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Magic, a prized resource, is the only thing between peace and war. When magic runs out, four estranged royal siblings must find a new source before their country is swallowed by invading forces. The first in an Indian-inspired duology. Vira is desperate to get out of her mother’s shadow and establish her legacy as a revered queen of Ashoka. But with the country’s only quarry running out of magic–a precious resource that has kept Ashoka safe from conflict–she can barely protect her citizens from the looming threat of war. And if her enemies discover this, they’ll stop at nothing to seize the last of the magic.
Vira’s only hope is to find a mysterious object of legend: the Ivory Key, rumored to unlock a new source of magic. But in order to infiltrate enemy territory and retrieve it, she must reunite with her siblings, torn apart by the different paths their lives have taken. Each of them has something to gain from finding the Ivory Key–and even more to lose if they fail. Ronak plans to sell it to the highest bidder in exchange for escape from his impending political marriage. Kaleb, falsely accused of assassinating the former maharani needs it to clear his name. And Riya, a runaway who cut all family ties, wants the Key to prove her loyalty to the rebels who want to strip the nobility of its power.
They must work together to survive the treacherous journey. But with each sibling harboring secrets and their own agendas, the very thing that brought them together could tear apart their family–and their world–for good.
Today is my stop on the TBR & Beyond Tours for Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti. Special thanks to Random House Graphic for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Click here or on the banner above to check out the rest of the amazing bloggers on tour!
Goodreads:Across a Field of Starlight Publisher: Random House Graphic Publication Date: 08 February 2022 Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi, Graphic Novel
An epic sci-fi graphic novel romance between two non-binary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war. An amazing story that explores the complexity of human nature and what brings us together.
When they were kids, Fassen’s fighter spaceship crash-landed on a planet that Lu’s survey force was exploring. It was a forbidden meeting between a kid from a war-focused resistance movement and a kid whose community and planet are dedicated to peace and secrecy.
Lu and Fassen are from different worlds and separate solar systems. But their friendship keeps them in each other’s orbit as they grow up. They stay in contact in secret as their communities are increasingly threatened by the omnipresent, ever-expanding empire.
As the empire begins a new attack against Fassen’s people–and discovers Lu’s in the process–the two of them have the chance to reunite at last. They finally are able to be together…but at what cost?
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an epic science fiction romance between two non-binary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war.
I’m back with the The Storytellers on Tour today with a Book Blitz for Dim Stars by Brian P. Rubin and I’ll be sharing my first impressions of the book so far. Thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Don’t forget to scroll to the end of the post to enter the GIVEAWAY (International) for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of the book!
Goodreads: Dim Stars Publisher: Critical Eye Publishing Publication Date: 20 October 2020 Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi
Kenzie Washington, fourteen-year-old girl genius, signs up for a two-week tour as a cadet on the spaceship of her idol, Captain Dash Drake. Too bad Dash, who once saved the galaxy from the evil Forgers, is a broke loser and much less than meets the eye. But when an intergalactic evil appears and launches an attack, Dash, Kenzie, and the ship’s crew escape, making them the next target. On the run and low on gas, Dash and Kenzie encounter cannibal space-pirates, catastrophic equipment failure, and a cyborg who’s kind of a jerk. Kenzie is determined to discover the bad guys’ secret plan. But for her to succeed, Dash needs to keep his brilliant, annoying cadet from getting killed …which is a lot harder than it sounds.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fable (Fable #1) Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Publication date: 01 September 2020 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Panda Rating:
As the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home seventeen-year-old Fable has ever known. It’s been four years since the night she watched her mother drown during an unforgiving storm. The next day her father abandoned her on a legendary island filled with thieves and little food. To survive she must keep to herself, learn to trust no one and rely on the unique skills her mother taught her. The only thing that keeps her going is the goal of getting off the island, finding her father and demanding her rightful place beside him and his crew. To do so Fable enlists the help of a young trader named West to get her off the island and across the Narrows to her father.
But her father’s rivalries and the dangers of his trading enterprise have only multiplied since she last saw him and Fable soon finds that West isn’t who he seems. Together, they will have to survive more than the treacherous storms that haunt the Narrows if they’re going to stay alive.
Welcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men.
Note: The quotes below are taken from an advanced/unfinished copy and are subject to change in the final version.


Bloomberg Unveils New Approach to Target Illegal Conversions
In a statement released by his office recently, Mayor Bloomberg outlined how the city plans to deal with dangerous illegally converted apartments. A multi-agency task force, chaired by Chief Policy Advisor John Feinblatt, developed a risk assessment model that will be applied to illegal conversion complaint records weekly. The model generates a targeted list of illegal conversions at high risk for a fire, and the locations are inspected within 48 hours by a joint inspection team, which vastly improves the chances for access.
In a pilot-run, about 40 percent of the buildings that met the task force's criteria were illegal conversions and needed to be vacated, compared to a city-wide average of 3 percent. The model evaluates all illegal conversion and single-room occupancy complaints based on the four metrics, which have historically correlated with dangerous fires.
High-risk complaints are then inspected within 48 hours of being identified by the joint inspection team, consisting of Fire Department personnel and Buildings inspectors. Joint inspections are designed to increase the rate of successful access. In the past, Buildings inspectors have gained access roughly half the time when investigating complaints about illegal conversions.
If the joint inspection teams cannot gain access to the property, access warrants will be pursued if sufficient evidence is available. If, after gaining access, the joint inspection team determines that an order to vacate the property may be necessary, it will consult with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development to consider whether there is a way to cure the problem or limit the vacate order to only a portion of the building.


you didn't list your offset and your suspension. Also, if it's a wagon or a sedan. I'll assume the answers are +48, stock, sedan: Check the struts. They might be shot, particularly in the corner where you're rubbing. The "rubbing" might just be your suspension bouncing off the limit. Bad alignment can cause many problems but assuming the wheels are on relatively straight, 225 wide tires at a reasonable offset shouldn't cause rubbing
But if the answers are <48, the suspension has some lowering springs, or the car's a wagon, you have other problems not related to the alignment.
2015 STi: Still Stock
04 STi, 04 WRX: SOLD


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domain: hobby


text:
Michael Kanellos writes that Richard Smalley, Nobel Prize winner in chemistry in 1996, believes that the global energy situation "may be a greater challenge for us than the Cold War" and that the consequences of ignoring the problem will be terrorism, pestilence, famine. The problem comes from a dire conflict between supply and demand.
Between the Lines
Larry Dignan and other IT industry experts, blogging at the intersection of business and technology, deliver daily news and analysis on vital enterprise trends.
Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief of ZDNet and SmartPlanet as well as Editorial Director of ZDNet's sister site TechRepublic.
Rachel King is a staff writer for ZDNet based in San Francisco.
Zack Whittaker writes for ZDNet, CNET, and CBS News. He is based in New York City.
Oracle buys PeopleSoft. Symantec buys Veritas. Microsoft buys...
While most of the attention is on the big mergers and acquisitions, some startups are trying to shake up the new world order by doing what the behemoths haven't been able to do so far--which makes them good candidates for acquisition if they can ultimately prove themselves. Just look at VMware, which pioneered turning Intel servers into multiple virtual machines.
The ZigBee Alliance announced...
In their bid to sway users over to their way of thinking when it comes to *nix-based destkops, especially for businesses, Novell and Sun have been pulling out the management card.
Scripting News publisher and RSS shaker-and-mover Dave Winer diplomatically bit...
Just last week, in what I figured to be a foreshadowing of some sort of Sun Ray announcement (Sun Rays are Sun's thin client), Sun president and COO Jonathan Schwartz blogged about ARPU economics and how they'd drive the cost of a PC down to zero.
The ugly intellectual property rights to...
CNET News.com has a story that puts a tidy bow on research coming from several sources that points...
Dell's PR today sent us some screen shots from the hysterical Tech Force video shown during Michael Dell's keynote (Video) at Oracle OpenWorld. It was described as a Dell training video to show how to work with Oracle as a sales team.

domain: news


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It is always good to always find a balance between bathroom renovation designs and functionality. In this article, we will share some Bathroom Remodeling Ideas - Bathroom Renovation Designs that we hope will inspire you.
We love the pretty floral silhouette print of our Dee Hardwick vinyl floor tiles! Perfect for creating a subtly feminine look in the bathroom, or any other room in the home! Shown here in a soothing shade of Pebble Grey www.

