Arsenal fans have long been waiting for a new Patrick Vieira to come along. Eighteen years after their former captain left the club, they may now be about to sign a player who can have a similar impact on the club.
Declan Rice can be that Vieira-type figure for Arsenal. The West Ham star is the top summer transfer target and the Gunners are confident of completing a deal.
Why wouldn’t they be? They are set to have their best Premier League season in well over a decade, despite the disappointment of now potentially missing out on the title.
Arsenal are back in the Champions League, seven years after they last qualified for the competition. That will certainly help their cause in helping convince Rice to join the club.
The north Londoners can also compete with most of their rivals financially now they are back in Europe’s elite club competition. The last few weeks have been a huge disappointment for Arsenal supporters but this is just the beginning of what could be a sustained period of success at the Emirates.
Tottenham have performed Nagelsmann U-turn as details come to light[REPORT]
Patrick Vieira on ‘All or Nothing’ documentary
Rice could be at the heart of that. At 24 years of age, he is four years older than when Vieira joined Arsenal in 1996.
But there are similarities in terms of their playing style. The common misconception with Vieira was that he was a defensive midfielder but that was far from the case.
He was the definition of what has now become known as a No 8. He could do it all. The Frenchman was strong in a tackle, quite often too strong, and would never get bullied by an opponent.
Vieira’s passing range was sublime, while he had the ability to drive from midfield at pace and have an eye for the spectacular. Rice has been restricted for both West Ham and England, with managers pigeonholing him into being a defensive midfielder.
Ten Hag vents fury at three Man Utd players during Tottenham draw[QUOTES]
Bale responds to Reynolds and McElhenney after Wrexham transfer plea[SOCIAL]
Man Utd ‘facing a fight to keep Casemiro’ as details come to light[RUMOUR]
However, he has shown more than a glimpse that there is a lot more to his game. The best No 8s need a holding midfielder alongside them in order to allow them to flourish.
Rice hasn’t had that at club or international level. Vieira did, which is what made him so successful.
Vieira’s early success at Arsenal was alongside the more defensive-minded Emmanuel Petit, whom he also knew from France duty. After Petit left, Gilberto Silva arrived at Arsenal.
Gilberto was the definition of a defensive midfielder and allowed Vieira to do his thing. Mikel Arteta’s next task will be to find a player who can be his Petit or Gilberto.
Thomas Partey has dipped considerably in recent weeks, just when Arsenal needed him at his best. He had a fine season up until the start of April but has faltered at the business end of the campaign.
Moises Caicedo remains a target and he could build a mouth-watering partnership with Rice if they were to link up at the Emirates. After 18 years, Arsenal supporters may finally get the midfield they have been waiting for.
Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our new Facebook group by clicking here
Source: Read Full Article


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We have all heard of the term offshore investment or offshore account. Probably, the first thing that comes to mind is some sort of criminal trying to hide money somewhere so that the authorities can’t track it down! Movies and TV series aside, offshore investments can offer some fairly attractive benefits.
Offshore investing is not quite as simple as opening up a secret account somewhere that the tax man doesn’t know about. They actually offers a variety of different options. Different types of account include growth, income and money funds. Unless you know exactly what you are looking for, my first piece of advice is to talk to an expert to put an offshore investment strategy in place. There is no one solution fits all here – depending on the duration of your investment and the sort of risk you are willing to take; every investment strategy is entirely unique.
Given that I can’t offer you any specific advice on individual offshore investment strategies, let me give you some great reasons why to consider offshore investments in the first place.
Diversify Your Opportunities
Offshore investment offers far more investment opportunities than onshore investment. More options allow for diversification of investments in international stocks and hence, reduced risk. Offshore investments funds are also some of the best performing in the world!
This is the big one! While there are various tax loopholes that can be exploited, there are two obvious tax breaks:
Expatriates Tax Relief
UK nationals who are living abroad or who are planning to move abroad can claim tax relief on the interest earned while out of the country. HMRC call this ‘time-apportionment’ relief. For example, if a you are a non-resident for 4 years out of a 5 years bond, you are only liable to pay tax on 20% of the gains. Equally, if you are considering emigration, the destination country may hold more favorable taxes.
Non-Domiciles Tax Relief
The law in the UK changed recently which resulted in non-domiciles being subject to pay tax on non-UK assets. By opening Offshore bonds, this liability can be deferred until non-domiciles return home / leave the country. Essentially, this prevents these assets being subject to HMRC taxation.
Circumvent Forced Heirship
You may be unaware of this point, but the legal systems of numerous countries (including France, Saudi Arabia and Japan) allow for a person’s will to be altered after death. Forced Heirship essentially involves dividing a persons assets into two portions – an indefeasible and discretionary portion. Assets can be reallocated under law and against the deceased wishes.
By investing in certain offshore options, you can avoid forced heirship under local laws and be satisfied that the divvying up of your estate will be executed according to your wishes.
If you have some money and a diversified and sound investment portfolio is what you are looking for then you should consider offshore savings. Like other financial products, different banks / institutions offer a wide variety of different products which come different benefits. Take some time to have a look what is available in your country and choose the best offshore savings accounts.
image courtesy – treehugger

