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|Reviews for Megatron's Legacy
| pachysam chapter 1 . 8/8/2013
Here are ideal stories I request you make:
1. One in which Sentinel Prime dwells on Earth. Either he survived Chicargo somehow, or it's an AU in which he never betrayed the Autobots. Either way, he would dwell as a kind of hermit in Africa like Megatron did. He can dwell in a tent thing or cave in Africa. He can be friends with animals and human-kids. Perhaps humans can play on him and tend to a few rusts.
2. One showing how Megatron thought of Sam leading up to the events of this story.
| pachysam chapter 1 . 8/8/2013
Good story.
Good how you set a lot of this on Africa. Africa is a favourite continent of mine... one I wish to go to.
The children were sweet.
I got a request. An AU in which Sentinel Prime survives and goes to Africa where he dwells among the animals and befriends them and the children.
| Imperial539 chapter 1 . 11/5/2012
I sometimes get the suspicion that Megatron is missing a certain piece of programming that gives him empathy. I haven't read the novel adaptation of the movie, but I think you just gave me a reason to. I for one think that they portrayed Starscream poorly in the movies, and that he was far better in Armada.
| Katnip Corodva chapter 1 . 3/30/2012
great story.
| SkyHighFan chapter 1 . 2/27/2012
While I'm happy Megs is dead from the movie, I was also happy with the ending of the novel. In the movie, it was indicated he wanted a truce more for his own ends: to get back control of the Decepticons and there I couldn't blame Optimus for not believing him, but the novel had his intentions as pure and willing to prove it to Optimus by offering him a free shot at killing him. Oh and the guy who killed Que IS dead: it was Barricade, NEST killed him in the fight with Shockwave. I think in the third movie Megatron CHANGED. He didn't seem as evil as in the first two. Maybe because of his injuries. Who knows. While he was still evil, he didn't commit any overtly evil acts unlike in the first two movies. He didn't attack any Autobots (I don't count Sentinel since he was a traitor) or kill any humans. The only one he went after was Sentinel and to be fair, EVERYONE wanted him dead at that point. He had Carly at his mercy and even when she angred him he didn't harm her. The most he did was threaten her, but before she angred him, he didn't really seem serious. I liked how he saved Optimus, but I liked it better how they fought Sentinel TOGETHER in the book rather than Megs just beating the crap out of him and Optimus finishing him off. Sentinel was so powerful in the movie, yet Megs easily beat him in his weakened state. Probably injured him pretty badly with those cannon blasts and that's why he was so easily beaten. At least Megs somewhat redeemed himself in the end by saving Optimus and helping to take down Sentinel. He helped ruin his own plan in a way. I always thought that he must have at least a little respect for Sam in the movies. Sam killed him which no one had ever been able to get close to doing before and he always seemed to want to deal with Sam personally. Maybe a little show of respect by dealing with Sam himself rather than delegating it. In the novel of the first movie he admitted that he admired Sam's courage on the building rather than asking him whether it was fear or courage that compelled him. Sam also killed his traitarous second-in-command. THAT probably would've gotten him some props from Megs if he knew about it. He DID seem to hate Screamer a lot.
| Guest chapter 1 . 2/27/2012
Yo, Megaauthor here, back from work and open the internet to check my mail, and what do I have here? A fic based on Transformers Dark of the Moon.
Oh boy.
Seriously, Michael Bay Transformer movie was a total wash-up film; a single movie is enough to shook my head and think 'you know, if all the main decepticon member squad is dead, does that mean it is the last film?'. Nope, Michael Bay wants another film based on Transformer some time in the future. I mean, the entire decepticon cast is wipe out completely, their leader is dead, their sub commander, both Starscream and Shockwave is dead, who else will play the role of decepticon? *sign* sometimes a 9 year old who had watch transformer from Generation 1 to today's transformer cartoon can make an even better fic than Michael Bay, let me tell you that.
And I'm off the topic too! Geez.
So, Optimus Prime spare Megatron just like in the comics, the cartoon, hell, even the anime version of Transformer which Prime spare Megatron countless times. This is why transformers franchise live on; Optimus Prime's own selfless devotion to seek peace with his enemy is his number one priority, not outright kill its own kin when one of their kind is getting extinct each time one of them goes trigger happy. And to point this out even more, when Unicron attack Cybertron, who came to the rescue when all the Autobots lost? The Decepticons! They came in to lend a hand! Why? Its because its their home planet too! THAT'S WHY!
I've seen the Deviantart of Megatron; rather mindblowing moment that Megatron didn't 'squish them like a bug'. I'll say this though; it was a rather peaceful, yet awkward time.
In my opinion Soldier, the Hollywood film is all bullcrap for one could tell; how to make the movie more dramatic? Have the hero kill the main villain. How to make the evil look like an idiot? Have the villain gun pointing at the hero and rants all day long until the hero does something. How to shorten the novel to movie script? Cut the juicy part and take all the 'important' part only. How to attract more people to watch the next sequel movie? Have an cliffhanging ending without proper filter. How to make the story more interesting? Have a chick that SHOULDN'T involve and have a kissing scene (or to troll the audiance, have a very, very naughty scene).
Hollywood movies should follow the chinese movie, or the japanese movie where it actually makes sense. And instead of only 2 hour movie in 3D theater, take that same production value and extend it 2 more hours like the Japanese movie Space Battleship Yamato (which last for 3 and a half hour long!)
I'm sorry... I just need to rant that out.
Overall, the 'Megatron turn to a new leaf' thing is awesome. Short but at least this version doesn't straightaway brutally kill the villain and show it at the cinema up close and spell FATALITY to all of us.
I still hate Hollywood by the way
| Kiwami no Sengoku chapter 1 . 2/26/2012
Nice. Good job 'ere, mate. Just as everyone is capable of great evil, everyone is also capable of great kindness, even someone/somebot like Megatron.
The death of Megatron basically ruined the whole movie for me to be honest.
~Tendou Souji~
| Random Reader chapter 1 . 2/26/2012
Oh. My. Primus.
I think I love you.
I saw that drawing /ages/ ago on dA, and absolutely loved it. Now, you've gone and written a beautiful one-shot to go with the afore-mentioned piece of artwork, portraying everyone's favorite tyrant in a new light, one that I somehow always manage to write him with xD
I agree that the movies portrayed Megatron and the others /very/ poorly. It was like he didn't even have a personality. But, that's what fanfics are for, no?
I look forward to seeing more TF fics by you.


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Album Review: Lower Dens – Nootropics
Two years after the release of their debut album, Twin-Hand Movement, Lower Dens are back with a sound just as fresh. New album Nootropics, front girl Jana Hunter's creation, is available to buy now. Call it what you like—drone, post-punk, ambient, whatever—this band certainly have a sound of their own.
The music of Nootropics features sections of distant, reverb-bathed noise, through which emerge some very clear, crisp and admittedly catchy riffs. It's this contrast—combined with gradually crescendo-ing drones and memorably funky bass lines—that keeps the sound exciting and the listener engaged. And by engaged, I mean sent into a trance as is the case with certain tracks such as Brains, which begins tame and reserved, but soon a distorted guitar lead slowly pulls you in over the repetitive snare drum, a motor running throughout the entire track.
Other numbers such as Alphabet Song contrast this with a neat verse-chorus structure; this particular track has the ambience of dream pop but also gives off a Radiohead vibe. In fact, the haunting falsettos and high-pitched howls throughout the album seem to be influenced by Thom Yorke's hypnotic melodies, particularly in Nova Anthem—similar in style to Alphabet Song—which during listening I even had to check Yorke wasn't a co-writer!
Whilst the slowly increasing anticipation cleverly grown throughout the body of some tracks is no doubt exciting, I felt somewhat disappointed listening to Brains and Candy just because they're so anticlimactic. I spent five minutes eagerly awaiting something my ears never received; I don't feel like Hunter delivered or pushed the music as far as she could have.
I did, however, enjoy the surprise of Zola Jesus-esque electronic drum effects featured in Lamb, and Propagation's warm, ethereal harmonies. The sound can be very unpredictable at times, which is definitely a positive attribute. Also, although a slow starter, two-part jam Lion in Winter introduces a neat upbeat second half after a drone-filled introduction, laced with cries from echoey guitars with a lot of flange.
Ghostly but warm vocal harmonies juxtapose snappy drum rhythms throughout this kaleidoscopic masterpiece. At times soothing and reserved, but at others spookily intense and warped, listening to Hunter's latest project is like taking an aural LSD, and lovers of the Dens's first album should definitely check out this release.
Monday 14th May – Brighton, UK – The Hope
Tuesday 15th May – London, White Heat at Madam Jojo's – stage time 9.30pm
Wednesday 16th May – London, UK – The Lexington – SOLD OUT
Sunday 3rd June – EIR – Forbidden Fruit Festival
Joe Bligh

subset: commoncrawl


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Hello all,
Many thanks to all of you who have helped with my questions so far.
If comparing MF digital (e.g. the latest Phase backs and the latest H series bodies) with 35mm-style DSLRs such as Nikon D3 and Canon 1DSmkiii, how do they perform at ISO 200, 400 and 800 in terms of noise, detail and dynamic range? I know the resolution will be higher, but what about these other parameters?
For my purposes, being able to shoot at 200 and 400 (and preferably up to 800) with confidence is important - and I wouldn't want to lose out on overall quality by stepping up to MF digital. My fear is that MF digital might only be worth it at very low ISOs...
Any feedback very welcome!
Best wishes and thanks in advance for your help.


