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A review of the film directed and co-written by Adam McKay.
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt
Paramount Pictures
Based on the book of the same name by Michael Lewis
Usually I do reviews of books or films that I feel are worth seeing. I don't believe The Big Short is a very good film. The reason I decided to write this review is because the subject matter of the film is worth looking at.
The story is about money managers who look for a way to make a killing on the stock market. This doesn't sound so unusual or compelling. However, investment managers usually profit from investments that increase in value. The Big Short is about investors who bet that the stock market would collapse.
The Big Short
One of those investors was Michael Burry, (Christian Bale) who analyzed the mortgage market and predicted that there would be a collapse. We see Burry talking to bankers at Goldman-Sachs who thought he was crazy. They argued that the housing market never went down.
After Burry said he was prepared to invest in a credit default swap to the tune of $100 million, the Goldman-Sachs bankers asked if he had any concerns about this huge investment.
Burry argued that he was concerned that when this investment matured that Goldman-Sachs would not have enough money to pay his investors. From the numbers I've seen, Burry's return on this investment was 489%. This was while the rest of the stock market collapsed.
In another scene, investors challenged a representative of a ratings agency. They asked how this ratings agency could give collateralized debt obligations (CDO's) an AAA rating. These CDO's would be one of the triggers of the financial collapse. The representative of the ratings agency argued that if it didn't give an excellent rating to these largely worthless funds bankers would simply go down the street and get rated by another agency.
In another scene, the investors asked a reporter of the Wall Street Journal to do a story on how the housing market was due to collapse. This reporter knew the investor and implied that he might loose his job if he were to do such a story. Then, the reporter asked the investor if he was still living with his mother. This was a clear example of how the reporter believed that personal financial success was tied to journalistic dishonesty.
There was one moment of the film that gave viewers a glimpse of the real world that working people experience every day. Two young investors were celebrating the fact that they had just made a deal that would make them rich. A banker named Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt) chastised the young investors arguing that millions of workers would loose their jobs because of the stock market collapse, and this was nothing to celebrate.
Greg Ip reviewed this film in the December 11, 2015 edition of the Wall Street Journal. Ip argued that the reason for the 2008 economic collapse was much more complex than the film portrayed. These are Ip's words: "The reason lies in broader macroeconomic and societal forces that are barely mentioned."
Well, Greg Ip might loose his job if he were to report on the real cause of the economic collapse of 2008. Before we look at that question, permit me to ask a few other questions.
Since there is enough food to feed the world several times over, why are there hundreds of millions of people who don't have enough to eat? Why would people who have power allow there to be an economic collapse when the resources exist to eliminate poverty in the world?
The source of economic crisis—capitalism
Jonathan Sperber begins to answer these questions in his biography: Karl Marx: A Nineteenth Century Life. Sperber looked at the writings of the original theoreticians of capitalism, Adam Smith and David Ricardo. He showed how they both predicted that the natural functioning of capitalism would lead to its collapse. While they had no solution for this problem, Karl Marx argued that a workers government had the potential to transform the world so these kinds of crisis would be things of the past.
For various reasons, the percentage of profits on investments declines in capitalism. This can be illustrated in a simple example.
Let's say there is a corporation that, for three years has investments of, $10, $100, and $1,000. Let's say that profits on those investments are, $2, $10, and $50. So, we might say that profits and investments are increasing and things look good for investors.
However, there is a problem. The percentage of profits on investments goes from 20% to 10% to 5%. Eventually, if this corporation continues to grow at this rate, huge investments will only turn over a tiny profit.
In order to adjust to this environment, corporate officers do two basic things. They must be obsessed with increasing sales as well as cutting costs. As we might imagine, these two obsessions will also contribute to an economic catastrophe.
An example of how corporations cut costs can be found in their response to the labor and civil rights movements. These movements improved the standard of living for millions of workers in this country. Because corporations are obsessed with cutting costs, they found this improvement in the standard of living to be intolerable.
So, they made huge investments to build factories in nations where wages might be two dollars per day or less. They also closed down factories in this country. Instead of having the legalized discrimination of Jim Crow against Black people, they used the law to discriminate against workers who were born in other countries. By using these measures they merely postponed the eventual economic collapse.
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels wrote about what happens when an economic crisis unfolds in their Communist Manefesto:
"In these crisis there breaks out an epidemic that, in all other epochs, would have seemed an absurdity—the epidemic of overproduction. Society suddenly finds itself put back into a state of momentary barbarism, it appears as if famine, a universal war of devastation had cut off the supply of every means of subsistence; industry and commerce seem to be destroyed. And why? Because there is too much civilization, too much means of subsistence, too much industry, too much commerce."
So if overproduction is a primary cause of depression, why doesn't the educational system teach this to children at an early age? Why doesn't the media make this a routine theme in the press?
The answer lies in a simple fact. No one would support the capitalist system if they understood that the natural functioning of this system can only lead to economic disaster. This kind of consciousness would not be good for the ruthless drive for corporate profits.
The current election for President
Understanding this reality gives us insight to the current elections. The only reason the capitalist system survived the 2008 collapse was because of massive government assistance. The government invested trillions of dollars in something they called quantitative easing. Investors had huge investments that were worthless, and the government effectively gave these investors obscene amounts of money for, what might be termed, horse manure.
The only reason why Donald Trump is not bankrupt is because of this massive amount of government charity. The primary focus of Trump has been to argue that the government isn't doing enough to support corporations.
Some people argue that Trump is a fascist. Fascism is a political mass movement aimed at destroying any working class resistance.
After Adolf Hitler was elected in Germany he eliminated all political opposition. Then, he cut wages of workers in half. When we understand the workings of capitalism, this is the only way the system can survive after a collapse of the economy. While Trump might sound like a fascist, today a fascist takeover of the government is not an immediate prospect.
On the other hand, there is Bernie Sanders. While Sanders pretends to be a socialist, throughout his political life, he has made it clear that he merely wants to reform capitalism. One of the most reformist governments in the history of the world was the Weimar Republic of Germany. This government proved to be such a complete disaster that it was replaced by the government of Adolf Hitler.
However, Goldman-Sachs C.E.O. Lloyd Blankfein argues that Sanders candidacy represents a "dangerous moment." Blankfein finds Sanders criticism of the "billionaire class" to be especially dangerous. This class, that produces nothing, yet controls the economy hires people like Blankfein to look after their money.
Michael Moore has a new film, Where to Invade Next, that makes a similar argument as Bernie Sanders. Moore looks at several capitalist nations that have more liberal health care and labor laws than the United States. Moore has been an ardent supporter of the Democratic Party. This party shares responsibility for the crisis we face today.
The alternative
The compelling stories we see today are the ones where working people organize to challenge the routine practices of the government. We see this in the movement of Black Lives Matter. We see this when workers go on strike from locations all over the world. We see this in the struggle for immigrant and women's rights. We see this in the struggle of the Cuban people to build an economy free of capitalist exploitation.
Understanding this reality, we can say that the film The Big Short underscores the argument that twenty-first century economists fail to grasp the reality nineteenth century economists uncovered. Capitalism moves towards collapse, not just because of bad investments, but because this is the nature of the system. The idea of supply and demand will only work until the supply grossly exceeds the demand. Then, there is a crisis.
A workers and farmers government is the only realistic way of dealing with the inevitability of capitalism. This kind of government can mobilize humanity to do away with poverty in the world. It can do this in a way that is in harmony with the environment. When we understand the true reality of capitalism, a workers and farmers government appears to be the only realistic course worth striving for.


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Bright Makeup: 30 Top Products To Copy Demi Lovato & Lupita Nyong'o
These celebrities look spectacular with their neon makeup — and so can you! Don't be scared to go out of your comfort zone and shine bright with this season's hottest colors. We are here to help YOU find the perfect pigments and products. Check out the gallery of our favorite colorful products, and keep reading for tips and tricks on how you can rock neon shades like a celebrity!
Scared of neon? Don't be! Neon is so versatile right now. You don't have to wait to glow at night — this season, feel free to pop bright colors all day long. If you are a beginner, the secret is to choose one feature on your face to emphasize with vibrant colors. Using neon shades on more than one facial feature can make your look too dramatic and overwhelming. Browse, read below, and SHOP the best products to create vibrant makeup looks like a celebrity below!
Bright Color Makeup — All Eyes On Your Electric Eyes
We can't stop staring at the Urban Decay ELECTRIC Pressed Pigment Palette — the colors are so vibrant and inviting. The amount of looks you can create with the 10 electrifying neon colors are endless! The palette is perfect for everyone, no matter what color your eyes are, and they are guaranteed to pop.
Applying contrasting colors (blues and oranges, reds and greens, yellows and purples) against each other will create intense and bright, dramatic looks. Blend complimentary colors and shades in the same range for softer looks. Still feeling nervous about neons? Start out slowly and use one color as a liner to make your eyes pop, like Bella Thorne did, then experiment with a different color every time to find your favorite.
Show Stopping Lips
For highly-pigmented, vibrant lips, we love BUTTER LONDON LIPPY Liquid Lipstick. The gloss comes in 12 different shade. Try this look, like Rihanna did with her neon purple lips, or to compliment your neon eyes. For beginners, remember, less is more. When choosing a lipstick to along with your neon eyes, it's best to find a color that is in the same range of shade. Lupita Nyong'o is a perfect example, by choosing pink lips to compliment her soft lilac shadow. Whereas, if she paired the same pink lipstick with a green eye shadow, it might be too much.
Brightly Blushing
When it comes to adding neon blush, things can get tricky. If you are wearing a dramatic eye, go softer on your cheeks. If you are rocking a bold lip, finding a similar shade of blush creates a beautiful glowing look, just like Demi Lovato did at the Gay Pride event in NYC. Some of our favorite shimmery blushes are NARS Blushes. There are 30 gorgeous shades to choose from to compliment your bright and fun look. We're partial to the shade Orgasm.
So HollywoodLifers, will you dare to be bold? Are you going to shine bright like our favorite celebrities, and try our favorite products? Tell us down below!
— Devin Beth Cohodas

subset: commoncrawl


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I have three friends that appeared on Jeopardy! over the past few years including Nichole (you may know her from regularly answering Trivia Tuesday questions correctly) who was a one-day champion just last month. Could you be the next person I know to be a Jeopardy! Contestant?
Jeopardy's online test is set for next week (January 8-10), but you should register now to participate. Good luck, and if you're able to advance and go the next round of the contestant search, please keep us posted.
On a completely different topic, while I have slowed down on the number of posts recently, make sure to stop by regularly next week as I have some good posts planned.


