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This one doesn't come as much of a surprise.
Even after getting a late offer from LSU and a visit from Oregon head coach Willie Taggart, there was no way longtime Alabama quarterback commit Tua Tagovailoa was going to flip from the Crimson Tide.
The 6-foot-1, 212-pound Tagovailoa, a five-star recruit ranked as the nation's No. 1 dual-threat quarterback and No. 33 overall prospect, knocked off any final rumors or wishes that he would back off his commitment Thursday night.
He indicated that he was officially cleared to early enroll at Alabama and that his recruitment process is over with financial aid papers signed. Tagovailoa, now Hawaii's all-time leader in passing and a state champion, will play in the U.S. Army All-America Bowl on Jan. 7 in San Antonio and then arrive in Tuscaloosa for the spring semester.
"Signed, sealed, delivered," Tagovailoa said in a tweet. "This will wrap up my recruiting process. Thank you to all. To God be all the Glory and #RollTide."


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On Tuesday morning, as I took part in my standard morning multitasking madness of making lunch, trying to find something to wear to work and taking photos of unwanted items for eBay, something strange happened … my phone threw a tantrum.
“What do you mean there is not enough available space,” I muttered, “I’ve only taken … (long pause while I flicked to my Camera Roll) ohhhhh… 7540 photos. Bugger.”
While I have always had more than a passing interest in photography, it seems that with constant access to my camera (and Instagram) I have become a bit of a prolific snapper, capturing everything from my favourite outfits to my lunch, friends and family to funny signs.
And it seems I’m not alone. In their latest commercial, Apple claims that the iPhone is now the most popular camera in the world (Flickr’s camera finder stats back this up) and taking photos has become an everyday experience for most people.
While scrolling back through the past two and a half years of my life in preparation for a download, I decided I’d share some of my favourite shots with you.
Some are kind of impressive while others aren’t so much … but it is often those photos—the ones that seem so inconspicuous or a little bit weird (like the two pairs of tanned feet that kick off my montage)—that, to me, capture so much more than just that fleeting moment captured by camera.
Those two tanned feet belong to my mum and I. We took the photo while on holidays in Fiji in January 2011 (just after I received my first iPhone) and looking at that photo instantly reminds me of cocktails by the water, being harassed in the pool by wayward children, walking along the lantern-lit shoreline at night and a chilled-out afternoon spent at the nearby day spa after which we took this photo, marveling at how lovely our feet looked.
So, yes, I do take a lot of photos and, yes, some of them are total crap and unnecessary, but I won’t apologise for it because they bring back some of the loveliest memories.
“A photograph that has not been shared or at least printed, is almost an unexistent photograph, is almost an untaken picture.” —Unknown—

domain: artistic


text:
By Miriam Humbe
National Secretary of the Northern Women In Politics, (NWIP) Zainab Ajeibi has urged women from the Northern part of the country to hit the ground running in preparation for the 2023 elections.
In a New Year message posted to the women via the group’s platform, Ajiebi reminded that, “Determination and steadfastness will get us there.”
She gave thanks to God Almighty for the privilege towitness the year 2020, adding that the year provided the opportunity for a fresh start.
“We need to hit the ground running now in preparations for 2023 elections. We need to put our house in order, correct mistakes of the past, start relating better with fellow women ( and indeed, everyone), start reaching out where necessary, start mentoring, acting as successful, responsible caring politicians that we are etc.
“Let’s show commitment to what we are doing doing here. Let’s all show some form of responsibility to what we say we believe in.
She said the NWIP had a great deal of activities lined up for the year 2020 and urged the women to make time out of their tight schedules to partake in such activities.
“Make time to attend meetings. Get to know ourselves better and sell ourselves to one another. You can never tell how far a word put in by a sister who only met you at a meeting can go in helping out some day.
“Remember, we have the number, let’s get our acts together, speak in one very loud voice and have the tables turning around in our favour.

domain: news


text:
meg jetlag-ezem, meg magyarul szol minden, de mar hianyzik is az otthoni kuckonk!:)
A fenyei a zajai, az apro targyai, amiket a nagyvilagbol gyujtottuk vagy baratoktol kaptuk... kotodeseink.
I already miss our house in Szeged. It's full with small things that we've collected from around the world or we got from friends... And I still have jetlag and the weather is tropical in SD......I can't wait for the fall!:)

domain: geography


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Shusterman calls for hair salons and barbershops to be included in Yellow Phase guidelines
PAOLI, May 29 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman announced that she signed onto a letter addressed to Gov. Tom Wolf calling on him to add hair salons and barbershops to the list of businesses permitted to reopen during the Yellow Phase.
The letter details safety precautions that could easily be taken to ensure the safety of customers, such as operating at 50% capacity.
“As restrictions begin to loosen and small businesses take steps toward reopening, salons and barbershops could easily be included in Yellow Phase guidelines with industry-specific safety protocols in place,” Shusterman said. “Tuesday was a victorious day for restaurant owners as we learned that they could serve patrons outside starting on June 5. This is the kind of creative solution that should serve as an example moving forward and help get Pennsylvanians back to work as quickly and safely as possible.
“Many small businesses throughout the commonwealth cannot remain closed much longer without closing permanently. If we are able to help them while preserving public health and safety, we need to make every effort to do so.”
Other legislators who signed onto the letter are: state Reps. Joseph Ciresi, Steve Malagari, Christina Sappey, Tina Davis, Dave Delloso, Jennifer O’Mara, Dan Williams, Danilo Burgos, Tim Briggs and Austin Davis.
Wolf has announced that all Pennsylvania counties, including Montgomery and Chester counties, will move at least into the Yellow Phase by June 5, with 17 counties moving to the Green Phase on today.
For more information, contact Shusterman’s office at (484) 200-8260 or email@example.com.


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The world’s steepest cog railway starts its climb at Alpnachstad and tackles a maximum gradient of 48 percent, thereby passing forests, meadows and rock faces. On the north side, a gondola cableway and an aerial cableway connect Kriens to Pilatus Kulm.
With the aerial cableway Dragon Ride, guests are practically flying up to Pilatus. It takes the cableway a mere 3.5 minutes to reach Pilatus (2,132 m a.s.l.) from the intermediate station Fräkmüntegg (1,416 m a.s.l.). Thanks to spacious seating, a cockpit-like structure and large windows, the cableway offers a unique view of Lucerne and its lake.
- Altitude: 2,132 m a.s.l.
- Arrival: Gondola from Kriens (Lucerne) via Krienseregg to Fräkmuntegg, aerial cableway to Pilatus Kulm or cog railway (only during summer) from Alpnachstad (boat or train from Lucerne) to Pilatus Kulm
- Travel duration to summit: app. 40 minutes
- Attractions: Historic mountain hotel Pilatus-Kulm at 2,132 metres (6,995 feet), Golden round trip Luzern – Kriens – Fräkmüntegg – Pilatus Kulm – Alpnachstad – Luzern (by bus, aerial cableway, cog railway and boat)
- Special highlight: The world’s steepest cog railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus (48 % gradient), spectacular passage “Eselwand”, interactive round tour “Dragon World”
- Website: Pilatus
- Restaurant Krienseregg and restaurant Chalet
- Historic mountain hotel Pilatus-Kulm at 2,132 metres (6,995 feet) a.s.l.
- Year-round operation from Kriens, except during revision from 23 Oct–10 Nov 2023
- Cog railway operates from 18 May–19 Nov 2023
- 50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and Swiss Half Fare Card
- 50% discount with Eurail / Interrail
- Reservation strongly recommended for the cog railway. Reservations in the amount of CHF 5 per person and ride online

domain: travel


The Pia coatigan is simply divine! With the soft waterfall lapel and relaxed fit it will be your go to piece everytime you step out.
Stretch knit fabrication, winter weight
Functional side pockets
Perfect for layering
Full length sleeve
Mid calf length
Fabric: 5% wool, 20% nylon, 28% polyester, 47% viscose
Fit S/M: 8-12, M/L: 12-16
Model wears a size S/M in this style.


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Rec Room is a free-to-play social VR game created by developer Against Gravity for PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality headsets (using a free utility), and soon Oculus Quest. Rec Room contains a wide variety of games for people to play while interacting in a virtual space, providing one of the best VR experiences currently available. The most recent major update is the “(Don't) Dye Another Day” edition.
Uploaded winning photos from the first two photo contests and the first art contest and included them in Competitions. Also updated Maker Pen Community.
New discord widget. Added external links in sidebar.
New image categorization: Category:Images and subcategories. Cleaned up template categorization.
New stub pages Capture Point, State Machines, and Circuit Board. Updated Maker Pen, Palette, Gizmos, and partially Circuits and Chips.
Want to contribute to the wiki? Click here to see what you can do to help.
All content related to Rec Room is property of the developer: Against Gravity

domain: hobby


SEATTLE — Stephen Damgaard uses medical marijuana for nerve damage in his spine, eating a small brownie made with cannabutter each morning. The weed in the butter comes from one of Seattle’s many medical dispensaries — an untaxed and illegal medical pot shop that up until now has been tolerated by authorities. But almost everything about marijuana in Washington is about to change, as the state moves to
Marijuana prohibition is entering its 78th year. Colorado’s marijuana law went into effect at the beginning of last year in the wake of changing attitudes. Compared to 1969, when only 12% supported legalizing pot, today a majority of Americans support some form of marijuana legalization. It is legal to purchase marijuana in four states – Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington – as well as in the District of Columbia.


