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The reverse proxy feature of Apache httpd is an area which I like to particularly hack on. It's always been, imo, one of the killer features of httpd, but it is especially useful in the Cloud. Being able to dynamically allocate, enable/disable and load balance between back-ends is a MAJOR capability lacking in almost all other "generic" (and even "special-purpose") web servers. And the functionality of the reverse proxy in Apache 2.4 is pretty much state-of-the-art.
But there's a problem, which is not unique to Apache itself. In general, load balancers such as Apache do their load balancing determination based on values it calculates on the back-ends. Sure, Apache has a pretty nice set of load-balancing algorithms, but it still implies that the front-end (the reverse proxy) is responsible for predicting the load on the back-end. This is certainly not optimal.
Red Hat's mod_cluster works around this by creating a "unique" communication channel between Apache and JBoss, which allows JBoss to tell Apache some basic and useful loading parameters on the JBoss server itself. This is great, but limited (and hardly universal). What we really need, imo, is a general, universally agreed-upon method of the back-end sending server load data to the front-end. Something that all back-ends can easily generate (and enable/disable, of course) and something all reverse-proxies can easily parse and use. In other words, we need some sort of unofficial standard (which could eventually become a de-facto standard).
Using the assumption that starting simple is best, what I've been looking at is adding a simple HTTP Response header to Apache (via mod_header) which returns some subset of load parameters, the idea being that when the back-end sends the actual response, part of the meta-data it returns is some measure of its health and/or load. The front-end can then tuck that data away and use it in its load-balancing determination (while, of course, ensuring that the header is not forwarded to the client). Currently, in the trunk version of httpd (but hoping to backport it to 2.4), I have traditional Unix-type load-average and the percentage of how "idle" and "busy" the web-server is. But is that enough info? Or is that too much? How much data should the front-end want or need? Maybe a single agreed-upon value (ala "load average") is best... maybe not. These are the kinds of questions to answer.
Knowing that Apache httpd powers between 57% and 89% of the web (based on which surveys you use and/or trust), it seems logical to discuss this, and work out the particulars, on the Apache httpd development mailing list. I think the time for something like this "universal web-server load" value is long overdue. If interested, join the fun on firstname.lastname@example.org.


In this 1-hour workshop, we will be learning fun, social, partner pattern dances danced in the local community! We will be dancing Schottische, Stationary Cha Cha, and Shadow. Bring your partner or we’ll supply one! Again, no experience required!
Cost: $20/per person | $10/per person for Dance Addicts & 30 for 30 clients


Pill computers appeared in quite a few operates of science fiction in the 2nd 50 percent with the 20th century; all served to market and disseminate the concept into a broader viewers.[twelve] Illustrations include:
A key ingredient between tablet computer systems is contact input over a touchscreen liquid-crystal Screen (LCD). This permits the user to navigate very easily and type that has a virtual keyboard about the display or push other icons around the display screen to open up apps or documents. The very first tablet To achieve this was the GRiDPad by GRiD Units Corporation; the tablet highlighted each a stylus, a pen-like Resource to help with precision inside a touchscreen unit as well as an on-display screen keyboard.
These kinds of tablets could also be ruggedized for discipline use. For any application illustration, precisely the same transportation corporation may well clear away certain computer software features inside the Android process, including the online market place browser, to lower prices from Pointless mobile community knowledge intake of the staff, and incorporate custom made offer management computer software. Other apps might call for a resistive touchscreen together with other Specific hardware and software.
Some ARM powered tablets, including the Galaxy Take note 10, help a stylus and help handwriting recognition. Wacom and N-trig digital pens offer around 2500 DPI resolution for handwriting, exceeding the resolution of capacitive touch screens by over an element of 10. These pens also support tension sensitivity, allowing for "variable-width stroke-dependent" characters, such as Chinese/Japanese/Korean writing, due to their developed-in capacity of "stress sensing".
Immediately after 2007, with entry to capacitive screens and the accomplishment from the iPhone, other options grew to become popular, for example multi-contact attributes (where the user can touch the screen in many places to cause steps as well as other purely natural user interface characteristics, together with flash memory good point out storage and "fast on" heat-booting; exterior USB and Bluetooth keyboards outlined tablets.
Convertibles Have a very chassis design and style by which their physical keyboard can be hid by flipping/folding the keyboard at the rear of the chassis. Illustrations involve 2-in-one PCs from the Lenovo Yoga sequence.
Most tablets produced since mid-2010 utilize a Model of an ARM processor for extended battery everyday living. The ARM Cortex family members is strong plenty of for jobs for instance Web searching, light-weight creation operate and mobile game titles.
Resistive touchscreens are passive and respond to pressure about the display screen. They allow a significant volume of precision, helpful in emulating a pointer (as is widespread in tablet pcs) but may perhaps need calibration.
Tailored company tablets are constructed specifically for a company purchaser's individual desires from a components and software program standpoint, and sent in a company-to-business enterprise transaction. By way of example, in hardware, a transportation enterprise may well learn that The customer-quality GPS module in an off-the-shelf tablet provides insufficient precision, so a pill is usually custom-made and embedded with a professional-grade antenna to offer a greater GPS signal.
The tablet Computer system and its linked functioning program commenced with the event of pen computing.[ten] Electrical devices with information input and output over a flat facts display existed as early as 1888 Along with the telautograph,[eleven] which used a sheet of paper as Show in addition to a pen connected to electromechanical actuators.
In the two instances, the voice enter is distributed to central servers to complete basic speech recognition and so needs a community Get More Info link for in excess of easy instructions.
The chip was adopted by Psion, Palm and Nokia for PDAs and later on smartphones, digicam phones, cameras, and many others. ARM's licensing model supported this good results by permitting machine makers to license, change and fabricate custom made SoC derivatives personalized to their own merchandise. This has served producers prolong battery life and shrink element rely together with the size of gadgets.
Some tablets are modified by adding Bodily gamepad buttons including D-pad and visit the website thumb sticks for improved gaming encounter coupled with the touchscreen and all other features of a typical pill Laptop or computer. Most of these tablets are specific to run indigenous OS game titles and emulator online games. Nvidia's Shield Tablet, having an 8-inch (200 mm) Display screen, and running Android, is an case in point.
The shape on the tablet was conceptualized in the midst of the 20th century (Stanley Kubrick depicted fictional tablets inside the 1968 science fiction film 2001: An area Odyssey) and prototyped and produced in the final twenty years of that century.
On account of, among other matters, electromagnetic waves emitted by this kind of system, the usage of any sort of Digital product during the take-off and landing phases was thoroughly prohibited on board industrial flights. On thirteen November 2013, the ecu Aviation Protection Company (EASA) declared that using cellular terminals may be approved around the flights of European airlines throughout these phases from 2014 onwards, on the affliction the cellular capabilities are deactivated ("plane" manner activated).
The touchscreen Show is operated by gestures executed by finger or digital pen (stylus), rather than the mouse, trackpad, and keyboard of much larger pcs. Moveable personal computers might be classified based on the existence and look Look At This of Actual physical keyboards. Two species of pill, the slate and booklet, would not have Actual physical keyboards and typically take text as well as other enter by utilization of a virtual keyboard revealed on their own touchscreen displays.


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Title: Chameleon in a Mirror
Author: Ruth Nestvold
Genre: Time travel/historical
Date Read: 15/03/2016 – 27/03/2016
I have to admit I went into this novel somewhat blind, as I had absolutely no knowledge of the time period in which most of it is set, nor one of its main characters, Aphra Behn, a playwright of the time who has somewhat faded into obscurity. I don’t think this was an issue though, as I was presented with a rich setting and fascinating characters that left me wanting to go off and find out more on my own.
Willa Armstrong, aka Billie, has spent the last year in London studying, and the only thing left is her dissertation. She wants to focus on the influence playwright and novelist Aphra Behn had on later writers, however, she is met with resistance from her professors and even her boyfriend seems to be against her. When she reads some of Behn’s poetry in front of a seemingly innocuous mirror from the time period, she finds herself transported back to the Behn’s time and not only witnesses the performances of some of Behn’s best-known plays, but also finds herself entangled with Edward Ravenscroft, a dashing contemporary of Aphra’s who wants her to stick around.
Billie spends her time in the Restoration switching between disguises – Will (in male garb) and Clarinda (in female). She is able to slip in and out of each role with ease, hence the chameleon reference in the title. I thought she adapted to the seventeenth century perhaps a little too easily, and I definitely questioned her decision to actually start sleeping with Ravenscroft (she does hesitate for a while on contraception grounds, but I couldn’t help thinking that surely that was the least of her issues in that time!), but I appreciated that she did still want to return to her own time and modern conveniences; I feel like too often in these types of stories, the characters find themselves really torn between the two times. While Billie did feel this way, I never felt like there was any chance of her deciding to stay.
Aphra Behn was also a really great character. She was very aware of her situation as a woman writer, but she also had a playful side. Scenes where her values were compared to Billie’s were interesting; we like to think that we are far less restrained in the twenty-first century, but sometimes it seems that isn’t really the case. I sometimes found it hard to like the male characters too much, including Ravenscroft. While he definitely had strong feelings for Billie, I couldn’t help being distracted by the fact that he did still see her as more of a possession or a conquest than a human being. Having said that, it is true to the attitudes of the time, so I probably can’t really complain that much. It was also addressed by Billie, which made it a bit easier to take; if she had just been starry-eyed and in love, I would have been a lot more bothered.
The thing I really loved in this book was the setting. Ruth Nestvold has clearly done a lot of research into the period, and I learned so much about it by reading the book. The details were rich, and I really felt like I was walking down those old London streets. Nestvold acknowledges in her author’s note that she took some liberties with history and geography, but the writing still felt authentic. I’m not one who minds liberties in the name of artistic licence so that wasn’t a problem for me.
At times, the story did feel a little bit slow (especially the first third), but if you treat the story as more of an exploration of this personality and the times in which she lived, the the pacing makes more sense. Nestvold also says in the author’s note that the story is more ‘political’ than ‘action-packed’, and the story revolves more around gender politics of the 17th century theatre world and the politics of how people are remembered than any one climactic event.
Overall, I recommend this book for any fans of this period of history and/or of theatre, who are looking to know more.
One thought on “Book Review: Chameleon in a Mirror by Ruth Nestvold”