domain: artistic


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The grossest violations of the right to free speech in our history occurred under Woodrow Wilson's war on the First Amendment, but the victims--radical farmers, Wobblies, intransigent Midwesterners, and a kooky idealistic movie producer--didn't have press agents to apotheosize
them, as did the rich communist screenwriters of the 1950s.
His closest supporters (chamchas) apotheosize
him and very soon he himself begins to believe in his divine powers.
The anti-work ethic, the belief that there is no causal connection between effort and prosperity, salvages our self-esteem in the face of our inability to get ahead, explains our neglect by our peers, transfers the blame for the failure of our perseverance to forces beyond our control, forces that, like a side-splitting practical joke, apotheosize
grazing ruminants like the Kardashians, making six of the least remarkable nonentities ever born six of the richest and most famous.
Gast's attempt to apotheosize
the self-proclaimed Antichrist was not isolated.
Healthcare institutions worldwide striving for optimal healthcare delivery systems at an affordable cost should apotheosize
HRF type model of supply chain management practiced at SGPGIMS.
Ashley Faulkner's "Virgin and Child with John: Ruskin's Typical Romance," is less concerned with the social construction of reality and more concerned with John Ruskin's private use of biblical typology to in effect apotheosize
both his mother and his wished-for bride, Rose La Touche, who died at age 27 in 1875, and whose spirit Ruskin claims contacted him during a visionary and auditory dream of Saint Ursula when he was in Venice during December 1876.
Greene thereby subverts his protagonist's readiness to apotheosize
Attuning the observer to these sensory details, Moore's talisman epitomizes how an undisclosed object (once hidden in the ground) can apotheosize
into a fully aestheticized thing, eschewing abstract metaphor in favor of hypnotizing surfaces.
Freud seeks to demystify the image, James to apotheosize
I have never believed this, and maintain that those who do wish simultaneously to apotheosize
the victimhood of the Jews and to deny the transformative powers of art.
Justificationism compels them to apotheosize
the rightness of their premises absolutely because it always asks for affirmative evidences in order to justify their own positions.
So how can Caldwell apotheosize
Christianity for its contribution to European culture and then go on to unmask the moral decay and self-loathing that motivates the universalism that is said, in his own book, to be Christianity's most inspiring legacy?

domain: literature


The best 175 music sites ♥
More than 150 of the best music websites on this planet. Discover thousands of new bands, listen instantly to music, discover new social music networks, find your daily resources handy on one page. Feel free to give comments or add additions underneath.
This is a collaborative open link directory, read here how you can edit this page.


Let's explode the myth that Democrats have moved too far left and somehow lost the moderate vote. House Democrats won moderates (39% of the electorate) by a 55% to 42% margin. Republicans just have a double strength, triple cylinder, titanium clad lock on conservative voters who were extremely fired up for the midterm. These graphics, courtesy of Jed Lewison at DKos, are based on CNN national exit polls of House races.
Other interesting items from the exit polling, Dems have a problem with white voters of both genders (losing them 37% to 60%), do well with young voters (winning 18 to 29 year olds 57% to 40%) and the working class (we're 53% to 44% in the under $50K income range) but lose $100K and over earners by 40% to 58%.
Know who the heck your base is and know what they need — something otherwise known as representation. Right now, they need jobs, housing and an improving economy. As Matt Stoller tweeted yesterday:
Don't foreclose on your voters. #2010lessons


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Whether or not to look through our kids’ phones can be a parenting lightning rod issue. If you do, some will say you’re invading your child’s privacy and creating lifelong trust issues. If you don’t, others will say you’re negligent and might as well hand over your car keys and let your 12-year-old joyride alone down I-95. Is there any middle ground?
Parents will make different decisions about whether or not to look through their kids’ phones, so we can’t give you a definite yes or no. But we can give you a roadmap for how to think through this issue, so you can make the best decision for your family.
What you definitely should do when it comes to kids’ phones.
The data on parental monitoring suggests that kids whose parents are more aware of what they’re up to day-to-day tend to have better outcomes, like lower depressive symptoms and fewer risky behaviors. But how to be aware when it comes to kid’s phones is the question. How can we be “aware enough” without veering into snowplow parent territory or undercutting kids’ development into healthy, happy, independent people?
Here’s what you should definitely do as a baseline:
- Ask your kids what they’re up to on their phones - and be genuinely curious about what they’re doing behind their screens.
- Have open, honest conversations (Not sure where to start? Tech Parenting 101 will walk you through tricky topics step-by-step. If you want to be the first to know when it launches, join our waitlist here (insert button).)
- Create an environment where kids feel comfortable telling you about tough stuff that’s happening, like when they see meanness or a friend’s post that seems concerning. (Hint: if kids fear we’ll immediately take away their phones, they’ll be less likely to come to us for help– even if they actually need it.)
Okay, now the trickier part. Should you physically check kids’ phones or use some kind of monitoring software?
Many parents have a strong, knee jerk reaction to the idea of direct monitoring. The anti phone-checkers feel strongly that it’s a violation of privacy. The pro phone-checkers feel it’s a necessary step to keep kids safe. What we all have in common, though, is that we love our kids and also sometimes want to throw their phones directly into a pile of flaming garbage.
Should I read their texts?
It depends. Whether and how much to monitor your child’s device is going to depend on a few different factors, including your own values and preferences, as well as your child’s age, history, and needs. We’ll break these all down for you– but first, you should know:
- Most parents of 13 and 14-year-olds look at their child’s phones at least occasionally. Reasonable parents will make different decisions about whether and how much to monitor their children’s devices.That said, nationally representative data from 2018 suggests that 72% of parents of 13- and 14-year-olds at least sometimes look at their teen’s call records or text messaging history.
- Appropriately, the number of parents who monitor starts to drop as teens get older. While a majority of parents monitor their 13-14-year-olds phones, this drops as kids get older. Just under half of parents (48%) are still looking through the phones of their 15- to 17-year-olds.
- Your goal is to keep them safe, but also to help them become more independent: At the core of questions about monitoring is a question about how to balance your child’s independence versus safety. It’s worth being thoughtful about your approach because both are important for healthy development. Showing respect for their privacy is a key step on the path toward more trust and independence.
My kid is about to get their first phone, and I want to do occasional checks of their text messages. What do I say to them?
When preteens and younger teens are getting their first phones, we recommend at least some kind of parental involvement– at least at first. Talk clearly about your rules and limits, and your expectations (Check out our guide to [9 essential conversations before the first phone for help knowing what to cover!). If you decide to monitor your kid’s messages, you might try this approach:
Show you care: I love you and I care so much about you.
Explain your reasoning: I’m sure you’re excited to get your phone, and I want you to know I trust you. At the same time, having a phone is a big change. It’s my job as a parent to make sure you’re safe, and part of that is making sure things go well with your phone.
Frame it as a learning process: Learning to use a phone safely and responsibly takes practice, and I’m here to help you while you’re learning.
Let them know you’re open to talk: I hope you’ll come talk to me if you run into anything you’re confused or worried about.
Explain your plan: One way I’m going to make sure you’re safe is by [occasionally checking what’s happening on your phone] or [having you show me what’s happening on your phone] or [asking you to show/tell me who you’re talking to and what you’re posting], etc.
Promise not to jump to conclusions: If there’s anything concerning, I promise I’ll come to you first, and we can talk about it before doing anything else.
Make a plan to re-evaluate: Once we both feel comfortable with how things are going with your phone, we’ll revisit this plan.
If they say “but don’t you trust me?!”: I trust you, and I know that you’re going to use your phone in a way that’s responsible. But everyone makes mistakes, and I want to make sure I can help you learn when that happens. There are also some things that are out of your control when you start using a phone (like things people send you, or people who try to message you), and it’s my job to make sure you’re safe.
Balance independence and safety to raise healthy, well-adjusted kids
Teens (and pre-teens) are working toward becoming independent, functioning adult members of society. To do so, they need some privacy, some space to take risks, some opportunities to make mistakes. Still, you’ve surely also noticed that teens and tweens are not yet adult members of society. They need some guardrails to keep them safe. And they need an adult to be generally aware of what they’re up to and ready to give support and guidance when they feel in over their heads.
Tell them your phone plan so they know what to expect
When it comes to fostering both independence and safety with phones, the first step is communication. No matter what approach you take to monitoring, it’s essential that you talk about it openly. Share your perspective with them, communicate about the plan, and listen to your child’s perspective, too.
If you decide to directly monitor your child’s device, you should make this clear to them in advance. Spying—secretly reading their texts without them knowing you’re going to do so—is not a good idea. It’s likely to backfire. If you decide to monitor a tween’s phone, explain clearly what you’re going to look at, when, and why.
You might say something like: my job is to keep you safe, and to help you learn how to use this phone. Sometimes what we say in a text feels private, but it doesn’t always stay private. Your friends’ parents might be reading their messages, or someone else might see it. To help you as you’re learning, I’m going to occasionally check your messages.
Consider your kid - no one knows them better than you!
The most important consideration in whether and how to monitor your child’s device is your child. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some child-specific factors you might consider:
- Age (and maturity). Younger or less mature kids are going to need more supervision, but as teens age, they’re going to need more independence. If your kid is 11, 12, maybe 13, phone checks can make sense. But if they’re older than that, it’s important to start loosening the reins and giving them more independence, respecting their privacy and their relationships. Be warned: teens’ desires for privacy are developmentally appropriate, and age inappropriate monitoring can drive them to hide their behaviors from you in sneakier ways.
- Personal History. If your kid is pretty responsible, follows the rules, is open with you, comes to you when they have a problem, etc., checking their phone might not be necessary. If your kid tends to take more risks, maybe has a harder time following rules, is struggling emotionally, or tends not to share much, checking their phone might be a better idea. Teens who are prone to more rule-breaking and risky behavior in their offline lives are likely going to need more supervision online, too.
- Tech (In)Experience. If you are going to directly monitor your child’s device, the best time to do it is when they first get a phone. At that time, they’ll have less experience with using their own device, and likely need more support. It’s also (much) easier to set the expectation that you’ll be monitoring or doing “spot checks” upfront. Make sure your kids know that your goal is to help them be responsible and independent, and you’ll keep revisiting and revising rules as they get older.
- Serious Concerns. If you have serious concerns about your child’s health or safety—for example, if you suspect they may be harming themselves or using drugs or chatting with people who put them at risk— checking their phone can be essential.
There are some other considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when deciding what to do:
Communicate your expectations
What are the other pieces of your tech parenting plan? There is almost no situation in which direct monitoring of a child’s device will work as a standalone approach. If you decide to do it, make sure it’s coupled with other strategies like: regular communication about tech, clear rules and expectations for tech use, and validation for tech struggles.
Decide what’s realistic
It’s typically not a good idea (and also, incredibly impractical) to read every text message your 12-year-old sends. Many families find that an occasional check is plenty. In fact, simply setting the expectation that you’ll do “spot checks,” without ever actually needing to do them, can sometimes be enough to encourage a child to think twice before they hit ‘send.’ You might also consider slightly more frequent checks when they first get a phone, and taper off over time.
Pick a strategy
How will you check? Some families do an occasional scan of recent texts, messages, and/or posts. Others have their kids give them a “tour” of what they’re up to. Others boldly hover near their phone-using child, stealing occasional glances and asking what are you up to? Choose your own adventure!
Be ready to see stuff you don’t like
What will you do if you come across something you don’t like? This is an important one. Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour compares direct phone monitoring to a full-body CT scan. It will pick up on any big problems, which is great. But it will also pick up on some other stuff—bad language, inappropriate jokes—that you kind of wish you didn’t see in the first place. Our view? Let the small stuff go as much as possible. You’ll have more credibility if you need to address something bigger.
The Bottom Line on Looking Through Kids’ Phones
There’s no data to suggest that reading your child’s text messages is something you need to do. There’s also no data to suggest that doing so—when communicated in advance and paired with other, age-appropriate tech parenting strategies—is something you shouldn’t do. For many families, occasionally checking their child’s device is one component of an effective tech parenting plan. Remember that teens need more privacy as they get older to help them develop into healthy, independent young adults.
This blog is adapted from a post Jackie wrote for her email newsletter, Techno Sapiens. You can read the original and subscribe to Techno Sapiens here. The script shared above is lightly modified from an interview Jackie did with Emily Oster, which you can find here.

