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This weekend I was put to the test while bantering with some folks about wine/food pairing. The query? Rocky Mountain Oysters. At first all I heard was what to pair with oysters. Then I played back the moment and realized there was more to it - and, in fact, this was a new one on me. Once I found out what they were, well, being a lady from urban parts, I was stumped. That said, I was humored by the cajones (pun intended) the fellow had to ask this particular question; I did a little quick recipe searching to see what kind of preparation is common when serving these rare appetizers. If you are like me and haven't had the chance to taste these wholesome nuggets, Rocky Mountain Oysters reportedly don't have any distinct flavor on their own. At best, they can be likened to liver. I wasn't surprised to see they also fall under the "chewy" category; perhaps combined with the fact that they are considered a delicacy, this is where they get their "oyster" name association? These little gems are most often seasoned, breaded, deep fried and served piping hot with all kinds of fun dipping sauces.
Why is this helpful to know? When it comes to food/wine pairing it is never a bad idea to consider: a) how the item will be prepared (e.g. grilled, steamed, fried); b) what dressing/marinade/seasoning is involved and/or c) what will accompany the dish, as side dishes are sometimes a good place to focus particularly when less distinct proteins like chicken, fish or even turkey are on offer. These other culinary 'features', if you will, impact the weight, richness and/or fruitiness/earthiness of the dish and help guide which beverage might be the best option. For example, baked cod seasoned with olive oil, garlic and pepper is much different than cod deep fried in beer batter (aka fish and chips).
Back to our delicacy item in question then, when dealing with a fried food, a great pairing is almost always answered by something bubbly - whether that's a cold brew, or a dry sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco. You could also opt for something high in acid and lighter bodied, like Sauvignon Blanc. Or, if wine is in fact your preference, do both! Pick up a bottle of the La Tosa Valnure, a dry, frizzante (slightly sparkingly) Italian white wine made from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes. The lighter style of these white wines and the crispness offered by the additional acidity that defines them allows your palate to 'regroup' and get ready for another rich bite of fried, goodness.
Have you ever had the chance to savor a Rocky Mountain Oyster? What was your beverage of choice?


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2012 Provincial Tournaments:
PFCWC 2012 – 3rd Qualifier – May 12 – 26, 2012
at STI Court Naga City
PFCWC 2012 – 4th Qualifier July 28 & 29, 2012
at Lapu Lapu City Sports Center Cebu
Men's Open: Champion- USC 1st Runner-up Don Bosco Cebu
Women's Open: Champion – USC; 1st Runner-up – San Roque
PFCWC 2012 – 7th Qualifier September 29 –October 6 at Don Bosco Cebu Gym
Mens Champion: USC
Women's Champion: USC
Boys u-14: Don Bosco Cebu
Boys u-10; Don Bosco Cebu.
PFCWC 2012 – 8th Qualifier September 1, 2012 at Don Bosco Tarlac Gym
Champion – Tarlac FC
2nd – Tarlac United
3rd -TSU – College of Engineering
PFCWC 2012 – 9th Qualifier September 15 – October 21, 2012
at Subic Bay Gyms (Brgy. Mabayuan & Brgy. Pag Asa)
Champion – Amihan FC
2nd – Lighthouse FC
3rd – Lindberg FC
PFCWC 2012 – 10th Qualifier on December 2, 2012 at Metrosports Lahug, Cebu
Group Tables:
Group A: Netherlands, China, Germany, Spain
Group B: Japan, Korea, Philippines, Brazil
In line with the mission of promoting Futsal in the Philippines, we decided to organize a "mini world cup" tournament instead, adding a little twist to make the event more interesting and colorful. This world cup event will be held annually, in addition to the 4-5 planned tournaments that will be pushing through in 2013. For this 1st tournament, a total of 8 teams participated. However, we are looking to include more teams (16-32) for the future events. In order to make it more realistic in future, there is a plan to require each country represented to have players from that origin. This will also promote unity, harmony and friendship with the various "countries" players.
On the actual day, only 6 teams turned up. The other 2 teams defaulted due to prior engagements of the Aboitiz Cup that resulted in a schedule conflict. Nevertheless, it was a fun-filled tournament, with Japan being crowned the Champions, Germany as Runners-Up, and Brazil as Third place.
This again proves that Cebu is determined and committed to Futsal, and is going all out to bring the sport to the next higher level. The planned tournaments for 2013 will also include a College Futsal League, which is currently in the initial planning stages. The others will follow the PFCWC format, of 4 regional elimination legs leading to the National Finals.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Make our scenic overlook of the Joy Valley the perfect backdrop for your special event! Here at Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery, we are able to host 100 guests at a time. We have a indoor tasting room as well as an outdoor covered patio for you to enjoy rain or shine! Some of the events we are able to host include:


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Marketing Plan Creation
Module 1
- Review what has worked and what has not in order to create your marketing and sales plan for the year ahead.
- Get clear on your why and what is actually driving your marketing initiatives.
- Create business goals moving forward that are attainable and driven through monthly strategies.
- Define your target audience clearly and succinctly allowing you to focus your efforts towards the market sector that is what we will call your sweet spot.
- Uncover the pain points that your product or service resolves.
Website & Marketing Strategy
Module 2
- Create a marketing budget based on tried and true methodologies for how much you should be spending on marketing. No more guessing.
- With budget in hand clearly understand how much you should or shouldn't be spending on your website and the options available to you.
- Empower your business to have full control over your website as you create a plan for a website that best represents your company and gets the needed conversion you are looking to achieve.
- Learn the basic for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and the keywords that are important for content on your site.
- Create as part of your marketing plan consistent site updates always giving reasons for visitors to return to your site.
Marketing Calendar
Module 3
- Create a content calendar system that gives your target audience what matters most to them when they need it.
- Learn the tips and tools for creating consistent content week after week - month after month - that you can use across all platforms.
- Allow yourself to save precious time by knowing what is coming up and planning accordingly.
Email Marketing
Module 4
- Fully understand how email marketing is and isn't working in today's marketplace.
- Include in your marketing plan when and how your email messages will get out.
- Build a strong presence and message that consistently reaches out and touches your current and potential customers.
- Create a winning template that gets reader engagement.
- Compile and build a strong permission based mailing list.
Blogging & Branding
Module 5
- Understand your voice as an expert in your field or industry and how to best project it.
- Gain the insight in how consistent blogging enhances your SEO rankings by giving your website fresh content.
- Guest blogging and article writing for other online publications and websites.
- Creating a brand that is consistent across all platforms.
Marketing Meets Sales
Module 6
- Understand when marketing actually gets turned over to sales.
- The power in creating programs that new customers can easily move into.
- Not forgetting your current customer base in the process with systems for keeping them in the loop.
- The critical importance of having a sales system in place that includes follow-up and customer service.
The Power of LinkedIn
Module 7
- Learn the importance of the social media platform LinkedIn
- Insure your profile is strong in all the right places and connect to get to the magic 500+ number quickly and easily.
- Understand the SEO (search engine optimization) and networking power of LinkedIn.
Collaboration & Partnership
Module 8
- Create a list of potential joint venture partners based on their needs and reach combined with what you bring to the table.
- Explore the needs of others and how your work together can bring together joint marketing efforts.
- Dive deeper into the importance of educational programs from webinars to live education events that you can partner in.
- Create an implementation plan of bringing these programs and ideas to life as you create win/win opportunities.
Photos & Videos
Module 9
- Learn how to take great photos
- Learn how to record videos and develop confidence in front of the camera.
- Get access to the private 30 day video challenge where you will make a prompted one-minute video every day for 30 days.
Social Media
Module 10
- Review your social media plan that is part of your overall marketing plan and strategy focusing on the most important to your target audience first.
- Discuss current trends and demographics on these platforms as well as any new ones that may be popping up.
- Using Social Media as a research tool for your customers and competition.
- When to spend money and not spend money on social media as you then to decide if it is working to bring ROI.
Reports & Analytics
Module 11
- Set up systems for reviewing the analytic's of your website and how it has been performing.
- Understand your email marketing reports from open rates, to click-throughs and what content is engaging your audience.
- Social Media performance and which platforms are bringing you the best overall results.
- Decide from all this data what adjustments need to happen in your marketing efforts.
Long-Term Strategy
Module 12
How will you adapt when things inevitably change in the marketplace? We will make sure your tank is full of gas and your navigation is set to exactly where you want to go. By utilizing the vast amount of learning and growing that has been shared through the program, you will have a strong resource to start the cycle again for the year ahead.
Planning is powerful when done with a strong foundation of lessons and new tools learned along the way.
Become a master of your marketing
The Marketing Mastery Program is your solution to learn how to get clear and consistent with your marketing strategies. Develop systems to discover and implement the proper marketing tactics that create authentic and consistent customer engagement as a result.
The reality is that marketing doesn't happen overnight and with that in mind, this program has been designed to run over the course of one year in order to evaluate your progress along the way. This will allow you to make the necessary adjustments and changes as we go towards your successes – together.
Marketing today is not just about using social media, or having a nice big billboard on the highway. There are so many components that make up modern marketing that most small businesses struggle to just try and keep up. The goal with this program is have you change your approach to have it integrate with everything else that you are doing within your business so that marketing in fact happens all the time – not just when you "find" the time.
We will start at the basics of creating a plan, and then incorporate the key ingredient to our program. You will have the ability to learn and grow within the rich context of bi-monthly live coaching sessions that expand what you have learned through the detailed online program and real world implementation.


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Princess Pamper Parties
It's every little girl's dream to be a Princess! Make their dream a reality (for a couple of hours...) with a Princess Pamper Party at BLISS Skin Beaut-ique.
Princess Parties are a private booking - Princesses have the salon all to themselves
We have a number of options available so that each Princess can plan a party tailored to her requirements.
Little Princess Pamper Party $245
Fizzy Foot Soak
Foot Massage
Toenails Painted
Chocolate Hand massage
Fingernails Painted
Games & Prizes
Fizzy Fruit Punch
Mini Cupcakes
Small Gift for each Guest
$20 BLISS Voucher for each Mum
Tween Diva Pamper Party $270
Fizzy Foot Soak
Foot Massage
Chocolate Hand Massage
Fingernails Painted
Soothing Facial Massage
Mini Make Up
Games & Prizes
Chocolate & Marshmallow Fondue
Small Gift for each Guest
$20 BLISS Voucher for each Mum
*Please see our Princess Party Brochure for full details.


