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Yesterday it was confirmed that superstar Britney Spears would be quitting her judging gig on The X Factor after just one season. The news comes less than two weeks after reports surfaced that she was going to be fired because the show's producers felt she didn't meet the expectations that came along with her $15 million contract.
The producers are rumored to already have a successor in mind, and the news is expected to be announced within the next 10 days. This brings up a really good career conundrum: If you know you are going to get fired, should you quit or wait for the ax to fall?
Yes, Britney left the planet of reality pretty much around the time she decided Kevin Federline was husband material, but this is still a common situation that can be applicable to many. Britney probably decided that it was better to say she quit for her reputation, and it's not like money — though The X Factor provided her with a very lucrative compensation package — is something Britney really needs. She needs more money like she needs another pair of pink Ugg boots.
But for most people, even if you are miserable, walking away from a job and a steady paycheck is very hard. Unless you know for sure you will get a new job within a month, or can afford to be out of work for six months to a year, quitting is always a tougher option. But then again, is it better to look like you chose to leave the job instead of the other way around?
"It's always better for your reputation if you resign, because it makes it look like the decision was yours, not theirs," said workplace author, speaker and consultant Alexandra Levit. "But if you resign, you may not be entitled to the type of compensation you would receive if you were fired."
Though it does sound tempting to say, "I quit! And I never needed this place anyway!" you should think for a bit first. If you find yourself in a situation like this, ask yourself these questions first:
Four Questions to Ask Yourself Before Quitting
1. Do I have other job prospects? If you were already talking with another company and know you are about to get an offer then okay, but you need to understand the average time it takes to find a job is six months or more. Can you afford to be out of work for this long? "A person who has a job has more leverage," says Doug Schade, principal and supervising executive recruiter for The Winter, Wyman Companies, an executive search firm in Boston. "Even if there are issues, at least you are gainfully employed."
2. How will this be perceived? This depends on where you are in your career. For an entry-level employee, getting fired may not be as big a deal as someone at the manager level. If you are farther along in your career, then resigning may actually look better. "At the top levels, it's more of an insider community, and everyone will know the true story about why you were let go," Levit says. "It's also expected that, as a seasoned executive, you will possess a certain amount of competence, and being fired leads people to question that competence."
3. Is it actually impacting my mental health to go to this job every day? Has your behavior changed? Are you depressed? Can you not sleep? Is it hard to get out of bed in the morning? If this job is really making you so miserable that it is affecting your health, then resignation is an option. Still, try to find another job first.
4. Is there anything you can do so you don't get fired? Try to ask your boss about what you can do to improve your performance. If your employer provides access to an employee assistance program, use it. You can work with a career counselor or coach to figure out what is your best move. Terry Bacon, author of The Elements of Power and Elements of Influence, told The Daily News, "If you know you're going to be fired, turn a lemon into lemonade and make the best possible transition you can. The worst thing is to be in denial and pretend it's not happening."
Would you quit your job if you felt like you were going to be fired? Tell us in the comments.


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As we learned about urban and rural communities, we studied plants and animals in science. We focused mainly on life cycles and plant & animal needs.
How cute are these farm animal projects that the kindergarten teachers did?!
|Venn Diagram from Mrs. Russell's room
|Flip book: what we get from animals (ex: milk from a cow)
|I feel chilly.
|I taste nachos as the football game.
|I hear cutting the pumpkin.
We ended our unit with group research projects. The kids chose farm animals they wanted to learn about and we watched video clips and read non-fiction books to make notes in our notebooks. Then they chose their favorite fact to write a sentence and illustrate. I took videos of their presentations and hooked them up to Aurasma - our parents are going to flip out at Open House next week when they see our work come to life!! :)

subset: commoncrawl


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If you were a cinephile or an aspiring filmmaker in 1994, the influence of Pulp Fiction was impossible to ignore—especially if you were a 13-year-old boy. Throughout that year, Tarantino's sophomore effort became more or less gospel in the worlds of independent film and popular culture, which were fast becoming synonymous in the mid-'90s. This endlessly discussed, highly quotable film catalyzed that process significantly.
It was a hot topic not just in dorm rooms, but in critical circles, talk shows, newspapers, and on playgrounds as well, to the point where I had heard and read repeatedly about the film by the time I saw it.
Pulp Fiction's plot stays true to its title: John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson play a pair of unlucky hit men (it was a huge comeback for the has-been Travolta, and a star-making turn for the once-versatile Jackson, who has essentially been playing the same part ever since); Bruce Willis is a boxer on the run from the mob, and a wig-wearing Uma Thurman is their employer's flirtatious wife.
It's not only rude, shocking, and funny, it's also wildly unpredictable, a film which dictates its own unusual narrative structure from moment to moment, taking weird left turns, unpredictable digressions, and often letting itself relax and stretch out for many minutes at a time before a shocking bit of happenstance sends it off on a new tangent.
The film also, somewhat famously, contained long, uninterrupted stretches of dialogue, which, unfortunately, became the director's calling card, and an often imitated trait (his scripts easily get dragged down by pretentious tough-guy rhetoric, and could be trimmed by half). The rest of the decade was littered with imitators like Kevin Williamson and Christopher McQuarrie, who juxtaposed careless violence with vacuous, off-hand pop-culture references. Even today, the vast majority of action, crime, and horror films produced in the Western Hemisphere contain stylistic touches that can be traced back either to this film, or to David Fincher's Seven from the following year.
Revisiting it now, it reminds me of nothing so much as a slavish imitation of one of the more thoughtful and slow-moving films by Godard or Fassbinder minus any hint of politics, sex, or interpersonal tension, which were often the things that made those films worth watching in the first place. With the benefit of hindsight, Pulp Fiction now seems hokey and affected; it would almost be charming now, were it not for the films' persistent presence as a film jock/frat go-to cultural reference.
Tarantino took a long time to follow it up, instead pursuing collaborations and side projects that kept him in the public eye, but only directing one film in its entirety over the next decade—the understated, underrated Jackie Brown.
He's since abandoned much of what made Pulp Fiction a smash. Five of his last six films have featured female protagonists, he's largely jettisoned his famous non-
chronological plot structures, and his cinematic style veers closer to the Italian "spaghetti" Westerns or the Japanese Yakuza-themed noirs of the 1960s and '70s, styles he's been much more capable at approximating (and whose soundtracks he has more or less stolen outright).
In retrospect, Pulp Fiction is clearly Tarantino's weakest film. Nevertheless, it is certainly, in the words of the Library of Congress, "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
Michael Moore's Roger & Me (1989) made a comparatively smaller splash, but in the long run it may prove to be more influential than Pulp Fiction. Before Moore was a household name, a muckraking liberal hero, and scapegoat for conservative pundits everywhere, he was an anonymous schlub from the Midwest whose sense of humor was as keen as his sense of outrage.
Roger & Me takes as its subject the closing of the GM plants in Moore's hometown of Flint, Michigan, and while the topics of outsourcing, evictions, and corporate greed remain as relevant as ever, the true staying power of the film is due to its sly, irreverent tone.
Moore, in his trademark vest and trucker hat, interviewed ordinary working people, aloof millionaires, and has-been celebrities, mixing it in with vintage stock footage, television clips, and self-deprecating narration, all of which is perfectly juxtaposed with his knack for capturing bizarre moments that are too strange to be fictional.
Moore's style is not without precedent; Errol Morris, Ross McElwee, and David Letterman are obvious influences, but it was his ability to cement everything together, finding his own cinematic voice through perfectly balanced sarcasm and outrage, that made Moore a working-class hero.
At the time, Roger & Me was the most successful documentary film in history (a record he's broken himself several times over the years), and while his style was once unprecedented, his resourceful, ironic, personalized brand of everyman filmmaking has become the default for filmmakers of his ilk, and his influence can be felt everywhere from mainstream news broadcasts to the furthest reaches of the internet.
Roger & Me is not only an entertaining film, it's a valuable snapshot of the cultural tone at the tail end of the Reagan era, and a crucial document for understanding how our media got to be the way it is now.
Both Pulp Fiction and Roger & Me will be shown this weekend at the Packard Campus Theatre in Culpeper.
Roger & Me screens on January 23 at 7:30pm and Pulp Fiction screens on January 25 at 7:30pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Both films have an R rating. More information can be found at www.loc.gov.
What other recent films have greatly influenced pop culture? Tell us in the comments section below.


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It's well established that when a dog licks her lips, it means she is feeling nervous or anxious. (People do it, too.) Now, new research shows that they lick their lips in response to our angry faces. British and Brazilian researchers reporting in the journal Behavioural Processes made the finding when they observed 17 family dogs of various breeds looking at pictures of people with either happy/playful facial expressions or angry/aggressive ones. The dogs licked their mouths significantly more frequently when looking at the bad-mood faces (more than twice as much, on average).
The researchers posit that the dogs may not simply be reacting to our negative emotion but using their own facial gesture to respond to it, that is, to communicate with us that they know what is going on. If that is the case, it is quite remarkable, given that visual cues are particularly salient for people. It would mean that on some level, after millennia of adapting themselves to our environment, dogs have come to understand that a visual cue (as opposed to, say, an auditory or olfactory one) has a reasonably good chance of getting our attention.
The takeaway here, while scientists work to sort it out: even if a dog isn't directly trying to say something to you when she licks her own mouth in response to your angry or otherwise negative mood, the licking is a sign that she is now stressed. So if you see your dog licking her lips (and she hasn't just eaten), do a self check — and reassure her if you discover that it's something about your own affect that is causing her consternation or worry.


