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Friday, February 12, 2010
23. Cuba Plans to Surround Towns with Organic Farms
By Marc Frank
CAMAGUEY, Cuba (Reuters, Sunday, Feb 7, 2010 ) - Cuba has launched an ambitious project to ring urban areas with thousands of small farms in a bid to reverse the country's long agricultural decline and ease its chronic economic woes.
The five-year plan calls for growing fruits and vegetables and raising livestock in 4-mile-wide (6.5 kilometer) rings around 150 of Cuba's cities and towns, with the exception of the capital Havana.
The island's Communist authorities hope suburban farming will make food cheaper and more abundant, cut transportation costs, be less reliant on machinery and encourage urban dwellers to leave bureaucratic jobs for more productive labor.
But the government will continue to hold a monopoly on most aspects of food production and distribution, including its control of most of the land in the Communist-run nation.
The pilot program for the project is being conducted in the central city of Camaguey, which the Cuban agriculture ministry has said eventually will have 1,400 small farms covering 52,000 hectares (128,490 acres), just minutes outside the town.
The farms, mostly in private hands but also including some cooperatives and state-owned enterprises, must grow everything organically, and the ministry expects they will produce 75 percent of the food for the city of 320,000 people, with big state-owned farms providing the rest.
On a recent day, dozens of people were hard at work plowing fields, hoeing earth, posting protective covering for crops and putting up fencing as the sun came up.
"This land they gave to us, the private farmers. I have four hectares (10 acres) and now they have leased me eight (20 acres) more," one of the farmers, Camilo Mendoza, told Reuters.
"Look, on this side and the other side are other plots, and over there another. Here they have given quite a bit of land and support to private farmers," he said.
The project is modeled after the hundreds of urban gardens developed by then-Defense Minister Raul Castro during the deep economic depression of the 1990s that followed the collapse of Communism in eastern Europe.
He proclaimed at the time that beans were more important than cannons, marking a strategic shift towards a more domestic focused agenda by Cuban leaders after decades of active support for liberation movements and leftist guerrillas overseas.
The suburban project dovetails with other steps introduced by President Raul Castro since he took over the day-to-day leadership from his ailing elder brother Fidel Castro in 2008.
These have included the leasing of fallow state lands to 100,000 mostly private farmers, raising prices for farm products and allowing farmers to sell part of their crops directly to the people instead of to the state.
On the other side of Camaguey and a few miles up Cuba's central highway, Armando, the head of a cattle cooperative, said his group was persuaded to join the plan by the offer of land to raise garden and root vegetables and the chance for direct sales to the public.
Stands have been set up every mile or so along the city's ring road for the sales, but Armando said they are taking their products to the customers.
"They assigned us a district where we can sell our produce. We are using a mobile system, a bicycle cart, and sell out every day," he said.
"In December we produced around five tonnes. The root vegetables we had to sell to the state, but we were free to sell the garden vegetables directly," he said.
The changes are tweaks to Cuba's centralized socialism, not a major step away from it, keeping with Raul Castro's vow to protect the system put in place after his brother took power in the 1959 Cuban revolution.
He has balked at more sweeping, market-oriented changes that many expected when he took power and without which many economists say Cuba will not significantly increase agricultural output.
Cubans have seen many past government efforts to transform the country's agriculture fail, so the farmers at Camaguey said they were taking a wait-and-see attitude on this latest one.
"For sure there will be more food around here if you come back in a few years," Camilio Mendoza said about his expectations.
"More than that, I can't say."
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1: culture: total of the inherited ideas, beliefs, values, and knowledge, which constitute the shared
2: Rituals Preforming some sort of dance or prayer in honor of something.
3: Beliefs A cultures Thinking of whats right and wrong or thoughts of gods or ominous powers.
4: Values What a culture takes pride in or anything of the sort.
5: Ethnocentrism Belief in the intrinsic superiority of the nation, culture, or group to which one belongs, often accompanied by feelings of dislike for other groups.

subset: commoncrawl


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Remembering JFK - 50th Anniversary Concert
Leonard BERNSTEIN (1918-1990) Fanfare for the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy (1961) [0:40]
Peter LIEBERSON (1946-2011) Remembering JFK (An American Elegy)* (2009-2010) [15:30]
Leonard BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (1957/1960) [23:08]
George GERSHWIN (1898-1937) Concerto in F (1925)** [38:06]
* Richard Dreyfuss (narrator)
** Tzimon Barto (piano)
National Symphony Orchestra/Christoph Eschenbach
rec. 22-24 January 2011, Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. DDD
Inaugural Concert Excerpts from Mutual Broadcasting radio broadcast
Radio commentary [9:39]
John STAFFORD SMITH (1750-1836) The Star-Spangled Banner [1:19]
Radio commentary [2:08]
John LA MONTAINE (b. 1920) From Sea to Shining Sea (Overture) [7:38]
Radio commentary [2:51]
Randall THOMPSON (1899-1984) The God who gave us life gave us liberty (from The Testament of Freedom (1943)** [3:19]
Radio commentary [3:15]
George GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue (1924)* [15:38]
Radio commentary [2:51]
*Earl Wild (piano)
**Georgetown University Glee Club
National Symphony Orchestra/Howard Mitchell
rec. 19 January 1961, Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C. ADD
English Texts (Lieberson) included
Understandably, the aura of President J. F. Kennedy persists in the USA and elsewhere. The fiftieth anniversary of his inauguration was marked by the National Symphony Orchestra and their current Music Director, Christoph Eschenbach, in the concerts that are preserved on the first of these two CDs.
The orchestra commissioned a commemorative piece from the late Peter Lieberson for the occasion. Lieberson, a composer whose music that Ive heard I much admire, chose to set selected extracts from three of Kennedys speeches, including the famous Inaugural address, for narrator and orchestra. Inevitably, one makes comparisons with Coplands Lincoln Portrait. It can be a problem to take the rhetoric of politicians away from the original context and put those words into the mouths of others. Perhaps Coplands task was a little easier than Liebersons in two respects: Abraham Lincoln had been dead for a lot longer than Kennedy and, furthermore, no recording exists of Lincoln actually speaking his words. I think Lieberson did quite a good job in the circumstances and it helps that Richard Dreyfuss avoids rhetorical excess in declaiming the words of the late president and of his principal speechwriter, Ted Sorensen (1928-2010). I like the way towards the end Lieberson introduces into the accompaniment the theme of the fourth of Brahmss 11 Chorale Preludes, Op 122 Herzlich tut mich erfreuen (My heart rejoices). In fact the melody has subtly underpinned Liebersons music from the start. Whether Remembering JFK will find a place in the repertoire, however, I am less than sure.
Christoph Eschenbach leads an efficient performance of Bernsteins Symphonic Dances from West Side Story without ever quite convincing us that hes completely comfortable with the idiom. The orchestra is punchy and suitably sassy in the Jets and Sharks music and in Mambo but the performance doesnt banish memories of the fizz and swagger that the composer himself brought to the music in his incomparable New York Philharmonic recording.
I enjoyed the Bernstein but I was far less taken with the performance of Gershwins Piano Concerto. The trouble here, I think, is the apparent desire of the soloist and, presumably, the conductor to give a Significant Performance for the occasion. The way they seek to accomplish this, it seems, is by milking the music through often sluggish tempi. Most performances of this concerto that I know of take around five or six minutes less than this one: a total performance time of 38:06 tells its own story, I fear. This isnt a performance to which I expect to return.
Turn to the bonus disc - or to track 8, to be precise and youll find everything lacking in the concerto performance and considerably more. Here, indeed, is a Significant Performance as Earl Wild gives a simply fabulous performance of Rhapsody in Blue. The National Symphony Orchestra of 1961 may have been less accomplished than their successors fifty years on but, perhaps inspired by Wilds burning virtuosity, they step up to the plate - big time. On occasions the tempi set by Howard Mitchell (1910-1988), the orchestras conductor between 1950 and 1969, are a bit pedestrian but every time Wild plays the energy levels rise significantly. His playing is simply electrifying and you should try to hear this set if only to experience him taking Rhapsody in Blue by storm and let me hasten to add that hes fully sensitive to the works more lyrical passages. I dont think its too fanciful to speculate that in his playing Wild was reflecting the spirit of excitement and promise that, for so many Americans, accompanied the election of John Kennedy as the thirty-fifth President of the United States.
The rest of the bonus disc is more of a period piece. Theres a lot of waffle by the radio announcers, though one can forgive them since heavy snowfalls badly disrupted transportation in Washington D.C. that night, causing delays to the concert and inevitable filling-in by the radio hosts. The remaining bits of music that we hear are not on the same level as the Gershwin the La Montaine Overture, commissioned for the occasion, is pleasant but unmemorable and the performances arent on the same exciting level either.
The set includes a good booklet with some evocative photo from fifty years ago the cover photo shows Howard Mitchell with Mr and Mrs Kennedy. Ondine offer an interesting musical commemoration of President Kennedy but on this occasion the bonus disc or one part of it offers the most compelling listening experience.
John Quinn
Earl Wilds fabulous performance offers the most compelling listening experience.