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The Associated Press has initiated an aggressive "fact check" campaign. Always on the alert for fake news, the AP seeks to protect its readers. Only thing is, almost all of the AP's "fact checks" relate to President Trump. For example, just in the last three or four weeks:
AP FACT CHECK: Trump's iffy grasp of autism research
AP FACT CHECK: Misplaced blame for nomination failure [Republicans were responsible]
AP FACT CHECK: Trump's messy case that he inherited a mess
AP FACT CHECK: The audacity of hype [Trump's claims are delusional]
AP FACT CHECK: Trump claims, and gets, undue credit
AP FACT CHECK: Trump considers 20 million people 'very few'
AP FACT CHECK: Black colleges hardly school choice pioneers [contradicting Betsy DeVos]
AP FACT CHECK: Trump takes undue credit for F-35 savings
AP FACT CHECK: Trump takes credit he hasn't earned
AP FACT CHECK: Trump jumps the gun on NATO, jobs claims
AP FACT CHECK: US military not as threadbare as Trump says
AP FACT CHECK: Trump's skewed ledger of achievements
AP FACT CHECK: How Trump's Keystone XL story fell apart
AP FACT CHECK: White House overly downbeat about budgeteers
AP FACT CHECK: Cabinet members go rogue on science, history
So the AP's "fact check" operation is really just another phase of its war on the Trump administration and the Republican Party. (To be fair, over the same time period the AP did fact-check one Democrat, Claire McCaskill with regard to her blatantly false claim about never having met the Russian ambassador.)
So, what do the AP fact checkers do when they feel the need for balance and don't want to bash Donald Trump? Today's headline: AP FACT CHECK: Pope didn't change Ten Commandments. The AP went after a joke site called Real News Right Now:
The purported author, R. Hobbus J.D., is identified on the website as an investigative journalist who has won awards that don't exist, including the "Oscar Mayer Award for Journalistic Excellence."
That might have been a clue. The AP helpfully explains:
Pope Francis didn't say that God had told him to revise the Ten Commandments as claimed in a widely shared story. Francis never made the purported comments and has not changed or added to the Ten Commandments. He has no authority to do that, given that the core moral teachings of Christianity and Judaism were said to have been revealed to Moses by God and are written in the Bible.
Glad they cleared that up! Another blow struck against fake news. Tomorrow the AP fact checkers will get back to their real purpose, attacking President Trump. When the AP is in charge, Democrats are safe.


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Y'all, I'm not even going to lie – I hate winter. The snow, the cold, the lack of sunshine? It's all too much for me. Why I live in Indiana is anyone's guess, because I much prefer the winters in sunny Florida.
But typical, this year when I really need a good snow in order to capture this week's #52Snapshots of Life theme, WINTER, well wouldn't you know it. There's no snow on the ground here. Not a single flake. Nothing that resembles winter in the least.
So I could tell you that I snapped this adorable photo of Sadie earlier today as she played in the snow, but I'd be fibbing. When I realized I wasn't going to be able to get a photo this week to vividly represent winter in the Hoosier State, I started digging through old ones looking for something really special, and this is what I found.
It was 10 years ago… yes, this photo is a decade old. Our sweet girl was just days away from her 6th birthday and nothing made her happier than running through a blanket of fluffy snow covering our backyard and in the winter of 2005, that's exactly what she got.
She enjoys the cold and snow a lot less these days, but in just a couple of weeks we'll celebrate her sweet 16, and that's something to smile about.
52 Snapshots isn't just for pet bloggers. It's for anyone who loves to take photos, and even though we're already into week 5, it's never too late to join us! Simply snap a photo based on the current week's theme (shown in the photo above), and then share your masterpiece in a blog post, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or wherever you like. It's so much fun seeing what everyone comes up with each and every week!
On Fridays I share my photo for the week right here on the blog and I give you a chance to link up with me and the other amazing participants. All you have to do is simply add your link below and share your photos with the world! Oh, and when you share your photos on social media, please be sure to use hashtag #52Snapshots so we can find you!
Just a couple of rules: first, if you're linking up, please be sure to link DIRECTLY TO your #52Snapshots post – don't link to your main website URL. And second, if you are not participating in photo challenge, please don't link up here. Your link will be removed. Thanks for understanding!


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On Discipline
Lindsey Calla
Probably the biggest road block to any kind of transformation is lack of self-discipline. It's that age-old phrase 'we are what we repeatedly do', if of course, we can squeeze that repetition in between the myriad of things we are told we need to accomplish in a day. But it's that feeling of euphoria when something becomes so routine that the positive benefits start to show that is the real reward of self-dicispline. It's basically its own muscle that needs to be flexed daily in order to be changed. I'm terrible at routine, clearly, since I don't even keep a consistent posting schedule here. I started to change my routine a bit to try to jump start that discipline and better track results. The bikini beach guides and all of that do not work as well for me personally and aren't as effective for getting me motivated. I need to find things that truly catch my interest and make me want to get out the door. Spinning is one of those activities that I brought back into my world because I found a great class that has candlelight and more inspirational music rather than drill sergeant style. The second is something that I had been hinting about being interested in for a while and finally started to devote a lot of time to, which is ashtanga yoga particularly in the Mysore style. It's one of the most disciplined practices I've tried so far and requires total and clear presence.
I've made more strides in flexibility and strength in the past 3 months of practicing this style than I have the whole few years I practiced a more jumbled mix of power yoga classes. It requires me to be so present that I rely on only myself to memorize the sequences. Most of the time I'm a fumbling idiot falling on myself trying to get through even the first primary series but then there are those moments when something clicks. I'm going to try to track my progress and document it as much as possible. Here are some of the things I've learned so far from bringing that discipline into my life:
Strength is Internal
I talked a lot about this in a previous post and it keeps ringing more true to me the more I experiment with my body and different workouts. HIIT and weight training make me superficially strong. I couldn't believe how weak I was when I started to try to combat some of the ashtanga poses because those deep internal muscles weren't getting much love. I felt so fooled.
Presence & Concentration
I'm guilty of showing up to workout classes half checked out. Someone calls out an order and I go through the motions because I think I'm too busy or too stressed to take an 1.5 hours out of the day to commit myself to, well, my self. In reality that 1.5 hours brings more productivity to my day then if I stayed at the desk trying to solve all the problems in my universe.
Tradition is Discipline
I love anything with history and tradition. I also think that tradition leads to self-discipline. If something has been around, practiced, studied, loved for years and still continues to thrive then there is a level of collective self-discipline that exists in that energy space. It's true for cultures around the world who still function the way their ancestors have and it takes discipline to continue those traditions.
Thanks for reading!


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Blue Collared Stripes
Now playing: Boy Boys Boys - Lady Gaga
First of all....who watched Lady Gaga's performance during the halftime show??? My goodness....you guys know I'm a huge Gaga fan. She's just such an artist in every sense of the term. She's so incredibly talented. I thought the show was fabulous. The game was pretty good too.
Moving on....this look is one of my favorites!!!!! For a couple of reasons.....
- It's cute with an edge
- It's so comfortable
- It says....I got this.
I got this shirt on clearance at J.Crew a bit ago. (It's still available and still on sale!) The day after I bought it, a 65ish year old woman came into the store wearing it! I love that. A simple item like this striped shirt can be worn in a multitude of ways by people with completely different style. Versatility is key in a great piece of clothing...and this cowl-neck striped top has that. I wanted to spice it up a bit, so that's what led me to pair the gingham underneath and pop the collar up. It shows through just a little bit and gives the look a bit of spice. I just threw on my trusty navy gap pants (similar here) with it and a pair of Tory Burch canvas flats to give a casual feel. You could easily pair it with a skirt and booties to dress it up though. These J.Crew Jane sunnies (also on SALE now) add to the attitude I was going for. You can tell by my face in these pics how I was feeling. It's amazing how just changing my outfit shapes my attitude as well. I love that about clothing. (Necklace here) My watch is one of my favorites from Fossil. (similar here) It's no longer available, as I've had it for several years, but I still get compliments on it almost every time I wear it. I love Fossil. I probably don't put them on the blog enough, but they are a great, timeless American brand.
This was the fastest outfit that Erika and I have shot to date. I think it only took us about 4 minutes. I'm not kidding. After we wrapped, we went to lunch at Cafe Patachou...always a favorite....and the hostess guys said they liked my outfit. They were very nice...I told them that we just got done shooting it for my blog and then one of them asked if that's really what I wore...waving his hand indicating the collar, and the necklace, and I was like.....of course. What the heck do you think? Haha I think he thought it was a bit much...I, on the other hand, found this outfit to be just right. What do you guys think?


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STRONG by Zumba™ is a high-intensity interval training workout driven by synced music motivation.
STRONG by Zumba™ combines body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training moves synced to original music specifically designed to match every move. For more information, take a look at the STRONG by Zumba™ (external link) website to see why this class is so revolutionary.
Free to all Rec & Sport Centre members. No bookings needed.
$10.60 for Casuals (non-members).
STRONG by Zumba is available at the below times and locations.


