text:
35% Raised of$10,000
EVENT DATE: Mar 22, 2015
Mar 31, 2015
FUNDRAISER SET UP DEADLINE: Mar 31, 2015
On Sunday, March 22, 2015, the Center Ring Circus School will be bringing 1000 people together to break the World Record for the World's Largest Shaving Cream Pie Fight! (Currently at 815.) This family event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for kids and adults to get into the record books (and into astronomical amounts of shaving cream) while raising funds for Bridges to Housing Stability. (Registration for and participation in the event is free! Those who wish to, can also use this opportunity to raise money and awareness for this fantastic, local non-profit organization. www.bridges2hs.org) Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your towels! It's going to be a wonderful morning of record-breaking, family fun!
Important Waiver Information: If you will have minors coming with you without their legal guardians, please have their guardians sign the pie fight waiver and send it with them. http://centerringcircusschool.com/docs/CRCS_Insurance_Waiver_PieFight__FINAL.pdf
Pie-Fighters over 18, please bring your signed waivers with you. We will also have the forms available at the event.
Please arrive early! We have to sign in 1000 people! Registration will open early at 8:30 AM, and we'll have lots of fun circus stuff going on.
Event flyers and pledge forms can be downloaded at http://www.centerringcircusschool.com/forms.html
The event will be held in the back parking lot of our circus school at 6770 Oak Hall Lane Columbia, MD 21045. (Visit www.centerringcircusschool.com and click location for directions.) Registration and official counting will begin at 8:30 AM, and the fight itself will run from 11:00 to 11:02. Between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM, we'll have music, contests, balloon sculptors, juggling school, stilt walkers, aerialists, the Orioles Bird, and more! (Including Greg May's Ultimate 12-foot Pie Dive.) Come early for the pre-fight festivities!
(Note: If you would like to attend, but don't want to actually get pied, we are in need of a large number of non-participant volunteers. Please email firstname.lastname@example.com, and we'll give you a job!)
Questions? Contact: 443-996-8197 email@example.com
What our Pie Fighters Will Need:
One can of shaving cream per two people
A minimum of two paper plates per person (at least 7 inches in diameter)
A bottle of water and a towel for personal clean-up.
Options they might like to add:
A poncho
A pair of swim or safety goggles/glasses
Water in plastic bottles/jugs for drinking and rinsing
Lawn chairs for relaxing after check in prior to the start of the event
A "Captain Pie" superhero costume or a "Dr. Power Pie" supervillain costume. (To add to the fun, we'll be pitting these two hero teams against each other intermixed among all the innocent civilians swept up into their epic battle for world pie domination. Remember, whatever you wear will be covered in shaving cream! Please do not bring any props like swords or shields.)
Pie fight World Record Rules from Guinness
All pies must have an average minimum diameter of 7 inches and must contain shaving cream only on paper plates.
The duration of the pie fight must be at least one minute.
Although it is not required for the participants to hit their targets, Guinness expects the participants to enter into the spirit of the challenge and to actively try to throw pies at each other. Please remember this is a family fun event and be careful to hit each other with your pies, not your hands! And please remember that people do need to breathe eventually, so let your targets catch a breath every now and then!
All pies must be picked up and thrown one at a time (That means thrown one at a time by each person, so an individual can't count ten pies thrown at one time from a serving tray, but everyone can throw their pies simultaneously.)
Each person must have access to and throw at least two pies.
One non-participant supervisor per 50 participants must be stationed throughout the crowd to ensure that all contestants are fully participating. Participants deemed to not be actively trying to throw pies at each other must be disqualified. If the disqualifications exceed 5% of the final total, the attempt is disqualified regardless of the participant final number.
Attendance numbers are confirmed by individuals writing their names and signing their signatures once only in front of two independent witnesses. The list of legible names and signatures must be submitted to Guiness World Records.
The event must take place in a restricted/fenced area with entrances and exits clearly marked and controlled.
Every participant counted within the barriers of the attempt area must fully participate in the attempt to the best of his/her ability.
Each participant must receive a numbered wrist-band after signing in. Participants must not leave the fenced event area after being counted. Participants leaving the attempt area before the attempt is over must be counted accurately and deducted from the final total. (You can't sign out and then sign back in, even to just run to the car for something. Portable restrooms will be stationed inside the attempt area.)
See More
We're setting up your Fundraiser page right now. It will take anywhere from 3 seconds to 27 seconds.


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Recruits in Class 193 at the St. Louis County and Municipal Academy arrived with a wide range of prior firearms training. Some had extensive training while others had none.
Recruit Mary Mills completed firearms training during her time in the U.S. Coast Guard. She qualified in the Coast Guard using the same type of gun used to qualify at the academy.
Recruit Octavia Hearon completed one day of firearms training in the Air Force Reserves.
"It was way more training (at the academy) than for the military," she said.
Before joining Class 193, Recruit Trevor Green said he'd never held a gun.
"I was one of those people who didn't think you necessarily needed a gun," he said. "But now, shooting that gun, controlling that weapon, that machine has kind of changed my mind about it."
Recruits get at least 94 hours of instruction and training over eight weeks at the academy, but they must continue training to stay proficient.
"It's something that I have to continue to work on, and my fellow recruits and future officers have to continue to have to work on because it is a skill," said Green.
Recruits become skilled marksman using multiple firearms and shooting from varying distances. They learn to shoot with both their dominant and support hand. They learn which type of firearm is appropriate for different situations.
"You have to trust your gun, you have to trust your grip, you have to trust your arm strength, and you have to, basically, know that what you're about to do is potentially going to destroy what's in front of you," said Green.
Recruits are trained to shoot for their target's core. If that fails to stop the threat, recruits are trained to shoot the subject in the head. Civilians often ask why officers shoot to kill and don't shoot the suspect in an area that is less likely to be lethal.
"You only have, literally, split seconds to make a decision so you don't really have time to think, 'Oh, let me shoot them in the leg,'" Hearon said.
"If I have my gun out, and I feel like I need to use my gun, then it's because it's a deadly force situation," said Mills. "They are threatening my life. They are either going to cause me serious physical injury or they are going to kill me if I do not shoot them, and that is why I am justified to use that firearm."
In addition to the training they get at the range, recruits also get a chance to combine their shooting skills with their understanding of human behavior.
Earlier this year, the St. Louis Police Foundation purchased a new tool for officers in the county. Class 193 is the first group to have the VirTra V-300 judgmental use-of-force simulator as part of the training from day one.
"It's an invaluable tool," said Sergeant John Wall, Basic Training Supervisor at the academy. "There is no way, other than them being there, to get any sort of training like this."
The 300-degree, state-of-the-art virtual reality training system uses scenarios from real life encounters, Wall said, and he can control what happens next - including the character's words and actions - based on how the recruits perform.
"They have to decide, not only when to speak, but what to say," said Wall.
Instructors continue to emphasize that an officer's ability to speak with a person and de-escalate the situations with words is always the preferred method. Based on how effectively a recruit is talking to the subject, the training instructor can choose to end the scenario peacefully.
The VirTra V-300 expands upon the range training and gives recruits the chance to actually decide when to shoot and when to hold back. Some scenarios are intense and force the recruits to learn to control their adrenaline response. There are more than 100 scenarios including domestic violence, hostage situations and active shooter encounters.
"I have to decide who's a suspect? Who has a gun? Who's a student just running down the hallway?" said Green. "We don't get those opportunities at the gun range."
Some scenarios force recruits to look beyond their target.
"On the scenario you saw today, it was in a front yard, we don't want people shooting through a house, and then hitting an innocent victim two houses down," said Wall.
Details like that are often discussed in a debrief with an instructor following the exercise.
The VirTra V-300 is used to train recruits and current officers in St. Louis County on tools like a pistol, less lethal shotgun, assault rifle, O.C. (pepper spray) and a Taser.
Participants wear an electronic pulse device called a "threat fire" on their waistband which emits a Taser-like jolt for seven tenths of a second. The training instructor controls when the participant gets shocked due to inattentiveness or inaction during a scenario.
Like many of their lessons, recruits learn the foundations of self-defense and concepts of use of force, but each department has its own policy for when to use force and how much force to use. Recruits will gain that knowledge and training during field training with their hiring departments.
Next, Class 193 will be called to respond to an active shooter. Recruits will shoot and be shot at as they work together to stop the threat.
For more on Fox 2's exclusive look "Inside the Academy," visit www.fox2now.com/academy.