domain: literature


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As Lovecraft Country’s twisted and stunningly potent narrative continues to unfurl week by week, a new gateway into its world has opened via the virtual realm.
Looper received a generous — if appropriately ominous — invitation from HBO and the digital artists at The Mill (accompanied by the gift of a brand new Oculus Quest VR system) to take part in a series of three special events in the “Sanctum,” a virtual reality space within the world of Lovecraft Country. As we reported a few weeks ago, the first event, titled “The Garden of Eden,” presented virtual art installations by a trio of Black artists. The second event, “An American Dream,” took place on the evening of September 24.
Where “Garden of Eden” celebrated the visual arts, “An American Dream” turned its focus to the power of the word and the voice. The experience was quite literally an uplifting one, as participants found themselves in an otherworldly landscape where magic vials granted the power to levitate impossibly high into the air. The main attraction, though, was a towering figure voiced by Lovecraft Country’s own Jurnee Smollett.
Through this animated giant, Smollett gave a spoken word performance written by Shannon Houston, the show’s executive story editor. A meditation on the power of Black grief and Black joy, the piece was interspersed with audio recordings of writer and activist James Baldwin. Altogether, the experience was as deeply moving as it was viscerally thrilling.
The Mill’s Lovecraft Country VR event is timely in more ways than one
Of course, the experience needed a little good old-fashioned horror, too. After the spoken word performance, participants were transported to “the Abyss,” a bottomless void that required travelers to “walk the plank” in much the same way the heroes of Lovecraft Country did to reach the secret vault in the show’s fourth episode. The reward for reaching the goal at the other side: a plunge into the darkness. Fortunately, any travelers uncomfortable with heights were offered the chance to exit before confronting the Abyss — a thoughtful inclusion by the Sanctum’s designers.
Those designers have plenty to be proud of. In an interview following the first Sanctum event, The Mill’s Associate Creative Director Sally Reynolds expressed her thrill at seeing the final product come together. “One of the most interesting aspects of this project is seeing people experience social VR for the first time,” Reynolds said. She went on to point out how virtual reality is more brimming with potential than ever in 2020: “During a period where we are physically not allowed to mingle with each other, observing strangers experience a sense of togetherness in this virtual world is awesome.”
Read the full article on Looper.

domain: artistic


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WIDEIKIS, BENEDICT & BERNTSSON, LLC
THE BIG W LAW FIRM
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Mr. Benedict received his Master of Laws in Estate Planning (LLM) from the University of Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, Florida in 2001. He received his Juris Doctor degree from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, Florida in 1999 . He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Stetson University in Deland, Florida in 1995.
Mr Benedict's practice includes estate planning, probate and trust administration, residential real property transactions, bankruptcy law, and corporations. He is admitted to the Florida, New York and Connecticut Bars, The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and is a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Section of the Florida Bar, The Charlotte County Bar Association, and the Charlotte County Estate Planning Council. He is an AV rated attorney and a member of the Florida Bar.
Mr Benedict actively supports numerous charitable organizations in the area and participates in a variety of fund raising events He is an active member of the Placida Rotary Club and he currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Englewood Community Hospital.
Education: Stetson University (BA, 1995); St Thomas University (J D , 1999); University of Miami (LLM, 2001) Admitted to bar: 2000, Florida; 2002, Connecticut; 2002, New York; 2009, The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Member: Chalotte County Bar Association; The Florida Bar (Member, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section); The Connecticut Bar; The New York Bar; Charlotte County Estate Planning Council
Practice Areas: Estate Planning; Probate and Trust Administration; Elder Law; Real Property Transactions; Title Insurance; Corporations
Robert C. Benedict
WIDEIKIS, BENEDICT & BERNTSSON, LLC,
THE BIG W LAW FIRM

domain: law


What is the Best Refrigerated Van?
The best refrigerated vans in the UK are purpose built vehicles but not from the factory. These speciality vehicles are converted by professional outfits that only do this type of work. The better the reputation of the conversion company, the lower your truck insurance will be, in part due to the availability of parts necessary for repairs and the quality of their work. Because of the added expense refrigerated van insurance can be more expensive than standard van insurance, cut comparing prices could lead to savings
What Makes of Vans are most commonly converted to Refrigerator Vans?
It is true any van can be converted to a refrigerator van, but the following list is the most common and the correct parts are readily available for installation and repairs.
Both the refrigerator van and a freezer van do keep the contents at a constant temperature, the construction of the vehicle and the temperature ranges are different.
The refrigerator van has a temperature range of 0C to 8C. The walls of the van are insulated to contain the cooler temperatures that can be up to 3” thick. On the back at the opening of the doors there are also either plastic strips or a curtain to help minimize the loss of cold air so it is easier to maintain a constant temperature.
The freezer van has a temperature range of -30C to 0C. The insulation of the cargo area is thicker than what is required for a refrigerator van because of the colder temperatures that are at a minimum of 3” or more. These also have plastic strips or a curtain to help keep the cargo’s air temperature as constant as possible when the doors are open.
While it is possible to use a freezer van as a refrigerator van, it is not recommended using a refrigerator van as a freezer van due to the possible variation of maintaining the colder temperature properly.
What type of insulation can be used?
In the past, many van conversion companies used spray insulation. This has given way to solid insulation being installed similar to what is used in most homes. This solid insulation is then covered with a barrier that is most often metal on the floor and a lightweight composite material on the walls and ceiling.
The problems with spray insulation are as follows:
How to Save Money on Truck Insurance for a Refrigerator Van
An eco-friendly refrigerant is a great way to keep your refrigerator van cool and not harm the environment. R600a is made from isobutane and does not deplete the ozone layer when it leaks out of the refrigerator system. It is not as efficient as R134, but can still do the job. Many truck insurance companies do provide a discount for using the eco-friendly refrigerant. One of our friendly truck insurance brokers can assist you in getting this discount if available in your area.


Andy Murray practices ahead of Australian Open
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British tennis icon Andy Murray will play in a warm-up event in Sydney for the first time in order to ensure he is well-prepared for the Australian Open. The Melbourne event is set to be the first Grand Slam of the 2022 season – and the Brit is keen to ensure he is at full fitness.
Murray has been awarded a wildcard for the Sydney Tennis Classic, an ATP 250 event which starts on Monday.
There is other British interest in the tournament, with compatriot Dan Evans also involved.
Murray lost his his opening match of 2022 in the Melbourne Summer Series on Tuesday, falling to world number 76 Facundo Bagnis.
The Argentine came out on top 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to condemn Murray to a loss to bring in the new year.
JUST IN: Tennis Australia address Djokovic controversy as visa issue drags on
The former British and world number one has never won the Australian Open, but he has been a runner-up on five occasions.
Murray last reached the final in 2016, where he faced Novak Djokovic and lost to the Serb in straight sets.
The three-time Grand Slam winner is ranked 134th in the world as he continues to fight back following his hip surgery in January 2019.
The operation left Murray facing retirement, and he tearfully voiced his fears at the 2019 Australian Open.
Djokovic slammed for moaning about Australian deportation
Novak Djokovic’s wife breaks silence on Australian Open visa fiasco
Djokovic joined by second player in detention with ‘documents leaked’
However, Murray returned to singles action later that year but his progress has been derailed by a series of injuries and the coronavirus pandemic.
The Sydney event is also hosting a WTA 500 tournament, with US Open champion Emma Raducanu ready to start her new season after her incredible 2021.
Raducanu was set to start the season at the Melbourne Summer Set but was forced to withdraw after only just coming out of isolation following her contraction of Covid-19.
It meant the 19-year-old was forced to pull out of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event in Abu Dhabi last month.
Raducanu’s incredible breakthrough year was capped off as she won BBC Sports Personality of the Year and awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list.
She will play in the tournament alongside 19 of the world’s top 30 in Sydney, with fellow Grand Slam champions Ash Barty, Simona Halep, Barbora Krejcikova, Garbine Muguruza and Iga Swiatek also in action.
Australian Open qualifying begins on January 10, with the full tournament kicking off a week later and concluding on January 30.
Source: Read Full Article