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Three people were shot, at least one of them fatally, when gunmen opened fire in Manenberg on Wednesday night.
The Manenberg Safety Forum said the dead man was a right-hand man to the Hard Livings gang boss in the area. Police said a 24-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the murder of a 28-year-old man in Jordan Street on Wednesday night. The practice of killing people in their homes was becoming more frequent, said Manenberg Safety Forum spokesperson Roegshanda Pascoe.
“Imagine the fear the community has. What if it happens to us?” she asked.
The forum is calling on police to work alongside residents to find the right approach to address gang violence.
#GansterismMustFall leader Roscoe Jacobs. said that Wednesday night’s shootings proved “there is a lack of political will to address the root causes that are perpetuating the violence”.
“We need a long-term solution that can eradicate this problem, but for that we need all stakeholders around the table to put together a programmatic approach,” he said.
Jacobs called on all residents, in Manenberg and elsewhere, to call the CrimeLine number 32211 to inform police about illegal firearms.
Police raided the area a few weeks ago, confiscating illegal weapons and drugs.
The City of Cape Town has sent a stabilisation unit into the area, which has reduced violence over the past couple of weeks following several shootings. The unit is still active in the area.
“But its not a magic wand,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith. “These kinds of things used to happen every day.”
Pascoe added: “All departments need to address the root of the problem: the social breakdown of communities. If police and the community don’t come together to become more proactive, we aren’t even going to be halfway to where we need to be to stop this violence.”[Source: Cape Argus]

domain: sociology


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Doris Jones, an American-born soul singer, is better known in Europe than in the U.S.A. Born in South Carolina in 1948, she moved to New York 11 years later and started singing in the Merick Baptist Church Choir.
At 20 she formed a group called Sex, Love & Life with her sister Lumishia and a friend; the threesome played places like the Galaxy, the Jupiter, and the Boston Globe. In 1972, as the Electric Ladies, Jones and two other girls recorded "King Kong" on Mainstream Records. The record stiffed in the States and Britain. Her next project was a band, Gallery, that toured the States. After that experience, Jones regrouped with her sister and a friend named Karen and formed Black Stash. They recorded "Mighty Love Man" for Opal Productions, produced by the Exciters' Herb Rooney. Her break arrived when a Britisher, Ian Levine, came to the States searching for artists to record. He had already cut the Exciters, a group that featured Brenda Reid (L.A. Reid's mother), but was looking for more. Levine discovered Jones through Rooney and cut some tracks on her in a New Jersey studio that were released in England -- "He's So Irreplaceable," and "Stranded in the Wilderness." Levine recorded Jones often and the results can be heard on CD: The Best of Doris Jones: No Way Out, on Hot Productions.


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If you are looking for a quiet getaway, this is the perfect spot! Nestled in the back woods of Maine, but close enough to North Conway restaurants and attractions. Accommodations are not fancy, but comfortable and functional. Kitchen is fully stocked (no salt or pepper, though) and there are plenty of extra blankets and pillows. If you don't like heights... More
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2016 Ford Fusion vs 2016 Mazda6
AwardsThe Ford has made safety a top priority, and it shows: the 2016 Fusion has earned a coveted 5-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA1.
EfficiencyEvery mile per gallon toward better fuel economy counts, including the 16 more MPGs between the 2016 Ford Fusion2 and the 2016 Mazda Mazda63 in the city and the 1 more MPGs on the highway. Those humble little MPGs can add up to big savings.
2016 Ford FusionFoo2016 Mazda Mazda6442epa estimated city mpg283412epa estimated highway mpg403
Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews:
“Picked up this car @ the end of May & have to say, so far, it has lived up to past reviews; it is a TERRIFIC car in all categories. The ride, build quality, comfort, tech features, etc. - it's all on point! The interior is VERY quiet & the sound system is like having the Boston Symphony Orchestra riding along with you. I have owned MANY cars thru the years & have to say that by far, this is the best sounding system I have EVER heard; figures, with 12 speakers! The features are all customizable & you can turn on / off, the things you don't need / use. The owner's manual is quite extensive, I use it as a reference, rather than read it in its entirety! Don't walk, RUN to your dealer & get one! ”
allanp - 6/9/2015 10:44 PM
FeaturesNo more parallel parking jitters - the Rear Parking Aid, standard on the 2016 Ford Fusion4, can help guide you into the perfect parking spot, signaling when you're getting too close to the curb, or other cars. Unless you enjoy the parallel parking jitters, in which case, choose the 2016 Mazda Mazda65, and don't pay extra for the rear parking aid option.
2016 Ford FusionFoo2016 Mazda Mazda6standard4rear parking aidoptional5
PerformanceWant more power and higher top speeds? Consider the 2016 Ford Fusion6, boasting 47 more horses and 15 more horses per ton than the 2016 Mazda Mazda65.
The 2016 Ford Fusion's6 increased torque - 2706 lb.-ft. vs. 1855 lb.-ft. - can mean the difference between easy going and a sluggish ride.
2016 Ford FusionFoo2016 Mazda Mazda62316horsepower18451316horsepower per ton11652706torque1855
TechnicalThe 2016 Ford Fusion's7 all-wheel drive makes it the clear choice for anyone who loves off-roading, or simply staying on the road in slippery conditions.
Enjoy the increased safety, fuel economy, and yes, fun, of the 2016 Ford Fusion's6 optional turbocharged engine. Sadly, turbo isn't an option on the 2016 Mazda Mazda6.
2016 Ford FusionFoo2016 Mazda Mazda6has7all driven wheelshas6turbocharged
UsabilityWho wouldn't want more miles between fill-ups? With a 92 miles higher estimated combined tank range, the 2016 Ford Fusion2 will keep you on the road longer than the 2016 Mazda Mazda68.
Tired of hunching over the steering wheel, or scooting the driver's seat all the way back? No worries. The 2016 Ford Fusion9 offers 2 more inches of combined front head and leg room than the 2016 Mazda Mazda65, making the awkward hunch-back driving pose a thing of the past.
No matter what you're stowing, from groceries to gardening gear, the 2016 Ford Fusion's9 increased storage volume means you'll have more room for all your stuff, from apples to zinnias, and everything in between.
Even an increase of just an inch or two in wheel base can mean more stability, and the 2016 Ford Fusion9 has 1 more of those stability-increasing inches.
2016 Ford FusionFoo2016 Mazda Mazda65882estimated combined tank range4968399front head room385399front leg room385169storage volume1451129wheelbase1115
PricingIn the very unlikely event you'll need it, help is just a phone call away, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the 2016 Ford Fusion's9 Roadside Assistance, standard for 2 years longer than 2016 Mazda Mazda65.
2016 Ford FusionFoo2016 Mazda Mazda659roadside assistance35
is the property of Chrome Data Solutions, LP, and may not be reproduced or distributed without their consent.
1 - Learn more at http://www.safercar.gov/Safety+Ratings
2 - 2016 Ford Fusion 4dr Sdn S Hybrid FWD
3 - 2016 Mazda6 4dr Sdn Auto i Grand Touring
4 - 2016 Ford Fusion 4dr Sdn Titanium FWD
5 - 2016 Mazda6 4dr Sdn Man i Sport
6 - 2016 Ford Fusion 4dr Sdn SE FWD
7 - 2016 Ford Fusion 4dr Sdn SE AWD
8 - 2016 Mazda6 4dr Sdn Auto i Sport
9 - 2016 Ford Fusion 4dr Sdn S FWD


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As of Genshin Impact’s enormous 1.5 update, the Serenitea Pot will allow you to construct your own private dimension, building up an abode for your traveller and companions. The first time you do this, you’ll be asked to choose a Realm Layout from Floating Abode, Emerald Peak, and Cool Isle. In this guide we’ll explain what the choice means and how to unlock the other options down the line.
Genshin Impact Realm Layouts - Floating Abode, Emerald Peak, or Cool Isle?
Which Realm Layout you choose is entirely down to preference. The option you go for won’t affect the space you have available, though it will adjust the shape of the starting island space. Primarily, only the design of your building and surrounding backdrop area will change. Here’s a quick breakdown of each.
Floating Abode Realm Layout
The Floating Abode Realm Layout is set on a series of linked rocks hovering high above the clouds. The lack of earth doesn’t stop it from offering a verdant patch of land, complete with yellow trees in a Ginko-style color. The Floating Abode Realm Layout is bathed in the gentle golden glow of sunset. You’ll also find magical floating pathways which connect the different patches of land together, though you’ll need to reach a higher Trust Rank with Tubby to unlock them. For the Floating Abode Realm, your house will begin in a Liyue style design with a green roof.
Emerald Peak Realm Layout
The Emerald Peak Realm Layout rests atop a towering mountain peak. The grassy apex is surprisingly flat, leaving plenty of room for construction. Unlike the Floating Abode, you won’t find many trees in the environment here by default, though there are some stunning waterfalls to admire on the nearby clifftops. Extra patches of land are linked by rope bridges, so perhaps not ideal for anyone afraid of heights. For Emerald Peak, your house will begin in a Liyue style design with a green roof.
Cool Isle Realm Layout
The optimal choice for anyone who wants to be Dragon Ball’s Master Roshi. The Coole Isle Realm Layout will plonk your house down on a sunny island banked by beaches and lapping waves. In regional style, it’s the closest to the Mondstadt area. The construction land itself is situated surprisingly high for a beach island, and includes a few trees as well. You’ll find winding, sandy paths on the north and south sides which lead down to the water’s edge. As with other islands, you can’t explore the connected patches of land or even the beach until you boost your Trust Rank with Tubby. For Cool Isle, your house will begin in a Monstadt style design with a reddish-brown roof.
How to unlock Realm Layouts in Genshin Impact
The first Realm Layout you pick will be unlocked for free. To gain access to the others, you’ll need to increase your Trust Rank with Tubby, the owl spirit residing in the Serenitea Pot. This can be done by constructing new furniture and decorations for your Realm. The first time you make an item, you’ll boost your relationship with Tubby, unlocking new features for the realm.
It appears that you'll need to reach Trust Rank 8 and 10 to have Tubby grants you access to new Realm Layouts. You’ll also have to spend 1,500 Realm Currency to unlock each one. It seems like that developer miHoYo will add more Realm Layouts in future, but right now the Floating Abode, Emerald Peak, and Cool Isle are the only options.
That’s all there is to know about the Realm Layouts in Genshin Impact. Our preference is the Floating Abode, but what about you? Have the Emerald Peak or Cool Isle Realm Layouts taken your fancy? Share your favorite layout in the comments below. Whichever you pick, make sure you know how to leave the island again once you arrive. Visit our Genshin Impact hub page to find more tips and tricks for all the new features added to the game.


