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Sterling Productions is a not for profit that helps parents help their kids realize their dream of working in the film industry. So many parents spend huge amounts of money on their kids acting but never win a role in a film as they have no on location experience. That's where we come in. We fill the gap. 1984 - 2019 35 years of film production. firstname.lastname@example.com
Sunday, 18 February 2018
My website went off line sometime last week. My old web hosting company was sold to Allcore and they wanted way too much money for web hosting. I am working on a better hosting service that's back to $5 a month were it should be. Web hosting services are on their way out as everyone is not using websites any more and switching to apps. I may look into an app or just leave it directed to my blog.
Monday, 12 February 2018
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Congratulations to long time subscriber and general all-round good guy, Diederik Gelderman of Greenhills Veterinary Hospital, because he has won the Australian Veterinary Association Excellence in Customer Service Award.So, let me tell you about Dick (as we call him) because he epitomizes the dedication that is required to be successful in small/medium business.For starters he's passionate about his business and he loves his patients and staff. He is a huge investor in his own betterment and that of his staff. In fact, he spends close on $30,000 in improving his own knowledge each year. As Dick says "investing in yourself is one of the best investments you can make."Dick aspires to be a great leader of his staff (and he does this by coaching them rather than the traditional "tell and yell" method). He deliberately set out to construct a business that reflected his personality and his principles.
His veterinary hospital is certainly different from any other veterinary clinic you're likely to visit. It's packed with interesting stuff for his two classes of clients (the two legged variety and the four legged variety). Inside he's got a forty foot tree as well as aquariums, bird aviaries, a TV room and a dedicated kid's play area.
What can I do to be "stand-out" different?What can I do to excite my customers?
His clients love him...I know, because I surveyed a number of them as part of our coaching assignment and there is a real depth of loyalty that is rare today.And note this well, he charges appreciably more than his competitors and he has by far and away the lion's share of his marketplace. What does that tell you about price?Dick has come to realize that you cannot please all potential clients and so he doesn't try. He focuses intensely on his A Grade clients or Platinum members as he calls them.
Plus, he is a great believer in training. Staff members are trained in groups and they have individual assignments as well. Dick is also a mentor to many of his younger staff.Could these reasons explain why his staff turnover is well below the national average for vet practices?Plus, they have to be just about the friendliest vet joint in Australia and it's a pity some of our human hospitals couldn't emulate them. When you ring them up or visit the hospital you'll find them cheerful, happy and enthusiastic.Did training assist to get them to this position? Of course.
And he's organized. The day starts at 5.30am and the first few hours of the day are his to do the things he wants to do. This is important and frankly, we all need to build personal time into our normal day. Think about this as we progress through 2005!Dick's business is highly process-driven and all of the processes are written, as you would expect. Yes, it took some time to organize in the first place, but the benefits now are that Dick can go overseas for weeks at a time and know that the hospital will be operating (yeah, pun intended!) like clock work.
Now, how's this for attention to detail. Dick even has a grieving room for people who bring their pets in for the final time (alas they are about to be mercifully put to sleep for eternity). Naturally people are upset at this traumatic time and so Dick has designed a separate room with its own exit so people can depart with their dignity intact. Little do they know that within a week, they will also receive a very powerful remembrance pack which includes amongst other things a lock of old Fido's hair and a small tree which can be planted in memory. With this kind of attention to detail, how could you possibly go elsewhere when you get a new pet?
But Dick doesn't just sit back and wait for people to come through the front door. No, he's a persistent marketer and he takes a high profile in his area via his "Dr Harry" Days (that's Dr Harry of TV fame) when his clients and the area are invited to meet the famous celebrity. Naturally Dick gets media coverage for these events and he gets his suppliers to pay for part of the costs.Now here's the really interesting part. When Dick did his vet training, he spent ZERO time in learning how to run a successful veterinary practice. He's self taught and more importantly he applies what he learns. I'm pleased to call him both a long time client and a friend.Source: Positive Business Newsletter
It's 5:30 a.m. and all is quiet…except for my mind which is whirring with pent-up frustration surrounding a certain tradesperson who has let me down (again).I got up early to send him a "skyrocket" of an e-mail! I also pounded his phone message bank as well. Not that it will change him at all, but I feel a little bit better.As a small developer/renovator I can tell you it is absolutely frustrating dealing with tradespeople. They just don't do what they say they will do and they rarely turn up on time. Not only that, they rarely bother to contact you to let you know that they are about to let you down…again!
Of course there are exceptions, and you dear reader are probably one of them.If you are, you've identified the secret to success in your industry. That is, you've identified the primary frustrations in your industry and you've done something about them. Good on you, you deserve success.Now, before I provoke a tradesperson led revolt, with me as the object of lynching, let me broaden the subject and say that every industry has primary frustrations, and surely, the secret to success is to identify these frustrations and make sure they are not occurring in your business.But, we should go much further…we should actually make it a central theme of our marketing to ensure that, not only do we address the primary frustrations of the industry, we are different to the rest of the "look-alikes" in our industry.And they all do look alike, don't they? For instance, painting school must teach all aspiring house painters to only buy a white utility…no other colour! Electricians and plumbers are best served by a four wheel drive (Nissan preferably). Talk about a lack of entrepreneurial "do it differently" type spirit.Take David Hall who owns and operates The Clean Plumber in Sydney. Did you note the name? Does it address one of the frustrations of his industry? Yep!And David has strategies in place to ensure that one of the primary frustrations of his industry – untidiness – is taken care of in a very upfront way. For starters, leaving the worksite cleaner than they found it is just one of nine individual guarantees which he gives.Now, at the end of the job when the tools have been put away and everything has been correctly re-arranged, the Clean Plumber will offer the client a choice of three separate disinfectant deodorants. As this is being offered, the client is asked to "sign-off" as to their satisfaction with the total clean up.Now, doesn't this beat the heck out of the usual plumbers finish?And what's another primary frustration of people who use plumbing services? Answer: The fact that they never turn up on time, right?Well, The Clean Plumber gives you two further guarantees. Firstly, that they will visit you at a time that you want and secondly, that they'll give you a $30 cash back coupon if they're not on time.I reckon David has pretty well nailed the primary frustrations for most trades businesses and if you'd like to see what they are and what he has done to address them…go and see his website www.thecleanplumber.com.auSo, a key question: What are the primary frustrations of your industry?If you cannot articulate them…try answering the following questions.What three things would your customers like you to do for them that your competitors are not doing?What would it mean to your business if you could do these three things better than anyone else in the industry?What's stopping you from doing these three things right now?What additional resources will you need to be able to implement these three things?Which of your competitors are making a pretty good effort at addressing these three issues and what can you learn for what they are doing?When will you commence implementing theses changes and who will take charge of the project?Source: Positive Business Newsletter
