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'There's something utterly compelling about the sea. In every dream I have at night, the sea is usually the star of the show. It's the thing I feel most in tune with.'
Emily Davis celebrates the anticipated release of her third studio album, 'You, Me & The Velvet Sea' at Jive on April 14th. Having earned a reputation for delivering 'utterly absorbing' (DB Magazine) and 'breathtaking' (Rip It Up) live, shows, Davis is excited to bring the album to the stage with the help of her stellar band.
'You, Me & the Velvet Sea' has a sound that splits the difference between folk and rock driven by Davis' sassy and syrupy voice and evocative lyrics. The tracks contemplate love in all of its incarnations, conjuring cinematic images, and haunting tableaus, and sass, inspired by the ever-changing mood of the sea.
"You, Me and the Velvet Sea creates a luscious and surreal world for the listener, as each song explores human connection, and her enduring belief in the transformative power of love in all of its incarnations."
Order today ...
Secure your copy of a signed limited edition vinyl, cds, and digital copies of 'You, me & the Velvet Sea' today ...
Hold On video
01 Bled For you
02 Lighthouse
03 Moonlight voodoo
04 Stars grow cold
05 Oh Lord
06 Bring forth the Queen of Mexico
07 Hold on
08 You bury me
09 Eve's Blues
10 Heartache
The lyrics for 'You Me & the Velvet Sea' can be downloaded and printed by downloading this Pdf.
About the album/Credits
Emily Davis has always found solace in the sea. Her earliest childhood memory of being knee deep in the shallows, watching the swell grow as a thunderstorm rolled in to the shore, hints at her fascination with the cinematic spectacle of the ocean. 'There's something utterly compelling about the sea. In every dream I have at night, the sea is usually the star of the show. It's the thing I feel most in tune with.'
Despite leaving the Eyre Peninsula as a small child, her connection with the sea remains unbroken. So, it's no surprise that the endless sea, and the drama it conjures is a symbolic feature of most songs on Davis' third studio album, 'You, Me & the Velvet Sea.' 'It's not a concept album,' says Davis. 'But, nearly every track features the symbolism of the sea. In a way, the sea becomes the metaphor for love, in all its incarnations, which is the driver behind every song.'
Davis is a much-loved singer-songwriter, whose music explores the very essence of human connection through love, the universal truths we all know but are often too afraid to admit, and her enduring belief in the transformative power of love. She has lived a life with her heart on her sleeve, and despite the (sometimes) dire consequences, remains steadfast in her devotion to love.
'After a long songwriting drought, my life took a dramatic turn, and I was suddenly overwhelmed with new songs. It was like a flood. Day or night I'd have to stop whatever I was doing and scratch down a melody or chord progression. They all felt honest, even if the lyrics were a little sassy, or written in a narrative voice that was stylised. I was newly single, living alone for the first time ever, and reassessing everything I'd ever loved, trying to make sense of it all.' Davis confirms that despite some sadness, the underlying tone of the album is one of hope. 'It's not all dark! In those times, I realised how loved I was, and ended up writing odes to friends and family who saw me through the dark times.'
The album was recorded Chapel Lane Studios, at a leisurely pace over three months. It was also lovingly co-produced with Davis' band of female players. A somewhat motley crew, Davis is convinced their deep emotional connection is what makes it all stick.
'It's surprising that we managed to make a cohesive, folk-rock album given the different styles everyone masters. Annie (Bass) and Holly (Drums) are superb Jazz musicians, Tori is a virtuosic classical violinist, and Emily Smith is a highly sought-after country guitarist; but despite their differences, everyone left their ego at the door, worked super collaboratively and lovingly to make the record shine.'
The album, featuring 10 tracks, departs from her gentle pop-folk style of albums past and has a rockier feel, with more dramatic notions and textured electric and acoustic guitar layers. Inspired by the work of The Dirty Three, and storytellers such as Brandi Carlile, Davis creates a bed of washy and sometimes gritty guitars, epic floor toms and thudding bass, offset by fiddle and sweet four-part harmonies. Davis' evocative lyrics are delivered front and centre with her syrupy voice, which despite being a little older, and wiser, resonate with honesty and warmth.
Davis will launch 'You, Me and the Velvet Sea' at Jive on April 14th, with her full band and follow this up with a National Tour in May.
This album was lovingly co-produced with my sublime bandmates Holly Thomas (Drums), Annie Siegmann (Bass, Backing Vocals), Tori Phillips (Fiddle, Backing Vocals) and Emily A Smith (Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals)… (PS thanks Aaron Thomas for the tambourine!). Eternal thanks and big love. Recorded at Chapel Lane Studios, Adelaide South Australia. Engineered by Simon Kither (Assistant Engineer Bethan Maddison). Mixed by Michael Carver. Emotional Support by Emily Bettison. Mastered by Neville Clark at Disk Edits. Thank you for your care and attention to bring these songs to life. Art direction, graphic design and photography for the album produced, shot and edited by Brent Leideritz. Costume and set styling by Angelique Joy. Special thanks to Mum, Nikki, Kre, Ada, Alex and my extended family and friends for their unconditional love. Finally, to everyone who has supported my music ventures I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without you, none of this would be possible. For full album lyrics & more head to www.emilydavis.com.au


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"Houses such as Guerlain are beginning to get it," concedes Turin. "They hate my guts, but they know I can get them in the store. Perfumes are public domain, so they might as well get me in a good mood as have me trudge to Harrods in driving rain." The day the entire Guerlain range arrived in a giant box was the day the pair danced and sang around the kitchen, says Sanchez.
A lazy, shoddy little thing ... Skimpy, dull little composition ... A sad joke... Depressing, poverty-stricken thing ... Harsh and rather empty up close ... The latest version is harsher still ... Aggressively boring ... Awful ... Another throwaway ... Nothing priced like something. Pointless. This was an attempt to copy something interesting, yet I have no idea what.

subset: commoncrawl


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ORN mayor candidates at odds over Robinson Road
One issue has continuously reared its head through the course of the election season in Oak Ridge North. Discussion of widening Robinson Road, the town's major road, has been met with passionate argument from both sides of the debate, and many claims have been made regarding the potential project. Perhaps none have been heard to speak more on the topic than the city's mayoral candidates.
Challenger Al Stahl has been a vocal opponent of the idea of widening the city's main road. Running on a platform of retaining the town's hometown status, Stahl has said several times that a wider Robinson Road would be tantamount to turning the city from a hometown into a thoroughfare.
However, Montgomery County officials have made it clear in presentations to the Oak Ridge North city council that traffic through the area will grow as a concern as time goes on. As an alternative to the Robinson Road project, Stahl proposes discouraging through traffic on the road and guiding traffic around the city.
"Stop signs are a cheap, easy way to start fixing traffic problems. They're a first step," Stahl said. "Our first stop sign is across the tracks at the business park. You put stop signs on Robinson Road at Blueberry Hill, Maplewood and Harlan and redirect traffic accordingly."
Stahl's plan includes slowing traffic on Robinson through stop signs and speed bumps in order to reduce the number of drivers travelling through the city. In addition, he proposes an extension of Robinson Road as it travels north-south to the east of the city, taking drivers through Chateau Woods to Sleepy Hollow Drive near Tamina.
"A new administration would request to the county that this road get built," Stahl said. "Hopefully the people back there will start voicing their displeasure."
Incumbent candidate Jim Kuykendall has taken the stance that Stahl's claims are short-sighted and ignore Oak Ridge North's placement in regards to nearby major areas.
"We've all seen what happens when you're driving on the freeway and traffic gets backed up. No one gets off and takes another route, everyone stays and waits," Kuykendall said. "Stop signs and speed bumps will only gridlock Robinson and make the problem worse."
Kuykendall has been in correspondence with the Houston-Galveston Area Council in regards to the situation on Robinson Road, and statistics compiled by the Council have been supporting Kuykendall's stance.
An HGAC report requested by Kuykendall in January reports that Robinson Road is currently "severely over capacity" and is only expected to get worse. The report estimates that Robinson Road sees 16,100 vehicles each day. Taking into account the opening of the Grand Parkway, that number is expected to reach 21,000 cars a day by 2018, then 32,000 a day by 2025.
The report makes it clear that HGAC believes that widening Robinson will be a necessary move.
"Robinson is the most direct route between The Woodlands Town Center and communities east of ORN," the report reads. "As development continues to occur to the east of ORN, traffic will continue to grow on Robinson Road since there are no other parallel roads in close proximity to I-45 and help distribute the future traffic growth."
Kuykendall and members of the Oak Ridge North city council have stated there are no plans to expand Robinson Road through existing property, including residents' yards, city hall, or neighboring Oak Ridge Reformed Baptist.