domain: psychology


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At some point in the next few days, Wilfred Bony will become a very wealthy young man. He is already a wealthy young man by most standards but Manchester City's willingness to hand over huge money for him means that he is now numbered among an elite.
I'm pretty certain that the Uefa Financial Fair play rules won't impact on him at all despite widespread reports that Manchester City have been restricted in the amount they can pay him because of a wage freeze.
Manchester City have already been very creative in finding ways around the freeze most notably when they signed Frank Lampard through their feeder club in America on loan.
So I don't doubt they're working to structure Bony's wage package in such a way that he gets the kind of salary a £35m transfer merits and Uefa's bean counters can sign off on it. Football has always found a way in these circumstances.
Still, I'd love to know how a club which has been fined for breaching regulations and spending too much on their playing staff can shell out such an enormous amount of money for yet another player.
I have no doubt that Manchester City are sticking to the regime imposed by Uefa but it hasn't stopped them spending so you would have to question whether the Financial Fair Play rule is working.
Manuel Pellegrini has acted as any manager should and clearly went to his employers and pointed out the fact that he hasn't been able to keep any of his three strikers fit since the season started. Sergio Aguero is on the way back after injury and Edin Dzeko and Stefan Jovetic have been out more than in since August.
But surely the whole point of transfer windows and financial fair play was to stop exactly what Manchester City are doing.; to stop a rich club from effectively buying a title at the expense of the development of smaller clubs.
The temptation dangled in front of Swansea was overwhelming. Survival in the Premier League is the priority and in one move, they have secured their balance sheet for the year and probably freed up cash to add some players to the squad.
But that is two steps back and just one step forward. The Swanseas of this world will always be scrambling to catch up while bigger clubs are able to raid them in mid-season for their best players.
This is part of the genetics of football and unless there is a fundamental change to a draft system like they use in American football, it will always be the same.
Properly enforced regulation would help and of course, if they were really serious about keeping the playing field level, they would simply close the January window altogether.
To date, there has only been one winner when football's sometimes archaic rules are challenged and I suspect that we are not far off a moment when a player, perhaps someone in Bony's circumstances, chooses to take on a Uefa imposed wage cap in a court.
He will win. When you think about it, how can anyone dictate how much a private company chooses to pay its employees?
Sure, clubs sign up to the Uefa rulebook and Manchester City accepted a fine and a wage freeze under the new rules. But there is nothing to stop a player going to court and demanding the same rights as other professions enjoy. Marc Bosman did exactly that and football changed forever.
There will always be winners and losers. Competitive sport requires results. The question is where you draw the line and the consequences which follow if you don't.
Alex Ferguson's greatest achievement was to build teams from within Old Trafford. He spent plenty of money but the core of his operation was a group of lads who grew up with him.
My fear is that we will never see this happen again. Two billion pound clubs in Manchester have only a handful of home grown players. They think nothing of spending hundreds of millions on transfers and salaries. Only in Germany and Italy do we see top clubs populated by home grown talent. The Germans poured effort, energy and cash into their under-age programme and are producing players. Serie A is broke.
Even at Real Madrid and Barcelona, clubs that both benefited from a golden generation of Spanish footballers in the last decade, the best are now imports.
Do the fans care? Manchester City's supporters will be delighted that their manager has made an adjustment in mid-season which could significantly help their chances of winning a big trophy this season.
This summer, Southampton was asset-stripped and lost manager and players. Ronald Koeman has come in and done a remarkable job with another crop of talented footballers. Who is to say they won't be sold next summer? In fact, I would have a bet that some of them, at least will.
That's the problem. If a club like Manchester City can throw apparently limitless money around within the rules, what chance does a Southampton season ticket holder have of ever seeing the club captain lift the Premier League trophy?
None. Take away hope and you kill the game.