domain: law


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Support for Vulnerable Seniors in Toronto’s Downtown Core
College View Supportive Housing Services provides assisted living services to an ethno-culturally diverse group of 65 older adults and seniors living in a large Toronto Community Housing Corporation apartment building in downtown Toronto. A third of College View clients are Chinese. The program serves seniors with complex challenges including mental illness, addiction, chronic physical health issues, social isolation, cultural dislocation, abuse and abandonment.
In keeping with LOFT’s overall goal of responding to the needs of individual clients, our services have been adapted to meet these culturally specific needs. The College View program ensures there are Cantonese, Mandarin and English-speaking staff on duty at all times, and provides all its services in all three languages.
When the College View program opened in 1999, it represented a signification innovation in services to at-risk seniors. Unable to obtain any new housing to serve this client group, LOFT determined to go where seniors in need were already living. College View Apartments is a large community housing seniors apartment building owned and operated by Toronto Community Housing Corporation. LOFT and TCHC have a formal partnership in which TCHC provides affordable housing and LOFT provides the services.
Our goal is to provide support with the activities of daily living and to help residents connect with community resources and one another, enabling them to maintain their independence and dignity, and to age in place.
Services Available at College View
We provide 24-hour on-site staffing and a range of services from personal care and light housekeeping to crisis and emergency intervention. Specialized Psychogeriatric Case Management services assist clients in navigating the health care and social services systems, ensuring they have access to all needed services.
Support services also include assistance with activities of daily living including light housekeeping, personal hygiene and medication management, as well as escorts to appointments.
Active Social Program
Social and recreational activities with the goal of helping seniors stay healthy and active, connect with their community and, most importantly connect with and build mutually supportive relationships with each other.
This program includes regular outings and get-togethers, weekly coffee hours, monthly birthday parties, the opportunity to participate in the LOFT Seniors Bowling League and annual events like the Adopt-A-Senior Holiday Party every December. Certainly the highlight of the year at College View is the annual Chinese New Year Celebration, sponsored by the Chinese Tenants Association where LOFT clients and other building residents enjoy and afternoon of traditional Chinese food and entertainment.
Read Harry’s Story – a resident at College View.