The centre for Small to Medium Sized Enterprises at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom has conducted extensive research into the success factors for small to medium enterprises (SME's) and at the heart of success is: they do something different for the customer.In conducting their research – which they have now turned into a brilliant book called surprise, surprise… Do Something Different – they also observed much about the character of the leaders of these successful businesses. For starters, they had experienced many failures before they attained their success, but the failures did not deter them.On the other hand, the SME Centre at the University of Warwick also saw much evidence of people who tried to do something different – failed – and then went back to what they did previously.In other words, they failed at trying to change and did so by making two negative conclusions as below:1. This approach didn't work, so I'd better try same thing again2. This approach didn't work, so I'd better give upAnd the above is why most people never achieve their goals.Those who ultimately experience success have the principle of "requisite variety" working for them. In simple terms this principle says that the person who has the greatest variety of means of reaching a goal is the person most likely to reach that goal.When this is the case, their thinking becomes:1. This approach didn't work, but I still believe in my goal.2. This approach didn't work, so I'd better try something different.Do you see the difference in thinking between the two mindsets?Now, to do something different for your customer begin with getting detailed answers to these questions:* What really annoys them?* What would make their life easier?* What really fires up their passion?Whilst we're talking about doing something different, let me challenge you on another front – and the early part of a calendar year is a great time to illustrate with examples.Are there aspects of your product or service that may be out-date, are ripe for improvement or need a compete re-invention?Be honest with this; ask your staff to give their opinions and also a number of your valued customers. Maybe suppliers or your industry association representative can offer you some insight as well.Here's an example: Weight watchers advertise hugely at this time of the year because they want to capture the people who are intent on shedding a few kilos.Now, I'll bet that 60% - 70% of their business comes from old customers returning for another bash. Okay, okay…I know this because I'm one of many who return year after year. But we only return because Weight Watchers re-invents itself every year – otherwise we wouldn't return. They change the product offering, they add the glitz and the newness and we're in for yet another merry-go-ride!Could it be that your customers or prospects perceive your products/services as boring?Yes 1 Maybe 1 No 1Look at what McDonalds has done in recent years to re-invent itself so as to take advantage of a lean, diet conscious public. The Subway franchise group have almost pitched themselves as a healthy weight-loss centre. Now both these businesses didn't arbitrarily decide to go healthy. No, they listened to what a substantial portion of their marketplace was saying and wanting.Are you really listening to the needs and wants of your customer base? Yes 1No 1Source: Positive Business Newsletter
More that a handful of business people don't know the difference between these two expressions so here are a few thoughts:Customer Satisfaction:* It's hugely associated with the last transaction or experience* It's very quick to grow, but also quick to fall off* Today's customer expects much more, and is quicker to voice an opinion on satisfaction levelsCustomer Loyalty* Is more tied to the relationship* Is not as freely given today* Expects good service and value as a given* Is appreciative of recognition and small "extras"* Is not tolerant of huge differences between what they get as compared to what they could get at the competitorsBottom line: Customer loyalty is the better prediction of the future of the business – but it cannot be taken for granted and like any relationship it needs to be nourished and stimulated.Source: Positive Business Newsletter
When a customer rings up with an enquiry, they don't want to hear, "Sorry, I can't help you. That's not my job." Sometimes staff members say that simply because they have a bad attitude … but most times it's simply because they don't know where to refer the customer.If this is sometimes a problem at your workplace, make sure you provide every worker with a list of those who can help customers and a description of their expertise. For example, Late Deliveries – Michael Ross, ext. 127Now staff will be able to say, "I'm sorry I can't help you personally, but I'll put you through to Michael Ross who will be able to."- Adapted from Crescendo as reported in Positive Business Newsletter
We can always learn from different fields, can't we?Research in the medical field has confirmed that when doctors sit down to talk to patients eye-to-eye, the patients report feeling as if the doctor has taken more time and interest in them.Think about this when you are dealing with staff and customers.Source: Manager's Edge, USA as reported in Positive Business Newsletter
Recently I had my regular dentistry check-up. Buzz…he's an old school friend, hence the nickname…is a great guy and a brilliant dentist.But what is it with the medical profession and the word "hmmm"? My chiropractor uses it too and usually before you hear your bones make a very weird sound.When Buzz, my dentist, says "hmmm" it usually isn't followed up with any further commentary. But, I know that "hmmm" isn't good! So I sit there, unable to ask questions, fearing the….NEEDLE and the DRILL!Not that I really want an in-depth, fifth year dentistry, blow by blow description of what "hmmm" means, but it sure as heck would be great to get a practical lay-persons analysis of what's happening.It would make me feel much better, it would make me appreciate what Buzz is doing, intends to do and why. It will also make me appreciate his invoice that much more.Okay, let's draw a conclusion here and see whether this major business point has application in your business.I am advocating the need for you to keep your prospects, patients, customers, clients (and whatever else you might call them) fully informed of what you are doing for them and why."Fully informed" means that you are communicating with them in a way that they easily understand and appreciate what you're doing.Have you got any "hmmm" type people on staff?Whenever you have a customer or client query your invoice or price, firstly, consider whether you have given them sufficient information so that they can make their minds up about the real value you have given them.To all of the accountants out there, and I know we've got a lot of them as subscribers, please pay attention to this article because I know a lot of business people wonder what you do for the money you charge. It's your duty to tell them and more fool you, if you don't.Does this point apply to the retail industry?Of course…and the message is embodied in the word RETAIL as in:Really make your customer feel welcomeEnquire about their needsTalk in their languageAsk questions constantlyInvite them to buyLeave them on a high.Sorry, I left out the most important of them all…the S that converts RETAIL to RETAILS, as in:Say and Sell the value of your product/service.Let's eliminate "hmmm" and all other forms of under-whelming our customers and when we do, profits will be up and so will customer satisfaction.
Source: Positive Business Newsletter
As you know, the kids use SMS like crazy – and into the bargain, they're re-inventing the way words are spelt. For instance, "goodbye" is now designated as simply "C U" as in "see you"! What would the great William Shakespeare think of this trend and what will the English language look like in 30 years time?Anyhow, here is a list of business uses for SMS - given that it is so cheap and instant.* To confirm a meeting* To wish customers or associates a happy birthday or other celebration* To thank a customer, supplier or other business associate* To send a "specials" message to existing customers which offers them extraordinary value if they buy a particular product or service.Why not think about how you could use SMS in your business?Source: Positive Business Newsletter
Business Revamp l Phone: + 61 (0)3 9551 7742 l E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Note: This article is for January 2017's edition of CBB. For the summer edition, head over here.
It's kind of hard to believe it, but Celebrity Big Brother is almost back on our screens. In a matter of just a couple of hours, our January will be brightened by lots of famous folk doing all manner of nonsensical things in a bungalow, and we don't know about you, but we're frankly quite excited.
But who could be going into the house tonight? Channel 5 has confirmed that the new series will have an All Stars and New Stars theme, with a fresh batch of celeb housemates battling it out against some returning favourites (well, favourites might be stretching it...). So who is rumoured so far?
Who? Glamour model, TV personality – and Paul Gascoigne's step-daughter
What's the rumour? This one looks very likely indeed – in fact, we hear that Bianca is already planning her hair and beauty treatments so that she looks her best when she goes into the house in January. We've been hearing this speculation for a while and it seems like a pretty good bet to us – and Bianca has a history with the show, too, having previously been a guest presenter on Big Brother's Big Mouth. She's no stranger to reality telly – she won Love Island with none other than former CBB housemate Calum Best back in the day – so hopefully she'll be able to bring the drama. Especially if Calum's in the house too...
Who? Singer and actress
What's the rumour? Stacy really shot to fame on the US X Factor back in 2011 - she only got to week four, but has since launched a YouTube series called The Stacy Francis Show and appears in R&B Divas: Los Angeles. She caused a huge stir after apparently having an argument with Whitney Houston just hours before the legend's death... all over rapper Ray J. Speaking of Ray J...
Who? Rapper
What's the rumour? Well, that could be awkward with Stacy, couldn't it? We're presuming that's exactly what producers are hoping for - that, and some Kim Kardashian gossip, as Ray's her partner in that sex tape. He seems pretty willing to talk about it too, at least if his charming single 'I Hit It First' is anything to go by.
Who? Professional footballer
What's the rumour? Jamie has played for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth and Wolves but he's not got a team at the moment because of an ongoing injury. So why not go into the CBB house? We wonder if he has any insight given that his ex-wife Danielle Lloyd previously took part in the show... although to be fair, things didn't exactly work out so well for her when she was on it, what with that Shilpa Shetty storm. Don't do that, basically, Jamie.
