text:
Auschwitz Survivor Using Facebook to Search for Twin
(JERUSALEM) -- A 72-year-old Auschwitz survivor has taken his search for his twin brother to Facebook.
Menachem B., who wants to keep his last name private, last saw his brother 68 years ago when he was 4 years old. Menachem B.'s given name was Elias Gottesmann. He changed his name after surviving the concentration camp.
If his brother Jeno Gottesmann is alive, he could be anywhere with any name. The only definite link between the two is the "A7734" tattooed on their forearms from the concentration camp.
Memories from the time are few, but Menachem remembers that he had a twin brother. He also has a distinct memory of being outside playing in the yard and knowing his brother was asleep in bed when Nazi officers came to the house to take them. They lived in an area of Hungary that is now part of Ukraine. After surviving the Holocaust, the twins were separated.
Menachem, who now lives in Israel, recounted the memories to Ayana KimRon, the Israeli genealogist who is helping him look for his brother.
After months of research and dead ends, KimRon turned to Facebook for the world's help.
She posted a black and white photo of 5-year-old Menachem after the war and a photo of him now. The photo of him as a child has been shared more than 50,000 times and the Facebook page has more than 12,000 supporters from around the world.
KimRon said they have both been surprised and "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support from around the world. "In general, he feels lucky with the support and prayers and hope from all over the world," KimRon said. "I'm updating him at least once a day, if not twice."
KimRon said that the draw to Menachem and his story is stronger than just wanting to solve a mystery. She hopes helping him find his brother could "help him have a different state of mind and more emotional freedom in his life." "It's a tough mission, but we'll get there," she said confidently. "I gave him a promise," KimRon said. "I'm going to find his brother dead or alive, even if it takes me my whole life. I'm not going to stop."
Anyone with information about Jeno is asked to email email@example.com.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio


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Cuba hits a wall in Pool 1 opener
First defeat in 2009 Classic comes against Team Japan
By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com
- Enriquez's barehanded throw: Watch
- Cuba displays great defense: Watch
- Photo gallery
- Classic: Tickets | Gear | Schedule | Home
And the tall, lanky 21-year-old lefty didn't disappoint, hitting the 100-mph mark in the first inning on his 12th pitch of the game.
It would be one of the few highlights of the day for the Cubans, as they were topped, 6-0, by the Japanese in the first game of the second round of the World Baseball Classic at PETCO Park.
Cuba will play Mexico on Monday at 11 p.m. ET. Japan, the tournament's defending champions, will play Korea at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
"Korea and Mexico are great teams, that's why they are here," Cuba manager Higinio Velez said. "Whoever is next is wonderful and whoever moves forward will have to win, and they will have to play a really great game against us, as well."
As for Chapman, his fastball, often in the high 90s, was everything that everybody expected. He was removed after 50 pitches with a pitching line nobody expected: three hits and three runs in 2 1/3 innings. He struck out one batter.
Chapman retired the first two hitters of the game, but a walk to Norichika Aoki, the first of three free Chapman passes, appeared to rattle the young man.
In the second inning, Chapman walked Michihiro Ogasawara to lead off the frame, but he helped himself by picking the Japanese designated hitter off first base. He followed the same pattern with the next hitter, Seiichi Uchikawa, by walking him and then picking him off, too.
Chapman struck out Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome looking to end the second inning to keep the game scoreless.
All that changed in the third inning, when Chapman gave up consecutive singles to catcher Kenji Johjima and second baseman Akinori Iwamura, the eighth and ninth hitters in the Japanese lineup, to start the frame.
A visit to the mound by Velez appeared to have calmed down the young hurler, and Chapman followed by making a stellar scoop-and-throw to third base for a force out on a bunt to the left side of the infield by Ichiro Suzuki.
It could have been the play of the game, the game-saving type on an outstanding athletic play by Chapman on a rare unsuccessful execution by Japan.
It wasn't.
Japanese shortstop Yasuyuki Kataoka followed with a single to load the bases, ending Chapman's outing and the promise of an effective afternoon from the rising Cuban star.
"Perhaps [Chapman] felt the pressure, maybe he was not on his best game," Velez said. "He was able to pitch, but he was not at his best. He has great possibilities and a great future."
Pitching in relief of Chapman, Cuban left-hander Norberto Gonzalez entered the game, and he promptly unleashed a wild pitch on an 0-2 count to score Iwamura and put Japan ahead, 1-0. A single by Norichika Aoki brought home Ichiro for Japan's second run, and the country added another run on a sacrifice fly by Shuichi Murata.
Japanese starter Daisuke Matsuzaka did his part to keep Cuba's offense off the scoreboard, limiting the 2006 World Baseball Classic runner-up to five hits in six scoreless innings.
"Matsuzaka is a well-known pitcher who has participated in many different international events, the Olympics, as well as the World Series," Velez said. "We faced a wonderful pitcher today, and he did not face an unknown at all. It's a pitcher that we respect quite a bit."
The Red Sox right-hander struck out eight batters in the 86-pitch outing to lift his record to 5-0 with a 1.57 ERA in two World Baseball Classic tournaments. He defeated Cuba in the finals of the Classic in 2006.
"Against Cuba in the Beijing Olympics and the WBC, I knew Cuba was a good team, but particularly there was nothing I was too worried about," Matsuzaka said. "I thought I was trying to do the good pitching, and that's what I was concentrating on most of all."
Cuba was not as effective. With Ismel Jimenez on the mound, Japan scored one run in the fourth and fifth innings to extend its lead to five runs.
"We are going to come back [Monday] with our all," Velez said. "Nobody will win this Classic without any lost games. So we have really good experience, we want to win and we are already psychologically being prepared for [Monday]. Our fans need to stay calm and trust in us."
Jesse Sanchez is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


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d20 Modern
Basic Role Playing or Mongoose RQ
Savage Worlds
Omni System
Prose Descriptive Qualities
Something else (please explain)
Of course, if your are looking at strictly genre emulation, I still think that Marvel Super Heroes RPG (FASERIP) simulates whats on the comic book page better than anything. (Obviously Spidey was out of karma the night Gwen Stacy died ).
Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.
I was 13 and at some con in LA. Gurps had just come out and my friend and I had just played the first Gurps tournie, were in the elevator with some older guys and talking about it, I say to him "I didnt like it, there were only three stats and there didnt seem to be anything diffrent or special about my character, at least in D&D you could have a stat that goes up to 18 and makes you feel like theres something amazing about your character" we continued the discussion about why we didnt like the game and when the doors opened one of the older guys said "well that was very informative..." I looked at him and he smiles and says "Hi, I'm Steve Jackson" my awe didnt end until after the doors closed.
Honestly there will never be a better generic game than Hero system in my mind because its the only one I have ever seen with rules that actually govern creating anything you can imagine. I've played Fantasy Hero and I didn't see any problems with agent level characters, sure a 13 feels about the same as a 15 in regard to stats when you know they could go up to 100+ etc, but that changes quickly once people start spending expirence points.
The only complaint I have is my agreement with others that there is far far too much number crunching required in Hero system and basically if you dont have the right books or have prepaired a week in advance its damn hard to run a game off the top of your head. the math involved in the various levels of combat system (hit location, limb impairment etc) can get overpowering as well. for this main reason its also fairly difficult to get new people into the game, it has a mean learning curve and many times new players just feel overwhelmed. once I tryed fixing this by elimination of the speed system (just gave everyone one action every other phase) and divided the thugs and villians stun by 10 (meaning a common thug could get hit about twice by any character before going down, or once by a powerful character) all in all it ran a lot more smoothly.
My favorite universal system for a narrative heavy game focused on character and story conflict is Dogs in the Vineyard, and I have successfully adapted it to a variety of times and genres.
For (semi-)modern games that have a bit more combat to them I like Spycraft a lot, and it is a joy to run as well. I highly recommend it for espionage or just modern team-based play.
I'm definitely a GURPS fan here... at one point, my GURPS collection was 100% complete (although that only lasted a few weeks as I then stopped collecting for a while). I'm into grittier games, and it's a great system for that... plus, I just love being unrestricted in what I do with it.
I agree that 4-colour Supers generally do not work too well in GURPS, although I haven't tried to run Supers in 4e - I do understand that it works a LOT better now. That said, even when running Supers I tend to go for grittier supers too.
What I love about GURPS, though, is the sheer volume of content. So much of it is well researched that, even if I weren't using GURPS as my system I'd still have a lot of use for the worldbooks.
My preferred campaign style is one of insurrection and rebellion, which works well in a gritty rules system.
The only thing that realy bothers me about GURPS is that the books are so darn expensive, paying 60 bucks a book is just way out of line with what I want to pay. Most other systems have a core book and then adventure or world books... with Gurps I have a core book for each type of campaign I want to run, as well as source books for added rules, then world books, and adventure books, encounter books, etc... all in all just way to expensive for me to consider, especially when there are other universal systems out there that have every type of rule/supplement you could want included with the core system.
e23, which provides adventures and smaller supplements as PDFs, in addition to digital versions of the larger books (at $25 or so).
You don't need every book, if you have an idea what you want to do. A few examples:
- If you've got other source materials that you want to port to GURPS, and you're willing to do some work, all you really need is the Basic Set ($40 and $35). Total cost: $75. Seriously ... you can do any genre with just the Basic Set, if you're long on time and short on money.
- To run a straight Banestorm campaign, you'll need the Basic Set books ($75, if you don't have it already), the Banestorm book ($35), probably Magic ($35 hardback or $30 paperback), and maybe Fantasy ($35) if you want to tinker with the world. The most you'll pay is $180; already having the Basic set reduces the cost to $105.
- To do your own fantasy world, you'll need the Basic Set ($75, if you don't have it already), almost definitely Fantasy ($35), probably Magic ($30-$35), and maybe Thaumatology ($35) if you're not happy with the standard magic system. Maximum cost is also $180 or $105 if you've bought the Basic Set already.
- To run a science fiction campaign set in space or another world, you'll need the Basic Set ($75, if you don't have it already), Space ($35 hardback or $30 softcover), Spaceships ($15 dead tree or $10 PDF), probably Ultra-Tech ($35), maybe Bio-Tech ($35) and/or Spaceships 2 ($8 PDF). If you want to be completely geared up, you're looking at $203, or $128 if you've already bought the Basic Set.
- If you're doing near-future SF on Earth, you probably want the two Tech books, for $70 + $75 for Basic Set if you don't have it already.
And so on.
I admit the price of entry is steep -- $75 -- compared to other games. GURPS Lite is free, but really only covers basic human characters and the bare-bones skill/combat rules; it's hard to know what larger subset would be useful to a majority of players (advanced combat rules? more skills? unusual advantages/disadvantages? which ones?).
On the other hand, D&D requires three books at $35 apiece (although players need only one), and new World of Darkness requires a $25 general rules book plus a $35+ game-specific book (Vampire, Werewolf, Mage, Changeling, etc.) Neither game can move into other genres without additional work (or in D&D's case, a major overhaul).
The only other generic games I can think of are Hero ($50 retail, although it seems to be out of print), Basic Roleplaying ($40), True20 ($15 for the "Pocket Edition"), Savage Worlds ($10 for the "Explorer's Edition"), and some free DIY games like Fudge and PDQ. Each is cheaper than full GURPS, sometimes substantially so, but except for Hero each limits itself to human or near-human PCs.
EDIT: As to the other games at the top of this page:
d20 Modern is out-of-print and effectively dead as far as I can tell, but you can download the SRD for free or find the dead tree for about $30. Even then, "Future" and "Arcana" are separate products, unlike GURPS Basic which includes a selection of future equipment and spells.
Unisystem doesn't have a single "generic book"; you have to pick a specific game (like Buffy, AFMBE, or Witchcraft) and stretch it to your needs.
Omni System is $24 dead tree or $10 PDF, but it's pretty obscure, and I wasn't that impressed.
The "generic" D6 line from WEG is segregated into Fantasy, Space, and Adventure, each with duplicate rules and each pretty bare-bones.
Last edited by fmitchell; 02-28-2009 at 09:24 AM.
"On two occasions I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
- Charles Babbage (1791 - 1871)
And, the advantage to writing your own worldbook is that you can base games in properties that would need licensing for a worldbook to be published. I've based games in both the Star Trek and the Dendarii Mercenaries worlds- it looks like they finally got around to publishing a Vorkosigan Saga worldbook (long after the series ended), but chances are very low that Paramount will ever agree to let SJ publish a Star Trek book...
"On two occasions I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
- Charles Babbage (1791 - 1871)
I already do Warhammer 40k, so the cost of ownership for GURPS isn't a big deal on top of it. My love affair with GURPS also started back when the books were $20, come hell or high water.
While I'm perfectly aware this isn't on the list I'm going to say the Zodiac Final Fantasy RPG. I know it's not generic because it has final fantasy in the title, but it has rules that cover futuristic settings or traditional fantasy. There are no classes, you define who you are, not a bunch of bogus predetermined roles.
Once you've created your abilities, which are overall very well balanced, everything is as streamlined as the old video games. Choose your method of attack, choose a target, GO.
It misses out on the reams of alternate rules that half the RPGs out there present, grappling a ridiculously stunted opponent in strawberry jello on a Thursday, for instance...but let's be honest, who here doesn't already know those rules from a previous game?
Anything missing is easily filled in by a little something called imagination, without spending an hour finding the right appendix in the right book.
PS: It's free in PDF right here...
Last edited by Imposter; 02-28-2009 at 09:08 PM. Reason: Durr....
Recently, Savage Worlds has been shaping up to become one of the most interesting and promising "generic" RPGs that I've yet come across. I have generally had a very poor reaction to most "generic" RPGs with the exception of Unisystem. Savage Worlds on the other hand, seems both enthusiastic, energetic and free of a lot of the clutter that ruins most "omni-systems" for me. It seems to focus on simplicity while providing a rather solid foundation to build upon.
Does it do everything equally well? No, but neither does any other "generic" RPG I've read. But it does lend itself to being very flexible and easy to extrapolate from.
Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.
I built my own system and support a online presence as the Incarna Gaming Network... i got tired of all the systems i played little idiosyncrasies that drove me nuts after a while.
Incarna; Role-Playing Game System
Running: 3+ campaigns set in single custom milieu world.
I like GD3 by Precis Intermedia