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Cook bacon in butter, add veal and brown. Add crushed pineapple, water, stock cube, lemon rind, parsley and seasonings. Simmer covered, until veal is almost tender. Thicken with flour, mixed to thin paste with water and cool a little.
Roll out two thirds of pastry and line a greased, deep pie dish. Fill with cooled pineapple-veal mixture and roll out remaining pastry to fit top. Moisten pie rim, place top in position and trim. Crimp edge to seal and make four small cuts in top for steam to escape.
Roll out pastry scraps and cut into leaf or flower shapes to decorate top. Glaze with a little beaten egg or milk and bake in a hot oven, 230°C for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 180°C and cook for a further 35-40 minutes till pastry is well cooked.
Serves 6.
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Download a Book Summary for Free!
12 Intentional Behaviors That Lead to Big Impact
In business today, there is no offline and there is no downtime. There is little time for meaningful reflection or thoughtful connection. Small Acts of Leadership is designed to change this. Serial entrepreneur and best-selling author G. Shawn Hunter presents 12 critical competencies that are consistently present in the daily routines of today's more successful leaders. Using interviews with business leaders around the world, he guides you through a series of incremental steps from simply taking care of rest and exercise to building self-confidence and embracing challenges to build a stronger version of yourself and make a broader impact in the world.
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Texas congressman under fire for comments about Trump and rape
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Texas congressman apologized Tuesday for not making clear on national TV where he would draw the line in supporting Republican Donald Trump's bid for the White House.
Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, was asked a hypothetical question Tuesday night on MSNBC by anchor Chris Hayes: "If a tape came out with Donald Trump saying that, saying, 'I really like to rape women.' You would continue to endorse him?"
Farenthold answered, "That would be bad ... I'd consider it."
Shortly after the interview, Farenthold took to Twitter to issue a statement: "I apologize for my failure to immediately condemn anyone who would say something as outrageous as they like raping women. During an interview on MSNBC with Chris Hayes tonight, I was thrown off by a hypothetical question. I do not, and have not ever condoned rape or violence against women. That is not the kind of man I believe Donald Trump to be."
Exclusive: USA TODAY survey shows that a quarter of elected top Republicans won't endorse Trump
His comments and apology set off a firestorm on social media as he found himself deep in the national debate on how much Trump's supporters will tolerate as their candidate seeks the Oval Office.
In a telephone interview with the Caller-Times, Farenthold further distanced himself from his hesitant answer on MSNBC, calling Hayes "unprofessional in asking" a hypothetical question and himself "foolish" in attempting to answer.
"I would never support a rapist, and I would not support anyone that said they like rape," Farenthold said.
The national debate over the loyalty of Trump's supporters to the mercurial and polarizing candidate was reignited Friday after a 2005 video surfaced featuring Trump making comments about how he could kiss and grope women without their permission.
Farenthold on Tuesday insisted he is not a blind loyalist to Trump but an ardent opponent of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
"He's better than Hillary Clinton," Farenthold said of his support for Trump. "That's the number one reason, because it's a binary choice."
Farenthold was elected to represent Texas' 27th Congressional District in 2010. He won the Republican primary this spring.
He faces Democratic challenger Raul "Roy" Barrera in the November election.
Follow Matt Woolbright on Twitter: @reportermatt


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Harvard is one of two undefeated team remaining in the Ivy League (Gil Talbot).
The Particulars
It will be a full slate of Ivy League games coming up for the Harvard softball team, with a makeup doubleheader at Princeton scheduled for Thursday and a pair of North Division twinbills slated for Saturday and Sunday. The games against the Tigers were originally scheduled for March 28, but the teams snuck in just four innings before rain suspended the action.
Last Time Out
Harvard extended its winning streak to a program-record tying 12 games with a four-game sweep of Brown last weekend at Soldiers Field. A three-run bottom of the first got things started in the right direction for Harvard in Game 1, leading to a 4-1 victory to open the series. Emily Gusse's two-run triple highlighted a three-run third frame in Game 2, en route to a 4-0 win to close out Day 1. Katherine Lantz drove a three-run homer in the first inning of Sunday's opener to power Harvard to a 6-4 victory, and home runs from Kasey Lange, Adrienne Hume and Gusse sparked a 5-2 final for Harvard to close out the series.
Ivy Highlights
At 7-0, the Crimson is one of two undefeated teams in league play heading into Thursday. To watch highlights from Harvard's Ivy League action this season, click here.
Where We Left Off…
The Crimson and Tigers were tied up at 0-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning when the game was suspended. Harvard's aggressive base running did not phase the host Tigers, as two Crimson runners were caught trying to steal, with one ending a potential threat in the third inning. Adrienne Hume was seeing the ball well with a pair of hits in her two at-bats, while Laura Ricciardone was on cruise control, scattering two hits and fanning to batters in three innings of work.
About Princeton
There is plenty of parity in the Ivy League South Division this season and the Tigers have done well to hang with defending league champ Penn, sitting just a half a game back at 6-4 in Ancient Eight play. After dropping a pair of games to Dartmouth to open its Ivy slate, Princeton split with Yale and then took two from Brown to reach .500 in league play. The Tigers dropped the first game of a four-game series against Columbia last weekend, but took the final three to push their Ivy win total to six.
Scouting Yale
Like Brown, Yale is having a tough time finding "W's" in its 2014 campaign, entering the Harvard series with a 1-11 league record, its lone win coming against the Tigers. Yale faces off against Sacred Heart Wednesday night, hoping to improve on its 5-27 overall record. The Bulldogs have battled hard at home this season, posting a 2-4 record in New Haven, and keeping all team within three runs or less in its four losses.
Senior Tori Balta has provided a spark to the Yale offense, leading the team with 33 hits, a .367 batting average and 11 stolen bases. She has also cross the plate a team-high 11 times and leads the squad with nine doubles. Sophomore Lauren Delgadillo has been the power supply, driving in a team-best 12 runs and standing tied with junior Hannah Brennan for the team lead in home runs with two. Rookie Lindsay Efflandt has seen the most work of any Yale pitcher this year, and leads the team with a 3.08 earned-run average and 29 strikeouts.
Harvard In The Ivies
Even though the Crimson has played just seven Ivy League games, the fewest of any team in the league, it still stands among the league leaders in many categories in Ivy games. Harvard has the highest runs-per-game average in the league (5.71) and also leads the Ancient Eight in doubles per game (2.0) and steals (21). The Crimson has the lowest team ERA at 1.29, one of just two teams with an ERA below two, and is a close second behind Dartmouth in strikeouts per game (6.86).
Kasey Lange ranks among the league's best in a number of categories: runs scored (2nd, 24), hits (4th, 36), RBI (2nd, 24) and doubles (2nd, 10). Laura Ricciardone holds the league's second best in-conference ERA at 1.90 and is also second in wins (11) and innings pitched (103.1).
Up Next
The Crimson continues its lengthy Ivy road stretch when it heads to Ithaca, N.Y., to take on Cornell in a doubleheader April 22, originally scheduled for March 29.


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Since moving out to The City of Fountains (yes, Kansas City), I've been to a handful of shows but haven't caught any local bands. Oddly enough, I discovered Lawrence, KS band Quiet Corral in Austin at our SXSW party and have been enamored with their 2010 self-titled EP and their latest single, "City Steep," released earlier this year.
Their sound fits perfectly into the folk-rock invasion that has become the latest crave. As I made my way through their EP, I drew comparisons to The Decemberists (Lonely Company, City Steep) and Elvis Perkins (One, Two, Three, Oh) with the pop appeal of Delta Spirit and Mumford and Sons.
They have some tour dates listed on their site, including a stop at the Wakarusa Festival.