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As a Marine who has deployed through out the Middle East, I have worked, trained and broken bread with Muslims. I have known their families and communities. I have fought with them and for them, as I have for this country and my fellow citizens, many of whom are also Muslims. I can't stand by while some people are accused of being guilty by association of one's religion and therefore discriminated against.
This controversy isn't about religion. It's about courage. As a helicopter pilot and intelligence officer, I've studied and fought our enemies. Terrorism is a psychological war based on fear. The counter to it is courage. Our course of action here at home is to abandon the politics of fear and embrace the politics of courage. The people who strongly oppose these places of worship are the same loud, angry and often frightened voices that we hear too often in our public discourse these days. I ask that they abandon their divisive rhetoric, intolerance and hate. I ask that they join us by showing al Qaeda that they cannot defeat us.
I say to them, what do we have to be afraid of? Are we not brave, strong proud Americans? I say, we are, because I have seen it in our countrymen. I have known good friends who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I have witnessed heroic deeds made by amazing men and women. I know friends who have lost so much during this financial crisis and still have the courage to pick themselves up and start a small business. I have seen the courage of people who give to those less fortunate even when they themselves have heavy burdens to bear.
Instead of acting out of fear, we need to act out of courage. As I taught my midshipmen at the Naval Academy, "Courage isn't the absence of fear. Courage is acting in spite of our fears to do the right thing even when it is unpopular." We need to stand together with courage to act boldly to put this country on the right path. We need courage to stand up to big businesses when they fail their workers and the taxpayers. Courage to protect our nation from the real enemies: Osama bin Laden and his band of thugs and criminals. If we act out of fear and abandon our principles, then they have won.
I have known fear my whole life. I was afraid as a kid facing down a pair of school bullies. I was afraid when my parents divorced. I knew fear when I left home at 18 and went to Marine Corps Boot Camp at Parris Island. I was scared when I left behind my pregnant wife and 15-month-old son for Iraq, not knowing if I would return home. I was afraid when I took fire flying our wounded and deceased to safety in Iraq. I knew fear when facing the reality of my wife's mortality as she battled breast cancer. And yet, I have always faced my fears. Through courage and will, I have survived each encounter with my integrity, honor and life intact. I will not let it defeat me. I will not let it defeat us.
It's time for us to lead in America with courage again.
Ben Leming, a Marine and veteran of the Iraq war, is a Democratic candidate for Congress in Tennessee's 6th Congressional District.
Cross-posted from the Huffington Post


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Golf's Golden Grind: The History Of The Tour
first edition
1973 · New York
by BARKOW, Al
New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1973. Near Fine/Very Good. First edition. Near fine in very good plus dustwrapper. Previous owner's name on front inside panel, clean text in decorative cloth covers, dustwrapper faded spotts and rubs on corners, dustwrapper; spine is faded, light rubs on edges. Please Note: This book has been transferred to Between the Covers from another database and might not be described to our usual standards. Please inquire for more detailed condition information. (Inventory #: 196944)


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World of Warcraft: Legion is releasing tonight at approximately 7PM NZST. To celebrate the occasion, we sat down with character artist Genevieve St-Michel and technical game designer Chadd Nervig to discuss just how Blizzard is reinvigorating the long-standing MMO
Hi, I'm Keith from NZGamer.com. Thanks for sitting down to talk to us about Legion!
Chadd: Absolutely, great to be here!
Can you give us a rundown of the big changes coming with Legion?
Chadd: Sure. There's a lot of new content. The Burning Legion is returning, and there is a lot of turmoil between the Horde and Alliance, especially after some very exciting events early in the storyline.
The other key features are a new class – the Demon Hunters. You can use the demonic power of the Legion against them. The Demon Hunters – run by Illidan – have awoken. They have a very distinct fighting style. Very mobile, dashing around, and unleashing demonic fury with their warglaives.
There's also Artifact weapons. Every class, and every specialisation of each class, gets a unique Artifact weapon which becomes a powerful source of progression and performance throughout the expansion. You get to power up and level up your Artifact, and customise it to your liking.
Genevieve: Yeah a couple of my favourite things – just because so much has been added with Legion – was we really focused on making all the classes feel super special and unique. That kinds of sprouts off our Artifacts, where all the classes have been tweaked a little bit to differentiate them from each other. So picking your spec Is very important, but you can also fluidly change specs through your gameplay as you go.
In addition, we've added quality of life features to the game. We've introduced scaling zones in the Broken Isles, where you can team up with a friend that's a completely different level than you, and play and enjoy the experience together without one of you dragging the other down because of the level discrepancy. It's much more enjoyable that way.
I used to be a huge WoW player back in the day. While I've kept a surface level interest on each expansion, what is there to get a lapsed player like me back in?
Chadd: Absolutely. There's a few things to comment on there.
For one thing, even if you are a lapsed player, Legion comes with a free boost that brings your character up to level 100 so you can get started right away. It also fluidly teaches your abilities with a tutorial, so it's a great kick start package there.
Additionally, from the point-of-view of someone who was really into the game, enjoyed playing extensively, but doesn't have time for a steady commitment to something like hardcore raiding, we've also got our new system called Mythic Plus Dungeons. With them, you can keep cranking up the difficulty harder and harder on our dungeons – which are wonderful now, in Legion – and get rewards commensurate with that.
What were some of the biggest lessons you learnt coming out of Warlords – both from a design and artistic perspective – and how did those lessons influence Legion?
Genevieve: Yeah so another feature we've added is the Order Hall. People see that as a natural progression from the garrisons. We've all heard that garrisons did get a little stale in Draenor, and we took a lot of lessons from that. We've worked very hard on making the Order Halls a great experience.
You're in there with everyone from your class – Horde and Alliance together – and a lot of your storyline quests evolve from the class hall itself.
It ties it into the world, and makes for a very fulfilling experience. The hall itself also has your followers, which is somewhat similar to garrisons. They're very tied in to the lore. If you've been playing the class for a long time, you've probably already heard of all these followers you're going to collect. It makes the halls very personal to you, as you play.
Chadd: We learned a lot from the garrison, which was keeping you in them. This is now quite different. The Order Hall is a launch point for you; missions, quests and other things are there, and they send you out into the world. But now, you can use followers as combat allies, so you can pick whichever one you prefer, and they assist you when you're out questing in the world. They go on and give you rewards that are sending you back out to the world too.
Genevieve: It also helps having a follower join you out in the world. You can now go out in the world and go questing as a healer. You can pick followers that will help you tank. If healing is your jam, go out there and do it!
Chadd: We also drastically increased how much damage healers do, so that even without a combat ally – but especially with one – they're totally fine to level and quest through the Broken Isles.
I imagine one of the hardest parts of your job is working within the bounds of what WoW is: how the art style has been built up over years of content, how classes and systems interact with each other. There's a lot of expectations going in, not just from fans, but also from what Blizzard has set up. Legion looks to be shaking that up a bit – animations have been redone, a new class introduced. Has this expansion been a chance to stretch your legs creatively?
Genevieve: It really has. We've been delicately working on trying to add things that are very impactful. Like you said, a lot of animations for melee have been redone, and that was a very careful, long process to get that updated. The results are super rewarding, everything feels snappy, you can feel the impact. There's also a lot of audio work done with that – it makes things impactful.
It's all very necessary, and it was very rewarding. Also from my perspective as a character artist, we delicately added this system that makes it so we can build more on top of armour. So if you look at the tier 19 set that is coming out with Legion, you'll see that there are extra bits-and-bobs on the armour set. For example, the mages have scrolls on their hips, the priests have ribbons hanging from their sleeves. These little things go a long way in establishing class look.
Just something to look a bit more detailed than the old, flat textures that armour used to be?
Yeah. It's a very hard limitation we've had in the past, but new technology has made that very freeing.
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Telecommunications Regulation and New Services: a Case Study at the State Level
The effects that regulation has on the innovation and the introduction of new telecommunications services have not been previously quantified in the literature. This study compares state-regulated services in Indiana under rate of return regulation (RoRR) and under alternative regulation. The econometric model comprises an count process (for innovation) followed by a duration process with selection (for regulatory delay). Moving away from RoRR increased the rate of service creation to three times the old rate. Expected approval delays nearly disappear. A prediction exercise indicates that the firm would have introduced 12 times as many services to consumers if the alternative regulation had been in place the entire time.
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|Date of creation:
|16 Jan 2003
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| Postal: One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616-8578
Phone: (530) 752-0741
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References listed on IDEAS
Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
- Quandt, Richard E., 1983. "Computational problems and methods," Handbook of Econometrics,in: Z. Griliches† & M. D. Intriligator (ed.), Handbook of Econometrics, edition 1, volume 1, chapter 12, pages 699-764 Elsevier.
- James E. Prieger, 2002.
"Regulation, Innovation, and the Introduction of New Telecommunications Services,"
The Review of Economics and Statistics,
MIT Press, vol. 84(4), pages 704-715, November.
- James E. Prieger, "undated". "Regulation, Innovation, and the introduction of new telecommunications services," Department of Economics 00-08, California Davis - Department of Economics.
- James E. Prieger, 2003. "Regulation, Innovation, and the introduction of new telecommunications services," Working Papers 08, University of California, Davis, Department of Economics.
- Greenstein, Shane & McMaster, Susan & Spiller, Pablo T, 1995. "The Effect of Incentive Regulation on Infrastructure Modernization: Local Exchange Companies' Deployment of Digital Technology," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 4(2), pages 187-236, Summer.
- Ai, Chunrong & Sappington, David E M, 2002. "The Impact of State Incentive Regulation on the U.S. Telecommunications Industry," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 133-159, September.
- Sappington, David E. M. & Weisman, Dennis L., 1996. "Potential pitfalls in empirical investigations of the effects of incentive regulation plans in the telecommunications industry," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 8(2), pages 125-140, June.
- Bonanno, Giacomo & Haworth, Barry, 1998. "Intensity of competition and the choice between product and process innovation," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 16(4), pages 495-510, July.
- Barten, Anton P., 1997. "Annual report 1996," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(3-5), pages 971-973, April.
- Cabral, Luis M B & Riordan, Michael H, 1989. "Incentives for Cost Reduction under Price Cap Regulation," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 1(2), pages 93-102, June. Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)