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Starting shortly before midnight on Saturday August 16, 2003 and continuing until after dawn on Sunday the 17th the Back Bay Midnight Pedalers held their 15th annual Boston By Bike at Night ride.
Below are some pictures I took on the ride. Click on any image to bring up a larger version.
The Leonard P. Zakim
Bunker Hill Bridge in the background with the Charles Street Bridge in
front of it. Taken from a pier near the Charlestown Navy Yard.
The Boston skyline (also shot from the Charlestown pier.)
Moments after sunrise looking out from Castle Island.
The Boston skyline.
...and Greg telling us about it
...and telling...
We finally concluded the ride near Boston's Long Wharf, and took a group shot of everyone who made it to the end.


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Sighhhh... I just wanna be her so badly.
When I was growing up I could barely even watch Divinyls videos. There was something about her that was so aggressive, wild and über-sexual that I could hardly look at the screen! Granted I was a child at the time, but sheesh, I can only imagine how guys felt!
I heard her described the other day as one of the the most attractive yet intimidating women who have ever existed. I guess it's that intimidation which is so attractive. You see someone acting as wild as this and you wanna be the person that they're loco about!
Regardless, now that I'm all grown up, I can only dream of being so intimidating.


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So I had some surgery on Friday, and am still quite sore and won't be able to do much in the garden for a week or so. Hopefully will get over to the veggie patch if I can tolerate the mobility. There are things happening in the flower beds - we'll see about updating that shortly.
A huge thank you to my wife for cutting the grass and weeding late last week. At least I won't be totally buried when I feel well enough to participate.
Also she picked up an old book circa 1970:
The author J.I. Rodale was a pioneer in organic gardening as well as a successful publisher. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._I._Rodale
This is very cool and still relevant today. Working my way through it and it is wonderful. Just wish I had more land!


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|An illustration of Markham Place facing Markham Street.
A letter from Mattingly to local community associations says AMF plans to close the bowling alley sometime in 2015.
|The lobby would be on the corner.
Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia
|An illustration of Markham Place facing Markham Street.
|The lobby would be on the corner.
1. Anything on bike parking or other bike accommodation
2. Interesting idea of putting the guaranteed affordable housing in the other building. Don't know if the County will accept that. That approach has been a matter of controversy in DC.
3. Any discussion of transportation improvements? If this is as of right (but maybe they will need a waiver to put the work force units in the other building?) they don't need to proffer for that, IIUC. But if not, the County needs to start addressing transportation problems - new development makes implementing the Annandale transportation plan more urgent. Adding the 26 bus and minor improvements on the 29K are not enough. We need more bus service, bike accommodations, and improved intersection treatments to improve auto capacity as well.
The developers want a road connecting Markham Street and Annandale Road between the new building and the Seoul Plaza shopping center.ReplyDelete
Thanks Ellie for the info
That would be a good thing - now all we need are more buses and more bike lanes!
What we need is for FFX County to act like an adult and propose light rail/metro down it major transit corridors in the numerous County wide Revitilization Corridors. This will encourage the right kind of development and help support its suffocating single fmily home communities.
As for bikes, FFX miserably fails. I have to take my bike to Arlington or Alexandria to get a good and safe bike ride. Even the trails in FFX are pathetic, one has to pick up ones bike and cross stepping stones at streams making ones commute onerous.
FFX Grow up!
dear Anon
if you are interested in more bike lanes, and other policies to improve biking in FFX, please get in touch with http://www.fabb-bikes.org/ There is a lot going on, a new bike plan to be adopted by the county, more infrastructure, bikeshare in Reston, and right now lots of things to improve biking in Tysons, and FABB very much needs help in lobbying, education, etc.
I will and thank you Anon 11:10 AM. This is very helpful. We have been very disappointed in FFX County's slow response to this more recent and vogue mode of transportation.
As a biker, I strongly suggest that the BOS look at two things: making the trails more bike friendly. It is very dangerous in the eves and in the cold weather to cross creeks and streams via stepping stones. These need to be replaced by fords or bridges such as the ones in Arlington and Alexandria; and in creating dedicated bike lanes such as in DC, Arlington and Alexandria.
FFX per capita is a wealthy County and it should not be so behind the times in keeping its tax paying constituents with the infrastructure to keep FFX County a vibrant and viable County to live and work.
IIIUC there is a plan to pave the dirt trail in Wakefield park - I have not heard about bridges there, but it would be logical. On other unpaved trails, like Holmes Run, I doubt any bridges will be built, as those are not road bike friendly and not really seen as transportation routes.
There are a few new bike lanes (check out Wakefield Chapel) but so far few in or near Annandale. The Bike Master Plan includes I think at least a climbing lane (IE a bike lane on the uphill side) on Hummer, and then on Annandale road - but first the BMP must be approved, then the actual lane must be approved (as we have seen in Alexandria, lanes in a master plan can still be resisted in the name of on street parking) and then it would get painted when the street surface is next redone.
Another resource on biking in this area is http://bikearlingtonforum.com/forum.php
Discussions of routes, trail conditions, rides, social gatherings, gear, etc as well as occasional discussions of policy issues.
My question as always is where are the kids going to go to school? Our schools are beyond capacity and we want to add more housing. A office building would be a better idea since we would have the traffic anyway but would not add more kids to our already over capacity schools. Our BOS are not thinking about our kids.ReplyDelete
The market for office space is weak now - other than downtown DC, and Tysons, its virtually dead. Hopefully this building will not draw too many kids, though its inclusion of 2BR units may be a concern. I am not familiar with proffers for schools in FFX county.Delete
That building falls within the Mason Crest E.S., Poe M.S, and Falls Church H.S. boundary.ReplyDelete
Falls Church HS??? You could kick a ball to Annandale HS from there. Such boundaries.Delete
Due to the overcrowding at Annandale H.S.; everyone north of 236 was redistricted to Falls Church H.S. Everyone outside of the beltway(Wakefield Chapel area) was moved out of Annandale H.S. also due to overcrowding.Delete
Falls Church High ain't no bargain either. The staff and teachers are really good, but the school is falling down -- hasn't been rehabbed EVER.Delete
I do hope they make a major improvement to Markham St. at Little River Twp. The light is slow enough as it is crossing over LRT, and the poor bank on the corner needs an entrance on the Safeway parking lot side. It's a nightmare sometimes trying to get out of the shopping center onto Markham now....with so much more traffic, it would be worse.ReplyDelete