domain: sociology


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Research comes as The Duke of Cambridge and mental health charity Mind launch project to help workplaces improve staff wellbeing.
A major study into workplace wellbeing* by the mental health charity Mind has revealed today that poor mental health at work is widespread, with half (48 per cent) of all people surveyed saying they have experienced a mental health problem in their current job.
The survey of more than 44,000 employees also revealed that only half of those who had experienced poor mental health had talked to their employer about it, suggesting as many as one in four UK workers is struggling in silence with problems such as anxiety, low mood and stress.
Last year’s Thriving at Work report, following an independent review commissioned by the Prime Minister, revealed that as many as 300,000 people lose their job each year due to a mental health problem, and that poor mental health at work costs the UK economy between £72bn and £99bn. Separate research by Mind also revealed that one in three employers do not know where to look for information and guidance, and Heads Together research shows that just 2 per cent of people were prepared to talk to HR about mental health.
In-depth analysis of the survey has revealed that properly supporting managers can make a huge difference. Managers who felt their employer supported their mental health, or actively built their skills in supporting team members with mental health problems, were far more likely to feel confident in promoting staff wellbeing. Manager confidence, in turn, is closely linked with whether employees feel able to disclose. Those staff who felt their manager supported their mental health or could spot the signs that someone might be struggling were far more likely to say they would be able to talk about their mental health at work.
The latest findings come as a new online Mental Health at Work ‘gateway’ is launched, later today, by HRH the Duke of Cambridge. Mind, with support from The Royal Foundation, Heads Together and 11 other organisations has created the UK-wide portal as a free resource for both employers and employees. The gateway brings together information, advice, resources and training that workplaces can use to improve wellbeing and give employees the mental health support they need.
For the first time, the Mental Health at Work gateway brings together a wealth of content enabling employers and employees to easily search a huge range of resources according to their size and type of business, creating a bespoke package of support to improve wellbeing at work.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “We are really proud to be involved in this piece of work, which offers a one-stop shop for anyone looking to improve mental wellbeing in their workplace and support staff with mental health problems. We know that employers want to do more and are starting to see mental health as a priority, but often don’t know where to start. The new online Mental Health at Work gateway will change that.
“Over the last few years employers have begun to take staff wellbeing more seriously and we know that many are doing great work around mental health in the workplace. Now is the time for a step change in how we think about mental health at work. All employers need to make it a focus and support their staff.
“It’s clear from our research that when employers support their managers properly, it can make a big difference to the whole organisation. The gateway gives managers the tools they need.
“Even small changes to policy, approach and workplace culture can make a really big difference to the mental health of those around us. No matter the size of your workplace, and no matter where you work, Mental Health at Work can help you find what you need to start or continue your journey to better workplace wellbeing for everyone.”
António Horta-Osório, Group Chief Executive of Lloyds Banking Group, who will attend and speak at today’s event, said: “The Mental Health at Work gateway is a hugely impressive undertaking, which we will be making substantial use of at Lloyds.
“Our experience shows us that, with the right culture of support, employees can experience poor mental health at times, or live with an ongoing mental health condition, and still succeed and thrive at work. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. As employers, we have a real opportunity to change the way we approach mental health, giving our people the support they need to thrive.”
WHSmith has made huge strides in the support and understanding it offers its workforce from a mental health perspective. This began after Alison Garbutt, the retailer’s Head of Strategic Projects, sought support for her colleagues following the suicide of a co-worker. She realised that she, and others around her, did not know how to approach potentially difficult conversations about mental health. Alison went to Human Resources and the company’s Group Risk Director, and together they started making a plan that focused on both raising awareness of and training key staff in mental health.
WHSmith workers soon found Time to Change materials around the workplace, and regular events started taking place on World Mental Health Day and Time to Talk Day. Training then began to take place for in-house Mental Health First Aid trainers, and knowledge was rolled out across the company. Much more activity is also planned for the future: additional training is set to take place; along with awareness-raising activities; and the company has also set up a blog on their intranet, allowing employees from across WHSmith to write about their mental health.
Alison Garbutt, Head of Strategic Projects at WHSmith, said:
“Losing a colleague to suicide understandably had an immense impact on a number of staff within our organisation. Nobody can ever be fully prepared to lose a friend and co-worker in this way, but this awful incident made us realise that there was a lot more we could do as an organisation to promote good staff wellbeing and support staff struggling with poor mental health for any reason – whether work-related or otherwise. For an employer of our size, with a large number of staff all over the UK, we decided the best approach for us was to work with colleagues in HR and other staff to provide mental health awareness training for managers and store managers.
“Employers shouldn’t wait for staff to begin struggling with their mental health before they take action – acting quickly can prevent employees’ mental health worsening. But, too often, not knowing where to start can prevent employers prioritising workplace wellbeing. That’s why the Mental Health at Work gateway is going to be such a valuable resource for employers of all sizes and sectors.”
Mental Health at Work can be found at mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/
For more information on the services we provide please click here
*Research reference: Mind (2017/2018) 43,892 staff from across the 74 organisations taking part in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index shared their views and experiences through staff surveys
45 per cent of line managers who felt their employer had helped them to build their skills said they had a good understanding of how to promote the wellbeing of their staff, compared with 25 per cent of those who did not – almost twice as likely.
61 per cent of line managers who felt their employer supported their mental health said they had a good understanding of how to promote the wellbeing of their staff, compared with 12 per cent of those who did not – five times more likely.
78 per cent of staff who felt their line manager supported their mental health said they would feel comfortable to disclose a mental health problem, compared with just seven per cent of those who didn’t – 11 times more likely.
60 per cent of staff who feel confident their manager could spot the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem felt comfortable disclosing, compared with just 17 per cent of those who didn’t – more than three times as likely.