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Pittsfield Township
Homes for Sale in Pittsfield Township, MI by Price
A Diverse Community of Residential Living & Bustling Commercial Development
Pittsfield Charter Township, MI is a diverse blend of residential living and commercial growth tucked into scenic countryside between Ann Arbor and Saline. It's located just southwest of Ann Arbor, between the I-94 and US Route 23, and contains the communities of Mitchell, Carpenter, and Bryant Pattengill West. Comprised mostly of rural farmlands and residential communities, it does enjoy substantial commercial development along the I-94 bordering with Ann Arbor, making it an ideal location for residents seeking the connection and community of a small town with the resources and amenities of a large city.
Pittsfield Township Homes for Sale
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Selling Your Pittsfield Township Home?
Selling a home in Pittsfield Township? We can help! Learn more about listing your home with Missy Caulk, including the tools and resources we offer our sellers, our marketing strategies, and our featured listings.
Come Explore Life in Pittsfield Township
Shopping & Dining
There's plenty of shopping and dining to be found along I-94 in the Oak Valley Center or along Airport Boulevard. Even more retail and convenience options can be enjoyed in Ann Arbor or Saline.
Recreational Programs
In addition to special events, Pittsfield Township offers many cultural and fitness classes, athletic programs, and sporting events ideal for those of all ages and interests.
Parks & Facilities
Get outside and explore with acres of maintained parkland, miles of scenic trails, plenty of playgrounds, lush picnic areas, functional athletic fields, and beautiful lakes and fishing area.
Community Events
Enjoy a sense of community connection with plenty of seasonal and holiday celebrations throughout the year, such as the Holiday Fun Night, Winter Wonderland Dance, or the Harvest Festival.
Local Services
Pittsfield has its own fire and police departments, manage its own utilities, and is home to the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport and a branch of Ann Arbor Public Libraries.
Farmers Market
Now you can shop local year-round. The markets feature products of local growers, producers, and artisans. There is also live music, cooking demonstrations, and weekly kids activities.
Pittsfield Township Attractions
What's Nearby?
Want to know even more about residential life in this outstanding city of beautiful homes, friendly faces, and big opportunities? You don't have to look far! As your Ann Arbor experts, we know all the insider details! Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have!
Quick Facts
Population (2010): 34,663
County: Washtenaw
Zip Code: 48108
Travel Times
Major Highways: I-94, US-23
Airport: Ann Arbor Municipal
To Detroit: 50 min
Local Schools
District: Saline Area Schools, Ann Arbor Public Schools
High School: Saline High
Pittsfield Township Real Estate
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Pittsfield Township Real Estate Resources
AARMLS IDX solution by Dakno Marketing


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Authorities are investigating after at least seven burglaries took place on the U.S. Route 202 corridor in Maine.
Sgt. Frank Hatch tells the Kennebec Journal the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office is looking into break-ins at three Manchester businesses. Winthrop police Chief Ryan Frost says that one business was burglarized in nearby Winthrop.
Lt. Walter Grzyb says state police are also investigating three break-ins in Greene. He says cash totaling less than $1,000 was stolen from Steel It roofing.
The burglaries all occurred overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
Investigators from all three agencies are working together. They believe the burglaries are connected.
Copyright AP - Associated Press


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To mark the 40th anniversary of the UK release of director Nicolas Roeg's iconic science fiction odyssey, The Man Who Fell to Earth, STUDIOCANAL is thrilled to announce that they are near to completing a new 4k restoration of the cult classic. The restoration has been in the works since late 2015, but is now especially timely and poignant given the news of David Bowie's death earlier this year.
Source: The Man Who Fell to Earth new 4k restoration back in cinemas – Music-News.com


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I ordered today's book from our local independent bookseller based purely on its funky cover. I knew nothing about it, just that I thought it looked supercool. What a score it is, too, it is the most tender story about about … Continue reading
Next Stop Grand Central, by Maira Kalman
My friends, I apologize! I've been working from home for a long time now, ever since my daughter was born, and now that I'm working at the library, my cozy sitting-on-the-couch-with-my-computer time is severely limited! I haven't written in a … Continue reading


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- "Russian tanks! No wonder they're getting bold!"
- — Frank Woods
The T-55 appears as the main battle tank of the North Vietnamese Army in Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Call of Duty: Black OpsEdit
In Call of Duty: Black Ops, the T-55 is used extensively by the North Vietnamese Army, it appears in two levels: "S.O.G.", and "The Defector". In "S.O.G.", the player must use M72 LAWs and TOW missiles to destroy attacking T-55s. In the next campaign level, "The Defector", a T-55 appears in the streets of Hue, near the end of the level, destroying the M113 Bottom Feeder. The player must use helicopter gunship support to destroy the tank and proceed. A few more appear shortly before the PBR arrives extracting the player.
Multiple T-55s appear on the multiplayer map Berlin Wall, alongside its American counterpart, the M48 Patton, but are purely aesthetic.
It is seen in Dead Ops Arcade when the player picks up the "Tank" power-up and transforms into a tank that resembles the T-55.
- In the level "S.O.G" some of the T-55 tanks can sometimes be seen running over friendly troops and killing them.


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Company Profile
Company Info
J & L Marketing
2100 Nelson Miller Parkway
Louisville, KY, United States
Phone: 800-346-9117
Web Site: https://www.jandlmarketing.com/
2100 Nelson Miller Parkway
Louisville, KY, United States
Phone: 800-346-9117
Web Site: https://www.jandlmarketing.com/
Company Description:J&L Marketing: highest rated
Automotive Owner Marketing agency
The highest rated Owner Marketing agency in the industry, J&L Marketing has more than two decades of experience partnering with automobile manufacturers, large dealer groups and single point dealers to design and execute customized data-driven strategies that encompass an aggressive and highly integrated set of solutions. These include equity data mining and lead generation, sales events, customer pay service clinics, email, direct mail, personalized microsites and Lead Advantage BDC for a complete range of multi-channel direct marketing campaigns for both sales and fixed operations.
J&L Marketing's proprietary program, bPrecise®, uses predictive models based on customer profiles and data insights to determine precisely who, what, when, where and how to market to customers. Personalized communications are then developed and deployed to motivate those individuals, ensuring customers aren't bombarded with offers and eventually made immune to marketing efforts. The end result? Increased traffic, market share and bottom line.
Dealers—imports and domestic, new and pre-owned—rate J&L and its customer pay service clinics, equity data mining and lead generation, and owner marketing the highest in the industry.
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In honor of Valentine's Day, Wendy Hanson invited me on her radio show to talk about loving your numbers. If you let worries about money keep you up at night, time to change your thinking! Check it out here:
Do You Love Your Numbers?
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Hadrian's Wall – Steel Rigg to Housesteads round
The building of Hadrian's Wall began in AD122 and took six years to complete. The wall stretches 73 miles (80 roman miles) from Segedunum at Wallaend on the River Tyne to the shore of the Solway Firth just west of Bowness-0n-Solway. The famous Roman wall was built as a defensive fortification during the rule of Emperor Hadrian, who gave the orders to build the wall, and follows the northern escarpment of the valleys of Tyne, Irthing and Eden between Newcastle and Carlisle. To the East of the River Irthing the wall was made from squared stone and measured 3 metres wide and 5-6 metres high but to the west of the river the wall was made from turf and measured 6 metres wide and 3.5 metres high. Over 80 Milecastles or forts, each with a kitchen and barracks for a small garrison, were built along the wall, a mile apart as well as two observation towers. Seventeen larger forts with large gates were also built into the wall which held 500 to 1,000 troops, infantry or cavalry. To the south of the wall the Roman's dug a wide ditch or vallum with 6ft high earth banks because they were afraid of the Brigantes tribe of northern England might join up with the tribes of Lowland Scotland. The Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail runs through the World Heritage Site and passes through rugged moorland, rolling fields and over hills giving spectacular views. The longest continuous section of the wall still visible today is to the east of Birdoswald Fort and is well worth the walk with the part between Birdoswald and Chesters giving the best scenery. The forts of Birdoswald and Housesteads have a visitors centre and museum and the forts of Chesters and Corbridge have museums, so making a great day out. Hadrian's Wall became a World Heritage Site in 1987 and 6 miles of the wall from Housesteads to Cawfields Quarry to the west is owned by the National Trust. Access and rights of way to the wall from the car parks at Housesteads, Steel Rigg and Cawfields are operated by the Northumberland National Park Authority.
Housesteads Roman Fort, which was once garrisoned by 1,000 soldiers, is the most complete roman fort in Britain and stands commandingly high on the exposed escarpment of Whin Sill. Along with Chesters it was one of the permanent forts added to the wall around AD 124 it covers an area of 5 acres and the layout changed very little over three centuries of occupation. Housesteads is aligned towards the rising sun rather than towards the enemy making the east gate the main gate and the deeply worn wheel ruts are still visible. The ruts exactly 1.4m apart is the same as the width for the British standard railway gauge. Housesteads is owned by the National Trust and managed by English Heritage.
The Walk
We park at Steel Rigg car park then walk out of the car park and turn right down the road. At the dip in the road we go through the gate or over the stile on the right and follow the track and way markers. Hadrian's Wall can be seen on top of the hills on our right going into the distance. We pass close to the trees of Peatrigg Plantation on our left and then a barn on the other side of the wall and keep heading forward. Soon Crag Lough below the vertical crags and Hadrian's Wall is on our right and as the wall on our left turns left near two barns we keep heading forward through a gate in the fence line and then over two small footbridges and head towards the gate in the next fence. We go through the gate and turn left onto the track which bears to the right. We keep following the track until we see a yellow marker on a small post on the right pointing towards some trees. We head towards the left of the trees with Hadrian's Wall still on our right. Keeping the trees on our right, we cross over the remains of a wall and Greenlee Lough can be seen on our left. We keep heading forwards along the track going through two gateways towards a plantation with a yellow marker. We go over the stile into the plantation and then over the stile at the other end. We make our way forwards and slightly right towards Kings Wicket, a gate on Hadrian's Wall, on our right. We go through the gate at Kings Wicket and turn right we now follow Hadrian's Wall path also the Pennine Way until we reach a wide part of the wall with Housesteads just in front. We drop down off the wall via a stone stile and walk down the field and turn right through the gate and immediate left over the small bridge over a stream. We follow the path along the side of Hadrian's Wall with the fort ruins on the other side. We then go up some steps on our left go over the stile then cross over Hadrian's Wall and go through the gate opposite. We walk forward downhill to the Visitors Centre where there is a museum and public toilets. We then enter the fort ruins to explore and the entrance fee is £5 each. We then return to the gate at the top of the hill at Hadrian's Wall, go back through the gate and turn left onto the wall. We now walk on the wall until we reach a gate where we drop down off the wall and head forwards following the well worn and clearly marked track. We pass Milecastle 37 and then there are two tracks one that follows very close to Hadrian's Wall on our right and one a little further to the left. Both tracks merge at the top of the hill just before the farm with Crag Lough down below. We walk downhill past the farm and Milecastle 38 then carry on forward along the farm track we can see in front of us. We come to a small road with a sign post we cross over the stile and head uphill towards the top of the crag and through the trees above Crag Lough the wall is now on our left. We come out of the wood and head forwards to the end of the crag and then walk very steeply downhill cross over the wall at the bottom and then walk very steeply up the stony steps to the top with the wall back on our right. We keep following the wall going downhill passing Milecastle 39 until we come to a stile in the wall on our right. We go over the stile and head steeply downhill to a wall on the left. We keep close to the wall and ignoring the gate and footpath on the left we head uphill following the path towards the trees and to the car park at Steel Rigg.
NB: Housesteads Visitors Centre and Museum are closed for the winter due to refurbishment and will re open in spring 2012.The ruins remain open.
This is a moderate to hard walk with some steep inclines and declines and is quite boggy on lower ground. Good waterproof boots are recommended.
Approx 6.75 miles using OS map OL43.
Steel Rigg car park is near Greenhead in Northumberland.
From Carlisle take the A69. After passing Brampton take the B6318 on the left sign posted Greenhead and Gilsland. At Greenhead turn first right going over the railway bridge. Carry on for approx 6 miles then just after the Twice Brewed pub take the first left turn and follow the road uphill and the car park is on the right.
Toilets and Refreshments
There are public toilets at the car park and picnic area next to the Twice Brewed pub and also at Housesteads visitors centre and museum. For refreshments there is the Twice Brewed pub and at Housesteads there is a shop and picnic area. There are also toilets and plenty of pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops at nearby Haltwhistle, Brampton and Hexham.


