text:
Archive for February 2013
eternal day
"follow" me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Last weekend, a social engagement found Our Lady and myself breaking bread with another couple at an Indian place here in Astoria. One of our quartet is a Federal Employee, who was describing the practical effects of the so called "sequestration" upon the mechanics of the Government. Simple transactions, such as getting a tax return check or obtaining a new passport, will be delayed. She continued that in her case, she would simply not be able to go to work for a period, despite the urgency of her task.
The paroled child molesters whom she normally polices will simply have no one looking after them.
What could go wrong?
All the way up the food chain, however, chaos will ensue as Federal functionaries are furloughed, and the Defense Department has to start laying off soldiers. Medical research will also be hard hit.
Remember that a motto of the far right wing, when referring to the Federal Government, is to "starve the beast."
Remember that when the Cubans invade Texas next winter.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Visions of the Roman Senate and Pompey Magnus danced in my head, and the sound of galloping horses approaching the Rubicon clouded my hearing. I tuned out my friend entirely, as I just couldn't discuss the subject without blowing my cool. All I could taste was fire, but after all, I had just eaten an entrée at an Indian restaurant.
After dinner, a new policy was decided and is announced today.
As of now, whenever a subject upsets or annoys me, I am going to block it out and go to my happy place.
In my case, that happy place is a bakery, and I shall blot out the reality of my situation and just think about cake. No more parables, politicians nor portents for me, not anymore, just pastry.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Intercession with the human hive is a good thing, allowing one to form opinions and offer new questions for expert answering. As many of the answers which have been offered in recent years have often forced one to retreat back into his "happy place" and resort to living in nothing more than a world of his own imagining- anticipation of visiting this inner paradise of baked goods often in the coming year nearly overwhelms.
Also, I make this sewer cover as 1910's-20's. How about y'all?
unthinkable gardens
"follow" me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Here's a little slice of life, from Astoria…
The public litter baskets are regularly emptied around these parts, DSNY does its thing well. The thing is, DOB does its thing pretty good too. Hence- they spend a lot of time looking for illegal sublets and apartments. One of the methods they use to determine the address from which a particular violation might emanate from are reports submitted by the DSNY and DOH inspectors who enforce the recycling rules. If a two family house is putting out more than a certain amount of garbage, for instance, it triggers further interest from these inspectors.
The inspectors are good at their job too, by the way.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Of course, what officialdom doesn't reckon is whom they are dealing with, here amongst the blessed hills of raven haired Astoria. A significant proportion of the population hereabouts was born overseas, and will relate tales of civil disobedience and outright partisan warfare against varied regimes- those of Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, and Tito are mentioned by older inhabitants. Younger residents will relate their antagonistic relationships with governments, and having stood tall before the dictatorial policies of (amongst others) Mubarak, Thatcher, and several South American military "Juntas." They do not fear Michael Bloomberg.
Resistance to bureaucracy is baked into their bones, and it is impossible to make them do something which they don't want to.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Accordingly, local custom has developed wherein the residents of these illegal apartment conversions are simply using the corner litter basket for household trash in order to not reveal the location where they are living.
Subsequently, the corner litter baskets are no longer usable for their intended purpose. Consequently, trash and litter are wind blown and gather wherever nature decides to deposit them, which is more often than not the sidewalks and fence lines of legal abodes. Said legal abodes are then ticketed for not cleaning the pavement, according to statute. Also, since the pavement is already covered in trash, there are no societal cues offered to discourage the populace from just dropping additional trash wherever they can.
The litter baskets are full up anyway.
vainly requested
"follow" me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle
– photo by Mitch Waxman
My bet is that this is mid 1960's, quite possibly a 1965, Buick LeSabre Custom Convertible which I spotted on Northern Blvd. a few months ago, here in Queens. For more on the storied history of the redoubtable LeSabre automobile line- check wikipedia.
The car was painted black, which magnified how bad ass it looked.
Gangster, in fact.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
One of the businesses which one can expect to find along a busy thoroughfare called Northern Blvd., here in Queens, are used car dealers. Aside from high volume sellers like Major Auto World, there exist a loquacious group of classic car dealers and mechanics. There is also a large operation near Astoria Blvd. that offers older and more esoteric vehicles, whose inventory is a wonder for both area wag and young enthusiast alike.
By "classic," we are generally referring to pre 1972 era vehicles. Essentially, cars were built heavy and fast back then, and burned through gasoline in a manner that did not anticipate the rise of OPEC.
from wikipedia
Americans are divided on the exact era in which a "classic car" can be identified.
Many Americans divide automobiles by separate eras:
horseless carriages (19th century experimental automobiles such as the Daimler Motor Carriage), antique cars (brass era cars such as the Ford Model T), and classic cars (typically 1930s cars such as the Cord 812 through the end of the muscle car period in the 1970s – a majority use the 1972 model year as the cutoff).
The late seventies are disputed as being "classics", as the oil crisis of 1973 brought several now-infamous cars such as the Ford Pinto and AMC Gremlin.
The 1980s are often viewed as the early modern period due to the rise of Japanese automakers such as Toyota and Nissan.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
One should like to mention that there seems to be an inconsistency in the grill of this LeSabre with at least one other photo I've viewed, the sort revealed by google images, but am unsure as to its meaning- which one is "cherry" with the OEM grill?
Lords and ladies, if any of you are "car people," please elucidate and educate using the "comments."
I can tell you, however, that this was not the factory paint. Yeesh.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
When I was a young but already humble narrator, and became cognizant of those glories which were automobiles, these veritable land yachts had already begun to disappear due to the rising cost of gasoline and the concordant efforts of the Federal Government to encourage and command fuel efficiency standards for manufacturers. Modern cars are a wonder to behold and are far easier to drive safely while consuming a fraction of what this thirsty LeSabre would.
Still… just look at that…
doubly glad
"follow" me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle
– photo by Mitch Waxman
After the "anxious band" posting a couple of weeks ago, an email was received from none other than the Historian of Old St. Pat's Cathedral- Jim Garrity. Mr. Garrity's message was gladly accepted, as he offered the key to unlock the mystery of who the enigmatic monument described was dedicated to.
First- it was Jeanne Du Lux and John P. Ferrie inscribed upon the stone, names which were familiar to one such as Mr. Garrity, whose expertise on the subject of the 19th century Irish experience in New York City will be questioned only by madmen and fools.
With the help of Mr. Garrity's sound advice and excellent tomb stone deciphering skills, the story is now clear.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
"With these provisions of the code in force Jeanne Du Lux a woman of French extraction died November 15th, 1854 at an advanced age in the city of New York intestate leaving a large personal estate to be administered and distributed according to the laws of the place of her domicile."
That's from 1871's "Reports of Cases Argued and Adjudged in the Supreme Court of the United States, Volume 80" (courtesy google books).
So's this-
"Within a month of her decease John Pierre Ferrie applied to the surrogate of the county of New York for letters of administration on her estate claiming them on the ground that he was her only child and therefore her sole heir at law and next of kin.
This application was opposed… During the pendency of these proceedings, Benoit Julien Caujolle Bert Barthelemy Canjolle, and Mauretta Elie, with their respective wives, appeared before the surrogate and asked to be heard alleging that they were the next of kin and for that reason entitled to intervene in the matter of the administration and to share upon the distribution of the estate and asking to receive their distributive share of the same."
– photo by Mitch Waxman
It seems that Mr. Ferrie had to assert and prove his rights as heir in several high profile cases, included defending himself in his native France. The French Consulate and New York State ruled in his favor, but appeals elevated the dispute all the way to the Supreme Court.
At question was his status as having been born a bastard.
In the end, the bastard won, and is buried with his mom beneath an opulent monument that has carried both of their portraits for more than a century. You never know what you're going to find at Calvary Cemetery in Queens- and sometimes- the things that you do find, you should ask a smart friend about. Thanks Jim!
from 1867's New York Daily Tribune, courtesy fultonhistory.com
later developments
"follow" me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Just a quick one for Maritime Sunday this week, of the Marjorie B. McAllister tug steaming out of the Kill Van Kull. Iconic backgrounds notwithstanding, this is a pretty cool little boat, and deserving of a hearty "Hi."
Project Firebox 60
"follow" me on Twitter at @newtownpentacle
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Perennial shadow is what it has dwelt in, surrounded on three sides by mammoth Astorian apartment blocks on 34th avenue at 45th street, for more than a half century. Regardless of the darkness, it stands eternal vigil, connecting a vulnerable corner to the grid via a tenuous sarabande of copper wire. Shine on, noble firebox, shine on.
treasures offered
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Lots to do next week, meetings and galas, all sorts of situations to feel socially awkward in are coming up. Smart and well positioned opinion will be available for the price of attendance, at Newtown Creek Alliance's "Spotlight on Citizen Science" on Monday the 25th in Long Island City.
NCA's February meeting will highlight the wide array of local citizen and student scientists exploring all angles of the creek. The meeting will be structured as a showcase, with quick presentations on each topic, and materials for you to peruse in person. Come mingle with your local citizen scientists.
NCA Spotlight on Citizen Science
February 25, 2013 at 6pm
LaGuardia Community College
E Building, Room E-242
– photo by Mitch Waxman
A different sort of gathering will be happening at The India House Club, when Working Harbor Committee hosts its annual Gala, and this year's honoree is Lucy Ambrosino. A great party, the Gala gathers the movers and shakers of NY Harbor together, and proceeds from the event help fund the WHC's education programs and summer boat tours.
That's Tuesday the 26th.
from workingharbor.com
Lucy Ambrosino is being honored for her ardent commitment to the Port of New York and New Jersey and the working harbor which supports it. An effective and committed consensus builder, Lucy is a strong advocate and enthusiastic participant in all efforts to educate the public about the value of the working harbor.
The award will be presented by Andrew McGovern, President, New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilots at 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday Evening – 26 February 2013
India House Club — Marine Room
One Hanover Square, New York City, NY 10004
6 o'clock — 8:30 o'clock – Business Attire
– photo by Mitch Waxman
A town hall meeting, with the NYS DOT and several local elected leaders, will discuss the upcoming Kosciuszko Bridge project. The meeting is being hosted by OUTRAGE, a community group concerned by the enormous footprint of truck based industry in North Brooklyn.
That's Wednesday the 27th.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Lastly, the unfortunate locale and long neglected and seldom considered municipality called Manhattan will be the setting for a "Long Term Control Plan: Citywide Modeling Workshop."
Discussions of the recently experienced meteorological phenomena and concurrent flooding is necessitated and accordingly an understanding of the "New Normal" will be offered by the authorities. Ramifications will be explored, existential quandaries expounded upon and considered by representatives of the inestimable NYS DEC and the stalwart NYC DEP.
This one is Thursday the 28th, and I'm sure it will be a civil engineering and urban planning hootenanny.
from nyc.gov
Thursday, February 28, 2013 at US Customs House, Auditorium, 1 Bowling Green from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is co-hosting a citywide workshop to present and review the modeling processes that will be used to test potential alternatives identified as part of the Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) Program with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). At the workshop, DEP and DEC staff will review the Watershed/Landside and Hydrodynamic/Water Quality models and the proposed baseline assumptions for evaluating the benefits of CSO control alternatives.


