text:
with the title heading "WOWEFA Story Submission"
Clearing The Cob Webs
by Big Chief
With a stiff kick to the stomach Victoria sent rookie diva Brie Bella
crashing to the ringside mats with a profound thump. As soon as the Latina
hit the floor, Victoria realized the mistake and dashed to the outside,
grabbing Brie's legs as she tried to crawl under the ring. Struggling a bit,
Brie freed her left leg and brought it back in a hard kicking, knocking
Victoria to the ground. Before Victoria hit the floor however, Brie suddenly
popped up from the opposite side of the ring in one of her supposedly magical
under ring movements. Dashing back into the ring, a smiling Brie dared a
stunned Victoria back into the ring. Furious, Victoria ran into the ring, but
was suddenly caught with a small package roll up followed by the one, two,
three of the ref's counting, giving Bella yet another victory over the
veteran diva.
As Brie celebrated up the ramp, and irate Victoria stayed sitting on the mat,
screaming and smacking her hands into the canvas. A follow up argument with
the referee, claiming Brie cheated just fell on deaf ears before she finally
left the ring in a huff. As she walked through the curtain, Victoria began
muttering to herself about it was impossible that Brie could have beat her so
many times and she had to have come up with something to do it. Usually on
the top of her game, Victoria's mind just seemed to be too clouded, not
allowing her to properly focus in the ring, or on trying to figure out what
Brie was actually doing. As she made her way back to the dressing room, she
noticed a backstage worker looking towards her, "What the hell are you
looking at?! She's not better than me! That little bitch is cheating, that's
the only way she could beat me damn it!" Losing it, she then grabbed the
young woman by the collar of her shirt and pushed her against a nearby wall.
"Say it! Say she couldn't beat me in a fair fight!"
"She couldn't beat you in a fair fight," The terrified girl nearly burst into
tears as the crazed diva released her grip.
"Damn right she can't!" With the crazed look in her eyes now, Victoria
continued back towards the locker room as everyone she passed made sure not
to look directly at her, as they didn't want what happened to the poor girl
to happen to them.
As she opened the locker room door, Victoria was relieved to see that it was
empty, as she didn't want to deal with anyone else, not even her best friend
Natalya. Sitting down on one of the benches she undid her hard knee brace,
and in another fit of anger hurled it against a near by locker, causing a
resounding crash throughout the room. She then unlaced her ring boots and
they soon followed the knee brace in crashing into a near by locker. She then
went to her bag, pulled out a towel and stripped out of her ring gear, hoping
a quick shower might help her calm down a bit.
Walking into the empty shower stalls, she reached for the nearest shower
head, and turned the water on. Forgetting about testing the water first, she
was jolted by a spray of nearly ice cold water on her naked body.
"Ah, god damn it! What the hell is wrong with me, I can't fucking think
straight!" Finally getting the water to a satisfiable temperature, she
stepped back under, and just stood under the stream, letting the warm water
pour over her head, soaking her entire body. As the water covered her, she
began to feel the all too familiar feeling in between her legs. With a sigh,
she just slid a hand in between her legs, and gently rubbed. "God, that must
be it. It's been so long since I've been with something, I think this back up
is getting to me, because god knows the masturbating isn't doing it anymore."
With the lack of success any self pleasure had recently done to try and slake
her lust, Victoria took her hand away from her crotch, and finished up her
shower. Finishing up she toweled off, and got into her street clothes. By
this time Natalya and Maryse had returned to the locker room and the three
ended up finding a monitor to watch the rest of the Smackdown tapings before
they were to head off for the next night's house show.
* * *
The crowd cheered as Brie Bella had her hand raised in victory after hitting
a top rope cross body block to pin Victoria yet again at the Smackdown house
show. Unlike the night before, Victoria just sat on the mat, with a shocked
look on her face, just not being able to believe she lost again. As she
finally got up and walked back up the isle way, she looked down towards the
ground, muttering to herself, showing signs that she might snap.
As she passed through the curtain, she was this time welcomed by Natalya who
tried to make sure she didn't loose it again. As the two friends walked back
to the locker room, Victoria just continued to mutter, "She can't beat me,
there's no way she can beat me. It's impossible, how did she beat me? She's
not that good, she can't beat me."
As the pair walked into the locker room Victoria finally snapped and started
to just scream as she repeatedly kicked the locker, over and over again.
Eventually Natalya was able to calm her down to the point that she stopped
taking her anger out on the metal door.
"Vickie, you've got to calm down. You're just letting that little skank get
to you. You can beat her, you're just over thinking your whole strategy."
"Don't you think I know that. My mind has just be clouded a lot lately, and
it's just not allowing me to focus on what I'm doing in the ring."
"So just try to relax, and clear you head, and then go out there and wipe the
mat with the little shit."
"Don't you think I know that. I just don't know how I can do it. But I really
need to do it quick or I might just kill her, because it's really just
driving me nuts."
"Well just figure it out girl. I've got to get going for that tag match with
As Natalya walked out of the locker room, Victoria for a quick second caught
herself actually checking out her best friend's butt in her tight ring pants.
She quickly snapped herself out of the little trance realizing what she was
thinking was crazy.
"Get a hold of yourself, Natalya isn't like that. And another woman is not
what's going to fix you. You know what you need, and you better get going and
get it soon."
Getting out of her ring gear, Victoria switched right to her street clothes,
not wanting to take a shower, and risk getting the feeling she really
wouldn't be able to stop. She then tossed her gear into her bag and closed it
up. She then proceeded to go back out into the hallways, decided to get
something to drink at catering. Just as she walked out of the locker room,
she gave the metal door, a quick hit, exiting into the hall way. Passing by
people, she was sure that people were looking at her, and snickering, even
though most everyone just paid her no attention.
As she came up to the catering table, she noticed a young man, she'd never
seen before getting something to eat. With her eyes fixed on him, she grabbed
a bottle of water out of a cooler. After a few seconds, the young man looked
up to see the diva looking in his direction. With almost a predator's stare,
she looked right in his eyes, "Hey, kid, who the hell are you? I've never
seen you before."
"Um, I'm Travis ma'am. I'm a new lighting technician."
"Well Travis, if you don't want to work with a broken hand, you better never
call me ma'am again. Are we clear?"
"Y-yeah, crystal clear." With a terrified look in his eyes, Travis grabbed
his food and quickly walked away from the table, afraid he may do something
to push Victoria over the edge. As the young employee walked away, Victoria
smiled at the site of his butt in his tight jeans.
"Well Vickie, I think you may have found the person that will help you clear
those damn cob webs out of your head," she thought to herself with a very
evil smile on her face. Deciding now was not the right time, she took her
water and walked off, just waiting for the best time to pounce on her prey.
With a two day break in the schedule, she decided that she would rest up, and
at the next house show she would finally clear her mind, and go on to destroy
Brie the next time they entered the ring together.
* * *
The arena was abuzz with activity as the WWE crew was getting things ready
for the house show that was to be held later in the evening. As crew members
were setting up, and double checking everything, the superstars were spread
out all around the arena doing many things from reading, to listening to
music, to exercising for their matches later in the night. In the large
cafeteria a handful of the Smackdown talent sat around scattered tables,
enjoying meals, while chatting. At one table, Victoria sat eating a salad,
talking with Natalya about later tonight.
"So Vickie, have you gotten your head in the right place for tonight?"
"Not yet, but don't worry, when it's time for the match, I'll have my head
clear. And you'll be out there with me this time right?"
"You know it girl, I'll have your back, and make sure that little bitch
doesn't pull any crap tonight."
As she gave her friend a smile at the talk of her backup, Victoria noticed
light tech Travis enter the cafeteria and head to the large tables filled
with food. Like her pervious encounter with him, she kept her eyes right on
him, making sure to keep her prey in her sites. Once his plate was full and
he went to a table, Victoria released her gaze, and returned to the
conversation with Natalya about the problematic Bella. With the conversations
switching to other topics, including Divas Champion Michelle McCool, Victoria
eventually noticed Travis finish his meal, and get up to leave. She decided
that this would be the perfect time to make her move and told Natalya that
she had something to do and got up to follow the young man.
"I'll catch you later girl."
She tossed the container from her salad into a nearby trash can, and began to
follow Travis out of the cafeteria and into the halls. After a few seconds,
she decided to cut 'the chase' to a very quick ending.
"Hey kid!" Travis turned around, and when he saw the source of the call, his
eyes opened a bit in shock, remembering their little encounter from a few
days ago.
"Yes, ma... I mean, um, um..." remembering what she said, he was now
struggling, trying to think of something to call her that wouldn't piss her
off and lead to him being put in a considerable amount of pain.
"Kid, calm down. I think we got off on the wrong foot the other day. I was
not in a good mood, and I was a little bitchy with you. I still don't like
ma'am, but you can call me Victoria." The surprisingly calm tone in her voice
on this occasion allowed Travis to relax a bit, which was what Victoria
intended. "Now I was wondering, Travis, are you busy at the moment?"
"No, I'm, I finished what I need to have done for the moment and I don't need
to do anything until showtime tonight. Um, why?"
"Well I was wondering if you would be able to come with me for a little bit.
I was just looking to see if you could help me with something. Would you be
willing to help me out Travis?" While he was a little more relaxed now, he
tensed up a bit hearing that she wanted him to come with her somewhere.
"Sure, I guess, I could help. What do you need?"
"Let's just say it's something I'd like to tell you in a little more private
setting then out here in the hall way. So why don't you just follow me, ok?"
"O-ok," With her mention of a private setting, he really started to get
nervous about what was going to happen, but still followed her as she walked
down the hallway. After passing through some crowded areas, they entered into
a fairly empty hall, and up to a door marked 'conference room."
"Here were are Travis. No one is using this room, so I think this is the
perfect place for what I was thinking." Opening the door, she looked over her
shoulder and just motioned with her finger for Travis to follow her, and
almost like a dog following its master, he complied. As they entered the
large room, Victoria pointed to one of the dozen chairs sitting around a
large table, "Now why don't you just take a seat right there." Sitting down
in the chair, Travis' heartbeat increased greatly, it nearly skipped a beat
when the door slammed shut.
"So, um, Victoria, what exactly was the reason you wanted me in here?" Seeing
the young man was acting very nervous, she realized what he was probably
thinking a let out a slight giggle.
"You are just a nervous kid Travis. Don't worry, I'm not going to be doing
anything bad to you. In fact, what I want you to help me with is probably
something you'll enjoy very, very much. Now Travis, I have to say, you're a
very cute looking guy, and by the looks of it, you must have a very nice
"Um, thanks," Now his thoughts of terror switched to thoughts of confusion.
His first thought was this former Women's champion was coming on to him, but
he quickly brushed that away, thinking there was no way that could me the
"And you know what, I'm just going to bottom line it right now. Ever since
that little shit Brie Bella has showed up, she's been getting the best of me,
and I really can't figure out why. The reason for that is my head has been
fucking cloudy for too long, and the reason is because I've been way too
horny," As soon as she said the word horny, his eyes opened wide, and he
suddenly realized she was coming on to him, "it's been way to long since I've
been with someone, and damn it, it's caused my judgment and my thinking to
become all messed up. So what I'm laying out right now is the chance for you
to help me, 'clear out those cob webs.' So what do you say kid, do you want
to help me out?"
"Wait, are you asking me what I think you're asking me?" A little frustrated
at his lack to jump at her offer, Victoria, walked right over to him and
dove her hand into his crotch. Impressed with what she fell her wicked smirk
came across her face.
"Is there a clear enough message for you kid? So are you in or are you out?"
After a brief moment, a smile now came across Travis' face and he just simply
nodded his head. Happy with the answer, Victoria took her hand away and
brought her face to his, giving him a very passionate kiss. As they traded
spit, she brought her hands to his head, running her fingers through his
hair, loving the feeling of touching a man in a passionate way again. Not to
be out done, Travis put his hands to work as well, bringing them around her
back, and down to her butt, encased her in very tight jeans. With the feel of
his hands, Victoria began to lightly moan into his mouth, giving him her
Wanting to advance this fun some more, she quickly moved her hands away from
his head, and while still kissing, grabbed at the bottom of his t-shirt.
Breaking the kiss, she then yanked it upwards, and pulled the shirt off in a
quick motion, leaving it in a heap on the large table. Pausing for a few
seconds, she admire his very impressive upper body.
"Mmmm, now that's a body that makes panties moist." Before he could mount any
type of comeback, she was back on the attack, now sitting right on his lap
and returning to the passionate lip lock. As the moments passed by, the
intensity of the embrace increased, and as he began to feel more and more
relax, Travis got more and more into it. After a few more moments kissing, it
was now Travis that broke the kiss, repeating the same move Victoria had done
moments before, yanking her shirt up and over, and depositing it on the large
wooden table. With a smile, she then reached around behind her and unhooked
her black, lacey bra. Letting it drop, she exposed her almost perfect bare
breasts, with her tiny nipples and areolas to the lucky worker. Adding it to
the growing pile of clothes, she now sat right into his lap and returned to
the passionate kiss.
After kissing for a few more moments, it was now Travis that broke the lip
lock and moved his mouth to her giant chest, kissing all around her right
globe, before moving over her erect nipple. Latching onto it like a kid to
its mother, he began to suck and nibble on the bud, causing Victoria to moan
in approval. Once he got the nipple nice and wet with his saliva, he switched
to her left breast and repeated what he had done on the right, as Victoria
ran her hands through his hair, with her head tilted to the side, watching
him approvingly. When she was satisfied enough, she quickly grabbed onto his
hair and gently pulled his head back. As he looked up, wondering if he had
done something wrong, Victoria looked down at him with a smile.
"You know, this if fun, but I think I want that eager little mouth of yours
doing something a little more fun." A smile quickly came across Travis' face
as he got right away what the veteran diva was getting at. As Travis just
continued to smile, Victoria got off of his lap and stood up in front of him.
She then quickly undid her belt, and started to unzip her tight jeans. As she
began to pull down the tight denim, she enjoyed the look of happiness on
Travis' face grow as he saw that there were no panties to match her bra,
underneath. Pushing them all the way down to her ankles, she then quickly
pulled her feet from them and kicked the pants to the side. As she stood back
up, Travis got to see his goal for the first time, with a very small patch of
hair shaved into the shape of a V just above her slit. She then turned
around, resting her hands on the edge of the table, showing off her bare,
round ass. Before she knew it, she felt Travis' hands grab her hips, and his
face dive right into the crack of her tight butt. The unexpected action,
caused her to jump a bit, but a smile quickly drew across her face, as she
felt his tongue push forward as soon as his face touched her butt.
"Oh, very nice! Glad to see you're finally getting ambitious." Quickly
changing his approach, he moved his hands in a bit, and slightly spread her
cheeks apart, allowing him to get in closer. Pushing his tongue out, he began
to lightly tickle her lips with the wiggling tip. As Travis did his thing,
Victoria spread her stance, to brace herself for the eventual weakness she's
soon feel in her legs. Like a dog lapping at his bowl of water, Travis
dragged his tongue up and down the warm, wet slit, loving the taste that it
produced. As he did this, he added into the pleasure he was giving the former
Woman's champion by massaging her butt cheeks, as he kept them spread open.
The double motion let Victoria know she picked the perfect person to do this.
"Mmmmmm, very good. Very good ind... Oh! You know all the right spots don't
you big boy?" As she complimented him, Travis had pushed his tongue as far
down as he could, jabbing her exposed clit with the tip. Seeing the reaction
it got, he kept his tongue in that zone and began darting it across the
throbbing area, sending little bolts of pleasure through her body every time
he hit it.
"Jesus, Travis, if you keep that up I'm going to lose it!" That simple
sentence was all he needed to hear as he began to increase the speed he moved
his tongue, wiggling it as fast as he could. He knew it was best to make sure
she stayed happy, and nothing would make her happier then for Travis to press
down the on th button and send her over the edge. Going in for the kill, he
pushed his face as far forward as he could. He then released his hands,
causing her cheeks to fall back into place, rest against the cheeks on his
face. With his hands free now, he moved his right under neath and joined it
with his flicking tongue at Victoria's throbbing clit. With the attention of
his tongue solely on the little bud, he began to massage the area around it,
and after only a few moments, he could feel her body begin to tense up.
"God, that's it! That's it, that's it, that's it!
Shhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiitttttttttt!!!!" Suddenly, her body began to quiver, as
her moaning increased, and Travis was greeted with a very pleasant taste
dripping from her honey pot and onto his tongue. As Victoria had the orgasm
she had desperately needed, her hands began to slip up on the table, and
eventually she was completely bent over the large wooden surface, as her
torso laid onto the cool flat surface. Travis then pulled his face away from
her shaking butt, while continuing to massage at her crotch with his hand,
making sure to help her ride out the great feeling. After a few more waves of
pleasure, her tense body finally started to relax and she remained bent over,
with her upper half resting against the table. Catching her breath, the look
of sheer pleasure eventually melted into a satisfied smile, as she realized
it was way past due to have someone else give her this type of pleasure.
Looking at Victoria in this vulnerable position, something came over Travis,
and he quickly undid his belt and yanked down his pants and boxers, causing
his stiff dick to pop out from it's hiding place. With the prone diva
completely unaware of what he was doing, Travis took hold of his thick member
and aimed it towards her exposed crotch, soaked from the orgasm that just
consumed her body. Once he felt he had everything all lined up, Travis pushed
his hips forward, and moved his throbbing dick into her warm, wet pussy.
"What the fuck...!" The sudden action caught Victoria off guard, but her
anger only lasted a brief moment as she felt her lips swallow up his hard
missile. As he pushed himself inside of her, Victoria, planted her hands on
the table and lifted her body up, while still bent over. This time, not
having to get instructions, Travis planted his hands on her hips as he moved
his hips back and forth, giving her another feeling that she had lacked for
far too long as well. The moves brought her moaning back, as she turned her
head to look back at him with lust once again filling her eyes.
"God damn it yes! Fuck me, fuck me, fuck meeeeee!!!! Ah fuck, you better
fucking tell me when you're going to cummmm!" He just nodded at her demand as
he continued to piston himself in and out of her. As he picked up his pace,
Victoria's moans were joined by the sounds of flesh smacking into each other
as his pelvis repeatedly and quickly slapped into her round butt as he
thrusted into her.
"Oh fuck yes, that it! Fucking pound me you fucking bad boy! I've so fucking
needed this! Fffffffuuuuuuucccccckkkkkk!!!! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!" As Travis was
slamming into her, Victoria suddenly felt another orgasm start to build
within her. As it started to take her over, she turned her head back forward,
and looked straight down at the wooden grain pattern of the table top. She
then clenched her eyes close as the amazing sensation began to once again
take over her body, causing her to uncontrollably shake.
"Fuck, I'm cummmmiiiiiinnnnnnggggg!!!!!! Oooooooooooohhhhhhhh
yyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeessssssssss!!!!! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!! God,
that's fuck it you hot mother fuckerrrrrrr!!!!!" As she spasmed around, he
continued to move his hips, while keep his hands planted her her bucking
ones. Her erratic movements and the fact that her pussy was clamping down
harder now on his dick made it harder and harder for him to try and hold out
on his own orgasm, but he used all of his self control to hold back, knowing
if he accidentally came inside her, he'd likely be in for a world of hurt.
Soon her body again began to calm down and as he felt her pussy loosen its
tight grip, he realized it would be ok to finally let loose.
"Oh God, Victoria I'm gonna cum!" As he quickly pulled out of her soaking
pussy, Victoria turned around and dropped to her knees, in part to get into
position, and part because her legs were still made of rubber, after having
two orgasms in such quick order. Sitting up on her kneeling legs, she grabbed
is dick and quickly engulfed the head into her mouth. The second her lips
wrapped around his throbbing head, cum began to shoot out, and she was
greeted with the mix taste of his shooting cum, and her own pussy from off
the skin. As he shot his cum, Victoria relaxed her throat, allowed the 'white
gold' to slide down her throat. With his member, unloading, Travis just stood
still, with his body slightly shaking, with each spurt he shot into
Victoria's waiting mouth.
Once he shot his very last drop, Victoria released her hand from his shaft,
and pulled her mouth away from his already shrinking dick. With her releasing
him, he looked down, to see her whipping a little dribble that escaped the
side of her mouth, and realizing she was done, moved over to one of the
chairs, and sat down, exhausted. As Victoria got back to her feet and started
to get dressed a thought suddenly popped in her head that Brie Bella must
have had a twin sister. It make perfect sense, and it was all thanks to
finally getting to clear her head. Finally pulling her shirt back on, she
looked over to see Travis still slumped in chair, his once rock hard dick,
not a limp, lifeless organ.
"Thanks big boy, you really helped clear those cob webs." He just lifted his
head, gave a smile and dropped it back down. Exiting the conference room, she
closed it behind her. As she walked off to get back to the locker room, she
passed Vince McMahon who was with a few higher ups, clearly on their way to
the conference room. As she respectfully greeted her boss, she only thought
of the tough luck that Travis was about to have.
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text:
Home Political science The colder war
At the center of Putin's oil plans is the colossus Rosneft.
Rosneft was a bit player when Putin assumed the presidency in 2000, but he adopted it as his baby and worked to bring it to a robust adulthood. He began building up the company with a forced buyout of minority investors. Next, he appointed Rosneft to be the government's representative in projects based on production sharing, a move that generated deal flow for the company.
With development of its domestic properties on track, Rosneft was ready to expand outside Russia, beginning with projects in Algeria and Kazakhstan. In four years, its production increased 50 percent, to 400,000 bpd in 2004. That was still small potatoes, though; at one point Rosneft had to fight a takeover by fellow Russian enterprise Gazprom.
Putin was in a hurry to show that his state company of choice was a force to be reckoned with and that anyone foolish enough to challenge it was risking a bloody nose. But it was taking far too long for internal growth to turn Rosneft into a dominant player. In 2004, Putin put Igor
Sechin in charge of Rosneft, and together they boosted the company to the top of the global energy heap.
Sechin is one of the "St. Petersburg boys," a trusted old confidant who followed Putin to Moscow. Known as tough, ruthless, and secretive, Sechin is thought to have worked as a spy in Africa and as the Soviet Union's primary arms smuggler for Latin America and the Middle East. With his background and his ties to Putin, he is the de facto leader of the Kremlin's siloviki faction, a sort of higher-level inner cabinet. They are a cadre of dedicated statists, for the most part former officers of the KGB, Chief Intelligence Directorate (GRU), and FSB. Their loyalty to Sechin may contribute to his considerable influence with Putin.
In any event, Sechin's purely political work—for 10 years he was deputy chief of the Putin administration—is likely less consequential than his economic accomplishments. As CEO since July 2004, he built the Rosneft we know today.
In July 2006, he took Rosneft "public" with an initial public offering (IPO) in London. I use quotation marks because only a quarter of the company was offered to outside investors; the rest of it stayed with or close to the Russian government, which is to say under Putin's control. Moreover, anyone holding publicly traded shares became instantly wealthy. It can't be proven, but it is widely suspected that Putin and Sechin are among those who got very, very rich.
Over the years, Rosneft frequently gobbled up small competitors and then moved on to a big target, TNK-BP, a vertically integrated company until 2012 owned by BP (formerly British Petroleum) and a consortium of Russian billionaires known as AAR. At the time, it was the second-largest oil producer in Russia and among the top 10 in the world.
TNK-BP had been a financial dream come true, paying billions in dividends to its owners—but it was also a business relations nightmare. The partners fought chronically. In 2008, Russian authorities arrested two British TNK-BP managers amid a dispute over strategy that forced then-CEO Bob Dudley to flee Russia—and that was just one of many partnership scandals.
The writing had been on the wall for TNK-BP since 2011, when one of the AAR billionaires quit as CEO of the venture and declared that the relationship with BP had run its course. After that, speculation was rife over who might buy in to take his place, but in retrospect the answer seems obvious: Rosneft, which might as well be called PutinOil. And the answer Rosneft provided was far bigger than the question.
It was a two-part deal. In the first part, Rosneft acquired BP's 50 percent share of the joint venture for cash plus Rosneft stock worth $27 billion. That gave BP nearly a 20 percent stake in Rosneft.
Why did BP go along? While Russia had been profitable for the British firm, management got tired of the drama within TNK-BP but still wanted to participate in developing the country's energy resources. The cash-and-shares deal gave BP a nice ownership stake in Rosneft— the best way to profit from Russia's immense untapped oil potential, because Putin will ensure that Rosneft has first dibs on all the juiciest opportunities.
In addition, the change placed BP personnel in regular, direct contact with Igor Sechin, Rosneft's CEO and Putin's trusted ally with a significant say in Russian energy policy. Anyone who wants to operate in Mother Russia has to have an inside track to the Kremlin. Otherwise, you are likely to find yourself kicked to the curb.
For his part, Putin knew he couldn't nationalize all of Russia's resources and go it alone. Extracting oil is difficult. Russia simply didn't have enough native oil and gas expertise. He needed BP.
Putin understood what the Saudis learned the hard way. When Saudi Arabia kicked out the foreigners and nationalized its oil industry in 1980, the country was producing more than 10 million bpd. Within five years, production had fallen to 4 million bpd.
So BP was encouraged to stick around and help Rosneft with technology to tap Russia's huge reserves of unconventional tight oil and shale gas. There was one further benefit: Having BP as a significant shareholder also lets Putin claim that Rosneft is not simply an arm of the government (and that he is not leading the country back into communism).
With BP accommodated, Rosneft could proceed with part two of the deal. It bought the other half of TNK-BP from the AAR group for $28 billion in cash. The oligarchs of AAR were motivated to sell, rather than stay in a joint venture with Rosneft. They'd had ringside seats for the Khodorkovsky/Yukos affair, and they knew they could easily meet the same fate if they tried to partner with Rosneft as equals. Why run that risk? Better to take the money and go.
In the end, it was the richest deal in the oil industry since Exxon bought Mobil in 1999. Rosneft emerged as the biggest (somewhat) publicly traded oil producer in the world.
Rosneft's rise to dominance of the Russian oil space has been spectacular. In 1998, the company produced a paltry 4 percent of the country's petroleum, with Lukoil the top dog at 17 percent and a crowd of small companies claiming the rest. Just 15 years later, in 2013, Lukoil remained healthy at 16 percent, but most of the little guys were gone, swallowed by Rosneft, which now accounts for 43 percent of Russia's production.
It would be hard to exaggerate Rosneft's position in the world. For perspective, this one company produces more oil than all of China and twice as much as Nigeria.
It's a state corporation with Putin's favor behind it, so Rosneft has vast potential for raising capital and enjoys an exalted place in the "too big to fail" category. It can continue to seek growth via acquisitions, either domestically or internationally, as well as organic growth from its operations across Russia and the Arctic shelf.
Rosneft combines the discipline of a publicly traded company with the backing of a powerful government. It has rich exploration potential to complement its immense production base. And it has the cash to gobble up oil assets when they come on the market anywhere in the world.
It's the perfect cornerstone for the grand plan to consolidate power in the hands of Russia's supreme ruler. Through Rosneft, Russia will gain the discretion to turn supply on and off and to raise and lower prices. Then Putin can play energy-needy countries against one another and squeeze Europeans to accept long-term, high-price contracts as the only way to secure reliable supplies. (See Figure 7.2 .)
Further, with Rosneft's acquisition capabilities, Putin has a tool to enhance Russia's influence in countries with resource potential that currently depend on Russian oil. Acquiring oil and gas reserves in such a country would let Russia dominate the customer's internal development as well as the flow of oil into or out of it.
Figure 7.2 Russia's Crude Oil and Condensate Main Export Destinations, 2012
Source: Global Trade Atlas, Energy Information Administration. © Casey Research 2014.
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Funding programmes for universities from A to Z
Project funding
All DAAD programmes are based on the interest in, and commitment to, development cooperation shown by many German universities. The DAAD uses these programmes to make the knowledge and expertise at German universities available for development cooperation. This is one way of further increasing the contribution to sustainable development made by higher education and science.