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Modern Fairy Tales[CD]
~ SCHICKELE / MILLER / SELIG / YODA / KIBBE
Modern Fairy Tales, recorded in 2014 for Centaur Records, features oboist Courtney Miller accompanied by one of three pianists on six works of chamber music written in the 19th, 20th and 21st c. by, among others, Béla Bartók and Peter Schickele. She travels throughout the US as a solo, chamber and orchestral musician, playing both prestigious as well as smaller, more intimate venues where she enjoys more audience interaction.
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SHINee recently released a new album titled “Dream Girl: The Misconceptions of You”.
On the night of March 2nd, SHINee will further promote their album by having a guerilla concert appearance at Club Octagon in Gangnam. This version of Dream Girl will be remixed to suit the atmosphere of the club. The performance is scheduled for 1:00 AM KST (which is technically March 3rd).
Source: Club Octagon
Written by: joAnnwashere @ shineee.net

domain: entertainment


As part of the 2012 Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) in Perth on 14 November, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and I signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the establishment of a jointly-operated C-band radar space surveillance installation at the Harold E. Holt naval communication facility in Exmouth, Western Australia.
We also agreed our two nations would work together to progress a proposal to transfer a highly advanced space surveillance telescope to Australia. These two activities build on the Australian-United States Space Situational Awareness Partnership Statement of Principles signed at AUSMIN in Melbourne in 2010.
Assured access to space is increasingly important, not only for national security purposes, but also for many technologies that underpin modern economies and daily life, including stock exchange and credit card transactions, weather and climate monitoring, natural disaster warning, communications and navigation. At the same time, the increasing congestion in space from over 50 years of space activities and a significant rise in space debris present a rising threat to our assured access to space.
The hosting of SSA facilities in Australia will improve the overall performance of the global network of sensors forming the US Space Surveillance Network, through which the US provides a warning service to all satellite operators, and publicly available information on the orbits of satellites and space debris. Addressing a gap in the Network's coverage in the southern hemisphere will allow for more accurate tracking, and reduce the danger of accidental collisions between satellites and space debris.
The C-band radar facility will be operated by the Royal Australian Air Force on behalf of the United States, and will provide accurate warning of potential collisions in space, and tracking of objects falling to earth over Australia or our immediate region.
The space surveillance telescope will provide a complementary capability to the C-band radar. Work covering the transfer of the space surveillance telescope will be progressed by Australia and the United States, with the location of the facility to be considered in the coming months.
Consistent with long-standing policy, all activities at these facilities will take place with the Full Knowledge and Concurrence of the Australian Government.
These measures concerning Australia’s space cooperation with the United States are a demonstration of the commitment that both countries have to the SSA Partnership and our broader alliance, and continues our long history of space cooperation between our two nations.
Imagery of the MOU signing is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12131816
Imagery of the C-Band radar is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12131805
Mr Smith’s Office: Andrew Porter (02) 6277 7800 or 0419 474 392


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Congratulations, David Cage.
With Beyond: Two Souls, you have pretty much perfected how to present these works of “interactive fiction” you’ve been making for the the past decade. You’ve streamlined the mechanics so they became, to me, reflexive. You put the whole game inside a 2.35:1 frame and solidified your mastery of the performance capture techniques you designed for Heavy Rain. You created the best video game lighting of the year. You hired actual, legitimate actors to portray your characters, and for the first time out of three games I really have no gripes about the performances.
Ellen Page, it turns out, was an inspired choice for the lead role of Jodie, as she really brings it, delivering a performance that is unlike any other in a game. I’m not ready to throw out “best ever” declarations while it’s so fresh, but it does feel as if she demonstrates an unprecedented vulnerability. I very sincerely need her to be in more games.
And the mechanics, oh, the mechanics. The vast majority of moves you must make while you’re in control of Jodie or her ghost buddy Aiden don’t include button prompts. Beyond trains you early how to handle each “control scenario” (my term), and after an hour I didn’t have to think about what I was doing. Sure, there was the occasional battle with the cinematic camera, and maybe we could have used an indicator for where the player is supposed to go in some scenes, but you’ve about nailed it. A few refinements here and there will do it.
That Cage and Quantic Dream have finally put a game in what could be described as the ideal package for the types of experiences they have built previously means I can spend more time worrying about the thing I really want to worry about with games that are heavily built around a story: the story. I don’t have to feel sad about French actors being really bad at trying to play Americans, finally.
While Cage and co. have finally managed to deliver a solid, nearly complete framework, what they’ve put within that frame is outright hideous. Presented as a personal drama about a young woman who has an ethereal “entity” following her around at all times who grants her apparently superpowers, Beyond becomes something else entirely, just as Indigo Prophecy went from murder mystery to alien apocalypse. To add insult to that annoyed “here we go again” feeling, however, somebody decided it would be fun to arrange all the scenes out of order.
To be fair, placing the scenes in a nonsensical order for a while obscures just how stupid the plot is. When you don’t know that the context for a big exciting chase is completely moronic, you don’t have that fact lingering in the back of your mind hampering your enjoyment of the proceedings. You just go with it and have a good time.
But as the pieces start to fall into place, as you realize that the middle few hours of the game just represent a long tangent, as Cage dumps out-of-left-field characterizations on you right before he uses those new characterizations to make something weird happen and presents you with predictably dumb twists as if they mean something, you understand that this is all just horseshit.
Part of the problem is that the tale Cage envisions is far too sprawling to fit into a ten-hour package, and yet here it is. The story is so involved and escalates so severely in that window that it feels as if somebody took five seasons of a serial TV drama and crammed it into a single 13-episode run. Beyond’s plot still could have managed to be at least a little bit coherent, albeit still lacking in character development for everyone other than Jodie, had large chunks of what is there had been excised and replaced with dirt to fill in the myriad plot holes.
Off course, the story would have to be rearranged into an order that makes even a modicum of narrative sense. As it is now there is no real narrative throughline; there’s no central plot framed by flashbacks or flashforwards, but rather it hops around haphazardly seemingly at random. These self-contained, context-free vignettes are occasionally charming on their own — teenage Jodie going to a party populated by some real assholes comes to mind — but when you’re two thirds of the way through the game and still being presented with scenes that don’t have context it’s frustrating. See: when Jodie has a date with her CIA handler who we’ve seen three times and know absolutely nothing about.
And then there’s Aiden.
First, he’s a complete non-entity (pun intended). Second, everyone pronounces his name incorrectly. Third, why he has a name at all is a mystery, because he/she/it cannot speak, or at least doesn’t. We can presume Jodie came up with the name, but as with so many things in Beyond that point isn’t so much glossed over as not even thought of.
Why am I nitpicking that? I was prepared to let his enigmatic nature be, but the game doesn’t want that, and is actually as concerned with Aiden’s origin as anything else as “his world” takes a prominent place in the plot. Despite being a sentient being, he is a blank and mostly just acts on Jodie’s orders.
There is a co-op mode, however, in which one player is Jodie and the other is Aiden, and that does demonstrate more concretely Aiden’s independent will. It does not, however, give him a personality.
While Heavy Rain did not in the end feature a good plot, Cage taking a more restrained approach to storytelling after the bizarre end-of-the-world scenario of Indigo Prophecy was a welcome change. It represented a legitimate improvement from one game to the next. Beyond, from a storytelling perspective, represents a gigantic regression, as Cage again builds a story that becomes far more epic than it has any right or need to be, and then presents you with a sequence of events that is arranged out of any sense of order, thematic or literal, for reasons I can only guess at.
And so Beyond is a game that proves quite firmly that Quantic Dream, now that they’ve put a real emphasis on acting, is a group of technical wizards who really know how to package a story game with a minimum of mechanics, and also that any story game they solely produce is an experience players should dread.
3 out of 10
Addendum: Lest we forget, David Cage said earlier this year that “sequels kill creativity and innovation.” And while Beyond’s plot is utterly broken, it does have the decency to be self-contained. However, it concludes with a stinger that is perhaps the most shameless and absurd sequel setup in recent memory, and one which is completely unnecessary.


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Michael is an upcoming American biographical drama film about the life of singer Michael Jackson, from his childhood to his ultimate death in 2009. It is directed by Spike Lee and is planned to be released in 2018.
- Michael Jackson as himself
- Benjamin Flores, Jr as Kid Michael
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.

domain: celebrity


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There have been rare reports of people recovering from infection with SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, only to test positive a second time. Such results might be explained by reports that the virus can linger in our systems. Yet some important questions remain: Is it possible that people could beat this virus only to get reinfected a short time later? How long does immunity last after infection? And what can we expect about the duration of protection from a vaccine?
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domain: medical