text:
For millions of gamers, moviegoers and comic book fans, summertime symbolizes one thing - awesome trailers for movies we're not going to see for a year. As far as we're concerned, there's only one movie coming out in 2007, and it's Spider-Man 3, a film that's making the rounds ahead of Superman Returns right now. Or you can just view ithere.
It's just a teaser, but there's plenty to soak up. You get to plainly see the living, tar-like black costume overtake Peter Parker as he sleeps, as well as several scenes inside a bell tower that feature a completely black Spider-Man suit. Avid comic readers already know that Parker uses the deafening sound of the ringing bell to chase off the parasitic black ooze - a move that ultimately leads the sentient goo to discover a disgruntled, jealous Eddie Brock (played by Topher Grace). If the film continues to follow conventions, one of Spidey's biggest villains, Venom, may finally appear.
But with the shape-shifting Sandman (Thomas Hayden Church) causing trouble and Harry Osborn (James Franco) well aware of his father's Green Goblin history, will there even be room for a third villain? We're betting on a late Venom showing, if at all - there's got to be enough time to get the black suit on Spider-Man, back off of him and then to Brock, who'll need a reason to hate both Parker and Spidey. All while dealing with two other villains and a new love interest, the ever-dying Gwen Stacy. That's a hell of a lot to cram in.
Activision's working on next- and current-gen versions of Spider-Man 3, due out closer to the movie's release on May 4, 2007. We're excited about flinging through a PS3-powered cityscape, but can anyone deny the appeal of using the Wii wand to sling webs in people's faces? Or, more likely, tossing black, symbiotic ooze all over the place as you struggle to wrestle the costume off of your body? So many possibilities, but absolutely no official word. Expect to hear more as the film's release nears... you know, sometime over the next 10 months.
June 28, 2006


text:
I calculated (with the help of Maple) that the following infinite sum is equal to the fraction on the right side.
$$ \sum_{i=1}^\infty \frac{i}{\vartheta^{i}}=\frac{\vartheta}{(\vartheta-1)^2} $$
However I don't understand how to derive it correctly. I've tried numerous approaches but none of them have worked out so far. Could someone please give me a hint on how to evaluate the infinite sum above and understand the derivation?
Thanks. :)


text:
Are you sure?
This action might not be possible to undo. Are you sure you want to continue?
What if your mother-in-law turned out to be evil . . . literally?
Ever since fabulously wealthy Malcolm Doran walked into her life and swept her off her feet, fledgling architect Jane Boyle has been living a fairy tale. When he proposes with a stunning diamond to seal the deal, Jane can't believe her incredible luck and decides to leave her Paris-based job to make a new start with Malcolm in New York.
But when Malcolm introduces Jane to the esteemed Doran clan, one of Manhattan's most feared and revered families, Jane's fairy tale takes a darker turn. Soon everything she thought she knew about the world—and herself—is upended. Now Jane must struggle with newfound magical abilities and the threat of those who will stop at nothing to get them.
Cover Art © ABC 2012 ABC logo is a registered trademark of American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.© 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.


text:
This tiny make-up mirror, fits elegant in your hand, and is essential in your clutch or handbag.
It features
- Woody Ellens' illustration of both sides of the mirror
- microfiber, water-resistant
- clip, silver frame
- and it is beautifully made
Size inc handle: 7(w) x 7(h) x 2 cm(d)
Woody Ellen says:
This is a collection full of life and wild florals! Flowers and peacock butterfly are dancing an opulent burlesque dance! Just like the burlesque women, the flowers suggest a higher state of mind. Curly, dazzling and intimate with deep colors. Moody colors that do not disclose everything.
I accept paypal and all major credit cards through direct checkout.
Shipping from Belgium
Once payment is received, ready to ship items will be shipped within 2-7 business days. If you need it fast, please email me and I will do my best to expedite your order.
Orders are packed carefully to assure a safe delivery. I ship Belgian Priority Mail.
Insurance is NOT included except where noted. If you would like to add insurance please email before purchase or write in the comment section at checkout and I will e-mail you with a revised invoice. Seller will not be responsible for damages or lost items during the delivery process.
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
Request a cancellation within: 6 hours of purchase
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
Questions about your order?
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Returns and exchange details
Refunds and Exchanges
I take great care and pride in every item I make. If you are unhappy with your purchase, please email me within 3 days to discuss. (Shipping costs are not refundable.)


text:
Template:Varsity Scout Letter/req
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
Mobile Menus: Cub Scouts - Scouts BSA - Venturing - Sea Scouts
Varsity Scout letter
The Varsity Scout letter is awarded to team members who participate in an "ultimate adventure." Ultimate adventures are based on high-adventure or sports program features and are preceded by training or practice sessions. High-adventure/sports activities occur every three to six months, but teams participate in a "big event" (an extended experience such as a BSA high-adventure base) once a year. The "V" emblem may be placed on the bottom-front of a Boy Scout sash, or on a blaze (orange) Varsity Scout jacket, a Boy Scout Shirt-jac, or a sweater.
Varsity Scout letter bar
Main article: Varsity Scout Letter Bar
Varsity Scouts earn the letter at the conclusion of the first ultimate adventure, and receive another letter (a Varsity Scout letter bar that pins to the letter emblem) for each adventure completed thereafter.
Varsity Scout activity pins
Main article: Varsity Scout Activity Pins
In addition to the Varsity Scout letter or letter bar, team members may be optionally awarded one of 27 Varsity Scout Activity Pins to the letter emblem. The team captain (youth leader) sets the requirements and awards the activity pins. Activities are planned by the youth High-adventure/Sports program manager; possible activities may be other than the 27 program features. Activities outside of the program features are not awarded activity pins.
Both youth and adult team members may earn the letter.
Youth requirements
- Be a registered Varsity Scout team member.
- While a team member, actively participate in or accomplish at least one high-adventure/sports program to the satisfaction of the Varsity Scout Coach.
- Have an attendance record at team meetings and activities of at least 75 percent for three consecutive months.
- Satisfy the Varsity Scout Coach that you know and live by the Scout Oath and Law.
Adult requirements
- Complete Varsity Scout Leader Fast Start training and Varsity Scout Leader Fundamentals training (approved by training committee).
- Attend at least six Varsity Huddles (Roundtables).
- Complete a minimum of six months as a registered Varsity Scout leader.
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text: In the near future. An unstopable zombie outbreak changed planet earth forever. After 99,999% of the population was infected the zombies turned into.. shopping customers! Enjoy this new game from Little Giant World; Zombie Mart. Run your own pixel market for zombies. Expand your store and assortment, order stock and keep the zombies calm.


