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|Hell hath no fury like John Isner in a tiebreak.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
John Isner is a Tiebreaker-Winning Machine Right Now
Monday, July 29, 2013
Nadal May End Up Skipping Cincinnati
"About a week ago, Rafael Nadal thought it would be very difficult to participate in both Masters 1000 in Montreal and Cincinnati. The idea was to choose one of the two to not jeopardize his participation in the U.S. Open, the last Grand Slam of the season that starts on August 26 in the courts of Flushing Meadows. The reason was the left knee tendinitis and elbow of the left arm with which he left Wimbledon, where he lost in the first round against Steve Darcis."Doesn't sound like anything out of the ordinary here. Nadal will likely be very conservative with his scheduling for the rest of his career on surfaces other than clay (and even that too). But the worrisome part is that the elbow may be a problem. More will likely be known about the elbow in Montreal, if Nadal is willing to speak of it. Nadal did mention having difficulties with the left elbow at Roland Garros this year, and he has had other flare-ups in the past, specifically at Wimbledon in 2010.
Watch: Djokovic "Doing Some Beatboxing"
Friday, July 26, 2013
Alisa Kleybonova Named WTT Female Rookie of the Year
Troicki's Case Proves that ITF Anti-Doping Program Needs to Improve
|Troicki: Guilty, or Not?
Thursday, July 25, 2013
That Sinking Feeling
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
16-year-old Borna Coric Impresses in ATP Debut
"Wow, crazy couple of days! I was given a wildcard into the ATP Vegeta Croatia Open in Umag. On Monday I played doubles with Nikola Mektic against Andreas Seppi and Viktor Troicki and lost (7-6, 6-1). Then yesterday evening I played against the world no.58 Horacio Zeballos from Argentina, I lost (6-7, 6-4, 6-0) but it was a great experience to play against him and do all the press and media work that comes with it. Thanks to everyone for the huge support at the tournament."Coric may have come up empty in his first ATP experience, but based on the photos he's posted on his facebook page, strength is not going to be a problem for the Zagreb native. The kid, simply put, is ripped.
Tweets: Gstaad Rivals all ATP Tour Stops in Bucolic Appeal
#Gstaad #delocos disfrutando un poco de este increible lugar despues del partido de hoy.. pic.twitter.com/6DqSGRA6l6— Juan Monaco (@picomonaco) July 24, 2013
Beautiful Gstaad. pic.twitter.com/ngFDJTJ7Lf— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) July 24, 2013
Arguably among the most beautiful scenery for a tennis event: Court 1 at the Credit Agricole Open in #Gstaad. pic.twitter.com/4xpAK1SL15— ArTenniS (@ArTp_Tour) July 24, 2013
For those interested in the tennis as much as the scenery, Roger Federer will open his campaign on Thursday, facing Daniel Brands of Germany with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. Read the full singles draw here.
It's so beautiful..! 'RT @prada_tamy Tennis jugadores entrenandose para el torneo del open de Gstaad:) @opengstaad pic.twitter.com/iYJzXsbhGf'— Laura Palmerer (@Laura_Phn) July 24, 2013
Roger Federer Has a Cow
For a full report on how this cow (named Desiree) came into Roger Federer's life, click here.
@opengstaad today Desirée my new friend seemed to be a bit shy at first when we met,i got to admit that I was too!! pic.twitter.com/9fjTRNM7Dn— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 23, 2013
Watch: Bryan Brothers Esurance Video(s)
Monday, July 22, 2013
Watch: Fognini Saves Three Match Points against Delbonis in Hamburg
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Federer: "I don't think it had much to do with racquet"
|Roger Federer's struggles continue, at least for now
Federer has now lost to players ranked outside of the top 100 12 times in his career, but it had not happened since 2005 until he went down to Sergiy Stakhovsky at Wimbledon. Natrally, Federer was not thrilled with the loss, but in the end he accepted defeat, saying that Delbonis was the better player and that he was happy to have gotten in some much-needed match time with the new stick: "I don't think it had much to do with the racket today," Federer said. "I mean I'm in the semi-finals, I know how I'm feeling. I tried hard. I tried everything I could at this tournament. It's been a difficult week throughout. But I'm happy I fought through many matches. It gives me the matches I was looking for. I was clearly hoping after winning a tough one yesterday to somehow get through today and then give myself an opportunity to win the title tomorrow. Also it's disappointing but defeats like that happen sometimes." Is it time to push the panic button yet for Federer? Or, was that button already pushed when Federer decided to switch to a larger racquet and play two clay-court events in the middle of what is typically his post-Wimbledon holiday? I think the answer is no to both questions. Clearly Federer is struggling, both with confidence and with feel right now, but the good news is that he's got another event coming up in Gstaad next week, and he'll get more matches with the new frame before he heads to the U.S. for a surface that is much more favorable to his game. "Yes, of course I'm happy I came here," Federer said. "There is no disappointment or downside of playing here. I had a good week... Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the finals but nevertheless I did have four good matches and these are the kind of matches I need. They weren't straightforward, they were hard fought. That's something I didn't have that much this week. Clearly I hope to return one day to this tournament. But for now that's it. So, hopefully I'll come back soon." Federer, seeded first in Gstaad, will play the winner of the first round match between Daniel Brands and Marco Chiudinelli in the second round.
.@rogerfederer loss No 114 @FedeDelbonis 1st time lost in back-to-back tourn outside Top 100 since '02 @Wimbledon (Ancic),Gstaad (Stepanek).— Greg Sharko (@SharkoTennis) July 20, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Sharapova-Connors Pairing Will be Entertaining, Could be Lethal
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Watch: Roger Federer is Getting the Hang of his New Stick
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Federer's New Frame: Harbinger of Revival?
|Say goodbye to that puny frame
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Caroline Wozniacki Does NOT Have a New Coach
Since we're on the subject of the former World No. 1 and current World No. 10, the Dane is reportedly being held culpable for Rory McIlroy's current slump. She's also officially done with Yonex as a racquet sponsor, per Matt Cronin's tweet:
Funny how busy the media is to find me a new coach!How about stop making stories and assumptions, ill let you know if anything new happens!— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) July 16, 2013
And, finally, in other Wozniacki-related news, her puppy came to watch her practice for the first time today:
Confirmed that Caroline Wozniacki no longer under contract with Yonex. Has no new deal with any other company yet— Matt Cronin (@TennisReporters) July 16, 2013
And that's a wrap on Caroline Wozniacki news for the day. Time to move on, people...
Came to watch his mommy practice for the first time! His daddy @mcilrorory would have been proud of his behavior! pic.twitter.com/vHaoL7itnN— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) July 16, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Halep, Keys, Puig Hit New Career-High Rankings
Simona Halep, 21, has won three straight non-Slam events and has gone 16-1 since the French Open; Madison Keys, 18 is ticketed for the top ten and maybe higher by many pundits. She's the second youngest player in the top 100; Monica Puig, 19, finished last season at 127 and has been turning heads all summer; Annika Beck, 19, is the youngest of five Germans in the top 50. Puig was thrilled about the news, and deservedly so:
New #WTA Career High Rankings: Simona Halep-> No.23, Madison Keys-> No.44, @MonicaAce93-> No.48, @BeckAnnika-> No.50 #tennis— WTA (@WTA) July 15, 2013
New career high ranking of 48!!! This is exciting to see!!!! #PicaPower— Monica Puig (@MonicaAce93) July 15, 2013
Rhyne Williams Inks ABN Amro Deal
|Rhyne Williams at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships/ AP
McLean, Va. (July 15, 2013) – Octagon Tennis today announced a multi-year association between rising American tennis star Rhyne Williams and ABN AMRO. Williams will sport an ABN AMRO logo on his sleeve while competing, as well as chronicle his experiences in a blog on the bank's website that will document his training regimen and share the sights and sounds of his journey and progress on the ATP Tour. ABN AMRO provides banking services, financial planning, insurance, private wealth management, prime brokerage, and clearing and trading. "ABN AMRO is proud to be associated with such a young and promising player as Rhyne," said Janbart de Boer, Chief Commercial Officer of ABN AMRO. "We believe his hard work and commitment to his sport are an inspiration to our staff and our clients around the world. ABN AMRO is a young and growing firm with great ambitions; like Rhyne we believe stamina and training and perseverance will bring excellent results." Ernst Boekhorst, Manager of Sponsoring & Events at ABN AMRO, added: "Since we are a longtime fan of tennis with our sponsorship of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament we are very pleased to welcome Rhyne Williams. We hope to see him play during our tournament in February." A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Williams is currently ranked 129 on the ATP Tour. Earlier in the year, Williams was a semifinalist at the U.S. Men's Clay Courts in Houston, won his first ATP Challenger event in Dallas and earned a singles main draw wild card into the Australian Open. Williams, who played college tennis for the University of Tennessee, was the 2011 NCAA singles finalist and won the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championship. "We are excited to have been able to procure this truly unique partnership for Rhyne with one of the worldwide leaders in the banking/financial industry," said Kelly Wolf, Senior Director of Octagon's Personalities & Properties division. "The association is a reflection of ABN AMRO's continuing commitment to international tennis and its future stars."Williams, currently ranked 129 in the world, reached the semifinals of the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships in April. It is his best tour-level performance to date. He also won the Dallas Challenger this February, and competed in the main draw of the Australian and French Opens.
Welcome to Benoit Paire's World, Where Beauty and Disaster are Never Far Apart
Friday, July 12, 2013
Dissecting Djokovic
Dimitrov, Fognini Searching for Maiden ATP Titles this Weekend
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Wimbledon's Men's Singles Final Drew Highest TV Audience of 2013 in Great Britain
"It was the biggest peak audience of any television programme so far this year, and eclipsed the 11.4 million average and 16.9 million peak for last year's Wimbledon final, in which Murray lost to Roger Federer. This year's final was also the biggest audience of any Wimbledon final since at least 1990, the earliest that accurate audience statistics are available."Not to be overlooked is the fact that Prior to Wimbledon, the most popular program of 2013 had been the final of Britain's Got Talent on 8 June (It's a Simon Cowell show), which averaged 11.1 million viewers (51.4%) with a peak of 13.1 million.
Musing on Murray, Bartoli
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Andy Murray Dreamt He Faced Denis Kudla or Radek Stepanek in the Wimbledon Final
Murray famously dreamt that he won Wimbledon last year after losing to Roger Federer in the final. No matter, because Murray played the match of his career in reality, striking 36 winners against only 21 unforced errors, breaking Djokovic's serve seven times, and withstanding a furious last-ditch rally from the Serb in the final game to close out the match in straight sets. In Murray's case the reality ended up being far better than the dream. Must be nice.
I knew Kudla was good on grass. He played finals of Wimbledon. in Andy Murays dream..— ivo karlovic (@ivokarlovic) July 7, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
A Tweet-Tastic Day of Semifinals at Wimbledon
2. Delpo finally has got his feet underneath him well enough on the grass so that he can fully unleash his game. He definitely looks more like a future Wimbledon winner than ever...
I heard center court for Murray's match go for £10,000 a seat! http://t.co/7lqqicXtFt— Johan Kriek (@johankriek) July 5, 2013
3. Ubaldo, didn't anyone tell you that they don't keep stats on journos? Only the players, silly.
Shotgun fearhand DelPo!— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) July 5, 2013
4. Not only was Djokovic tough--he was rough and tumble...
Bud collins covered 50 Wimbledon Clerici not sure about his 50 I am at 40! total of the neighborhood in pressbox 140 presences #wimbledon— Ubaldo Scanagatta (@Ubitennis) July 5, 2013
5. How good was Djokovic-Del Potro? Damn good. But don't believe me, I'll let the pros tell you...
Heh. Your racket, Mr. Djokovic (GTY) pic.twitter.com/1KokXcGvF2— Joe Fleming (@ByJoeFleming) July 5, 2013
6. Mighty Mel was digging it.
Tennis at its finest... Relentless offence from delpo and mind boggling defence from Nole...— Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) July 5, 2013
7. You could have said this a hundred times.
I really hope all tennis fans are watching this semifinal with djokovic and delpo cause it is some amazing tennis and true heart! #Wimbledon— Melanie Oudin (@melanie_oudin) July 5, 2013
8. It wasn't just long--but it sure was long!
That is great stuff from Delpo— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) July 5, 2013
9. Can't tell you how many times I have thought this during Wimbledon. Djokovic is treating the grass like it is a slippery hard court. It's Matrixesque.
BBC says Lendl-Becker SF in 1989 is longest ever at #Wimbledon, 4hrs 1min. This match? Now 4hrs, 4mins... and we've just started the 5th set— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) July 5, 2013
10. Needless to say, with Andy Murray playing the second match, everybody saved some energy for the long haul.
How the heck is Djoko doing this freaking sliding thing on grass!!!— Andrea Petkovic (@andreapetkovic) July 5, 2013
11. And Jerzy Janowicz and his amped-up serving made sure the British faithful were kept on the edge of their seats.
In-office discussion: Are the fans on Henman Hill more intoxicated or sunburned at this point? A close race for sure... #Wimbledon— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) July 5, 2013
12. Evidently the tape on Janowicz' arm doesn't keep him letting it fly.
That is the 3rd time this Touney Jerzy Boy has hit 140 mph serve and the 2nd in a row that he hit 140 in 1st game— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) July 5, 2013
13. The women appear to be intrigued by Janowicz "gentle touch."
Janowicz has more tape on his arm than a crime scene let's be honest.— John McEnroe (@McEnroeTweets) July 5, 2013
This guy loves to drop shot— Jennifer Capriati (@JenCapriati) July 5, 2013
14. Did some people get carried away when officials elected to close the roof due to darkness (or, rather, the rumor of darkness) after the third set? Do bears hibernate?
I'd like to know how many drop shots #Janowicz hit in this match!— Alina Jidkova (@AlinaJidkova) July 5, 2013
15. Anna Wintour, however, remained cool and calm.
I repeat. Time and again we are told this is an outdoor summer event. If this screws Murray, Wimbledon will deserve opprobrium of the nation— Neil Harman (@NeilHarmanTimes) July 5, 2013
16. In the end, it wasn't about the roof, it was about Murray being the better and more experienced player.
9:30 at night, the roof is closed and the sun is down. But yes, Anna Wintour has put her sunglasses back on. OK #Wimbledon— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) July 5, 2013
17. And, even on the craziest fortnight in recent memory, the trend prevails. It will be Murray and Djokovic in the final. Who could ask for anything more?
You kidding me??? Murray with reflexes like a mongoose on amphetamines!!!— Rob Koenig (@RobKoenigTennis) July 5, 2013
With the Djokovic-Murray #Wimbledon final all set, it will now be 33 of the last 34 Slams won by one of the Big Four. #atp— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 5, 2013
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Is Andy Murray Good Enough to Overcome the Curse of Cameron?
Robson's loss wasn't the first time that a British athlete lost a sporting event despite the unabashed backing of Prime Minister Cameron. According to The Telegraph, Cameron witnessed the hardships of many a British athlete during the 2012 London Olympic Games, and he was also in attendance for last year's Wimbledon final when Andy Murray lost to Roger Federer. Which is why Great Britain is breathing a collective sigh after Murray fought back from a two-set deficit against Spain's Fernando Verdasco to reach the Wimbledon semis even though this tweet from Cameron had hit the internet prior to his match:
Sending best wishes to @laurarobson5 1st Brit woman in 4th round #Wimbledon for ages. Won't see match as overseas- but will be given updates— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) July 1, 2013
Either Murray is some kind of superhuman who is impervious to the curse, or, perhaps more likely, the curse is a product of the press's outlandish imagination and lack of, um, shall we say better ideas? Murray isn't having it that's for sure, here's what he told the press after Wednesday's win over Verdasco:
The sky over Downing St a little grey right now. Let's hope it clears up for @Andy_Murray to win at #Wimbledon. Best of luck Andy.— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) July 3, 2013
Q. There's been talk about David Cameron having tweeted you this morning and the so called curse of Cameron, which I think sort of spooked the country a bit. Is that something you were aware of? How superstitious are you about things like that? ANDY MURRAY: No. What he tweets has absolutely zero bearing on the outcome of my match today zero at all. It's nice to get messages from the prime minister, but whether I win or not, his tweet has no bearing on that at all. That's just people trying to make a story out of nothing.