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New Florida Panthers forward Frank Vatrano just wanted a change of scenery.
In Boston this season, Vatrano was hampered by injuries and buried on the forward depth chart, relegated to a press-box purgatory as a healthy scratch. Unable to go to the AHL without passing through waivers and unable to crack the Bruins' lineup, Vatrano languished.
"It was kind of a tough year down there and I kind of needed a change of scenery," Vatrano said. "I'm glad that the Panthers made a move for me and I feel like this can be a place where I can succeed and fit in well with the young group, and fast-skating team."
He played in only 25 games this season, scoring just two goals and averaging 9:28 of ice time a game in Boston's bottom-six.
On the Panthers, only Micheal Haley (7:25) has less average ice time than Vatrano.
"Sometimes, that's how it goes," Vatrano said. "Sometimes, they have different views of players and what kind of role they want you in and the role they put me in wasn't the kind of role I expected to be in. But I'm here now, hopefully playing a different role and I'm excited to be here. Whatever role they put me on, I'm going to play."
Vatrano practiced Wednesday for the first time since the Panthers traded a third-round pick to Boston for him Feb. 22. He battled a high-ankle sprain that has kept him out of the lineup since Feb. 6, and currently remains on injured reserve.
Panthers coach Bob Boughner said Vatrano would participate in morning skate on Thursday and practice Friday with the goal of playing against the New York Rangers on Saturday night.
"I want to see how he feels in the next couple days," Boughner said. "If not Saturday, it'd be the next game. Fingers crossed, hopefully, it is Saturday."
Because Vatrano hadn't practiced with the team, he hadn't not talked to reporters until Wednesday.
Vatrano, 23, is an undersized but stocky forward at 5-foot-9 and 201 pounds. He dominated in the AHL, scoring 39 goals in 43 games but struggled to carry that production into the NHL. In 108 career games, he has 20 goals and 11 assists.
Vatrano described his game as "fast-paced, north-south," fitting the style of play Boughner preaches with the Panthers.
"I know I'm good enough to play in the NHL," Vatrano said. "That's my goal is to play in the NHL as long as possible. Obviously, to put me through waivers, they obviously knew someone was going to pick me up because they didn't put me through that process. I'm glad they traded for me and Florida's the team that made the move."
Boughner said the Panthers coaching staff hadn't figured out where Vatrano would play in the lineup, but he figures to get a shot on the second or third line. With Denis Malgin still out with a knee injury (he skated on Wednesday but is likely out until next week), Vatrano could slot in with Jonathan Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck on the second line.
When Malgin returns, Vatrano could be bumped to play with Jared McCann on the third line.
"We haven't even approached that, to be honest with you," Boughner said. "We've been so busy concentrating and focusing on every game that when he gets back there, obviously, we're going to put him on a line and see how he works and we'll probably adjust from there."
Vatrano has played more than 10 minutes in just nine games this season and has not played 15 minutes in a regular-season game since March 4, 2017.
"It's upsetting when you get moved," Vatrano said, "when you're in an organization for three years, a team you started out your pro career with, you have attachments, you have good relationships with people and you feel comfortable.
"I'm only from an hour outside of Boston. You're not close to home anymore, but you get to come to South Florida, enjoy the weather and play hockey. I think it gets a little bit better."
-- Roberto Luongo took a maintenance day and did not practice on Wednesday. Emergency goalie Zach Andrews practiced with James Reimer.
Here are the lines and pairings from Wednesday's practice
Evgenii Dadonov – Aleksander Barkov – Nick Bjugstad
Jonathan Huberdeau – Vincent Trocheck – Jamie McGinn
Maxim Mamin – Jared McCann – Connor Brickley
Micheal Haley – Derek MacKenzie – Colton Sceviour
Frank Vatrano, Radim Vrbata
Keith Yandle – Aaron Ekblad
Mike Matheson – Mark Pysyk
MacKenzie Weegar – Alexander Petrovic
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I was very happy when Jessica shared with me last year about her new family life in the nearby city. Young families should have their own life. I encouraged and blessed her all the best. But when I met her last week, I was shocked to hear about her financial failure. Yes, she made the three main mistakes that every new couple commit.
An article from Finance Yahoo gave me some ideas regarding the mistakes that usually the young couples make.
1) They live without a budget
It is quite natural that young couples want to start a family with great expectations and they do not mind about borrowing and spending. They rush to grab whatever attracts their eyes.
2) Failure to save
The young families do not think about saving since they postpone everything, taking it for granted. For them "todays are more important than tomorrows". They convince themselves that they can manage the future as it comes.
3) Living above their means
This is another financial mistake almost every young family commits. They fall easily into the traps of living above their means. They are the masters to spend and they do not think about any future disasters.
Financial stability is also an important aspect of family life. Young families should think about it.


