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Today we sit down with Mike Fraser whose fresh off from his first directorial project The Honourable Rebel. Mike has been in the industry for a while now having been involved with everything from About a Boy through to The Four Feathers and The Wicker Tree but this is the first time he has decided to sit down in the directors chair himself. We spend a few minutes digging into made made him think this was the story he just had to tell, how he came to it and a little about the extraordinary figure of The Hon Elizabeth Montague who sits at the centre of this most interesting of tales…
Could you introduce The Honourable Rebel to our readers and let them know a little bit about who and what it is about?
It's about the story of Elizabeth Montague. She was an aristocrat who, having spent 17 years expecting to be the heir to Beaulieu in Hampshire, spread her wings shortly after a son was born into the family. She found that she had fantastic talent; was a wonderful linguist, became a great musician, went into acting, joined the army at the beginning of the war and then became a spy for us having survived an amazing adventure through France with the Gestapo chasing behind her. Then after the war she became a dialogue director in many films including The Third Man; she was actually Graham Greene and Carol Reed's guide throughout Vienna when they were making the film. And all of this time she is having affairs with both men and women all over Europe…. She was an astonishing woman and this film is her story, or at least a part of it.
When I first read the press synopsis I was amazed that I had never heard of her before…
Well I hadn't' heard about her either! What happened was one of her nephews, whom I know very well, rang me up and said "why don't you make a film about my auntie?" to which I said "who was your Aunt?" and he told me to go out and read her book (Her Autobiography titled The Honourable Rebel). And that's how it all started.
How did you balance the film's different elements of documentary style footage and re-enactment together?
Having written the script and shot the film I then cut 17 scenes, and could have perhaps cut more… the difficulty of course was knowing what I should leave out. I mean this 500 page book is 30 hours of television if you were doing on hour episode television dramas, it's huge! In the editing room I went by feel. The one thing I didn't want was for people to be bored. I want something that would move people along the whole time, that was my aim. So I just felt my way through having held a broad view to start with.
Was your research primarily drawn from her memoirs, or did more come from interviews that wound up being cut from the film?
Well firstly there are very few people who I could interview who were alive to know her in the 1930's and 40's and who were as similar age. Nobody was around who had been with her on these exciting adventures, so I asked my interviewees to remember as much about her as they possibly could from their youth and we did it in a relaxed and conversational way. But it was very difficult because of the difference in age between them and her.
You've got a long history of working in the industry, did your consciously feel that collected experience influencing your first directorial project?
Well I was quite indefinite to start with and then was definite towards the end, and I'll tell you what I mean by that. At first I wasn't going to direct this film, I've been in this industry for 47 years and been involved with hundreds of projects but never directed anything. But then when I realised that I would love to direct the film I got around my inexperience by surrounding myself with a very experienced crew who really knew what they were doing. I told them to go out and do their jobs knowing what it was that I wanted whilst I focused on the actors, and it worked. They looked after me and me them.
Was directing something you always knew you wanted to try your hand at?
I didn't know that I wanted to do it, but having now done it I think I did always want to. If that makes sense!
How did you find directing your actors then? What was your approach with them?
It was wonderful to be honest with you. First of all the actress who plays Elizabeth had to be terrific as she holds the entire film together. We had 17 actresses audition for the role and the first to walk through the door was Dorothea Myer-Bennet. And when she left the room I turned around to my casting director and a couple of other people who were with me and said "well that's it, she is defiantly the one"! But of course they told me that I can't just do that and that I should see the rest and then another six of them turned out to be brilliant as well! So we had a shortlist but I still chose Dorothea in the end.
After that I insisted on doing rehearsals. I'm a great fan of Mike Leigh having worked with him in the past, but didn't have time to rehearse in the style he does. Still we did have two or three weeks of rehearsals during which I got to know everybody. They were rather different on this film compared to normal because most of the parts only had one or two scenes. Dorothea was with me every day and the others came and went.
How then did you get Diana Rigg involved in the film?
Well right from the very beginning I wanted to have a really great British actress who could portray Elizabeth looking back on her life. The very top one on my list was Diana Rigg and I told her agent this; I said that I had seven other greater actresses in mind but that I want Diana Rigg and so until she said no I wasn't going to talk to any of the others. We had a couple of conversations and then she said yes.
She was so brilliant and so professional, I thought we might need two days to do it as there were 39 pieces to microphone and she needed to see the film as well. She came at 11:30 one morning as she was doing a one woman show the night before and asked whether I would mind her coming so late, to which I said not at all. Who was I to say no! So she arrived and we watched the film, she and I then went through the script, had a light lunch and then she did all 39 nine pieces, plus redoing 9 of them. She was out of there by 5 o'clock!
Do you think you'll be taking on more directing work then after having had this experience?
Well I love storytelling, in particular straight forward storytelling which has a beginning middle and end and which doesn't require much in the way of special effect wizardry. At the moment I am in the middle of something very big, something too big for me. It's the most dramatic true story that I have ever read in my life. It's the story of three indomitable women who are connected over a period of around forty or fifty years. It is so big, such a life affirming story and so pertinent to our time…
Well you've got me pretty intrigued about what that film is about…
Yes I'm sorry, I keep doing this but I just can't tell you anymore yet! We've bought the rights but we don't want to go out spreading this around until we've raised the funds and are making it.
Haha well we will wait with bated breath to find out about this one then!
I will let you know James… it's just wonderful.
And that concludes our interview! The Honourable Rebel opens today (4th December) in cinemas across the UK. Will you be checking it out? Let us know in the comment box below!