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A new Honda Dealership has popped up in the State Johor according to a press release by Honda Malaysia. The newest 3S dealership is located in Skudai, owned and operated by Wang Loo Motor.
The opening of this new Honda 3S center is very timely to improve and expand the capacity to serve Honda's increasing number of customers better. Including Wang Loo Motor's new Honda 3S center, Honda Malaysia now has 17 authorized dealers and four 4S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts and Body & Paint) centers in the Southern region, of which 10 authorized dealers and three 4S centers are located in Johor. For customers' convenience, Honda Malaysia is expanding its dealership network by opening dealerships in every major town throughout the country.
The latest dealership absorbed an investment of RM22 million to equip the built up 73,979 square feet Honda 3S Center with proper tools and the latest equipment, that adheres to Honda's standards. Ran by Wang Loo Motor, the company currently operates two Honda 3S centers in the State. It has a track record of being a Honda CEO Award winner for two consecutive years (2015 & 2016) to provide service par excellence to customers in Johor.
The spacious dealership houses 18 service bays that can accommodate up to 100 vehicles per day. This includes three fast service bays, 13 general repair bays, one tyre service bay and one air conditioning service bay. The Skudai Honda 3S center is expected to service up to 26,000 vehicles per year.
Customers who send their cars for service at this dealership enjoy the convenience of a comfortable and sizeable customer lounge and executive lounge. There are amenities such as free drinks and snacks from the Café counter, complimentary Wi-Fi services, car Wash services, Kids Corner and a Surau.
For an appointment or to find out more about the new Honda-Wang Lee Motor dealership, call 07-555 0033 or visit the dealership at 1, Jalan Jaya 1, Taman Mutiara Rini, Skudai, Johor.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Katsuto Hayashi said, "For the first half of 2017, the total sales in the Southern region was more than 10,500 units, of which Johor contributed about 70%, which translated to more than 7,300 units. Overall Southern region sales have contributed about 20% to the Honda Malaysia's total sales of 52,527 units.The Southern region sales was also recorded higher by 30% when compared to the same period last year."
"Customer satisfaction is most important for Honda, and we have started a strategic plan to ensure that customer service is emphasised and customer voice is always heard and acted on. One such step is to continuously enhance the sales and after sales experience of our expanding customer base, and fulfill our customers' expectations," he added.
Since January this year, Honda Malaysia has introduced five new models from the initial plan of four new models, which are the BR-V, NCity, Jazz Petrol and Hybrid, CR-V and City Hybrid. Honda Malaysia is expected to launch another new model soon, making it six new models for the year. With the launch of these new models and alongside existing models, Honda Malaysia recorded encouraging market acceptance by achieving an increased market share of 18.5% (Jan-June 2017), comparing the same period in 2016 with 14.4%. This achievement allows Honda Malaysia to strengthen its No.1 position in the Non-National segment attained since 2015 as well as No.2 position in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) attained since 2016. Honda Malaysia also announced that they are at No.1 position in market share among Honda's global automobile operations in the first half of 2017.
With its strategy to focus on Next Generation Advanced Technology such as 1.5L Turbocharged engines, Sport Hybrid and Honda SENSING, Honda Malaysia is confident of achieving its 100,000 units yearly sales target by end of 2017, and also in view that the stable sales momentum has surpassed 52% of its annual sales target as of 30 June.


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Capello fronts Carlsberg's Cup line-up
England football manager Fabio Capello is to appear on take-home packs for Carlsberg and Carlsberg Export in the run-up to this summer's World Cup.
He joins a line-up that includes captain Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, David James and Jermain Defoe.
As the official beer of the England team, Carlsberg will be the only grocery brand featuring Capello's image as part of its World Cup promotions.
The packs will replace the competition packs that formed the first stage in the brands' pre-World Cup campaign.
The brewer said more than 1,000 people had posted internet video entries to the competition to produce the "best team talk in the world", for the chance to win a trip to Wembley to deliver their pep talk to members of the England squad.
TV advertising featuring "a number of English sporting legends" is scheduled to appear in the coming weeks.
Carlsberg is also advertising its Tuborg brand on posters, phone boxes and bus shelters for four weeks from April 26.


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I'm pleased to announce publication of my new book, Out on a Limb: A Branch Campus Life. It has been a long time coming, but it is now available on Amazon, in both a print (paperback) version and a Kindle e-book version. You can find it at http://www.amazon.com/Out-Limb-Branch-Campus-Life-ebook/dp/B00J274TLS/ref=sr_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395098891&sr=1-15&keywords=Charles+Bird (Kindle version) or http://www.amazon.com/Out-Limb-Branch-Campus-Life/dp/0991498208/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395099416&sr=1-11&keywords=Charles+Bird (Print version).
Chapter topics are:
1. A Partial Memoir
2. Characteristics of a Branch Campus
3. Politics, Purpose, and Practice
4. Students
5. Branch Campus Faculty Members
6. Branch Campus Support Staff
7. Agendas and Stakeholders
8. Financing and Managing Budgets on Branch Campuses
9. Lessons Learned: Leadership on and in Support of Branch Campuses
10. Future Challenges and Opportunities
Writing for my blogs, especially Branch Campus Life, definitely helped organize my thoughts and ideas around branch campuses, but I drew directly from previous material on only a few occasions. No doubt, the book was enhanced by the many opportunities I've had to visit institutions around the United States and, in a few cases, in other countries. Each campus has its own story to tell, yet there are relatively consistent themes that I encounter everywhere I go.
My goal with the book was to tell a story. Because there is so little research on branch campuses, I drew heavily on my own experience, and I make no claim that Out on a Limb is a work of scholarship. On the other hand, I'd be pleased if it led others to look thoughtfully and creatively at some of the issues I raise.
Toward the end of the book I became more direct about what I believe to be critical for branches to succeed in the future. These campuses are an important resource for students and for institutions, but if people don't understand the unique nature of branch campuses and the keys to their success in a highly competitive environment, then opportunities are likely to be lost.
As I wrote, I especially had branch chief administrators in mind. Leading a branch campus is a challenging role, but it also can be immensely rewarding and can open the door to higher education for people who otherwise would be pushed to an online environment for which they are not prepared, or forced to turn away from their dreams. Branches change lives in myriad ways. If you work on a branch campus you should be grateful for the opportunity and proud of the difference you make.
I hope readers will find Out on a Limb: A Branch Campus Life interesting and helpful. If you know people who might enjoy reading the book, I hope you will let them know it is available. As always, I'm also interested in opportunities to provide coaching or consulting services, visit institutions to facilitate a planning conversation, or speak at meetings with an adult learner or nontraditional student theme.
Finally, I want to express my appreciation for the many friends and colleagues I have around the country. Your support and willingness to share ideas has made a great contribution to my work.


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ĐỒNG NAI — The southern province of Đồng Nai posted a record trade surplus of US$1.7 million in the first nine months of this year.
This was revealed by the provincial Department of Industry and Trade. The province reached an estimated export turnover of $12.5 billion in the period, a year-on-year rise of 11 per cent, while its import topped $10.8 billion.
Among the province's main export products were footwear, garment-textile, timber products and fibre, as well as steel and iron, electronics and computers and machine and equipment.
Of them, footwear took the lead in terms of export value in the nine-month period, earning the province more than $2.52 billion, up 11 per cent, year-on-year. The value is expected to hit approximately $3.46 billion in the whole year.
Đinh Sỹ Phúc from Taekwang Vina Joint Stock Company in the province's Biên Hòa Industrial Zone 2, which is one of four leading footwear exporters in the province, said his company produces more than two million pairs of shoes per month and most products are exported.
Since the beginning of this year, orders have been pouring in, so his company has increased capacity by some 15 per cent compared to the same period last year, Phúc said.
Đồng Nai's Statistics Office predicted that with the current growth momentum, the province's export value was likely to fetch $17 billion by this year-end. That could result in a new record trade surplus of nearly $2.2 billion.
Businesses in Đồng Nai are taking advantage of the free trade agreements that Việt Nam has already inked with international countries and blocs, and the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community to foster their export turnover.
Director of the Department of Industry and Trade Dương Minh Dũng said the province's exports to large traditional markets such as the United States, Japan, South Korea and Europe have experienced a significant growth in the January-September period.
The high growth would be maintained as many provincial businesses have received orders until early 2018, he said.
The province is now home to 3,500 enterprises involving import-export activities. The figure is expected to rise when many foreign-invested firms come into operation in the near future, said the provincial Statistics Office. — VNS
LuxDev - Call for expressions of interest Vie/032 20 3100


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STARmeterSEE RANK
Down 22,275 this week
Artie Mitchell (1945–1991)
Artie Mitchell and his brother Jim Mitchell were pioneers in the production of pornographic films and "adult entertainment" in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. They also founded the O'Farrell Theater on San Francisco's O'Farrell Street. Hunter S. Thompson, a regular customer who once was employed as the night manager of ... See full bio »
Born:in Lodi, California, USA
Died:(age 45) in Marin County, California, USA


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- Description
Details* We are unable to ship this product outside of the UK*
Contains red root oil to bring out the colour and figure of the wood.
Oil hardener, polishing compound and abrasive paper also included.
Produces a fine, professional, hand rubbed, protective finish.
Easily applied.
Includes full instructions.
- Additional Information
Additional Information
Stock Number 39888 Brands CCL Barcode 39888 Colour No Manufacturer No Condition New Size No Calibre No


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The Euro elections are looming, and in preparation Cooperatives Europe has launched a Cooperative Manifesto. A very cheerful document it is too, complete with photos of a cooperative orchestra, what looks like a cooperative stained glass studio and – inevitably – a cooperative grocery store.
The manifesto presents a four-point vision of Europe: one focused on a real economy which serves people's needs and aspirations rather than financial markets, one which allows a diverse range of business models to flourish, one in which young people are equipped to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations and one which supports the start-up and growth of people-centred businesses. This gets my vote, I think.
The manifesto is here.


