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Club football is currently compartmentalized. There are two spheres of competition that are dissected with equal spittle-laden fervor - the battle between football teams on the pitch to win matches, and the battle between football clubs off the pitch to win the transfer window.
The author finds it bizarre that signings are now cheered on harder than goals, transfer fees are now held up as valid metrics in online pissing contests, and transfer business is now conclusively opined on before said signings have had any time to make an impression.
This does not mean that rating a club's transfer business in September is a moot task. If one takes into account the squad gaps a particular club had, how effectively it filled those gaps, and the reputation and skill-sets of the players it bought, one can easily run a broad good/okay/bad brushstroke over the club's summer. But the transfer window should and will always be judged twice: once immediately after it happens, and once after the hubbub dies down, the players settle in, and the theory on spreadsheets melds into action on the pitch.
With that sobering preface out of the way, let us look at Arsenal's summer business.
What was needed
The phrase 'spinal surgery' summed up the task facing Arsenal this transfer window. In midfield, Arsenal lost three wizened heads in Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini, and Tomas Rosicky as their contracts expired. Their overdependence on Coquelin and Cazorla was exposed last season as both players got injured for a few months and Arsenal's midfield dynamism stalled as a result. The astute transfer of Elneny from Basel last January brought a box-to-box tirelessness and versatility to the fold, but Arsenal still needed a dominant figure in the center of the park capable of dictating tempo, freeing other players to make runs, and spotting those runs.
Up top, Arsenal's search for a striker to replace Robin van Persie continued. Arsene Wenger had tried the efficient (Podolski), the workmanlike (Giroud), the gamble (Welbeck), and the outlandish (Sanogo), but still hadn't found a replacement capable of replicating the innate creativity and match-winning contributions of the Dutchman. Giroud had proved an able, hard-working striker, but was prone to periods of goal drought with no one else to pick up the slack. The burden of goals needed to be shared.
Arsenal's defense seemed well-sorted if ageing as pre-season began, with a center back roster of Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gabriel, and Chambers leading the Gunners to the second-lowest goals conceded last season (and the Golden Glove for Petr Cech). But, injuries to Mertesacker and Gabriel made a new defensive addition a priority. Moreover, with Mertesacker and Koscielny both on the wrong side of 30, a long-term option was ideally needed this season to avoid a scramble when Arsenal's senior defensive statesmen did lose their mojo.
What Arsenal got
Granit Xhaka:
The Gunners filled their gap in midfield early by raiding Borussia Monchengladbach for their captain and midfield lynchpin. Born in Switzerland to Kosovan parents, Xhaka's combination of skill, bite, and leadership ticks a lot of boxes for Arsenal.
Skill-wise, Xhaka's clarity, verticality, and speed of passing are traits Arsenal were crying out for last season when Flamini and Ramsey often ended up in sterile, circuitous possession. Xhaka's accurate lofted balls to Arsenal's attackers against Watford were reminiscent of Fabregas in his prime, and if he continues to find those hitherto unrequited runs with his cross-field balls, he is likely to be involved in many Arsenal goal attempts this season.
Unlike many silky-toed midfielders, Xhaka marries his guile with grit. His telescopic leg was in evidence against Watford as he made quite a few well-timed tackles and interceptions. His tendency to leave the foot in can be a bane at times, as evidenced against Liverpool when he came on, committed a plethora of fouls, and picked up a yellow card. He was sent off in Germany three times last season, a stat any midfielder could do without. But if he retains that bite while exercising a smidgen more discipline, Xhaka can hit the sweet spot that raises Arsenal's midfield to the next level.
For a manager who believes in having leaders all across the pitch, Arsene Wenger would definitely have taken note of Xhaka's leadership and bravery at Monchengladbach. The 23-year old was made captain when Borussia were bottom of the league and eventually led them to a top-four finish, even playing with a broken rib in the closing stages of the season. There are germinant signs that he will enjoy being vocal on the pitch in North London, already being seen shouting at his teammates and organizing the markers during corners against Watford.
Since Vieira and perhaps Fabregas, Arsenal have lacked a midfielder who led through both words and action. Xhaka may have big shoes to fill, but his feet are growing with every passing game.
Granit Xhaka vs Watford | 2016/17 | HD from TeZ on Vimeo.
Arsenal's pursuit of a striker took a familiar turn towards the pantomime this summer. They triggered Jamie Vardy's release clause, but the 29-year old chose to stay at champions Leicester. They balked at the inflated transfer fees Juventus paid for Gonzalo Higuain. They enquired about Alexandre Lacazette but were put off by the surreal amount quoted by Lyon. Just when it seemed like another window would go by without a frontman arriving, Arsenal paid 17 million pounds for Deportivo striker Lucas Perez.
At first glance, this is a signing with fifty shades of grey. Perez cannot immediately be anointed the one-stop panacea for Arsenal's striking woes. He does not hold the reputation of previous Arsenal targets like Higuain, Suarez, and Benzema. He turns 28 this week and only started playing as a striker last season, preferring to ply his trade on the wing before that. But Arsene Wenger's thought process behind signing Perez can best be deconstructed by looking at Perez's shared traits with Jamie Vardy, who was ostensibly Wenger's first choice to fill the striking position this summer.
Like Vardy, Perez is blessed with explosive pace, a dogged determination to press defenders, and a strong, instinctive finish. Both players are late bloomers in their football careers, going through spells in lower leagues and relatively obscure footballing cultures before hitting their respective promised lands. When Vardy rejected Arsenal's overtures, it is completely understandable that Wenger turned his eye towards someone whose career-graph and skills were mirrored by the Englishman's.
Perez has had an itinerant career with spells in the Spanish third division, Ukraine, and Greece before joining Deportivo and blossoming at his boyhood club. He contributed 17 goals and 10 assists last season in a Deportivo team of modest chance-making ability, a season that also included a record-equaling seven game scoring streak. If Perez hits his stride in England, he can be a dangerous runner off the last defender, dovetail with Giroud, and even provide cover on the wings if required.
This is a signing for which the jury is still very much out, but Perez is used to fighting against the odds.
Skhodran Mustafi:
Arsenal's wooing of Mustafi was a tale fraught with about-turns, posturing from Valencia, and a talking horse announcing a failed medical. After a long drawn out saga, the Gunners finally got their man for 35 million pounds, making Mustafi the most expensive defensive signing in Arsenal's history. Although the 24-year old German's stock has risen in recent years, his journey to the top has been difficult and replete with self-doubt.
Mustafi was a part of David Moyes's Everton squad from 2009 to 2012 but failed to make a single appearance in the Premier League. This period hit his confidence, and he seriously considered the idea of giving up football. But from the doldrums came determination, and Mustafi climbed the long arduous ladder back, first at Sampdoria and then at Valencia.
Playing-style wise, Mustafi has been schooled in both the Italian and Spanish ways of defending. He is positionally strong, has a good reading of the game, and had the most interceptions of any defender in La Liga over the past two seasons. He isn't the tallest but is still aerially strong, and prefers to play the sweeper role owing to relative lack of pace. This Valencia fan thinks that Mustafi can form a strong partnership with Koscielny in theory, and it's easy to see why.
Even in this crazy market, 35 million pounds is a steep amount for a defender who is still not from the very top drawer and especially coming from a usually parsimonious club like Arsenal. But Mustafi has many things going for him: young, German international and World Cup winner, proficient in English from his time at Everton, and capable of playing at right back if the need arises. Looking at the troubles other big clubs have had in procuring central defenders (Chelsea and David Luiz is a good encapsulation of how crazy the transfer window has become), Arsenal may find their money to be well spent if Mustafi hits the ground running.
In the second part of Arsenal's transfer window review, we look at wild card Rob Holding, talk about some low-profile departures and high-profile loans, and discuss an underlying theme running through Arsenal's summer purchases.
Cricket FootBall Kabaddi
Basketball Hockey
Long suffering and recently recovering supporter of Arsenal FC. Apostle at the shrines of Dennis Bergkamp and Tomas Rosicky. Will do circus tricks for Twix bars. Stop talking tactics, he doesn't know that much about football. And he never said the circus tricks would be good. Where's that Twix? In his off-time, can be found rambling at BigFourZa and @Nickspinkboots.