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Most people in the west know Hiroshima for the reason that is not a fair representation of the great city that it is. I have always felt uncomfortable about the events that the world saw unveiling all those years ago, but like the rest of my family I do not wish to dwell on those, as the city I have come to know is a fantastic happy and welcoming place.
There are many things I like in Hiroshima: The generous layout of its urban grid, the sense of space one feels in every street, its riverside, castle, tram system and amazing food are just a few. People are lovely and hard working and you can really feel a sense of identity in this modern city
In June 2010 I travelled o Hiroshima with my parents and we felt at home in the strangest most natural sort of way. A massive street party had turned the streets into a night market where you could buy dinner, sweets, dance and play fun fair type of games. It was wonderful.
People, old and young, were dressed up in wonderful kimonos, yukatas and jimbes to welcome a new season, and inundating the streets of colour.
Photograph by Tsuyoshi Saeki .
Another thing I love about Hiroshima is the Hiroshima Okonomiyaki…. the most delicious of all okonimiyakis :-) There is in the centre of town something that it is bizzarly called the okonomiyaki town. A must, if you visit town! It is a multi-storey building where every restaurant competes to be the best. If you ever visit, I would advice you to go to the one by the door on the first floor. They are the best but do bear in mind that they rarely are open in the evening as they regularly run out of ingredients. Yes, that popular!
In our last visit to town we discovered a brand new wonderful place… The new okonomiyaki town ;-), nearby the train station. On the east side, i think, where the food market is, there is a tall building facing the station ( sort of to the right) . You will know which one because there are food pictures around the lifts.
On the 6th floor, straight ahead from the right hand side lift, there is a place called Cabbage,where the chef is a woman who cooks the best okonomiyakis I have ever tested. She has a "special" which is delicious and well worth the visit.
Photography by Cristina Lanz-Azcarate
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Crafting a home on the web for a premium joinery brand
A web experience every bit as polished as the quality furniture and finish that Ark gives its customers.
When Ark came to us for a relaunch of their brand, their primary goal was clear: they were a premium joinery company and the quality of their website needed to match. By using our collaboration tools and Live Prototyping, we were able to quickly create living, breathing web pages and improve them based on continuous feedback from the folk at Ark.
Going from some initial paper sketches to fully-functional prototype pages in a matter of weeks, we were able to see how Ark were making use of their own site and could add smart features in to save them time. A clever bespoke Content Management System was built that included things like automatic maps and photo galleries for case studies, while premium touches like animation and high-end typography completed the package.
And our work continues. We're continuously adding new features that help Ark showcase their products and services, all based on live data from the site, ensuring smart decisions that produce real results.