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Sunday, January 30, 2011
A Few Sights from Singapore Today
Here were some random - if childishly amusing - things that I saw in town this afternoon, the first of which was this neck-stretching contraption available for sale at Millenia Walk. I laugh now, but maybe I should try it first before knocking it.
Next up were these big letters on the wall at Siam Kitchen's Suntec City outlet. Obviously it's meant to just provide a polite hello in Thai, but I had always seen the second word spelled krub instead. The way they've spelled it here probably isn't what one wants to see on the wall at a restaurant, although I guess this isn't the only unfortunate transliteration from the Thai language.
Finally, here was a stall from Liang Court's new Kopitiam food court. Folks from Los Angeles will be familiar with a rotisserie chicken place called Koo Koo Roo, so it was amusing to see these guys called Coo Coo Roo. They were serving Singaporean chicken rice though (and no, I didn't try it).
Digested at 8:21 PM
|This made me feel:
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MMM Quartet (Joelle Leandre, Fred Frith, Alvin Curran, Urs Leimgruber)
Rich, subtle and unusual improv from the MillsMusicMafia (MMM) Quartet of Joelle Leandre on double bass, Fred Frith on electric guitar, Alvin Curran on keys, and Urs Leimgruber on sax, recording these spiritual and detailed improvisations live at Jazz em Agosto in Portugal.
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Label: RogueArt
Catalog ID: ROG-0063
Squidco Product Code: 21469
Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2015
Country: France
Packaging: Digipack - 3 panel
Recorded live at Jazz em Agosto, in Lisbon, Portugal, on August 8th, 2014, by Joao Paulo Nogueira .
Joelle Leandre-doublebass
Fred Frith-electric guitar
Alvin Curran-piano, synthesizer, samples
Urs Leimgruber-tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
Highlight an artist name or instrument above
and click here to Search
1. Belem 15:36
2. Millsmont 12:35
3. Bario Alto 3:51
4. Maxwell Park 13:18
5. Alfama 7:45
Improvised Music
Free Improvisation
European Improv, Free Jazz & Related
Frith, Fred
New in Improvised Music
sample the album:
"This is powerful music, even dangerous. Not just because of this quartet's name - MillsMusicMafia (aka MMM) - which offers some irreverent tendencies among its musicians. It is dangerous because of its suggestive power on us, a power that transcends the music, forming it into a deep spiritual experience one that may motivate us to kick out habits, beliefs, even regimens."-Eyal Hareuveni, liner notes
Artist Biographies:
• Show Bio for Joelle Leandre
"Joëlle Léandre (born 12 September 1951 in Aix-en-Provence, France) is a double bassist, vocalist, and composer active in new music and free improvisation.
In the field of contemporary music, she has performed with Pierre Boulez's Ensemble InterContemporain, and worked with Merce Cunningham and John Cage. Both Cage and Giacinto Scelsi have composed works specifically for her.
She gave an historic solo concert in "Jazz em Agosto" in 2007 (Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal). In this same top jazz festival, Léandre performed also in the "Quartet Noir", a quartet with quite rare live performances, with Marilyn Crispell, Urs Leimgruber and Fritz Hauser.
She has also collaborated with some of the preeminent musicians in the fields of jazz and improvised music, including Derek Bailey, Barre Phillips, Anthony Braxton, George Lewis, India Cooke, Evan Parker, Irène Schweizer, Steve Lacy, Maggie Nicols, Fred Frith, Carlos Zingaro, John Zorn, Susie Ibarra, J. D. Parran, Kevin Norton, Eric Watson, Ernst Reijseger, Akosh S. and Sylvie Courvoisier.
In 1983 she became a member of the European Women Improvising Group (EWIG), which resulted from former Feminist Improvising Group and in later 1980s she co-founded the feminist improvising Trio Les Diaboliques, with Schweizer and Nicols."-Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo%C3%ABlle_L%C3%A9andre)
Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.
^ Hide Bio for Joelle Leandre
• Show Bio for Fred Frith
"Though the point of reference for many remains the iconic band Henry Cow, which he co-founded in 1968 and which broke up more than 30 years ago, Fred Frith has never really stood still for an instant.
In bands such as Art Bears, Massacre, Skeleton Crew, Keep the Dog, Tense Serenity, the Fred Frith Guitar Quartet, Eye to Ear, and most recently Cosa Brava, he has always held true to his roots in rock and folk music, while exploring influences that range from the literary works of Eduardo Galeano to the art installations of Cornelia Parker.
The release of the seminal Guitar Solos in 1974 enabled him to simultaneously carve out a place for himself in the international improvised music scene, not only as an acclaimed solo performer but in the company of artists as diverse as Han Bennink, Chris Cutler, Jean-Pierre Drouet, Evelyn Glennie, Ikue Mori, Louis Sclavis, Stevie Wishart, Wu Fei, Camel Zekri, John Zorn, and scores of others.
He has also developed a personal compositional language in works written for Arditti Quartet, Asko Ensemble, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Ensemble Modern, Concerto Köln, and ROVA Sax Quartet, for example. Fred has been active as a composer for dance since the early 1980s, working with choreographers Bebe Miller, François Verret, and especially long-time collaborator and friend Amanda Miller, with whom he has created a compelling body of work over the last twenty years.
His film soundtracks (for award-winning films like Thomas Riedelsheimer's Rivers and Tides and Touch the Sound, Peter Mettler's Gambling, Gods, and LSD, and Deborah Kaufman and Alan Snitow's Thirst, to name a few) won him a lifetime achievement award from Prague's "Music on Film, Film on Music" Festival (MOFFOM) in 2007. The following year he received Italy's Demetrio Stratos Prize (previously given to Diamanda Galas and Meredith Monk) for his life's work in experimental music, and in 2010 was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Huddersfield in his home county of Yorkshire.
Fred currently teaches in the Music Department at Mills College in Oakland, California (renowned for over fifty years as the epicenter of the American experimental tradition), and in the Musik Akademie in Basel, Switzerland."-Fred Frith Website (http://www.fredfrith.com/biography.html)
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• Show Bio for Alvin Curran
"Born December 13, 1938, Providence, Rhode Island. From five years: piano lessons, trombone, marching bands, Synagogue chants, Jazz, and his father's dance bands. Becomes an artist at age 13 in an apple tree at the house of his lifelong friend, poet Clark Coolidge. Hears Spike Jones, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Satchmo, The Boston Symphony Orcherstra, Art Tatum, Charlie Parker, The Band of America, Thelonius Monk, Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis, Coltrane, Bartok and Christian Wolff.
With a fortuitous bang, he begins his musical journey (1965 in Rome) as co-founder of the radical music collective Musica Elettronica Viva, as a solo performer, and as a composer for Rome's avantgarde theater scene. In the 70's, he creates a poetic series of solo works for synthesizer, voice, taped sounds and found objects. Seeking to develop new musical spaces, and now considered one of the leading figures in making music outside of the concert halls -- he develops a series of concerts for lakes, ports, parks, buildings, quarries and caves -- his natural laboratories. In the 1980's, he extends the ideas of musical geography by creating simultaneous radio concerts for three, then six large ensembles performing together from many European Capitals. By connecting digital samplers to MIDI Grands (Diskklavier) and computers, since 1987, he produces an enriched body of solo performance works -- an ideal synthesis between the concert hall and all sounding phenomena in the world. He creates a visually striking series of sound installations, some of them in collaboration with visual artists including Paul Klerr, Melissa Gould, Kristin Jones, Pietro Fortuna, Umberto Bignardi, Uli Sigg. Throughout these years he continues to write numerous pieces for radio and for acoustic instruments.
Studies composition with Ron Nelson (B.A. Brown University 1960) and with Elliott Carter and Mel Powell ( M.Mus., Yale School of Music 1963). During summer vacations, plays European crossings with the "Brunotes" on the Holland American Line, in a Greek Dance Band in the Catskills, and in the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas.
Continues studies and friendship with Carter in Berlin (1964 Ford Foundation Grant), meets Stravinsky, Xenakis, Berio, Yuji Takahashi, Andriessen, Remo Remotti, and above all Rzewski. Goes to Darmstadt, hangs with Babbitt and Earl Brown, hears Stockhausen and Ligeti. Goes to Rome with Joel Chadabe and plays piano in bars on via Veneto, meets Franco Evangelisti and Cornelius Cardew.
In the Musica Elettronica Viva years (1966 -1971 in Rome), performs in over 200 concerts in Europe and the USA with Teitelbaum and Rzewski, Carol Plantamura, Ivan Vandor, Alan Bryant and Jon Phetteplace; and makes significant artistic encounters with Giuseppe Chiari, Edith Schloss, AMM, Cardew, Steve Lacy, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Steve ben Israel, Anthony Braxton, Simone Forti, Steve Reich, Joan La Barbara, Michael Nyman, La Monte Young, Trisha Brown, Ashley, Behrman, Gordon Mumma, Alvin Lucier, Larry Austin, Bill Smith, Ketoff, Robert Moog, Nuova Consonanza, MEV2, Meme Perlini, Mario Ricci, Maria Monti, Prima Materia, Ron Bunzl, Phil Glass, Charlemagne Palestine, Terry Riley, George Lewis, Evan Parker, Gregory Reeves, Serge Tcherepnin, Kosugi, Pulsa, Maryanne Amacher, John Cage, David Tudor, Morton Feldman. Scelsi becomes his friend and mentor.
From 1975-80 taught vocal improvisation at the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica (Rome) and from 1991 to 2006 was the Milhaud Professor of Composition at Mills College in Oakland, California. Currently teaching privately in Rome in addition to master classes, residencies, and lectures at Oberlin, Peabody, Brown, Berkeley, The Hague, Haifa, Bolzano, Northwestern, Yale, Beijing, etc."-Alvin Curran Website (http://www.alvincurran.com/Curran_bio.html)
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swishmax presentation
Orçamento $30-100 USD
I want to hire a swishmax program expert. I need to get an external preloader working so that my main swf file along with an external video (loaded into a sprite) synch up. I have tried creating an external preloader, but its just too complicated for my "non techie" mind.
You can see the presentation here... [url removed, login to view] You can see the issue Im dealing with. The video of with the girl is supposed to be synched with the animation that she is interacting with. I need the video of the girl(located in a sprite), and the animation, to BOTH be preloaded before playing. BTW...I used the latest build [url removed, login to view] to create the .smi file.
1.I would like to get the preloader with finished .swi file no later than Wednesday of this week.
2. I will pay via paypal or something as convenient. Please...if you dont know Swish, dont contact me, so we dont waste each others time.
3. Please publish your results on your server for testing purposes
If interested, please respond and I will send you a link to download the necessary files.
6 freelancers estão ofertando em média $91 para esse trabalho
Please see PMB and let us start a new business relation.