text:
Conch Stabbing
I had been craving a piercing for the longest time, it felt like forever since I had last been 'stabbed'. The only problem was, I wasn't sure what I wanted. With my limited funds and lack of enthusiasm for anything more on my face, (I already have three visible facial piercings and didn' t want to look cluttered or like a pin cushion.) I wasn't sure would I could get. Nipples were something that I had wanted for a long time, but those were too expensive for my poor student ass. I opted for something on the ear.
I spent a good few months browsing BME's ear gallery. I became rather enamored with the Rook piercing, and formulated rough plans on getting it. However, taking a good look at my Rook showed me that it was far too small to accommodate a piercing, and even if it was possible, the piercing would be shallow and the chances of it migrating/rejecting were heightened. I wasn't willing to pay out the small amount of money I had for something that chances were, I wouldn't be able to keep, and I couldn't really find something that I either liked or didn't have. So the idea of getting a new piercing was put on a back burner, although the itch to get pierced again never really left.
Some weeks later I found myself in a position in which I could get pierced: I had money, me and my friends were all heading to the town where there was a studio I trusted, and I'd just made up my mind that I wanted a Conch. It was a snap decision, as a lot of my piercings have been, but one I do not regret.
Me and my friends took the bus to Ockendon, it was about 7. oclock and already dark outside. The bus we got on, I thought was the one that stopped just outside of the studio. Alas, it wasn't, and when we got off, we had a 30 minute walk in the dark, and rain- and I was wearing a dress.
Arriving at the studio I found I was short on funds for the piercing I wanted, much to my dismay. My friend lent me the money I needed, not wanting that 30 minutes of treacherous walking to be in vain. I signed the usual piercing forms and Rob the piercer led me into the piercing room, which was the same as it always is: Clean, with unusual bits of Elvis merch everywhere. He told me to sit down and I asked him how much it would hurt. At this point I was extremely nervous, and asking myself why I had wanted to get a piercing. I actually contemplated not getting it, which is completely out of character for me, it had been so long since I'd gotten something pierced that I was psyching myself out about it. Rob told me it would hurt about the same as my Industrial, which freaked me out all the more as that had hurt...a lot. He prepped everything up, cleaned and marked my ear and told me to check the placement. The placement looked a little to the left, and not really centered as I had wanted it, however, it wasn't really possible to put mine center, as my ear wasn't the right shape. The mark still looked good though, so I gave Rob the o.k. He told me he would freehand it, so I worried less about the painful clamps, but not enough to calm me down. He pierced...It made a crunching noise and a sharp pain stabbed through my ear. It lasted all of one second. I was shocked at how MINIMAL the pain was! It's such a thick bit of cartilage. I checked my Conch in the mirror and absolutely loved it! The placement is so nice and in line with my lobe piercing and my cartilage piercing. It really is a very cute little thing.
I paid Rob, and left a happy bunny, ready for yet another 30 minute walk in the rain.
All in all I am very happy with my Conch. The placement is unusual but very nice and as I mentioned, perfectly lined with my other piercings. It hasn't been giving me much grief at all, and I don't even know its there unless I absent mindedly scratch my ear, or whack it with the hairbrush. I am even able to sleep on that side and wear my hair down without it becoming tangelled in the piercing. Overall I think its very nice, and I'm more than happy with my decision to get it. I hope that it heals up well and quickly and if it does so I may just consider getting another one on my other ear!
submitted by: Septum Kitty
on: 21 May 2010
in Misc. Ear Cartilage Piercing
Artist: Rob
Location: Ockendon, Essex


text:
"Ya Hala" Welcome to Balade, an Authentic Lebanese Restaurant in New York City. Located in the East Village, this restaurant is more than just dining. Balade is an experience. Enjoy the best in traditional Lebanese cuisine in an atmosphere true to the Lebanese culture. From the exceptional service, decor and secret ingredients of timeless recipes, Balade blends modern design with originality straight from Lebanon. Old country feel in Arabesque tile walls, complemented by New York exposed brick, imported water pitchers and wood art.
We are proud to say that we are here to stay! In the past couple of years we have established a reputation among the locals.
If you are looking to have some down time and be treated with courtesy and respect while enjoying a great meal than our restaurant is what you have been looking for.
We believe that the core of every successful dish is the origin of its ingredients.
We believe that the core of every successful dish is the origin of its ingredients.
The nature of Balade's home cooked food is one that comes from the heart. We hand select our ingredients to be able to bring you the best tasting flavors from the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The Chef wants to satisfy your diverse palette by creating a wide range of dishes, for both vegetarians and for those who love the traditional meat and fish.
Enjoy relaxing tunes of the Middle East
Enjoy relaxing tunes of the Middle East
We are having a show every Thursday. Visit us and enjoy it.
We at Balade would be enlightened to host your next birthday, social or corporate gathering.
We offer customized catering for all occasions. Whether you are looking to entertain in our intimate dining room or have us deliver to you. We will design a personalized menu to make your event memorable. View our Catering menu.


text:
Hus Inspiration Inredning
Hi, Buddies. How's life everything? You are fine, right? Do you have a penthouse apartment? If you have it, I will just ask you one question. Are you fell homey stay there? If you want to get another atmosphere, you can re-decorate your apartment. Which parts should be re-decorated? Look at these pictures. You can take some inspirations from here. Let's check it.
There are two level floors in this penthouse apartment. The first floor is definitely designed for living room. You can see here, a large living room with 'L' shape sofa presented here. The wall and the ceiling are painted white gives natural theme. In front of the sofa, a fireplace exposed with black and white design. The grey rug is placed in wooden floor. I like some cushions on the white 'L' sofa. The colors of the cushions are yellow, black, and white. I like most the cushion is the lady face cushion. The coziest thing in this living room is some plants presented here, which give fresh atmosphere.
The second floor is designed for bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and some others room. Here, I will share about the bedroom first. It is so comfortable with white theme design. But, some light themes of some cushions such as orange cushion make cheerful nuance. The bathroom looks so charming with the combination of white and black theme. The sink looks so fancy with unique shape in white theme.
The wall is presented with white and black theme. I like the lighting. Some small lamps attached on the ceiling give bright lighting. I most I like best in this penthouse is the open living room in the terrace. With cozy design in white sofa and some orange cushion on it, with sky roof generate spectacular atmosphere.Read more »


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If last year was about Skylanders Giants, Disney Infinity is sure to be at the top of every child's wish list this summer. The new game – which combines collectible Disney characters with in-game, virtual ones – was unveiled at a Hollywood event last week and will be launched in the UK on June 28. It takes the movie tie-in game to the next level with two clever innovations. Andy Robertson got to try out both the toys and the game in LA after the event. Here's what he thought…
Disney Infinity uses physical toys to access in-game characters in a similar fashion to Skylanders. But here, of course, they are the Disney characters we already know and love rather than the newcomer toy creations from Activision. Place these Disney characters on the game's own Portal of Power (Infinity Base as they are calling it) and they instantly appear on the screen ready to play.
The game will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS when it launches in June.
In addition to the collectable toys there are also a series of tokens. Some of these provide special objects while others offer character upgrades when they are placed underneath particular figures on the Infinity Base. The clever (or frustrating) thing is that you can't just go out and buy these tokens as they are sold in 'blind' packs of two. Players will need to trade these with each other if they are to obtain the full set.
This is a double-edged sword. Certainly it offers families a lot of fun – who doesn't like collecting things, right? But, it also adds another layer of expense to an already costly hobby. Provided parents see the additional figures and tokens as a 'nice to have extra' rather than essential, the value Disney Infinity offers is pretty good.
The game comes in a Starter pack (£54.99-£64.99) that includes three figures, the Infinity base and three play-sets. This means that you can play the following three adventures that last around six hours each:
The gameplay is more advanced and varied that Skylanders, offering not only platforming, fighting and shooting but also driving, city and ship management as well as less combative tasks around the Monsters University play-set.
In addition to these franchise specific experiences you can bring all your toys together for the 'Toy Box' mode. This grants players the ability to create their own challenges, landscape and scenery through a simple interface. Seeing Mr Incredible racing Sully or Captain Jack is a surprisingly entertaining prospect as these franchises are usually kept separate.
For families Disney Infinity certainly ticks the right boxes, and offers something distinct to Skylanders Giants. Its split screen gameplay will suite a wider demographic and avoid the annoyingly tethered feel of Activision's game. Equally the online multiplayer (up to four friends) will suit older players who want to play or create with other people not in the same location.
The first wave of Disney Infinity will just be the start however. By creating a more modular approach to movie tie-in games Disney Interactive can now release new franchises, figures and play-sets as the year progresses.
With the figures and starter box already being listed in the UK they are likely to appear on Amazon.com any day now. I'm using the following links to track them as I imagine getting in early will be the way to ensure you get the figures you want. Now I just need to get the kids to decide — easier said than done.
Here's a run-down of the first figures that are starting to appear online, if Skylanders is anything to go by getting in early will be what the savvy parents will be doing:
Pirates of the Caribbean figures:
• Jack Sparrow (Included in the Starter Pack)
• Hector Barbossa (Included as Single Pack and Sidekicks Pack)
• Davy Jones (Single Pack)
The Incredibles figures:
• Mr. Incredible (Included in Starter Pack)
• Elastigirl (Included in Sidekicks Pack)
• Dash (Single Pack)
• Violet (Single Pack)
• Syndrome (Single Pack)
Monsters University figures:
• James P. Sullivan (Included in Starter Pack)
• Mike Wazowski (Included in Sidekicks Pack)
Andy Robertson (@GeekDadGamer) produces Family Gamer TV and the Family Gaming blog.