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The first time I went camping I was hooked. I was also woefully unprepared and spent a lot of money unnecessarily. I bought things I didn't need. I forgot essentials. The second mistake meant disrupting the trip with excursions to the supply store at the campground and Walmart. I quickly learned that the campground store is a quaint little store with friendly staff, and truly rural feel. Unfortunately, you pay two to three times what you would elsewhere for that 'ambience'.
Fast forward to now; I'm an avid camper. I've mastered what needs to brought along, and what can and should be left behind. If you're going camping for the first time, learn from my mistakes. Consider this a check list of sorts.
Be Honest: What Kind of Camper Are You?
Remember that camping is not a contest. If you've taken a camping trip and enjoyed yourself, you've had a successful trip. The key to that success is honesty. Are you an athletic type who enjoys challenging themselves physically, and being outside in all sorts of weather? Then, you might look into backpacking, extreme weather, and survival camping. If your idea of a good time is lounging with a good book, then you might consider a campground that rents cabins or RVs so you can enjoy the camping experience with all of the creature comforts of home.
In any case, the best choice for first time campers is almost always car camping at a campground. You'll have access to your car if there's an emergency or you realize you've forgotten something. Campground staff will also be available to assist and advise if you have questions. Once you've gotten comfortable with this, you can challenge yourself with some more adventurous trips. The last thing you want is to be miserable on your first trip because you got in over your head.
Get The Right Tent
Tents are sized according to the number of people who can comfortably sleep inside. These sizes are an utter lie, unless you are camping with people who are exceptionally petite and do not move while they sleep that is. In my experience, you need significantly more space than advertised. Because we use tents for activities like playing cards and board games, I generally use a tent that's double the size we need. So, if I'm camping with four people, I'll bring an eight person tent. Here are some guidelines for selecting a tent.
Get to Know Your Campground
When it comes to quality, safety, and amenities campgrounds really run the gamut. Do your research ahead of time. There's nothing more miserable than spending a night in a campground that's a poor fit for you. Start with the campground's website and any brochures you can find. This will give you great information on campground rules, the campsites that are available, and activities you might enjoy.
Don't stop there. Remember that the official source of information is likely to gloss over any issues or flaws. Hit Yahoo and other sources to read customer reviews. This is where you'll get the 'rest of the story'. Here are some things to look for:
- Is this a family friendly or more of a party atmosphere?
- Are the bathrooms gross?
- Have people witnessed drugs, theft, fighting, and other issues?
- Are picnic tables, playgrounds, and other amenities well maintained?
- Is the staff helpful?
- Are trails and fishing ponds in good condition?
- Are campsites level and equipped with fire rings and a water source?
The more you know, the better able you'll be to pick a campground that you will enjoy. By learning as much as possible about the campground's rules and facilities, you'll also be a much better neighbor to other campers.
Pack in All of The Clothes You're Going to Need
Most campgrounds don't have laundry facilities. Even if they do, who wants to waste time on that task. Save it for when you get home. Instead, pack plenty of clothing so that you can simply toss things into your dirty clothes bag and change into something clean.
Next, never underestimate the type and amount of clothing you'll need. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Plan for rain or other weather conditions
- Pack a sweater or jacket in case it gets cooler than expected
- Bring plenty of socks or you'll be absolutely miserable
- Consider your activities: Will you need a swimsuit or water shoes?
Trust me, I've taken one too many trips back to town to buy clothing that I failed to bring along. You'll rarely regret bringing something you didn't need, but missing an important piece of clothing will bring your trip to a grinding halt.
Have an Exit Plan
Let's be honest. Sometimes things just go wrong. You may end up at a campground where you simply don't feel safe or comfortable. A thunderstorm could roll through revealing that your tent is not nearly as water tight as advertised. Whatever the case may be, it's better to cut your first trip short than to suffer through a situation where you are miserable.
Before you go, make an exit plan. Know how to quickly take down and pack up your gear. Take down the names of motels in the area before you begin your camping trip. These may be costly, but when the chips are down, they can be a better option than staying put or driving all the way home in the middle of the night. You can always try again another time.
Consider Camping Near Water if at All Possible
I strongly recommend camping near some source of water if at all possible. Doing this really opens up so many options for fun activities. This is especially true if you're camping with kids and don't want them to get restless or bored. With water nearby you can go fishing, try out canoeing or kayaking, observe and photograph fish and waterfowl, and so much more. Just remember that you'll need to bring along some extra equipment for fun and safety. Here's what I bring along:
- Life jackets for all kids. No exceptions!
- Hip waders
- A portable canoe or a sit on top kayak - Perfect for beginners
- Fishing tackle and rods - No toy rods! Those are junk and break too easily
- Waterproof camera
- Inflatable rafts and water toys
- Sunblock with a very high SPF rating
This cannot be emphasized enough. Water is great for keeping kids and teens occupied, adults as well. However, adult supervision is always necessary. Safety equipment like life jackets are not babysitters.
Buy The Essentials Worry About The Rest Later
The outdoor section at your local sporting goods store has a plethora of really cool camping equipment. Trust me! I own a lot of this stuff. But, I own it because I accumulated it over time. As tempting as it may be, you don't need to start your first camping trip with an automatic s'mores maker or GPS device intended for experienced backpackers. If you bring the following along on your first camping trip, you should be fine:
- A decent tent
- Sleeping bags and pads
- A cooler
- Plates cups and silverware
- A lantern
- A flashlight for each camper and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Matches and fire starters
- A camping stove
- A couple pots and pans
- Serving spoons
- Bug spray
- Bags for packing out trash and laundry
- A dish pan
- Rain ponchos
- Skewers
Get Your Food Game Straight
Please disavow yourself of any idea that you'll catch your own fish and forage your own fruit. That's not going to happen. Sure, you might catch a fish big enough to cook. You might also run across some wild berries (but you won't eat them unless you can positively identify them!). Still, you'll need to plan your meals and bring your own food.
I divide camping food into two categories. The first are quick and convenient foods. These are perfect when you're tired, or have an activity you need to get to. Here are some things to pack that will get campers fed quickly and easily:
- Peanut butter, jelly, sandwich meat, and bread.
- Instant oatmeal
- Single serving coffee pouches
- Tuna and chicken salad kits
- Chips and pretzels
- Bottled water, juice, and tea
- Apples, oranges, and bananas
- Cereal and milk
- Canned soup
The second are foods that add to the camping experience. Think roasting things over campfires. There are plenty of great campground recipes to try out. Here are a few things that are pretty easy, and nearly always a hit:
- Hot dogs, buns, and condiments for a night time hot dog roast
- S'mores ingredients
- Apple pie filling and canned peaches with refrigerator biscuits for a campground cobbler
- Heavy duty aluminum foil and potatoes for campfire baked potatoes
- Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices for campground chili
- Aluminum foil, diced vegetables, chopped potatoes, and meat of your choice for hobo packs
Finally, always keep food safety in mind. Store raw meat so that it doesn't leak onto other foods. Use plenty of ice and change it out regularly. If you doubt that something is fresh and edible, always throw it out. Speaking of throwing things out, food should be thrown into containers with tight fitting lids to keep animals at a safe distance.
Practice The Basics Before You Go
If you've never pitched a tent, baited a hook, put on a life preserver, started a propane stove, or done any other necessary task, don't wait until you arrive at your campsite to to figure things out. Chances are, you'll be grumpy and frustrated, and the other campers you've brought along will be impatient. Practice this stuff at home. You'll get things set up quickly when you arrive, so that everyone can start enjoying themselves.
Break in Your Shoes
This one's short and sweet. Those cool hiking boots you bought for your first trip? They're actually a great purchase. Proper shoes are key to having a good time. Just be sure you've broken them in before you go.
Once you have the equipment you need, camping can be a fun and relatively inexpensive hobby. By following the tips here, you can ensure that your first trip is as enjoyable as possible. From there, you can plan even more camping trips in the future.


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3 Signs You're Doing DevOps Wrong
3 Signs You're Doing DevOps Wrong
If your company is doing any of these three things, then you can't truly claim that you're doing DevOps.
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Let's investigate some of the most well-known misguided judgments and imperfect executions of DevOps. Odds are, your organization has fallen prey to no less than one of them. That doesn't really mean you aren't honing DevOps. It essentially implies that you have some approaches to change before your organization can satisfy the guarantee.
1. You Have to Purchase "the DevOps"
IT offices require "stuff" to work. They require equipment: PCs, servers, server racks, arrange switches, switches, and stack balancers. They additionally require programming: working frameworks, antivirus items, profitability programming, extend administration arrangements, different line-of-business applications, and programming to screen the wellbeing and execution of equipment and programming alike.
IT offices have been purchasing "stuff" since their beginning. At the point when the primary organization chose to utilize PCs as a feature of their business works on, buying as the soul of IT was conceived. It's characteristic for IT higher-ups to think they can purchase the next big thing that will help them help the business succeed. This is the reason a few organizations give themselves the false impression that they can purchase "the DevOps."
Yet, it's not for the wrong goals. Numerous CIOs who go to DevOps meetings or discuss DevOps with kindred CIOs start to see what DevOps can accomplish for their organization. Some decide that they need "the DevOps" and they need it now! What they don't comprehend is that DevOps is not an item or administration to buy. It is an outlook or method of operation.
This isn't to imply that you can't buy a square of hours from generously compensated advisors to learn DevOps standards. In the end, you are acquiring information that requires noteworthy work on your part to actualize. Your group must ingest what's being educated, and at exactly that point, DevOps will start to flourish.
DevOps can't be born overnight with a basic check and a touch of preparing. It is a transformational way to deal with center procedures. It requires some serious energy, commitment, and particularly a group that can execute DevOps ideas, a large portion of which will fly against your organization's past methods of operation.
On the off chance that your organization has a DevOps spending plan, you're doing DevOps off-base.
2. You Liken Programming and Apparatuses to DevOps
This misapplication of DevOps runs in parallel to the point above. IT shops secure apparatuses to carry out their occupations viably. It's encoded in the employment. IT shops have instruments to oversee customers and servers, and additionally stockpiling, figure, and systems administration assets. Be that as it may, with regards to devices and DevOps, organizations frequently get confounded. Undoubtedly, DevOps significance can't be accomplished without instruments. Be that as it may, when organizations overlook different regions of DevOps and concentrate exclusively on the devices themselves, issues emerge. Instruments might be fundamental, yet they are just part of what makes DevOps tick.
Different design administration items connected with DevOps unquestionably help you fabricate a DevOps culture. Without them, you without a doubt are not rehearsing DevOps. You can code together your own particular apparatuses to computerize already manual procedures (for example, code testing, organizations, and server fabricates) or you can buy instruments adapted to finish these assignments; either way, computerization is a tremendous piece of DevOps. Without devices, despite everything, you'd be physically constructing test servers, going through run books, and verifying tick boxes on an agenda.
In any case, DevOps is comprised of various aspects that go past setup administration; don't center in around just a single necessity on the grounds that a substantial answer exists. In the event that you search for something unmistakable, to lock onto in your trip to be a DevOps ninja, you will fizzle.
3. You Utilize Agendas or Run Books to Oversee Code Organizations
To pound the point home, robotization is the essence of DevOps. Computerization is of principal significance in a hierarchical DevOps culture. Organizations honing DevOps have a powerful urge to computerize everything conceivable. Mechanization permits them to expel human blunder and institutionalize forms over the whole programming advancement lifecycle.
Organizations realize that mechanization is the seed that becomes different DevOps standards (for example, setting up steady, routine code arrangements). Without mechanization, solid code arrangements, specifically, would not be conceivable. Mechanization is a vital theory to embrace when heading toward a DevOps culture.
In the event that you end up having discussions with colleagues that incorporate proclamations as, "How about we take care of business physically this time because it'll be quicker?" or "We don't have room schedule-wise to computerize," then you're not doing DevOps. At the point when setting out on another venture, if computerizing everything conceivable isn't the primary thought that goes to your head, you're likely not at DevOps dominance yet.
DevOps-overwhelming societies understand that despite the fact that it might require more investment to present robotization in advance, it will pay off through more dependable and speedier code arrangements later on. Your organization must comprehend that everything is on the table for computerization. This implies arrangements, testing, code registration strategies, servers manufacturers, everything.
In the event that your organization invests hours poring over agendas to guarantee code is prepared to be conveyed, you're doing DevOps off-base.
It's About the Culture
DevOps is not for each organization. There are circumstances that warrant a more fastidious way to deal with code administration. In any case, regardless of the possibility that your organization isn't completely dedicated to building a DevOps culture, there are numerous features of the DevOps reasoning that can be connected to your practices effectively.
Most importantly, DevOps is a social reasoning. It takes tolerance, heaps of diligent work, a comprehension of individuals, and a business that will bolster it to genuinely flourish.
Opinions expressed by DZone contributors are their own.