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To date, no state has legalized cannabis via legislative action. Every state (and Washington D.C.) have legalized cannabis via the citizen initiative process. That is likely to change in 2018 with both New Jersey and Vermont looking very likely to legalize via legislative action. Vermont will likely be the first of the two, but there is no guarantee. Below is a message I received today out of Vermont. If you live there, I recommend you get active and not take anything for granted:
In recent weeks, legislative leaders and Gov. Phil Scott have reaffirmed that the legalization bill, H. 511, is expected to pass in early January. If that happens, marijuana possession and limited cultivation will become legal for adults 21 and older on July 1, 2018.
Despite these reassurances, we know that the vote will be close in the House of Representatives, so we are still fighting to earn every vote we can get. Please take a moment to call or email your representatives and urge them to support passage of H. 511!
After you call or email your representatives, please share this message with your family and friends.
Matt Simon
New England Political Director
Marijuana Policy Project

subset: commoncrawl


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Style and Shoot!
The Styling and Photo shoot event of the 6 Weeks Batch turned out to be an event of exploration on the Style and Confidence of the Students.
In 6 weeks programme batch, the themes were provided with guidance and corrections. The Students wore their outfit, accessories and attitude according to the theme and the Photo shoot turned out to be a Style Confidence Booster Event.
Grooming Events – 6 Weeks Batch (2015-2016)
The students of the 6 weeks batch showed their excellent creativity and knowledge in making hair styles and it was a challenging task for every student. They explored their Beauty therapy and Make-up skills. This revealed the styling aptitude of the students at its best. They presented their theme with excellent creativity and imagination and the fact that art has no bounds was proved by them.


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Recent Posts
Professional dancers are often noticeable for their posture and carriage. So when four men walked onto the stage at the BAM Fishman Space, it was easy to tell which two were trained and which were untrained. As each man took … Continue reading
My review of Hofesh Shechter's Political Mother, performed in October at BAM, is in this month's issue of The Brooklyn Rail. Read it here, along with wonderful pieces by Siobhan Burke and L.J. Sunshine.
Pina Bausch's signature ingredients – long flowing hair, floor-length gowns, ritual, and tons of water – were on full display in como el musguito en la piedra, ay, si, si, si…(Like moss on a stone), the final work from the choreographer … Continue reading
BAM asked me to share some thoughts on Gaga, the movement language created by Batsheva Dance Company's artistic director Ohad Naharin, in anticipation of the company's performances next month at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. I was happy to … Continue reading
One of my college professors told me that letting your eyes focus in different ways while watching dance can offer endless enlightenment. Zoom in on something, then zoom out, or let everything blur together and then come into focus. I … Continue reading


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SelecTree: Tree Detail
Ilex decidua
Photo Locations: LSU Hilltop Arboretum - Baton Rouge, LA, Red Butte Garden - Salt Lake City, UT, UC Berkeley Botanic Garden - Berkeley, CA and The National Arboretum - Washington, CA
General Notes
Utility friendly tree.
Branches droop but resist breakage. Unlike most hollies, this one looses its leaves in the fall.
Native to Central and South Eastern United States.
Trees may be referred to as male or female.
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Additional Common Names
Tree Characteristics
Erect or Spreading with a Low Canopy.
Rounded or Vase Shape.
Has Deciduous foliage.
Height: 6 - 20 feet.
Width: 6 - 20 feet.
Growth Rate: 12 to 24 Inches per Year.
Leaves Elliptic, Green, No Change, Deciduous.
Flowers Inconspicuous. White. Flowers in Spring. Has either male or female flowers (dioecious). Trees may be sold as male or female.
Persistent, Red or Orange Drupe, Very Small (Under 0.25 inches), fruiting in Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer Wildlife use it.
Bark Gray, Rough or Smooth.
Shading Capacity Rated as Dense to Very Dense in Leaf.
Shading Capacity Rated as Moderate out of Leaf.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 - 9.
Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Wet but Well Drained Soil.
Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.
Acidic to Alkaline Soil pH.
Pests & Disease Information
Resistant to Verticillium. Susceptible to Armillaria.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.
Desirable Wildlife Plant.
Attracts Birds.
Wildlife use Fruit.
Special Uses & Values
Specimen, Buffer Strip or Container.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Ilex decidua Tree Record." 1995-2019. Aug 23, 2019.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/ilex-decidua >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Whenever you want it to be!
But what makes Champagne so special in the wine world? Is it really the king of Sparkling wine? Where does champagne come from? How is it made? What grapes is it made from?
We would like help you with this, with our short guide to these questions:
Lets start with the easy question: Where does Champagne come from? Easy, right? Yes and No. Champagne comes from Champagne, in France. However, the 'Champagne' name can also legally be given to some sparkling wines made in California, USA. Due to a loophole dating back more than 100 years, continuous production of Champagne in California by certain vineyards is allowed. Confused? I am. lets agree that Champagne is produced in Champagne, and anything else is not Champagne.
Next, What grapes is it made from? Champagne may only be made with 3 different grape varieties, each giving thier own flavour profile to the end result:
Chardonny: Provides the buttery, but fresh notes in your champagne. It has aromas of white flowers and citrus fruits in its younger state. With age it develops into the rich brioche and toasted nut notes we know and love.
Pinot Meunier: This grape is the least used because it doesnt age as well as the others. However, it does provide Peach, Apricot and yellow fruit notes, developing into almond and gingerbready flavours with subtle earthy and moss tones.
Pinot Noir: All the punchy red fruit flavours are found here, with hints of rose and violet. With age is exudes more of a dried and candied fruit aroma: dried figs, dates and some earthy tobacco also.
How is it made? Champagne is made using Methode Champenoise. This is the method by which there a double fermentation, once in the tanks and once in the bottle. The grapes are collected by hand, and pressed. The first press, known to those in the know as the cuvée is the best juice. Most champagne houses will use this in their creations. The taille is the second press, producing slightly rougher juice. This is often sold by smaller houses to the larger ones who don't grow enough grapes to support their gargantuan operation. It is also made into Marc de Champagne (don't kid yourself into thinking you get the real deal in those truffles!)
Once the grapes are squashed and relieved of their juice, they are transferred to tanks and the juice is allowed to settle to remove solid particles such as skins and pips, this is called débourage. The better champagne houses will allow this to happen naturally (slowly) and some champagne houses will use additives to do this. Ever notice how some wine or champagne bottles will say they contain animal products ? This is usually why, as some of these additives contain milk and or eggs (among other things). At this stage it is still a flat, non-sparkling wine but on its way. After this the juice is transferred to (usually) cold fermentation tanks, where the natural sugars in the wine begin to ferment.
The next stage is the assemblage, or blending. Most of champagne produced is non vintage, meaning it is a mixture of new pressed wine, blended with older, aged wine from previous harvests and other vineyards. Adding these aged wines to the blend adds a richness and complexity to the wine.
Once blended, the wine needs to be fermented again, this time in bottles. This is the most crucial stage in Champgane making and is what makes Champagne, Champagne. Once blended and bottled, the tirage, a mix of wine, sugar and yeast is added. the bottle is capped, placed on its side, where the sediment settles in order to have the maximum exposure to the wine called sur-latte. At this stage the fermentation produces the signature fine bubbles in the wine.
Once this second fermentation is complete, it undergoes the process of riddling. No, this is not a medieval method of torture, but a mean of slowly and gently rotating the bottle in a pupitre to encourage the sediment into the neck of the bottle. This process can take 3 weeks until the bottles are fully upside down and the sediment has settled.
A quicker method used by some champagne houses large and small (including quiet a few we have visited) is by using a mechanical device known as a gyropallette, that rotates the bottles automatically. This takes 8 days.
The next stage is the ageing. this is done while the sediment is still in the bottle, in a method called sur point. Ageing a non vintage Champagne must take a minimum of 15 months. Most houses will age for longer, up to 30 months. Vintage bubbles must have a minimum of 3 years, but again many are aged considerably longer.
Once the bottles have aged enough to be released, they are then disgorged. This process removes the sediment. The bottle neck is frozen in a brine which, you guess it, freezes the sediment. When the bottle is turned upright and the cap removed, the sediment is ejected due to pressure in the bottle.
Finally, the bottles ares topped up to replace the lost volume from the disgorgement. This liquid is called the liqueur d'expedition, and is usually a mix of varying amounts of sugar and wine. This is where a wine maker can decide whether the wine will be sweet or dry. In extra brut and brut nature you will no (or very small amounts) of added sugar.
It is now ready for corking and consumption. In some instances the bottles are returned to the cellar for further ageing.
All champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is champagne. The uniqueness of Champagne comes not only from its production methods but also from its terrior, the region of Champagne. There are many strict rules that control the production of Champagne, this is what makes it the King of the bubbles.