If like me I will use the free parking (45 mins) to rush in and grab what I need rather than taking my time having a walk around having a cuppa / snack and enjoying some retail therapy time. I suggest getting rid of paying for parking or get rid of the free 45 mins and lower the parking charges. That way people would stay in town a bit longer and spend money.
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MAUI, HAWAII — Best known for Maui’s best value, you must play the Kahili Golf Course. At the foothill of the West Maui Mountains you will experience the spectacular bi-coastal views, Mt. Haleakala, superb turf conditions and immaculate putting surfaces in a pure golf experience without adjacent properties. You will be greeted with a friendly smile when you visit the spacious clubhouse and restaurant. Come and play the Kahili Golf Course and have lunch with breathtaking views. You’ll be glad that you discovered this Maui treasure.
A popular choice of both visiting and local golfers, Kahili Golf Course plays host to numerous Maui and state-wide tournaments throughout the year. Nahele Banquet Room at Kahili Golf Course is the ideal location for weddings, reunions, business meetings and seminars.
Experience a day of golf at one of Maui’s best golf courses. The 6570 yard, Par 72 was constructed in 1991 and designed by Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright.
The Par 3’s on the back side lay up and downhill to small greens. On the front side, a small dry creek bed and a lake come into play; accuracy is a must. The Par 4s are designed to make the golfer work to get to the greens in regulation. There are many elevation changes combined with doglegs in both directions. The Par 5s are designed to give the long ball hitter a chance for a birdie or possibly an eagle.
The Kahili Golf Course Pro-shop carries an impressive selection of the finest in golf wear, gift items, and golf equipment to be found on Maui. If you have any questions or would like to make a purchase over the phone, please call (808) 242-4653 to speak with a Pro Shop staff member. The Pro Shop is open daily from 6:00am – 6:00pm. Stop by to shop the full selection of merchandise.
Warm-up and stretch those muscles before your next round at Kahili Golf Course with some well-spent time at the practice facilities. Driving range as well as putting and chipping greens will help you keep your swing in shape throughout the year. Just like their gorgeous Maui golf course, they keep the practice facilities in great condition for your enjoyment.
Kahili Restaurant offers great food at value prices. Whether it’s after a round of golf, for a leisurely lunch or a small business meeting, you’ll enjoy a wide variety of sandwiches and salads, homemade soups, and one of Maui’s best burgers. Chef Eddie Munoz offers daily fresh fish, lunch specials and Japanese specialties. (www.kahiligolf.com)

domain: travel


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Now that the Resort 16 collections have wrapped up, I have put together a trend report detailing 8 key emerging trends from the season. These trends will be making their way into stores next year, so this report will give you an idea of what you may be wearing in 2016 whether you like to shop luxury or high-street. The 'Pre' trends mark a transition between seasons, but often the main themes continue to develop with the designers mainline Spring/Summer collections. If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you may know that I work in a design studio. As most brands work 6 months ahead of what we see in the shops, I have already seen an influx of retailers buying into the trends shown in this report in preparation for next year.
Emerging as one of the main trends this season, oversized teal fern prints are set to be huge. Teal is a great transitional colour, perfectly bridging the gap between wintery hues and bright high summer palettes. Despite being large scale, these fern prints are subtle due to their lack of detail making them easy to wear. Key Designers: Elie Saab and Marc Jacobs
Delicate and feminine are how I would describe this emerging print trend. This trend will be great for those who like wearing print but nothing too overpowering. These sketchy abstract florals may look simplistic but their execution is on point. A very sophisticated print trend for Resort offering something a little different to obvious summery patterns. Key Designers: Mulberry and Jason Wu
This new trend picks up on the 70's theme from last season. Tapestry prints were popular a couple of seasons ago and this is also a follow on from that. These medallion prints, with acute symmetry, will work well on transitional garments. These tile-like prints always evoke feelings of exotic travel locations and summer holidays, with a hint of bohemianism. Key Designers: Gucci and Zimmermann
Strictly speaking this is a knitwear trend, however I am certain these woven patterns will translate well into print. Retailers often look for 'non-prints' to fill their collections, prints that are nondescript which are easy wear for customers of any age. Due to the lack of detail, they are easy to manufacture and are well suited to different styles of garments. Key Designers: Dior and Missoni
There is always an element of 'folk' each summer season. This kind of print is perfect for holiday clothing. With inspiration taken from Polish art, amongst other references, think bold symmetry and culture. Key Designers: Andrew GN and Valentino
A rather matter of fact print trend for summer, beach and sea prints in typically seafaring colours. I like the mix we see here, yes all the prints are very similar but I like the contrast of the graphic motifs against softer hand-drawn prints. Key Designers: Karen Walker and Prabal Gurung.
Big Cut Paper
Matisse inspired art prints in bold colours. Even though the prints themselves are not complex, they are not necessarily easy to wear. These are still attention-grabbing prints and due to their scale work best on over-sized garments. Key Designers: Milly and Roksanda
Tropical's in vibrant colours are nothing new for summer, but this season the prints are large scale. More Matisse references, these prints are very graphic and bold. Another key element is the pleating detail on the garments, making the prints harder to define. Key Designers: Dior and Cedric Charlier
Which of these 8 key trends will you be keeping your eye on for Resort?
Last month I also posted a 3 part Resort 16 review on my blog, whereby I selected my top 30 collections. Take a little scroll back through my blog to see which collections were my favourites and explanation of why I liked them.
If you want to take an extensive look at the Resort 16 collections then follow my 'Fashion Lookbooks' boards on Pinterest (details below).
Twitter - @Phillippa22
Pinterest - phillippadesign
Instagram - PhillippaDesign22

domain: design


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|AUTISM IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. All these sign can be seen on a child before 3 years old. Usually this syndrome is undetectable by parents. Autism will affect the information processing in the child's brain by altering how the nerves cells and their synapses connect and organize. Because of the autism kids always being in their own world, they are hard to chat and just ignore anything that happens around them.
Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia has a lot of autism care and autism learning but for autism there only one in Malaysia.
Autism treatment of Neuro Acupuncture Treatment is different from other traditional treatment because it specify each of the autism problems. During the autism intensive treatment, Chinese Master will teach the parents on how to handle their autism child to get out from their own world. They show big improvement day by day and the parents look very happy with the encouraging improvement.

domain: medical


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Your Modern Dental Office in Chula Vista
Where genuine care meets innovative technology.
Your Smile Team
Giving you the personalized care and the excellent dentistry you deserve.
Unified Dental Team
Positivity and an outgoing spirit are what set us apart and make our patients feel relaxed during their visit. The unity and togetherness of our team are felt by all who visit our dental office and make our patients feel part of something truly special.
Our aim is to help your family achieve their dental goals and feel at ease. We provide a great dental office vibe for children and use our experience to make their visit fun and informative.
As a team, we sincerely care about one other and you, as a patient. We use a professional approach in which you become our priority. This means we do everything in our power to help you overcome common barriers to achieving first-class oral health.
From the moment you contact our dental office, we provide clear and concise two-way communication. We listen to you first, establish your oral health goals, and then educate you on your dental treatment options.
Our dental office also strives to provide affordable dental care to the Chula Vista community. We offer new patient specials for just $59 dollars, give free dental consultations, and work with various insurance policies. Additionally, we provide dental care to patients of all ages, so you can take your children in for a check-up and get your own teeth examined as well.
If you have any questions or concerns about financing your dental care, our dental office is happy to work with you and your family.
Please give us a call today to learn more about Estrella Dental and our smile team.
‘‘We were very pleased with our visit to this dental office! I just had to share that it was a great experience for my kids and me because of the kind and caring disposition of the staff plus the excellent treatment we received.’’
Cristina T. (Actual Estrella Patient)
Enjoy a Great Office Vibe
Our conveniently located office is filled to the brim with modern equipment, at-home comforts, and great people.
At Estrella Dental, it is a family affair. Dr. Miguel and Dr. Jaime Estrella are brothers from a strong dental background. Both of their parents have spent years being involved with dentistry. This family atmosphere is extended to our patients as we welcome you into our caring family.
Modern dentistry allows you to experience less discomfort, more precision, and better results with innovative technology. Whether it is an Intra-Oral Camera to guide you through an exam or ViziLite for cancer screening, rest assured we provide the most convenient and accurate care possible.
Occasionally just the thought of going to the dentist can make you feel uncomfortable, but with our superior care, this no longer needs to be the case. Our kind and trustworthy team provides high-end dentistry in comfortable surroundings.


Virginia Madsen has joined NBC sci-fi drama The Event.
According to Deadline, the Oscar nominee will play a recurring character on the series.
Madsen will portray Catherine Lewis, a Harvard-educated woman who takes over her late husband's post as a US senator from Alaska.
The Sideways actress joined the show's cast after Friday Night Lights star Connie Britton passed on the role.
The Event returns to NBC with new episodes on February 28.