domain: economics


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Musicals that pull on your heart-strings are not an easy find, but the Hayes production of Big Fish – a modified 12-chair version of the 2013 Broadway musical – proves that imaginative but humble stagings can ignite the magic of storytelling equally, if not better than the often rife efforts of a full-blown spectacle.
Based on 1988 novel by Daniel Wallace (also adapted on screen in Tim Burton’s 2003 film), Big Fish focuses on a father-son relationship on the verge of breakdown. On Edward Bloom’s deathbed (Phillip Lowe), his now-adult son Will Bloom (Adam Rennie) remembers tall tales his father told him as a child, questioning Edward’s identity in a series of flashbacks that attempt to discover the real father he believes he never knew.
Flicking between present day and Edward’s storybook past, the musical roots itself in the real-world present, paralleling Edward’s tumour diagnosis (a foreboding death) against Will’s now-pregnant wife (the excitement of a new life). Both personalities of father and son could not be more different; Edward is an optimist, a believer in stories and Will, a realist, naturally dismissing these tales as implausible. The world of Edward’s dreams is the one John August’s book sides with most (he also wrote the screenplay for Burton’s film), and with playful yet charming numbers, like ‘The Witch’, director Tyran Parke’s spellbinding vision brings the audience into the action of Edward’s charismatic storytelling.
The delving into fantasies of Edward’s past is the production’s strongpoint, and this sees the Hayes demonstrate again that its modest scale is the perfect location to stage shows that demand intimacy. While its Broadway predecessor flopped in its attempt to re-create the attractive commerciality of Burton’s film, Parke relocates his reduced cast within the low-key confines of the Hayes, allowing his production design team (Anna Gardiner and Martelle Hunt) a chance to shift the show onto a platform that encourages its audiences to open up their imagination – and what a remarkable job they do. Consider a white veiling curtain opening up to a two-levelled set of pastel colours; across its running time, a Witch (Brittanie Shipway) emerges from a bush to belt a song about Edward’s death, a giant learns the lesson of ambition, and a werewolf is revealed. All these could easily teeter on the silly, but it never feels it; instead its fun, colourful costume and set design make it a delight to watch.
August’s libretto hits emotional beats in this production that translate well from his film script, finding its rhythm with its easy humour laced between fervent dialogue – but this is undeniably Edward’s story. It scathes over any characters that aren’t Edward; the likes of his wife Sandra Bloom (Katrina Retallick), Will’s wife, Josephine (Alessandra Merlo) and Will himself are only glossed over, rendering even his hopeful ballad ‘Stranger’ where he sings “Brighter days for dad and me” lyrically incongruous with the plotting of the story. While the weakest link of the musical stems from its uneven pacing between its stronger story but musically-generic songs (by Andrew Lippa), Will’s antagonism against his father becomes frustrating as his function as a cynical figure makes him difficult to sympathise with. Complications that later question his father’s true identity don’t bear the heavy weight of Will’s betrayal, and we are still drawn more to Edward despite his flaws.
Phillip Lowe is astonishing as Edward; he bears well the venturesome of his younger self – too ambitious for his small-town in Alabama – towards a more romantic pining, but softer version of himself as he falls in love with future-wife Sandra. But it’s when his older self is laid bare to us with all his insecurities, where son and father finally see eye-to-eye, that Lowe’s magnetic intensity shatters all hopes of leaving this enchanting production with tears unshed.

domain: entertainment


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The show must go on, but for Barry Manilow it’s going to be a week later than originally planned.
Barry announced he would be pushing back the opening night of his Manilow on Broadway tour in New York City from January 22 to January 29 after coming down with bronchitis.
“It turns out the only thing worse than hell and high water is bronchitis,” the producers of the show said in a statement. “Barry is deeply sorry to disappoint his fans and is doing everything he can to ensure a speedy recovery.”
Barry was forced to cancel his opening night show along with the following five dates due to doctor’s orders.
But for fans who had tickets to the first week of shows, the singer has extended the show’s run from February 23 to March 2.
Check here for more information on Barry’s rescheduled tour dates.
Read More On Fresh1027.com:
- Adele Shouts Out Leicester City After Premier League Victory
- Drake’s ‘Views’ Production Credits Broken Down
- Stone Temple Pilots Deny Auditioning Scott Stapp
- Watch Prince Cover David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ Weeks Prior to His Death
- Watch Kevin Hart, Big Sean and More Lip-Sync Rihanna’s ‘Work’
- Watch Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Dance Backstage During Beyoncé’s Formation Tour

domain: celebrity


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- This event has passed.
Movie Monster Wine Glass SIP & Paint at SIP Parties BYOB Studio
October 29 @ 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm$35
Movie Monster Wine Glass Painting! (Choose two)
Join us at SIP Parties BYOB Studio in historic downtown St. Charles. We are a unique twist on your typical SIP & Paint party experience! Enjoy a lively performance that brings humor and audience interaction to detailed art instruction. Whether you’re looking to do a girls night out or enjoy a date night with the hubby, we are the perfect local activity. Wine glass painting is a fantastic way to create custom home decor for yourself or to give as a gift to a loved one. Either way you are sure to enjoy this one-of-a-kind SIP & paint party experience!
Price of admission incorporates all necessary art supplies. This includes your very own set of movie monster themed wine glasses (2) to take home at the end of the night! SIP Parties does not sell/provide Food or drinks so don’t forget to bring in some of your favorite snacks and beverages 😊 BYOB Event. A full refund will be offered for all cancellations up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled event. All cancellations within this 24-hour time frame will be credited for future event. Looking for more local activities? Check out our Calendar of Events
Private SIP Parties
Don’t forget to check out our private party page! We do a variety of onsite/offsite events including: corporate functions, holiday parties, bachelorette parties, bridal/baby showers, moms groups and birthday parties, just to name a few. Whether your looking to book your next corporate function or simply join in on a regularly scheduled SIP & paint, SIP Parties is happy to host!
*Join our email list and like us on Facebook for discount codes and other special offers*


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Excellent Live March 8th, Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-0, which surprised everyone. Perhaps it was as Dong Fangzhuo said in his commentary: “The derby has never been about strength and status.” The recent status
The poor Manchester United defeated Manchester City away.
After defeating their opponents, Manchester United also achieved 22 unbeaten away games.
And they also tied Arsenal’s 22-game unbeaten record in the 2001-02 season.
However, this data can only rank second in the Premier League. Manchester United still needs to look up to a team, or Arsenal!
In the history of England’s top league, the record of unbeaten away games is 27 games, which was set by Arsenal coached by Arsene Wenger from 2002 to 2003.
The second place is Arsenal in 2001-02. They are unbeaten in 22 away games. Of course, Manchester United is now tied for second with this Arsenal.
Ranked fourth is Liverpool, who were unbeaten in 21 away games from 2019 to 2000.
Tied for fourth with Liverpool is Nottingham Forest, who set a record of 21 away games unbeaten from 1977 to 1978.
Of course, there is only one team ahead of Manchester United, Arsenal, that needs to surpass, and Manchester United is still 5 games away from Arsenal’s 27-game unbeaten away game record.
In the next five Premier League away games, Manchester United needs to face Tottenham, Leeds United, Villa and Wolves (there is another one next season).
These teams are not easy teams to deal with.
The editor is more optimistic that Tottenham can beat Manchester United. Compared with Manchester United’s unbeaten away game, the main reason is that the team’s counterattack is very sharp, but when a counterattacking team meets another counterattacking team, it is often very difficult.
At present, what Manchester United needs to do is to continue the record of unbeaten away games. I just don’t know if Manchester United can do it? You know, it will not be easy to win 5 rounds of unbeaten away games.
However, if he can do it, Solskjaer is also destined to be written into the history of the Premier League.
However, although Manchester United’s away performance this season is good, their performance at home is really a bit too bad. I don’t know when Manchester United’s home results can be improved? After all, away results alone are not enough to compete for the championship!

domain: sports


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Re: Vietnam bill sparks diplomatic ruckus, Dec. 6
Vietnam bill sparks diplomatic ruckus, Dec. 6
Canadian Senator Thanh Hai Ngo is right that Canada and the world should commemorate April 30 as a milestone in the history of Vietnam, but not for the reason he thinks.
It was on that day in 1975 that the last American troops fled the country and Ho Chi Minh’s victorious forces marched into what was then called Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City.
What happened on that day wasn’t a sovereign country being overrun by a foreign “oppressive communist regime” as Ngo said when he launched debate on his bill last spring.
“South” Vietnam, in fact, did not really exist as a legitimate political entity. It was a fiction created at the 1954 Geneva Convention by the United States and its allies who were desperate to keep Ho and his forces from unifying Vietnam — whose people weren’t consulted about the spurious division of their country at the 17th Parallel.
What occurred on that momentous day in 1975 was Vietnam expelling the last of a long line of imperialistic occupiers, its people finally seizing ownership of their own nation.
It’s a historic day that deserves to be observed with wonder and respect, not the rancour of those who lost their privileged place in a counterfeit country.
Richard van Abbe, Toronto