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Pullover Cowl: part one
My next experiment is well in the works. Living in Portland, we ride bikes a lot. We have only one car, and our second primary transit mode is by bicycle. We have an amazing Xtracycle that we ride with both kids sitting on the deck in back. It's good for fitness, the environment, it's cheaper than a second car, and it's freaking fun. We ride for as much of the year as we can, and only use our car for long trips, severe time constraints, unwieldy/heavy loads, or extreme weather. We are Oregonians, rain (and sometimes snow) will not stop us.
While snow like we had last year is uncommon, we do bike for most of the year in the rain and cold. You can see the kids bundled in scarves for their snowy ride to the grocery store last January. The issue with the scarves is that they come untied and don't stay put. I am also super hesitant to put a good wool scarf into the wash, and any winter gear is going to need to be washable. As a solution to this, I've been ruminating on the idea of a pullover cowl/shawl. One that could be worn over a simple tee for a little extra warmth, and tuck into their jackets for riding. Enter, the reluctant 6-year old helper.
I started by draping some fabric and drawing lines with my trusty red marker, while minding the grainline I drew and pinned in place at center back, then I laid out the fabric to see what shape I wound up with. Not surprisingly, it looked like a nearly triangular shawl. I folded it in half to make it symmetrical and cut the shape to make a paper pattern.
Today, I whipped up a quick muslin out of a lightweight (lighter than what I plan/hope to use, but it's what I had) french terry, and persuaded the reluctant 6-year old to help out once again. This time she was all smiles. I guess heart-print, cozy fabric has an impact on one's mood.
The design isn't perfect yet, but I'm excited at how close I got on this first try. Hopefully I will be able to add the pullover cowl to the shop as our first Gee Betty accessory! While you wait for accessories, check out our Back To School collection.


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I'm generating plots for some data, but the number of ticks is too small, I need more precision on the reading.
Is there some way to increase the number of axis ticks in ggplot2?
I know I can tell ggplot to use a vector as axis ticks, but what I want is to increase the number of ticks, for all data. In other words, I want the tick number to be calculated from the data.
Possibly ggplot do this internally with some algorithm, but I couldn't find how it does it, to change according to what I want.


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Electronic Arts has posted a new trailer promoting the upcoming World War 1 shooter, Battlefield 1, for the PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The clip showcases the various types of weapons that can be used in the game.
The new video clip not only shows gameplay but also interviews with DICE team members, as they talk about the heavy amount of historical research that was conducted to help create the in-game weapons. The team members point out that World War I's time period in the early part of the 20th century saw a huge mix of both old and new (for the time) weapons technology on the war front. Everything from hand-held clubs all the way to fast firing submachine guns were used, and Battlefield 1 will feature that wide range of weapons in the game.
Battlefield 1 is scheduled for release on October 21, and Xbox One owners with EA Access will get to play a free trial version a few days beforehand.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.


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Kim Kardashian has not entirely dodged claims that she stole her wildly-popular Kimoji app from another company, but the mega-star has managed to get the $300 million fight out of court and into private arbitration. In a filing late last week, David Liebensohn – the app developer who filed suit against Kardashian in an Oklahoma federal court in February – filed to voluntarily dismiss his fraud and breach of contract action on the condition that the parties take up the matter in arbitration.Read More
L'Oreal USA Must Permanently Pull 9 Infringing Haircare Products From Shelves in Olaplex Case
A 2-year long legal battle between haircare startup Olaplex and cosmetics titan L'Oreal is heating up again. Following a week-long jury trial and a favorable verdict for Olaplex, which included a nearly $100 million damages award in connection with the jury's finding that L'Oreal did, in fact, engage in willful patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation, and breached a confidentiality agreement it entered into with Olaplex, U.S. District Judge Joseph Bataillon ordered that L'Oreal must also pull nine of its products from shelves in the U.S. … for good, a decision that L'Oreal is prepared to fight.Read More


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Rust colouring on mycelium
Posted 11 December 2018 - 08:20 AM
Posted 11 December 2018 - 10:01 AM
It will help a bit to know what you're working with.
Pics could also be helpful if you can manage.
Many gourmet cultures go through some dramatic changes prior to fruiting.
Give us some clues?
Posted 11 December 2018 - 04:30 PM
I do have pics but not sure how to post them.
- Myc likes this
Posted 11 December 2018 - 04:45 PM
Sounds like you have a contamination but a photo will help confirm.
Here's a handy article on how to upload photos:
Posted 11 December 2018 - 06:08 PM
Posted 11 December 2018 - 06:25 PM
Welcome to Mycotopia!
I'm afraid that from those pics, the news is not good. Definitely not normal. From the looks of it, maybe lipstick mold. Please don't open those in your home. maybe straight to the compost pile or garbage outside.
- Myc and PJammer24 like this
Posted 11 December 2018 - 09:00 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Posted 12 December 2018 - 07:37 AM
I looked into lipstick mould and from the images i saw they seemed to be quite pink in colour, mine is quite orangey/yellow. I was wondering if I had my heat mat up too high or if it is definitely contaminated and should cut losses.
This morning my mycelium had less rusty patches.
I also took extra care when Innoculating (i use 100% isopropyl to clean area etc) is it possible my spore syringe is a dud?
This is also the first time using bags I usually go for containers, could this be another factor?
Posted 12 December 2018 - 07:41 AM
Could it be too much moisture causing the problems?
Posted 12 December 2018 - 08:57 AM
It may not be lipstick mold but it looks to me like there is some type of baddie brewing in there... Its possible that increased temperatures played a role. High temperatures can make it easier for contaminates to get a foothold...
What is the ambient temperature in your space without the heat mat...? Using that heat mat may not even be necessary..
Posted 12 December 2018 - 10:12 AM
Mushiemadness -
Your project, the one featured in your photographs, is certainly - beyond a doubt - contaminated.
Coorsmikey offers the best advice so far......Don't open the bag. Dispose of that project ASAP.
A review of sterile technique is in order. I wouldn't immediately think of moisture as an issue - nor would I suspect the spore syringe (given the unusual nature of the contaminant). I'm not discounting either of these items - they're just not where I would start in reviewing the process.
Since this is your "first time using bags", can you detail the prep process?


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Warning: the video above contains mild gore, so please watch at your own discretion.
Drones are supposed to be fun. You take them out and fly them around as a hobby, or maybe play a game of soccer using a drone as a ball, and have a jolly good time. But what happens when drones turn evil?
That's the premise behind this new parody trailer for "The Drone," a fictional horror movie about a killer drone set loose on the world. The trailer was created by Jordan Rubin, a writer, actor and director who has written for shows like "Last Call with Carson Daly" and "Crank Yankers," and directed the absurd-sounding movie "Zombeavers," which I'm totally putting on my to-watch list.
In the clip, a woman buys her husband a drone to celebrate the purchase of their new house in a peaceful neighborhood. But the drone eventually becomes self-aware and sets out on a mission to terrorize or kill anything in its path. There's a good amount of mayhem in the trailer, and the result is a promotional clip for a movie that looks like it'd be worth watching if you like horror flicks.
Of course, at one point the narrator boldly declares the house a no-fly zone, because there's no way you can make a drone horror movie without making that joke. Check out the trailer in full at the top of this post, then be careful the next time you activate your drone. It might just turn on you.


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£35 (Recommend registering early as this event is expected to sell out.)
Today's aim is to understand and experience automatic writing by Spirit. We will open the connection to those in Spirit who wish to write through you, whether you have previous experience or not. By understanding the process and various levels of connection and awareness, you can strengthen your link to your guides and give them more freedom to work. Techniques and exercises will be used to build on what you are already doing with Spirit, as well as challenging you to new ways of working.


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How do I add new offers?
1. Sign in to your account, or register for free now;
2. Click Post new offer;
3. Select your category and subcategory;
4. Enter the title and the details of your offer;
5. Complete the rest of the form;
6. Click Submit;
Tips for adding new offers:
1. Show buyers key features of your stock:
Add specifications, functions and other attributes that buyers of your products will typically look for, e.g. model, capacity, size, shape, etc.
2. Use our easy drop-down menus:
To make it easier, select the offer details you think best describes the main features of your product from our simple drop-down menus.
3. Add offer details to your current offers:
Add offer details to your current offers in FinalWholesale and ensure buyers are able to find all your products easily.


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Klei Entertainment, creators of the game Don't Starve, has revealed a trailer at E3 2016 for a new game called Oxygen Not Included. Oxygen Not Included will be a space-colony simulation game where you manage your colonists and help them dig, build, and maintain a subterranean asteroid base. According to the game's page on Steam, "you'll need water, warmth, food, and oxygen to keep them alive, and even more than that to keep them happy."
Oxygen Not Included is set to be released sometime late 2016.