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Jonathan Yabut Named as the 1st Apprentice Asia
Tony Fernandes of Air Asia HIRED Jonathan Allen Yabut as the first Apprentice in AXN's Apprentice Asia this July 31. After 11 episodes, we have witnessed the tasks, challenges and the showdowns of the 12 contestants throughout the season. And last night, the final battle between the 27-year old Senior Product Manager Jonathan and Singaporean lawyer Andrea Loh at the charity fund-raiser made Mr. Fernandes decide on who deserved the said title.
Jonathan Allen Yabut is an alumni of the University of the Philippines, majored in Economics. After 10 boardroom trials and outside tasks in terms of sales, negotiation, creativity, management, trading, marketing and the like, you can be sure that Jonathan now has experienced the best training he could ever have. "It has been a very humbling experience to compete against some of the region's best brains in business. I treasure the opportunities I had to learn from my fellow contestants, as well as Mr. Tony Fernandes, and his advisors Mr. Mark Lankester and Ms. Kathleen Tan. Winning The Apprentice Asia is the perfect springboard to build a fulfilling career and I am excited to work for Mr. Fernandes. I thank AXN for the opportunity to be on The Apprentice Asia which has been the most thrilling experience of my life so far," said Yabut.
"I hope The Apprentice Asia will inspire the many aspiring young talents in our region to become Apprentices in their own right, to dream and to make it big," he added.
Truly, the Filipino people is proud of Jonathan. Fans cheered as the final viewing party happened with some of the contestants of the Apprentice Asia. We were all rooting for our "kababayan" and he really made it possible for most of us to dream, and dream big.
Here is the video of this thank you speech after being declared as the first Apprentice Asia:
The Apprentice Asia was shot in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This Asian adaptation of the U.S. reality series was helmed by reality TV guru, Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor) and FremantleMedia Asia, a leading global entertainment company. The Apprentice Asia's 12 contestants hailed from Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. They came from backgrounds as diverse as entertainment, food &; beverage, hospitality, information technology, law and finance. Contestants quit jobs, delayed weddings, and set their businesses aside to accommodate the one month-long production.
"Following four seasons of The Amazing Race Asia, as well as Cyril: Simply Magic and Cash Cab Asia, The Apprentice Asia represents AXN's next milestone in creativity and innovation. The success of the series reaffirms AXN's leadership in producing original content that audiences love," said Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President, Business Operations, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television.
"On behalf of AXN Asia, we congratulate Jonathan for becoming Asia's first Apprentice, and thank Tony, Mark and Kathleen for their unyielding commitment and dedication to the series. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to the sponsors of The Apprentice Asia for sharing our creative vision and passion to entertain and engage viewers," he added.
The Apprentice Asia is presented by Expedia, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, AirAsia, IG Markets, official smartphone Blackberry and official car Volkswagen. To know more about the Apprentice Asia, visit AXN Asia's Website at http://www.axn-asia.com/
Check out more photos during the Apprentice Asia Final Viewing Party at my Facebook Page.
Check out more photos during the Apprentice Asia Final Viewing Party at my Facebook Page.