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Colorado Basics: Birding
Colorado.com Staff Writer
Nothing quite captures the essence of an area than the birds that inhabit it. For those of you that hear the word birding and think, "snore," we're saddened to think you're missing out on one of Colorado's best attributes.
Birdwatching with quiet footsteps and an attentive mind will allow you to observe Colorado's nature with exceptional granularity. Catch a sparkly glimpse of the mountain bluebird or black swift; be humbled by the swopping wingspans of a bald eagle or burrowing owl and dance alongside the greater prairie chicken's unique, throat-swelling mating call.
Where to Go Birding in Colorado:
A general rule is to go near ecological hotspots — close to water or near shifts in vegetation or landscape.
Plan a trip using the Colorado Birding Trail website, where users can pinpoint birding trails all across the state from the eastern plains, Rocky Mountains and atop the rocky Western Slope terrain. The website also has a free downloadable birding guide for the southeast and southwest trails.
When to Go:
Birds are most visible around dusk and dawn or after a heavy rain. Like humans, they are hungry in the morning and aren't shy about venturing out for a gluttonous meal, so beat them to the punch and with binocs and camera in hand. Depending on the bird or area, seasonality might dictate when to go (use the Colorado Birding Trail website as a guide).
What You'll See:
With more than 400 species in Colorado, there's no telling which wings you'll see flapping. Favorite Colorado birds to seek out are the mountain bluebird, sandhill crane, hooded merganser, bald eagle, cinnamon teal, calliope hummingbird, western tanager and the white-tailed ptarmigan.
More information on Colorado's must-see birds and where to find them.
What to Bring:
- Small notepad for recording observations and sketching.
- Hiker-friendly binoculars (small and lightweight) that bring in plenty of light for early morning and evening outings.
- Bird identification booklet or smartphone app for birding.
- Lightweight clothing appropriate for the season. Wear muted earth tones and avoid bright colors that will draw attention.
Insider Tip:
Tuning into the natural surroundings is essential. Take your time and be as silent as possible in order to hear the tiniest tree rustling that might lead to a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. You may see some birds with a troop of kids and a pack of dogs, but it is less likely that you'll see or hear the shy ones, and those are sometimes the most fun to see. A patient and respectful approach is the best way to lure them into view.
For More Colorado Basics, Check Out:
- Translating Colorado: 14ers, Continental Divide, Four Corners & More
- Camping in Colorado
- How to Snowshoe & Cross-Country Ski
- What to Wear in Colorado
Photos courtesy of Bill Schmoker


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Yes, I had a Daylight Savings Time plan. My sleep schedule has been out of whack for months now—mostly because of travel—-and I decided that this was an excellent time to get into a new routine which would involve going to bed earlier and getting up earlier.
I went to bed a little earlier, but just as I was dozing off, a group of women with kids were on the corner screaming at each other. One of the kids was crying miserably. I didn't want to call the police, but was a little concerned about the kids, so I ended up watching for a while until some guy rolled up to try to calm them down (and of course they started yelling at him, but walked off after a while).
Sometime around 4:30am a car alarm goes off, first just long enough for me to get out of bed and put my glasses on, only to go off when I get to the window. After getting up 3 times, I figure out which car and call the police. Then I guess the battery was running down, so it would go silent for about 20 minutes (i.e. long enough for me to fall asleep), then start up again. This goes on for over an hour. It's a dense neighborhood in NYC. He's probably on the 10th floor of a building 2 blocks away.
So I slept late again and feel like shit now. I hope that fucker's car doesn't start this morning.


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Hotels in Rome
Find a place to stay
Top neighbourhoods in Rome
Top landmarks in Rome
Find out more about Rome
Things to see
Nothing quite blends Rome's past with its present with as much elegance as the Trevi Fountain. Designed with grandeur in mind, it was completed in 1762 and is a spectacular example of baroque sculpture, complete with its statues of the god Neptune, two Tritons and a horse. Redesigned when the Pope declared that it wasn't theatrical enough in the 1600s, this fountain has inspired songs and even featured prominently in that masterpiece of Italian cinema, La Dolce Vita. Dating back a little further, to 80 AD in fact, the Colosseum was originally home to the pitched battles of gladiators. These days you can avoid the bloodshed, but are able to tour the arches of this incredible amphitheatre. You can soak up even more ancient Roman grandeur with a trip to another brilliantly preserved reminder of ancient Rome, in the shape of the Pantheon, a domed temple built to honor the city's former gods in around 118 AD.
Hotels in Rome
This city, being home to centuries of Imperial grandeur, knows a thing or two about luxury. As such, you'll have no problem finding five-star hotels in Rome, where you can expect complimentary WiFi and flat-screen televisions as standard, but will also encounter a host of more unique treats from the high-end hotels. From rooms with rugs and bedding modelled on the Vatican City's regal colours to rooftop restaurants, marble fireplaces and period furnishings there's plenty of glamorous features on offer. The buildings themselves are often works of art, with custom-built chains competing against column-fronted guest houses, tree-lined spas and hilltop Chateaux .
Where to stay
Set among cobbled streets, the neighborhood around the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain is the perfect spot for shopping, with countless couture stores. To the north of the center, Piazza Navona is a brilliant slice of baroque, within close walking distance of the Pantheon and the bustling market square of Campo de Fiori, a perfect place for bargain hunting or watching street performers as you nibble some of the best fruit in the city. For a more historical stay, you might want to head south to the area around the Roman Forum and Colosseum, which is full of ancient ruins and temples.
How to get to
Rome's main airport for international visitors is Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, which is around 30 kilometres out of the center. A direct express train runs into the center of town every 30 minutes, taking around 30 minutes to get you into the heart of the action. There is also a shuttle bus which runs seven times per day. The city's main train station, Stazione Termini, operates rail services to and from a host of European cities and many internal services, and is centrally located. The smaller Ciampino Airport is used by budget airlines, and is around 15 kilometres southeast of the city, with a regular coach service connecting it to central Rome.


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Boom Festival 2018.
Julien Lechelle is a french artist who works with wood and steel to create some amazing sculptures, inspired by natural shapes. He likes working in the nature or in abandoned places where his installations can reveal their true charm after nightfall. This artist is known for his sculptures Protéus and Géonésys which he gladly showcases at festivals.
Julien Lechelle was born in 1979 in a little town called Niort in France. He studied physics and mathematics but was always attracted to art, music, and anything that could help him express his creativity.
He says that he has refused many jobs because he didn't want to be a part the destructive system, before he found a way to do something that really interested him. He worked on converting trucks in motorhomes, learning woodwork and electricity for 10 years. That was the only real job that he had which allowed him to have some free time for himself and gave him a pleasure to build his own motorhome since he was living in the truck at the time. That was a way for him to quickly become independant.
Julien's latest motorhome realisation
- How did you first get into art?
I've always drawn when I was a teenager, but I've mainly played guitar. With my friends, we spend our youth around Metal music and graffiti work in our little town. We spent years and years drawing and playing music, I'm sure this period has influenced me for the rest of my life, to always have an artistic activity, something greater than just the modern life wanted to enforce us to. That was really my first kind of art expression.
But I really got into art 4 years ago, with my first piece Protéus, it was just meant to be a collaboration with friends at the beginning, for just one event, but I saw so much possiblities for it. I prefer organizing my life to spend the most time possible to go on this adventure. This piece was for me the beginning of an other way of life.
- Who are your biggest influences?
As I said, I spent my youth in a friends group in Niort, and it was a real motivating circle. Graffiti and Metal music were our culture, and many of us became Metal musicians, or tatoo artists, street artists, etc.… It wasn't just a hobby, but it became a real way of life for most of us. I believe my biggest influences are in general motivated persons, with strong determination, with the will to do something, regardless of the sacrifice you have to do. I appreciate persons illuminated by their ideas and visions.
I believe this last years my biggest influences were my friends Repaze and Saïr, who are painters, street artists now, we spent many years together in Bordeaux, and their artwork influenced me. By the way they had to invade a place with their abstract painting. Actually they had painted my first structure Proteus at the beginning, and we had collaborated on several installations, or exhibitions. Several people told me my pieces are like a "3D graffiti", that wasn't an objective of my creation process, but I understand this kind of comments, there is an evident filiation with this movement.
The second influence is of course Patrice Pit Hubert. I discovered his incredible work 3 years ago, it was like opening the door of imagination. I had the chance to meet him last year, he's such a rich person, on a personal and artistic level. He offered to bring me on Boom festival and Psy-Fi this summer, it was an amazing experience. He definitely influenced my way of life, as my artistic vision.
Of course I also have more "basical" influences, complexity and strenght of Metal music, softness and pureness of "Art Nouveau", fantastic and SF movies, etc...
- Where do you find inspiration from?
I'm living near the Atlantic Océan, two minutes of the beach, and the wild nature you could find here, is one of my inspirations. Ocean gives me the strenght and also the tranquility I need to create. My work would be different if I was living in a big town area. Nature is doubtless my first inspiration, by all the kinds of feelings you can experience in it.
Today, all my life is turning around my artwork, and I feel the more I work on my installations, the more it influences me to develop new creations, and add new stuff, like photography, or light-painting in my pictures. I like to believe I'm just a tool, used by my own creations, to let express themselves, and bring them further.
When I made a free installation in situ, I observed the assembly process, and "listened" what I have to do, to find a good balance between my installation and the choosen place. I like to believe I don't really make choices, I just make what my artwork needs. It's like composing a song, you're not really the creator, it's the song itself asking an equilibrium, you have just to let it direct you by its dynamic.
- How would you describe your work and the message of your art?
My work today is a kind of melting pot of different practices and activities I can control, to let me express an unconscious vision. I try to find a way to express myself, with all I've learned during my life. A kind of exploitation of my own capacities. I do with what I do the best.
I believe I try to express my "desire to Something else". Today it's not easy living in this world with a peaceful conscience. I want something else, I would like to be somewhere else than in this suicidal system.
My pieces have an explosive and aggressive design, it's a sort of anger I want to express, anger for what we have made to humanity and our planet. So I've create my own defensive system, like animals or insects, not to be hurted.
I have this need to be useful for an other way we were programmed for. A greater way than our world's value today. So I just try to find a way to be peaceful with my environment, and the mother land. Like an excuse I could do to the holy mother.
When I'm going alone in a forest to make an installation, I'm looking for some relationship with nature, but holy relationship. "I come to your arms, and I will not hurt you". I'm looking for a kind of reconciliation, a wish of redemption.
- Is there an artwork that you are most proud of? Why?
I'm rather pleased of my installation at Boom Festival. It was the first time I melted my two structures, the older Proteus, and the new one Géonésys, in one big installation. The result was really "It had to be like that".
A kind of achievement feeling, I've created the second one this winter, knowing I will melt it with the first one day, but the result pushed me to believe I'm on a good way, I had to develop this kind of complete installation.
But if I have to be really proud of something at Boom, it was to be there with the Naïa Museum of Patrice Hubert and his wife Manu Van H, 3 years after the discover of his work. I was so happy to have an opportunity to give my best in a common installation, to be a part of it. I think this event will be engraved in my memory forever.
Boom Festival 2018
- How do you know when a work is finished?
My sculptures are always modular structures, so my work is always in evolution, never really finished.
I build the structures, as I imagine it, for the design and the fixation system, but I don't really know what will be the final assembly result.
Once the build is over, the real work begins for me. I take it in my van, go to one of my choosen places, install it during the day, and take pictures during the night. And I learn during these installations how to really functionate my system.
I frequently speak about the "grammar" of my pieces, what is possible or not to do with, and how it had to be assembled to express something interesting. It's something I'm learning with each installation experience. There's no manual instruction with my pieces, I have to discover how to find a good balance between the piece's assembly, the string art, the lights, the light painting and the environnement of course. Possibilities are endless, it's what I like in these kinds of modular systems.
- What are your plans for the future?
Of course creating new pieces, and finding new places to take pictures, maybe go further with my van in search for new motivating places, Eastern Europe seems to be very interesting for what I'm looking for. I can really express myself with the free installations photographies, taking time to try some new stuff, more than at Festivals.
But of course I would like to go on festival exhibits, Boom was so amazing. I hope to exhibit in other european festivals next summer, and why not with time, building some bigger pieces especially for it.
I think I have to dissociate my production, make pieces for free installations pictures, and bigger pieces for festivals.
- Do you have any hobbies?
I don't really have time available for hobbies, my artwork is now taking all my time, so I try to incorporate my new hobbies in my work, like photography 2 years ago. Or rather it's the opposite, my artwork is pushing me to interesting for new activities. My pieces are just matrix, allowing me to incorporate new aspects in my approach, like photography, lighting, light painting, string art, land art, etc... As I say, I'm finally just a tool.
- Is there any advice that you would like to give to your fellow upcoming artists?
For the artists and for the others, my advices should be to believe in yourself, try hard, and never give up.
I've made many kinds of "sacrifices" in my life, to keep a sort of freedom in my decisions, artistic or not, it could be tough, but it's the only way to keep control, and try to reach what you want.
Collaboration with Patrice Pit Hubert at Psy-Fi Festival 2018
Collaboration with Repaze & Sair
Julien Lechelle's social media:
Facebook: @protéus777
Instagram: @Protéus.777