text:
Anyone with a passing interest in WWE wrestling or celebrity culture will know by now that WWE superstar Charlotte Flair has become the latest victim of phone hacking. As reported in the Inquisitr yesterday, nude pictures of Flair were circulated on the internet last week, reportedly as a result of her cell phone being hacked. Charlotte has confirmed that the pictures are hers, and asked for them to be removed from the internet. The photographs in question show Flair posing naked in front of a mirror whilst taking selfies on her cell phone.
Of course, the whole matter was blown out of proportion by the tabloid press. Flair's nude images were described as X-rated, but in truth, Charlotte's images are no more explicit than thousands of similar shots taken every day. Flair's images were certainly innocent when compared with the images and video leaks suffered by fellow WWE star Paige. In those images, Paige was pictured performing sexual acts with two different male wrestlers. WWE fans were not amused to discover that Paige had used her championship belt as a prop in one of the leaked videos.
Paige and Flair are not the only female WWE stars who have suffered leaks. WWE stars Alexa Bliss, Victoria, and Former WWE Divas Maria and Kaitlyn have also been subject of photo leaks. Bliss denies that the images leaked are of her and say's they are badly photoshopped fakes.
Sadly, it seems that WWE stars like Charlotte and Paige need to be much more careful with their personal data. Celebrity photo scandals are nothing new, there have been hundreds in recent years, though it does seem that female WWE stars are at high risk at present.
Of course, Flair and Paige suffer huge personal embarrassment when private images are leaked, but such leaks can be far more damaging than mere embarrassment.
Is Charlotte Flair Subject Of A Blackmail Attempt, Is Someone Trying To Damage The WWE Brand?
At present, we do not know the reason that lies behind Charlotte Flair's phone hack. Flair has been a trailblazer in women's wrestling. A four-time women's champion, Charlotte has done much to raise the profile of women in sports entertainment, and she recently became the first woman to have a headline bout on all three of Monday Night Raw, SmackDown Live, and a WWE PPV event.
Flair is a role model; she works hard to show young women that with dedication, they can be high-achievers. The leak of Flair's private images will hurt her image and that will be a real blow to her. Just as importantly, Forbes speculates that Flair's leak, on top of similar leaks, is hurting the WWE's family-friendly image. They argue that, in the digital age, the WWE brand must depend on its family-friendly image if it is to survive and prosper.
Charlotte is the public face of WWE women's wrestling, so such a public embarrassment for Flair is also an embarrassment for the WWE network. It is sad, that in the modern world, there is money to be made from getting hold of private images of stars like Charlotte Flair and Paige. The photos can be used to extort money from celebrities whose image could be damaged by private photo leaks. There is a market for nude celebrity images from websites and "revenge porn" sites, and of course, companies sometimes seek to damage rivals by causing them public embarrassment.
Sadly, WWE stars like Flair and Paige are not the only female sports stars to be hacked recently. My MMA News reports that current UFC stars Raquel Pennington and Angela Magana have recently had hacked private pictures released on the internet. Former UFC star Jessamyn Duke has also been a victim. They speculate that the hackers may be targeting victims for financial gain.
Whatever the real motivation, both WWE and UFC would do well to support their athletes and to try to help them ensure that similar issues are avoided in the future.
[Featured Image by WWE]

subset: commoncrawl


text:
BOLTON boss Owen Coyle lauded his old guard as his side eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup at the expense of Macclesfield at the second attempt.
Former England striker Kevin Davies struck within seconds of the first whistle and, when Martin Petrov latched on to Tuncay's pass to thump in number two midway through the half, Bolton were all but home and hosed.
Coyle couldn't have been happier with the showing by his senior stars in the third-round replay, following the 2-2 draw at the Moss Rose 10 days ago.
He said: "I thought Tuncay and Kevin Davies were terrific, particularly in the first half, there were a lot of positives to take from the match.
"There's no getting away from the fact it should have been more emphatic. In the first half we passed the ball well and scored two good goals and created numerous other chances.
"In the second half – and I stressed this to the players – they probably thought the game had been too easy for them, if I'm honest and that they'd won the game. But for me you've got to keep your foot on the pedal.
"As a striker it's always important to score goals. I can vouch for that, I got about 297 myself, so I know it's always important to get among the goals and Kevin will certainly have enjoyed that.
"But Kevin's about more than just scoring goals, there's what he brings to the team, he was winning his headers and bringing us up the pitch and he looked as if there was that zest and enthusiasm about him. That augers well for us in the second half of the season."
Macc boss Gary Simpson added: "It wasn't the ideal start to concede within 30 seconds. At this level if they get a chance they punish you.
"After 25 minutes, if we had still been level, we would have been happy with our start because we played all right. In the second half we tried to keep a clean sheet, which we did. Then, in the last 20 minutes, we had a good go at them."
BOLTON: Bogdan 7, Riley 7, Boyata 6, Wheater 7, Ricketts 6 (Robinson 63 7), Tuncay 7 (O'Halloran 81 6), Reo-Coker 6, M Davies, Petrov , K Davies , Klasnic 7 (Ngog 63). Subs not used: Lynch, Knight, Blake, Pratley.
MACCLESFIELD: Veiga 6, Bateson 5 (Whiteoak 88 6), Brisley 8, Brown 7, Tremarco 7, Hamshaw 6 (Mukendi 82 6), Wedgbury 6 (Fairhurst 46 6), Mendy 6, Diagne 5, Hewitt 7, Daniel 6. Subs not used: Collis, Kay, Morgan, Fisher.


text:
SBB Steel Focus Germany 2011
Our first SBB Steel Focus Germany has now finished. We look forward to meeting you at our next SBB event.
The presentations from the conference are now available to download for all the conference participants. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take our online survey. Please click here, it only takes 3 minutes. After you have completed the survey you will be directed to the conference presentations download page.
If you did not attend this event, you can still purchase the presentations. Please email email@example.com for more information.
Steel news in
English | 中文 | Português | Español | Deutsch | Italiano | Русский


text:
My, how he hated the emaciated sub-species. It gave him no small amount of pleasure to drive his Daimler slowly along the perimeter fence laughing heartily at their plight.
In moments of particular malice it was his singular delight to have them polish the bodywork.
'This automobile is like you. A collection of elements brought to heel and bound up in a chamber of fiery combustion into which gas is pumped.'
Defeat came quickly and there was little time for sentimentality. He left his precious vehicle behind and fled into obscurity – abandoning his Reich and his identity.
For many years he retreated ever south, constantly in fear of capture, plummeting at last to a lowly lean-to in the woods…
…outside of which…
…one morning…
…he discovered the husk of his once proud possession.
Despite the revulsion there was something to be admired in their audacity.
'I can only imagine the logistics involved in such a feat.'
They rose from the undergrowth and spoke as one.
'This automobile is like you. Burnt out, expended.'
Written for: Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers


text:
Privacy Policy
Free Marketeers P/L understands and appreciates that people may be concerned about their privacy and about the confidentiality and security of information gained about them. Free Marketeers P/L is committed to protecting your privacy and to complying with the National Privacy Principles.
Information collected
Free Marketeers P/L may gain information about you if you complete a form on this web site or send a email via a link on the site.
Use and disclosure of information
Personal information which a person supplies is collected by Free Marketeers P/L for use in connection with conducting its business. Such uses include matters related to the processing of requests for services or information. Information provided in surveys that may be conducted from time to time is generally used for statistical purposes.
Free Marketeers P/L will not disclose personal information concerning a prospect or client without their consent. Please note that the information provided by prospects or clients may be disclosed to Free Marketeers P/L agents, contractors or third party service providers who provide administrative, telecommunications, computer or other services to Free Marketeers P/L in connection with the operation of its business and who are under duties to Free Marketeers P/L to keep such information confidential and secure.
Free Marketeers P/L maintains strict standards and security procedures to prevent unauthorised access to prospects' and clients' personal information and to ensure the correct use of information.
Client access to information
Free Marketeers P/L will always try to maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date information regarding prospects and clients. There are procedures in place which facilitate amendments and verification of personal information. If a person thinks that their personal information which is retained by Free Marketeers P/L may require changing or updating, they should contact Free Marketers P/L. Free Marketeers P/L will then take all reasonable steps to correct the information so that it is accurate, complete and up-to-date.
If a person has a complaint regarding the way in which their personal information is being handled by Free Marketeers P/L, they should contact Free Marketeers P/L in the first instance. If the parties are unable to reach a satisfactory solution through negotiation, the person may wish to request an independent person to investigate the complaint such as the Privacy Commissioner.