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You can tell a lot from a man's tie: his personality, his job, his mood that day. If this is truly the case though, should you really be so liberal with your tie choices? Just because you see no correlation between your tie colour and how others perceive you, trust me – there is method to the madness.
The colour of your tie is more than just a fashion statement, it is an insight into your attitude and personality. Check out the colour list we have compiled and make sure than when you wear these colours - this is the image you wish to portray...
1. Red
Known as the 'power tie' you will be viewed as authoritative, determined, a born leader, intelligent, powerful and wealthy.
2. Blue
A calming colour, it will show you as trustworthy, confident, loyal, mature and honest. Light blue on the other hand portrays you as youthful and spirit free.
3. Black
You may think that this is only for funerals, but you would be wrong. Wear this colour if you want to be perceived as being classy, serious, polished, stylish and dignified.
4. Brown
Not a colour you may reach for, but one that will imply you are an approachable, stable and masculine person with a humble and patient persona.
5. Green
To be thought of as a person who loves a challenge, go for green! This tie colour implies you are adventurous, a team player and are connected to nature. Not all shades of green apply here tho; lime green ties have connotations of energy and wealth.
6. Pink
Women love a guy in a pink tie! But more importantly, you will be viewed as approachable, confident, friendly and fun.
7. Yellow
You will be viewed as a cheerful, happy and enthusiastic person. Someone who lives life to the full and loves to take on new challenges.
8. Orange
If you wear an orange tie, you may be thought of as a creative and enthusiastic person.
9. Gold tones
It is unlikely you will ever wear gold tie, but a tie with gold undertones is both attractive and fashionable. Wearing this colour of tie will have others perceive you as prosperous in all areas of life.
10. Purple
Not a common colour for a tie but nevertheless, a colour that will give off a positive impression to those who see you in it. You will be viewed as artistic, empathetic, passionate and a visionary.
11. Multi-coloured
The most daring of them all is the multi-coloured tie. If you want to catch peoples' attention and stand out from the crowd, go for an unforgettable yet fashionable array of colours.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!


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What I Am Grateful For & Why You Need a Gratitude List
Creating a list of things I'm grateful for, or creating a Gratitude List;
has been a method I have applied the last few months to naturally, remind myself how lucky I am. Often, I quickly forget to simply be happy for the things I do have in life; due to my mind focusing on negative perspectives of what my life experiences should look like.
When I started becoming more thankful for what I presently have in my life, I slowly began to stop stressing about the things I don't have and started to focus my time towards the important stuff in life.
I am sharing my list of things I am grateful for to share my approach to gaining perspective and appreciating life a little more. This is commonly called a "gratitude list" (I usually like to write these down on in a journal I keep for myself on days I don't feel like making a list and just want to read a previous one.) I really believe there are so many benefits that come from practicing gratitude; I'll explain this a little more at the end of my list :)
I decided to write 21 things since my 21st Birthday is tonight at Midnight!
My Gratitude List
- My Health
- My Privileges
- The Teachers & Professors I've had and learned from
- My Family
- My Puppy Teddy, and All of My Dogs at Home
- All of my close friends
- I Can Walk, Talk, Taste, Smell, Hear, Feel, and See
- The Lessons I've learned in the Previous Years
- Living in a Place Where I'm Able to Experience Multiple Seasons
- Lady Gaga's Newest Album "Joanne."
- My Opportunities
- Being Able to Travel
- Having Access to Read Virtually Anything I could Desire
- Bubble Baths
- All of my Belongings
- Still Having an Imagination
- Looking Back on things I've done that I never thought I would do
- I Am Still Able to Improve the Quality of My Life and Help Those Around Me
- Being Able to Turn Negatives into Positives
- My Guardian Angel that Keeps me Strong
- My Courage
I know that this might not seem like much; that it's such a small thing it couldn't really impact your life in any way. I can personally promise that if you start to REALLY appreciate the things you think are small in your life and remember that those little details are HUGE parts of someone else's daily happiness; you will begin to really understand how fortunate you are.
Anyone who has the convenience of reading this blog post is BLESSED and yet there are so many miserable people; that makes me sad. Which is why I challenge you to recognize the power of your mind and thoughts and start living each day with genuine gratitude.
If you have any methods/techniques/ways etc. to implement gratitude & appreciation into your daily life I would love to hear from you! That's all for now; thank you for reading! Xoxo,
Xoxo, Dominique


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Living in Haines City, Florida, and the surrounding communities means relying on your HVAC system year-round. Without taking care of this essential piece of equipment, you risk not only dire discomfort but a risk to your health and safety. But don't worry: It's easy to maintain your HVAC system when you schedule a Planned Maintenance Inspection.
Optimize Cooling Capacity and Enhance Efficiency
Unless you're properly trained to maintain it, entrusting a professional is the best way to ensure your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency. As a result, you benefit by conserving energy and saving money. The one task every homeowner can complete to help enhance efficiency is to change their air filter monthly.
Detect Developing Issues Early and Avoid Major Repairs
When an HVAC professional inspects your system regularly, he or she will detect developing issues before they get a chance to cause a major breakdown. Without detecting these issues early, you risk not only a major repair but also a premature replacement. Both are costly consequences that are avoidable with a Planned Maintenance Inspection.
Improve Humidity Control and Indoor Air Quality
Florida is known for its oppressively humid conditions, even during the early months of the year. High humidity can worsen indoor air quality, cause respiratory issues and even damage property. When your HVAC system is in good working order, it helps control humidity levels, clean your home's air and keep you comfortably healthy.
Save Money By Maximizing Your HVAC System's Lifespan
Routine HVAC maintenance is all about protecting your investment and saving money. The more you take care of your HVAC system, the longer it'll last and take care of you. A Planned Maintenance Inspection helps achieve that.
Airpliance LLC is currently offering a $49 special on our 32-point Planned Maintenance Inspection. To learn more about this tune-up or to schedule a visit from one of our service technicians, contact us at 863-969-9021.
Image provided by Thinkstock


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Predator (1987)
Jun 12, 1987 107 min Watch Trailer
overview : Dutch and his group of commandos are hired by the CIA to rescue downed airmen from guerillas in a Central American jungle. The mission goes well but as they return they find that something is hunting them. Nearly invisible, it blends in with the forest, taking trophies from the bodies of its victims as it goes along. Occasionally seeing through its eyes, the audience sees it is an intelligent alien hunter, hunting them for sport, killing them off one at a time.
Genres : Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Thriller
Tags : central and south america, predator, alien, stalking, survival, guerrilla warfare, trap, alien invasion, invisible, commando, 3d
Arnold SchwarzeneggerMajor Alan "Dutch" Schaefer
Carl WeathersAl Dillon
Elpidia CarrilloAnna Gonsalves
Bill DukeMac Eliot
Richard ChavesJorge "Poncho" Ramirez
Jesse VenturaBlain Cooper
Sonny LandhamBilly Sole
Shane BlackRick Hawkins
R. G. ArmstrongMajor General Homer Phillips
Kevin Peter HallHelicopter Pilot / Predator
Peter CullenThe Predator (voice) (uncredited)
Sven-Ole ThorsenRussian Officer (uncredited)
Steve BoyumHostage Executed by the Russian (uncredited)
Henry KingiGuerilla Soldier Blown Up in Van (uncredited)
Jack VerboisGuerilla Soldier Helicopter Pilot (uncredited)


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At Air & Gas Technologies, it's our mission to provide the best compressor support, sales, and service in the tri-state area. That mission and mentality has helped the company grow and make the vital partnerships to thrive. As a backbone of industrial pneumatic, life-saving breathing air, and clean burning compressed Natural Gas, we work with our local communities to provide them with new high pressure opportunities.
Thank you to everyone for 23 years, and here's to many more


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Modern one-story home on a nice cul-de-sac located in The Farm. Home has been freshly painted and has new carpet. This lovely home shows like new and offers a large spacious living room, 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The Carolina room provides a great place for entertaining with lots of natural light, and a nicely sized kitchen open to living area. Master bedroom with garden tub, stand up shower, his and her bathroom vanity and spacious walk-in closet. As an added bonus there is tons of storage above the garage and master bedroom. This awesome lot backs up to a private wooded area and is one of the larger lots in The Farm. The house is close to the main entrance of the community and offers quick access in and out of the development. If you are a first time home buyer or looking to retire this home is perfect for you. You will love all the amenities The Farm has to offer such as multiple community pools, tennis and basketball courts and a clubhouse.
Listing courtesy of Plantation Realty Group , Melissa Gardner. Selling Office: Century 21 The Harrelson Group , Janine Frank.
Provided courtesy of The Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS®. Information Deemed Reliable but Not Guaranteed. Copyright 2019 of the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® MLS. All rights reserved. Information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use, that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.


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John Maxwell
(276) 403-5609
The Southside Telehealth Training Academy and Resource Center (STAR) is a premier training program for health care providers seeking to use advanced telemedicine and telehealth systems to improve access to quality healthcare for rural and medically-underserved populations.
Participants will gain knowledge and skills using technologies in video-conferencing in the clinical setting and remote patient monitoring in the home setting.
At completion of the program, participants will receive certification as a Telehealth Technologist, demonstrating proficiency in use of standards-based technology and protocols, and have the skills and abilities to apply telehealth to the needs of their patients and communities.
For complete information and how to apply, visit the STAR website.
STAR is a partnership of New College Institute and the University of Virginia.