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Amir Darwish
I left that table with three books, a tea glass dirty
An ashtray
The TV remote still lost somewhere between cushions
A wall with a mixture of rotten green broken yellow light
Small window into an empty street
A white tissue travels lonely in a windy ruined alley
I left a pregnant apple tree
A sink full of pans, has remnant of favourite dish from last night
My plate among them with a tulip
I left half a bottle of red wine near bed
Money notes wrinkled
A belt with broken buckle
The art work in the corridor
The man in it hand on cheek tearful eyes
The forest behind him huge as the memory it leaves behind
I left a tape player once a lover gifted me
The Kurdish singer Mohammed Sixo on it screams
Oh the land Oh the land
I left my school desk with my name engraved,
The teacher who lectures me every time I bring a poetry book
Instead of syllabus book
I left the old corner shop
With a debt book
That has my name
Left the new shoe yet to wear
The yellow laces I bought
To go with it
My mother who stops by the door signals "come food is ready"
I left a generous father who daily comes home with bags of figs, apples
And occasionally roast chicken in right hand
I left home.
This poem has been published in collaboration with Hikayetna – Stories from Syria, Hope, and Optimism For Refugees.
Featured artwork by Souad Kokash, an interior architect and visual artist from Damascus, Syria, currently living in the city of Lelystad, the Netherlands.
Amir Darwish is a British Syrian poet and writer of Kurdish origin. He was born in Aleppo and later arrived in Britain as an asylum seeker in 2003. Amir completed an MA from Durham University before moving to London, where he currently lives & writes. He has published his work in the UK, USA, Pakistan, India, Finland, Turkey, and Mexico. He tweets at @darwish_amir.


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|Yes! This is me at my Senior Prom!
I wanted to take the time to share this very special picture.
One reason I'm excited about sharing this picture is that mainly, from a personal perspective, this picture puts me in proximity to a past I thought was long-gone.
Thanks to getting in touch with my old High School mates from Bishop Alemany High School, Class of '66 on a Facebook group, I was able to get my hands on this, the only visual and tangible reminder I have of my high school days.
Shortly after my graduation, as I settled in my new life in Florida with my first husband, a flood consumed every single high school keepsake I kept in a trunk: yearbooks, letters, photos, mementos, and of course, this prom photo. This was a terrible loss, if nothing else because the year I spent at Alemany was one of the most positive, memorable, and mind-expanding moments of my young life. For the first time I felt, that year, that possibilities existed beyond the somewhat grim, mundane, and limiting circumstances of my earlier school experiences. I also became exposed to a people, a place, and a way of life that would years later, unbeknownst to me, become part of my adult life. The loss therefore, took on a very symbolic meaning, and left a big hole in my life, one that has yet to be filled. Sure, many other meaningful and life-changing events and memories have come to enrich my life since then, and I have he mementos to prove it, but those younger years' memories only exist in my mind.
I feel blessed, then, to have found a group of fellow travelers from 1966 who have kept some of the memorabilia – I recently received some yearbook photos as well! Maybe when I attend my upcoming 50th Class Reunion I might be able to get my hands on some other such mementos.
The tie-in with quilts is rather obvious: memories and artifacts are incredibly important to helping us maintain a tie to our roots, our past, our legacy. Most people who suffer the tragedy of fire and flood can attest to the disorienting sadness that results from losing these things that tie us to others, to our past, and to our own identities. The digital age has allowed us to virtually preserve photos and documents (as long as technology allows us to access those files now or in the future), but nothing beats something tangible.
As a quilter I have of course managed to work on many projects, both personal and for commission, that can attest to this fact.
The most recent one is the one that has consumed me for months, and which I have blogged about already (and about which I'll probably blog again):
|commission: quilt made out of client's husband ties
This is another great example of a commemorative quilt that hangs in my bedroom:
|photos from my kids' weddings
|photos of my kids and husband from the 80s and 90s
|several photos from memorable family occasions
This is a photo-transfer quilt, quite large in size, that my son and daughter-in-law put together and presented to me for Christmas one year. My son helped with the photo transfer method, and my daughter-in-law, whom I'd recently taught how to quilt, did the rest. This quilt was such a precious gift, not just because it was so beautiful, but because of the fact that it contains photos of my family life spanning many decades, as well as for the love that was put into its creation.
This quilt is living proof that quilts are wonderful memory preserving objects; not only do quilts carry within the energy and love of the person (or persons) who work on them, but are also tangible representations of the people, places, and moments that are important to us, carefully and lovingly stitched together.
Had I had the foresight and the skill back then to transfer those important moments of my life into a quilt, I might still have those memories available to me in tangible form–a quilt would certainly have survived a flood, albeit with some mold or a few tears, but still salvageable.
As it stands, all I have now of my past high school life is that one photo.
If I ever receive more artifacts from that era, perhaps I might choose to put them all in a quilt, starting with that one photo, of course.
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Actor Peter Graves, of "Mission Impossible," dies at 83
Peter Graves, the tall, stalwart actor likely best known for his portrayal of Jim Phelps, leader of a gang of special agents who battled evil conspirators in the long-running television series "Mission: Impossible," died Sunday.
Graves died of an apparent heart attack outside his Los Angeles home, about a week shy of his 84th birthday, publicist Sandy Brokaw said.
He had just returned from brunch with his wife and kids and collapsed before he made it into the house, Brokaw said. One of his daughters administered CPR but was unable to revive him. Graves' family doctor visited the house and believed he had a heart attack, Brokaw said.
Although Graves never achieved the stardom his older brother, James Arness, enjoyed as Marshall Matt Dillon on TV's "Gunsmoke," he had a number of memorable roles in both films and television.
Normally cast as a hero, he turned in an unforgettable performance early in his career as the treacherous Nazi spy in Billy Wilder's 1953 prisoner-of-war drama "Stalag 17." He also masterfully lampooned his straight-arrow image when he portrayed bumbling airline pilot Clarence Oveur in the 1980 disaster movie spoof "Airplane!" Graves appeared in dozens of films and a handful of television shows in a career of nearly 60 years.
The authority and trust he projected made him a favorite for commercials late in his life, and he was often encouraged to go into politics. "He had this statesmanlike quality," Brokaw said. "People were always encouraging him to run for office. But he said, 'I like acting. I like being around actors.' "
Graves' career began with cheaply made exploitation films like "It Conquered the World," in which he battled a carrot-shaped monster from Venus, and "Beginning of the World," in which he fought a giant grasshopper.
He later took on equally formidable human villains each week on "Mission: Impossible." Every show began with Graves, as agent Phelps, listening to a tape of instructions outlining his team's latest mission and explaining that if he or any of his agents were killed or captured "the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions." The tape always self-destructed within seconds of being played.
The show ran on CBS from 1967 to 1973 and was revived on ABC from 1988 to 1990 with Graves back as the only original cast member.
The actor credited clever writing for the show's success.
"It made you think a little bit and kept you on the edge of your seat because you never knew what was going to happen next," he once said.


