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By Andrew Torchia / Reuters
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s market interest rates are climbing as the economy booms, but the rise is as much due to international pressures as strain on banks’ lending resources, and any hike of official rates probably remains distant.
The increase in interbank lending costs underlines how Saudi money markets are returning to normal since a sudden increase in government spending last year, announced in response to the Arab Spring uprisings in the region, flooded the banking system with money and pushed rates down to record lows.
The three-month Saudi Arabian Interbank Offered Rate has risen to 0.88 percent, its highest level since May 2009, from last September’s low of 0.60 percent. Longer-term interbank rates up to one year have increased by slightly smaller margins, while Treasury bill yields are up in sympathy.
The trend coincides with the country’s fastest economic growth in a decade, thanks to high oil prices and heavy government spending on infrastructure and social programs. Economy and Planning Minister Mohammed Al-Jasser said this week that gross domestic product was heading for 6 percent growth this year after 6.8 percent in 2011.
But other data suggests the economy is still far from the late stage of an economic cycle in which higher demand for funds puts heavy pressure on supply, pushing up market rates.
Commercial banks’ excess deposits at the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) stayed high at 88.5 billion riyals ($23.6 billion) in February, data released by SAMA at the weekend showed. That was down from 95.4 billion riyals in January but well above levels of around 50-60 billion that prevailed in most of the second half of 2011.
Meanwhile, the ratio of banks’ private sector loans to their deposits was 78.5 percent in February, barely changed from January and below levels around 80 percent seen in the second half of last year. That leaves plenty of room for banks to expand lending further if needed.
Excess funds in the banking system are still high and haven’t decreased to the point where their level would boost domestic market rates, said Paul Gamble, head of research at Jadwa Investment in Riyadh. “The pressures for higher rates are external.”
One pressure is higher short-term US dollar rates, which have risen from their mid-2011 lows, partly because of signs of greater strength in the US economy. Saudi Arabia pegs the riyal to the dollar so arbitrage between the two currencies tends to limit how much rates can diverge.
“The level of interest rates has been rising with the level in the US because of the exchange rate peg – rates have been following US dollar Libor, with a bit of a lag,” Gamble said.
But US rates are not the full story; since the start of this year they have stopped rising even as Saudi rates have continued climbing. One-year SAIBOR is now 4 basis points above the one-year dollar London Interbank Offered Rate, after being 9 bps below it at the start of 2012.
So many analysts think the rise in Saudi rates is also due in part to banks demanding higher rates because of risks they see in the global economy, such as the euro zone debt crisis, or geopolitical dangers in the region.
The biggest geopolitical threat is the controversy over Iran’s nuclear program. As this year’s 24 percent jump of Saudi Arabia’s stock index shows, investors do not think military conflict in the Gulf is likely, but banks may be hoarding funds just in case.
“We think the rise (in rates) reflects local banks’ anxiety about a possible global slowdown and regional geopolitical risks rather than a fundamental tightness in local banking liquidity,” Barclays analyst Fahad Al Turki wrote in a report.
Added a fund manager at a Saudi financial firm, “Some banks may be building up some liquidity capacity to cover some positions in Europe in case of an adverse event, which may also be having an effect on market rates.”
Global risks only go a limited way towards explaining the rise in Saudi rates, however; five-year Saudi credit default swaps, which investors use to hedge against threats to the economy, have dropped since the start of 2012.
So higher rates appear partly due to the Saudi economic boom. The Saudi fund manager said a pick-up in bank lending, rising inflation expectations and the stock market’s bull run, which has prompted banks to revive margin lending for securities investment, were all helping to push up interbank lending costs.
These factors could strengthen later this year. Bank lending to the private sector rose 12.1 percent from a year earlier in February, its fastest growth in 35 months. That was slower than the 27 percent expansion seen in the oil-boom year of 2008, but lending growth looks set to accelerate further; Bank of America estimates growth may be 15 percent for the whole of 2012.
Meanwhile, Saudi inflation edged up to a 14-month high of 5.4 percent in February, mainly because of higher food and housing costs, although it is still well below the record high of 9.9 percent recorded for 2008.
History suggests there is plenty room for short-term Saudi market rates to rise further above US rates; the spread of one-year SAIBOR over one-year LIBOR moved in a range of 25 to 30 bps for most of the first half of last year.
Much will depend on Saudi monetary policy. There are signs that authorities are keen not to let a build-up of excess liquidity fuel inflation; banks’ holdings of T-bills rose to 130.9 billion riyals in February from 126.0 billion riyals in January, the first rise since May last year.
“SAMA has stepped up its issuance of T-bills to mop liquidity and sterilize rising government spending,” Jean-Michel Saliba, analyst at Bank of America, wrote in a report.
However, any hike of official interest rates still appears far in the future, because the government’s economic policy since the Arab Spring is focusing so heavily on creating jobs and ensuring the growth needed to do so.
The official unemployment rate among Saudi citizens is 10.5 percent but that does not include a large number of working-age Saudis who are not counted as part of the labor force; the labor ministry estimated last month that over 1 million Saudis were receiving unemployment benefit. It estimates over 5 million jobs will need to be created by 2030 to absorb new job seekers.
Faced with this social and political challenge, authorities may be willing to accept relatively high inflation in exchange for growth. Several analysts said they did not expect any hike of official interest rates before the end of this year; Saudi riyal 9X12 forward rate agreements, which give the rate for a three-month deposit starting nine months from now, are quoted at around 86 bps, which does not imply any hike.
Jasser was quoted by Saudi media as saying this week that inflation had stabilized and would start declining.
“Inflation in Saudi is comparatively high. But it may not be high enough to need policy intervention,” said the Saudi fund manager.
“I think the government is very much concerned with unemployment at this stage and would want to improve infrastructure projects which would help reduce this in the long term.”


DANNY BROWN AIRS HIS DIRTY LAUNDRY WITH NEW SINGLE
#GetSOM via @TenthLetterMedia
Summer is coming to an close and as the season begins to change, we along with Straight Official Magazine remain the constant in capturing the lifestyle and culture of Hip-Hop with our weekend presentation known as the #SaturdaySpotlight where we cast our collective light upon the landscape to showcase emerging artists from across the land.
This week we have DANNY BROWN in our crosshairs as he just released a new single titled “Dirty Laundry” from his upcoming album uknowhatimsayin? slated for release next month.
The anticipated project features production from ATCQ’s Q-Tip and the hot single “Dirty Laundry” is a solid lead off track that will debut their collaborative efforts.
The visual for “Dirty Laundry” is CRAZY! It compliments Brown’s lyrical tendencies and unique storytelling ability. You can check out the visual for “Dirty Laundry” directed by Simon Cahn down below. As always, we thank you for rocking with TenthLetterMedia & Straightofficial.com for your issue to the lifestyle & culture of Hip-Hop and remember, it’s the #DueSeason so #GetSOM!!!
Follow Danny Brown
Facebook: Danny Brown
Pre-Order uknowhatimsayin? at https://uknowhatimsayin.com/