text:
Greenville, SC Author Publishes Children's Christmas Book
July 12, 2017 (PRLEAP.COM) Entertainment NewsJuly 12, 2017 - The Snowflakes Find Christmas Spirit in Mittenboro, a new book by Burma Hill, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.
Harrison is a little boy who is very disappointed to be sick at Christmastime. All he wants to do is go outside and make snow angels, but his doctor will not allow it. Little does he know that a group of special friends are listening by the windowsill!
Brr the snowflake feels so sorry for Harrison that he decides to go inside and play him, in spite of the danger he will face in the warm air. One by one, the other snowflakes join him, as they realize that helping this little boy is the best way to spend their Christmas.
The Snowflakes Find Christmas Spirit in Mittenboro shares a message of friendship and compassion, proving that helping someone in need brings joy to everyone.
About the Author:
Burma Hill first wrote this story in fourth grade. Now a mother and grandmother, she has finally brought her snowflakes to the world.
In addition to writing, she also enjoys travelling, going to church, and spending time with her grandchildren. She lives in Greenville, South Carolina, with her dog, Paco.
The Snowflakes Find Christmas Spirit in Mittenboro is a 30-page paperback with a retail price of $19.00. The ISBN is 978-1-4809-3093-3. It was published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, or to request a review copy, please go to our virtual pressroom at www.dorrancepressroom.com or our online bookstore at www.dorrancebookstore.com.
Contact Information
Jessica Stillwell
Dorrance Publishing
Contact Us
Jessica Stillwell
Dorrance Publishing
Contact Us


text:
How States Have Responded to the EPA's Health Advisory Level for Cyanotoxins
In 2016, the second edition of our SDWA Newsletter discussed algal blooms and algal toxins. At that time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established health advisories for two algal toxins, microcystin and cylindrospermopsin. The HAs had been in effect for about one year following several algal blooms that gained nationwide attention. The HAs provide guidance to regulators concerning safe levels of contaminant exposure over a period of time but are not regulated or federally enforced.
Learn how these documents provide guidance and information to water systems and how to mitigate risks from cyanotoxins in drinking water.
Insight Topic


text:
She was in her comfort zone, the Virtue Field 18-yard box, but Meg James was far from comfortable.
The task for the reigning iron man on the University of Vermont women's soccer team: Shooting 15 seconds of promotional video on preseason photo day. Every player had to take her turn in front of the camera with an audience of Catamount teammates and coaches.
"It's an extremely long time when you're just standing there," James said.
Compared to the 1,637 minutes James played as a freshman defender — every minute of competition last season, more than any other Catamount — it's next to nothing. But that first-year emergence is what makes the sophomore from Sharon, Mass. so important for head coach Kristi Lefebvre's team this fall.
James is the lone holdover on the backline after the graduation of seniors Haley Marks, Alexa DeMaio and Ellie Mills.
— PRESEASON: UVM picked 6th in America East coaches' poll
— RELATED: Catamounts ink nine recruits for 2014 season
"We knew we were getting a great player and a tough player. We figured she'd be someone that would step right in and contribute right away," Lefebvre said. "But to play every minute of every game is not something we fully expect of anybody, let alone a freshman center back."
The 5-foot-5 defender proved not just reliable but provided well-timed steel in the defensive half of the field.
"A lot of times it's easy to put technical players back there that can do really well with the ball but unfortunately you lose something sometimes on that defensive end — tackling, positioning, that sort of thing," Lefebvre said. "Meg is one of the best tacklers I've ever seen 1-v-1."
Head coach Kristi Lefebvre breaks down 'preseason' with CatamounTV as the Vermont women's soccer team gears up for the 2014 campaign. The Catamounts kick off the regular season on Aug. 22 and 24 hosting the TD Bank Classic at Virtue Field.
Yet even as a four-star recruit coming out of high school, according to topdrawersoccer.com, James didn't anticipate having the impact she did as quickly as she did.
"I knew I would probably be playing center back but I had no idea what roles people had on the team already," she said. "I wasn't really expecting anything."
It helped playing beside the dynamic Marks, who brought speed, experience, a thundering shot and a penchant for runs out of the back that made her a threat across the field. To boost the rookie's acclimation to her central role, Lefebvre also paired James with Marks on road trips.
"We wanted them to get a lot of experience just being with each other," Lefebvre said. "But any little bit extra — give them a packet of tactical info, have a team meeting and maybe they go back and talk about it afterward. We just figured any little bit would help."
What has set James apart already, Lefebvre said, is her self-awareness, an ability to recognize strengths and weaknesses in herself and teammates, and adapt.
"She knows how to articulate it and be honest," Lefebvre said. "She knows she's not Haley. She knows they're very different, so I don't expect we'll see Meg go on any 60-yard runs anytime soon."
And, unlike when she arrived on campus as a freshman, her standing within the team is no longer a mystery.
"I definitely have a bigger role this year so I can only hope to be a leader out there, try my best, make sure everyone else feels as comfortable as I did when I was a freshman," James said. "It feels like forever ago but it's not."
Contact Austin Danforth at 651-4851 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/eadanforth


text:
Grave of French Jew Murdered in 2006 Vandalized With anti-Semitic Writing
France's interior minister said unknown vandals' desecration of the plaque honoring Ilan Halimi was 'cowardly and odious'
France's interior minister has condemned the desecration of a prominent Jewish grave plaque near Paris by unknown vandals as "cowardly and odious."
Gerard Collomb said the plaque in homage to Ilan Halimi, a French Jew murdered in 2006, was pulled off, thrown on the ground and covered with anti-Semitic writing.
Collomb noted that the plaque had previously been vandalized in 2015.
France's leading Jewish group the CRIF said that this latest event highlights the country's persistent anti-Semitism.
Halimi was held and tortured for three weeks before being murdered in a suburb of Paris by a French criminal gang.
Want to enjoy 'Zen' reading - with no ads and just the article? Subscribe todaySubscribe now


text:
Later when Wizkids released their Ultimates line I was really hoping for an improved version that was much closer to the Ultimates version depicted in the book. The good news was the figure released was a significant improvement, but it was the modern version of the Ultimates Captain America. Overall it was probably usable and I could make him look more WWII by adding a helmet and a Thompson submachine gun and helmet. However I liked the double breasted shirt depicted in the comic, so I was holding out for a WWII version from Wizkids.
Then it was finally released and I couldn't help buf fall over laughing. Although having the WWII style costume complete with helmet, double breasted shirt, ammo pouches, army boots with gaiters and even the original shield. However this was one of the most laughable and disapointing Clix figure I had ever seen. First of all the head is so poorly sculpted it looks like a cartoon parody. In fact the first thing I thought was "It's Henchman #24 wearing a lame Captain America Halloween costume and holding a .......not a Thompson SMG, but an undersized toy version of an AK-47???". Not only does the helmet look undersized, like a an adult wearing a children's toy helmet, but didn't even look like a WWII vintage US Army issue helmet. I think the original style shield was the only thing that could be useful.
Well in the meantime I picked up Marvel Heroscape from Hasbro and it had one of the best Captain America figures I've ever seen. Static but heroic pose but far better sculpt in terms of details than any that Wizkids had put out. However, he was the classic comic depiction complete with the scalemail costume. Despite that I wanted to use this figure as the basis of my project. I started to gather the other parts I needed. Helmet and ammo pouches from a 1/48 Tamiya US Army figure set. I find these Tamiya figure sets have lots of good bitz to use for 28mm figure conversion and are pretty reasonably priced. I could probably use the Thompson SMG from the kit as well but I found that the plastic weapons may be accurately scaled they just looked too small and thin. Furthermore too flimsey for any gaming use. I instead ordered some pewter ones from Hasslefree Miniatures. After all the necessary bitz were collected, I had them boxed and then lost.
So after my WWII Japanese and US Marines were done, Cap was put next into the que. Furthermore I had a really cool Red Skull that came in the Marvel Heroscape set and picked up a decent looking Bucky from Marvel Heroclix as well.
The Red Skull, looked a bit cartoonishly proportioned by overall I really liked the look of him. He had character and I think the paintjob really detracted from him (those huge gobs of paint in the eye sockets really don't do the figure justice in the photos). Holding the pair of Lugers and the trenchcoat reminded me of a really cool picture of him which also seemed to inspire the looks for the movie.
Bucky was pretty much the classic Bucky complete with double breasted shirt I wanted on Cap as well. However I was pretty much committed to the scalemail version, as the movie used his costume as sort of body armor (ala the Batman movies) I figured the scalemail would make some sort of ballistic protection.
I wanted a more functional look and wanted to incorporate more standard US Army issue gear to match up with the Ultimates comics and the movie. First of all I had to get rid of the boots. The boots had that comic style cuffs that really don't fit. I wanted more of an army boot with gaiters. However the Tamiya figures were just too slim to fit onto the muscular legs of Captain America. Of all the figures I ended up using, it was that horrible clix figure of WWII Ultimates Captain America. Cutting off the boots of both figures and then timming the Clix figure boots to go onto my Heroscape version to match the same length. However I noticed that sculpter even had these boots at two significantly different lengths. However there was enough material to trim both to the same length and match the lenght of the original boots. One foot was bent as part of the dynamic pose. By cutting a few slits in the ankle, I was able to bend the foot to the pose I needed. Then filled the slits in with super glue and accelerant.
The Heroscape figure came with the shield on the right arm. I wanted it on the left with the Thompson in the right. Trimming off the shield was easy as it was simply glued on to the arm. However the arm was molded with a feature to locate and hold the shield. I ended up cutting the right forearm from the original Marvel Heroclix figure. Turns out it was about the same size and had identically styled gloves. This also allowed me to repose the arm in the position I wanted. The shield easily glued onto the left arm.
The helmet required me to trim off the top of Cap's head. However I found that fitting a Tamiya plastic helmet, it just looked too small with no detail and almost like a toy helmet. Fortunately I found a DC Heroclix Easy Company Soldier that I was able to get a decent looking helmet that was much more proportionately sized.
I added some combat webbing using some green stuff. Also cleaned up the seam for the boots. The Ammo pouches, canteen, and hand grenades were from a combination of Tamiya parts and from Warlord Games Plastic British Commandos. The new Warlord plastic figures are just fantastic with lots of extra bitz for customizing.
Overall, my version of Captain America sort of captures a lot of elements inspired from the classic comic, the Ultimates comic and the early movie version costume. Cap was then mounted on Secret Weapons Trench Works themed 30 mm lipped base. For added detail I included a downed sign from the Tamiya WWII Roadsign set.
The Red Skull on the other hand, really didn't need much conversion work as I was concerned. So I just mounted him on another Trench base and added some German ammo cases and a sign.
Bucky proved to be a bit more of a problem. Cap's costume looked a lot more functional now and Bucky just didn't seem to match up. Rather than coverting the figure more, I decided to take the approach from the movie where Bucky simply work a standard US Army uniform. Taking a figure from the Tamiya figure set I found the one running with a BAR a neat pose to use. Furthermore, the slimmer stature of the Tamiya plastics seemed to keep the smaller boyish look when compared to Cap's super soldier physique. First I cut off Bucky's head and transferred it to the body. I decided no helmet as it would destroy any recognition of Bucky. However I wanted something to make it look like he was wearing more than a standard US Army issue uniform. I ended up transferring the gloves from the Clix figure. Not only did this give him a bit of super hero flare but it matched up with Cap. I trimmed off the Thompson SMG and glued in a pewter Hasslefree part. I changed the pose of the arms, due to the available plastic arms I had to work with. Rather than having the left hand cup the barrel of the Thompson, I made it look like Bucky is giving a thumbs up. The pose reminds me of some comic covers and I can almost hear Bucky say "hey Cap, I just shot up a bunker full Nazis back there!"
I then finished off the figure with some canteens, ammo pouches and hand grenades from the Tamiya set. Bucky is also mounted on a Secret Weapons Trench base and I added a sandbag from Itar's Workshop.
Now all the major conversion work is done. These figures will be off to the primer table and be ready to paint.