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Make Money
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subset: commoncrawl


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In the late summer of 1997, a fire engine red sign reading "Adams Grocery" was being painted over with a coat of royal blue on the corner of North 8th & Berry Streets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The corner was about to do an abrupt about-face from a small local grocery store, to a local pub – a new group of local dreamers had just staked claim at 103 Berry, and as the new pub took hold, with it came the kids – Cleo, the lovable black lab, and Balto the brown & white rescue pup. With all the fresh faces that congregated at the newly opened Brooklyn Ale House, the two dogs became staples. If it wasn't the younger Balto landing a dumplestiltskin in the middle of the sidewalk that got your attention, then perhaps it was the older and more languid Cleo, who preferred to roll around in the hot, roasted & toasty dirt of the Ale House wooden flowerpot. Cleo would roll around in the flowerpot for hours it seemed, happy to pass the lion's share of the attention onto the younger Balto. After all, Balto's image had already made itself onto the bar's logo. Time passed, as did sweet Cleo, leaving Balto to truly become the mascot and symbol of the Ale House. He wasn't like other dogs.
There was something about him. Truth be known, Balto wasn't actually "just a dog." Balto may have looked like a dog, but there was much more of a presence of mind, attached to that brown & white canine. There was an unyielding gratitude and duty in those eyes - Balto was a loyal pup. From the day he was rescued and saved by one Sean Connelly, it was if there was a debt to be repaid and Balto never faltered. As Sean put it, "he was his drinking buddy and best pal." Balto, from day-one it seemed, was a commanding presence at the bar. If Sean was at the bar, you could guarantee Balto to be close by. Perhaps you might hear one of his single barks, echoing through the space (the only exerted effort Balto had to make to have his presence known). You could always spot him roaming through floor scraps, cigarette butts, peanut shells and stinky shoes, or perhaps dreamily lapping at a small rocks glass of Guinness. His favorite spot however, was the front table, settling into the corner, with his noble head, gently resting on the back of the booth. There he could always be found, content to wait patiently for the return of his master.
Possessing an amazing regal personality, tufts of thick white fur at the neck, custom-fit for his leather studded collar and his famous half-cocked ear, Balto was a star. He had an uncanny colt-like gallop - one of which would have been envied by even the greatest of racehorses. He never just "came into" the bar, he chose instead to always "make a grand entrance," as if the door to the Brooklyn Ale House was flanked with a red carpet. He never carried himself as just another dog. His air seemed more akin to a matinee idol or even more so, to a Brigadier General. Rarely would he actually jump up to greet you; it was more as if he was simply answering the call of duty. In fact, sometimes one would get the feeling that while we were drinking away the ups & downs of the day, Balto was wandering the floor, quietly inspecting the troupes. Everyone who ventured near 103 Berry Street knew Balto. Whether you were there at the bar to get hammered, or if you lived down the street, you knew him. If you had food, then you could guarantee that he knew you.
He wasn't just a dog. If you were as lucky as I was, to encounter the eerie human side of Balto, then you know that he was smarter than any purebred. He was just as proud and arrogant as any Labradoodle or Chiweenie. He was his own man and aware of everything. I remember sitting at the bar back in 1998 thinking, "that dog hates me." Balto never greeted me, he never paid any attention or even acknowledged me – it was always the cold shoulder. There he would go, right on by without a glance. That was Balto's way. As long as all was right with the bar, all was right with Balto. Regardless, there was no love in Balto's dog bowl for me – no love that is, until the minute I got hired to work at the Ale House. As soon as Balto saw me behind the bar, out of nowhere, he suddenly seemed super-happy to see me. He actually jumped up onto my chest and nudged my chin with his cold, wet nose. Another time soon after, he even gave me, what could have only been construed as a "high-five" with his paw. I was finally Balto-approved. Thanks Balto - I will miss you.
15 years have passed and so many years later, so many of us are still here. We all meet here and with the passing of our friend Balto, there are new figures in the Ale House cyclical family. There are new faces, new regulars, old friends and priceless stories. Leann and Becca join us in this sad moment, and Sean Jr. will only know him through images – pictures, yes, but he might know Balto a little clearer if we all saved him stories - stories we all might tell Sean Jr. one day about Balto, Cleo, Becca and the corner of North 8th and Berry.
Dan Ruth