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The Central Connecticut baseball team dropped a 4-3 extra-inning
decision on Sunday afternoon to Sacred Heart. The game was the
final Northeast Conference home game for the Blue Devils. Sacred
Heart completed the four-game sweep, and in the process dropped the
Blue Devils to 23-21-1 overall and 15-13 in NEC play. The Pioneers
improve to 27-20 overall and 19-9 in the league.
The Blue Devils took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a sacrifice fly from sophomore Andy Lalli. The Pioneers had an error in the inning leading to the unearned run.
Sacred Heart tied it up in the third on an RBI single from leadoff man MJ Schifano.
Lalli's second sacrifice fly of the game gave the Blue Devils a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning.
Central's junior pitcher Harry Glynne pitched eight plus innings, allowing eight hits while striking out three and walking only one. He started the ninth inning after allowing just five hits and one run but the first three Pioneers in the ninth inning singled to load the bases with no outs. Freshman Josh Ingham entered the game and forced Dan Perez to hit into a double play but a run scored and the Pioneers tied the game at 2-2.
The Pioneers took a 4-2 lead in the top of the 11th inning on an RBI double from John Murphy and a run scoring single from Perez. The Blue Devils loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the inning, and freshman J.P. Sportman was hit by a pitch to make it 4-3. Senior Sean Miller-Jones flew out to end the game for the Blue Devils.
The Blue Devils will play at home on Wednesday hosting Northeastern beginning at 3 p.m.
May 30, 2011 Mitch Wells Named NEIBA All-Star on Monday
May 15, 2011 Baseball Series Finale at Long Island Washed Out
May 14, 2011 Baseball Sweeps Saturday Doubleheader at Long Island
May 13, 2011 Baseball Falls 1-0 on the Road at Long Island
April 29, 2011 Baseball Wins Big at Quinnipiac, 26-3
April 25, 2011 Scribner Gets the Call, Joins San Diego Padres Active Roster
April 23, 2011 Baseball Start Pushed to 2:45 p.m.
April 19, 2011 Baseball Drops 8-3 Decision at Home to UMass on Tuesday
April 17, 2011 Baseball Win Streak Stopped on Sunday
April 16, 2011 Baseball Wins Seventh Straight, Tops Fairfield 3-0
April 14, 2011 Baseball Tops Stony Brook 5-4
April 13, 2011 Wednesday's Baseball Game vs. Stony Brook Moved to Thursday
April 10, 2011 Baseball Wins Weekend Series With Sunday Win Over
April 6, 2011 Baseball Adds Home Game vs. Stony Brook on April 13
April 6, 2011 Baseball Wins at Home Over Iona, 7-5
April 4, 2011 2011 CCSU Baseball Media Guide
April 3, 2011 Baseball Splits Sunday Doubleheader at Monmouth
March 26, 2011 Baseball Splits With Wagner on Saturday on Staten Island
March 23, 2011 Wednesday's Baseball Game Canceled Due to Storm
March 21, 2011 Dylan DelaCruz Named NEC Co-Rookie of the Week in Baseball
March 20, 2011 Baseball Drops Series Finale Against Bryant on Sunday
March 19, 2011 Baseball Sweeps Doubleheader at Home on Saturday vs. Bryant
March 18, 2011 Central Comes From Behind to Top Bryant 10-9 in NEC Opener
March 16, 2011 Baseball Postponed on Wednesday
March 15, 2011 Baseball Field Parking Directions for The 2011 Season
March 14, 2011 Baseball Drops 8-5 Decision at George Washington on Monday
March 12, 2011 Baseball Splits a Pair of Games on Saturday
December 26, 2010 Central Connecticut Baseball Camp Postponed Because of Weather


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Consumer Relationship
Give = Get
Convenant Relationshp
Give = Nothing in return
Can I do relationship this way? Jesus does!
As I've thought about my relationships in the past, the way I related to the people I called my friends, I have been disappointed in what I found. I have always desired a TRUE friend, I didn't have many of those. I can remember calling my mom from my "christian" college and complaining that I didn't have a best friend, desiring to have someone to call BFF.
If I'm going to be honest, I didn't know how to be a friend. I was always looking for something in return. Seldom did I just enjoy the company of another person. There was usually some type of transaction taking place. Of course, at those times I didn't see how American consumerism had crept into my relationships. I wanted affirmation, understanding, help, sometimes a listening ear. I didn't really care about what the other person needed as long as I got what I needed.
I often wondered why other women seemed to have all these friends from high school and college but I didn't. After all, I was a Christian and if anyone knew about being a good friend it was Jesus. Of course, the brand of Christ follower I was didn't give much credence to the Jesus is Love message. It was more about Jesus "saving" you. I was supposed to be "an example". Of what, I'm not even sure now. But being a good example to other people puts a lot of pressure on a person. As a result of what I believe was a misconstrued message I became whatever anyone needed me to be. I helped people a lot and I helped a lot of people. When the PTO needed a president, I was the first to volunteer. Cheer Leader coach, pick me and then there was midget football treasurer and concession stand worker and you get the picture. You let me help you with your thing and I get to be needed! It was a win win in my estimation. Except I was blind to how I was living.
At that time of my life I had no idea I was looking for love in all the wrong places. I understood that concept as a wandering college drop out. But as a married Mom of two school aged girls? I wasn't looking for love any longer. I had a husband and a beautiful home and two great kids and a top of the line mini-van for crying out loud. I also had lots and lots of activities to keep me busy. I went so fast during those years that I can hardly remember the details. I wasn't fully present in my own life, I was just passing through to the next appointed practice or performance or church activity. None of those things are bad in and of themselves, it was just a way I became distracted and addicted.
Slowing down has been a difficult concept and a very gradual process. Those fast paced patterns of living became so entrenched in my every day that going from school to practice to lesson to appointed weekly church service became a steady rhythm in my life.
Learning how to rest in God's love for me has been no small feat. It's not something I could have ever accomplished in all my striving and performing and perfectionism. God approves of me even in this season when I'm doing
absolutely nothing very little. I still go to my job every day but I've pulled away from almost every other commitment and activity for the most part. I'm not even a member of a church (gasp) and I don't feel the need to go to a service unless God directs me to do so. I'm learning REST. It's going to take more than just a blog post to conquer this sitting with myself, sitting with the desires I have for community and waiting for God to give me what HE desires me to have.
What I've learned so far is that God is good, He loves my questions, He isn't afraid of my doubt, He is faithful to provide and He will never be disappointed in me no matter what decision I make. People who see me pulling away may not understand and may, as I often have, make judgments based on their limited understanding of my current situation. I'm okay with that. What I'm not okay with is continuing to live the remainder of the time I have here on this earth, running at break neck pace to do the next thing that I'm hoping will earn me the love I already have simply by being me. I'm learning to a new rhythm, rest!
If you happen to stumble upon this spilling of words and something here resonates within your heart, I'd love to hear your thoughts. By no means do I have anything figured out in this area, it's all trial and error here and I'd love some company if you're so inclined.


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The start of the game season, the Glorious 12th, when grouse season begins in August, this beautiful little bird gives a great distinct flavour and quite strong in taste. Classically chefs would roast the grouse on a trivet then serve it with watercress, game chips, red current jelly, seasoned crumbs, with the game liver made into a pate served on a crouton. Roasted root vegetables served in the juices from the roasting tray, all washed down by a great claret, an big bold Italian Tuscan, a Napa Valley Zinfandel, a fruit beer, or try mead, the great old English honey beer. Grouse was a very regal rich dish, but where would it be cooked? Well The Ritz in London, Wiltons of St James and a few of the other great traditional classical restaurants like Rules of Covent Garden.
So the game season is on. Grouse is certainly an acquired taste, very expensive and rare to find, and from a chefs point of view difficult to get right. But there's an amazing variety of choices pheasant, wild rabbit, partridge, hare, teal, mallard, wood pigeon, boar, venison, wild pigeon and woodcock, plus a few more not so well known varieties.
Game is exceptionally healthy, full of vitamins, minerals and irons. It is very lean, because all game is active. When cooking care must be taken because game can become dry and tough, roast it with plenty of basting and wrap it in bacon, it also lends itself to casseroling.
I really enjoy a great game pie, a rich ragout of hare with papperdelle pasta, a wild rabbit risotto with parma ham and sage, pigeon salad with crispy bacon and black pudding or venison with a bitter chocolate sauce. Game makes great sausages, try a venison burger for a change.
So come on my foodies or budding Jamies, Gordons, Delias, or Nigellas get cooking, get creative and cook game this autumn.
Game is tricky to get hold of but try Round Green Farm near Barnsley or the Chatsworth farm shop. Some of the country pubs can be a hub for game with the local farmers or hunters, you never know what a couple of pints may bring.
Many years ago when I was a cook one of my signature dishes was roast saddle of venison, celeriac mash, Mr Koffman's cabbage, a venison gravy flavored with bitter chocolate and raspberry vinegar, an amazing dish borrowed from a great restaurant called Le Tante Clare.
Happy cooking
24 Aug 2011
Game on!
Posted by Richard Smith at 08:27
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Hello all, I've been a little bit busy this last week and will probably be busy again this week too (I'm moving back to Leeds on Saturday so I should be able to blog more from next week!). Anyway, I'll update you all very soon with the things I have been doing over the past week, but tonight I am going to do a special post....
Earlier today I received an email from Meagan at Splendid Communications, who have been working with, none other than:
Jessica Lowndes from 90210!
Recently, Jessica and Splendid Communications have been working on a campaign together for the Norwegian glacial mineral water brand Isklar. This is all part of a campaign called "Do Different" where, basically you make a change in your life whether it is a new hairstyle, a new wardrobe/look or trying new hobbies. Jessica has been working behind the scenes as a makeup artist, as part of this campaign, and I have been given the chance to share her beauty secrets with you so not you can look just as gorgeous as Jessica does above!
Tip 1: "I always drink lots of water and when I'm in the UK I drink Isklar. It's probably the best beauty tip that I was given. Water is a natural purifier and aids in detoxification, so make sure you drink 6-8 glasses a day!"
Tip 2: "I love dramatic eyes for my night time look so I always use Laura Mercier cream eye shadow and L'Oreal Voluminous mascara to give my lashes lots of volume. Always try and use a mascara applicator that's more of a comb rather than a brush for more defined, fully coated, voluminous lashes"
Tip 3: "I like body lotions and perfume that are sweet smelling - anything that smells like cake is a favourite of mine. I always apply body lotion after I get out of the shower to help seal in moisture to keep my skin supple and hydrated"
Tip 4: "I've just been introduced to Bare Minerals makeup on my trip to the UK and it's great because it doesn't clog your pores and allows your skin to breathe. It's ideal for sensitive skin as the minerals are so pure and absorb excess oil giving you a matte, fresh finish"
Tip 5: "Whilst in the UK I've been introduced to Givenchy lipstick in sweet shine, this is a great lipstick colour that can be worn in daytime or with smoky eyes for night time look, make sure you choose a lipstick colour that suits you and is wearable with more than one look!"
Tip 6: "For a great glow I like to use Armani Cream Blush Duo- gives a great sun kissed look without being too much. I apply mine with a soft brush and it leaves my skin dewy and glowing!"
Tip 7: "It's really important in summer to keep your skin hydrated so I love to use Dermalogica cream on my face. A good moisturizer is imperative for healthy skin, as is an SPF. Make sure you choose the right moisturizer for your skin type too!"
And they are the lovely tip top beauty tips from Jessica Lowndes, some of which I will definitely be following!
To find out more about the "Do Different" campaign visit Isklar's Facebook Page where you can also find competitions and become part of the campaign yourself. I'm going to start making some changes and follow the Do Different campaign as I feel some things in my life need a little bit of a kickstart! Feel free to let me know what changes you would make to your lifestyle.
Top image is from We Heart It.Many Thanks to Meagan from Splendid Communications for providing me with photos of Jessica from the photoshoot for the campaign.