subset: commoncrawl


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Lots and lots of new Mimi & Marge jewelry! Posted on March 22, 2017
Lots and lots of new Mimi & Marge jewelry! March 28 2017
Remember the lovely Mimi & Marge? From the cute set of four mismatched earrings to the elegant necklaces and classic rings, this Vancouver based jeweller is unforgettable.
Kenda, the designer behind Mimi & Marge, goes to Bali, Indonesia three times a year with her two daughters. Mimi & Marge oversees the production and manufacturing of the jewelry in Bali. Collaborating with local craftsmen and artisans, she tries to create new and unique designs each season by mixing handcrafted work with modern design.
Using sterling silver, gold vermeil 24k, and a variety of local materials like Sono wood and Mother of Pearl, many of the designs are fabricated.
Along with designing fun and timeless accessories with local craftsmen, Mimi + Marge still finds time to give back to Indonesian community. Since 1998, they have been donating food and money to an orphanage of 29 children run by one family without any government funding - the Sovitry Orphanage. In addition, all sales from the Mimi + Marge Bawa Dog Pendant (not in store currently) go to the Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA). Mimi + Marge is also involved with Bali WISE (Women of Indonesia Skills Education) - and proudly sponsoring two young women from Indonesia. The training programs assist more than 110 women each year for improved employment opportunities through programs including Basic Work and Life Skills, Vocational Skills Training, and Gender Equality workshops and seminars.
Wow - What a group of a people! On the other hand, check out some of the beautiful pieces we have in the shop.
Necklaces, necklaces, necklaces...
Classic and dainty bar bracelets in gold vermeil and silver...
I loooove these simple stacking rings, as well as the mismatched set of earrings... So pretty.
Studs, gems, mini hoops, threader earrings.. Too much cuteness.
Love how these pieces can be worn daily, and also spice up your look for a special occasion. Come by the shop to try some on!
New Jewelry in Shop March 02 2017
We are stocked up on some lovely new Leah Alexandra and Foe & Dear jewelry! Elegant and simple earring studs, necklaces and rings. Both lines are Vancouver made - designed and handcrafted - and proudly homed around the world.
Leah Alexandra jewels come in an arrangement of sterling silver, 14k goldfill, 24k gold vermeil, and hand-selected gemstones and freshwater pearls.
Prong studs // labradorite + silver, lavender + gold plated $115
Spark studs // black onyx + gold plated $70
Petite Prong studs // white topaz + rose gold plated $83, labradorite + gold plate $92
Foe & Dear products are made from a range of sterling silver, 14k gold, opals, Herkimer diamonds, druzies, and freshwater pearls.
Studs // opal tear + silver, Herkimer diamond + silver $100
Stacking rings // opal tear + silver $125, Herkimer diamond + silver $65
Necklaces // opal tear + silver $160, Herkimer diamond + silver $140
Due to natural minerals and gems used, no two pieces are alike. Slight variations in stone colour, tonality, and shape create a unique individuality to each, which we cherish! Come by to see in person for more jewelry not pictured + these photos don't do the precious jewels justice.


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On Sale
CROCHET tall lace boot socks - ivory
Lacy boot socks that are Oh so sweet!Our open weave crochet tall lace boot sock adds a fun girly touch to your wardrobe. Our crochet boot sock is also great for country weddings and a feminine look for your boots.
Our crochet knit boot sock is lightweight and can by worn in all climates, extra stretch is perfect for you gals with larger calves.
This boot sock looks great with so many shoe and boot styles.
Great for boots or dress it up with a pair of wedgies or pumps.
Great open weave design lets your tootsies breath and makes shoes more comfortable.
One size fits shoe size 7-11


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This is the one I really wanted to post for today.
MY BEST PHOTO 2010 - Because this is my life I choose this photo. My wish for the new year is continued blessings for everyone. Powered by Photoblog.com
9 years ago
Look at those crystal clear eyes!
Gorgeous boys!
Whoa, they are really starting to look like each other!
They are gorgeous! Did you touch up their eyes or are that naturally that clear?


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Experience a well rounded rendition of the History of Abeokuta, beautifully summarized under the mesmerism of a patriotic indigenous background music from no other Abeokuta's musical icon than The Chief Commander Evangelist Ebeneezer Obey himself.
The historical sketch itself is the summary of a joint effort by two of Abeokuta's foremost history authorities, Chief Dr. LATEEF BIOBAKU (may his soul rest in perfect peace) and PA OLADIPO YEMITAN.
I loved every second of the experience when i visited the site reading and re-reading the contents over again under the intoxication of Obey's magic! You must experience it yourself too at the website of Egba Progressive Association, Inc.
I recommend that you should afterwards go to The Yoruba Forum where the accounts are also reproduced, to make your comments and start discussions on the topic in order to unearth further details…


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Nitrate Plant Number 2
Air View of Nitrate Plant No. 2 at Muscle Shoals, AL
Description : Wilson Dam and Fertilizer Plant. An air view of Nitrate plant No. 2 at Muscle Shoals in northern Alabama. Wilson Dam is in the background. With the addition of some new equipment, a part of the plant has been adapted by the TVA for the experimental production of phosphatic fertilizer.
February 26, 2013 | Categories: Remembering the Shoals | Tags: Carolyn Murray Greer, Muscle Shoals Alabama, Nitrate Plant #2, Remembering the Shoals, Tennessee Valley Authority | Comments Off on Nitrate Plant Number 2


text: A very significant letter from Paul VI in which he reputedly had a hand himself and of which the original draft was written by Cardinal Roy himself, then president of the Pontifical Commission for Justice and Peace. (Christine E. Gudorf, Commentary on Octogesima Adveniens, in Kenneth Himes (ed.) Modern Catholic Social Teaching, Commentaries and interpretations, Georgetown University Press, 2005 at p. 318).


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The Puppeteers of America Rufus and Margo Rose Endowment Fund was established in 1975 to honor the passing of fine performers and great friends of puppetry, Rufus and Margo Rose. The Endowment Fund makes possible financial grants to active puppeteers for projects that will further the growth and development of the art of puppetry. Contributions to the fund are invested and every other year awards are made from the interest that has accumulated. Awards generally range from $500 to $1000.
An Endowment Fund contribution is a fitting way to honor a departed friend of puppetry or to express thanks to a colleague, committee or guild. It is also a concrete way to express interest in and dedication to the art of puppetry. Contributions to the fund are tax deductible. As this fund grows, more money will be available for the financing of worthy projects. Please contact Monica Leo, Endowment Fund Committee Chair, at email@example.com with any questions or concerns.
2021 Grant Cycle
2019 Endowment Final Report
Past Endowment Recipients
Thanks to the generous support of fellow PofA members, Youth, Young Adult, Adult and Senior scholarships are available for the National Festival.


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Pure DWTS – Maksim Chmerkovskiy Talks About The Ukraine Bachelor And Dancing Next Season On Dancing With The Stars
On Sunday, Access Hollywood interviewed Maks about his role on the Ukraine Bachelor. He said, "There was, what seemed to be the ring and everything else, but if you speak Russian, you would understand that I did not propose". He is greatful for the experience, but, it was hard. He did the show to "get away" at the time and because he is "a hopeless romantic". We will know more details on the show coming up this week and how everything worked out. That is, if it worked out? 😯 Poor Yana. I wanted Maks to pick HER!
Maks also discusses Dancing With The Stars and how he never said he wasn't going to dance on the show next Season, but, he hopes to take a rest and enjoy the things he loves as he contemplates his future. He said he has good people working for him who will help him decide. More below. I hope he will do the show next Season, but, I also want him to do whatever makes him happy.


text:
#!/usr/bin/perl -Tw
# quickrep-graph.pl
# Converts output from quickrep.pl
# <http://perlmonks.org/index.pl?node_id=111464> into a PNG bar chart
# show how many of your nodes have a given reputation
# Tom Hukins <email@example.com> (tomhukins on Perl Monks) - 20011022
# This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
# it under the same terms as Perl itself
use strict;
use GD::Graph::bars ();
use XML::Simple qw(XMLin);
# Allow the user to specify an alternative output filename on the
# command line
my $output_filename = shift || 'quickrep.png';
my($ratings, $username) = &derive_stats();
&draw_graph($ratings, $username, $output_filename);
sub derive_stats {
my $xml = XMLin('./quickrep.xml') or die "$!";
my $username = $xml->{INFO}{foruser};
my @ratings; # Counts the number of nodes with a given rating
while (my($id, $node) = each %{ $xml->{NODE} }) {
@ratings[ $node->{reputation} ]++;
my $max_reputation = scalar(@ratings) - 1;
return([ [0..$max_reputation], [@ratings] ], $username);
sub draw_graph {
my($ratings, $username, $output_filename) = @_;
my $graph = new GD::Graph::bars( 600, 400 );
x_label => 'Reputation',
y_label => 'Number of Nodes',
title => "PerlMonks Nodes by Reputation for $username"
) or die "$!";
my $gd = $graph->plot( $ratings );
open(IMG, ">$output_filename") or die "$!";
binmode IMG;
print IMG $gd->png;
close IMG;
I'm honored someone would build onto my little script... especially with something as cool as this. ++!
"We're experiencing some Godzilla-related turbulence..."
1st - Yeah Mars!
10th - Someone else first
100th - Mars, the next generation
1000th - I want to see some stability
10000th - I want my White Castle
Never - Someone's got to stay on Earth
None - I've already been to Mars enough times
N/A - I was born on Mars
All of them, as I will be the pilot
Results (27 votes). Check out past polls.


text:
Well, week 2 of NaNoWriMo 2016 is over, and we are now halfway through! Hooray!
To my great surprise, I'm still just about on track: as of last night I had written 23,401 words, meaning I was just surpassing the Day 14 target of 23,338. Overall my novel is now 48,740 words, which makes it the longest thing I've ever written (my second longest being my last NaNoWriMo attempt which was 42,000 words)!
It feels like it's really starting to get tough though! I've written over 1,000 words every single day of November (balancing out the days I wrote less than 1667 with the days I wrote more), which I'm pleased about, but during the first week it seemed relatively easy. Now it seems like such a struggle!
I've done well so far though, so I'm going to try and keep up with it and not let myself slip behind. I feel like this coming week is going to be the tough one as I have a lot on: my sister's baby is due this week which is pretty exciting, and I'm off work for a few days, so will hopefully be spending lots of time with my lovely boyfriend! I'll hopefully manage to get some writing time in somewhere, and I hope that this time next week I'll be reporting that I'm still on track!
I hope all my fellow NaNoWriMo-ers have had a good week, and best of luck with week 3! Let me know how you're getting on in the comments!