text:
Poll: What do you prefer? Vote Now!
Author has written 5 stories for Naruto, Blade, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Dragon Age, and Assassin's Creed.
Personal Motto: Snipers may be cowards... but you're still dead.
Twelve reasons to date a Martial Artist
Gender: Male.
Favorite Pairings:
Writers whose stories I admire: Blueowl, MissAnneThropic, Littleminnie, Blue Sigma, Sarge1995, Hazza137, Herr Wozzeck, iNf3ctioNZ, SpaceAnJL
Released Stories:
Naruto of the Dúnedain NarutoXLord of the Rings. Naruto is run out of the village at the age of eight. In the forests south of Konoha, he finds a nomadic group of men and elves known as the Dúnedain. During his time with the Dúnedain, he and Kyubi unlock a seal that was limiting his powers and growth, including his Elvish heritage. He is Namikaze Naruto, son of Namikaze Minato, in the line of Legolas. In Progress: Sporadic Updates
Heroes Never Die: Ronin Mahariel A self-insert into DA:O. After a rescue that ended badly, a young man finds himself in his favorite game when he thinks he should be knocking on heavens door. He's got all the memories of his life, memories of the game, as well as the memories of the Dalish Elf Warden he's taken the place of. Not only that, it appears he's not on time, but running early: ten years early. How will the Blight end with him as a Grey Warden? MaharielXLeliana. In Progress
Shihai no Chikara. (Mastery of the Force) A NarutoXStar Wars Crossover. Naruto is attacked when he fourteen, though he unconsciously wields the Force before he sustains any major injuries. Startled by this revelation, Kyubi, a Force-user himself, begins to speak to Naruto and leads him away from Konoha to train his new abilities. NarutoXHinata. In Progress: Working on Final Chapter
Za Hiruhoko Sha. (The Daywalker) A NarutoXBlade Crossover. Naruto, at age fourteen, begins to notice changes affecting him. He drinks but still feels thirsty, even consuming large amounts of liquid, he still is thirsty, the fluids never quenching the burning thirst. Pairings undecided. On Hiatus: May do over.
Harry Potter and the Brotherhood Harry PotterXAssassins Creed. Harry Potter never attended Hogwarts. Instead, he was taken by his father's friends and allies and trained at the Masyaf Assassin Fortress. He is now known to most of his Assassin brothers and sisters as Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, Master Assassin of the Brotherhood. How will the Wizarding World react to a blade-wielding, ass-kicking, Assassin Harry Potter? HarryXFleur. In Progress
Idea Corner. To those who visit, feel free to comment on my ideas.
Mass Effect Unleashed Star Wars Force UnleashedXMass Effect. Galen Marek, AKA Starkiller, scans and finds ruins of an ancient race on a planet while searching for any Imperial bases in that sector. His actions in the ruins activate the mechanisms within, sending the Jedi into the Mass Effect world, armed with only his lightsabers, his wits and the Force. How will Saren react to having a Jedi on his tail?
Sightless A response to a challenge from pudgypudge. When Naruto is born, he is used to seal the Kyubi no Kitsune away. At seven years of age, Naruto disappears, leaving without a trace. Eight years later, a blind man walks into town. No one knows who he is, where he came from, or what his plans are. Who is he?
Harry Potter and the Seventh Ka'Kari Harry Potter sees a man no one else can see: a man whose skin is black, whose eyes are blue and breathes flames. Kylar, noticing a pair of watchful eyes, invites him to be trained by a wizard who has been alive for thousands of years. Both Kylar and the Wolf like the boy and decide, after sensing that he has no conduit for his magic, that he will take on the mantle of the Night Angel. He will be the new avatar of Justice, the Night Angel, wielder of Retribution and the Black Ka'Kari.
Mass Effect Self-Insert into Mass Effect. A nineteen year old is dropped into Mass Effect eight years before the events of Mass Effect I, right in the middle of a pirate raid on a colony. As the only one who escapes the slavers bullets and clutches, he blames the Alliance for not being fast enough. Later, he is approached by a small group of elite ex-soldiers, who want to have him join up and help them hunt pirates.
Fav. Quotes
"Why, Banning Miller! What a vision you are in your fine dress. It must have taken a dozen slaves a dozen days just to get you into that getup. 'Course, your daddy tells me it takes the space of a schoolboy's wink to get you out of it again." -Dinstinguished Old Man/Firefly-Shindig
"I don't carry a knife. I have idiots who carry a knife for me." -Chad Barry
"I've embraced being a pacifist...I'm about to pass-a-fist across your face." -Warmech Prime
"Moron." -Sherlock Holmes/Sherlock
"Oh my god! It's grotesque! Oh, and there's something in a jar." Wash/Firefly-The Message
"I just said I never had much use for one. I didn't say I didn't know how to use it." -Matthew Quigley/Quigley Down Under
"I suggest we play a game called, 'Have you met Ted?'" -Barney/How I Met Your Mother
"She isn't filling a girl-shaped hole in his life. He's made a Penny-shaped hole, just for her. She's his 'deal'." -SpaceAnJL/The Paladin Protocol
"Writing is a solitary occupation. Family, friends and society are the natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone, uninterrupted, and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking." -Jessamyn West
"Me? I'm dishonest. And a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest. Honestly, it's the honest ones you want to watch out for, because you can never predict when they're going to do something incredibly... stupid." -Captain Jack Sparrow/Curse of the Black Pearl
"I have always considered myself a liar. It is my profession to deceive. Not only do I tell stories about events that did not happen featuring people who do not exist, I spend all of that time trying to throw you off. I want you to think things happened one way, when I know they happened another. I want you to think that the innocent are guilty and that the guilty are innocent. I want to lie directly to your face, and I want you to thank me for it." -Richard Castle/
"Not to mention imaginary." -Sheldon Cooper/Big Bang Theory
"Legendary!" Barney/How I Met Your Mother
"Ah gravity, thou art a heartless bitch." -Sheldon Cooper/Big Bang Theory
"Je ne sais pas." -Sherlock Holmes/Sherlock Holmes
"This mustn't register on an emotional level...First, distract target... then block his blind jab, counter with cross to left cheek. Discombobulate. Dazed, will attempt wild haymaker. Employ elbow block, and body shot. Block feral left, weaken right jaw, now fracture. Break cracked ribs, traumatize solar plexus, dislocate jaw entirely. Heel kick to diaphragm... in summary: ears ringing, jaw fractured, three ribs cracked, four broken, diaphragm hemorrhaging. Physical recovery: six weeks. Full psychological recovery: six months. Capacity to spit at back of head: neutralized." -Sherlock Holmes/Sherlock Holmes
"You wanna know how you do it? Here's how, they pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That's the Chicago way, and that's how you get Capone! Now do you want to do that? Are you ready to do that?"-Jim Malone/ The Untouchables
"Six words: You. Look. Fat. In. Those. Jeans. You're free to go!" -Barney/How I Met Your Mother
"If you call his house, 'Hello, this is Steven Hawking.' I'd like to leave a message. 'No, this Is Steven Hawking.'" -Robin Williams/Inside the Actor's Studio
"I'm going to bed, rah-cha-cha...but not alone, rah-cha-cha...like you are, rah-cha-cha...am I getting the point across, rah-cha-cha..." -Warmech Prime
"My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next." -Maximus Decimus Meridius/ Gladiator
"Boom, Headshot! Killing Spree! Killing Riot! Killtacular! I'm Batman!" -Red/Dick Figures
"Amonkira, Lord of Hunters, grant that my hands be steady, my aim be true, and my feet be swift. And should the worst come to pass, grant me forgiveness." -Thane Krios/ Mass Effect 2
"They should invent a slammable revolving door… 'The Revolving Door you can Slam, for the days when you get exceptionally pissed off at the office'… and, yes, I just made 'slammable' a fucking word!" -Warmech Prime
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for I'm the baddest motherfucker in the valley!" -Eugene Small
"He who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat it. He who learns from it sits back and laughs as the idiots kill themselves." -Me
"If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving isn't for you... and bungee jumping... and deep sea diving... and..." -Warmech Prime
"I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you." -Bryan Mills/ Taken
"Mai? Oh, yeah. Little Asian chick, likes to kick people? I don't think she's gonna be talkin' to anybody for a really long time. Last time I saw her she was at the bottom of a elevator shaft with an SUV rammed up her ass." -John McClane/ Live Free or Die Hard
"Yipee-ki-yay, motherfucker." -John McClane/ Die Hard 1-4
"If we fight... there will be three hits: Me hitting you, you hitting the floor, and the ambulance hitting 120 on the highway." -Warmech Prime
"My logic is undeniable…… Well, it is deniable, but we'll get to that later. HEY LADIES!" -Warmech Prime
"If you want to quickly become strong... Firstly, make the fist as strong as the foot. Secondly, make the foot as handy as the fist." -Shigure/ Historys Strongest Disciple Kenichi
"Let's kill people... Oh, not you" -Loki/Dogma
"Gum? Oh these guys, these men were evil. You're a pure soul. You have nothing to worry about... But you did not say "God bless you" when I sneezed!" -Loki/Dogma
"Beautiful, naked, big-titted women just don't fall out of the sky, you know." -Jay/Dogma
"The only constant is death. The only thing that differs for every human being is the when, how and why." - Me
"Gentlemen, M'lady, you always remember this as the day that you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow!" -Captain Jack Sparrow/Pirates of the Carribean
"Oh, bugger." -Captain Jack Sparrow/Pirates of the Carribean
"Do I owe you money?" -Remy Lebeau/X-men Origins: Wolverine
"Wow. Koo-koo-ka-choo got screwed." Logan/ X-men Origins: Wolverine
"Kami, guide this pimp hand . . . make it strong . . . so that this wayward son of a bitch may speedily be delivered unto your hands! AMEN!" -Naruto/ Dead Maelstrom
"I put the fun in funeral and laughter in slaughter"-Unknown
"Nothing is true. Everything is permitted."-Altair/Assassins Creed
"Madness? This is Sparta!"-Leonidas/300
"Rest, prepare, cry in the corner...whatever you do before a mission, only do it quietly."-Malik/Assassins Creed
"Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking plane!" -Samuel L. Jackson/Snakes on a Plane
"You, you, and you...Panic. the rest of you, come with me...!" -from: Sunluver on deviantART
"When life gives you lemons, make cranberry juice and let the world figure out how the fuck you did it."-from: FloofyFan13 on deviantART
"Shoot first, shoot later, shoot again, then when everyone's dead, try to ask a question or two"-Artemis Gordon/ Wild Wild West
"Lord, we give you Curly. Try not to piss him off" -Cookie/City slickers
"Fuzzy Wuzzy was fox, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no socks. And when the Yondaime came out to play, Fuzzy Wuzzy got sealed away." -mdizzle/ Naruto, the Lycan Ninja
"Lots of people die needlessly, so why would your death be any different?" -Unknown
"Remember, remember the 5th of November. The gunpowder, treason, and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot." -V/ V for Vendetta
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici." -Evey Hammond/ V for Vendetta
"Ideas are bulletproof." -V/ V for Vendetta
"No, what you have are bullets, and the hope that when your guns are empty, I'm no longer standing, because if I am... you'll all be dead before you've reloaded." -V/ V for Vendetta
"Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin van-guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it's my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V." -V/ V for Vendetta
"None of you understand. I'm not locked up in here with you. You're locked up in here with me." -Rorschach/ Watchmen
"They say "Guns don't kill people, people kill people." Well I think the guns help. If you stood there and yelled BANG, I don't think you'd kill to many people." - Eddie Izzard
"Of course I'm out of my mind! It's dark and scary in there!" -Unknown
"Don't knock on death's door. Ring the bell and run. He hates that." -Unknown
"I'm not paranoid... WHICH ONE OF MY ENEMIES TOLD YOU THIS?!" -Unknown
"Never hit a man with glasses. Hit him with a baseball bat" -Unknown
Shihai no Chikara: Naruto's Whisper Knives. Top left picture. http:///lucaspage.htm
Harry Potter and the Brotherhood: Fleur's Birthday Dress.
Amael the Chosen (5)
Andrio (7)
Arthur88 (21)
bale626 (1)
Blueowl (16)
Bouncing Soul (6)
Cadsuane (17)
Clell65619 (47)
Crimson Lion (10)
DamienDarkside (1)
Darje (1)
Demon Spartan (8)
Derelict Vessel (0)
DinoJake (15)
DragonMaster4381 (4)
DriftWood1965 (6)
EcoSeeker247 (35)
EdStargazer (19)
EroSlackerMicha (32)
fantasyra (9)
Flashfox Tyrell05 (33)
Freedom Guard (46)
Freeride600 (3)
FreeTheKyuubi (3)
Fyreheart (11)
Genjutsu-Dragon (12)
Hakureisaiga (18)
Hazza137 (3)
Hector Enix (8)
iNf3ctioNz (7)
Janec Shannon (19)
jbern (8)
John Sparta (3)
JohnDeath (5)
Karasu87 (31)
Kit Noneko (1)
Leaf Ranger (15)
Levi Matthews (9)
Littleminnie (1)
LNicol1990 (24)
mackillian (10)
Made Nightwing (18)
Mine6Chan (13)
Miraen (5)
Mirror and Image (97)
Mr. Alaska (26)
MrWriterWriter (26)
Platinumsabr (9)
Proclivity4aks (1)
Rahlian (7)
Scarletstar20 (9)
secondplacechampion (13)
SergiusTheGreat (7)
Shadow Rebirth (26)
SpaceAnJL (40)
TCurry (9)
Tenraku-Ichi (3)
The Crimson Lord (7)
The Darkest Soul (15)
The Eezoman (9)
The Red Star (14)
thewordtree (0)
Thunderfury12124 (1)
Uzumaki Crossover (31)
venomRED (4)
Wyl (10)
Yathandra (0)
Ynyr (10)
ZenoNoKyuubi (35)