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Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall injury lawyer who fights for clients
A common premises liability claim begins with a "slip and fall" accident, which describes when someone slips, trips or falls and is injured on another person's property. In Texas, we have seen people injured because of someone else's negligence while shopping at a big department store like Wal-Mart, or while visiting small hardware stores. Accidents can happen anywhere when managers, employees and others are negligent.
In some cases, landlords or homeowners may be negligent if a visitor or tenant slips and falls on their property. The landlord or homeowner may be responsible if they failed to repair broken stairs or fix ruts in a parking lot. Injuries may be serious, ranging from a broken bone or fracture that causes the victim to miss work to a traumatic brain injury that can change the victim's life forever.
How an accident attorney in San Antonio may be able to help
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation. A seasoned slip and fall accident attorney may be able to help you pursue your claim. At The Herrera Law Firm, we have the experience and resources to put to work for clients. Our goal is to maximize compensation so clients can move on with their lives.
Premises include any of the following establishments:
- Restaurants
- Hardware stores
- Supermarkets
- Office buildings
- Department stores
- Other people's homes
- Malls and sidewalks in front of malls
- Parking lots
- Streets and driving areas upon the property
How a Slip and Fall Accident Might Happen
The following conditions may lead to a slip and fall injury:
- Negligent care of a sidewalk or publicly owned area, such as a pothole in the ground
- Unsafe or narrow stairways
- Torn carpeting, changes in flooring, poor lighting or a wet floor
- Safety code violations
- Poor lighting
- Failure to guard against dangerous adjacent areas
What should I do if I'm injured in a slip and fall accident in Texas?
Q: Should I move if I slip and fall and hurt myself in Texas?
A: Before you move, make sure you do not feel any serious pain in your neck or back. You could have a serious spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury or neck injury that could be aggravated if you suddenly move. If you suspect you have a catastrophic injury, stay still and ask someone to call for emergency medical attention.
Q: Should I call the police if I'm injured in a slip and fall accident in Texas?
A: Yes. This might seem unnecessary. But slip and fall accident injury cases can quickly become extremely complicated. That's because many property owners often deny any wrongdoing. In fact, many property owners often try to blame injury victims, claiming they did something to cause their premises liability accident. Fight back. Contact a slip and fall accident attorney in Texas you can trust to look out for your best interests. Contact The Herrera Law Firm.
Q: Should I do anything else at the scene of my slip and fall accident?
A: If you are physically able to do so, talk to witnesses and gather evidence. Make sure you obtain witnesses' full names and phone numbers. Their testimony could be critical in your slip and fall accident case. The same goes for evidence. The more you have, the better. Take photos of the accident scene, including whether there is adequate lighting, handrails or other safety precautions designed to prevent slip and fall accidents.
Q: Should I seek medical attention after my slip and fall accident if my injuries seems minor?
A: Yes. Let the medical professionals decide the seriousness of your injury. What might seem like a dull pain or minor bruise could be a symptom of something much more serious. You might even have a life-threatening internal injury. Don't take chances with your health. Seek immediate medical attention.
Q: Should I contact a lawyer if I'm injured in a slip and fall accident in Texas?
A: Yes! Having an accident attorney on your side with a comprehensive understanding of Texas's premises liability laws can make a dramatic difference in your slip and fall accident claim. If necessary, an attorney can help you file a slip and fall accident lawsuit in San Antonio or wherever your accident took place. Don't delay. Contact a lawyer and discover your legal options. You have rights. A lawyer can fight for them. You have too much at stake to leave your slip and fall accident to chance. Contact an accident lawyer with a proven track record for results. Contact The Herrera Law Firm right now. Call 1-800-455-1054.