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Summer 2013 Article
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: AGENT OR DISTRIBUTOR?
Many foreign companies wish to establish a commercial presence abroad, especially in the United States of America. The first thing that comes to mind is how to establish a presence and ensure that products are distributed in the United States in an efficient way, i.e., with the least expenditure of money. The exporter may use intermediary channels of distribution, such as an agent or a distributor if (i) the exporter is not financially strong to form and maintain a subsidiary or (ii) he prefers to confirm the level of acceptance of the new product abroad before establishing a permanent presence. The agent or the distributor, as the case may be, will market the products according to the terms and conditions agreed with the exporter.
The terms of agent and distributor are often used interchangeably, but there are differences. This article explains the differences between a distributor and an agent in the United States of America and the essential terms that should be part of an agreement regarding distribution through those two channels.
Whether it is an individual or an entity, the agent is a representative of the exporter and its activity is aimed at promoting and soliciting the sale of the exporter's products in a defined territory. In most cases, the exporter directly handles and concludes the sales that the agent solicited. The agent is solely responsible for the promotion and sale of the products, and does not provide after sales services, which remain a responsibility of the exporter. The agency arrangement allows the exporter to have greater control and supervision on the marketing of its products because the exporter has direct contact with the final customers.
The agent is paid a commission calculated on the sales concluded between the exporter and the customers. In addition, the exporter uses the market knowledge of the agent to monitor the promotion of its products.
Expressed or Implied Authority
Since the agent represents the exporter in the promotion of the products, a bona fide third party may see the agent as an alter ego of the exporter with the ability to create a contractual relationship between the exporter and the third party. That implies that any action or decision that the agent takes automatically binds the exporter under the principle of expressed or implied authority. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is recommended that the contract clearly describes the agent's duties and actions that the agent can take on behalf of the exporter. Also, it is recommended that the exporter reserves the right to approve or decline sales negotiated by the agent before a contract is signed with the customer.
It is necessary that the contract between the exporter and the agent is in writing because the principle of authority referred above is implicit even in the absence of a written contract. The advantage of having a written contract avoids misunderstandings as to the type of the agent's activities capable of binding the exporter.
In a distribution relationship, the distributor only purchases the products from the exporter and re-sells them to customers. The products become part of the distributor's inventory. The distributor, not the exporter, has a direct contact with the customers.
The distributor is a separate entity and does not depend on the exporter. In fact, the distributor does not represent the exporter and the principle of expressed or implied authority does not apply here. Thus, the distributor cannot contractually bind the exporter with third parties. In addition, the distributor is responsible for providing the after sales services. Generally, distributors bear the marketing and advertising costs.
The main disadvantage for an exporter in a distribution arrangement is the impossibility to monitor and check that the products are distributed throughout a given territory. That is because the exporter does not have a direct contact with the customers. In addition, distributors tend to re-sell the products at higher prices than those "suggested" by the exporter in order to make a profit between the price paid to the exporter and the sale price charged to customers.
On the other hand, the advantage is that the exporter receives payment for its products from the distributor and does not have to chase down various customers for payment. Obviously, that is an advantage as long as the distributor pays for its purchases timely.
III. Important Contractual Terms
The exporter my request that the distributor or the agent do not sell or promote products of exporter's competitors, especially, if exporter offers exclusivity.
Territory: The agency or distribution agreement must identify the territory assigned to the agent or the distributor, as the case may be. Distributors and agents often request exclusivity in the territory assigned to them so that they are the only agents or distributors operating in that territory for the distribution and promotion of the products. Exclusivity is a very sensitive topic and should be considered only if the exporter knows the distributor well and can reasonably rely on its distribution network. In addition, for the sake of avoiding issues in the event of a termination, it is good practice to tie the exclusivity to annual minimum purchases requirement, as mentioned below.
Term: The initial term should not be too long, especially if the exporter offers exclusivity. That is because the parties cannot know at inception whether the relationship will be successful. The agreement should not renew automatically, and the achievement of the annual minimum purchases requirement should be a condition precedent to the renewal.
Minimum Purchases Requirement (distributor): If exclusivity is granted, it is suggested setting annual minimum purchases requirements for the distributor with a termination provision that gives right to the exporter to terminate the agreement with cause if those minimum purchases are not met. If a contract provides for exclusivity without requiring minimum purchases it is more difficult for an exporter to terminate the agreement without consequences. In fact, the distributor could sue the exporter alleging that the contract was not a distribution agreement, but a franchise in light of the costs that the distributor incurred and paid to the exporter for the marketing and distribution of the products under the exporter's trademark and name. Generally, courts are likely to lean toward the distributors.
Exporter's Right to Distribute the Products: The exporter should reserve the right to distribute and promote the products directly in the territory assigned to the distributor or the agent. Customers sometime prefer to deal with exporters directly.
Payment Terms: Payment terms must be clear.
In the case of an agent, it is important to clearly describe in the agreement when the commission is earned.
In a distribution arrangement, a distributor tends to request long payment terms, such as 90 or 180 days, for various reasons: for instance, distributor does not receive timely payments from the customers, or it offers installment payment plans. Because exporters mostly sell to distributors on credit, it is suggested including language granting a security interest in the products through the filing of a UCC-1 to guarantee payment.
Products: Each distribution and agency agreement should list the products that the distributor or agent will be distributing or promoting, as the case may be. Generally, the products are listed in an exhibit to the agreement. If the exporter has different lines of products, it is suggested listing the line of products contemplated in the agreement, specifying that the products not covered under the agreement are excluded and will be marketed by the exporter directly or through other distributors and agents in the territory.
Trademarks: Exporter should grant to the distributor or agent a license to use the exporter's trademarks. If the exporter has not registered its trademarks in the United States it should do so a soon as possible to avoid that third parties register the trademarks before the exporter.
Insurance: It is normal practice to require that the distributor and the agent have commercial general liability and workers' compensation policies in place.
Confidentiality Agreement and Non-Compete: During the agreement, both distributor and agent will have access to exporter's confidential information, such as customer lists, prices, and marketing strategies. Distribution and agency agreements should have confidentiality clauses for the protection of such confidential information.
Termination: The agreement should be clear on the termination provision. If termination is for good cause, the agreement should describe clearly the situations that constitute cause for reasons of termination. For instance, failure to reach the minimum purchases requirements constitutes cause for reasons of termination.
IV. Agent or Distributor?
Exporters often debate whether they should use an agent or a distributor. There is no certain answer. There are various factors to weigh in making the decision:
- The authority principle that applies in an agency arrangement;
- Size of the market;
- The nature of the products;
- The level of control that the exporter wishes to keep in the marketing of the products.
Before making any decision, the exporter should conduct preliminary marketing research to confirm local practices in the geographic territory in connection with the products.
Our Firm may assist you in the preparation and negotiation of agency or distribution agreements. Questions or requests for additional information may be sent to firstname.lastname@example.org
This article covers in general terms some aspects of agreements with agents or distributors, and is not intended in any way to constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
 Daniela Morrison, Esq. (email@example.com), is licensed to practice law in the State of New York. She practices as Associate Counsel at Valla & Associates, Inc., P.C. (www.vallalaw.com).
 The agent can be either an employee of the exporter or an independent contractor.
The term "suggested" is used rather than "imposed" for antitrust reasons.
 For instance, the right to payment of a commission is triggered when the customer purchases the products and pays the exporter.
 It is worth noting that if the agent is an individual, classified as independent contractor and not as an employee of the exporter, some problems may arise. In the event agent suspects that the exporter is about to terminate the agreement, the agent could complain that it was not an independent contractor, but an employee because of the exporter's control on the agent's activities, and could sue the exporter. The exporter could be exposed to tax penalties, both at a federal and state level in the event the suit is in favor of the agent.

domain: law


Crises are the opportunists’ delight. Recall how a few minutes after the second airplane struck the World Trade Centre, a New Labour spin doctor sent a memo around encouraging various government departments to bring out ‘bad news’ stories, hoping that the fallout from New York would hide them from public view long enough to defuse their negative potential for the Blair government. And when the crisis is systemic, as the present economic downturn is, the same variety of opportunists are encouraged to roll out a series of policies which would have caused outrage during normal times. They are the policies that had been placed in storage, in anticipation of the ‘right’ moment to put on the agenda again. And no ‘moment’ is more appropriate than a time of generalised discontent, widespread pessimism and a wholesale retreat of decency. A moment like now.
Why now? Because the initial fright caused by Crash of 2008 has subsided. The captains of finance and industry find themselves in a good place: While their confidence has been restored, courtesy of oceans of taxpayer funding, that of their employees is at an all time low. Employers, and their embedded mouthpieces, find it relatively easy to bend the public to their will, with simplistic analyses according to which if there is a labour ‘glut’ it must be because its price is too high or its ‘quality’ too low. Unsurprisingly, whereas during ‘normal’ times, when jobs are not too scarce, public opinion resists the idea that labour is just another commodity (whose demand is inversely related to its price), at a time of crisis society tends to lower its head, bite its tongue and concede the point: labour must be cheapened in order to find work.
In this climate, opportunists whose income comes from other people’s labour realise that it is now or never. That they better roll up their sleeves and utilise this splendid window of opportunity (the crisis) in order to regain the ground that they had previously lost to labour during the upturn, as a result of the labour market’s tightening that curtailed their power to command labour’s fruits. With no regard for logical thinking, trampling like a pack of elephants all over the lessons of economic history, they embark on a narrative that the crisis is due to downward inflexible wages, too much government regulation, insufficient managerial rights etc. Aided and abetted by the plethora of think tanks aching to do their bidding for them (in return for much needed patronage and funding), the scene is set for a multi-pronged attack on labour’s share of national and transnational income.
In the academe, economists are highly rewarded for putting forward complicated models concurring with this labour-as-a-mere-commodity viewpoint. In the national legislatures, politicians who dare question the argument’s logic are sidelined or depicted as antiquated. In transnational unions, like the EU, the surplus countries, eager to retain a lid on their own working class’ aspirations, a cosy alliance between bankers, bureaucrats and the IMF come to a collective conclusion that the crisis (which was caused by the bankers, the bureaucrats and the IMF) was… labour’s fault and that its resolution involves nothing more than a reduction in its remuneration.
It is in this context that national debt becomes the be-all-and-end-all problem, while the crisis in the banking sector is swept under the carpet. You see, national debt can be blamed on public expenditure which is then to be cured by reductions in public sector wages, conditions and employment, the result of which is an across the board reduction in labour’s share of national income. The strategy unfolds in parallel in multiple loci. Trades union rights are curtailed in Wisconsin, the IMF-EU travels to Greece to impose a withdrawal of union coverage, the UK Con-Dem government is cutting services and public sector jobs as a wilful policy for boosting the bosses bargaining power, Irish wages are cut as a way of diverting value from labour straight into the banking black hole, Portuguese workers are made to feel sufficiently responsible for their state’s bankruptcy so that they will accept the edicts of an ‘internal devaluation’. The list is endless.
It is, of course, natural for opportunists to do what opportunists ought-a-do. Like wolves that take advantage of the commotion caused by a storm or a bush fire, they rush in for the kill. However, unlike wolves whose preying is harmoniously linked to the ecosystem they inhabit, the metaphorical wolves prospering in our brave new bankruptocracy are helping destroy their very own habitat. By using all available means to squeeze labour for all its worth, they are writing the script of their next downfall. Why and how is, or used to be, well known to those of us on the (defeated) Left. But because some things that were better understood long ago have now been allowed to fall by memory’s wayside, it is worth revisiting that which we once knew more confidently. I shall do so in my next post which I think I shall call ‘The Trouble with Humans’. Meanwhile, I suggest you read Keith Ewing’s excellent Guardian piece Workers rights are under threat across the world (thanks to Peter Welsh for pointing it out to me).


Kyrgyzstan’s death toll in conflict on Tajik border rises to 35
The number of Kyrgyz nationals who died in the recent armed conflict on the border with Tajikistan has increased to 35, Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Health and Social Development Aliza Soltonbekova told a briefing on Monday.
"The number of deaths rose to 35," she said. Earlier, the national ministry reported 183 injured people and 34 deaths.
The situation on the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan near the Golovnoy water intake facility, which each side considers as its territory, escalated on April 28, after clashes sparked between residents of the two countries’ border areas. On April 29, armed skirmishes between Kyrgyz and Tajik servicemen broke out. Kyrgyzstan accused Tajikistan of using mortars, machine guns and Mi-24 military helicopters. On the evening of April 29, the sides agreed to a ceasefire and the pullout of troops. However, separate flare-ups continued until May 1. On Saturday, at a meeting of representatives of the governments of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, the parties agreed to bring military equipment back to places of permanent deployment.