text:
Listings in Event & Wedding Planning, Local Council, Memorabilia and Tax Agent
Goulburn Mulwarre Council
in Library, Local Council, Local Government, Council Service, Council Office, Council Service
184-194 Bourke St
GOULBURN, New South Wales 2580
Review this
Top News
in Newsagent, Memorabilia, Cards
Your local Newsagency
Shop G86
Woden Plaza
WODEN, Australian Capital Territory 2606
Review this
Goulburn Race Club
in Wedding Venue, Venue Hire, Races, Local Sports Clubs, Horse Riding, Horse Racing Club, Horse Races, Event Catering
Goulburn's finest function venue is the Goulburn Race Club.
Racecourse Drive
GOULBURN, New South Wales 2580
Review this
Goulburn District Racing Club
in Wedding Venue, Venue Hire, Horse Racing Club, Horse Races, Horse Club, ATM
Goulburn District Race Club is located on the picturesque Southern Tablelands of NSW and holds twenty race meetings each year.
Racecourse Road
GOULBURN, New South Wales 2580
Review this
JLS Accounting Services
in Taxation Services, Tax Agent, Bookkeeping Services, Small Business Accounting, Personal Taxation, Accountant
JLS Accounting Services has the expertise to assist you with all your accounting requirements!!
140 Coromandel St
GOULBURN, New South Wales 2580
Review this
test Listing 2
in Wedding Venue, Web Development, Venue Hire, Sports Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Marketing, Insurance Agents, Information Centre, Income Protection, Home & Contents Insurance, General Insurance, Fitness Centre, Fire Station, Financial Services, Financial Advisor, Clothing Manufacturer, Charity Organisation, Bakery, Agriculture Department, Accountant
Review this


text:
England's hopes of qualifying from Group D looked dashed due to to a brace from Luis Suarez either side of Wayne Rooney's equalizer.
The Manchester United forward, 28, scored his first goal in a World Cup to level the scores with 15 minutes left when he tapped home a Glen Johnson squared pass to give England hope.
Rooney could have dragged England level earlier but shot straight at Fernando Muslera ten minutes into the second half after he knocked the ball past a La Celeste defender.
Suarez killed English dreams though when he tucked the ball past Joe Hart after Muslera's goal-kick has flicked on by England Captain Steven Gerrard.
Suarez had earlier given Uruguay the lead when he scored a controlled header past Hart but the spine of the England team were largely at fault.
Gerrard and Jordan Henderson were caught out and allowed Nicolas Lodeiro space in midfield and teed up Edinson Cavini who easily lost Glen Johnson and FCavani's cross was headed in by El Pistolero when Phil Jagielka failed to follow the runner.
England did show signs of promise in the first period though, Wayne Rooney curled a free-kick narrowly past the post after ten minutes and later hit the bar with a close range header from Gerrard's free-kick.
Uruguay threatened themselves after quarter of an hour when Jagielka's sliced clearance landed at the feet of Cristian Rodriguez who shot inches over from the edge of the box.
A low Luis Suarez corner was also blazed over from Cavani.
Daniel Sturridge had the last opportunity though when Rooney's intelligent through ball found the Liverpool man who had his shot from a tight angle parried by Fernando Muslera at his near post.
Controversy overshadowed the match however as the stand in Uruguay Captain Diego Godin should have been sent off for putting his elbow up to Sturridge's face in a body check. He had previously been yellow carded for a handball.
The Three Lions now need Italy to defeat both Costa Rica tomorrow and Uruguay next Tuesday while England must also beat Costa Rica themselves, relying on goal difference, to have any chance of making it to round two.


text:
Pannie Kianzad-Raquel Pa'aluhi, 3 Other Bouts Added to Invicta FC 21 Lineup
A bantamweight duel pitting Pannie Kianzad against Raquel Pa'aluhi is among four new additions to the Invicta FC 21 card.
The female promotion also announced that Aspen Ladd will meet Sijara Eubanks at 135 pounds; DeAnna Bennett will take on Jodie Esquibel at strawweight and Heather Hardy will face Brieta Carpenter at flyweight.
Invicta FC 21 takes place at the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Mo., on Jan. 14 and is headlined by a featherweight tilt between Megan Anderson and Charmaine Tweet. The card will stream in its entirety on UFC Fight Pass.
Kianzad went unbeaten in her first eight professional appearances before falling to reigning bantamweight queen Tonya Evinger via second-round TKO non-title bout at Invicta FC 14 in September 2015. "Sexy Scramble" has not competed since that defeat.
Pa'aluhi, meanwhile, saw a three-fight winning streak come to an end in a split-decision setback to Colleen Schneider at Invicta FC 15. The Hawaiian is 5-5 as a professional, with notable wins over Ediane Gomes and Kaitlin Young.


text:
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text:
I have been working most of the day setting up the RetirementMedia channel on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/RetirementMedia
It displays videos of retirement communities and 55 communities. I am creating a Playlist for each state. I am picking the best videos I find plus adding a couple of videos I produced. Please check it out. If you know of a quality video I don't have, please let me know. You can subscribe to the channel and get easy access for the future.


text:
Outside Lands is getting a bit of a reputation.
The annual three-day music festival in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is once again showing it has a bit of an old soul when it comes to picking musical acts.
A year after the likes of John Fogerty, Phish and Big Audio Dynamite headlined the show, Outside Lands 2012 lineup will again feature a healthy blend of old timers mixed in with current hit-makers.
Tuesday festival organizers announced that this summer's biggest concert in the City will be headlined by Stevie Wonder, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Metallica, Beck and the Foo Fighters.
The veteran singers will share the stage with younger acts like Jack White, Big Boi, Die Antwoord, Norah Jones, Passion Pit, the Kills and more.
In all, Outside Lands named more than 60 artists who will perform Aug. 10-12 in Golden Gate Park.
The first wave of tickets for the festival are already sold out but festival organizers said more will go on sale on Outside Lands website this Thursday at noon.
Stevie Wonder, Metallica to Headline Outside Lands
Annual San Francisco festival unveils more than 60 acts.
Outside Lands is getting a bit of a reputation.


text:
For those of us who spent teenage years lost in books and comics, 1987's Wild Cards was a dream come true: an anthology of short prose fiction about superheroes written by some of science fiction's favorite authors. One of them flew around in a tricked-out VW Beetle! Another of them had kinky sex magic powers! Who could resist? Sadly, the answer seemed to be "comic book fans." A 1990 comic-book adaptation of the successful prose series failed, but now a comics publisher is finally trying its luck with Wild Cards once again.
The new series, called Wild Cards: The Hard Call is being brought to you by Dabel Brothers Productions, who've made a cottage industry of bringing fantasy and sci-fi properties — and their creators — into comics over the last couple of years (Some of their previous hits have included adaptations and original stories from the likes of Orson Scott Card, Laurell K. Hamilton and Wild Cards' daddy himself, George R.R. Martin). Unlike the majority of their line, this series by creators Daniel Abraham and former DC Comics and Image artist Eric Battle offers up a brand new story instead of an adaptation, although it's aimed squarely at the existing fanbase as the press release shows:
Over twenty years later, Wild Cards is returning to comic books, but this time, with a brand new story set in the present day where the Wild Card virus strikes again at a high school in Colorado. The survivors are rushed to New York City's clinic for those affected by the virus. And while one student has drawn the joker, two more have discovered that they are Aces — one with the power to release electricity from his body, and another with the ability to travel through mirrors. Meanwhile, Croyd Crenson, the ace known as "The Sleeper," has been framed for murder in the New York City slum known as Jokertown... and he's not going to rest until he clears his name.
Aces? Jokers? The Sleeper? In case none of this makes any sense to you, there are always the pretty pictures:
George R.R. Martin's Wild Cards: The Hard Call hits shelves in April '08! [Dabel Brothers.com]