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CHS Parental Involvement Plan
How are we doing with our School-wide Parental Involvement Plan?
Click here to let us know.
Title I Parental Involvement and Complaint Policy
The mission of Columbus High School is to provide a positive educational experience for every student.
We know that parent involvement in our school can have a dramatic effect on the academic achievement of our students. This plan is developed with the goal of developing a strong partnership with all of our parents so that our students will be provided with the best possible education we can offer.
So that parents will better understand our school's program and how they may become actively involved, we have addressed key areas of concern in our plan. Please feel free to discuss any questions, comments, or suggestions you may have about this plan with your child's teacher or the school principal. We welcome your input and suggestions
Parent – Student – School Compact
All parents will be given a copy of the new compact through our Federal Programs Handbook sent home with students during the beginning of the school year. All stakeholders are asked to read, discuss and sign the compact. A copy will be maintained on the school website and new students will be given one at the time of enrollment. Each year Columbus High School will revise its school-parent compact in consultation with our school advisory committee and any parental comments received throughout the year.
Annual Title 1 Meeting
By the end of October Columbus High School will hold its annual meeting for all parents of participating children. Parents are notified of the meeting through Falcon Blasts, notices sent home through students, postings on the marquee, through our school website, and through morning announcements. To assist in providing the opportunity for all parents to attend, the meeting is offered in the evening and anyone that can't attend can request a meeting with the principal or receive this information in the form of a Title I informational letter. Topics to be discussed at this year's meeting are:
- Programs Offered
- Title 1 Monies
- Curriculum
- State Assessment Requirement and Updates
- Student Academic Progress
- Progress Reports
- Report Cards
- Parent iNOW Grade Access
- Parent-Teacher-School Compact
- Parental Concerns and Suggestions
- Needs Assessment Survey
Building Teachers' and Parents' Capacity for Strong Parental Involvement
To ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among Columbus High School, parents, teachers and the community to improve student academic achievement, Columbus High School shall:
- Describe any material and resource offered to parents in helping their children increase their academic achievement; provide a parent center in school, and offer counseling services to support parents and students.
- Describe how continuing professional development for teachers will be implemented toward the goal of furthering their understanding and valuing of the contributions of parents; conferencing techniques; establishing positive relationships with families; how communication between the home and school may be strengthened; teacher involvement in PTO and other family-related activities.
- Describe how information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to parents in a language and format that they can understand. Support for parents in languages other than English will be provided by the compilation and translation of key school informational documents; providing translators to assist with registration, enrollment, and parent conferences; and working with the ELL department at Brandon Central Services in arranging for tutors as needed for students.
The following services will be offered by Columbus High School to increase parental involvement and parental awareness
- Parent / Teacher Conferences
Conferences with teachers are encouraged and may be set up by prior appointment during teacher's planning times and before or after school.
- Bi-Monthly Parent Meetings
- IEP Meetings
- CMSD Parent Academy
- Freshmen Academy Newsletter
- Open House
- Parent Teacher Conference Day
- Parental Contacts
- Teachers: Teacher / Parental Contact Log
- Attendance Office: Call Out & Attendance Secretary phone calls
- Administration: Discipline, behavior contracts, academic and attendance issues
- Counselors: Academic and attendance issues; Graduation planning and requirements
- iNOW Access to grades and attendance
- CMSD Mobile App
- Progress Reports issued
- Report Cards Issued
- Falcon Blast
- Academic Celebrations
- Honor Roll Breakfast
- Awards Day
- Class Night
- Athletic Recognitions
- Meet the Falcons
- Purple Madness
- Athletic Banquets
- Parent Committees
- Advisory / Action / Focus Planning Team
- Booster Clubs
School's Use of Parent Involvement Funds
Columbus High School will use its allocation of parent involvement funds to promote communication between home and school, provide materials and training to help parents to work with their children to improve their children's achievement; and to purchase a library of books, pamphlets, videos, tapes, etc. that provide parents with resources in a variety of topics in order to meet the needs of their children.
Involvement of Parents in reviewing and updating Parent Involvement Plan
Annually, a LEA Advisory committee made up of faculty representatives and parents selected by the respective schools meet to review and update the Columbus High School Parent Involvement Plan. The plan is then made available to parents through the school's website. A paper copy is available upon request through the principal's office. If you would like to volunteer to be a part of this process, please see the building level principal.
Involvement of Parents in reviewing and updating of Title I Plans and Programs (SWP)
Columbus High School also believes in involving parents in all aspects of its Title I program. Parents are asked to serve on an Advisory committee, who were active participates in the development of the plan. Each year, the school wide plan, including the parental involvement plan, is reviewed and evaluated. Results of comprehensive needs assessment survey are reviewed by the parent representatives and Title I committee to determine needed changes.
Parental Concerns and Suggestions Regarding Our Title Plan
Each year Columbus High School's Advisory Committee meets to review, evaluate, and revise our Parent Involvement plan. All parents are notified of the review through Falcon Blasts and publicized on the school website. The notices make parents aware that the plan is under review, that a copy of the plan is available for review in the district/school office, or by visiting the district / school website, and that parents have the right to give input regarding the revision of the plan. The notice also states that after the plan is finalized and approved, if a parent finds the plan to be unsatisfactory, they have the right to submit their concerns in writing to the school, and the school will submit their concerns to the central office at the same time that the Title I plan is submitted.
Parental Concerns and Suggestions Regarding Funds
Title I funds are allocated to each school system based upon the consolidated application submitted to the school system on an annual basis. Parents wishing to make and submit comments should they disagree with any part of the Columbus High School Consolidated Application for NCLB funds may do so by submitting those concerns, in writing to:
Craig Shannon, Deputy Superintendent
Columbus Municipal School District
Brandon Central Services Center
Post Office Box 1308
2630 McArthur Drive
Columbus, MS 39702


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General overview
The euro has completely leveled the previous growth success against the dollar. The ECB representative Linde said that if necessary the ECB could expand the quantitative easing program. According to him, they are not in a hurry to hike the rate as the euro area inflation raises some concerns.
The pair EUR/USD continues to trade in the range, limited by the resistance near 1.1410 and the support near 1.1325.
The first support is at the level of 1.1325, the second one is at the level of 1.1260. The resistance is at the levels of 1.1410 and 1.1530.
We have a weak buy signal. The price is in the Cloud now and it is under the Chinkou Span. The Tenkan-sen is crossing Kijun-sen upwards; the Kijun-sen shows a downward movement. We have a "Golden Cross" signal.
The MACD indicator is in a negative territory. The histogram is decreasing.
Trading recommendations
We wait for the ECB meeting results that may give us the clue regarding the ECB further plans. We still two ways the price to go: the level of 1.1325 if the EUR/USD decreases and the level of 1.1410 if it grows.