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Memorial Day
May 25, 2008 at 2:07 pm Elizabeth Chapin 4 comments
I have been having some different thoughts this year about Memorial Day. I am having a hard time feeling good about all the people who have died in wars for America. While I honor those who have chosen to defend our freedom, I am not feeling as much proud as I am sad there have been so many who have died because of war. For many years I have viewed war as a necessary evil, and while as Christ follower I am committed to personal peace, and trying to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence, I have never been personally attacked and had to make a choice about whether or not to fight back. In the Gospel of Matthew we read, ""Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." (The Message)
Another translation says, "Do not resist an evil person."
I used to live just outside NY City when I was 17. I took a self defense class and learned how to try and avoid attack. I've walked alone in dark and dangerous places and prepared in my mind what I would do if attacked. But I have often had this nagging conflict – is violence ever an answer – even in self-defense? And those overused questions like "What Would Jesus Do?" haven't really helped me much. I prefer to ask, "What will I do with the Spirit of Christ dwelling in me in this situation?" I've heard stories of people who have practiced non-violent responses to attacks and reacted in the power of the Holy Spirit and had miraculous results.
So, during this weekend of remembering those who have died because of violence, I am wondering is it possible to live out my God-created identity as described in Matthew 5? Is it possible for an entire society to live this way, or will our nation always need to respond with violence to threats or attacks? What do you think?
Entry filed under: Uncategorized.
4 Comments
Thank you for writing =)
I don't think it's possible. My only basis for saying that is that I myself can't pull it off in much smaller ways–I fall into using violent language toward people, for instance–what Ghandi called "passive violence".
But I still hope for it. That's a contradiction, in some ways, hoping for it and not believing it's possible at the same time.
Sometimes I think hope was actually the very worst thing to come out of Pandora's box.
I'm fairly certain of this: If it does happen, it won't be the U.S. who takes the lead. At least not in our current state. We'd definitely have to step back from being the biggest supplier of arms to the world, and from having the biggest most powerful military. And we'd have to follow South Africa's lead, and dismantle our nuclear weapons program and get rid of all our nuclear warheads. These would be steps along the road about whose possibility you are pondering. Just looking at these brief steps seems to speak to the very impossibility of it, for us as a nation.
This all touches on the absurdity of the fact that the rest of the world thinks of the U.S. as a "Christian nation". It should be qualified: "Christian subtract Matthew 5-7, Luke 12 … etc."
Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation 🙂 Anyway … nice blog to visit.
cheers, Aplomb.


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*Accessories are permit types as follows: Baby Barriers, Boatlifts, Cages, Canopies, Carports, Decks, Docks, Doors, Fences, Garages, Lanais, Parking Lots, Roofs, Seawalls, Sheds, Shutters, Signs, Swimming Pools & Windows.
Multifamily is included in the Commercial category.
"Trade permits" are permit types as follows: Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing & Roofing
Unscheduled ("Rollovers"):


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I like to try at times to tie my scarves in such a way as to really see a lot of the design. One of the best ways I have found to do this is to use a knot technique that was originally developed for the Plisse scarf. Below is the picture from the Plisse tying booklet. I will attempt to show you photos of how to do this technique with a regular carre or 36 inch square scarf.
First I start with the scarf off of my neck, underside up. I then pleat fold two opposing corners. See the illustrations below. The pleat folding does not have to be exact in fact it should not be, as this is what gives the billowy look to the scarf while wearing.
Now you are going to grasp the scarf in the very center keeping the pleated area bunched, and place the scarf on your neck. It is a good idea to pull it down in front kind of taunt in order to hold the pleating or bunching in place at the back of your neck.
With the front points hanging down, pull out from the center edge two little "tugs" of the scarf edge. You will be tying these together in a knot.
Once you have the little pieces "tugged" out, loop right over left and pull up slowly and tightly in place below your chin.
Now you will have some lovely billowy poofs that you can either arrange and let hang softly at your neck or off to the side, as I did with the Les Merveilles de La Vapuer below.
Or you can follow through with a full know of the tugged out areas which provides the final look of the Chevaux de France I am wearing in the picture shown last in this post.


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Michigan DE Taco Charlton – Photo by: Getty Images
Tis the season of mock drafts.
To hardcore NFL fans, it is a four-month long celebration culminating with their favorite team making seven picks – give or take a few – over a three-day weekend in April.
And for NFL websites and publications, it a four-month long bonanza of mock draft debate and chatter, filled with smokescreens, hidden messages, players rising and falling, and a lot of luck to even get a few of the picks right.
For NFL front offices, the pressure is on, and those "sources" we have built over the years become suddenly tight lipped.
Below is a list of Bucs picks from the latest mock drafts.
TE O.J. Howard – Alabama
ESPN's Todd McShay
TE O.J. Howard – Alabama
ESPN's Mel Kiper
DE Taco Charlton – Michigan
USA Today's Luke Easterling
DL Solomon Thomas – Stanford
Walter Football
RB Christian McCaffrey – Stanford
CBS Sports
Rob Rang – CB Sidney Jones – Washington
Dane Brugler – WR John Ross – Washington
NFL Network
Charley Casserly –DE Charles Harris – Missouri
Daniel Jeremiah – RB Alvin Kamara – Tennessee
Bucky Brooks – DE Derek Barnett – Tennessee
Lance Zierlein – DT Malik McDowell – Michigan State
Mark Cook currently is the director of editorial content and Bucs beat writer and has written for PewterReport.com since 2011. Cook has followed the Buccaneers since 1977 when he first began watching football with his Dad and is fond of the 1979 Bucs team that came within 10 points of going to a Super Bowl. His favorite Bucs game is still the 1979 divisional playoff win 24-17 over the Eagles. In his spare time Cook enjoys playing guitar, fishing, surfing and family time at the beach. In addition, Cook can be found in front of a television or in Doak Campbell any time the FSU Seminoles are playing. Cook is a native of Pinecrest in Eastern Hillsborough County and has written for numerous publications including the Tampa Tribune, In the Field and Ya'll Magazine. Cook can be reached at [email protected]
The great variability in mocked first round picks for the Bucs is a very good thing, actually … it means that we actually have a lot of potentially good choices, and it also means the Bucs don't have to do as much counter-espionage and such to mask their true intentions for their first round pick. It also means this should also be an entertaining draft season.
Good observation and drawn conclusions Naplesfan. My sentiments exactly!
The folks who think we're going DT or DE in the first RD (or at all) make me laugh. They don't know the Bucs at all. Also, those who think we're going CB or S in the first RD crack me up. We'll probably take a safety in the 2nd, but not the first.
At #19 we're looking at 5 guys: Mike Williams, Corey Davis, Dalvin Cook, OJ Howard, and David Njoku. That's it. Whose ever that's who we're taking. What will be interesting is if all 5 are off the board by the time we pick.
I predict at that point we trade back; something like our #1 for a #2 and a #3. I like this idea, personally.
Pat, There is no doubt that most of the national media is oblivious to how much the defense started to come together for the second half of the season. Especially for DE/CB/S although I have frequently stated that McCoy needs some help. It is rare for a DT to be dominant as long as McCoy has.
I also agree with the 5 guys you have listed. Although I would take it a step further. If there is only one of them left with a few picks still ahead of the Bucs, then they should trade up to make sure they get one of those offensive playmakers.
and if Williams, Davis, Cook, Howard, and Njoku are all gone by 19?
I keep seeing people suggest trading back, but unless there's a team that really likes a QB that probably won't be available by their next pick, we're not really in a good bargaining position.
I like this idea
I understand, and even somewhat agree with, what you are saying. However, in the draft, value trumps (or at least should trump) need. If Thomas or Barnett falls to 19, they should be in the conversation.
My comment was meant as a reply to Patrick Ellsworth.
Unfortunately, its just to early to start predicting draft picks as evident by the variety of predictions. We have to wait and see how FA and the combine goes first. Once FA is over we will be able to make a more accurate GUESS of our draft picks. A lot can change between now and draft night.
Interesting, I have noticed in addition to those 1st rd selections above that most analyst have shown consistent Buc team needs, which usually become apparent after Free Agency. DL, Receiver, and DB. RB is the only new need that has evolved since the Martin issue. The variety of players indicates we have a good chance of getting a significant immediate starter and based on the current young roster we should be able to shore up rotational and back-up players in rounds 2 thru 7. Our offseason game plan seems much easier to follow in 2017. Additionally it doesn't seem like we will need to concentrate on FA as much. Lot of pieces already in place.
Our quality depth is what makes this year's draft different from years past. With all the injuries this past season, the next man just kept standing up. So with that said, I feel there's not as much pressure. We have some battle tested depth that's taken us off the wall that our backs have been up against for so long. We do have specific holes but we don't NEED these draft picks to fill a black hole on our starting roster. Take the legit BPA. We have depth capable of keeping the ship afloat, let's just go get upgrades. D line, DB, safety, WR, TE, RB… don't care as long as they are the best talent available to us.
Like Barnett, Howard, Charlton and Harris.
McCaffrey, Ross or Thomas would be ok.
Jones, Kamara or McDowell would be a disaster.
No predicted choice is "laughable" Patrick. It's just opinions. I think it's "laughable" that most folks subscribe to taking the BPA, then make their predictions based on perceived need. Most of us see the needs as RB, WR, TE, OL, DL maybe LB and DB. That's nearly everything! In my view the only position we don't need right now is QB and P. Thus, Licht can choose any position and hit a need. The question then becomes, "which group of players is worthy of being selected at #19?" Which is followed up by, "which position group might be deep enough to wait until later?"
All of us here think we know more than the GM's and scouting staffs who study more than a Youtube video and a remark by Mel Kiper for their player evaluations. As I often say at work to those with only a tidbit of information yet want to criticize others "you don't know what you don't know."
Scu I know only what I see in the games. Like u said, I leave it to the GM and coaches because they are paid to know.
A head case second round kicker aside, I trust this front office like I never could with any other in the past. I know this team will be better in a couple months and I'm excited for that!
Aside from Aguayo, who has made much improvement and may still prove his worth…Licht has been pretty consistent at finding us good young talent. The draft is nowhere near an exact science and he's given us Mike, Jameis, Ali, and (in my opinion his biggest hit) Kwon. I believe he and his staff will continue to fill our roster with young talent.
With so many needs, it shouldn't be too hard to hit on our choices this year. It's just a matter of prioritizing and finding value in later rounds
I am hoping Bucs trade down and get more picks. This draft is deep and we can use several players who could start. Running back, Receiver, Defensive End, Cornerback, Tight end, Safety, Defensive Tackle.
Bucs need to be careful about not zeroing in on a specific player and let the draft come to them. Please don't trade up. It seems everytime we do this we lose.
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text: Finally tonight I am going to go for a short little four miler to see how I feel. I hope the cold is behind me and I won't be hacking up a lung out on my run, and I know that easing myself back into running will be the best thing for me. Tomorrow I'll have some sweet deals so keep your eyes peeled for those.... now, comment away!!


