School students say they love the beach year around, but would have liked sunshine and 70 degree days for their spring break.
�We like (the beach) either way,� Jessica said.
�But we prefer it to be warmer,� Kaylee added.
The duo are holding out hope that better weather will lure them back later in the week.
�Hopefully it will warm up and we�ll be back,� Jessica said.
Don�t bet on it. Temperatures will hover in the lower 50s today(TUESDAY), barely climb to 60 on Wednesday then drop again going into the weekend. Thursday will see more rain and the weekend will see a lot more rain, said Lara Pagano, a duty forecaster with the National Weather Service in Newport.
She said temperatures are below normal for this time of year. Usually by the beginning of April, temperatures are in the upper 60s or lower 70s.
The cooler temperatures may have warded off casual visitors over the weekend to the Jolly Roger Pier in Topsail Island, but fishermen are a more hardy lot.
�As long as fish are running, fishermen will be here, rain or shine,� said Shirley Cope, who runs the front desk at the pier.
Right now puffer and Virginia mullet are hitting the hooks, she said.
While some folks have looked for something else to do for spring break, others are flocking to the beach regardless of the low temperatures.
�The weather has dampened some people�s plans, but others have traveled from hours away inland and want to get out,� Cope said. �They�ve been stuck inside all winter and are looking to get out even if they get a little rained on.�
Area students out of school for spring break headed to the beach Monday anticipating at least a little sunshine and warmer temperatures. They got neither, but made the best of the day anyway.
Dalton Miller of Hubert and friends from Swansboro High School took a swim in the ocean at the Western Ocean regional beach access in Emerald Isle despite an overcast day with the high temperature closer to 60 than 70.
�You can�t really do that much with the weather the way it is, and it�s not going to get any better,� he said.
While there wasn�t a crowd out at the beach, there were still a good number of people who were spending time enjoying the sand and surf, some bundled up for beach walks and others preferring more spring-like shorts and T-shirts.
For some, Monday marked the close of their spring break and the Easter weekend.
Betsy McFarland of Emerald Isle and her daughter Emily Torres of High Point joined other family members for a walk on the beach before heading home.
Spending time with family and time on the coast was the most important part of their break.
�It�s so beautiful down on the coast,� Torres said.
Cooler than normal temperatures and rain don�t seem to be deterring spring break beach goers, but plenty of local tourist attractions offer alternative destinations just in case.
For those folks who don�t want to spend the day at the beach at the Crystal Coast or Topsail Island, there�s still plenty to do in Carteret and Onslow counties, said Stephanie Key with Onslow County Tourism.
The Onslow County Museum in Richlands, the Memorial Gardens in downtown Jacksonville, the Lynnwood Park Zoo on U.S. 258 and Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro are just a few examples of things to do in Onslow County, she said.
In Carteret County, folks who don�t want to swim with the fish can go watch the fish swim. If the temperatures are too cold for them at the beach, they can join the more than a million people a year who visit the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
Rain later in the week is expected to push spring break crowds indoors to observe life under the sea. Already on Monday, the aquarium had a packed parking lot as families looked for fun without the sun.
�We always have a lot of visitors over spring break and with the rain there�s a few more. Everybody�s having a good time,� said aquarium spokeswoman Julie Powers.
Contact Daily News Senior Reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8455 or email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter and friend him on Facebook @ 1lindell.


text:
City Holding Public Open House for Ivywild Roundabout Project
Thursday, December 06, 2012
The City of Colorado Springs will hold an open house to collect public input on a plan to install a roundabout at the five-legged intersection of Tejon Street, Cascade Avenue, Ramona Avenue and Cheyenne Boulevard. The open house will take place on Tuesday, December 11 from 5 – 8 p.m. at St. Aiden's Anglican Church (1626 S. Tejon Street, 80905).
Engineers from the project team and the City of Colorado Springs will be available to answer questions and collect public input. The open house will include displays and exhibits showing the roundabout concept and explaining how roundabouts function.It offers a semi-informal setting for the one-on-one exchange of comments and ideas on this traffic improvement plan.
The existing intersection creates delays in traffic under moderate traffic volumes and is confusing to navigate. In addition, bike lanes and approaches are sub-standard to allow for safe passage of bicycles through the intersection.


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One of America's foremost zombie experts talks shop, survival at UNT
Science buffs had their evening with the men behind Mythbusters.
Now, the University of North Texas Fine Arts Series gives sci-fi nerds and graphic novel lovers their due.
Zombie specialist, former Saturday Night Live writer and unapologetic obsessive Max Brooks visits the campus on Tuesday night to tell students and locals how to keep their heads — literally and metaphorically — during a zombie apocalypse.