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Nanohedra: Using symmetry to design self assembling protein cages, layers, crystals, and filaments
Jennifer E. Padilla, Christos Colovos, and Todd O. Yeates
PNAS February 27, 2001 98 (5) 2217-2221; https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.041614998
Jennifer E. Padilla
Christos Colovos
Communicated by Paul D. Boyer, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (received for review November 9, 2000)
Nanohedra: Using symmetry to design self assembling protein cages, layers, crystals, and filaments
Jennifer E. Padilla, Christos Colovos, Todd O. Yeates
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Feb 2001, 98 (5) 2217-2221; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.041614998
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text: The cultural center "Millenaris" in Budapest organized a major exhibition about Hungarian innovation. Among others, the Gömböc is presented and the visitors can not only view the 90 mm tall aluminium object, but also play with it and explore its interesting geomtery. The exhibition will be open until August 20th, daily between 9am-5pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends.


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May 1, 2017
"iCracked is the most convenient way to get your iPhone fixed." -Good Morning Americaread our press
iPhone repairs anywhere and anytime.
If your iPhone is in need of repair, our Silver Spring iPhone repair experts can help. Not only can they fix your iPhone problem in under an hour, they will come to you. It doesn't matter what the problem is with your device or what model device you have. Our skilled Silver Spring cell phone repair experts can get the job done efficiently.
The very popular iPhone first went on the market back in 2007. Over the last decade, the manufacturer has released dozens of iPhone models. You can purchase an iPhone in various sizes and colors. Each new version comes with tons of new technology and awesome features that can make handling your day-to-day life so much easier. However, each model comes with the risk of damage. No matter how safe you are with your smartphone, there's always the possibility of it being damaged or experiencing an unexpected malfunction.
Our Silver Spring cell phone repair techs know just how annoying it can be to have your phone out of service. Whether it's the result of a spill, drop, or another issue, our Silver Spring iPhone repair pros can come to your rescue, literally. Our Silver Spring cell phone repair professionals will come to your location and fix your mobile device on the spot. Each repair comes with a full warranty, so you don't have to worry about the quality of service that you'll receive from our Silver Spring cell phone repair technician.
You'll be asked to fill in the model phone that you have and the color. You'll also be asked to describe the problem with your device. This will give our Silver Spring iPhone repair tech some insight into the issue that you're having and allow them to grab the proper parts to repair your device.
We will ask where the Silver Spring cell phone repair professional should meet you. We can have them meet you at your home, office, or anywhere else that is convenient for you. We'll go ahead and offer you some available appointment times. Simply decide which time works best for your service call.
Our Silver Spring iPhone repair pro will arrive at your designated location at your scheduled time to fix your mobile device. In typically an hour or less, our technician will have your phone functioning like normal. All repairs come with a lifetime guarantee.
May 1, 2017
"iCracked is the most convenient way to get your iPhone fixed." -Good Morning Americaread our press