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There was nothing overwhelmingly brilliant about the idea of creating an online bookstore, but Amazon has become a brilliant company.
Nothing much about broadcasting the audio of sports games over the web was particularly brilliant, but Mark Cuban earned the title of "brilliant" after creating and selling Broadcast.com to Yahoo for $5.7 billion.
And the idea of cutting out computer salesmen and selling PC parts directly to consumers at a better price wasn't unbelievably, jawdroppingly brilliant either. But still, Dell surpassed $6 million in revenue during its first year in operation. That's brilliant.
But what makes an idea brilliant?
What makes a business idea a brilliant idea?
The thing that makes a business idea brilliant is the result.
In other words, a business idea that doesn't work isn't brilliant, no matter how much potential it had at the outset. Brilliance is a title given to companies that achieve brilliance, not to one that hasn't built anything at all.
The execution makes an idea brilliant. The entrepreneur makes the idea brilliant. The company as a whole makes an idea truly brilliant.
So really, there may be fewer brilliant ideas than we think.
Brilliant execution makes an idea brilliant.
I just read that Elon Musk–who might actually be a technical genius–launched a company dedicated to connecting the human mind to computers without any physical connections.
While that idea has a large wow factor and sparks a lot of fun and crazy thoughts about its potential, it's not truly a brilliant idea, is it?
People have been imagining the possibility of downloading thoughts to a computer ever since we've been able to download other things to a computer. Going even further back, people have longed for the day when our minds could control outside objects. Both are enticing ideas. Neither are brilliant.
What would make this a brilliant idea is if it worked.
Brilliance as a barrier.
Have you ever talked with someone who hasn't started their entrepreneurial journey because they haven't found the next brilliant idea?
I've talked with maybe one or two. However, I've talked with more people who go out of their way to put other's ideas down for not being brilliant.
I met one such person just last week.
He bragged about a time when he was on a panel for a pitch competition. According to him, he was the only person willing to tell the startups that their ideas were stupid. While he wore that as a badge of honor, I saw his perspective as a way to protect his own insecurities.
He's not Jeff Bezos from Amazon. He's not Mark Cuban. And he's not Mike Dell. Actually, it might not even matter if he were those people, because even those business icons get it wrong.
Brilliance is most often a barrier when someone else doesn't think it's brilliant.
But they don't matter, so don't let them matter.
Instead of searching for a brilliant idea, search for another type of idea.
Search for average ideas, then focus on brilliant execution.
An average idea is to have people use their own vehicles to give strangers rides. That used to be called hitchhiking. However, Uber and Lyft are executing brilliantly.
The quickest way to a brilliant idea is to execute any idea brilliantly.
Look around. Do you see any pretty average ideas laying around?
Be unafraid to pick one up and execute.
Brilliantly, of course.


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127 Hours, a new film about Aron Ralston, the young adventurer who had to amputate his arm with a multi-tool, has been garnering positive reviews. Some of the scenes are said to be so realistic and explicit that three filmgoers fainted when it was it was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival (although of course this could well have been a publicity stunt.)
Directed by Danny Boyle, the film, based on Ralston's Between a Rock and a Hard Place, tells the story of how a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Over the next five days he comes to the conclusion that the only way to escape is break the bone and cut through the tendons of his right arm. There's a short trailer here but also take a look at this film of Ralston describing the amputation.
Obviously the build-up to the severing of the arm forms the central part the book but Ralston has a few other tales to tell. For example, early on in his outdoor career a solo climbing trip to the Grand Teton National Park turned into a nightmare cat and mouse game with a hungry bear. Soon after establishing camp he realised that a young bear had been following him so, being an experienced backwoodsman, he strapped his food bag high up in a tree. The bear though just ripped it down. Ralston realised that he if he didn't get the supplies back he could well run into trouble thus he went looking for the thief, found it, and while waving a large stick, shouted "give me my food back, bear". Surprisingly, it dropped the bag. However, the animal later got its revenge by trashing the camp while Ralston was off climbing. It then followed him for 24 hours - Ralston would throw stones at the bear, it would go away, and then re-appear. He finally reached the safety the safety of his car,
I'd completely forgotten this story until a friend reminded me - whilst trying to scare a bear (left) away from our camp at Porcupine Flat, near Tuolumne Meadows. Panic reigned in the campsite for an hour or so, especially after the animal went up to someone's table and began to eat everything in sight. It gave just a small insight into the fear Ralston must have felt whilst coping with the bear on his own.


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Gravity Explores The Awesome Depths of Space
The entire movie is like a slow motion ballet; elegant and graceful. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, float through the air like lithe nymphs acting out a play. And yet there are moments of such emotional intensity that it's almost unbearable.
These days, I approach all media critically as a matter of course. It comes naturally to me to look for the symbolism and coded messages present in any body of work. When people create, it's with an eye for transmitting a message; a way to convey their interpretation of the world, and the exciting thing about television and films is delving into those varied perspectives.
But I've just come from seeing the film Gravity for the first time and all I can say is, "WOW." I'm not entirely sure I'm able to form a cohesive thought about this movie because I'm so in awe.
The entire movie is like a slow motion ballet; elegant and graceful. The film's stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, float through the air like lithe nymphs acting out a play. And yet there are moments of such emotional intensity that it's almost unbearable.
Gravity is beautifully shot. It is absolutely wonderful to look at, and it really gives weight to the majesty and vast intensity of space. So much of the movie is simply a stark contemplation on our individual insignificance amidst the expansiveness of the universe.
Alfonso Cuarón has created here a world that is familiar and yet completely foreign. He will not allow you to escape the profoundness of the world as seen from above, and he will force you to observe in awe, the spectacle that is our lowly place in the universe.
What struck me too, was the overwhelming silence of the film that spoke to the loneliness of Sandra Bullock's character, "Ryan Stone." There are several moments where her panicked breathing is the only thing between the audience and an utterly complete lack of sound. Her sheer terror echoes all around you, and you can't escape it. The audience's first person perspective of her experience at several points heightened the suspense, and forced you to engage the film with all your senses. I paid rapt attention throughout, which is rare for me as I'm usually analyzing things internally as they unfold onscreen. This time, it was all I could do to take it in.
Plot-wise, this entire movie could probably be summed up on one sentence, but critically, there is so much here about the human condition that I genuinely don't feel qualified to talk about it. There is a reverence here; a respectful understanding that there is so much more than ourselves in play. This is a movie about disaster yes, but not the one you think.
Gravity deals with not just the disaster, but the aftermath; how do you continue to survive when you think all hope is lost? How do you push forward when you've exhausted your options? How do you fight when you have nothing left to live for?
We get to the heart of these questions primarily through Bullock's character, and boy does her performance deliver. We learn that Ryan Stone had a daughter who died in an accident, and that her death has weighed heavily on her heart, keeping her from moving forward and from pushing through; from doing any more than is required. But by the end of the film, Stone has reached deep into the depths of her pain to find the will to live. To fight against all odds to survive and to come out on the other side of her pain. Her final triumph makes the previous tribulations seem worth it; she found the strength to survive. Her struggles meant something.
All in all, I'm glad that I gave the film a shot. It has sent me into a contemplative tailspin for which I'm grateful. Gravity is an exquisitely beautiful and haunting translation of the trials of the human spirit. It will stay with you in a way that no other film ever has.


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Kickstarter Approval and FATE SF preview Part 3/
The Nova Praxis Kickstarter has been approved! That means we've been given the green light to launch this Monday, October 1st.
Also, John Till over at FATE SF has posted Part 3 of his Nova Praxis preview. This time he focuses on character creation, sleeves, and gear.


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La Pachamambo brings together the best of salsa, mambo, cumbia and boogaloo classics with an unmatched energy. This 7-piece salsa band always gets people up and out of their chairs as the night grows late. They're super tight, look great, and have an a remarkable sound. They're known to really get the party moving!
The performance is paired with the award-winning cuisine from Chef Ivan Garcia.
Reservations encouraged: (718) 366-0500
Performance starts at 8pm


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Many people associate knitted fabrics with grandma's itchy, hand-knit presents which sometimes were quite uncomfortable. But this is a thing of the past. Knitted fabrics nowadays are machine-made and produced from finest wool to meet the high standard of quality. Men's knitted pullovers have become more and more popular and are a big hit now. You can be in line with the trend with fashionable knit pullovers which are available at our online shop.
Knitwear doesn't only keep you warm, but will enhance any outfit. Classic knit patterns give a fashionable touch so you will surely attract attention regardless of whether you are at the canteen or at the cinema. If you prefer sporty styles, you should have a look at our Carhartt WIP selection with exceptional patterns and styles. Iriedaily focuses on trendy designs and matching colour combinations so that you will be well-dressed for your date in the evening. Choose your favourite style from our wide range of pullovers with crew neck, V-neck or high collar. You can't go wrong with knit pullovers regardless of the time of the year. Get dressed up with the latest collections of selected brands. Which one is your favourite?


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Homage to Old Mother Damnable, the CofE
By Fr. Wilson (articles ) | Feb 12, 2004
With a deep bow to the Church of England – jfw
"The Three Wise Men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the infant Jesus may not have been particularly wise and could have been women, the Church of England has ruled.
We Dumb Chicks from Orient are.
Mentally though we're below par.
We, gum-snapping,
Know what's happening:
We're following that Star.
[Refrain] O! When the bar scene gets too old,
When old flames have blown out cold,
Up you jump,
Behind the hump
And wander out to parts untold.
[Gidget] Born a babe, as surely you see,
Why sit home and watch MTV??
Something's out there
(YUCK! Sand in my hair)
There's a Babe there for me!
Pepper] With a heel dig, and with a poke,
(Oh! Another fingernail broke!)
Wow, this mammal
Is a Camel,
but One that you cannot smoke.
[Britney] I'm the one who brought all the stuff;
Lugging it has really been tough:
Nose-stud, earrings;
Now I'm hearing
The play station was enough.
[All] Soon, we've got to stop for a break!
There's just so much three girls can take!
This ain't Reno;
A casino
Really would soothe our aches!
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
Posted by: -
Feb. 13, 2004 2:39 PM ET USA
With all the nonsense I have had to endure from equally silly females since entering the Catholic Church, this has done me a lot of good. I can see one of the parish sisters doing the choreography to go with the verses. Maybe I'll go back to the old King James version were St. Paul is translated as referring to them as "silly women blown about by every wind of doctrine."
Posted by: Fr. Zuhlsdorf o{]:¬) -
Feb. 13, 2004 8:21 AM ET USA
How would it sound with: - Patricia Ireland, Frances Kissling, and Kate Michelman? - Nancy Pelosi, Diane Feinstein and Jennifer Granholm? - Joan Chittister, Jeannine Gramick, and Maureen Fiedler? One more time... with feeling!
Posted by: -
Feb. 13, 2004 5:11 AM ET USA
Well Fr. Wilson, I enjoyed it even if no one else has noticed your versification talents. Poor old (500 years old) Cof E. They have priestesses (sorry, WOMEN priests) who write letters to the papers saying how much they have brought a caring hand to the Cof E by sitting with the sick and holding hands with them through the night. The Sisters of Charity were doing that 200 years ago and they didn't pretend to be priests. Other reports say that the Cof E is bleeding (financially) in having to pay out those of its ministers who have left that church because of these ladies. They simply don't learn!