text:
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Iran Releases 'Medal of Honor Killing'
COLOGNE, GERMANY - Iranian reps at Gamescom unveiled a new video game that puts players in the shoes of a mullah trying to catch women reading. Designed by Tall Crane Enterprises, Medal of Honor Killing is a clash of wits as a religious police mullah must catch and convict crafty women for crimes such as glancing at men, reading Family Circle, or smiling. "The stakes are quite high," said chief designer Amir Shakiba. "If the mullah fails, he and all male family members face shame." Players choose the punishment for convicted women who may be stoned, shot, hung, or run over with heavy construction vehicles. "This game drops you on the front lines of a happening theocracy," said Shakiba, who is trying to attract the attention of retailers. Tall Crane plans exhibiting at next year's E3 Expo in Los Angeles where they'll roll out Resident Basij. This first-person shooter follows a militia member who must blast his way out of an underground city full of dissent mooks. (Photo: theheretik.typepad.com)
Posted by Ling Carter at 8:39 PM
Labels: Business, Games, Islamic Terror
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Hobie Harkins reacted to a post in a topic: Sorrell Booke as Boss on Alice..
Twist on a question: Which Here Come's Honey Boo Boo ep features a full size General Lee replica?
Answer: Here Comes Honey Boo Boo! =)
#1 and #2 cake...
DaneyDuke replied to wekke's topic in Dukes of Hazzard General DiscussionThanks for sharing! Link DOH epguide ~title & airdate version~ 3rd season Enos Strate to the Top 11/5/80 The Hazzardville Horror 11/7/80 4th season The Fugitive 11/3/81 The Great Bank Robbery 11/6/81 6th season The Fortune Tellers 3/23/84 Cooter's Confession 3/24/84 ---- Maybe it was the show coming in #1 & #2 for the network one week? Broadcasting a new episode and then a rerun of another episode... Getting ranked over all the other shows, would be a great achievement. Especially if they were up against a new series that didn't do well. Hmm?
DaneyDuke replied to Brian Coltrane's topic in Round Robin StoriesMaybe Garrett can join y'all in finishing this! Alex, the hard copy version posted anywhere or can the file be sent to email, please? Thank you!
Thanks, got another one! Watching a new show, there was a toy General Lee on a mantle! Official Facebook page promoted the upcoming Hazzard County Comes To Middle Georgia event. What show is it?
Hazzard County Reunion? 3/8,9 &10 /13
DaneyDuke posted a topic in DukesFest & Other Eventshttp://www.dukesofhazzardgareunion.com/ - anyone else read about this event?
The Official Dukes of Hazzard Trivia Thread
DaneyDuke replied to Meadowmufn's topic in Dukes of Hazzard TriviaMichele Greene aka Abby Perkins from L.A. Law ?
We have a new family member!
DaneyDuke replied to Meadowmufn's topic in HazzardNet FamilyWelcome to your new family, Troy! Congratulations Mufn on the new addition!
Happy Birthday Val!
DaneyDuke replied to MaryAnne's topic in HazzardNet FamilyHappy Birthday Val!
The Official Dukes of Hazzard Trivia Thread
DaneyDuke replied to Meadowmufn's topic in Dukes of Hazzard Trivia"You Got That Right" - 35th anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash.
Story of Coy
DaneyDuke replied to JadedPhoenixBurning's topic in Byron Cherry/Coy DukeThank you for the snippet from Coy & Vance's background! Best wishes for your other story!
The Official Dukes of Hazzard Trivia Thread
DaneyDuke replied to Meadowmufn's topic in Dukes of Hazzard TriviaIf I got that right, what 2 Dukes Of Hazzard episodes were suppose to be pilots for new series and not ordered?
The Official Dukes of Hazzard Trivia Thread
DaneyDuke replied to Meadowmufn's topic in Dukes of Hazzard TriviaHere's another tricky one. I recently found the following picture of a Dukes guest star, but who is she? She seems to look different in every picture of her that I see, so I'll give a few clues: The picture is from last year. It was taken at the 40-year reunion of the original Broadway cast of Grease. She played one of Grease's "Pink Ladies"; a color memorably mentioned in her Dukes role. Her Dukes appearance was in season 1. Marya/Mews Small, Frankie from Luke's Love Story?


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As we reported previously, in March President Obama directed the U.S. Labor Department to "modernize and streamline" its regulations governing the federal Fair Labor Standards Act's Section 13(a)(1) executive, administrative, professional, and "outside salesman" exemptions. Among other things, he has instructed USDOL to "consider how the regulations could be revised to update existing protections consistent with the intent of the Act . . .."
Probable Aim: Significant Curtailment
All indications are that the goal of this initiative is to limit these exemptions even further so as to cause far-fewer employees to fall within them. It is therefore highly likely that the forthcoming proposals will:
- Include a substantial increase in the minimum salary amount, possibly more than doubling it from $455 per week to perhaps something in the neighborhood of $1,000 per week; and
- Undertake to change the duties-related requirements for exempt status in ways designed to make them harder to satisfy.
USDOL's most-recent regulatory agenda indicates that the agency expects to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in November 2014. This document will contain the actual regulations USDOL seeks to adopt, along with related explanations and rationales.
The Bottom Line
When this NPRM is released, employers should immediately evaluate the proposals in detail and should submit substantive written comments to make USDOL aware of management's concerns, recommendations, and criticisms. Comments tendered in connection with the 2004 modifications led to significant changes and substantial improvements.
Even if these submissions are ultimately unavailing where USDOL is concerned, they could also set the stage for court challenges or might motivate efforts to overrule new regulations under the Congressional Review Act.
UPDATED 10 03 14: According to Employment Law 360, Solicitor of Labor M. Patricia Smith has disclosed that the U. S. Labor Department will not meet the November deadline. She is quoted as saying, "We are months away from a proposed regulation." Smith reportedly expressed her hope that the proposal will be published "early" in 2015.
UPDATED 11 25 14: The latest U.S. Labor Department regulatory agenda indicates that the agency now plans to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking this coming February.


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Xilinx (NASDAQ:XLNX) is the world's leading provider of freely programmable gate array, or FPGA, circuits, but investors are looking skeptically at the company and its stock following the July release of its first-quarter report. Revenue came in substantially below consensus estimates and targets for the company's second-quarter performance were revised down. This corresponded with an approximately 19% dip in the company's price to a yearlong low of $39.12 a share.
While Xilinx offers an attractive 2.7% dividend yield and an industry-best price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 19 times trailing earnings, there are still reasons to approach the company's stock with caution. The following three factors could apply significant downward pressure on Xilinx's share price.
Growth in China might not go as planned
In its most recently recorded fiscal quarter, 43% of Xilinx's revenue came from Asia-Pacific markets. As the biggest market for smartphones, China is central to the company's earnings and growth plans, and the slowed rollout of the nation's 4G LTE network was one of the main reasons that revenue came in below expectations last quarter. The company's 28-nanometer nodes are key components in cell phone base stations used by China Mobile. The circuit maker stands to benefit as more bases are built, but the political and economic climate in China present obstacles for an American tech company like Xilinx.
Xilinx and its chief competitor, Altera (NASDAQ: ALTR), effectively have a duopoly on the production of programmable logic devices, and it's not unreasonable to believe that regulatory measures could be used to create a market climate more favorable to domestic base-station vendors such as ZTE and Huawei, as well as China Mobile and other carriers.
Relying on Xilinx and Altera for FPGA production creates economic and defense liabilities for China, and the nation has a clear interest in improving its ability to manufacture semiconductors. Even if Xilinx's intellectual property is not infringed upon, downward pressure on its pricing could be applied, and the possibility exists that Xilinx could find itself the subject of antitrust investigations and penalties. If the Chinese market becomes less hospitable, Xilinx's otherwise strong operating margins could be negatively affected.
Altera looks to be strong competition
In 2013, Xilinx claimed 51% of the global programmable logic device market, while Altera captured 38% of the segment. With approximately 70% of global 28-nanometer node sales, Xilinx is in good position to benefit as use of these circuits grows this year. However, Altera looks to be mounting an increasing challenge to the company's dominance. Forty-three percent of Altera's revenue in its last fiscal year came from the sale of 28-nm chips, and Huawei and ZTE honored the company with awards that could be taken as indications that the Chinese companies will shift more of their business from Xilinx to Altera.
Altera also looks to enjoy an advantage heading into the next generation of die shrinks. While Xilinx shipped its 20-nm chips to market ahead of its competitor, the circuit architecture is not yet widely used, and Altera's own 20-nm offering may enjoy greater support due to software advantages on the company's platform. Even worse for Xilinx, Altera is partnering with Intel to produce 14-nm chips that could gain market favor over its upcoming 16-nm set. Altera's presumed technological advantage might help it position its FPGA offerings as the best solution for customers looking to move away from application-specific chips where possible.
Investors could lose faith in Xilinx management
The reliability of Xilinx's guidance has recently been called into question, and perplexing comments from company executives have provided additional reasons to view its public statements and projections with wary eyes. CEO Moshe Gavrielov has said that his company will benefit from a resurgence of wireless and defense contracts this quarter, yet the company expects revenue to remain flat or decrease by 4% from the previous quarter. This projected stagnation or decline in revenue is supposed to arrive even as rollout of 4G LTE in China spreads, suggesting Gavrielov's claim may be inaccurate, or that the company will see significant deterioration in other parts of its business.
The last quarter saw 50% of Xilinx's revenue come from communications and databases, and 31% of its business derived from industrials and aeronautics and defense, which would seem to suggest significant decline in its other segments if its chief revenue generators are set to rebound. Additionally, Xilinx's stated belief in an uptick in wireless and defense business this quarter arrived in conjunction with a downward revision of its yearly revenue growth from 10% to 5%.
In May, Xilinx CFO Jon Olson put forth very rosy portrayals of the company's position in China and broader future. These statements, in conjunction with the company's disappointing quarterly report and forecast revision, contributed to a Louisiana law firm's decision to open an investigation into whether the company violated state and federal securities codes. If the next quarter's results expose additional inaccuracies in Xilinx's guidance, or if problematic news emerges before then, investors might lose patience and confidence in the company's executive team.
Foolish final thoughts
As the company is a dominant player in a growing space, there are strong reasons to consider a position in Xilinx. That said, investors should weigh the company's recent stumblings and future uncertainties against its hypothetical potential. While the risks facing Xilinx don't assure that it will suffer going forward, their capacity to trigger a falling share price makes them worthy of consideration.


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Your Full 9 Yards sponsored Blackburn Hawks have two games this weekend. On Saturday Murrayfield Racers will visit the nest in our last North Cup game and on Sunday the Hawks will head up the A1 to Whitley to face the Warriors in a Moralee Division League game.
Saturday's home match will face off at the usual time of 1800hrs with doors opening at 1700. Sunday's game faces off in Whitley at 1700hrs
Martin Cingel
Slovakian born veteran, the 42 year old Left Wing has spent most of his career in Scotland. He started off in the Slovakian League with Dubnica and then MHC Martin before moving to Edinburgh in 2002. He stayed with the Edinburgh Capitals for 9 seasons, playing in the BNL and EIHL before Tony Hand tempted him down to Manchester for a season with the Phoenix in the EPIHL. Back up to Edinburgh the following year he again iced for the Capitals from 2016-18 before a brief stint across the Tay at Dundee Stars then down to Dumfries where he was a regular score for the Solway Sharks in the NIHL. Edinburgh, however was his home and he went back to the capital and the Capitals. With their demise at the end of last season he joined up again with Tony Hand to play for the re-formed Murrayfield Racers in the Scottish National League and the NIHL North Cup. Overall Martin has iced over 850 league games in Slovakia and Great Britain scoring 253 goals and 339 assists in a distinguished career.
Hawks lost both games last weekend, 7-6 to a thrilling game against Sutton Sting and 7-0 at home to the Hull Pirates. On the Saturday thriller, Hawks came back from 6-3 down only to lose in the last minute to the Sting. Sunday's game may have looked like a disaster for the Hawks but their efforts throughout brought praise from the coaches and the fans after the game.
Hawks will be looking for a couple of wins this weekend to start the year successfully by ending their cup fixtures with a win and hopefully a league win that will see them start to climb the table.