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Wildersmith Jan. 13
Life along the upper Trail remains seasonal in one aspect and puny in another. The past week found the region again hunkered down amidst its usual sub-zero character. Finally, last weekend saw some moderation that made even single-digit temps feel balmy.
On the puny side, we have gone another week and the drought on snow continues. Although the landscape remains pure of crystal, we need a break in this continuing dry spell that has haunted us during nearly a decade of winters.
If flakes don't start building up soon, our dry time before green-up will be more precarious than usual in terms of wildfire risk. And, the liquid glacial undulations that froze in a depleted state could thaw, exposing more shoreline than ever before. Guess the prognosticators that said El Nino would crush winter as we like it in northern Minnesota have been right on.
The brutal cold of the past few weeks provides some interesting occurrences that only backcountry folks have the privilege of experiencing. The eerie scrunch of steps in dry snow, unexpected popping of frozen sap in a white pine and the house suddenly creaking are samples of life in the frozen north.
In addition, the sight of frosted foreheads and backs on the deer during these bitter mornings seems almost unimaginable. How cold, but durable, they must be.
At 28 below a couple mornings ago, Whiskey and Jack, my gray jay pals, came to my hands with a delicate frost build-up around their eyes. Without this up close and personal fellowship, who would have thought that this happens, much less that they could still be alive.
We should be amazed at how many of Mother Nature's critters have evolved to survive in her seasonal conditions. Sad to say, though, that rapidly changing circumstances in our universe are putting the evolution of adaptations for all living things into a critical state.
The recent issue of the "Minnesota Conservation Volunteer" magazine has a section on tree adaptation to climate warming in our northern latitudes. The presentation was interesting in regard to what is happening to the southern boreal forest. The prognostication for these adaptations during the next 100 years is not what we old-timers like to hear…particularly if you have affection for the coniferous forest as we know it now.
Speaking of adaptation and survival, day-to-day is on the minds of wolves throughout the territory. Most recently, a wild game buffet has been opened up on the lake ice in front of Gunflint Lodge. The wolf pack provided the elements and many other wild carnivorous folks have taken part in the feast.
Meanwhile, another feeding station has been noted somewhere along the south shore of Loon Lake. A friend over there tells of one warrior coming up from the lake shore with a leg of venison in its jaws. It carried the meal into the woods, apparently for stashing, and then came back through, headed back to the site for more.
With the local deer population in a dwindled state, one wolf has taken a more vegetarian approach. The hungry critter has been showing up with some regularity to a bird feeding site over on Tucker Lake. It has decided that the oily flavor of spilled sunflower seeds is an acceptable diet alternative. Guess if that tummy is growling, anything will do.
Keep on hangin' on, pray for snow and savor the winter woods!


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I love QVC! There I admited it!! I love watching QVC. I don't order much because frankly I don't have the money. But I love watching it.
Today on QVC it is Christmas in July. So I am settled in on my couch occasionaly with coffee or cocoa (might make some tea in a little while) sipping along and watching Christmas shows while I make….Christmas gifts!! lol
It's a perfect day in my book.
I've been working on a few dishcloths, and I'm a little over half-way finished with a prayer shawl for my other grandmother.
I'll have lots to update on the other side of this mini-holiday!!


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B/O 7612 Hiring Process
+Young+, in Transit Employment
LIST STATUS UPDATE: April 2nd, 2020
The list for this exam has been published as of October 17th, 2018. To view your list number, click here and type either "7612" or your last name in the search box on the top right followed by "enter" to view your results.
In addition, here is the Notice of Examination for this specific exam in case anyone needs this for future reference.
PAY: $23.84 to start, raises to $34.06
TRAINING: See this thread for more information.
HIGHEST LIST # CALLED: For initial P/E: (Last Known - 2300s); For Medical: (Last Known - 1700s)
NEXT SCHEDULED CLASS: Currently unknown (was supposed to start on March 30th, 2020)
For those who will be reporting to Livingston Street in the immediate future, click here for the pre-employment packet and click here or for extra pages of the CPD-B booklet (if you need them) for final processing.
Next, for those of you who are still waiting, you folks might want to check out this and this YouTube video. In addition, if you need help getting your Class B CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit), I would encourage you to check out cristcdl.com which is free!! Remember, the multiple-choice tests you need to take and pass, at minimum, are General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Passenger Endorsement.
Finally, if you need to make an appointment at the DMV to take the multiple-choice examinations for your Commercial Learner's Permit, click here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We're here to help each other.
Good luck!!
Message added by +Young+


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SFS: Jason Saggo Vs Eric Attard READY FOR WAR!!
Ontario pro fighters Jason Saggo and Eric Attard will be stepping into the cage this Saturday, August 25th at the Score Fighting Series to test their minds, strength and skills. MMAxposed could see this bout being the fight of the night between these two skilled lightweights. Saggo is a brown belt training under Paul Abel out of P.E.I. and Attard trains out of Modern Vision MMA in Welland, Ontario under coach Chris Bonfoco. Both of these guys bring a different element into the cage; Saggo being known for his strong ground game and Attard for his Muay Thai background and powerful leg kicks. They are both at a comparable level when it comes to fitness and strength. This fight could go either way but it is bound to be the epitome of what a MMA fight should be!
Have a look behind the scenes in their training leading up to this event. Hear what they have to say about each other and how they think this fight will end.
Get your tickets at www.ticketmaster.ca for this event The Score Fighting Series: Hill Vs. Fraser Saturday August 25 2012
Chris Clements: Cloud Nine
Chris Clements has had a dream since he was in high school to get into the UFC. This past year after beating UFC veteran Rich Clementi at The Score Fighting Series, his dream finally came true. At the age of 34 he made his UFC debut and faced Keith Wisniewski, taking home yet another win. It has been a great year for Chris; he got married to the love of his life, they had their first child, and his UFC debut was just five weeks later. This is Chris' story about his dream, his family, and his life.
Pro boxer Jean Pascal training session with Jonathan Chaimberg
A true definition of a champion, Jean Pascal has had numerous accomplishments since entering the world of boxing. He was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on October 28th, 1982. When Pascal was four, along with his mother and brother, they moved to Laval, Quebec, Canada. At age 13, he began boxing after his brother became the Quebec Boxing Champion. Pascal went on to be a Gold medalist at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, while attaining Bronze at the 2003 Pan American Games, and represented Canada at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
He made his professional boxing debut on February 3rd, 2005 defeating Justin Hahn by second round TKO. In his tenth pro win, Pascal won his first championship, the Quebec Boxing Council & Canadian Super Middleweight titles defeating Martin Dejardins by TKO. Pascal would go on to capture numerous titles including the Trans America Boxing, WBC Latino, NABO, NABF & NABA Super Middleweight titles. He would suffer his first loss in his professional career in a title fight for the WBC Super Middleweight title, losing to Carl Froch by unanimous decision.
Jonathan Chaimberg- Adrenaline Performance Center
We were invited to Montreal this past weekend to meet up with Jonathan Chaimberg strength coach/owner of Adrenaline Performance Center in Montreal, Quebec Canada one of the top training centers in the world.
Jonathan is a world renowned coach and has coached top MMA athletes such as George St-Pierre, Rashad Evans, Miguel Torres, and David Loiseau just to name a few. Jonathan is also the strength and conditioning editor of Inside Fitness magazine.
Construction is currently under way for Jonathan's new 9000 sq/ft facility opening soon in July 2012 and by the look of things it's gonna be bigger and badder then ever. Check back in July for a look at the new Adrenaline Performance Center.
"Suffer in training, not in fight" ~ Jonathan Chaimberg
Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonChaimberg
How to clean and jerk
In our latest strength and conditioning video Kelly Parke and Michael Steenson show you proper technique when doing Olympic Lifting
Alessandro Roman regaining the guard
MMAxposed introduces our first video of our strength and conditioning series. Stay tuned for new videos every Monday.
This week's vid features Alessandro Roman and Michael Steenson How to regain the guard and cardio drill.