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Feb 15: Meet Your Fellow Volunteers and ATLFF Staff at the 2015 Volunteer Mixer/
In preparation for the 2015 Atlanta Film Festival and our upcoming Volunteer Orientations, we'd like to invite you to our pre-festival Volunteer Mixer! Come enjoy some light hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, mingle with volunteers from previous festivals, and discover what volunteering for the festival is all about!
February 15th, 2015
Gallery L1
** Limited Parking: Carpooling and use of the beltine encouraged.
We're looking for volunteers to fill a plethora of vital festival positions and want to give you a chance to get to know our organization, as well as our staff, before you make this commitment.
Being a part of the festival is more than just work, it's a fun and fulfilling experience, with a little something for everyone in the following areas: technology, public relations, customer service, event planning, transportation services, theater operations, business administration, and more.
Additionally, we're also seeking advocacy-for-the-arts partners and individuals with specialized skill sets (i.e. make-up artists, AV technicians, etc.) to help us pull off what we have planned for both the festival and for year-round events.
Have questions? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sydney Lamont.
Thank you for supporting the Atlanta Film Festival!


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Online Jobs Tips first off
Before you leave on any online jobs, here are a couple of basic hints you may wish to take after;
Accept an online position that best suits your abilities.
Confirm certifications of the organization or association offering on the web employments. A basic hunt on the Internet and client audits will survey whether the organization is real or trick.
Read surveys posted online by clients of different online work entries. These will give you an unmistakable thought regarding whether the organization pays you or reneges on its guarantees.
Never give points of interest, for example, your financial balance, credit and platinum card numbers to anybody offering on the web occupations.
For the most part, honest to goodness organizations that offer online occupations don't approach you for an enrollment expense. Thusly, search for those organizations that offer free enrollment to work.
Try not to purchase any product from organizations offering on the web employments. Organizations who compel you to purchase their product are by and large tricks.
Guarantee the online jobs you are applying for is anything but difficult to perform. A few organizations set inconceivable every day targets and punish you for any blunders. It is smarter to avoid such organizations since your installments are not ensured.
Abstain from searching for online occupations through enrollment offices. Rather, you can without much of a stretch discover them through presumed online occupation entrances.
We are giving every single online occupation specified here. You can information exchange for the free online employments preparing. There is no venture for any online occupations in Chennai and Kerala.
Fundamental capabilities for online occupations in Kerala and Chennai
To land the best online position in Chennai and Kerala, you will require some fundamental aptitudes. These include:
Great working aptitudes with PCs and normal programming, for example, Microsoft Office.
Abnormal state of Internet aptitudes.
Master level familiarity with perusing, composing and communicating in Tamil or Malayalam dialects, contingent on your area.
Reasonable degree familiarity with English and Hindi dialects.
A pizazz or enthusiasm for utilizing web-based social networking stages including Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.
Information section (Rs.15,000 + every month)
Organizations crosswise over India and in addition instructive establishments expect structures to be filled online in English. Notwithstanding, not every person in Chennai or Kerala is familiar with this fourth most broadly talked dialect of the world.
With fundamental English aptitudes and familiarity with your local dialect, an information section work online in Chennai and Kerala is something you may consider.
Here, you should decipher basic information, for example, name and address, instructive capabilities and work encounter gave in Tamil or Malayalam. You need to finish and submit online structures in English.
You can allude:-
Land 25 information section positions now
Instructions to discover more information passage employments
Online reviews (Rs. 12,000 + every month)
Till a couple of years prior, the matter of online overviews was restricted in India. Be that as it may, with consumerism on the ascent in this nation joined with passage of several remote organizations, there is an enormous interest for online reviews from India.
This is obvious from the way that few noteworthy online review organizations from the US and Europe now enroll respondents from India too.
These organizations pay you in US Dollars, UK Pound Sterling or Euro. With current money change rates, you can gain a lucrative sum by taking part in such online reviews.
You can get 20 online overview destinations here.
Online Medical Transcriptions (Rs. 25,000 + every month)
Doing medicinal translations is an extraordinary online jobs for inhabitants of Chennai and Kerala. Be that as it may, you will require some fundamental learning about pharmaceuticals and diagnostics to enter this calling.
Online restorative translations include tuning in to chronicles made by specialists while conversing with their patient or basically perusing medicinal reports and composing an outline.
You can fill in as a therapeutic transcriptionist from home or from the workplace of an office that gives the administration.
Online Jobs (Rs. 25,000 + every month)
With an expanding number of Indian and remote organizations focusing on India there is a gigantic interest for online interpretations from English to provincial dialects.
Tamil, the most widely used language of Chennai and Malayalam of Kerala are dialects not very many individuals of India know. Online interpretations are normally for business correspondence, authoritative reports and different purposes, for example, promoting.
Online interpretations are these days popular from India's colossal film industry, particularly with motion pictures from Tamil Nadu and Kerala making waves the nation over.
Online networking promoting (Rs. 20,000 + every month)
You can take advantage of the computerized advertising blast by doing locally situated online networking promoting for any rumored organization.
There is a gigantic interest for individuals who can do online web-based social networking advertising by means of stages, for example, Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp in Tamil and Malayalam dialects.
As online networking advertiser, you should advance items and administrations of organizations through their
Facebook pages, give updates to clients utilizing Twitter and WhatsApp and also tune in to client grievances in your local dialect. The input is sent to your Indian or outside business.
Online store (Rs. 20,000 + every month)
India's south Indian states Tamil Nadu and Kerala have an enormous diaspora living in various parts of India and different nations of the world. Furthermore, a large number of individuals from Kerala work and live in the six Arabian Gulf nations.
There is a sizeable Tamil and Kerala people group dwelling in Malaysia and Singapore and neighboring Sri Lanka. While stores crosswise over India and in outside nations stock different items required by these groups, they are not district particular.
Meaning, such items are mass delivered however don't take into account particular tastes and necessities. You can open an online store that offers such items to clients in India and abroad.
This is an exceptionally lucrative business gave you can source such items specifically from makers.
Content written work (Rs.20,000 + every month)
Relatively every site requires area particular substance or reviews. Substance, for example, writes about different items and administrations and official statements are an essential piece of the consistently developing advanced advertising business.
Lamentably, most substance accessible online is in real dialects of the world, including English. A few online journals and sites additionally convey content in Hindi.
The quantity of sites offering content in Tamil and Malayalam are few, in spite of the high education rates. Content writing in these dialects is an awesome online jobs in Chennai and Kerala.Online news detailing (Rs.15,000 + every month)
Furnished with a couple of composing abilities and great summon over English, you can turn into an online news correspondent for any real national Indian daily paper or TV channel.
For this online jobs in Chennai and Kerala, you need a sense about unique news and a decent system of contacts that can give you leads.
For occupants of Kerala, this calling is especially lucrative since reportage about towns and provincial territories of the state keeps on falling behind on national media.
Smaller scale Tasking ( Rs.10,000 + every month)
As a rule, miniaturized scale entrusting can be depicted as a basic employment. You will be given information, for example, ads, structures and declarations.
You have to check these for blunders and direct the required rectifications. This is a decent online jobs in Chennai and Kerala.
Particularly with organizations searching for dependable individuals who can do such smaller scale entrusting for them in Tamil and Malayalam dialects.
You require great syntactic aptitudes in your local dialect to enter online smaller scale entrusting industry, which indicates incredible potential in India.
Internet counseling (Rs.10,000 + every month)
Internet counseling is an occupation that suits nearly any individual who is capable in a specific field, for example, showcasing, building, produce and plan or form.
You can offer your administrations as an online specialist from Chennai and Kerala, contingent on your particular skill.
With an expanding number of financial specialists anxious to enter Tamil Nadu and Kerala, there is no lack of clients, gave you forcefully advertize your administrations on the web, particularly by means of free web-based social networking stages.
Last word
From the above realities, clearly you can discover best online occupations in Chennai and Kerala. Keep in mind, the compensation scales we specify are only pointers of the amount you can win with your abilities.
They don't speak to winning compensations, compensation, prizes, motivators or some other shape or compensation.
By and by, it is prudent to know your own particular abilities previously taking up any online jobs. Capability in any of these abilities will guarantee you sack the best online jobs in Kerala and Chennai.
Copy Paste Work - Daily Payouts - 100% Genuine Copy Paste Work Online Job Earn 25000


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Archive for the 'Jenn Page' Category
Strippers and Chorus Boys
Waiting in the Wings
Director: Jenn Page
Cast: Jeffrey A. Johns, Adam Huss, Rena Strober, Lee Meriweather, Christopher Atkins, David Pevsner, Mitch Poulos, Matt Wool, Harrison White
Director Jenn Page's hilarious romantic comedy Waiting in the Wings is a cross between Magic Mike and A Chorus Line.
A case of mistaken identities lands a stripper Tony played by the beautiful Adam Huss last seen in the Mediterranean short film Foreign Relations being cast in an off Broadway musical and a wannabe chorus boy Anthony played by Jeffrey A. Johns being cast in a male strip show at the Banana Peel club. Waiting in the Wings had its South African premiere at the 6th Annual Durban Gay and Lesbian Film Festival http://www.dglff.org.za/and is a witty musical played with fabulous vigour by the two leading actors Huss and Johns.
Audiences should look out for a cameo by Christopher Atkins as a conservative Montana priest at the start of the film. Atkins made his cinematic debut in the controversial film Blue Lagoon opposite Brooke Shields back in 1980.
Set in the off Broadway theatre district of bustling New York City, Waiting in the Wings features some exuberant performances by Rena Strober as Rita a dazzling singer and Harrison White as a Drag Queen in charge of the group of male strippers.
Tony has to learn to sing and Anthony has to learn to dance. Both scenarios of strip club and musical theatre provide some really entertaining musical numbers and the plot involving mistaken identity is soon resolved by the ever resourceful Rita who brings the two together.
Waiting in the Wings is a fun, exuberant comedy about mistaken identity, Broadway dreams and strippers realising that they can do more with their bodies. Naturally the script is loaded with huge doses of sexual innuendo and if audiences don't know what that means then its best to see the film.
Highly recommended viewing, with some outrageous musical numbers especially the song about matinees this is a Gay version of A Chorus Line with ample doses of hot bodies, drag queens and dumb but gorgeous male strippers. There is eye candy for everyone plus a musical number to match!
Over the top and camp, Waiting in the Wings will be sure to put any gay audience in an even happier mood especially as it features an abundance of strippers and chorus boys.
And the good news is there is a sequel coming out soon: Waiting in the Wings: Still Waiting.


