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Federal Member for Melbourne Ports, Michael Danby has hit out at claims made by a member of the Malaysian Parliament that he is a "homosexual activist".
The comment was made on April 14 while Danby was in the region, participating in the World Movement for Democracy 2010 Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
"To accuse me of a being a strong supporter of the gay and lesbian community is a badge I wear with pride," Danby said in a statement last week.
Youth chief of Malaysia's ruling UMNO party, Khairy Jamaluddin called Danby a "homosexual activist" in Malaysia's Parliament because of a petition organised by Danby criticising the ongoing trial of Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on the charge of sodomy.
"I have information, but I want to ask the Ministry whether they know that Danby is a homosexual activist, and is also pro-Israel," Jamaluddin said, The Malaysian Insider reported.
Jamaluddin said he had led a group protesting against the petition at the Australian Embassy.
In February, Danby presented a letter, calling for the sodomy charges against Ibrahim to be dropped, to the Malaysian High Commissioner. The letter was signed by more than 60 Australian MPs.
It's the second time the former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister has been on trial for the charges.
In 2000 Ibrahim was sentenced to nine years for sodomy, however, the conviction was later overturned and he was released in 2004.
"When I first presented the petition on behalf of Australian parliamentarians to the Malaysian Ambassador in Canberra, Mr Khairy suggested I was gay at a UMNO rally in Kuala Lumpur," Danby said.
"To try and imply that the petition is not valid because the author is a supporter of the gay and lesbian community is a sad and pathetic attempt to deflect Malaysian opinion."
© Star Observer 2019 | For the latest in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) news in Australia, be sure to visit starobserver.com.au daily. You can also read our latest magazines or Join us on our Facebook page and Twitter feed.


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second life
Linden Lab makes another bone headed move
If you haven't heard Linden Lab's latest bone headed move to abuse its users it is against SL icon Strawberry Singh. The second life user that fills in the gaps for new SL users that LL can't or won't.
While I am not a lawyer and am unqualified to make a legal opinion I can say LL's actions are stupid in the extreme.
The best description I've seen is on New World Notes at http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2017/12/second-life-youtube-infringement-ip-trademark-claims-strawberry-singh-1.html
This may be the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I have been watching LL's stupidity for twelve years and they go from one disaster to another. Never missing a chance to make a stupid move to denigrate the people who keep them financially alive.
Currently for personal reasons I am on "vacation" from SL and only logging in about once a month. Now I'm thinking I should make that "vacation" permanent and extend it to Linden Lab's Sansar also!
SecondLifeChallenge for Willow Dion
Strawberry Singh put out a challenge to post seven facts about your Second Life. I thought this was interesting project so here are seven facts about Willow Dion.
- Fact #1 Since I joined SL in 2005 I think I've always had a "premium account". I'm not sure but I don't think there was what is now called a free account back then. If there was I started paying for my account within a few days. Since I found friends and started having fun within a few days.
- Fact#2 One of those friends, Bob, is older than SL. He was part of the beta test of Second Life and has a rez day of April 2003 and SL's birthday is June 2003.
- Fact #3 Bob and I had daily or almost daily help sessions for newbies during the latter part of 2005. He would do the more technical help sessions and I would have the "fun" part by having a pool party and showing people how to dance, turn their music on, and other fun tips. I was really addicted and one day I danced for eight hours. We had these sessions twice a day, one for Europeans and one for the Americans. Eventually I burned out.
- Fact #4 When I joined you could pick your first name. But you could only use a last name from a limited number of choices that Linden Lab gave you. So, I became Willow Dion.
- Fact #5 During my time in SL I took an almost two-year vacation where I would just log in once a month. During the time I was gone mesh clothing got good. It was so different I had to learn to get dressed all over again.
- Fact #6 It took me nine years to find my husband. Since we celebrated our third anniversary the past summer good things come to those who wait even in SL.
- Fact #7 After some initial experimenting I have stayed with the same basic shape I made until January of this year. Except when I was expecting our daughter and I made appropriate changes. I tried the first mesh bodies and heads but didn't like them because they were not me. When Bento heads became available I tried them with the Maitreya body. I modified my shape so the combination looks like an improved me. Now I have a mesh body and head I like and doubt I'll make many changes unless something spectacular comes along.
Willow gets ready for Irma in Second Life
I live far enough inland that when it gets here Irma just supposed to be a category 1 hurricane. Which will hopefully just mean just knocked down trees and power lines. I usually pay my rent on Monday but that will be just when Irma is supposed to hit here. So, I realized Saturday morning I better go ahead a pay it.
I hope I won't be out of this virtual world long. I may even try to get on with my laptop just to say hello. I'm keeping my phone, laptop, and iPad all charged up.
Becoming a Newbie AGAIN ☹
First Sansar Login
Something was clear very quickly. People don't know to move off the experience destination landing point either. Hey people I think most of you should know it's good manners to move off the landing point. Of course, it took four minutes for the experience to rez so people may have gone off to get a cup of coffee. Or really something stronger might be needed out of frustration. BTW my computer is above average since it is seven cores and 12-Gigs of ram running on a 75-meg line. Another experience loaded faster but no one else was there. I'm not sure how to check since there is no map but I didn't see anyone.
The graphics are good looking but they aren't that much better than SL's. Hey people SL does have an advanced lighting choice in preferences.
How do you walk around without looking like you're drunk? My arrow keys were so sensitive I would just lightly tap one and I would be moving in a radically different direction.
More later probably after I calm down from the frustration of waiting waiting waiting.
Opps forgot mention Kitely and Inworldz
I forgot to add Willow is also in the virtual worlds of Kitely and Inworldz. I'm not in those worlds as much as Second Life.
Kitely Home
While Kitely is technically interesting and may be the future of virtual worlds it is a little too "geeky" for me. I spent a couple of decades working professionally with computer systems and I don't want to spend my time trying to figure out how something technically works. I'm also not fond of the its every sim is its own world data setup that is only loaded when someone accesses it.
The Inworldz world is almost the same as Second Life but without the exorbitant land prices.
Inworldz Home
Inworldz Home Interior
In my opinion Kitely and Inworldz are hindered by not having enough population. Since I'm in virtual for social reasons so that is a problem.
Since Sansar may eventually supplant Second Life; I know LL says it won't but with the haphazard way they do thing who really knows. So, it may be a good idea to keep your options open if it doesn't cost too much.

subset: commoncrawl


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It turns out that Percy Walker, local BILLIONAIRE, is a knight. Apparently his nemesis, known only as Percy Hater, has a problem with American knights being called "Sir." It's against the Geneva Convention or something. Personally, I don't care. I'm calling him Sir. Sir Percy, Knight of the Bipedal Mode Of Transportation, Regulation Slayer, Really Really Rich Dude.
The title? According to legend, upon being knighted Percy succinctly yet poetically exclaimed, "Thanks, Queen!"
Here's a close up:
Doesn't really look like him, but hey. I'm an artist. I've captured his AURA.
LOOK! Pretty shiny things to buy @ NUTMEGNINE.COM!
Need more wittyness and birdwatching excitement? Click this VERY SENTENCE.


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Unaccompanied teeangers between 12 and 17 years old.
A2 and above
- Improve student's overall level of French and strengthen speaking skills
- Practise French while doing sports and creative activities
- Foster exchanges within a multicultural environment
- Reinfoce basic language skills such as grammar, vocabulary, spelling
Unaccompanied students follow the entire program.
French courses
Communicative learner-centered approach based on authentic documents.
Access to multimedia language labs for individual instruction.
Active learning strategies :
- Role plays, debates
- Pair + group work filmed for critical analysis
Lunches: supervised by CAREL staff
Creative workshops:
- Multimedia projects: learn the basics of photography and make a film.
- Music and singing: music is a universal language, sing and create a "Lip Dub"!
- Drama: create mini plays and become an actor for a few days in Royan.
- Board games: develop cognitive skills, strategic thinking and intercultural communication.
Sports activities:
- Surfing : wave and paddleboarding or indoboard
- Sailing
- Sports for every-one: orienteering, beach volley, wake park, jump park, stand up paddle, tree-climbing, laser games, bowling...
Saturday - excursion : discovery of iconic places of the region.
- 15 students maximum for group
- Monday to Friday, 5 hours par day / 25 hours per week
- Saturday excursion for courses of 2 weeks or more
- Recommended minimum stay : 2 weeks.
Host family accommodation:
- Arrival on Sunday evening and departure on Saturday morning
- Half board from Monday to Friday
- Full board on Saturday and Sunday (for 2 week stay or longer)
1 July to 2 August 2019
Skills assessment
Course certificate
1 week : 816 €
2 weeks : 1 720 €
Contact pour inscription
Message particulier pour inscription
L'inscription s'effectue auprès de l'un de nos agents étrangers