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Our community is filled with alternating rage and sadness for the family of George Floyd in the wake of his brazen killing by Minneapolis police. We stand in solidarity and protest with people who are victims of state violence. At ARC, we believe communities and individuals are stronger when they are safe, healthy, and whole. Further, we see clearly how the interlocking systems of white supremacy and criminal justice deem some lives more valuable than others, in the wake of the recent deaths of #AhmaudArbery and #BreonnaTaylor.
George Floyd was killed in part because collectively our society believes black lives can be discarded. It’s what we see in the carceral systems we fight to change every day. The same society that authorizes police violence against black people is also responsible for Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP) sentences, and prisons that dehumanize people day in and day out for years. This same society is responsible for extreme sentencing laws, gang enhancements, and a prison system that prioritizes punishment and family separation over rehabilitation.
It must be noted that if George Floyd was not brazenly killed in broad daylight, he would have been taken to a jail where, in our present time, he would have been at significant risk for COVID-19, other ill-treatment, and further dehumanization. He would have had his life upended like many members of our community do every day as they come into contact with systems that treat particular communities as entirely worthy of being discarded. Mr. Floyd’s life should not have ended in the horrific manner it did. The alternative, jail confinement, would have also been tragic. The stories of those who are killed by police violence and those who have been incarcerated both reflect the way society has chosen to respond to the needs of communities of color.
It is incumbent upon us, whether as individuals or members of community-based organizations, to radically reimagine our society as one that extends to all the opportunity to live dignified lives, and that strives to find ways to meet the needs of communities of color, rather than new ways to penalize them. In America, this freedom and justice work is local, and so we encourage you to support the organizations on the ground in Minneapolis fighting systems that oppress our people. Please follow and support the work to dismantle systems in Minneapolis, groups like Black Visions Collective and Minnesota Freedom Fund. You might also consider donating to the the George Floyd Memorial Fund, created by his family.
While Minneapolis was home to George Floyd, in Los Angeles our partners like Black Lives Matter-LA and S.T.O.P. Police Violence Statewide Coalition are fighting the same struggle in the names of Wakeisha Wilson, Eric Rivera, Charley Keunang, AJ Weber, and too many others.
In LA, ARC mobilizes with the #CheckTheSheriff Coalition, alongside our community partners, where we call for real transparency, accountability, and community oversight of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and call for justice and resources for families and persons harmed by deputies.
No one should have their loved ones stolen from them. We must dismantle this racist system and replace it with one that accepts all of us equally and in which the senseless killing of people of color by the state—whether at the hands of the police or the carceral system—has come to an end. In the meantime, we must continue to demand that our system holds those in power accountable for wrongdoing. We will continue the grassroots fight for our people in prisons, jails, detention centers, and those coming home from incarceration because #WeMatterToo and our future is freedom.
#BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #WeMatterToo

domain: sociology


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Douglas Anthony Mirabelli
Bats: Right, Throws: Right
Height: 6' 1", Weight: 205 lb.
Born: October 18, 1970 in Kingman, AZ
High School: Valley HS (Las Vegas, NV) School: Wichita State University (Wichita, KS) by the Drafted San Francisco Giants in the 5th round of the 1992 amateur draft. Signed June 24, 1992.
( All Transactions) Debut: August 27, 1996 (Age 25)
vs. PHI 1 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB Teams (by GP): RedSox/Giants/Rangers/Padres 1996-2007 Agents: Levinsons [*] Final Game: September 30, 2007 (Age 36)
vs. MIN 2 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
About biographical information
News -- April 2014
4/8 elysianfielders.com: This Day in Giants History, April 8, 2006: The Aged Outfield: On April 8, 2006, the Giants starting outfield consisted of Barry Bonds (41 years old) in left, Steve Finley (41) in center, and ... News -- April 2013
4/16 Replacement Level Red Sox Blog: Breaking News: Hanrahan to DL, Wright Called Up (Per Alex Speier): Alex Speier has Tweeted confirmation of a Peter Gammons report that the Sox are putting reliever Joel Hanrahan on the DL and are ...
4/10 Fantasy Baseball Crackerjacks: What to Make of R.A. Dickey’s StrugglesI think it’s safe to say that this was not the start to his Blue Jays’ career that R.A. Dickey More... ... News -- February 2013
2/21 Jays Journal: Blue Jays Gibbons: No Knuckle-Ball For Arencibia: We are just a few days into Spring Training, but it did not take long for the John Gibbons to put aside one of the few controversies ...
2/18 Did The Tribe Win Last Night?: Kevin Cash Adds Youth to the Indians Coaching Staff: During Spring Training the DTTWLN staff will profile and examine the coaches and players that make up and are vying to be part ... News -- January 2013
1/2 Baseball With Matt: An Interview with Curt Schilling (the "Schilling-shot") 1/2/13: Hey baseball fans!I have another great interview for you today! This interview is with the should-be Hall of Famer......Curt ... News -- December 2012
12/11 Johngy's Beat: The Backup Catcher Hall of Fame Class of 2012: The Backup Catcher Hall of Fame is the brainchild of Cuzz Gekas and myself. The germ of the idea stems from many long road ... News -- September 2012
9/28 Baseball Big Bro. Proj.: Writing On The Wall For Red Sox, Valentine, And Varitek:
November 29, 2011. Yup, that was the date. I can tie it all
back to that day, knowing that the dark cloud officially ...
9/23 Mets Merized: MMO Exclusive: R.A. Dickey at the MLB Fan Cave to promote “KnuckleBall!”: Yesterday, a trio of famous knuckleballers made their way to MLB’s FanCave to promote the movie “Knuckleball!” directed ...
9/19 Bleeding Yankee Blue: NO BLOODY SOCK FOR JETER, JUST HEART:
No gimmicks, no public spectacle, just pure guts. That's the Yankee
way. Jeter and the Yankees aren't an infomercial ... News -- June 2012
6/19 For Baseball Junkies: Dickey Dickey Dickey Can't You See - Back to Back One-Hitters: I'm convinced that R.A. Dickey is a wizard. I mean, how else can you explain his mid-to-late 30's ascent from obscurity ... News -- May 2012
5/23 Talkin Sox with Dan: Hitting Quick on the Red Sox: —Kevin Youkilis was activated on Tuesday and promptly parti**** in some heavy bridge work courtesy of Brian Matusz. Because ... News -- April 2012
4/13 Mets360.com: Eventful first week for Mets overshadows Josh Thole’s strong play: One week into the season and it seems like a lot has happened for the 2012 Mets. A sweep of the hated Braves, two strong outings ... News -- February 2012
2/20 Talkin Sox with Dan: Thanking Tim, While Being Reminded of Reality: Tim Wakefield announced his retirement Friday at the Red Sox Spring Training complex in Fort Myers. Wakefield has had an excellent ... News -- January 2012
1/23 PaulLebowitz.com: Doug Mirabelli’s Post-Career Arbitration Case: It’s arbitration time in MLB and there are cases being heard and decided all month. In today’s NY Times Business section ...
1/19 Fragile Freddy's: The Others: The Boston Red Sox generate about as much attention as any major sports team in the country. With the exception of the Yankees, ... News -- September 2011
9/28 Johngy's Beat: Backup Catcher Hall of Fame Class of 2011: The Backup Catcher Hall of Fame was started by Cuzz Gekas and me to honor the greatest backup catchers of all time. The ... News -- April 2011
4/21 Through The Fence Baseball: Legend of Jed Lowrie continues to grow in Boston: In a lot of ways, Jed Lowrie is a player made to be po**** and successful in Boston. He’s scrappy (like Dustin Pedroia), can ... News -- March 2011
3/2 Baseball Musings: Remolding an Elbow: Cla Meredith, recovering from surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow, now needs Tommy John surgery. The Padres got a steal ... News -- November 2010
11/10 SOX & Dawgs: Red Sox Show Interest In Justin Duchscherer: According to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, the Boston Red Sox have shown interest in free agent pitcher Justin Duchscherer, who spent ...


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Both Kishori Lal, and Bansi Lal are government teachers, who have been suspended till pending enquiry, and how a teacher who enlightens the students by imparting education could do this sacrilegious act, questioned Mahajan. Even the Police have failed to establish their involvement in the said act. Their parents on one pretext or the other are being told by police that they have been lodged in the jail to maintain law and order in the district.
The Sena President further said that their parents are moving from pillar to post to get their sons released and the administration is paying no heed to them. Mahajan demanded immediate release of the youth and warned, "in case the authorities fail to do so, Shri Ram Sena will launch massive protests."
The most popular citizen journalists' reports on merinews chosen automatically on the basis of views and comments


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With the summer season of flower shows fast approaching, this is the season to start thinking about green spaces and all things floral. Barbecues, outdoor kitchens, pools and Jacuzzis all add to the outdoor experience but some Wish Sicily exclusive villas go beyond the expected with gardens and outside spaces that really offer that ‘wow’ factor.
Exclusive flower-filled gardens in north Sicily
Tropical flowers, exotic palms and ancient loquat trees are just some of the attractions of the extraordinary botanical parkland surrounding Villa Cecilia Trabia. Cared for by its plant-loving owners, the gardens comprise a series of interconnecting ‘rooms’, set amidst a vast loquat orchard. Climbing roses creep around trellises and up fences and stone benches rest in the shade of leafy palms and carob trees. Amid all this splendour is an astonishing three-tiered pool complex and a huge open-sided gazebo – a furnished outdoor room that overlooks lotus flowers and water lilies as they drift across a carp-filled pond.
With space for up to 22 guests in a main villa and three additional properties, Villa Cecilia Trabia is an excellent option for a large gathering or family celebration.
Quirky collections and artworks near Cefalù
Surrounded by lush green countryside, the mature gardens at Villa Arte Mare Blue lead to a walled pool area with spectacular rural views to the sea while closer to the villa, terraces include a dining area and a gorgeous outdoor kitchen with a barbecue and wood burning pizza oven.
Despite its outwardly traditional appearance, the garden at Villa Arte Mare Blue is full of surprises. A Spiderman figure clambers up the wall by the main entrance to the villa and the wall overlooking the dining terrace is adorned with a collection of imitation giant vinyl records. Beyond the terraces and dotted around the leafy gardens, quirky features include Ronald McDonald figures on a garden bench and animal sculpture while inside, rooms are filled with a wonderfully collection of eclectic art.
Sea-facing terraces and Mediterranean gardens at Fontane Bianche
You are unlikely to tire of the view from Lo Scoglio, a sea-facing Mediterranean villa with garden and terrace just south of Syracuse on the southeast coast of Sicily. There is no classic garden, but there are disproportionately large amounts of beautiful outside space. The villa’s vast lounge area leads out to several wide sweeping terraces, providing a 270° view of the coastline, while upstairs, the roof terrace has more dramatic views. When you need to cool off, wander down through gardens filled with succulents, palm trees and dazzling displays of bougainvillea to the water’s edge for a refreshing dip in the clearest of seas.