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If you go on a trip, one of the most exciting parts is sharing the photos with your friends when you return, or posting some highlights to social media. One of the biggest dreads that we don’t tell our friends is when the photos are bad and we see that + 20 (or more) symbol on Facebook, meaning there are many more. Usually you just click like and hardly ever finish looking at them. Most of us are not professionals but we still want to take decent photos. There are several tips on how to take good solo travel pictures that involve more than just learning to point your camera! Getting great shots sometimes takes work! Like the one of Positano to open this article, I had to lug my big butt up some steep hill to get it. Luckily I had a Snickers bar and a Diet Coke. (No comments please haha!)
Learn Your Camera’s Basics
Admittedly many of us have more camera than we need. We have the latest and greatest and think the expensive one can guarantee us great photos. Not true. An expert can use your phone and take pictures better than you using his pro gear in most cases. Even if you have just a $200 dollar point and shoot or a nice camera phone, learn how to use the basic functions along with a few extra modifications. Practice. Some cameras take great pics in auto mode but the more you practice the better you will be! Try to learn to get out of auto! (I like this guys vids!) He explains things so well and makes complicated stuff sound easier!
Location, Location, Location
If you travel partially because you are a photography buff, then plan a trip to a locale that you not only enjoy, but offers you the type of scenery that floats your boat. For a city street photographer, there is only but so much stimulation for you in say, Bora Bora. But Barcelona? Different story. Also, when to go may matter. Research what the pros say about certain locations at certain times of the year. The lighting is different, the weather is different, the possibilities are different. The amount of people may or may not matter to you. The events happening may be a reason to stay or go. You decide. Certain cities during festive times offer a new range of possibilities versus that same city during regular times. Maybe you want the quieter times.
What Time Is It? (light, light, light)
Pay attention to the time you may be near some iconic places you may want to shoot. The golden light of early hours of early eve/late afternoon hours change your possibilities. The high noon sun of late morning to mid afternoon can be too bright for a certain shot you may want and the softer light of the golden times offers that warm soft light. The brighter sun could make you a better photographer because you may have to work harder by changing position, and angles and seeking shades while trying to capture shots that won’t be hurt by the harsh light. Find tips on taking shots in the harsh sun and carry a small reflector to help easily fill in light on close subjects where the sun behind creates too much shadow in front of the subject. I was told to think about the light, not the view!
Know Your Rule Of Thirds…
I remember just pointing at anything and trying to copy what I saw pros doing. I knew always putting the subject in the middle was boring and a lot of dead space in a picture wasn’t good. I just felt that. When someone explained to me the rule of thirds, I thought it was genius! When I explained it to a friend last year he thought I was a genius haha! Nowadays you can crop some bad pics into the proper grid, but take time to go online to any of a billion free tutorials and learn it. Then you will understand that grid box thing on your camera that you turn off! Knowing the rule of thirds helps understanding many photographers basic rule of thumb.
…But, Know it is OK To Break Rules!
Ultimately it comes down to you, but there are other types of composition possible. A lonely tree in a field with the rule of thirds may have no counterpart! Nothing in the other vertical line area to cause tension in the scene, therefore interest, or balance in some artists eyes. Hmmmmm…I’m just the messenger!
Fill the Frame
Decide what your subject is and try to give it more space in the frame. It changes the focus of the viewers eyes and directs them to the important part of the image. Also know when not to follow this rule because sometimes what is in the background may help with context. But if you really want the viewer to focus on that subject, get closer.
Use The Rain
Many photos taken just after the rain can be so much better than a bright sunny day! The color change can go from too hot to softened by the water on some materials that absorb some moisture. Look at leaves and trees just after the rain and see the effect on the darker bark and leaves a little greener at times. There are chances for reflection and the gray cast of cities can be juxtaposed with the colors of signs, neon, clothes, brakelights and such. The ominous clouds add good parts to pictures.
Limit Your “I Was Here Shots”
We know you went to Rome. You are standing in every shot. We know what you look like. We have known you for years. Sometimes your selfies are too much of you and not enough of what we want to see that you saw. If your trip to London is just more selfies than why would we look. You take that picture on Instagram weekly. I particularly hate these. Unfortunately I skip many people’s entire trip account because that is all there is.
Change Position, Change Perspective
We all want that picture of that iconic scene or building we have been looking at our whole lives. We want to see it with our own eyes. Take that picture that you always wanted. It may be the same as everyone else but it is yours! Now change the view! Kneel down, look up, look down, get close, get back, wait until evening…anything to get a different view of the iconic!
Take a Camera Everywhere!
You may not feel like bringing any gear today or tonight. Sometimes that is when we regret it! Even a backup pocket point n’ shoot can capture something we didn’t expect to see and make us so happy we had it! And a high end DSLR or mirrorless isn’t always everyone’s cup of tea! There are so many options for pocket point and shoots , but I see the Sony RX series on so many lists! The latest and greatest being near $1000 dollars but this excellent one here at Amazon is a little easier on the wallet!
Bring a Tripod!
Even if it’s one of the little ones or a travel tripod it gives you options. You may or may not take it with you all the time but when you have it in low light or a tough setting where you struggle to be still or need to use slower shutter speeds, you will be happy. Tripods can be expensive and in need of a new one brings me to PrimaPhoto with a lower price and good rep. (Here)
Bring Extra Backup!
Extra storage cards are a priority! Don’t get stuck needing one when there should always be one in your gear bag! If you are filling one up then download tonight to be ready for the next day! Plan out your gear for this particular trip! If it amounts to just a point and shoot or a camera phone, make sure you have space for your pics! Make sure you have a keep dry plan even if just amounts to a hefty bag and running under an awning. Don’t go out in the rain even it stops without an emergency keep-it-dry! Even a waterproof camera bag needs a bag cover if you are the nervous type. As far as back-up gear..ditto the memory card advice and apply it to batteries!
Keep it Dry!
Moisture is dangerous to your camera. Bring extra lens wipes and try to avoid taking your camera from an cool dry environment with a cool camera directly into a warm humid moisture filled place. Your camera will fog up and moisture inside the lenses is a no no! Keep your camera in a plastic bag sealed. A big ziplock works. Let it warm up slowly before whipping it out right away. When you enter for the night if you are worried make sure your room is dry and let everything sit out and dry. If there is a warm DRY place to keep it for the night then do so. It will warm up inside your camera bag quicker if it is not ice air conditioning cold.. You want the smallest change in temps possible and the dryest options. If you are worried, avoid being out in the wet without a retreat to stand under. No open field on those days for me.
Remember the Rice
You can always buy rice or dry beans. Keep a ziplock bag full of it in an emergency. This is helpful to keep in your gear bag in humid environments. Silica dry packs! (Here). These will help absorb any moisture from your gear surrounds. Keep your gear bag sealed.
There are a many tips from many good photographers. A couple more are have patience! You may have to wait an hour to get the shot you really want for various reasons from light, to crowd. You came all of this way so be patient. I am working on that one. Don’t let people you may be with get in the way. They may not care as much as you. If you are not traveling solo, then split up for a few hours (during good light),go solo and get some shots in and meet up later! Get used to asking locals if they mind if you shoot them. Sometimes in street photography you can use cars and objects to hide behind and sneak shots but don’t disrespect someone. “Do you mind if I..” goes a long way. If you really want that shot, in developing places dropping some change should not be a problem if you really want that shot. In Thailand most of the ladies selling you noodles don’t care, if you buy and tip first……most anyway.
Keep Snapping But Take Time To Enjoy!
Take several shots of everything you like. Take many shots of some things that are not always your cup of tea but just say something to you. At some point though, put down the lens and just take in what you see so you can remember it through your own physical and emotional experience. Just relax in front of your favorite scenes and take it in. You came a long way to see it and to feel it so get a drink or a snack and hang out!
Whatever you do, take a look at some flights and start your journey in your mind! Hope to see you on the road!


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"Shun recently got offers from Florida, Oregon and Miami," said Barnett who mentioned a coach Florida will be by the fieldhouse sometime this week to check Beachum out in person. "Right now the top four is Florda, Oregon, Miami, and Oklahoma," said Barnett who also doesn't think Beachum will be deterred by the distance from Dallas.
The three time all-district performer at A. Maceo Smith High currently holds offers from all four schools in his top four along with offers from Kansas, Iowa State, Wake Forest, Oklahoma State, TCU, Utah, and Nebraska.
Stay with TPI this summer for more recruiting and Texas High School Football News!!


WOOL AND HOOF, warp and woof come together this weekend for an exuberant "Celebration of Textiles" at the Textile Museum at Dupont Circle. Through two days of workshops and activities, "kids can see the whole process, from shearing sheep to spinning to weaving," says Carly Ofsthun, the museum's education program coordinator.
By focusing on artistry, technique and culture, the museum offers a three-pronged approach to learning and having fun. Kids not only experience the beauty of textiles but can familiarize themselves with the how (skills involved) and who (people around the world who make and use them). At the 27th annual celebration, youngsters can make a tassel, weave a placemat, try knitting or learn about Arabian fashion and fabric. Especially prominent this year are Indonesian arts and artists, with a gamelan orchestra, dancers and workshops tied to "Textiles for This World and Beyond: Treasures From Insular Southeast Asia," an exhibit of weavings and batiks at the museum through Sept. 18.
Batik is an elaborate, wax-resist dyeing process, explains Kathy Strauss of Linthicum, who leads a batik workshop on Saturday with Laura Vernon-Russell of Baltimore. The parts of a cloth that are not going to be dyed are coated with wax and the dyeing process is repeated, sometimes numerous times, to build layers of color. When working with youngsters, the two fiber artists substitute cold wax for the traditional hot wax to avoid accidents. "The process is as much fun as seeing the finished product," says Strauss, who has been batiking silk gauze for 30 years. "You can really feel the materials." Her 8-year-old son, Harper Steinke, recently tried the activity and declared it "a blast." Those interested in the hot-wax technique can watch Indonesian artists Tantri Noor Nugroho and Amien Loetfi on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
The museum's first-floor galleries display the richly patterned textiles produced by the batik process, which originated on the Indonesian island of Java. Practiced for more than two centuries, aspects of the intricate process may date to the 12th century, according to curator Mattiebelle Gittinger. My family and I visited the exhibit recently and saw how the patterns (flowers, leaves and stylized animals) established by royal Javanese courts were influenced over time by traders and settlers from China, India, Europe and Islamic countries. My daughter, Christy, and her friend Eileen Symons, both 61/2, were especially intrigued by "Flash Gordon" (circa 1940), a batik hip wrap incorporating the winged bird-men and horned villains of the comic. And they enjoyed gazing at the 30 eight-inch-high wooden figurines modeling Indonesian batik clothes, including the slendang (shoulder cloth) and kain panjang (hip wrap). One figurine, seated cross-legged before a cloth-draped frame, demonstrates batiking with a tiny applicator and wax pan. The exhibit also showcases the complex woven patterns of the ceremonial textiles and costumes of Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia.
Celebration attendees still have time to catch "Beyond the Bag: Textiles as Containers," a small exhibit ending Sunday. Eileen and Christy got a big kick out of these elaborate vessels, including two from the early 20th century -- a large Pakistani saddlebag decorated with cowrie shells, glass beads and tassels, and a Burmese men's bag with noisemaking metal cones to scare off evil spirits.
No visit to the museum is complete without a trip to the permanent Activity Gallery. Here the girls began learning the "language of textiles" -- structure, pattern, fiber, color -- through numerous interactive displays. They used a loom, created a pattern of red and white squares and fingered the raw fibers of flax, sheep fuzz and silkworm cocoons and their processed counterparts linen, wool and silk. As for color, the gallery reveals the humble substances behind some of the richest hues. The tiny cochineal bug yields a deep magenta, the weld plant a lovely yellow.
From clothes to rugs to towels, textiles surround us. The celebration and exhibits may well jump-start a summer project in creating and using them in new ways. Though prepackaged kits abound, why not look for materials at home or take a trip to a local fabric or craft store so kids can choose their own? Youngsters might batik a scarf, decorate a tote bag or fashion colorful tassels, suggests museum educator Ofsthun. (For information on culture-related projects, click on "Common Threads" on the museum's Web site.)
The artwork of peers could even prove inspiring. From Saturday through June 30, the museum displays student art from three District elementary schools -- Ludlow-Taylor, Seaton and Thomson -- in the Myers Room. In a partnership that debuted this year, museum docents worked with students during the spring. The creative results, Ofsthun says, are banners and batiks with a unique kid twist.
27TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF TEXTILES -- Saturday and Sunday (schedule below) at the Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW. 202-667-0441. www.textilemuseum.org. Open Monday-Saturday from 10 to 5, Sundays from 1 to 5. Free, suggested donation $5. Ending Sunday, "Beyond the Bag: Textiles as Containers" in the second-floor gallery. Running through Sept. 18, "Textiles for This World and Beyond: Treasures From Insular Southeast Asia" in first-floor galleries. Opening Saturday through June 30, artwork from "Museum-School Partnership" in the Myers Room.
Saturday 10 to 4 -- Batik, felting (pressing and matting wool fibers), weaving, tasselmaking, knitting, crocheting, rug restoration and spinning activities throughout the day in the museum and garden. Batik and Arabian fashion demonstrations. Indonesian food available for purchase. Activities include sheep shearing (garden, weather permitting) at 11 and 2:30, Indonesian gamelan music at 10:30 and 3, and Indonesian dance at 11:45 and 3:15.
Sunday 1 to 4 -- Weaving and tasselmaking activities. Loom, Arabian fashion, carpet design and batik demonstrations. All throughout the day in museum and garden. Indonesian food available for purchase.