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Home > Strategy Games > Fantasy >
Summoner Wars: Vanguards: Second Summoner
Faction Deck Expansion
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Product Description
The protectors of life and light are rallying behind a second summoning stone! Samuel Farthen joins the Summoner Wars as the Vanguards' Second Summoner. This Second Summoner deck is a full faction deck with its own Summoner, set-up card, Champions, Commons, Walls and Event Cards. It requires a Summoner Wars Master Set or Starter Set to play.PLDSWSSVG
Product Information
Colby Dauch
Plaid Hat Games, Asmodee North America
Year: 2013
Players: 2
Time: 30 - 60 minutes
Ages: 9 and up
Weight: 62 grams
- 1 Samuel Farthen - Summoner
- 2 Abolish - Event
- 2 Divine Protection - Event
- 3 Transformation - Event
- 2 Strong Spirits - Event
- 1 Sybil Swancott - Champion
- 1 Valentina Stoutheart - Champion
- 1 Master Bullock - Champion
- 7 Woeful Brothers - Common
- 5 Warrior Angels - Common
- 6 Honor Guards - Common
- 3 Wall Cards
- 1 Summoner Reference Card
You might be interested in these related products as well:
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Product Reviews
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Board Game Geek is an incredible compilation of information about board and card games with many descriptions, photographs, reviews, session reports, and other commentary.


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I met Matthew Bradford on Facebook in 2015. He's a local man with a family and lives in my area of the country, and he's an American hero.
On Monday, Matthew shared this on Facebook, and I asked if I could share with you. He said, "Yes."
Today marks the ninth anniversary of a day that tragically and emotionally took so much from me at an early age. Although emotional to realize that I will never be able too see my family or miraculously have my legs back, throughout these last nine years, I always try to find the best in every situation. I have been asked in the past by multiple people, "how do I do it" and "how do I stay motivated?". I sincerely do not have an answer except being a U.S. Marine and proudly serving in the greatest and most powerful military in the world for this country that I love so much! I am willing to risk anything or everything for those fifty stars and those thirteen red and white stripes. The never quit attitude will never leave my body, for my brothers then and now for my family! Yes, bad days occur however I allow the greater moments to trump the negative! I smile, laugh, yet more importantly I am alive! A bomb didn't take me from this world nine years ago and I will not surrender now! "A lifetime of glory is a worth a moment of pain"
What a powerful message. Let's honor Matthew by showing respect for our veterans and service people.


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I asked one of our custom book clients, Nadine Huffman, author of "A Cincinnati Night Before Christmas," what inspired her to write her book and why she chose Orange Frazer to publish it. Here is what she had to say.
I wrote A Cincinnati Night Before Christmas because I believe no other city "does Christmas" like Cincinnati: Our Christmases are filled with family, traditions, and the incredible generosity of Cincinnatians. I had two specific sources of inspiration for the book. First, on an out-of-town trip, I happened to see a book about Christmas in a certain city. The book seemed dull, caricatured, and lifeless. I leafed through it and thought, "Cincinnati Christmases aren't like this at all – they're heartwarming and special, and I could write about that." At the same time, friends of mine were in the process of adopting a long-awaited baby girl from Guatemala, and I imagined what it would be like if she came home on Christmas Eve. So through these two events, I developed a storyline linking the unique qualities of our city's holiday celebrations with a story of amazing love.
I published A Cincinnati Night Before Christmas for several reasons. It seemed to have market potential. There was nothing else like it, and as far as we know, it's the first children's picture book about Cincinnati. I also thought it would be a great way to showcase our city, which sometimes gets negative press, but is actually a wonderful place to raise a family. And by giving all the proceeds to adoption charities, it was a great way to give back and leave a legacy to my adopted hometown.
My friend, illustrator Marilyn M. Lebhar, partnered with me on the project from the beginning. We decided to publish with OFP because our goal was to produce a beautiful, keepsake gift book. With the high quality of Marilyn's gorgeous watercolor illustrations, we knew we had to be selective in entrusting them to a publisher. Plus, we knew we needed book design expertise. Seeing OFP's catalog of books, particularly Dayton Air Show – A Photographic Celebration and Beauty in the Grove, convinced us that OFP's creative vision and standards were as high as our own. And OFP could manage the entire production process, from design to finished product warehousing, thereby freeing us to focus on the marketing and business aspects of the book.
Our experience with OFP has been, in a word, superb. The wonderful folks at OFP made the book of our dreams come to life through their design talents. They also gave us the knowledge, encouragement, and insight we needed to make our project successful. They always met deadlines, and sweated every detail. They were patient when we asked ignorant questions, and understanding when we had to push back our initial timeline. Most importantly, they are people of honesty and integrity, which shines through everything they do. The fact that they're genuinely likeable, bright, and enjoyable to work with is a delightful bonus. We've been blessed to work with them.


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"There is no market for pitches." This wisdom appeared in "The Cluetrain Manifesto," one of the first free e-books, published during the late '90s dot-com era. Its truth has remained constant to the present.
Legal service buyers find lawyer pitches tedious and a waste of time. At about the 2:15 mark of this video you'll read and hear verbatim comments from buyers, whose loathing is unambiguous.
There's a better way.
In a recent edition of his SalesLinks Bulletin, Jack Carroll described three stages in the evolution of a sales career, which I paraphrase here:
Showmanship: sophisticated presentation skills that dazzle (but do not often win the business).
Concealment: well-prepared, interactive questions that elicit the right responses from the prospect, but are often a stacked deck, i.e., leading questions that serve to confirm your view of the issues and problems, not the prospect's.
The Absence of Salesmanship, characterized by a relaxed, well-prepared person who abandons technique, listens actively and reacts in real time.
This explains my antipathy toward presentations, or pitching, which, even when done well, is mere showmanship.
Those new to using questioning skills in selling tend toward concealment, but no matter how cleverly, they are acting ON the buyer, not WITH her. Only a person with sales maturity and integrity (the ability to begin by accepting the possibility that this buyer's interests may not be served by buying from you) can conduct an honest sales investigation.
This is the person who wants to get "caught" selling, because the buyer will recognize that the goal of his sales investigation is to learn where she wants to go and help her get there, wherever "there" is.
Or, if what she needs to do is something he can't help with, he'll say so and try to steer her to the appropriate solution, or at least get out of the way and let her get on with it. But he will always help her achieve clarity, and that's very valuable to any executive.
Concentrate on using your business maturity to be relevant, useful and valuable. The sales and rewards will follow.
My father's advice
Dad was a lifelong salesman. He wasn't much for making pronouncements or offering unsolicited advice. One thing he said to me has stuck with me. Early in my career, he offered this guidance for how I should conduct myself:
"Conduct yourself in a way that you can walk down the street with a potential customer, bump into a former customer, and leave those two alone together for a half-hour without anxiety."
Works for me.
If you'd like to learn why getting a decision -- even "no" -- is so critical to your success, read our free e-book, No Decision: The Blind Spot That Prevents Lawyers from Doubling Their Income.


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Search results
- Services
- Information
School holiday playschemes
The services listed below are independent organisastions who offer activities for children and young people during the school holidays.
Leicester City Council is not responsible for the quality and safety of schemes offered. Parents and carers are advised to contact the providers direct to check the suitability of the scheme.
For more information about school holiday activities, visit families.leicester.gov.uk
Showing results 1 to 2 of 2
Goldhill Adventure Playground
Telephone: 0116 283 6350
Refine your search
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- Inspection: Not met
Childcare (2)
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999 - only ring in an emergency when there is serious risk of injury, risk of serious damage to property, or a crime in progress.
Otherwise ring the numbers shown below (click on the links for more information):
101 - use for Police non-emergency matters, for example to report a crime and other concerns
111 - use for Health non-emergency and urgent medical advice