Who? DJ
What's the rumour? Brandon's certainly had an interesting career... alongside his DJ-ing, he's well known for storming the Brit Awards in 2000 for a barney with Ronnie Wood and Thora Birch. So presumably he'll have a good few stories to tell if he goes into the house, and probably a bit of a fiery personality to go along with them.
Who? Author and model
What's the rumour? Angie's done all sorts in her life - including working as a fitness trainer for celebs like Cher and Sharon Stone, working as a Playboy bunny and writing numerous books. But she also happens to have been George Best's first wife - and mum to Calum Best. Since Calum might be going in as one of the All Stars this year, this could be very interesting indeed.
Who? Game of Thrones actor
What's the rumour? Wait, really? Apparently so - 68-year-old James, who played Jeor Mormont in Game of Thrones, has apparently signed up for CBB. With credits like Highlander, Trainspotting and The Chronicles of Narnia to his name, he's no joke - so we're really hoping he does walk through the doors. The question is, what's more brutal - Game of Thrones or Big Brother?
Who? Khloe Kardashian's bestie
What's the rumour? Well, we had Kim K's BFF Jonathan Cheban... so why not Khloe's? Malika will be well known to fans of Keeping Up With The Kardashians as she's often in the show being Khloe's general sidekick and partner in crime (she also appeared in the spinoffs like Khloe & Lamar and had a big role in the show about the Kardashians' boutique, Dash Dolls). Reports have suggested that she's been offered a six-figure fee (harshly, supposedly after producers couldn't agree a deal with their first choice of a Kardashian-aligned famous face, Amber Rose). We'd definitely be up for seeing what Malika had to offer in the house, though.
Who? X Factor duo
What's the rumour? Now we're not going to put an awful lot of stock in this one – Honey G seems like a more obvious choice, no? But obviously when Bratavio were booted out in the first week of the X Factor live shows, they began making noises about appearing in CBB. They'd certainly be entertaining – God knows what they'd find to argue about after the whole raw chicken fiasco we were treated to on X Factor – and it's not like they haven't got a reality TV show history (they've both popped up on Body Fixers, too). Still, we're a little sceptical about this one. We'll believe it when we see it.
Who? The Apprentice star
What's the rumour? As soon as Karthik appeared on The Apprentice he felt like perfect CBB fodder with his bizarre one-liners and astonishing self-confidence, and he wouldn't be the first of Lord Sugar's rejects to appear on the show (see Luisa Zissman and James Hill). Karthik signing up is a rumour that we are more than happy to perpetuate, but it's not just us saying it – former Apprentice candidate JD O'Brien also suggested that Karthik would fit nicely on the show. It's just a shame that Karthik himself told us that he'd rather go on I'm a Celebrity. Boo.
Who? Made in Chelsea star
What's the rumour? Full disclosure: we once went on a date with Sam Thompson and it was surprisingly lovely. Unfortunately, he ditched us for Tiff Watson but perhaps the second-best thing to being in a relationship with Sammy would be to see him on CBB every night? He's definitely one of the most likeable Chelsea stars – he's basically an excitable puppy – and he could actually do really well in the house. And of course, he'd be following in the footsteps of people like Ollie Locke and Stephanie Pratt. The only problem is that this rumour has mainly spread because Sam has said himself that he "would love" to do the show – which is fine, but it doesn't mean that he's actually been approached for the show, does it?
Who? Former MP and Strictly Come Dancing legend
What's the rumour? It's no surprise that Ed has been linked to Celebrity Big Brother after he became such a big hit on Strictly - but if you're hoping to see beyond the paso doble to the real Balls, well, don't hold your breath. For one thing, this rumour seems to be based on some odds offered by enterprising bookies; for another, we're pretty sure that CBB would clash with the Strictly tour, which Ed is confirmed for. Never mind, eh? We'll always have the 'Gangnam Style' memories.
Who? Snooker player
What's the rumour? Ronnie is a big, big name – and he's basically been begging producers to cast him, saying that he's "always fancied" doing the show and adding: "If the bosses are listening, I'm your guy." We honestly think CBB would be insane to pass up the chance to get Ronnie in the house – even if he's saying that he would quit if it all got too much. Could we be about to see our first snooker player housemate in the CBB compound?
Who? TOWIE star
What's the rumour? Danielle has always been good for bringing the drama on TOWIE, so could she be about to do the same in the CBB house? Danielle recently announced she was leaving TOWIE – supposedly because of her latest split with on-off boyfriend James Lock – but could a new job be the real reason? Danielle wouldn't be the first TOWIE star to take on the house, of course, but we reckon her outspoken nature could make her a very good choice indeed. In fact, we kind of thought this one was a lock - until reports suggested producers had decided against Danielle at the last minute. Ouch. We'll just have to wait and see.
Who? Gogglebox star and current Queen of the Jungle
What's the rumour? Let's be honest – this was always going to happen. As soon as Scarlett was crowned this year's I'm a Celebrity winner, speculation about what was next for her began – and CBB was always going to pop up as part of that. If Scarlett had never gone into the Jungle we would have been far more likely to believe it, but now it would seem like a bit of a backward step and, sure enough, her rep has said it's "not true". Never mind, eh?
Who? Miss BumBum (no, we're not making that up)
What's the rumour? Suzy – Brazil's 'Miss BumBum' champion and an Instagram star – has apparently revealed that she's already been offered a deal to appear in the Celebrity Big Brother house this year. Given that producers love sticking a model in there, we do not find this hard to believe – though could she have ruined her chances by spilling the beans? Suzy has also admitted that she doesn't know whether she'd take up the deal as she's got some modelling deals lined up, but if she did maybe she could tell us all about getting blocked by Lionel Messi on Twitter after sending him too many sexy snaps. Amazing.
Who? Actor (best known for Shameless)
What's the rumour? Jody's not exactly had the easiest time recently. The actor – who also played Rob in EastEnders – was recently cleared of allegedly harassing former Apprentice candidate Adam Hosker in a row over his ex-fiancée, with reports suggesting that he's now hoping to win back public support with a stint in the CBB house. Jody wouldn't be the first to use the show to do that, and we reckon he could have some really interesting stories to tell. We can imagine him being very watchable indeed.
Who? X Factor star
What's the rumour? Well, this was always going to pop up, wasn't it? Honey G was the most talked-about star on the latest series of The X Factor thanks to her rapping, her shades-and-shellsuit combos and her adorable mum, so it wouldn't be a surprise if producers did start banging on her door – especially now she's releasing her single 'The Honey G Show'. But Honey G has already played down the rumours, saying she's too busy for CBB. Never mind, eh?
Who? Former X Factor star
What's the rumour? Sam might not have been the most stand-out contestant when he was actually on The X Factor back in 2013, but he's been in the tabloids ever since as one of the mainstays of those 'you won't believe what they look like now' stories (he's bulked up, basically). On top of that, he got himself in a bit of hot water a couple of months ago thanks to some saucy leaked images - let's be honest, that's a good way to get noticed by CBB producers. Now reports are suggesting he will be a last-minute replacement for another star who's dropped out. We can definitely see it happening - we just hope he doesn't mind being a back-up.
Who? Former Strictly Come Dancing pro
What's the rumour? Now this one is easy to believe. James has never been one to exactly keep his opinions to himself, which CBB bosses are probably very excited about indeed. Reports have suggested that James has been offered one of those tabloid-friendly six-figure deals to come back to the show – and given that his wife Ola was recently hanging out Down Under in the I'm a Celebrity jungle, it's not the most ridiculous suggestion.
Who? Loose Women star
What's the rumour? Ouch, this one's got to hurt. Coleen's been quite open about troubles in her marriage to Ray Fensome, and she's now apparently thinking about going back into the Celebrity Big Brother house as a form of "trial separation". Now, the CBB house is taxing at the best of times, let alone for someone facing issues in their personal life – and Coleen was reportedly taking Christmas to think about it. But could it be just the time away she needs?