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Coach Parker
Dual-Credit US History / CP US History Teacher
Social Studies Department Chair
Assistant Baseball / Volleyball Coach
My name is Rabon "Trey" Parker, and I am excited be your student's US History teacher this year. I returned home to Lake City two years ago after receiving a B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Clemson University and a Master's of Education in Teaching and Learning from Liberty University. If you would like to check in on your student's progress in my class, please login to your Schoology or PowerSchool account.
Contact me at email@example.com or (843) 374-5119 ext. 3010


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The Truth & Consequences of Breaking the $35oz Gold Peg
Since July 8th, the DJIA (Dow Jones) has seen only one day where it closed more than 1.50% from its last all-time high (Aug 2nd: -1.51%).
Since then the Dow Jones has also seen 9 new all-time highs, 7 of them occurred in a string of days spanning from July 12th to 20th.
Except for the lack of trading volume the market has seen since the lows of last February, 2016 has not given the bulls anything to complain about.
Still, I have to note that after advancing for the past 7 years, from the bottom of the credit crisis bear market (9 March 2009), this is an aging bull market. We are at that point in time where in every bull market, it makes more sense to be looking for reasons to sell than to buy. But until the Dow Jones breaks below its -6.40% level seen on June 24th (17,442), it's safe assuming this market is a hold, or may yet see some new all-time highs.
The next chart plots the Dow Jones with its step sum. Look at how the Dow Jones advanced from March 2009 to May 2015. There were pauses in the advance, most notably between July 2011 to January 2013 where it had difficulty breaking above, and staying above 13,000. However, for most of those six years (2009-15) the Dow Jones regularly broke above its millennial lines with ease.
But since January 2015, over 1.5 years ago, the Dow Jones has been struggling with 18,000.
Will we see the Dow Jones at 19,000 sometime in the near future? I doubt it if the FOMC increases interest rates in the next few months. But they've been promising to "normalize" short-term interest rates for years now, since Doctor Bernanke was chairman at the Fed. They'll "normalize" their Fed Funds rates someday, but my guess is that it will only be after Mr Bear begins to deflate the bond market, forcing the FOMC to raise their Fed Funds rate with rising bond yields.
As a bear in the stock market, I really don't care one way or the other if the Dow Jones sees 19,000 or even 20,000, because whatever capital gains the post credit crisis bull market had to offer investors, the best part of those gains are now best viewed by investors in their rear view mirrors.
Look at the little note at the bottom of the chart; since 9 March 2009 the Dow Jones has gained 12,089 points for a 185% gain. It's totally unrealistic believing the market's next seven years will be a repeat of its last.
One Key reason to be bearish on the stock market is the banking system.
During the 2007-09 credit crisis, the banking stocks in the BEV chart below crashed 85%, taking everything else down with them. And since their recovery high of July 2015, they appear to be rolling over again.
Considering the tens of trillions of dollars in assistance the banks have received from the Federal Reserve, the changes in accounting rules for their reserves, and who knows what else to keep them in operation, one should expect more from them. But there they are. In the BEV chart below, they're in the worst shape they've been in since 1938.
From 1938 to when Washington broke the Bretton Wood's $35 gold peg in August 1971, the banking shares never saw a decline of over 40%. Since the bottom of the credit crisis, the banks can't seem to get above their BEV -40% line. That has to mean something.
These banks are the center of the global payment system.
If they can't operate, global trade stops as consumers can't make payment for goods or services received, and business can't get paid for providing them. Because Washington's political class allowed their banking system to play in the corrupt sub-prime mortgage market, the American and global payment system for commerce almost ceased their operations; that was the real crisis in 2008-09.
From the appearance of the BEV chart above, and from what market commentators are saying about solvency of various key European banks, it seems the market is anticipating the American banking system may take yet another run into Mr Bear's meat grinder sometime in our very uncertain future. But then I could be wrong, and we'll see the banks in the BEV chart above breaking above their BEV -30% line sometime in the next twelve to eighteen months.
Personally, I'm betting on Mr Bear.
Gold (Blue Plot below) still looks good. True, since early July it hasn't gone on to a new high for the move, but it's not breaking down either. Market sentiment, the step sum (Red Plot) is breaking down. But as long as the price of gold holds above $1300, seeing gold's step sum declining is actually a sign of encouragement for the bulls.
What I'm waiting for is for both the price of gold, and its step sum to reverse vigorously upwards, which will signal the beginning of the next phase in the bull market.
Hopefully we'll see this happen sometime in the next month or two.
Next is gold's BEV chart.
I started the BEV series from the absolute bottom of gold's 1980 to 2001 bear market, which occurred on 19 July 1999 with gold closing at $253.70. If you study gold's corrections since 1999, it's apparent that the correction that began in August 2011 was particularly brutal, and for that reason I expect the lows of last December will hold.
Gold's advance since its lows of last December has been excellent.
Seeing anything in a BEV chart advance from its -45% up to its -27% level in less than six months is an accomplishment! So as I see it, gold is currently taking a rest before it resumes its advances upward towards its red BEV Zero line.
Here's silver's BEV chart.
Silver's E correction was a brutal 72% decline from its highs of April 2011. Like gold, its advance from the lows of last winter has been excellent, so I'm not alarmed that at present it's taking a rest.
Silver has seen some really curious market moves since 2001.
I placed an X on silver's market declines of more than 20%, huge declines that occurred in just a few trading days. As seen in the chart below, since 2001 there have been all too many sharp sell offs; with three of them happening during the 2011-2015 correction.
Every one of those Xs is a fingerprint of the big banks whacking the price of silver by flooding the COMEX futures market with promises to deliver silver the banks didn't have or couldn't deliver even if their CEO's lives depended on it.
The last time the big banks gave the price of silver a proper whacking was in the Spring of 2013.
Will they dare to do so again as the bull market once again takes the price of silver upwards toward a new BEV Zero? That's something the bears didn't attempt during the recoveries of corrections A-D. It will be interesting to see if they attempt to whack the price of silver again as the market recovers from the bottom of correction E.
At last week's end, both gold and silver's 15 counts in the table below found themselves at -3. Though not unusual, it takes a lot of down days; a lot of selling to get a 15 count at -3. Considering everything on display below, the price of gold and silver are holding up pretty well as down days predominate over advancing days in the past fifteen trading days.
Sometime in the next few months, the cycle will reverse and we'll see gold and silver's 15 counts increase to a +3, or even a higher value as advancing days once again predominate over declining days. If gold and silver are in a bull market, which I believe they are, seeing their 15 counts once again solidly positive will be an excellent opportunity for the old monetary metals to break above $1400 for gold and $21 for silver.
Hopefully, this is something we'll see in the next two months.
Note on the table above: I changed the BEV column to a 2Mth BEV column. The BEV column used in past tables gave the percentage decline of the daily close from the last all-time high, which for silver went back to January 1980. The 2Mth BEV column gives the percentage decline of the daily closing from the high of the past two months.
Looking at silver's 2Mth BEV, we see a BEV Zero on 02 Aug 2016, which informs us that silver's high of the past two months was $20.60.
In 1999, with the world waiting for the introduction of the euro into the global monetary system, much was made of the "fact" that the euro would be partially backed by gold. Fifteen percent is the figure I recall. At the time, the ECB believed partially backing their euro with gold would provide its currency with a stability everyone knew the dollar lacked, making its currency a serious alternative to the dollar for global commerce and finance.
Today, speculation is that China has accumulated an unspecified, but huge gold reserve for the purpose of backing its RMB Yuan with gold sometime in the future.
This theory holds that China is doing this in anticipation of the coming failure of the US dollar in the global currency markets. I don't doubt how at the highest levels of Chinese "policy making" this is a plan they are seriously considering.
I just believe the gold backed RMB Yuan, if attempted, will ultimately fail for the same reasons the ECB no longer points out the euro has a 15% gold backing, which in 2016 it certainly does not, or why the US dollar is no longer convertible into gold at $35 an ounce.
For gold to function as money, the government submitting to a gold standard must first respect the property and civil rights of it citizens – something governments hate to do.
Apparently, the self-restraint requirement of a government bureaucracy to maintain a gold standard becomes impossible when government officials, and individuals of influence, begin seeing their fellow citizens as nothing more than a human resource to be exploited. And that exploitation takes the form of monetary inflation, which as we see in the blue plot of the chart below, the dollar has seen plenty since the end of the 1920's.
The chart also illustrates why the Federal Government stopped minting $20 gold coins in the early 1930s, and why pocket change from before 1933 can today now trade in the open market for several thousand dollars.
"Bankers know that history is inflationary and that paper money is the last thing a wise man will hoard. "- Will Durant
Mr. Durant got that right. Knowing this now, whether the price of gold is up or down this week or month, can any of my readers doubt much higher gold prices must, by necessity, be coming our way in the years to come?
Look at the chart again if you have to, but politicians, academics and bankers, cheered on by the mainstream financial media, will continue inflating CinC until the dollar becomes just another chapter in the sorry history of paper money that failed. You'll be glad you purchased some gold and silver at today's prices when that happens.
Every now and then I see another article on the failure of the gold standard. Here's one by Market Watch.
These articles all have two things in common; they always post a photo of gold bars in them, and never publish the chart above. There is no excuse for this as US gold reserves and CinC data has been published weekly in Barron's since the 1920s; that's where I got it!
There's actually a third item.
All these articles on the failure of the Bretton Woods gold standard always mention that it was President Nixon, who in August 1971, for reasons good or bad (to the author usually good), who killed it. But as recorded in the dusty old pages of Barron's, we see that in August 1971, the Bretton Wood's $35 gold peg failed because the US Treasury had issued $198.82 paper dollars for each ounce in its gold reserves.
In fact the Bretton Woods' $35 gold peg was a recognized fiction long before "Nixon closed the gold window." In 1966, with the US Treasury having issued more than one hundred paper dollars for each ounce of gold in its reserves, Professor Hutt said the following below.
"How can businessmen coordinate the private sector of the economy effectively when the most important measuring-rod of all; the monetary unit has been left with no reliable defined value? Units of length, volume, and weight have been universally defined with meticulous care; but dollars, lire, francs and pounds have been allowed to change in every significant attribute over time."- Professor W.H. Hutt: New Individualist Review, 1966 Winter Issue
A point of interest to us now living in 2016; note who Professor Hutt said in 1966 "coordinated the private sector of the economy" – businessmen. After fifty years of government legislation and regulations, you can be sure the correct answer to that today is lawyers, and government bureaucrats.
Before my mother passed away, she'd remark how from year to year people don't note they're getting older. But from decade to decade, whether going from ten to twenty years old, or from sixty to seventy, people see the physical process of aging. Money functioning in an inflationary regime is much the same. There are good years and decades as well as bad. The bull markets of the Roaring 1920s and the 1990s would have been impossible had it not been for monetary inflation flowing from the Federal Reserve. The depressing 1930s and the recent bust in the global real estate markets were unavoidable because of inflation.
Below we see the weekly data as published in Barron's for its now discontinued Dow Jones 10-Utility Bond Average from 1938 to 2002. The bonds used in the average in 1938 were certainly not the same bonds used in 2002, or even in 1958. As bonds approach maturity, they are replaced with newer bonds of different coupon yields.
But as highlighted in the table below, the difference nominal bond prices and coupons was negligible after 7 decades of monetary inflation. In the top portion of the table I placed the as published values for Currency in Circulation (paper dollars in circulation), the Dow Jones Average and the DJ 10-Util Bd Average. From its first published value in 1938 to its last in 2002, the DJ 10-Util Bd Average lost $1.50 in nominal dollars. While both CinC and the Dow Jones increased by a two orders of magnitude, with CinC (monetary inflation) increasing more than the Dow Jones. Bonds, with their fixed income, were a disaster for investors from 1938 to 2002, as seen in the green plot above.
The table's second section records the gains / losses of a million dollars invested during the course of 7 decades. In 1938, the income from a million dollars invested in either dividend yielding blue-chip stocks or high quality bonds allowed someone to live like a millionaire. A nice apartment in a fashionable part of Manhattan, with the means to enjoy the best of what life had to offer.
For the 1938 millionaire who invested in blue-chip stocks (the Dow Jones), sixty-four years later their now $84.994 million dollar investment in the stock market allowed them to continue to live in wealth and luxury.
This was not so for the 1938 millionaire who invested in bonds. In 2002, no one with $958,479 in fixed income yielding only 7% was living the good life in Manhattan.
The table's last section shows why. A million dollars invested in blue chip stocks in 1938 was still worth $869,131 in 1938 terms by 2002. As dividend income is not fixed, as are bond coupon's payments, dividend payouts for the Dow Jones also increased from $8.17 in January 1938 to $183.11 in April 2002. With inflation from the Federal Reserve flowing everywhere but into the bond market during those seven decades, its only expected that in constant 1938 dollars terms, a million dollars in utility bonds would collapsed to only $10,077 in 2002.
What happened?
The elected officials of the Federal Government, along with the promoters of BIG GOVERNMENT in banking and academia, decided they would not submit to a gold standard, and investors in bonds paid the price.
"In the absence of the gold standard, there is no way to protect savings from confiscation through inflation. There is no safe store of value. If there were, the government would have to make its holding illegal, as was done in the case of gold." – Alan Greenspan; Gold and Economic Freedom / 1966
Here is the link to Greenspan's article. http://archive.lewrockwell.com/north/north204.html
Money today has become what these selfish people would have it be; a liability to everyone else but to themselves, not the stable measure of wealth that gold once provided to private citizens and honest commerce.
For this reason, there has never been a better time to take some profits, or cut one's loses in the stock market, and to purchase some gold and silver bullion, and maybe take a look at the precious metal miners too.
Mark J. Lundeen
Paul Ebeling, Editor
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SEIU's robocalls didn't violate telephone privacy law
A union didn't violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act when it placed automated telephone calls to private residences in order to encourage calls complaining about work conditions at a local hospital, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in affirming judgment.