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Fact Sheets:
Crises in Flint and Detroit compound toxic stress, health risks April 1, 2016
Deplorable school conditions: Investing in the future of kids in Detroit and all of Michigan March 25, 2016
A poison all around us: The threat of lead in Michigan March 18, 2016
Crumbling roads, poisoned water and unsafe schools: The effects of a decade of disinvestment March 10, 2016
A blueprint for disaster: Flint's crisis, state government's challenges and the policy solutions to both March 1, 2016
On the Ground:
My experience in Flint, MI: A small part of the solution May 27, 2016
Immigrants particularly hurt by Flint water crisis April 15, 2016
A Flint resident's perspective March 31, 2016
Angry about Flint? Be part of the solution March 25, 2016
In the News:
OpEd by League Kids Count in Michigan Director Alicia Guevara Warren: Do kids really count in Michigan? Data shows them losing ground March 25, 2016
OpEd by League Board Chair Charles Ballard: Budget overlooks next community in crisis Feb. 24, 2016
Statement: State budget needs policy changes, new revenue and ideological shift to prevent future crises Feb. 10, 2016
OpEd by League CEO Gilda Z. Jacobs: Flint's crisis is Michigan's crisis Feb. 10, 2016
Senate GOP takes 2nd look at charitable tax credits Feb. 2, 2016
State couldn't advertise for 'Healthy Michigan' Medicaid expansion under bill Feb. 2, 2016
OpEd by League Board Member Robert Kleine: Rick Snyder isn't the only Michigan leader who abandoned Flint Feb. 1, 2016
Lead levels elevated for thousands of Michigan children outside of Flint Feb. 1, 2016
Interview with League Board Chair Charles Ballard: "Our obsession with tax cuts" has led to a crumbling infrastructure Jan. 29, 2016
Organización responde a la alocución de Gobernador Snyder ante el Congreso Jan. 23, 2016
How to talk: the water crisis in Flint Jan. 21, 2016
Lawmakers have $575M surplus as spending pressures loom Jan. 15, 2016
In the Capitol:
Budget Brief: Flint and beyond: Cities in crisis need more funding from the state May 12, 2016
Budget Brief: More funding needed for low-income students and families in 2017 School Aid, Education budgets May 5, 2016
Budget Brief: Support for struggling families hinges on 2017 Health and Human Services budget May 4, 2016
Budget Brief: Helping children succeed through Michigan's at-risk funding April 7, 2016
Budget Brief: Michigan needs to expand child care support for Flint kids April 5, 2016
Memorandum: 2017 School Aid and Michigan Department of Education budgets March 16, 2016
League testimony to the House Appropriations Committee concerning Detroit Public Schools March 7, 2016
League comments about the Governor's proposed DHHS budget for the upcoming fiscal year March 1, 2016
Budget Brief: A first look at the governor's 2016-2017 budget: short-term fixes, long-term challenges Feb. 26, 2016
Removal of charitable tax credits took Michigan in the wrong direction Feb. 2, 2016
The League opposes SB 542 which would hinder the DHHS from reaching out to eligible clients qualifying for enrollment in the Healthy Michigan Plan Feb. 2, 2016
The League supports HB 5220, Flint supplemental Jan. 27, 2016


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Warley, Essex
DGA were appointed by City & Country Residential to convert a Victorian Grade II listed former hospital into a residential development of 149 luxury apartments.
The removal of late 20th Century extensions allowed us to reinstate the original hospital buildings to their former glory, with sensitively designed new build blocks and extensive landscaping of the 3-sided courtyards, re-opening views over the surrounding countryside.
Planning Permission Granted 2005


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I've volunteered in some capacity with the American Cancer Society since 1997. Some people are convinced I work for the nonprofit organization that provides valuable funding to research to help finish the fight and toward programs and services for survivors and families.
My American Cancer Society story begins when I was about 12 years old. Before I knew of purple shirts and the words "caregiver" or "survivor," I knew what chemotherapy was.
Before I knew what a luminaria ceremony was or what being an event organizer meant, I knew what it was like watching someone lose hair, lose weight and lose excitement for life.
Before I knew what the American Cancer Society was, I knew I hated cancer.
When I was 13, I watched my grandmother die from her battle with cancer.
She never saw me drive a car, graduate or get to read my byline on news story.
My grandmother and I never again hung ornaments on a Christmas tree.
I never again watched her do crafts.
She never walked a survivor lap with me at a Relay For Life event.
I've never gotten over what cancer did to her, to me and to my family.
But my story doesn't end with mourning the loss of someone who — to this day — means so much to me.
After her death, I participated in my first American Cancer Society Relay For Life event. Since then, I've been to many community-based Relay For Life events, have cried, laughed and shared all sorts of emotions with friends and strangers.
My story started with my maternal grandmother's diagnosis, but cancer has written many chapters in my American Cancer Society story — from friends and colleagues to former teachers, parents of friends and others I've come to know over the years.
I know the impact we are making. When you support the efforts of the American Cancer Society, you are providing a beacon of hope to someone right now who heard the words "you have cancer."
Donations offered to the American Cancer Society help fund research projects across the country, including many researchers in Pittsburgh (I've met some!). The American Cancer Society is the largest funder of cancer research outside of the federal government.
In addition to the nonprofit group's work funding researchers, the American Cancer Society provides programming and services to cancer patients, their families and anyone seeking information about cancer.
You can help support the American Cancer Society by making a donation.


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Design, Fashion, Food and Innovation in the newly born Ecological Age
Sala Alessi - Palazzo Marino, Milan
October 19th 2011
Culture|Futures & Ragnarock
Ragnarock is a non-profit Association created with the intention of improving our society through intercultural exchange between different countries. Every year Ragnarock organises the Ragnarock Nordic Festival in Milan, with the aim of promoting Nordic best practices in artistic, economic and political terms through cultural and political events such as conferences, exhibitions, concerts and workshops.
In the framework of Ragnarock Nordic Festival 2011, along with Culture Futures and the Danish Cultural Institute, Ragnarock presented for the second time in Italy the international conference "Culture|Futures". The conference was held on October 19th 2011 in Milan.
On this occasion, the Municipality of Milan offered the conference to be held at Palazzo Marino, in one of Milan's most beautiful baroque halls, Sala Alessi.
The conference focused on the role that several cultural disciplines (design, fashion, food) have in guiding people toward more sustainable standards of living. The aim of the event was to compare the experiences from Italy and Nordic countries about culture and sustainability and to reflect on a better quality of life, thus encouraging interaction and cooperation among different countries.
Students, professors, businessmen, professionals (architects, designers, fashion designers, etc) and representatives of Milan and of international institutions gathered in Sala Alessi, where a lively debate went on from the beginning to the end of the event.
The conference and the contents
The day was divided into different sessions, each one addressing its own perspective on selected fields.
Opening session - The opening speakers, comprised of officials from the Municipality of Milan and from the one of Copenaghen, the Director of the European Commission office in Milan, Ragnarock founder and president Marco Germinario, Finn Andersen, General Secretary of the Danish Cultural Institute and Culture Futures patrons Olaf Gerlach-Hansen, used their presentations to explain the Conference's and Culture Futures' goals and to underline the importance of sharing knowledge across cultures. Especially since the cultural differences, here between Nordic countries and Italy, can make us blind to alternative ways of doing things, so there is much to learn from each other. As a natural opening Olaf Gerlach-Hansen described the ideas behind Culture Futures, and how important it is to involve cultural institutions and individuals to ensure that action is taken now, so the environmental issues can be dealt with before it is too late.
The next session - Future, Fashion, Design and Innovation for a Better Quality of Life - was dedicated to sustainable design and fashion, with emphasis on the importance of producing objects and realizing projects respecting sustainability rules and therefore giving them a social value. Speakers presented some very interesting ideas on how sustainability can be incorporated in design and fashion and how them can be a statement and visible symbols of environmental and sustainable consciousness.
It was underlined, not just the role of the design in finding innovative solutions to global and societal problems and in influencing people behaviors, but also the role of some private companies and how the innovation can be implemented in society through new ways of designing and delivering new services in the coming decades.
Finally, the Development Director at Danish Fashion Institute and at NICE (Nordic Initiative Clean & Ethical) explained how can fashion industry become sustainable, presenting an educational project dedicated to fashion companies in order to lead them toward the integration of sustainability and social responsibility in their business processes.
This session focused on fashion and design was followed by a session - Sustainable Food - where Anna Meroni and Kasper Sewerin Fogh Hansen, presented background and ideas at the basis of their projects. Different countries and different methods, but a similar aim through them: enhance local production and improved it thanks to knowledge spreading activities.
The conference "Culture|Futures" ended with a discussion between politicians, such as the Mayor of the Work, Economic Development, Universities and Research Committee of the City of Milan and the Vice Secretary General of ANCI (National Association of the Italian municipalities), the director of green brand (State of Green), the director of the international organization specialized in the production of sustainable and innovative items for fashion and design (Class) and managers of companies leader in the production of facilities for the waste disposal (Envac) and in the production of solar panels (Latitude Solar). The speakers in this last part of the event - Green Growth and Cultural Change - have spoken mainly about the cultural barriers and opportunities to business innovation, how to make sustainability culturally attractive and the impact of new solutions on culture.
Behind the event
Partners – It is primarily important to underline the role of those institutions and companies that supported the event. In particular, Culture Futures was arranged under the patronage and support of the Municipality of Milan and the Italian Ministry of the Environment; with the support of the European Commission – Representation in Milan and the Danish Cultural Institute. Moreover, the event was sponsored by Envac, a Swedish company engaged in sustainable waste management, and by Latitude Solar; it was realised in collaboration with Culture Futures, with Design Library and with Prenotable.it.
Many of these institutions and companies have been already working in close partnership with Ragnarock Association, thus becoming part of a large network of companies and institutions that believe in the value of art, exchange and open discussion as a means of making our society aware of social problems in a innovative way.
Communication strategy – The event was advertised thanks to a very well targeted and organized promotion strategy. In particular, Culture|Futures was advertised through the channel of Universities of Milan specialized in fashion and design: direct contacts and spreading online invitations during the month before the event. Another target of our communication strategy were the most important networks and associations of designers, organizations interested in sustainability based both in Milan and all over Italy. Moreover, the international community of students and professionals in Milan was also invited to take part in the event, which was mentioned on the most important websites and blogs related to architecture, fashion and design.
As a sign of the success of such communication efforts, a large audience took part in the event: 152 people gathered in Sala Alessi. As can be seen from the charts below, many of the attendants were students, professors and professionals from the press; in 11% of the cases were foreigners.
The conference had a strong visibility online: blogs (Bio-fashion, Sustainability-Lab, etc.) and online magazines (Greenews.info, Terra News, Corriere Informazione, etc.) have mentioned the event. Moreover, the Municipality of Milan, the European Commission, the Design Library and other partners of Ragnarock Nordic Festival also took part in the communication process by promoting the event through their own newsletters and channels.
The second edition of 'Culture|Futures' in Milan was extremely successful in terms of high level of the debate, attendance, and satisfaction of our guests, partners and audience.
Although significant improvements have been made over the past year, some aspects of the event can be improved.
The main improvement concerned the structure of the event. The conference has been structured in quite a 'traditional' manner, while the theme of the event could provide inspiration for a more creative and innovative format, more similar to a workshop that could encourage greater interaction between the speakers and the audience.
In general, the conference was outstanding for the quality of speakers involved, for the well-balanced program and for the presence of foreign guests.
Surely the large audience which attended the conference, the enthusiastic comments that speakers made about the event and the positive collaboration with partners involved, constitute a reward for the months of hard work that preceded Culture|Futures and a final confirmation for the good work carried out by the Association in the past five years of activity.
Pictures online on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ragnarockfestival
Press review online on Ragnarock website: available soon
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Louise Bourgeois Cell VII seen here
J.Morgan Puett Seen here
I'm still thinking about J.Morgan Puett, and how much some of her garment installations remind me of Louise Bourgeois' Cells. They were made in similar time frames too - during the 1990's. I first saw Louise Bourgeois' work in the flesh at The Serpentine Gallery in London in 1999, her Cell pieces were strongly represented. It was a powerful show; the architecture of the gallery was perfect for the work and served to strengthen the impact.
I saw her work again in 2000 in Tate Modern's Turbine Hall and again at her major retrospective there in 2007/08. There are many influences that come and go over the years, but Louise Bourgeois and especially her Cells, remain a constant marker. RESPECT!
Louise Bourgeois by Annie Leibovitz