Who? American reality star
What's the rumour? Best remembered for his bromance with eventual winner James Hill, Austin came second back in 2015 so perhaps he's hoping he can go one better this year as reports have said he's "excited" to get back in the house. Austin was never afraid to speak his mind during his first stay, so we could be in for some drama - and after he split from his husband in the summer, maybe he's looking for love too. We're sure the producers are hoping so...
Who? The Hills stars, aka Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag
What's the rumour? We need this one to be true. Speidi were two of the most explosive and entertaining housemates ever, because they know what makes good reality telly. But weirdly, while acknowledging that they would be absolute nightmares to live with, you could also kind of appreciate them and maybe sort of root for them a little bit? If any of these rumours are true, we hope it's this one.
Who? Model
What's the rumour? Make. It. Happen. As one third of the iconic Lee Ryan love triangle, Jasmine got us all talking during her last appearance in the Celebrity Big Brother house... so could a little reunion be on the cards? We do hope so, and with reports suggesting that Jasmine has already flown to the UK, we may be in for a real January treat.
Who? Model, actor and TV star
What's the rumour? We normally wouldn't necessarily have expected Calum to be a natural pick as a returning housemate – he finished third but isn't quite as dramatic as some of the other choices that have been rumoured. Having said that, apparently bosses want him for the "eye candy" – and if it's true that Bianca Gascoigne (with whom he previously won Love Island) is going in, perhaps there's scope for some scandal there? Plus, his mum is apparently heading in, so...
Who? Model
What's the rumour? Reports have suggested that Nicola's already signed on the dotted line to be a part of the new series of Celebrity Big Brother so could we be seeing her when the show kicks off in January? Fans will probably be hoping that she's in there with her one-time rival Katie Price, but they're apparently on much better terms now. Wonder how long that would last in the pressure cooker of the CBB house, though...
Who? Model and reality star
What's the rumour? Jasmine's certainly a "character", and we can definitely see producers being keen to snap her up for another stay in the CBB house. Not only did she appear on series ten (becoming the first celeb to get the boot), but she also starred in the regular Big Brother last year, when she struck up an unlikely (and surprisingly long-lasting) romance with fellow housemate Cristian MJC. Now reports are suggesting she's near the top of bosses' wishlist for returning stars... though other rumours have suggested she's lost out to Jasmine Waltz.
Who? Reality star
What's the rumour? Brace. Yourselves. You might have thought you'd seen the last of Stephen Bear after he won (WON!) Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, but it seems bosses couldn't get enough of his wild child antics and are tapping him up to return for the very next series – back-to-back Bear, who would have thought it? We can certainly imagine him wanting to make a big comeback to prove himself after some fans were less than thrilled about his triumph and there's no doubt that he brings the drama, either. He's apparently now ruled it out, but we're not going to relax until we know for sure.
Who? Professional troll
What's the rumour? Katie's another former CBB housemate who keeps popping up in rumour rundowns, and is it really any surprise? Her clashes with fellow housemate Perez Hilton were utterly horrifying, and prompted more watercooler chatter than you could shake a stick at. Mind you, what if she follows through on her promise to move to the States now that Donald Trump has been elected President? Surely she wouldn't want to miss his inauguration... But frankly, we think it's far more likely that she'll be seeking camera time in the CBB house than packing her bags and emigrating.
Who? Gossip blogger
What's the rumour? See above, basically. Like Katie, Perez's antics compelled and disgusted the nation in equal measure, and while he's said since leaving the house that he regrets going on the show and had a horrible time there, we can't help but feel that he wouldn't be able to resist another little stay. Goodness, though... imagine Perez, Katie and Bear in the house together. Don't have nightmares, kids!
Who? Comedian, television presenter and former Coronation Street star
What's the rumour? Now, here's a blast from the past – Les Dennis was on Celebrity Big Brother all the way back in series two. That was 14 years ago now, but we wouldn't blame him for giving the show another shot, as his first time in the house didn't show Les at his best – most people remember it mostly for coming in the middle of the breakdown of his marriage to Amanda Holden. Could this be a new chance for Les to show us what he's got?
Who? Bollywood actress
What's the rumour? Nope, nah, not going to happen. We will eat our actual hat if Shilpa returns to Celebrity Big Brother – and it's not even one of those hats with fruit on top of them – because we can't imagine her *ever* wanting to go back to that house after what she had to go through. Her name has been thrown out there in talk of the Gold Stars theme, so we're including her for completion's sake, but really – no.
Who? Big Brother 1 housemate
What's the rumour? Big Brother's original celebrity Nasty Nick has already been linked to yet another return to the Borehamwood bungalow. He returned for Ultimate Big Brother obviously, so could he be back for another crack of the whip? We're not sure he could really match up to some of the villains that have followed in his wake – does writing a couple of notes really compare to some of Bear, Katie and Perez's antics? But he knows why we want him in the show, so hopefully he'd ramp up the baddie behaviour.
Who? Model and reality star
What's the rumour? Oh my gosh, Angelique – aka Frenchy – had us all gripped when she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother back in 2014. One of our most treasured memories has to be when she snipped up Leslie Jordan's undies with scissors, just going to show that there aren't many boundaries she wouldn't cross if you got her riled up enough. Rumours have now suggested that she's keen to return and is already planning how best to cause havoc. Make. It. Happen.
Who? Blue singer
What's the rumour? To be honest, we're shocked people didn't start mentioning Lee as soon as the possibility of former housemates returning began circulating. He was wildly entertaining during his original stint on the show, not least because of his love triangle with Jasmine Waltz and Casey Batchelor. Heck, bring back Jasmine and Casey too. And Casey's angry mum. (Unfortunately, this one seems mainly based on Antony Costa saying it would be good if Lee returned. He's not wrong, but we're not sure if that's enough proof of Lee's comeback for us - in fact, Lee himself seems to have ruled it out.)
Who? Model and TV personality
What's the rumour? Pricey won the battle of the Katies back in her series of Celebrity Big Brother when she triumphed over Ms Hopkins... so could we be about to see a rematch? She's previously opened up about how she struggled in the house after going in so close to surgery, so she might want to have another go and she has tweeted that she would do it again. Drama always seems to follow Katie around, so we can imagine bosses being keen to snap her up.
Who? Former Hollyoaks star and Loose Women regular
What's the rumour? Doesn't it feel like years since the whole Jeremy/Stephanie palaver began? But it was only back in January... so could Stephanie be about to crown the anniversary of the whole affair with a return to the CBB house? Reports suggested that she'd been approached for a three-day stay with her as-yet-unborn baby. Which would be quite something... but is apparently not going to happen. Steph has said it was "amazing to be asked" (so she was asked) but her priority is her baby. To be honest, we wouldn't want a baby to be exposed to that house for three seconds, let alone three days.
Who? X Factor twins and Eurovision legends
What's the rumour? We remain utterly obsessed with Jedward, who just the other day were posting pictures on social media of themselves with their "friend" Enya. Yep, we were baffled too, but that's just a day in the life of the puppyish twins – and wouldn't they bring a bit of light-heartedness to the house? The duo's relentless optimism would definitely cheer up the other misery guts and after Tara Reid last time, we'd be dying to see who their new celeb bestie would be. We can only hope it's Malika, leading to the very real prospect of Jedward and the Kardashians becoming mates. Fingers crossed.
Who? TV personality
What's the rumour? Lauren was on CBB all the way back in 2013, so is the time right for her to return? Well, this speculation seems largely based on the fact that she posted a selfie with Rylan Clark which – while intriguing – is hardly a smoking gun. Mind you, Lauren came third in her series and was definitely a big talking point, so we wouldn't be surprised if bosses fancied having her in there for another go. She's now even apparently confirmed she's going in...