subset: commoncrawl


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LOAD Informed Consent
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder of the elderly affecting an estimated five million Americans. Genetic factors contribute to the risk for disease with heritability estimates ranging from 57% to 79%. More than a decade ago, the ε4 variant of APOE was identified and remains the most consistently replicated genetic variant influencing the risk of late onset Alzheimer's disease. A segregation analysis suggests there may be four additional genes influencing the age-at-onset of Alzheimer's disease. In 2007 there were 968 association studies in 398 candidate genes reported, but none replicated consistently. There are many reasons for the lack of consistency, but one important reason for the lack of progress is the insufficient number of well characterized families and patients available to the entire scientific community.
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Leading German business groups called on Monday for joint euro zone bond issuance, despite their government's opposition, and the European Central Bank showed its intent to defend Italy and Spain.
The ECB spent a record 22-billion euros ($31-billion) on government debt last week, to try to halt the spread of the euro zone debt crisis.
Spanish and Italian bond yields, which had soared to dangerous levels, fell back as a result of the central bank's support, which marked its first bond purchases for 19 weeks.
The ECB is keen to put the ball back in the court of euro zone governments, but despite some internal opposition stepped into a vacuum until the bloc's rescue fund acquires new powers to intervene in the secondary bond market.
Most experts say the latest measures will only buy some time whereas common bond issuance could solve the currency area's intractable debt crisis by allowing all its members to borrow at affordable rates.
But the idea of so-called "Eurobonds" has been fiercely opposed by Berlin, which is fearful such a step would push up German borrowing costs and reduce incentives for weaker euro zone members like Greece to reform their economies.
A German government spokesman was emphatic — German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy will not discuss common euro zone issuance at a meeting in Paris on Tuesday because Berlin does not think it is a good idea.
"The German government has said on numerous occasions that it does not believe Eurobonds make sense and that's why they will not play any role at tomorrow's meeting," spokesman Steffen Seibert said.
However, a deepening of the debt crisis over the past weeks, with big member states like Italy, Spain and even France coming under pressure, has convinced some Germans to reconsider, even if top government officials continue to rule it out.
The president of Germany's BGA export association became the first senior industry head to back the idea, telling Reuters all other avenues for fighting the crisis had been exhausted.
"The alternative is the markets attack Italy, then France, we lose our AAA rating and then it's our turn. This is a downward spiral that would lead to a worldwide depression," Anton Boerner said in an interview.
"What have we achieved then?" Boerner said. "We'll end up paying three times over. This way we pay just once."
His view was backed by the head of Germany's trade association for small- and mid-sized companies, Mario Ohoven, who said Eurobonds could be introduced with guarantees to cap German liability. Other German trade groups remain opposed.
The head of the centre-left Social Democrats, Sigmar Gabriel, also backed the idea, telling German public television station ARD late on Sunday that euro zone countries should be able to raise 50-60 percent of their funding through such joint issues if they agreed to certain conditions.
"States that use Eurobonds would have to agree to give up a degree of sovereignty over their own budgets," Gabriel said.
After unveiling tougher austerity plans in return for ECB help, Italian Economy Minister Giulio Tremonti said a common euro zone bond would stop markets forcing high-debt economies in the bloc to the brink. "We would not have arrived where we are if we had had the euro bond," he said at the weekend.
With common debt issuance off the agenda, Merkel and Sarkozy are instead expected to discuss improving economic governance.
Officials have said they could agree to regular meetings of euro zone leaders — a longstanding French demand — and enlarge the role of European Council President Herman van Rompuy to make him a spokesman for the euro.
These steps could bring greater policy discipline in the 17-nation bloc, which has regularly sowed confusion in the markets by talking with disparate voices, but are unlikely to assuage concerns about the high debt of certain countries in the bloc.
Both German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble and Economy Minister Philipp Roesler gave interviews over the weekend in which they spoke out against euro zone bonds.
German media reports have said a working group within Merkel's CDU party has been studying the idea of Eurobonds in greater detail, suggesting some may be open to it. But leading members of the party and other northern European member states, such as the Netherlands and Finland, remain vehemently opposed.
Merkel, whose popularity has sunk to its lowest level in nearly five years according to some recent polls, could face a revolt within her coalition and Germany's broader economic policy establishment if she agreed to joint bond issuance.
Her coalition partners, the Free Democrats (FDP) and the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU), are seen as dead-set against the idea.
The leadership of the FDP have set a meeting for Wednesday to discuss their stance on the euro crisis, while the Secretary-General of the CSU, the Bavarian sister party to Merkel's CDU, attacked the opposition SPD for its support of common bonds.
"The SPD must say what type of tax increases it wants to raise to get the umpteen billion euros for Eurobonds to aid Greece and other Dolce-Vita countries," Alexander Dobrindt said
in comments to business daily Financial Times Deutschland.
Boerner of the BGA said, however, that Eurobonds may be the only solution that can prevent the markets from launching new assaults on euro zone members.
"We must show the markets that we are ready to use the appropriate tools, and that means Eurobonds signed off by Germany," said Boerner. "We need Eurobonds with strict conditions attached. We need this and we need it fast."
© Thomson Reuters 2011


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Grainne & Mark
We just wanted to e-mail you to say thank you. I don't know where to start but from our first meeting back in October you have been excellent. You really helped to make our special day extra special - it was like a fairytale to us. We are finding it hard to come back down to earth now after it all!
You couldn't have been any more helpful and everything ran so smoothly on the day. Everyone commented on how hard you worked on the wedding day no-one could believe it - thank you. The church was excellent, Casa, food, flowers, cars, music - there is nothing we would change. It was just magical.
Thanks a million!
Gráinne and Mark - July 2011


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May 26, 2020
6 Months
Gain valuable skills while living purposefully in a cross-cultural setting
Project 5.6 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and work overseas while gaining important skills that are necessary for living in today's globally connected community and economy. During this experience, you will focus on five core areas of growth:
For those who want to grow in practical and soft skills to better prepare themselves for what's ahead in their professional life.
For those who need to fulfill internship requirements for higher education degrees like global studies or TESOL majors. This option is also available as a study abroad semester for many universities. You'll gain teaching skills, classroom management skills, and leadership skills—all while living in a new country and surrounded by experienced educators!
At the end of your internship, you'll have an opportunity to go with your team to visit another ELIC team in another country. You'll experience a new culture, learn from a new team, and gain valuable insight into the bigger picture of how transformative education can be on a global scale.
Spots are filling up quickly. Apply now!


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Boris Godunov, not the other Boris!
In 12 years time, would someone return the NHS to the original Nye Bevan version?
The Cockroach Catcher and his wife attended the Metropolitan Opera's performance of Modest Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov.
Sara Krulwich/The New York Times
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov said, "I both adore and abhor Boris Godunov. I adore it for its originality, power, boldness, distinctiveness, and beauty; I abhor it for its lack of polish, the roughness of its harmonies, and, in some places, the sheer awkwardness of the music." So he wrote a revised version which basically dominated the musical world for the next 75 years! Wikipedia.
75 years!
The Met is presenting "Boris Godunov" in its heavily revised version from 1872, though incorporating music from the original 1869 score, notably the entire scene outside the Cathedral of St. Basil, where starving peasants argue over whether the murdered Czarevich Dimitry might in fact be alive. Mr. Gergiev conducts the score as Mussorgsky orchestrated it. Though long considered ineffective and sometimes crude, Mussorgsky's original scorings have been steadily replacing the alternative orchestrations that were once common.
Hearing the colours and textures that Mr. Gergiev drew from the great Met orchestra, it was hard to imagine why Mussorgsky's work was questioned. Sometimes the scoring is curiously thin, but the sparseness actually enhances the tragedy of the opera and complements the vocal setting of the text, which often follows the natural flow and speech patterns of the Russian words.
Who knows: Nye Bevan's original version of the NHS may still be the best. There is much the government can learn from Boris.
Other Music Posts:


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This isn't the Tomo Yamaguchi I was looking for.
But it's a good one!!
Merry Merry Merry Merry Merry
Here's a brand new Christmas song I made myself! With a little help from my new toy, the Boss RC-50. Fun Fun Fun Fun Fun.
Wild times in Blue Mountain Lake
There is a gathering of musicians that takes place every summer in the Adirondacks– every summer for the past 28 years. So it was quite an honor for me to be invited as the hammered dulcimer instructor for the Northeast Dulcimer Symposium this year. I had wonderful class, very opened minded willing-to-try-anything students! Two unusual instruments made an appearance at the week: Laurie McCarriar's hammered mbira and Ken Lovelett's orthagonal lap drum. Here they are, one clip from the sound check (with Tom White walking in and out of the frame as he set up the stage), and one clip from the performance, which was done in complete darkness while Laurie played with her light-up hammers. Oh man, that was cool!
Ken Lovelett and Laurie McCarriar at the Northeast Dulcimer Symposium, June 2009:
Funky Teacher
Here's a random lesson video from YouTube… I'm lovin' this guy's teaching style…. I think anyone who's had a lesson or workshop with me sees a little of that in me (or I hope!). Maybe I'll be this funky someday!
And here's Dr. Lonnie Smith doing his thing. Can't beat that!!
Walkin' in the Parlor
It's been a while since I've posted a good old fashioned recorded-it-in-my-living-room kind of post. Partly, that's because I haven't been in my living room lately for long enough to record a tune. But the other evening, Matt came by for some tunes (as well as folk school plotting and scheming), and this is what we made. Exploring the quiet, the slow, the simple, the serene side of old time music… We're inching towards the place where old time music meets African music, or at least the kind of African music I love to listen to. [I reference this mbira post.] Actually, now that I think about it, most of the traditional mbira music from Zimbabwe I've heard is fast and busy… And maybe I'm just really into what Forward Kwenda does when he takes those traditional melodies to a mellower place. Well certainly I appreciate knowing how to reach that mellower place in old time music. Matt Evans is the conductor on the express train to old time mellowland…the slowest, quietest, most peaceful train you could ever imagine. Here's my first official wish to the universe in 2009: I wish for Matt and myself to someday collaborate with Forward Kwenda. 🙂 Crazier things have been wished for on blogs, haven't they?
Walkin' in the Parlor, recorded by Matt and Christie on 18th St., Chattanooga, Jan 11, 2009.
Wouldn't be Thanksgiving Without it.
I haven't known a Thanksgiving with the Burns family that didn't include music played on water glasses. This time we coerced Steve into playing "Alleycat". And yes, it was noted by several siblings that Ben Franklin had invented the glass armonica (or glassharmonica), an instrument I'd love to get my hands on someday.
Here's my brother-in-law, Steve Patient, playing "Alleycat", Thanksgiving, 2008.


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The Carry Out is the nightly segment where Justin reads the news so you don't have to. Tonight's top stories include the Blackhawks getting swept by Nashville in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Nashville celebrities Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson burning the Blackhawks on Twitter, President Trump lashing out at the media about the "First 100 Days" judgement, Governor Bruce Rauner standing pat on his stance the state insurance plans shouldn't pay for abortions, President Obama coming to Chicago on Monday, Alderman Burke having everyone talking about his "textalyzer" idea, Rajon Rondo fracturing his thumb, the Bulls taking on the Celtics in game 3 of the NBA Playoffs, the Cubs playing the Reds in Cincinnati, the Sox welcoming the Cleveland Indians to the South Side, San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner hurting himself in a dirt bike accident, the Bears 2017 schedule coming out and Earth Day festivities taking place all over the city tomorrow.
Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The Download with Justin Kaufmann airs Monday through Friday from 7 pm. to 11 pm on @WGNRadio


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Fruity with a sweet note. Vanilla flavoring gives the rooibos a wonderful exotic jazzy depth.
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One of my all-time favorite tea and sold by a wonderful company!
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Public Graduation Presentations, January 26
On Friday January 26 we organize the Public Graduation Presentations of three Media Technology MSc graduates. In 20-25 minutes, each student presents their Graduation Research Project, followed by 10 minutes public discussion.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
When and where?
Friday, January 26, 2018.
Room 0.11 of the Gravensteen building,
Pieterskerkhof 6, Leiden (downtown).
Language: English.
Presentation Schedule
Time Graduate
15:30 - 16:05 Georgios Bouzias
16:15 - 16:50 Stijn van Linden
17:00 - 17:35 Sander de Bont
15.30 - 16.05 Georgios Bouzias
Title: "User verification by air-drawing"
Abstract: The aim of this project is to build and evaluate a verification system on air-drawings of a simple symbol. The air-drawings data were collected with a prototype specifically made for this purpose that utilizes the depth camera of a Kinect v2 in an experimental setting. Its purpose is to capture the drawing trace a user can make with an extended index finger. The classifier used is a one-class SVM, and its evaluation is made with precision and recall metrics. In addition, a distinction is made between users with different familiarity with the system. The intent is to study separately a group of users that have only a basic familiarity with the system, and a very experienced user. Conclusively, we would say that given the performance, a verification system as discussed in this study, could possibly be used only in issues that are less sensitive than locking or unlocking a door, which is the main scenario discussed in the study.
Thesis adviser: Edwin van der Heide and Peter van der Putten
16.15 - 16.50 Stijn van Linden
Title: "Personality as a factor for knowledge sharing behaviour in novices"
Abstract: Knowledge sharing is at the core of any good organisation or team, and has become an elaborate field of study (Alavi & Leidner, 2001). Moser & Wodzicki (2017) studied under what condition experts shared their knowledge in groups. In this study we turn it around and investigate if laypeople dare to share a different opinion than an expert in a student environment, and if their knowledge sharing behaviour can be predicted by personality traits. The study is conducted through a survey, containing a personality questionnaire and a thought experiment. Participants were split in two groups (1) an experimental condition that placed participants with an expert and (2) a control condition that placed participants with peers. Chi-square test was used to check for significant differences but none were found p = .08. Distribution was heavily in favour of sharing knowledge contradicting the experts opinion. The only significant predictor found for not going against the expert was the personality trait Agreeableness p = .045.
Thesis advisors: Max van Duijn and Erik de Kwaadsteniet
17.00 - 17.35 Sander de Bont
Title: "Online Persuasive Learning"
Abstract: Robert Cialdini's six principles of persuasion are being applied with success in sales for decades. A lot of commercially driven organisations continue to discover new implementations of the key principles on how to influence human behaviour online. And, as a result, increase the knowledge about online persuasion. Which results in a greater return in the form of time spent or conversion rate. Online learning environments, such as Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), are known for their high dropout rates of MOOC learners. MOOC platforms could also benefit from these new implementations. And, moreover, the MOOC learners could make the most out of the course and their learning intention. One of persuasion principles is social proof. This principle is often applied with success in online sales. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effect of a specific social proof implementation in a MOOC course. The course is hosted on the Coursera platform, and the experimental setup is tested with an A/B test. On three critical moments in a MOOC, the learner is exposed to a simple notification about other learners behaviour during those moments. A positive effect of this social proof implementation is expected on the completion rates.
Thesis advisors: Bas Haring and Tanja de Bie


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When human pain passes through the pain of Christ, and its sacred content and depth is understood, then it gives birth to the true Paradise, and prepares one for the Kingdom of Heaven and eternity. An orthodox scriptual and patristic approach to a subject often misunderstood in western culture.
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On the hunt for a Halloween look that isn't too out there? We may have just what you're after. Not everyone's willing to go all out on fright night, and some of us wanna stay glam no matter what the occasion is. That's why we asked Carmi from @carmimua to show us how to achieve this gorgeous look inspired by the Revolution Beautiful Darkness Eyeshadow Palette – think smoky eye with a spooky twist…
Transition tones
We're starting with the base and brows already done, so it's straight to the eyes. First, apply the shade Nightmare from the Revolution Beautiful Darkness Eyeshadow Palette to your crease for a zombie-like transition shade. Then deepen your outer corners with the shade Possessed.
Blacker than black
This look is all about intensity, and we want there to be some major pigment at the lash line, then a fade-out to those ghoulish transition tones. To get that pow from the pigment, we're going in with the black from the Revolution Pro SFX Face Paint Palette. Use a damp brush to pick up the colour and stamp it on your lid, focusing the shade near your lashes. Once you're happy, set this with the shade Tainted from Beautiful Darkness.
Blend like a boss
Time to release your inner makeup artist and blend the black into the yellow-y transition tones. Go in with a fluffy brush from the Revolution Ultra Metals GoContour Eyeshadow Brush Set and use windscreen-wiper motions to blend the shades together. If it looks a little patchy, use more of Nightmare and Possessed to smooth out the finish.
Smoke it out
Now you need to balance everything out with a smoky lower lash line. Use the brush with short, dense bristles from the same brush set to apply Tainted along your lower lash line. Tie it all together by smoking out the intense black with the shade Nightmare on a fluffy brush.
Halloween highlights
Just because we're going for the fear factor doesn't mean we can't get our highlighter on fleek. Apply Revolution Haunted Lights Highlighter to your inner corners for a gorgeous yet ghoulish glow. For your cheekbones, use Revolution Haunted Liquid Highlighter Drops in Lover's Wrath, then set with the same powder highlight you used on your inner corners.
Now for lippy
With such intense eyes, we're going for a nude lip. Apply Revolution Haunted Lipstick in Sinister Seduction for the perfect pout. Finish with lashes and liner – and you're done!