domain: geography


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Composting is the process of reusing material from plants and animals that would generally be considered household waste. This material is placed in compost bins and decomposed to be used in gardens instead of using chemical fertilizers. Composting saves money and requires little time. The organic materials are much more easily absorbed by the soil than chemical fertilizers, and have a lesser chance of burning plants. Anyone can create a compost bin, even those with a limited amount of space.
Choose a small container for your mini compost bin. You can use a small aquarium or a large clay pot can as a mini compost bin.
Place 2 to 3 inches of all-purpose potting soil in the bottom of the container and place the container in a warm location such as a back deck or patio. Allow the container to get partial sunlight but not direct sunlight.
Add a variety of organic waste materials to the container as you have them left over. You can add sawdust, leaves, potato peelings, fruit peelings and vegetable scraps. Alternate the layers in the compost bin with soil, fertilizer and waste materials.
Mix in grass clipping or manure or other substances that are high in nitrogen. You can also add several inches of nitrogen fertilizer.
Place 12 to 24 earthworms to the compost bin. The earthworms will help decompose the material by eating it. Their waste will become part of the compost.
Stir the compost every week to mix oxygen into the compost. This will help further break the materials down.
Continue to add layers until the compost bin is full. Your compost will be usable in approximately six weeks. Mini compost bins decompose much faster than large, lawn bins.

domain: agronomy


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Dot is no longer available for adoption, no further applications will be accepted.
Age: 9 months
Weight: 2.75 lbs
Listed below are Dot’s basic requirements in a home. There are no exceptions, and please only submit if you meet this criteria (and indicate on application that you do). Applications that do not meet her basic needs will not be considered.
- Be home most of the time. Dot can be left for 1-2 hours at a time due to separation anxiety.
- No apartments due to noise she makes when left
- Lives in house that has very secured fully fenced backyard (no pool)
- No kids under 14 years
- No Cats
- Must have small dog friend(s) in home. No dogs over 10 lbs in household.
- Home is set up or can be set up to be made safe for small dogs (stairs, gates, railings etc)
- Previous experience with ‘teeny’ dogs (under 5 lbs).
Dot is a small dog, and although still a puppy, isn’t expected to grow much more (other than fill out a little). Despite her small size she is adventuresome, and very confident and comfortable around people and dogs once she has gotten to know them.
She is very agile, and will use ramp to couch, and bed, also has no problem going up and down stairs.
Housebreaking is a work in progress, although she does understand that potty is meant for outside…sometimes she just can’t wait for her human.
She walks OK with leash and harness provided she sets the pace and direction. Further work will be needed to understand walking under her humans direction.
She loves her toys and playing with her doggy buddies in her foster home. She is generally good about not chewing on things she shouldn’t.
She sleeps well through night, starts in her pen, and then will be taken out around midnight for potty break and joins her foster parent in bed with the other dogs.
Her biggest struggle is separation anxiety. She has shown some improvement in this area, and will require continued work.
Please note that we are aware that there will be many applications for Dot. Please ensure that your application is detailed as this is how the applicant will be chosen to determine if they will be considered for Dot’s furever home placement. Only potentially successful applicant(s) will be contacted. You will know that your application has been received when you receive an automated response.
While we realize there will likely be many potential good fits for Dot, we only have one Dot, and therefore only one home can be selected. Please be respectful of our volunteers if your home isn’t chosen, and please look at our many other amazing dogs we have in our care needing a home.
You can purchase a sweater and/or blanket for her, or any of our other foster dogs.
Please consider becoming a CCRT Sponsorship Angel for any of our fosters by making a cash donation towards their care.

domain: pet


text:
“Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” is as much about genre as it isn’t. In this hillbilly horror show, director Eli Craig pays respect to knowledgeable midnight moviegoers while also grinding their expectations into a bloody pulp.
Comic actors Alan Tudyk (who we all remember as the naked guy on acid in the original “Death at a Funeral,” among other roles) and Tyler Labine (recently seen in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”) play the titular derelict duo, respectively. The two best buds decide to head up to their fixer-upper cabin in West Virginia — unfortunately for them, at the same time as a pack of wild college kids vacays in the woods.
The leader-of-the-pack is Allison, played by Katrina Bowden who is also known as Cerie, the ditzy doll on NBC’s “30 Rock.” (Bowden is 23, so instant points to Eli Craig for casting someone who is actually somewhat college-aged.) And, if we have all been educated properly by “The Evil Dead” (1981) and “Cabin Fever” (2002) as we should have, we know why college kids go to the woods in horror movies: because they are horny and because they want to get fucked up. But that’s not quite the case here.
Writer/director Craig and co-writer Morgan Jurgenson waste no time in getting to the blood and carnage — and the laughs. The group gets separated after Allison, buoyantly shedding her clothes, falls into a lake. Tucker and Dale save the day and carry her back to their country bumpkin cottage.
The rest of the group, now led by the maniacal Chad (Jesse Moss), searches for Allison and starts mistaking each one of Tuck and Dale’s gestures as a violent attack out of a slasher movie (which this sort of is), when really they are just trying to be two gentle souls out of a feel-good comedy (which this really is). A faulty chainsaw fools one of the college kids think Tuck is trying to kill him. But really, he’s just tryin’ to cut some wood.
As I suspected, Eli Craig says the idea for this film came from watching backwoods ’70s horror movies like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “The Hills Have Eyes,” “Deliverance” and even that ’00s pile-o-crap “Wrong Turn,” also set in the portentous woods of West Virginia. “Having spent a lot of time in the outdoors, I always thought people’s fear of the woods was unfounded,” he says. “The people to be afraid of were the fratboys at a college campus.” Craig went to Boulder, where he acquired a “serious anti-fratboy disposition.”
His hatred of hazing aside, Craig says that one of the main problems of horror today is the unbelievable reactions of characters, how when we scream something like “don’t go in there!” we’re doing it because what we’re seeing is not real or even imaginable. No pretty little damsel traipses delicately down to the cellar in her underwear when there are starved raptors down there, right? Well, Craig agrees. He admires horror films like “The Shining” that “couch a realism within a supernatural world where people react in ways that feel very real amid these supernatural circumstances,” he says. It was creatively satisfying for him to recreate this effect “comically.”
Though “Tucker and Dale” is certainly a throwback to old school horror, back in the heyday when style didn’t always trump substance and gore was good, it is also interested in making you care about its characters — something that “The Evil Dead” definitely didn’t do. When it works, partners-in-crime Tucker and Dale are nothing but misunderstood but well-meaning lubbers. There’s even a love story in this movie’s red-blooded, ironic heart: the unlikely pairing of Allison and Dale.
“All of them have their little archetypes,” Craig says. “Chad, to me, was like a fratboy, collar-popped version of Burt Reynolds in ‘Deliverance.’” And be warned: There is definitely a squeal-like-a-pig reference in here. That one never seems to get old.
I ask Craig about the future of horror film and other such marginalized genres. “We cannot see ‘Scary Movie 5.’ I think we need to support the underground horror films,” he says. “I think there is so much room to play in this genre. Shakespeare put horror and comedy together all the time.” Craig’s not saying that he’s Shakespeare, but he does share his eagerness to asymmetrically, and atypically, genre-mash. Why is it that scares and laughs go so well together? Perhaps we need something to take the edge off.
“Tucker and Dale,” with all its slasher-movie intertexts, isn’t exceptionally gory, though it is hilarious to see blonde bimbos slathered in minced fratboy stew. While the soft-side of the movie is, like its hard-edged humor, sometimes hokey and eye-rolly, what really works is its meta-madness and its refusal of any and every horror trope I could possibly name (though the smartest kid does die first). Plus, it’s refreshing to see hillbillies portrayed in a flattering light for a change rather than as perverse purveyors of low culture and undignified behavior. Well, there is some of that here, too.
All the actors give decent, if intentionally unbelievable performances given their rigid archetypes (the hick, the sorority blonde, the forest ranger who’s going to die after five minutes of screen time). But it’s Tudyk and Labine who take up the previously untouched gauntlet of hillbilly reconstruction as they aim for plain ole laughs. This is Eli Craig’s first and only feature, and it should portend good times ahead.
Ryan Lattanzio is the lead film critic.