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Since I started couponing, I've become a whole new person. I been brought to things I never thought possible for myself. I've always been a passionate person (some would say mouthy; I prefer passionate), and I believe that's only been intensified since beginning this new lifestyle. Here are a few of my favorite couponing moments of 2008:
1. Standing in line dumping 5 boxes of Dove ice cream bars into Kroger bags so that I could retrieve the coupons from within the box.
2. Buying 25 Starbucks candy bars from Target (which gave me $14 in overage), only to be reprimanded by another woman who emailed me and said "while I have no doubt you'll eat all those candy bars, save some for the other frugal moms next time."
3. Going to CVS at midnight to get ECB deals and having to race another couple to the Benefiber, only to loose because of a squeaky-wheeled grocery cart.
4. Actually screaming with my sister when the CVS coupon scanner printed out a $4/20 for the first time.
5. The day I realized the CVS employees actually knew my name.
6. Threatening Omaha Steaks that I would never buy there product again if they didn't give me the free hamburgers I ordered (as if I would pay for it anyway).
7. Sitting on the computer at 11pm helping 7 people at once try and get their free Christopher and Banks shirts, realizing that "no I do NOT get paid for this!"
8. My sister and I printing and using all of the Vryl Mkt. coupons, getting $200 worth of products for free, only to find out they were all illegal! (we were new to this and totally innocent)
9. Hiding behind a Christmas display in CVS when the non-ECBers were becoming aggressive towards the ECBers.
10. Giving a CVS training seminar to my entire family in a hotel lobby, only to have the hotel clerk sit in and start taking notes!
How about you? I would love to hear about some of your favorite couponing moments. I need a good laugh.


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This can cause individual troubles that can reach from heavy the borrower's credit evaluation to worsened scenarios look-alike failure to pay and liquidation. Fortunately, within are ability to fend off this: Deferment, Forbearance and Consolidation.
It is important, however, to realise these concepts good because as any monetary tool, they essential be used to puzzle out a exceptional trouble. Otherwise you can efficiently use deferment of good nature and one and only get to put off a idiosyncrasy and even grow it or you could holiday resort to consolidation to understand a makeshift quirk that could have been set with a simpler instrument resembling holdup or good nature.
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Deferment is the justified of the borrower to shelve the compensation of the liability. It's a right because if you suffice by discussion the requirements, you can postulation a deferment and the loaner is grateful to forfeit it. It's a short-term closure of the refund system that doesn't gather interests on national loans but can accumulate interests on secluded loans.
Forbearance is besides a rescheduling of the debt recompense but it's not a borrower's word-perfect but a lender's decree and result. Usually here are more than a few requirements that you obligation to meet, with a dandy contribution yore. Interests hive away regardless of the debt genre and are accessorial to the general debt when the money back system restarts.
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Student Debt Consolidation is a categorically not like theory. You thieve a debt to pay off one or sextuple loans and in that way get your hands on a unattached and lower monthly cost with improved loan conditions. There is no postponing of the debt payment you are fair combining and refinancing your financial obligation. This implies that you requirement to have turnover capacity to commence repaying the new loan.
Though you don't shelve the pocket money of your debt, you dull it or at tiniest trim down the unit of time payments making them more low-priced. Interests are enclosed in the time unit payments and since location is no postponing they do not amass. Also, the a little something charge per unit you have to pay is secured and thus, you won't be smitten by marketplace variations as you were anterior to consolidating due to unreliable rates.
Effects Of Combining The Different Tools
Under lasting luck you can amalgamate these nothing like tools and so purchase additional benefits from them. Deferment and forbearance are rocky to blend because you either are qualified to a postponement or you ask for a patience hoping that the loaner will aid it. But combine and holdup or good nature can be mutual with interesting results.
If you foresee complications near your indebtedness defrayment you can search out a stoppage on the reward programme by way of deferment and patience. This will indefinite quantity you a favorable magnitude of instance. You can use this incident to ferment a groovy combining connive and do the paperwork for . Immediately after the stoppage extent ends, you can consolidate your financial obligation with a new more cheap reimbursement programme. Hopefully by then, your financial state will let you spend the new demean monthly payments. And as a plus, your deferral and good nature likelihood are renewed as you are handling next to a new-made debt.