text: Manga Appearance Silver's face close upSilver's attireSilver in Gray's memory Black & WhiteBlack & White | ColorColor | Title CoversTitle Covers Silver and the others commence their missionSilver freezes NatsuSilver murmurs Natsu's nameSilver's ice is cancelled out by Gray'sSilver rushes at GraySilver blocks a punchSilver repels GraySilver reveals his and Gray's destinySilver reveals his identity as "Deliora"Silver blasts Gray awaySilver blocks Gray's attackSilver eats iceSilver uses his Ice Devil's RageSilver freezes the battlefieldSilver struck by multiple ice cannonsThe terror of SilverGray defeats SilverSilver claims he wants revenge on all DemonsFather and son reunite Silver's death at Deliora's handsSilver's appearance in color Silver on the cover of Volume 42Silver on the cover of Volume 46Silver on the inner cover of Volume 46Silver on the cover of Chapter 365Silver on the cover of Chapter 391Silver on the cover of Chapter 541 Anime Appearance Silver's profile imageSilver's appearanceSilver's full appearanceSilverSilver's arrogant smirkSilver's original appearanceSilver's mugshotSilver's profile ImagesImages | Openings & EndingsOpenings & Endings Silver dead after Deliora's attackSilver at Tartaros HQNine Demon Gates make their moveSilver freezes NatsuSilver leaves Natsu and LisannaThe Ice Mages clashSilver takes GrayGray vs. SilverSilver begins to reveal his and Gray's "destiny"Silver reveals himself to be "Deliora"Silver versus GraySilver eats Gray's iceSilver's breathSilver's terrorSilver's torso is ripped open by Gray's attackSilver's desireSilver requests an end by his son's handsFather and son Silver on the Tartaros arc posterThe Nine Demon Gates in Opening 19Silver in the 20th EndingTartaros arc - Final Ending Video Clips Silver's ice is cancelled by GraySilver eats iceSilver's Ice Devil's RageSilver hit by Gray's Ice-Make: CannonSilver's freezing powerGray defeats Silver with Ice-Make: Vambrace Back to Main Article Retrieved from "http://fairytail.wikia.com/wiki/Silver_Fullbuster/Image_Gallery?oldid=965368" Ad blocker interference detected! Wikia is a free-to-use site that makes money from advertising. We have a modified experience for viewers using ad blockers Wikia is not accessible if you've made further modifications. Remove the custom ad blocker rule(s) and the page will load as expected. Categories: Gallery Images of Silver Fullbuster


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Check Out A New Behind The Scenes Image Of Melissa Benoist From Sun DogsNovember 3, 2016 - Author: admin - Comments are closed
A new behind the scenes image from Melissa Benoist's new film Sun Dogs has been released. Melissa stars alongside Ed O'Neil and Michael Angarano in this new film from Jennifer Morrison.
In this new film, "Following his third failed attempt to join the military, courage-obsessed misfit, Ned Chipley, takes a Marine Officer's advice to "protect the home front" a little too seriously. Determined to find his purpose in life, Ned Chipley zeroes in on a casino manager, who may or may not be an Al Qaeda mastermind. Chipley enlists the help of a young runaway named Tally Petersen; together they form the most unlikely anti-terrorism unit of post-9/11 America".
Categories: Supergirl


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SCOTT BROWN admits 2012 was an amazing year to be a Celtic player.
But the Hoops skipper reckons 2013 could be an even BETTER one for Neil Lennon's side.
The previous 12 months provided some huge highs and lows for the Parkhead club.
In May they reclaimed the SPL title, winning the league by a whopping 20 points.
Last month they upset the odds by sensationally reaching the last 16 of the Champions League, beating Barcelona along the way.
But there were also disappointments for Brown and his gaffer Lennon.
In March they lost the League Cup Final to Kilmarnock at Hampden. And in April their Scottish Cup hopes were ended there by a last-minute Craig Beattie winner for Hearts.
Now Celtic enter the New Year fighting for glory on no fewer than FOUR fronts. Lennon's side are currently six points clear at the top of the SPL.
Later this month they will face St Mirren in the semi-final of the League Cup.
In February they'll take on Raith in the Scottish Cup.
Then there's the small matter of Juventus in the Champions League a few days later.
It means the games will come thick and fast for the men in green and white.
But Brown admits they are ready to come out and fight for all four trophies.
He said: "That's why you come to a club like Celtic.
"We want to be in all four tournaments — and we want to go as far as we possibly can in every one of them.
"This could be a special season for Celtic.
"I think this squad has bouncebackability — we can come back from any knocks we get along the way.
"So in my opinion we have a lot to look forward to.
"This is probably the best squad I've seen at this club.
"Players have come in and done really well. I think we all believe in ourselves.
"They know they're good players but I think the more games we play the fans see that as well. They know we're a good squad — we know we're a good squad.
"So now we have to kick on. We want to go on a good run in the New Year.
"We have got the last 16 of the Champions League to look forward to. But that's still a long way away and there's a lot of games between now and then.
"So we need to look forward to every single one and pick up our form. A six-point lead is not the worst but we don't enjoy losing to anyone.
"We've got a winning mentality at Celtic and we want to continue that."
Saturday's defeat to Hibs meant Celtic finished 2012 on a low note.
And Brown admits the loss proved just how hard it is going to be for the Hoops to retain their title.
Lennon's men remain overwhelming favourites to go on and be champions once again.
But they have already lost four league games — just one less than in the whole of last season. And the Scotland midfielder expects another test when Motherwell visit Parkhead tomorrow.
Stuart McCall's side have lost just one of their last nine games — and Brown reckons that shows just how tough the SPL is this season.
He said: "We were definitely disappointed to lose to Hibs and end the year the way that we did.
"It shows the league is definitely not over.
"We know it is going to be hard, especially going away to places like Hibs, Dundee United and Aberdeen.
"We've got to really pick up our form. But at the same time it also shows you the league is getting better.
"People doubt Scottish football at times, but I think the game is doing really well.
"We just need to get more teams involved in the mix.
"I know it's hard financially for clubs, but they seem to be bringing younger players through and that shows that it's working.
"On Saturday I thought we had a good day but Hibs defended really well. They did what they set out to — defended and counter-attacked really well, and scored a goal.
"But I think we had 75, 80 per cent of possession the whole game, and created a lot of chances.
"We just didn't have the quality in the final third to finish them off.
"Hopefully we can get back to winning ways at Celtic Park.
"But Motherwell are doing really well at the moment.
"They had a dip about a month ago, but they seem to be on good form now.
"So it's going to be a hard game but we're looking forward to it."
Lennon's side will enjoy a week off after tomorrow's game as the SPL shuts down.
They'll then head to Marbella for warm-weather training before facing Hearts on January 21.
And Brown admits the brief lay-off will help players recharge their batteries.
He said: "It will help a few of the boys because we've got five or six first-team players out injured. We've not got the biggest squad in the world, so a two-week break will be wonderful for us."