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No. 1: Circle Sweep
No. 2: Circle Sweep 2
30/06/2016. 129 chars. This is a modified version of my first cart which tweaks the parameters a bit. The big change is obviously the kaleidoscope effect, which is what that poke does.
No. 3: Curtain
04/07/2016. 140 chars. The version which is all on one line is the true submission, there wasn't room for newline characters! The multi-line version is just to make the code more legible. This was inspired by the vertical raster bars demoscene effect.
No. 4: Interdimensional Cliffs
No. 5: 3D Auto Pong
05/07/2016. 139 chars. At first this was going to be interactive but I couldn't fit player input in anything near 140 characters, so it ended up being automated (there is a bat at the top too, if you look closely). The size and color of the ball are based on the y coordinate to create a 3D effect. The x coordinate follows a sine wave to simulate bouncing off the sides of the screen, while the y coordinate follows an absolute sine wave so that it spends less time at the bottom of the screen and more at the top, which adds to the depth.
No. 6: Chars
05/07/2016. 138 chars. One of the many awesome things about the PICO-8 is that it's creator zep hides undocumented bonus features in for the community to find. The kaleidoscope effect from No. 2 is one example, the wide characters here are another. Another trick I learnt from other carts is that in Lua you can assign functions to variables (r=rnd). Because I call the random function rnd() 4 times here (20 chars) I get a saving by assigning a reference to rnd to the variable r and then calling that instead (17 chars).
No. 7: A Nice Day Out
No. 8: People
No. 9: Error
05/07/2016. 140 chars. A fun one inspired of course by the weird thing that old versions of Windows often did when programs crashed. This does actually use mouse controls on PICO-8, which is yet another secret feature found by the community. I had to cheat a little bit by drawing the cursor as a sprite, so this effect isn't pure code. It works simply by not clearing the screen each frame.
No. 10: Error Sprite
No. 11: Punishment
25/09/2016. 140 chars. Writing lines on a chalkboard as punishment. Prints one character per frame then moves to the next line once complete. Once it reaches the bottom it just starts writing over the existing lines, meaning it visually does nothing more but without actually exiting the program, because that makes the terminal reappear.
No. 12: Zoom Counter
25/09/2016. 139 chars. Counting up from 1 and zooming each number. The way this works is by first printing the number to the screen, then copying that section of graphics memory into the spritebank memory (at sprite 0), then using sspr to print that area of the spritesheet back to the screen while stretching it over time. I had to use a lot of tricks to make it fit!
I have two different labels ::a:: and ::b:: which split the program into 3 sections. The first section (before ::a::) is only executed once; the second section (::a:: to ::b::) is executed at the start of each number; the final section (after ::b::) is executed every frame.
cls() clears the screen to the given color (or black/0 if no color is given). The ? syntax is shorthand for the print function and prints the number n to the screen at (0,0) with color n. There are 16 colors in PICO-8 (0-15) but if you pass in other numbers it will automatically wrap to the correct color, so color 16 is color 0, 17 is 1 etc. So n just keeps counting up and we print text of color n onto a screen of color n-1.
Now we copy the portion of the graphics memory representing the first 8 rows of pixels on the screen into the start of the spritebank memory. The addresses are written in decimal rather than standard hexadecimal because it's shorter. Address 0 is the start of the sprite bank and address 24576 (0x6000) is the start of the screen. One byte represents 2 pixels since with 16 colors each pixel only needs 4 bits. At a resolution of 128x128 that means 64 bytes per row and 512 bytes for 8 consecutive rows, which is the height of a sprite (sprites are 8x8).
The printed number is now in sprite 0 so we can finally start rendering that to the screen. The position starts in the middle of the screen (64, 64) and both x and y decrease as the size (i.e. time) increase, which keeps it centred. Only 2 characters will fit in an 8x8 sprite so unfortunately it won't quite work above 99. Since we copy whole rows of pixels, larger numbers will actually be copied into the spritebank, I just had no characters spare to stretch more than a single 8x8 sprite.
The scaling is always even so it stays nice and smooth, and once large enough we reset and move on to the next number. Finally we call flip() to swap the front and back buffers to avoid flickering and to slow the whole thing down. There's a lot going on for just 140 characters!
No. 13: Pyramids
30/09/2016. 132 chars. This one started out as a general scanline triangle rasterizer. While reducing the character count I made the bottom vertices always use the same y coordinate, then tried centring the top vertex. I liked it so I added color, translated to the bottom centre and even found room for button input to control the generation.