Brooks, who comes by his comedy chops from his father, Mel Brooks, got bitten by the zombie bug hard enough to write the book on how to avoid becoming one of the gammy-legged, grunting corpses. Because, really, he notes, it's a club you don't want to join.
Denton Time asked the writer and funnyman five questions about this popular monster. Here are his responses.
Q: The Zombie Survival Guide is marketed as a parody. How did you approach writing this book? Did you assume a real zombie apocalypse was imminent to achieve the tone and structure you wanted?
A: I never set out to write a parody. I set out to write a Zombie survival guide. The whole "humor" thing was the invention of Random House marketing. They had this guy coming off Saturday Night Live who also happened to be the son of Mel Brooks and, at least in their eyes, the book seemed so outrageous (I mean, c'mon, who really spends that much time thinking about zombies) that marketing as humor seemed the only logical course.
Q: George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead) often gets the credit for introducing the zombie we know and loathe or love. Does he deserve the credit or has the zombie been shuffling after our juicy brains in their familiar form since before 1968?
A: It's George's world and we're all just living in it. He redefined the genre, he wrote the book of zombie. If you're into zombies in any way, you have George A. Romero to thank for that.
Q: When you think about monsters, typically you think speed, sharp teeth, claws, fire-breathing. What makes zombies so disturbing? I mean, they grunt and shuffle! They have people teeth, no claws, no superpowers — just numbers. Why are they so scary? Why have zombies captured the 20th and 21st century imaginations so thoroughly?
A: For me, it's their apocalyptic nature. They are an existential threat. They don't just go after individual humans, they go after the entire human race. Put legs on Ebola and you have zombies.
Q: Zombies are ridiculously "hot" right now. (Think zombie crawls, zombie 5K runs, Shaun of the Dead and AMC's The Walking Dead.) As a specialist in zombie lore, what current zombie properties have impressed you and why?
A: Shaun of the Dead is one of the best zombie films of all time, and one of the best all-around films of the last 20 years. It defined a British generation in the way Clerks defined the American Gen X. It's one of those cultural markers, like Rebel Without a Cause or Easy Rider, that will be with us forever.
Q: What's the significance of the subtle changes in certain zombie properties: Zombies got really fleet of foot in 28 Days Later and the reboot of Dawn of the Dead (2004)?
A: I think the fast zombies play to our societal ADD. Most people just want their entertainment to rocket by at ludicrous speed. I'll always be a slow zombie guy, but I'm clearly in the minority.
LUCINDA BREEDING can be reached at 940-566-6877. Her e-mail address is email@example.com .
• What: "How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse," a talk by author Max Brooks, presented by the UNT Fine Arts Series
• When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
• Where: Silver Eagle Suite in the University Union, one block west of Welch and West Prairie streets
• Details: Tickets are $20 for adults; $10 for UNT faculty, staff and Alumni Association members; and free for UNT students with valid ID. Buy tickets online at http://untuniontickets.universitytickets.com or by calling 940-565-3805.
Zombie lore has its roots in African culture and religious magic. But to be literate about the popular zombie that shuffles and kills in American stories, we suggest the following films to supplement author Max Brooks' books:
George A. Romero became the godfather of the American zombie in this 1968 movie made on a micro-budget. In this black and white film, a group of strangers flee a horde of people who appear to be hypnotized and hungry for human flesh. They board up in an abandoned farmhouse only to find new threats among them — suspicion, fear and maybe even the infection they are trying to avoid.
In director and co-writer Edgar Wright's 2004 film, London slacker Shaun (Simon Pegg, also a co-writer) has just been kicked to the curb by his true love, Liz, for being less than lively about anything. Can he win her heart — and reconcile with his mom — just as the city is besieged by slack-jawed, dead-eyed Londoners who really crave sushi-grade people instead of bubble and squeak? Armed with a cricket bat and his atrophied wits, Shaun leads his loved ones to a local pub to ride out the apocalypse.
In AMC's series based on the comic books of the same name, Officer Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) awakens in 2010 in a deserted hospital, on the mend from a gunshot wound. Zombies (who are called "walkers" and never referred to as zombies) surge up in hungry hordes, creating a monstrous, sticky wall between Rick and his family. With the third season beginning on Oct. 14, Rick has become the unofficial commander of a tribe of survivors. The season finale left the clan on the run from the biggest legion of walkers they've seen. Rick is now the not-so-cool-headed leader of his diminishing group. If only he can get them to the prison just beyond the woods …
Other titles to check out:
The Evil Dead (1981)
28 Days Later (2002)
Zombieland (2009)
Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2010)