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As worshippers entered the dim sanctuary, they could tell that this wasn't the usual Wednesday night prayer meeting in the First Baptist Church of Gretna, Va.
First, there was quiet music, candlelight and a meditative atmosphere. After awhile, worship leaders began reading verses from the Psalms, such as: "Have mercy upon me, O God. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me." Then everyone sang "Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!"
Finally, participants were invited to walk the aisle and have ashes applied to their foreheads in the shape of a cross. Yes, First Baptist in Gretna held an Ash Wednesday service last year and it will do so once again next week, opening the Lenten season that precedes Easter.
"To tell you the truth, we didn't do the sign of the cross on the forehead part at first," said the Rev. M. Glenn Graves, describing the rites that began three years ago in his church. "That kind of thing tends to freak Baptists out, you know? So we just let them stick their own hands down in the urn the first time and get ashes all over themselves."
For one thing, the ashes were really thick and hard to handle that first year. Christians have long added to the symbolism of these rites by using ashes created by burning palm branches saved from Palm Sunday the previous year. But there's the rub. Palm Sunday rites are almost as rare in Baptist circles as Ash Wednesday services. Since Graves didn't have any old palm leaves around his church, he burned a dried-out Christmas tree instead. Since then, he has found that friendly florists will hand over a few palm branches.
"We could do Palm Sunday, but that would open up Holy Week and there you go," he said, laughing. "Then my people would really accuse me of being a Baptist-Episcopalian-Roman Catholic. That's the thing about traditions like that. They all seem to be connected and once you use one of them it's hard to know where to stop adding things to the calendar."
Graves is convinced many people in Protestant pews would welcome a chance to find symbolic ways to deal with sticky issues such as sin, repentance, forgiveness and their own mortality - even if the "new" rites are really centuries old. After asking a few tough questions, his flock has accepted Ash Wednesday as a chance to face "the dark side of their souls," he said.
"For those of us who are new at this, it is awkward, much like our confessed sins," he wrote, in an article in Baptists Today, a national newspaper for those in the "moderate" wing of Baptist life. "However, the shared, solemn occasion has left a mark on us like the dark ashes we carry on our foreheads."
First Baptist in Gretna - located about 38 miles south of Lynchburg - hasn't based its rites directly on a Catholic liturgy or the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. Instead, Graves said he adopted a very Baptist approach to tiptoeing into ancient traditions. He went to a mainline Protestant bookstore and bought a copy of "The New Handbook of the Christian Year." Then his church started experimenting.
Graves suggested that churches that want to try Ash Wednesday services should start with their own frameworks of scriptures and familiar music about sin and repentance - such as "Amazing Grace." For some people, this more formal approach to worship may seem like "going through the motions," he said. But for many others, it will provide a chance to form ties to believers in the past.
"Sometimes you just have to pull some stuff from here and some stuff from there and then give it a shot," he said. "Because I'm a Baptist, I'm free to pick and choose. I'm free to choose the parts of a liturgy that I'm comfortable with and to avoid the parts that I know will make my people uncomfortable. You have to find out what works for your people."


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Lea Michele's New Sandy Locks Will Give You MAJOR Summer Hair Envy
Summer may be weeks away, but Burt's Bees fan Lea Michele is ready NOW, as she proved with her lock transformation this weekend. (We're totally with you, Lea — we've already found our next summer hair trend, too!)
Always a hair trendsetter (remember her sombre?), the brunette bombshell ditched her signature color in favor of a lighter, more sun-kissed bronde hue this weekend (courtesy of some heavy highlighting), taking to Instagram to show it off.
"SANDY SUMMER LOCKS," she captioned this vid of herself whipping her hair back and forth (no, but really).
Giving a shoutout to Nine Zero One salon (whose clients also include Julianne Hough, Nina Dobrev, Emma Roberts, Selena Gomez, Hilary Duff and Sarah Hyland — you know, just to name a few), it's clear the Scream Queens actress is loving her new tresses.
"Thank you so much @nikkilee901 and all my girls at @ninezeroone salon for my gorgeous new sandy locks!" she writes excitedly.
Can't say we blame her — girl looks great! Now, if only summer would follow suit…
What do you think of Lea's new look? Let us know over @BritandCo!
(Photos via Jon Scarnici and @msleamichele)


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While you may not use it often, being able to make your own powdered eggs is a handy skill to know. For instance, if you've got a chicken coop and want to be able to store your extra eggs long term, powdering the eggs would be an excellent option. Making powdered eggs is also a great idea for backpackers, hikers, and campers, as powdered eggs are very lightweight and don't need to be refrigerated. While it's true that you can buy powdered eggs pretty readily, it's always nice to know how to do it yourself!
So there are two ways to make powdered eggs, and each way has its pros and cons. The first method uses eggs that have already been cooked, and the second uses raw eggs. The first method is good because it's relatively quick to do, plus you don't have to worry about any bacteria hanging around in your eggs. The second method takes quite a bit longer, but the end product more closely resembles the texture of an egg when reconstituted.
"How long can you keep eggs" is the question people always ask. Eggs are perishable and must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Many factors can affect how long eggs last. When properly handled and stored, eggs rarely spoil. However, if you keep them too long, they are likely to dry up. These fresh egg storage tips below help you learn how to properly store eggs to last.
Refrigerator Storage: Refrigerate eggs at 40°F or less. Store them in their original carton on an inside shelf and away from pungent foods. The temperature on an inside shelf remains more constant than one on the door, which is opened and closed frequently. The carton keeps the eggs from picking up odors or flavors from other foods and helps prevent moisture loss.
Raw eggs that have been removed from their shells should be refrigerated in a tightly covered container. Refrigerated whole egg yolks should be covered with water to prevent them from drying out; drain before using. The following chart shows how long hard-boiled eggs and raw eggs last when stored in the refrigerator.
|Refrigerator (35°F to 40°F)
|Raw whole eggs (in shell)
|4 to 5 weeks beyond the pack date or about 3 weeks after purchase
|Raw whole eggs (slightly beaten)
|Up to 2 days
|Raw egg whites
|Up to 4 days
|Raw egg yolks
|Up to 2 days
|Hard-boiled eggs (in shell)
|Up to 1 week
|Hard-boiled eggs (peeled)
|Use the same day for best quality
Both methods involve the use of a food dehydrator, which is a handy machine to have for a ton of reasons. I found mine at Costco for around $40, but I'm sure there are some cheaper options out there too.
Powdered eggs are made in a spray dryer much in the same way that powdered milk is made. The finished product is a free flowing powder that reconstitutes into a product similar to fresh whipped eggs.
Here are some of my favorite canning recipes. I guess they are my favorites because I grow many of these items myself in my garden and orchard. You can also find literally hundreds of canning recipes, and more information on canning techniques in The Lost Ways
Things You'll Need
1/2 dozen eggs
Nonstick pan
Food dehydrator
Airtight container
Without using anything in the nonstick pan, I cooked the scrambled eggs until all visible moisture was
gone and then a little more. During the cooking process I chopped the eggs up as small as I could so the heat would cook the moisture out.
Then I put all the eggs into a food processor and chopped them as small as they would go. This is one of the steps I did not do before.
Right out of the food processor and right on the dehydrator tray they went.
I spread the cooked and finely chopped eggs evenly all over the tray. Eighteen eggs should fill up two trays.
The dehydrator was set on 145 degrees overnight. The end result was crispy burnt orange egg crumbles.
A Christmas gift from years ago finally came to use. It worked fantastic on grinding the eggs into a powder. My mom uses her grain mill and says it works even better.
It looks just like corn mill when it's all said and done. All eighteen eggs did not even fill up a pint sized mason jar.
I will vacuum the jar lids to the jar and label the top with the date. All I can Say is that it is about time I got it.
What Are The Different Types of Powdered Eggs?
Whole Powdered Eggs
Whole powdered eggs contain the whole egg (whites and yolk) and are very versatile in baking. They can be added with the dry ingredients when baking and act exactly like the "real thing" would act in the recipe – this is because they are the "real thing." Whole egg powder can be used successfully to make mayonnaise. It thickens pudding just like fresh eggs, and can be used to make omelets and scrambled eggs. They can even be used to make Eggnog.
Powdered Egg Mix
Powdered egg mix is mostly whole egg powder with a bit of powdered milk and vegetable oil blended into the powder. The powdered egg mix has been formulated to make scrambled eggs, omelets or French toast. It is especially well suited for camping trips and other outings.
Once Opened, How Long Will Powdered Eggs Last?
Stored in the absence of oxygen and placed in a cool storage environment, powdered eggs have a storage life of 5 to 10 years. Once a container of powdered eggs has been opened, it is comparable to any other dehydrated dairy product and shelf-life would be measured in weeks or a month. Many people opt to refrigerate the remaining portion or only open as small a container as possible. If the goal is to keep the remaining powdered eggs long-term, we recommend that you re-pack the remaining portion in a smaller container with an oxygen absorber. Keep in mind that the eggs will only store as well as the condition of the original product – and therefore, should be free of moisture and oxygen.
Our grandfathers had more knowledge than any of us today and thrived even when modern conveniences were not available. They were able to produce and store their food for long periods of time. The Lost Ways is the most comprehensive book available. All the knowledge our grandfathers had, in one place.Here's just a glimpse of what you'll find in the book:
The Lost Ways is a far–reaching book with chapters ranging from simple things like making tasty bark-bread-like people did when there was no food-to building a traditional backyard smokehouse… and many, many, many more!
Books can be your best pre-collapse investment.
Carnivore's Bible (is a wellknown meat processor providing custom meat processing services locally andacross the state of Montana and more. Whether your needs are for domestic meator wild game meat processing)
The Lost Book of Remedies PDF ( contains a series of medicinal andherbal recipes to make home made remedies from medicinal plants and herbs.Chromic diseases and maladies can be overcome by taking the remediesoutlined in this book. The writer claims that his grandfather was taughtherbalism and healing whilst in active service during world war twoand that he has treated many soldiers with his home made cures. )
Easy Cellar(Info about building and managing your root cellar, plus printable plans. The book on building and using root cellars – The Complete Root Cellar Book.)
The Lost Ways (Learn the long forgotten secrets that helped our forefathers survive famines,wars,economic crisis and anything else life threw at them)
LOST WAYS 2 ( Wordof the day: Prepare! And do it the old fashion way, like our fore-fathers did it and succeed longbefore us,because what lies ahead of us will require all the help we can get. Watch this video and learn the 3 skills that ensured our ancestors survival in hard times offamine and war.)
Survival MD (Best Post Collapse First Aid Survival Guide Ever)
Conquering the coming collapse (Financial advice and preparedness )
Liberty Generator (Build and make your own energy source)
Backyard Liberty (Easy and cheap DIY Aquaponic system to grow your organic and living food bank)
Bullet Proof Home (A Prepper's Guide in Safeguarding a Home )
Family Self Defense (Best Self Defense Strategies For You And Your Family)
Survive Any Crisis (Best Items To Hoard For A Long Term Crisis)
Survive The End Days(Biggest Cover Up Of Our President)
Drought USA(Discover The Amazing Device That Turns Air Into Water)