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Over the past 24 hours I've been at two events–one in Rochester and one in DC.
I started in Rochester, speaking at a Grant Makers' Forum, giving the last of four talks dealing with different aspects of elder life and care.
The forum started with Ann Marie Cook of LifeSpan, explaining our local age demographics and the variety of services LifeSpan offer for elders in our community. Rita Kostiuk followed with a description of Beacon Hill Village and the Village to Village Network. Then Carol O'Neill presented an in-home respite program for home-based caregivers in Nassau County.
My job was to finish the spectrum with a brief introduction to the Green House Project and St. John's community Green Houses, but I also took the opportunity to look down the road and make a few comments about where I think we need to go. Each of these models helps to de-institutionalize elder care and to utilize social capital, but we need to go farther and in a broader way than we have so far.
I suggested two central concepts to consider as we move forward. The first is to change from the paradigm of caregiving to the concept of care partnering. Caregiving is seen as a one-way street, which increases stress and burnout for the caregiver and creates learned helplessness and excess disability for the care recipient. Enabling opportunities for all to give and receive care is a central part of the Eden philosophy.
I then suggested taking another step and blurring the well-demarcated lines most models draw between paid staff, volunteers and care recipients. Once again, this speaks to an environment where true interdependence can flourish, as everyone gives and receives, and one doesn't necessarily have to do paid work to make a valuable contribution.
It was mentioned in the forum that many older adults want continued work opportunities past the traditional retirement age. That is fine if people truly want to continue in wage-earning jobs,and we should encourage this. However, I think some of this desire stems from the societal notion that only a paid "job" is valued by our society. If older adults were valued for their gifts, inside and outside of paid work, this would greatly increase our ability to tap into their wisdom and experience in many more facets of community life.
Which all leads to last evening's event, when I jetted down to DC for a fundraiser for Emi Kiyota's non-profit Ibasho (www.ibasho.org).
Ibasho is a Japanese word for a space "where you can feel like yourself", a place of balance and harmony. The purpose of Ibasho is to help societies build communities that value their elders throughout life.
In my opinion, this is the next phase. Ibasho embraces concepts and values that take us beyond the current spectrum of options for elder care (either in communities or care homes), and create a new level of interdependence.
Emi and I have been working on these ideas and we are now exploring the concept of resilience, and how it can apply to communities. How can age-valued communities be created such that they can thrive despite shifts in demographics, economics, even natural disasters? And how they can continue to value and benefit from their elders throughout all times? Stay tuned.


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Comparative Biomedical Sciences
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Graduate Student Services: 919.513.6357 | Office Email
All ETD reviews, final submissions, approvals, cataloging and public access to NCSU ETDs are electronic.
The CVM will fund travel for students presenting
abstracts at a conference!
Guidelines to qualify for health insurance
and tuition benefits.
Process, forms you must submit, graduation survey, ordering gowns, date, time, place, and more…
- Graduate School Forms
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Access email lists, faculty and student information, hour officer contacts, department phone numbers and emergency contacts.
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Share you questions, comments, or ideas for maintaining our mission as a College. Your message is completely anonymous, unless you choose to let us know who you are. The goal is to get honest feedback from students, faculty, and staff and we want you to feel completely comfortable doing so. Click on the toggle below to send a question, comment, or idea to the Dean.
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The ideal graduate school experience should be multi-faceted, going beyond merely the classroom and the research lab. Therefore, the Graduate School encourages you to explore campus organizations that focus on graduate students and their professional, social, and personal interests.


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Physical Mediumship, Spiritualist Ritual, and the Search for Ectoplasm
Spiritualism is a religion based on communicating with spirits of the dead. Hugely popular in the nineteenth century, it radically impacted scientific inquiry and popular culture before fading into obscurity. I became aware of Spiritualism as a teenager when my cousin received a reading from a medium. The woman revealed a secret about my grandfather's death that proved to be true. Since then I have been deeply curious about how someone could know such a thing. In 2001 I began photographing where that message was received, Lily Dale, New York, the world's largest Spiritualist community. I quickly immersed myself in the philosophy of Spiritualism, I had readings, experienced healings, joined in séances, attended a psychic college and sat in a medium's cabinet, all with my camera. I expected to spend one summer figuring out the tricks of the Spiritualist trade. Instead I peered into something truly mysterious. I stumbled upon a hidden world, an abandoned system with a storied history that became a resource and an inspiration for my own photographic theory and practice.
For this talk I used historical references in combination with photographs made from 2001-2013. The presentation examined Spiritualist ritual, its uses of technologies and its links with Shamanistic spectacle. A comparison between the latent theater of the séance room and the literal theatrics of Haitian Vodou was explored in relation to the question how to photograph the invisible? This inquiry expanded to consider the play of photographic and other technological anomalies and how they are used to refer to the immaterial. The elusive substance of ectoplasm, and its variety of metaphorical and material expressions, served as the main point of focus. Images documenting the 'New Age of Physical Mediumship' compared and contrasted the ectoplasmic manifestations of physical mediums Sharon Harvey, Gordon Garforth and Kai Muegge.


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Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins vs. Chris Jericho and Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Flair. Those are just a few of the mind-blowing offerings the WWE is dishing out as it wraps up 2016, one of the most successful, profitable years in company history.
Luckily for fight fans, it's looking like most of the promotion's hottest feuds will carry over into the first quarter of 2017. Which WWE rivalries can fans expect to see in the new year? With "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey a distinct possibility for a blockbuster match against Charlotte at the 2017 installment of WrestleMania, the ongoing program between Banks and Ms. Flair is likely to fizzle out sometime in the near future.
That's one rivalry WWE Universe can check off as over and done with by the end of the first quarter of 2017. But elsewhere on the roster, there's a ton of feuds the WWE's creative team will look to stretch into the new year. Besides the on-again, off-again drama between Owens and Reigns, The Miz continues to do his best work when sharing a ring with Dolph Ziggler.
Some within WWE Universe have grown tired of that rivalry, but it's one that brings out the best in both performers. Additionally, fans shouldn't forget that Finn Balor will be returning from injury in the early part of 2017, and he's going to be looking to make a major statement.
This is a guy who was supposed to be the next big thing, a top babyface who could potentially replace John Cena as the biggest draw at the box office. An unfortunate injury kept Balor sidelined for much of 2016, so he'll be looking to make up for lost time once the calendar turns to January. Fans can expect him to open a feud with the winner of Owens vs. Reigns.
All signs point to Reigns edging Owens at the upcoming "Roadblock" pay-per-view, as that would free Owens up to start a program with Jericho. The story-lines have heated up quite a bit in the WWE over the past few months, but things are going to get even hotter in 2017.


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Casino-style clubs and giant raves might seem the yardsticks de jour for electronic music artists in the US, but hearing your music on the radio while driving through America is a moment still enjoyed by a select few. It's a club now joined by Australian artist Hayden James, though, when en route to Coachella his song 'Something About You' emerged from the car stereo.
Signed to Future Classic, Hayden James' 'Something About You' has so far notched up over 6 million online streams (with support from leading YouTube channel, The Sound You Need), hit high rotation on specialist and commercial radio across Australia, and made the leap to daytime US radio and more recently won Best Release at this years InTheMix Awards. A highlight of both Coachella weekends, and one of the anthems for the forthcoming Ibiza season, expect this to be one of the tunes of 2015.
Alongside the breakthrough original come a slew of dynamite remixes from UK producer Ben Pearce, house veteran Charles Webster, the hotly tipped Just Kiddin.
Something About You is released via Future Classic. Add it to your playlists via
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/track/31KPEwni1R06R2cowxbJPK
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/something-about-you-single/id996749316
Beatport: http://pro.beatport.com/release/something-about-you/1530158
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mVJJvx04_w


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Video Essay On The Essence Of Humanity In The Films Of Hayao Miyazaki
November 3rd, 2015 | by Pius
What makes a movie character relatable? What makes them fully realized and human? In this new video from Channel Criswell,
November 3rd, 2015 | by Pius
What makes a movie character relatable? What makes them fully realized and human? In this new video from Channel Criswell,
October 23rd, 2015 | by Pius
Check out this speed art of Totoro from the movie 'My Neighbor Totoro'
September 22nd, 2015 | by Pius
Joe Hisaishi in Budokan was a concert commemorating both the Japanese theatrical premiere of Ponyo and the 25 years of
July 29th, 2015 | by aeiko
Legendary Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki has created some of the most beautiful animated films—but this video tribute takes some of
July 29th, 2015 | by aeiko
Making Nausicaa look really dark and ominous in this fan trailer. Sorry to anyone who dislikes the music; I was
June 8th, 2015 | by aeiko
Dears crossing got in touch recently to show us their medley, and we enjoyed it and hope you do too
April 14th, 2015 | by aeiko
Check out the trailer for the studio ghibli festival. The song used is The Promise of the World: The Merry-go-round of
April 7th, 2015 | by aeiko
Nice little animation by Pencilhead, enjoy!
February 27th, 2015 | by aeiko
A medley of our favourite music from the Studio Ghibli movies, originally composed by the incredible Joe Hisaishi. Includes music
February 13th, 2015 | by aeiko
Want a cheap and completely adorable way to carry around your books? I made this for about $2.50 (not including
January 24th, 2015 | by aeiko
Bob Belcher is drinking absinthe while making Thanksgiving for his family and Mr. Fishodor and hallucinates a scene from Totoro
January 12th, 2015 | by aeiko
Now this is something special. A YouTube filmmaker called the "Humble Professor" created this hour-long video analysis of Hayao Miyazaki's
© 2015 Studio Ghibli Movies - Please note we are just a fan site and not associated with Studio Ghibli officially.