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Ok Ok,…. enough you say of this long drawn out synopsis. I get it. You've read I'm sure, my adventures as a commercial salesman and my rise to a national accounts rep. Where did I go next? Where, after my my devastating experience did I end up and what direction did my path take? Oh? You haven't read that? Follow those little blue links (or whatever color they are these days) and you can see some of the lowest parts of my career. The dark shadows of the business world that consumed me and sucked me down to a place I thought I'd never get out of. A cold dark place where I believed with my whole heart would destroy my love for an industry that had given me such hope, such fervor for living and a zest for working that I had never had before.
But it happened… I can't deny it… I can't… as well… lay the blame solely at the feet of my employer… please. Follow the links for THAT side of the story but please as well. Allow me just a little latitude in what I'm about to write next… It was my darkest time.
Winters were the worst in Baltimore and I hated them. Especially in commercial sales. January 2nd, not the most optimum day to land any big sales no matter what the year but I managed to bag a $1200 sale all by phone on the VERY FIRST day of my commercial sales career!!! —- which—unbeknownst to me— ok I knew it wasn't policy but HELL, they agreed over the phone to take the service so what's not to like? It was a technique I learned in calling cancellations and getting them back on board. It worked that day and, it has worked every time I've tried it since. However, the next morning at our sales meeting, as my manager wrote the number on the board (the biggest number out of them all) he might as well been carving the numbers like fingernails on a chalkboard… I was chided, reprimanded and scolded all in front of my colleagues and my great conquering moment became a lesson in humility and a tongue lashing that rivals any I'd had in my short 22 year old existence.
So instead of an "inflating" moment, I sure was "deflated" and quickly at that. I thought I had done so well and for the first time in my life I was ahead on that damned big white board that so far was just a testament to what a lousy salesman I was. Almost all the sales guys came to me afterwards to console me and tried to "buck" me up. "Don't listen to him man, numbers speak louder than his words" I heard in my ear from a guy named Moses who was basically a rockstar of sales for so many years. "Don't let him get to you" whispered Steve, while Terry was shaking my hand and saying "good sale." But all these words rang hollow to me. All were sincere but I could tell they were mortified by the display of the childish tantrum directed right at me, but in the end, they went on to $16k months, 21k or Moses the Golden Boy, 31 or 32, I can't remember. There was frickin 6 inches of snow on the ground and he was still selling 30k plus in termite???!!!! WTH?
That month ended horribly, and the next and the next and the next. I knew I was on the chopping block. I went from barely scraping by as a residential salesman to reaching up to touch bottom as THE commercial guy. The end was near.
In the mean time…my personal life was hitting rock bottom as well. Familiar story perhaps and one I wouldn't mind forgetting but suffice to say… I was consumed with the thought of losing the BEST thing I ever had and with every turn, it seemed that this was exactly what was going to happen. The cold winter days and no sales only exasperated the situation. On the verge of divorce and going back to the days of just me and a backpack wandering the countryside alone… I had almost no hope.
I don't know why- but somehow the regional commercial high muckity muck intervened into my hopeless situation and one day, just out of the blue, I was promoted to National Accounts Representative… wow!!!! Did he know what a lousy sales person I was? Did he consider my numbers? Didn't he hear the story of the day I disappeared and was found behind the complex sitting in the snow crying and almost unconsolable? I guess not.
So there I was… told NOT to worry about my numbers , that they would come and my mgr. was told in no uncertain terms to NOT to worry about my sales. That this was a corporate program and the decision had been made. I was told only to go after the BIG FISH — the huge accounts and that with my skills, I was going to be a huge success.
Wow, where did this come from? I thought to myself as my boss got the details of the program. I could see steam coming out of his ears when it was explained that my pay would come out of HIS budget and that I wasn't restricted to any area. This meant that if I sold an account for another branch – they would pay me the commission but in turn, they would get the account and the production. This was not sitting well with him at all.
At the end of the meeting I was asked to leave the two brass eagles to have a private conversation….Just before going through the door the Regional mgr. said in a supremely confident tone, "Jerry, I've got your back." That's pretty much the last I heard from him…. again, follow the links and see how it all went down. It didn't get any better than that.
So with that brief introduction as to what my mindset was at the time…Enter the CHOICE that changed my career….
There were two guys who worked for the big behemoth that I admired as techs and then later in sales. In my short stint as National accounts rep. I used to go over to their branch (way across town) just to hang out with them. They were always fun loving, supportive and had fire in their eyes, so confident they could take on the world. On one day I arrived to their branch and learned they had left. Office gossip was that they had jumped ship to start their own pest control business. One part of me was happy for them as I figured if anybody could take on such a big challenge it was them. On the other hand I was saddened because out of the 3 branches I bounced back and forth from, these two guys were my only bright spot and now they were gone too. Besides, I had my biggest break in awhile and was switching branches (a back door deal between my mgr. and a cross town rivals) Same deal for me, just that my current mgr. could unload the dead weight (me) but the rival mgr. said he saw the promise. As a "bonus" I was gonna get a sweet two contract deal that just needed a signature and I would finally get one of the biggest commission checks in my life. Well, I missed out on sharing that news with them but in the coming days that "deal" turned out to be a huge betrayal and put me deeper in a hole of despair than I think I've ever been. I left the behemoth firm soon after, disillusioned, depressed and with absolutely no idea where to turn. I had lost track of my two rockstar friends, no one in the industry I knew had much interest in talking with me and I can't blame them. Who wants to talk with a broken down shell of a guy who all you can do is feel sorry for but he was pretty much happy to just wallow in his misery? I know I wouldn't. Well, not to much longer, in this downward spiral of my life and very close to the end of my pest control career when all hope was seemingly lost, I got a call.
Apparently my two friends had heard of my great calamity and couldn't idly stand by and watch my career come to an end. Especially not when they were just cresting as a small start up and needed an experienced tech to fill the void of service that their huge surge was creating. At first I don't remember being to excited but as they talked and told me of the accounts they serviced and the sales they were making I began to perk up. When they offered me a job well, I was definitely all ears. For the most part it was a great offer. $500 bucks a week guaranteed and commission on sales. The downside was that I would be using my own car and that the office, (their home) was way on the other side of the county. However, I'd only need to go there once per week maybe to get supplies or maybe on a slow day for equipment maintenance…. mark that last part in your memory.
So I signed on with the two of them and the first few months were a heckuva ride. They mostly had me drive out or meet them in a designated spot and we'd all ride the rest of the day in the conversion van they had outfitted for the job. Busy was an understatement.
The premise of their business plans was a "no contract" contract. The initial was $75-80 or what have you but there were no 12 month contracts, it was service either as needed or as you (the customer wanted). This took off like a rocket and we couldn't keep up with the demand. People still signed a legal agreement which basically held the maintenance visits to a certain price, ($25 for residential and whatever it was determined for commercial) that would be good for a year and if they wanted 1, 3 or zero services after the initial it was all just fine with them. Of course after that year was up you'd be asked to pay the initial fee again if you hadn't kept up. So far, they hadn't crossed that bridge to see just how that would take.
Summer flew by and I rode with them more than not. They sold a lot of termite and commercial work and the 3 of us got it done way faster than just the 1 or 2. It was in these "rides in the van" that I started seeing a way different side to these entrepreneurs than I thought existed. What I thought was a noble cause to 'right the wrongs' of the big corporate beast towards customers was really just the same, maybe worse, only on a smaller scale. More than once did I hear the stories of massive sales that were, shall we say, were questionable at best. $1000.00 dollar termite jobs that should have been $500 and that kind of thing. I really didn't like that much but what really got me was another prize they both chased, even more than they chased any contract.
It wasn't abundantly clear at first but with the 'van' rivaling any scene from Cheech & Chong movie details began to slip. Yes, they smoked pot, a lot of it. I never did but I might as well have because the smoke filled the van, circled around the rig and sprayers (separation walls weren't required back then) and you (I) couldn't help but breathe their smoke. They would sit in their bucket seats passing a joint back and forth while I sat on a tool box with a 100 gallon bubble tank as my back rest. They'd offer me a drag from time to time but I always refused. The two of them would never stop talking and at first it was always about sales and their company and plans for growth. However, it was never that long, maybe by the 3rd or 4th stop of the day their conversation would inevitably turn towards women. Without getting to graphic these conversations would start out "oh she's so hot" type of talk to, well, I said I wouldn't get real graphic so you can take it from there. I guess they forgot I was leaning against the hundred gallons of Dursban death, I suppose the 3rd joint saw to that. The ONLY time they would stop was when a favorite song came on the radio and BAM! The conversation stopped, the volume went up and the live karaoke show was on. Both of these guys would sing to the top of their lungs as Credence Clearwater Revival blared out of the conversion vans speakers matted in the doors and dash covered with shag carpet. Yikes, from my vantage point, I was wondering what I got in to. With one such 'show' the boys were belting it out and one of them dropped their joint as we were barreling down the road. They both laughed and began looking for their little puff of happiness somewhere on the vans floor. Within seconds I saw we were heading right for a stopped car. Looking up my stoned boss slammed on the brakes and our tin can on wheels was sliding sideways right for the backend of that vehicle. As my life flashed before my eyes the rig (not bolted down) hit the side wall and as the van straightened again it slid forward pinning me to the back of the front seats… We didn't end up in a crash thank God but man was that close. I pushed the rig back and we all agreed that thing needed to be secured. I shoulda quit by this time but we had all agreed that in the coming days I'd be out on my own taking care of the route they had built. That was my saving grace and I REALLY didn't want to give up $500 bucks a week.
Out of the van and on my own things were going fairly well. Still, on the days of a big job where I'd again ride with them or back at the home office it was always the same. They went on and on about their obsession with females and what really took me aback is that BOTH of these guys were married with kids!!! Ok, not so odd in this day in time but when the wives were present it was all hugs and kisses and "I love you honey how was your day?". Then, as time progressed (and weed was consumed) I guess they just got really comfortable with me around. Their conversations turned from what they "observed and lusted for" to what they actually had going on. Both, BOTH of these guys were having full blown affairs on their wives-their families… I hated it!!! Both talked in detail and were so proud of their conquests. At one point I unexpectedly walked in on one of these entrepreneurs when he and his mistress thought no one would be there for the day. I guess he was so stoned he forgot he called me to come by and pick up some paperwork. That was an uncomfortable moment.
At the same time this was going on winter was setting in and the "choice" model of business was beginning to unravel. Without being bound to a contract our attempts to schedule service were a lesson in futility. The frozen ground was doing a great job at keeping bugs out of sight and very few people were agreeing to have us out. Sales dried up and one of the owners took a pizza delivery job at night (where he met yet another conquest) and tensions were raising high. I soon found myself dreading the pest control world once again but to their credit, they never missed a check.
However, that didn't make up for the treatment I was now put under. With no sales and no jobs to do I would be called to the 'office' just to wash the van. Apparently I sucked at that and more than once the white glove inspection revealed my ineptitude. Or, I was very often dropped off in a neighborhood with a handful of dot matrix typed printed contracts and told to knock doors and they'd be back at 5 o'clock to find me. Oh man did I hate that. With each day, I dreaded showing up for work more and more and I'm quite sure they saw me as a real drain on the company. With the phones rarely ringing and me freezing my butt off I barely eeked through the winter but I did hold up my own. In the spring I think we all knew that it might be a good time to go our separate ways. They were talking about revamping their service agreements so as not to experience another cold unproductive winter and I had reached out to other companies and landed a job in sales that couldn't hire enough people to even answer the phones… more on that in the next chapter.
Suffice to say, I don't believe they made it very far that next year and I'd be surprised if they lasted much longer than that. I feel most sorry for their families and the train wrecks they were all heading for. The whole experience did give me a breather and allowed me to recoup a bit. Truth be told, it wasn't all that bad all the time, we had fun as well and there were great moments of promise but that never lasted as the objects of their attentions just wouldn't let it. So, some of my fire was rekindled and I had landed another sales job once I saw the end of our road together and as I said, they weren't sad to see me go. They dropped me off at home that last day and as the van pulled away and headed down my street, I heard the radio crank and saw a puff of smoke blow out of the drivers window and my time with Cheech & Chong came to an end.