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Is it just me or are there other mothers and grandmothers out here who have a problem with the way some businesses are run?
I'd like to know why I can't just buy ONE SHOE in a shoe store. Yes, I know they come in pairs but if one shoe is lost, why is it necessary to purchase a new pair of shoes at the same price?
In the past 72 hours, my grandson has lost two shoes—-not two pairs of shoes—but two individual shoes. For the life of me, I can't figure out what might've happened to those shoes. We've searched frantically in the house and in the car and even outside the house—in the yard—hoping those missing shoes would turn up. No such luck.
But get this—in a conversation with a store clerk I learned their lost and found box is filled with kids' shoes! Obviously, my grandson isn't the only toddler running around with just one shoe.
It might not be a bad idea to check some of those lost and found boxes at the various stores to see if I find a match.
You have made a good point Beverly, I have never really thought about this.
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As the U.S. women's hockey team continues to fight for increased wages with USA Hockey, 14 U.S. senators have called on the organization to resolve the issue in a letter to USA Hockey executive director Dave Ogrean.
The senators expressed concern that the women's team is boycotting participation in the world championships — for which USA Hockey has sought replacement players and has struggled to get commitments — which the U.S. is set to host beginning Friday in Plymouth, Mich.
Here is the letter in full:
Dear Mr. Ogrean,
As Senators committed to gender equity in all realms of American life, we write to express our serious concern with allegations raised by members of the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team regarding USA Hockey's inequitable allocation of resources to the women's hockey program and unjust treatment of national team members.
As you know, the women's team has chosen to boycott the upcoming International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship games, citing faltering negotiations with USA Hockey regarding equitable pay and resources. Among other issues, the women note that USA Hockey expects female players to "train full time and compete throughout the year," yet pays them only $6,000 every four years, an amount that would put them far below the poverty line. The women's team is in the process of negotiating a four-year contract with USA Hockey that includes "appropriate compensation."
As the National Governing Body for ice hockey in the United States, USA Hockey is required by the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act to "develop interest and participation throughout the United States" in ice hockey and "be responsible to the persons and amateur sports organizations it represents." USA Hockey is also legally required to "provide equitable support and encouragement for participation by women where separate programs for male and female athletes are conducted on a national basis."
We are disturbed by reports from the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team suggesting that USA Hockey is not providing "equitable support" to female athletes. While USA Hockey provides its male athletes with a "seemingly endless" supply of hockey equipment, for example, female players are often expected to "buy their own." This "inequitable support for equipment, staff, meals, travel expenses, transportation, and publicity" is apparent at younger levels of the sport as well: while USA Hockey spends $3.5 million to support male youth athletes in its National Team Development Program, there is no parallel development program for women.
The U.S. Women's National Hockey Team has medaled in every Olympics since 1998, when Women's Hockey was first added as an Olympic Sport. The team has won gold medals at the IIHF World Championships for the past three years in a row. As Megan (sic) Duggan, team captain, announced last week, the women's team has "represented our country with dignity and deserves to be treated with fairness and respect."
We urge you to resolve this dispute quickly to ensure that the USA Women's National Hockey Team receives equitable resources. These elite athletes indeed deserve fairness and respect, and we hope you will be a leader on this issue as women continue to push for equality in athletics.
Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts
Patty Murray, Washington
Dianne Feinstein, California
Patrick Leahy, Vermont
Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut
Maggie Hassan, New Hampshire
Sherrod Brown, Ohio
Edward J. Markey, Massachusetts
Thomas Carper, Delaware
Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin
Robert Menendez, New Jersey
Mazie K. Hirono, Hawaii
Cory Booker, New Jersey
Bob Casey, Pennsylvania


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Legacy Estates
Legacy Estates, the flagship property of the Legacy Communities, reminds those who visit of an English country estate. Legacy Estates blends old-world charm with classic architecture.
Wander through the beauty of private courtyards, gardens rich with vegetation, charming koi ponds, and waterfalls. After strolling through the grounds, enjoy refreshments in the Estates' authentic English Pub or grab a snack in the ice cream parlor. Visit the theatre to see what is playing or play a round of miniature golf with your grand-children or friends. This community truly has something for everyone and is a distinctive place to call home.
In 2005 Legacy Estates was awarded a Best of Senior Housing Gold Achievement Award by the NAHB Senior Housing Council for Congregate Care Community Small & Midsize.
PROJECT SIZE approx. 292,000 SF with underground parking
VALUE Approx. $16,825,000
PROJECT DURATION 18 months


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WILLOW HILL, Pa. - A Franklin County man said Wednesday he'll do whatever it takes to protect his property in the aftermath of the third theft of exotic pigeons from his Metal Township home since March 1997.
"I keep my shotgun loaded day and night," said Paul Urban, 65, of 14786 Path Valley Road.
Thieves stole close to 400 of his pigeons between 8 p.m. Monday and 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Urban said. The birds, including valuable Rumanian Naked Necks, Egyptian swifts, Indian fantails and Hungarian giant house pigeons, were stolen from coops in a barn where he keeps 10,000 birds.
He estimated the stolen birds were worth about $40,000. None were insured.
"You can't get insurance on birds. It's a dead loss for us," he said. He said companies that insure birds charge $7 or more a bird, a premium he and his wife Doris can't afford.
With the thefts of several hundred other pigeons in burglaries in March and September 1997, Urban said his losses have totaled $120,000.


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Webinars. As they're a more in-depth, interactive method of movie material, webinars are a successful thing to consider phase content material format as they offer a lot more detailed information than a weblog write-up or small video.
There remain some agencies that persist with "common marketing," which happens to be to state immediate mail; billboard, radio see here and television advertising and marketing; merchandising etc. It's worthy of mentioning that in all media, engineering plays a more dominant function than ever before just before.


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One of the things that I miss about that job was the toys we had. It seems whenever I go shopping for toys I always find junk toys. Junk plastic toys that make noise and require batteries, but do not require much thought or imagination. That's why I am always excited when I find new websites like Ultra Quirky Tot. This website has some great toys that reminds me of things the kids used to play with when I was a teacher.
The have great manipulatives, which are great for fine motor and problem solving skills. This was one of my favorites
They also have great blocks. Blocks are such a versatile toy and must have for any kid.
This website really had some great toys that were just like the toys we used to teach with when I was a preschool teachers. I will definitely be using this website when Christmas rolls around to stock Ben and Penny up on some nice learning toys that they will grow with instead of the junk toys that will out grow and break with in a month.
So check it out! They also have tons of cute clothes and all kinds of stuff for little ones!
Ultra Quirky Tot
They are offering my readers a 5% discount! Here's the code to enter VWT120921015436


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The programme last for nine (9) months divided into two semesters. During this period, students are exposed to intensive lectures from Mondays to Friday every week and a weekly C.A. test on Fridays
All our centres highly equipped laboratories avail the students the opportunity of undertaking all the practical required for IJMB programme.
Basic Requirements For IJMB Admission Are Stated Below:
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State
University Of Nigeria Nsukka
University of Abuja
No JAMB/PUTME score is needed for Admission, Awaiting Result Candidate too can Apply, Automatic Admission without Screening, Applicant/Candidate should visit the school to know more about other requirements and to know more about the program


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Survivor India started with a bang on Star Plus and is set to make for a great journey. The show is filmed on two inhabited islands in Philippines. Two teams are made to survive in the wilderness without shelter, food or any other comforts of our normal life.
The show makes us realize how much we take the important things in life, for granted? Simple things like fire, shelter and salt and pepper can make our life a hell with their absence. Thus, we must learn to be gracious and appreciate the smaller pleasures of life.
Most of the contestants on Survivor-India came to the show with high hopes and aspirations. However, their courage and determination is being tested every day and many of them seem to be cracking under the pressure.
The only goal of this show is to survive getting voted out. The contestants will have to stay 45 days on the island. Apart from the problems of living a life in wilderness, contestants are also forced to face tribal politics.
It will be really interesting to see who survives the Survival India.