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Ghanaian Artist | Berj Art Gallery | Amon Kotei
Nii Amon Kotei (24 May 1915 — 17 October 2011) was a Ghanaian artist (sculpture, painter, and musician) and surveyor. He is also the acclaimed designer of the coat of arms of Ghana. He was one of Ghana's leading artists. Kotei was born on 24 May 1915, at La, near Accra, and belonged to the Ga tribe and trained as a surveyor. He was a distinguished artist and designed the National Coat of Arms on 4 March 1957. He was commissioned to do the design by Ghana's first President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the then British Colonial administration as independence drew near in 1957. The Ghana Coat of Arms, found on all government official letterheads, is composed of a shield, divided into four quarters by a green St. George's Cross, rimmed with gold. He died on 17 October 2011, after which the parliament of Ghana paid tribute to him. He studied under a scholarship at Achimota School and later received a scholarship to study art at the London School of Printing and Graphic Art from 1949 to 1952. He also fought for the Royal West African Frontier Force during World War II and also worked in the Cartographic Division of the Army. He drew maps and plans for use by soldiers on the war front. He also taught in Achimota School. After Ghana attained independence1957. Kwame Nkrumah, Prime Minister of Ghana, and his followers became concerned with what they labeled the "colonial mentality" (Laramie, 1962). The psychological as well as political bonds of colonialism needed to be broken, and Ghanaians had to be shown that they were indeed free and independent. The cultivation of African traditions and institutions was an important aspect of ridding Ghana of the colonial mentality. Of equal importance, however, were the symbolic gestures initiated by Nkrumah shortly after independence through Operation Psychology. According to the evening News (June 22, 1957: 2)-the newspaper of Nkrumah's political party, the Convention People's Party-Operation Psychology consisted of the use of "visual aids in interpreting the soul and spirit of independence which we fought so dearly to achieve." Nkrumah's extrinsic rhetorical strategies in the period immediately following independence were thus directed toward the fulfillment of Operation Psychology. Politically, Ghana was independent, but the resulting symbols of nationhood had not been adequately formulated. A flag had been chosen, and a national motto, "Freedom and Justice, had been adopted. However, a psychological vacuum resulted from the rejection of British institutions, and this Nkrumah tried to fill through a kind of personal.

domain: politics


Prior to joining APGA, he was a Legislative Correspondent for Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. In this capacity, he conducted policy research and tracked legislation for senior level committee staff, and drafted letters of response to constituents on a wide range of issues tied to the agricultural, environmental, and energy industries.
Before his two-year stint with the Senate Agriculture Committee, Simon completed an internship with Ducks Unlimited’s Governmental Affairs Office, as well as an internship on the Hill. While in college, he spent a summer semester in France and Belgium where he studied the European Union, globalization and social change in Europe. He enjoys travelling and has been to nine countries spanning three continents. In addition to his passion for travel, he is an avid golfer and outdoorsman.
Simon is originally from Holland, Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. He currently lives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC.


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I know what you’ve been feeling as you walk through the streets of Chicago this week. You just want to dance in the sunlight and pretend your Gene Kelly on the street. Well get some inspiration during Chicago Dance Month.
Over ten dance companies and organizations will feature over 50 great dance workshops, performances, and events that occur in Chicago. This year the month will continue with the “Open Doors, Open Spaces” theme. Events marked Open Doors are performances starring the city’s best dance companies in buildings and landmarks throughout the Loop. Those marked Open Spaces occur every Friday during the month at “Thank God It’s Dance Friday” where some of the dance companies will hold performances at Pritzker Park. The best thing is that all Open Doors and Open Spaces events are free. Below are the remaining Open Doors and Open Spaces events you don’t want to miss:
April 16, OPEN DOORS: Chicago’s Landmark Building Performances at Modern Classics Furniture
April 21, OPEN DOORS: Chicago’s Landmark Building Performances with DanceWorks Chicago
April 22, OPEN DOORS: Chicago’s Landmark Building Performances at the Chicago Temple with Duncan Dance Chicago/Classical Modern
April 24, OPEN DOORS: Chicago’s Landmark Building Performances with The Blueprinting Project
May 1, OPEN DOORS: Dance Block Party at Block 37
Along with the free performances you can find discounts for many other performances and lectures throughout the month.
Chicago Dance Month runs until May 3 at various locations throughout the city. For tickets and more information visit seechicagodance.com/festival/chicago-dance-month-2015.


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Wrote novels based upon the "Doctor Who" episodes The Savages, The Macra Terror and The War Machines.
Did You Know?
Scottish novelist, playwright and screenwriter, educated at Daniel Stewart's College in Edinburgh and Manchester University. Began as an actor with Donald Wolfit's theatrical company, then worked as script editor for the Rank Scenario Department from 1946. Came to prominence during the next two decades as co-creator of such popular television shows as "Danger Man", "Sir Francis Drake" and "Fabian...


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I'm very grateful to Doug for this wonderful feature on Treasure Island Oldies. Hope you enjoy reading it.
When we celebrated the 17th Anniversary of the show on May 4th, Doug sent this note to me:
"Michael, what an absolutely amazing weekly listening event you've created. Here's to 17 more years of treasured Treasure Island Oldies." Thank You, Doug!


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Kehlani is hitting the road and joining Demi Lovato and DJ Khaled on tour next year.
After the American Music Awards last weekend (Nov. 19), the SweetSexySavage singer announced that she would be joining the duo on their 20-date trek, which kicks off on Feb. 26 in San Diego. The trio will then head to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Toronto, Philadelphia and Nashville before closing out in Tampa on March 31.
“SURPRISE,” wrote Kehlani. “Im joining @ddlovato & @djkhaled on tour in February 2018! Gunna be fun as hell thanks for having me!!! See ya soon! ✨✨ aye f*ck yeah ARENAS!!”
The trio met up at the American Music Awards on Sunday (Nov. 19) and shared a cool photo op before they shared the news. “#AMAs tour photoshoot??” wrote Demi. “Why not 😂 SO EXCITED @kehlani is officially coming on tour with us!! ❤❤❤ Can’t wait to see you in your city next year!!!! #NowWeNeedATourName.”
The tour will support Lovato’s latest album, Tell Me You Love Me, Kehlani’s debut SweetSexySavage and Khaled’s Grateful.


A Biweekly Conversation.
The Wine Road provides the Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma to locals and visitors with tips and news on events, wineries, restaurants, outdoor activities, and places to stay.
Hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa share their insider stories about the places to check out when you're exploring along the Wine Road.
Thank you to County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors - District 5 for their support.
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Garage a total loss, house damaged after Bloomington fire
BLOOMINGTON, Wis. — Firefighters considered a garage a “total loss” and a house sustained damage after a fire early Sunday morning in Bloomington, officials said.
Bloomington Fire Department Chief Tom Hoffman said firefighters responded to a home on 5th Street at around 3 a.m. for a reports of a structure fire.
Hoffman said the fire destroyed a garage and caused some minor window damage to a house on the property.
No one was hurt in the fire and officials are investigating its cause, Hoffman said.
Hoffman said firefighters don’t have a cost estimate on damages at this time.
COPYRIGHT 2020 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.


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I Can’t Draw a Straight Line
Days & Times:
Level:Beginning to Intermediate
Location:373 Tequesta Drive - Studio B
The class will begin with standard graphite pencils and “the basics”, then move into more experimental supplies such as unique papers, conté, crayon, pen, and ink with a crow quill pen and beyond. The subject matter will range from setting up a still life to using photo references. Learn how to connect “what you see to what you draw”, as everyone’s point of expression is unique and valid to the finished product.


Onosma atila-ocakii sp. nova [Boraginaceae, Sect. Asterotricha (Boiss.) Gurke] is described and illustrated as a new species. It grows in a steppe on magnesite rocks in EskiAYehir province (Central Anatolia, Turkey). Its description, photographs, and an identification key including related species (O. roussaei DC. and O. aucheriana DC.) are given. Diagnostic morphological and palynological characters of closely related species are compared and discussed. The characteristic features of indumentum and pollen structure are studied using a light microscope. The new species distinctly differs from related species because of its setose and adpressed retrorse-pilose indumentum, 2-3 rows of setules on foliar tubercles, 10-14 mm white petals and 2.1-2.6 x 1.7-2 mm dark brown nutlets. The International Union for Conservation of Nature threat category and observations on the ecology of the populations are noted. The distribution map of this new species and closely related species in Turkey is presented.