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(Chichester) - 01243 775 483
(Waterlooville) - 023 9226 3228
(Cosham) - 023 9221 9115
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Visit our Carpet and Flooring Showrooms in Chichester, Cosham and Waterlooville
Whether you're looking for the finest carpets and floors for a new home, or re-decorating to give your rooms a new lease of life, Finishing Touch's expert team will help you choose the materials you need to perfect your interiors.
About Us
Finishing Touch has 30 years of experience as your local independent flooring specialist, offering you the finest carpets and flooring, Cosham and Waterlooville. Our family business has built an enviable reputation for professionalism, reliability and friendly customer service. The expertise and knowledge of our flooring experts is at your disposal in choosing the precise materials, colours and designs that you have in mind. We offer free door-to-door delivery and free fitting on a vast majority of our carpets. We also have a 'no cost / no obligation' home visit service to help you with your flooring decision. Whether you're re-flooring one room at a time or carpeting an entire house or office, we're delighted to visit, measure the spaces, lay out the options and give you a free quotation. We have great storage capabilities that allow us to work through a large project one area at a time, whilst ensuring that the materials will all be the same pattern, colour and from the same production run.
At Finishing Touch we have a vast range of carpets and flooring in all designs and colours for you to choose from. We're approved suppliers of Adam Carpets, Ulster, Victoria, Cormar and Axminster and stock vinyl flooring from Rhinofloor, Tarkett, Novilon and luxury vinyl tiles by Amtico and Karndean. We offer safety flooring by market leaders Altro and Polyflor. We maintain accounts with all the major flooring manufacturers, so we always keep our styles up to date with changing fashions to keep you spoiled for choice. We also carry a large selection of rugs in a variety of sizes, colours and textures at our Cosham and Waterlooville branches.
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New Music Video: Mac Miller – Thoughts From A Balcony
Mac Miller drops his second video from his most recent mixtape Macadelic, this time for his song Thoughts From A Balcony. Mac released the video for Loud the day Macadelic was released and teased yesterday via twitter this video would be dropping today along with more videos that are coming soon.
Posted on April 10, 2012, in Music Videos, Videos and tagged Mac Miller, macadelic, most dope, Music Video, new music video, thoughts from a balcony, Video. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.