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Today I share a story about my "lucky" Superman t-shirt, and about how and why I have taken it around the world with me. Do you have any lucky clothing or other items? Let me know in the comments!
Special Thanks to Jason Shaw for his song "Solo Acoustic Guitar" used in today's episode:
You can find more information here: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jason_Shaw/Audionautix_Acoustic/SOLO_ACOUSTIC_GUITAR_3-11
"Solo Acoustic Guitar" is protected by a Creative Commons attribution license, and is used without the author's prior consent. For more information, see the license here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/


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Hanigan shows knack for connecting with pitchers
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Magic can happen when a pitcher and catcher click. So Ryan Hanigan works to make connections.
Every time the veteran receiver catches a Rays pitcher, data is transmitted to an ever-expanding memory bank. Hanigan knows the value of having that information. He also understands how it can lead to the magic. Like the kind he experienced July 2 in Cincinnati.
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Magic can happen when a pitcher and catcher click. So Ryan Hanigan works to make connections.
Every time the veteran receiver catches a Rays pitcher, data is transmitted to an ever-expanding memory bank. Hanigan knows the value of having that information. He also understands how it can lead to the magic. Like the kind he experienced July 2 in Cincinnati.
Hanigan caught Homer Bailey that day and a masterpiece followed. The Reds right-hander carved up the Giants, retiring 27 of the 28 hitters he faced en route to a no-hitter.
"I don't think he shook me off at all," said Hanigan, 33, who came to the Rays from Cincinnati as part of a three-team trade on Dec. 3. "When your guy throws a no-hitter and has a dominant performance like he did, that's the ultimate. It's all about finding that groove. You know, where you're in synch. I'm always trying to find the groove that makes my pitcher the best. It boils down to tempo."
Hanigan also caught Bailey's first no-hitter on Sept. 28, 2012, against the Pirates, making him one of five active catchers to catch two no-hitters, along with Buster Posey, A.J. Pierzynski, Carlos Ruiz and Miguel Olivo.
Looking back, Bailey appreciated Hanigan's efforts in working with him to establish a special connection.
"Before meetings, we typically agreed on a lot of things," said Bailey of Hanigan, who first caught the righty in Double-A. "When there is a trust factor like we had together, I kind of knew where he was at. He'd put down one sign, but I knew the next three he was about to put down. That, to me, is the definition of being on the same page."
Bailey noted a pitcher experiences times in big situations where, "You can't think about what sequence to throw, who's at bat, the situation."
"I have to just focus on making pitches and clear everything else out and have the trust in him that he's going to take care of the rest," Bailey said. "That's the little things when you build up relationships, there's trust in having that confidence in him."
Almost immediately after joining the Rays, Hanigan began familiarizing himself with the new group of pitchers he would be handling -- watching videos, talking to the pitchers on the phone, whatever it took. Though it's early in camp, he's already caught most of Tampa Bay's pitchers.
"Once I get a feel for what they do, then we can start looking at what hitters do," Hanigan said. "Obviously, hitters, their tendencies can change depending on the guy, if he's hot or cold, all the variables. The most important thing is to learn the staff. Learn what's made them successful."
"You can tell that he knows what he's talking about," David Price said. "And it's more than just receiving and blocking and setting up. He's very intelligent like [catcher] Jose [Molina]. He's already watched all of our video from the AL East last year to kind of get a feel on what the hitters are like in this division. What pitches we like to throw in certain counts. That's pretty cool."
No-hitters are special because they are few and far between, but the fact is, most pitchers only have their good stuff six or seven starts per season. The good ones know how to excel on those nights when their fastball isn't Sandy Koufax or their curve isn't Clayton Kershaw. Good catchers understand that as well, and, accordingly, hold their pitcher's hand as they navigate treacherous lineups with their B-grade stuff.
"You have to figure out how you're going to get it done with what you've got," Hanigan said. "As long as you're on the same page with what your guys are doing that day, what the pitcher's got, you can be smart about your pitch selection. You're not going to be as dominant. But you can still get outs.
"Stuff like that, you have to pick it out, and you have to pick it out quick. It has to start before the game starts. It all has to be ironed out, mapped out, and that just comes from a good relationship, good verbal communication and obviously picking up on the little things."
Hanigan is intelligent. His father worked as an FBI agent and his mother as a teacher. He attended Rollins College and majored in philosophy, completing all of his core classes toward his degree while thinking about law school. He opted for baseball instead.
The catcher doesn't brandish his intelligence on his sleeve, though that intelligence leads to the inevitable. Any time a player -- particularly a catcher -- runs a couple of sentences together, Crash Davis comparisons emerge. When asked if he's sick of said comparisons, an expressionless Hanigan replied: "Oh, I don't know, he was a Minor Leaguer."
And does he find the term "tools of ignorance" ironic?
"That's a cliché," Hanigan said.
His intelligence and background in philosophy do come into play where winning is concerned.
"Philosophy's all about learning how to think, formulate arguments and understand thought processes," Hanigan said. "You know, there's a lot of psychology in philosophy, too. So I feel like it plays with regards to getting to know these guys on an individual basis and for each personality.
"Each guy needs to be pushed a little bit more or less here and there. You can get all deep in the stuff, but I try to keep it as simple as I can for these guys. Get them thinking the right way. Most Major Leaguers, most pros, got that, but there are some guys that need to be pushed in the right direction here or there just to make sure that their thought processes are right, their attitude is right. They got their right type of drive. I want my guys to be hard-nosed, go at them, no fear type of guys. That's what I've seen from the most part with all of these guys anyway, so that's not even going to be an issue."
Thinking about a lot of different things is a part of what Hanigan does. But at the end of the day, he has a simplistic grading system for how he has played.
"Just by the 'W,'" Hanigan said. "There's different ways to get there. Sometimes I'm satisfied with an 8-7 win if we really didn't have it. We faced a tough team. We battled. We got a big out. That's just as good sometimes as a shutout, whatever.
"You have to win games different ways. There are so many games. It's a long year. You're going to have to be flexible in terms of what your formula is. You're going to have to find ways to win. That's all part of the game."
That's part of making connections.
Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com.


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NuGet Package Management System
A VS2010 based IDE or SharpDevelop. (It is also possible to use NuGet without and IDE but I wont be mentioning how.)
Download or Install NuGet.
I created my package via the NuGetPackage Explorer.
Obtaining NuGet Packages
In the Solution Explorer, right click then click Add Package Library Reference.
This will bring up to Package Manager, where you can browse and search for package. Get updates.
But do something a little cleaver. Click on setting in the bottom right corner
Notice how I have a package source called lib that lives at folder on my Machine.
This was achieved by click on the Add button and choosing a Folder or Shared Folder.
Creating a simple Package.
Launch the NuGet Package Explorer.
Edit->Edit Package MetaData
Change the information to be relative to your package. You can also include any other packages that your package depends on.
Adding Content
Content -> Add
Including a dll with a package, Add -> Lib Folder.
Saving as a package
File -> Save As
Select the directory where you want to create the package ( I use Public/NuGet Packages/)
Publish to the NuGet Server
File -> Publish
Enter your API key (obtain one my registering at NuGet.org.
Click Publish.
Page 1 of 1
Posted 14 May 2011 - 01:51 PM
Replies To: NuGet
Posted 14 May 2011 - 02:01 PM
If our libraries depend on other libraries, such as json.Net or HtmlAgilityPack, do we add those .dll files as well?
Posted 14 May 2011 - 02:18 PM
If those also have/are NuGet package then they would be a Dependency. (So if it get updated then your package get the update also.)
Page 1 of 1