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The Catweazle Club turns 18!
On October 25 2012, The Catweazle Club celebrates its 18th birthday in East Oxford. Since our humble beginnings in the snug of the Vicky Arms in Jericho, we have been lucky enough to witness literally thousands of performers from across the pantheon of human creative expression. If you've not been down before, what took you so long? If you have, see if you can spot yourself in this here movielet! It's a bunch of photos cut to a radio 4 documentary on the Catweazle Club. This is...Read More
Catweazle Club In The Guardian…
alongside our friends Telling The Bees, Sharron Kraus and The Naked MysticRead More
Just a few of last week's highlights
Catweazle 12.01.2012 from notiamobene on Vimeo.Read More
Catweazle in TIME Magazine
We get a mention – "Oxford's Famous Catweazle Club", together with a bunch of other Oxford wonderments.Read More


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The Flower Machine: Lavender Lane
The Flower Machine is a decidedly retro band and it has set the controls of the time machine back to the jingle-jangle sounds of the psychedelic 1960s.
The Flower Machine
Lavender LaneLabel: Rainbow Quartz
US Release Date: 2010-11-16
UK Release Date: Import
Online Release Date: 2010-11-02
It appears that Todd Tobias has a life outside of making records for former Guided By Voices front man Robert Pollard after all. The producer, who has basically helmed every release worth mentioning by Pollard in his various incarnations since about 2002, is noted for making records that could be best described as creamy, masterfully blending various instruments into the mix to make a rich, full sound. It's too bad, then, that Tobias is only used sparingly on the second album from Los Angeles' Paisley Underground revivalists the Flower Machine, only taking over the boards for five out of the fourteen tracks to be found on Lavender Lane. This is an album that really could have used a producer to do the grunt work, instead of singer/songwriter Peter Quinnell. It sounds, at times, incredibly thin. And that's to say nothing of how Quinnell often lets the instrumentation run amok, like the rambling organ that doesn't know when to quit on album opener "Traveling By Trampoline".
There are some good tunes to be found here. The Tobias-produced "In a Window" could reasonably pass for a Pollard song, as it is full of soft whimsy. The song that follows, "I Am the Coelacanth", sounds remarkably like the Clientele. As these touch points allude, the Flower Machine is a decidedly retro band and it has set the controls of the time machine back to the jingle-jangle sounds of the psychedelic 1960s. If you're a fan of Nuggets-flavored rock, you'll find much to admire here. It's just too bad that it sounds so terrible at points, and not in a bedroom tape hiss kind of way. Quinnell might be a reasonably good songwriter, but he can't make a decent sounding record on good equipment to save his life.


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Sponsored By
Miami Man Claims $2M Powerball Prize It wasn't the big winner but a Miami man has claimed a $2 million Powerball prize from the record $588 million drawing.
Opinion: Democratic Millionaires Spew Hate On The RichThe most ridiculously annoying aspect of the Democratic political run for offices in 2012 is the incredibly long line of leftist millionaires who continually spew extreme hate and venom on the wealthy. Beyond having to "share the wealth", now Democrats are saying it's "never get the wealth".
Fla. Senators Divided On Buffett RuleThe "Buffett Rule," which has split Florida's U.S. Senate delegation, will likely come to a vote this week as Republicans and Democrats begin posturing for November's general election.
Majority Of Millionaires Want To Pay More TaxesCongressional Republicans have spent the better part of the past several months refusing to consider tax increases for those making over a million dollars a year. But a new survey calls into question who exactly the GOP is fighting for.


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The knowledge required for the exam is largely covered by the corresponding training options. However, you do not have to attend a training course in order to take the exam.
Register now for your certification exam.
You can take your Intershop certification exam at any Intershop location worldwide. Alternatively, we can arrange also a remote exam.


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Helsinki Finland Watercolor Painting - Travel Sketchbook
I've used to go to Finland at least 5-7 times a year and visited Helsinki if not 20 then probably close to 20 times back in 90s. The reason was that I have shared two jobs at a Travel Company. One of them was a Marketing Manager and another was a tour guide. And because Marketing duties did not allow me to leave the country for a long period of time, 2-3 days trips to Finland suited me well. It took only a few hours to get to Helsinki by bus from Saint Petersburg (not counting hours of standing at the customs and checking luggage and papers of relatively big group of tourists). When my job of bringing my group to the City Tour and accommodating them to the hotel was done, I loved to walk to the pier, visit farmers market or Museum of Modern Art. And I came many times to the beautiful square and listened to music at this Lutheran Cathedral. I loved going to Helsinki, even it was intense work. I still found time for myself while my tourist were running around the city and shopping. Finland those days seemed to me cleaner and calmer than busy 6 million-people Saint Petersburg
In Every Piece Of My Art There Is A Piece Of My Heart And A Sparkle Of My Soul


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Contractual transactions are very normal in the daily business of commercial and corporate sectors. Our scope of contracts mainly consists of commercial contracts where we draft, negotiate, implement, Vet and take care of any related matter arising out of such contracts. Our focus consists of the following contracts:
- Agency/ Distributor /Franchisee Agreements
- Licensing arrangements
- Manufacturing and Supply agreements
- Commercial Contracts
- Non Disclosure Agreements
- Partnerships ( Indian Partnership Act & Limited Liability Partnership Act)
- Private Equity
- Due-Diligence reports- for every segment of our practice
- Foreign investments and regulations
- Collaborations
- International transactions and documentations
- Tax planning