Celebrity Big Brother will return to Channel 5 in January 2017.
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Apple announced today that it will be expanding its phone trade-in program and for the first time allow users of competing smartphones to trade in their devices for a credit towards a new iPhone.
For those who made the switch away from Apple and now have buyer's remorse, to those whose resistance to the iPhone is crumbling in the face of cool new additions such as Apple Pay and connectivity to the forthcoming Apple Watch, this news is potentially exciting.
Before rushing off to your nearest Apple Store to make a deal, consider the contents of your current phone. If you're like a majority of Americans now, your phone is a smartphone, which means there is a lot more of your life on it than in years past.
From photos to bank details and health information, your phone is a sensitive file, which could contain a lot of interesting data to crooks or snoops.
That new iPhone has waited this long, it can wait a few more moments while you ensure your data is protected. Take these three precautions before you resell your phone and sleep soundly:
Back It Up
If your smartphone is an extension of your computer, then crucial work, personal and financial details are likely on there. Not to mention some important apps. You don't want to lose your historical steps in your health tracking app, priceless photos of your cat Alfred or any other data for that matter. Depending on your device, consult Apple, Google or Microsoft, all of which have step-by-step instructions on how to do back-up their devices.
Use a Third Party to Wipe Your Device
Relying on the factory-reset option is not bulletproof, as these unfortunate ex-owners found out a few years ago. Basic security apps can often recover phone data erased by the conventional wipe methods. In fact, there is a whole industry that specializes in such services. Likewise, it's best to engage third party software providers such as Autowipe, Cerberus or Lookout to make sure the job is done right and your data is really deleted.
Don't forget your SIM and Memory cards
If you're trading in an Android phone for the new iPhone you likely have used an SD card to boost its memory. Remove that, along with the SIM card which keeps identifying info about your phone, including the phone number. You don't want either of these falling into the wrong hands.
In short, don't trade speed for your data security when upgrading your phone. Even a new iPhone isn't worth that.


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Japan takes aim at whales in north-west Pacific
Japanese whalers have restarted operations in the north-west Pacific only weeks after the United Nation's highest court banned Japan's so-called scientific whaling program in the Antarctic.
EMMA ALBERICI, PRESENTER: The Japanese whaling fleet has restarted operations in the north-west Pacific for the first time since the UN's highest court banned Tokyo's so-called scientific whaling program in the Antarctic.
Not surprisingly, the move has outraged anti-whaling activists.
North Asia correspondent Matthew Carney reports.
MATTHEW CARNEY, REPORTER: In the northern Japanese port of Ayukawa, the whaling fleet has just begun its annual spring hunt. Security is tight.
This season they hope to catch 210 whales. Despite the ban in the Antarctic, the Japanese will continue their scientific whaling program from here and two other ports.
Whaling in the north-west Pacific is proving much more important to Japan, in the last two seasons, they've taken about 550 whales. In the Southern Oceans, it is much less with about 350 taken.
This area was hit hard by the 2011 tsunami and the locals are relieved that whaling has resumed.
KENJI TAKAHASHI, SUSHI CHEF (TRANSLATED): Many things were damaged and lost here by the disaster. We've got a long history of whaling here and if it goes, we'll lose everything.
MATTHEW CARNEY: In March, the International Court of Justice ruled that scientific whaling was little more than commercial whaling in disguise. Many hoped it would be the end of Japanese whaling, but it's open to interpretation whether the ban extends to the north-west Pacific.
MASAYUKI CHIJIMUTSU, STORE OWNER (TRANSLATED): Our whale meat is your beef. I think you understand my feeling. Beef for Australia is whale for us.
MATTHEW CARNEY: At the end of the day the whaling fleet returns with its first kill, a coastal minke whale. It's measured and samples are taken. Then it's off to market to be sold.
The return of whaling here is likely to trigger another round of anti-whaling protests and clashes at sea.
The ultimate aim of Japan's scientific whaling is to show populations are big enough so commercial whaling can resume.
YOSHIMASA HAYASHI, JAPANESE FISHERIES MINISTER (TRANSLATED): Japan is surrounded by sea and we take protein from marine products and use them sustainably. This is our principle and won't change.
MATTHEW CARNEY: The ICJ decision has hardened support for the continuation of whaling. Japanese politicians now see it as a nationalist cause.
KATSUYA OGAWA, DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF JAPAN (TRANSLATED): We cannot take a weak attitude and end the traditions of research whaling. Let's unite and fight in order to protect whaling culture and its food traditions.
MATTHEW CARNEY: The Japanese will not send out their whaling fleets to the south this year, but will wait until they can redesign their scientific program. But in the north, the hunt will continue until the end of September.
Matthew Carney, Lateline.
Author Matthew Carney


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This site contains a selection of the work that I have produced over the years as well as specific information on box sash window refurbishment.
Visit the GALLERY page to view pictures of some of my projects.
If you want to contact me directly my details are on the Contact page with my email address or a direct-to-me post form.
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Batman #458 (January, 1991)
"Night Monsters"
Writer - Alan Grant
Pencils - Norm Breyfogle
Inks - Steve Mitchell
Colors - Adrienne Roy
Letters - Todd Klein
Assistant Editor - Kelley Puckett
Editor - Denny O'Neil
Cover Price: $1.00
It's funny... was looking through my past several dozen posts here, and found a disturbing lack of Batman! Gonna try and rectify that.
We open with Batman rescuing a child from a group of heroin pushers... who are attempting to forcefully inject the lad with the stuff. Batman swoops in, whups ass, and takes the boy to safety... only, when he unmasks... it's Commissioner Gordon! Okay, it's just a dream... Gordon's dream! He's sitting outside the Gotham Train Station... waiting. He think about how he, if things were different, could've been the "Night Monster" that is Batman (you just wait, mister). He shakes it off and goes for a burger.
Nearby, a young girl carries a broken doll toward a ramshackle building. In a neat touch, it's still Gordon's narration... and he discusses how with every single day that passes, the choices we can make grow more and more limited. It's wildly unpleasant, but so well presented. Anyhoo, the girl believes there's someone called "Mr. Fixxit" living among this squalor (not that Mr. Fixit). A man who can fix literally anything... and so, she leaves her doll (along with a candy bar for payment) and leaves.
We rejoin Gordon as he's finishing up his late-night burger... and just then, he catches some young punks spray-painting a wall. When he announces who he is... the kids just run off. He goes into a coughing fit as he attempts to give chase. Luckily, a certain caped figure just so happens to be passing by.
These punks... they ain't the brightest. They only run a few streets over... and instead of chalking up tonight as a "win" (or at least a "non-loss") they start spray-painting a homeless man's face. Well... that was a dumb move, as it gave Batman more than enough time to catch up.
Remember that girl with the doll? Well, she hasn't returned home... and her father is ticked! He grabs a baseball bat and heads out to deal with this mysterious "Mr. Fixxit". Along the way he knocks on every door in their apartment building... looks like he's forming a mob!
When we get back with Gordon, he's loitering around the train station... again. But why? Well, ya see, Sarah Essen is returning to town. Folks familiar with Batman: Year One will know that Essen is the woman who Gordon briefly cheated on his wife with. Anyhoo, she's transferring back to Gotham from New York.
Gordon wonders why he's even here... it's not like he's ready to strike up a relationship (or even a conversation) with her. And so, he tries to slip away unnoticed. Unfortunately for him... a purse-snatcher picks just this moment to, well, snatch a purse.
Back at the dilapidated building, that mob has assembled... and they're armed with just about every kind of swingable blunt object you might find in your home. They call out to Melissa (the little girl), and promise that they won't let "that freak" hurt her. At this point, Batman swoops in to check the temperature of the situation.