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Expert Reviews
2007 Volkswagen Jetta
It's easy to understand the appeal of the Volkswagen Jetta. Designed and engineered in Germany, the Jetta offers some of the same strengths and design values as much more expensive European luxury sedans yet its base price falls into what we used to call economy car territory.
For 2007, the Jetta's appeal should increase substantially. In addition to minor updates such as a new tire pressure monitoring system and an auxiliary audio input jack for iPods and the like, Volkswagen has dropped the price of its most popular car by $1,400. The new Jetta sedan starts at $16,490, without a significant reduction in standard equipment.
At that price, the Jetta is a compelling buy. Even the base model is well equipped, fun to drive and economical to operate. Its 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is pleasantly robust, with a broad power curve and a raspy sound, and delivers an EPA-estimated 22/30 miles per gallon City/Highway. Inside, the Jetta is roomy and nicely finished, and its trunk is larger than many sedans costing $25,000 or more. Going up the model line, the Jetta only gets better.
The Jetta 2.0T starts about $4,500 higher, but its high-tech turbocharged engine is a blast to drive, with either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the trick Direct Shift Gearbox automatic. The 2.0T can be loaded with almost as many features as a luxury sedan, and the line-topping GLI is a sports sedan true to the German tradition. Of course, if you drive a loaded GLI away from your local Volkswagen dealership, you'll have paid close to double the base model's price, nearly $31,000 before tax.
Regardless of engine or equipment level, the Jetta is responsive around town and comfortable on long trips. It snicks through corners and carves through curves precisely, but rides quite comfortably.
The Jetta was redesigned and re-engineered from the ground up midway through the 2005 model year, and it still seems fresh. This one is larger than previous-generation models, and Volkswagen's attention to detail, particularly inside, is convincing. The driver enjoys excellent visibility and ease of operation, with logical controls and instruments, and even the base model offers a full array of safety features. Finish quality is good, inside and out. We find the styling more pleasant than exciting.
If you like the idea of a solid sedan with European flair, the Jetta is the best deal in town.
Model Lineup
Volkswagen Jetta ($16,490); Jetta 2.5 ($17,990); Jetta 2.0T ($21,900); GLI ($23,990)
Walk AroundNew for 2007: A spicy new paint color called Salsa Red.
The current Volkswagen Jetta is the largest ever, dimensionally as well as visually. Compared to the pre-2005 Jetta, it has a longer wheelbase and wider track. It has also put on a little weight, tipping the scales at over 3,200 pounds. That extra mass was put to good use, however, with greatly improved structural rigidity, a larger trunk and more interior room, particularly for rear seat passengers.
The eye is drawn at once to the Jetta's big, chrome-framed front grille. Like it or not, you'll have to get used to it, because Volkswagen calls this grille its new face. Chrome is also used in eyebrows atop the air inlets in the front bumper and, on the 2.5 model, for the side-window surrounds. GLI models are clearly differentiated by a black honeycomb mesh grille with a red surround strip, and foglamps integrated into the front bumper.
The next most striking design element is the aggressive thrust and slope of the hood and snout. Compared to other recent nose-forward designs, the composite headlights and various inlets and grilles are well integrated into the Jetta's raked rearward flow. A striking vee, created by the slant of the headlamps and sloping hood lines, is carried strongly toward the rear by the steeply raked windshield and character lines running along the flanks.
The tail is a departure from previous Jetta styling. Larger tail light clusters, now divided between the trunk and rear fender, help widen the proportion of the car's hindquarters in relation to its height, giving it a more substantial, less boxy-looking stern. The round tail lights and brake lights have been singled out as the new Jetta's most derivative design statement. Critics claim they give this Jetta a blander, more Japanese look than previous models.
InteriorWhat's New for 2007: All Jettas are equipped with an auxiliary audio input jack that allows MP3 players and other devices to be plugged into the stereo. As for the stereo itself, the buttons for 2007 are finished in silver rather than black.
Volkswagen and Audi interiors are often the benchmark for manufacturers because their designers accomplish more with less, combining expensive-looking materials with simple, attractive styling and excellent ergonomics. The result tends to be inviting cabins that are pleasant places to spend time. And this holds true in the Jetta.
The optional leather upholstery in a 2.5 we drove was well fitted and stitched around seat contours that provide a high degree of support. The Tamo ash wood trim is indeed trim, and not the great expanses of fake lumber sometimes used in a vain attempt to class up an interior.
The GLI interior is a bit dressier than the standard cabin thanks to touches of bright trim and a handsome, three-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel. The sport seat fabric is a plaid-like material that harkens back to previous interior designs from VW, and it may not be to everyone's taste. The durable-feeling leather is really the way to go for a full upmarket experience.
The base seats are easy to adjust with manual controls, and the adjustable steering column and height-adjustable safety belt help drivers of all sizes get comfortable. The upgrade seats have power adjustment, including power lumbar support, with three memory buttons (which also adjusts the outside mirrors) and a key fob that can be programmed for each position.
The thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel frames a gauge cluster dominated by separate, large dials for the tachometer and speedometer, well shaded from ambient light by a curved cowl. In daylight the graphics read white on black, at night changing to white on soothing swimming-pool blue with lighted red pointers. In either case, the data are easy to comprehend at a glance. Within the tachometer and speedometer are warning lights and advisories about secondary functions, including one thoughtful warning that the fuel filler door was left opened after refueling. Optional steering wheel buttons can be used to operate a phone, mute the radio, or toggle between the various modes of the sound system.
A large electronic message pad sits dead center, just over the water temperature and fuel gauges. In addition to more warning and diagnostic symbols, its display includes trip computer read-outs. The red graphics on the pad are quite readable in the daylight but glow too brightly at night, even at the pad's dimmest setting.
The trip computer's data are accessed by one of three levers mounted on the steering column (or with the available multi-function steering wheel buttons). Jutting to the right, this lever operates the wiper/washer system. To the left are the levers for the turn signals/headlamp flashers and cruise control. Though easy to use, the levers feel flimsy and are one of the few interior elements that have a cheap, plasticky look. The headlight switch sits on the dash to the left of the steering wheel.
Stereo buttons, which surround the display screen, are in full view, a setup we prefer over hidden controls. Unfortunately, the display's graphics are not easily discernible in daylight. At night, though, the display reverts to the trademark VW blue backlighting and is easily read.
All Jettas come standard with Climatic, which automatically maintains a chosen temperature throughout the cabin. It features a rotary dial on the left for temperature, one in the middle for fan speed, and a third on the right for directing the air in the cabin. Upgrading to Climatronic provides separate temperature adjustments for the left and right side of the cockpit.
The switch for the outside mirrors and the power window switches are on the driver's door armrest, within easy reach and sight. The windows feature
Driving ImpressionsNew for 2007: A new cruise-control system intended to simplify operation and reduce driver distraction.
Turn the key in the Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 (or base model) and you're greeted by the raspy growl of a five-cylinder engine. It's definitely an in-your-ear sound that will find favor with those who appreciate mechanical Sturm und Drang. We like it, but it might be annoying to drivers who'd rather talk on the phone.
As soon as the Jetta pulls away from the curb, there's a feel of solidness and a sense of high quality. Volkswagen invested in structural rigidity and that work paid off in ride quality and handling.
The handling is rewarding, inspiring confidence on curving mountain roads. The Jetta carves through a corner with precision, and body lean is almost non-existent. Entering a corner too quickly is easily corrected with the excellent four-wheel disc brakes. ABS helps the driver maintain steering control while braking, while Brake Assist ensures maximum brake force during panic stops. The Jetta's high-tech traction aids provide a greater envelope of safety yet do little to diminish the driving experience.
This is the best-handling front-wheel-drive car Volkswagen has produced, benefits of the multi-link rear suspension and a carefully designed MacPherson strut front suspension. The Jetta is a well balanced car, with little or no sense that the front end is doing the work of both pulling and steering the car.
The steering is sharp. It not only adjusts to speed, providing more assist at low speeds and higher effort on the open road, but through electronic control of the steering column it automatically corrects the car's direction when such external forces as crosswinds threaten to move it off track. It's a bit disconcerting at first for the car to do something a driver expects he or she will have to do, but in short order the self-correction becomes a welcome improvement.
For slippery conditions, the Jetta comes with an electronic differential lock, or EDL, that varies power to either front wheel depending on which one has more traction. Anti-slip regulation, or ASR, reduces engine power to both front wheels if slip is detected. Both EDL and ASR are part of the electronic stability program, or ESP, which is standard on all but the base Jetta. ESP incorporates ABS to brake any of the car's four wheels individually and reduce the risk of skidding. Yes, we know these systems sound like alphabet soup, but all work together to help the driver maintain control of the car. Studies in Europe have shown how effective electronic stability systems are in helping avoid accidents. They should be considered a standard item on any driver's order list.
The five-cylinder engine features a raspy growl and was tuned for instant gratification. We like this engine. Throttle tip-in is aggressive, especially when the automatic transmission is in Sport mode. Upshifts and downshifts then occur at higher engine speeds. The engine does not provide any braking while driving downhill, however, and we'd prefer that it did for the control it provides.
The 2.5-liter never felt underpowered in a week of testing on freeways, over mountain passes and around town, nor did it seem like it was running out of breath at high rpm. The raspy engine note gets a bit strident when the accelerator is fully applied, but it's more a growl of power than a whine of discontent. The car will cruise all day long at 90 mph, and given an autobahn to explore will reach almost 130 mph at its top end. It's a very flexible engine, and it delivers power when needed, no matter the gear. Raw speed is not what this five-cylinder does best, however.
The six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic does just about everything an automatic should do. In full automatic mode, the transitions between gears are quick and slip-free. Slam the gas pedal down and downshifts are crisp, and the transmission holds the chosen
The Volkswagen Jetta blends German-bred engineering and technology, good materials and build quality and solid performance in a value-priced package. The base model comes well equipped, with a decent CD player and a host of safety features. Its 2.5-liter five cylinder was bred for American tastes, with lots of low-rev torque, and makes for both a snappy runabout and a comfortable long-distance cruiser. The turbocharged 2.0T can be equipped like a luxury sedan, while the GLI attains sports sedan status. Prices climb quickly, however. At the high-end, a loaded Jetta can nearly double the modest base price, and we're not sure there's twice as much value in the equation.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Greg Brown filed this report from Southern California and Santa Fe, New Mexico.


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Humans are creatures full of contradictions and the Italians are a prime example. I've had many Italian friends over the years and the birthplace of the renaissance is one of the most vibrant cultures you will encounter anywhere. If you've ever been invited to dinner at an Italian household, you'll know that dinner usually doesn't start until what many Americans would consider late in the evening and can often stretch well into the night with many courses and lots of wine. It's also not atypical for lunch to last a couple of hours or more. Just like other countries the food in Italy varies by region and the best meals are prepared from locally grown ingredients bought from the local market. With such origins it's always better to slow down and absorb the wonderful aromas and flavors.
On the flipside, the same people who savor these leisurely meals create some of the wildest, most conspicuous sports cars on the planet. The industrial region of Northern Italy is dotted with towns that play host to design houses like Pininfarina and ItalDesign and manufacturers like Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini. At first glance these insanely fast cars might seem at odds with the laid back pace of Italy, but if you consider it for a moment it's really all about appreciating the finer things in life whether it be culinary or automotive. Of course Italy is not just about supercars, with nearly sixty percent of cars in Italy being powered by diesels with an average size of 1.6L and an average output of 97hp. With that kind of output you'll have plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the gorgeous landscape. Check out a video on fast cars and slow food after the jump.
[Source: Food Trip, thanks to Linton for the Tip]
A segment from Food Trips with Todd English looking at fast cars and slow food.