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They do not talk about this in public. They talk about press freedom and perceived potential external threats to it from government, the ruling party and not threats from commercial interests.
Therefore, the debate about "who pays for the news" must also be opened, in a constructive manner. Are editors under pressure to sell their papers at whatever cost, including at times relying on unchecked and unverified smears in order to boost sales?
What protection does an ordinary citizen who cannot afford lawyers have when their rights have been violated? How can they compete with powerful business interests who control the media either through ownership or advertising spend?
The ANC cannot and will not pose any threat to the media. It is not in its interests to do so. Not when it is working so hard to consolidate and protect this hard-won democracy and freedom. We would never do anything to jeopardise the gains we have made.
But we have a responsibility to democratise every aspect of South African society. It is our historical duty.
The ANC has for many decades led struggles to liberate the masses of our people, both black and white, from the repressive system of apartheid. As early as the 1950's, the ANC defined the kind of South Africa it wants.
This culminated in the adoption of the Freedom Charter, which forms the basis of our work and programme of action since 1994.
It was in this context that the African National Congress adopted the MAT resolution at its 52nd National Conference in 2007.
It is proper to publish the full resolution:
The ANC must promote the school of thought which articulates media freedom within the context of the South African Constitution, in terms of which the notion that the right to freedom of expression should not be elevated above other equally important rights such as
the right to privacy and more important rights and values such as human dignity.
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MEDIA APPEALS TRIBUNAL (MAT) 126. Conference adopts the recommendation of the Policy conference that the establishment of a MAT be investigated. It accordingly endorses that such investigation be directed at examining the principle of a MAT and the associated modalities for implementation. Conference notes that the creation of a MAT would strengthen, complement and support the current self-regulatory institutions (Press Ombudsman/Press Council) in the public interest.
127. This discourse on the need for a MAT should be located within a proper context. It has to be understood as an initiative to strengthen the human rights culture embodied in the principles of our constitution (Constitution Act of 1996) and an effort to guarantee the equal enjoyment of human rights by all citizens.
128. It particularly relates to the balancing of human rights in line with section 36 of the Constitution of the Republic. This especially relates to the need to balance the right to freedom of expression, freedom of the media, with the right to equality, to privacy and human dignity for all.
129. The investigation should consider the desirability that such a MAT be a statutory institution, established through an open, public and transparent process, and be made accountable to Parliament. The investigation should further consider the mandate of the Tribunal and its powers to adjudicate over matters or complaints expressed by citizens against print media, in terms of decisions and rulings made by the existing self-regulatory institutions, in the same way as it happens in the case of broadcasting through the Complaints and Compliance Committee of ICASA.
130. The investigation should further consider remedial measures which will safeguard and promote the human rights of all South Africans.
131. The Media and other stakeholders, including civil society, shall be consulted to ensure that the process is open, transparent and public. Parliament will be charged with this mandate
to establish this MAT, in order to guarantee the principles of independence, transparency, accountability and fairness.
It is evident from the resolution, that the proposed establishment of the MAT, even at the time that the ANC discussed it and adopted it, was never and will never be used to settle scores or to undermine the Constitution of the Republic.
The ANC acknowledges the need for the work of the MAT to be transparent and fair, and this can be effectively done through people's institutions such as Parliament which has public representatives. Our Parliamentarians come from different political parties, and importantly the public is also allowed through due processes to participate in the work of government.
The allegation that the ANC therefore through the establishment of the MAT, wants to control the media is false and misleading.
The MAT is meant to protect South Africans, rich or poor, black or white, rural or urban. The ANC, as the leader in South African society, cannot fail in its duty to defend our Constitution and to protect and defend the rights of citizens.
The debate has nothing to do with the experiences of certain individuals with the media. This is not personal; it is aimed at advancing the freedoms that are enshrined in our Constitution. It is aimed at ensuring that those who do not have money to go to lawyers can still obtain protection, as they do from the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa.
The broadcast media is regulated to protect the public as it is such a powerful institution. The print media, like other institutions, cannot be viewed to be above the Constitution.
All South Africans are equal before the law, and they are equal before the Constitution of the Republic. We must remember also that no right is absolute in terms of our Bill of Rights. Therefore our interpretation of our individual rights must always be understood in the context of the rights of other South Africans.
Our contention is that the ANC does not, and will never pose any threat to media freedom. The media must seriously conduct introspection and open a constructive debate about the role of this institution in a post-apartheid South Africa. Is the media a mirror of South African society? Is it in touch with what the majority of South Africans feel and think? Does this institution actually know and understand South Africans? Why was it surprised by the explosion of national pride during the Soccer World Cup tournament? Why did South Africans decide to rise above the daily diet of negativity and defeatism that they are fed daily in the media?
What is the impact of ownership on content and staffing? What is the ideological outlook of the media? Is there an alienation with the post-apartheid democratic order and thinking? Are we on the same wavelength regarding where South Africa should go politically, socially and economically? Does the media understand this well enough to articulate it to South Africans, to enable to accurately judge government action and performance?
Let me reiterate that the ANC will never do anything that undermines the spirit of the Constitution of the Republic, and which erodes the dignity and rights of other people, regardless of their standing in society.
Let us have an open debate about the role of the media and its alignment with the Constitution of the Republic and human rights culture. Let us openly debate the ownership, content and diversity issues. Let there be no holy cows. The media should allow the ANC and the public the right to freedom of expression.
We will use our right to express what we think. And we should not be silenced by claims of "threats to press freedom."
Let the real debate begin. Let there be no holy cows!
Issued by:
Jackson Mthembu
ANC National Spokesperson
African National Congress


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Just a little recap post of some of my winter and Holiday favorite posts. Enjoy!
Baby Foot print (or puppy paw print) ornament
Holiday gift jars {perfect for teachers!}
Cinnamon Roll French Toast {the perfect Christmas morning breakfast}
Taco Pasta Bake {comfort food at it's best}
Rolo Pretzel Sandwiches {make these!!}
The perfect party dip {for that Holiday party!}
Party Pretzels {yum!}
What's your winter or holiday favorite?? Feel free to add links in the comments!!
Linking up with Becky for TYT because favorites are always a treat.


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Purchasing real estate can be extremely profitable once you learn what you're doing. It is essential to make smart and calculated moves so that you don't make a few mistakes or get into over your mind if things change. So, this article is likely to prepare you with a few advice concerning real-estate investing.
When you've made the decision to purchase property, allow it to be professional by creating an LLC. This will protect you personally and professionally. There are possible tax advantages to incorporating your small business as well.
Study from like-minded colleagues. There are lots of people who spend money on real-estate. It really is so well liked, small business communities have groups that focus on this specifically. Or maybe there are actually none in your town, you can find quite a few online forums where other investors congregate. So, join in and gain benefit from the exchange of knowledge that networking provides.
Take care about choosing properties with strange room layouts. You could possibly personally think it is interesting, however, many people don't like these strangely developed properties. They could be extremely hard sells. Picking one up without a potential buyer under consideration can bring about it placed in your inventory for months, or else years.
Think long-term when investing in real-estate. Even though some investors attempt to make quick turnovers by buying cheap and flipping within weeks or months, your better bet is a longer view. Search for safe properties where you could park a large sum of cash and acquire investment return via monthly income like rent.
Don't just enhance just how many properties you own. This may be a common habit for newcomers, however more might not be better. It is recommended to hold the mindset of quality over quantity. In this way, you are going to make wise, profitable investments.
Find a Realtor you can rely. A Realtor can be a real ally when you are looking for investment properties. He will help you to negotiate excellent deals making the entire shopping process easier. Spend some time to interview several Realtors, and make one last choice a crucial part of your respective team.
Thoroughly do your research on any possible tenants you're considering renting to. Irresponsible tenants are likely to cause property damage and fall behind on rent payments. Before you decide to rent to anybody, obtain references and conduct a comprehensive research on their own criminal and credit score. Being smart about that you rent to is essential when looking for quality tenants.
You might need to make sacrifices. Real estate property investment will take up the majority of your time. Due to this, you may have to let go of a number of your hobbies that consume your free time, and you need to be prepared to do this in order to succeed. Once you've achieved success, you'll have more time for fun.
After knowing the information about property investing you understand now, you are in a better position to really get going. It's important that you understand everything about the market and the properties you're enthusiastic about to ensure this is a successful venture. It's a chance to build that real estate property portfolio now.


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While he does endeavour to read every comment and will often comment, please do not ask Dr George for personal, clinical advice about your problem as that is a floodgate that we cannot open.


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The blueadvisor.zip file you have requested: Skins / advisors / Blue Advisor - 551.9kb is not available. Perhaps try browsing all files for the game Black & White 2 and upload any files you want to share or are missing. This is the only information we could locate:
Changes the look of the bad advisor to a blue skin. The color is pretty well done, the blue is perfect. Also note the red eyes, they turned out pretty good.
We recommend you return to the download list and browse the links from there. If the problem persists, contact us with the details.


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I am Phoenix5225 of Hufflepuff, entering for participation points only. :-)
Precious to me, cute as can be.... Tonks was supposed to be with Teddy at her mother's. Why couldn't she stand waiting? What caused her to look 'anguished'? Not a deathfic, just a possible explanation of why Tonks 'sped off' to find Remus.
Dunderhead students. A clumsily-handled Auror assignment. Snape and Tonks each have a bad day that gets better once they're together.
* Follows Sweet Anger and Too Much is Never Enough*
This Post-Hogwarts fic focuses on Ron and Hermiones budding relationship while the four friends attempt to solve a mystery in a club called Boundaries. Will the boundaries that Ron and Hermione have barricaded themselves behind survive the knock, knock of true love attempting to beat them down?
This fic is the sequel to Internal Battles also by Emily Jayne.
This story is now complete.


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It's your HOME, it's your CHOICE
Painting the exterior of your property is not a small job. There is a great number of things that should be done just to prepare your walls for exterior painting. Hiring a professional and experienced contractor will ease the process a lot since that contractor will know exactly what needs to be done and they will do it in the shortest time possible. Deciding to paint the exterior of your home will additionally protect the siding and trim, and it will boost the curb appeal and market value of your property.
We all know that you can't paint over the stained and destroyed surface because the paint will just fall off. We will thoroughly inspect the exterior of your home before we even start working on the painting project to see if there are some spots that should be cleaned or even repaired. It is an extensive and delicate job which leaves no space for error. Preparation is the key in painting process because if there are things left overseen problems will arise once the project is done and we don't want that for our clients. You can choose from wide array of paint types and various shades of any color. That decision is completely up to you. However, we will decide on which primer should go over the existing paint or surface because the first layer of primer is the most important thing. That layer will hold new paint in place, and it will seal all cracks present on your property's exterior. Best paint you can choose for your home should be 100% pure acrylic latex which consists of solvents, binders, and pigments. While the paint dries, the solvent evaporates and leaves behind binder and pigment. When it comes to color, choices are infinite. If you can't decide on any particular color it would be best for you to take some time and just drive around the neighborhood and try to see if there are some houses that are appealing to you. But remember to keep in mind that more vibrant and lighter colors fade away faster when exposed to weather conditions than muted and darker ones. We recommend that you try to combine the exterior paint of your home with the color of your roof and brickwork or masonry if they are present in your home.
Painting an exterior of your property is not an easy job, and it should be left to experienced professional who know what exactly are they doing. Hiring a contractor without the license or any kind of referrals will probably just leave you with more problems and headache. Exterior painting is a job that should be left to professionals to handle. Hiring an experienced Oklahoma City general contractor is the first and most important thing you should do before the start of your project, so give us a call.