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17 May 2020
Vegetables and fruits serve as healthy agents that help to keep the body fit. Vegetables and fruits consist of nutrients that have healthy benefits suiting for the body. All vegetables and fruits are a good source of vitamins. However, everything that has an advantage also has a disadvantage, and fruits and vegetables are no exception.…
20 Feb 2020
St. Valentine's Day has come and gone but the memories linger. Did you have a date or rather dates? Though synonymous with expression of love, it is a day couples reignite their sex lives.
28 Aug 2018
There is so much you can do with watermelons and this is just one of the easy things you can make with the fruit. Even people who don't like too-sweet drinks will like this because it is so light and so refreshing. Ingredients 2 cups frozen watermelon 2 mint leaves squeeze of lime 1/4 cup…
23 Aug 2018
When short-term returns on investments constitute the driving factors, watermelon is among the crops to plant. The gestation period is between 75 and 90 days, depending on varieties.
10 Aug 2018
Light and refreshing, this drink is a perfect way to enjoy the delicious watermelons in season. The watermelon flavour blends perfectly with the lemons, switching up the traditional lemonade into something mindblowing. You can turn this into a cocktail by adding a little vodka to it. Ingredients 4 cups cubed watermelon 1/2 cup fresh lemon…
27 Jun 2018
You probably already know about the health benefits of watermelons but do you know of its beauty benefits? Originating from southern Africa, watermelon contains vitamins such as Vitamin A, B6 and C, and is also packed with lycopene and amino acids, all combining to contribute towards the healthy skin, aiding the immune system, and benefitting…
3 May 2018
The sangria has a reputation worldwide for being one of the healthiest alcoholic beverages in existence. This is because of its delicate balance of fruits, wine and spirits which gives it a unique range of flavours. The watermelon sangria takes this a step further via the watermelon which has vitamins A, B6 and C, lycopene…
4 Nov 2017
It does not have a lot of fiber, but it is 92% water, and that can encourage a bowel movement. It’s also chock full of nutrients, with antioxidants that help protect your cells, as well as vitamins A, B, and C, and lycopene, which helps shield you from UV rays.
3 Aug 2017
It's watermelon day. Comprising of more than 90 water, this fruit is a favourite food of children and adults all over the world. With every bite comes a burst of flavour and it can be eaten all year round. Watermelon has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lycopene, antioxidants, amino acids, and even…
9 Mar 2017
Researchers have found that eating meals rich in ginger (Zingiber officinale), onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) could be the novel preventive and therapeutic diet or drug against the menace.
13 Jan 2017
It may be a go-to option for a date night, to boost confidence. But Flower warns to keep tipples to a minimum. “Whilst alcohol can remove any inhibitions, it can also affect our performance.

domain: food


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Chick Corea Interview
- 5 Peace Band Preview
By Mark Towns
Published: Mar 30 2009, JazzHouston
Chick Corea & John McLaughlin’s new super group Five Peace Band have been performing to sold out crowds since kicking off their U.S./North American tour on March 19. Featuring co-leaders Chick Corea on piano & keyboards and John McLaughlin on electric guitar, their all-star support team includes Kenny Garrett on saxophone and bassist Christian McBride. Although Houston radio ads have been touting Vinnie Colaiuta as the drummer, it will actually be Brian Blade on drums for the Houston date and for the remainder of the tour. (Vinnie did the first week with the band but Brian took over on March 26.)
The quintet’s double-album, Five Peace Band Live, which was recorded during their European tour last fall, will be released in summer 2009 by Concord Records, but the double-disc CD will be made available early at performances as well as the band’s website (www.fivepeaceband.com) to coincide with the tour.
Corea and McLaughlin performed together on Miles Davis’ classic Bitches Brew, and each went on to become top leaders of the seventies jazz fusion movement. Corea’s Return to Forever and McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra pushed jazz to new realms while performing to stadium-sized audiences and selling records albums in rock star-like quantities.
Since the fusion era, both Corea and McLaughlin have led amazingly prolific careers, with a creative output which spans many genres of music in a host of different musical settings. At Five Peace Band’s Houston show on Wednesday April 1, expect to hear highly evolved music that includes nods to Miles Davis and Joe Zawinul (most shows have included “In a Silent Way”) as well as sophisticated acoustic jazz, fiery jazz/rock/funk, intimate duets, and Corea and McLaughlin classics. To give you an idea of how the band stretches out on this gig, check out this statistic: most of the tour’s sets contain an average of only six songs, yet the shows have ranged from two to three hours in length! Hold on to your hats, it’s gonna be a good one.
Interview with Chick Corea
MT: I'm excited about your show!
CC: Yeah. Me, too!
MT: Are you easily bored?
CC: That’s a strange question (laughs).
MT: Well, you’re always doing something new. You’re all over the map. And it’s always great, of course.
CC: Oh, I get what you’re saying. All of my serious projects keep me excited and interested and keep me being a kind of a student. I learn from all the guys I play with. I love to learn some new stuff. Like, I hadn’t played with John in so many years and it’s such a refreshing thing to play with such a great musician. So my schedule is kind of varied and exciting.
MT: What’s your favorite John McLaughlin recording?
CC: I really love everything I’ve heard from John. You know, my wife, Gayle Moran-Corea, sang with John in the seventies. She was in his second version of Mahavishnu with Jean Luc-Ponty and the band with the strings. So together Gayle and I had (recently) been listening to “Apocalypse” – the recording John did with the London Symphony.
MT: And with Narada (Narada Michael Walden on drums), right?
CC: Yeaaaahh. And then the one I think was done shortly after that called “Visions of the Emerald Beyond.” Both of those Gayle’s on but they’re two of my favorite recordings of John from that era.
MT: Is Five Peace Band doing anything from those?
CC: You know, we talked about possibly doing some of the seventies music, but then when we got into actually selecting what we wanted to bring to the band, it turned out to be relatively new music. I wrote three new pieces and John brought in some songs that he wanted to play from his “Floating Point” record and his “Industrial Zen” records, which are relatively new records of his.
MT: Kenny Garret’s a great player, but why did you even get a sax player or a third lead soloist on this?
CC: I don’t know, it’s just like I thought it would make a great compliment, you know. In actual fact, it turned out incredible because John and Kenny have developed a wonderful rapport on stage.
MT: Had they played together before?
CC: No, this was the first time they’ve played together. Also, it’s the first time John’s played with Christian (McBride, bass) as well. And I think when we come to Houston it’s gonna be with Brian Blade on the drums. And it’s the first time John’s played with Brian, too. You know, we’re all kind of birds of a feather—a very compatible bunch of guys.
MT: Is Christian playing mostly electric, acoustic, or what?
CC: About half and half. He’s incredible on the electric. This was my first time to really play with Christian on electric bass. He’s something.
MT: How much rehearsal did you guys have?
CC: The rehearsal went by like a whiff. I think we had a day, a day and a half of rehearsal, something like that. But really, this kind of music gets fully worked out playing it in performance, and that’s really how the music develops.
MT: So is it different every night?
CC: Absolutely. Absolutely different every night.
MT: What’s the length of the show?
CC: Well, let me see, now… sometimes we play with an intermission, sometimes we play straight through. The other night we played straight through and someone told me the show was two hours and 45 minutes. It depends if there’s a curfew with the venue or not. But the band likes to stretch out, and if the audience--you know, they surprise me with the energy they have to take in all this stuff that we throw at them.
MT: What’s changed since the first shows so far?
CC: Oh, well, everything. (laughs) One of the games is we like to challenge one another.
MT: A friend wanted me to ask you: Do you listen to “Now he Sings, Now he Sobs?” (1968 Chick Corea Trio album with Miroslav Vitous – bass, and Roy Haynes – drums).
CC: Well, no. Why would I listen to it? I mean… (laughs).
MT: This is a question from a buddy of mine—my editor, actually.
CC: No, I understand. I had an occasion to listen to it once recently. I’m trying to remember what—it was up for a compilation. I put it on, and I noticed that the mix sounded monaural to me. It didn’t sound very stereo to me, and I didn’t like the sound of it. So I thought that at some point I would love to go back and get those original tapes and remix it.
MT: Do you have any plans to record again with Roy Haynes?
CC: No, not at the present, but we love playing with one another and I hope to play with him again. He’s a real busy man these days. He’s getting up in age, but he ain’t slowin’ down, man.
MT: What’s on the agenda for next year?
CC: It’s really this year I’m still focused on. I’ve got some piano solo touring I’m gonna do in Europe this summer. And then in the fall, I’m putting together a new version of a trio with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White, and we’ll then go around and put some new music together. So those are the two projects -- and I’ve got some duet projects I’m gonna do with Gary Burton. And I think I’m gonna work some more, probably next year, with Bobby McFerrin.
MT: Ah, nice. Is the trio stuff with Lenny and Stanley acoustic?
CC: We’ve got various gigs. Some of them—we haven’t got it all worked out, yet, but some of them are gonna be just acoustic. And others will have electric instruments.
MT: After you performed with the Foo Fighters (at the Grammy’s in 2004), did a bunch of rock bands approach you and want you to play with them?
CC: That was a lot of fun. Not really, man. There haven’t been that many calls from the rock n rollers. We almost sat in with the Allman Brothers the other week, but I couldn’t make it up to New York.
MT: You’d fit right in with the jam band rock circuit, right?
CC: Yeah. Give me a Rhodes and a Mini-Moog, man, I’ll be there!
Date: Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Location: Verizon Wireless
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AMD Announces Ryzen Embedded R2000 Series
NUREMBERG, Germany, June 21, 2022 — AMD has announced the Ryzen Embedded R2000 Series, second-generation mid-range system-on-chip (SoC) processors optimized for a wide range of industrial and robotics systems, machine vision, IoT and thin-client equipment. Ryzen Embedded R2000 Series doubles the core count and delivers a significant performance uplift compared to the prior generation, with the new R2515 model exhibiting up to 81 percent higher CPU and graphics performance than the comparable R1000 series processor. Performance-per-watt efficiency is also optimized using “Zen+” core architecture with AMD Radeon graphics for rich and versatile multimedia capabilities. Ryzen Embedded R2000 processors can power up to four independent displays in brilliant 4K resolution.
Embedded R2000 Series processors are scalable up to four “Zen+” CPU cores with eight threads, 2MB of L2 cache and 4MB of shared L3 cache. This gives embedded system designers great flexibility to scale performance and power efficiencies with a single processing platform.
With support for up to 3200 MT/s DDR4 dual-channel memory and expanded I/O connectivity, the Ryzen Embedded R2000 Series processors deliver 50 percent higher memory bandwidth and up to 2X greater I/O connectivity compared to R1000 series processors.
“For industrial applications like robotics and machine vision as well as thin clients and mini-PCs, the Ryzen Embedded R2000 Series raises the bar on performance and functionality,” said Rajneesh Gaur, corporate vice president and general manager, Adaptive & Embedded Computing Group at AMD. “The Embedded R2000 Series provides system designers with more performance, optimized power and better graphics, all with a seamless upgrade path.”
For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies ― the building blocks for gaming, immersive platforms and the datacenter. Hundreds of millions of consumers, leading Fortune 500 businesses and cutting-edge scientific research facilities around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work and play. AMD employees around the world are focused on building great products that push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD website.