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A Meeting of the Minds
- Find Desmond.
- Travel with Desmond to the Professor.
- Talk to the Professor.
- Kill the Professor.
- Cigarettes (x3)
- Whiskey (M)
- Fission Battery (M)
- Shotgun Shells (M)
- Bottle Caps (M)
- Punga Fruit (M)
- Camera (x3)
- Yeast (x3)
- Wine (M)
- Wonderglue (x2)
- Vodka
- Bobby Pin (x3)
- Abraxo Cleaner (M)
- Nuka Cola Quantum
- .44 Rounds (M)
- .44 Magnum
- Combat Armor
- Missile
- Flamer Fuel (M)
- Stealth Boy (x3)
- Gatling Laser (x2)
- Rad-X (x6)
- RadAway (x5)
- Stimpak (x13)
- Blood Pack (x5)
- Purified Water (x4)
- Pulse Mine (x3)
- Electron Charge Pack (M)
- Microfusion Cell (M)
- Turpentine (M)
- Workman's Coveralls (x5)
- Fishing Pole (x3)
- 10mm Rounds
- Buffout (x2)
- Scoped .44 Magnum
- Whiskey
- Electron Charge Pack (M)
- Mesmetron Power Cell (M)
- Conductor (x2)
- Energy Cell (M)
- Laser Pistol (x2)
- Laser Rifle (x2)
- Carton of Cigarettes (x3)
- Pack of Cigarettes (x5)
- Bonesaw (x2)
- Medical Brace
- Psycho,
- Surgical Tubing
- Level Alpha Security Badge
- Level Beta Security Badge
- Axe
- Double-Barrel Shotgun
- Police Baton (x2)
- Confederate Hat (x2)
- Paint Gun (x2)
- Sensor Module (x2)
- Pulse Grenade
- Microwave Emitter
- Med-X (x3)
- Pilot Light
- Steam Gauge Assembly
Part 1[edit]
With the mansion in tatters and flames all around you, it's a wonder if Desmond survived at all. However, rest assured that he did. If you think back to a conversation you had with him earlier, you'll remember that he mentioned a safe room in the mansion that he can escape to if the going got truly tough (referring to the initial battle you help him with when you first meet him as not being tough enough). The entrance to this very room is what you'll be searching for within the rubble. You're looking for a manhole cover that's marked, when you approach it, as the entrance to the Panic Room.
When you've entered this so-called Panic Room, Desmond will be angry. Quite angry, in fact, and he's ready for some final revenge on his longtime nemesis. After remarking that the explosion killed his two dogs, Desmond lets you in on a little fact -- that Calvert has been hiding under his nose the entire time. Calvert is located in the nearby lighthouse. You simply knew that lighthouse had to have some sort of function, right? Nonetheless, Desmond runs off to the lighthouse, and you have to follow him. Of course, you shouldn't leave the Panic Room until you've raided all of its contents. And there is, indeed, a lot to find here. Amongst all the foodstuffs and Punga Fruit, you can find some Cigarettes and plenty of liquor, including a ton of Whiskey and Wine. Fission Batteries galore can also be garnered. If you're looking for weapons and armor, you can find a .44 Magnum and .44 Rounds, Combat Armor, a Missile, and some Shotgun Shells as well.
You may have already visited the lighthouse before this point in the game, so you may know already that it's not a location, unfortunately, that gets added to your map. So even if you've visited it already, you might as well not have, since you can't teleport there instantly anyway. The lighthouse itself is easy to spot from the wreckage of what was once Calvert Mansion. It's located almost due south of the mansion, and you'll need to climb down some bluffs and cross some shallow water to reach it. When you visit it this time around, thankfully, the lighthouse will be added to your map permanently. At this late point in the DLC's adventure, however, that's not exactly a useful addition.
Part 2[edit]
As soon as you enter the lighthouse, you may notice something that wasn't there earlier (if you happened to already visit, that is). A section of the floor has risen up, revealing a location below. This ramp leads to the laboratory underneath the lighthouse, and this is purportedly where Calvert is hiding out with his small army of machines and robots. Follow Desmond as he goes through the initial door, which will lead to a few ramps leading ever-downward. The first room on your left is going to be one you're going to want to explore before proceeding, however. It's chock full of goods for you to grab, including various ammunition, a Gatling Laser, and perhaps most importantly, a bunch of Stimpaks and Purified Water. Stock up before heading on your way.
At the end of the ramps, you'll come to a room with a counter on your left, littered with old computers. There appear to be some threats in here for gun turrets and the like, but Desmond should take care of business for you. In fact, Desmond proves to be quite useful here in general, since he can't be killed and packs quite a wallop. There isn't much to see in this room, so use the switch on the wall to press through into the next corridor. Turn right and you'll run into a Robobrain Sentry. This guy can be tough, so do him in quickly. The corridor he was guarding has some rooms off of either side of it. Explore the rooms thoroughly, and you can find all sorts of stuff. Packs of Cigarettes, Cartons of Cigarettes and Fission Batteries are the most valuable items you'll find here, but you can find plenty of ammunition here too, in the form of Shotgun Shells, 10mm Rounds, Microfusion Cells, Energy Cells and more.
After exploring the aforementioned rooms, you'll head down another ramp and into a circular room. Here, you'll want to watch out for the pair of Mark V Turrets on the ceiling. There's an open door leading off from the side of the room, and a locked door with a computer terminal next to it ahead. You can hack the computer on the latter door and head through it immediately, but there's actually an easier and more effective way to go about all of this. In lieu of doing that, go into the room on your right. The Robobrain Sentry here will appear to be disabled, but will eventually spring to life and engage you in battle. Do it in with the help of Desmond's heavy weaponry, and examine the robotic corpse when it's slain to grab the Level Alpha Security Badge. You can then use this on the computer near the locked door to bypass its lockout mechanism completely. Oh, and if you need more Energy Cells, Electron Charge Packs, or a Laser Pistol or Laser Rifle, be sure to grab those before heading through the newly-opened door and down the next ramp.
The next corridor will have another fairly familiar setup for you. On both sides of the corridor, there are various rooms, and this corridor is guarded by another Robobrain Sentry. As usual, you can lay into it if you want, but Desmond will take care of business on his own if you so desire. Scour the body of the Robobrain when it's dead to find another keycard, this one called Level Beta Security Badge. You can use this to bypass the need to hack the computer at the end of the terminal, so that the door can be opened hereafter. Further exploration of the rooms will net you more ammunition, though the room near the locked door on the right is the room that's most of interest. Not only can you use the beds within to sleep off any injuries you may have sustained, but you can also find myriad curative items, including Stimpaks, Purified Water, Rad-X, Med-X and RadAway.
Part 3[edit]
The last form of any real resistance you'll find here is down the next ramp after you opened the second locked door with the beta-level keycard. Another Robobrain Sentry will be there to greet you in the room, and as usual, you can simply let Desmond take care of it. There are plenty of items to grab in this small room before descending the subsequent ramp to the final corridor. Most of this stuff you already have plenty of, but certain things, like the Gatling Laser, Double-Barrel Shotgun and the like will be things you'll want to consider grabbing. After descending the ramp the Robobrain Sentry was guarding, you'll find small cells on either side of you. Again, you can use the beds in any of these cells to sleep off injuries, but unfortunately, other than some curative items in the medical box on the right wall going forward, there's nothing else of interest to acquire just yet.
Eventually, you'll emerge from that corridor and find yourself in another circular room. If you proceed forward through to the next room, you'll finally find the Calvert brain you've been seeking out. Here's where you'll get to make another choice. Once more, please keep in mind that the choice we made is reflected here in the walkthrough, and if you make another choice, you will have a different outcome. Approach the Bacta Tank-like device holding the brain, and begin to converse with it. When you do, you'll learn little about the feud between Calvert and Desmond, but you will be forced to choose one side or the other. You can either turn your ire on the brain, or ire on the Ghoul, but you won't get to dilly-dally here. You have to make your choice. And for us, we chose following through for Desmond and destroying the brain.
The tank holding the brain is extremely robust, so it's going to take quite a bit of damage to destroy it. Break out the big guns and do the tank in while Desmond takes care of the last of the Protectron defenders hastily coming to Calvert's aid. Be sure to extinguish the brain completely once the glass breaks with one last well-placed shot. After you do this, Desmond will thank you for your help, and while you can talk to him about some more stuff, this essentially marks the end of the Point Lookout's main adventure. And while we didn't play through by killing Desmond, we imagine that the outcome will be the same either way in one respect -- you'll get to raid the rest of this underground bunker of goods, unharmed.
So, let's take a quick look at those goods before we wrap up the main quest's walkthrough. If you go through the door that Desmond went through after everything is said and done, you'll find him examining some computer servers. He won't have much else to say to you, but from his location you can venture rightward, and deeper into the expanse of this underground facility. You can find medicinal items and ammunition galore, but what you're not going to want to leave without is the powerful new weapon called the Microwave Emitter.
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text:
Move from Airline Reservations into Business Travel!
- Recruiter
- Succeed Recruitment Solutions
- Location
- Manchester
- Salary
- Competitive DOE plus bonus & excellent benefits
- Posted
- 20 Sep 2018
- Closes
- 20 Oct 2018
- Sector
- Business Travel
- Job function
- Fares & Ticketing
- Hours
- Full Time
- Contract Type
- Permanent
Are you an experienced Airline Reservations Consultant with excellent customer service skills and in-depth knowledge of a native GDS or GDS based flight reservations system? Would you like to move into the Business Travel sector? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity for you as our Manchester city centre based Business Travel client is looking for even more candidates with an airline reservations background (ideally gained within Gold/Premier/First Class), to work on prestigious corporate travel accounts!
The role will involve handling all travel arrangements for a number of international business travel clients, including booking flights, hotels and any other ancillary products, whilst delivering an exceptional level of customer service. In return, our client is offering a competitive starting salary DOE plus bonus and excellent industry benefits, along with the opportunity to make the step into the Corporate Travel sector and full training will be provided. Please contact us today for more information or apply online.
Role of Business Travel Consultant:
- Handling all travel arrangements for a wide variety of prestigious corporate clients
- Booking hotels, flights, car hire and other ancillary products
- Assisting in getting the best travel, hotel and car rental rates, including negotiating with preferred suppliers
- Making amendments, including part or whole cancellations, re-issuing of tickets and handling any schedule changes
- Offering advice and excellent customer service at every stage of the booking process
Skills required for the role:
- Previous Airline reservations experience, ideally within Gold/Premier/First Class reservations
- Experience with a GDS (Galileo, Amadeus or Sabre) or GDS based reservations system
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
- Good attention to detail
- Professional and motivated approach
If you're interested in learning more about this fantastic opportunity, please contact Succeed Recruitment Solutions or press the apply online button now!
Not for you? Then please visit our website to view the other exciting roles we have available; www.succeed-recruitment.com.
Succeed Recruitment Solutions – for the best Travel jobs, Multilingual jobs, Airline jobs and Contact Centre jobs.