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RITS (Remote Input/Output Terminal System) PCB header connectors with a high density 2.0 mm centreline designed for use as the standard interface connector for sensors. These RITS PCB headers are designed to mate with the RITS cable mount plug connectors. Polarization features provide correct alignment to the mating plug and a secure connection is provided by a retention latch. The vertical mounting RITS headers feature solder retention pegs for a secure connection to the PCB. The right angle SMT headers (part numbers x-1565994-x) feature mounting bosses
These RITS connectors are the standard interface connector for sensors and are used in a wide range of factory automation (FA) applications. These applications include industrial control IPC/PLC, HMI (Human Machine Interfaces), robotics, Semiconductor and LCD manufacturing machines, material handling and conveyor systems, elevators and escalators
• Space saving 2 mm pitch. • Stackable design. • Polarization features to prevent mismating. • Retention latch for secure mating connection. • Solder pegs for secure retention to PCB
Type = Header
Number of Contacts = 8
Mounting Type = PCB Mount
Body Orientation = Vertical
Pitch = 2mm
Contact Material = Copper Alloy
Current Rating = 3A
Voltage Rating = 32 V dc
Termination Method = Solder


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Another Day, Another Batshit Chapter. Let's Go.
And now, Some Advice For The Ladies.
Many times the husband has gone to such a deep, dark place of depression or discouragement that he does not know how to crawl out of this hole. Massage gives the wife great freedom to exercise the authority that God's word gives her without ever embarrassing her husband. First, she recognizes that he is at a very fragile place and that it might not be easy to bring him out of this place. As a note of caution, there may be issues of negative or cutting words in their home that are killing their ability to be one. In this case, they need marriage counseling before they can be restored sexually.
That's right don't be a naggy bitch. Don't like massages? No one cares.
Let me be clear ladies, the Bible says that you own him. So, with charm, firmness, a smile, and seduction in your eye, you say to him, "From this day forward, you will give me a massage once every five days. This is not a request. I will give you a two hour notice that I'll be waiting for you naked…on my belly…on the bed. And you'll give me a 10 minute massage.
It started off ok, and then it ended weird.
You make it clear that whatever may happen after the massage is completely up to him, but that you are not pressuring him for sex. Each time you require this of your husband and shower him with praise for the massage, you are pulling his soul back to you. It won't be hard. The praise will flow out of your mouth. 25 Chapter 2 – THE END GOAL You will be gushing, "Oh, you are so wonderful! You are so great!" Moan loudly and often!
But like... What if it sucks?
If he is massaging too strongly at some point you can usually communicate your discomfort by simply tensing or wincing. Afterwards, you will praise him again. You may want to rub on him some, reminding him that whatever happens afterwards is completely up to him. If it has been a long time, I strongly encourage wives to be gentle and patient. He may only make love one with you one out of three times at first, but within six months you both may be making love two out of every three times and maybe even every time.
After about six months the husband approaches me with a new spring in his step and lightheartedly says, "Hey, PJ! I just want you to know that we are doing great! I feel ten years younger! Do you know what I mean?" he says with a big grin on his face. He is literally bouncing as he tells me this. I grin from ear to ear because I do know what he is talking about.
I love how in this there's no mention of if she's satisfied? Does she like it? Nope. The husband is nutting and that's all that matters.
My wife only went on one other date with one other guy before she started dating me. I married a very pure woman. We were both virgins when we got married five years later.
This is all starting to make sense now.


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You can store vegetables longer comfortably, in harmony with nature, with our organic cotton bag.
Why should you use organic bag?
It keeps the vegetables fresh.
It is safe for the environment.
It is reusable.
Directions for use:
1. Moisten the bag with warm water.
2. Wring it well.
3. Assort the products inside – the bag is best for leaf vegetables, cucumbers, zucchini, spices and all kinds of vegetables which dehydrate, just to be arranged by sort.
4. Put the bag in a cool and dark place.
5. After it gets dry, moisten it again.
A piece of advice from the Gimelians: In order not to take the vegetables out, use a sprayer.
6. After each usage, wash the bag by hand, using organic soap.
Take an organic bag.
A bowl of water.
Dip the bag into the water.
Wring it well.
Assort the products in the bag.
Place the organic bag in a cool and dark place.
After it gets dry, re moisten it.


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Rescuing Ramen – How to make ramen noodles a low-salt meal
Just about everyone eats ramen noodles. Those precooked, dried noodles are a quick favorite.
Quick they may be, but low in sodium they aren't! We've surveyed several brands and realized that not all ramen noodles are the same. Some had a quarter of the salt as others. Even the lower-salt packages aren't ideal. Eating one will still have you well on your way to your daily 2,000 mg salt limit.
The best way to use ramen noodles is to buy the type in a block and avoid using most of the seasoning, since most of the salt is in that seasoning pack. Use just 1/2 teaspoon of the seasoning packet to keep the salt down. You can pump up the flavor with other low-salt additions.
Ramen Noodle Soup for Two
2 cups water
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 egg
1 pack ramen noodles
3 ounces diced tofu
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon ramen seasoning packet
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Bring water to a boil. Add vegetables, ramen noodles and seasoning to create the broth. If using an egg, blend with a fork and pour it slowly into boiling broth, swirling the broth as you pour. Continue stirring until the egg is fully incorporated. Remove from heat when cooked to desired texture. Add tofu, scallions and sesame oil.
- For some added heat, use hot chili oil or hot sesame oil in lieu of plain sesame oil.
Nutritional information
Calories: 312
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Protein: 12 g
Fat: 11 g
Sodium: 470 mg
Ramen Snack Mix
1 pack of ramen noodles, crushed
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds
Toast the crushed ramen noodles in a frying pan over medium heat until lightly browned. Add the cranberries, apricots and almonds
- Use any dried fruit.
- Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness.
Nutritional information
Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 54 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 8 g
Sodium: 85 mg
The information in this column is meant for people who want to keep their kidneys healthy and blood pressure down by following a low-sodium diet. In most cases, except for dialysis patients, a diet high in potassium is thought to help lower high blood pressure. These recipes are not intended for people on dialysis without the supervision of a registered dietitian.
[Katy G. Wilkens is a registered dietitian and department head at Northwest Kidney Centers. A recipient of the Susan Knapp Excellence in Education Award from the National Kidney Foundation Council on Renal Nutrition, she has a Master of Science degree in nutritional sciences from the University of Washington. See more of her recipes at www.nwkidney.org.]


text: CORPORATE OVERVIEW Vision Our vision is to capitalize on a unique opportunity to create a highly respected regional-sized community banking franchise focused in the Carolinas and Virginia: • Operate a model of soundness, profitability and growth • Diversified by geography, business mix and product offering • Recognized for exceptional risk management, market management, relationship management and customer service • Noted as the financial institution of choice for prospects, customers, employees, shareholders and communities • Big enough to help, and small enough to care Strategy To achieve our vision we intend to: • Focus on markets well known to leadership • Utilize M&A capabilities to acquire core deposits and product capabilities that can be leveraged in other markets • Accelerate growth by entering attractive de novo markets through recruitment of experienced in-market talent • Seize the opportunity for a traditional bank consolidator in the Carolinas and Virginia • Embrace the highest standards of corporate governance Distinguishing Products Our goal is to provide the strength and product diversity of a large bank, and the service and attention to detail that characterizes a small community bank. Current products offerings include: • Consumer Banking • Builder Finance • Commercial Banking • Commercial Real Estate Lending • Asset-Based Lending Advancing our Strategy • Completed merger with Community Capital Corporation on November 1, 2011 • Expanded product offerings to include retail, wealth, treasury services and mortgage • Completed merger with Citizens South Banking Corporation on October 1, 2012 • Created the largest community bank in the CharlotteGastonia-Rock Hill MSA • Expanded banking office network to 44 locations in the Carolinas and North Georgia • Continued focus on organic growth • Enhancing existing markets by expanding/deepening banker talent • Expanding into new markets through M&A and de novo offices • Adding product capabilities to better serve existing customers and markets • Maintaining exceptional capital base, with tangible common equity as a percentage of tangible assets at 11.5% as of June 30, 2013 • Initiated $0.02 quarterly cash dividend on common shares in July 2013 NASDAQ: PSTB ¹ Unaudited. $ in thousands except per share amounts. ² Non-GAAP Financial Measure. Excludes merger-related expenses and securities gains. • Treasury Services • Trust & Wealth Management • Residential Mortgage Origination Financial Highlights¹ Adjusted Earnings per Common Share² $0.09 $0.09 2013Q1 2013Q2 $2,032,794 $1,983,571 $1,972,923 2012 Q4 2013Q1 2013Q2 $0.08 $0.02 2012Q2 $0.03 2012Q3 2012Q4 Total Assets $1,119,119 $1,110,188 2012Q2 2012Q3 Core Deposits (% of Total Deposits) 80.5% 81.8% 2012Q2 2012Q3 90.3% 90.5% 91.1% 2012Q4 2013Q1 2013Q2 Page 2 Executive Officers James C. (Jim) Cherry Chief Executive Officer/Director Nancy J. Foster Chief Risk Officer David L. Gaines Chief Financial Officer Bryan F. Kennedy, III President 32 years of banking experience including Chief Executive Officer of Mid-Atlantic Banking, President of Virginia Banking, Head of Trust and Investment Management for Wachovia Bank. 28 years of banking experience including Chief Risk Officer for CIT Group and Chief Credit Officer of Community Banking Group at LaSalle Bank. 24 years of banking experience including Chief Risk Officer for Corporate and Investment Banking, Senior VP and Comptroller, and Co-Manager of integration office for Wachovia Bank. 30 years of banking experience including President North Carolina, Regions Bank and Executive Vice President, Park Meridian Bank. Helped organize Park Sterling in October 2006. Independent Directors Leslie M. (Bud) Baker, Jr. Chairman Kim S. Price Vice Chairman Walter C. Ayers Director Larry W. Carroll Director Jean E. Davis Director Patricia C. Hartung Director Thomas B. Henson Director Jeffrey S. Kane Director Ben R. Rudisill, II Director Retired Chairman of Wachovia Corporation. Also served Wachovia as Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Credit Officer, as well as President of the North Carolina Bank. Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens South Banking Corporation and Citizens South Bank. Retired President and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Bankers Association. Served as member of ABA's Communication Counsel, Government Relations Counsel and others. President and Chief Executive Officer of Carroll Financial Associates, Inc., a registered investment advisory firm. CPA background. Park Sterling organizer in October 2006. Retired Senior Executive Vice President for Operations, Technology and e-Commerce at Wachovia Corporation. Also formerly head of Human Resources and head of Retail Banking. Executive Director of Upper Savannah Council of Governments. Founding member and former Chair of Community Capital Corporation. President of Henson-Tomlin Interests, LLC and Senior Managing Director of Southeastern Private Investment Fund. Helped organize Park Sterling in October 2006. M&A attorney by background Retired Senior Vice President in charge of Charlotte office of Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Also served as head of Banking Supervision and Regulation. President of Rudisill Enterprises, Inc., since 1976. Former Chairman of Citizens South Banking Corporation and Citizens South Bank.