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This historic pub features classic grill favorites and creative cuisine. Palate pleasers include Kenosha's original Hot Beef Sandwich, homemade weekday specials such as Meatloaf Monday, homemade desserts, fish frys on Friday nights, and award-winning homemade soups and chili. We feature many craft beers (tap and bottle) and retro cocktails. Our backyard beer garden is open seasonally and is the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer and delicious food al fresco style.
tg's is proud to present live music on most Saturday evenings from 9:00 to midnight. Come out and hear our local talented musicians. Live Trivia every Tuesday at 8pm. Open Mic Night with Mark Paffrath every Wednesday at 8:30pm.
tg's has changed owners and names a number of times over the last century, but one thing remains consistent – our commitment to good food, good service and good times.
John and Bobby Kennedy would stop by for an occasional visit to talk with folks and grab a bite to eat. Who knows… maybe they sat where you'd be sitting. Hubert Humphrey, along with other famous sports figures and dignitaries, has dined here as well. With food as good as ours, you just never know who's gonna stop by for lunch on any given day.
Throughout its many years of service, the business has managed to retain its historic character and image. It has a well earned reputation not only as a clean, friendly public establishment, but as a cornerstone of Kenosha, Wisconsin's historic lakeshore neighborhood and center of downtown tourism, where locals and out-of-towners can enjoy good food and drink.
Dining at a Glance:
Open Mon.-Sat. 11am-close
0.2 miles
0.24 miles
0.29 miles
0.32 miles
0.37 miles
600 52nd Street, Suite 140, Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: 262-654-7307
© 2019 Kenosha CVB. All rights reserved.
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy


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Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products and services; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
Best Overall: SportsStuff Super Mable Towable at Amazon "A versatile choice that can comfortably accommodate up to three riders."
Best Budget: Airhead Blast 1-Rider Towable at Amazon "The perfect solution for those on a budget."
Best Classic Style: SportsStuff Rascal Towable at Amazon "An upgrade of the classic donut-style tow tube."
Best Deck Style: Airhead Super Slice Towable at Amazon "The ultimate choice for adrenalin junkies."
Best Cockpit Style: WOW Tripod Cockpit Towable at Amazon "Use it as a cockpit tube with stabilizing wings; or as a wingless cockpit tube with excellent steering."
Best Banana Style: Airhead Hot Dog Towable at Amazon "Intended for up to three riders and features three 30-gauge vinyl air chambers protected by a double-stitched full nylon cover."
Best Two-Passenger: WOW Bingo Inflatable at Amazon "The ideal choice for two-child families or couples."
Best Multi-Passenger: Airhead Switchback 4-Rider at Amazon "Space for four passengers: two sitting in front and two kneeling chariot-style in the back."
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: SportsStuff Super Mable Towable
An Amazon's Choice product with stellar reviews, the SportsStuff Super Mable Towable is a versatile choice that can comfortably accommodate up to three riders. It features a durable full nylon cover with self-bailing drain vents and a heavy-gauge PVC bladder with plastic welded seams. Your knees and elbows are protected by EVA foam pads, while the tube's multiple nylon grab handles feature neoprene knuckle guards for added comfort. Designed like a floating couch with an air-cushioned backrest and side walls, the tube has two different tow points.
Tow it from the front, and riders can rest against the backrest for a more sedate experience. Tow it from the back, and passengers kneel chariot-style for a more thrilling ride. This adaptability makes the smartly printed orange and yellow Super Mable the ideal choice for families with kids of different ages. Other useful features include Kwik Connect hook-up points and a patented Speed Safety Valve for rapid inflation and deflation. Reviewers praise the tube's quality construction - but it's covered by a year's warranty just in case.
Best Budget: Airhead Blast 1-Rider Towable
The Airhead Blast 1-Rider Towable is the perfect solution for those on a budget. Its simple design adheres to the classic donut style, which can be ridden either face up or face down depending on the amount of speed and control you're after. There are four nylon-wrapped handles with neoprene knuckle guards, while the tube's Boston valve allows for rapid, no-nonsense inflation. The double-stitched nylon cover includes a self-draining floor vent and a reinforced tow harness and protects the virgin PVC bladder from unnecessary wear and tear.
Best Classic Style: SportsStuff Rascal Towable
The SportsStuff Rascal Towable is an upgrade of the classic donut-style tow tube. You can sit in the circular center hole with your legs dangling over the side for a relaxed ride; or take things up a notch by lying on your stomach with your head facing forwards. Although the tube is intended for a single rider, there are six double webbing flat foam handles designed to cater to a range of different arm spans. All of the handles feature neoprene knuckle guards.
The tube's durable partial nylon cover and heavy-gauge PVC bladder are made to withstand the pressure of being pulled at speed across the water. There's a patented Kwik Connect tow point on the front and a holster for stowing your tow rope when the tube isn't in use. Use the Speed Safety Valve to inflate and deflate the tube quickly. The Rascal comes with custom graphics in eye-catching shades of red, yellow and blue.
Best Deck Style: Airhead Super Slice Towable
The Airhead Super Slice Towable is the ultimate choice for adrenalin junkies. Its deck-style design is fast, easy to flip and full of fun, with space for up to three riders lying face forward on their stomachs. The tube features a tapered gusset, making it thicker in the front than it is at the back. This clever design allows it to tow better while making it more comfortable for passengers and easier to re-mount when it flips over.
The 30-gauge PVC bladder is protected by an extra-strong cover made out of 840-denier nylon. There are six nylon-wrapped grab handles, each with a neoprene knuckle guard (which you'll appreciate when you're hanging on for dear life!). Other key attributes include the tube's reinforced internal tow harness, its Kwik Connect attachment and its Speed Safety Valve. Choose yours in bright orange or attention-grabbing blue camo.
Best Cockpit Style: WOW Tripod Cockpit Towable
Cockpit-style towables allow the rider to sit in the tube rather than on it, providing a safer and more laid-back option for younger kids or nervous adults. The WOW Tripod Cockpit Towable features an ingenious design that transitions between three different styles. You can use it as a cockpit tube with stabilizing wings; or as a wingless cockpit tube with excellent steering.
When the rider is more confident, you can zip the two wings together to create an arrow-shaped deck tube. Best of all, you can use the deck tube and wingless cockpit tube configurations simultaneously, giving you two tubes for the price of one. The Tripod is built to last with a Tuff Shell full nylon cover and a heavy-duty PVC bladder. It also boasts a speed inflation valve and double webbing foam handles complete with knuckle guards.
Best Banana Style: Airhead Hot Dog Towable
Designed to be straddled with one leg on either side, banana-style tubes feature a streamlined shape that requires less speed to get going than other styles. As such, options like the Airhead Hot Dog Towable are a good choice for pontoon boat owners. This bright red and yellow tube is intended for up to three riders and features three 30-gauge vinyl air chambers protected by a double-stitched full nylon cover.
Each seat has a nylon-wrapped handle with a neoprene knuckle guard. The seat pads are also made of neoprene, which makes it easier to stay on when flying across the water. The tube measures 103" x 44" when deflated, includes a Kwik Connect tow point and has a Boston valve to allow for quick inflation and deflation.
Best Two-Passenger: WOW Bingo Inflatable
According to reviewers, the red, orange and yellow WOW Bingo Inflatable is the ideal choice for two-child families or couples. It features a cockpit-style construction with a drop bottom and an air-cushioned backrest, allowing for a safer, more comfortable ride. Dual tow points allow you to tow it frontwards for a slower seated experience, or backward for a chariot-style adrenalin rush.
Whichever way you use the tube, the drop bottom design also reduces drag on your boat, helping you to save fuel and money. Meanwhile, the full nylon cover includes double webbing foam handles complete with comfortable knuckle guards. Use the EZ tow connector to quickly hitch the tube to your tow rope, giving you more time for fun out on the water.
Best Multi-Passenger: Airhead Switchback 4-Rider Towable
The Airhead Switchback 4-Rider Towable has space for four passengers: two sitting in front and two kneeling chariot-style in the back with an inflatable backrest between both pairs. In this way, the tube keeps everyone happy by allowing for two different kinds of riding at the same time (one sedate and one much less so). The tube has two heavy-gauge PVC bladders, a Kwik Connect tow point, plus two Speed Safety Valves. The double-stitched nylon cover boasts a psychedelic green and blue zigzag design; while multiple grab handles and boarding straps make it easy to re-mount the tube from in the water. When deflated, it measures 88" x 70".


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We're not even in December yet and it seems like some magazines just can't wait to get into the new year. Interview, one of my favourites, has just released their December 2011/January 2012 cover. I must admit this is the only cover since Michelle William's back in May that I have been genuinely excited about. They got a little lost with the months in between them and now and started to find themselves again with the Chloë Moretz cover for November.
I have to admit that even though I am not the biggest Scarlett fan she looks absolutely incredible wearing Dolce & Gabbana on the cover, shot by Solve Sundsbo –I love the fact that this magazine belongs to Brant Publications and not Condé Nast so they really get to mix things up in terms of photographers. I haven't been able to check who styled Scarlett for the cover or the story inside but I can smell Karl Templer.
I am really somewhere between amazed and relieved that they finally did something so up to their own standard. I can't wait to read it back to back. Not too keen on the Donatella Versace interview by Nicki Minaj, though. That one's a miss for me.


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Judge Roy Moore's overwhelming support from evangelical voters could propel him to victory in his runoff election for Alabama's U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, Reid Wilson reports in The Hill.
From The Hill:
Polls show Moore leading Sen. Luther Strange (R) in advance of Tuesday's runoff election for the Republican nomination for Strange's seat. That lead has held despite millions in spending by Strange's allies and even President Trump's endorsement.
If Moore makes it through the runoff, and over Democratic nominee Doug Jones in the December special election, he will owe a debt of political gratitude to an army of evangelicals — and specifically Southern Baptists — who see him as a hero in the culture wars that have shaken social conservatives in recent years.
Baptists are the most conservative group of any mainstream religious tradition: 60 percent call themselves conservative. They told Pew Research Center pollsters they favored Republicans by a 61 percent to 26 percent margin.
And Alabama has a higher percentage of Baptists than all but one other state, Tennessee: 31 percent of Alabama residents are members of a Baptist faith tradition, according to Pew's 2014 Religious Landscape Study. Just 23 percent of Oklahoma residents are Baptist.
Read the rest here.