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Sausage & Cream Cheese Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole - all of my favorite breakfast foods in one easy casserole! Frozen hashbrowns, sausage, cream cheese, eggs and cheddar cheese. Can make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later. Can split between two pans and bake one and freeze one for later. This breakfast casserole is great for breakfast, lunch, great for brunch, potlucks, tailgating and any upcoming holiday breakfasts! SO GOOD!
Tomatillo Salsa - Devour Dinner. Sweet and packed full of flavor is Tomatillo Salsa. This salsa is perfect on any Mexican Recipe but especially delicious on Sweet Corn Cakes. Easy recipe will having you coming back for more!
Paleo Chicken Cobb Salad with Buffalo Ranch (Whole30)
Paleo and Chicken Cobb Salad with buffalo ranch dressing - two ways! One with a coconut milk base and the other with a homemade mayo base - both delicious, Paleo and friendly
Percy Jackson Funny Pictures - Will! Smiiile!!!
#wattpad #sonstiges So this book is gonna be a bunch of funny pictures and moments of Percy Jackson and the Olympians/Heroes of Olympus series. COMPLETED
21 Winged Eyeliner Looks To Suit Every Event
Winged eyeliner is one of the most popular trends these days. But not every one of you knows about all the possible options that this look comes with. That is why we decided to present to your attention a set of cat eye ideas that can suit many occasions and you will never look all the same no matter where you go! #makeup #makeuplover #makeupjunkie #wingedeyeliner
This picture is just GOALS! We are always looking for new eyeshadow looks and tutorials for eye colors. Our calendar will help you stay on top of when the latest makeup eyeshadow palettes are being released!

domain: food


Smart Water System
The Rachio 3 Smart Water System brings together leading smartphone sprinkler control, advanced Weather Intelligence Plus and precise flow monitoring to help nurture a beautiful yard. Protect your investment with Wireless Flow Meter leak detection.
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Handmade Black Metal Garden Stake with Butterfly and Marble Topper
• FREE GROUND SHIPPING IS INCLUDED ON EVERY ORDER!
Greet your visitors and guests to your outdoor space with this beautiful handcrafted black wrought iron garden stake! The topper shows a fluttering butterfly atop a beautiful glass marble (marble colors and design vary).
Accent your deck, flower garden, sidewalk, driveway or landscape and add an elegant, old time touch wherever you locate it. It makes a perfect gift for a friend or fellow design enthusiast, and is easy to move about as desired.
Place it in a large planter, around your deck, along your walkway, or among a bed of flowers to give the area the look of a Victorian garden, hinting at days gone by. Order yours today!
Black Metal Garden Stake with Butterfly and Marble Top Features:
- Handcrafted from forged wrought iron
- Finished in a black, powder coated color
- Color and design of marble varies from piece to piece
- Marble size: Approx. 1.625"
- 2.875"L x 4.875"W x 38"H (Overall)
- 2.75"L x 4"W x 8.25"H (Topper only)
- Approx. 1.625 lbs.
- Proudly made in the USA!
- 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!
We Also Recommend
Tall Black Metal Heavy Duty Tripod Trellis 12" Hanging Plant Hook
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Black Metal Key Chain with Lighthouse Design and Nickel Plated Ring


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In previous article I discussed how to decompose an application into an architectural design using volatility based decomposition. I now want to show how the architecture can help you with your project planning.
As a recap below are where we left off.
- We drew up the a use case diagram from the requirements.
- We identified the following components for our architecture design.
- We did some call chain diagrams.
Because of the architectural design we have followed we now know what components are needed. We can also work out in which sequence they would need to be build.
The project plan is a way to have some transparency for business:
- Show business a milestone being worked towards.
- Show concrete items being build.
- Show how many resources are needed to achieve a certain date.
- Provide business with a delivery date.
So where do we start?
I will be using Yed to present the project plan visually but something like powerpoint can also be used or even Microsoft Project.
- The developer now gets involved in the process and has to investigate and provide and estimate on how long it will take him to deliver the component, fully tested with unit testing.
- Once we have these values we can start to plot out the order in which these components would need to be build as if a single developer was going to produce the entire feature. This is the worst case scenario and is called the decompressed view.
- Next we find out how many developer we would actually have on the project and we design the project plan according to that.
The red line indicates the critical path, if there are any delays on this line the entire project gets delayed.
There is a point where adding more resources to a project does not help. If you study the project plan above you will notice that due to the dependencies one can not have more than 2 developers on this project.
What else can we do?
Due to the mechanical manner in which the project can be build one can do costing per component as the development time and resource cost is known.
For more information see the related items below.

domain: design


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- John Needham
15th June 2021
Since it was founded in 1810 by Lewis Tregonwell, the Dorset resort of Bournemouth has developed to become a favourite destination for holidaymakers across the decades. Many people have happy recollections of summers spent there, but although the memories remain constant, the town has witnessed many changes, some good and some bad.
In Lost Bournemouth, local author John Needham brings together 160 colour, black-and-white and sepia photographs from throughout last century to show what has changed and how the way of life has altered through the generations. The book will focus on certain areas of the town such as the seafront and the pier, and the cinemas, theatres and the Winter Gardens that entertained the many visitors and residents of the town that have now vanished. Even everyday street scenes show how Bournemouth has developed, while pictures of the magnificent Victoria Gardens, with its once great fountains that have been replaced with flower beds, reveal what has been consigned to the history books.
There are countless changes to the town that have taken place and this book will bring back many memories, using images from the past and some from the present day. Lost Bournemouth shows the reader what has been forgotten and what has disappeared through time. It is an engrossing visual chronicle, providing a wealth of history and recollections for residents and visitors alike.


The lava and earthquakes caused by the volcano eruption have destroyed or damaged many schools in the area, making them unsafe. The population, the government, and NGOs like AVSI are still working to ensure the community can recover and start again.
“I can’t go to the market,” says Jean Luc’s mother. “The school is no longer there, and I can’t leave my children alone, it’s too dangerous, and my husband works and is away during the day.”
Thanks to many generous donations, AVSI reunited families, distributed food, and water, offered psychological support and managed to ensure schools’ safety. AVSI is currently working in 7 schools in need of rehabilitation and construction: in two of them, Jean Luc and his sisters, ages 6, 9, and 11, are students.
Responding to the emergency wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t even though the lava has dried up, the gases have shut off, and the earthquakes have stopped.
Stories like Jean Luc’s, though, are what keep us moving and working.