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The Honda K series engine is a four-cylinder four-stroke engine introduced in 2001. The K series engines are equipped with DOHC valvetrains and use roller rockers to reduce friction. The engines use a coil-on-plug, distributorless ignition system with a coil for each spark plug. This system forgoes the use of a conventional distributor-based ignition timing system in favor of a computer-controlled system that allows the ECU to control ignition timings based on various sensor inputs. The cylinders have cast iron sleeves similar to the B-series & F-series engines, as opposed to the FRM cylinders found in the H-series.
Two versions of Honda's i-VTEC system can be found on K series engines; variable timing control (VTC) can be found on the intake cam of both versions. The VTEC system on engines like the K20A3 only operate on the intake cam; at low rpm only one intake valve is fully opened, the other opening just slightly to create a swirl effect in the combustion chamber for improved fuel atomization. At high rpm, both intake valves open fully to improve engine breathing. In engines such as the K20A2 found in the Acura RSX Type-S, the VTEC system operates on both the intake and exhaust valves, allowing both to benefit from multiple cam profiles.


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Dear Parents/Guardians:
As the calendar turns to December, and we celebrate the Advent season in anticipation of the arrival of baby Jesus, it is a good opportunity to reflect upon new beginnings for ourselves, and the rebirth of our Christ-centered spirit that lives inside of us. As we look upon the baby Jesus, think of the mystery of God's love for us and that God became human so that we might become more like Him.
On behalf of the entire St. Angela Merici staff, I would like to wish the St. Angela Merici community a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year. The partnership between home and school, and parish is what has made for a very successful 2018. May God continue to bless this relationship, as we strive to become more like Christ.


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Note: There are spoilers for the first episode of the anime in question in this article.
You have been warned.
Welcome back folks. As a quick reminder for those who are new or have forgotten, the concept of these "At First Glance" articles is that I watch the first episode of an anime I've never seen and give my thoughts on it.
Simple, right? With that out of the way, let's get down to business.
Log Horizon
Ah yes, that OTHER "We're stuck in a video game somehow" anime I've had on my to-do list for quite some time now. I could've done Log Horizon back to back with Sword Art Online few weeks back, but the listing Gods determined it would happen now rather than then. Unlike Sword Art Online however, Log Horizon revolves around the main characters realising they've been sucked into the MMO they've been playing (Named "Elder Tales"), as opposed to just being stuck in a VR headset forever.
A fate worse than death
Also unlike SAO, Log Horizon has the people just kind of thrust into this situation and forces them to realise what must've happened on their own, rather than having an exposition dump. Honestly? I found that funny, because it shows how much of a trope this set up must be by now. They even guess the whole "if you die in the game, you die for real" aspect of the whole thing.
From what I can gather, we're introduced to the characters that make up the main cast (or at least main trio) in this episode. Shiroe (The Strategist), Naotsugu (The Pervert), and Akatsuki (The loli-I mean The Assassin). Shiroe I feel will be the one I like the most out of the main three, though Akatsuki is a close second purely by how she deals with Naotsugu's perverted nature.
I'm fairly certain Naotsugu is going to grade on me with time. His "I'm perverted and proud" thing was kind of funny at first, but they somehow manage to run it into the ground in this one episode alone. At least in my opinion they do. Like, I grew up watching Dragon Ball Z, and am a huge Naruto fan. I can handle pervy characters as comic relief, especially ones that don't get away with being pervy idiots. This time though, it just…doesn't work for whatever reason.
Speaking of Naruto, let's talk about Akatsuki. Fitting how she's named that considering her Assassin class thing seems to be modelled after ninja, by the way. Akatsuki shows up as a "guy" that won't talk, only to turn out to be a girl who got stuck as her male character, taking a potion Shiroe gives her so she can revert to a female body. And then she comes out looking like an eight-year-old. And as if that wasn't bad enough, both Shiroe and Naotsugu find her attractive.
Considering she looks like an eight-year-old, that's a creepy choice of words
And yes, I bothered to check, she IS an adult, as are the guys, but the anime never clarified that on her end. And sure, it's still just an in-game avatar, but it's blatantly stated she took the chance to model her female appearance on herself a bit more. Thinking about it, Akatsuki's appearance seems to garner a lot of unwanted attention for her, though only Naotsugu has made anything resembling a sexual advance so far.
Which quickly prompts her to knee him in the face, hence the cut-off
That aside we only meet a few other characters, and the plot of the next episode is set up throughout, not that I realised at first. But overall this episode did a decent job of introducing us to the characters we'll be following on this adventure, so I can give them that much. Plus, the lack of exposition for why this happened works for now, since any explanation would probably come off as sounding pretty technobabble-y anyway.
So, will I continue to watch Log Horizon? Sure, why not. It's definitely a different enough set up from SAO for me to not just write it off as a rip off or anything like that. Also, despite all the negatives I mentioned, it's better than bad. It's good! …Okay, fine, I couldn't think of a better way to work that reference in there. Sue me. I was determined to make it anyway…even though most might not even get what I'm referencing.
Anyway, bad references to 90s shows aside, Log Horizon currently consists of 50 episodes across two seasons (25 eps per season), and from what I can tell is only currently available in Japanese with English subtitles.
Well, that about covers it. If anyone has any suggestions for anime I should watch for this in the future, give me a shout and I'll put it on my list. If it's already on my list, I'll bump it up in priority. However, if I've already watched it then I'm obviously going to have to decline.
I'll see you next time folks.


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If you live in or around the Toronto area, or are planning on visiting Toronto the second in the near future, you absolutely must add an outing to Niagara Falls to your leasure activities. Only a short 1 hour 30 minutes away from Toronto, a trip on the Falls is definitely in order purchasing enjoy natural beauty combined with regarding excitement. With an arranged trip from a great rated tour operator, you get picked up at your Toronto area hotel (or meeting spot) and returned about 9 hours later. Here i will discuss some of the attractions that you'll able to the look at on a fun-filled trip to the Niagara region:
Niagara-on-the-Lake – Regarding your way to spectacular themselves, you'll be sent the opportunity to check out other attractions along the way, including beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. This historic town is filled with stunning architecture, charming cafes and shops, and beautiful gardens and flowers. Find out why it is considered the prettiest town in Canada!
Floral Clock – Measuring at 40 feet is the Floral Clock, a person of the largest inside of the entire world. Built back in 1950, the tick is indeed so loud that may perhaps be heard from miles away! The flowers are changed out several times annually so it always looks different.
Skylon Tower – If you in order to be get a bird's eye view of the Falls and its surrounding area, take a trip up to your top of the 775-foot Skylon Tower, which offers jail view of the entire Niagara area.
Boat Tour – There's no better way to truly experience the roaring waters of spectacular then by hopping aboard a boat tour. The boat takes you so close to the falls that you may get soaked!
Clifton Hill – This center strip, which starts in the foot of Niagara Falls, is enough to keep you just busy for days. Almost all the eateries, wax museums, rides, arcades and haunted houses, it's no wonder that it's regarded as as the "world famous Street of Fun".
Wine Tasting: The Niagara region is actually of the premiere wine growing portions of Ontario, Canada. You'll have get to sample the world famous ice wine!
Niagara Falls Bus Tours
100 King St W, Toronto, ON M5X 1A9, Canada