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Hi babes!
I had a wonderful day today! I'm working on a video that I'm doing together with this oil company so my friend Victoria and I shot some content around Venice this morning! It needs to be 60 seconds long so I'll probably have to film a bit more to make the solid time:)
After that, Hanna and I went to a Lancome event at The Beverly Hills Hotel which was so dreamy! I'll share more about the products I got sometime this coming weekend so you guys can see!$
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When drivers get behind the wheel, their attention should be focused on the safe operation of their vehicles and nothing else. The unfortunate reality is that many drivers multitask, which puts everyone sharing the road with them in danger. If you have been injured in an accident in California that was caused by a distracted driver, it is important that you have your case reviewed by a qualified personal injury lawyer.
At the law firm of Drivon Turner & Waters, PLC, we are committed to helping injury victims obtain fair compensation for the losses they suffer in distracted driving accidents caused by texting and other cellphone use. We obtain phone records, police reports, accident scene photos and any other evidence that will help us present a more compelling case on your behalf.
Representing Victims Throughout San Joaquin County And The Surrounding Area
We thoroughly investigate every case in an effort to prove the other party's negligence. Our attorneys will seek maximum compensation for all of your losses, including current and future medical care, loss of income, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any other damages that may be applicable to your case. We then handle negotiations with insurers to ensure that your claim is taken seriously and that you are getting the justice you deserve.
We have experience handling all types of motor vehicle accident claims, including those arising from:
- Cellphone use
- The use of GPS devices or MP3 players
- Attending to children
- Eating
- Applying makeup
- Reading
Discuss Your Case With One Of Our Attorneys
Before you talk to anyone from the negligent driver's insurance company, contact our office in Stockton, California, to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer at our firm. Put our more than 40 years of experience handling personal injury claims to work for you right away. You can reach us by phone at 209-800-8971 or contact us via email to schedule an appointment.


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Hats Off to the New Year
Here comes 2011. How did it get here so fast? Well, lets ring out the old and ring in the new. May 2011 bring us all peace, prosperity and lots more wonderful, beautiful hat facts and hat folks to ponder.
Make noise and have fun. I'm signing off till 2011 but I'll be back next week.
Aloha y'all. See you next year.


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|Homeschool Conferences, Curriculum Fairs and Used Book Sales Scheduled for Spring and Summer
Ready for the next school year? Get a head start at one of the used book sales, curriculum fairs or homeschool conferences and conventions this spring and summer, including the CHEF of Alabama's convention June 30. Register now for the early bird registration!
We encourage you to attend—you can hear inspiring speakers, participate in workshops on a variety of topics, get your questions answered, browse multiple vendors, and purchase books and materials at reduced prices!


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25th September 2018 |
Adults with learning disabilities are 10 times more likely to experience sight problems than the general population. The more profound and complex a person's learning disability is, the more likely it is that they will have a serious sight problem. Certain conditions such as Down's syndrome are known to cause sight problems, and people with learning disabilities are at a higher risk of developing both dementia and diabetes, which again can put the person at a higher risk of developing problems with their eyesight. These statistics are alarming. And yet people with learning disabilities are still not always getting the right support on how they can look after their eyes.
Making A Difference
Here at Future Directions, we are working alongside SeeAbility, a UK charity that supports people with sight loss and multiple disabilities, to close this gap and promote healthy eye care. Members of our SPICE group, have undertaken a 'train the trainer' course from SeeAbility and have then gone on to deliver training to other organisations, individuals with learning disabilities and self-advocacy groups across Greater Manchester. The training is run by and for people with learning disabilities. The training is an informative and fun session that covers going to the opticians, having an eye test, how eye tests can be done differently to meet individual needs, looking after your glasses and looking at equipment that is available for people with sight loss. We also use simulation glasses so people can experience what it's like to have certain eye conditions such as cataracts.
Adaptable Eye Tests
Everyone with a learning disability can, and should, be having regular eye tests; no one is too disabled to have an eye test. However a standard sight test might not be suitable for some people and they might not know that other support is available. SPICE therefore promote the Greater Manchester 'Eye Tests Made Easy Scheme' and show how provisions can be made to make eye tests accessible for everyone. For example, some people will need reasonable adjustments to have an eye test such as a longer appointment, or a few short ones so people have the time and support they need. This new scheme is making this possible, but not everyone knows it exists, let alone how to access it. SPICE are working hard to change this and ensure that everyone knows that eye tests can be done differently and can work for everyone.
Empowering People To Have A Voice
The importance of good sight and vision is crucial to how we see and interact with the world around us. It is vital that people with learning disabilities are getting the right support and that their eye care needs are being met. Services like the 'Eye Test Made Easy' scheme is key to achieving this, and through the training that our SPICE group are providing we are empowering people with learning disabilities to have a voice on what is important to them when they go for a sight test and ensure that they are aware of their rights and what support is available to them. If our aim is to support people to have as much independence and control over their own lives as possible then it is paramount that we make sure that everyone has access to the eye care they need.
If you would like any more information please contact Jenny Neville at Future Directions on 0161 769 9000 or email firstname.lastname@example.com


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If it wasn't for the small crowd that followed the sisters to their brother's tomb it would have been a quiet place.
Jesus had stayed two more days in the place he was, when he was told of Lazarus sickness, so by the time they travelled for a week to get to Bethany, Lazarus had been dead already four days. The sisters' said "If you had of come earlier, He would have still been alive." (John 11) They were offended at Jesus for not doing what they thought he should have and could have done. Neither woman realised that when God does "nothing" He's doing something!
Lazarus was going to come forth but he would never be the same as the Lazarus that lived before. Jesus came to call forth the new Lazarus.
Jesus said "Take away the stone" but the sisters protested that death has begun its work of deconstruction and that the old Lazarus will stink.
Jesus cries out the name of his friend Lazarus and a vast and unseen power infuses the man with resurrection life.
Friend, in some of our situations Jesus seems to come "too late" but if the voice of Jesus can bring Lazarus back from the dead is there any situation that the voice of Jesus cannot bring to life, even after it seems that death has won and besides, when He calls you from the from the grave you have been in, His resurrection life will have changed you forever. Listen for His voice.
Lazarus Come Forth
If it wasn't for the small crowd that followed the sisters to their brother's tomb it would have been a quiet place.


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Lisa and Brandon are Married at Botham Vineyards
Lisa and Brandon are Married at Botham Vineyards on 09.09.17
Lisa wanted a simple no fuss wedding at Botham Vineyards. It was just that and gorgeous too!! It was a small event with around 70 guests and no bridal party. Just simple and so very pretty. Lisa and Brandon got a beautiful sunny September afternoon in the Vineyard followed by a food cart for dinner and of course wine for drinks. After the dancing a small reception followed at The Great Dane in Fitchburg.
I really felt like the people at this wedding really got to talk, chat, and visit. It was just the right mix of family and friends. And they really got to enjoy and be happy with Lisa and Brandon.
Brandon's smile was ear to ear as he saw Lisa walk down the aisle. It was a moment I will never forget. The breeze, the sun, the vines and pure love was right there right now and forever.
Next time someone asks me to photograph a vineyard wedding, Yes please!! I may have eaten a few grapes in the vineyard whilst photographing them. YUM!
And of course none of this could have been possible without the list of vendors you see below.
Cheers – Erin Melissa
The venues: Botham Vineyards and The Great Dane
Lisa's Dress: David's Bridal
Brandon's Menswear: Mens Wearhouse
Rings: Brandon – Kesslers Lisa – TQ Diamonds
Flowers: Surroundings Events and Floral in Verona
Caterer: Soho food truck
Officiant: Skys the Limit
Live music by Brandon's friends
Second Photographer: Karly Jo Photography


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A modern classic.
The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag provides a host of modern features in a deceptively simple bag. With 25 years of experience, Timbuk2 first created their Classic Messenger Bag in San Francisco to meet the needs of the modern urbanite. Whether on your commute or at the office, this bag's single shoulder strap with a permanent curved airmesh strap pad for breathable, comfortable support. A double-loop CAM buckle makes adjustments quick and easy, even on the bike. The large messenger flap makes it easy to load or unload, featuring two side release buckles to provide a secure closure. Inside, a TPU waterproof liner protects your precious cargo from passing showers or downpours, complete with flap corners.
Medium - Army
Bag Type: Messenger
Bag Capacity: 1000 to 2000 ci
Medium - Gunmetal
Medium - Jet Black
Medium - Intensity (Blue)
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Oh dear.
Last week, all six thousand years of it, lurks around us, its events still unfolding. You know the ones--Brett, Tobin, weightlifting, boofing, Beach Week, ralphing, Yale Law School, and beer. These are all things we had to deal with after a courageous woman put herself on the line and told the story of her assault to a largely sneering, indifferent panel of ghouls.
None of us wanted to know about the Bro Adventures of Brett, but here we are, in 2018 America. Dan is broken. Maureen tries to help, but Maureen is also broken. But! There is much to dissect here. Who backdates a calendar? What does Tobin want? Whither UB40? What does that one neurotransmitter in Maureen's head do all day? Does Mike Judge really love Walgreens? Dan and Maureen are prepared to take a bite of the hot and stanky meat of last week's rancid sandwich in order to give you a comprehensive review. And maybe stop the internal screaming in your head? Maybe? That is the goal.
Come on over. We're going to Tobin's.
Listen to The Hitch, Dan's travel podcast.
Maureen's book Truly Devious is on sale everywhere. Go buy it, you!
Your Intrepid Hosts: Maureen Johnson and Dan Sinker
Our awesome theme is courtesy of Ted Leo
Says Who's Logo was made by the one and only Darth