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The Man Who Was George Smiley : The Life of John Bingham Hardback
by MICHAEL JAGO
After a period following the Iraq War, when the reputation of Britain's spooks has hit an all-time low, John le Carre's intellectual hero George Smiley has come to be seen as the perfect spy, a man who would never allow secret intelligence to be misused for political purposes.
Le Carre revealed shortly before the Iraq War that the model for Smiley was the author and MI5 officer John Bingham, the 7th Baron Clanmorris.
Michael Jago's brilliant account of Bingham's life is not just the story of a perfect spy, it is also of a writer whose thrillers transcended the genre, exploring the emotions behind the darkest human behaviour.
As an intelligence officer the bespectacled Bingham had a deep influence on Le Carre, then a junior colleague in MI5.
Like Smiley, Bingham was an expert interrogator. His understanding of the human psyche, demonstrated so brilliantly in his seventeen novels, persuaded his subjects to give up the intelligence they were holding deep inside. He took part in many of MI5's greatest wartime and Cold War operations, from the Double Cross operation that ensured the success of D-Day, through the tracking of Soviet spies in Cold War Britain to the monitoring of Lord Lucan and others planning a right-wing coup in the 1970s.
As le Carre said, 'Nobody who knew John and the work he was doing could have missed the description of Smiley in my first novel.'
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 320 pages, Illustrations
- Publisher: Biteback Publishing
- Publication Date: 01/02/2013
- Category: Biography: literary
Other Formats
- Paperback from £8.35
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Also by MICHAEL JAGO | View all


text: Hi guys, Anyone driving up from Bangalore? My friends just returned from Leg, they said the roads even in the beat conditions are torture for the cars. And even with only city and 4 lane highway drives my 17K mks old punto has suspension noise and some dash rattles and squeaks. Any comments on that ? Don't want to return with a rattle trap.


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_our studies
We explore technological trends and people's behaviors to coach our clients through their transformation
_our studies
We explore technological trends and people's behaviors to coach our clients through their transformation
Social sciences can help companies seize new business opportunities
Emerging needs and problems are innovation's raw material. Social sciences help us understand individuals and their needs through an holistic approach – beyond the sole interactions with products and devices.
In a world of empowered individuals, such knowledge is a decisive
advantage for businesses.
At unknowns, we produce our own knowledge
We use anthropology and sociology to understand changes in people's uses and needs. We focus on domains that are, or will be challenged by the digital era. Either for our clients or ourselves, we explore: banking & insurance, transports, retail, education, health.
We combine scientific discipline and operational pragmatism
While we make sure our methodology is up to scientific standards, we design flexible frameworks suited to companies' needs.
In order to be flexible and relevant, we've built our own network of social scientists. They're specialized, and build ad-hoc methodology to address each problem and context.
Explore existing academic studies to select an investigation angle and build hypotheses.
Research Protocole
Design the methodology and prepare fieldwork.
Get out there and challenge the analysis framework.
Digest, synthesize and restitute.
We watch and anticipate market moves and technology evolutions to assess their true potential.
New technologies are constantly emerging and exploited by newcomers to disrupt markets. We continually observe those evolutions to evaluate both their potential and their relevance for our clients.


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Product or Service
Profile:Manufacturer - Producer|Ref:PSL127693YH | Country: China | Currency: usd | Export: No
Programmable Business Hour Signs are the latest advertising tool that a business store owner can use it to advertise promotions, specials, or display company information to attract foot traffic to their shop.
1)Size: 18''H x 18''L x 1''D
4)Power supply:AC110-240V
5)Acrylic material signs with a scrolling message display
6)Lightweight And Easy To Install
7)Safe To Touch And Operate
8)Bright RED Vinyl Stickers to display Business Hours.
9)For Indoor Use Only
10)Accessories Included: 8 Feet long UL Certified Power Cord, Remote Control, Hanging Chain, Vinyl Stickers
Contact the company


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During the summer of 1968, Tommy Roberts purchased WKDN (AM) in Camden. He tried to make it competition for the major stations in Philadelphia and had some success.
About 1972, the station purchased the rights to the old radio series from the thirties and forties, "The Shadow." They aired the program on Sunday afternoons and sold the time to a local realtor. We have three excerpts from one day. First is a commercial, then the closing spot and a reminder to tune in again next week and finally the station identification. We have not yet identified any of the announcers.
Commercial announcement
Commercial and closing
WTMR Station Identification
From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Audio originally donated by Broadcast Pioneers historian Gerry Wilkinson
© 2008, Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
All Rights Reserved
The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is firstname.lastname@example.com


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Product or Service
jeans skirt, sportswear, jeans
Profile:Manufacturer - Producer|Ref:PSL10760YH | Country: China | Export: No
with decades experience, our enterprise specializes in processing garment. our company has strong technology, strict management, the first class credit standing and sell well all over china, south-east asia, europe and america. marketable of products earn reputation.
Contact the company


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Taunton's Tanner Rogers is receiving an outpouring of support from friends, schoolmates and even professional athletes after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma about a month ago.
Taunton's Tanner Rogers is receiving an outpouring of support from friends, schoolmates and even professional athletes after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma about a month ago.
Classmates of Rogers, 16, a sophomore at Taunton High School, showed their solidarity this past week, when they came into class wearing red, his favorite color. Over the weekend, many of his friends shaved their heads or dyed red streaks in their hair to support him as he undergoes chemotherapy treatment.
Rogers said it's been "tough" since he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer. "I'm just trying to live through it," Rogers said.
But he added that the support he has received is encouraging.
"Everyone just decided to wear red, because it's my favorite color, to show support," he said. "I think it's great. People have even dyed their hair red, shaved their hair, got my initials shaved into their head. It's awesome."
Rogers is a member of the Tigers cross country and winter track teams. He planned on participating in spring track this year, but said he will be a manager for the squad instead as he receives treatment.
Undergoing treatment
Rogers has treatment once — sometimes twice — each week, traveling to the Jimmy Fund Clinic in Boston. He said he has 11 more weeks of treatment scheduled, and he goes to school on the days he feels well enough.
His mother, Caryn Rogers, said the diagnosis "was quite a shock." Rogers had chest pain, whic was being treated as heartburn, before he was given a chest X-ray "for the heck of it," as his mother describes it.
"It was right before he ran his best mile for winter track, in 5 minutes, 53 seconds," his mother said. Caryn Rogers said the cancer is in stage four, affecting his other organs and bones, but the prognosis is good.
"I would say he was really depressed week one and two," she said. "But just this past weekend with all his friends, we had a housefull, and he woke up with a smile afterwards. It's just such a scary thing. But to have all these people stand by is very comforting."
Friends and support
Many of his friends went further, rallying to have famous professional athletes give Tanner shout-outs on Twitter, using the hashtag "#TeamTanMan," a play on Tanner's name and a rallying call for support.
New England Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis wrote, "keep fighting TanMan." Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman published a a tweet in response, proclaiming he was "part of the team," and teammate Tiquan Underwood wrote "beat cancer bruh," while Green Bay Packers receiver Greg Jennings also gave his support. Other athletes included Celtics forwards Jeff Green and Marquis Daniels, Redskins receiver Donté Stallworth, and Patriots receiver Deion Branch, safety Patrick Chung and tackle Vince Wilfork.
The New England Revolution's official Twitter page asked the club's fans to support the cause.
Winner of "Survivor" Jenna Morasca expressed her support, as did JAM'N 94.5 radio personality Ramiro Torres and "Chelsea Lately" writer and comedian Brad Wollack, among many others.
Tanner Rogers' friends who organized the Twitter campaign and the efforts to support him at school say they don't want any recognition for what they are doing.
"We don't want any fanfare about us," said Andrew Doherty, who helped spearhead the efforts. "We want everything directed towards him."
Fellow Taunton High sophomore Hamie Hamie agreed. "It's all for Tanner," he said.
Contact Marc Larocque at firstname.lastname@example.com


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This article is the work of guest blogger Felipe Diaz, a fine and enthusiastic young man from the great state of Wisconsin who is currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee studying Film Production and Marketing.
Maybe someone should tell Seattle Mist head coach Chris Michaelson not to take his job so seriously. In a play reminiscent of the Broncos Rahim Moore getting burned by Baltimore's Torrey Smith in this year's NFL playoffs, the Seattle Mist secondary failed to keep the Green Bay Chill's wide receivers in front of them, and coach Michaleson was not pleased.
Apparently, he forgot that the Lingerie Football League (now know as the Legends Football League, but hey, let's call a spade a spade) isn't really that big of a deal.
I admire his desire to win, but the incredibly brutal verbal beat down he dealt his team was absolutely boorish and uncalled for.
He did work in some actual coaching between the f-bombs though, reminding his players that you don't let the receivers get behind you just before he inquired as to whether his defensive backs were "effing retarded."
Maybe it's just me, but if I were staring at a room full of women wearing football unis that look painted on, I would probably opt to hug it out instead of dropping f-bombs. But apparently Michaelson's coaching methods were effective, as the Mist would go on to win 55-36, and for his efforts coach Chris is having the matter reviewed by the league commissioner.
The post Lingerie Football League coach delivers vicious halftime tongue-lashing to team appeared first on Last Angry Fan.
Read more posts on The Last Angry Fan »
Read the original article on The Last Angry Fan. Copyright 2013.