domain: psychology


The streets that will have low water pressure are Chestnut (from St. Andrew to Felicity and Orange) and Felicity (from Chestnut to St. Charles Avenue). The work will last from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, so that fire service to the area can be improved.
Camp Street near Jefferson Avenue will close this week through the end of the year as part of the ongoing installation of a drainage canal there, according to the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans.
The plan to move the police station out of a century-old building on Magazine Street and onto a vacant lot with a new swimming center just off Earhart Boulevard in Gert Town was approved by the New Orleans City Council last week.
A few weeks ago the animated TV show “South Park” premiered a new episode regarding an issue so close to our hearts here in New Orleans: gentrification.
The plot of the episode revolved around attempts by the fictitious Colorado town for which the series is named to attract a new Whole Foods Market. This, the city reasoned, would prove the backwoods hamlet to be progressive and forward-thinking.
In the security video that shocked New Orleans, infrared distortion turns the skin of patrons at Patois a bluish-gray color, creating a visual sense of unreality that matches the confusion felt by those diners moments later when three men wearing masks and hoodies burst in, robbing the entire restaurant at gunpoint on Aug. 21. That citywide shock was only amplified in late September, when robberies took place in similar fashion at Cafe Atchafalaya in the Irish Channel and then the Monkey Hill bar, only a few blocks from Patois and Audubon Park.
The Mayor called a news conference to announce an arrest in an unrelated spree of robberies and tout the city’s crimefighting efforts, then another new conference a day later after Monkey Hill, joined by U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite and pledging federal investigation and prosecution of the cases. Local news outlets “flooded the zone” with reaction and analysis pieces, while The New York Times and Washington Post brought national attention to the robbery spree. By the end of the month, the New Orleans City Council held its own hearing on “high-profile” robberies, pitching questions and suggestions to NOPD officials about how to battle the city’s feeling that control was being lost.
The entire discussion, however, provides ample opportunity for an airing of misconceptions about the city, its long battle with violent crime and its police force. While nearly every side of the discussion — frightened residents, embattled city leaders, besieged police officers, and skeptical critics — have made valid and useful points about the issue, the facts frequently get lost in the rhetoric.
Questions about whether the owner of a bed-and-breakfast planned for the Irish Channel just off Magazine Street would actually live there led to a split vote before the City Planning Commission this week, leaving the decision in the hands of the City Council.
The City of New Orleans has issued a traffic advisory to temporarily close portions of Drexel Drive and Washington Avenue near Xavier University in Gert Town. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Washington Avenue between South Carrollton and Short streets will be closed to through traffic from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 14, five blocks of Camp Street will be converted to one-way configuration for a six-month trial period, New Orleans city officials announced.
Riccobono’s Panola Street Cafe, the corner brunch spot in Carrollton, is seeking the city’s permission to add mimosas and bloody marys to its menu — drawing concern from some neighbors who worry about what growth at the restaurant could mean in terms of parking, litter and noise.
Which Uptown New Orleans neighborhoods’ historic architecture requires legal protection — and how much protection those neighborhoods should receive — received its first round of discussion Wednesday by the committee that could end up proposing changes that become the city’s new law.
The large corner lot that locals knew as the Weber Garden Center for decades and more recently the Freret Garden Center is planned to become two new buildings as the latest major project planned for the corridor, architects on the project told city officials Monday.
Uptown’s bar and restaurant scene is always thriving. There’s just nothing quite like indulging some fine dining on a weeknight, treating yourself to a bottle of wine, taking in a sumptuous three-course meal, and – Wait… Is that – Oh my God, he has a gun!
A rapid-pursuit helicopter. Advanced audio technology to triangulate gunshot locations. Free meals and massages for police officers.
With armed robberies up four percent citywide this year — a point brazenly driven home by holdups at three recent Uptown restaurants — the New Orleans City Council said Friday they are ready to try nearly anything to help the police stop them.
After public outcry over proposed changes to the configuration of Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans city officials announced Thursday that the road will keep two lanes of traffic in each direction, with a bike lane and parking lane on each side, and a walking path down the center of the neutral ground after drainage-canal construction concludes next year.
Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, however, say that construction is still proceeding, and that they hope the February completion date is the last delay that segment of the project experiences.


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How to encourage your child to take care at school
This article was last updated on 20 October 2020
Will my child remember to social distance at school? Will they wash their hands properly if I'm not there? If you're worried about your child taking care at school, early years specialist Alex Chiorando explains how you can encourage good habits, just like these.
- Make sure they know to listen to their teacher, who will explain all the new rules.
- Reassure them that these extra rules are there to keep them safe and not because they've done something wrong.
- Reassure them that these rules aren't forever.
- Talk to them about the responsibility of not spreading germs to other people, rather than catching germs from others. This will help them to feel in control.
- Use playtime and games to teach them about social distancing.
- Teach your child to use their words if there is something they want, rather than touching or grabbing it.
- Build personal hygiene into your routines at home.
- Focus on what your child can do, rather than what they can't - such as dancing, games and jokes while still social distancing.