text:
It All Started with a Young Girl, a Kitchen Chair and a Frying Pan
Gigi (Gerri) Wilson is a novelist; travel, food, & lifestyle blogger; food stylist, photographer, recipe developer, cookbook author & host of Gigi Style.
My new lifestyle cookbook is launching this fall! stay tuned for book signings and events near you! available for pre-order now!
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"Good to Go" Composed and Arranged by Chuck Loeb, ChrisLiz Music, Inc./ASCAP. Courtesy of Chuck Loeb.
simple to spectacular with gigi on "FUN & SIMPLE GOURMET...gigi style"


text:
A ''Tamborillero'' wearing their uniform crosses a pedestrian crossing during the 'El Dia Grande', the main day of the San Sebastian feasts, in the Basque city of San Sebastian, northern Spain, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. From midnight to midnight companies of perfectly uniformed marchers parade through the streets of San Sebastian playing drums and barrels in honor of their patron saint. The march of more than four thousands drummers was canceled by the rain. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)
Adorable Boy Marches to the Beat of His Own Drummer


text:
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Aesthetic Dentistry
TMJ/TMD Dentistry
Dental Implant Crowns
Restorative Dentistry
Gum Grafting
Tooth Cleaning
Porcelain Veneers
Through sedation and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Hanah Pham can provide Quality, Service and Excellence in dentistry and create beautiful smiles in a tranquil and comfortable environment with our patients' comfort first.
Through sedation and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Hanah Pham can provide Quality, Service and Excellence in dentistry and create beautiful smiles in a tranquil and comfortable environment with our patients' comfort first. You can rest assured that you'll receive the personalized attention you deserve. My team and I will listen to your needs and answer all your questions. Plus, you'll receive a complete and thorough exam, including oral cancer and gum disease screening oral hygiene instructions at no additional charge. And for people with special needs and fear, we have different methods of sedation (nitrous oxide, oral, intravenous) for all levels fear, to help you relax or to knock you out completely. We will always focus on quality, service, and excellence!!!!
Community Involvement
Dr. Pham has always been interested in helping needy people. In the past, she volunteered for two years at a permanent shelter for mentally and physically handicapped adults. There, she took care of their daily needs and also participated at the shelter's dental facility to assist. In addition, she volunteered for one summer at a temporary home shelter for run-away teens. She was very appreciated by the teens who were trying to find themselves. Flying over to Jamaica on a volunteered mission to do free dental work was one of the most rewarding experience for Dr. Pham. She enjoys the feeling of self-gratification when she is able to contribute to society.
Along with her outreach care for others, she also touches patients with her "gentle skills". These skills, which are used as a tool for distraction and relaxation, enhance her calming and humorous approach to dentistry, which her patients have come to admire. We want your visit with us and many more to come to be a very pleasant experience.
Dr. Pham participates in the "Smile for Children" program, by providing quality dental care to the underserved children and young adult in the community.
Dr. Hanah Pham graduated from the Medical College of Virginia with High Honor, Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Pham pursued the elite post residency, the Advanced Education in General Dentistry, at the Audie Veteran's Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. This prestigious post residency is highly recognized for its academic and clinical excellence. There, Dr. Pham had extensive training in cosmetic reconstruction, gum, implants, root canal therapy, and sedation dentistry for children and adult.
Dr. Pham believes in achieving excellence in dentistry. She stays current with the latest advances and techniques in the dental industry. Currently, she is working towards achieving the nationally recognized fellowship award with the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
Dr. Pham has been awarded "Americas Top Dentist" 2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, elected by the Consumer Research Council of America, a non-profit organization. Selected for list based on scoring on training, experience, certification and professional affiliations. We proudly display the award in the office. "No fees, sponsorships, donations or advertising are accepted from dentists, dental treatment facilities or dental referral organization to insure an unbiased selection".
Dr. Pham studied Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Veterans Medical Center, one of the most prestigious residency programs in the nation.
She has one year post doctoral training in Advance General Dentistry for Pain Control and Conscious sedation. She also has advanced training in Dental Implant Surgery: Fundamental and Details, and Advanced Implant Site Development. Dr. Pham graduated with high honors, Magna Cumlaude, from the Medical College of VA School of Dentistry.
Dr.Pham has been chosen to receive this year's prestigious TOP 10 Dentist Award for the state of Virginia. Through a rigorous selection process, the National Academy for Dental Professionals (NAFDP) has chosen Dr.Pham to receive this award because of the hard work and dedication she has shown in the field of dentistry. The dentists who make the NAFDP TOP 10 list must first be nominated by either a patient or a peer. Second, the NAFDP research staff verifies that the nominated dentists meet the minimum requirements of membership. Third, the NAFDP Selection Committee selects fifty finalists in each state to advance to the final selection stage. And finally, the NAFDP Board of Governors selects the 10 dentists that will receive the state's highest honor.
Our practice accepts insurance from the following companies.
Delta Dental Plans Association is a not-for-profit organization with some for-profit affiliates as member companies. Through its 39 independent member companies, it offers national dental coverage to our Reston dental patients - administering programs and reporting systems that provide employees and individuals with quality, cost-effective dental benefits and superior customer service.
Anthem Blue Cross offers dental coverage for Reston area individuals and families in California, including a PPO plan, and HMO plan and an international emergency dental program.
If you want a gorgeous smile that turns heads, you may want to learn about the range of dental services offered at Reston Sunrise Dentistry. Reston area cosmetic dentist Dr. Hanah Pham is dedicated to producing quality results and beautiful smiles.
At Reston Sunrise Dentistry, we offer quality, personalized care. Serving the Reston, VA area, we're happy to discuss the variety of treatment options available to you. If you're interested in sedation or sleep dentistry options, please schedule an appointment with Hanah Pham, D.D.S., and we can provide you with all the information you need.
If you suffer from dental anxiety in the Reston area, Dr. Pham can help. We offer several options that can make your dental treatments pleasant and stress-free. Our team at Reston Sunrise Dentistry is trained to help you feel comfortable. You'll be able to feel relaxed while receiving the friendly, professional oral care you deserve.
Reston area restorative dentistry at Reston Sunrise Dentistry can produce natural-looking results. If you have a damaged or missing tooth, we can help.
Our highly skilled team will assess your need for a crown, bridge, implant or other procedure to restore or improve your smile. Our goal is to provide quality dental care for your life-long oral health.
A negative self image can be detrimental to many facets of your life. Reston area dentist Dr. Hanah Pham understands the positive life-changing power that a healthy and beautiful smile can bring to you. Here at Reston Sunrise Dentistry, we don't want you to be embarrassed any longer. Why not take your smile - and even your life - to a new level of self-confidence and beauty?
|9am - 11am
|11am - 7pm
|8am - 11am
|11am - 4pm
|11am - 7pm
|8am - 11am
|11pm- 4pm
|8am - 11pm
|11am- 2pm
Dr. Pham's office is conveniently located at the corner of Fairfax County Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive. It is a minute from the Reston Town Center or the Reston Hospital. We are very prompt with scheduling online by sending us an email.
This office is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
If it is an emergency that you cannot wait, please call the hospital emergency room.
For non-life threatening emergency, you may call 703 624 6369 and leave a detailed message with your name, phone numbers, the nature of your call. An on call representative will call you as soon as they can, depending on the urgency of the matter.
Thank you for your interest.
A bright, new confident smile can be one of your best assets. At Reston Sunrise Dentistry we offer a wide range of affordable dental makeover options and want to work with you to create the beautiful smile you've always wanted. If you're unhappy with your missing, damaged, stained or broken teeth, we have lots of experience with affordable, high-quality porcelain dental veneers, tooth-colored composite fillings, natural-looking porcelain dental crowns and bridges, tooth whitening and tooth bonding.
Many of our Reston cosmetic dentistry patients are pleased to learn that the care they deserve may not be as expensive or time-consuming as they imagined. We're happy to schedule appointments at a time that's convenient for you and we have a range of affordable payment options available to fit your budget.
Why wait another moment? It's time to invest in the gorgeous, healthy smile of your dreams. Call us at (703) 860-4148 now or complete our simple online form to schedule a consultation with cosmetic dentists Dr. Hanah Pham, Dr. Andy Tran.
Reston Sunrise Dentistry is located in Reston and conveniently serves the following areas:


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Tablet Buying Decisions: Wireless or 3G Internet?
Tablets offer two ways to go online: wirelessly or through a 3G (cellular) connection. Your Internet connection choice affects not only your overall cost but also the convenience and reliability of the Internet connection.
Wireless Internet connections for tablets
Wireless only tablets require a wireless network to connect to the Internet. That wireless network, called a Wi-Fi hotspot, might be your home network if you have one, or a public network such as you might find in a hotel, coffee shop, library, or airport.
Not every public hotspot is free; many hotels charge a fee for Internet access, and if you travel by train or ferry to work, they may charge a fee as well. Still, there are many public hotspots you can take advantage of — including some towns that provide free Wi-Fi throughout the area.
3G Internet connections for tablets
The second option for going online with a tablet is a wireless-plus-3G model. These devices can use a Wi-Fi network to connect to the Internet, but they can also connect through a cellphone provider's 3G network. You will have to pay a monthly fee to your phone provider for using its 3G service, however using 3G allows you to go online wherever your phone provider's network is available.


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Summer is back in the Tropical NorthWednesday, September 3rd, 2008
Yes, summer is back!!! No because it has been real winter in our piece of paradise, usually the temperature doesn't drop below 20º, but it's something in the air. After many weeks of getting up and sitting in front of the computers straight away, today we decided to go to the beach for a walk. It's a wonderful day, sunny, warm and with a fabulous breeze. About time after the cloudy and rainy days we have had in the past weeks. It seems they are history now, so everybody, get ready to go to the Great Barrier Reef again. And don't forget to rent one of our Digital Underwater Cameras We're in the process of updating our stock, selling our old cameras (not one of the them is older than six months) and buying new ones. So if you are interested in buying one of the "oldies", or renting one of the new ones, give us a call or drop us a line.
Well, I was talking about how much we enjoyed going back to the beach after so many weeks of hard work. We even had time to take a couple of pics to show you all that we're still alive and kicking. And working on our tan for when we go to Spain on holidays at Christmas time. Looking forward to it already.
Last night we had a busy schedule. Apart from our normal delivery time, we met up with two of our Spanish clients: David and Yesenia. We organised their time in Australia, although they only had time to visit Cairns and the surrounds. They didn't want to miss anything worth visiting, which is easier said than done. Tropical North Queensland is full of wonders, from the Reef to the Daintree Rainforest, from the Atherton Tablelands to the Queensland Outback. I think they were very happy with the way their trip had been organised, as they had time to go diving, visit Cape Tribulation, see crocodiles, cassowaries and other native animals in Cape Tribulation thanks to Mason's Tours, make their way down to Mission Beach and Dunk Island and tour around the Tablelands, including Yungaburra, Malanda and Mareeba on their way back to Cairns.
And after saying goodbye to our new friends, we headed down to the Green Ant Cantina for a fantastic Mexican feed. Little by little we're starting to have our favourite restaurants in Cairns, and in other areas of the region as well. It's not an easy task, new restaurants open and close all the time and it's pretty difficult to keep on top of things here in Cairns. We manage somehow.