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Angie, a teen aged girl, was killed in a tragic accident. As a ghost she became convinced her boyfriend Dickie still loved her, so she decided to return to Earth and win him back. But her timing was a little off--thirty years off!--and she found him grown, married, and with teen aged daughters of his own. When she discovered she was stuck there and couldn't return, she figured there was no choice but to break up Dickie's marriage...
As if on cue, Brenda, Rosalie, and Angel entered the room.
"Hi, Uncle Walt, Aunt Barb," chorused Brenda and Rosalie, while Angel settled for, "Hello, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith." Brenda, who was closest, passed sodas to the others and grabbed a beer for herself, saying, "These are for us, aren't they? Thanks, Mom." The three of them settled on the couch.
Rick said, "Wait a minute, girls. Walt came over here to show me something special. It might be confidential. If it is, you girls will have to go in the other room. You know you're not allowed to listen in on legal business, especially if clients' privacy is concerned. What about it, Walt? Should I chase them out?"
"No, no, Rick. Don't chase Angel out. What I have to tell you is really about her. And you might as well let the girls stay too. I'm sure they'll want to know what's going on, and they probably ought to find out."
"Walt, what in the hell are you talking about?" asked Rick. "You're acting like a CIA agent about to date a Russian spy. Did you just catch Angel selling defense secrets to the KGB, or is it something worse?"
Angel bristled at this and protested, "Dickie! I wouldn't do that! I would never betray my country, or President Eisenhower either. I'm a loyal American."
Walt gave her a strange look, and it was obvious he was prepared to refuse to believe anything she said. Then he said, "Rick, I really want you to know I'm your friend. I'm on your side, no matter what it may look like. I don't know if you're the victim in this scam, or if you got caught up in it by accident, or what. I just want to help you. But even if you're in it deliberately, I don't blame you. I'm sure you had a good reason, and I'll help you."
Rick looked exasperated, and Lois said, "Walt, you are babbling like a brook. You're not making any sense at all. Would you please stop apologizing and start explaining? I would really love to know what you're going on about."
"Yes," said Barb from the rocking chair, "I think you better get to the point, dear, before everyone explodes from curiosity. Just like this cat." Blackstone had jumped up on her lap, and she was gently scratching his ears.
"Okay, okay, okay! I'll get to the point. The point is this girl here," he pointed at Angel, "this girl who claims to be a cousin. She's a fake. She's scamming you, after your money, or something." He stopped as everybody tried to talk at once and waved his arms for silence. When it was quiet again, he continued, "I checked every Gossett in the state of New Jersey, and not a one of them has a daughter named Angel. Or Angela or
Angie or anything similar. How do you explain that?" Rick started to say something, but Walt waved him down again with one hand, pulling papers out of his brief case with the other. He spread them on the coffee table and said, "Look at these."
Everybody leaned forward to look, and even Blackstone trotted over to sniff at the papers. The cat was easily satisfied and went back over to the rocker and curled up for a nap, but the others stared longer at Walt's treasures. He had gotten a copy of Angie's school photo from the year before she was killed, and a number of old newspapers with stories of the accident and pictures of Angie. The resemblance to Angel was unmistakable, but neither the Parkers nor Angel were the least surprised by it. Lois, trying to defuse the situation, said, "Quite a family resemblance there, isn't there?"
Walt retorted, "Family resemblance my ass! It's far too good. I'll bet close examination would show plastic surgery. She's here to get something from you; I'd bet on that."
"Well, one out of three ain't too bad," muttered Rick under his breath. Then, in a normal tone, "Walt, we know where Angel is from, and why she's here. Thanks for trying to help, but everything is under control. Why don't you just relax?" He leaned back in his chair.
There was silence for a moment, broken only by the squeak of Barb's rocker. Then, suddenly, there was a horrible screaming hissing noise. Barb had rocked onto Blackstone's tail.
Blackstone rose gracefully into the air, as cats are wont to do in such circumstances, in an arching trajectory that ended in Angel's lap. The big Siamese landed there with all eighteen claws fully extended and attempted to dig in for safety. Unfortunately, this proved a painful surprise for Angel, who had been paying no attention whatsoever to the cat. She in turn let out a loud scream, but instead of jumping, she vanished. This left Blackstone in midair, startled that his support had vanished, before dropping to the couch. He let out one more yowl, clawed his way up the back of the sofa, over it, and then vanished from the room, still spitting and hissing. Once Blackstone was gone, there was silence until finally Lois said, "Oh, shit!" Walt was still staring at the empty space where Angel had been, his jaw hanging open in shock.
Barb had a similar stunned look on her face, but she recovered faster. She started to rock again and said, "I just can't wait to hear this." Walt nodded.
Rick and Lois looked at each other, and finally Rick said, "Well, you see, er, it's like this. Angel is a ghost." He paused to see what effect this had had on the Smiths. Both looked a little strained, but neither had fainted at the information, so he continued, "Angel is the ghost of Angie Gossett, my old girlfriend. The one you have all the pictures of…there." He waved vaguely at the coffee table.