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Sorry to have been MIA for so long - my ex has access to this blog (he found it on my computer before he moved out and has probably bookmarked it) and I've felt really awkward about writing here ever since. I'm not actually sure what to do with this blog - it WAS my private place to rant and moan about my life, but now I feel that I can't do it any more...
Anyway. I'll think of something, eventually.
In the meanwhile, here's my bright and cheery (that would be a surprise, wouldn't it?) review of this fantastic year. Such a shame you can't show irony in the written word...
I have the sneaking suspicion that this year's answers will have a little more substance than last year's pretty pathetic showing...
Thanks again to Linda for this...
1. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
On the trivial side, I made mince pies for the first time ever and they were pretty damn good. At a more serious level, this was the first year that I took the girls on holiday on my own (and I did it twice!)
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't really keep my resolutions because this year went so badly pear-shaped. As a result, I'll probably use them again for 2011 and hope I fare better
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
YES! One of my very, very best friends had a little girl on 14 July, another close friend had a little girl on 2 August, and a friend through work with whom I get on well even though we rarely see each other had a little girl on 13 October
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Two of my neighbours died - the first was an elderly man (78) whom I didn't know particularly well, the second was a good friend who battled anorexia, cancer and depression before finally killing herself with hydrochloric acid, dying in early January. Very sad
5. What countries did you visit?
At the risk of sounding boring, England and Spain
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
This is easy - the love of a sane, intelligent, financially independent, funny, charming, sexy man
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
Another easy one: 01 May will always be the day my partner of 14 years finally walked out on me (having threatened to do so several times in the previous weeks), turning my entire world upsidedown
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Surviving it
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not being a better mother and housekeeper
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing except from horrendous allergies all the time, at their worst in February-March
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My new (laptop) computer
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Can't think of anyone in particular
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
My ex on certain occasions - his behaviour (essentially his words, but on occasion his actions too) hurt me to the core, appalled me, shocked me and yes, made me very depressed. Not all the time, obviously, but yeah, all the same
14. Where did most of your money go?
Paying bills, social contributions, taxes, loans, household stuff - all very dull and boring
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The thought of attending BlogHer in August 2011, though I doubt I'll have the courage
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Pat Monahan's "Great Escape" - I posted a video of him singing it live on Facebook and dedicated it to all those who have helped me survive this horrid year
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Much, much sadder
b) thinner or fatter? About the same, I should think
c) richer or poorer? Also about the same - too in debt, anyway
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Seeing friends I really care about
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Crying - but it wasn't exactly by choice
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve I spent alone, wrapping presents, while the girls were with their dad and his mother (I was invited, but couldn't face the thought of it); Christmas Day morning the girls opened their presents with me, then spent the afternoon with their dad and had our Christmas meal with me in the evening. It wasn't a great Christmas, even if the girls seemed to enjoy it (which I suppose is the main thing)
21. Did you fall in love in 2010?
With an actual person I know personally? No
With a rock star who strikes me as the perfect man? Yes, totally
22. What was your favourite TV programme?
In France, I watched and enjoyed MasterChef for the first time; via iTunes and DVD, I watched and loved Glee
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No (no, really - I don't hate my ex - we were together for 14 years for God's sake - but I DO hate what he's done to me, to us, to our daughters, our lives)
24. What was the best book you read?
I enjoyed Sebastian Faulks' "A Week in December"
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hardly a discovery given that the band was formed in 1994 and has been having huge hits since 2001, but I didn't know Train or Pat Monahan before (though I had heard "Drops of Jupiter" and loved it, just didn't know who it was by) and have now become obsessed
26. What did you want and get?
I asked for Michael Bublé CDs and got two of them from my dad at Christmas; in 2009, for my 40th birthday, I asked for a spa day but never got it, then, this Christmas, my ex bizarrely gave me a weekend for two of spa treatments. No idea how he managed it, nor why he would give me such an extravagant gift in the current circumstances. So I'm perplexed and unsure of what to do, but yeah, I have a written IOU for it, so I suppose it's real...
27. What did you want and not get?
Love and affection
28. What was your favourite film of this year?
Didn't see many (certainly not grown-up films), but I really enjoyed "The Princess and the Frog"
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
It was a crap, wretched day - my ex left me 17 days before, my daughters forgot and didn't wish me a happy birthday when they saw me in the morning, my ex did nothing to help/encourage them to do anything like make a card, my dad was here and I had to try and pretend all was hunky-dory so he wouldn't worry about me. The girls had lunch with my dad and me, but there was no cake, no singing, not much of anything, in fact. I turned 41 and it was most definitely a birthday to forget
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being loved
31.How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Doing the best I can with what I've got
32. What kept you sane?
Keeping in touch with friends via Facebook and knowing they care
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Pat Monahan
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Politics rarely stirs me - I'm just not interested
35. Who did you miss?
My friends in England - I don't see them nearly often enough
36. Who was the best new person you met?
One of my colleagues at the university - Cathy. A lovely American woman
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010
Just because you've shared your life in its entirety with someone for 14 years doesn't mean you can trust them or count on them - it can all go pear-shaped in the blink of an eye
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year
For once, this is easy: it's from Train's early hit, "Meet Virginia":
She pulls her hair back as she screams, "I don't really want to live this life!"
Here's to hoping that next year's questionnaire will be a little more upbeat! Happy 2011 to you all!


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Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010)
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Watch Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam (2010) full movie online.
Synopsis: Superman finds a foe who may be too powerful even for him to defeat in the murderous Black Adam. Fortunately, Black Adam's real target is the Earth's Mightiest Mortal–Captain Marvel.
Director: Joaquim Dos Santos
Writers: Michael Jelenic, Jerry Siegel
Stars: Zach Callison, James Garner, Josh Keaton
More info: IMDB, Wikipedia


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Sony Pictures films from Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Classics, TriStar, and Screen Gems will remain first-run exclusive to Starz-included cable packages through 2021, Sony Pictures and Starz announced this morning. The deal was previously set to expire with the closing of 2016's box office, but Sony and Starz apparently were cozy enough to ink another five years on the contract; it's unclear how much money changed hands to make this happen.
Starz boasts a sextet of films headed to its pay television channels this year from Sony Pictures, including The Amazing Spider-Man and Zero Dark Thirty -- digital streaming services like Netflix have been stripping away many cable television first-run deals as consumers migrate to streaming services from traditional cable plans. Starz itself once pushed films to Netflix, but famously ended that deal in late 2011. Disney, however, recently signed just such a deal with Netflix, promising first-run exclusivity starting in 2016. And us, well, we just want a stable place to watch hit John Travolta vehicles like Wild Hogs and Battlefield Earth. Is that so much to ask?


text: NYSEARCA:SPMD - SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF Stock Price, Forecast & News Adding Choose a watchlist: Adding You have already added five stocks to your watchlist. Upgrade to MarketBeat Daily Premium to add more stocks to your watchlist. Adding SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF Please log in to your account or sign up in order to add this asset to your watchlist. Log In and Add $35.51 +0.05 (+0.14 %) (As of 12/12/2019 08:56 AM ET) Add Today's Range$35.41Now: $35.51▼$35.5750-Day Range$34.18MA: $35.03▼$35.6952-Week Range$27.66Now: $35.51▼$35.76Volume257,724 shsAverage Volume298,520 shsMarket Capitalization$1.85 billionP/E RatioN/ADividend Yield1.57%BetaN/A ProfileAdvanced ChartDividendInstitutional OwnershipHeadlinesSocial Media Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on RedditShare on StocktwitsPrint this articleShare by Email Basic Details Issuer SSgA Fund NameSPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF Tax ClassificationRegulated Investment Company SymbolNYSEARCA:SPMD Inception Date11/8/2005 Fund ManagerMichael Feehily, Karl Schneider, Mark Krivitsky WebN/A PhoneN/A Fund Focus Asset ClassEquity BenchmarkS&P 1000 Index CategorySize and Style FocusMid Cap Development LevelDeveloped Markets RegionNorth America Fund Statistics Assets Under Management$1.85 billion Average Daily Volume$274,209.80 Discount/Premium-0.01% ETF Expenses Management Fee0.05% Other Expenses0.00% Total Expenses0.05% Fee Waiver0.00% Net Expenses0.05%Administrator, Advisor and Custodian AdministratorSSGA Funds Management, Inc. AdvisorSSgA Funds Management, Inc. CustodianState Street Bank and Trust Company DistributorState Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC Transfer AgentState Street Bank and Trust Company Trustee Lead Market MakerCredit Suisse Receive SPMD News and Ratings via Email Sign-up to receive the latest news and ratings for SPMD and its competitors with MarketBeat's FREE daily newsletter. AMEX:SPMD Rates by TradingView SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:SPMD) Frequently Asked Questions What is SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF's stock symbol? SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)ARCA under the ticker symbol "SPMD." How often does SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF pay dividends? What is the dividend yield for SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF? SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF announced a -- dividend on Monday, September 23rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 24th will be paid a dividend of $0.1398 per share on Thursday, September 26th. This represents a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 23rd. View SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF's Dividend History. Has SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF been receiving favorable news coverage? Media stories about SPMD stock have trended negative recently, InfoTrie Sentiment reports. The research firm identifies negative and positive news coverage by monitoring more than six thousand blog and news sources. The firm ranks coverage of publicly-traded companies on a scale of -5 to 5, with scores nearest to five being the most favorable. SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF earned a news impact score of -3.0 on InfoTrie's scale. They also gave news headlines about the company a news buzz of 0.0 out of 10, indicating that recent news coverage is extremely unlikely to have an effect on the stock's share price in the near future. View News Stories for SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF. What other stocks do shareholders of SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF own? Based on aggregate information from My MarketBeat watchlists, some companies that other SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF investors own include Kraft Heinz (KHC), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), Bank of America (BAC), The Coca-Cola (KO), Main Street Capital (MAIN), Procter & Gamble (PG), Phillips 66 Partners (PSXP), Store Capital (STOR) and Wells Fargo & Co (WFC). Who are SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF's major shareholders? SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF's stock is owned by a number of of institutional and retail investors. Top institutional investors include Creative Planning (32.54%), Nicolet Advisory Services LLC (1.69%), Waller Financial Planning Group Inc. (0.98%), FormulaFolio Investments LLC (0.99%), Clear Creek Financial Management LLC (0.67%) and Peterson Wealth Advisors LLC (0.67%). Which institutional investors are selling SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF stock? SPMD stock was sold by a variety of institutional investors in the last quarter, including Clear Creek Financial Management LLC, Retirement Planning Group, Vicus Capital, Nicolet Advisory Services LLC, United Asset Strategies Inc., Wealthquest Corp, Smart Money Group LLC and Carroll Financial Associates Inc.. Which institutional investors are buying SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF stock? SPMD stock was acquired by a variety of institutional investors in the last quarter, including Creative Planning, Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC, FormulaFolio Investments LLC, TPG Financial Advisors LLC, AE Wealth Management LLC, Valtinson Bruner Financial Planning LLC, Executive Wealth Management LLC and Executive Wealth Management LLC. How do I buy shares of SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF? Shares of SPMD can be purchased through any online brokerage account. Popular online brokerages with access to the U.S. stock market include Vanguard Brokerage Services, TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE, Robinhood, Fidelity and Charles Schwab. What is SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF's stock price today? One share of SPMD stock can currently be purchased for approximately $35.51. How big of a company is SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF? SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF has a market capitalization of $1.85 billion. View Additional Information About SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF. MarketBeat Community Rating for SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF (NYSEARCA SPMD)Community Ranking: 2.4 out of 5 ( )Outperform Votes: 20 (Vote Outperform)Underperform Votes: 21 (Vote Underperform)Total Votes: 41MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about SPDR Portfolio Mid Cap ETF and other stocks. Vote "Outperform" if you believe SPMD will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote "Underperform" if you believe SPMD will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. This page was last updated on 12/12/2019 by MarketBeat.com StaffFeatured Article: Cost of Equity For A Business, Investors