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Well that escalated quick, earlier this week news broke about Cleveland Brown’s RGIII and his high school sweet heart divorcing. It appears that she was blind sided by the divorce and sources connected to the couple reveal that she is absolutely devastated.
According to TMZ:
RG3 first met Florida State track star Grete Sadeiko through Instagram back in January … roughly 7 months after his wife, Rebecca Liddicoat, gave birth to their daughter.
We’re told the social media relationship turned real … and when Rebecca found out about her in April, she was pissed.
The two separated shortly after. They haven’t lived together in months.
But get this … one solid source tells us Rebecca was still working on trying to save the marriage as recently as this week … and was blindsided on Tuesday by news that RG3 is “in the process of filing for divorce.”
Well her child support + alimony check is going to be amazing and if I’m not mistaken they reside in Virginia which is an at fault state that recognizes infidelity = more alimony for Becky…

domain: news


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domain: finance


DreamBIG 2023, the world’s longest running children’s festival, will return to Adelaide Festival Centre this May 17-27.
The family program, launched today, focuses on the theme ‘Our World,’ and features more than 50 shows, activities, and exhibitions for audiences from babies to teenagers across 10 days.
Audiences can expect giant life-like dinosaurs, interactive light installations, thought provoking theatre and more from the family program which includes eight world premieres, one Australian premiere and seven Adelaide premieres.
The BIGGEST BIG Family Weekend
To celebrate Adelaide Festival Centre’s 50th year the 2023 festival will feature The BIGGEST BIG Family Weekend yet from 20-21 May across Adelaide Festival Centre and Festival Plaza, including free events for children of all ages, performances, exhibitions, workshops, installations, markets, food trucks by Fork in the Road, and the Big Family Weekend Gala – a variety hour celebrating some of SA’s best young performers.
Paint your way across the seas in Patch Theatre’s Sea of Light, learn to dance like an animal and be still like a tree with Guru Dudu’s Mysteries of Nature Silent Disco Walking Tour, unleash your inner musician with Wallabeats’ handmade instruments, let your imagination run wild in Massive Maker Space, play amongst 200kg of swirling, shredded recycled paper in Fluffy and join the Tutti Choir as they sing all your favourite tunes in Tutti’s Big Singalong.
Fun filled 10 days of DreamBIG
“The world’s first children’s festival has been delighting young South Australians for generations and we can’t wait to celebrate Adelaide Festival Centre’s 50th Anniversary with our youngest audiences over a fun-filled 10 days.” says Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM.
We welcome children and their families to Our World, a place of celebration, joy, and wonder.
International shows include:
- North Irelands Removed: a funny, moving, and critically acclaimed story of a young man’s experiences in a state authority system
- Norway’s We Come from Far, Far Away: an epic story of people, places, survival and friendship, following two boys from Aleppo.
Two of Mem Fox’s classic Australian stories will come to life on stage with Monkey Baa’s award-winning adaptation of Possum Magic featuring live action, magic, puppetry and animation, and Australian Chamber Orchestra’s immersive and intimate performance of Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge weaving together captivating storytelling and mesmerising music.
Something for kids of all ages at DreamBIG 2023
Babies and toddlers will enjoy The Thing That Matters, a dance performance for 0 – 3 year olds presented to livemusic, and A Song For Your Child, where families can create a lullaby for their child that will last a lifetime.
Watch dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures take to the stage in Erth’s Prehistoric World, an enchanting show from world-renowned Erth Visual and Physical. In another feat of technology, Here and There brings together six stories, from six different and diverse artists via an extraordinary performance that is live streamed between Australia, Malaysia, India, and Singapore.
A unique collaboration between two neurodiverse men and WA Theatre Company, award-winning ARCO is a heartfelt show about living with autism, and the struggles of a young man trying to make connections with the world around him.
Another performance opening the doors for honest conversations about mental health is AWGIE Award winning show Claire Della and the Moon, exploring depression and anxiety through puppetry, music, striking visuals and poetic storytelling.
Older children can look forward to Guthrak, a unique interactive theatrical experience inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, as well as Ruby Award-winning theatre company AJZ productions’ I AM, an immersive theatre experience that explores the ultimate question – “What is my one true purpose?”
The DreamBIG Opening Event at Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre on May 17 will feature 1200 students from 15 schools converging on Adelaide Festival Centre to sing “My Island Home.” In a DreamBIG first, the event will be live streamed into classrooms around the state and the choir will be led in a mass dance event by youth dance ensemble, Dusty Feet Mob.
Formerly known as Come Out Festival which began in 1974, DreamBIG has two programs – one for schools and another for families/general public. It is held every two years and is proudly presented by Adelaide Festival Centre.
For more information visit the DreamBIG Children’s Festival website:


| Aug 11, 2014
Vehicles Affected: More than 151,000 model-year 2009-14 Volkswagen Tiguan crossovers manufactured between July 2007 and June 2014 The Problem: When using winterized fuel, in certain conditions bubbles may form in the fuel system, which could result in the...
| Aug 8, 2014
Vehicles Affected: 202,115 Saturn Vue SUVs from the 2002 to 2004 model years in the U.S., with around 13,000 more outside the country. The Problem: Two potential issues exist. The first is that if you stop the vehicle and put......
| Aug 10, 2014
| 2:30 PM
For the fans who want a "Doctor Who"-"Sherlock" crossover, "Sherlock" showrunner and co-creator Steven Moffat is on your side -- he just doesn't think it can happen.
Fans of the hugely popular British series have been asking for the crossover for years...
| Aug 9, 2014
| 5:53 AM
DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors said on Friday it is recalling 269,000 vehicles to fix a variety of defects.
The largest of the five recalls involves 202,115 Saturn Vue crossovers from model years 2002-2004 to replace faulty ignition cylinders. GM...
| Aug 7, 2014
| 12:59 PM
Tesla's Model X crossover electric car is going to outsell the company's Model S sedan, and is "ready to feast" upon an unsuspecting premium SUV marketplace, says the financial firm Morgan Stanley.
A report this week stated that the much-anticipated,...
| Aug 6, 2014
UPDATE AUG. 5, 2014: Parents are often searching for the automotive holy grail: a car that's not a minivan and can fit three child-safety seats across the backseat. It's a short list. More #FamilyCarAdvice In the more than three years......
| Jun 18, 2014
| 10:00 AM
Six General Motors vehicles ranked at the top of their segments in the latest J.D. Power initial quality automobile survey, more than any other brand.
Hyundai was another big winner with five segment leaders. The South Korean automaker also ranked...
| Jul 16, 2014
| 6:49 AM
DETROIT (Reuters) - Americans like to sit tall when they drive, as shown by a report issued Wednesday by IHS Automotive showing U.S. registrations for sport utility and crossover vehicles outnumber sedans for the first time.
Through May of this year,...
| Jul 17, 2014
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Ford’s lumbering Expedition will live on for another day.
The automaker announced Wednesday that the full-size SUV would return for the 2015 model year, gaining a new engine, refreshed styling and a luxury edition.
The Expedition targets "more...
| Jul 10, 2014
| 7:48 AM
Q: I started driving via Model A Ford. Each successive car has provided less and less "road feel" to the point that I wonder who is driving, me or the car. What new cars have the best connection to the road?
— O.B., Bristol, Conn.
| Jul 10, 2014
| 2:30 PM
Fox is rolling out a good chunk of its fall lineup outside of premiere week, it announced Thursday, including early starts for multi-night reality series "Utopia" and new drama "Red Band Society."
"Utopia" kicks the net's fall off with a special three-...
| Jul 14, 2014
| 8:58 AM
For 15 years, the Lexus RX crossover has been the prescription for upscale car shoppers who want more than a sedan and less than a full-size SUV. Refined yet modest, fully capable and fully comfortable, the best-selling midsize has dominated the class and...