Java is a simple, secure, and highly popular object-oriented coding language. It is the cornerstone of all technical innovations, from gaming consoles, and web applications to embedded systems, desktop GUI, and Artificial Intelligence. The footprints of Java programming can be found anywhere. Since Java has held a solid position in the programming world for the last 27 years, it acts as an outlet for a rewarding tech career. The primary requirement for building a successful career in Java is to learn its core and advanced programming principles. However, learning Java is no cakewalk, so it is prudent to join a career-oriented Java Track program.
If you are skeptical about joining a Java Track and wondering how it will help you build your Java career, you have landed on the right blog. It covers all the information regarding Java Track.
What is a Java Career Track?
Benefits of taking a Java Track
- When you sign up for a Java Track, you can access an updated curriculum aligned with the ongoing industry demands.
- It provides an inclusive learning environment where you can gain real-world exposure to Java programming and web development.
- Learners get an opportunity to learn Java from certified professionals with years of Java programming experience.
- By the end of the Java track program, you get career support and interview preparation assistance.
- A Java track is well-acknowledged by the tech leaders, so once you complete your program and receive a certification, you get a competitive edge over non-certified peers.
Prerequisites for joining Java Track
Career Prospects after attending Java Track Program
A Java Track can open the door to several lucrative and top-paying job opportunities, like:
- Java Web Developer ($112,208 per annum)
- Enterprise Architect ($154,647 per annum)
- AWS Developer ($126,750 per annum)
- Java SQL Developer ($112,579 per annum)
- Solution Architect ($124,960 per annum)
- Full Stack Java Developer ($120,790 per annum)
- DevOps Engineer ($126,421 per annum)
- UI Developer ($104,308 per annum)
- Automation Test Engineer ($107,250 per annum)
- Business Analyst ($81896 per annum)
- J2EE Developer ($116,512 per annum)
- Scrum Master ($103,629 per annum)
- Database Administrator ($90772 per annum)
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HEP Plin signed the Share Purchase Agreement with Darkom d.o.o. utility company from Daruvar for the purchase of business shares in Darkom Gas Distribution d.o.o., which secured the operation of 166 kilometres of the gas distribution network in Bjelovar-Bilogora County.
In the presence of the president of HEP Management Board Frane Barbarić and Daruvar Mayor Damir Lneniček, the HRK 3.5 m Share Purchase Agreement was signed at the HEP headquarters in Zagreb by Damir Pećušak, Director of HEP Plin and Ivana Djedović and Boro Karačić, the president and the member of the Management Board of Darkom d.o.o, a utility company in the ownership of five local self-government units from Bjelovar-Bilogora County: the town of Daruvar and the municipalities of Sirač, Đulovac, Končanica and Dežanovac.
The purchase of Darkom gas distribution has further strengthened HEP Plin's position as the largest distributor in Croatia by the length of the gas network in its ownership. Together with today's acquisition, HEP Plin will operate almost 4,600 kilometres of the gas network in Osijek-Baranja, Požega-Slavonia, Virovitica-Podravina, Vukovar-Srijem, Krapina-Zagorje and Bjelovar-Bilogora Counties and supply more than 100,000 customers.
'Thanks to the active expansion policy on the Croatian gas market advocated and implemented by this Management Board, HEP Plin is today one of the most important entities on the gas market. The synergy of the overall gas business at the level of HEP Group and the strong financial position of HEP are a guarantee of safe and quality services provided to all our customers, including gas consumers in the Daruvar area ',
said the president of HEP Management Board Frane Barbarić.
Darkom gas distribution operates in the southeastern part of Bjelovar-Bilogora County, has more than 6,000 users, of which 5,300 are households, and manages 166 kilometres of distribution network annually supplying about 12 million cubic meters of gas. After the signing of the purchase agreement, and until the merger by HEP Plin comes into effect, Darkom gas distribution continues to operate as an independent business entity, but within HEP Group, which has created conditions for the provision of even more secure gas supply to its customers.
The takeover of Darkom gas distribution is part of HEP Group's strategy focused on a further development of gas operations and an active participation in the consolidation process on the Croatian gas market. Thus, in 2018 the distribution network of the Municipality of Feričanci was taken over, followed by the acquisition of Plin Vtc gas distribution and supply company from Virovitica in 2019, PPD-Gas Distribution and PPD-Household Supply from Vukovar in 2020 as well as the Bizovac Municipality distribution network. In late March this year, HEP Plin crossed the borders of eastern Croatia for the first time by taking over Gradska plinara Krapina.
HEP Plin's long-term plans are focused on building a new and renovating the existing gas network as well as introducing new technologies, such as remote reading and smart gas meters, which creates the basis for strengthening competitiveness, a further increase in the number of customers, distributed gas volumes and service quality. HEP Plin has prepared well for the new phase of deregulation of the Croatian gas market as of 1 April, offering gas customers outside its distribution area the Hepi plin
product, providing up to 13.2 percent lower gas prices to households.

domain: finance


Gerry Corbett, UAS Programme Lead at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), tells Editor Laura Evans about the latest technology craze to hit our airspace – drones
Technology is beginning to dominate our existence, with the use of smart phones, smart cameras, and even smart TVs. The latest gadget on the market is Drones. These small unmanned aircraft, also known as UAS, can be traced back over many decades through remote control ‘model’ aircraft and also through military uses, such as target drones and, more recently, as reconnaissance vehicles.
However, today these drones are not just used by the military but by organisations and companies such as Google and the BBC. The majority of drones in use are smaller types to film aerial shots for documentaries, films or for aerial surveys, but an increasing number are now being used for recreational purposes. At a conference in December last year, Gerry Corbett, UAS Programme Lead at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), expressed his disappointment at the lack of operators and developers coming forward to test larger unmanned aircraft systems in UK airspace.
Here, he tells Editor Laura Evans about the type of drones we are seeing in UK airspace and the challenges in regulating them.
“We are seeing a lot more coming into use. However, they are nearly all small ones,” explains Corbett. “What I mean by small are the types similar in size to radio-controlled model aircraft, all of which weigh less than about 20kg. There’s not much coming along in terms of what you’d equate more to a ‘traditional’ manned aircraft.
“Improvements in technology and a reduction in price means there has been a big explosion at the smaller end of the scale in the leisure and recreational market. At the same time we have seen a steady increase in the number of applications to use them for work purposes, and it’s only in the last year or so that people have started using them for recreational photography.
“In terms of the larger models, the sector hasn’t come on as much,” he adds. “The industry needs to develop the technology that would allow larger systems operate beyond visual line of sight. I also think that industry is still looking for suitable non-military applications.”
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the statutory organisation that oversees and regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the UK. They are responsible for enhancing aviation performance security and improving environmental performance through more efficient use of airspace. The CAA regulates approximately 19,000 aircraft registered in the UK. However, as Corbett explains regulating the smaller drones can be tricky due to the vast amount that are sold.
“In general terms the legislation is identical to what you use for manned aircraft,” he says. “My message has often been – they may be unmanned, but they are still aircraft, and they still have to fit in with the rest of the UK airspace users.
“It is difficult to actively police the operations of the smaller ones; we can’t go out and ‘approve’ every single flight, nor should we have to. It is generally dealt with by default. We work with the police to identify when unmanned aircraft are being misused, as it is more of a nuisance issue.
“Certainly for the smaller models our main priority is to deal with aviation safety, in terms of other aircraft rather than the risk to the public.”
The CAA has recently suggested that current regulations may need revising. Corbett said with technology evolving so quickly and the way the drones are used changing constantly the regulations will need to be amended to make sure that they are still relevant. “The regulations are all designed with safety in mind, either public safety or safety to other aircraft,” explains Corbett. “Regulations regarding smaller aircraft might need some revision. The cameras are smaller since we first wrote the regulations. Therefore, the aircraft have become smaller too and, one could argue, as a result they present much less of a safety risk.
“I will say certainly that for the small drones our main priority is to deal with aviation safety. A drone hitting a manned aircraft could be catastrophic. People thoughtlessly flying at heights where they can no longer see their drones are of particular concern to us at the moment; by wilfully flying out of your sight, you have no way of seeing, or avoiding, other aircraft and so the risk of a collision is much greater.”
Drones can pose a substantial risk to the general public too. While anyone can own one of these new gadgets there are still some very specific regulations in place when flying them as, even though they may be thought of as toys, they must still be used in a responsible manner.
Safety is the CAA’s key priority when it comes to regulating these small unmanned aircraft. Regulations 1 state that when flying the smaller remote control models they must remain within your sight at all times. The owner is not permitted to fly the UA within 50m of a person, vehicle or building, and must keep a greater distance away from large groups of people or congested areas. In January 2010, the CAA introduced new regulations that require operators of small unmanned aircraft used for aerial work purposes or equipped for data acquisition and/or surveillance to obtain permission before commencing a flight.
“Aviation regulations are contained in something called the Air Navigation Order,” explains Corbett. “There are specific articles in the Order that refer to small unmanned aircraft – which is anything of 20kg or less. In addition, other articles deal with endangerment and cover reckless or negligent use – in simple terms, we expect people to operate responsibly, and to respect the safety of other people. Obviously, we are most particularly concerned about drone users endangering another aircraft.
“We also have a guidance document called CAP722 2 which is the UK’s document on how to deal with and fly unmanned aircraft according to the law.
“Drones bigger than 20kg are required to comply with progressively more detailed regulations and safety requirements. When you get beyond 150kg drones will normally come under the European Regulations and under the European Aviation Safety Agency.”
“We advise people to prove to us the unmanned aircraft is safe to use. Rules and regulations are there for a reason. From our point of view at the CAA it’s all about safety.”
It remains to be seen if these unmanned aircraft will become more extensively used on a much bigger scale. Corbett believes due to the benefits they can offer there will be an uptake in the number of smaller models in use.
“The small ones are certainly being used more widely for things such as aerial photography,” he says. “The ability to fly gives you a better, or a different, view of things. Certainly there are numerous television shots that have been achieved with unmanned aircraft.
“With the larger unmanned aircraft the benefits are that the endurance limitations of a human pilot within an aircraft are removed, therefore flight for much longer periods over several days, or even months, are possible.
“The main challenge with the larger aircraft is proving beyond doubt that they are safe to fly,” he adds. “In other words are they airworthy enough and how do you avoid collisions with other aircraft? Collision avoidance is one of the major hurdles the sector has to tackle. In that respect, the full potential of unmanned aircraft is still to be realised.”