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Happy New Year!!!
After a rather slow (albeit dramatic) start to last year, I do have to say that the final leg of 2015 was incredibly busy. Where did the time go??!! I upgraded all my camera gear, finally launched my website, have been traveling left and right to start serving new clients, did a ballet guesting...and what else? Oh yes! Somewhere in there, Karen and Drew got married!!!!!
Karen and Drew originally met each other on OkCupid, truly by coincidence, as Karen just happened to be out of state visiting her mother when Drew's profile popped up on her screen. They agreed to meet, dated for several months, and became engaged in July of 2013. They were referred to me by Karen's childhood friend Casey. I first met the couple over Starbucks to discuss their wedding day and instantly liked them both. And by the end of their engagement shoot, I knew that I was going to have the most amazing time spending their wedding day with them.
The wedding day festivities started early on the morning of November 27, 2015 at Floyd's Barbershop in Ellicott City, Maryland. Floyd's is where I religiously went to have my hair cut before deciding to grow out the mop that exists today. They really are the best. And the best of the best is the beautiful Syvonne, who I convinced Drew to have his wedding day appointment with. You're welcome, Drew.
I arrived at Floyd's and was shocked to see the place so empty, as it's normally jam packed with people. Apparently 9am is your best bet to not wait. I greeted Drew, the handsome groom and Charlie, his best man. Charlie is Karen's brother and a gentle giant, standing tall at 6ft 4inches. As I hugged Syvonne she nervously looked at the back of my neck and asked if she could trim it. I refused, knowing that I would leave with hair shorter than Drew and Charlie.
Syvonne started with Drew, who was as calm as I've learned to expect him to be. Drew confessed that he hadn't cut his hair since the engagement shoot, which is saying something. Luckily, Syvonne truly is amazing at what she does and before we all knew it, Drew's haircut was done and he looked sharper than ever. Before he switched places with Charlie, Syvonne shaved Drew's neck with a straight razor blade, a signature at Floyd's.
With his old hair covering the floor and looking like a new man, the groom switched places with his best man. As Syvonne began to work on Charlie, Drew began to organize his thoughts about the amazing day ahead of him.
After the haircuts were finished, I had some time before I needed to leave for downtown Baltimore. The three of us hopped in our cars and headed to historic Ellicott City. I was told to meet them at a coffee place I'd never heard of called Bean Hollow, a favorite of Drew's. Upon parking my car and walking to the place, I was reminded how adorable historic Ellicott City is and what a gem exists in my very own backyard.
We got our coffee (which I KNEW I would need to make it through the day ahead) and then checked out one of the local shops before saying goodbye.
I showered, changed into my "wedding day uniform" consisting of a black polo and pants, and hopped in my car headed towards downtown Baltimore. As I was en route, I received a message that the hair and makeup artists had arrived earlier than scheduled. Panicked, I drove as fast as I felt I could legally get away with, determined to get the shots I wanted. Luckily as I arrived at The Grand, the hair was just being finished. Perfect timing!
Then it was time for makeup!
The ladies of the wedding party consisted of Karen (the bride), her sister Amanda (the maid of honor) and her best friend Casey (bridesmaid). Drew's daughter Riley was on flower girl duty and OH so excited about it!
I was informed that the girls had already cried several times before my arrival. The emotion was truly palpable, especially from Karen's mother Terrie and her Aunt Marmar, who both adoringly watched their beautiful (and all grown-up!) Karen get ready.
Time to put on the dress!!!!!!
As the ceremony drew closer, I dashed to the room where the boys were getting ready. Drew was there with Charlie (best man) and Duane (groomsman). Young Tyler looked nice and sharp as the ring bearer. And as the minutes ticked by, the drinks started to flow! Weddings are nerve wracking for everyone involved, and apparently make the ever-calm Drew drink with his pinky finger out. Nice.
I ran back upstairs to the bridal lounge. Karen's father Kevin had arrived and looked lovingly at his little girl, all ready to walk her down the aisle. Everyone took their final looks into the mirror and boom, it was finally go time!
I wished everybody good luck and ran out to where the ceremony would take place. The guests were starting to gather and I couldn't help but join them in their excitement! Karen and Drew had become very special to me by this point and I truly felt more like a guest at their wedding than their photographer.
As the ceremony started, the wedding party walked one by one down the aisle to "What a Wonderful World". Karen and Drew are huge book lovers, so instead of flowers, Riley threw pages from a treasured book that Karen and Drew sacrificed and begrudgingly cut into small hearts. It's possible this is an inside joke between the three of us. Just go with it.
Then it was time. The music changed to "What the World Needs Now"-a beautiful vintage song to go with the bride's gorgeous vintage hairstyle and classic gown. The doors to the hall swung open and there stood Karen, looking like a princess, arm in arm with her loving father.
Karen and Drew decided to keep their ceremony short and sweet, with their guests in mind. The guests got an unexpected surprise when Karen blanked on what she was supposed to say during her vows and got a little comic relief. I guess it was good champagne, Karen!
The ceremony FLEW by and before we all knew it, they were married!!!!
Just after the ceremony the family toasted the newlyweds.
After capturing some family group shots, I whisked the bride and groom away to get some more intimate photos.
Taking a breather before the reception started, Drew had a beautiful moment with his daughter. For helping out with the wedding and being such a wonderful daughter, Drew smiled and put a beautiful gold necklace around Riley's neck. It was incredibly touching to watch.
Karen and Drew finally had a brief moment to greet their guests and then it was time for the reception to start. Party time!!!
The reception took place in what's called The Mirror Room at The Grand. It was decorated beautifully, keeping with the theme of the couple's love for literature.
The bridal party entered the room and then it was time for the couple's first dance as husband and wife. Between the ceremony and reception, Charlie had Houdinied his way out, emerging several minutes later with a guitar. To my surprise, he was the one who serenaded Karen and Drew, playing "Grow Old with You" by Adam Sandler. It was the most fitting and beautiful way for the couple to start their lives together as husband and wife and made everyone in the room smile.
The couple and their guests then sat down for dinner and shortly after, the toasts began. Karen's father Kevin went first, saying moving words about the special relationship he's always had with his beautiful daughter.
He was followed by Amanda who made everyone cry and finally Charlie, who made everyone laugh uproariously. As Charlie hugged the groom, I captured one of my favorite moments of the night.
After dinner, Karen and her dad danced a gorgeous waltz to "Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music. As a former professional dancer, I was impressed by how well rehearsed and sophisticated their dance was. Well done!
Drew and his mother danced to "Three Times a Lady". Drew's gentle touch around his mother's back truly moved me and I found myself crying behind the lens.
Cake time!!!
Then it was time for the REAL party to begin!!! The DJ started playing some fantastic tunes and everyone started to dance up a storm.
As my job was coming to a close, I took a breather outside the reception hall to check my photographs. While sitting on the floor, I was greeted by some fun, unexpected and intoxicated subjects.
Before finishing up, I was able to grab my final shots as Drew danced with his lovely Riley to "You've Got a Friend in Me". Again I was left in tears. As the song came to a close, the new family took a moment to embrace each other...and with that, I knew my job was complete.
The day was a whirlwind and an adventure, a day I will never forget as long as I live. I was honored to be given the chance to play a small role in their wedding and so thankful to have had a front row seat to everything as it unfolded. Karen and Drew are currently enjoying their time as newlyweds in Ellicott City. I wish them all the happiness in the world!
May everyone in the world be so lucky.