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2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid Review
Pros & Cons
- Attractive design inside and out, quiet cabin, comfortable ride, top safety scores.
- Unimpressive fuel economy for a hybrid, lackluster acceleration, subpar interior materials, no rear center armrest.
Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds' Expert Review
The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid is only slightly cheaper than its hybrid-powered Japanese rivals, yet its fuel economy and acceleration are notably off the pace. Unless your heart is set on a GM hybrid sedan, we'd advise passing on this one.
Vehicle overview
The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid frankly leaves us scratching our heads. Its fuel economy numbers -- 26 mpg city/34 highway and 29 combined -- are respectable independent of the competition, but pale in comparison to numbers from its principal rivals, the Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Moreover, there's no payoff when you mat the accelerator -- the Aura Hybrid is a veritable slug compared with the surprisingly quick Nissan and Toyota. All right, so the Saturn must be a lot cheaper than the others, right? Wrong. At a base price of almost $25,000, it'll save you a paltry $700 over the Camry and about $1,700 vis-à-vis the Altima. The Aura Hybrid looks sharp enough, but that's pretty much the only compliment we can come up with for this undercooked hybrid.
The Aura Hybrid's main problem is that's not a true "two-mode" hybrid, meaning that the electric motor basically isn't powerful enough to run the car on its own. You can technically putter around on electric power only at speeds of 3 mph or less, but that's not very useful outside of a golf course -- and most of the courses we play don't allow Saturns on their fairways. In real-world driving, the Aura Hybrid's paltry four-kilowatt electric motor is employed simply to restart the engine from a stop when the accelerator is depressed. Conversely, the Camry and Altima Hybrids, which share Toyota's hybrid technology, feature a 30-kilowatt electric motor that can run on its own in light-throttle applications up to almost 30 mph. This bumps up their city fuel economy drastically -- to 35 mpg in the Altima's case, 33 for the Camry -- while the Aura Hybrid's city rating is only on par with gas-powered economy cars.
We'd heard rumors that the Aura would be switching to two-mode technology, but for now, that's reserved for the upcoming Saturn Vue Two-Mode Hybrid. Thus the 2009 Aura Hybrid soldiers on with a 164-horsepower four-cylinder engine that benefits only minimally from the electric motor's assistance. The result is an abysmal 11-second 0-60 sprint -- that's 2.5 and 3.5 seconds slower than the Camry and Altima, respectively. It's like the opposite of having your cake and eating it too: Not only is the Aura Hybrid less fuel-efficient than its rivals, it also makes them look like sports cars at the drag strip.
There are other shortcomings as well. Though the Aura is a sharply styled family sedan that provides plenty of space and features, its interior quality is somewhat inconsistent. And unfortunately, the non-hybrid Aura's above-average handling capabilities have been edited out of the Hybrid, thanks largely to its low-rolling-resistance tires. It corners about as well as the Camry, but that's really not saying much, as the Toyota's a certifiable land yacht -- and the Altima handily out-handles both.
If buying a hybrid on the cheap is a priority, a flimsy case could be made for the 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid based on its slightly lower base price. However, Toyota's Prius is even more affordable than the Aura, and in addition to trouncing virtually every car on the road in terms of fuel economy, the Prius offers an unparalleled amount of passenger and interior space inside its midsize hatchback body. There just isn't much to be said for the Aura Hybrid when the competition is taken into account. Unless you can find one at a steep discount, we'd recommend looking elsewhere -- or waiting for GM's two-mode technology to find its way under the Aura's hood.
2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid models
The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid midsize family sedan is available in a single trim level. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, full power accessories, a trip computer and a CD stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The optional Preferred Package adds an eight-way power driver seat, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and heated mirrors, while the Premium Trim Package tacks on leather upholstery and heated front seats. A sunroof is a stand-alone option.
2009 Highlights
Performance & mpg
The Aura Hybrid features a small electric motor that starts the 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and adds a modicum of power under heavy throttle application. The gasoline engine produces 164 hp by itself and up to 169 hp when aided by the electric motor. It is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
EPA fuel economy ratings are 26 mpg city/34 highway and 29 combined. Interestingly, the far cheaper four-cylinder Aura XE returns 22 mpg city/33 highway with its new-for-2009 six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard safety features for the 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid include antilock disc brakes, stability control and the OnStar emergency communications system. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are also included. In frontal- and side-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Aura earned a perfect five stars across the board. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the regular Aura similarly high marks, with a top rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side-impact safety.
The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid's economy-minded tires and uncommunicative electric-assist power steering conspire to take most of the fun out of the driving experience, and its punchless power plant makes freeway merging more of an adventure than it should be. Happily, the Aura Hybrid's cabin remains hushed at speed, and its ride is pleasingly compliant.
The cabin layout is attractive, with a pleasing mix of metallic accents and available simulated wood. However, some plastics seem overly cheap for a car in this price range. Passengers front and rear should be equally content with their accommodations, as the Aura offers ample room all around. But rear-seat passengers must make do without a center armrest -- an odd omission in a family sedan. Trunk capacity measures 13.1 cubic feet, a few cubes larger than the Altima Hybrid and Camry Hybrid, which are saddled with intrusive rear-mounted battery packs.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid.
Most helpful consumer reviews
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I know I posted about this a few days ago, but I've heard so many people wrongly describe Obama as a socialist with no actual knowledge about what socialism is that I felt it important to revisit the issue.
Let's be clear: The tax policy that Obama proposes is NOT socialism. Socialism is defined as government ownership of the means of production. Obama does not propose this in any way, shape, or form.
But let's talk about redistributing wealth. Our country has had a progressive tax policy – where the more you make, the more you pay – ever since the New Deal. Reagan was a big proponent of this and furtherd the progressivity of our tax policy. The only truly democratic, non-redistributionist tax policy would be a flat tax policy. And in order to implement such a policy without reducing tax revenues, we would have to double the taxes of most Americans to 30%.
Obama is simply talking about letting the Bush tax cuts expire, which would mean that the highest tax bracket would raise from 36% to 39%. That's a 3% increase in one tax bracket. And the McCain campaign calls this socialism. It is not. It is merely bringing tax levels back to where they were in the 1990s, the decade in which we saw the largest economic expansion in American history and the bolstering of the middle class. Was our country socialist in the 1990s? No. Obama is not proposing tax levels that have never before been seen.
Finally, Republicans like to wax poetic about how the only way to improve the economy is to lower taxes. Let's look at the record. We have had the lowest tax levels ever in our country during the last 8 years, and our economy is in the toilet. During the 8 years prior to the Bush tax cuts, taxes were at a slightly higher level, and we saw the largest economic expansion of our time. Raising taxes on the wealthiest 2% of earners does not limit or hinder economic growth. Giving larger tax cuts to the middle class, who spends more than the wealthiest 2%, while making up for that lost income by taking 3% more from the wealthiest Americans spurs growth. Cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans does not spur the growth of the middle class, which is the backbone of our country.
Filed under: Democracy, McCain, Obama, Socialism | Tagged: McCain, Obama, Socialism | Leave a comment »


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Latitude 33 construction taking shape in Escondido
Frames of condominium rental homes are taking shape atop what for years has been nothing more than a one-story, concrete shell at West Washington Avenue and Centre City Parkway.
Developer Lyon Communities is erasing ties to the site's two long-stalled townhome and condominium projects by trading the names Paramount and Venue for one new moniker: Latitude 33.
The development will be marketed as one community of condominium and townhome rentals, said Suzanne Maddalon, Lyon vice president of sales and marketing, during a tour Friday.
"We wanted something to reflect the modern, urban feeling of the community," Maddalon said, adding that the development's geographical coordinate is latitude 33.
The development is adjacent to the Regal movie theater complex and a short walk to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, and downtown.
As construction progresses, more details about the community are coming to light.
The gated main entrance will be on Washington Avenue, with an Escondido Boulevard gate serving mainly as an exit, Maddalon said. A central pool, spa, gym and leasing office will be toward the center, between the homes.
Some residences will have underground parking and additional amenities, including a pet spa, fitness room and business room.
Lyon anticipates accepting leases this fall and move-ins in early 2012.
A website, lyonlatitude33.com, has been launched to promote the development.


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Dental injuries require in-depth clinical expertise to manage claims throughout their life cycle.
Ongoing advances in technology, coding updates and fragmented networks have made controlling dental claims more challenging for claims professionals while ensuring quality care and treatment of the injured worker.
MTI in-house dental experts assist claims professionals and nurse case managers in making appropriate dental referrals and coordinate dental care so injured workers receive the right treatment from the right specialist at the right price.


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Pleasanton in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Gold Creek
The Great Gold Discovery of 1871
There were 20 claims staked and some 30 men working the creek for gold, which never produced much and was deserted by April 1871. There is no longer gold in the creek but it is yet another chapter of gold mining in Alameda County.
Dedicated to the Hardy Miner of the 1800's
Erected 1988 by by Joaquín Murrieta Chapter 13 E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location. 37° 41.246′ N, 121° 55.743′ W. Marker is in Pleasanton, California, in Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pleasanton CA 94588, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Tehan Family (approx. one mile away); Flanagan Family (approx. one mile away); Rod R. Fallon (approx. one mile away); Old St. Raymond's Church (approx. one mile away); Norris Family (approx. one mile away); Dobbel Family (approx. one mile away); Murray-Green Homes (approx. one mile away); Heritage Park & Museums (approx. one mile away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 548 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 26, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.


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New Dining Room Furniture
From seating to storage, we've got a full menu of just-launched designs to transform your dining experience
Fan favourites
These popular pieces are adding fresh flavour all over the UK
Dining Room Furniture
Finding your perfect dining room set can be a fantastic accomplishment and investment when it comes to creating a space in which to enjoy the company of family and friends in your home. Dunelm understands that the dining room can be a sociable and therefore busy space, so it is important to invest in high quality table and chairs and practical dining room furniture that you are proud to show off.
Dining tables and dining chairs, sideboards and display cabinets all come in a range of styles and wood types, so choosing the right furniture to suit your home is important. We also have a range of dining room sets meaning you can find everything for your room in a matching style, ensuring your pieces of furniture corresponds with one another.
Traditional wooden furniture provides a stylish and timeless look, whilst cupboards and dressers provide practical storage solutions. With dining room furniture, there are many different furnishing options to choose between. From solid oak dining tables, to luxurious leather seats, sophisticated oak sideboards to stylish oak cabinets.
Dunelm uses cookies to improve your experience and our business. See our privacy policy, or continue browsing to accept our use of cookies.


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For previous editions of The Week in Public Finance column, click here.
In the Year 2047....
A new federal report on state and local fiscal health contains an astonishing prediction: that total tax revenues for the sector -- as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) -- won't return to their 2007 historical high until 2047. A big reason, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), is that property and income tax revenues spiked as a percentage of GDP leading up to the recession. But because of less growth in those two areas now -- and because sales tax revenues continue to have less impact as the economy shifts from one based on goods to one based on services -- it will take decades for total revenues to hit that 2007 peak again.
The GAO report also predicts that state and local governments will continue to face a gap between revenue and spending during the next 50 years -- in other words, they'll keep spending more than they make. The gap is largely being driven by pension and health-care costs. "State and local governments would need to make substantial policy changes to avoid these fiscal imbalances in the future," according to the report.
Tradition Wins in Retirement
This week saw good news for advocates of traditional pension plans over 401(k) plans for public employees. The Boston College Center for Retirement Research (CRR) released a report that compares investment returns in the two types of plans using data from 1990 to 2012 from the U.S. Department of Labor. It found that traditional defined-benefit pensions earned an average of 0.7 percent more each year than defined-contribution 401(k)s -- even after controlling for plan size and type of investments.
One reason for the slightly lower returns in 401(k)s is higher fees, which the CRR said "should be a major concern as they can sharply reduce a saver's nest egg over time." The same is true for individual retirement accounts (IRAS), which is where much of the money accumulated in 401(k)s is eventually rolled over into. While some researchers have suggested that the difference between defined-benefit and defined-contribution plan returns has declined in recent years, the report said it's actually larger after 2002.
Pension plans and how well they work have been headline-worthy news since the 2008 stock market crash wiped out one-quarter of most pension funds' values, forcing huge unfunded retirement liabilities onto government ledgers. For the worst plans, however, a government culture of not setting aside money for benefits has been a bigger blow than the stock market losses. Still, the past decade has seen many attempts to shift public employees to 401(k)-style plans in an effort to take the funding burden off governments.
Small Governments, Big Fees
A new study looks at the one-time fees that governments pay the finance firms that help them sell their bonds in the municipal market. These fees are in adddition to the published interest rate the government pays the investors who actually buy the bonds. The study, commissioned by the University of California at Berkeley and the ReFund America Project, found that the average government issuer pays finance firms a 1.02 percent cut from their bond sale. But this percentage varies widely and tends to be larger for smaller issuers.
For example, a $2.1 million bond issued by the Dehesa School District in Southern California incurred $200,138 in fees -- more than 9 percent of the principal amount. That means the school district is paying interest on more than $2 million in debt but in actuality received only $1.9 million after the bond sale. "Had this issuance followed the 1.02 percent average, its issuance fees would have been nearer $21,000," wrote the report's author, Marc Joffe, who is also a Governing contributor. "In our findings, six California school districts incurred costs in excess of 8.5 percent."
The report, however, offers solutions for lowering or equalizing costs. For one, better transparency could provide a template for standardized reporting. This report was done using public records requests, but the increasing popularity of government websites that detail their finances is also a potential venue for reporting such fees. Another idea relates to the millions of dollars government issuers pay annually to get so-called CUSIP numbers, which are like social security numbers given to each bond issuance. The CUSIPs protect each issuance and its data as unique, but Joffe noted that the benefits "do not appear to merit the costs,'' suggesting that the charge from the privately operated CUSIP Service Bureau could reasonbly be much lower.