He asks if anyone called the police... to which, nahhh... nobody did. Looks like they want to exact their own form of neighborhood justice. Batman suggests he go in first to get the lay of the land. The mob refuses... even going so far as to push him out of their way! They tear down the rickety fence, and head toward the structure. Batman decides to do some tec'ing, and follows the tiny footprints nearby.
Back at the Railway Station... Gordon's down! Gordon's down! Gordon's down! Lucky for him, there's another cop nearby... Sarah Essen! She holds the purse-snatcher at gunpoint... and the former lovers have a pretty awkward reunion. Once the creep is in cuffs, they decide to head out for a cuppa coffee.
Back at the building, the mob zeroes in on Mr. Fixxit... who, well... is that hunchback dude from the cover. Hold all gasping til the end. Anyhoo, Melissa's dad proceeds to threaten the poor fella... and is just about to bash his brains in with the ball-bat before...
... Melissa enters the room! Turns out she just got stuck under some fallen scaffolding on her way out. Mr. Fixxit didn't do anything to hurt her. Melissa's dad drops the bat, realizing that he might have been the monster all along. We'll talk more about this in a bit.
It ought to go without saying that by now Mr. Fixxit has repaired Melissa's doll. Her father is beside himself with shock... because, as far as he knew... all of the dolly's electronics were burned out. Melissa gives Fixxit a peck on the cheek, and they leave. Before exiting, however, she asks Batman if Fixxit will be going away. He replies that he will... but, that he'll be taken care of.
Batman tries chatting up Fixxit... but the poor dude don't talk. He recognizes him as Harold, a scarily-brilliant engineer and former associate of the Penguin (during The Penguin Affair... a story I'm surprised we haven't yet discussed here). He wonders what to do with him. He knows he can't turn him in to the authorities... he would just wind up being sent to an institution from there.
We rejoin Gordon and Essen at Mel's Diner where they're having some coffee and catching up. Looks like they're both available these days. Jim's wife passed... and Essen's husband was killed in the line of duty. There's really nothing keeping them apart now.
They chat a little while longer... and decide that, whatever their shared future holds... they should definitely take it slowly.
We wrap up in the Batmobile. Batman and Harold are heading back to the Batcave... looks like Harold's going to be working for the good guys from now on!
Okay, so how great was this?
Gordon's narrative here fit the issue perfectly. It was almost poetic in a way. The idea that every day windows of opportunity close all around us... is such an unpleasant thing to consider. It's true, of course... but, wow... how sobering is that? Jim even goes as far as to say at a certain (very young) age, you know you'll never be the Gerber Baby. It might sound crazy (and maybe a bit of an extreme example)... but, that doesn't make it any less true!
Framing his story with a narrative discussion of "choices" is really so perfect. His entire night out is a choice he's made... that he isn't so sure about. He could be there to meet Sarah at the train station... or, he could just sneak away. It's so very human that when you're faced with a decision you labor over... you start thinking about other choices you could've/should've made along the way.
I mean, we get Commissioner Gordon dreaming that he's Batman... and when he wakes up, he considers that... had he made a different decision (or twenty), that he could've been Batman! Don't worry, Commish... your bat-bunny costume is only a couple of decades away.
The Harold story was pretty cool... though I did have one problem with it (which we'll get to). I've always had a weakness for "boogeyman" type stories... the type of tall-tale that would go around the schoolyard. For us growing up, there was the Diaperman... a man (who may or may not wear a diaper) who lived in the woods behind the school. We spent many an afternoon trying to find him... because we were idiots. Couldn't imagine a gaggle of geeky kids doing something that stupid nowadays!
Anyhoo... so, Mr. Fixxit... the phantom toy repairer of Gotham City. Such a fun (and creepy) idea... and, most scarily... one that you could see kids falling for! Heck, if the Diaperman advertised that he could make it so I wouldn't have to blow in my Nintendo cartridges anymore... I... er, well... let's just be happy that he didn't.
So, yeah... really dig that premise.
Now, what I didn't so much dig... let's talk about that "Melissa got stuck under the scaffold" thing for a second. I get what we're going for here. Mr. Fixxit/Harold isn't a bad dude... and he didn't do anything to hurt Melissa. But... if that mob didn't assemble and come out to bash his brains out... Batman would've never searched the building... and so, at the end of the day... there's a pretty good chance Melissa would've died under the debris! So, in essence, it's a good thing that Mel's father gathered the troops and stomped on in... right?! I realize that makes things a little less heartwarming... but, it's kinda got to be said.
Also, what kind of a father would Mel's Pop be if he didn't wanna bash in the brains of the guy he thinks took/hurt his daughter? I mean, even as enlightened as we all claim to be nowadays... I couldn't say with any certainty that I wouldn't swing first, ask questions later. It's kind of weird that Mel's Pop is kinda framed as a bad guy from the first moment we see him. Would we prefer reading about a father who doesn't care that his very young daughter is roaming the slummy Gotham streets in the middle of the night?! Just not really buying that bit.
Overall... for the most part, I had a blast with this... and I'm sure most Bat-fans will too! This story has been collected in the Essential Harold Omnibus, Volume 1... okay, no... that's not a thing that exists... but, it is available digitally!
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Maggie's Farm
We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
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Thursday, March 2. 2017
A Living Constitution
Reynolds asks the right question: Would the Left be so gung-ho about a "Living Constitution" if conservative activists controlled the Supreme Court? Discussed at Althouse.
A "living Constitution" just means the politics du jour which can bend with the winds.
Posted by The Barrister in Politics at 16:23 | Comments (13) | Trackbacks (0)
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A "living constitution" is no constitution. The constitution then becomes whatever the majority wants it to be and it will use it as the authority to do whatever they want to do. The good thing about the constitution is it clearly delineates the rights of the citizens and clearly limits the authority of the federal government. We have already strayed too far from the word and the intent of the constitution it is way past time to return to it.
Silly farmers. Don't you know that if we want to ignore the Constitution to do something liberal, that is fine. If we want to move from the left back to the Constitutional middle, we are all Hitler.
"living" doesn't mean "changing", it codes for "do/do not like what the USSC just ruled."
only a truly brain dead simpleton believes the federal constitution, as enacted, is even workable today.
It is true that the founding fathers couldn't foresee air travel. So I understand the need for a Federal Aviation Administration to keep jets from slamming into each other every time they cross state lines.
But it is preposterous to take that and morph it into a clear breach of the 10th Amendment to allow the central government to decide how states decide to teach their school children, set our speed limits or decide who uses which restroom in a particular state.
All the letter and intent of the founding fathers was to let states make day to day decisions for their citizens.
So the issue isn't that I want the Constitution to stay locked into the 1789 framework. Article V clearly lays out how to change the letter of the law and we've done it 27 times. And if 38 states choose to cede the powers like education, speed limits and restroom decisions to the central government, then more power to them.
My issue is with the central government taking all of the powers promised to states and then getting all bent out of shape when states try to seize what is rightfully theirs. That is a clear breach of contract.
there is nothing so obvious about the 10A that you can make a conclusory sweeping statement like that.
ProTip: interpretation of the constitution depends on many things, but contract law is not one of them. there isn't even a federal contract law. there is no national speed limit. there was never a federal bathroom law.
I've been called a lot of things before, but "brain dead simpleton" hasn't been one of them. As someone posted earlier "a living Constitution is no Constitution." If you don't like it, amend it.
well, let's try this again.
only a brain dead simpleton believes "the federal constitution, as enacted", meaning, for all the brain dead simpletons out there, without the 14th and 15th amendments, and with slavery preserved, is a brain dead simpleton.
did you miss civics class in 5th grade that day?
or, if in your world, "due process" meant the same thing in 1800 as 2017, explain why you're not having a stroke.
got that?