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Hey folks,
I have three upcoming online events.
The first is a REDDIT AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Wednesday, November 16th at 1:30pm EST. I will post the link when it goes live, but basically, it will be here: Ask Me Anything!
Second, we have a SuperverseSF Chat this Saturday, November 19th, at 3:00pm EST. You should be able to find the link here when the time comes.
And, finally, I will be participating in a Catholic YA Authors podcast on Catholic Geek Radio, on Sunday, November 20th, at 7pm EST. (This is YA of interest to young Catholic readers–thus, they have invited me to join them.)
JagiWelcome to Arhyalon. (link)


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Women's groups are trying to make lemonade out of Hillary Clinton's failed presidential bid.
Stacy Mason, executive director of a political action committee called Women Count, and others are demanding a plank in the Democrat Party's upcoming convention protesting slights committed by exuberant supporters of likely presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama.
"There were so many examples in the media of sexist commentary," said Ms. Mason, "where we never heard from, the party leadership or Barack Obama."
Like what?
Quoth the Los Angeles Times: "Some Clinton supporters have complained of jibes against the New York senator by TV talk show hosts, off color novelty items that surfaced during the campaign and incidents such as one where hecklers yelled, 'Iron my shirt!'"
Oddly enough, this sort of thing never happens to the iconic Madonna or Paris Hilton, the light as air hotel princess noted chiefly for her notoriety.
Hilton recently flitted through a recent John McCain video, her presence in the video cinching the point that Obama is largely a Hollywood production full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
Far from sulking in his tent, Obama, rich as oil companies in campaign funds, rose to this insult and instantly produced a video response charging that McCain was an aging bag of suppurating insults.
Questions arise: Will an instantly forgettable plank in a Democrat platform be enough to persuade male sexists – there are such boggles as female sexists, we all know – at future campaign rallies to lay aside their prejudices and embrace feminism?
Probably not.
To what extent will any attempts to prevent big media from insulting women candidates affront the U.S. Constitution? Other than beating reporters with planks, how do you prevent them form covering hecklers at campaign rallies? If the women are as wise as serpents like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) , a group dedicated to using quasi constitutional instruments such as the Canadian Human Rights Commission to gut free speech in Canada and elsewhere, they will succeed beyond their wildest dreams.But should we rejoice in such success?
The murderer of film maker Theo Van Gogh was successful in intimidating both cartoonists and newspapers at home and abroad. In fascist China, the authorities have been successful, with a little help from American based internet providers, in purging the internet of disagreeable speech. But a plank in a Democrat platform is only useful for beating Democrat politicians who have already morally surrendered to women's liberation – roughly, all of them.
Ms. Mason will have to become far more revolutionary before the courageous ink stained wretches and keyboard pounders at such institutions as the New York Times and DailyKos, a leftist progressive site, will be brought to heel. Jane Hamsher, the proprietress of FireDogLake, another progressive site, ran on her blog a doctored picture of Clinton in Blue's Brother's sunglasses and Sen. Joe Lieberman in blackface.
Lieberman, the scourge of progressives who abhor him because he supports American military victory in Iraq, has come in for some rough handling from the left. A gentleman over at MyLeftNutmeg titled one of his sunbursts "Is Joe Lieberman An Alcoholic Pedophile?"
Ms. Mason will have to become more revolutionary before the courageous ink stained wretches and keyboard pounders at such institutions as the New York Times and MoveOn.org will be brought to heel.
Over the board criticism is nothing new in American politics. During the Jefferson, Adams campaign, one hostile Federalist referred to the author of the Declaration of Independence as "a mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father … raised wholly on hoe-cake made of coarse-ground Southern corn, bacon and hominy – with an occasional change of fricasseed bullfrog."
Ms. Mason would do well to take a lesson from furious federalist; it may be time to take a deep breath and understand that women in the political kitchen (no disrespect intended) should get used to some heat and splattering.


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LAHORE – The authenticity of three notifications issued by the Lahore High Court (LHC) administration on Monday has become dubious because these have been signed by Sohail Nasir, who was recently transferred from the post of LHC Registrar.
Sohail Nasir was posted as presiding officer of the Rawalpindi Consumer Court, an ex-cadre post, on Friday. However, the LHC administration still issued the notification of transfer / posting of three judges signed by him.
According the notification issued on Monday, LHC Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial has transferred District and Sessions Judge Shahazad Pervaiz Abbasi and made him an officer of special duty (OSD). Similarly, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Anwar Bhatti and Senior Civil Judge Israr Zada have been made OSDs.
On Monday morning, no officer of the LHC administration was willing to take responsibility for the said notifications. However, in the evening, Acting Registrar Abdul Sattar admitted the wrongdoing of his subordinates. Talking to TheNation, Sattar said he had taken notice of the wrongdoing and admonished the officers concerned.
"The three judicial officers were transferred on Friday when Sohail Nasir was still the LHC registrar, but the notification was issued on Monday with the delay of three days," Sattar justified.
It is still unclear whether the transfer and posting orders of the three judicial officers with the signatures of the former LHC registrar will be obeyed or the administration will issue new notifications with signatures of the acting registrar.
ARREST WARRANTS WITHDRAWN: Chiniot District Police Officer (DPO) Shahzad Akbar on Monday produced an abducted girl in the LHC in compliance with its orders and told the court that she had been recovered from her father's house. After producing the girl, Justice Shahid Saeed withdrew arrest warrants against the DPO and two other officers while disposing of habeas petition filed by Hafiz Muhammad Aslam seeking recovery of his daughter.
NOTICES ISSUED: Meanwhile, the LHC on Monday issued notices to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and others on a writ petition against change in an approved list of pilgrims by the Police Department.
Traffic warden Ali Adnan filed the petition stating that the ministry wrote a letter to the Punjab inspector general of police on April 27 seeking a list of at least 15 police officials who had not performed Haj duty earlier.
He said the Police Department after holding balloting selected 15 police official including him and sent the list to the ministry. He added the ministry approved the list and duly informed the Police Department through a letter on May 22. "However, the ministry later dropped the names of 10 selected officials including him and included names of its own choice," he alleged.
The petitioner prayed that the impugned act of the ministry should be set aside. After recording initial arguments, Justice Khalid Mahmood Khan sought replies from the ministry and other respondents by Tuesday (today).
Also, District Consumer Court on Monday summoned M/S Millat Tractors on a petition seeking damages on the charges of providing a new tractor with an old engine.
As per case details, a farmer Shahzad filed petition in the court contending that he had purchased a new tractor from Millat Tractor factory situated at Shahdara Road after paying Rs980,000.


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As things have settled down and their step father went to Darwin for three months last year, I've been working more on my own health. a week before my 39th birthday:- I quit smoking I started drinking 2-3 litres of water a day I started going to the gym every day to do a 1 … Continue reading
Category Archives: Toolbox
It's not over yet but I see the light!
At the end of a very long tunnel. She finally returned to school today and everything seemed to go well although tomorrow she has Vcal again and that will be the real test. It had taken 2 weeks for a meeting to be arranged. The education department was in attendence and backed us up, repeatedly … Continue reading
The down hill slide
Increasingly in recent weeks there has been less bounce to her step. Even extending to something more akin to a slow commando crawl…. I suspect we are for the first time seeing her experience a depressive episode without the waters muddied by agitation and aggression. This is thanks to her meds that the waters are … Continue reading
How to do anything…
1. Don't expect to be rescued 2. Toolboxes 3. No one is going to teach you how, so observe, learn, and apply. 4. The world may not be fair but that doesn't mean you can't be. End of the day it is you looking in the mirror and that's where you have to measure up. … Continue reading
I came across the link in my newsfeed, and given our history as I have occasionally brushed on here I went to check it out. I went looking for PartnerSPEAK hopeful that I would find a vibrant supportive community that was more practical than vitriol, I thought perhaps I could help them out give them … Continue reading
Family Court, Child Protection, what do they have to do with protecting YOUR children?
Absolutely Nothing in the first instance of discovery of abuse and that is the God awful truth. Simply don't take it there until investigations have completed, it isn't what they deal with. Few if any agencies will actually inform parents of this fact, it is assumed by all that parents already know that it is … Continue reading
Planning to learn
Yesterday with the help of a generous dose of pain medications I managed to attend a meeting with their schools vice principal, principal, welfare officer and my 16 yo it was a strategy meeting. 2 weeks ago when we scheduled the meeting, I word vomited into an email my blog posts are often enough word … Continue reading


text: You don't need App::Part here. PartDesign has the "Active Body" concept, which is enough in this case. Just create an assembly, create a body, drag the body to the assembly, then you can create subsequent sketch, pad and pocket, which will be automatically added to that body. The following screencast shows two bodies in the assembly, and you can simple double click any one to switch the active body, and subsequent PartDesign features will be added to that body. The screencast also showcase the fact that A3 container can build geometry too, to support multi-body use case.