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A quarter of the S&P 500 companies report earnings next week, and that could buffet the market as investors await the July Fed meeting.Market Insiderread more
Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims a British tanker it still holds, Stena Impero, failed to follow international maritime rules.World Newsread more
Amazon hires Trump-allied lobbyist Jeff Miller as battle for Pentagon contract heats up.Politicsread more
In a series of tweets, the president addressed an unusual controversy stemming from a speech delivered Thursday by New York Fed President John Williams.Marketsread more
"You need to understand that we're about to embark on the busiest week of the year for industrial earnings," CNBC's Jim Cramer says.Mad Money with Jim Cramerread more
Boston Federal Reserve President Eric Rosengren is lining up against an apparent push to cut interest rates, telling CNBC in an interview Friday that the central bank can...The Fedread more
The MTA reported that the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 trains are all facing delays due to a network communications issue impacting service in both directions, NBC New York reports.Transportationread more
Companies aren't waiting for the U.S.-China trade war to be resolved, says the head of the world's biggest money manager.Investingread more
US officials including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow will host a meeting at the White House on Monday of semiconductor and...Technologyread more
Trump's constant berating of the Fed and its actions does not influence the central bank's decisions, Boston Fed's Eric Rosengren says.The Fedread more
The lawsuits allege J&J's talc-based baby powder contained asbestos and caused ovarian and other cancers.Health and Scienceread more
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross failed to clearly disclose to Congress during confirmation hearings that he retained an interest in a shipping company that has close business dealings with an immediate family member of Vladimir Putin's and known associates of the Russian leader, according to new reports Sunday.
NBC News reported that the billionaire Ross retains an interest in Navigator Holdings, a shipping company whose most important business relationships include a Russian petrochemical giant, SIBUR, whose owners include people tied to Putin.
Some of the details of Ross's continuing financial holdings are contained in the so-called "Paradise Papers," millions of documents held by a Bermuda-based law firm, Appleby, which were leaked to the the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung.
The documents were also shared by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which gave NBC News access to some of the documents.
The New York Times, in its own story on the documents Sunday, said that in addition to Ross, "the files contain references to other members of the Trump administration, including Gary D. Cohn, the chief economic adviser who was associated with 22 Bermuda entities while an executive at Goldman Sachs, and Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson, who was a director of a Bermuda-based joint venture with the government of Yemen when he ran Exxon Mobil's operations there. "
However, The Times noted that "there is no evidence of illegality in any of their dealings."
BBC News, in its story on the Paradise Papers, reported that the "huge new leak of financial documents has revealed how the powerful and ultra-wealthy," including the private estate of Queen Elizabeth II, "secretly invest vast amounts of cash in offshore tax havens."
NBC noted that during his confirmation hearings, Ross disclosed a set of four Cayman Island companies in which he intended to retain an interest. However, he did not declare he would retain two other entities with cryptic names.
Those two entities are linked through ownership chains to the four Cayman Island companies, and, in turn, held 17.5 million shares in Navigator, equal to almost one-third of that firm's outstanding shares.
SIBUR is Navigator's second-largest client.
And one of SIBUR's owners is Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire who is considered part of Putin's inner circle, NBC stated. Since 2014, Timchenko has been barred by the Treasury Department from entering the United States, according to NBC News.
A second SIBUR owner is another Putin associate, Leonid Mikhelson, whose other company, Novatek, was placed on Treasury sanctions list in 2014, NBC noted.
A third shareholder in SIBUR, and its deputy chairman, is Kirill Shamalov, husband of Vladimir Putin's daughter, Katerina Tikhonova.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat., told NBC News that he and other members of Congress who participated in Ross's confirmation hearings were under the impression that Ross had divested all of his interests in Navigator.
Blumenthal also said he and other senators were unaware of Navigator's close ties to Russia.
"I am astonished and appalled because I feel misled," said Blumenthal. "Our committee was misled, the American people were misled by the concealment of those companies."
The senator said he will ask the Commerce Department's inspector general to investigation the situation.
Ross did not returns calls to NBC News.
But in a statement issued through a Commerce Department spokesman to CNBC, Ross said that he recuses himself as Commerce secretary from any matter regarding transoceanic shipping. Ross said he works closely with ethics officials in the department "to ensure the highest ethical standards."
The spokesman also said that Ross has never met any of the Russian oligarchs mentioned in NBC's story.
And the spokesman said that "no funds managed by his [Ross'] company ever owned a majority of Navigator shares."


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THE Queen has expressed her “best wishes” in a heartfelt message of support to those whose lives and businesses were affected by the explosion in New Ferry earlier this year.
The letter was sent to ward councillor Warren Ward and concluded by asking him to keep her updated on the town.
In it, Her Majesty said she “was saddened to learn of the effects of the explosion on your town, but was pleased to hear that you, and the people of New Ferry, are working together to help rebuild the local community.”
Two people were seriously injured, dozens more hurt and numerous buildings damaged in the blast which took place on the night of March 25.
Work is underway to demolish the most severely affected buildings.
The council has also spent £300,000 of its reserves in a bid to help those residents and businesses affected.
Labour councillor Warren Ward said: “I am so pleased and genuinely humbled that Her Majesty The Queen has responded to my letter and has asked to be kept updated on New Ferry’s situation.
“The people of New Ferry and Port Sunlight have felt seriously beaten over the past six months and I think that Her Majesty sending her best wishes to residents and businesses affected is finally some good news.
“The New Ferry and Port Sunlight community have shone throughout this terrible time with very little recognition nationally – I’m pleased that The Queen recognises their work and support.”
The full text of the letter is as follows:
The Queen has asked me to thank you for your recent letter regarding the explosion which took place in New Ferry, Wirral in March this year.
Her Majesty was saddened to learn of the effects of the explosion on your town, but was pleased to hear that you, and the people of New Ferry, are working together to help rebuild the local community.
I would be most grateful if you could continue to keep us updated on the situation.
This letter comes to you, and all those in New Ferry, with Her Majesty’s good wishes.
Assistant Private Secretary to The Queen
See full story in the Chester Leader


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Visit these incredible doppelgänger destinations to seriously up your staycation game.
2020 has been a total bummer for anyone with a serious case of wanderlust, putting a lot of international travel plans on hold. But what if we told you that you could see some of the world’s most famous landmarks, without leaving the UK?
The one, the only, Premier Inn has hunted down a series of lookalike locations across the country; spots that twin with some seriously jaw-dropping sites all over the globe. So, whether you were due a trip to see the Golden Gate Bridge in the USA, or the Great Wall of China, we’ve got a list of the best alternative destinations that needn’t involve hopping on a plane.
Premier Inn combined its knowledge of Britain’s best tourist spots with the expertise of veteran traveller and Guinness World Record holder Graham Hughes, who visited every single country in the world without flying. Here are some of the highlights to hopefully spark some inspiration for your next staycation.
1. Why visit the Great Wall of China when you could take a trip to Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria?
2. Iceland’s Giant’s Causeway is awesome, but it’s got nothing on its Northern Irish namesake.
3. Fun fact about the Greek Temple of Hephaestus: it has a Sunderland-based doppelgänger called Penshaw Monument.
4. Did you know that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge has a twin? It’s the Humber Bridge in Kingston-Upon-Hull.
5. Sure, the Arc de Triomphe is nice, but London’s very own Marble Arch is pretty handsome too.
6. Australia’s Twelve Apostles are certainly a sight to behold, but give Dorset’s Old Harry Rocks some credit, would you?
7. Fine, keep the Taj Mahal on your bucket list. But don’t knock Brighton’s Royal Pavilion till you’ve seen it.
8. Nobody is saying that Notre Dame isn’t pretty, we’re just saying that Durham has a pretty nice looking cathedral too.
9. Swap a gondola ride beneath Venice’s Rialto Bridge for a punt under the Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge. It’s basically the same thing.
10. And finally, Budapest might be famous for its baths, but there’s no better place for a bath than, well, Bath. Surely nobody can argue with that?
Images courtesy of Premier Inn, via Golin PR.
Also published on Medium.