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Wed, Mar 14 - 8pm - $10
Rachel Drew & the Bitter Roots
Soulful Americana band, Rachel Drew & the Bitter Roots, features Rachel's vocals with Alton Smith on piano, Gerald Dowd on drums, Dave Nelson on guitar, and John Abbey on bass. The band, and Rachel's songs, pay homage to mid-60s R&B, early-70s Ronstadt, Roy Orbison, and a bit of classic country. Whether inspired by dreams, family, or heartbreak, her songs have a haunted, aching quality. Rachel also performs with Tony Richards, Peter Joly Group, Phil Angotti, Great Moments in Vinyl, and more.
Becky Levi & Mike Vanier
Becky and Mike share a love for country music and the transformative power of live shows. These two Chicago natives fused their love of Roots Music, Jazz and Americana to create an indie americana sound featuring powerful vocal harmonies and unforgettable guitar riffs. They have shared the stage with Jim Lauderdale, Sam Bush, Robbie Fulks, Frank Fairfield and Jim Becker.
Charming Axe
A love of pure mountain-style harmonies is what brought Eugenia Elliott, Rob Newhouse and Hannah Hill together over a decade ago as the Chicago based American Roots band, Charming Axe. They sing songs they love--traditional, contemporary and original tunes--spanning bluegrass, pop, country, and folk, with lush romantic ballads and lively toe-tappers. Always with an emphasis on the Appalachian three part harmony stlye, and often accompanied by guitar, mandolin, fiddle and upright bass, Charming Axe is sure to delight. And they are darn nice folks. Newhouse (Guitarist/Vocalist) has played in many bands, including Chicago roots-pop favorite the Elvis Brothers. He left the bar band scene in 1998 and began teaching at Chicago's famous Old Town School of Folk Music. Since moving to Chicago in 1991 from the east coast, Eugenia Elliott has made her mark on the Chicago music scene in a wide variety of musical genres that include vocal jazz standards, bluegrass, old time country and popular contemporary music. You can hear her in local bands such as the Teflons, the Linda Marie Smith Band, the Melanie Budd band as well as on her own album of originals entitled 4000 Weeks. Hannah Hill has a deep and genuine love of vocal harmony. As the daughter of a church choir director she was inspired by her mother's singing and piano playing; inheriting her love of traditional and American folk music. In addition to contributing her clear and gentle soprano voice to Charming Axe, Hannah is a preschool music teacher and volunteer art teacher and is also a Certified Music Practitioner where she performs live, therapeutic music at bedside for the critically ill, elderly, and other patients during difficult times.


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Ruth Wandhöfer is a regulatory expert in the field of banking and one of the foremost authorities on transaction banking regulatory matters. She drives strategic regulatory and industry dialogue and helps shape product innovation.
She chairs a number of influential industry bodies at global and regional level, covering payments, trade finance, innovation in transaction banking and cybersecurity.
In her spare time she mentors FinTech start-ups in London and the US, while pursuing a PhD on blockchain/distributed ledger technology in relation to financial market infrastructures.
In 2015 she was the recipient of the 'Women in Banking and Finance Award for Achievement' and she was named on the 2016 Global 'Women in FinTech Powerlist'. She has published two books and regularly speaks at conferences or lectures at University.
Speaker at Money20/20 Europe 2016


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Crochet Scrubbies are very popular and they come in so handy around the home. They can be used for a myriad of different uses. From washing your dishes to wiping down surfaces, the best part is you simply throw them in your machine when they are dirty.
They are reusable time and again and they wash up a treat. You can also use them on your body in the shower and even to remove makeup and the like. They act as a natural exfoliator.
Donna Wolfe from Naztazia will show us today in a video that lasts less than 5 minutes and here are some of her frequently asked questions when it comes to crocheting spiral scrubbies.
Crochet Spiral Scrubbies FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q. Can I use nylon netting?
A. Yes! It works great. So do the newer scrubbie yarns.
Q. What size hook are you using? What type of yarn?
A. H (5 mm hook). I've made these with many different types of yarn over the years. But Sugar n Cream 100% cotton yarn is what I used for the sample photos you see on my website.
Q. Can I make the scrubbie bigger?
A. You can make a scrubbie bigger and still use the same pattern by doing a few things.
1) You can use a larger crochet hook, which will increase the size of each stitch – thereby increasing the final product.
2) You can use thicker yarn (or even double the yarn) – thus also increasing the final product.
3) You can use a thicker yarn and a larger crochet hook.
4) You can also modify the pattern – perhaps add 5 chains at the beginning row and add 5 more rows to the pattern.
How To Crochet Spiral Scrubbies Tutorial
Donna Wolfe is the creative genius behind Naztazia and she is an excellent instructor. Today she shows us in less than 5 minutes how to crochet spiral scrubbies.
We know that you are going to love the results and as mentioned previously they can be used for cleaning, in the shower and also make wonderful gifts. Click Play above to view now ^


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UPH Choir has successfully brought UPH's name to the world, achieving three gold medals at the Bali International Choir Festival (BICF) 2017, held on July 14-20, 2017. Despite their first time in joining BICF, UPH Choir has been rewarded 2 gold medals for the Folklore category as well as 1 gold metal for the Sacra Music category.
8 countries participated in BICF 2017, including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and China. The competition held 17 categories ranging from ages, gender, music type, to music entertainment. UPH Choir entered into 2 categories, of which were Folklore and Sacra Music.
UPH Choir presented a number of classical choral work, namely "Exultate Deo" and "Ave Maria", under the Sacra Music category, and "Bubuy Bulan" as well as "Marencong-rencong" for the Folklore category.
This accomplishment is suprisingly pleasant as UPH Choir, whose members consisted of 2015 and 2016 students, had never performed in such a big event. UPH Choir Team has 30 members consisting of 9 sopranos, 8 altos, 7 bass, and 6 tenors.
"Initially, we joined the festival to test our team's performance capability to prepare ourselves for bigger competitions. Turns out, the result was beyond our expectation, and we managed to receive 3 gold medals. In fact, we've only been practicing within the short amount of time of only 3 months," said Irene Christiani, a student of Management 2014, Head of UPH Choir.
Surely, it wasn't easy for the team in to prepare for the competition. In the middle of their packed schedules in campus, they would have had to practice intensively for 5 days a week, for a total of 3 months. Under the guidance of Tutu Sukendro, who has led UPH Choir since 2015, the UPH Choir has successfully achieved a number of accomplishments both national and internationally over the past few years.
Aside from competing, the participants of this event could also follow a number of activities such as choral education, and various social activities such as friendship concert, choir collaboration and gala concert. (fj)
UPH Choir's performance at BICF 2017
Source: (www.uph.edu) UPH Media Relations


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A Seminole County grand jury today indicted a 25-year-old Sanford man, accused of fatally shooting a man who was riding in the front seat of a car carrying them both through Altamonte Springs on Interstate 4 during a July 4th all nighter.
Defendant Junior Gedeon was on house arrest at the time and should have been home, according to court records.
Killed was 23-year-old Rodney "Dread" Porter of Orlando.
According to Altamonte Springs police, five people were in the car and had been club hopping. Porter was sitting in the front passenger seat. Gedeon was in the backseat.


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Thousands of properties are without power and the State Emergency Service crews are out in force as strong winds and rain affect southern parts of South Australia.
The SES has responded to more than 100 calls for help in Adelaide, after the overnight winds brought down trees and power lines and caused other damage.
The weather bureau has reissued a severe weather warning, predicting wind gusts of up to 90km/h.
Authorities say thousands of properties in Adelaide and in the state's southeast have lost power.


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Heavy Duty vacuum sealer that will serve well during either your farm/garden harvest, hunting or fishing season. Built for frequent use, this sealer is ready for any task you throw at it. Stainless Steel body with gray hard plastic lid.
Product Dimensions: 15 1/2" W x 11 7/8" D x 4 1/4" H
- 12" Seal Bar
- Adjustable Sealing Time • Built-in Cooling Fan
- Efficient Double-Piston Commercial Pump
- Pulse-vac, Manual Vacuum Time and Pressure Control
- 28 inHg
- 110V/60Hz 680W (cETLus)
What We Thought:
We definitely consider the TSM Products 32298 Vacuum Sealer to be a commercial grade sealer. It is made with a durable stainless steel body and it super powerful! No really, we mean it! Not only did it vacuum and seal our plastic bags perfectly, it even vacuum and seals Mylar Bags with ease. If you store food long-term with Mylar, you know just how exciting that is.