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I recently cleared off the table for my brand spanking new Janome sewing machine, which honestly scares me to death. I received it for Christmas from my husband, who is (very sweet and) guilty of feeding my hobby. He started my hobby when he bought me the Villa Sibi back in 2008! I vow to learn how to use the machine so that I can start sewing up some curtains, pillows, rugs, who knows. Wish me luck!
The two houses in question are my Betsy McCall House and the Artply by Highland. Both are huge and I needed to figure out where to put them. I bought two saw horses and had a piece of heavy duty plywood custom-cut at Lowes for a table top. I had a huge remnant of Marimekko fabric, bought for $8.00 at my beloved Crate & Barrel outlet last year, and it worked perfectly as a covering. Here's the result:
The houses came in from the chilly garage and the McCall went on the new table with my VERO and the Artply now lives in the back work room with the Citadel. I was able to finish painting the exterior of the McCall; here's a picture that shows the original light blue paint, a test paint that was too violet, and then a custom paint I had mixed from one of the stones on the exterior. Believe it or not, this painting started in the summer!
As you can see, the resulting color is a neat grey/green:
My next step is to tackle the roof...I am thinking of some asphalt shingles. Any ideas on color and shape and best place to buy?
With the Artply, I decided to clean out one of the top floor rooms, which looked like this originally:
I covered the one wall with the very last pieces of some vintage paper from the UK, which I used in a room in my Citadel, and then used a textured white paper for the other two walls. The wood flooring was a keeper. I set up a quick scene -- what do you think of this house? I love the height of the room! I also LOVE that this house cost me $20!!!
|Accent wall done!
|Almost there...
Now that the houses are safe and snug inside I don't think I can avoid working on them when I can make the time. Here's to a productive and fun 2012!
By the way, I've got a little giveaway going on now on the Call of the Small Facebook page. Leave a comment on this photo and you can win two Reed chair ornaments from CB2! Enjoy!
Credits in the Artply: Couch and pillow by Annina; rug and lamp are minimodernistas; side tables are vintage German; plant is AG Minis; table is by Paris Renfroe; Eames elephant is Reac. Accessories are Re-ment, handmade by Nancy Tobey, AG Minis, and doll house store finds.
The time it took me: Scene took me 15 minutes, but I lost count on the painting!


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Thursday, June 13, 2013 | 6 p.m.
The Kats Report Podcast
'Being Oscar'
John Katsilometes and Tricia McCrone talk to former Mayor Oscar Goodman about his new book, "Being Oscar."
The Kats Report Podcast
'Being Oscar' Part 2
The second part of John Katsilometes and Tricia McCrone's chat with former Mayor Oscar Goodman about his new book, "Being Oscar."
On Tuesday afternoon I visited Oscar Goodman at his Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority office. All I can say of this visit was that it was to make a delivery of documents in a large, padded, unmarked envelope.
OK, it was a stack of Las Vegas Weekly magazines with Goodman's pixilated image on the cover. You got me! Stop this interrogation!
Because of that story, and my epic story on the LV Weekly cover about comedy in Vegas, I've not been writing the column (or creating blog content, if you will) as much as is customary. We are about finished with that stretch now, and the scene in VegasVille is strewn with tidbits. Strewn, I tell you!
Let's rake:
• Goodman appeared on "CBS Saturday Morning" on … Saturday morning. The first question posed to him? "Where are the showgirls?" He's reminded that he's never apologized for representing reputed mobsters. "No. Why should I?" Goodman shot back. "What I did was, I protected citizens' constitutional rights to make sure the government did its job correctly. That's all I did."
Goodman also showed his wristwatch, all 5s, to prove it's always 5 o'clock — or Martini Time. Catch the clip here.
Goodman said on the show and again Tuesday that a Broadway producer is interested in turning Goodman's just-released memoirs, "Being Oscar" into a musical. (Hint: This producer's work includes a show starring someone whose name reminds of one of the city's more famous retail centers). Goodman has also been asked by such notable Vegas comedians as Sammy Shore (more on the Sam Man later) to construct a stand-up act for the stage. But Goodman is more interested in a musical adaptation of the book. As to who would play him onstage, he said, "After seeing Clint Holmes on Sunday, I pointed up to him and said, 'He could play me, anytime!' "
And, here's why.
• Holmes drew the lone standing ovation — a partial standing-O, yes, but it was a ruled a standing ovation as by the official scorekeeper — at Sunday morning's International PowWow (IPW) Press Brunch performance at Smith Center's Reynolds Hall. About 500 tourism journalists from 70 countries are in town this week as their annual convention, which visits a different tourism destination each year. The most recent PowWow in Vegas was 2008, and this year's has set records for attendance for the annual conference.
The program at Smith Center started with a walk-around food sampling on the grassy expanse of Symphony Park. Forty of the city's top restaurants were showcased. It was a hot morning for sliders from STK, as temperatures crept toward 100 degrees, but as I explained to some of the visitors: This is how we spend many of our Sundays in Vegas.
The performance at Reynolds Hall, which drew a total audience of about 1,000, was one of the more ambitious I've seen. Ten performances were packed into an hourlong show, which had to be an hourlong to avoid costly union overruns. Featured were Matt Goss with "Jubilee" dancers; Clint Holmes with his backing band from his Cabaret Jazz performances; cast members from "Million Dollar Quartet" and "Rock of Ages;" Terry Fator and his wife, Taylor; Frankie Moreno with members of Nevada Ballet Theatre; and a show-closing medley from "Jersey Boys."
This production moved, folks. Holmes performed a medley from "West Side Story" that drew chills from even the most hardened, jaded international journalist. Moreno performed a new take on an original, "Some Kind of Love," worked out on the day of the performance.
Over the weekend, Holmes and Moreno actually talked of writing together, and Moreno took in Holmes' performance at Smith Center for the first time on Saturday night. A rarity: As Holmes began "Eleanor Rigby" he pointed toward Moreno, who also performs a great version of the song. Holmes then kicked the lyrics — twice. He later explained that he wanted to acknowledge Moreno in the audience, and simply forgot the song's opening lyric.
That hardly ever happens, but Holmes recovered to deliver a performance worthy of the standing O it received. If he and Moreno ever collaborate, I'd be eager to give a listen.
• Shore's Funny Bones doggy-rehabilitation show drew a crowd of about 700 to the Orleans Showroom on Sunday, and the total take was beyond anyone's pre-show estimates: $60,000. The original total was about $30,000, but a donor in the audience pulled Shore aside after the performance and offered to match the total. When Shore told her it was $30,000, he was handed a check for that amount. This person wants to remain anonymous and had never met Shore prior to the event.
All money raised was delivered to the Nevada SPCA's advanced medical care fund, which is set up to save and rehabilitate animals in Southern Nevada. Pete Barbutti, Vinnie Favorito, "Shades of Sinatra," Billy Gardell (of "Mike and Molly"), Chris Phillips and Lydia Ansel of Zowie Bowie, Geechy Guy, the Amazing Johnathan, Rich Little and Tony Orlando appeared. It was the most successful event in the five-year history of Funny Bones, which a year ago raised $20,000 in a ballroom at the Palms. Shore is speaking vaguely of a new project downtown, but for now he and Barbutti are carrying on like a couple of, oh, 50-year-olds at the Clarion. I feel a group activity is in order to see these guys in action.
• One of the highlights of the Funny Bones show (aside from Favorito approaching the front of the stage and tucking a dollar bill in the back of Phillips' jeans) was the appearance by Amazing Johnathan and Psychic Tanya. AJ is essentially retired these days, after a quick spin through Windows at Bally's and a dalliance with the Plaza in which he talked of redesigning that hotel's casino floor (a claim that caught hotel exes off-guard). Backstage, while in a lively conversation with Orlando, Johnathan said he plans to perform in Vegas at least once again — at the Plaza. He wants to do an hour of new material for a cable special.
That conversation between Orlando and Johnathan was remarkable for two reasons. One was, seated nearby was the suddenly ever-present Gallagher, who is hanging out in Vegas while also entering semi-retirement. The other: Both Orlando and Johnathan have lost a lot of weight. Orlando especially is slimmed-down, having dropped about 40 pounds. He reminded that he's been performing for 52 years (he is 69 now) and continues to play regular dates in Vegas at South Point. Orlando is half-Puerto Rican and half-Greek, and his given surname is Cassavitis. Somehow that resonates with me but I can't figure out why.
• Names of notable comics that didn't make the final cut in that comedy story include Rob Sherwood, Sean E. Cooper, James Bean and Nancy Ryan. Sherwood has long been one of the city's funnier and busier comics, and as I reported the story I caught his act three times, including his semi-regular gig as opener for Carrot Top at Luxor. On the night I watched his act at Atrium Showroom, Sherwood performed his set, then worked the spotlight for Carrot Top and for the "Fantasy" performance that followed. The uber-talented Cooper performed a mostly improv set in the middle of "Fantasy," mixed with his familiar impressions of James Brown and Michael Jackson.
Similar to Cooper, Ryan and Bean have signed on for the challenging assignment of leaping into the middle of an adult revue, where audience members are there for skin and spin before jokes. But they, too, fill their roles admirably. You just never know when you're going to run into comedy in this city.
And for even more on that topic …
• Favorito, a star of the comedy story (this story remains in my brain) is the confirmed next host of "The Showbiz Roast," set for July 23 at Stratosphere. It's a great pick, and an obvious one, given Favorito's skills in this format and the fact that he and Goodman are quite friendly. There has been an effort by the Plaza to convince "Roast" producer Andy Walmsley to move the show to that hotel's showroom, given Goodman's strong ties to the properties with steakhouse bearing his name and image. But Walmsley is happy with the setup and support from the Strat. And it is a bit late to change the venue now, but that Plaza showroom would be a pretty cool venue for some overarching show like the "Showbiz Roast." Louie Anderson likes the place enough to sign on for a residency there.
• A random call last week to Daren Libonati of Justice Entertainment Group turned up the following: Libonati is no longer with Justice Entertainment Group. He'd signed on as chief operating officer with the then-fledgling production company in August 2010 after spending 10 years as the director of UNLV's Sam Boyd Stadium, Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion. Libonati's chief accomplishment in his 2 ½-year tenure with JEG was to assemble the many moving parts that led to the Real Madrid-Santos Laguna exhibition soccer match at Sam Boyd Stadium in August.
Libonati said he left his post at the end of April. There was no formal announcement of the split, and he said he's now working on some projects in an entrepreneurial context. He'll specify the next phase of his career soon enough. Libonati is a real Rebel, that much can be said, a former UNLV placekicker who has spent most of his professional life helping stage events at UNLV venues and also, for a time, MGM Grand.
But count me as surprised at his relatively brief tenure at JEG. Pretty clearly, it was just not a good fit.
• The burlesque-esque (if there can be such a thing) production "iCandy The Show" at Saxe Theater at Miracle Mile Shops is no longer faltering. That's because it closed last week, amid an unsettled cast and complaints from performers that they'd not been paid fully for their time with the show. The show was a co-production of Nannette Barbera and "Legends in Concert" founder John Stuart. There is talk that the show is being re-tooled and will return in some form. If so, it is a race back to the stage between "iCandy" and "Surf The Musical."
And you've got to appreciate the unambiguous manner in which "iCandy's" closing is posted on the V Theater box office website. It's "iCandy The Show (DEAD)." Looks like the title of the show, actually.
• More shifts afield are in process at Shimmer Cabaret at LVH. Rich Little's "Jimmy Stewart & Friends" closes its run as scheduled on July 1. "Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show" ended its once-a-week run this week and is now a touring production with no Vegas outpost. Classical guitarist Esteban and his violinist daughter, Teresa Joy, are out of the room this weekend. Trent Carlini-as-Elvis is still in place as a nightly, 6:30 production; and Comedy After Dark is the 10 p.m. show (the room is entirely dark on Tuesday).
Up next in the ever-morphing Shimmer is the production "The D* Word — A Musical," which opens July 10. The musical about four divorced women hearkens to the vibe of "Menopause The Musical," and that's because the show was created by original "Menopause" writer Jeanie Linders. Now at Luxor, "Menopause" originally played at Shimmer, too.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow Kats With The Dish at twitter.com/KatsWithTheDish.