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Broad-Spectrum Effects of Grape Seed ExtractJuly 2005
By Terri Mitchell
Take 20 Years Off Your Brain
Ever wish you could think of things, and remember like you used to? The brain ages just like the rest of you. The important thing is to counteract the wear and tear as much as possible.
There is good news on this front. For the first time in history, researchers have proven that a supplement reverses brain aging at the most basic level: proteins. This exciting research is like discovering what is wrong with each brick of an aging house.
What these researchers found is that age not only causes proteins to be lost, but also causes undesirable proteins to be gained. The age-related increases are just as detrimental as age-related decreases.
This research from the University of Alabama shows that grape seed extract normalizes 13 different brain proteins back to youthful levels.14 Undesirable proteins that impede the brain's ability to make new cells are reduced.14,51 (New brain cells are made in certain areas of the brain throughout the human life span. For more information, see "Reinventing the Brain," Life Extension, August 2000.) A protein that makes a type of scar tissue in the brain is also reduced, potentially helping the brain recover from injuries like stroke.14,52,53 The same protein also shows up in certain types of brain tumors and in Alzheimer's disease.54,55 Grape seed extract reduces these undesirable proteins, while at the same time increasing other proteins that are lost with age.14
The researchers concluded that polyphenols have diverse effects on brain aging.14 This research is also noteworthy in that it shows, for the first time, that "normal" aging can be reversed in a healthy adult rat. Most brain dementia studies examine diseased or aged brains instead of healthy ones.
Grape Seed for Bones and Metabolism
Grape seed extract is a very broad-spectrum supplement. It is a powerful antioxidant against diverse types of radicals; it stops ulcers as effectively as some drugs; it can keep sun-induced papillomas from turning into carcinomas; and it helps maintain bone in the jaw.56-59 This feature may help to preserve teeth. Studies have shown that healthy teeth and gums may reduce the risk of premature death.60 Bones, too, are important for health, as fractures greatly increase the risk of mortality.61
Grape seed extract and resveratrol together may have additive effects. In 1998, Japanese re-searchers first showed that resveratrol directly stimulates the cells that make bones.62 They subsequently demonstrated that resveratrol supplements maintain bone strength in older rats.63 Sun-dried skin also benefits from grape seed extract, which reverses some of the damage.64
Another benefit of grape seed extract is that it streamlines metabolism. This is very important for many reasons, but perhaps one of the most compelling is that blood sugar affects longevity, and "longevity genes" are linked to insulin and other factors having to do with metabolism.65,66 Type II diabetes has been characterized as "severe insulin resistance," a condition that causes a form of premature aging.67,68 Clinical studies show that grape seed extract stabilizes blood sugar, mobilizes fat, and causes people to eat slightly less.69-71
The Future of Grape Nutraceuticals
Last year, Chinese researchers reported finding three new compounds in grape seed.72 All that is known about them so far is that they protect DNA against free radicals. What else they may do remains to be seen. Are they new "super-antioxidants"? Will they stop certain types of cancer? Will they chase off toxins? Or keep blood vessels and bones from aging? Nobody knows yet, but the prognosis is good that they will not disappoint us. The science of grapes is, to use the word of researchers, remarkable.
1. Rosenkranz S, Knirel D, Dietrich H, Flesch M, Erdmann E, Bohm M. Inhibition of the PDGF receptor by red wine flavonoids provides a molecular explanation for the "French paradox". FASEB J. 2002 Dec;16(14):1958-60.
2. Criqui MH, Ringel BL. Does diet or alcohol explain the French paradox? Lancet. 1994 Dec 24-31;344(8939-8940):1719-23.
3. Burr ML. Explaining the French paradox. JR Soc Health. 1995 Aug;115(4):217-9.
4. Lavayssiere R, Cabee A. MRI in France: the French paradox. J Magn Reson Imaging. 2001 Apr;13(4):528-33.
5. Mar MH, Zeisel SH. Betaine in wine: answer to the French paradox? Med Hypotheses. 1999 Nov;53(5):383-5.
6. De Beer D, Joubert E, Gelderblom W, Manley M. Antioxidant activity of South African red and white cultivar wines: free radical scavenging. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Feb 12;51(4):902-9.
7. Cui J, Tosaki A, Cordis GA, et al. Cardioprotective abilities of white wine. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2002 May;957:308-16.
8. Bertelli AA, Migliori M, Panichi V, et al. Oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction modulation by white wine. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2002 May;957:295-301.
9. Available at: http://www.plantphysiol.org/cgi/content/full/131/1/129. Accessed April 25, 2005.
10. Available at: http://www.csu.edu.au/research/rpcgwr/research/vitstilb.htm. Accessed April 25, 2005.
11. Ariga T. The antioxidative function, preventive action on disease and utilization of proanthocyanidins. Biofactors. 2004 21(1-4):197-201.
12. Bagchi D, Garg A, Krohn RL, et al. Protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins and selected antioxidants against TPA-induced hepatic and brain lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, and peritoneal macrophage activation in mice. Gen Pharmacol. 1998 May;30(5):771-6.
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cholesterolemic hamsters against aortic fatty streak accumulation. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Mar 23;53(6):2015-21.
28. Sano T, Oda E, Yamashita T, et al. Anti-thrombotic effect of proanthocyanidin, a purified ingredient of grape seed. Thromb Res. 2005;115(1-2):115-21.
29. Fragopoulou E, Antonopoulou S, Nomikos T, Demopoulos CA. Structure elucidation of phenolic compounds from red/white wine with antiatherogenic properties. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2003 Jun 10;1632(1-3):90-9.
30. Yamakoshi J, Kataoka S, Koga T, Ariga T. Proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds attenuates the development of aortic atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Atherosclerosis. 1999 Jan;142(1):139-49.
31. Vinson JA, Mandarano MA, Shuta DL, Bagchi M, Bagchi D. Beneficial effects of a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract and a niacin-bound chromium in a hamster atherosclerosis model. Mol Cell Biochem. 2002 Nov;240(1-2):99-103.
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33. Inoue H, Jiang XF, Katayama T, Osada S, Umesono K, Namura S. Brain protection by resveratrol and fenofibrate against stroke requires peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in mice. Neurosci Lett. 2003 Dec 11;352(3):203-6.
34. Weinberger Z, Richter ED. Cellular telephones and effects on the brain: the head as an antenna and brain tissue as a radio receiver. Med Hypotheses. 2002 Dec;59(6):703-5.
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37. Kundi M, Mild K, Hardell L, Mattsson MO. Mobile telephones and cancer–a review of epidemiological evidence. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2004 Sep-Oct;7(5):351-84.
38. La Regina M, Moros EG, Pickard WF, Straube WL, Baty J, Roti Roti JL. The effect of chronic exposure to 835.62 MHz FDMA or 847.74 MHz CDMA radiofrequency radiation on the incidence of spontaneous tumors in rats. Radiat Res. 2003 Aug;160(2):143-51.
39. Zook BC, Simmens SJ. The effects of 860 MHz radiofrequency radiation on the induction or promotion of brain tumors and other neoplasms in rats. Radiat Res. 2001 Apr;155(4):572-83.
40. Leszczynski D, Joenvaara S, Reivinen J, Kuokka R. Non-thermal activation of the hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway by mobile phone radiation in human endothelial cells: molecular mechanism for cancer-and blood-brain barrier-related effects. Differentiation. 2002 May;70(2-3):120-9.
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42. Irmak MK, Fadillioglu E, Gulec M, Erdogan H, Yagmurca M, Akyol O. Effect of electromagnetic radiation from a cellular telephone on the oxidant and antioxidant levels in rabbits. Cell Biochem Funct. 2002 Dec;20(4):279-83.
43. Stopczyk D, Gnitecki W, Buczynski A, Markuszewski L, Buczynski J. Effect of electromagnetic field produced by mobile phones on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and the level of malonyldialdehyde (MDA)–in vitro study. Med Pr. 2002;53(4):311-4.
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46. Nylund R, Leszczynski D. Proteomics analysis of human endothelial cell line EA. hy926 after exposure to GSM 900 radiation. Proteomics. 2004 May;4(5):1359-65.
47. Sharma M, Gupta Y. Chronic treatment with trans resveratrol prevents intracerebroventricular streptozotocin induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in rats. Life Sci. 2002 Oct 11;71(21):2489-98.
48. Savaskan E, Olivieri G, Meier F, Seifritz E, Wirz-Justice A, Muller-Spahn F. Red wine ingredient resveratrol protects from beta-amyloid neurotoxicity. Gerontology. 2003 Nov-Dec;49(6):380-3.
49. Roychowdhury S, Wolf G, Keilhoff G, Bagchi D, Horn T. Protection of primary glial cells by grape seed proanthocyanidin extract against nitrosative/oxidative stress. Nitric Oxide. 2001 Apr;5(2):137-49.
50. Jang M, Pezzuto JM. Effects of resveratrol on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced oxidative events and gene expression in mouse skin. Cancer Lett. 1998 Dec 11;134(1):81-9.
51. Larsson A, Wilhelmsson U, Pekna M, Pekny M. Increased cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of old GFAP-/-Vim-/- mice. Neurochem Res. 2004 Nov;29(11):2069-73.
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53. Wilhelmsson U, Li L, Pekna M, et al. Absence of glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin prevents hypertrophy of astrocytic processes and improves post-traumatic regeneration. J Neurosci. 2004 May 26;24(21):5016-21.
54. Bongcam-Rudloff E. Studies on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in human glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Diss Abstr Int. [c] (201995) 56:445.
55. Tsuji T, Shiozaki A, Kohno R, Yoshizato K, Shimohama S. Proteomic profiling and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Neurochem Res. 2002 Oct;27(10):1245-53.
56. Anga T, Koshiyama I, Fukushima D. Antioxidative properties of procyanidins B-1 and B-3 from azuki beans in aqueous systems. Agric Biol Chem. 1988 52:2717-22.
57. Saito M, Hosoyama M, Ariga T, Kataoka S, Yamaji N. Antiulcer activity of grape seed extract and procyanidins. J Agric Food Chem. 1998 March19;46(4):1460-64.
58. Mittal A, Elmets CA, Katiyar SK. Dietary feeding of proanthocyanidins from grape seeds prevents photocarcinogenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice: relationship to decreased fat and lipid peroxidation. Carcinogenesis. 2003 Aug;24(8):1379-88.
59. Ishikawa M, Maki K, Tofani I, Kimura K, Kimura M. Grape seed proanthocyanidins extract promotes bone formation in rat's mandibular condyle. Eur J Oral Sci. 2005 Feb;113(1):47-52.
60. Shimazaki Y, Soh I, Saito T, et al. Influence of detention status on physical disability, mental impairment, and mortality in institutionalized elderly people. J Dent Res. 2001 Jan;80(1):340-5.
61. Center JR, Nguyen TV, Schneider D, Sambrook PN, Eisman JA. Mortality after all major types of osteoporotic fracture in men and women: an observational study. Lancet. 1999 Mar 13;353(9156):878-82.
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Anyway, I decided to try the new one out, to see if it was any easier to drive. After all, Mom did say that it was Automatic. Should be easy, right?
NOT! This sure isn't what I call automatic. Way too many buttons, and the steering wheel and pedals are still too far apart.
My Sister wasn't much help with this one, either. I thought she was supposed to be smart, what with that Master's degree she just got. She said driving is not my occupation, so her OT degree couldn't help me.
I think I'm done with cars. I have no idea why Beans spend so much time in them. I'm going to stick to closet navigation. Or even old-fashioned litterbox driving. At least the box has hay, right?
Karen's Note: It's only a Ford Focus, and the basic model at that. But it's the first new car that I've had since 1987. And even though it's not the important part of the car, I feel very lucky that I was able to get such a pretty one. The color is called Candy Apple Blue. The only thing better would be a blue and green paisley with black accents, and a honeydew houndstooth interior. Or black and fuschia zebra stripes, with a black-and-white polka dot interior. Until they start painting cars with patterns, this will do. And, Weasley still has to ride in his carrier when he's going to the vet. He's a terrible driver.