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In October 2008, Patrick was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, or Berger's disease, an autoimmune disorder. Currently, we do peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home. We've been doing it for two years now. We call his machine Alice the Dialysis Machine. Say hi to Alice:
It's often easy to hate Alice. Most men dream of threesomes, but I'm pretty sure this doesn't fit the fantasy. A friend of ours suggested we decorate her with bumper stickers that say BITCH and spray-paint her with skulls and crossbones. That's a fun idea, but then I remind myself that she's the thing keeping him alive, and when she beeps in the night, waking us both up multiple times, and when the drain pains are agonizing, I have to remind myself to hate her less.
What are drain pains? Oh, well, let me explain some more about how dialysis works.
Peritoneal dialysis is less common in the US. When most people think of dialysis, they think of hemo dialysis, where patients have to go into a clinic a few times a week and basically get their blood sucked out, cleaned, and put back in—a painful and exhausting process, I'm afraid. (Patrick had to go through it before his PD catheter was ready for use.) Hemo is done through a fistula, usually in the arm, but it can also go in the neck or the leg. Patrick had a temporary line put in his neck and it was not pretty.
PD is a method done, as the name implies, through the peritoneal cavity, or the abdomen. A catheter is inserted into the abdomen:
Cathy the CatheterAs you can see, the catheter means that Patrick has a perpetual open wound in his stomach, which means we always have to be on the look-out for infection or other complications.
Through Cathy, dialysate fluid (sugar water) is pumped into the abdominal cavity where it is allowed to set for a period of time. As it sets, it soaks up toxins that would ordinarily be filtered by the kidneys. Then it gets pumped back out. The waste material that gets pumped out goes through a tube, down the hall to the bathroom and into the toilet.
This is done multiple times over the course of the treatment. Treatments are done nightly. A full treatment takes about eight hours, not including prep-time, during which 6.5 liters of dialysate get pumped through his abdomen, with some left in at the end so his stomach is not left dry. Getting left dry is horribly painful. The amount of dialysate a person uses varies; Patrick actually uses a very small amount of dialysate compared to most adults.
We discovered that the PD catheter come in only two sizes—adult and child. So a catheter that would fit, say, a 300-pound man is the same catheter they use on 135-pound Patrick. The catheter pokes. And when the treatments are going on, sometimes the catheter shifts against his insides. Imagine a straw getting stuck against the side of a Capri Sun bag and you have an idea of what's going on. Patrick does his dialysis treatments overnight, so we have to be very careful about how he sleeps—don't want to roll over on his tubing, or accidentally tug anything out. Thankfully, that's never happened, but you never stop being paranoid about it. Also, when he hooks up to the machine at night, the environment has to be as sterile as possible, so he basically has to scrub in for it. Before scrubbing in, his dialysate bags have to be sufficiently warmed up, which takes 3-4 hours. You do not want cold dialysate fluid going into your belly.
Dialysis takes a lot of supplies. We place an order monthly through a company called Fresnius who delivers them to our house. This photo shows our storage room in the basement, fully stocked. Supplies cost around $12,000. Insurance, Medicare and the American Kidney Foundation cover the bulk of our medical expenses. The supplies consist of bags of dialysate, tubing sets with clamps, safety caps with iodine, hand sanitizer, medical-grade hand soap, alcohol wipes, bleach wipes, belts to hold his catheter in place, heating pads, collection bags, and IV antibiotics. We have to have special medical tags for trash collection because, obviously, all of this accumulates a lot of waste. None of the supplies are reusable. Of course, we have permanent equipment like Alice herself, and an IV pole to hang the bags of dialysate fluids in case of a power outage, or if we ever decided to travel. And finally, there's medications. At one point, Patrick was up to nineteen separate medications. Now he's down to thirteen.
One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small . . .
You may be wondering why we opted for PD. Well, consider that your kidneys operate 24/7. The more dialysis you can do, the closer you get to normal kidney function. It also gives us a more direct role in Patrick's health, rather than having to rely on going to the clinic three times a week and letting someone else hook him up to a machine. Finally, it's nice to be able to do this at home, in our own bed, even if it means strange bedfellows.
Called Alice.


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The name means 'Lawnmower', but you will do a lot more than just cut the grass, you'll shred lines and the competition with this purebred 'cross racer. 'Cross proven geometry and oversized steel tubing make for a confident racer that will have you out of the saddle charging forward and railing covers like never before. Elegantly curved stays not only look nice, but add much needed clearance for mud and debris. Whether you are ripping down some local trails or fish-tailing out of the pits at your local 'cross race, the Rasemaeher likes to hang it all out.
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Today I was in town with Noah and I had one of those moments that took me right back to my own childhood. It reminded me of when my mum used to dress my older sister and I in matching clothes when we were little. Whenever we were going on holidays and mum did the 'big holiday clothing shop', we always had the same tops, dresses and pyjamas and I used to love imitating my sister with what we chose to wear.
M&S had a pretty impressive sale on today in the kids department and I found a jumper for Noah that I instantly loved. That, and the fact it was on sale, had me popping it in my basket within seconds! Next thing I knew, I turned the corner and lo and behold I found the exact same jumper in 0-3 months-perfect for our expected February arrival! Win!
When most shops favour little girls and often, in my experience, forgo stocking a near fair amount of little boy's clothing, I do get rather excited when I find a brilliant buy for Noah and it's even more exciting to anticipate shopping for two little boys.
Obviously, this new baby is going to have plenty of clothes to start him off with as we already have all of Noah's newborn things, but it will be nice to incorporate some new pieces and for him to be able to match some outfits with his best big brother.
Happy weekend all!
Love Bunty


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In order to look at the show and meet the high number of international visitors as well as buyers who had been brought in by the council to look at the capability of manufacturers on the Gold Coast, the Mayor of the Gold Coast Tom Tate arrived at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on Friday.
The Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) had worked with the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) to bring in key international buyers who had indicated they were keen to look at distributing more Australian products in global markets. A number of local manufactures met with these buyers during the ASMEX conference and the 4 days of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat show with extremely positive results. The international buyers and distributors were from Taiwan, Brazil, USA, Netherlands, UAE, and NZ.
Gold Coast City Council Economic Development and Tourism Committee Chair, Councillor Jan Grew, said the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show was an important event for local marine manufacturers.
"This event is integral to the Gold Coast marine industry and each year, the boat show plays an important role in attracting visitors to the city and showcasing the outstanding facilities and marine infrastructure that exists here," Cr Grew said.
"Gold Coast City Council was delighted to be working in partnership with AIMEX to support the attendance of international buyers from a range of key export markets."
"While they are here, the buyers also met with many of our local businesses and had the opportunity to tour our city courtesy of Business Gold Coast."
MaryAnne Edwards AIMEX CEO said "The Mayor and the GCCC should be congratulated for this initiative and that a full report will be completed over the next 4 weeks detailing the sales and outcomes of this project."
Edwards said "this type of support is the most practical support the council can be giving the marine sector in this economy with the dollar making it hard to compete and the high cost of manufacturing reducing margins. Bringing buyers in provides many of the smaller manufacturers, who cannot afford to attend international trade shows or even the time to leave their business, an amazing opportunity."
Global demand within the marine sector is down and traditional markets for Australian product have slowed although it does seem we are seeing more movement in the USA which has always been a big market for Australian manufacturers.
"Bringing real buyers and distributors in who already have key markets and channels for Australian products is the best injection the council could give local manufacturers" said Aqualuma Marine Lighting Director Carl Amor.
A number of key Gold Coast manufacturers have already made direct sales as a result of the Gold Coast City Council approving this project. Positive sales and ongoing relationships have already been reported from Aqualuma, Air Berth Boat Lifts and Superior Jetties, with other companies like Riviera, Marine Tuft, Lightwave Yachts, Marine Engineering Consultants, Marine Technologies (M-Tech), and several others all in discussions with one or more of the buyers.
Edwards stated "With initiatives like this the sales are not always instant but the relationships have started and we will see significant economic returns for the Gold Coast from this project."
Edwards estimated immediate returns were likely around $450k with longer term returns to be well in excess of $2 million dollars over the next 12 months.