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I was thinking back over the years that I have been involved in ministry and only rarely, if ever, have I encountered someone who didn't have suffering (of some type) in his or her life. (At least for brief periods of time)
The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign over our lives. If that is true, and it is, there are only three alternatives:
God takes delight in the suffering of His people, God can't help it, or God has a purpose for it.
Again, the Bible clearly teaches that God has a purpose in our suffering.
Paul's "thorn in the flesh" is a good example of how God uses suffering (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Let's think about it from a parents perspective, this might help with the answer.
Would you, if you could, take all suffering and hardship from your child's life?
When I asked that, at first I thought, "Of course I would because I want the best for my child." The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized that some of life's most important lessons can only be learned in hardship and suffering.
I suspect that God knew that before I discovered it.
I can't find anywhere in Scripture that we are exempt. I know that there are some preachers and types of theology that teach that we can be always healthy, always pain free, and always trouble free. . the problem with that type of teaching is that it is just not Biblical. Don't think that God has forgotten you as you suffer, He hasn't. But He will grow you through it. . .and in that you can rest


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Purchase this article with an account.
M. H. Wong, R. S. Kumar, D. T. Quek, V. T. Koh, L. S. MohanRam, K. Y. Lee, T. Aung; Clinical Course of Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma Eyes With Plateau Iris. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2009;50(13):2452.
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© ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)
Purpose: :
To compare the clinical course of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes with and without plateau iris.
Methods: :
We retrospectively analyzed the natural history of the disease in subjects with PACG over the age of 40 years, who had a patent laser iridotomy (LI) and had at least 6 months follow-up. Plateau iris in a quadrant was defined by the following ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) findings: anteriorly directed ciliary body, absent ciliary sulcus, steep iris root from its point of insertion followed by downward angulation from the corneoscleral wall, flat iris plane and irido-angle contact. Factors analyzed included history of previous acute primary angle closure (APAC), presence of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow up period, IOP lowering medical treatment and/or surgery required during follow-up. A rise in IOP was defined as follows: IOP> 21 mm Hg (on at least 2 occasions) and requiring treatment.
Results: :
Forty-two subjects were recruited with 13 (31%) eyes having plateau iris based on UBM. The mean age was 68.4 ± 7.1 years; the majority were women (64.3%) and Chinese (92.8%). Mean follow-up period was 32.7 ± 24.3 months (range 7-93 months). PAS was significantly more common in PACG eyes without plateau iris (75.9%) compared to those with plateau iris (30.8%, p=0.01). Although a higher proportion of PACG eyes with plateau iris (100%) required IOP lowering medical treatment compared with those without plateau iris (86.2%), this was not statistically significant (p=0.29). There was no difference found for proportion of eyes requiring surgery or for percentage of eyes with previous history of APAC.
Conclusions: :
In this sample of Asian subjects with PACG, PAS was more common in PACG eyes without plateau iris compared to those with plateau iris. The proportion of cases requiring further medical or surgical intervention or having previous APAC was similar in the 2 groups.
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Thursday, June 10, 2010
Alphabet animals
Black Headed Spider Monkey, the name says it all, he is like a spider that climbs all over the place, so he can have some fun.
Chital when they're babies the look like little Elks. With a tan color skin and white dots on their backs, they look like cute pieces of clouds in their backs.
Ducks are part of the beauty of water and dirt, because they live in the dirt and they swim most of the time in the water. They come out of an egg, and their feathers are like the second skin like a coat so they won't be cold.
Elephants are the heaviest animal, those huge amazing animals live in Africa and they are mammals and we have to take care of them because people has been killing them, and if we don't take care of them they are going to die and we are not going to have them in our environment.
Flamingos, they also come from the egg, and they are pinkish, they have long skinny legs, they sleep on one leg and they hide their head under their wings. They drink water upside down.
Giraffes they live in Africa just like the elephant and their skin are like humans finger prints. None of the other giraffes have the same skin marks. The tallest animal in the world likes to eat; they are herbivores, which that mean that they eat no meet.
Hedgehogs are living in UMEA around 650 km north of Stockholm; they use their skin for self defense. They are classified in the insectivore family Insectivora, they are almost omnivorous, they eat insects, snails, toads and frogs, snakes, bird eggs, carrion, mushrooms, grass roots, berries, melons, and watermelons. In fact, berries constitute a major part of an Afghan Hedgehog's diet in early spring after hibernation.
Jaguars are the largest of South America's big cat! And those beautiful cats are significant numbers of jaguars are found in remotes regions of South and Central America; these animals are prominent in ancient Native American cultures. Unlike other cats, jaguars like water and they are pretty good swimmers, they get their prey from rivers; they eat Fish, were prominent in ancient Native American cultures.
Koalas even though they are called Koala bear they are not bears at all they are; it is a marsupial, or pouched mammal. They live in eastern Australia where the eucalyptus trees they love are most plentiful.
Lesser Panda, these animals have the ability to stand up like humans, they can hold up for 10 seconds at time, he is member of the raccoon family the lesser, or red, panda was once thought to be related to the familiar black-and-white giant panda.
Macaque they are able to grow to a maximum size of 75 cm and 13 kg, their face is a dark pink and their tail is vestigial.
Nyala is a species of antelope found in Southern Africa. Unlike other types of antelope, the nyala prefers thickets in dry savannah woodland or in thick river bank vegetation.
Orangutan; these animals are mammals and they are very intelligent, they are really calm animals and they have red long hair, and supper long arms.
Pumas are also known as cougars, mountain lions, panthers and many more names. Visit this site and embrace the struggles the pumas face trying to avoid extinction.
Quokka this is a small marsupial like the forest wallabies and tree kangaroo's of eastern Australia. Very active at night, the Quokka sleep (often in small groups) during the day in the shelter of dense vegetation, and at night time (being sociable) up to 150 adults converge on waterholes
Red panda, they are the same animals as the lesser panda, they are mammals and they are very similar to a raccoon, of the family called Ursidae.
Slow-Loris The lorises belong to the ancient primate suborder Prosimii ('before apes') and are thus informally referred to as prosimians.
Tiger are the largest cats. Cats they are one of the most threatened species of animal on earth. People kill these animals because of their beautiful skin. But they are also scared of them because a tiger can run up to 35 mph or 56kph. They can get speeding tickets.
Uakari also known as the "bald Uakari" this weird animal is from the Amazon it is threatened by hunting, logging and habitat disturbance, they are from the rain forest of Peru.
Vulture they are located in the mountains of South Europe, North Africa, and South Asia.
White Tiger this animals are located on the Mainland of Southeastern Asia, and Central India, this animals have almost disappeared they live either on zoos or wild life parks.
X- Ray fish these fish are also called Golden Pristella, and it's really easy to keep because they are rely easy to keep because he is really calm and a really respectful fish. His not really choosy on his water type.
Yak wild yaks weight up to 2200 pounds and they are 6 feet long. Domestic Yaks are used to pull loads on fields because they are like supper strong.
Zebra; zebras, horses and wild uses are equids, they live for a long time and they also move really quickly for their large body. These animals are found in Africa and East Africa. They eat dried grass; Burchell's zebras inhabit savannas, from treeless grasslands to open woodlands.
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At last, it's done. The plumber finally rang. Fruitcake got some of the plaice.
Later I met a friend for a drink and we talked a great deal of sense about Art, Religion and Truth. You will notice that the initials of these topics are also ART (lucky we didn't talk about work much, though come to think of it , we did talk about film). In fact it might help to know that this whole document is littered with such cunning devices. For example if you find the right lower case i and click on just the dot, it will unfold the secrets of the universe. Naturally if you retype it all backwards there will be a message from the devil.
Coming back from the drink at about twelve, the roads were dark and almost silent. In a multi-tasking manner, replying to a text and walking, I looked up slightly dazed by the light from my phone. Something was watching me from the pavement. At first I thought it was a cat, then a dog, until I realised it was a young fox. It was probably born this year and at first it didn't seem that bothered about me. It was more interested in nuzzling at the base of it's tail. It kept spinning on the spot to do it again. I thought I recognised the behaviour. Fleas. They are very irritating, as Fruitcake would tell you, and I can on my own behalf. You can't unravel the secrets of the universe without getting bitten by fleas.
Then the fox noticed me and looked panicky with its big ears straight up, as if it didn't know where to run. I told it not to worry, fleas were a great nuisance, and it had my sympathy. The fox looked somewhat reassured and got up enough confidence to slip through some railings then go on bothering the fleas on a lawn. I said goodnight and carried on.
Home again twenty minutes later I was upbraided by Fruitcake. I reminded him that Cho was at a conference and asked if I wasn't perhaps permitted now and again to meet a friend for a quiet pint and to talk about art. Think about it, though, Fruitcake suggested as he munched biscuits, what are you doing still up and talking to foxes at gone midnight in the working week? It was a good question.


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This morning I had, not so much a blinding flash of inspiration, as more a dawning realisation. I have some darlings I need to murder. Nothing less than the final scenes of my current work in progress.
From the early days of my first draft I had that final scene in my head. I actually wrote it when I was about halfway through the first draft. I was pleased with it, and it gave me the motivation that I could finish the novel. It also fits with an early scene, giving that link back to the beginning that many authors talk about.
At the moment I'm working on making London more of a character, and doing that through Kate, one of my POV characters. I chose Kate as she is new to London, exploring the city, and sees it differently than those who live there.
People are interesting. You meet them at work, at a party, through a friend, bump into them (literally) in the street. You smile, talk, share information, and whether you realise it or not, you begin to categorise them from things they say, the way they dress, where they work.
Characters arrive – before, after or with a conflict situation. They make their introductions and you make your assumptions. Later they'll say or do something that stops you short. You didn't expect that. They're an alcoholic, workaholic, racist, have kids, six ex-husbands, a current husband and six lovers. Whatever it is you have to do a rapid re-evaluation of your impression of this person.
As writers and readers we all know that characters need to change through the conflict. Kate changes, but I realised that to show her character arc more clearly I had to get rid of some assumptions made during our getting to know each other phase.
This morning I realised what had been niggling me for a while. Kate doesn't actually do what I thought she would at the end.
She surprised me as friends sometimes do.