text:
Exile:- Hong Kong, the world's most vertical city where more people live above the 14th floor of their apartment blocks than any other city in the world, demands you leverage this skyscraper scenario to your own ends. Go to the 102 storey International Commerce Center, Union Square Kowloon. From the observation deck of the third tallest building in the world you can stand there and be totally alone. Everyone will be so enraptured with the view across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island they won't have time for you or your problems... and neither will you. You can take a room at the Ritz Carlton hotel that occupies the top fifteen floors and wake up to the most stunning skyline in the Orient, if not the world.
Express:- It's time to go 'Hong Kong side' and there is only one way to do it properly. Take the Star Ferry from Tshim Sha Tsui across to Central and make sure you caught the classic 'The World Of Suzie Wong' movie before your trip. It was on the Star Ferry that William Holden met 'Suzie Wong' who told him she was the daughter of a rich man when in fact he meets her later at his hotel where she works as an 'entertainer'. Like Suzie, you can leave your old life behind on the ferry, just find a quiet spot and tell your troubles to the waters of Victoria Harbour, then step off at Central a new person altogether.
Exorcise:- From Central don't waste any time with the tourist trap rickshaws, they are only there for a photo op and you couldn't in all conscience expect the ancient drivers to pull you around the streets, could you? Grab a cab and head for Wan Chai. Just say 'Sogo' and the driver will drop you at the Japanese department store in the middle of Wan Chai. Now shop. You can also hop the MTR back to Kowloon for more shopping but Wan Chai has everything you will need to at least get through this 'exorcise' stage.
Explore:- Take the bus and visit the boat harbour called Aberdeen where you can explore further by sampan. See people living on junks and barges, rarely setting foot ashore. Carry on to Repulse Bay and then to Stanley. The Stanley market is world famous for a plethora of handicrafts and of course, bargaining is expected. Bargain hard although you can usually buy all the touristy things at any department store for less, but that's not the same as haggling with a wizened old Hakka stall owner for half an hour, is it?
Exhale:- Take the bus back to Central and then ride the Peak Tram, a steep funicular railway to The Peak. From this famous vantage point you can look over both Hong Kong and Kowloon, skyscrapers catching their breath in the clouds as far as your eye can see. Hong Kong has always been a dynamic, vibrant, urban must-see destination. It gets into your blood and races your heart to reach your soul first before all others because Hong Kong is still the home of competition, capitalism and consumption. Look at the stunning view, breathe out, then take the tram back down the mountain and start your life afresh.
Perry Gamsby 2010