Hoping to avoid repeating last year’s 3-13 record, the Chicago Bears were one of the busiest teams in the offseason bringing in new talent and jettisoning players from the roster.
As a result, the Bears could field a lineup with 11 players who were not Week 1 starters in 2016 – including eight newcomers who joined the team via free agency.
Training camp opens up on Wednesday, and ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson projects what he believes the starting lineup will look like when the games matter:
- QB Mike Glennon
- RB Jordan Howard
- WR1 Cameron Meredith
- WR2 Kevin White/Victor Cruz
- WR3 Markus Wheaton
- TE Dion Sims
- LT Charles Leno Jr.
- LG Kyle Long
- C Cody Whitehair
- RG Josh Sitton
- RT Bobby Massie
Best PFF grade among projected starters: Whitehair, 85.9
Worst PFF grade among projected starters: Sims, 50.1
Writing “what a difference a year makes” would be tragically cliche, but it fits this situation like a glove.
A year ago at this time, Jay Cutler was entering his eighth year with the team, Jeremy Langford was set to take over for Matt Forte at running back, and the tandem of Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White were supposed to give the passing game options down the field.
Fast forward a year and Cutler has retired to the broadcast booth, Jeffery left in free agency, White is a mystery, and Langford is a backup who will be in a roster crunch at a deep position. Think back to July 2016, and remember that Sitton was penciled in as the Green Bay Packers’ starting left guard, while Howard was behind Langford and Ka’Deem Carey on the depth chart. Hroniss Grasu, who was replaced by Whitehair at center, would have been a Week 1 starter had it not been for his preseason injury. Be honest, did you remember that Logan Paulsen was listed as the team’s starting tight end in Week 1?
Dickerson sees the Bears opening with a three-receiver set, which makes sense because the league is trending that way. The toss-up between White and Cruz is provides the highest-profile camp battle for a starting position. Remember, head coach John Fox sees Cruz as more than just a veteran presence. Early in OTAs, Glennon raved about White, who knows this is a pivotal year in his career. Kendall Wright, one of the 11 receivers in camp, is motivated to prove he can still get it done at the highest level.
Of course, the Bears could buck the three-receiver trend and line up with two starting tight ends, with Zach Miller or Adam Shaheen opposite of Sims.
- DE Akiem Hicks
- DE Jaye Howard
- NT Eddie Goldman
- OLB Pernell McPhee
- OLB Leonard Floyd
- ILB Jerrell Freeman
- ILB Danny Trevathan
- CB Prince Amukamara
- CB Marcus Cooper
- S Quintin Demps
- S Adrian Amos
Best PFF grade among projected starters: Freeman, 93.9
Worst PFF grade among projected: Cooper, 40.3
Two of the Bears’ better cornerbacks last season where Cre’von LeBlanc and Bryce Callahan, who both thrived as slot corners. So it wouldn’t surprise me if the Bears’ most-used defense isn’t a traditional 3-4, but instead, features Hicks and Goldman up front with LeBlanc or Callahan in the slot. Danny Trevathan is expected to start the season on the PUP list, which would leave Nick Kwiatkoski and Christian Jones as the front-runners to fill in that starting role. Kwiatkoski started seven games as a rookie, while Jones started twice last season and 13 times the year before.
Much of the turnover among the Bears’ defensive starters comes in the secondary, where free agent additions Prince Amukamara, Marcus Cooper, and Quintin Demps are plugged in as Week 1 starters and projected upgrades from last year’s starters. The 2016 Bears opened up with Tracy Porter and Jacoby Glenn at corner, and Harold Jones-Quartey at safety. Only Jones-Quartey will open training camp with the team this summer.
Health will be of the utmost importance for Vic Fangio’s defense in 2017. Five players (Howard, Goldman, McPhee, Floyd, Trevathan) missed four games or more last year due to injury, while a sixth (Trevathan) missed four games due to suspension. Altogether, the Bears’ projected starters missed 47 games in 2016.
- PK Connor Barth
- P Pat O’Donnell
- LS Patrick Scales
No changes from the group that opened last year’s season. Barth is the most likely to participate in a training camp showdown for his job, with undrafted free agent rookie Andy Phillips providing the competition. Patrick Scales took all the snaps at long snapper last year and projects to be the guy here too.


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Traditional scrollwork and a sturdy wood frame enhance the beautiful style of the DecMode 72 in. Wooden Wall Decor. This piece of decorative wall art makes a beautiful addition to your entry, living room, or dining space.
For more than 40 years, DecMode has been providing high quality furniture, accessories, and decor for any room in its customers' homes. Based in the Los Angeles area, DecMode has grown to become one of the largest importers and wholesalers of home decor and furniture in the country. Whether you're looking for accent furniture, wall decor, mirrors, or just about any outdoor lifestyle furniture, DecMode is a proven and trustworthy name that has become synonymous with superiority.Shop All DecMode

domain: design


Get your 70s outfit and dancing shoes ready because this September 2015, you will be treated to a brand-new production of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER the Musical, one of the most loved dance stories of all time! The 2015 Asian Tour of the West End and Broadway iconic dance musical will feature a revamped script and completely re-conceptualised production, which comes to the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands for a limited season from 25 September 2015. Tickets are now on sale.
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER’s Asian Tour, its first in eight years, comes off the heels of the show’s current sold out UK Tour and will feature an international cast from the United States and Manila. The date is 1976 and in Brooklyn, New York, Tony Manero, a young man with a dead-end job at a Paint Shop and an extraordinary ability to dance, has only one ambition in life – to become the disco king. When he meets Stephanie, who also dreams of a world beyond Brooklyn, and they decide to train together for a dance competition, their lives begin to change forever.
Every Saturday night at a local discotheque, Tony dons his flares and struts his stuff on the dance floor—causing a stir as he wows the crowd with his extraordinarily rare dance strokes. He dances to popular songs from the film such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “More Than A Woman,” “Tragedy,” “Disco Inferno,” “How Deep is Your Love,” and “You Should Be Dancing”. When Tony meets office worker-turned-dancer Stephanie Mangano, they both train together for a dance competition, which will eventually change the course of their lives.
If you are not familiar with its history, this musical not only made a dance revolution at that time, but also spoke directly to a generation of lost, struggling young adults.
We adore the choreographed dance moves, music and amazing voices of the performers. The story presented the original movie’s darker themes, such as pre-marital pregnancy, gang violence and racism which was a little to heavy for our liking. Folks who have never watched the film before the musical are likely to get lost at the whirlwind of events that happened after Tony and Stephanie won the dance competition.
Overall a great performance, if you are there for the singing, music and groovy dance moves, you would not be disappointed. Go get your ticket now!
Ticketing and Show Information
Season: From 25 September 2015
Venue: Sands Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
Cast: International Cast
– Tuesday to Friday 8:00pm
– Saturday: 2:00pm and 8:00pm
– Sunday: 1:00pm and 6:00pm
Ticket Price: From $95 (Excludes the booking fee of SGD$4 per ticket)
– Phone: +65 6688 8826
– In Person: Marina Bay Sands Box Offices (Museum, Theatres, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 Lobby). For more information please log onto – www.MarinaBaySands.com
For exciting ticket package options including accommodation at Marina Bay Sands please visit:www.marinabaysands.com/packages. Corporate and Group Bookings are available via Showbiz. Email:[email protected] or call 6688 1029


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I’m not quite sure what it is about the freaky things that people do. It feels like we’ve seen it all: men getting their bits stuck in their car’s exhaust after making sweet love to it, people adding a dollop of Vicks Vaporub in their tea, toilet paper eating and the almost demonic reaction after someone cancels their World of Warcraft account (find it on YouTube – you won’t be disappointed).
It seems people have gone to extremes, with doctors so quick to label everything. Maybe they really just like eating toilet paper? Take for instance the neologism named Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) or “braingasms” in layman’s terms. It’s still fairly new, being coined back in 2008 by online groups focusing on this particular experience. Basically, it’s a sensation that commonly starts from your head and tingles all the way down to your toes after experiencing something visual or auditory, or which engages the sense generally. You know those goosebumps that appear on your arms or legs after hearing an amazing song? Yeah – it’s most likely the effect of a “braingasm”.
Now that we’ve got a label for this particular sensation, you might be tempted to say, “thanks for clearing that up; at least I know now what that weird feeling is”, and leave it at that. Well – no. If you delve within the deepest confines of our friendly neighbourhood watchdog YouTube, you’ll actually find hundreds of videos regarding ASMR. These aren’t the informative ones like those TED Talks videos. Instead these videos feature YouTube users uploading clips of themselves deliberately doing something – anything – with an aim to make someone feel those chills down their spine.
Surprisingly, there’s actually a YouTube channel dedicated to these kinds of videos. I volunteered myself as tribute (guinea pig) and watched one. It was quite normal at first – a woman sitting behind a desk with greeting cards, journals and books on either side of her. Then she started talking – or whispering, more like, and it was around this time that I began to feel a little weirded out. By this point I had decided to put headphones on, close my eyes and just listen. I assumed then that she had started tapping the journals lightly and flicking through their pages. When I finished the video, I must say that there was no feeling for me at all, but if an avid ASMR experiencer watched the same video as I had, they would most likely experience a sensual and soothing tingling throughout their body. There are actual polls also focusing on ASMR, particularly concerning which part of the body people begin to feel the tingles. In one poll, out of 108 people, 58% said the tingles linger in the head region, 24% experience it from head to toe, 11% feel it from other parts of the body and 6% didn’t get any reactions at all.
It’s been noted that people deliberately watch and listen to these types of videos to relieve insomnia, panic attacks and anxiety. There’s a certain logic to this as some videos, or even audio tracks alone, serve to remind people of being read a story before bedtime. Furthermore, the general consensus in critical discussion of ASMR is that the phenomenon is either calming or relaxing, and should not be confused for sexual arousal. Come to think of it though, who knows? Different people have different reactions to a lot of things. For now, who’s up for some gentle ASMR whispering before hitting the sack? I know I am.