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Naomi Uman, whose Unnamed Film was shown in competition at l'Alternativa last year, presents selections from The Ukrainian Time Machine at Light Industry in New York. The screening includes shorts from her ongoing project of observing and coming to understand life in Legedzine (Ukraine). A series of 16mm films that continue to explore the hand-made, intimately subjective mode seen in her earlier works. Light Industry is a new venue for film and electronic art in Brooklyn.
February 16th 2010 at 7:30pm
220 36th Street, 5th Floor , Brooklyn, New York


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LLI's 2018 seniors from around the state will travel to Columbus to be honored for their hard work over the last four years. All graduates in attendance will receive an LLI stole and hear remarks from an LLI alumna. For further information regarding the event, please contact LLI central at 614-485-3503.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: February 244th Saturday Session
Later Event: June 1LLI College Scholars Weekend


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The IoD operates a number of international branches which organise local activities and networking events for members and their guests.
International IoD members are part of an influential network of business leaders worldwide and benefit from free access to prestigious member premises in the UK and Internationally.
As international business becomes ever more challenging for company directors, it's good to know there is an international membership organisation supporting you. As an IoD member in Bermuda, you are part of an influential membership organisation with a growing network of business leaders across the world. Our remit is to represent and support directors from every corner of industry in Bermuda, particularly as attention to Corporate Governance matters has become a greater priority.
The IoD Bermuda Branch is chaired by Rochelle Simons and offers a wide range of benefits, events, seminars and networking opportunities. This provides our members with opportunity for ongoing professional development and the chance for directors to meet informally to share their experiences with each other.
The Bermuda Branch Annual Member Meeting was held on March 20, 2018. James Davis has stepped down after 3 years on the Committee and has now been replaced by Collin Anderson.
The IoD Bermuda created the Non-Executive Director Directory (NXDD) in response to requests from companies seeking information about members interested in serving as non-executive directors on Bermuda company boards.
A non-executive director provides an independent and impartial view of the board's considerations and decisions, while also identifying strongly with the company's affairs. Many businesses, listed and unlisted, large, medium and small, for-profit and non-profit enterprises, can benefit from a non-exec's experience, fresh insight and connections.
Listing in the Directory is exclusively available to current members of the IoD Bermuda Branch who consent to their inclusion in the
Directory by providing the details requested in the form below.
For Questions, email Bermuda Chair
Find out more
In these unpredictable economic times, having a professional supporting body behind you is invaluable. As an IoD member in Belgium or Luxembourg you are at the heart of Europe and part of a hugely influential institution with a growing network of international branches and affiliates. IoD is also a founding member of ecoDa, the European Confederation of Directors' Associations, based in Brussels, where it has an important voice within the EU.
For many years our local branch, led by chair Mark Cunningham has been hosting activities for members and their guests, including networking events and seminars. These offer an ideal opportunity to exchange views with likeminded business people, many of whom have valuable international experience and a global perspective.
If you would like to get involved with your IoD Belgium branch then please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
As international business grows ever more demanding for business leaders, having an experienced and respected international membership organisation supporting you is invaluable. The Institute of Directors was founded in 1903 in the UK, since when it has been helping directors to maximise their potential while encouraging government to foster an environment in which business will thrive.
IoD Cyprus, led by chairman Evdokimos Xenophontos, was established in 1972 and has become an influential voice in Cyprus. We also provide opportunities for senior executives from right across the business community, financial institutions and the public sector to come together in environments that inspire, inform and stimulate discussion peers.
If you would like to get involved with IoD Cyprus please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
IoD France is here to support
IoD members working, living or doing business in France, creating networking
opportunities, promoting good governance and a professional approach to the
director role. We help facilitate contact between the French and British
business communities by regularly running or participating in events across
France. IoD France's current head office is in Paris and we have local representatives in Lyon and
IoD France is ably led by chair Robert Thompson and members enjoy
benefits above and beyond the standard IoD membership. We have a special
relationships with the British Embassy in Paris and with UKTI in France. We
work closely with the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and IoD France members are able to attend FBCCI events at discounted rates.
IoD France has agreements
with the agency Twenty-Two, Beaumont executive search and Spectrum IFA financial
advisers. Please see our added benefits section for more information.
The Institute of Directors was founded in the UK in 1903 and received a Royal Charter in 1906. It is also a founding member of ECODA, the European Confederation of Directors' Associations.
As an IoD member you are part of a highly influential membership organisation and enjoy a wide range of business benefits and services, including access to the IoD's prestigious premises at 116 Pall Mall, London.
IoD Gibraltar led by Gabrielle Gache, hosts business and social events for members and their guests, and manages delivery of the full IoD Professional Development course portfolio.
IoD Gibraltar offers a wide range of benefits, events, seminars and networking opportunities, providing our members with opportunity for ongoing professional development.
IoD Malta was founded almost
50 years ago and represents directors from every corner of industry in Malta. Its
key role is helping the government, local stakeholders and business to improve standards
of corporate governance, and to improve the foundations for economic growth and
development in Malta.
IoD Malta, led by chairman James Satariano, has worked closely with the national Financial Services Authority on
a number of events and initiatives in the governance area as well with the
Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance and key institutional stakeholders such
as the Maltese Stock Exchange.
For many years IoD Malta has hosted regular seminars, policy and business
events for members and their guests. We very much look forward to seeing you
and your associates at our forthcoming events.
The Institute of Directors Monaco branch was inaugurated over 20 years ago. Over time, it has gone from
strength to strength and is currently led by chairman William Easun.
Although the IoD is originally an English institution, many new members are from the multinational
society living and working in Monaco and its surrounding areas. Members are
mainly active professionals, entrepreneurs, business leaders and decision-makers
from a wide range of sectors - financial
services, shipping, legal, transport – as well as retired and semi-retired
residents and individuals who enjoy the business environment, interaction
and camaraderie of the organisation.
The branch meets roughly once
every four to six weeks, usually at the Hotel Metropole, for lunch followed by
a speaker. These range from local dignitaries to authors, scientists,
troubleshooters etc. The branch also joins forces from time to time with other
business organisations whose speakers may be of interest to our members.
The the talk will centre around "Roadmap of a Kidnap" and presented by John Chase, partner of Schillings in London.
Learn about the scope of the kidnap for ransom, extortion and blackmail threat, and what steps families, businesses and advisors need to take when faced with this type of critical risk scenario. In this session you will:
•Learn about the people, processes and procedures required to successfully navigate a KRE and blackmail situation;
•The proactive steps required to safeguard privacy and with it, the security of the family and business personnel;
•How to ensure confidentiality from start to finish, in terms of securing a successful outcome.
John Chase, Partner
A proven asymmetrical problem solver, John began his career in intelligence before going on to lead the crisis response divisions at Kroll, Aegis and latterly, GardaWorld. Utilising his international expertise in advising prominent individuals, governments and multinational organisations on how to respond to kidnap for ransom, extortion, blackmail, piracy and cyber threats, John helps clients to address reputation and privacy threats as they occur, as well as providing practical risk mitigation advice to minimise the impact of a crisis before it strikes.
RSVP here.
The Institute of Directors was founded in the UK in 1903 and received a Royal Charter in 1906, and is also a founding member of ECODA, the European Confederation of Directors' Associations. As an IoD member you are part of a highly influential membership organisation and enjoy a wide range of business benefits and services, including access to the IoD's prestigious premises at 116 Pall Mall, London, and complimentary access to Regus business lounges worldwide.
For more information, please contact
020 7766 8753
Branch and staff contacts can be found on the main Contacts tab
IoD International
116 Pall Mall
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No Quarrys On Amah Mutsun Sacred Grounds
Phyllis Bala
Here is the link to the Amah Mutsun tribal band: http://amahmutsun.org, whose sacred mountain is Mt. Umunhum or affectionately known by locals as Mt. Um. In the language of the Ohlone peoples the name means "the resting place of the hummingbird". It is the fourth highest peak in the Santa Cruz mountains of California in Santa Clara County, just south of San Jose.
Sacred Ground Community Education and Resource Center in Occidental actively supports the Amah Mutsun tribal band in their quest to protect their sacred ceremonial site which is slated to be destroyed by strip mining operations in Santa Clara County. I have promised the Amah Mutsun Tribal Chairman Valentin Lopez that I would introduce this matter to those in my community and at Sacred Ground and make the petition available for all to sign who are interested.
Below please find a copy of Molly's letter to the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors on behalf of the Amah Mutsun tribe. It regards their struggle to stop open pit mining on their oldest traditional ceremonial ground in Santa Clara, CA.
Some of you may remember Molly when she visited us during a critical juncture with No DAPL, when we went to pray among the trees at our little Grove of Old Trees, beyond Coleman Valley Road last year. Molly has worked in an honorable way to be able to show up in humble dignity with a truly open heart as a descendant of two historical male figures responsible for having committed genocide in North America. She is doing her utmost, going forward building bridges of peace and reconciliation.. This is courageous work that takes a great deal of bravery and self-empathy with each step. I admire and support that kind of rare and dignified strength of character.
This is her letter:
Molly Fay Vallejo McGettigan Arthur,
6th generation descendent of California Spanish Conquistadors
Co-convener, Elder Activists for Social Justice, Conscious Elders Network
Associate of the Society of the Sacred Heart, San Francisco
October 29, 2017
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
Board of Supervisors, Santa Clara County
70 West Hedding Street, East Wing, 10th Floor
San Jose, CA 95110
Dear County Board of Supervisors,
I have just learned that the most Sacred Site of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is under threat of a surface mining proposal. The site I refer to is "Juristac", "place of the Big Head", now known as Sargent Ranch. Now these Sacred Mountains could be reduced to an extractive sand and gravel mining operation, a tremendous open pit- tangible evidence of the continuing adulteration of our Mother Earth, persecution of its original inhabitants and perpetration of harm to all future generations.
To allow the desecration of this site by allowing mining on it would be an abominable decision by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. The State of California, from its very beginnings, has ignored the rights of its indigenous peoples, stealing their lands, destroying their sacred sites, undermining their cultures and financing genocidal campaigns of murder (paying bounties for their scalps and getting reimbursed by the federal government). It is time to finally recognize this history, put a stop to the current perpetration of harm that a quarry pit imposes on the sacred land and start to respect the state's first people as followers of their Creator's instruction to care for Mother Earth as stewards and protectors. Let us see our government bodies recognize that caring rather than harming is what is right for our common good- for which you are elected. This public trust impels you to act to protect rather than to allow further desecration and dishonor.
As a descendant of the original colonizers of California- the persecutors, oppressors and enslavers of the California Indians, within the Mission system that imprisoned the Amah Mutsun tribe in your two local missions- San Juan Baptista and Santa Cruz, I renounce the actions of those ancestors as never justifiable. I work to stop the on-going current harms (like this mining site) and endeavor to change our world to a much better place for my grandchildren and all our grandchildren. I fully support the vision and mission of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, rather than the beliefs and mindset of dominance of my ancestors:
Our Amah Mutsun Land Trust continues to work hard to fulfill our goals of conserving and restoring indigenous culture and natural resources within our traditional territories; researching and educating about the traditional ecological knowledge that our ancestors developed and followed for thousands of years; and stewarding our lands to ensure a resilient future for Mother Earth and all living things..
I would hope that the elected officials who hold the future of our next generations in their hands recognize their responsibilities to them. Your action is to stop this mining operation cold, in perpetuity, protecting us all, and that should be done with the Amah Mutsun in a joint effort to reclaim their sacred site, Juristac, for their benefit and everybody else's.
With recognition of our responsibilities and blessings on our work,
Molly Fay Vallejo McGettigan Arthur
Here is a link from the tribe about their sacred place: http://www.protectjuristac.org/about/