text:
Category: Decor & Accessory DIY
In addition to being low maintenance, non-green-thumb-friendly and drought-tolerating, succulents also happen to be interesting to look at it, making them the ideal plants to decorate with, indoors or out. We've rounded up five great ideas to incorporate succulents into your home's decor. A Succulent Terrarium Simple, satisfying and self-contained, a DIY terrarium is […]Read More
Candles and Leaves ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 10 With all the gorgeous leaves and other elegant touches. These centerpieces are beautiful! http://www.improvementscatalog.com/RoomForImprovements/diy-thanksgiving-centerpieces/ Save SaveRead More
"I'm from the country and I like it that way" – Tracy Byrd, #1 Billboard Hit Country Music Artist Dear Marc: I have two eight foot lengths of 1 x 6 inch weathered wood. We had an old fence dismantled and these pieces were left behind by the contractor. I thought of throwing them out […]Read More
Whether your home is big or small, every square inch counts. In that spirit, we've rounded up five creative ways to utilize the commonly under-utilized space behind the bedroom door. This over-the-door shoe organizer, available in a 24 pair or a 36 pair version, is a strong but simple hanging rack; perfect for the […]Read More
Dress up you little's room with one of these easy DIY decor ideas!Read More
"Float" your sofa Floating your sofa means pulling it away from the walls, creating extra spaces for traffic and light flow that you wouldn't have if your sofa was flush up against the wall. There are a few reasons why floating furniture works in a small space; this strategy can be used to divide a […]Read More
Decorating for the holidays can be fun but it can also be a challenge. Using the same decor year after year means that your gorgeous dining table may be old and boring within just a year or two because everyone's already seen it! Here are a few great ideas to change up your dining room […]Read More
I've got a great Christmas DIY for you using these really cool LED balls from LED Light Solutions. They run on batteries and they last the whole entire season. Normally you would use these outside hanging in a tree, but we decided to do something very chic indoors by putting them in these beautiful light […]Read More
When it comes to Christmas trees it's not just about the way it looks. Well okay, it's about the way it looks. But why does it have to be green? I love the idea of repurposing an old Christmas tree by spray painting it! On the 2015 Holiday Episode of the Marc & Mandy Show, […]Read More
Basketball Themed Stool ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 7 This DIY project is a great stool for your man cave. It's easy to make and looks great! SourceRead More
Bread Box ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 8 This is a classic look with a bit of a vintage feel. SourceRead More
Looking for fun ways to reuse empty wine bottles? Here are some of our favorites! Hanging Wine Bottles Vase ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 9 This backyard decoration could be used for anything; an intimate get together, bridal shower, baby shower, etc. SourceRead More
Upcycling a dresser doesn't just mean a paint job. These creative upcycle projects give the dresser a whole new life; and new functionality! Bathroom Sink and Vanity ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 8 We love this upcycle! It went from a dresser to a beautiful sink and vanity. Kind of gives off a […]Read More
Whether you work from home or from an office, desktop clutter is simply inevitable. Keep your clutter in check with our DIY office supply organizer. Supplies: Tin cans Spray paint Board Screws Screwdriver 1. Once you have all of your supplies, start by spray painting your tin cans. You may want to do […]Read More
DIY Freezer Paper Stencil Pillow ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 7 These freezer paper stenciled pillows are a easy to make and can be customized to any design you wish! SourceRead More
Looking for a creative way to store office supplies? Check out these DIY projects! DIY Triangle Organizers ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 7 For the people who love geometrics, this is surprisingly simple and easy to make! SourceRead More
There are so many great reasons to give stencilling in your home a try. In addition to being a less-mess alternative to painting, stencilling also happens to be inexpensive, easily customizable and fun to DIY. Your furniture If you're feeling squeamish about tackling an area as large as your walls, consider testing out your […]Read More
Renovating your basement is undoubtedly a big project, no matter your level of expertise. Thankfully, online tools can simplify the process for you. We've rounded up a few of our favorites. DriCore Smartplan 3D This online tool not only helps you to plan your basement renovation, but also price it. In five steps, you […]Read More
Did you know that your water-stained salmon pink walls and your mildew-ridden tiles could ultimately be dragging down the value of your home? An upgraded bathroom will instantly increase the value of your home, making it more attractive to home buyers. But a bathroom reno will no doubt be costly, time consuming and generally inconvenient. […]Read More
Anchor Pillow ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 8 This nautical themed pillow is adorable and easy to make. />SourceRead More
It's summertime and you want to get your family to spend more time outdoors. So you entice the kids with new toys and sporting equipment, you enlist the help of your hubby to get the garden and lawn back into shape, and you haul the bicycles, scooters and skateboards out from the garage. Turns out, […]Read More
A good lighting system in your home can serve a larger purpose than simply lending practicality and providing visibility. Layered lighting is a great way to create visual interest in your space, while also highlighting and boosting the appearance of your existing decor. A key step in creating a comprehensive layered lighting look is understanding the composition. […]Read More
Arrow Pillow ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 10 This arrow pillow is a great first step into sewing. It's easy and it's pretty! SourceRead More
Kitchen renovations are expensive! But, there are some upgrades that can add value to your kitchen, whether you are aiming to sell your home sometime soon or later. Here are four kitchen upgrade ideas that will give you the best bang for your buck when the time comes to sell. Cabinets. Your cabinets are a […]Read More


text:
Heya Nesters! Happy New Year! I wanted to leave you off this new year on a sweet, soft note. My dad stayed the night on Tuesday as our pseudo Christmas. As you may have seen on my Tweets but he gave me a Droid X to foster my blogging habit. {It has also insighted an Angry Birds habit. Damn those pigs!} But while out at the fabulous local gourmet grocer Russo's, he also picked me up some gorgeous roses.
There was a combination of yellow roses and pinky-peachy ones. Ugh! How can you not fall in love with these?
They live in the kitchen to brighten it up a bit. The color is so spectacular but I love the black and white pictures I took of them. I want to print and frame them.
My New Years resolution is to take better pictures for this blog. To learn how to use my manual mode. I also want to do more DIY's. Well I hope you all enjoyed pics and that you all enjoy the holiday tonight! But most importantly, stay safe. What is your New Years resolution? Anything fun? Maybe you resolve to eat more cake? Or go to every flea market you can find? Spill it!
ATTENTION: It is the last day for Cans for Comments!! We are up to 54 cans! So make today count! Happy New Year, Nesters!


text:
Apparently that's what you're called when you feel strongly about the environment?
The discussions one can get into in an honors english class in college are some that typically won't relate to English at all. I feel like the class is more a world cultures/philosophy/debate/society-satirizing type course. My professor and my class and I somehow drift off into rants in every class, and it makes it so much better. I've never been more entertained and excited to go to any class before.
Being an English comp class, we do a lot of reading and responding. The latest work we read dealt primarily with how polluted our oceans are, and the environment in general. Naturally, this provided a perfect opportunity for us to go on about society and how nobody gives a damn about the environment, and the differences between Pittsburgh, and all the places that other people are from in the class. I mean we are only 3 to 4 hours away from Erie, PA, but two girls in my class were saying that it's kind of scary how different it is here and how nobody cares about it. We have everything from smokers air, to stained building walls, to polluted rivers that could turn you into the Toxic Avenger if you dare take a dip. Pittsburgh has never really been "clean" though. I mean, we are the Steel City. Yet, we are voted one of the best places to live. I do love it here, but I don't know if we are worthy of that title. However, I've never lived anywhere else, so I can't say. Our water is some of the cleanest, but that's because of the purifying systems we have in place. The amount of garbage that gets thrown everywhere, the fumes from all of the buses and construction trucks, it gets pretty depressing.
Now, I don't mind rainy days in the city, such as it is today. But there is always a certain extra gray and crappy quality that the city gets when it rains. We do have beautiful days down here though; when the weather is good, of course.
As we were talking about the pollution here in the burgh, somebody had mentioned she thinks it's regional/national. Like, when you travel the country and go to other beaches, you don't seem to care whether you leave your beer bottles sitting in the sand or not. But if you go to beaches like Mexico, it's almost like you care twice as much as to whether or not you gather up your stuff when you leave. Like if you didn't protect they're beaches, you would be committing a crime of some sort. It makes sense, really. I feel people that have been to beaches both in the country and out can testify to this, whether by personal experience, or observation.
And then we began to wonder what it was like for natives of other countries with beaches. I brought up how I wonder if Mediterranean countries cared more about their beaches because their culture more or less revolves around it. For instance, Greece has lots of fish markets and their beaches are beautiful. So in their culture, is it normal to take care of their beaches? Or do they care just as little as we do? And why do they? What measures do they take to keep their beaches clean and nice?
Another point was: Do we treat rivers and lakes differently than oceans? Is it like, the bigger the body of water, the more acceptable it is to not give a damn? "Oh, it's not gonna wash up on my shore, it won't matter where we toss it." I sure hope that's not the case. I just wonder why people seem to think that these bodies of water are some kind of natural waste plant that will take care of everything, when in the back of their minds, they know it all just gathers together and makes large piles of trash that ruin our ecosystems.
And then Ashley, a girl in my class, made a point to dawn on all of us. I reworded it her point to the way I saw it: The earth is made up of about 70% of water. As are humans. So, the way I see it, because we are so okay with destroying our bodies with things like smoking and drinking and junk food and everything else, we must find it acceptable to do the same thing to the earth. I know that's a slightly outrageous thing to consider, but at the same time, it's an uncanny coincidence.
I'm a strong advocate of environmental protection and preservation, and it's the only thing that ever makes me consider going into politics. I told my roommates this year that they MUST recycle the plastic bottles we use. I will make sure my kids understand the reality of the state of our environment, and make sure they do the little things they can to help just to make a difference. Recycling and picking up trash, and just being weary of your actions, are all things that anybody can do to help. The more people that take that 5 seconds out of their day, the bigger the change and difference made.
We're living on this earth, we might as well take care of it.