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An delightful coaster from Alex Clark called "Three Hens". Featuring three elegant looking hens out for a walk amongst the daisies! Painted using a wonderful array of pastel colours in Alex Clark's distinctive style. The cork backed coaster has a wipe clean surface to keep it in immaculate condition. An ideal gift for any shooting enthusiast or country lover!
Dimensions 10cm x 10cm


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I saw this today over at A Law Students Journey and thought it was just the cutest!!! I will definatly be making tons of these!!!
I found this awesome tutorial showing how to make tshirt flower headbands! Also, I've heard the soft t-shirt is great for those itty bitty baby heads. So all you mommy's out there should certainly try this!
I found this awesome tutorial showing how to make tshirt flower headbands! Also, I've heard the soft t-shirt is great for those itty bitty baby heads. So all you mommy's out there should certainly try this!
Plus for all you big headed (I prefer big brained) people out there like me. This stays in SO much better then any headband I've used…and it doesn't give me a headache!
After making the headband, I decided it just wasnt very "me" and thought I would change it a bit. So the "Kitty Version" Looks a little something like this.A very simple change to something a little more fun (in my opinon!).
I wont put up the actual headband tutorial part (you can find it in the original blog entry above) but basically cut out a chunk of tshirt (wider then you think, it will stretch and roll) and meaure the size of your head. Make sure it is very snug, tshirts stretch! Then sew it together.
Now for the flower part. I sew the flower right on to wear I made the stitch in my headband. That way, the ugly part is covered up! For this, I took the extra materials, folded it in half, and cut out a sideways "B" along the fold.
In other words, when you open it up, it should look like a butterfly shape. (click on the pict to enlarge it)
Just like all my other crafts...you do NOT need to be exact on this shape! Mine were all different sizes and funny variations of this basic shape.
Once you have 2 cut out, overlap them in different ways, and stitch just the middle sections together. Really, it is hard to mess this up. I cut out about 14 (7 sets). I sewed them on the headband in two different strips.
By that, I mean it made the flower fuller. In other words: Sew two sets of the butterfly pieces together, push them down on your thread, sew two more, and do that with about four to five sets. You will end up with a string of pieces, that looks like the petals in the picture.
Then sew it to your headband.
If you like that look, great! I wanted a fuller flower, and did that again with another 3 sets to make it bigger and sewed it next to the original strip.
It ends up looking like a mess of fabric, like the petals from a flower!
Okay...now what you've all been waiting for!!!


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Item Name
High quality indoor playground equipment,kids soft indoor playground
LLDPE PLASTIC, EVA FLOOR MAT,HOT GALVANIZED PIPE,PU SKIN AND PVC, THE THREE-PLY BOARD, Sponge foam, STAINLESS STEEL SCRWE,PVC COATING FOAM TUBE,NYLON ZIP,
As design color (Main color blue and white with little yellow)
1: Process for order: Confirm the details(place andrequirements),design a drawing and bring it in production when order comfirm.
Activities inside introduction
In international standard version,the indoor playground is for children climbing,jumping,crawling,swing,runing and playing inside.It got many activitie,like gun area,ball pool,sand pool,hand craft area,big slide,slide tube and so on.
What's good for kids
1.Good for kids' IQ and EQ.
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We can designfor you after you give usdetails of your place and requirements.
Payment Terms
T/T,The Credit card,The Creditguarantee,L/C,ALIBABA TRADE ASSURANCE and Cash.
1.The plastic parts pack with batt and thin film.
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With many experts and advanced equipment in our factory, we are engaged in designing, manufacturing and selling of indoor playground is a good idea. Should you are looking for it, please be free to buy or wholesale our discount and cheap products. Our company, one of the professional manufacturers and suppliers in this field, can offer you customized service at low price.


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[clearspring_widget title="ESPN College Football Rankings" wid="471f9898f9ab1c99″ pid="4abf9f204e29ff67″ width="300″ height="387″ domain="widgets.espn.go.com"]
Tag Archives: texas football
Buffalo Bulls Win National Championship!
In what will go down as the most bizarre play in the history of college football, Buffalo Bulls linebacker, Justin Winters stripped the ball from Gator's quarterback, Tim Tebow on the Bulls five yard line and ran the ball 95 yards for the winning score, making the University at Buffalo's Bulls the improbable national champions in college football. What makes the play so bizarre is that it came about as a result of what may be Tebow's biggest mistake in his illustrious college career. With the ball on the five and up by four points, with eight seconds on the game clock and three seconds on the play clock, all the Gator's quarterback had to do was take a knee and the game was over. The ball was snapped. Tebow took the ball from center, motioned as if he was taking a knee and then started walking to the sidelines with the ball raised high in the air with one hand. Unnoticed by the Gator's quarterback, the referees did not blow the whistle to signal that play was dead. Winters broke through the line, stripped the ball from Tebow and ran it in for what was ruled a touchdown on the field. A stunned crowd waited in silence as the replay booth took 15 minutes to review the play. The question was whether Tebow actually took a knee. The officials could find no conclusive evidence to overturn the ruling, giving Winters the touchdown and The Bulls the national championship. Final score: 37-35
Reality note: This was fun and I thank everyone who participated in the Mythical (Yet More Real Than The BCS) College Football Playoff. In particular, the University at Buffalo Bulls fans. You guys love your Bulls. In total, you cast 6,507 for Turner Gill's team throughout the playoffs. In the championship alone, you voted 4,287 times. Congratulations! You literally willed your team to victory. You actually got me interested in the watching the Bulls take on the University of Connecticut today.
BTW – a total of 9,020 votes were cast throughout the entire playoffs. Go BULLS!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you know the address for the University at Buffalo's athletic department, let me know and I'll send them an official plaque.
The National Championship – The Florida Gators vs. The Buffalo Bulls
The Buffalo Bulls continue their miracle season with a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide. The game was a back and forth affair that had Alabama leading late in the fourth quarter. With the game seemingly over, the Bulls mounted a three minute, 80 yard drive that put them ahead with less than 39 seconds on the clock. The Crimson Tide mounted a quick drive of their own and moved into position to kick a game-winning 23 year field goal. Mike Newton, outstanding DB for the Bulls, maneuvered around the left side untouched and blocked the kick, sending a shocked crowd of Alabama fans to the exits with just 3 seconds remaining on the clock. The final score was 30-28. Next up for the Bulls, the National Championship and another SEC powerhouse.
The Florida Gators relied on a heavy pass rush and their secondary to dismantle Colt McCoy's much heralded passing attack. The Gators gave up a lot of yards between the twenties, but managed to pick McCoy off five times in the red zone. Meanwhile, Tebow had some troubles of his own. The Gator's version of the wildcat formation faltered for the first time this season. It seems Superman found his kryptonite in the Texas front four. The points on this night belonged to Percy Harvin and his incredible athletic ability. Harvin had 315 total yards and four touchdowns. The final score in this one was 42-31.
So our national championship features a team that was on nobody's radar at the beginning of the playoffs and another team that many thought had the best chance of winning the national championship.
Record: 15-1
Points per Game Margin (points for minus points against): +32.31
Most Points Scored in a Game: 70
Most Points Allowed in a Game: 31
RPI Power Ranking: 1
Conference Champion: Yes
Record: 11-5
Points per Game Margin (points for minus points against): +1.7
Most Points Scored in a Game: 43
Most Points Allowed in a Game: 42
RPI Power Ranking: 53
Conference Champion: Yes
Third Round of Playoffs – Alabama vs. Buffalo
Not a college football expert in the country expected the Buffalo Bulls to make it this far. Their miracle play is exactly what makes the playoffs so exciting. The entire country seems to be Buffalo fans at the moment. Today they run head on into a team that is built on folklore and history. When you think of college football, you think of the University of Alabama. From the Bear to Saban, the University of Alabama plays hardnosed, fear-inducing football. The odds are stacked against the Bulls in this one, but then again, the odds have never been in their favor in these playoffs. No one is writing off Buffalo anymore. The Tide knows they are in for a fight.
Record: 10-5
Points per Game Margin (points for minus points against): +1.7
Most Points Scored in a Game: 43
Most Points Allowed in a Game: 42
RPI Power Ranking: 53
Conference Champion: Yes
Record: 14-1
Points per Game Margin (points for minus points against): +18.15
Most Points Scored in a Game: 49
Most Points Allowed in a Game: 31
RPI Power Ranking: 9
Conference Champion: No
Voting closes on January 1, 2009
Third Round of Playoffs – Florida vs. Texas
The SEC Champions, Florida Gators take on the Longhorns from Texas in this powerhouse matchup. No big surprises here. Both teams are capable of scoring a lot of points. Both teams are lead by future NFL quarterbacks, and both teams are capable of bone crunching defensive performances. This one is a toss-up. A slight edge goes to Florida because they are playing in the swamp.
Record: 14-1
Points per Game Margin (points for minus points against): +32.31
Most Points Scored in a Game: 70
Most Points Allowed in a Game: 31
RPI Power Ranking: 1 (tie)
Conference Champion: Yes
Record: 13-1
Points per Game Margin (points for minus points against): +25.32
Most Points Scored in a Game: 56
Most Points Allowed in a Game: 39
RPI Power Ranking: 1 (tie)
Conference Champion: No
Voting closes January 1, 2009
Alabama and Florida Complete the Playoff Semifinals' Picture
Alabama took advantage of USC's inconsistent offense and advances to play the Cinderella team of the playoffs, the Buffalo Bulls. Buffalo took advantage of a mistake prone Penn State team in their quarterfinal game, and won by an impressive 10 point margin.
Florida had no problem with Ohio State in their quarterfinal matchup. The same can also be said of Texas' win over Utah.
So our semis are set. Alabama will meet the most improbable team to make it this far, the Buffalo Bulls. While Florida and Texas will square off in the second semifinal game.
The games kick off tomorrow, and voting will be open until Jan 1.
Texas and Buffalo Advance
The Texas Longhorns and the Buffalo Bulls advance to semis in playoffs. Updates and highlights tomorrow!