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Can we stop calling 'gender neutral' a parenting trend yet?
There was a time when people feared the term "gender neutral." What did it mean? Did it signify the end to gender as we know it? Were we ruining our children? Obviously not. And with the launch of Target's new gender-neutral line (along with other advances), it's clear that this so-called odd "trend" has become pretty mainstream and commonplace.
For as long as parents can remember, the majority of stuff marketed at kids has been sold along a gender divide. From clothes to toys to bedding, most stores and companies sorted things by boys (blue, brown, dinosaurs, rocket ships, sports, etc.) and girls (pink, purple, sparkle, princesses, etc.). This type of marketing not only pigeonholed kids, but it stigmatized those who wanted to cross the divide.
More: Suns, houses and scary people: What kids' drawings really mean
Thankfully, slowly but surely, companies started realizing what many parents (and kids!) have been saying all along: Let children be children, let them like what they like, and please stop trying to define them based on outdated and tired gender stereotypes. While it was a slow trickle at first, all of a sudden, more stores and brands are realizing they can actually profit from offering everything to kids, rather than separating by gender.
Many parents have been quite vocal about their disappointment in the overly stereotypical gendering that occurs when it comes to kids and toys/clothes/etc. Unfortunately, there's also been a very vocal minority who fear the end of the world as we know it if we allow gender-neutral ideals to flourish.
More: 4 toy trends your kids are about to go gaga over
No more army! No more babies! (Yes, these are real concerns of those who think that offering up gender-neutral options will essentially neuter all boys and turn all girls into lesbians). Thankfully, when it comes to business, most stores realize that the majority of people are demanding more choice and less stereotyping — and they're actually making some changes.
Toys 'R' Us got rid of their "boy" and "girl" categories online, allowing users to select things by other descriptors like age, brand or type of toy. And now, in addition to stripping away the gender descriptors in its toy aisles, Target is going one step further by launching a new kids' homegoods line that uses a gender-neutral approach. The new line, called Pillowfort, hopes to appeal to boys and girls without falling into the stereotypical gender traps of pink/princesses and blue/trucks. The line will still include bedding that has hearts on it, but those hearts will come in shades of gold and black rather than the usual pink and red.
As a parent who has a son that started shying away from the things he liked because "boys don't like that" (i.e., he didn't see pink shirts in the boys section), it's heartening that these companies are finally listening to their consumers. All I have to say to this is: FINALLY.
More: She was raised by the Tiger Mom, but she's not complaining
All of these brands and stores are responding to customer demand. And as more and more companies and stores realize the power (and profit!) in offering gender-neutral products, maybe this will no longer be a big story where we need to shower praise and kudos to these companies for doing things that they should be doing anyway.
Before you go, check out our slideshow below:


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Mass Effect: A Shattered Galaxy
Omni-Tools and Tech Attacks
An Omni-Tool is a powerful, versatile diagnostic, manufacturing and communication tool; as such, it incorporates many of the functions of what would be separate devices in traditional Traveller.
- Hand Computer at Computer/4 with Data Display.
- Software: Database, Interface, Security/2, Translator/1.
- Comm, enabling radio communication on-planet and microwave communication to orbit.
- Holographic Projector, TL 11 (its holograms are not lifelike and cannot fool anyone).
- Medikit at TL 12. It stores two applications of Medigel.
- A sensor package including Geiger Counter, Electromagnetic Probe, Densitometer, and Bioscanner.
- Toolkit: Engineering, Scientific, Forensic, Mechanical, and Surveying.
- Bug, audio and visual.
- Blade, manufactured as needed for melee attacks.
- A flashlight.
Omni-Tools can be loaded with optional other features including illegal intrusion software, expert programs, and Medigel capacity upgrades (at Cr. 25,000 apiece, to a maximum of three additional applications).
A basic Omni-Tool costs Cr. 45,000; rare powerful or customized Omni-Tools are known to exist and will cost accordingly more.
Skilled characters may configure their Omni-Tools for use in combat; each of these Tech Attacks has a list of skill prerequisites, at least one of which must be met before it may be employed; if a power has the Tech Ranged descriptor, this skill is added to the Dexterity characteristic DM to make an attack roll, and the power functions as a ranged weapon with the following characteristics:
|Ranged Attacks
|Very Long
|Tech Ranged
|Out of Range
|Out of Range
Unless otherwise noted, these attacks require a combat action to use.
Combat Drone – The omni-tool manufactures a small, autonomous globe-shaped hovering robot with a nasty short-ranged electrical attack. Functions as a Combat Drone (p. 95) with a mounted Laser Pistol and loaded Intellect/1 and Expert Gun Combat (energy pistol) 2 software, allowing it to fire its weapon autonomously with a base DM of +2. A character may employ only one Combat Drone at a time. Prerequisite: Engineer (electronics) 1, Mechanic 1, or Computers 2.
Cryo Blast – The user's omni-tool fires a tiny mass of super-cooled exotic matter capable of snap-freezing targets, dealing 3d6 + Effect armor-piercing damage (eg, a minimum of 1 damage per die regardless of the target's protection value) and lowering the target's initiative by an amount equal to the damage taken. Prerequisite: Engineer (life support) 1, Space Science (any) 1, or Physical Science (chemistry) 2. Tech Ranged.
Incinerate – The Omni-Tool mixes a tiny portion of flammable gel and hurls it at a target with a mass effect slingshot, causing 4d6 + Effect searing heat damage in a 1m radius around the target. The projectile can be curved slightly, reducing the effectiveness of any cover by 1. Prerequisite: Physical Science (any) 1, Mechanic 1. Tech Ranged.
Neural Shock – The Omni-Tool rapidly analyzes the neural frequencies of an organic target, then projects a signal to temporarily interfere with them and dealing 2d6 + Effect damage; if damage is taken, the target loses their next significant action and drops down 2 places in the initiative. Shields do not confer protection against the neural shock. Ineffective against synthetic enemies. Prerequisite: Life Science (any) 1, Medic 2. Tech Ranged.
Overload – The Omni-Tool hacks a shielded synthetic or armored target through its wireless uplink to cause a brief power surge, reducing their Shield protection by 1 + the Effect of the check and dealing an equivalent amount of damage; this damage is not reduced by shields or armor. Prerequisite: Physical Science (any) 1, Engineer (any) 1, Computer 1. Tech Ranged.
Sabotage – The Omni-Tool hacks or mechanically subverts a synthetic or automated target to disable it. The attacker rolls 3d6 damage on a successful hit, but rather than dealing damage he or she may opt to cause the target to lose its next two turns or to take control of it for its next significant action. Sabotage may also be used as a reaction with a -2 penalty to defuse incoming grenades or rockets; the character drops in initiative and takes a DM penalty to future actions as if he had dodged. Ineffective against organic enemies. Prerequisite: Computer 1, Mechanic 2. Tech Ranged.
Tech Armor – As a minor action, the technician uses their Omni-Tool's full suite of processes – including its power cells and holographic generator – to bolster their armor's kinetic barriers, adding either their Vacc Suit or Battle Dress skill to the armor's Armor value and giving the armor a distinct holographic glow. While Tech Armor is active, the Omni-Tool may not be used for other powers (although currently active Combat Drones remain on the field). As a minor action, the kinetic overcharge can be explosively released, dealing (Vacc Suit or Battle Dress rank +1)d6 damage in a 1.5-meter radius around the character. Prerequisite: Vacc Suit 1, Battle Dress 1.
If a target currently under the effect of Cryo Blast, Neural Shock, or Sabotage is hit with an Overload, the attacker's Omni-Tool can redirect the power surge to spread that effect to any adjacent enemies within 1.5 meters.


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Left Manila pass 10 in the morning and by 2pm we arrived at Singapore, safe and sound. Greeted by our best girl friend Leona, and before I continue, can I say a BIG THANK YOU to Leona whose been with us in and around SG, we wouldn't have a grandest time/days there without her. Sorry that we had to let you walk the whole day, but it's worth it, even Travis can attest to that - cause we had the best-est time! Can we do it again?
Now before we do the "walkathon" around SG, we decided to check in first at V Hotel, so we can settle our things first, then off we go to the first stop, Ion Orchard.
And who wouldn't enjoy if you're with two of the best girl friend huh?
|Ninang Labs Leona, Travis and Ninang Bes Sofie <3
And since us, the girls are enjoying each others company, I gave the Husband the reason why we have to go visit SG this time.
Yes, the SG F1 Night Race. Isn't that hitting two birds in one big stone eh? Now, that's what I call, fair!
Our day one was just perfect, and we're so excited come Day two, it's Universal Studios time!


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Board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz frequently counsels his patients on healthy eating, and then they often become experts in what is healthy food. One thing patients sometimes ask Dr. Feiz is, "should I buy local food?" Here's his take on local food and healthy eating!
Local food is more sustainable because it is grown on a community farm with different kinds of crops and animals. Because it travels a shorter distance, it doesn't need to be processed to enhance freshness before it reaches your plate. The farms which are local and sustainable aren't owned by big agribusiness companies which strive for a profit above all else. What makes a farm sustainable is the fact that it doesn't rely on artificial fertilizer, pesticides, heavy machinery, antibiotics, feedlots, and processing plants. Sustainable food isn't an industrial machine which relies on massive amounts of fossil fuel to deliver its product.
Dr. Feiz, a renowned Southern California bariatric surgeon, recommends patients looking to support fresh, local food by the employing the following practices:
CSA – Community Supported Agriculture
A CSA provides an opportunity for a family to support a local farm for a few hundred dollars a year, and in return they receive a weekly box of fresh produce. By paying in advance, the cost of seeds and planting crops are covered by the consumers. Members are also encouraged to visit the farm and volunteer there to see how their food is grown.
Farmers Market
If you're interested in supporting the local economy, look no further than your neighborhood farmers market. Farmers markets enable farmers to keep up to 90 cents of each dollar spent by the consumer. Farmers markets are comprised of a number of local producers who gather together to sell their wares to residents of the community. By patronizing farmers markets, you help keep small family farms in business, while benefitting both the farmer and yourself. While at the farmers market, you can ask the farmer specifics about their farm and how produce is grown and animals are raised. You can ask include what kind of pest control methods are used, which fertilizers are used, how many different types of produce are grown, and if the farm is certified organic, biodynamic, or naturally grown.
"Pick your own" Farm
Some farms which offer fruits allow members of the public to come and pick their own produce at farms such as an apple orchard, berry growers, or a pumpkin patch. Usually the producer will set a price for a bushel or pint, and families can go into the fields and pick their own food. Some farms also allow consumers to choose the animal they would like to purchase for consumption before it is slaughtered.
Food Co-ops -- Co-operative Grocery Stores
These voluntary organizations are controlled by members to provide low cost, healthy food both to members and the public, while individuals belonging to the co-op have a say in decision-making of business practices. Most of these food co-ops are organic or produced with a minimum of processing.
Food buying clubs
By organizing a group of people to buy food in bulk, members can expect to get discounts. Usually the groups are either friends or members of a group, such as a church organization, who share the chores of collecting money and placing orders with the distributor. Regional distributors also provide food to co-op stores.
Home delivery service
Similar to a CSA, this service is a burgeoning industry which takes local food and sends boxes of fresh meat and produce to members. The box's contents change weekly as seasonal produce changes. Members can choose the type of produce, ready-made items, or meat they want. Boxes can contain fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, poultry, bread, pasta, and dry goods.


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2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be/why? (Money isn't an object)
3. What is your "go-to" outfit? or your favorite outfit (pictures?)?
4. What are you most thankful for in your life?
5. What is one piece of advice you would give other women?
6. What is one thing you plan to accomplish before the end of this year?
7. What is your favorite purchase you have made in the past month?
8. Do you save money for things? What are you saving for? If not, what would you like to save you money up for?


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Accommodating Australians - Commonwealth Government Involvement in Housing
Patrick N Troy AO
Accommodating Australians explores the rise and fall of public housing during a prolonged period of generous Government support for home ownership while forcing the poor to pay more for their accommodation.
The book discusses the way in which Commonwealth initiative led to the States adopting town planning processes that due to State departure from historic approaches to the provision of urban infrastructure services has helped fuel a massive rise in dwelling prices.
This book explores the response of the Australian Government during the bleakest years of WWII when it took stock of the situation facing the housing of the people and the way it developed a housing program in the post war period to improve the way they were accommodated.
The ambitions of those who witnessed the extremes of housing deprivation during the Depression and resolved to improve the quality of housing, to make it more affordable and the nation fairer are outlined. It is a story about the rise and fall of public housing and helps explain why Australian housing has now become one of the most expensive in the developed world.


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According to the Daily Telegraph, the government's proposals for road charging have been credit crunched.
In a rare outbreak of common sense, the Transport Minister said "I don't believe as Britain is coming out of recession and motorists are feeling under pressure, that this is the time to put road charging on the agenda."
Of course, the suggestion that an unpopular government is worried that the 1.8m people who signed the anti-road pricing petition last year might vote for opposition parties at the next election is just too cynical.
Luftgekühlt comes to Great Britain
1 week ago


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From the Diabetic Living Online website its Low-Carb Slow Cooker Recipes. Diabetic Friendly recipes that include; Low-Carb Slow Cooker Recipes, Coffee-Braised Brisket, and Aztec Corn Chowder. Find them allat Diabetic Living Online website, Enjoy! http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/
Low-Carb Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow cookers are the ultimate convenience, simmering foods to perfection for hours at a slow and steady rate. These low-carb meals (all with 35 grams of carb or less per serving!) allow you to save time and enjoy the foods you love with half the carbs!
Easy Chicken Enchiladas
For a Mexican-inspired make-ahead meal, slow-cook chicken in a spicy salsa mixture, then roll it up in tortillas. This diabetes-friendly meal looks so indulgent you won't believe two enchiladas have only 24 grams of carb per serving......
Coffee-Braised Brisket
A coffee, brown sugar, and paprika rub gives this slow cooker brisket a complex sweet-and-spicy flavor. Use a brown sugar substitute to bring this already low-carb meal down to just 5 grams of carb per serving.....
Aztec Corn Chowder
In just five minutes, throw together a creamy, fiber-rich corn chowder that's short on carbs but not on flavor. Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker for 5 to 6 hours. Enjoy a 1/2-cup serving for just 15 grams of carb.....
* Click the link below to get all the Low-Carb Slow Cooker Recipes