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Title: Seniors Wii Games
Location: Cecelia Murphy Building, 11 Coatsworth Crescent, Toronto, ON
Description: Seniors are invited to join us for a lively game of Wii Bowling every Wednesday.
Cost is $1 per person. Snack is provided.
Start Time: 11:00 am
Date: August 28, 2019
Seniors Wii Games
Title: Seniors Wii Games


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TCH Industries set to promote OES Technologies quality assurance products in Tunisia
OES is pleased to announce that TCH Industries will represent OES Technologies in Tunisia. With its offices in Tunis, TCH Industries specializes in cables and harnesses technologies and is a branch of a parent company ATD Electronic – one of the largest equipment and tooling dealers in North Africa. Sharing a common business philosophy with […]Read More


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Below are the available bulk discount rates for each individual item when you purchase a certain amount
Resellers/Distributors Pricing Available Upon Request
Inquire at: 1-877-272-0215
( or )
For more information click here
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Custom Pageant Wedding Gold Satin Sashes 6855 - The back of the satin is lined to give a beautiful, professional look and feel. This sash will let everyone know that you are here to have a good time. 60" long satin - 30" each side, and 3" standard wide. These Blank Satin Sashes with your print, are available in many great colors, includes black, white, royal blue, silver, green, orange, pink, red and yellow. Great for Pageants and Weddings.
How To Order:
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2. Select the lettering colors.
**If you order more than one sash and you want different colors of sashes and/or lettering select Mixed Colors and specify what you want on Notes to Seller.**
3. Select the font.
4. Add What do you want the sash to say on Notes to Seller.
**For best results keep the text short. Examples: Bride, Bride To Be, Team Bride, Cheers to 21 Years, Team Sarah, Heather's Bach, Mom to Be, Mommy to Be, Thirty and Thirsty, etc **
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What are you looking for?
Eating out
Casa Brasil
You'll find Casa Brasil in Cabot Circus.
The Casa Brasil Experience
You'll enjoy Casa Brasil's gourmet hot and cold Brazilian buffet, in addition to their unlimited rodizio (BBQ'd meat).
Casa Brasil brings a range of delicious, freshly cooked, meat and poultry, slowly cooked on charcoal, to your table. Guests simply control the flow of meats with a red and green card, and it is then carved directly onto their plates by our Gauchos.
Choose from a wide selection of Picanha rump steak, leg of lamb, marinated chicken wings & legs, ribeye of pork, turkey breast, gammon, Brazilian sausages, BBQ'd pineapple and more.
95% of the hot and cold Brazilian buffet is gluten free and the BBQ'd meat is 100% gluten free and nutritionally ranks as a great protein packed meal.
• Unlimited food at one set price
• Eat straight away, no waiting for food to arrive
• No pre-ordering. Ideal for large groups
• The perfect venue for any party celebration
• Kids eat for free* at Casa Brasil
*Terms and conditions apply.
How it works
Step 1 – Sit down, relax, enjoy a drink, while they explain the rodizio dining experience.
Step 2 – You can immediately visit the gourmet hot and cold buffet bar and when you return to your seat the meat will start to flow.
Step 3 – Turn your card green side up, signalling that you are ready to begin tableside service. Various types of marinated meat will be sliced in front of you – with your own tongs you will take the sliced meat from your waiter.
Step 4 – When you are feeling satisfied, flip the disc to the red side until you are ready for more offerings.
Step 5 – Don't forget their delicious desserts, coffee and liquors.
Direct from the Southern Brazilian high plains comes a centuries-old way of cooking, where gauchos spit-roasted large portions of beef, pork, lamb, and poultry over the glowing coals of open fire pits, preserving the meats' natural juices and rich flavors. Soon, brick grills replaced pit fires, and the Churrascaria, became the gathering place for feasting and friendship. Enjoy the sumptuous taste of this rich dining tradition at Casa Brasil, where feast and festivity come together to delight all the senses.
Click HERE for the menu (as at 14 December 2017)
Student discount
Students can get 20% off* (food only) at Casa Brasil restaurants with a valid student card.
Terms and conditions: 20% off food only at Casa Brasil restaurants. Discount is applied to food only, does not include any drinks. One discount is applied per person per valid student card. The offer cannot be exchanged for cash, is non-transferable and cannot be used with other offers, promotions or vouchers. Offer valid at any Casa Brasil venue. This offer is not valid on Saturdays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day and New Years Eve. Valid student cards must be presented in order to claim the discount. All rights remain with the promoter who reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time and without prior notice. The decision of the manager is final.
Find us
Opening hours
Monday: 12pm - 10pm
Tuesday: 12pm - 10pm
Wednesday: 12pm - 10pm
Thursday: 12pm - 10pm
Friday: 12pm - 10pm
Saturday: 12pm - 10pm
Sunday: 12pm - 9pm
Shopping area
Cabot CircusView car park >


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"[Moses] chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:25 NIV).
Yesterday we learned that, in order to be all that God wants us to be, we have to make this first resolution: "I resolve that no more will I let other people press me into their mold. I'm going to be what God wants me to be. I'm going to do what God wants me to do, and I'm going to fulfill the plan that God has for my life, not somebody else's plan for my life."
Now, the second resolution that you need to make is this: Choose short-term pain for long-term gain.
Anybody who's ever played sports knows this one. You've got to practice and work hard in order to play in a championship game. You don't just walk out and win the championship. If you're going to be good at anything, you've got to accept short-term pain for long-term gain.
That's not just true in sports. It's true in finances. And it's true in relationships. I have a good marriage, but Kay and I have worked hard for it for years. It didn't come easy. You've got to work at it to make your marriage work, just like anything else in life.
Why is this resolution important in your life? Because most of the problems in your life come from your inability to delay gratification. Everything in society teaches us to say, "I want everything and I want it now and I want it free and I want it easy." Life doesn't work like that!
Moses made a choice: "He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:25 NIV).
It says he chose to be mistreated — to endure the short-term pain for the long-term gain of doing the right thing.
You're going to have pain in life. But if you choose to do the hard thing right now and put in the effort and the discipline to learn, to grow, to become strong and mature, then later in life you get to benefit from all of that.
I am benefiting right now from decisions I made in my twenties to not spend more than I made, to save, to tithe, to honor God. I'm benefiting many years later because I was disciplined. I did the hard thing first.
When you choose the short-term pain like Moses did, you're going to see God deliver you so that you can enjoy the long-term reward.
PLAY today's audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over


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Japanese manga Gantz is being made into a movie. Here is the trailer. You can watch it!
The original manga debuted in 2000 and follows a pair of high school students, a mysterious black sphere and bionic body suits. Gantz was spun off into a successful anime series and into a 2005 third-person shooter video game from Konami.
The Gantz movie stars Nintendo spokesperson and Letters from Iwo Jima star Kazunari Ninomiya. Check out the trailer below.


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There is a lot of worry and concern about religious freedom in the news these days. Sure, it's rampant! People around the globe are being oppressed and slaughtered. It ain't pretty out there, folks. But somebody, somewhere, right here in our own country can be found this very moment whining about how their own religious freedom has been violated right here in our own backyard.
Take heed! Tell everyone to keep watch! These same terrible things could happen to you. Don't allow your religious freedom to be endangered.
Not sure if your religious freedom is being threatened? Here are 10 signs that your religion is under attack.
#10. Your country or region is engaged in a decade-long war on terror. You must hide the cross on your necklace because Fox news portrays your religious group as terrorists and people look at you with disdain everywhere you go.
#9. You are unable to marry your soul-mate because no public officials are willing to legally join a couple that actually believes God intended marriage to be between one man and one woman.
#8. Excited by the news of your fifth pregnancy, you are headed to the doctor for your first prenatal appointment but you cannot get past all the zero-population growth picketers and protestors. As they block the sidewalk, they yell and jeer, calling you "whore" and "human rabbit". The God-given life within your womb leaps with terror at the anger. When you return to your car, you find it covered with smashed eggs.
#7. Your state allows monuments to be displayed on the capitol lawn but the planning committee has refused to allow your creative sculpture of the Ten Commandments even though they already have a Hindu monkey statue to Lord Hanuman prominently displayed.
#6. Your vacation request has been denied for Christmas day. You requested this holy day off from work so that you can celebrate the birth of your savior in prayer with your family. However, your boss denies your vacation request and asks why you cannot simply observe and practice your faith in early December on Hanukkah and Kwanzaa like everyone else does.
#5. Your rapidly growing church group must hold crowded services in a two-car garage because, in your city, churches cannot be built within five miles of any of the Mosques or other historic sites deemed as sacred ground.
#4. The science teacher at your daughter's school insists that evolution is scientific fact. Despite your efforts to openly discuss Creationism he laughs heartily and rambles on about fossils and carbon dating.
#3. You are outraged because a particular political party repeatedly bashes Christianity, slamming the "Bible" and "Jesus", in an effort to distract public attention from their own failures and impending downfall. They have even accused the president of being a Christian!
#2. Your car gets towed by haters while you are in church on Sunday. "Christians Don't Park Here" signs have been posted on the street all around your church.
#1. You are forced to use birth control in order to remain covered under your insurance plan. You wonder why. Clearly someone somewhere doesn't think you are smart enough to responsibly manage the equipment you were born with.
… And just one more thing.
You are spitting mad because your religion is not listed first on the Wikipedia page of world religions. There are an estimated 4200 world religions. You might be a victim of a huge threat to your religious freedom if your religion of choice is not listed FIRST. Let's face it folks, the religion YOU practice is the most important one, right? Don't stand for being third or fourth on anybody's list. And most certainly don't get caught praying to or worshipping a God who would stand for that kind of crap either! If this describes you, your religious freedom might indeed be threatened.
Don't miss it! The ultimate sign of religious freedom violation is revealed below…
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. It is one of the issues that has caused more wars, more world conflicts and more un-neighborly arguments at the end of people's driveways than almost any other topic throughout all of history anywhere on our planet. And I'm guessing it's the same on other similar unenlightened planets throughout the cosmos too. Let's face it: People are passionate about their spirituality and religious freedom. And we humanoids seem to actually enjoy fighting about it.
This penchant for squabbling about religious freedom is an age-old argument that humans just cannot seem to resolve. The annals of history are filled with infinite bloody tales of extreme woe and violence all in the name of God. Or whatever name you personally choose to call the Supreme One or in the event that there IS more than one: The Supremes. (Please. Stop! In the name of love!)
The conservatives are to blame!
But who is to blame for starting all these epic feuds and petty spats about religious freedom? A clear answer can be found in the history books. The conservatives in every crowd have typically started the fights. Oops…did I say, conservatives? What I meant to say was, the people who feel self-righteous and believe they are more enlightened than the rest of us. You know some folks like this, right? The people who are on a mission, motivated by a desire for power and control dripping with fear, to change everyone else's way of thinking lest we all rot in the depths of Hell or some other heinous fiery place. The people who quiver with anger and throw poison darts when others refuse to succumb to their supposedly-more-enlightened-brainwashed-ridiculousness. Who are these religious freedom crusaders? Hmm…. On second thought, allow me to rewind. Who is to blame? Conservatives and ultra-conservatives.
Of course, they haven't always been called by THAT name. They've traveled through time under many names openly attacking anyone who thinks differently. But their reasons are always the same. Holy arguments all have similar roots and similar goals. Religious freedom has long been attacked. Spreading one's own belief, winning back property, rescuing people and places that are polluted with profanity and avenging past attacks.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the key.
In modern terms? Religious freedom is attacked when somebody thinks they know something bigger and better and then decides to force their ideas upon others. Instead of simply being open-minded and accepting that others simply think differently. Imagine how history could've been different?
But, here's the good news. Despite all the fear-based fussing and fighting and the need others may have for control and power, you cannot be persecuted for what you believe, no matter what. The United Nations says so in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. So there. You have the right to be whatever religion you choose and to believe whatever you want. And nobody can tell you differently. Aaah… religious freedom.
The absolute, ultimate sign that your religious freedom has been violated…
You're shocked and disappointed as you approach the pearly gates on the day you die to see all the Buddhists, Muslims, Tao'ists, Wiccans and Jews being greeted by Saint Peter as they pass on through into eternity…