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The midsize sedan, just summed up in 3 words. Average. Boring. Appliance. Right? Not quite, says Toyota wanting to break the mold with their newest Camry. Have they done it?
Yes and no. Why?
My test Camry was a 2015 SE, in Attitude Black Metallic, with an Ash Fabric interior. The MSRP for this specific model is $24,925, and that surprised me. It felt as if it was closer to the 30 grand mark, but no, it's only $25K. Not bad, Toyota. Not bad at all.
Let's start on the powertrain. This Camry came with the standard 2.5 liter, 178 horsepower 4 cylinder 2AR-FE engine, mated to the standard 6-speed automatic transmission, with a Sport mode and paddle shifters. A 3.5 liter, 268 horsepower V6 2GR-FE engine is optional, and worth it if you want a lot more power in your Camry, at the expense of fuel economy.The 4 cylinder option provides plenty of power for most people driving their cars every day. At brief stints of above 100 mph on the highway, acceleration was effortless, even at full throttle at those higher speeds. Acceleration from a stop was excellent. The engine's power came on in the midrange, and so did the torque, although top end is where the power peaked. The 4 cylinder also got good fuel economy, even when ragging on the engine with a lot of foot-to-the-floor driving, we got an average of 28.5 MPG between the city and fast highway driving. The 4 cylinder is a good engine in my opinion and for most people, and the V6 option isn't necessary for daily driving, if you want it, get it, but the 4 cylinder engine is plenty for most people.
How does the Camry handle? Like weak duct tape that has been reused. Why, the sport SE model, why does Toyota seem not to care about handling in their sport model? Here's why! Well, the suspension is firm, but the tires don't seem up to the job of handling a fast corner, without having to back off a little, because of understeer due to the compound of the tires. The brakes, however, are excellent. In one situation, In some cases we found ourselves, coming up short, underestimating the brakes. Not bad, Toyota. Just give us some better tires.
What does the Camry look like outside of the engine bay? Like an aggressive angular carp mixed with a rather too large parallelogram. It seems Toyota took Ford's idea of passive aggression on the front fascia and makes it one of the weakest point of the exterior really. gently sweep up from front to back, not too crazy, considering this car's target market. The rear fascia has the current market trend of taillights sloping downward towards the license plate, and ugh. Chrome stripping. Get rid of it. If there is little to no chrome on the rest of the car, why should it be right above the license plate?
To the interior we go! Yay! Uhm, what's going on in here? Well, my first thought was, "Oh, this is nice", followed by "What the heck is that?" I was looking at the rear door panels and the seat fabric choices then. Well, let's start on those rear door panels. The front versions have soft-touch portions where the rear panels do not have that luxury but do keep in mind the rather decent MSRP.
The seat fabric is another part of the interior that I'm not a fan of. The leatherette accenting the seats adjacent to the fabric feels like plastic, the main fabric itself feels like 80-grit sandpaper mixed with rough office chair tweed. Inside the rear armrest area is a bit of gray fabric that feels so much better, if Toyota would have used that, the seats would be more comfortable. The black vinyl on the areas that shouldn't be touched feels like recycled tires. Anyway, the other interior plastics feel fine, and everything is seemingly well-built, the seats are a bit too firm for my taste though, I doubt anything will break within a period of about 10 years unless you have children. What a shame.
Delving further into the tech inside the Camry, I like it. To a point, of course. The Entune system, which in our case lacked navigation, is a nice infotainment system. It's simple to use, with big buttons and knobs, making it easier to use without being distracted and confused, and the screen's UI is simple and clean. I like the system, but it's the components that are attached that degrade it. The whole system is 4 6x9" speakers as the main woofers, and 3.5" speakers for the midrange and treble detail in the dash. It's not bad, but it's not perfect. I listened to music from T-Mic Beats to Mariah Carey on it, and well. Hmm. It doesn't sound too bad to my observant ear, but there are some issues. Those mid-high drivers in the windshield, although doing a good job at giving you a sense of where the performers are on the stage of your dashboard, they are a bit too loud, being bounced off the windshield. When listening at higher volume for a while, your ears will get tired, and you'll find yourself needing to turn it down. That's not fun when Mariah Carey is wailing in the beautiful way she does, which makes me sad. The 6x9s in the front are just wired for bass signals, and although when blasting bass-heavy music made them thump, the flat basslines in T-Mic Beats' music just seemed off, like they were muddy and sloppy, and reminded me of listening to earlier models of Beats headphones. The 6x9s in the rear parcel shelf are worse than the fronts. Because there isn't a component system of speakers in the back trying to play full range, and it just isn't good. If you want to enjoy the music, don't sit in the back, otherwise, the stereo is decent, and so is Entune.
Moving further back, there's a donut spare, instead of a can of Fix-A-Flat, it's still not a full-size spare, and that makes me sad, because there is enough room for a full-size spare, and full-size spares are the exact same tire you have, without having to fumble with speed limits and mileage limits. Room in the trunk is plenty, enough for 4 or 5 big bags. We fit 3 large suitcases and a cooler in it. Not bad, Toyota.
In summary, the Camry is usually the formula of typical point-A to point-B car, a car used as an appliance, and the new Camry seems to be making strides away from that formula. Toyota did a good job in some places, such as the brakes, trunk, and other things, but some aren't so nice, like the interior material choices, stereo system, and tires. But in general, they will sell nonetheless, but there are some better choices out there for some people. The Mazda6 is better for the track destroyer who had to get a midsize sedan and wants it to look good, the Fusion for the fashionista, and the Accord and others for the people in the middle, and the Camry is just midpack. If you are an Average Joe, in the middle class, with the middle of the road spouse and children, a Camry may be a good choice, but there are other choices too. Keep that in mind, but the Camry is OK.
Now to actually break the mold, Toyota.


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All individuals carry different ideas about drug rehab centers, but some ideas are commonly held. Though often these ideas are true, some ideas about rehab are complete misconceptions. These myths that circulate about drug rehab centers are not only untrue, but harmful as well. Drug rehab centers are safe havens for struggling individuals. Negative myths deter individuals in need, so dispelling the myths about drug rehab centers is vital.
Myth #1: Treatment Won't Work Unless It's Voluntary
Many individuals who enter treatment at drug rehab centers do so at the urging of family or friends. Some individuals even enter under court order. Many of these individuals do not wish to change. Drug rehab centers, with professionally trained staff and tailored programs, can change the minds of individuals who do not initially wish to change. Though it does not always happen, often times individuals who do not enter rehab wishing for change, find it.
Myth #2: If Rehab Fails Once, It Will Never Stick
Rehab is a deeply personal journey and due to the intense and personal nature, some people require a few different stays in rehab. If your first experience with drug rehab centers did not work, do not lose the faith. For those who want to recover and are willing to work, healing is always possible — it just may take a few tries.
Myth #3: Seeking Help Implies Weakness
Though some individuals believe that seeking help implies weakness, the exact opposite. Seeking help and treatment is courageous and brave. It takes a strong individual to admit that help is needed.
Myth #4: Mental Health Issues Must Be Treated Separately
In many cases, mental illness and drug or alcohol addiction are coexist. Though these two illnesses are contribute to one another, they do not need to be treated separately. Many drug rehab centers offer a treatment program that helps heal the entire individual. As your rehab counselor helps you get to the bottom of your mental illness, your addiction will become more manageable.
As we work together to dispel common myths about rehab, more individuals will be comfortable seeking help and starting a new life.


text:
What better way to travel than eating the most delicious foods of everywhere you visit? Italy offers some of the most beloved and delicious dishes on the planet. From rich cream and truffle dishes in the North to the Greek influences in the dishes of Sicily, you won't be disappointed in the bounty of Italy. Mangiamo!
Known for rich comforting dishes using cream and truffles, this northern region leads Italy in cutting edge food creations as well.
Photo by Travelotheque.
Risotto and polenta are preferred over pasta in this region.
Photo by Matteo Recanatini.
Lying on the Adriatic Sea, Veneto's dishes feature delicious seafood.
Photo by Garage Venticinque.
Known for its gorgeous green-gold olive oil, the Tuscans prefer simple, locally grown ingredients with lots of local olive oil and herbs.
Photo by Alessandro Ricciardi.
This seaside region is known for vegetables and is home to delicious dishes that feature pesto.
Photo by Alfonso Di Lieto.
Fresh pasta and vegetables are highlights which also includes Lasagne Verde.
Photo by 20 Years Hence.
Some of the best olive oil in Italy comes from this land locked region where pasta reigns supreme.
Photo by Tim & Nat.
Rome, with its sophiticated tastes, starts most meals with a variety of delicious antipasti.
Photo by SY Lee.
With rolling hills made for grazing, lamb is a favorite dish here.
Photo by Rocky Berberabe.
With a long history that includes a huge influence from their neighbors the Greeks, Sicilians enjoy dishes made with herbs, tomatoes and honey.
Photo by Matilde Civitillo.
Hungry for more? Check out more delicious ways to travel here. And as always, visit us over at Trover. com.