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Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt has agreed to release all emails and private texts between himself and former special advisor Adam Smith to the Leveson inquiry in the hope they will 'vindicate' him over the growing BSkyB takeover scandal.
Mr Hunt has said he hopes the move will provide greater clarity on his role in the process, and stave off calls from within the government for the involvement of an independent watchdog – and others from the opposition for his immediate resignation.
'I will be handing over all my private texts and emails to my special adviser to the Leveson inquiry and I am confident they will vindicate that I handled the BSkyB merger process with total propriety,' Mr Hunt said.
Speaking on the BBC's Question Time programme last night, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes joined the calls for an inquiry into whether the ministerial code of conduct was breached during the BSkyB takeover bid.
Saying he thought there were 'severe questions' which had not yet been answered, Mr Hughes added that he did not think the culture secretary should resign.
'What I cannot understand is why the matter of the ministerial code of conduct is not something the prime minister immediately should refer to the person who's been given the job to do it,' Mr Hughes said.
'Only the prime minister can do that. He has so far, I gather, resisted doing it.
'I don't think it gets in the way of the Leveson Inquiry and the evidence – it's a separate matter.
'I don't know why he hasn't done it but I would have thought, to give confidence in the system, I hope the prime minister reconsiders his view.
'That must be in Jeremy's interest. If Jeremy is correct in what he's said, he'll be vindicated. If he's not, then he has to take the consequences.'
Mr Hughes became the first member of the coalition government to call for an inquiry, but Downing Street has so far ignored the demands for the culture secretary to face a separate investigation to Leveson.
A spokesperson for No.10 said Prime Minister David Cameron would not be asking his independent adviser to probe the under-fire Tory frontbencher over his handling of News Corporation's aborted takeover of BSkyB.
Meanwhile, Labour's demands to see emails and text messages between Mr Hunt and his former special adviser Mr Smith, who quit on Wednesday, have been granted.
Shadow culture secretary Harriet Harman said it was not credible Mr Hunt was unaware of the extent of Mr Smith's contact with News Corp lobbyist Frederic Michel that was exposed in emails published by the Leveson Inquiry.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport permanent secretary Jonathan Stephens refused to answer questions on the affair when he appeared before the Commons Public Accounts Committee.
The department said: 'As Adam Smith's statement makes clear, the content and extent of his contact was done without authorisation.'


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LONDON (Reuters) - Hedge fund managers started to take some profits after the strong rally in crude oil prices, even before details emerged last week of output increases from Saudi Arabia and sanctions waivers by the United States.
Hedge funds and other money managers cut their combined net long position in the six most important petroleum futures and options contracts by 19 million barrels to 1.081 billion barrels in the week to Oct. 2.
Portfolio managers cut their net long position in NYMEX and ICE WTI by 13 million barrels to the lowest level for almost a year, according to exchange and regulatory records.
(Chartbook: tmsnrt.rs/2Pmbr3E)
More significantly, funds cut their net long position in ICE Brent by 14 million barrels, the first reduction in six weeks, after increasing it by 172 million barrels since Aug. 21.
Elsewhere, there were minor increases in net length in U.S. gasoline (+6 million barrels) and U.S. heating oil (+7 million barrels) but a small offsetting reduction in European heating oil (-4 million barrels).
The shift from accumulation to liquidation in Brent was especially notable because the fund managers had previously built the largest net long position since late May.
Fund managers had accumulated long positions amid fears U.S. sanctions on Iran would leave the market short of seaborne crude, pushing Brent prices to their highest in almost four years.
Brent long positions had outnumbered short ones by a near-record margin of 19:1 before long liquidation and some fresh shorting trimmed the ratio to 15:1.
But the very stretched hedge fund position in Brent by the end of September significantly increased the risk of a reversal in prices, even before Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United States issued statements to cool the market.
U.S. officials have revealed they are actively considering sanctions waivers for at least some of Iran's customers, which should ease fears about a potential supply crunch.
And Saudi officials have confirmed the kingdom plans to raise its exports even further in October and November to relieve any shortfall from Iran.
Hedge funds had pushed oil up until they discovered the pain threshold for the White House and Saudi Arabia, with prices above $80 per barrel forcing the United States and Saudi Arabia to take action to restrain prices.
John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own.
Related columns:
- Traders and OPEC in standoff over oil outlook (Reuters, Oct. 2)
- Hedge funds doubt Saudi Arabia will replace Iran's oil (Reuters, Oct. 1)
- Hedge funds bet on shortage of Brent oil (Reuters, Sept. 24)
- Traders bet Iran sanctions will leave market short of crude (Reuters, Sept. 11)
Editing by Dale Hudson


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Gentlemen's Hardware Portable Suitcase Style Barbecue
Cleverly disguised as a suitcase, the portable barbecue from Gentleman's Hardware will enable you to 'shove your shrimp on the barbie' wherever you may be. The barbecue comes in classic black casing with the phrase 'The Adventure Begins' printed on the front. It has a chrome handle and hook and bar fastener and when it is opened it will stand freely on chrome legs. Simply add coal to the stainless steel tray and place your food on the rack.


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On February 24, 2010, President Obama nominated the well-qualified and highly regarded legal scholar Goodwin Liu, Associate Dean and Professor at Berkeley Law School, to fill a seat on the Ninth Circuit, one of the busiest appellate courts in the country. Despite being voted out of the Judiciary Committee in May, Professor Liu never received a vote on the Senate floor during the last Congress, one of many victims of the unprecedented obstruction by Senate Republicans of the President's judicial nominees. As a result, Liu's nomination "died" at the end of the Congress, and Liu has now been forced to endure the further delay of re-nomination and yet another hearing before the Judiciary Committee, scheduled for this Wednesday, March 2, 2011.
The judgeship to which Professor Liu has been nominated is a new seat, added to the Ninth Circuit by legislation co-sponsored by Senators Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to help meet what the two Senators called "a judicial emergency so severe that judges [on the Ninth Circuit] have the highest caseload in the nation." Senator Kyl elaborated on the very real harms suffered by individual Americans when our nation's courts are understaffed:
Plaintiffs who have been injured, criminal defendants seeking reviews of their convictions, and victims who are waiting for justice; for these people, justice delayed is justice denied. This new seat will help alleviate the delays of the Ninth Circuit.
But the seat still sits empty, a year after Professor Liu's nomination, and the situation has gotten even worse. The vacancy is now one of three on the Ninth Circuit, each of them denominated a "judicial emergency" by the federal judiciary because of the court's staggering caseload. With those vacancies, as well as vacancies on the District Courts within the Circuit, the crisis in the Ninth Circuit has grown so dire that, in November, Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Alex Kozinski, a Reagan appointee, and his colleagues on the court's Judicial Council, wrote to the Senate's leadership "to emphasize our desperate need for judges." The letter pointedly noted that "[c]ourts cannot do their work if authorized judicial positions remain vacant," and urged that the judicial vacancies within the Circuit "be filled promptly." As the judges observed, some of those vacancies "have been open for several years and declared 'judicial emergencies.'"
Spending a full year as a pending judicial nominee is nothing to celebrate. Senators should heed the pleas of Judge Kozinski and his colleagues, move quickly to report Goodwin Liu's nomination out of Committee, and then move promptly to confirm him and fill this judicial emergency seat. As the words of Senator Kyl and Chief Judge Kozinski make clear, fully staffing our federal courts isn't about politics. It's about justice.
Cross-posted on Text & History