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You should thank yourself for teaching you the importance of owning physical gold. I believe that owning physical gold today is a must in order to protect your financial future.
Whether you want to invest in gold as a hedge against inflation or because you do not believe that our financial system is sustainable, remember that gold has held it's value for over 5000 years and is seen as the safest investment.
Physical gold will be a place to store your wealth outside of the financial system in a format that can't disappear. So like I said, you should thank yourself for teaching you the importance of owning gold.
This is how I acquire physical gold
I have personally been investing in gold for around 10 years now and I feel like I've learned a lot over the years. What to look for in a gold bullion dealer and what to avoid.
I've been scammed before and the purpose of this article is to make sure that you do not get scammed when buying physical gold.
This page is not static and it can change over time. I'm constantly looking through the gold market to find the best and easiest ways for people to invest in gold. But as I said, below will be the ways that I invest in gold. I have tried all the companies that I will recommend below and have nothing but great experiences with them.
Every investor is different and the amount of money you have doesn't matter
Just one last thing before we get into the actual places where you can acquire gold. It's very important to know that every investor is different. Below I will try to show you different ways to invest in gold so that you can choose which one suits you the best.
One thing you always hear from people when they wan't to invest in gold is: I do not have enough money.
This was maybe true for 20 years ago when investing in gold was a rich mans game. Today is different though. It doesn't matter if you have $100,000 or $100 to invest. If you really want to protect yourself with physical gold, then money will not be the issue.
If you think about it you're not really buying anything when you invest in gold. Basically what you're doing is transferring your declining paper money (dollars) for hard physical gold that is gaining value year after year.
Think of it like this: When you buy a jar of vitamins what do you have left when the month is over? Well, if you've taken your vitamins you have an empty jar, right? When you "buy" gold you will still have the gold at the end of the month. And it will still be worth the same (probably even more) as when you "bought" it.
This is why I'm saying that you do not buy gold. You transfer paper dollars to physical gold.
You have just as much money after the transfer as you had before, but now it's in an asset that has held it's value for 5000 years and is going up in value every year. Compared to keeping your money in paper dollars that are declining in value every year. Seams like a smart trade to me. What do you think?
Okay Marcus, that's it. Show me where I can get my hands on some physical gold!
Larger investments, $5000 and above
Purchasing gold is the same in a way as purchasing anything. The more you buy, the bigger discount you get. If you invest $100,000 into gold you will get more gold for your dollars than if you invest $1000. Make's sense right?
When you buy a big pack of toilet paper for example the price per roll is less than if you bought a smaller pack. The reason why is because it is cheaper for the manufacturer to create one big pack than two smaller packs.
The same goes for gold. If you buy a big bar you will get more gold per dollar than if you buy a smaller bar.
The place where I go when I want to transfer a large sum of paper dollars to gold is Goldbroker.com
Goldbroker has been around since 2008 and is the most professional dealer that I have encountered so far in my gold career. When you are investing this much money into an asset you want the dealer to be as professional as possible right?
With Goldbroker you will get that. You will have a sea of options to choose from when dealing with Goldbroker and their security and support are amazing. You can store your gold bullion on high secure vaults with zero third party risk in either New York, Toronto, Zurich (Switzerland) or Singapore.
If you want to take delivery of your gold that is also possible and you can enjoy FREE shipping within the United States.
Read a full review of Goldbroker with everything you need to know
Goldbroker Review – All You Need To Know
Start a FREE Gold savings account
If you want to invest less than $5000 then what do you do? You open a FREE gold savings account.
A gold savings account is almost the same as your regular bank account. But instead of having your bank account stuffed with paper "funny-money" it will be stashed with hard physical gold.
How nice wouldn't it be to be able to save in smaller denominations of gold with the help of an auto payment system? Every month you save X amount of dollars and transfer those dollars to physical gold. Your account will then be connected to a MasterCard and whenever you need to, you can sell your gold and transfer your money back to paper dollars.
Every place in the world that accepts MasterCard this would be an option for you. If you want to take delivery of your physical gold that is no problem.
This to me is one of the most exciting ways of getting into gold investing. Karatbars International let's you save in 1 gram gold bars at the size of a credit card. Because you only invest (save) in 1 gram at a time there is no need for the argument that I do not have enough money to invest in gold.
Simply open a FREE gold savings account and start transferring your declining paper dollars into currency graded LBMA gold bullion with 999.9% purity. This system is so simple to set up and the mission for Karatbars is to be able to put physical gold in the reach of everyone.
Read a full review of Karatbars and how to open up a FREE gold savings account
Review of Karatbars International
Final Thoughts
With the help of the Internet it is just getting easier and easier to get a great price for your gold bullion with great support.
As I stated above I have personally tried out both of these options and I have nothing but great experiences with them.
The most important thing is that you need to feel comfortable when investing in precious metals. One of the top reasons for why you are considering gold as an investment is the protection and security from the current financial system. So you want to deal with a dealer that cares a lot about your protection and security.
If there is still nothing here that suits you please leave me a comment about your problems with the different ways to invest in gold that I've described and I will do my best to help find a way for you, just like I've helped lots of people before.
My personal opinion is that in today's day and age there should be no reasons for why someone wouldn't start investing in gold and silver if they want to. The argument of not having enough money isn't as valid anymore because you can now invest in smaller denominations to get started.


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Fundraising Your Way There
This is a mission of women's empowerment and independence, so fundraising is grassroots. From the very beginning once you are cast, you will be given ownership over your trip, which means you will raise the money for your journey. We will assist you through the fundraising process by helping you create a biography, a budget, and a chuffed fundraising campaign to be accessed by founders through our website. If you are unable to raise the money on your own, Star Walkers will help get you there.
Chuffed allows you to keep 100% of the money you raise for your trip. You will be given a list of necessities: visa, passport, airfare and other items to bring and pack. We will help you create a budget for your trip as well. If you are unable to raise the money on your own, Star Walkers will help get you there.
Becoming an Ambassador and Part of the Legacy
By walking the Camino, you are becoming part of an amazing legacy of Star Walkers. Star Walkers is a foundation with next June 2020 being its first annual walk of many to come. All Starwalker participants will become Starwalker Ambassadors after completing the pilgrimage, which means a Star Walker profile will be created with pictures and notes from the your journey on the Camino to be accessed through our website for others to view and prepare for their own journeys. Also, will become the bridge to connect us with women centered organizations in your own community. We want to grow and work in collaboration with as many women's organizations that we can to help empower women.


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The Department of Justice (DOJ) in a brief filed in a federal court on June 8, 2018 said it will not defend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in a lawsuit claiming the ACA's individual mandate, and therefore the entire law, is unconstitutional.
Separately, 16 states and the District of Columbia, which were granted legal standing to intervene in the case, on June 8, 2018 filed a brief defending the ACA.
The Lawsuit Details
The Supreme Court in 2012 upheld the ACA's individual mandate, ruling that although Congress could not force U.S. residents to purchase insurance, lawmakers could impose a tax penalty on individuals who did not enroll in health coverage.
But, a group of 20 Republican-led states, led by Texas Attorney General (AG) Ken Paxton (R) and Wisconsin AG Brad Schimel (R), in February filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas, in which they claimed that a recently enacted tax reform law eliminates the individual mandate's tax penalty starting in 2019 by setting the penalty U.S. residents must pay for remaining uninsured under the ACA at $0. The AGs in the suit argued that by zeroing out the tax penalty, the tax reform law has rendered the individual mandate, and by extension the entire health reform law, unconstitutional.
DOJ's move does not have any immediate effects on any ACA provisions, but the Post reports that it does place the ACA "on far more wobbly legal footing in the case," and "raises the possibility that major parts of the law could be struck down." According to Politico's "Pulse," the case still must move through the courts, and many experts have said they do not believe the 20 states challenging the ACA will prevail in the lawsuit.
California AG Xavier Becerra (D), who has filed a motion in the case in support of the ACA, said, "The … lawsuit is based on a dubious legal claim with the sole goal of stripping Americans of their health care."
Don Verrilli, who served as Solicitor General under former President Obama's administration and successfully defended the ACA in the 2012 Supreme Court case, criticized DOJ's decision, saying the department "has a duty to defend federal laws when reasonable arguments can be made in defense of the law."
Larry Levitt, senior vice president for health Reform at the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and senior advisor to KFF's president, said, "Any time there's uncertainty about the future, insurers are going to build extra cushion into their premiums to make sure they get revenues while they can"
Ultimately, if the plaintiffs win, it could be a deathblow to the ACA, however, it would be equally a death blow to the rule of law, as the DOJ is constitutionally bound to uphold the laws enacted by congress. Bagley, in a blog post wrote, "If [DOJ] can just throw in the towel whenever a law is challenged in court, it can effectively pick and choose which laws should remain on the books." He continued, "That's not a rule of law I recognize. That's a rule by whim. And it scares me."
(Armour, Wall Street Journal, 6/7; Goldstein, Washington Post, 6/7; Beech/Lambert, Reuters, 6/7; Scott, Vox, 6/7; Diamond, "Pulse," Politico, 6/8).
*Adapted from Advisory Board www.Advisory.com


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Many Lakes HOA
Many Lakes is a private Creston community with majestic views of the Jewel Basin of the Swan Mountain Range. Many Lakes is located in Northwest Montana just 16 miles southeast of Kalispell along MT Highway 35. Positioned between Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, Many Lakes is the dream spot to enjoy all of Montana's…Read more
Lunderby Trucking, LLC
Growth and Employment Today, the Lunderby Trucking family is a collection of four separate, yet dependant entities - Trucking, Livestock, Repair and Transport. With four successful and well established businesses, finding the right people to fill the opportunity created has been a challenge. Lunderbys.com serves as an online presence as well as a portal for…Read more