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Down the Drain is a WWL-TV investigative project that explores what went wrong and where the blame lies for New Orleans' drainage crisis. Down the Drain was reported and produced by WWL-TV's investigative team: Katie Moore, David Hammer, Mike Perlstein, TJ Pipitone and Danny Monteverde. Infographics and multimedia design by Sam Winstrom and Kevin Dupuy.
When Costco opened in New Orleans in the fall of 2013, the development was praised by city leaders, including then-Deputy Mayor Cedric Grant.
"Being able to do sidewalks, and handicapped ramps, and traffic signals, that improves how this whole neighborhood works," Grant said from the parking lot of the big box wholesaler at the grand opening.
Nine months later, Grant would wear another hat for the city, director of the Sewerage & Water Board. Ousted from that position in August after rains flooded the city over the summer, Grant might have a different opinion of Costco today.
Building for the future
The major retailer taking up several city blocks along South Carrollton Avenue was allowed to build without any so-called "green infrastructure:" no permeable pavement, no rain receptacles, very little green space.
Those environmentally-friendly features, which help soak up and store rainwater, are quickly becoming requirements of modern urban planning.
Another administration official at that time, former Chief Administrative Officer Andy Kopplin, looks back at the Costco development – and the lucrative incentives the city paid out to land it – and sees an opportunity missed.
"I've said that myself, that one of my greatest regrets was we didn't know enough about pervious pavement to add that to the cost," Kopplin said. "The city gave an incentive to Costco, and for a few hundred thousand dollars more, I suspect, we could have given a bigger incentive and required them to use pervious pavement."
Kopplin should know the benefits of that type of pavement.
As the director of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, Kopplin proudly shows off the rain-absorbing permeable asphalt, cisterns and rain gardens around his organization's headquarters on Howard Avenue at Lee Circle.
"During the heavy rains earlier, that pavement looked exactly like it does right now. It drank all the water as quickly as it rained," Kopplin said, pointing to his dry parking lot on a day when torrential rains flooded some streets during a September storm.
Experts praise the Greater New Orleans Foundation project, but see it as a proverbial drop in the bucket. To keep New Orleans from persistent flooding, they say green infrastructure is needed on a much larger scale.
"The best thing to do is to catch the water in the landscape," said New Orleans architect David Waggoner, whose firm, Waggoner & Ball whose firm designed the GNOF's green-friendly building and landscaping.
"When the (drainage) system was conceived in the 1920s, it wasn't the same city that it is today," Waggoner said. "We got into a world where we thought we could engineer our way through it."
Waggoner is perhaps the city's the biggest believer in taking green infrastructure to a higher level. In November 2013, his firm published the "Urban Water Plan," a blueprint for developing water-retaining, flood-reducing features throughout the metro area.
The project stemmed from a series of high-level brainstorming sessions with global leaders in green infrastructure, including officials from the Netherlands, a once flood-prone country that has solved many of its problems by incorporating water into city landscapes.
"The motivation we've had is unless we get on to the next city, unless we get on to this water city, we may not have a city," Waggoner said.
Waggoner and other experts say the New Orleans can no longer rely exclusively on the drain-and-pump method of handling storm water.
"The drainage system that was designed more than 100 years ago, that we've been building and expanding, is overburdened by these heavy rain events," said Ramiro Diaz, an architectural planner with Waggonner & Ball.
The city's massive and expensive drainage system is not only outdated and overmatched, Diaz said, it makes matters worse by accelerating subsidence. When rain is not allowed to seep underground, the ground sinks, like a dried-out sponge.
"The mindset that's driven the city and has been driving the politicians has been pumping," Waggoner said. "Every drop of water here we have to pump out. That's stupid."
The Urban Water Plan turns the drain-and-pump method upside down, advocating a catch-and-store philosophy instead. The plan includes blueprints for rain gardens, water parks, blueways, bioswales and other methods to safely retain rainwater.
New Orleans has taken steps to embrace the concept of green infrastructure. A 2015 amendment to the city's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance requires storm water management for new commercial property.
Had the requirement been approved a few years earlier, developments like Costco would have been required to build features to absorb the first inch-and-a-quarter of rainfall during storms.
"We are at our limit. And so we have to have somewhere else for the water to go," New Orleans Deputy Mayor Jeff Hebert said in a recent interview.
The federal government has tried to help, but projects in New Orleans have barely budged. An earlier Down the Drain investigation exposed that almost none of the Housing and Urban Development grant money awarded for green infrastructure, $140 million been spent giving the city the dubious label of "slow spender."
The urgency is not lost on ordinary citizens.
At the emergency city council meeting on Aug. 8, three days after heavy rains left neighborhoods flooded and residents furious, a handful of the speakers urged a smarter approach to drainage.
"We have an urban water plan in this city and I haven't heard a mention of it," one speaker said.
"Drainage causes subsidence, which actually lowers our whole city," another speaker pointed out.
Others suggested that citizens take it on themselves to adopt new approaches and not wait for city government. "A rain barrel costs maybe $60," one man said, suggesting that homeowners could incorporate the receptacles to their roofs and storm gutters.
"We need to talk about green infrastructure. Because that would change the consciousness of New Orleans," a woman at the meeting added.
Waggoner and other experts praise the grass roots efforts, but warn that time is not on the city's side for turning ideas into reality.
"I think New Orleans believes it has more time than we may be given," Waggoner said. "We don't. We don't have decades to get this together."
To watch the full Down the Drain special click here.


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Answered By: Lisa Vassady Last Updated: Apr 07, 2017 Views: 1171
Answered By: Lisa Vassady
Last Updated: Apr 07, 2017 Views: 1171
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Liquid dish soap is available in many brands and scents. Although it is typically inexpensive, many people choose to make all their home cleaning products. This ensures that you protect your family against substances they are allergic or sensitive to that may cause problems with their health. It is uncomplicated to make your own alternatives to liquid dish soap. This helps our environment because you do not have to throw away the packaging from the liquid dish soaps, you can just re-use your own container.
Things You'll Need
- 16 oz. plastic bottle with a spout or a squirt top
- Measuring cup
- 1/4 cup soap flakes
- Plastic container or small bowl
- Wisk or fork
- 1/4 cup glycerin
- Orange essential oil, or your favorite scent
- Metal grater, optional
- Mild bar soap, optional
Video of the Day
Pour the soap flakes into a plastic container or small bowl. Add 1/2 cups of hot water. Stir them with a wisk or fork until the flakes dissolve.
Wait for the solution to cool. This should take about five minutes.
Add the glycerin and two or three drops of your favorite essential oil to the container. Stir the mixture well.
Pour the homemade liquid dish soap into the plastic bottle. Use it as you would any other liquid dish soap product.


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We were out at Arlington Hall this past Saturday night to celebrate the marriage of Juliet & Craig. The ceremony was held there, and the reception followed immediately. It was all put together by Significant Events of Texas, Beyond took care of the lighting, and Jojo Pangillnan captured all of the moments. The guests had a wonderful time with the photobooth and creating a special memory scrapbook for the bride and groom. Congratulations Juliet & Craig, we had a wonderful time at your reception!
To see all of the images from the boothBOOTH, click here to go to our facebook page, like us, tag your self and share the fun with friends and family.


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Introduction Installation Requirements How to Install Quick Start Guide User Interface Online Plagiarism Check Your Paragraphs Check Your Webpages Check Your Documents/Assignments Side By Side Comparison Keywords Bulk Search Simple (One to Many) Group (Many to Many) Group (Cross Comparison) Options How to Buy Key Registration Process Change Words Match Limit Frequently Asked Questions Contact Us
How to Use the Software?
Looking at user interface, you can decide your nature of usage and need. By default, you have the 'Online Plagiarism' tab opened before you. There are three tabs below, as you can see in the interface:
Use the most appropriate option for you and hit 'analyze it' to receive the report. If you have a document, click on 'load document' option and hit analyze it. Contrary to this, for 'paragraphs' or website checking, go for the suitable tab.


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Happy, very happy indeed.
I consider this my first 'proper' magazine cutting. The Weekender is a Kent focused freemium that looks at lifestyle, food and culture. This is the first issue, and I certainly hope it continues to develop. I love this work.
These pages are 'rough' and haven't yet incorporated print-ready photos, but you get the gist.
I must also thank two very important people, for without their expertise and guidance, I just wouldn't have had the experience necessary to shoot a piece like this. So many thanks Xenia and Edward!