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text:
BuildersBox - a double-story specialised paint store in an adapted steel shipping container - has opened its doors in Jabulani in Soweto. More than just a paint centre – this business hub also provides business services to local entrepreneurs. A collaborative venture between Prominent Paints, its BEE partner, Africa's Got-Game, and PPC Cement, the project is the first of its kind in South Africa and will also contribute towards enterprise development of informal traders within the paint and construction industry, while offering training and education to members of the community.
Developed with the single-minded vision of addressing the challenges of inequality, unskilled youth and SMME development within South Africa, the programme's focus is directed at township revitalisation. Parallel to this, it's growing the building and construction industry by delivering products and services to the doorsteps of communities.
Prominent Paints Brand Marketing Manager, Lani Carstens says, "With BuildersBox, consumers will have a one-stop paint shop at their doorstep for any building or construction related solutions. The concept is bringing something new and fresh to the retail experience in areas that traditionally have been lacking when it comes to DIY paint specialist centres. The customer-centric approach of the store will ensure no customer leaves without being equipped with the knowledge they need to solve their specific paint problem."
The BuildersBox containerised solution will not only be a formal trading structure but also a training facility for local youth and members of the construction industry. The practical training, which is free to the community, will be presented by industry experts approved and appointed by Prominent Paints and PPC. As with all its training, Prominent Paints will push the message that regardless of the colour or the finish selected – surface preparation is the most important step in any DIY painting process!
Carstens says that training and developing people from the community to run and work in the retail outlet is an important part of the project's success and this education will go way beyond paint, product and DIY skills. "It will extend to include business management skills critical to the successful operation of a startup business operation such as this. It's also expected that through education and a presence in the area, consumers will be exposed to cost effective ways in which to add colour to their communities and to make it better in every sense of the word."
The adapted containers are sturdy, durable, portable and easy to install and the team broke ground in preparation for installation in March. The entire construction and setting up process took less than a month. The ground floor is dedicated to retail while the top floor has a restaurant and a business centre that offers business services to entrepreneurs.
"An unknown territory and not a market that we are familiar with, we are conscious that these untapped areas carry great potential despite the challenges associated with entering these new areas," says Carstens. "Not just an opportunity to tap into the immense buying power of this market, it also presents an ideal and exclusive opportunity for Prominent Paints to invest in and develop the communities in which we introduce the BuildersBox concept."
The new store manager, Sagaren Packery believes BuildersBox is uniquely poised for success. "With everything available under one roof, our customers can be assured of leaving the store with all the essential materials they need to prepare and create the perfect look they are striving to achieve. As we head towards winter, the coming cooler months are the perfect time to explore this seasons' paint décor colour palette and a colour makeover is a great way transform a personal space with paint," says Packery. "BuildersBox will retain the family feel of the Prominent Paints Paint Centres - where their special brand of friendly and professional advice empowers customers to tackle even the most complicated DIY projects. We are truly excited to be of service to the Soweto community and really anticipate that the new offering will be received positively."
Backed by leading, "Best in Class" coating manufacturers, PPG, the value-added product offering includes a range of quality paint systems and paint accessories, professional "on trend" colour advice, free quotations, as well as a delivery service.
"We focus on the real needs of the consumer, helping them to choose the right product fit for their needs that is superior in quality and good value for money; that's the formulae for our success. The BuildersBox solution is another vehicle for us to deliver on these ideals and there is no doubt that we are making communities better through this partnered social development initiative," concludes Carstens.
For more on this paint brand that always makes it better – visit www.prominentpaints.co.za or call the customer care line on 0861 77 66 46.
Prominent Paints is a PPG Group Company, was established in 1981 and celebrated its 35 years of manufacturing in SA in 2016. Prominent Paints is a proud member of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) and from an ecological perspective, its paint is lead free, complies to, and even exceeds the standards set by the GBCSA.


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Children are at the heart of everything that the RCBA does, which is why we take the issue of child protection very seriously. Child protection is the term we use to describe the responsibilities and activities we undertake to prevent or stop children being abused or ill-treated. Although it is a very small minority that present this risk, everyone has a responsibility and role in protecting children and following all practical and reasonable steps to counteract the risk.
All concerns raised under our child protection policy will be dealt with promptly and will be treated seriously and sensitively. Your concerns will be discussed with you in order to help determine the precise action to be taken. Whenever possible, resolution will be reached within one week of the report.
RCBA Employees and Volunteers
All employees and volunteers whose position within the organization puts them in contact with our youth members are required to complete a vulnerable sector criminal record check.
All office staff and coaches are required to complete the SaskSport Respect in Sport training course which deals with harassment and bullying.
It is mandatory for employees, contractors and volunteers to report any witnessed, suspected or alleged incident of child abuse or violation of the child protection policy.
Use of Child Images and Personal Information
Photographs of youth members may be used only with the express permission of the RCBA, and only in accordance with this policy.
Personal or physical information that could be used to identify the location of a child should not be used on a website or published in the public domain.
Photographs and images of our youth members should be decent and respectful.


text:
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The team comprises Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Touré and Deputy Secretary-General Mr Houlin Zhao, who are both serving second four-year teams after being re-elected to their posts by ITU's 2010 Plenipotentiary Conference in Guadalajara, Mexico.
\r\n
\r\nIt also comprises the Directors of ITU's three Bureaux: Mr Malcolm Johnson, Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, Mr François Rancy, Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau, and Mr Brahima Sanou, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau.
\r\n
\r\nMr Johnson commences his second term of office, following his re-election at PP-10. Mr Rancy and Mr Sanou were both newly elected to their posts in Guadalajara.
\r\n
\r\nSpeaking at today's official inauguration ceremony at ITU headquarters in Geneva, Dr Touré said: "We are most fortunate in having a new management team that brings together a healthy mix of continuity and experience on the one hand, and fresh thinking and new ideas on the other . . . We have a very busy four years ahead of us. But we also have a very exciting four years ahead, full of tremendous opportunities and giving each and every one of us the chance to play our part in making the world a better place through wider use of ICTs."
\r\n
\r\nThe inauguration ceremony was attended by the Minister of Communication and Information Technology of Mali, Ms Diarra Miriam Flantié Diallo; Mr Robert Hensler, representing the Republic and Canton of Geneva; top-level representatives from other UN agencies; ambassadors from national missions based in Geneva; and other high-level guests, including former ITU Secretary-General Mr Mohamed Mili (1967-1982). Representatives from ITU staff were also present.
\r\n