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The 2014 Toyota Tacoma is a versatile, rugged truck that lets you work and play in style.
This midsize pickup is perfect for those who want the utility of a truck, but also want something a little smaller and more fuel efficient than full-size models
The Tacoma comes in three cab styles: regular, Access and Double. With the regular and Access models, you get a six-foot bed, and the Double comes with a five- or six-foot bed.
The truck is powered by a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 159 horsepower. Optional is 4.0-liter V-6 that makes 236 horsepower. The four-cylinder models come with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, and the V-6 models have a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.
In all models, automatic limited-slip differential is included.
Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city, 19 highway on the V-6 and 21 and 25 on the four-cylinder.
Safety features on the Tacoma include traction control, electronic stability system and side curtain airbags, all standard. A backup camera is optional.
For added functionality and convenience, the TRD models have a 115-volt power outlet in the cargo bed.
The interior is comfortable, with seating for up to five and optional heated front seats.
The Tacoma starts at around $19,000 and ranges to about $30,000.
For a fun, versatile, reliable midsize pickup, you won't find many choices better than the Tacoma.
The Tacoma's larger sibling, the Tundra, also is a formidable pickup.
Over the past few years, Toyota has pretty much stood pat when it comes to making changes to its large Tundra pickup truck. Sure, the model did well when the prior version was introduced, but since, it has faced some stiff competition from the powerhouse models of the U.S. Big Three.
So for this model year, Toyota decided to do some tinkering.
The result is a bigger, more sculpted look on the exterior and a few added amenities on the interior. Well, on our test model, you'd actually have to say that there are more than a few added amenities, as it was a highest-of-the-high trim that was pretty luxurious inside.
The engine choices carry over from the previous version: a 4.0-liter V-6, a 4.6-liter V-6 and a 5.7-liter V-8, each mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
But, Toyota says it has improved handling and ride quality with some engineering mojo and that steering quality has also been upgraded.
Our view?
Oh, yes indeed.
This truck was actually quite pleasant to drive, which is something you wouldn't typically say of a truck.