Curious how 5th grade civics balances subsequent case law with original authority. If I may be permitted. Or original intent with textualism.
the fact is, fifth graders, unlike you, would know that the constitution was ratified prior to the 14th and 15th amendments, and that slavery was preserved. they's wonder why anyone sane would think that the constitution in 1790 would work today.
they'd also know what stare decisis actually means, and would not, like you, cite canadian constitutional theory in blathering about american constitutional law. holy shi'ite, do you actually read anything before you blindly link it?
ProTip: don't cherry pick legal sounding words from right wing blogs and throw them around as if you had a clue as to their meaning in the world outside right wing blogs.
#18.104.22.168.1 Responding to some loon on 2017-03-04 13:42 (Reply)
You're so cute when you're cornered.
If you knew a tenth of what you think you're blathering about - because you think it intimidates people who get intimidated by layw-yerz - you'd know that the principles I - admittedly wrongly - thought would educate your blithering, arrogant ignorance are bedrock of American law and its original constitution. You're just going in circles using the ends to justify the means because you've never really considered either where your paycheck is concerned.
Good move, yer wership. If you were a tenth as bright as your reflection you'd even know what to do with a clear attempt to contrast your stupitude with, you guessed it, Canada's.
#22.214.171.124.1.1 Donnie the Bear's pet crabs on 2017-03-04 16:49 (Reply)
glad I got under your skin. but I can do without your homoeroticism.
citing canadian theory to support your american constitutional law fantasy is by far the stupidest move I've seen on MF. worse than zachriels.
#18.104.22.168.1.1.1 you got your five minutes of fame getting bitchslapped on 2017-03-04 21:44 (Reply)
I will give you credit for standing after being ruled KO'd and dragged bleeding to your corner by a 110# ring harlot. Shaking your tiny fist in victory adds a nice touch.
The way this works, coun-zeler, is that you get to choose either textualism or intentionalism. There are no other choices. Either the text is primary, or you're one of those vapid leftist Living Constitution twats like they have in, you guessed it, Canada.
See, coun-zeler, either the law is what the legislature wrote and you don't get to pull a Roberts and reword it so as to refit it to later intent, or you are indeed one of those fruitcakes who bend, fold, mutilate, contort, lobby, corporatize, twist, obfuscate, manipulate, re-legislate, submit to your activist court, reinterpret, mob rule, or generally destroy in order to, among other things, eventually stare decisis the thing completely and entirely out of shape.
While it's not clear from your imprecise wording what you are - except maybe incompetent - it is clear you won't touch this topic with a fifty foot law table. I reckon this is because somewhere in your dim recesses you know you're upside down on the issue, trying in vain to balance your meager patriotism and its constitutional textualism - wherein out here among us normals we send law back to the legislature if they can't wield an Oxfords right - with your presumed decades of sloppy thinking from which you'd bend, fold, mutilate, contort, lobby, twist, obfuscate, manipulate, re-legislate, submit to your activist court, reinterpret, mob rule, or generally destroy the text and its intent in order to, among other things, stare decisis the thing completely out of shape.
Because while you apparently you haven't the alacrity to make much sense of what the rest of us normals already have, so far you're incapable of addressing the distinction between the original document and 200 years of creep. Meanwhile to like-minded couns-zelors, evidently all y'all think so highly of those two hundred years of rulings that if a ham sandwich were ruled a founding declaration you'd burn the latter for having the audacity to conflict the former.
And you'd put the ham sandwich on a plate, serve it with some nice chips and a pickle, tell the world coun-zelors saved this exclusive neo-Konstitushun, and charge a subscription to read it. Because, darn it, somebody's gotta do the heavy lifting.
But since your previous word salad didn't favor either textualism or intentionalism, and since your previous word salad cited neither as well, one naturally assumes you're as dim as a PD working her internship somewhere, assuming PDs work internships somewhere. Which with my not knowing the topic where it counts, maybe you could at least clear that up.
Oh wait. I've been entirely too conciliatory. Apparently you are a Canadian style Living Konstitushunlist. It sez rite hear, coun-zelor,
only a truly brain dead simpleton believes the federal constitution, as enacted, is even workable today.
...which, given your mumbleshipness-u-tude on the general topic, us normals out here will take that as your impenetrable brain fog on what you only think you're on about.
Oh snap. Somebody needs to fix your text so it fits your intent. Do you have aides or do you write those opinions yerself?
And tell me, do either know what you think? You can see why one would ask.
#220.127.116.11.22.214.171.124 Donnie Morrow's a truly brain dead simpleton on 2017-03-05 07:07 (Reply)
Reynolds asks the right question: Would the Left be so gung-ho about a "Living Constitution" if conservative activists controlled the Supreme Court?
And how is that the right question? Who could possibly care except codependent rightists who've deceived themselves into thinking they're the resistance one election in twenty?
Reynold's blog, aptly named, is for luke-warm neocons who love a daily stream of low-level, tossed-off, quippy partisanship - like "Miss me yet?" Bush posters - far below his putative station, in my view. For a self-styled "Libertarian" I wonder if he's ever challenged 200 years of creep and slide with any public, constitutional enthusiasm or rigor.
Who cares what he and especially Obama-voting Althouse have to say about the left? One could argue they are the left for all the good they do.


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A BVI court has appointed Grant Thornton as a receiver over a BVI company under Section 43 of the Arbitration Act 2013 in order to preserve the value of the company pending the determination of foreign arbitration proceedings. The decision illustrates the effectiveness of the interim relief provided under the Arbitration Act to preserve assets against which an arbitration award will be enforced.
The Court of Appeal judgment in Antow Holdings Limited v Best Nation Investments Limited continues the development of the law regarding BVI directors' duties following the Independent Asset Management appeal, which established – for the first time in the British Virgin Islands – clear guidance regarding the proper purpose test. The decision is arguably at the extreme end of the spectrum, with the court describing the motives of the Best Nation directors as self-serving.
In a major development in BVI insolvency law and practice, the Commercial Court recently held that provisional liquidation is available to facilitate a restructuring. The objective of a restructuring provisional liquidation is to provide a better outcome for creditors than would be likely on a winding up. The Commercial Court's decision will certainly influence the current debate in the British Virgin Islands regarding insolvency legislation reforms.
The BVI Court of Appeal recently denied an appellant declaratory relief and upheld the respondents' relief from sanction, as granted by the lower court. While this judgment will inevitably provide some comfort to those that find themselves facing sanctions having inadvertently failed to comply with a rule, practice direction or order, it is a timely reminder for everyone that it is better to remain vigilant and compliant than to rely on the court's jurisdiction to grant relief from sanction.
The Commercial Court recently confirmed that the BVI courts have jurisdiction to grant charging orders. Charging orders are a critically important tool, particularly when enforcing foreign judgments, as they allow creditors to take a proprietary interest over assets owned by a debtor and can ultimately facilitate the sale of such assets to allow the creditor to realise their debt.
A BVI court recently considered a contempt application seeking further disclosure by way of an 'unless' order and whether cross-examination of the respondents should be ordered to determine the issue of contempt. The decision highlights the exceptional nature of cross-examination orders and the high standard of proof required for contempt orders.
The BVI Court of Appeal recently considered the scope of its jurisdiction to interfere with findings of fact made at first instance. This is the second time in 2018 that the court has addressed this issue. While the threshold for intervention is high, the court will intervene on appropriate occasions. The thoroughness of the evaluation of evidence and the credibility of the judge's conclusions at first instance are likely to be pivotal to that determination.
The BVI courts have again stepped in to ensure that proper thought and process is applied to requests made by foreign governmental bodies. In the first case of its kind to successfully challenge the exercise of the attorney general's powers under the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Act, the BVI High Court held that the attorney general is required to do more than rubber stamp the requests received under the act.