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Top-performing Facebook video publisher UNILAD released a documentary on YouTube on Friday which presents a critical look at hunting in Britain.
The 47-minute video - titled The Dark Side Of Britain: The Hunt - is the first instalment of a series of UNILAD original documentaries.
The film shines a light on the efforts of activists to intervene in fox hunting that, despite preventative laws, is still practiced in the area due to what is described in the film as a 'lack of clarity in the legislation'.
In one scene, Grampian Hunt Saboteur and Wildlife Professional Kevin Newell said: "I think everyone would be shocked if they knew what really went on in the countryside."
The film shows what appears to be activists being assaulted, a car window being smashed by a hunter - and foxes being ripped apart by dogs, while humans look on from horseback.
Newell said: "The violence already is horrendous down there - in England, in Wales."
He added that he still remembers the first time he saw a fox being torn apart by hunting dogs - and that she was a mother who'd been separated from her two cubs.
According to Chris Luffingham of the League Against Cruel Sports dogs are starved prior to the hunt, and those who don't 'take to the activity' are 'shot and disposed of' by hunters.
The hunters make a living by charging a subscription fee to those who wish to ride a horse alongside the hunt and bear witness to the violence.
Luffingham explained that, despite the fact that pest control is often used as justification for the hunt, foxes are in fact a 'self-regulating population'.
He also noted that, were they a pest, the fox hunt would not be an efficient method of dealing with the issue, as they feature a number of people on horseback, and an entire pack of dogs chasing a single fox for many hours.
Hunters attempt to justify the 'pest control' by the fact that foxes interfere with animal agriculture - the same reason given for the 'massacre' of kangaroos in Australia which was condemned in recent documentary Kangaroo The Movie.
Newell and other members of animal protection organization Grampian Hunt Saboteurs have faced considerable backlash for their efforts to protect the foxes from gruesome deaths.
Newell has received three convictions as a result of his work - but remains undeterred.
He said: "I simply don't take the death of an animal lightly, and none of my colleagues do either."
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are prepared in the author's capacity and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Plant Based News itself.Reuse this content
Emily Court is a passionate ethical vegan from Eastern Canada. She is a Challenge 22 Mentor, Digital Writer, and experienced animal advocate driven by issues of animal liberation and social justice. She studied at Dalhousie University, where her thesis highlighted intercultural and gender relations. She is an established public speaker, writer, and world traveller with a drive to provide a voice to those who might not otherwise have one. You can follow her on Instagram @emily.j.court or on Twitter @_EmilyJCourt_.
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Marvel superheroes have some truly incredible abilities. Whether they are super strong or super fast, have telekinesis or a hammer, they have all made the world a better place through the use of their special abilities. There is one power we consider to be greatly underrated, however, and you don't even have to live in the Marvel Universe to see it. We're talking about the power of super gift giving! Moms and dads, cool aunts and uncles, and best friends everywhere have been using their gift giving powers to make their loved ones incredibly happy every Christmas morning. Gift giving is a power that does not come to all naturally, but with the help of this Marvel Comics gift guide, we are confident that you can become a super gift-giver, too.
Spider-Man Comfy Throw Kids' Rain Coat Spider-Man Bank
Spider-Man: Homecoming Pop Vinyl Figure Comic Strip Backpack Peter Parker Pop Vinyl Figure
When everyone gets back to school after Christmas break, you know they'll all be sporting new clothes and goodies. This comic backpack is perfect for just such a scenario, or these Spider-Man: Homecoming bobbleheads. Peter Parker has been wowing the crowds with his web-slinging for years, and sporting any of this Spider-Man gear would have the same effect.
Mjolnir Hammer Thor Pop Vinyl Loki Pop Vinyl
Kids' Thor Snow Jacket Thor Beanie Heimdall Pop Vinyl
Any fan of Odinson will love these Thor gifts. One of our favorites is the Mjolnir electronic hammer. It comes complete with a display stand, and would make for great décor and a talking piece! Though we wouldn't recommend bringing it to a fight. These Thor bobbleheads wouldn't help you in a fight, either, but they are great for reenacting your favorite scene from Thor: Ragnarok!
Iron Man Casual Jacket Classic Iron Man Pop Vinyl Funko Mug
Avengers Duffel Coat Iron Man Comfy Throw Winter Hat
Tony Stark's a little different than Thor or Steve Rogers, in the sense that he doesn't have any special abilities besides his genius and wealth. But he's known as a superhero because of the awesome Iron Man suit. Anyone looking to give a gift this Christmas might be considered of similar intelligence, if they were smart enough to pick up one of these jackets or hat.
Captain America Kids' Puffer Jacket Shield Emblem Backpack Captain America Women's Blanket Scarf
Winter Hat Captain America Comfy Throw Captain America ARTFX+ Statue
Captain America sits right at the heart of the Cinematic Marvel Universe as leader of the Avengers. The iconic look of his Vibranium shield is the inspiration for many of the gifts featured here. Even the scarf has a pattern resembling The Cap's shield, and while wearing it might not make you as strong as Steve Rogers, it will leave you looking every bit as stylish.
Rocket Raccoon Pop Vinyl Gamora Pop Vinyl Drax Pop Vinyl
Grow and Glow Groot Rocket Raccoon Mug Awesome Mix Tape Wallet
Since the release of the Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014, this band of space-travelling misfits has become incredibly popular, with a sequel appearing in May of 2017. While they are led by Peter Quill, Rocket Raccoon and Groot have become particularly popular among the general public, hence the grow and glow Groot! Another neat little piece is the bi-fold wallet fashioned to look like Star-Lord's favorite mixtape. And, of course, we have plenty of Guardians of the Galaxy bobbleheads.
Deadpool Apron Deadpool Pop Vinyl Deadpool Ugly Christmas Sweater
Deadpool Varsity Tee Deadpool POP String Lights Deadpool Sculpted Mug
Even though Deadpool isn't part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his 2016 solo film was wildly popular. The character is different than most superheroes, bordering on being an anti-hero, and the movie was darker and funnier than any superhero movie before it. This has enabled Deadpool and his mask to become extremely recognizable. He even has an ugly Christmas sweater!
Sabretooth Pop Vinyl Psylocke Pop Vinyl Ice Man Pop Vinyl
Magneto Pop Vinyl Wolverine Bathrobe X-Men T-Shirt
Another film series that exists outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the X-Men franchise sits at nearly 10 movies, with more to come! Classic characters like Wolverine and Magneto are faces that everyone can remember and appreciate, and they would make great additions to anyone's Funko POP Vinyl collection.
Incredible Hulk Kids' Puffer Jacket Gamma Fists Hulk Beanie
Hulk Funko Dorbz Figure Funko Pop Mug Incredible Hulk Apron
Turning into a green rage monster anytime you get annoyed would be a hard thing to live with. But it also makes for a truly incredible superhero. After all, Hulk likes to smash, and we like to watch Hulk smash, so it works out pretty well for everyone involved. If you know anyone who loves to smash things, the Hulk Gamma fists would make a fitting present.
Doctor Strange Pop Vinyl Kaecilius Pop Vinyl Ancient One Pop Vinyl
Karl Mordo Pop Vinyl Vintage Dr. Strange T-Shirt Cosmic Noir T-Shirt
Doctor Strange is one of the newest additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and is already one of the most popular. Unfortunately, we can't give you a magic cape that will beat up the enemies of its owner, but we can give you some stylish T-shirts will make you way cooler than your foes.
With this diverse selection of superheroes, we are quite certain that there is a gift in here for everyone. Between our helpful little gift guide and your knowledge of who you're buying for, you've got pretty good odds of being known as the greatest gift giver ever! It's a title that many strive for but few achieve! So, we have to ask: did you find the perfect gift? What else would you like to see in our selection? Let us know what you think in the comments before picking out the perfect superhero gift!


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Condo Buildings
Andalusia Coral Gables
Shop 'til you drop. Reflect. Enjoy Located in the Heart of Coral Gables, 100 Andalusia offers the best of quiet condominium life, but with every benefit of living in the city. Located in the Central Business District of Coral Gables and with Miracle Mile just 1 block away, theatre, dining and shopping is all just… read more.Learn More
Segovia Tower Coral Gables
Segovia Tower Coral Gables are truly a one of kind lifestyle opportunity. Located in Coral Gables, the Segovia Towers faces the Granada Golfcourse. Each floor contains a single, almost 4,000 square foot condominium residence, offering privacy and space not found in many buildings. Located just a couple of blocks away from Coral Gables City hall and… read more.Learn More
The Gables Club
The Gables Club Tower I and Two Condos located at 10 Edgewater Drive in the City of Coral Gables. The Gables Club Tower I and II has an incredible location with amazing views and year tropical breezes. Coral Gables has long been the desired location for entrepreneurs, industrialists and the Rich and Famous. With fabulous… read more.Learn More
The Venetian Coral Gables
The Venetian Coral Gables is a building located across the street from the Venetian Pool. Instead of the customary Coral Gables condos for sale, the residences within are actually more along the lines of villas with an architecture that captures the yesteryear ambiance of "City Beautiful". You'll find twenty of them within Venetian available with… read more.Learn More


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Since I first started talking about the new DC Comics renumbering and relaunching planned from June, there has been something that has evaded me. Is it a reboot or a relaunch?
I've previous stated that, as far as I understood it, it is a relaunch with a modicum of retconning. Introducing new, unrevealed elements of the DC Universe that will change or reinterpret what we know as readers.
Such as introdcing a JSA as having existed in the forties.
But what I'm also being told is that creators have been asked to keep an open mind. Creators have just been asked to pitch something… new for existing DC characters. A reimagining. Yes, even a reboot. The feeling is that depending on what gets picked up, then DC Comics will decide to call it a relaunch… or a reboot.
The proof of the pudding will be in the rebirthing.
And no, people at DC Comics really didn't like Marvel's Dead No More copy teaser….
Follow the rest of the Bleeding Cool Rebirth articles today, right here
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Discover projects, groups and snippets. Share your projects with others
SobiPro - The Joomla! Directory Extension
The SobiPro GeoMap Module allows you to show entries in a Joomla! module position from a specific SobiPro section on a Google Map. The map and entries will be loaded on the page after the site has loaded to help improve performance.
The SobiPro Contact Form Field is an application which adds any kind of contact form to an entry.