domain: psychology


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You are in the market for a juicer and want to make sure that you have a good general background, regarding the entire juicing process. This is important so that you cam make a wise choice. The information in this article, will definitely benefit you and your decision-making process.
Use organic fruits and vegetables in your juicing. Organic fruits and vegetables have not been exposed to the chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in traditional farming. If you cannot use organic produce, be sure to peel everything before you put it in the juicer. The peel will contain most of the harmful chemicals.
You can make juice that is extra healthy for you by using dark green vegetables as the base. Use the juice from vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli or Swiss chard, for about fifty to seventy-five percent of your drink to give the boost of nutrition. The rest of your juice should be made with delicious fruits that will help give your juice a great overall taste.
Some very effective ingredients for juicing concoctions are chard, parsley, broccoli, kale and spinach. For the healthiest juices, use mostly greens and then add other vegetables or fruit for flavoring. Fruit juices are unhealthy and sugary compared to green juices.
If you want to be successful at juicing in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle, then be sure to keep your juicing machine on your counter or in sight all the time. If you keep a certain area designated as the “juicing area,” then you will be more likely to use it as it is intended.
Some items just aren’t made for the juicer, especially if they’re soft and mushy. For example, you’ll never be able to make a juice that is mostly banana, but you CAN put a half of a banana in a juice made with other firmer produce. Peaches tend to give the same result.
Get the best juicer for your money. Quality in juicers is no laughing matter. Target a juicer that you can afford of course, but also look for reviews on the juicer. You will want a juicer that is quiet, highly efficient and also easy to clean. Having a quality juicer will make juicing much more enjoyable in the long run.
When looking for a juicer to purchase, check out the additional features it provides. A masticating juicer often comes with attachments to make pasta or grind foods, which can save you money by making other foods from scratch as well. Consider the juicer an investment for your whole kitchen, and pick up a few attachments while you’re out.
Start juicing with the softer items in your ingredient list and then follow them up with the harder items. This will help clear the pulp from your machine to facilitate an easier clean up later. You want to work your machine in the easiest way possible to give it a long life.
Not only will you save money by juicing and not having to buy expensive juices at the store, but you’ll also be able to reduce your vitamin and supplement intake. Being healthy will also mean you’ll take less prescription drugs, saving you even more money just by keeping in good shape!
Did you know that vegetable juice helps to keep blood sugar levels from spiking? It’s true! It doesn’t have a lot of sugar, and half as many calories as fruit juice. It also helps you feel full for a long time, curbing any snacking cravings you might have. Try a mix of carrot and parsley to end any temptations!
To get the most out of your juices, it’s best to drink them before you eat when your stomach is empty. Your digestive system will be able to absorb more of the nutrients in the juice if it’s mostly empty. You will also feel fuller after drinking the juice, so you will eat less when you do have a meal.
The pith on citrus fruit, the white part between the skin and the pulp, is full of nutrients that are fabulous for you, so make sure to pull it out of the fruit with the pulp when you’re juicing. It has bio-flavonoids and tons of vitamin C, so bulk up on it during flu season!
When you get really serious about juicing you may wish to purchase a smaller second fridge just for your produce. This will leave you room in your main fridge for solid foods and condiments. If you get really serious, you may be able to move your solid foods to the smaller fridge! That’s probably a healthier way to live.
It’s a great idea to plan out your meals for the week, including your juices. You can figure out which vegetables you’ll eat when, whether it be solid or juiced, so you know exactly how much of everything you’ll need to buy. This will also save you money as you can buy in bulk for multiple meals.
Detoxing the colon is fun and easy by juicing! Apples and lemons are an excellent choice for a detox recipe as they both are known to help cleanse the colon. You can also include beets, carrots, celery, ginger, and radishes. Almost any juice you make will help to heal your body, so feel free to use whatever items you really enjoy.
The most healthy way to enjoy your juice is to put all the pulp back into it when you’re ready to drink it. The pulp is what contains the most fiber in a fruit, so throwing it out means all that goodness, and many nutrients, go with it. If you don’t like the texture of drinking it, try adding it to cereal or yogurt.
In conclusion, you want to familiarize yourself with juicing and make sure that it is something you want to involve yourself in, before committing to it financially. The advice provided here in this article should be more than enough to help you form your own opinions and get started.

domain: food


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If you know me, you know my ultimate favourite winter drink is the gingerbread latte. The day Starbucks comes out with this drink every year is a giant celebration. But, this year I was like, I wonder if I could make this at home… well, the answer is a big hell yes!
I made the gingerbread simple syrup and now I have this giant bottle of goodness in my fridge ready for coffees all fall and winter long. Heck, I am ready all year round!!!! Make it fancy with whipped cream and nutmeg or just have it as is. Don’t freak out at how much sugar is in the syrup. Remember, you are only using a few teaspoons at a time.
Grab your mason jar and get ready to fill it up with liquid gold, because this latte is worth gossiping about!!!!
For the Simple Syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the Latte
- 3 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 cup coffee
- Frothed milk
- Whipped cream
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Mini gingerbread man (optional)
Make the Syrup
- In a pot, place all the simple syrup ingredients and bring up to a boil, whisking together until dissolved.
- Let boil on low for an additional 3-5 minutes. Stir well and transfer to a glass mason jar.
- Let cool.
Make the Latte
- In a coffee cup, place 2-4 tbsp of the simple syrup.
- Add coffee and frothed milk, mix well.
- Add more foam and/or whipped cream on top.
- Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a mini gingerbread man (optional). Enjoy!
- Note: The simple syrup can be stored in a tight jar in the fridge for up to 3 months. *Recipe adapted by hungerthirstplay.com
Omg! That sounds amazing!


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Thursday, 10 December 2020
Matters of Public Importance
I was just listening to the speech from the member opposite, who used the term 'fake news' about the opposition. If you want to talk about fake news, we all remember 2001 and 'children overboard', which was the panacea of fake news that was propagated to the Australian public through lies and propaganda. So don't talk about fake news, because you guys are the experts on it!
We've seen three prime ministers in eight years. We had Mr Abbott in 2013, and we saw the cruellest budget cuts this nation had seen. Health, education and a whole range of other things were cut. We then had the Turnbull Liberal government where, really, there was nothing happening. Mr Turnbull was dominated by the extreme right wing of his party. About the only thing he can claim to have achieved was to sit on the fence getting a sore bum because he didn't want to upset the right-wing element in his party. And we saw the blowout in waiting times for aged-care packages under his leadership. And now we have the Morrison Liberal government, a government that has left far too many Australians behind. Too many promises are being broken. It's a government that loves the marketing, photos, handshakes and constantly being in the media but without actually producing something, without actually doing something for the betterment of Australians.
What is truly important to this government? Today we have seen industrial relations again on the forefront. In other words, they are looking at how they can chop the minimum basic wage of some of the poorest people who are struggling on the lowest wages in this country. The government can't help themselves. Cutting wages and workers' entitlements is in the DNA of this government. It always has been. The industrial relations minister got up today and said, 'No, that's not right, this isn't true.' I was here when Work Choices was on, and that's what they were saying back then—every day there was another story of someone who had lost work entitlements or had lower wages because of the government's policies. And we're heading down the same track again.
What is truly important to this government? The reality is that it's about cutting wages and ensuring that their big mates in multinational companies are doing well. Why go after the workers with this particular policy that they are trying to sell? Instead they should be chopping at the multinationals who are paying no tax—companies that have offshore accounts and companies in the Cayman Islands. But we've seen nothing in that area. Instead, they came up with robodebt. Someone in the government thought: 'Let's go after some of the most vulnerable people'—the unemployed, people on the disability pension, people who are on the age pension—'and see what we can recover to get a budget that will put us back in the black'. There were other ways of doing this. They could have tackled some of those businesses that pay zero tax in this country.
We have seen sports rorts—$100 million of taxpayer money to prop up the Liberal Party's electoral chances. We've seen their faulty NBN. They were ridiculing our NBN when we were in government. They ridiculed it year after year after year. But they've put their tails between their legs and have now implemented what we were promoting back in 2013. We've sent dodgy land deals—$30 million for a $3 million piece of land from a Liberal donor mate, $30 million for a piece of land that was valued at $3 million. If that isn't dodgy, I don't know what is. And still we have no integrity commission. They promised us an integrity commission. Where is it? I wonder why! It would look at deals like the dodgy land deal paying $30 million for something that is valued at $3 million. They promised a $4 billion Emergency Response Fund that would spend $200 million a year, yet not one cent has been spent.
The list goes on and on and on. They announced the $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy—and only three per cent will be spent this year. It would have been great if they'd put some of that money into South Australia when GMH was there producing cars and employing 1,000 people, and 30 jobs per assembly-line worker— (Time expired)

domain: economics


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The life, and thinking, of an 18th century Belfast cleric was in the spotlight when a book of sermons by James Saurin was launched in St Anne’s Cathedral.
Saurin, a descendant of a prominent Huguenot family, was appointed as vicar of Belfast in 1747. One of his first acts was to write a series of sermons that he preached to his congregation over his long tenure as vicar.
Some 55 of these sermons were recently discovered in St Anne’s , having been preserved and used by Saurin’s son and grandson for their preaching.
The sermons were collated and edited by Raymond Gillespie and Roibeard Ó Gallachóir, and have been published by Four Courts Press in association with the Cathedral and the Representative Church Body.
Preaching in Belfast, 1747–54 A selection of the sermons of James Saurin was launched in the Library of St Anne’s after Evensong on Tuesday October 20. The event attracted around 20 people interested in learning more about Saurin and the contents of this historic publication.
At the launch, The Rt Rev John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher, gave a knowledgable and very interesting talk about James Saurin and 18th century Belfast, He spoke about the importance of the writer of these sermons and his stance over issues of church and community.
Co-editor, Raymond Gillespie, from the Department of History, Maynooth University, continued the theme, describing how the book came about and thanking Four Courts Press and those who had supported the publication financially.
Also present was Roibeard Ó Gallachóir, whose transcription of the manuscript of sermons was key to the project. Roibeard is a recent graduate of the MA in Historical Archives, Maynooth University.
Preaching in Belfast, 1747–54 A selection of the sermons of James Saurin includes 20 of the 55 sermons and reflects on a wide range questions. They include:
This unique collection of sermons provides a vivid insight into the mind of a Church of Ireland clergyman in a rapidly changing provincial town at the middle of the 18th century and illuminates many of the key issues of the world of provincial Ireland.
To learn more about this book, visit the Four Courts Press website.

domain: library


text:
Anti-vibration mount, safe for mobile applications, full-width range.
The S.C. mount comprises an annular section bonded between the inner tube and outer housing. The outer housing has a mounting flange (4 different types).
► Extensive range:
3 hardnesses of rubber for 20 existing types, allowing the mounting to be optimised as a function of the load and exciting frequency.
The design of the S.C. mount gives the following basic characte-ristics:
► Axial elasticity four times higher than radial elasticity;
► The rubber works in shear;
► Progressive buffer against shocks or accidental overload, provided that a large metal washer is used to bear against the rubber dome;
► Can be used as a fail safe assembly when fitted as in shape 1.