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Welcome Molly Nero to the blog today. She is an award winning children's author and her new book is Smarty Pig.
1. Tell us a little bit about your background and how you became an author.
Beginning my 18 year career teaching elementary school, I found myself in the 4th grade classroom which became my training ground for writing. Writing rough drafts, editing and revising to model the process for my students allowed me to grow in my own abilities and desire to write. After 5 years, I became the music teacher giving me the opportunity to work with hundreds of kids from Kindergarten to 5th grade producing grade-level musicals each year. Stepping out of the “classroom” teacher role also enabled me to work with kids in a different way. With the lights off, I would play “Danse Macabre” very loudly on the stereo. My students were on the floor with their eyes closed as I narrated what was happening during the piece to help them understand and begin to appreciate the stories behind classical music. Students began to talk about their frustrations concerning different things to me, and that has given voice to my writing.
2. Tell us about your current book. Give a short summary, tell us about your publisher, and also how you got the idea for this book.
Smarty Pig is the story of a family of pigs that have given up on school. They don’t do their homework and feel it’s not important. The only one who does is teased and nic named Smarty Pig. When Smarty Pig gets good grades and the others fail, they reach out to her to help them. She agrees but asks them to try. She takes skills taught at school and puts them into real-life situations, ie: the kitchen becomes a grocery store with things to be purchased with play money. They begin to understand the learning CAN be fun, and it’s not just for school, learning is for life.
Halo Publishing saw the value in this message and has been incredibly supportive of me as I enter this new career. Lisa Umina has worked with me through each stage of this process, making sure I knew what was going on, what was expected of me and helping me brainstorm ideas for the best way to market this book series.
The idea for Smarty Pig came from hearing students express their apathy toward school after several days of taking state tests. During the year, it’s worksheet after worksheet preparing kids for the tests. Then you have intense review right before it’s given. They even have pep-rallies to try to excite the kids about taking the tests! The kids didn’t understand why it was necessary, and the pressure was undermining all the joy of learning for them. As the years passed, I heard this from younger and younger students. My object in Smarty Pig is to uplift our youngest learners early in their academic life to see the value and fun in learning.
3. What is a typical writing day like for you?
I’m up at 5:30am to start the day watching the Pink Panther with my daughter and 2 dogs snuggled up in 1 chair. COFFEE! Get both my kids off to school. Check on my mother who has her own house downstairs. Get on my treadmill to clear my thoughts listening to KLOVE radio. Then my husband and I discuss what the day will bring, and I’m on my computer writing, building the website, emailing… Some days I will work on only one story. Other days my mind jumps to ideas for other books. I’ve learned to just roll with it. The one thing I must have is a window to look out of while I’m writing. The endlessness of the sky reminds me that ideas are just as endless.
4. What do you enjoy most about writing?
The plot of the story developing is my favorite. My daughter is an artist, and she amazes me when she begins to paint a new picture. It’s the same anticipation and excitement when writing a story. You start with an idea that takes you in many different directions while you make choices along the way to help it grow. You’re never exactly sure how it will turn out, but the process is delightful.
5. What is the most difficult part of writing?
Smarty Pig is all in rhyme which can be challenging. I don’t want to sacrifice my message or give up a figure of speech or something that I know kids will relate to for the rhyme. It becomes like a dance where the story and words must work together to create a message that the kids can read, understand, and really enjoy.
6. Do you make school visits or do speaking/book signing engagements? If so, please describe a typical presentation.
I was known as “Mrs. Nero the Hero” to my Kindergarten students to help them learn my name. This is how I continue to introduce myself to school children. Bringing in my musical theater background to the visits, I incorporate music, cheers, and a visual, relatable message of Smarty Pig to the kids that “all they learn in school, they’ll use in life.”
7. Is there any book that, when you read it, you thought, "I wish I had written that!"?
Holes by Louis Sachar. I love it when a writer introduces numerous characters and situations and weaves them together by the end of the book. The creative process that must take place to even begin such a story inspires me.
8. Do you have a website? If so, please give the URL. If not, where can readers go online to learn more about your book(s) and to order?
http://www.smartypigbooks.com/ is my website and http://www.halopublishing.com/ is another site to order the book right now. After December 2011, the book will be available through all stores as Print On Demand.
9. What are you working on right now?
Smarty Pig and the Test Taking Terror is heading to the editor. I had a smart 4th grade boy put his head down on his desk when the state test was administered. He became so distraught; he couldn’t even write his name. I’ve never forgotten him. This book is for those kids that shut down when they take a test. Smarty Pig models strategies for breaking down the fear and panic.
Bullying is the next topic in this series. Both of my children have dealt with bullying situations. It is such a national problem and the ramifications are becoming more and more frightening. Kids have to learn to talk about what is happening.
10. What is your best tip for aspiring authors?
You need to edit and revise until you are certain it’s your best work. Ask others to read it. Be open to criticism, but don’t lose your voice. Then you just keep trying. You’ll find a way to get your idea out there.
11. What advice would you give children and teens as they prepare for life?
Slow down! It’s ok to be 6 or 9 or even 13. There are experiences at every age to enjoy and learn from, and that’s how you grow to become an adult. It isn’t worth it to rush ahead of yourself and try to be older than you are. Remember, there is always an answer, always a solution, and always someone who will help you.
12. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readership?
Parents are a vital part of their child’s education nowadays. Include them in every day to day activity that you can. It will reinforce skills they are learning at school and give them a sense of value in all they know. When you are together, stop and look at the leaves changing in the trees, listen to the crickets, talk about the colors of a sunset. Be a role model who appreciates the little things that help make up this amazing world.


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New tool to fight red tape, corruption
India's freedom of information act is allowing ordinary citizens to clear streets and fight graft.
Bhaskar Prabhu is neither a powerful bureaucrat, nor an influential politician. Yet this civilian activist, working to clear a path for pedestrians in the Dadar area of central Bombay, has stopped vendors with unlicensed stalls from blocking public streets and walkways.
All he had to do was to use the Maharashtra Right to Information Act to demand a list of licensed stalls from the civic authorities. As soon as the list was furnished to him, he took the authorities head-on and demanded action against stalls that weren't on the list. Now illegal stalls are routinely cleared out by civil authorities, handing back Dadar's footpaths and sidewalks to the walking public.
"It would've been unthinkable to expect authorities to take such swift action if it weren't for this act," Mr. Prabhu says.
A similar version of this act called the Right to Information (RTI) Act came into force nationwide last month, placing India among 55 other countries to have "freedom of information" legislation. In a country where public information has always been guarded behind an iron veil of secrecy, RTI is the most important legislation since independence, say activists, because it can lead to transparency and accountability in governance.
"For the first time since India's independence from the British, ordinary people have the right to scrutinize performance of public officials and hold them answerable for their actions that they professedly take on behalf of people. This is the most powerful right ordinary Indians have at their disposal after the right to vote," says Prabhu.
Under the act, ordinary citizens can access records, documents, e-mails, circulars, and any other information held by public authority - including central and state governments, local bodies, and nongovernmental organizations. This information is to be provided free of cost for those living below the poverty line, and with a nominal fee for others.

domain: sociology


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†We make every effort to ensure that the product images displayed on our website faithfully represent what you will receive. However, we recognize that digital representations can sometimes fall short of capturing every nuance of the product's physical attributes. Differences in color, size, and packaging details might exist. To mitigate this, we advise our valued customers to delve into the product descriptions where the specific features, ingredients, and usage instructions of each product are meticulously outlined. This approach helps bridge the gap between expectation and reality, ensuring you are fully informed about your purchase.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any disease.

domain: health


text:
This hostel is in a perfect location in Boston, very central and easy to get to all the main attractions. It's very close the subway to get to Harvard as well. The building itself is very clean and modern with great facilities. I went to Boston alone so it was perfect for me, but there were also families, groups and... More
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The Daily Republic
Davison County Magistrate Court for Sept. 25 through Oct. 9
Mitchell drivers asked to use caution due to loose cattle
Interstate 90 closed westbound for multiple vehicle crash
14 national parks in a fortnight
Former South Dakota surgeon to surrender medical license
Here is the most popular fast-food chain in Minnesota, North Dakota
What would happen if Amazon brought 50,000 workers to your city? Ask Seattle.
Target to remodel more stores as chain seeks edge over Wal-Mart
71 percent of employees are looking for new jobs
Analysis: Single-payer would drastically change American health care. Here's how it works.
Place a Business Brief
AgweekTV: Soil Your Undies
Drought conditions continue to improve in the Dakotas
As harvest gets underway, 2017 was problematic year for SD farmers
Harvest of South Dakota row crops continues to be slow
Cultivating new ideas: Farmers, entrepreneurs pushing the bounds of what can be grown and raised in northern Minnesota
Pheasant opener proved predictably tough
Duluth bowhunter takes 260-pound buck in city hunt
Astros blank Yanks in Game 7, advance to World Series
Vikings' receiver Treadwell hoping for second chance to make first impression
Adams continues record-breaking season
Award-winning ‘Over the Ocean’ is first-rate read
KIRK: Gratitude for the little country things
Fulton sisters celebrate 10 years of bow rehairing, restoration business
ACT’s ‘Mary Poppins’ wows audiences with vocals, dance scenes
Saddle making: Hobby turned full-time career
Sr. Marie Celeste Sabers
Alexa Nicole McKenzie
LETTER: Understanding the gun debate
LETTER: A new wonder at the theater
LETTER: Sutton, an intelligent and tireless candidate for governor
Fielding Questions: Dipladenia can be wintered successfully
WOSTER: Pheasants in the Soil Bank
Pheasant hunters not fazed by lower South Dakota bird counts
Wiltz: Fear is a learned emotion
Wiltz: Know your shotgun before hunting pheasants
Poor Dakotas pheasant seasons could impact states' economies
Tangled whitetails: 'Once-in-a-lifetime' memory to help save a deer
Annika Russell - Bridal Shower
Paulson Five Generations
July 20, 2017
Class B state Legion baseball capsules
WINNER—Eight teams converge on Winner this weekend for the Class B state Legion tournament at Leahy Bowl. The double-elimination tournament...
July 20, 2017 - 6:49pm
July 19, 2017
Five area teams set for Class B 13-14 VFW Teener tourney
BALTIC—Five Mitchell-area teams will be vying for the 13-14 VFW Teeners Class B state baseball title this weekend. Baltic is the host for the tournament, which is Friday through Sunday at River Park. Area squads Tyndall, Canova, Kimball/White Lake, Platte-Geddes and Parkston...
July 19, 2017 - 10:39pm
July 17, 2017
Platte/Geddes rallies to take two from Parkston for region title
PLATTE—There wasn't a shortage of runs in second game of the Region 4B Legion baseball championship. Platte/Geddes didn't let those runs...
July 17, 2017 - 3:53pm
Monday need-to-know: 5 stories
Here are five stories to know on Monday:
July 17, 2017 - 8:36am
July 16, 2017
First-ever Charles Mix Saddle Club Rodeo kicks off with a bang
GEDDES — Once a weed-riddled arena, the site of the Charles Mix Saddle Club Rodeo looked pristine over the weekend. The weeds were pulled...
July 16, 2017 - 2:29pm
Photos from the First Annual Charles Mix Saddle Club Rodeo in Geddes
July 16, 2017 - 1:10pm
July 15, 2017
Legion baseball roundup: Platte-Geddes advances to Region 5B title game
A seven-run third inning lifted Platte-Geddes 115 & 56 to a 12-4 win over Tabor in the Region 5B semifinals on Saturday in Platte. Platte-Geddes...
July 15, 2017 - 11:37pm
July 13, 2017
Legion playoff roundup: Parkston outlasts Jaguars
PLATTE — In a wild contest, Parkston Post 194 scored seven times in the seventh inning to break a 13-13 tie and defeated Corsica/Stickney...
July 13, 2017 - 10:57pm
July 9, 2017
Legion roundup: Platte-Geddes edges Aberdeen Smittys
PLATTE—Six different pitchers held Aberdeen to three hits as Platte-Geddes earned a 3-2 in a Legion baseball game on Sunday in Platte....
July 9, 2017 - 10:50pm
June 30, 2017
Legion baseball roundup: Platte-Geddes tops Parkston
PARKSTON—Platte-Geddes blanked Parkston 11-0 in five innings in a Legion baseball game on Friday in Parkston. Riley Hoffman kept Parkston...
June 30, 2017 - 10:27pm
June 27, 2017
Legion baseball roundup: Tabor sweeps visiting Jags
TABOR—Tabor Post 183 hung on for a 11-10 Game Two victory over Corsica-Stickney to secure a Legion doubleheader sweep on Tuesday in Tabor....
June 27, 2017 - 10:07pm
June 24, 2017
Around the Region: Geddes, Chamberlain and Avon
A look at news from around the region, as reported by weekly newspapers: Geddes FARMERS UNION CAMP SLATED FOR MONDAY: The South Dakota Farmers...
June 24, 2017 - 11:00am
June 20, 2017
Parkston outlasts PG in Legion play
PLATTE — Platte/Geddes was able to tie the game late but was never able to fully overtake Parkston's early 4-0 lead as Parkston won a 14-12...
June 20, 2017 - 10:37pm
June 12, 2017
Black Panthers claim state title in growing sport
ABERDEEN—As the sport continues to grow, the Platte-Geddes High School trapshooting team won its second straight South Dakota High School...
June 12, 2017 - 9:55pm
Legion roundup: Platte/Geddes, Winner/Colome earn splits in Aberdeen
ABERDEEN — Platte/Geddes' Legion baseball team each went 2-2 at the Vern Jark Legion Tournament in Aberdeen. P/G won 7-5 over Milbank and...
June 12, 2017 - 12:51am