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This is a very comprehensive review of Action 1. I had started to write one post per chapter, but even I find that annoying after a bit. So I'm combining my two prior posts with this one, which finishes up with chapters 3 and 4. The review is almost 4,500 words long . . . so buckle up.
I'm going to drop the page break here, because otherwise it's the same as the prior post – but it does more than just repeat them, it finishes out the review and adds the summary.
Great, so you went out and purchased GURPS Action 1: Heroes. Excellent choice. Your discernment makes you a paragon among men.
So open it up. Read the introduction. Good. Read it again.
Now read it again.
Got it? Good, because it's that important.
No surprise for +Sean Punch, but I'm not kidding when I say that the introduction is very key to this entire series. In six tightly written paragraphs, our fearless author sets out some very important caveats for the book. They're important enough that I'm going to deal with just this one page in a post by itself.
|Ninja Nazis. We hate these guys.
- The book covers the style and feel of roughly a century of storytelling. The feel, plots, and archetypes derive from the pulps of the 1920s and 1930s. The visual style is pure cinema, from the 1930s through the 1950s, where good was good, bad was bad, and we hate Nazis. Finally, the high-caliber full-auto violence derives from the hard-edged 80s and 90s, when even comic books bled. Oh, and we're borrowing the loving care for gear lavished on decades of appearances by Q. This one, not that one.
- This book is around character design guidelines. They will be deep enough to allow fidelity to the genre
- The games will involve nonstop thrills and tension. If you have a down moment, it better because there's a ticking bomb, or two ninjas/Nazis (or better yet, ninja Nazis!) getting ready to kick in the door. If it's not high octane, you are expected to brush by it. The only real room for realistic but unexciting skills is to provide a moment of levity or to be used to obtain clues. But if you can make obtaining them exciting . . . do that instead.
- Most action/adventure movies feature a lone hero or perhaps a pair. Indiana Jones. Murtaugh and Riggs. Rambo. Riddick. Bond. However, most RPG groups are more than that – somewhere between the six in the GI Joe films, or the assault team from the first Predator movie or the Colonial Marines from Aliens. Well, before they all get killed. Fewer cast members than The Expendables. A superhero team like the Avengers would come close, but it's not quite the right genre feel. The team from Ronin is about perfect (which it's why it's mentioned in the text, along with Ocean's Eleven and Sneakers).
- Characters are defined by what they do, and the book will define them by niche. There will be a flavor-lens for exactly that – and those lenses will be useful – but in the words of Kuato, you are what you do. And much like a party in D&D, the game will benefit from multiple archetypes, while still supporting unique characters from the same archetype, and games where all can play the same one.
- The last paragraph is the most important. It states what it is not. It is not about realism. Where there's grit, grime, and dirt, it serves as something to allow the hero(es) to rise above. PCs can get away with a lot that will get normal folks thrown in jail . . . but that's because they're always proved right in the end, and the opposition is truly despicable. To quote the final line in full, because it matters: "Use Action in serious games at your own risk!"
Chapter 1 – Action Templates
OK. This chapter is the guts of the book, really. How to make Heroes by making relatively easy selections.
The contents of the chapter – what SJG Style refers to as B-HEADs, which are important subsections – shall be three, and they are as follows:
- Lenses
- Campaign Types
- Templates
I'm going to quibble a tetch with the order here, because I think the Campaign Types should have come first. The very first thing the GM needs to tell you is what kind of campaign you're going to play. You may yet be able to play a Criminal lens in a Law Enforcement campaign ("OK, OK, OK . . . "), but it'll save time if you know what's important and what's not.
So I'm going to skip around:
Campaign Types
A scant page-and-a-quarter, nonetheless it hits nine common campaign archetypes: cops (Lethal Weapon), crooks (Oceans Number or The Italian Job), soldiers for hire (Expendables, A-Team, Ronin), spy and counterspy (Bond, maybe Bourne), Task Force (Sword of Gideon, perhaps; GI Joe almost by definition), spies for hire (Burn Notice), vigilante justice (Taken), and War on Terror (The Unit TV show).
The real names in the book are slightly different for some of those. Point is, there are nine, they're somewhere between very and subtly different, and the flavor will influence your selection of characters and lenses.
Which is why each campaign type lists common and uncommon roles. And perhaps more importantly, you get statements like this:
"The driver of the SWAT van or chopper might be a wheel man, and an EMT could be a medic, but NPCs often fill these roles. Few forces have full-time assassins, cleaners, or infiltrators aboard."
So yeah, you can play character type X, but high risk of being bored. If you play character type Y, you may strain willing suspension of disbelief as you figure out how a full-time assassin works for the EPA.
Not putting this first confuses me a bit, but it's a quibble. The lenses section (detailed next) is roughly the same size (maybe a page or page and a half) so it's not as if either is a slog.
Another short chapter, this one gives five detailed and six cursory "lenses" to add flavor to your character. They represent 20 points – less than 10% of a given templates value, and do not add to the point total (they're subsumed into the template cost).
That being said, characters still have 70-100 points of more-or-less discretionary choices as to where their particular brand of awesome lies. Optimization guidance is provided as well, selling back Basic Speed, for example. to prevent involuntary selection of levels of Speed/Move that don't help with Dodge or add a full yard of movement. That can still happen, of course – but it will be the players' choice.
For each template, advice is given on which of the many options presented in the typical GURPS template wall-of-text to choose to reflect a certain flavor. A criminal shooter might have brawling and intimidation and favor cheap and easily discarded weaponry, while a security-lensed shooter might be a bodyguard, with ridiculous levels of Pistol and SMG skill. Your classic military shooter has broad experience with full-auto, crew-served, artillery, and rocket launchers that civilian specialties might lack.
That guidance – lean towards X and Y rather than P and Q – can be quite helpful and will speed the process a bit.
Obligatory Panning of Blocks of Text
I've noted this before – I like templates but do not like how they're presented on the paper. The format is basically the aforementioned wall of text. This is space-efficient but hides the utility of the template, which is the rapid presentation and assimilation of 250 points worth of choices.
This is a bit tough, because the book is already in two-column format, and my personal druthers would have the choices being bulleted out even further, with more white space.
So instead of:
Advantages: Gunslinger [25] and Luck [15]. • A further 30
points chosen from among lens advantages (pp. 4-5), ST +1
to +3 [10/level], DX +1 [20], IQ +1 [20], HT +1 to +3
[10/level], Per +1 to +6 [5/level], Basic Speed +1 [20], Basic
Move +1 to +3 [5/level], Acute Vision [2/level], . ..
you might instead get
- Gunslinger [25] and Luck [15]
- A further 30 points chosen from among lens advantages (pp. 4-5):
o ST +1 to +3 [10/level]
o DX +1 [20], IQ +1 [20]
o HT +1 to +3 [10/level]
o Per +1 to +6 [5/level]
o Basic Speed +1 [20]
o Basic Move +1 to +3 [5/level]
o Acute Vision [2/level]
- Action Who's Who is a glossary of terms used for heroes and foes in the series.
- Check Out the Big Brain deals with the fact that nearly all the templates feature the top ranks of IQ, anywhere from 11 (for the Shooter, who also has Per 12 and the option to buy more) to 15, not everyone is supposed to be Bruce Wayne, super detective. Suggesions are provided on how to play different types of "smart" that doesn't imply multiple university degrees even for the IQ 14-16 set.
- Quirky Good Luck talks about Luck as a mandatory advantage, swapping out Luck-like advantages for the one on the template, as well as drawing attention to two key rules from the Basic Set that will help heroes stay alive.
Chapter 2 – Action Hero Cheat Sheet
This continues my deep-dive into the GURPS Action Series. I hit the Introduction and the Templates in prior posts, and now I move on to Chapter 2, the Action Heroes' Cheat Sheet.
This is a worked example of something that's recommended for most campaigns. Recommended enough that SJG hosts a web application – the Trait Sorter – to allow GMs to create such custom lists.
What's the list? Or lists, rather? The appropriate Advantages, Disadvantages, Skills and other abilities or notes for the particular campaign. Or in this case, genre.
Mostly, in this case Sean was weeding out magic, psionics, powers, and other supernatural or paranormal abilities that are not commonly found in pure action movies.
Of course, one of the reasons you play GURPS is so that if you suddenly want your action flick to take a turn for the bizarre, you can do it without breaking stride. But still, the bare bones of a genre treatment is what's provided for here, and the chapter starts with a straightforward list of allowable Advanatages.
It's not totally normal, though. It's action movie normal. So Catfall and 3D Spatial Sense and Very Rapid Healing are all in there, because by Yoda the hero is going to be on her feet by the movie's climax.
The book also tweaks or adjusts a few of the advantages. Two new variants of Enhanced Dodge are given (Dive for Cover and Vehicular Dodge). Extra benefits are provided for Gunslinger – and it needs them, because as presented in the Basic Set, it's a poor choice relative to just taking +6 to skill at slightly lower cost (if there are questions on this, I can show my work upon request – it's not hard to fathom).
You also get to variants of Higher Purpose, two more of Quick Gadgeteer, and four five-point talents specific to action-movie goodness.
|Clearly laden with physical disads. Yup.
Gun Perks
A boxtext also provides four Gun Perks. As it came before both Gun Fu and Tactical Shooting, this might have been the first time these were presented, but perhaps not. They provide a nice entry into John Woo style gunplay.
The supplement makes no bones about supernatural and magical disads. Paranormal is Right Out.
But it also takes a lot of the crippling physical disads and tosses them out the window, with prejudice. Most action heroes are on the "dear god I want to be that man" end of the physical fitness spectrum.
The supplement goes further than this, suggesting not just a limit of -50 points for both Disads and buying down sub-attributes, but suggests ways to play this for fun rather than pain in some cases – it uses Lecherousness as an example, but it's easy to find others. While playing Alcoholism for kicks is no joke to some, it was used effectively in both Independence Day (Russel Casse) and the reimagined Battlestar Galactica (Col. Tigh).
This would have been good advice in the past, as I remember a game I ran where I had to fend off more than one one-legged, one-armed midget commando types. For a Black Ops game.
Obviously, skills get the same treatment. A cut-down list of skills, and where some are cut hard, such as Melee Weapon, key bits are preserved, as Axe/Mace and Broadsword, as examples.
Important specialties are pointed out for specificity, especially where "you need to have this specialty to use this typical action-movie plot staple" are concerned.
A full page-worth is spent on Wildcard skills, which are appropriate for broadly capable characters. A template-specific Wildcard skill is given for each template in the series.
There's also good advice on when to not use Wildcard skills. Diversity in skills for both expertise and characterization can be vital.
Chapter 3 – Pulling Rank
The third chapter is two pages long. That's it. But it packs a lot into those two pages, and for modern games the advice is priceless.
Most – not all, but most – Action games that resolve around groups of PCs will involve organizations, which means that other than window dressing, the players may well – in fact, they should – want to leverage the capabilities of those organizations in order to achieve their goals. The higher the Rank within an organization – set by the background Lens you selected – the easier it is to get what you want.
The first subsection contains a generically useful set of of modifiers for rolling against the svelte Assistance Table found at the bottom of p. 24. Who's asking, for what you're asking, and whether it's a valid request or certifiably insane are the basics. Positive modifiers are generally small, because it's Rank that dominates. Negative modifiers are larger.
Sample Assistance
The section breaks out roughly 20 types of assistance that can be requested, and notes that different lenses are more likely to be successful at asking for different things, assuming you can ask for them at all. Various types of help can include gear, information, extra personnel, cash, more gear, and legal sanction to perform certain activities. It's a great list, and if not necessarily explicitly comprehensive and exhaustive, it's close enough to either get what you need or provide guidance for other requests.
Results of Success
So, the request goes through, and you get what you want, right?
Not necessarily. Success means "they'll do the best they can," but that's not a guarantee that the GM's plot has just been circumscribed. There are all sorts of ways this can go wrong. The book points to relevant sections of the Basic Set for guidance . . . and of course, the answer may be "yes," but also "help will be there in five hours."
But the bomb goes off in two . . .
Chapter 4 – Gear
The gear chapter is almost as long as the templates one. Chapter 4 serves as the "stuff" version of Chapter 2, pulling as much useful rules and supplies as possible into one quick-reference chapter spanning eight pages instead of the entire book.
There are a few places where I might quibble with the rules used, and I'll note them. But by and large, this chapter delivers in being a summary of typical gear found in action-style stories and movies.
Tools and Gadgets
The first bit is a simplified and consolidated take on modifying gear, taking into account the advancements in game design since the Basic Set came out (basically: cost factor, but also something akin to complimentary skill rolls). These rules simplify and replace those found elsewhere. Action is meant as a condensation/genre treatment, so things here overwrite other rules in many places.
You get things that make you go boom, burglar/entry tools both cinematic and realistic, and rules for each. A good consolidation of Combat Accessories from Load-Bearing Vests to flashlights, with night-vision scopes and holsters included.
One nitpick: I'd have done something differently for silencers (suppressors!). The game charges -1 to Bulk per -1 to Hearing. That might be a bit much. I'd probably hit Bulk with -2 for pistols (flat rate; the gun plus supressor is usually twice as big as the gun itself), but only -1 for rifles. The suppressor even for a .50-caliber rifle, is not as long as the gun! Still, "you get what you want, but have to pay for it" works fine.
The chapter goes on to list out, in one place, items from rope to lighting to surveillance gear. Basically, the authors have gone through all of the prior existing GURPS books and brought the stuff that you want up to date and put it in one place.
Armor and Clothing and Weapons (Guns)
This includes the protection and offensive categories. A standard, brief table of modern TL8 armor, with appropriate footnotes and weights and up-to-date costs is included, which should simplify the shopping trip. It does include rarely-worn items like ballistic sleeves and leggings.
The Firearms Table updates using generic weapons and common calibers the same content from the Basic Set, but hits the right tone in what's selected. The Auto Backup Pistol, .40 is basically the Kahr Mk40 (or something like it, like the Springfield XD-S or Smith and Wesson M&P Shield). It hits the fighting calibers and movie props (that'd be the Desert Eagle, because you have to have your Agents sporting them, but come on . . . ), as well as less-than-lethal pepper spray and taser. And one grenade launcher.
No rocket launchers so you can do Commando. Sorry. Make up for it with better tactics and more than one attacker. Heat and Ronin, remember.
Four simple types of alternate ammunition, and a listing of melee weapons rounded out for TL8 materials and costs.
Parting Shots
Chapter 1
The strongest part of this chapter is also the shortest: the Lenses and Campaign Types advice succinctly collapse sub-genre and background information into a few choices boiling down to "at the very least, do this to make your buddy cop movie look like something actually featuring buddies who are cops."
This chapter is incredibly factual and to the point. Most of the page-count is taken with great tables of advantages, disadvantages, and skills. GMs running their own specific campaigns should take this as a how-to, and use the trait sorter to custom-create their own.
For what this is, it is worthy. A short version of the skill and trait list for a campaign will take a lot of the extended back-and-forth out of the character generation process.
The bits-and-pieces advice on specialties, wildcard and not-wildcard skills, and also tips to preserve the flavor of action-adventure movies via trait selection are likewise well taken.
This chapter is a workhorse, but no worse for it. The brilliance of the Action series does not lie here in this chapter, but it does serve as a reminder of how the trait-sorting process should be carried out.
Chapter 3
As noted, this two-page chapter is pure gold. It is one of the great examples in the Action series of priceless GM advice boiled down and presented in a fashion that is so sublimely awesome that you don't even realize how valuable it is. I've owned Action 1 since it came out, and I just discovered this seven years later.
Chapter 4
The main text makes clear that chapter 4 is basically the shopping-trip version of Chapter 2, and valuable for it. While it is remotely possible that the players or GM will want to rifle through ten different books for gear and rules for gear, the chapter does a great job of making that unnecessary for most common action-movie staples.
The thing about this book is that it is the twin volume to Dungeon Fantasy 1, in a genre that should be just as accessible (it's right now, after all), with almost uncountable inspiration available in modern popular entertainment. This could not be said, until somewhat recently, of the Fantasy genre (which of course has D&D/Pathfinder as more than sufficient inspiration, and even theft-worthy material) from the perspective of movies and TV.
This 35-page genre condensation provides all of what you need to build and equip a team of heroes to run a modern action-adventure movie.
Action 2: Exploits will tell you how to run one.