text:
Insider - May 2017
I'm writing this edition of Insider from our fantastic new offices at Salford Quays. The move from our old place at Trafford House was phased over a number of weeks, but all departments are now fully settled in here at EQ4 after what was a surprisingly smooth transfer. Our only concern is that some adviser firms are still sending mail to the old address at Trafford House, which then has to be redirected to EQ4. The resultant delay obviously has an impact on our turnaround times, so please make sure that all letters to us are addressed correctly – you will find our full contact details here. Apart from this small issue it is now 'business as usual' for the company, albeit in a sombre mood following the terrible events that took place just down the road from us at Manchester's MEN Arena. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy.
The global cyber attack
As you will be well aware, the WannaCry ransomware worm caused chaos earlier this month, affecting thousands of organisations and making headlines across the world. I am pleased to report, however, that AJ Bell's service was not impacted by the attack.
As news of the attack emerged our Security Incident Response Team immediately convened to manage the situation. This resulted in a review and immediate update of our security protection and monitoring systems in order to mitigate the threat. We also conducted a detailed threat assessment of all internal and hosted systems which could have potentially been impacted by the outbreak.
The WannaCry worm exploits a vulnerability with Microsoft Windows Systems, but is mitigated by the installation of a security patch. A significant number of our systems already had this patch applied as part of our regular patching regime. As part of our response, any remaining vulnerabilities were quickly identified and promptly patched to ensure that we were fully protected. We will continue to monitor developments regarding this and any other outbreak in order to ensure we remain fully protected.
AJ Bell financial health
AJ Bell released its interim financial statement on 19 May, and the picture it paints is an extremely healthy one.
The number of retail customers increased by 13% compared with the first six months of the previous financial year, growing to 152,441 as at 31 March 2017 and helping to increase Assets Under Administration by over 14% to £36.3bn. This record growth in new customers was predominantly driven by our core platform proposition; AJ Bell Investcentre. Across the group, revenue in the first six months to 31 March 2017 totalled £37.0m, an increase of 24% compared with the same period of the previous financial year, and Profit Before Tax increased strongly by 27% to £11.2m.
The group's overall financial position continues to be extremely strong, with net assets totalling £57.6m at 31 March 2017, £36.8m of this being held in cash. Our regulatory capital requirement and related details can be found under our Pillar III disclosures (see page 29 of the Directors' report in the 2016 annual financial statements here for more information). As ever, we continue to hold a significant amount of capital over and above our official regulatory capital requirement.
We have demonstrated over many years that we have a robust business model, and this allows us to continue to invest in the platform to ensure that we are able to satisfy the changing needs of you and your clients.
All of this should make interesting reading for any of you who are undertaking platform due diligence at the moment. We have been saying for a while that financial stability should be a major consideration when choosing the right platform, and this view is backed up by the likes of FinalytiQ, the lang cat and Platforum. You can read much more on the topic at our Due Diligence Hub, which features a range of useful resources - including a free download of FinalytiQ's Advised Platform Report 2017: www.investcentre.co.uk/duediligence-hub.
AJ Bell Passive funds campaign
You may have noticed that we recently launched our AJ Bell Passive funds with another great creative campaign in the press and online. The ads highlight the way each fund offers exposure to a different level of risk, and is named accordingly – so we have the Cautious, Moderately cautious, Balanced, Moderately adventurous and Adventurous funds. All of us sit somewhere on this risk aversion spectrum, so we decided to highlight the fact with slightly tongue-in-cheek examples from everyday life – like the choice of swimwear or nightwear that people opt for.
By showing pictures of outfits that range from super-modest to decidedly risqué, we aimed to raise a smile, while getting across the key fact that everyone is different, and that our fund range is designed to reflect that diversity. The second part of the headline draws attention to the capped charge by pointing out that there's one area where many of us are the same – we want to know how much we are going to pay in terms of charges. If you haven't seen the campaign yet, look out for it in Money Marketing, FT Adviser and New Model Adviser. I'd be interested to hear your feedback on the ads, so get in touch – whether you like or loathe them!
Investival 2017 speakers
Over 230 people have taken the early bird option and now booked their places at Investival 2017, which will take place on 9 November at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London. Plans for the event are well advanced and I can confirm that the following speakers have committed to attend on the day:
- Neil Woodford – Woodford
- Mark Barnett – Invesco Perpetual
- Edward Bonham Carter and Ross Teverson – Jupiter
- Guy Morrell – HSBC Asset Management
- David Ennett – Kames Capital
- Matthew Vaight – M&G
In addition you will also get to hear from our own Andy Bell, Russ Mould and Ryan Hughes. The final two fund group speakers will be added over the coming weeks.
With only 200 seats remaining we are confident that the event will be at full capacity over the coming weeks. Please bear in mind that a number of advisers who wanted to attend last year missed out because they delayed their registration, so if you are keen to attend I would advise you to register now to avoid disappointment. You can register online here.
Hopefully I'll see you there!
Digital Strategy update
Our Digital Strategy work keeps marching on, with new features being worked on all the time. To help you keep track of our progress we keep the 'platform enhancements' area of the BETA site regularly updated with details on any new and forthcoming developments that you need to know about.
In our next deployment to BETA, we will aim to include:
- An enhanced new business application process – a simplified and more user-friendly experience with improved verification processes and an integrated capability to initiate transfers.
- Straight through cash transfer processing – where the transferring scheme has ORIGO messaging capability, transfers can be initiated and completed online with no manual user interventions required.
- Transfer case tracking – monitor the progress of outstanding transfers via a simple-to-use tracking tool.
- A new customer area in the secure area of the website – designed to make it easier for your clients to get valuations and up-to-date information on their accounts. It will also enable you to customise the colours of the client-facing areas of the website to match your corporate identity. To complete the branding experience, you will also be able to link in your logo, which will carry through to any reports generated.
I am particularly interested in any feedback that you may have. Take a look and, as always, feel free to provide any views here.
Funds & Shares Service valuation statements
The Funds & Shares Service portfolio valuation statements are now available for any of your clients who have a SIPP, ISA and/or GIA. You can get to the statements by visiting the Funds & Shares Service dealing area and looking under Administration >> Documents >> Account. At this point you will need to select whichever of your clients' accounts comes first alphabetically. So, if one of your clients has a GIA, ISA and SIPP account, the valuation statement for all three accounts will show if you select their GIA account.
The statements reflect the valuation of assets held through the Funds & Shares Service as at 5 April 2017.
Funds & Shares Service tax summary packs
Your clients' annual tax summary packs are now available to view in the Funds & Shares Service dealing area under Administration >> Documents. A notification will be sent via secure message to your clients with General Investment Accounts, informing them that their packs are available to view. If you have any queries, please email us here or contact our Adviser Support Team on 0345 83 99 060.
Monthly service performance
To give you a flavour of our service delivery and how we are performing, our typical turnaround times for a number of key service areas are outlined below. We will update this in each issue and flag any hotspots which may occur, particularly in the lead-up to peak periods.
The information below is not provided as a formal measure of our service levels, but rather to give you a general flavour of how our Customer Services Team is currently performing. Looking across all of the areas listed below, we are hitting the indicative timescales provided in 93% of cases.
Key contacts
Adviser Support Team
Phone: 0345 83 99 060
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Business Development Team
0345 40 89 100
This information must not be copied or reproduced, in part or whole, without permission. This information is for adviser use only.


text:
The first weekend of California-based music festival Coachella is nearly here! We're so excited to see what our favourite celebs will wear! If there's anything we know for certain, it's that there will be glitter by the tonne! Want to get the Coachella beauty look of the stars? Here's how!
We're going for a sparkly pink glitter look over the lips, applied with our favourite multipurpose product, Dr.Lipp! Simply apply your number one balm to the areas you want to apply (we love glitter lips and eyes), adhere the glitter and hey presto!
Yep, it's really that easy.
We love Eco Stardust which creates biodegradable glitter while donating 10% of profits to environmental charities. Who wouldn't love to look sparkly while helping the environment?


text:
Robert DiNapoli
B.A., Anthropology, UCLA (2010); M.A., Anthropology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (2014)
Focus Area
Archaeology (Advisors: Scott Fitzpatrick & Terry Hunt)
Robert is a Doctoral Candidate in the archaeology program. His research focuses on using evolutionary ecology, cultural transmission theory, agent-based modeling, and geospatial analysis to address questions in Polynesian prehistory, particularly those relating to spatial habitat use, subsistence, and divergent modes of social and cultural evolution. His dissertation research focuses on the evolutionary and ecological origins of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) monument construction using remote sensing and geospatial modeling techniques. He has participated in field and laboratory research on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawai'i, Samoa, and the Caribbean Islands.


text:
Popular Posts
Recent Posts
April 2020 M T W T F S S « Jun 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Blog del Parque Natural Cabo de Gata
12 Tips for kayaking in the sea
Before leaving 1. Wear a lifejacket and appropriate clothing The life jacket is essential for any open sea navigation. The Kayaks company will provide you one and will teach you how to adjust it. In summer we must protect ourselves …
Posted in sport Leave a comment
How to get to Cala San Pedro
To get to Cala San Pedro in summer we recommend the boat route, because the car park will be full and the road is in full sun. At any other time of year, especially spring, we recommend you to walk …
Best Almeria beaches
With 217 kilometers of coastline, Almería has some of the best beaches in Spain. From Pulpí to Adra you could find countless corners of coast where extend our towel and feel in paradise, secluded beaches, beaches in urban areas, beaches …
10 Tips to practice Paddle Surf – SUP
In recent years the practice of Paddle Surf or SUP (Stand Up Paddle) , has proliferated on the coast of Cabo de Gata . It's easy to hire a learning class, a guided tour or just rent a table in …
Posted in Sin categoría 2 Comments
10 Tips to visit the beach of Los Muertos
Ten recommendations that you'll sure appreciate when you decide to prepare your visit to the great beach of los Muertos, because you no mistake it's a great beach, but like all great things also has its challenges. Let's start: the …