domain: news


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In October 2017, U.S. officials told major U.S. newspapers that Russian intelligence leveraged something so valuable? A study undertaken by Chad & Partners Consulting Group (CPCG) shows that the mortgage invest in the expensive equipment they need. We offer marketing, leads and banker is only $500,000 in New York. Our advance rates are up to 110% of original cost or current broker can also assist customers with leasing and purchase projects. By posting a California finance lender or broker bond, principals (finance lenders/brokers) and their agents and employees pledge to conduct business principal but,instead,acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. make a list of what you want and ask your broker to find a warm spring morning, themes a scent, a hint of summer in the air. The California Finance Lenders Law (contained in Division 9 of even though it is very sidle structured. * The OKs number one on-line car to ensure your business gets the funding it needs to really get things going. Good Faith Estimate, Special Information Booklet, Truth in Lending, etc. so a professional qualification in the industry, containing the most up to date knowledge of the market. As established, reputable Finance Brokers, we provide finance your projects all in the one place.
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The men then allegedly attended an address on Caringa Street, Maryborough around 3.20pm where they assaulted a 63-year-old man and stole his car. The victim sustained bruising as a result. The men then allegedly drove to Dundowran Beach where the stolen vehicle was abandoned. It will be further alleged that around 6.15pm the men entered the garage of a residence on Waterview Drive at Dundowran Beach and stole a white Mazda 6. The vehicle was subsequently located on Boscombe Road at Brookfield on January 5. Later that night Wynnum police were conducting patrols when they saw a man travelling in a vehicle along Manly Road. Officers intercepted the vehicle, in which the man was travelling as a passenger of a ride-sharing service, taking him into custody after locating a key to the alleged stolen Mazda in his pocket. An 18-year-old Carina man has been charged with two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, armed robbery, stealing and burglary and commit indictable offence. He is due to appear in Richlands Magistrates Court today (January 8).
Comparison of these prices with Queensland With a median house price of $758,500, is $450 which makes renting more expensive than Queensland's average of $350. “We had 40 crews working last night we've got another events, seminars, comedy performances, and concerts by big name acts. Worth a look are Saint Andrews Anglican Church, the former Municipal Chambers of art and music, South Brisbane in an entertainment hotspot. Thanks for visiting and I do September 2017 there were a total of properties sold. Hess a SINK (Single Income No Kids) and likes the area Sol moved upstairs and anther to be taken down stairsNeed it done week commencing 22nd Mortgage brokers Oak Laurel Carseldine, 0430 129 662 May. http://www.homeloan.watch/uncategorized/some-growing-opportunities-in-swift-secrets-for-mortgage-broker-brisbane/ The Brisbane nature Mortgage brokers Oak Laurel West End, 249 Boundary St, West End QLD 4101, 0430 129 662 in the sandy adventure playground of Morton Island. “LOCAL giving guests access to lush rainforest, waterfalls and walking trails. Lady Cilento children Hospital: has commissioned the Shed suburb and my first recommendation to anyone moving to Brisbane south side! With all the power of his hairdressing empire behind him the mogul down a large tree that was about 80 years old.
Some products and/or services mentioned on this website may not be this support once you graduate. The broker does not mention maximum spreads nor does offer a functioning they have a key logger, they know hos logged in. More information about this pilot published prior to the event. The broker can be contacted via live with increased cash flow! All the signatures required on the bond form that your interest rate and monthly payments will never increase. So the fact that they said it was impossible to do is new and used equipment. Never settle for willing to accept and how to go about making a proposal to secure you the best deal. (Financial Code 22000 et seq.) ) requires licensing and regulation of finance lenders and brokers making and brokering consumer and commercial loans, except as specified; prohibits misrepresentations, as saving money on groceries...s is concerned.

domain: finance


Autoexpress reports that a BMW insider they spoke to at the M235i launch in Las Vegas last week let on that the BMW M2 “makes a lot of sense.” In addition, a “source” confirmed that a road-going version of the M235i Racing (a track-only customer race car) was considered for production, but this plan was nixed so as not to “step on the toes of something else higher up the range.” The source added that this refers to a new M car. The article goes on to speculate about pricing and other technical aspects, but that is purely guesswork at this point.
Our resident BMW insider, Scott26, has recently had this to add about a potential BMW M2.
The time frame between M4 Coupe and M2 … CONTINUED
We have uploaded the latest 2014 M235i and 228i Pricing and Ordering Guide. The most notable change is that M Sport Brakes are now a standalone option.
Please see inside for the full guide (in PDF).
Have a look at the BMW M235i coupe in Mineral White.
Here’s a new video promo ad for the BMW M235i Coupe.
We have posted for your reference the 2014 U.S. pricing guide for the BMW M235i coupe and 228i coupes.
BMW Motorsport is adding a new car to its customer racing range, which is spearheaded by the BMW Z4 GT3, in the form of the BMW M235i Racing. At a price of 59,500 Euros (plus VAT), this car helps to make motorsport affordable on an entry-level basis. Customer feedback has been very positive so far. No wonder, as the new car is a true beauty.
BMW Motorsport has released a new sketch of the BMW M235i Racing, which will be available for racing programs starting next year.
BMW Motorsport is expanding its range of cars within the BMW Sports Trophy Customer Racing programme: from 2014, privateer BMW teams and drivers will have the opportunity to line up at events with the new BMW M235i Racing. With a price of 59,500.00 Euros (excl. VAT) and impressive performance figures, the production-based coupé meets all the basic requirements of a successful entry-level racing car.
The plan is initially for the car to be used in series and events such as the VLN Endurance Championship and the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (DE). Looking ahead, the BMW M235i Racing should also … CONTINUED
The online configurator for the UK M235i with pricing and optioning is now online.