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White water rafting and kayaking in Galicia
Canoeing in Pontevedra
If you are looking for a good setting for adventure sports in Spain, then Galicia is a safe bet. Here, our proposals centre on its rivers, whether kayaking or white water rafting, individually or as a group. Come and face the challenge of the Miño or Ulla Rivers. If you prefer calmer waters, then on some of the reservoirs here you can row in peace and quiet.
Take note. Whether you are looking for sheer excitement or if you simply want to pursue outdoor sports in the countryside, then this proposal is perfect for you. The more daring can go for white water rafting, the most popular of all the river sports. Don't worry if you haven't tried it before: this is a team activity, for groups of eight or ten people. You head down the river in an inflatable boat under the supervision of an instructor who is an expert on the stretch in question.
It is no coincidence that the Region of Galicia, in northwestern Spain, is a favourite destination for adventure holidays. There you will find a section of the Miño River that is well known amongst white water rafting enthusiasts: the one that passes through Arbo, in the province of Pontevedra. It is suitable for beginners, but is a challenge that will also satisfy the more experienced. In fact, this part of the Miño is the setting for national white water rafting competitions such as the Spanish Championship. Specialists recommend summer and autumn for descent of this river. There are also organised trips on the Ulla and Deza Rivers. The former is particularly suitable for beginners looking to gain technique and balance, and winter and spring are the best times of year here. For more information, head for Arbo Municipal Tourist Office.
The kayak is no less exciting. Negotiating rapids in one of these boats requires good technique and a fair amount of practice, but they are also perfect for calmer waters and reservoirs. You will find several reservoirs in inland Galicia – Fervenza, Eume, Belesar, Portodemouros… - offering organised leisure activities and water sports. Here you can obtain all the necessary equipment for each activity.
Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure: the rivers of Galicia provide stunning landscapes as backdrop. Can you imagine rowing through reedbeds, under the watchful eye of ducks and flocks of water birds? This spectacle is not so far away. Don't get left behind: put on a life jacket and helmet, and set off on this river adventure. Galicia awaits you in the region known as Green Spain.
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I just started a new Tumblr page: GOLD DUST MOUNTAIN I think it will be easier for me to maintain and update.. for now, at least, while life is busy.
So excited to see many images from this blog floating around tumblr. If you are on tumblr, let's follow each other.


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Force And Fear In The Air, As Syrian Refugees Go To Polls In Lebanon
Syria, a country torn apart by civil war, holds a presidential election next week. Western governments say the election is a farce, guaranteed to give President Bashar al-Assad another term. Some refugees who have fled the war and ex-pats who moved abroad before the fighting are already voting at Syrian embassies in other countries. NPR's Alice Fordham reports that the scene in Beirut is a mix of enthusiasm and fear.
ALICE FORDHAM, BYLINE: There's a kind of crazed, festive atmosphere to the road up to the Syrian Embassy in Beirut today. Thousands of people are streaming up to cast their vote in the expatriate elections here and when they're asked who they are going to vote for everybody's got the same answer...
UNIDENTIFIED MAN #1: Bashar al-Assad.
FORDHAM: God, Syria, Bashar and that's it, they cry. Amid miles of vehicles backed up on the road, his face is seen over and over. People wave banners of the president in combat fatigues riding an Eagle. With our blood we vote for Bashar, say the posters.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN #2: (Through translator) Syria is one nation, one people. Bashar al-Assad is for all of Syria, for all of the Arab world. Welcome. Our feelings are all happiness.
FORDHAM: That's Ally Asa (ph) from the city of Tartus. Only Syrians who left the country legally can vote, not those who fled without permission, many of whom oppose Assad. The expatriate vote is taking place in some countries and not others, depending on relations with Syria. But Lebanon's is the largest and everyone insists they've come not just voluntarily, but with wild enthusiasm.
FORDHAM: But Syrians in Beirut say many were pressured to show up. One middle-aged man, the head of the family who's afraid to give his name or be recorded, say six men came to his house. They were from Hezbollah, Assad's key ally and said if he didn't vote they'd give his name to the Syrian border authorities and stop him going home. Several other Syrians in Beirut tell similar stories. Another Syrian works in a bakery and wouldn't give his name because he fears repercussions.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN #3: (Through translator) In the area where we live, there are people who came in a threatening way and said if you're not going to go vote we're going to kick you out of the house.
FORDHAM: Hezbollah denies this, but even without threats, many believe if they don't vote, they'll never be allowed back. They think Assad has control of Syria and his people are watching the polling booths.
ASSEM HAMSHO: (Through translator) These are simple people. Most of them chat amongst themselves and tell each other, I'm going to vote because if tomorrow I don't vote, I won't be allowed back into Syria.
FORDHAM: That's Assem Hamsho. He says representatives of Assad's Baath party visited camps to tell people to vote.
HAMSHO: (Through translator) The revolution wasn't able to offer them any safety and the international community wasn't able to give them a real refuge that would allow them to speak to their true opinions.
FORDHAM: Hamsho says the election is a show. No one pretends otherwise but the country is a battlefield with few heroes and one side making clear gains. And that's reason enough for many to use this chance to side with Assad. Alice Fordham, NPR News, Beirut.
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED continues right after this.
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National airline Royal Jordanian is actively looking for investors ahead of its full privatization this year, after a recovery in performance from a difficult period, its management says.
In an interview with AFP, the airline's director-general and chairman, Nader Dahabi, said the company had "recently taken a series of measures to improve its performance ahead of the full privatization which should happen towards the end of this current year."
These measures have resulted in Royal Jordanian (RJ) seeing "net profits in 1999 of 36 million dollars after years of losses, with the company's debts standing at around 150 million dollars by the time it is sold by the government, compared with more than a billion dollars in 1995."
"We have already contacted international companies and some have expressed interest," Dahabi added without giving further details.
He said "49 percent of RJ's shares will be sold to a strategic partner or to foreign investors and the rest will be held back for offer to Jordan's private sector."
The government decided in October to privatize the company because it could not support it financially, Dahabi said, adding that it must first "change the law which defines RJ as a public institution," during a session of parliament.
"Consultants including Arthur Andersen have mapped out a financial restructuring program ahead of the sale," Dahabi explained.
In line with that, the government has paid 300 million dollars of RJ debt owed to the Jordanian Oil Refinery, which the state will recover when the sale of the airline goes through, he said.
Furthermore, five departments of RJ will be hived off as separate companies and then sold off "before the end of the year," Dahabi said.
Two departments have been ready since the end of April, including the training center, and should soon be put on the market, he continued.
Part of the sale will go towards paying off the airline's debt in Jordan, which stands at 110 million dollars.
He described the airline's improved performance, with increases in the first four months of this year of four percent in the number of flights to 4,500 and 12.6 percent in the number of flight hours to 19,553, compared with the same period in 1999.
RJ has also cut costs, canceling non-profitable routes, including those to Canada and Iran, and merging with offices of neighboring countries, Dahabi said.
There has been a cut in staff, without compulsory lay-offs, reducing the number to 4,500 from 5,500 in 1994, he said, adding that the hiving off of departments to make them independent companies will bring that figure down to 3,500 employees.
RJ's fleet is made up exclusively of Airbus planes: nine A310s and three A320s, servicing a total of 45 destinations, including the United States, western Europe, the Middle and Far East and the Gulf.
"The standardization of the fleet over the last few years has allowed RJ to save on maintenance costs," he said.
Dahabi believes the future owners of the company "will keep on RJ's qualified personnel, whose salary levels are not high compared with other airlines, which means a guarantee that there will not be any layoffs."
He described the full privatization of RJ as "a pioneering experiment in the region," and called on Arab airlines to "privatize and merge to be able to develop and take on international competition." -- AMMAN (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)