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Chapter 10
Today is a busy day at the Adam's. Jo Kwon and Ga In are walking busily around the house. Today is actually their beloved son's birthday, Ok Yub's two year old birthday. The parents are busy preparing for the party in their house before the guest comes over.
'Yeobo, have you called them?' Jo Kwon shouts from the kitchen. Ga In on the other hand just came back from the market. She is going to prepare a sumptuous dinner party for the guest.
'Yes, I have informed them. Ah, these things are so heavy.' Ga In grumbled as she placed the groceries on top of the dining table and wears her indoor slipper.
'Yeobo, I am sorry that I didn't accompany you to the mart.' Jo Kwon was busy making the cake and he has no time to visit the mart with her.
'What are you talking about? Aren't you busy with the cake?'
'Ah, speaking of this, yeobo, can you help with the decoration? I am clueless what to decorate on it.
'Just put a lot of choco pie on top.' Ga In joked.
'Yah, yeobo, this cake is not for you. It's for our son. You don't be greedy omma and fight for the same cake okay? I make one for you on your birthday.'
'Arasso' Ga In just smiled and replied with her usual chic manner.
'We got to be quick. We don't have much time left. What are you cooking today?' The panicked Jo Kwon starts to jump around in excitement.
'Your favourite crab stew, spicy chicken broth, samguypsal and acorn jelly.' She answered.
'Ah, my favouite carb stew!! 여보출세(Yeobo Success)!!' Jo Kwon kiss Ga In on the cheek.
'Kwon-ah, you better start cleaning up the house. Later the ahjibem would start complaining again.'
'Alright!!' Jo Kwon made a salute sign before moving on to clean the house.
Jo Kwon wears his apron and starts to clean. He vacuums the bedroom, the living room, and Ok Yub's playroom. He cleans every nook and cranny thoroughly. He washes the bed sheet and cleans the toilet. He keeps away Ok Yub's toys that are lying round on the floor. He also prepares the table for the party. While Jo Kwon cleans the house, Ga In is busy preparing the dinner. She seems like a busy little chef in a restaurant. She cuts the vegetable, stir the soup, peel of the garlic and onions and slice the pork meat.
'Ok Yub-ah, come let's bath now before your uncle arrives.' Jo Kwon picks up Ok Yub who is watching 'Barney and Friends' on the television. Jo Kwon brings Ok Yub into the bathroom and baths him. Suddenly her mobile which is lying on the couch rang.
'Kwon-ah, can you help me to pick up the phone?' Ga In shouts from the kitchen. But she gets no response from him. She puts away the things on her hand, washes her hand and reach for the vibrating gadget.
'Yeoboseyo? Ga In here.'
'Ga In ah, Jea here.'
'UNNIE!! When are you guys coming over?' Ga In asked in excitement. It has been a while since the B.E.G members visits their house.
'We would be reaching around 6pm.' Jea answered.
'Ah, I see. Remember don't buy any gifts for Ok Yub.'
'Okay okay. We can't ---'
'Wait, unnie. We would talk later. My soup is boiling!!' She hung up the phone and runs to the kitchen. She quickly turns off the stove.
'Phew~ Thank God it's didn't spill.' She then continues cooking.
Moments later, Jo Kwon walks out of the toilet with freshly bathed Ok Yub. He is carrying Ok Yub in his arm. Jo Kwon also looked like he just bathed with his wet hair.
'Yeobo, did you call me just now?'
'Yah, Kwon-ah, did you by any chance bath WITH Ok Yub again?'
'Yeobo, our little Adam is so cute that I can't resist to not bath with him. Some more we want to have a private father and son session.'
'Kwon-ah, how many times did I tell you not to do that? What if you passed any bacteria on his delicate skin? Are you going to answer for it?
'Why would I have any bacteria? We smell so nice right now.' Jo Kwon turned to his son and snuggle him on the stomach. Ok Yub laughs at the ticklish feeling that his dad made on his stomach.
'Appa choego (Daddy is the best)!!' Ok Yub kisses gently on Jo Kwon's cheek.
'Oh, so now is 2 against 1 is it? Alright, then there will be no more dinner for the two of you.' Ga In looks away and continues with her cooking. Jo Kwon puts Ok Yub down and slits his arm around Ga In's waist from the back.
'Are you jealous that I didn't bath with you? Please don't be angry. What about tonight, okay?' Jo Kwon whispered gently on her ears.
'Yah, Jo Kwon, Jukgulae(You want to die)?' She replied in usual expressionless way.
'Do you bear to see me die?' Jo Kwon knew her wife chic character. 'I will give special service for you, what about a massage?' He continued.
'Move aside. I want to cook.' Ga In smiled and pulled his hand away.
'You will get it from me tonight.' Jo Kwon said firmly as he left the kitchen and play with his son.
DING DONG! The doorbell rings.
'Ah, it must be them!' Jo Kwon exclaimed excitedly.
When he opens the door, he was pushed aside by two giants in 2AM, Seulong and Jin Woon.
'Yah!! How dare you push me aside?' Jo Kwon complained and he soothes the injured shoulder from the wall impact.
'Ok Yub-ah, where are you?' They saw Ok Yub standing beside his omma. Seulong then picked Ok Yub up and toss him in the air.
'Yah, IM SEULONG!! Careful with him.'
'Hyung, here's the gift for Ok Yub.' Jin Woon passes a few gifts to Jo Kwon.
'Ah, why spent the money? Go there and sit down and wait for the others.' Jo Kwon replied.
'Ga In-ah, where are the other B.E.G members?' Chang Min asked suddenly.
'Aigoo, hyung-ah, why are you so impatient about them?' Jo Kwon joked at Chang Min as he closes the door.
'I didn't okay. I was just wondering why are they so late. So what have you cooked?' Chang Min walks to the kitchen and asked Ga In to diverge away from anymore questions from Jo Kwon.
'Ah, it's just a simple meal. Hope it is passable.' Ga In replied.
'Ga In-ah, you cook fabulous food. I love your cooking.' Chang Min praised Ga In's cooking.
'I am glad, hope that later everyone would enjoy it.' She turns reached for the plates and starts to put the food onto it.
'Yeobo, are you kidding with me? Your cooking is the best in the world!!' Jo Kwon shouts from the door.
'Kwon-ah, stop flattering your wife. Can't you see that she is floating already?' Seulong said sarcastically. Both Seulong and Jin Woon are busy playing with Ok Yub.
'Yah, IM SEULONG. You better don't talk so much in front of Ok Yub. He will learn bad things from you.' Ga In then scoops the rice into the bowl.
'Best unnie in the world, your cooking smells so nice. When are we eating?' Jin Woon flashes his signature smile and asked Ga In.
'Our cute maknae Jin Woon, dinner would be ready soon.' Ga In felt happy at the term and answered cheerfully.
Suddenly, the doorbell rings again.
'Yay!! Noona has come!!' Jin Woon and Seulong shouts in unison.
'Aish, just look at them.' Jo Kwon just shook his head looking at the two single men.
Jo Kwon reaches for the door again and opens it.
'Jo Soebang!! Where's Ok Yub??' Again, Jo Kwon was pushed to the side by the B.E.G members.
'Why am I losing my attention? Everybody now only look for Ok Yub.' Jo Kwon pouted and closes the door.
'Because he is much cuter than you, silly!!' Narsha snapped at his words.
The three member of B.E.G enters the house noisily. They placed their bag on the floor and sits around Ok Yub.
'Unnie!! Have you forgotten about me?' Ga In complained form the kitchen.
'Yah, Ga In we seldom get to see Ok Yub. So let us just play with him before we entertain you alright?' Miryo joked but all the while playing with Ok Yub.
'Unnie!!' She shouted but nobody bothered about her.
Ok Yub became the star of the day. He received many gifts from the members. All the others can't take their eyes off the star. Soon the people gathered at the table. They eat happily.
'Ga In-ah, your crab stew is no joke. It is so nice!! You should just go and open a restaurant!' Chang Min praised once again. He eats hungrily at the dishes that Ga In has cooked.
'Oppa, you have flattered me.' Ga In replied modestly.
'Hyung, you shouldn't praise her too much. Later she would be proud.' Seulong interrupted with his nasty comment.'Hyung, I know you are older but stop aiming at my wife or else I would chase you out of the house.' Jo Kwon joked as he cannot stand at Seulong's character.
'Wah, Jo Kwon is really cool. He is the real man here.' Narsha complimented.
'Mmm, Ga In-ah, your samgyupsal is really JJANG!! I can't seem to stop eating them.' Jea too commented while stuffing more pieces of meat into her mouth.
'Eat more unnie.' Ga In felt really happy when everyone enjoyed their meal.
'Unnie, I thought you said before that you are vegan?' Jin Woon asked abruptly.
'Ah, that was before I eat this plate of SamGyupSal.' Everybody in the house laughs.
After the dinner, Jo Kwon took out the cake from the fridge. 'Come let's blow the candle. Yeobo, you go and get the lighter.' Jo Kwon placed the cake on the table and Ga In brought Ok Yub closer to the table.
They sang birthday song for Ok Yub. Ok Yub was smiling so widely just like his father.
'Yah, Ok Yub really looks like little Jo Kwon.' Miryo felt really happy for Ga In's happy family.
'Ok Yub-ah happy birthday!!' Ga In and Jo Kwon wished in unison and plant a kiss on Ok Yub's forehead.
'Ga In, this is my birthday present for Ok Yub.' Jea spoke as she hand a letter from her bag.
'Unnie, I thought I said no need for a gift. He will be spoilt soon with all the toys.'
'No, Ga In. This is the letter from the famous kindergarten. I have booked a place for Ok Yub. With this letter, Ok Yub can study there next year.'
'That SungKyuKwan Kindergarten? The famous and only the smart ones can enter?'
'Yea, I booked a place for Ok Yub through a very close friend of mine in the kindergarten. I want the best school for my nephew.'
'Is this for real? We have been planning to place him in that kindergarten for so long!' Jo Kwon exclaimed excitedly.
'I am glad you like the idea. The teacher is really good. They have good daycare too. You guys can place Ok Yub during the day without worries. ' Jea continued.
'Omo, I am really grateful, unnie!!' Ga In stood up and hugs Jea tightly.
'Ok Yub-ah, you must cherish all your birthday presents and say thanks to all uncle and aunties.' Jo Kwon pats lightly on Ok Yub's back.
'Gu-ma-wo.' Ok Yub speak softly with wide grin on his face.'Aigoo, our Ok Yub-ah, why are you so cute?' Narsha piched lightly on Ok Yub's nose. Everybody in the rooms laughs again.'Aish, thinking back those days, it wasn't easy for Ok Yub to come to this world.' Jo Kwon sighed.
'Let the past be the past. We should be anticipating the future and not the thinking about the bad past.' Seulong spoke his best word since his arrival.