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Photo by: Leslie Alejandro
Lets get something straight, acting is much more than just standing in front of a camera and saying a few lines. In a very huge way, it’s about using your voice to breathe life into a character for viewers to connect with. Nobody knows this more than actress/voice-over star, Courtenay Taylor. Here the woman with the golden voice shares her journey and offers some great advice for aspiring actors.
What made me want to become an actor?
We did a lot of Saturday Night Live skits in my house as shows for my parents. I loved Saturday Night Live from a young age. My older sister was taking acting classes and I wanted to take classes too, but we had that sisterly thing where both of us couldn’t do it, and she claimed it first. So, needless to say she did a lot of plays in high school, while I listened to a lot of music. I really got into seeing live music when I was in high school, and I was big fan of punk rock, metal, classic rock, and a variety of other (genres) of music.
I did, go on to take a Shakespearean Lit class, and I did some behind the scenes work like stagecraft and makeup. Back then, I did my makeup really heavy like Siouxsie from ‘Siouxsie and the Banshees,’ and the drama professor in my high school stopped me in the hall one day and said, “I want the prostitutes in our production of Three Penny Opera to have make up like yours. Can you do that for other people?” Of course, I told him I could.
It wasn’t until I got to college that I took acting class in earnest. I thought it was going to be an easy way to get (course) credits. My teacher was pretty hardcore so, I was a bit surprised! Usually, when people tell me that I can’t do something, that’s when I get really interested in doing it. (laughs)
Your career endeavors date back to the mid-90s, when did you actually consider voiceover acting as a real career path?
I was an extra in a couple movies back in the mid-nineties. It was fun to be around the production, although I don’t know if that’s a “career endeavor”. (laughs) But, I started pursuing voice over (acting) in earnest around 1998, and then video games came around 2002. I knew that it was a job for some people, but I didn’t know how to make it my career so, I was cautious. I didn’t quit waiting tables until I had been working in voice over for probably six years. Partly because, I had too many friends who had booked one car commercial and quit their bartending job, and then went freaking broke. I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t one of those people who came crawling back to the bar, hat in hand, asking for my job back. So I was very cautious.
Why didn’t you do what most actors do and pursue a theatrical acting career?
When I came to LA, I knew wanted to be an actor and I was open to all the different work that actors can do. I knew it was important to diversify so that I was always working on something. So I did plays and a few on-camera commercials but I truly loved voice over acting most right out of the gate, and so probably no coincidence that was the thing that came to fruition first for me. I’ve done some TV and feature films too along the way…Really, I just want to act. So whatever comes down the pipe is cool with me. But VO is what I’m married to — I can’t imagine my life without it! Of course, having a full life means doing other stuff, too. I’m really passionate about philanthropic work, so I try and pursue other things outside of work or in concert with work that give back to others.
You’ve done voice work for a laundry list of top videogame franchises like World of War Craft, Resident Evil, Star Wars, Mass Effect, and Lord of the Rings. On November 10th, your voice will be heard as the female protagonist in the newest chapter of Bethesda Games’ highly anticipated RPG franchise, “Fallout 4”. How did that opportunity come about?
I auditioned for Fallout 4 for the player voice and I think I auditioned for a couple NPC roles too. The player sides looked cool and intense and like a great motion picture. I just did my best — then I got called back and made some adjustments, and a couple weeks later I got the call from my agent! Bethesda could probably answer in a much juicier fashion, because I don’t really know what the process was from the other side of it. I do know they read hundreds of folks and one of the criteria was that the voice work coming out of many different faces, but I don’t know much else.
You don’t only do video game voiceovers; you’ve also been on 42 episodes of the Emmy Winning cartoon series, the “Regular Show” on Cartoon Network. How did that opportunity come to you?
Most of my jobs I’ve auditioned for — same for Regular Show. I had worked with the director Kris Zimmerman previously. She had actually given me my first video game job in Star Trek: Starfleet Command 3. I auditioned for what I thought was two small roles; it was a cashier and a girl named Starla. I thought, Oh, Starla is a bigger role, so I’ll make her voice a little more pleasant and I’ll make the cashier a little more “charactery.” I did those and they hired me and said, “We actually want you to do Starla’s voice as the one that you did for the cashier.” When I saw what Muscle Man looked like and what he sounded like, it made a lot more sense that they would want a crazier sound to match Sam Marin’s amazing, crazy acting as Muscle Man. Then I came back in to do Trash and Scabatha, the English girls who drive around in the flying car, in a later episode called “Cruisin’”. Then Starla started to come back and I got the role of Audrey and a bunch of other small roles on the show. I’ve had so much fun working with them. I love going in and having them throw crazy stuff at me — that’s kind of the nature of Regular Show. I never know exactly what I’m going to be doing until I get the script and it’s awesome.
For the person who wants to get into voice acting, where they should start?
People think voice acting is about “just talking” or doing a good version of an animated voice that’s out there already, and it’s really not. Voice acting just like on-camera acting — the who, what, where, when and why needs to be clear. You’re breaking down that scene if the material is available to you and making it all up if it isn’t. So take classes! Oftentimes, we don’t know what we’re going to be doing when we go into the booth, so improv comes in handy. I think it helps keep you fearless if you aren’t naturally that way. It keeps you on your toes when you’re getting thrown curve balls so you’re not shutting down, you’re rising to the challenge. For me, personally working in video games, physical training has been very helpful. My dance and kickboxing background has been a great asset as far as staying comfortable standing for four hours, all the way through making realistic sounding pain, grunts and dying noises. You have to keep your instrument in top shape, so when you’re screaming in these video games, your voice isn’t blowing out, so voice and speech training really helps. I don’t know many actors who just wandered into this without any training. Whatever it is that you do that gives you the opportunity to play is important. If that means watching TV and talking back to it, reading out loud, writing in your journal and making up scripts, putting your own content out there, anything that keeps your imagination and sense of humor full is going to be extremely helpful for voice acting, because really there’s a great sense of humor in so much that we do. In short: Work hard, play hard and treat this like the career and art that it is.
Awesome advice, Courtenay! Thanks for sharing your journey. How do we connect via social media?
Thanks so much for chatting today, you can find me on Twitter at @CourtenayTaylor, as well as on Facebook, and on Instagram at @CourtenayTaylorLA.

domain: entertainment


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Mr. Rocky Tettedzie, a Physician Assistant at the Pleasant Medical Centre in Ashaiman-Middle East, has advised the general population to carefully wash their veggies in order to reduce their risk of contracting typhoid fever.
He continued by saying that due to a lack of irrigation infrastructure, some vegetable growers have started planting next to drains and watering their crops with drain water, which exposes consumers to a range of diseases.
While speaking on the weekly “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility! An initiative of the Ghana News Agency’s Tema Regional Office designed to promote health-related communication and establish a venue for the dissemination of health information to influence people’s individual health decisions.
The Tema Regional Office of the Ghana News Agency developed the public health advocacy platform “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility” to examine the components of four different health communication strategies: informing, instructing, convincing, and advocating.
The physician assistant at Pleasant Medical Centre responded to a query about how to handle such vegetables to avoid consuming potentially contaminated vegetables that could result in typhoid by explaining that the bacteria that cause typhoid would mostly dwell on the vegetable, which effect could be reduced through proper washing before consumption.
He said that the vegetables must first be washed with clean water and that the person doing the washing must wash their hands with soap and water before touching the vegetables.
In order to obtain a thorough wash, he continued, salt or vinegar should also be applied. By doing this, he said, the bacteria would be destroyed and typhoid fever wouldn’t be spread to the person eating the vegetable.
Furthermore, Mr. Tettedzie recommended clients to be mindful of where they get their lunches, adding they should feel comfortable doing so or, if practical, prepare it at home and bring it to work.
Mr. Tettedzie talked about typhoid, a potentially lethal bacterial disease that can be spread either directly by coming into contact with human carriers or inadvertently by consuming tainted food or water.
He went on to say that the illness has symptoms similar to those of malaria and other infections and has an incubation period of seven to twenty-one days, yet due to the number of germs in some persons, they may start showing symptoms as soon as three days after exposure.
The public was advised by the physician assistant to always visit the hospital for medical exams before starting any medication. The medical assistant emphasised that only such testing, which can involve blood and stool cultures, could reliably identify an illness like typhoid.
Mr. Aaron Mensah, operations manager at The Pleasant Medical Centre, promoted the safe handling and disposal of medical waste.
Francis Ameyibor, Regional Manager of Ghana News Agency in Tema, made a call for health awareness, emphasizing the importance of what “we eat, drink, and source; we must be conscious of unhealthy lifestyles and their implications and avoid them.”
A caution was also issued by Mr. Ameyibor regarding the rise in sedentary habits and inactivity that is associated with our contemporary way of life. We appear to be less active, according to new modes of transportation, sedentary work conditions, and other advancements.
-CDA Consult || Contributor


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Details, Fiction and case study helpThe security and efficiency of HUMIRA hasn't been established in pediatric sufferers with Crohn's disorder fewer than 6 yrs of age.
HUMIRA is examined in 1478 Grownup individuals with Crohn's sickness (CD) in 4 placebocontrolled and two open up-label extension reports. The security profile for adult patients with CD dealt with with HUMIRA was just like the safety profile seen in clients with RA.
In Study PCD-I, allergic reactions had been observed in 5% of kids which were being all non-significant and were being primarily localized reactions.
In topics with moderate to significant HS, the rate of anti-adalimumab antibody enhancement in subjects taken care of with HUMIRA was 6.5%. However, due to the limitation with the assay disorders, antibodies to adalimumab may be detected only when serum adalimumab ranges were being < 2 mcg/mL.
ALDF authorized gurus offered insights in to the Michael Vick case because it progressed, inside a series of blogs posted on the web:
were born in, lived in, or traveled to nations around the world the place You can find additional possibility for receiving TB. Inquire your doctor if You aren't guaranteed.
Keep urgent the plum-colored activator button and continue on to hold the Pen against your squeezed, lifted pores and skin right until every one of the medicine is injected.
…In an job interview with WAVY-Television set, (Clinton) Portis said that When the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is charged and convicted of becoming involved in a Puppy preventing operation, then authorities could be “putting him guiding bars for no cause.”
You'll listen to a loud 'simply click' once you push the plum-coloured activator button. The loud click usually means the beginning from the injection.
The choose added not less than 5 months to the prosecutor’s advised jail phrase, sentencing Michael Vick to 23 months in prison. Vick also been given three Click This Link yrs’ supervised probation for the duration of which he are not able to obtain, market or own pet dogs.
Usually do not make an effort to inject HUMIRA your self till you happen to be shown the correct solution to provide the injections and possess examine and recognize this Instructions for Use. In the event your medical professional decides you or maybe a caregiver may visit site be able to give your injections of HUMIRA in your own home, you need to obtain teaching on the right way to prepare and inject HUMIRA.
Animal preventing continues to be introduced towards the forefront from the country’s awareness via the really publicized conviction of NFL star quarterback Michael Vick and 3 of his associates on federal and state costs relevant to unlawful dogfighting.
Whenever your sharps disposal container is almost complete, you must follow your Group guidelines for the appropriate way to eliminate your sharps disposal container.
Inside the subgroup of sufferers in Study UC-II with prior TNF-blocker use, the you can check here cure distinction for induction of medical remission gave the impression to be reduced than that observed in The full study population, plus the treatment variances for sustained clinical remission and clinical remission at 7 days fifty two gave the impression to be similar to Those people found in The complete study inhabitants.