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Product Description
The GCE takes a different approach to Wideband LPR filters by employing a "Notch" design which excludes all the bad stuff, from 540 - 590 nm, while allowing the rest of the visible spectrum to transmit over 90%. This results in a "wideband filter" that provides a slightly brighter image than traditional single band filters which reject most red light. The GCE excels as a general contrast booster with an absolute minimum of star dimming, and really enhances dark material in the milky way, and even adds some degree of improvement for galaxies. They are also an excellent match for binoculars and the low power-per-inch they offer. And as with all DGM Optics filters features super durable Ion Assisted Plasma Coating Technology.
|DGM Optics - 1.25" GCE Filter
|DGM Optics


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Becca Stareyes
Becca Stareyes is a graduate student in real-life and active in fandom. She writes fanfiction, draws, plays video games, crochets, reads, does website coding, plays RPGs, and somehow manages to get work done. She considers her primary fandoms to be Slayers, Fullmetal Alchemist, Vision of Escaflowne, Avatar: the Last Airbender, and the Dresden Files.
Becca Stareyes's characters:
- Lafiel Abriel and Fanbeemon (prideofabh)
- Harry Dresden and Candmon (wizardPI)
- Zelgadis Greywords and Gotsumon (onethirdhuman)
- Ken Ichijouji and Wormmon (kindinshadows)
- Katara and Lunamon (movewiththemoon)
- Izumi Orimoto and Piyomon (kaze_no_izumi)
Main Journal: beccastareyes
AIM Name: BeccaStareyes
E-Mail: moc.liamg|seyeratsacceb#moc.liamg|seyeratsacceb
Time Zone: Eastern Time/UT -5 (UT-4 during Daylight Savings (Summer) Time)
page revision: 15, last edited: 29 Aug 2008 01:21


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Things to Do in Kitchener, Ontario
Let The Walper Hotel be your home base for discovering all the Kitchener, Ontario region has to offer. There is never a shortage of fun things to do in Kitchener and Waterloo, and many of the best are just a short walk or drive away. The hotel is walking distance from the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, Centre in the Square, Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts and THEMUSEUM. Or, take a short drive to The University of Waterloo, The University of Wilfrid Laurier and Conestoga College.
Enjoy exceptional contemporary cuisine in Downtown Kitchener, inside and outside of the hotel. Our boutique hotel is home to a highly skilled team of culinary experts, who design, prepare and serve the onsite offerings including breakfast in our Barrister's Lounge, lunch and dinner in TWH Social, and custom menus for our brides and grooms in our stunning wedding venues.
TWH Social Bar | Bistro
Located in the geographic, cultural and social hub of the Waterloo Region, TWH Social is for restaurant and bar enthusiasts who seek great food and service in an upscale casual atmosphere.
Downtown Dining
Popular Centre and Market district restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs are within short walking distance of The Walper Hotel. Just a short drive away, Waterloo, Ontario also offers many restaurant options, ranging from fine dining to casual eateries.
We're committed to making your visit the best one possible, so when you book with The Walper Hotel, we are delighted to provide suggestions on the best restaurants, top entertainment venues and other interesting things to do in Kitchener.
Below, you will find some of our favorite attractions and things to do in Kitchener.


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Please Note:
1. Early Bird Ticket price is available until 11 pm on 26th October. After that price will be Rs 600
2. This is an invite-only paid event.
3. Click on RSVP to submit your application.
4. After screening the application, if selected you will receive the payment link (Rs 500)
5. One ticket admits only one
About the speaker:
Pawan Gupta, Angel Investor | Co-founder & CEO at Curofy
Portfolio Companies:
Pawan is a sector agnostic investor
Why should you attend this event?
Never miss a great event & get weekly updates of great events.


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A few weeks ago, the ELH Challenge of the week was to create a math game. I was very excited about this one but life got in the way. I also knew I'd be working on this little gem.
The Task
For those that don't know, I recently started a position working at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. All day long I get to work with faculty on how to design their courses with the learners in mind. And occasionally I get to make something fun with Storyline!
One of the classes I am working on is an introductory finance course. The instructor has a coupon bond that she usually uses in class to show students what bonds look like and explain how to value a bond. She wanted to create an online piece that students could complete at home that accomplished this same goal.
The Design
I think it's pretty obvious that a module on bonds needed to have a James Bond theme. There are lots of great easter eggs and design elements for the Bond fans out there. This is still being worked on but is now at a solid beta version. It's not a game per se, but I think it's fun!
Note that this is geared towards students
minoring in business and this module occurs a few weeks into the class. It assumes some pre-existing knowledge on the part of the student like how to use a financial calculator. If you need help with the answers, you can find them at the bottom of this post.
Click the image below to check it out. Leave a comment to let me know what you think!
(Remember, you can find a cheat sheet below.)
Please contact me if you need answers for progressing through the demo.


text: Hey guys, I thought I'd just let you know that I picked up a beautiful Eden D-410T. Holy crap. I never knew bass could sound so good! I'll take some pics in a little bit. There is a slight amount of buzz on the upper left cone, only when played hard. I totally inspected everything for creasing, or tears (with a flashlight) and couldn't find anything. I'm stumped. I've turned down the tweeter, and just poked around. Can anyone tell me what is going on? It's only audible at low volumes, and I want to make sure I'm not futher damaging anything. But the low end from this cab is HUGE. The Efficiency is real nice and high, so it takes just a little juice from my Ampeg to get this thing thumpin. The lows are so strong, has a TON of mids, and sweet, sweet highs. This cab can do it all! I have yet to pair it with my 2x15... EDIT-I forgot to say that this cab has some amazing Punch. I've_never_felt such a punch in the lungs... Man O man. This My ATK through this cab sounds Phenomonal. The G&L sounds Beautiful also.


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Recently I am trying to learn website optimization for search engines (isn't it better than saying Search Engine Optimization?). I am feeling liable to share those on my blog mainly for two reasons:
1. The experts will be able to catch my misunderstandings and advise better thing!
2. The novices (than me, if any) will get some basic idea from these sharing!


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Home Posts tagged "grade 2"
Story Time | Literary Elements / Author's Purpose
Reading Comprehension: This is a story about a fisherman and his wife who learned a valuable lesson http://blog.smarttutor.com
Story Time | Literary Elements | Second Grade
Reading Comprehension Story: Adapted from a Native American legend. http://smarttutor.com
Story Time | Prediction | Second Grade
Second grade Reading Comprehension / Prediction story adapted from a Japanese folk tale http://smarttutor.com
Reading Comprehension | Poetry | Second Grade
This is a poem about twin brothers. Be sure to listen for the words that rhyme http://www.smarttutor.com


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By Jennifer E. Goldman, President
It's amazing to me how many places of business continually suffer from low morale. These are typically the companies that also provide low levels of customer service and either extremely high or low employee turnover rates. What I don't understand is how the owner or upper management is completely blind to it.
What it really boils down to is a breakdown in the company culture. It isn't that upper management is blind to it, it's that they're the ones who created it.
Have you ever noticed the difference in how people interact with you (or avoid you) when you're in a good mood versus when you're down in the dumps? That's the affect owners and managers have on their staff, and over time it's what creates what we call corporate culture.
When owners and managers have positive attitudes, are efficient workers, empower those around them to make decisions, allow their employees to make mistakes, regularly show appreciation and generally treat people fairly it creates a positive corporate culture.
When owners and managers are negative, expect more from others than they are willing to do themselves, demand that everything be done their way and are quick to criticize, it creates a negative corporate culture.
There are many more factors, however, that can affect corporate culture and thus employee morale.
What's worse is that it began with the leaders, and although they may notice that their staff isn't happy or behaving the way they would like, they don't know what to do and ultimately wind up behaving in a more unsatisfactory way themselves. It's a vicious cycle.
Sometimes the problem is that the person at the top is too removed now to notice. Sometimes they don't have the authority they feel they need to make the decisions they think will change things.
So how you can turn bad morale around? Well, like everything else, the first step is admitting you have a problem.
One easy way is to invite someone you know will be completely honest with you to basically just wander around your place of business, strike up random conversations with employees, make observations, and ask absurd questions. Retail and restaurant businesses do this all the time, they call the spies 'secret shoppers'.
Another way is to hire consultants who provide services that include keywords like employee relations, change management, process review, or human resources/relations. These consultants can offer data driven reports to help put the problem into perspective for absentee owners, removed boards, or oblivious managers.
Once the report is digested, it's time to make a plan. Those same consultants can likely offer recommendations, best practices, implementation plans and strategies, and other assistance.
What can you do if you've noticed bad morale in your workplace but you have no authority? You could request a closed door candid conversation with your boss, you can take notes and make a report of your own that you share with the "powers that be" at your company, you could locate consultants in your area who may be able to help and find a way to discreetly introduce them to upper management, and ultimately you could decide to leave in search of a job in a better environment. But do me a favor? On your way out, tell them the truth about why you're leaving. It could just be the wakeup call they need.