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VP of Culinary Operations at The Blake
Blake Management Group is proud to welcome Darin Leonardson as the vice president of culinary operations. As a professional chef with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality market, Darin is transforming the industry with his knowledge of food and dining. His passion is to continue disrupting the senior living industry, making every aspect more like a restaurant and hotel experience. By combining exciting flavors with wholesome nutrition, Darin shares his love of good food with The Blake's residents every day.
He is the founder of Transformed Culinary Solutions, LLC. In this dynamic role, Chef Darin brings his flair for flavor and freshness across the country. Darin graduated from South Seattle Community College with a culinary degree and also an associate degree in applied science. He also recently finished schooling at Ashford University for a Bachelor's degree in organizational management. Prior to opening his own company, Darin was the Vice President of Rapid Recovery Centers focusing on the healing aspects of food through for this new post-acute transitional care company. Before then, he was the director of hospitality at Golden Living overseeing over 300 properties, serving more than 60,000 meals daily.
Imagine what the former executive chef for Google will be doing for senior living at Blake Management Group.
He was the corporate food and beverage manager at One Eighty, a leisure care company with 38 properties around the world. Prior to that, he was executive chef at The Bellettini, a leisure care property in Bellevue, Washington. Darin has also worked for Google as general manager and executive chef and as an executive chef for a variety of restaurants in Washington state, including Toi, The Bellevue Club Hotel, and Elliott's Oyster House.
Darin has been also been featured as a celebrity guest chef for Holland America's cruise line on four prior voyages, sailing on the Nieuw Amsterdam in the Caribbean and Amsterdam around the World Voyage and the Ms. Princendam for a South American world cruise.
Darin is happily married with three beautiful children, Isabella, Cameron, and Logan. He loves to skateboard with his kids and teach them how to both garden and cook. He believes God has blessed him with the ability to touch people with his enthusiasm for cooking and eating well. He currently lives in Dallas, Texas and believes the best way to live is through a balanced lifestyle. One-third of your life should be family: one-third community and the final third should be work. It should be in that order.
Featured Articles and Reviews
Chef Darin's numerous professional accomplishments and accolades make him a perfect addition to our team. Read how he will draw upon years of culinary know-how to transform dining and cuisine for residents of The Blake.
BMG Culinary ~ Making Butter
Chef Darin Cooks Heirloom Gazpacho Soup
Blake Management Group - Darin's Culinary Delights
Chef Darin's resumé includes:
Google's Avocados Say it All
The wild watercress, goat cheese, strawberry and toasted almond salad at Google's Kirkland cafeteria was spectacular.
Toscano Restaurant Review
At Toscano restaurant in Bellevue, you won't find the term "small plates" anywhere on the dinner menu.
Travel Trade Magazine By Leisure Care
As a featured chef, Darin had a chance to bring the Leisure Care experience to the high seas.


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Welcome to Jeanette Jennings Art
Jeanette Jennings Art has been developed to cater for a diverse range of Art interested bodies both nationally and internationally. The resources provide an exciting and varied range of art projects from classroom activities through to large scale public works of art. Subscribers to the site will be able to freely browse and access resources for the processes involved in producing the artwork. Resources are available online, in film, in publication.
Art and classroom teachers may request curriculum support in the form of skills and understandings, materials, and process information associated with any art activity listed on this site.


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Recently I wrote the following as a Status Update on FB:
This moved me deeply.
Something coalesced for me. An idea that had been simmering for a while
The tendency is to fear heart ache more than anything, and, after heartache to say, "I'll never be the same" and "I'll never love the same"
In reality- this is true. We can't love the same after heart ache.
We can love MORE.
Heartache has the amazing ability to break us open in a way that nothing else really can – if we let it.
Unfortunately the "lessons" we learn often toughen us, callus us, turn us cold and stoney.
This happens because when we have our heart broken we tend to go directly into blame. Our current environment which colors everything uncomfortable or painful in shades of abuse doesn't help when it comes to this.
But we can deepen.
We can understand that when we're broken OPEN – the pain of the previous experience gives us the ability to know how deeply we CAN love and be wounded and heal to love AGAIN. We can become both stronger and more softened as a result. We can open MORE, give MORE, remember MORE.
I think of my relationship with my Beloved, Richard. In my previous marriage I thought I knew all of my ability to love and to give. I thought I could not possibly love more.
I was wrong.
In my marriage to Richard I've learned a level of surrender, contentment and love that I didn't know was possible. I've become resilient without resistance. It has been precious and profound to experience. I've realized that love isn't known by how perfect our partners are or how perfect we are- it's known by how well we learn to fit together, how much acceptance we can give to another person. I've learned the bravery and devotion it takes to love him more and strangely the more I love him, the better I love me.
Funny that.
The more love I give, the more love I receive. And yet for many – it's the giving of love- especially without a known "quid pro quo" that is feared MOST.
But we must do what it is we fear to do.
You can do it.
Break open darling.
I love you,


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We're not quite sure we follow Girls Aloud's Sarah when she explains her underwear regime:
"If I nip down the shops there's every chance I'm commando. If you get up in the morning and make yourself a brew, you're just in your pants - I always walk round the house like that.
"I wander past the windows - luckily, the paparazzi haven't caught me yet."
So... you're in your own home, wandering round in just your knickers; but then you remove them before you go to the shops?


text: I went on a guided, behind the scenes tour of Grand Central Terminal with some crime writers during BookExpo America. Danny Brucker was our guide, a boisterous and funny character out of a Westlake novel. Plenty of photos, trivia, and lesser-known history at my Criminal Element article, 'The Dirty, Criminal Past of Grand Central Terminal.'


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Graspskills has been helping customers deliver service excellence, cost Optimization and understands what it takes to become a world-class service team.
IT and service support professionals wanting to achieve operational excellence need look no further than Graspskills - a single-source supplier, providing value-for-money, integrated, ITIL , IT Service Management , Architecture and IT-Governance level trainings & Consulting.
No matter what the size and maturity of your organization. Graspskills can help drive down costs, do more with less standardise and optimize the way you deliver services; drive overall efficiency and effectiveness keep customers better informed and satisfied improve quality, control and accountability of your IT support services and infrastructure.
Graspskills is focused to act as an enabler harnessing innovative capabilities and fervor to build & deliver consistently robust training products, IT services & education addressing skill development, benchmarking & professional certifications to cater to the distinctive demand of trained & skilled professionals for increased employability in the IT industry.
To be the most admired Learning and Skill Development Partner, enabling sustainable transformation
What's more, our products and services have no hidden costs. We deliver rapid development and in-budget solutions on time, every time.


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Use LED Outdoor Wall Lights To Accentuate And Illuminate Your Yard
If you have a nice outdoor space, then you know how important it is to keep it well-lit. Having plenty of outdoor light is especially important if you host a lot of evening outdoor activities, or if you or someone in your household often leaves or comes home when it's dark outside. Although there are a wide variety of outdoor lighting solutions, LED outdoor wall lights are some of the most versatile and helpful choices you can make.
Why LED?
In recent years, LED lights have become more prevalent than ever before. People have been discovering their superior qualities, as opposed to traditional incandescent or halogen lights. LED lights are becoming more widespread and desirable, a big reason for which is that they have been developed in a wide variety of styles. Rather than just giving out cold, glaring light, LED light can now give out a wide range of colors. It can even mimic the warm, yellow light associated with incandescent light bulbs. LED lights are great for using outdoors because they don't give off any heat of their own, are durable and won't attract pesky insects.
Using LED Outdoor Wall Lights
LED outdoor wall lights are sconces that can be mounted on the outside of your home, garage or any other outbuilding that you wish to have lit up at night. They provide plenty of light to the area surrounding them. One advantage of LED outdoor sconces is that they can be placed in areas in which there is no room for a standing light. LED outdoor wall lights are often placed next to front and back doors. Because there are so many individual styles, it will be easy for you to pick an outdoor wall light that perfectly corresponds with your personal style and the architectural design of your house.


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'Flown' or 'I like hanging out with you.'
Flown, Devised by Pirates of the Carabina
Udderbelly, Wednesday 5th June 2013
Written for Time Out
Remember swinging on the monkey bars, playing hoola or clambering up trees? Circus show 'Flown' is a combination of these childhood games, only magnified and magnificent. There's a lot of clowning around, which really grates, but the main aerial events are skin-tinglingly good.
Director James Williams has cultivated an atmosphere of low-level chaos among his international crew of circus performers, Pirates of the Carabina. The show begins with a mighty crash off stage and a fraught apology. Perhaps this is meant to keep us on our toes.
But this faux amateurism, which continues throughout the show, rings false and feels unnecessary.
There is also comedy, slapstick and live music – none of which I gave two hoots about. It's the flying performers I was interested in and they didn't disappoint. Jaakko Tenhunen defies the laws of gravity with his hand-balancing act, his arms shuddering with the effort. He also does some brilliant hoopwork and moves with such fluidity, it seems like he's floating.
Aerialist Gwen Hales looks like an overgrown child, with her blonde wig and sparkly dress. But her aerial act, which involves a huge hanging sheet and unbelievable upper body strength, is seriously sophisticated. Chinese pole artist Laura Moy is at one with her apparatus. As she clambers, crawls and slides up a huge pole she remains always attached – yet looks utterly free.