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Ball Valve Installation:
1, must confirm the pipeline and valve operation has been cleaned before.
2, Valve actuator operation according to the size of the input signal to drive stem rotation completion: The forward rotation of 1/4 laps (900), the valve closed. When the reverse rotates 1/4 laps (900), the valve opens.
3. When the actuator direction indicates that the arrow is parallel to the pipeline, the valve is opened and the valve is closed when the arrow is perpendicular to the pipeline.
Ball Valve Repair:
has a longer service life and maintenance-free time, will depend on several factors: normal working conditions, to maintain a harmonious temperature/pressure ratio, and reasonable corrosion data before the maintenance, remove the pipeline pressure and make the valve open position, before the maintenance, disconnect the power supply or gas source, repair, the execution mechanism and stent detachment.
1, packing lock tight
If the filler culvert is in the micro-leakage filling, the stem nut should be tightened.
Note: Do not lock tightly, usually to lock 1/4 ring to 1 ring, leakage will stop.
Replacement of seat and seals
A, demolition
Let valve in half open position, flush valve inside and outside may exist dangerous material.
Close the ball valve, remove the bolts and nuts from both sides of the flange, and complete the valve removal from the pipe.
Remove drive device sequentially-actuator, connection bracket, loose washer, stem nut, butterfly-shaped shrapnel, glam, wear-resisting piece, stem stuffing.
Remove the body cover connecting bolts and nuts, separating the bonnet from the valve body and removing the bonnet gasket.
Confirm that the ball is in the "off" position, which can be easily removed from the body and removed from the valve seat.
Gently push the stem down through the body hole until it is fully removed, then remove the O-ring and the filler ring.
Note: Please be careful to avoid scratching the stem surface and the valve's packing seal.
B, reassemble
The cleaning and inspection of parts under investigation is strongly recommended for replacement of seat and bonnet gaskets and seals with spare parts.
Assemble in reverse order of disassembly.
With the specified torque, cross lock flange bolts.
With the specified torque, tighten the nut.
After the installation of the actuator, through the rotating stem to drive the spool to rotate the corresponding input signal, so that the valve to open and close the position.
If possible, after the installation of the pipeline, according to the standard valve sealing pressure test and performance testing.


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Answer: The approximate weight in pounds of Skittles Andrew received from his friends for his birthday! This for the guy who just had two root canals, two crowns, and about a dozen fillings. = {
We have considered entertaining friendly wagers on the date the final Skittle will be consumed.


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Product Description
Powerlet PPC-015-SC short Mini USB charger adapter cable works with most devices that utilize a Mini USB connector. The in-line regulator assures voltage is properly stepped down to 5v.
12" long with a Powerlet / BMW male plug and includes a PPC-024 angled adapter for Garmin GPS units.
Write an online review and share your thoughts with others.


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Food – Snacks, Garlic Bread w/ Jalapeno Sauce; Apples w/ Peanut Butter; Craisins; Trail Mix; Cuties; Oranges; Carrots and Crackers.
Present – All Players plus George as a guest playing the Green Knight and Baby Jack was the Goose.
Christopher was gracious enough to do a session recap and had almost perfect recall of the entire session. After getting a new character sheet for Horace we started the game.
The King Proclaimed a feast and tournament in celebration of the safe return of his daughter by his loyal vassals and fosterlings [See the previous session for a recap].
Our heroes got to engage in Melee Combat, Archery, Jousting and Magic. They caught a couple of cheaters trying to rig the Archery contest; cutting strings and casting true strike to cheat. Only at the end did the group reveal the cheater. Horace was uncomfortable when a young maiden bade him to carry her favor and be her champion. She introduced herself as the Lady Summers. Horace felt an icy grip of fear and avoided her for she made him quite uncomfortable in ways that could only be described as predator and prey. [Sam played the NPC Lady Summers]. Horace was most impressive dropping his opponents in one blow for two of the combats. The Green Knight observed and liked what he saw. The Green Knight was in the Jousting and met a worthy opponent, for they had two passes without success and then both crashed together de-horsing each other. Getting up they engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand combat before finally agreeing to a draw to quit the field with honor. Five of the Six characters were successful in de-horsing their opponent, Julia was unlucky and found herself instead de-horsed. The rest of the age group conceded figuring the king's foster children were more than a match for any of them.
In the Magic Competition, Julia shined greatly. She and Nickolai outclassed their age groups. Horace had fun shooting a couple of "Rays of Fire". The wizard apprentices couldn't match the sheer strength, and were again soundly defeated.
After triumphing mightily in the tourney, the group ended up cleaning up along with the rest of the squires. When they returned to enjoy the feast, they found the entire group of celebrants out cold, drugged by a fey berry with magic. With the Aid of the Green Knight, the group went to the Forest to find a way to the Realm of the Fey. At the Forest they found the Fey Circle, the traditional Circle of Mushrooms. But finding no trace of fey, Julia, versed in many languages, called out. And was challenged back by a Tiny Squirrel. Offering coin, they entreated the Fey Creature to guide them to where a cure could be found, the Moth Crystal, held by the goblins.
With a stern warning NOT TO STRAY FROM THE TRAIL HE BLAZED, he opened the portal and led them. The group spotted a few unattended jewels a few feet from the path, but ignored it heeding the warning they had gotten. Next, they found a small bridge, traversing a brook, perhaps a foot wide, easily bypassed. Upon the stone bridge a creature leapt to the middle and challenged the group to answer three questions. Alas, Horace had not heeded the Squirrel's warning and had tried to bypass the bridge and found himself lost in the forest. He heard singing and came across a glen where Satyrs where dancing around a fire. They offered him, food, drink and merriment, but he refused all. Instead asking to find his friends. In return he pain the satyrs by giving them the Large Mystic 50lbs tome of lore. They gave him a good hope berry and bade him to eat it when he desired to find his friends.
Meanwhile, back at the bride – the Green Knight answered his "How Old Are You?" "437" the reply came, to Talios "What Color is Water?", to which he answered, "Blue", "Wrong, water is clear" the little creature replied, and to the final person, "What can hold Ink?" to which Georgina replied "A glass vial!" With that, he allowed the group to pass.
The squirrel then left the path, to which the Green Knight challenged, what are you doing, I thought we weren't supposed to leave the path. The squirrel replied, "I told you not to leave the trail I blazed". Not far they found a cave. Huntley entered and cleared the entrance of the trap, and located Horace standing in the dark. Horace refused to return with him believing him to be a figment of his imagination. Huntley returned and informed the group, after an exchange they left Horace behind (Whom trailed after them as stealthy as a Bull in a China Shop).
They found an odd room, a contraption atop a pedestal with blades circling against the floor, and a flawless Diamond atop. Horace rushed in and grabbed the Diamond, being blinded and shocked for near half his life. There were three doors – Behind door #1 was a Stalactite dripping mystical water in to a pool; Behind Door #3 was an illusion of a sleeping fearsome beast; Behind door #3 was an endless hallway, which if you made your save was actually short and ended with a room where three goblins sat at a table. The group parleyed and bargained for Moth Crystal, in return the group had to each give something valuable –
Julia gave a precious Pen to the Goblins; Georgina gave her Staff; Huntley his Cloak; Talios his Sword; Nickolai his Bow; Horace his Greatsword; and the Green Knight Sacrificed a portion of his heart. In return they were given the antitidote and left.
Returning and spreading the dust, they awoke the participants. The Green Knight Knighted all but Julia, proclaiming them 'Knights of the Shadow' under his authority as a knight of the Eagle; for Julia, he proclaimed her a Mage of great power, and giving her a note with instructions to seek out a man in a fancy hat in a tavern in Hilsfar.
NPCs of Note:
- King Belharn – Father of the Princess and Ruler of Hilsfar
- Lady Bella Summers – Maiden looking for a worthy husband
Player Requests:
- Horace is desiring a Pseudodragon egg to raise
- GM pointed out that instead of trying to purchase such a thing, that instead questing to find and befriend one might be more rewarding.
- Talios wants a pet: Cat or Dog
- GM pointed out that at 2nd level the option to take 'Companion' would be available allowing such things to be Dogs, Cats or even Pseudodragons to be gotten. Eclipse: The Codex Persona allows such things with the GM permission to be obtained, making the character direction a lot more in player control.
Filed under: d20, RPG, SessionLog | Tagged: Campaign Log, Children's Crusade, d20, Roleplaying, RPG, Session Log |