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Phantom Go is a variant of Go for two players and a referee.
Each player has his own board, set up so that they can't see the other player's board. The referee has a board of his own.
To make a move, a player plays a stone on his own board. The referee then checks on his board whether the move is legal and informs both players about the tried move. As long as a player tries to play an illegal move (such as on a nonempty intersection, or suicide, or capturing back a ko), it's still his turn and he may try another move.
After the player has made a legal move, the referee copies the move to his own board. Then, it's the other player's turn.
There are different rule sets regarding what exactly the referee says in which situation (see below).
For speed, the game is best played on a 9x9 or 13x13 board.
If the move could be performed normally he says: 'Black has moved'
If the move was illegal he says 'Illegal move' (but not whether the move was illegal due to a stone already being present or because of the suicide rule).
If the move leads to capture, the referee says 'Black has captured the following stones ...' after which he points out exactly which stones where captured to the White player (and to Black should that be necessary).
To give fair warning to the players the referee also warns when groups are first put into atari.
A snapback sounds like this:
- Black plays and puts a white group into atari.
- White captures one stone and puts himself into atari.
- Black captures seventeen stones.
Hamburg Referee Rules
The referee answers each try with one of the following comments:
- Black/White has moved, White/Black to move.
- Black/White [captures n stones and] puts White/Black [and himself] into atari.
- There is already an opponent’s stone.
- There is already an own stone.
- The ko cannot be captured back immediately.
- Black/White passes.
Note that the referee does NOT say:
- Which of the stones have been put into atari.
- How many stones have been put into atari.
- Which of the stones have been captured.
Phantom Go needs a lot of physical space since the players sit back-to-back and the referee stands between them. Each of them needs a table with a board and bowls.
There is an Android app called Phantom Go that allows two players to play Phantom Go using a single phone or tablet.
Bill: I have played a form of this game, which we called Kriegspiel Go, after the similar chess variant. The referee only informed the players when it was their turn, prevented illegal moves (the opponent could hear him do that), and removed captured stones. A 9x9 board was large enough. ;-)
Jan: I've also played it that way, but the information about ataris tends to speed up the game and provides some extra confusion... I'm the second best Phantom Go player in Utrecht, by the way :-)
Phantom Go was played in New Zealand from about the late 1970s but I don't know if we invented it or not.
Phelan: I had read the article before, and it seems to disregard the fact that the computer player would be much better at keeping the board in memory. It just needs to record the result of its moves to get a picture of the board. A human would have to deal with faulty memory. It would at least require much more memorization skills than usually, probably comparable to the efforts of blind go players.
If i understand correct, then the point is to find a position where either enemy stone is present, or if it's not, it's good place to play. Thus it might be good to try and check as many positions in a move as possible. Unless a failure durng piece placement means you pass a turn. This already, in an elegant way, introduces a common factor of "fog of war" games - deception. I can place my pieces in a way that would be most foolish in ordinary Go, but it will trick my oponnent into expecting one of several other formations. He should be then tricked into placing a stone in position favorable for me. -- e7th04sh

domain: game


After 13 years of racing karts, I’ve got a pile of spare parts to get rid of. Here is what is left as of right now.
Merlin HP4 Red Brake Pad Set: SOLD Old Style HPV Clutch with cover and 11T driver: $20 (used, but complete-2avail) SOLD Used Duo Evo sidepods and fairing with Merlin decals: $20/set (used but good) SOLD
Used KG BURU Fairing with Merlin decal: $15 (used but good)
Used KG Front Spoiler BURU- Black: SOLD
Used Merlin gas tank for full size kart: $10 (used, but serviceable)
Scribner 5 gal Red Fuel Jug with Hose: $20 (like new, with free gas!)
100cc airboxes (2 left): ALL SOLD
Merlin billet exhaust bracket w/cradle: $30 (used but good)
Merlin bearing cassettes for LM30 with bearings +2 more used bearings: $15 for the lot (all used, some worn)
Merlin brake rod – complete: $5 (new)
Merlin billet aluminum brake pedal: $30 (used but good)
Merlin OEM: $10 – Aftermarket Angled: $10 RLV Cadmium plated bead breaker: SOLD
50mm magnesium short rear hubs: $20 (used but good)
AMB160 New Style Transponder: SOLD
Walbro WB3A Carbs (3 available): $30/ea (used, but no history, can’t verify legality)
Longacre Tire Gauge – 2″ glow 30psi: SOLD MyChron IR Beacon: SOLD Merlin Lasercut Torsion Bar: SOLD Safety wire pliers: SOLD Petrol Pal Gas/Oil mixing tool: SOLD Angled black airbox filter: SOLD
Tillet T11VG Flexible seat, size “Harvey”: $120 (used, but good condition) Minimal holes.
Tillet T11VG Flexible seat, size “Manetti”: $120 (used, but good) Minimal holes.
Billet Aluminum DSM wheels for 17mm spindles with BS YLC 4.5 tires mounted. 2 pairs of wheels with good used tires. Tires were run at BKC and prepped at one time. One pair with beadlocks and one without. $30/pair.
Pair of Bridgestone YKC front tires. New, unused. Good for practice.: SOLD EVS4 Adult race collar. Decent condition: SOLD Tillet Ribtec Belt, size large. w/o shoulder straps: SOLD
Vega Trak Helmet, size XL. In excellent condition. Black with white graphics: $65
AMR Manual Tire Changer, black: SOLD Semel Baby E electric tire changing machine w/bead breaker: SOLD KG nerf bar set (pair) for DUO EVO bodywork: SOLD MyChron steering wheels for MyChron4 (1 LEFT): SOLD
Pics available for everything. Please contact me via email to email@example.com or by calling or texting me at 608-235-4761.
List updated with sold items. I also have a Mychron4 basic in very good condition for $225 shipped.
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Historic Tours and 100th Anniversary Celebrations
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Contact: Downtown Mt. Pleasant, MI
Phone: (989) 779-5348
Celebrating 100th anniversary of the Broadway Theatre and 201 South University!
From 11:00am to 1:00pm take a tour each of these magnificent architectural gems.
Volunteers will be on hand at each location to give you a tour and teach you little know facts about each.
At noon, join us for music and refreshments at 201 South University!

domain: artistic


text:
- This event has passed.
October 25, 2019 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm$4 – $6
In this annual nature-themed Halloween celebration, families are invited to explore the natural wonder of the Highlands Center at night in a safe and exciting environment. Sponsored by Findlay Toyota. Have your face-painted, dissect owl pellets, roast marshmallows by the campfire, and listen to stories by candlelight! Meet live animals from the Heritage Park Zoo.

domain: entertainment


* BACKORDERED *
Production Grade “Cholera”
"Scored 100 out of 100" - (First Time In History) Gear Institute / "2014 Best In Class" - Gear Patrol
"Clearly Superior..." - Gizmodo / “People's Choice Knife" - Shot Show 2014
All the edge tools from Vulture get a name having to to with some term associated with the entomology of that species, in this case Cholera. This blade was named from the disease that can be found all over a Vulture's feet, beak and even in there stomach without making them sick! A nasty and difficult aliment to overcome seemed like a perfect name for a blade profile that has been in refinement over William’s career, in the field and is hard to beat. The design is ultra simple yet refined for the detail seeking connoisseur. The blades design, while suitable for many survival tasks is actually intended as a "All Mountain" knife and is right at home on a big game hunt. It features a modified Gyuto design, a Japanese word that means "meat sword", with a few tweaks. With the addition of a false edge (brought to 90% of an edge) the tip boasts a Trocar style tip allowing it to pierce cleanly and effectively.
The steel for many of our knives is 1095 that is heat treated between 58-60 rockwell. The Cholera also features a full tang design which is 3/16'' in thickness making this a truely capable tool. The grind profile is a modified scandi and has been acid washed then a clear Cerakote finish applied to fight corrosion. The oval recess in the butt part of the blade is a tuneable fire steel striking edge which from the factory creating 2 points of contact for the industry standard of 3/16" ferrocerium rods, the user can even sharpen this recess to make it into a type of line cutter. The formed kydex sheath has a rotating MOLLE compatable belt clip allowing the user to rig the knife in either right side up, upside down, horizontal or any angle in between.
Package Includes: Cholera Knife, Kydex Formed Sheath, Magnesium Starter & Sparker w/ Piggy Back Sheath, 1 Lenght of Red Genuine 550 Cord, Numbered Certificate, Care Sheet and Vulture Head Sticker.
Specifications: Heat Treated 1095 High Carbon Alloy Steel -Modified Scandi Grind - Serial Numbered - Laser Etched Logo - Acid Wash Finish - Dark Linen Micarta Handles - Double Red Liner - Kydex Sheath w/ Rotating Belt Attachment - Overall 10” - Blade Length 5.5” - Blade Thickness 3/16" - Ferrocerium & Magnesium Starter w/ Holder - Made in USA.


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The Congress appointed former chief minister Siddaramaiah as Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly and Ex-Minister SR Patil in Legislative Council. Political Thought avail you complete information about it.
Siddaramaiah now stopped work to be a member of the Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the party on Wednesday.
“Congress president has appointed Siddaramaiah as leader of the opposition in the Legislative Assembly and SR Patil as leader of opposition in the Legislative Council in Karnataka with immediate effect,” Statement of Congress Party.
From now onwards, Siddaramaiah stops to be a member of the Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the party.
“The party appreciates the contribution of Shri Siddaramaiah as member of the Congress Working Committee,” This statement released after some time by the congress party.
Tweet of Siddaramaiah :
I am grateful to Hon. @INCIndia President Smt. Sonia Gandhiji for appointing me as Leader of Opposition of Ktaka Assembly & Leader of CLP. I am honored by her faith in me. All @INCKarnataka leaders will work to strengthen the party in &expose the failures of @BJP4Karnataka govt.
I am grateful to Hon. @INCIndia President Smt. Sonia Gandhiji for appointing me as Leader of Opposition of Ktaka Assembly & Leader of CLP. I am honoured by her faith in me. All @INCKarnataka leaders will work to strengthen the party in &expose the failures of @BJP4Karnataka govt.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) October 9, 2019
On Wednesday Siddaramaiah thanked Congress President Sonia Gandhi for showing ‘faith’ in him and choose him as Leader of Opposition in the state assembly and for having given him the opportunity to work as a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).
“The party applaud the contribution of Shri Siddaramaiah as member of the Congress Working Committee,” Statement of the party further released.
The appointments came a day before the winter session of the state legislature from Thursday.
Many Senior party leaders together with G Parameshwara, HK Patil were said to intermit to it and eyeing for the post.
Senior Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry was recently sent by the high command of the party to ask the opinion of local leaders on the post of Leader of the Opposition (LOP).
On Sunday, Mistry had spent his whole day on holding one-on-one consultations on who will lead the party in the assembly, during this, as a show of majority a large group of party leaders had met him, to make case for Siddaramaiah as LOP.
A few old guards of the party converge Mistry and pushed another candidate other than Siddaramaiah, not willing all the key posts to rest with the former Chief Minister.
A particular section in the party, especially old guards is not happy with Siddaramaiah to take control of the party.
Recently a meeting of the party held, senior leaders like K H Muniyappa and B K Hariprasad had hit out at Siddaramaiah and KPCC chief Dinesh Gundu Rao, see close to him, for their “unilateral style of functioning” and over accountability not being fixed for the defeat of Congress party in elections.
Siddaramaiah was born on August 12, 1948, and is an Indian politician and was appointed as the 22nd Chief Minister of Karnataka from 2013 to 2018. He served as a member of the Congress Working Committee. At present, he is a leader of the Indian National Congress party. Siddaramaiah was a member of various Janata Parivar factions for several years.
Siddaramaiah was elected as Chief Minister of Karnataka after Congress adopted secret balloting to select the new chief minister. He led the Indian National Congress to victory by getting an absolute majority of 122/224 seats in the Legislative Assembly election of 2013.