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I Love Mornings After A Windstorm
Personal Stories, Advice, and Support 2 People
I Think It's For The BirdsAfter perusing my garden yesterday, I noticed in my garden that a ot of blackberries have sprouted this year. After offering a sactuary of two ponds, baths, feeders, and foliage, those cute little birdies hanging in my trees have left their depoopits in my gardens. Great. Must...
wanderingvine 51-55, T 0 Jan 20, 2011


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Hägerau 51c, Steeg
Price per room/night from EUR 46
More hotels in Steeg
New search
Please note that breakfast is only available on request with check-in. Please inform Haus Anemone in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
Continue to the next page for a full description of the available rooms and their prices. Choose and book your room.


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New Courses Fill Catering Knowledge Gap
A survey of officers and crew by a leading tanker owner suggests catering and galley staff throughout the industry may be in urgent need of training, according to Seagull.
The computer-based training provider draws attention to a thorough survey of all ranks undertaken by Finaval S.p.A, a tanker owner, in cooperation with CIRM (International Radio-Medical Centre Rome) and UNICAM (Centre for Clinical Research, Telemedicine and Telepharmacy, Camerino University) focusing on knowledge and understanding of food hygiene and food handling best practice. Surprisingly, catering is the staffing group identified as "the least informed about the subject matter for the majority of questions, or is certainly not the most informed," the survey said.
"The Maritime Labor Convention 2006 has explicit rules covering food and catering to ensure that seafarers have access to good quality food and drinking water under regulated hygienic conditions," said Anders Brunvoll, Seagull Senior Course Instructor. "However, this detailed survey suggests that there is considerable work to be done so that the relevant staff are suitably trained."
Shortcomings were found in even the most basic knowledge. Catering staff provided the highest proportion of "No" answers to the question "Do you think that diseases can be transmitted through food?" The survey also suggests only 52% of catering and galley staff are aware that food may be responsible for disease transmission, while more than 30% confirmed their lack of knowledge by skipping the question.
The deeper problem is demonstrated by findings that 88% of catering staff got the storage temperature of dairy products (below +4oC) wrong, 20% believed refrigeration helped germs to grow, 35% thought hazardous foods always had a bad taste or smell, and 48% thought refreezing thawed food was not a problem. Overall, catering staff proved to be among the least likely to identify the symptoms of foodborne illness.
"Tools ensuring that catering staff are properly trained for their positions are critical for shipowners, but also for the rest of a ship's crew working alongside those handling, storing and serving their food," Brunvoll said.
"Based on the survey, Finaval has identified specialized knowledge verified through documentation or ad hoc testing as a key training objective for catering staff. The shipowner believes this is also an appropriate opportunity for Seagull to highlight its distance learning CBT # 220-223 courses, which include introductory modules through to advanced rank-specific training. Seafarers face rigorous training and have a right to expect rigor on hygiene from their galley and catering ship-mates."
In all cases, Seagull's distance courses on food hygiene emphasize the importance of safe and effective food handling related to food poisoning and precautions necessary to avoid them.
"Those directly involved in preparing food benefit from additional training covering the importance of nutritional and dietary requirements, and the need to serve balanced meals," Brunvoll said. "However, raising awareness and embedding knowledge can be just as important for the mess man and the galley boy."


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As you may have already figured out, every now and then I love to post about new things I have bought, tried, reviewed, and/or subscribed to… My newest obsessions as I call them.
Here are my 3 latest:
LipSense– A friend of mine became a distributor a while ago and I kept seeing all of her posts about LipSense. I also couldn't help but to notice all of the people that were saying they just couldn't get enough of it. I'm not much of a lipstick person, but lip gloss I can't live without. She reached out to me to see if I wanted to try some products and in return, do an honest review of the products. So because of my curiosity and the love of a good lip gloss I had to say yes.
So I tried the Orchid Gloss and Pink Champagne (color, not just a gloss) kits. Applying is different from regular lipstick/gloss, however very simple. Then I waited, waited, and waited… It didn't wear off, or stick to the side of the glass I was drinking from. It didn't smear onto my teeth and I did not need to reapply for the entire day. It stayed for about 10+ hours. Now that has never happened with any other gloss or lipstick I have ever used. I wasn't sure if I believed the claims of it staying on even after eating, drinking, kissing, and talking all day were true, but honestly 100% it stays on! It's pretty awesome! LipSense does recommend that you no longer use traditional chapstick, believe it or not, they really are not helping your lips heal. However the ingredients in LipSense truly make your lips healthier and smoother after about 1-2 weeks of use. I noticed a huge difference in how my lips felt, finally they weren't chapped!
They also are very conscientious about what they do not put into their products. They are *lead free, *wax free, *Gluten free, *GMO free, no animal by-products, and NO animal testing. Truly a great product and brand! You can check out my friends Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/325880741142511/
Or Find her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/hollie_pomfret/
You may have been one of those lucky people targeted on a Facebook ad to check out ShadyRays. Sunglasses that are stylish and not expensive. People that know me well, know I am kind of a snob when it comes to sunglasses. I usually (not always) won't spend a lot of money on shoes or bags, but I will on sunglasses. After I saw the ad I had to go check out ShadyRays website. I found a few pairs that were totally my style, and I loved the variety in colors. ShadyRays was awesome enough to send me a pair to try and see if I liked them. When I first opened them, I thought that they looked even better in person than online. I loved the blue/green lenses. They fit perfect and have not stretched out one bit so far. I hate when the arms of my glasses get worn out and do not stay on my face where they are supposed to. This particular pair isn't an extremely dark lens, so it keeps your surroundings still crisp and bright. I love the way they look on me and how comfortable they are. They are also polarized which I love! The price point is AMAZING and for the quality you really can't beat them! I have two more pairs on my wishlist.
A seriously Ahh-mazing pair of flip flops! They are "Offensively Comfortable" and stylish! I bought this pair –
They are reasonably priced, and they offer a few different styles. I brought this pair with me when we went to Hershey Park. I knew we would be doing a ton of walking and it was going to be very hot out. Many times after wearing most flip flops, I have a really sharp pain in my right heal. However the rippled soles of these felt amazing on my feet. I never had any pain. They are now my go to pair of summer flip flops! I plan on ordering this pair next. They are so fun, stylish, and well they say AhhSoles. Offensive and right up my alley!
And because AhhSoles is so freaking awesome, they are offering a discount code for to my readers. You can use code: MamaDrama and save 15% from now until Father's Day!


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1984 · Ithaca, New York
by Brilliant, Richard
Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press, 1984. Hardcover. NF/VG- (Clean, bright, tight but with prior owner's name/date on ffep - professor of classical art; dj has light rubbing to back). Blue cloth/boards. Gilt lettering. Navy and turquoise illus. dj with white/turquoise lettering. 200 pp. with more than 70 bw images, numbered by chapter. Brilliant explores four distinct genres of visual narrative: Etruscan urns, Pompeian frescoes, reliefs on Trajan's Column in Rome and other public monuments, and the late Roman mythological sarcophagi. He concentrates on the observier, who, manipulated by the artist, moves beyond discrete impressions to discover continuities of action and a sense of time through the work of art. Illustrations include original drawingsa and schematic tables. (Inventory #: 156129)


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Car Loan Leads
With today's smarter customers, ruthless competition, and constantly changing markets, why is Leads Bureau the right place for you? Well, you need a lead generation service that is dedicated to your success. Here at Leads Bureau, you can get high quality car loan leads, auto loan leads, finance leads, and also auto-finance leads. We meet your needs rather than you having to compromise with ours. We even offer a free trial of using our car leads management system and free appointments. If you love us, you just have to sign a monthly contract with no strings attached.
We verify each car lead that we give you by running it past one of our lead generation experts. We also never sell your leads, once they are in your hands and you accept them, they are yours. We give our customers proof that we are doing our jobs, such as recordings, call logs, and samples of our successful work. We give you your leads promptly and through anyway of communication you would like.
Start making more profit with Leads Bureau today!