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A little-noticed outcome of the microfinance movement has been the proliferation of rural sales networks in developing countries, where poor women earn an income by selling products door-to-door. Usually billed as entrepreneurship, these systems are typically assembled by outside parties such as banks offering microloans or social entrepreneurs selling products deemed prosocial, such as solar lanterns.
Lately, however, large global corporations such as Coca-Cola have stepped into the arena, loudly assuming the task of empowering women, while at the same time quietly extending their own reach into untouched markets. (Yes, there are still places in the world where you can't get a Coke.)
The involvement of multinationals in rural sales networks has elicited a familiar barrage of criticisms. Consider some from a recent Oxford debate: multinationals exploit poverty as a business opportunity, marketing wasteful goods to people who can't afford them. Or, rural sales networks are a smokescreen providing companies with an army of cheap labour. Or, global business is like Pac Man, gobbling up local vendors across rural Asia and Africa through door-to-door sales. We could go on. But the basic argument is this: corporations are evil and their products corrupt the poor; NGOs and governments are the right actors to fight poverty.
When this anti-corporate fundamentalism dominates the dialogue, a key issue is driven underground. Evidence has now unequivocally linked women's equality to better development outcomes. We are dismayed that conditions unique to gender justice – and dramatically manifest in rural sales networks – are so consistently subsumed under this state-versus-market dogma.
We spent five years studying two important women's entrepreneurship networks: JITA, an innovative system built by CARE International in Bangladesh, and the expansion of the 125-year-old behemoth that is Avon Products into South Africa. Both systems offer poor women who have few other income-earning opportunities the chance to make money by selling consumer goods. The results of our JITA research were recently published and our findings on Avon, which have sparked a lively debate, have just been released.
While we would not argue that either of these systems is problem-free, exploring them emphasised for us why it is gender, rather than capitalism, that should be the focus here.
Focusing on women
The radical innovation in microfinance was monetising women. Loan sharks have always made credit available to the poor at astronomical rates. What was new about microfinance was making business loans to women who were subject to exclusionary norms and thus had no capital. Credit essentially mobilised an economically captive population.
Money, being fungible, is dangerous. In both sites we studied, Bangladesh and South Africa, women are profoundly weakened by tradition, and the rates of violence against them are among the highest in the world. Evidence suggests that men would bully women into taking loans from microfinance companies, then expropriate the funds for themselves. When the women wanted to repay the loan, violence often followed.
Deep pockets hold security. Avon is big and stable enough to work without microcredit. They advance inventory on orders, interest free, telling reps to open bank accounts so commissions can be deposited directly. Avon watches the inventory exposure closely so that neither they nor the reps suffer bad debt. The physical and financial vulnerability presented by cash loaned out at high rates is avoided.
Large organisations make powerful allies
In Bangladesh, where female seclusion or purdah is practised, moving beyond the home is a transgression of gender norms. CARE worked directly with community elders to secure approval for the women to work. Both CARE and Avon step in to help provide safety and counselling support. Both advocate on behalf of women with other institutions, such as church and government.
A woman's market is her domain. CARE personnel assembled a basket of goods for women to sell by recruiting multinationals including Unilever, Danone, Bata and Bic. The basket is light enough to take across unpaved terrain, but includes items that vary by volume, weight, purchase cycle, seasonality and appeal. This carefully balanced portfolio minimises market risk, but each woman is free to add anything else she can carry and thinks will sell. Everything from hair ornaments to condoms turns up in these bags. Similarly, Avon provides a variety of goods beyond cosmetics that reps may add as they see fit. Other systems limit saleswomen to items deemed "good for the poor", forcing foreign values and heavy carrying costs on the participants. We further believe that consumer goods strongly identified with the feminine sphere, such as cleansers and cosmetics, are less threatening to the gender norms already being challenged by the earning power and mobility offered to the women.
Sisterhood matters
Both CARE and Avon are dedicated to women's empowerment. Both bring experience and sophistication in gender matters into local situations that are largely hostile to women. Both emphasise solidarity with other females. The networks thus built are, in themselves, consequential institutions.
Women have few structural friends. In both sites, women are significantly constrained by laws, customs, and religious strictures that refuse them property and inheritance rights, alongside basic freedoms and protections. The notion that governments are, by definition, friendly to women simply does not stack up to the facts. Contrary to conventional wisdom, business can be a better ally.
The proof is in the pudding. Both systems have established track records showing they can give significantly disadvantaged women, including those who are illiterate and innumerate, an opportunity to earn an income they can live and rely on. This is no mean achievement. All other criticisms should be measured against it.
Charges currently being levelled against these systems often seem to us hasty and unsuitable for the challenges faced by women. Patriarchy predates capitalism by thousands of years. It has been built, perpetuated and delivered by all institutions, including both business and government. Achieving gender justice will require respect for the particularities of this form of inequality, openness to new solutions and a willingness to accept that the market can empower rather than oppress women.
Linda Scott is DP world chair for entrepreneurship and innovation at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Catherine Dolan is a lecturer in the marketing, culture, and society programme at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
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Scientific Name(s): Euterpe oleracea Mart. Family: Arecaceae.
Common Name(s): Acai , acai palm , assai palm , cabbage palm , palma manaca
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of acai has been documented. Folk medicinal uses include treatment of fever, pain, and flu. The fruit's dark green oil has been used as an antidiarrheal agent. However, there is a lack of clinical information to recommend acai for any use.
Numerous dosage forms are available including juices, powders, capsules, liquids, creams, and lotions. Capsule dosage guidelines are typically 1,000 mg once or twice daily with food. Follow manufacturers' suggested regimen.
Avoid use if hypersensitivity to any acai palm components exists.
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
No data.
No data.
Acai, a member of the genus Euterpe , is indigenous to Central and South America and grows in the Amazon estuary as well as in swamps, upland regions, and floodplains. , , The acai palm is tall and slender, growing 15 to 30 m in height. The leaves are feather-like or pinnate in shape and grow up to 3 m in length. The plant is multistemmed and produces 3 to 4 bunches of round fruits 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter, with each bunch of fruit weighing 3 to 6 kg. The fruits appear in green clusters when immature and ripen to a dark purple color. Each acai fruit contains a seed that accounts for nearly 90% of its weight and diameter. The seeds are covered with a fibrous layer under which is a small edible layer. Although the fruits may be harvested throughout the year, the highest yields are obtained during the dry months of August through December versus the rainy months of January through July. ,
The fruit is of economic value; its juice is used to produce jelly, syrup, liquor, ice cream, energy drinks, and a variety of other beverages. Approximately 110,000 tons of fruit yield 100,000 tons of acai seeds commercially every year in the city of Belem, Brazil, alone. , , The frozen aqueous extract has been exported to numerous countries including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, and Italy. The fruit also serves as a major food source for people indigenous to Brazil, Colombia, and Suriname. Folk medicinal uses include treatment of fever, pain, and flu. The fruit's dark green oil has been used as an antidiarrheal agent.
Heart of palm is a vegetable harvested from the inner core of various palm trees, including acai palm. It is considered a delicacy and is consumed pickled and in salad. The extraction of the heart of palm may lead to the death of the entire tree, which has economic implications; however, research has been undertaken to explore alternative solutions. , The scale of illegal palm heart harvesting is difficult to estimate.
There are numerous commercial acai products. Most claim antioxidant and antiaging properties. Topical formulations are promoted for inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, and in hair restoration treatments. , Acai is used in cold and flu products and as a functional pigment for yogurt.
The primary medicinal part of the plant is the fruit or berry. Numerous studies have been completed on the nutritional composition and chemistry of the fruit. Acai fruit and berries contain lipids (49.4% and 33.1%), proteins (13.8% and 9.3%), ash (5.2% and 2.2%), and total dietary fiber (27.3% and 18%), respectively.
Another study on freeze-dried acai fruit identified 19 amino acids, making up 7.6% of total weight. Oleic acid (54%), palmitic acid (27%), and linoleic acid (12%) were the 3 dominant fatty acids. Nutrient analysis of 100 g of powder found 534 calories, 52 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein, 33 g total fat, and 44 g fiber. Vitamins A, B 1 , and C are present, as well as calcium and iron. Five sterols have also been isolated. The major phytochemicals include anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and other flavonoids, which are most likely associated with antioxidant activity. Cyandin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside are the 2 predominant anthocyanins. , , Total analysis of all flavonoids in the fruit pulp and antioxidant capacity of the seed extract is documented.
Color and stability studies of acai in food, beverage, and nutraceutical products are also available. , Due to acai's deep pigmentation, it has been examined as an alternative oral contrast agent for imaging of the GI tract, GI motility, and evaluation of dyspepsia.
Uses and Pharmacology
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of acai has been studied.Anticancer activity
In vitro
Acai fractions containing polyphenolic compounds reduced the proliferation of HL-60 leukemia cells through caspase-3 activation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The mechanism of action is associated with polyphenolic phytochemicals activating caspase-3, leading to cell death or apoptosis.Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
In vitro
The total oxygen scavenging capacity of acai was high against peroxyl radicals, good for peroxynitrite, and mild for hydroxyl radicals when compared with other European fruit and vegetable juices. ,
The freeze-dried powder showed high antioxidant capacity against superoxide, the initial producer of potent reactive oxygen species, and peroxyl scavenging in a superoxide dismutase assay. Acai also inhibited cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with greater effect on COX-1. Antioxidant molecules from acai also entered human neutrophils and inhibited oxidation induced by reactive oxygen species.
Acai extracts inhibited lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in a macrophage cell line. Overproduction of NO may lead to activation of NO synthase, leading to the generation of cells mediating inflammatory processes. The mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of NO synthase expression and activity.
The antioxidant activities of the seeds are similar to those of the berries against peroxyl radicals. However, the seeds have a stronger antioxidant effect against peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals when compared with the berries.Other pharmacological activity
Digestive enzyme inhibition
Proteins from acai fruit pulps inhibited salivary alpha-amylase in vitro.Iron bioavailability
Iron in acai fruits was not effective in improving hemoglobin concentrations in a rat study.Prostate
An ethanol extract of acai palm fruit peel inhibited testosterone 5-alpha reductase. In patients with an enlarged prostate, dysuria was prevented by the administration of 2 tablets per day (80 mg of acai palm fruit peel extract powder per tablet) for 1 month.Vasodilation
Acai induced an endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect in a rat mesenteric vascular bed. The mechanism of action appeared to be dependent on activation of NO-GMPc pathway and may involve endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor release.
Numerous dosage forms are available including juices, powders, capsules, liquids, creams, and lotions. Capsule formulation dosage guidelines are typically 1,000 mg once or twice daily with food. Follow manufacturers' suggested regimen.
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
No drug-drug or drug-food interaction data could be found.
Adverse Reactions
Avoid use if hypersensitivity to any acai palm components exist. No adverse reaction data was found.
No toxicology data has been published.
Bibliography1. Brondizio E , Safar C , Siqueira A . The urban market of acai fruit ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and rural land use change: ethnographic insights into the role of price and land tenure constraining agricultural choices in the Amazon estuary . Urban Ecosyst . 2002 ; 6 ( 1/2 ): 67-97 .
2. Weinstein S , Moegenburg S . Acai palm management in the Amazon estuary: course for conservation or passage to plantations? Conserv Soc . 2004 ; 2 ( 2 ): 316-346 .
3. Schauss AG , Wu X , Prior RL , et al. Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freeze-dried amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (acai) . J Agric Food Chem . 2006 ; 54 ( 22 ): 8598-8603 .
4. Del Pozo-Insfran D , Brenes CH , Talcott ST . Phytochemical composition and pigment stability of Acai ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) . J Agric Food Chem . 2004 ; 52 ( 6 ): 1539-1545 .
5. Rodrigues RB , Lichtenthaler R , Zimmermann BF , et al. Total oxidant scavenging capacity of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (acai) seeds and identification of their polyphenolic compounds . J Agric Food Chem . 2006 ; 54 ( 12 ): 4162-4167 .
6. Rocha AP , Carvalho LC , Sousa MA , et al. Endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Acai) extracts in mesenteric vascular bed of the rat . Vascul Pharmacol . 2007 ; 46 ( 2 ): 97-104 .
7. Gallori S , Bilia A , Bergonzi M , Barbosa W , Vincieri F . Polyphenolic constituents of fruit pulp of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Acai palm) . Chromatographia . 2004 ; 59 ( 11-12 ): 739-743 .
8. Dyer AP . Latent energy in Euterpe oleracea . In: Biomass for Energy and the Environment, Proceedings of the 9th European Bioenergy Conference; June 24-27, 1996 ; Copenhagen.
9. Galetti M , Fernandez JC . Palm heart harvesting in the Brazilian Atlantic forest: changes in industry structure and the illegal trade . J Appl Ecol . 1998 ; 35 ( 2 ); 294-301 .
10. Matheus ME , de Oliveira Fernandes SB , Silveira CS , Rodrigues VP , de Sousa Menezes F , Fernandes PD . Inhibitory effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. on nitric oxide production and iNOS expression . J Ethnopharmacol . 2006 ; 107 ( 2 ): 291-296 .
11. Coyado K . Hair restoration treatment with active ingredients from Rain Forests Specialities and other Brazilian plants . NutraCos . 2006 ; 5 ( 1 ): 10-13 .
12. Coïsson JD , Travaglia F , Piana G , Capasso M , Arlorio M . Euterpe oleracea juice as a functional pigment for yogurt. Food Res Int . 2005 ; 38 ( 8-9 ): 893-897 .
13. Neida S , Elba S . Characterization of the acai or manaca ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.): a fruit of the Amazon [in Spanish]. Arch Latinoam Nutr . 2007 ; 57 ( 1 ): 94-98 .
14. Costa D . Presence of vitamin B1 in Euterpe oleracea . Rev Aliment (Rio de Janeiro) . 1945 ; 9 ( 9 ): 10-11 .
15. Vera de Rosso V , Mercadante AZ . Evaluation of colour and stability of anthocyanins from tropical fruits in an isotonic soft drink system . Innov Food Sci Emerg Technol . 2007 ; 8 ( 3 ): 347-352 .
16. Córdova-Fraga T , de Araujo DB , Sanchez TA , et al. Euterpe olerácea (acai) as an alternative oral contrast agent in MRI of the gastrointestinal system: preliminary results . Magn Reson Imaging . 2004 ; 22 ( 3 ): 389-393 .
17. Del Pozo-Insfran D , Percival SS , Talcott ST . Acai ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Polyphenolics in their glycoside and aglycone forms induce apoptosis of HL-60 leukemia cells . J Agric Food Chem . 2006 ; 54 ( 4 ); 1222-1229 .
18. Lichtenthaler R , Rodrigues RB , Maia JG , Papagiannopoulos M , Fabricius H , Marx F . Total oxidant scavenging capacities of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Acai) fruits . Int J Food Sci Nutr . 2005 ; 56 ( 1 ): 53-64 .
19. Hassimotto NM , Genovese MI , Lajolo FM . Antioxidant activity of dietary fruits, vegetables, and commercial frozen fruit pulps . J Agric Food Chem . 2005 ; 53 ( 8 ): 2928-2935 .
20. Schauss AG , Wu X , Prior RL , et al. Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (acai) . J Agric Food Chem . 2006 ; 54 ( 22 ): 8604-8610 .
21. Araujo CL , Bezerra IW , Dantas IC , et al. Biological activity of proteins from pulps of tropical fruits . Food Chem . 2003 ; 85 ( 1 ): 107-110 .
22. Toalari SD , Yuyama LK , Agular JP , Souza RF . Iron bioavailability from acai ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and iron-fortified cassava flour in rats . Rev Nutr . 2005 ; 18 ( 3 ): 291-299 .
23. Katagiri M , Ono A , Oide K . Testosterone 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors containing Euterpe oleracea fruit extracts and their use for treatment of prostatomegaly and for foods and beverages . Jpn Kokai Tokkyo Koho . JP 2006 182701, 20060713, 2004377985, 20041227, 8 pp.