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When I finished my first novel, I couldn't wait to take a long-awaited and well deserved break. My intention was to take a week or two off and then begin the second one. Because the second book was co-written with a good friend who is disciplined and knows how the writing process works, I didn't have the luxury of letting too much time slip by before getting back up on the horse. After the second one was finished however, it was a different story. My third book, which was supposed to have begun in May, didn't get started until late August. Now it is mid-October and I am all of seven (and a half) pages into it.
I could blame this inactivity on a dozen various external sources: I moved, started a new job, I was busy revising the previous book… the list could go on. But the truth is, I've let the priority of writing slip into second (or third) place. The reason for this is simple: I am sick of writing! But, I am also sick of combing my hair, eating, going to bed on time, getting up for work, brushing my teeth, and shaving that godforsaken unibrow of mine that just refuses to admit defeat. But I do these things anyway. I do them, regardless of my mood, because when I don't, I'm not happy, and the same could be said about writing. When I am not writing, I am not happy. So, with this newfound reality check, I decide to put myself in the chair, and just write… whether I feel like it or not. And… an amazing thing happens. Nothing.
The trouble with taking too much time off is that the creative muscle, just like any other muscle in the body, will atrophy with disuse, and be strengthened the more it is exercised. After four months of literary lethargy, I'm having a hard time finding anything to say. The bad news is, this is a form of writer's block. The good news is, there are a million different ways to combat it. Listed below are the exercises I've successfully used in the past to strengthen my writing muscles, and as soon as I am finished writing this blog, I will begin to incorporate some of them, and get my own writing back on track. Also, I hope these suggestions help you build your writing muscles! Grrrr….
1. Read something. One of the most effective things I've done when I am faced with the perpetual blank page is read. It doesn't seem to matter what I read, but a good thirty to ninety minutes of reading something usually gets my mind working in a more creative way.
2. Get some exercise. I don't know how or why this helps writing, or if it applies to other people at all, but for me, getting some good, strenuous exercise seems to release those mysterious "endorphins" everyone's always talking about, and gives me the extra push I need.
3. Write something else. Sometimes, I just need to write something totally unrelated to the story I am working on. This is where having a blog comes in handy. I might also write someone a letter, or a long e-mail, or write some new poetry.
4. Reread the story. This one is a tricky one and it wouldn't be at the top of my list of things to do, but a lot of times, rereading the story I am working on inspires me to go on with it. There have been times though, that this exercise has resulted in the opposite effect.
5. Pry, spy, and lie. As a natural-born busybody, this one is probably my favorite. I take a pen and paper and go somewhere and find someone (or several people) who strike my interest for some reason or another. I give them new names, new jobs, a brand new past, and if I am cranky, a life-threatening illness. I cast them into a make-believe present situation, usually something very critical and/or scandalous, and ponder the different ways they might handle it.
6. Try something new. As simple as it sounds, there's something to be said for doing something you've never done before, tasting something you've never tasted, going somewhere you've never been, or talking to someone you've never met.
7. Get involved in your local writing community. Wherever you might live, chances are good that you share your space with a few or a few hundred like-minded folks who are part of a local writing community. Getting involved means meeting other people who have fresh ideas. It means submerging yourself in the world of writing and bringing it to the forefront of your mind. It means learning new skills, meeting with new opportunities, and finding new inspiration.
8. Join, or start, a critique group. When you're part of a critique group, it's hard to not write. You have a sense of expectation from yourself, and the other members are depending on you to keep the group going.
9. Assign the time. By assigning yourself a certain time of day to write for a specific duration, you are training yourself to respond accordingly. If you know you have to sit down and write Monday though Friday from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm, it's just a matter of time before your mind starts to accept its duties. If you don't know what to write for that half hour, start out by writing about not knowing what to write.
10. Interview the characters. Another one of my favorites, interviewing my characters almost always leads to some kind of revelation about the character or the story he or she is in, and makes me eager to write it all out. To interview the characters, I sit down at the computer and write out a kind of questions and answers game. This exercise is both fun and effective.
These are just a few stars in the endless galaxy of different ways to strengthen your own writing. Whether you're blocked or just trying to get a little better at your craft, there is no end to the ways you can invigorate and improve your creative writing.
There are many books written on this subject that I would highly recommend to anyone. Among my favorites are: The Writer's Block by Jason Rekulak, The Pocket Muse – Ideas & Inspirations for Writing by Monica Wood, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, Writing for Emotional Impact by Karl Iglesias, and Fiction Writer's Workshop by Josip Novakovich.
However you choose to boost and strengthen your own writing, it's my opinion that it should be fun, and finding all the different methods that will work for you is a big part of that fun. Remember that in writing, what works for one person may not work for the other, and keep in mind that writing exercises can fast become the perfect excuse to get no actual writing done, but if you are sincerely dedicated to writing, there are hundreds upon hundreds of ways to go from this:
To this!
Happy writing!


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|CDR Engineering Consultants
Project description:
Port Notel Ocean Terminal is a greenfield port development project at the coast of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. The port is intended to serve as a main gateway for cargo with destinations in the Southeast, East and Northeast of Nigeria and as a major offshore supply base.
PCR services provided:
- Market exploration and preliminary trade and traffic forecast
- Port Masterplanning
- Preliminary design


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Learn more about EMDR
EMDR Therapy helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. You are not alone. There is a path to healing.
Find a Therapist
EMDRIA has more than 10,000 members trained to provide EMDR Therapy. Find a therapist near you.
Antiracism Resources
A resource collection that may be helpful on the journey to heal trauma caused by racism. We are continually learning, UNlearning, and growing as we empower each other to dismantle systems of racism and oppression.
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Connect with other EMDRIA members to discuss areas of interest to the EMDR community.
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7G, Rainbow Colony,
M.G.Road, Dharavi,
19th January 2014
Dear father,
I am ashamed to tell you that my performance at the Terminal Examination was pretty unsatisfactory. I have failed in English and Mathematics and barely scraped through in Science, Hindi and Marathi. Only in Social Studies have I managed to secure 75%.
I know this will depress you a lot. The reason why I have fared so poorly is my overconfidence. I assumed I knew all my subjects quite well. Even while attempting the paper, I was rather casual. It was only when the teachers returned my papers after correction that I realized how careless I had been. I am guilty of having committed silly spelling errors and making hasty calculations.
All this has come as a tremendous shock to me, and I am determined that there shall be no repeat performance. I know you will be very upset, but do forgive me this time.
I assure you that I shall never let you down again.
Your loving daughter,


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The Sydney quartet's debut offering is a brilliantly dishevelled 70's romp, fusing garage, punk and occasional reggae with a series of amusing and cleverly constructed stories, resulting in a loose and exciting record. Whilst nearly everything the band does contains an element of tongue in cheek, talent is required to execute successfully, and this is something The Ruminaters possess in abundance.
Comprising of four characters named Pencil, Sloppy, Garlic and Red Ted, The Ruminaters introduce the album by way of a messy bar room slur-along, a brief piano ditty that paves the way for tales of shit talking monsters (Monster Brains) and missing teeth (I Lost My Grandpa's Teeth).
'Alpaca King' unveils a reggae influence, albeit a slightly warped one before sliding into the epicly bleak acoustic blues of 'The Devil Stole My Brother'.
The seamless fusion of styles is backed up with impressive songwriting and a series of bizarre topic matters to keep the listener both attentive and amused. A particularly strong section of the record comprises of two darker numbers 'Mountain Man' ("one day we did something we will regret") and 'Dead Stuff' (I like being dead") bookending the demented nursery rhyme 'Squid Kid'.
As the album reaches it's conclusion, the mellower (yet equally weird) side of the band emerges with the quirkily downbeat 'Double Bass' and another dabble at reggae with the confusing 'Jelly Man' (he lives in the walls apparently).
Listening to 'I Hate The Ruminaters', one feels they have stepped into some kind of surreal parallel universe where Squid Kids, Alpaca Kings and Jelly Men manage to coexist harmoniously. Abrasive at times and constantly engaging, this is a consistently entertaining record. Having listened to it several times there is now a strong desire to see these stories unfold live on stage.


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CHILDREN FUN (4 VERSIONS)Children fun – it's a happy background music for childrens or any funny projects. This instrumental track used a lot of upbeat drums, clear ruthm. It's contained parts with vocal samples and whistle melody. This instrumental track is built from individual loops and easy for cut! So you will not have difficulty creating an individual version exactly the length of your project! Especially upbeat tempo and nice arrangement will exactly suitable for your projects!
PERFECT FOR: children, kids video, fun and cheerful projects, photo slideshows, family movies or footage, wedding videos, business and travel, motivational corporate videos, commercials, youtube videos, advertising, radio, journey, films, web advertisements, any presentations and many many more, be free to experiment with this song and enjoy. MAIN INSTRUMENTS USED: Whistle, male vocal, ukulele, piano, accoustic guitar, drums.
First version (full track) Duration – 2:13
Second version (1:30) Duration – 1:30
Third version (1:00) Duration – 1:09
Fourth version (0:30) Duration – 0:37
Comes both in .wav and .mp3 formats