domain: politics


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New York Irish Centre
Exciting times for Buncrana native Jane Mc Carter. Since April 2012 she has excelled in the post of Arts and Cultural Director of the New York Irish Centre. Truly an Irish place with a "céad míle fáilte" for the whole community, this non-profit organization is accessible from every borough of New York, and from every part of the tri-state area. Through it every caller can find help for a full life and to fulfill their American Dream.
The Center is the realization of a life-long dream of many in the community who longed for a gathering place for the Irish community. Four Irish American businessmen, bought the building in 2003 and held it until the Irish Center was in a position to purchase it in 2005. As real estate prices had skyrocketed around the developing Long Island City neighborhood between 2003 and 2005, this tremendous act of generosity stands as a testament to these four men’s willingness to contribute to their city and reward everyone, including themselves with the permanence of the Irish Center. Father Colm Campbell was lured back from retirement to help launch the project. Now under Executive Director Paul Finnegan the building will serve as the cultural and social hub of New York’s Irish community.
The vision for The New York Irish Center is true community, consisting of:
- A sense of solidarity. This happens when members identify with the Center as theirs and see the other members as people they can trust for giving and sharing.
- A sense of significance. Through relationships formed in the Center people find that they not only have needs but have their own gifts and talents which they can give to the benefit of others members and society at large.
- A sense of security. People discover that the Center is a place where people know that other members are always there for them. We wish to serve as an easily identified Irish place, accessible from everywhere, through which every Irish and Irish American person, and anyone who'd like to be with us, can find what they need for a full life in New York. We are an Information Center for existing resources and will provide what is not available to meet remaining needs when possible.
The past seven years have seen the centre grow as a diverse gathering place for the Irish, the Irish at heart and their friends. In order to continue to flourish and maintain this built-up support, the centre needed to offer a diverse and balanced annual program of culturally-relevant events to inform, educate and entertain the growing community of adults, elderly, young people, and children.
Enter Jane, who came to the centre with great experience and skills having previously enjoyed several years working in the city of Derrys award-winning community arts centre, The Playhouse Theatre. There she designed, managed and implemented programs which highlighted the regions heritage, culture, and educational-arts-based training.
New York Irish Center Executive Director Paul Finnegan has said, ''We are delighted to have Jane on our team as she brings great experience and skill to our operation, just at a time when we are expanding our building, community and program''
Well done Jane and Best of Luck from the Donegal Diaspora Project!

domain: sociology


text: Some of you actually look forward to that can-shaped glob? This year, go fresh with the cranberries. Here are a few good reasons to work the delicious piquant berry into the daily mix, Thanksgiving or not. Raw cranberries are a source of antioxidants and goodness thought to benefit the cardiovascular and immune systems, in addition to possessing anti-cancer properties. What they say about cranberry juice (no sugar!) and urinary tract infections isn’t just an old wives’ tale. Cranberries have anti-clotting properties believed responsible for crippling E. coli in the urinary tract. Scientists are exploring whether cranberries can be helpful in managing naughty bacteria in other parts of the body as well, like the proliferating invader that causes stomach ulcers. Dietary consumption of cranberry has also been shown to reduce the risk of chronic inflammation in the stomach and colon.Cranberry season is short, but they freeze beautifully, and make an unexpected and colorful addition to autumn dishes.


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This past weekend the SMU football team lost a tough one to new conference rival Rutgers in triple overtime 55-52. While the loss stings encouragement can be found in the fact the offense seemed to...
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domain: sports


The subject property fronts Storrington Avenue and Lower House Lane in Croxteth approximately 5.5 miles north east of Liverpool City Centre.
Lower House Lane links to the East Lancs Road (A580) which in turn leads west into Liverpool City Centre and east to the M6 and the North West motorway network.
The subject site comprises both the training centre for Merseyside Fire & Rescue, and Croxteth Fire Station, together with associated garages and buildings used for storage and training purposes.
Training Centre – a two storey building offering offices, training rooms, dining room, kitchen and command centre on ground floor with further training and conference rooms, lecture theatre and ancillary accommodation on first floor.
Fire Station – a two storey L-shaped property offering appliance bay, office accommodation and workshops/garages.
Garage Facilities – offering multiple appliance bays.
Other buildings on site include specific fire training buildings to include a smoke house, hot fire training area and fire behaviour units.