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We are more than welcome you here
Prima Villa is a family run hotel, conveniently situated in an exclusive serene area, close to Wongamat beach, one of the most cleanliness and private beach in Pattaya, and we are not far from the centre of city (shopping and nightlife).
Over 10 years' experience helps us ensure you to have as comfortable and pleasurable stay as possible whether it's for a single night or longer. We have 200 guestrooms in total and they can be divided into two room types: Pacific and Deluxe. All rooms are equipped with all amenities you need. Also our staff is friendly and attentive. We are looking forward to welcoming you very soon!
Easy City Access
Only 500 metres away from the city
Near Cleanest Beach
5-minute walk to Wong-Amat Beach
Excellent Value
Guarantee Best Price & Services
I've got meeting on the 6th floor with my company and it's such a great view over the sea. The meeting room is quite nice and so does the food. There are 2 swimming rooms which look very beautiful. I didn't stay here, but will stay here next time, definitely.
Pattamaporn T
The room we booked was standard room, but it was very big and nice. Good bed with soft sheets. Not noisy at all. Near by supermarket. Breakfast is so so. Nice pools. For the price you pay is a good value. approximately 15 minutes away by car to get to main road with shops and etc.
Alina M
My 4th times here. Love the ambience, cosy, clean and good location. The breakfast is pretty good, many choices. The access pool room is highly recommended. Good place for chilllaxing with friend and family. Their salt pool is so wonderful and private. I will definitely return here again'n again :)
Bell S
157/22-23 M.5, Soi Wongamat, Pattaya-Naklua Road, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150, Thailand
Hotline +66 (0) 38 370 715


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In cities, it is not easy for children to interact with other living creatures. Here are petting zoos in Daegu you can bring your children to!
Eworld "ZOO ZOO FARM"
#small_zoo #theme_park
ZOO ZOO Farm is a great option for parents who want to let their kids to access to animals while enjoying other entertainments before and after. Eworld is the biggest theme park in Daegu and surrounding regions where you can ride thrill-inducing roller roasters, take photos, watch parade and performances and eat delicious snacks. It is a nice place for both parents and kids.
Kids will be able to see animals ranging from pony and rabbit to love bird, reptiles and mini-sized animals. They allow kids to pet and feed some of the creatures as well. Recently, they also opened "Playground in Forest" where kids can have fun out in the open.
*All images: Eworld
─ Location: 5 min from Duryu Station Exit 15(Line2)
─ Hours:
Zoo Zoo Farm: weekdays 10:00 – 18:00, weekends 10:00 – 19:00
Entire Park 10:00 - 22:00
─ Address: 200, Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
─ Address(KR): 대구시 달서구 두류공원로 200
─ Admission for Eworld(Adult):
Entry 18,000KRW/ Free-pass 37,000KRW/Night Free-pass 21,000KRW
*Entry to ZOO ZOO FARM is free upon entering the park.
Nature Park
#zoo_and_botanic_garden #open_late #Kayaking
Nature park is located in the outskirt of Daegu, Ga-chang. Naturally, it boasts a wide space for animals and other creatures it is housing. Not only familiar farm animals, children can visit a variety of animals including more exotic creatures. There are mainly 6 sections of this park: Botanic Garden, Zoo, Ecology Center, Butterfly Garden, Squirrel village and Play Garden. It is one of few zoos that are open later in the evening. A day at Nature Park will pass by so quickly for your curious children.
*All images: Nature Park
─ Hours: Botanical Garden 10:00 – 21:00(22:00 on weekend), zoo 11:00 – 20:00
─ Address: 891, Gachang-ro, Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, Korea
─ Address(KR): 대구 달성군 가창면 가창로 891
─ Admission:
Botanical Garden 10,000KRW(adults), 8,000KRW(children)
Botanical Garden + Zoo 16,000KRW(adults), 14,000KRW(children)
*Separate admission for Spa Valley
Bongmu Butterfly Eco-Park
#butterflies #insects #learning_place
Since 2002, Bongmu Butterfly Eco-Park, aka Bongmu Nabi Park, help children aware about ecology and the environment. Children can learn about butterflies and insects with specimens and living creatures. Bongmu Butterfly Parks displays around 1,000 butterfly specimens of 250 Korean and foreign kinds. It also breeds butterflies all year round.
*All images: Bongmu Butterfly Eco-Park
─ Hours: 10:00 – 17:00, close on Mondays, Jan1, Seollal and Chuseok
─ Location: 15 min from Bullo-dong Tomb Park
─ Address: 66, Palgong-ro 50-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu, Korea
─ Address(KR): 대구 동구 팔공로50길 66
─ Admission: Free


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In honour of The Bahamas' 42nd Independence anniversary, Bahamian Artist and Photographer Monty Knowles' Junkanoo Nymphe leaves Government House after her courtesy call on the Governor General.
• • •
Body Painting and Photography: Monty Knowles
Model: Analicia Thompson
Outfit designed by Elizabeth Clarke
Crown by Rochelle Knowles.
Thursday, July 16, 2015 – The latest edition of "Bahamian Art & Culture" eMagazine is out and we are still in the spirit of celebrating our Independence! Inside is the latest in Bahamian art & cultural events, commentary, stories and news from The Bahamas, the region and the world.
Click on the link above, share with friends, and read what's happening in Bahamian art & culture today. Subscribe for free! Enjoy!