Brace yourselves, gamers, as Sony prepares to unleash a truly remarkable lineup of games for PlayStation Plus members in March 2024. With a diverse array of titles spanning from high-octane sports simulations to superhero adventures and survival horror thrills, this month’s offerings promise to elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
Leading the charge is the highly anticipated “NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition,” a tribute to the late basketball legend that allows players to immerse themselves in the world of professional basketball like never before. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual enthusiast, this game promises to deliver an unparalleled level of realism and excitement.
For those seeking a more supernatural thrill, “Marvel’s Midnight Suns” beckons, inviting players to assemble a formidable team of superheroes and face off against the ultimate forces of darkness. With a rich narrative and engaging turn-based combat, this title is sure to captivate both comic book aficionados and strategy enthusiasts alike.
In a departure from the realms of sports and superheroes, “Resident Evil 3” offers a chilling survival horror experience that will test even the bravest of souls. Prepare to confront the relentless Nemesis as you navigate through a city overrun by the undead, making every decision a matter of life and (un)death.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. PlayStation Plus members can also dive into the whimsical worlds of “LEGO DC Supervillains,” “Mystic Pillars: Remastered,” “Blood Bowl 3,” “Super Neptunia RPG,” and “Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot,” each offering a unique and captivating gaming experience.
Additionally, PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can indulge in a selection of beloved classics, including “Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier,” “Cool Boarders,” “Gods Eater Burst,” “Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy,” and “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle R,” allowing them to revisit cherished gaming memories or discover timeless gems for the first time.
As if that weren’t enough, Sony has also announced that starting April 1, “My Hero Academia Season 1” will be available on Sony Pictures Core to PlayStation Plus Premium and Deluxe members, further expanding the entertainment offerings.
With such an impressive lineup, March 2024 promises to be a month of gaming greatness for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of gaming, there’s something for everyone in this powerhouse collection of titles. Get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures, conquer formidable opponents, and experience the true essence of gaming bliss.


text: Biedermeier furniture and interior design are recognized today as the first great flowering of haute bourgeois taste in interior design. Biedermeier is a style with great range, from austere to sumptuous, but it is never ostentatious in its celebration of comfort, domestic intimacy, and practicality. Beginning in the early nineteenth century, these bourgeois ideals in design were pursued by a wide range of society from the Hapsburgs and Hohenzollern to the middle class, from Middle Europe to Italy, yet Biedermeier's innate classicism, its lyrical yet elegant forms, have made it an influential inspiration in our own time. The World of Biedermeier celebrates the elements of a wonderfully appealing stylethe furniture, decorative elements, paintings, crystal, porcelain, fabricsas no other recent book on furniture and design. Created out of an enraptured obsession with Biedermeiershared by Karl Kemp, the renowned antiques dealer, and Linda Chase, the noted interior designer and writerthis book is an extraordinary paean to an irresistible style. The hundreds of brilliant color photographs by Lois Lammerhuber set a new standard for design and furniture photography, and the book has been opulently designed and produced. To experience the story of Biedermeier, we explore enchanting castles, royal residences, a Roman-inspired bathhouse, museum attics, and storage annexes in Vienna, Berlin, and elsewhere. Lammerhuber was the first photographer granted free access to the extraordinary holdings of the Hofmobiliendepot, the Imperial Furniture Collection in Vienna. Here too are the treasures of the Hofburg Silberkammer museum, plus features on the work of the great Biedermeier designers Joseph Danhauser and Karl Friedrich Schinkel. A chapter on current uses of Biedermeier illustrates the timeless quality of this style, from full traditional settings to the way that Biedermeier furniture looks fresh and alive in contemporary settings. An illustrated reference section will prove an indispensable guide to anyone interested in this rich homage to Middle European culture. 200 color illustrations.


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text:
Ett liv att leva : Om familjer, funktionshinder och vardagens villkor
Sammanfattning: The thesis deals with everyday life in families where a child is born with an impairment and also, to a certain extent, with the lives of adults suffering from the same disability. The parents' way of managing life with a disabled child is of great importance for the child" s perception of itself, as well as its future development. It is therefore interesting to focus on the whole family when seeking to understand the life situation of those with a disability. The aim of the study is to clarify what happens in a family when a child is born with an impairment.A qualitative analysis was carried out, based on interviews with 20 children, teenagers and adults with myelomeningocele, and their parents; and also on separate interviews with 12 siblings of the children with myelomeningocele. The interviews were semistructured and conducted with the aid of guidelines on many areas in life; for example relations to health care and authorities; ideas about the disability and the experience of the biographical disruption brought about by the birth of a disabled child.The results of the study is discussed in terms of similarity and dissimilarity; and shows how the families live in a world, or reality, which is similar to the world every person lives in, and at the same time live in another world of dissimilarity because of the disability. The parents, and in some respects the children or teenagers, develop various strategies in order to balance these two worlds and lead a functional everyday life, which is also the case regarding the adults with myelomeningocele. The results of the study also indicate central areas involving problems for these families and the thesis ends with some advice on what can be done to make life easier for children, teenagers and adults with myelomeningocele, as well as their parents.
Denna avhandling är EVENTUELLT nedladdningsbar som PDF. Kolla denna länk för att se om den går att ladda ner.

domain: library


text:
An independent investigation should be carried out to determine how the fire at Supreme Court Complex in Hultsdorp had broken out, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.
Mr. premadasa made this remark when he visited the complex on an inspection tour last morning.
“We thank the firefighters, police and the security officers for dousing the fire without leaving room for much damage.
However an independent investigation should be conducted to determine how the fire had started, ”mr. premadasa said. Meanwhile SJB MP Manusha Nanayakkara told a press conference that there were suspicions among the people about how the fire had begun. “people suspect that the fire must have been an act of Sabotage as it may have been ignited by someone who wanted to end the pending court cases by destroying the documentary evidence. however he or she had failed, even if it was an act of sabotage, as the fire had caused only minimal damages, ”the MP said.
“However an investigation should be conducted to determine the real story behind the fire, ”he added.(Yohan Perera)

domain: law


text:
Report that examines issues around the nature and measurement of fuel poverty in Scotland. It draws on data from the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) which has been the official source of descriptive statistics on fuel poverty since 1996, as well as information from the wider evidence base, including the John Hills Fuel Poverty Review 2011‐12 undertaken for England and Wales.
Interim report by the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum to the Cabinet Secretary Infrastructure and Capital Investment. A further report will be produced by the Forum in Autumn 2012.
Report on families in England and Wales with young children under the age of five, and disadvantaged young people in the 16 to 24 age group who are struggling to pay their fuel bills.
This report comes at a time when the UK government has outlined its main policy intentions and its strategy to reduce poverty. Although the statistics presented in this report still almost entirely reﬂect the policies of the previous government, the Labour record is the Coalition inheritance.
This commentary discusses the implications of that record for the current government in the light of its commitments on child poverty and social mobility set out in strategy documents published in 2011.

domain: economics


text:
One of my favorite London guidebooks is 24 Hours in London. It’s a guide to things to do during every hour of the day in London. It’s chock full of fun things to see and do.
Now, there’s a great little iPhone app, so you can have it in the palm of your hand.
From the app description:
Every hour of every day, London is packed full of fantastic, unusual things to do. The trick is to know what’s on, when.
This innovative and new application gives a rundown of one of the greatest cities in the world, hour by hour, listing London’s best kept secrets, plus an innovative spin on old favourites.
Containing all contact details and websites where applicable, its chatty style makes it perfect for both visitors to the UK and locals who want to learn more about their home town.
I’ve played around with the app, and I love it. I’m definitely going to use on my next trip to London later this month.
My only complaint about the app is that it’s not optimized for the retina display on the iPhone 4, but that doesn’t detract from it’s usefulness.
The app costs a reasonable $1.99.
Click the button to buy it now:


After installing my Bedrug I was after a new tonneau cover. Wanting to be able to carry valuables in the ute, but still lock it and use it at the drop of a hat, I ruled out any sort of soft or one-piece hard covers.
I was surprised at how limited the options are for this kind of thing – basically I had two. The first option was more than $2000 and needed a professional to install it (they wouldn’t sell me the kit), the second option was the Roll-N-Lock you see here.
Luckily, Ash at Wolf 4x4 came to the rescue with a user-friendly kit to suit my Hilux SR5 dual cab.
The design utilises Roll-N-Lock’s patented clamp-on track design, which greatly simplifies the installation process and minimises the need for drilling holes on most tubs.
Following the instructions, installation was fairly straightforward and took me about three hours. It can be done on your own, but it’s easier with a friend.
“What sets Roll-N-Lock’s tonneau cover construction apart from others is not just the superior quality of the vinyl surface material, but also the design of the slatted aluminium substrate which supports the vinyl,” Roll-N-Lock said in a statement.
“It is the geometry of this uniquely contoured hinge that gives the tonneau cover its strength, its quiet, smooth, non-binding movement and its roll compactness.”
Close examination of the Roll-N-Lock hinge, in the flat position, reveals that each slat is inseparably locked together, yet when rotated no metal-to-metal contact occurs. Also, the housing for the cover, made of aluminium, is very compact and doesn’t waste ute space.
There are multiple latching positions. With just a turn of the lock-lever the Roll-N-Lock tonneau cover slides open. As the cover is pulled back, using the convenient built-in pull strap, the patented ratchet-style locking mechanism latches in place at quarter, half, three-quarter or fully-closed positions. A nice bonus is that the cover also locks the tailgate closed.
As far as being weatherproof, I have had the ute parked outside during recent storms and thanks to the supplied drain pipes, everything in the ute stayed dry.
Overall, I’m very happy with the Roll-N-Lock unit. What I really like is the flexibility of being able to roll back the lid and carry whatever I want.
The only downside (with the Hilux anyway) is that the factory sports bar won’t go back on. They do make an adaptor called “QwikFoot” but it isn’t available in Australia just yet.
Now, I wonder how a rooftop tent would go over the top?
We say: By far the most intelligent and versatile tonneau cover available.


text:
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ALL NET SALES BENEFIT
GEMASSIST BRAIN AWARENESS FOUNDATION
, a 501c3 company working towards broader patient accessibility to neurorehabilitative care for those living with conditions of the nervous system.
Add to Cart
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domain: health


text:
(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The opening is part of the group's rapid expansion plans that will see an additional seven Just Falafel stores in the territory over the coming years.
Just Falafel, the Middle Eastern purveyor of authentic street food, is expanding its footprint in Kuwait. Its second restaurant will be located in Eigaila at the Gate Mall, which is located in Fintas, 20km south of Kuwait City.
The opening is part of the group's rapid expansion plans that will see an additional seven Just Falafel stores in the territory over the coming years.
The Gate Mall is an upscale development of six floors with cinemas and retail outlets. This location will make it a popular choice with residents and tourts alike. The surrounding area is also home to a large student population.
Mike Biggins, chief operating officer of Just Falafel, said: "Having lived in Kuwait I am especially proud to be expanding in this country. The consumer is quite sophisticated in their dining habits and readily recognises quality when they see it. I am confident that they will embrace this new location and our delicious food."
This latest opening is part of Just Falafel's rapid International expansion, which will see it open a significant number of restaurants globally this year, with an increased presence in markets such as Australia and the US. The group plans to roll out over 700 restaurants in 18 countries over the next few years.