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Digital globalisation is beginning to show its socioeconomic effects. In spite of its global positive effects, there are signs of a growing divide within and between nations. Digitalisation looks as the source of growth of the enlargement of traditional economic divides. Beyond neoludism, it is time to review some facts and analysis that corroborate this hypothesis.
Let´s start with the digital divide within nations. Both in the developed and developing countries, exclusion is highly linked with unemployment. According with a recent article of the Harvard Business Review, the future will not bring us the end of work but an evolution of the labour market. The less-skilled jobs will be replaced by digital-skilled jobs. Therefore, the digital divide will enlarge the divide between the upper and lower social classes, between those who have more chances of retraining and acquiring digital skills and those who not. The growth of job in some professions based on computer usage come at expenses of other occupations. And the job losses will appear in those professions traditionally occupied by lower social classes.
A similar enlargement of traditional divides is beginning to happen between countries. Just when offshoring and outsourcing were beginning to help developing countries to fuel its economies, digital globalisation is starting to change the rules. Smart manufacturing and data analytics are reducing the business advantage of offshoring jobs. The labour cost of a machine will be always lower than the cost of the cheaper worker. As a consequence, we can expect that some manufacturing activities will return to developed countries at the cost of developed countries. As within nations, the digital divide will enlarge the divide that already exists between rich and poor nations. Economic growth is highly dependent of data flows, and the vortex of data is the developed world.
In spite of the above landscape, few international commitments to fight the digital divide that have been made. Fortunately, it looks there is a change on trends. Only just a few months the UN declaration on the review of the implementation of the outcomes of the WSIS has recognised the importance of bridging any kind of digital divide and the link between digital and sustainable development.
An unbalanced growth has been in the past the source of tensions within and between nations. Digitalisation could be either a lever for harmonised growth or the tool for the enlargement of the legacy divides. Unfortunately, it looks the later is the path we have chosen.


text: Columbia University will open its new Lenfest Center for the Arts, which was designed by Renzo Piano, on April 22. The Lenfest Center for the Arts is the school's first dedicated facility for its School of Arts to host performances and events. It is located on Columbia University's Manhattanville Campus and is adjacent to the new Jerome L. Green Science Center. The Lenfest Center for the Arts is 60,000 SF and also features the Miriam and Ira D Wallach Art Gallery. Renzo Piano's architecture firm collaborated with Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill on the master plan for the Columbia's Manhattanville Campus and he has designed many of the buildings including the University Forum and Academic Conference Center.


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How Colonial First State made 95,000 millennials interested in super
Key objectives
- Increase Colonial First State's presence among a younger audience and build a relationship with them.
- Boost engagement and interaction with content.
Most young people don't think about superannuation in their day to day life, unless they really have to. For most it seems like a problem for the future, when they're older. It's important for finance companies to enter into conversation with customers about superannuation throughout their life, in particular when they move jobs, which often prompts a move in superannuation fund.
Colonial First State (CFS) is one of Australia's leading wealth management groups. It wanted to engage with existing and potential younger clients by providing insightful and intelligent content that focused on their work-life. But first, it came to Mahlab for guidance on how to create a genuine connection with their audience.
Our approach
CFS had some aspects of a content strategy from a previous agency, however they needed recommendations on which segments to target with content, at what frequency and on which channels.
Mahlab created a content calendar and messaging framework based on personas such as affluent millennials and career adjusters. We used this to guide the regular blog posts that were published on CFS's Guidance portal. This content was also promoted on LinkedIn, where the company's career-focused audience resides.
To cut through the apathy towards a company typically known for superannuation, the content was highly practical and focused on the everyday problems for each segment. From talking to millennials who had struck out on their own about how they did it, to guides on how to manage a difficult boss, the content allow CFS to build relationships with an audience that is typically not interested in talking to financial institutions.
The outcome
At the six month review, LinkedIn reported that the content smashed through benchmarks for the finance industry. As one LinkedIn representative put it – "A few years ago people were talking about BT Financial's content; now they are talking about yours".
- The company began a conversation with career adjusters (74,166 impressions) and affluent millennials (74,896 impressions).
- The effective cost-per-click came in well below the typical industry range at $6.16. The average cost-per-click on LinkedIn is $6.50.
- The campaign click through rate is above LinkedIn benchmarks by 190%.
- Audience engagement rates came in above LinkedIn benchmarks by 156%.
- The campaign reached more than 95,859 people and delivered 217.5K impressions.


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Die Walküre (Richard Wagner)
Conductor: Philippe Jordan
Production: Robert Lepage
Set Designer: Carl Fillion
Costume Designer: François St-Aubin
Lighting Designer: Etienne Boucher
Running time: 4hrs 55mins
Cast: Brünnhilde (Christine Goerke), Sieglinde (Eva-Maria Westbroek), Siegmund (Stuart Skelton), Fricka (Jamie Barton), Wotan (Greer Grimsley), Hunding (Günther Groissböck)
The second installment of Wagner's Ring cycle, Die Walküre, stars heroic soprano Christine Goerke as the warrior goddess Brünnhilde, whose encounter with the mortal twins Siegmund and Sieglinde, sung by Stuart Skelton and Eva-Maria Westbroek, leads her on a journey from Valhalla to earthbound humanity. Philippe Jordan conducts.
Stassya Pacheco returns for a pre-opera lecture prior to every Saturday live transmission, 30 minutes before the start time. Also, Saturday operas offer the option of pre-ordering your lunch from Pacioni's. Pre-order lunches are made up during the opera and ready for you to enjoy during the intermission. We will also have recorded encore screenings of all performances.
Advance Tickets: Adult $23, Senior $21, Student (with I.D.) and $19, Child (12 and under) $17, plus applicable fees. Lincoln Theatre Members receive $2 off all price levels. Full Season subscribers receive an additional 10% discount.