text:
Maybach Family Vineyards Amoenus 2016
Save $50.00 (20%)
|Red Wine
|California, Napa Valley, Calistoga
|Maybach Family Vineyards
The aromas from this deep purple wine will command your attention even with the glass an arm's length away. The round, enveloping harmony of the aromas resonate with classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon highlights: dark fruit, exotic spice, aromatic wood, and ethereal floral notes. The palate experience is precise, layered and drawn out, well after consuming the first taste. Notes of crushed blackberries, clover oil, spearmint and cocoa nibs are expressed seamlessly in the glass. As with many exceptional creations, there is a quality that leaves you immediately wanting more, while also wanting to take time to reflect on the initial experience.
Wine Advocate
- wa97-100
A barrel sample, the 2016 Amoenus Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep purple-black color and is scented of blueberry tart, black forest cake and olive tapenade with touches of bay leaves, underbrush, Sichuan pepper and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is beautifully soft, velvety and elegant, with understated black fruit and earth layers, finishing with a compelling quiet intensity.
Robert Mondavi To Kalon Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 750mlFlavors of rich black berries and black plum, dried herb complexity, sweet oak spices, vanilla bean, and toasted almonds unfold in mesmerizing layers, sending a wave of deliciously intense complexity across the palate in a tasty expression of power and elegance.
- jd97
- wa96+
- v95+
- we93
- ws91
Bevan Ontogeny Propietary Red 2017 750ml
- jd97
- v80
Bevan McGah Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 750mlThe McGah is the livelier of the two, with more vibrant flavors and a finish that seems to go on for minutes. I have opened them up side by side, three times and have yet to be able to pick out a favorite. Seductress or Minx? Refinement or hair pulling? It comes down to your mood and how you want to dance. Ballroom or disco?
- wa95
- v94
Lail Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 750mlAppearance: Deep ruby with purple edges. Aroma: Exotic of black cherry, plum, cassis and dark chocolate. Echoing the aromas, spicy flavors of blackberry, mint and boysenberry add further intrigue and complexity. Flavor: It is creamy, rich, lush and simply delicious.
- we96
- wa91
Fiftyrow Alice Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 750mlAnother 95 pt. plus vintage and the great fruit from the Alice Block has produced a 2016 Cabernet that is our best to date. It has the typical expression of the area and is instantly recognized with its distinctive Rutherford dust. Deep garnet in color with aromas of jammy blackberries and opulent dark plum while oak influences of nutmeg, cinnamon and clove round up the nose. The palate is supple, lush and voluptuous with flavors of black currant, tobacco, plum and dark chocolate, concluding with a lengthy, fruity finish
Tor Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 750mlOnce you learn the smell of To Kalon it is one of the easiest wine to pick out of a line up. That distinct mix of red and black fruits along with damp earth and a touch of mint always shows through. This year's To Kalon is one of the finest we have ever produced (and we have made To Kalon for 13 years!). The complex interplay of earth and fruit makes this wine unique each and every year. As with all To Kalons that we have made, this will actually be pretty approachable on release but should age effortlessly for at least 10 years.
- wa98
- ws93
Sinegal Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 750mlThe 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits elegant aromas of ripe raspberry, plumb and black cherry, with notes of rose petal, cinnamon and all spice. The subtle oak spice tones are well integrated with the fruit and floral aromas in this wine. On the palate there is a silky texture with smooth tannins and long lingering finish. Flavors of candied cherries, and blackberry kirsch are intermixed with secondary notes of vanilla bean, mocha and coca nibs. The 2017 is showing well at a young age, however the wine has a nice tannin structure to age gracefully for the next 7-10 years.
- jd93-95
- v93
- wa86
Maybach Family Vineyards Materium 2016 750mlAroma: The multifaceted aromatics suggest cigar box, boysenberry, tack-room and violet oil. Flavor: The completely saturating mouthfeel resonates with notes of black tea, brambly black fruit, allspice and crushed rock. The finely integrated tannins provide a pleasing structure for the lengthy finish, which fleshes out for nearly a minute after tasting. This wine possesses robust flavors, aromas and just the right amount of structure, allowing it to drink well now and age in the cellar over the next 10+ years.
- wa96-99
Maybach Family Vineyards Eterium Chardonnay 2017 750mlOn the nose and palate, mineral and floral qualities redolent of White Burgundy are met with an undeniably Californian personality rich with notes of stone fruit, pine needle, hay, nuts and lime blossom. Fermented and aged in French barrels, racked once, bottled without fining or filtration. Limited quantity.
- ws90
Cayuse God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache 2014 750mlGrapes sourced from the Armada Vineyard planted in 2001 at the highest density for the region at the time (1,815 vines per acre)
- wa95-97
Peter Michael Mon Plaisir Chardonnay 2017 750mlTrue to its name, the wine is indeed a pleasure: intense and perfumed. The 2017 Mon Plaisir displays an exquisite bouquet of candied fruit, orange, lemon cream, fresh butter, grapefruit and a flint-like minerality, with subtle notes of greengage. The palate is rich, full-bodied and creamy with beautiful hints of fresh lemon, pear, apple and brioche. A mineral character with hints of pain grillé and almond complete the mouth feel of this wine and its long finish. Enjoyable now, it will age for a decade or more.
- wa94-96
- ws92
Bedrock Wine Co. Montecillo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 750mlThis old-school mountain Cabernet is elegant, intense, tannic and will be very long lived. Farmed using organic and sustainable methods.
- wa93
Scarlett Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 750mlUnbelievable complexity and layers intermingle with aromas of berry compote, cassis with a black cherry core that jumps from the glass. The mid palate is a silky flow of abundant blue and black fruits, followed with an opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel. The integrated structure and polished tannins carry through to a detailed and long finish.
- v93


text:
North Terrace and King William Road intersection – City Tram Extension
21 December 2017
The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) advises that Stage 4 of the City Tram Extension Project will occur from 1 - 15 January 2018.
Stage 4 will involve the installation of overhead wires and tram tracks at the intersection of North Terrace and King William Street.
The intersection of North Terrace and King William Street will be closed to all traffic from 10pm Monday 1 January to 6am Monday 15 January.
During these works:
- Buses will use a designated access lane during events
- Works will be undertaken 24/7 to minimise disruption
- U-turn facilities will be provided at each leg of the intersection
- Car parks open, business as usual
- Right turn into Kintore Avenue will remain open during works
- Works at the intersection will continue at night until 22 January 2018 to finish overhead wiring.
The intersection will be reopened before Stage 2 of the Tour Down Under.
From 1 January until 22 January 2018, there will be no tram services running between Victoria Square and the Entertainment Centre. Substitute bus services will be in operation.
For more information on substitute bus services please visit www.adelaidemetro.com.au
For real time roadwork information download the Addinsight app for Apple or Android at www.addinsight.com.au/app, or visit the Traffic SA website at www.traffic.sa.gov.au
The City Tram Extension Project will deliver a one-kilometre extension of the tram line along North Terrace, from King William Street to East Terrace, and a 350 metre extension north along King William Road to the Festival Plaza Precinct.
For more information on the project visit www.citytramextension.sa.gov.au
Thank you for your patience whilst these important works are undertaken.


text:
When it comes to plastics and sustainability, packaging professionals are hyper aware there is an attitude or perception problem—69% of respondents in the 2018 Sustainable Packaging Study feel a high level of environmental concern around plastic packaging. And much of that concern is centered around the visible and visceral problem of pollution in our oceans and waterways.
The worry will probably get worse before it gets better. Although 70% believe environmental concerns for single-use plastic packaging are at an all-time high, nearly everyone taking the survey (93%) believes environmental concerns regarding plastic packaging will continue to grow.
Packaging Digest has been partnering with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition for 11 years on this benchmarking study into sustainability and packaging.
Each year, we ask questions about various aspects of general packaging sustainability. Some questions are the same every year to give us a historical picture of where the industry is—and where it is shifting. But each year we also add new questions around the hot topics du jour. This year, we focused on plastic packaging sustainability because it has captured so much attention around the world from consumers, organizations and governments today.
Other key highlights from the Plastics Packaging Attitudes & Challenges section:
• More than three-quarters (78%) of packaging professionals taking our survey say increasing recycling rates is the most effective way to help alleviate these concerns, especially when it comes to pollution in our oceans, seas and streams. For that, 87% say recycling is a viable way to prevent plastic packaging from ending up in marine environments.
• But 55% describe the current state of plastic packaging recycling in the U.S. as "struggling," with another 9% saying it's "near death." How can recycling be plastics' savior if it is besieged itself?
• If recycling isn't the end-all be-all, what about bio-plastics? Can they help? The perception is better than the reality. Although 74% say bio-based plastics improves the environmental perception of plastics packaging, only 42% think it improves the reality. However, packaging professionals are looking seriously at bio-plastics, as more technologies are commercialized; as more suppliers mean additional sourcing options; and as costs come down and performance goes up.
• But if bio-plastics aren't the best solution, should we stop using plastic packaging altogether? Almost half (47%) believe outright banning or regulating single-use plastic packaging is the answer. Will wishing make it so? 59% definitely expect to see additional bans on plastic packaging and another 37% think we might see more bans in the future. That's 96% who will not be surprised by government intervention in the future.
• Companies are willing to take voluntary action, too. In fact, 64% of respondents say they are already reducing package weight and/or increasing material efficiency. But the effort they are considering the most is to boost their use of bio-plastics, with nearly half (47%) of respondents saying this.
• Members of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, who are often better informed on eco issues, think the current situation is even scarier than non-members do. But they're not moving away from plastics and they don't think that's the answer. They believe in the potential of the industry initiatives and they're making the changes they believe are needed.
• No single action—be it recycling, using bio-plastics or supporting bans—will solve the complex situation plastic packaging is in today. It will more likely be a multi-pronged approach. To that end, many programs to address concerns about plastics are already underway that packaging professionals can learn more about and participate in. These include a variety of corporate goals, as well as The New Plastics Economy, the How2Recycle Label and Circulate Capital.
Download your free copy of this detailed report below now.


text:
Shiny Happy Purple piped Glass Candle
100% Handmade
All our products are 100% handmade
Cruelty Free
Because we love animals
Vegan Friendly
This product is suitable for Vegans
Shiny Happy Purple is a vibrant blend of passionfruit and citrus zest, softened with sweet intoxicating caramel hint and pure, fresh grapefruit and mandarin essential oils. You'll be left with a smile on your face and a warm glow in your heart. This candle will burn for 30 to 35 hours. Please carefully follow the directions for use (printed on the base).
We will despatch your order within 3 working days and it can take 3 working days after despatch for you to receive your order Standard Delivery - £3.95 for UK delivery if under £30.00 value, or free for UK orders over £30. Delivery time for Standard Delivery is up to 3 working days. All standard deliveries sent by tracked courier. You will need to sign for your delivery.
How To Use
Place on a heat resistant surface. To avoid an enlarged or smoking flame, keep the wick trimmed to 5mm. Extinguish the candle when 5mm (1/4') of the wax remains. Ensure the candle is kept away from any flammable materials, draughts or any sources of heat (e.g. fires, TV's, radiators). Keep the wax free from any debris e.g. used matches/wick trimmings. Do not move the candle while alight or while the wax is molten. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Never leave a burning candle unattended.


text:
For their fifth anniversary, PALET have a "Best" album set for release and this live performance promotional video to commemorate the release. In white dresses with color-keyed bows adorning their skirts, the girls give a wonderful performance in a live house. I personally like the way their outfits move and flow with their choreography and twirls. Additionally, it's nice to hear this song since the PV release for "All for One" is blocked here in the United States. PALET's "REGENERATION ~5th Anniversary Best~ gets a June 7, 2017 release day.
Note: This site participates in the amazon.co.jp associates and the cdjapan affiliates programs, a program with hundreds of thousands of members to promote sales on the Internet . Using the links above can help credit up to 10% of your purchase to the site and its writers to help keep this website afloat at no additional cost to you.
Palet Official Links
Web Site | Blog | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | iTunes


text:
- Info
- Reviews
- Share
Lego Lord of the Rings: Battle at the Black Gate
The last great battle for Middle Earth is about to be fought. Frodo and Sam are nearing Mount Doom where they can finally destroy the Ring of Power and with it the Dark Lord Sauron, but time is against them. You must defend against the enemy attack waves for as long as you can, buying precious time for the ringbearer to destroy the One Ring and save Middle Earth from catastrophe.
As Always, Good Luck and Have Fun.