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We'll be the first to admit that we were more than a little surprised to see Lil Kim with a baby bump back in February. We hadn't heard from her in so long, we just didn't imagine her popping back on the scene with a baby on board. But Kim recently proved she's a proud mama just like any other by posting the first official photo of her baby girl to Instagram. World, meet Royal Reign:
Yes, we'd rather see Royal's precious little face, but for now her cute little feet will have to do. Click the slideshow to see photos from Lil Kim's baby shower!
Read up on Eva Mendes' (alleged) pregnancy, celebs who are really, really tall and Cameron Diaz's amazing Chloe handbag.
[Photo: Splash News; Instagram]


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Never miss a great news story!Get instant notifications from Economic TimesAllowNot now
The Current Account Deficit (CAD) for the third quarter of the current financial year narrowed to $4.2 billion versus $5.2 billion quarter-on-quarter. The October to December CAD stands at 0.9% of GDP versus 1.2% QoQ.
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Once upon a time on the animal planet it was every creature's ambition to fight until death. If they won they would receive hundreds of pounds worth of thorium (their currency). Though there were many things to buy, all of the warriors bought only the things that would win a fight. For a long time the battles were equally matched.
But things changed when three champions arose named: Sheep Li Fu, Boarhide Trader Pigus, and the best of them all, Spawn Ike Darkerie. Although Sheep Li Fu was unarmed he had martial arts skills better then any other. He was a short white sheep with a terrible temper and if he thought some body cheated, that somebody would never see the light of day again. Boarhide Trader Pigus carried a funny looking enchanted rake, got free magic spells because of his long lasting friendship with a little fat kid who had an unknown name, and Pigus wore a stupid metal skirt. Spawn Ike Darkerie was a fully armored wolverine who carried a fully automatic machine gun and a soul taking scythe. Many tried to defeat these champions and were: crushed, destroyed, vanquished, knocked out of the universe, or decimated.
Things were terrible until a Squirl had baby named Squeakius. One day Squeakius's dad called him a wimp. Squeakius raged out of control and nearly killed him. In fact he would have killed him if not deciding to kill Mr. Shiver the ice cream man instead. Two months later he got sent to little death (the junior arena) where he met the three champions kids. The champions kids taunted Squeakius and as punishment Squeakius completely decimated, vanquished, and destroyed them. Squeakius killed everybody he fought in little death.
Finally when Squeakius turned twelve he was sent to fight Sheep Li Fu. At the battle the crowd was the largest it had been in a thousand years. Squeakius and Sheep Li Fu calmly waited for the judge to say go. Finally the moment came and the second the judge said, "Go!" Sheep Li Fu did a flying ninja kick that almost always hit the opponent somewhere. With a proud and devious look he waited for the sound of death.
Unfortunately for him Squeakius stepped to the side and Sheep Li Fu crashed in to the wall and split his head open. Bored to death, Squeakius grabbed Sheep Li Fu by the neck and threw him out of their galaxy and to this day nobody knows where he is. Squeakius took his thorium and challenged Boarhide Trader Pigus. Because Squeakius had defeated Sheep Li Fu, Pigus accepted.
When the match started Pigus tried smashing Squeakius. Squeakius simply grabbed the rake, hit him in the privates to distract him and then cut his head off. Squeakius left the arena and found Spawn Ike Darkerie glaring at him. To Darkerie's surprise Squeakius wasn't scared. Squeakius deviously grinned back and said "I've been looking for you I'm glad you've come to get decimated".
Then Darkerie said with a gangster accent "My boys have been destroyed and it's you're fault. It's time to die!" and shot his machine gun 20 times. Squeakius ran over and pulled Darkerie's pants down to make him mad. With a roar of laughter, Darkerie tried punching him. Squeakius ran up his arm and poked him in the eye ten times. Darkerie now could not see. So Squeakius took his gun and shot him in the heart.
The warriors rejoiced. Until they realized things were still the same only now Squeakius was the champion.
The End


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Buffett teaches kids
Once we start to receive an allowance, many of us grow up believing that we know how money works—until we encounter financial troubles, accountant Jane Honeck says. It would seem that understanding at a young age how money works could help consumers to avoid those troubles.
Enter investment guru Warren Buffett. In April, Buffett launched the Secret Millionaires Club (smckids.com), which is a website for children that is hosted by AOL and produced by A² Entertainment. On the website, Buffett appears in cartoon episodes in which he teaches basic financial concepts, such as how credit works. Negotiations are under way for a TV series.
Honeck believes that the website "does a great job of educating up-and-coming young entrepreneurs about how to run a successful business." But she points out that so far, however, the website doesn't "address the critical thinking part of money management." For instance, she says, the site should provide tools for assessing the "buy, buy, buy" messages of kid-oriented advertisements on AOL.


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I'm writing this post at great peril to my own personal safety. I may well be spirited away in the inky midnight, a victim of the bloodthirsty Nacht und Nebel policies of the most evil force ever unleashed–oil companies. But my conscience pains me so much that I couldn't live with myself if I didn't break the story. If my blood be the fertilizer that boosts the pH of the Soil of Anti-Tyranny that eventually receives the Bulb of the Rose of Freedom so that the Bloom of Life can spread the Fragrance of Open Markets, so be it.
First, the oil industry is the only industry in the world that has no taxes, no overhead costs, no start-up costs, no maintenence costs, no insurance costs, no wage costs, or indeed, any sort of cost. Oh, you'll see some claptrap in the oil-company-controlled media about "ExxonMobil spends $500 billion on new facility," or "BP hires 1,000 at $35 an hour," but that's all smoke and mirrors. Evil smoke and demonic mirrors, used in the support of the evil, demonic oil companies. Every single cent an oil company receives is profit. The workers, trucks, supertankers, everything are all holograms. Or sometimes robots. Free robots, that work on the free equipment that equipment manufacturers are required by the government of the United Nations to supply to the oil companies for free.
Secondly, oil companies have absolutely no business risk. Literally every hole ever drilled by an oil company has turned into a never-ending gusher of pure profit. That profit flows through eternal equipment–provided free, as I've explained–through pipelines and via supertankers that also are constructed of unobtanium and therefore never rust or wear.
Perhaps the most insidious aspect of the oil industry is the way that every cent of their 100% profit business disappears. That's right. The profits oil companies generate are never invested in their own businesses or any other stock or institution, never paid out in wages (to nonexistent workers) or in taxes (that are prohibited from being assessed throughout the universe). The billions upon billions of pure profit are taking to a secret location, known only as the Realm of the Fat Cats, where the Fat Cats, after dining on popcorn puppies, kitten tongues, and panda bladders in orange sauce, take turns seeing how high they can make the thermometer in the Holy Money Incinerator spike. No benefit to any nation's economy is ever realized. The money just vanishes into the cruel night, where it can then be vented directly at the ozone layer, the better to kill all life on earth.
Pretty farfetched, I know, but it's really a pastiche of the beliefs of many when it comes to the oil companies. "Oil companies are all about the money!" Like every single worker or business entity in the world, you mean? "Oil companies made record profits last year!" The meh-movie "Cars" made almost $500 million in ticket, video, and memorabilia sales, which shouldn't happen in a just world. One of the main characters was voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, the most Southern redneck to ever come out of Pawnee, Nebraska, for crying out loud. In 2010, Bon Jovi–BON JOVI–had the top moneymaking rock tour, taking in $201 million. The Black Eyed Peas made…I'm sorry. I can't finish that last sentence. I get the vapors, while simultaneously weeping for humanity. You'll have to read it for yourself at that PollStar link. Is anybody doing what they should, and demanding that these "artists" repay the money they never would have made in a just world? Didn't think so.
Of course, oil companies make multiple Bon Jovis a year. That's not right, right? Well, if you had the chance to multiply your or your company's income by a few Bon Jovis, would you turn down the opportunity? Does J.K. Rowling feel bad that she makes a few billion Bon Jovis more than the average writer? Saying that it's "not right" a company makes a large profit is nothing but class envy. One of P.J. O'Rourke's 10 economic principles (which I'll fully expound on in a future post) is "the market is never wrong." As O'Rourke says in his book Eat the Rich, "A thing is worth what people will give for it, and it isn't worth anything else. If you have some shares of Apple Computer and you go into the NASDAQ market offering those
shares for $1,000 apiece, you may be brilliant. Apple stock may be worth $1,000, easy. And all the NASDAQ customers may be idiots for buying Apple at a mere thirty dollars.
A Macintosh is a much better computer than an IBM PC. But, smart as you are and dumb as everybody else is, the market says your shares didn't sell. And the market is right."
O'Rourke wrote the book several years before Apple became the all-conquering overlord of all things technical, so some of those references are dated, but the principles stand.
I'm going to continue this topic in subsequent posts, but in the meantime, your assignment is to estimate, without googling, how much in taxes ExxonMobil paid last year, per hour. And you will be required to show your work.


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June 2011 »
"The client's comments were "A work of art! Leave as is", so nice not to have any changes."
Ryan HillExecutive Creative Director, Dynamix


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Enter your work address to calculate commute times to and from 6811 Covered Bridge Dr.
Gorgeous light & bright brick home with stone accents, 2.5 car garage & all the luxurious upgrades one would expect from a Drees Custom Home. Island kitchen & silestone counter tops & many architectural features. Sitting on a flat ¼ acre lot across the street from the entrance to the community pool, splash pad, & park with hiking trails. Oversized deck with spa overlooking woods. Offering 3 BR 3.5 Bath with master & study down, media room & 2nd living up. Sides & backs to greenbelt.
|4936050 - Residential
|Sold - 62 days (125 days total)
|4936050 - Residential
|Pending - Taking Backups - 14 days
|4936050 - Residential
|Price Decrease - 20 days
|$429,500 - $5,000
|4936050 - Residential
|Price Decrease - 29 days
|$434,500 - $4,500
|4936050 - Residential
Property Listed by: Stanberry & Associates
The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Based on information from the Austin Board of REALTORS® (alternatively, from ACTRIS) from January 17th, 2019 at 9:55am CST. Neither the Board nor ACTRIS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. The Austin Board of REALTORS®, ACTRIS and their affiliates provide the MLS and all content therein "AS IS" and without any warranty, express or implied. Data maintained by the Board or ACTRIS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.