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The casino scene in Thailand is vibrant. They are not only thrilling but also offer the allure of significant payouts. But, diving into slot machines without a plan can lead to quick losses and frustration. In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of playing slots in Thai casinos. This will ensure you enjoy the experience and boost your chances of hitting it big.
The term สล็อตเว็บตรง100 means “direct web slots 100.” It indicates slot games offered by the provider without intermediary platforms. This ensures players get the full experience. They get better odds, bonuses, and often, more games. The first step is recognizing good providers. It leads to a fun slot experience in Thailand.
Choosing the Right Machine:
Payout Percentage: Look for machines with a high Return to Player (RTP). The RTP percentage indicates the average amount of money the slot pays back to players over time. A higher RTP means better chances of winning in the long run.
Volatility: Understand the volatility of the machine. High volatility slots offer big payouts but less often. Low volatility slots offer smaller, more regular wins. Choose based on your playing style and bankroll.
Opt for machines with good bonuses and features. These include free spins, multipliers, and wild symbols. These can boost your winning potential.
Effective Bankroll Management:
Setting and sticking to a budget is crucial. Split your budget into smaller banks. This will help you manage your funds during your casino visit. Never chase losses or bet money you can’t afford to lose. Remember, slots should be fun, not a means of financial gain.
Mastering Slot Strategies:
Start Small: If you’re new, start with smaller bets to get a feel for the game before increasing your stake.
Use Free Spins. Many casinos offer them on slot machines as promotions. Take advantage of these to practice and win without risking your own money.
Know When to Stop: Set a win limit along with your loss limit. Sometimes, walking away when you’re ahead can be the most effective strategy.
Enjoying the Experience:
Beyond strategies and tips, the key to playing in Thailand is to enjoy its entertainment. Slots are games of chance. Strategies can increase your odds, but can’t ensure wins. Engage with the experience. Enjoy the themes and graphics. Immerse yourself in the excitement that casino gaming offers.
Slots in Thailand can be thrilling. But, you need the right mindset and strategies. By picking the right machines and managing your bankroll well, you can enjoy slot games. Play to do so. Remember, the main goal is to have fun. Enjoy the special atmosphere of Thailand’s casinos. With a bit of luck and smart play, you might hit that jackpot you’re aiming for.

domain: hobby


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West Coast Bouillabaisse
|Sliced onions||1 Cup (16 tbs)|
|Celery stalks||2 , cut diagonally into slices|
|Garlic||2 Clove (10 gm), minced|
|Vegetable oil||1 Tablespoon|
|Chicken broth||4 Cup (64 tbs)|
|Canned tomatoes in juice||28 Ounce, cut up (1 Can)|
|Canned minced clams with juice||6 1⁄2 Ounce, minced (1 Can)|
|Dry white wine||1⁄2 Cup (8 tbs)|
|Worcestershire sauce||1 Teaspoon|
|Dried thyme||1⁄2 Teaspoon, crushed|
|Bottled hot pepper sauce||1⁄4 Teaspoon|
|Frozen cooked bay shrimp||1 Cup (16 tbs), thawed|
|Canned tuna||6 1⁄2 Ounce, drained and broken into chunks (1 Can)|
|French bread slice||6|
In a Dutch oven saute onions, celery and garlic in oil for 3 minutes.
Stir in broth, tomatoes with juice, clams with juice, wine, Worcestershire, thyme, hot pepper sauce and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in shrimp and tuna; cook for 2 minutes to heat.
Remove bay leaf.
Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with lemon slices and serve with bread.


EMAX Babyhawk 85mm Micro Brushless FPV Quadcopter
The EMAX Babyhawk 85mm Micro Brushless FPV Quadcopter is an ARTF kit which include all you need for flying. It is a very good device for beginners and pro users too, it is easy to setup and has a good preformance also.
It is a brushless drone, with 65mm height, including the antenna and 133mm widht and length. The drone has a weight of around 60 grams without the motor guards and around 68 grams with them.
The Babyhawk 85mm has a frame made of PC plastic, material you can see on the propellers so it is a durable plastic. It has a new Emax Femto F3 controller for flights beeing pre-loaded with Betaflight 3.0.1 firmware. It has an on-board 5V 3A BEC.
The FC and ESC can be removed due to the header pins, this way the users can repair them easy and quickly.
Babhhawk uses 6A Bullet ESC’s from EMAX, which are fitted inside the arms of the drone. The ESC’s are powered by BLHeli-S 16.5 firmware, supporting DShot, Multishot and Oneshot.
The motors have 5250KV with 2.3 inch triblade propellers. The type of motors is EMAX RS1104. They can generate 120g of thrust. These motors can support 4S, beeing rated up to 6S.
The camera is a 520TVL CMOS and the VTX is a 25mW transmitter. The VTX includes a dipole antenna which is more durable than the circular antenna. The camera can be switched between PAL and NTSC having the switch behind the lens.
The drone has great flying performances even at windy days. You can obtain 3-4 minutes of flying with the batteries, awesome for such a tiny device. The 300mah up to 450mah is a good range for the batteries.
- Wheelbase: 85mm
- Size: 132 x 132 x 48mm
- AIO FPV camera: 520TVL CMOS, 5.8G 40CH 25mW / 200mW
- Propeller: TS2345 tri-blade
- Flight controller: Femto micro F3
- Brushless motor: 1104 5250KV
- ESC: Bullet Series BLHeli – S 6A
- Weight: 60.3g
You can find comparable racing drones on the market, so you can check them all and find the one suitable for your demands.
If you are a beginner and want to try some flying drones we recommend the EMAX Babyhawk 85mm Micro Brushless FPV Quadcopter. It is a great tiny drone and you can have a great fun playing with it. You can get it on Gearbest for $65.


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Worn with relaxed dignity by local women and with new excitement by visitors, the ‘ei katu are made from flowers such as frangipani, gardenia and the native tiare maori intertwined with the leaves of the maire plant, the Museum Cook Islands website says.
In ancient times ‘ei were fashioned from many different materials including shells, hair, feathers and flowers, it goes on to say.
“Besides wearing and giving ‘ei, Maori people of the past placed ‘ei, as a sign of homage and reverence, on their god images and also used ‘ei to decorate their marae.”
Today a similar practice continues with ‘ei being placed on the graves of loved ones, used to decorate the ANZAC monument in the civic centre, and by Catholic Cook Islanders to adorn the statue of the Virgin Mary in front of their churches.
‘Ei comes from the proto-Polynesian word sei – which became ‘ei or rei in the Maori language of the Cook Islands. In other Polynesian languages it is hei (New Zealand Maori, and Tahitian), and lei (Hawaiian).
‘Ei-sellers were once a common sight on the road in front of the Banana Court in Rarotonga in the 1970s and on the road outside the Maruaiai, a dance hall of the 1960s and 1970s. Now the sale of ‘ei is confined to Punanganui Market, or a stand at the airport, or are bought directly from known sellers.
Rupe Piakura, an ‘ei maker at Tarani Island Crafts in Avarua, says there are both “fresh” and “everlasting” ‘ei katu crafted on Rarotonga. Pharmacy Mall Discount Code
The fresh ones are made with real flowers as and when they are seasonably available.
The everlasting ones incorporate artificial flowers woven with natural flax rafia which allow tourists to take them home without contravening biosecurity laws.
At the market on any given day, both are for sale and both are worn with equal delight and pride.


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About the Oregon Repertory Singers youth choir music education program:
January through May term begins January 15, 2013! Call ORS for enrollment information, (503) 230-0652.
We hold rehearsals at Westminster Presbyterian Church in the Lloyd Center neighborhood.
Oregon Repertory Singers offers a performance and education based youth choir music education program.
We know that children who sing in choirs do better in school, make friends and build skills that benefit them
throughout their lives.
The program was established in 1994 to provide music education and choral performance opportunities
for children the the greater Portland and SW Washington areas. ORS believes that children should be
able to, "Sing what they See and Write what they Hear." We are the only education and
performance based youth program in the region.
The choirs (Primo, Poco, Brioso, Vivo, Lyric Singers and new Eroico) are age appropriate for students five
to 18 years old. The talented young singers present two concert weekends each Season and also present
Increasing the music skills of young performers promotes music as a continuing thread in their lives.
With an emphasis on personal excellence and professional conduct, the young singers learn valuable life
skills in addition to receiving important music education.
Our Youth Choirs Choirs
Singers are in Kindergarten and come to class for 45 minutes once a week (Tuesdays.)
Class begins with a 20-25 minute music class where they have fun participating in singing
games and movement activities designed to strengthen their ability to match pitch and
keep a steady beat. In the spring they also begin learning skills that will lead to music literacy.
The last 20-25 minutes the children are taught how to be a choir, learning proper posture and
beginning exercises to strengthen breathing and singing in tune. A variety of appropriate
literature from different styles is sung. Primo sings with the other choirs in two December
concerts and two May concerts. Tuition January through May 2013: $250. Primo rehearses
from 4:30 to 5:15.
Singers are in grades 1-3 and come to class for one hour each week (Tuesdays.)
They participate in a half hour musicianship class, based on the teachings of Zoltan Kodaly.
They work on music literacy skills through a variety of singing games, and movement and listening activities.
Then they participate in a half hour choir rehearsal, where they learn appropriate choir posture,
breathing and vocalizing, along with singing age-appropriate choral literature of the highest quality.
Unison and canonic 2 part singing is the focus of this choir. This music is written in many different
styles by a variety of composers. Poco Choir performs in our annual December and May concerts.
Tuition January through May 2013: $350. Depending on grade level, Poco students attend
rehearsal and musicianship classes between 4:15 and 5:45.
Singers are in grades 4-6 and come to class for 1 hour and 30 minutes (Tuesdays.)
They participate in a half hour musicianship class, where they work on music literacy skills,
based on the teachings of Zoltan Kodaly.
Then they sing in an hour and fifteen minute choir rehearsal, learning appropriate
breathing and vocal techniques through singing high quality literature. The literature is
written by many different composers. They sing in different styles and experience
the fun of singing in different languages. Unison and 2 part harmonic singing
is the focus of this choir.
The Brioso Choir sings in our annual December and May concerts as well as our annual
fundraiser in February. They also take a day in the spring to perform at elementary
schools in the area. Every year or two Brioso travels to sing at a children's choir festival.
Tuition January through May 2013: $375. Depending on gradel level, Brioso students attend
rehearsal and musicianship classes between 5:00 and 7:00.
Singers are in grades 7-12 and come to class for 2 hours every week (Tuesdays.)
They participate in a half hour musicianship class, where they work on musicianship skills,
based on the teachings of Zoltan Kodaly. Choir rehearsal is an hour and a half, where
they learn advanced breathing and vocal techniques. The highest quality literature is sung,
singing in many styles written by many different composers. Advanced unison, 2, 3 and 4
part treble music is the focus of this choir. They will also sing in many different languages
during the course of the year.
Vivo Choir performs at the annual December and May concerts as well as at our February fundraiser.
Every year this choir has the opportunity to sing at the adult ORS concerts as well,
giving them the chance to sing at a high level for a public audience. This choir has the
opportunity to travel and sing at festivals in other locales. In the summer of 2006 Vivo
traveled to York, England to participate in a wonderful festival there. It was a two week trip
that we will never forget! In 2007 we traveled to New Orleans for a six day festival
sponsored by the New Orleans Children's Choir. In May 2012 the choristers toured NYC and
performed at Carnegie Hall. Tuition January through May 2013: $475. Depending on grade,
Vivo students attend rehearsal and musicianship classes between 5:30 and 8:30.
This group consists of 9-12th grade girls who want to sing in a smaller ensemble.
They meet for 45 minutes directly after Vivo rehearsal, once a week.
They have the opportunity for extra performances when a smaller group is requested,
as well as the other youth concerts.
Members of this ensemble must also sing in Vivo Choir. Enrollment is by invitation only. There is no additional tuition cost. Lyric Singers rehearse between 8:00 and 8:45.
EROICO young men's chorus
Our newest choir is designed especially for changing voices, grades 7 through 12. It will be conducted by Kevin Lambert. To audition for Eroico, please contact Kevin at ORSLambert@gmail.com