In a recent case, the BVI Court of Appeal addressed standing in the context of applications under Section 273 of the Insolvency Act 2003, whereby an aggrieved person can ask the courts to reverse or vary a liquidator's decision. The court held that, as a shareholder of a company in liquidation, the appellant was an outsider to the liquidation who had no legitimate interest that entitled him to standing under Section 273.


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The Ups and Downs of Growing Up Gifted
Posted on April 24, 2015 by Free Spirit Author
by Judy Galbraith and Jim Delisle, authors of When Gifted Kids Don't Have All the Answers If you want to know what kids think and feel about growing up gifted, just ask them. We have—thousands of times—and are amazed that … Continue reading →


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Quick parts in word 2011 for mac
To see the results of your efforts, move to another part of your document, then click once again on the Quick Parts icon, you should see the text you captured in a little window:. Clicking on the Quick Parts window with your text in it causes your text to be inserted into the document at the current position.
Recycle Text with Quick Parts and AutoText
In this case, all you have to do is press the Enter key and Word will fill in the rest of the Quick Parts text for you. You can also type in just a couple of the first characters of your Quick Parts text, and then press the F3 key, and Word will insert the Quick Parts text it thinks you want. Word does still have the old AutoText feature; to use it, follow the same path as you did with the Quick Parts , only when you get the Create New Building Block popup, instead of going with the default of Quick Parts under Gallery, instead choose AutoText:.
Then, to use it, click once again on the Quick Parts icon, then instead of choosing one of the text boxes for Quick Parts , click instead where it says AutoText , you should see a drop-down menu that looks something like this:.
Clicking on where you see your saved text causes the text saved to be inserted into your document just as with Quick Parts. Document Property allows you to insert text with a predefined heading into your document; to see how this works, click on it, then choose one of the available titles from the popup menu. After choosing it, we get this inserted into our document:.
Then, clicking anywhere else in our document causes it to look like regular text. Grow your firm.
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By Deborah Savadra on June 28th, 11 comments. Instant access Both features provide instant access to those texts you love to recycle. One of the great features of AutoText is that, once you set an entry up, if you start typing that phrase in your document, AutoText will prompt you to see if you would like it to finish the phrase for you: Setting them up Using either feature, however, requires a little setup on your part.
quick parts button on the mac
The next time you type the complete phrase, select it with your mouse: To re-use that snippet, simply go back to that menu and select that entry: Simply start a new email, type or paste in the boilerplate text you want to re-use and select the text, go to the Insert tab, click on the drop-down arrow next to Quick Parts, then click Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery: The next time you exit Word, be sure you click Save at the prompt: A few minutes a day can pay off Save a snippet here and there every day.
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Umihara Kawase BaZooKa! Heads to PS4, Switch, and PC in the West
PC version is up first on May 28, followed by consoles in July
More puzzle-platforming Umihara Kawase fun is on the way to the west. This time it's Umihara Kawase BaZooKa!, which ININ Games aims to release on PS4 and Switch in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. That one's due out this July, and there's also a PC version coming out worldwide on May 28 from Success Corporation.
The PC version will support English, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional language options when it arrives later this month. Check out a sample of the game in action in ININ Games' announcement video below.
- Challenge Mode with 40 Stages to be cleared just like back in the good old days of arcade games (one-to-four players).
- Multiplayer battle modes (two-to-four players)
- Local offline play and online modes.
- Cooperative and competitive modes (up to four players).
- Competitive bazooka action in Battle Royale mode (players fight until only one remains) and Star Match (timed battle mode where players fight to take stars from each other) will offer hundreds of hours of competitive bazooka fun.
Via Gematsu
Joseph Luster is the Games and Web editor at Otaku USA Magazine. You can read his webcomic, BIG DUMB FIGHTING IDIOTS at subhumanzoids. Follow him on Twitter @Moldilox.


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In the most comprehensive, authoritative and scrutinised assessment of climate change ever produced, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has offered its starkest warning yet about the challenges facing humanity.
Not only does the IPCC show that climate change is real and that its impacts are happening faster than ever, but for the first time it lays out the true extent of human influence on the climate system.
While previous estimates say human activity – primarily the burning of fossil fuels – is responsible for more than half of all warming, the latest report shows we are actually responsible for all warming since 1951.
R. K. Pachauri, Chair of the IPCC said:
The scientific case for prioritizing action on climate change is clearer than ever. We have little time before the window of opportunity to stay within 2ºC of warming closes. To keep a good chance of staying below 2ºC, and at manageable costs, our emissions should drop by 40 to 70 percent globally between 2010 and 2050, falling to zero or below by 2100. We have that opportunity, and the choice is in our hands.
But the main takeaway for decision makers is this: governments can no longer just be talking about emissions reductions, they need to work towards a complete phase out out of fossil fuel emissions globally.
The IPCC makes it clear that emissions need to go to zero if the world is to keep global warming below the internationally agreed limit of 2DegC.
In the words of experts and observers tracking the IPCC process: "The science is in and it's game over for fossil fuels".
May Boeve, Executive Director of 350.org said:
The scientists have done their job, now it's the politicians' turn. World leaders have everything they need to act: clear scientific evidence, a strong economic case, and huge public support. The only thing they lack is the will. The report strengthens the case for fossil fuel divestment. It clearly states that the vast majority of coal, oil and gas must remain underground and that investments in the sector must fall by tens of billions of dollars a year. The fossil fuel industry's business plan and a liveable planet are simply incompatible.
For the first time, the Fifth Assessment Report includes a strict carbon budget for governments, of which over two-thirds have already been used up. At current rates the world would burn through the rest in less than 30 years.
For the best chance of avoiding severe levels of warming, governments will need to peak emissions, rapidly phase fossil fuels down to zero and transition to 100 percent renewable energy.
Such a transition is not only possible, but is economically viable, according to the IPCC. Rapid development of renewables since the body's last Assessment Report in 2007 means that clean energy is cheaper and stronger than ever before, and bringing multiple societal benefits – including increased energy access, jobs and improved public health.
Continuing down such a path and investing in renewable energy in the next few decades will also be cheaper than paying a rapidly growing bill for "severe, pervasive, and irreversible impacts." Such cost savings would vastly outweigh the costs associated with the clean energy transition, says the IPCC.
Greenpeace Head of International Climate Politics, Martin Kaiser said:
For scientists, there is nothing vague about how to deal with climate change. Governments need to pay attention and phase out coal and oil now or end up doing it later at a much higher cost. However, those who seize the potential of renewable energy will leap ahead to a sustainable future.
Requested and endorsed by governments, the release of this report – which ends a five year process covering 30,000 pieces of evidence and involving over 2000 scientists – should act as a guide for governments working on a new global climate agreement which is due for sign off in Paris next December.
Speaking at the launch press conference, IPCC Chair Rajendra Pachauri said the scientists were now "passing the baton to policymakers and the decision making community" to act on the report's findings.
Also addressing reporters in Copenhagen, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned that "the science has spoken, there is no ambiguity in the message. Leaders must act now, time is not on our side."
Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council said:
This report should galvanize the world to take urgent and collective action to curb climate change, and to deal with its here-and-now devastating impacts. We're almost out of time to avoid the worst—but we're not out of solutions. For the sake of our children and all future generations, we need to take significant action, and soon.
At the Secretary-General's climate meeting in New York in September, government leaders put climate change back on the political agenda, while outside the UN hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets calling for more climate change as part of the Peoples' Climate Marches.
The people have spoken, businesses demand action, investors want long-term certainty, and IPCC scientists have set government's a clear choice: "either put policies in place to achieve this essential shift, or they can spend the rest of their careers dealing with climate disaster after climate disaster."