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"Rollin' rollin' rollin' keep those doggies rollin' … RAWHIDE!!" Jake and Elwood Blues (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) go on a cross-country "mission from God" that leaves a mighty trail of destruction in their wake and some unforgettable musical numbers courtesy of the great Ray Charles, James Brown and Aretha Franklin. Director John Landis' wildly funny (and over-the-top) film created a genre all its own: the apocalyptic-musical-comedy-road movie.
more info
General Admission$12.00(unless otherwise noted)
Cinematheque Members $8.00
Seniors 65+ andStudents with valid ID


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In spite of what many people are telling you, it is simple to learn how to save your marriage right after infidelity now than ever before. Whether or not you believe it or not, all of us are under attack by awesome powers posing as humans. Many strange things are influencing once happy marriages this defy normal explanation. Numerous marriages that started nicely on sound footings happen to be destroyed, and many have been fooled into destructive relationships together with wicked men and women.
Some years back, a lady began to attend an electrical prayer meeting. It took the girl time to understand that she acquired married a stranger seeing that husband. They had three youngsters. Every night, when she arrived home from prayer conference, her husband would claim, "You have gone to that spot again. Don't go there. No longer pray those prayers. inches But the lady kept arriving. One day, she got home coming from a prayer meeting and could not necessarily trace her husband and 4 children again.
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But only in Raid Mode and without apparently unbalancing the experience
Capcom has been talking to Kotaku to confirm that the upcoming episodic survival horror, Resident Evil Revelations will be arriving with microtransactions in its Raid Mode.
Before leaping to arms to express your microtransactional disdain in a game you're already being asked to pay up front for, the official line from the publisher doesn't paint them that badly.
In Revelations 2's Raid Mode "life crystals" will feature that allow players to revive their characters when killed. In the Raid Mode there will be two different kinds of these crystal available: lue life crystals, which you earn in-game and red life crystal which you can buy with real money. Other than the colour both crystal variants are exactly the same.
"Regarding your question, players can use "life crystals" when playing through Raid mode in Revelations 2," said a Capcom spokesperson to Kotaku. "The crystals essentially act as continues (re spawns) in Raid mode when players die. Blue life crystals can be earned through playing daily missions and red life crystals can be bought. The two crystals act the same, but there's an option to buy if players run out of blue (earned) crystals or don't want to spend the time earning them. If players have both blue and red crystals, the game will prioritize the blue crystals over the red ones."
It was also made clear the microtransactions will only appear in the Raid Mode and so won't hang heavy around the neck of the game's main story.
Resident Evil Revelations 2 arrives (complete with its Raid Mode money spinner) from the 25th February, gamers on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC will be able to play it.
17 minute gameplay footage of Resident Evil Revelations 2
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FDC: Aquino Gov't Surpasses Arroyo as Biggest Debtor; Voters Must Rise Up Against Debt, Poverty and Inequality
MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III not only failed to curb the country's poverty and debt burden. He turned out to be the biggest loan addict, and a total failure in addressing the Philippines' entrapment in a cycle of debt dependence. The Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC), in a press conference with selected election candidates on Friday, said that President Aquino has even eclipsed former President Gloria Arroyo as the biggest borrower among Philippine leaders, over a full term, from 1986 to present.
The group revealed that President Aquino will leave his successor with P6.4 trillion of national government outstanding debt, P4.16 trillion of which are borrowings made during his term. Divided among the projected 103 million population, each Filipino now owes a sum of P62,235.26 plus P4,251 in government-guaranteed debts.
According to FDC, this unresolved debt problem has resulted in the government's failure to meet its obligations to the people, or social debt as a percentage of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). FDC said that President Aquino's social debt in education and health alone already amounts to P7 trillion.
Philippine leaders since 1986 have merely continued this dependence on debt and non-prioritization of the welfare of the people because of blind adherence to prescriptions of country and multilateral lenders. It is time for us, the voters, to rise up and stage an electoral insurgency against debt and its role in perpetuating poverty and inequality," FDC said.
FDC's call for electoral insurgency focuses on demands for the repeal of the automatic appropriations for debt servicing, repeal of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, tax and fiscal justice to ensure priority government spending for the people's needs and welfare, climate justice, and housing and essential public services.
Dr. Walden Bello, an independent Senatorial candidate who resigned as a lawmaker in protest of President Aquino's double standards, said that it is criminal that debt payments get the first cut in the national budget before appropriations are made for social and economic services.
"This vicious cycle of debt and ballooning social debt will continue as long as the government resorts to new borrowings to pay for old loans, including those tainted with fraud and corruption, and with the existence of the law on automatic appropriations for debt servicing," said Dr. Bello, speaking as a guest in FDC's press conference.
FDC said that for 30 years, from 1986 to 2015, the continued implementation of the policy on automatic appropriations for debt servicing has resulted in an average of 27.21 percent of annual public revenues automatically earmarked for interest payments, while principal amortization has eaten up an average of 67.61 percent of government's new borrowings.
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Freedom From Debt Coalition
The Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) – Philippines is a nationwide multi-sectoral, non-sectarian and pluralist coalition conducting policy advocacy work and campaigns to realize a common framework and agenda for economic development.
December 2016


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Tuesday, 18 October 2005
Sunrise II (This Time its Personal)
One of the things I really like about the jet boil, I only discovered this last night and I'm fairly sure that this did not come up in one of the design briefs, is it's hands free climbing application. The cup has a wide nylon handle and last night discovered it is possible to grip the handle between my teeth and climb without spilling any (much) of the contents. This discovery allowed me to take in the full brilliance of last night's full moon from a vantage point in the top of a tree whilst drinking Hot Chocolate.
This morning's sunrise was intense, if yesterday's had been a water colour of pastel shades then today's was a dramatic oil painting of rich reds and intense oranges blasting through boiling clouds. Red sky at night shepherds delight, red sky in the morning shepherds warning so they say, any shepherd seeing the sunrise this morning would have been well advised to go home and hide in the cupboard under the stairs with a blanket over his head.
8 comments:
- SameOld said...
A jetboil sounds like a VERY nasty skin complaint. Something your doctor would advise you not to squeeze...
- 15:46
- Paul said...
I'm very envious of your jetboil kit been pondering getting one for myself but suspect you are right about it being designed for re heating and boiling rather than cooking.
I quite like the challenge of actually cooking stuff in a set of mess tins….and of course part of the fun is removing that the contents of the wood floor that inexplicably make it into your dinner !
As for your challenge, why not try something practical and hone your whittling skills. Have a bash at carving a spoon.
It seems to be a right of passage on BushcraftUK.
If you do one I will too.
- 10:21
- Paul said...
PS - Please DON'T use Bruce !
- 10:24
- ODM (Original Ditch Monkey) said...
This weekend I are be mostly carving......
- 15:04
- SameOld said...
don't start with a redwood trunk :-)
- 16:42
- Pandiotic said...
I hope you are freezing your nuts off. I'll donate £15 to the woodland trust for every digit that gets frostbite.
Do it for charity, stumpy.
- 14:18
- ODM (Original Ditch Monkey) said...
nice and warm thanks dude.
- 14:34
- Pandiotic said...
Think of the trees.
- 17:17


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Newsweek reporter Kurt Eichenwald quits Twitter after Trump-loving troll induces seizure with tweet
Reporter Kurt Eichenwald is taking a "short break" from Twitter after another user sent him a flashing image that allegedly triggered a seizure.
The Newsweek reporter appeared Thursday night on Fox News, where he engaged in a combative interview with host Tucker Carlson over his social media claims that Donald Trump had been hospitalized for mental illness in 1990.
Eichenwald claimed Friday afternoon on social media that the Twitter user @jew_goldstein posted a GIF that caused him to have a seizure due to his epilepsy, and he announced he would take a break from posting there while he and his lawyers built a case against the culprit, reported Mediaite.
Last night, for the second time, a deplorable aware I have epilepsy tweeted a strobe at me with the message "you deserve a seizure' on it…
— Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) December 16, 2016
…it worked. This is not going to happen again. My wife is terrified. I am…disgusted. All I will be tweeting for the next few days are…
— Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) December 16, 2016
Eichenwald, whose reporting has detailed Trump's business conflicts with foreign governments, posted dozens of scattered tweets following the TV appearance but later deleted most of them.
He has filed a police report due to the online harassment, and he plans to subpoena Twitter so authorities can file criminal charges.
Twitter has suspended that user's account.
Eichenwald also claimed that other Trump supporters posted threats against him and his children, which he says they've done in the past.