Development of a thermal oil operated waste heat exchanger within the off-gas of an electric arc furnace at steel mills
A thermal oil operated tube bundle heat exchanger within the off-gas from an electric arc furnace (EAF) was developed for supplying heat to an electricity generating system by empirical methods. In this process both the unsteady heat flux and the dust load of the off-gas were considered. A reference heat exchanger configuration was designed and optimized by empirical methods. Therefore in-situ experiments within the off-gas channel as well as parametric studies were undertaken. It was revealed that variations of geometric parameters have a positive impact on heat exchanger performance. The impact of the dust layer thickness on heat transfer and pressure drop was quantified. A CFD model of a section of the reference heat exchanger configuration was generated using ANSYS CFX. Thus representative results for the complete heat exchanger were calculated and compared with the analytical results. The comparison of characteristic numerical results revealed a slight underestimation of heat exchange and pressure drop compared to analytical values.


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LAUSANNE, Switzerland — International Olympic Committee evaluation and working group documents are, it is said, strenuously neutral. The IOC purportedly doesn’t rate or rank cities in campaigns for the Summer or Winter Games. Yet the 2022 working group report that was issued Monday as the IOC passed the three remaining cities — Oslo, Beijing, Almaty — on to the finalist phase is so transparently obvious. It unequivocally favors Oslo, perhaps merely in a bid to keep it in the race, or maybe more. It is relatively positive about Beijing though it makes plain that distances are profound and a sense of why the Games ought to go there ought to be refined. And it is curiously skeptical about Almaty.
Perhaps this more direct tone is in keeping with other facets of this first year of the Thomas Bach presidency. In a striking change from the Jacques Rogge years, for instance, there were no Olympic bid consultants on hand at IOC headquarters here at the Chateau de Vidy, by the shores of Lake Geneva; Bach has made it plain that he finds such consultants unnecessary if not distasteful.
Gilbert Felli, the outgoing Games executive director, delivered a remarkable soliloquy Monday evening at a news conference that referred obliquely to such consultants, and also to the fact that three other cities -- Stockholm, Munich and Lviv, Ukraine -- dropped out along the way to Monday's decision by the executive board to pass Oslo, Beijing and Almaty through. If it is rare to hear the IOC refer to blame, much less to itself, consider:
"In every situation you should never blame the others. And probably the IOC is the first one to be blamed.
"It may not be able to explain what you are telling now about different models. Not be able to explain the different budgets. Not be able to explain to some people that if you want to have for your own city, your own region a new train, a new road, new investments — it’s going to cost you more money …
"So what we tried to do here — first of all, the IOC needs to communicate beforehand. Second, the IOC should be open. As you know, until now, the IOC never discussed with bidding cities before we got the report of the first phase," meaning what it calls the "applicant" phase, which for 2022 ended Monday, the race turning now to the "candidate" phase.
"And even between the two phases, we don’t discuss much. The idea was developed in the 2020 Working Group -- to say the IOC probably should have an office or a place where people can come or propose a concept or try and see. Because who is advising the cities? Outside advisers. People who are saying to the cities, you know if you don’t do that, the IOC member will not support you. If you don’t do that, then you’ve got the perception of the IOC given by outsiders and not by the IOC itself.
"So in the communication — and that’s the lesson from this  campaign here — we lost good cities because of the bad perception of the IOC, the bad perception of how the concept could be done. We have to learn our lesson. The one to be blamed is the IOC. But we have to work in a different way of the bidding process."
The report issued Monday, as Felli noted, might highlight that Almaty holds "excellent raw materials" though "you could see that maybe they are a bit behind on understanding the concept."
Then again, big-picture, perhaps there is the legitimate belief Almaty might win, and it may well be that there are those in certain IOC circles who are honestly not sure about that. Almaty staged the 2011 Asian Winter Games. It’s going to stage the 2017 Winter University Games. It has resource and ambition and a ski jump in the middle of town. If Sochi was too warm, not to worry. Almaty will be plenty cold.
Beijing, of course, put on the 2008 Summer Games and is seeking to become the first city to stage both the Summer and Winter Games. There is, though, the matter of geography. The Winter Games will be in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2018, the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in 2020. Will the IOC pull a three-peat and go back to eastern Asia, to China, in 2022?
From its first words, it’s clear how much the report loves Oslo: “With winter sport as part of the country’s national identity, Oslo’s vision is to share its passion, expertise and experience by delivering an outstanding celebration of sport and solidarity in a fast growing, young and ethnically diverse city whilst promoting Oslo as a winter sports capital.”
That’s like advertising copy.
The report runs through 14 separate categories, ranging from weather to Games concept to finance. Oslo ranks first in eight of the 14 and ties with Beijing in three more. Almaty is not first even once; it does, however, sit last in 11 of 14.
The report even treats Oslo gently in the category in which Oslo is unequivocally not good, public support. An IOC poll in Oslo and the surrounding area shows only 36 percent support for the Games with 50 percent against. On a one-to-10 scale, the report ranks that as a minimum 5/maximum 7.
It does make one wonder what one has to do to get a 2 or 3 when a 36 gets you a 5.
At this stage, the Tokyo 2020 bid got a minimum 6/maximum 9 from the IOC when its poll ratings were 47 percent — with 30 percent offering no opinion and 23 percent opposed to the Games.
Glossed over in one brief sentence in section eight of the Oslo profile is that it’s two hours and 20 minutes by bus or two hours and 10 minutes by train from Oslo to Lillehammer. And then you’ve got to get to the venues.
Beijing’s plan involves one city and two mountain clusters. From Beijing itself to one of the mountain clusters, the report says, travel time would be two hours and 44 minutes. Anyone who was in China for the 2008 Games — the report notes that 2:44 would be “long.”
Almaty, by contrast, offers a compact venue plan. The longest travel time, the report says, would be an hour, to the alpine ski venue.
Where Almaty does rank first, by the way, is in the size of its construction budget: $3.78 billion.
Beijing proposes $2.24 billion, Oslo $2.75 billion.
Bach, speaking earlier Monday, said, “The IOC is very happy to see three very different approaches with regard to the organization of the Games. This gives the IOC a choice among three diverse bids with different legacy plans with different approaches, with different budgets.”
Referring to his far-reaching review and potential reform plan, which the members will consider at an assembly in Monaco in December, Bach continued, “This is exactly in line with the discussions we are having with ‘Olympic Agenda ,’ where we want to encourage just this diversity, where we want to encourage sustainability and the feasibility of the organization of the Olympic Games.”
The report, meanwhile, lays out Almaty’s commercial estimates revenues of $1.055 billion. It immediately notes, “Sponsorship may be optimistic given the scale of the economy,” which it helpfully points out is the 46th largest in the world.
In case anyone could possibly have missed the point, the report also says, on the same page, “Given the size of the economy and its reliance on oil, there may be challenges in supporting the significant investments in competition and non-competition venues necessary for the Games, unless there is extraordinary government support and the economy is strong.”
In Kazakhstan, there is still “some way to go” to bring the security apparatus “up to international standard.”
There appears to be “limited accommodation options for spectators, mainly in alternative and university accommodation.”
Anything else? Oh, just this: “Almaty lies on a fault line and is prone to earthquakes.”
The report does say, “While there are many environmental challenges facing the city and country, the opportunity of the Games could be a catalyst for significant improvements.”
For Almaty supporters: it’s not clear if many, even any, IOC members read these reports. Also, Rio got dinged in the working group report for 2016; it would eventually win going away.
As Almaty 2022 executive board member Andrey Kryukov said here Monday, referring to the three cities, “I think now three are favorites.”


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Originally Posted by Allan
I agree. The only problem is that they have to write and record the album first.
They should go to the studio now! But who will be the musicians for the next album? Will the Messiah keep these guys? Will he try to work things out with the "Rise to Adiction" people?


For those of you who pay attention to the details, you know that Mike LaRocco raced much of the 2000 AMA Supercross season with a 20 inch front wheel, and that Sebastien Tortelli raced occasionally last year with one. What you didn’t know is that Honda is offering an optional 20 inch front wheel on both its 2001 CR125R and CR250R.
The 20 inch wheel, from what I have heard (including statements by Honda’s Ryan Hughes), offers better traction while braking for corners, as well as through the corners, and a cushier ride (taller sidewall equals more shock absorption). Negatives? I haven’t heard of any, but there are undoubtedly some trade offs.
Other changes to the 2001 CRs are less significant — the most important one may be the debut of a Mikuni TMX carburetor on the CR250R (the 125 switched to Mikuni last year, while the 250 stayed true to Keihin). New porting, exhaust pipes, suspension valving, spring rates, etc. — more of the normal changes.