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The Purge: Anarchy is in theatres now, and expands on a lot of the ideas presented in the first film. The first film had some mixed reviews, but as Hollywood would have it, a sequel was made anyway. So how did it do? Is it a good sequel, or should it be hunted in the gardens?
I wanted to like the first Purge flick. It had an interesting concept, and it seemed like it was going to be an interesting film. In practice though, all the interesting bits got thrown into the background as nothing but cover for a wildly mediocre home invasion film. I was hoping a sequel would touch more on the politics and motivations of the purge, and even maybe expose some of its seedier side. Thankfully, it does all that, and more.
So the plot of the film is handled pretty uniquely. We are shown the prospective of a handful of characters, and events of the night of the purge that lead them all together. Once together, they get thrust into a seedy underbelly to the purge, and work together to escape, and survive. I’m being as vague as possible, because honestly, the plot is excellent. It’s everything I wanted in a sequel, and more. It expands on the societal side spoken of in the first film, and it shows the dark side of super rich weirdos with a twisted sense of well doing. It really shows how fucked up the purge is, and how much deeper it is than it appears.
While the plot is a great part of the film, the cast however, isn’t so lucky. I don’t think I can narrow it down to the writing, or how the actors portrayed the characters. The group of characters just feels really generic, and that makes it hard to feel for them sometimes. Theres the stereotypical couple, with the man trying to to protect the woman. Theres the stereotypical family group, and the stereotypical guy hellbent on revenge. All the characters fit their mold to a T, to the point where their actions are so predictable that nothing seems surprising.
Theres no surprises that arent telegraphed a mile out, so in the end you don’t really feel any attachment. Honestly though, as weird as it is, it doesnt really take away from the film much. The focus is much more on the events of the purge itself, and exposing how messed up the whole thing is. So bland characters in a sense help that, so the focus isn’t entirely on them. You can better focus on the background things and secondary characters. Its an odd approach, and whether it was intentional or not, it works.
To me, this is what a great sequel should be. The first film had an interesting concept, but it was used as nothing more than a simple plot device. This film takes that idea, and expands on it. Turns it from a reason things happen, to a fully fleshed out event, with background and quirks. Its well directed, and the aesthetic of the film just feels seedy sometimes. You’ll know things are going to go pear shaped, just by the atmosphere. The tension is well done, and while not inherently scary, there is a fear factor that will make you edge to the end of your seat. The best part? Its all really well done.
All in all, its a great sequel, and a great film. If you didnt like the first one, don’t let that stop you from seeing this one. Its nothing like that film.
4.5 out of 5
The newest Micheal Bay helmed Transformers film is plaguing theatres now, and there is no doubt that it will drag in boatloads of cash. These films have always done a balancing act on the edge of totally ridiculous and most hated films of the year, and always seem to really piss off fanboys. So how does this one do? Does it finally do the property justice, or is it just another huge pile of crap that can transform into an even bigger pile of crap?
I’ve cut some of the Transformers films a lot of slack. The first film was kind of fun, and they just kind of went down hill from there. I can appreciate a big, dumb action flick, but there’s a point where it just stops being fun and turns into a bad movie. I don’t hate the Transformers flicks as much as some, hell I even gave the third one a decent review, but I think thats because I never had a super close connection with the franchise. I loved Beast Wars, and I watched a lot of the old cartoon, but thats where it stopped. To me, they’re just not good movies. To others, its a hated pile of filth. And this film will sway even more people into thinking the later.
The plot, if you can even call it that it by far the dumbest of the series. Transformers are hated by humans after the battle in Chicago, and go into hiding. Marky Mark finds out a big rig he has is Optimus Prime, and half assed exposition catches us up on the last few years, and tries to make us care about the human element. Secret military forces show up to try and destroy Optimus, he and the humans escape only to continue to be hunted. Its shown that a Transformer bounty hunter is leading the secret military force, and they have a deal to deliver Optimus to him for some artifact. Another company comes into play, a company that has been building their own transformers after discovering Transformium (I seriously cannot make this shit up) and reverse engineering Transformers tech.
To save you from the mind numbing details, from there stuff explodes, people die, robots fight other robots, and it all becomes a giant mess. The plot is at points literally nonsensical, and it literally only exists as a way for Transformers to meet up and punch each other. Of course theres a few half assed surprises, and some dumb backstabbing, but it literally makes no difference to the overall film. If you the plots of the last batch of Transformers movies were bad, be prelared to have your mind blown.
The one thing I had hope for this time around was the human element. They brought in a hand of good actors, and I thought it sounded really promising. Well, you can firmly throw that into the pile of crap Bay messed up. Again. After the opening exposition, there is literally no reason for them to be around. They are literally a hinderance to the Transformers, and constantly mess stuff up for them. Unlike the Witwicky family, their ties begin and end with Optimus was in my barn. They should have stayed very far away from the majority of the flick after that, instead of popping up and spewing one liners.
From a fan standpoint, this film had so much potential. Introducing characters like Galvatron and the Dinobots should make any fan of the series drool uncontrollably, not shake their heads in disgust. Theres so many cool little nods to the universe that you might actually think that Micheal Bay cared for a few minutes, before seeing something shiny or an explosion that disrupted his concentration. I think thats what is such a bummer about this series, theres little glimmers of what the franchise should be, what it could be, you just have to sit through a crapfest to find them. Theres portions and influences that shine through that show that somewhere, someone working on the film cares about the property, but it ultimately gets buried behind Micheal Bay’s crapfest. But hey, it sure is pretty to watch, even if you can’t tell what the hell is going on.
All in all, its not a good movie. Short of a few minutes that show potential, the rest is really bad. Unless you have a disease where you need to see as many explosions as you can in an hour or you’ll die, theres better out there. Hell, starring at a brick wall smeared with crap would be an overall better experience. The only reason Im giving it even a small score is for the people who cared about the flick, and made a small part of it enjoyable.
1.5 out of 5.
The newest game in the Wolfenstein franchise is out now for consoles, and brings the name to next gen consoles. But how does it do? Is it a decent game, or should it have never escaped the castle?
You should know the drill by now. B.J. Blazkowicz hates Nazis. He kills Nazis in an attempt to save the world. The formula hasn’t changed a whole lot. This one does pump up the plot some, in a weird alternate timeline. Its the 1960s, and things are a little different. The Nazis won World War 2, nuked New York, and now rule the world. Blazkowicz meets up with the resistance, and tries to take out the crazy weapons the Nazis use to keep the world in its grasps. Pretty straightforward. Of course theres a good handful of forgettable secondary characters, and at least one of them will stab you in the back over the course of the game. Thats where the game makes its first fault. The secondary characters aren’t all that important, and they never really get fleshed out enough to care about them. They just seem to be there in between missions. The game itself has a good narrative, but with good characters, it could have been way better.
And with the game itself, the developers didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The controls are tight, simple, and easy to get used to. You can take cover, lean around it, and slide into position. The slide isnt nearly as helpful as it could be, and I forgot about it quite often. Protip - it is a good buffer for explosive damage, though. If you can’t outrun a grenade, slide right as it goes off. But it’s overall tight controls, and it feels natural. It definitely has more of a Halo feel over Call Of Duty, but it works. There are some context actions sprinkled around, and they do feel sluggish for the most part. The melee attacks are also a bit hit or miss, but you don’t get a chance to use them all to often. Stealth kills on the otherhand are swift, but the stealth sections are few and far between.
The game definitely puts running and gunning at top priority, and it does a great job of making it fun. The weapons are varied, fun, and can cause massive damage when dual weilding. Most levels are huge, and are designed to make big, massive firefights that much more fun. Enemies come at you from every direction, and cover only helps for so long. Some of the later levels are pretty frantic, but it always stays fun. Some areas are very frustrating unless you get the rhythm down, but replaying where you failed never gets boring.
The overall design of the game is pretty cool, too. The nazis and the tech all have a really cool retro futuristic vibe, and the bigger enemies later on are awesome to fight. And there’s so much detail to everything. They really created a big, full world and it’s beautiful from top to bottom. The enemy bases, and even the resistance headquarters are fun to run around in and explore, and chocked full of easter eggs and fun stuff to reward you for exploring.
How they handled health and ammo also add to the frantic fun of some levels. You have set health, and need to find health kits to get it back. Health kits aren’t litered around the levels either, so later on in the game it gets pretty intense. Along with ammo, it is a valuable commodity. While it does take a little getting used to, i think it adds a little to the difficulty. It’s a welcomed change, at least for me.
All in all, its a great game. Tons of fun, and it honestly feels like a throwback to FPS’s of days past. The campaign length is great, and even though its all pretty simple, it never gets boring. Fun levels, fun guns, and fun enemies.
5 out of 5
X-Men: Days Of Future Past is in theatres now, and it acts as a sequel to First Class, and ties that series in nicely with the first three films. Based on one of the bigger storylines from the comics, its quite an undertaking. So how does it do? Is it another good entry, or should it stay at the bottom of the Potomac river?
In the future, the X-Men along with all mutantkind is hunted by giant murdering robots. They have the power to adapt to any mutant power, and are nearly indestructable. The remnants of the X-Men gather at a monistary, and make a plan. By sending Wolverine back in time with the knowledge of future events, they plan on changing the future. Charles and Erik have grown quite different than shown in First Class, and it’s quite a task to get their heads back in the game.
Overall, its not a totally bad plot. It handles time travel pretty well, and when the bulk of it ramps up, the plot really solidifies. There is a handful of decent sized plot holes and some things that just dont make any sense, though. But, something like this isn’t going to be perfect. When you stray this far from the source material, problems will arise. Compared to the comic plot, though, it’s quite different. They changed alot, but I can see why they needed to.
Alot of the cast of the previous films comes back, and its a welcome sight. Its weird, but awesome to see Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan back, but they do it so well. The strongest characters get the most screen time, which makes sense. But with a few standout exceptions, the new minor cast is either so insignificant, or get killed off so quickly that they were just essentially filler. Which sucks, because some of the characters have some decent potential. Bishop seemed interesting but underused, same with Blink. The script is what kills some of it though, honestly. The writing in some scenes is so bad, it would make the writers of The Last Stand blush.
For the handful of things wrong with it, it does do a few things very well. It looks amazing, and the scale is huge. There’s only a couple of times it dips into the subpar elements that plagued the first trilogy, but for the most part it looks amazing. It’s generally fun to watch throughout most of it, and the big climactic battle is an awesome spectacle. Its well shot, and the action scenes are well thought out. The sentinels are pretty awesome to watch. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the design choice, but to finally see them on the big screen is pretty awesome. The score is perfect, and fits the movie.
All in all, comic purists will find plenty at fault with this flick. The casual watcher will more than likely enjoy it. It’s not a perfect X-Men film, but it’s probably as close as we’re going to get with Fox.
Four out of Five!
The newest iteration of the titluar beast, Godzilla, is in theatres now. There’s been a handful different versions of the creature, and some have fallen totally flat. Promising to be closer to the original film, this version tries its hand at another redesign. So how does it do? Is it a great film, or should it be nuked in the pacific?
I love Godzilla. There was a U.H.F. channel that always played two on Sunday afternoons, and I was glued to the TV when they were on. As I got older, I found the rest of the films on VHS, and I collected all the ones I could. I always love the idea of an antihero, and Godzilla is the perfect example. When rumors of this film started to swirl, I wrote it off. I figured there was no way that this wouldn’t be a typical Hollywood shitshow. When little news chunks started coming out, I got a little bit more interested as time went along. Between Toho’s heavy involvement, and the choice of director I knew I was going to see it.
So what kind of plot does a giant monster movie need? Apparently a pretty dense one. The film begins at a disaster at a nuclear facility in Japan, which results in some destruction. Fast forward a fifteen years, and we catch up with the characters from the plant, and the weird spiral their lives have taken. Joe Brody, and his son Ford go back to explore the ruins of the plant at Janjira. They are aprehended by the military, and the bulk of the story finally picks up. Over the rest of the film, tons of stuff gets destroyed, people die, and Godzilla acts appropriately badass. For a movie about a giant monster, there is a big human element. I’ve heard some people complain about it, but honestly, it’s not that big of a deal. While there were times I wished for more Godzilla and less humans once he shows up, over all it’s a decent balance. It boils down to narrative and without the human element, it would have been crap.
As a whole, the plot, the script, and the over all film is well directed. There are a few leaps of logic that are a little far, and a couple of plot holes, but with such an overall good movie its easy to overlook. There are times I feel the cast could have been better as ocassionally they fall pretty flat, especially in the front part of the film. But once the action picks up, it takes the focus off of the borderline bad acting. Gareth Edwards overall did a great job of crafting a unique world, and a situation that makes Godzilla seem relevent. There’s a good amount of throwbacks to earlier films as well, and they’ll make any fan giggle.
Now here is where I’m going to nerd out a bit. I absolutely love the design choice of Godzilla and the other kaiju. Godzilla is huge and looks threatening, but still looks recognizable. The other kaiju are fairly interesting, too, even if it looks like they took a lot of inspiration from other giant monster movies. From their crysalis stage all the way up to their massive fight with Godzilla, they are pretty unique. And the damage is on a massive scale. Entire cities fall waste to the creatures, and It all looks brilliant.
All in all, it’s a great flick that does it’s job wonderfully. The balance of Godzilla and humans will annoy some, but the screentime Godzilla does get will redeem his lack of face time.
5 out of 5.


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ABOUT THE CENTER
The College of Charleston’s Center for Southern Jewish Culture seeks to broaden public knowledge and inspire conversations about the southern Jewish experience.
Generously funded by the Pearlstine/Lipov family in 2014, it brings together the resources of the College’s Jewish Studies Program, Addlestone Library’s Jewish Heritage Collection, and The Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina.
The College of Charleston’s Center for Southern Jewish Culture hosts a wide array of speakers, films, and other events.
Our Charleston Research Fellowship Program supports works of scholarship, public history, and artistic production.