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Organic vs. Local
You've probably heard of the "100-mile diet." It seems it's on everyone's lips lately–at least everyone in the high-end natural foods stores in which I work. I frequently do demos in the local Capers markets (I also shop there for some things since there's one so close to my house) and I've noticed that they do a great job of clearly marking which products are locally grown or locally produced. They know that their shoppers want to support local growers and the local economy.
For many people around here, it seems buying local is a social thing and they never stop to think that they're also doing something good for the environment. They buy Canadian- rather than American-made products to keep Canada strong economically, and therefore, politically. They prefer something made in British Columbia over something made in Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes, or the Prairie Provinces because, in order, nobody likes Toronto, the Quebecois don't like Canada, nothing comes out of the Maritimes but people, and the people of the plains are way too conservative for the likes of Canada's "left coast." None of this comes close to the real reason, the best reason, my reason for buying local: the environment!
For years, health and environment experts have been touting the benefits of eating organically-grown foods. For those who said organics were too costly, they came up with the "dirty dozen" list (I still have my copy mom and I do use it!), which named the top twelve pesticide-and insecticide-laden fruits and vegetables so that we could at least be buying these organic even if we had to buy conventional in other areas to cut our overall spending on groceries. I suppose if your number one priority is your own health and you buy organic for the sole purpose of keeping mysterious chemicals out of your bloodstream, then you'd be doing well to find a grocery store that stocks the widest variety of organics, regardless of how far those foods travel. On the other hand, maybe your concerns are not so much for your own health, but for the well-being of the planet. Environmentalists prefer buying organically-grown foods because their production doesn't entail the use of deadly chemicals that end up in groundwater, their producers use more sensible shading, irrigating, and composting techniques, and because they generally are grown on smaller farms that have more respect for biodiversity (i.e. because they're better for the environment).
If given a choice between an apple grown on a small family-run orchard that practices organic, sustainable farming methods and an apple grown on a large industrial farm that has maximum-output-for-maximum-profit as its modus operandi, the environmentalist and the health-nut would probably both go for the first apple. Surely, its production was easier on the earth and it probably has more flavor and nutritional value even if it doesn't have the blemish-free waxy exterior of the second apple. It would be my choice, too. But, what if the organic, family farm is in New Zealand and the industrial farm is located just 10 miles outside your hometown? Then which apple is better for the earth? The way I see it, there's just no point in supporting organic agriculture if it requires polluting 5,000 miles of ocean to get the food to market. Of course, if you absolutely can't survive the winter without tropical fruits and polluting the ocean is the only way to get them to North America, then please do go for the organic ones.
"Food Miles" is a term I've heard a lot lately, having recently immersed myself in the local-food movement through my new job; it refers to the distance that a given piece of food travels from field to plate. Processed foods rack up food miles faster than fresh produce because you have to take into account the distances traveled by each ingredient and the fact that such foods are rarely grown, processed, packaged, sorted, and sold all in one geographical region. For example, cranberries are locally in-season right before Thanksgiving and are commonly packaged and sold under the Ocean Spray name. If you buy them directly from a local farmer at a farmer's market, you'll spend a little more money, but you've saved the earth all the fuel and emissions that are spent transporting locally-grown cranberries to a processing plant on the east coast for cleaning, sorting, and packaging and then shipping those same cranberries in pretty blue and white be-waved bags back to their birthplace. I recently read that the average North American meal travels 1500 miles before it reaches our tables. Isn't it sad that our food gets to see more of the world than we do?!
Ideally, we could always get organic, locally-grown foods, but that's just not the case. It wouldn't be natural if we could. Having come to the realization that a globalized food (or any other commodity for that matter) production system is having an adverse effect on the environment, I've resorted to buying local over organic if I can't get both. Ultimately, though, if we want more local food, we have to get used to a limited variety of offerings, as we have to buy within the bounds of the natural growing season.
Alternatively, and this seems to be pretty popular around here, there's always the option of growing your own fruits and vegetables in a backyard garden–that way your food miles are zero–and eating less processed and pre-packaged foods. This year, I grew swiss chard in my backyard. I attempted broccoli, but it didn't do anything. With fond memories of helping in my grandmother's garden, I will attempt to diversify next summer's garden. I want fresh herbs and salad greens. Some tomatoes would be nice… mmm…


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My kid simply loves to play with his PSP, and to watch endless cartoon movies. When he is busy with his entertainment gadgets, we can practically do anything related to business, work, and pleasures. But, this only deprives him of enough family time. While I take few minutes to an hour to help him read, or answer his assignments and do his exam reviewers, I still find it short in efforts.
So, now that his second grading report card is in where his grades had partially declined, I decided to cut the number of hours he renders for his play and view time. So, his schedule is limited to weekend playing and viewing with an hour max of play.
I can only hope that the restraint will make him prioritize his schooling more and his bonding with other kids including his cousins.


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Almost two months ago, we ran a review about Pocket Planes, the popular game where you play as an air traffic controller and coordinate planes across the world. I loved the review, so I picked up the game and played it. A lot. For a long time. And at one point, I realized that it was more about maintenance than fun, so I was confused. Turns out, that repetitive action in a video game has a name: Grinding.
The Simpsons: Tapped Out is a grinder, that's for sure — but it is a lot of fun. Come on down and take a trip to Springfield with me, and let's see what Homer and the gang are up to.
The Premise
It's a typical day at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, and Homer Simpson is playing a game (what appears to be Smurf's Village) and he complains about all of the stupid in-app purchases and how it's very slow going. Alarms start flashing behind him, and just like that, the nuclear power plant blows up, leveling Springfield and leaving Homer alone in the middle of a field.
Your job is to put the town back together again, however you see fit. With each item you place, you gain experience points and cash — and occasionally donuts. The pink-frosted delicacies (mmm … sprinkles) and the money are your currency for the game, so you need as much of both as possible. The further you go, the more people you unlock and the more stuff you can do. But of course, there's a catch.
Once you're on the ground and ready to build, you're walked through a pretty thorough tutorial that knocks out the first few levels quickly. Once that's done, you've probably got four or five characters unlocked, and the next few go along pretty gangbusters from there.
The game makes it clear from the beginning that cash buys you stuff, but it's the donuts that you really want. These serve not only as currency, but they're also the catch. See, these donuts can speed up time — and you're going to need a lot of that.
The Time Part
Being a grinder, to gain XP and cash you need to do tasks that take real time. If you want Flanders to earn $3 and 1XP point, you can ask him to Condemn Science, which takes 45 seconds. But if you want to earn $200 and 46XP, he needs to do Emergency Bible Studies. That takes 8 hours.
These are real hours, not just game hours, so if you want those 46XP, then you have to wait 8 long hours. Granted, you don't have to actively play the entire time, but still.
So to speed up time, your option is to use the donuts you've already earned (which isn't a whole ton), or buy them via IAP. Technically, you don't need to buy them. But you're going to want to, and that kind of sucks.
There is a balance here that I've found, however. Some tasks that take 24 hours to accomplish don't earn as much as a task that's less than half as long would earn if done two or three times. So if you do that shorter task twice, you'll actually earn more long term.
The Social Aspect
The game also gives you the option to visit your friends' cities and then steal their stuff. To test this, I setup different accounts on my iPad and iPhone and tried to get them to connect. It didn't.
Although this is supposed to give you a sense of integration with your pals, the problem is that connections were sporadic. I could find my iPhone's game from my iPad, but the other way around only worked once out of four attempts. Whether it was a network thing on their end or not I really don't know, but the Wi-Fi signal was strong on my side.
Peripheral Entertainment
When I was playing Pocket Planes, I found myself with my iPad propped up to the left of my keyboard so I could tap the screen occasionally to get something done. That's exactly how things operated with The Simpsons: Tapped Out. Is it fun? Yes. But since I don't want to spend a small fortune in IAPs, it's a waiting game. That can drain on you after time, as it did to me.
But the nice thing about this game is that it's the Simpsons, not some pixelated characters in an airport. I wanted to add more characters and see how big I could get my city. Sure, I understand that's where they get you, but I was fine with putting in my time because without using IAP, it doesn't cost me anything extra.
iPad or iPhone?
In my testing with the app, I put the iPad and iPhone against each other to see which one is more fun. Unfortunately, there's no syncing that I can tell, so even if I wanted to play the same game on the two devices, I couldn't. But what I could do is play against each other.
Overall, this game is much better visually on the iPad. The bigger screen makes it much easier to tap everything you need, plus it's easier to see the characters (which can get kind of small). Don't get me wrong, I'd play it on either device. But if I had to choose just one, it'd be the iPad.
Final Thoughts
Grinding games can be a bit annoying, but when you've got the right motivation, things become a lot more interesting. The Simpsons: Tapped Out isn't a perfect game, but with a little bit of strategy and a whole bunch of time, you can do pretty good.
I spent a good few days on the game while doing this review, and I think I'll probably spend another week or two in Springfield before I leave. I'll check in every now and again when I remember, but it won't be the end of the world if I forget. And that's just fine with me.
After Homer blows up Springfield, it's your job to rebuild the city in your image.
- The Simpsons: Tapped Out |
- Free |
- Electronic Arts