text:
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text:
Our trip to Turkey was a 2 parter. 4 days with family in Istanbul for the wedding, then a further 4 days, just the 4 of us in a resort in Oludeniz on the West coast. Two very different experiences, but both fantastic in their own way.
I did think I would post about my handmade holiday. I took a fair number of self made items with me, but I didn't take photos of my outfits because I was either too busy doing stuff or too busy doing nothing. Of course I made my dress for the wedding, and also my niece's dress who was one of the flower girls. I also made a couple of other garments specifically for the holiday, and I will blog about each in turn, starting today with my niece's dress. I didn't think to take lots of photos, though, so apologies. I also now can't remember many of the details, so this'll be a short post!
I didn't intend to make my Annie's dress initially, and my sister didn't ask. I kept telling myself to keep my mouth shut - I had enough to be getting on with - but clearly didn't listen to myself. I came across the Made by Rae Geranium dress on Instagram and it was pretty much what my sister had described as having in mind. I sent her the photo and before I knew it, I had offered to make the dress.
It was very straightforward to make. There are quite a few options (there is now an expansion pack with even more options available!), but we went for the plain round neck, the flounce sleeve and the gathered skirt. I suggested we use broderie anglais as it's pretty and quite dressy, but still cool enough for the Turkish heat and not so dressy she won't wear it again. My sister chose a circle broderie anglais from John Lewis. I told her to get cotton lawn or voile to line it but the fabric the woman sold her was more like muslin - very thin and it frayed like mad.
I did a quick and simple toile in an old sheet to check for size. The pattern comes in 2 age ranges. Annie was between the different size ranges, but it made sense to buy the larger range, so we could use it again in the future. It was a little big for her, so I just took some width out at the sides. I can't remember how much.
Due to the transparency, I decided to use 2 layers of lining fabric to line the bodice. As I went along, it occurred to me that I could underline and line the bodice, which meant no visible seam allowances in the "holes" in the broderie. This actually worked really well. The bodice is very satifying to make, with all raw edges enclosed. The broderie anglais didn't fray, so I left the edges of the flutter sleeve unfinished.
I did plan to double line the skirt, but I felt there might be too much bulk with the gathers, so just underlined it instead. The length was ideal as was, so I overlocked the hem and finished it with some lace trim from Hobbycraft. Finally, I handstitched on some peach coloured ribbon at the empire line (waist) to tie in with my sister in law's flowers. The buttons are flower shaped, again from John Lewis.
And that's it. With a flower crown, her outfit was complete! She looked absolutely gorgeous and did a fabulous job as a flower girl, along with her partner Betul (I have definitely spelt that wrong), my sister in law's cousin.


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It started out innocuously enough. My mom emailed me, asking if I wanted to bring some dessert element to our Passover Seder. She suggested I pick up a can of Passover (NOT French) macaroons, but since nobody actually LIKES those, I decided to bring meringues. And then I decided to MAKE meringues.
I blame it on my brand new electric mixer. I wanted to try it out.
So I consulted the googles and found this recipe for coffee-flavored meringues.
I liked the recipe because it said EXACTLY what mixer settings to use, and for how long. And the making of the batter was REALLY fun. It's pretty awesome, how a few tiny egg whites swell up into a whole bunch of batter. (This recipe called for 4 egg whites, which out of the 3 times I've now made meringues is the most.)
And then it makes all these pretty patterns and peaks as it really meringues up.
And then I folded in the instant coffee flakes, because my family likes coffee with/for dessert (I used decaf).
Everything was fine up until the baking portion. I will now list what I did wrong.
-I used tin foil instead of parchment, because I'd seen other recipes that called for foil, dull side up. Obviously, foil conducts heat MUCH more than parchment would. Growing up I always learned that parchment was made from lamb skin — the TORAH was written on parchment — so whenever I read about baking on parchment I'm just like, WHAT? Where the F am I supposed to get parchment? ANCIENT ISRAEL? (Turns out they sell it in rolls at the store, next to the wax paper. It's basically… waxy-ish paper.)
-I thought I had two cookie sheets but I only had one, so I used a glass Pyrex dish for the overflow. Probably also stupid.
-I cooked the meringues at 250 degrees F, which was definitely too hot under the circumstances (even with parchment, my new recipe calls for 200 degrees– my oven isn't marked low enough for that, but luckily I have an oven thermometer– GOOD INVESTMENT.) (Thanks for the Sur La Table gift certificate, Sam's parents!)
Another thing I did wrong that didn't actually affect the outcome was that I totally screwed up the piping-with-a-Ziploc-bag, because I didn't CLOSE the top of the Ziploc bag. So it came out both ends. Blurp.
So I just scooped the rest of them out with a tablespoon.
During the cooking process I thought the meringues looked a little strange (like dinosaur eggs?), but what could I do?
So they cooked until really late at night, and in the morning I ate half of one, and it was really… crusty.
I remembered meringues being "melt in your mouth," and these were not. After a bit I started feeling really nauseated and got a terrible headache, and I thought maybe I was just too sensitive to the decaf coffee in the meringues.
It was like, a bad sickness. Sweats. Hangover-level gross feelings. (I tried to barf and it ALMOST worked.)
Then I had a poorly timed text conversation with my mom about it.
Luckily I rallied enough to GO to the Seder. Crazy enough, I brought the meringues, but just to show that I made them before I trashed them. My mom took one bite to be nice, then ran to the trashcan to spit it out.
Diagnosis: Super, super burnt. So I think I basically got sick from eating, like, the burned-est coffee in the world.
Next up: I fix my mistakes and avenge myself.