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Buy RoyalCast Fiberglass Columns on sale for a great price at our online store!
Composite smooth columns are ideal for home owners or developers looking for a sturdy, long lasting solution impervious to water damage and bug infestation. Seasonal temperature variations have little effect on composite columns in comparison to traditional wood columns. Composite Columns are manufactured utilizing a strengthened fiber reinforced resin procedure that ensures added load capacity while maintaining a decorative stone like finish.These composite columns have been chosen for many years to adorn everything from home entrances to theme park facades.
Manufactured with FRP, for durability and longevity
Columns have a Stone like feel
Perfect as patio columns, porch columns and for pergolas or gazebos
Columns may be used around an existing support post when split.
structural fiberglass Columns have a Limited Lifetime Warranty
Crown-Molding.com supplied Columns are architecturally designed to add lasting quality to your home or major project. These decorative columns are available as smooth or fluted columns in tapered or non-tapered (straight) column design. Column Bases are available as a Tuscan style or Attic base. Some sizes include the option to use a less expensive urethane or plastic Tuscan base and Capital, ideal for low traffic areas or where extreme whether conditions are unlikely.
These decorative resin columns may be used structurally or decoratively to add elegance as porch columns, Patio Support columns or decorative entryways. These round, fluted and straight columns is manufactured to precise standards utilizing fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP), often referred to as resin cast columns. FRP columns have the elegance of a wood column with the durability and ease of column installation enjoyed in a fiberglass composite column.
We sell Royal Corinthian Columns. Royal Corinthian has over 25 years experience in the manufacture of industry specified synthetic stone, previously reserved only for large commercial or residential specification. Royal Corinthian is a leader in quality through reputation, providing a long lasting, sturdy option to the standard “boutique” variety columns available elsewhere. Crown-Molding.com is very pleased to be one of the few online retail stores permitted to offer the Royal Corinthian line.
For Larger Sizes or Quantities
Just send us an email or give us a call
Select one of these decorative column capitals and bases from the drop down lists above.
Temple of the Winds
Rounded Tuscan Capital
Rounded Plinth Attic Base
Rounded Plinth Tuscan Base
|Column Diameter||Top/Bottom Diameter||Total Shaft Length||Inside Diameter*||Wall Thickness*||Load-bearing Capacity* (lbs.)||Available Heights*|
|(A) & (B)||(C)||(D)|
|6″||5-7/8″||6’-7-3/4″||3-1/2″||2-3/8″||8,000||up to 7′|
|8″||7-3/4″||8’-2-3/4″||5″||2-3/4″||10,000||up to 8′|
|10″||9-1/2″||14′-6″||7″||2-1/2″||14,000||up to 15′|
|12″||11-3/4″||10’-10″||9″||2-3/4″||18,000||up to 11′|
|16″||16″||9’-10″||13-3/4″||2-1/4″||20,000||up to 10′|
Please note Columns that surround structural supports are typically split for reassembly so this chart allows for loss due to saw kerf. Columns that are split are no longer considered load-bearing. The inside diameter of decorative capitals is much smaller than the column shaft so the chart above will not work for decorative capital applications. To insure that the column ordered will surround the intended structural support, the column needs to be split by Royal Corinthian and the shape and size of the structural support needs to be indicated on the purchase order. Royal Corinthian will not accept any liability if columns are purchased not split and do not wrap the published structural support sizes. When a column is ordered full round (not split), it is implied that the column will not be used to surround a structural support. If the contractor intends to drop a full round (not split) column around the structural support, the shape and size of the structural support needs to noted on the purchase order at the time of order.
Our Sizes Are Nominal*Inside diameter relates to the shaft only and therefore columns with a Tuscan Capital. Decorative Capitals sit on top of the column rather than sliding over the shaft, thereby limiting the amount of area for additional support. Additional support is only required when a column is split and still needs to be supportive or load bearing. Split columns are not load bearing.
Crown-Molding.com can supply larger columns in some instances. Feel free to contact us for a quote.

domain: design


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The Style Gallery is a great new way for you to view, love, and share outfit photos. It’s meant to showcase
all the expressive, creative, and inspirational personalities of our community!
Barbe-cue the Music Wedge in Sand
Waiting to Waltz Wedge in Monochrome
Know the Espadrille Wedge
Daytime to Go Sandal in White
A Little Picnic-Me-Up Heel
Sunflower to the People Heel in Cloud
Glitz All for You Heel in Beige
Hit or Bliss Wedge in Coral
Spring Zing Wedge in Citrine
Vixen Match Wedge in Tan
Lovely as Lemonade Wedge in Strawberry
Can't Stop Blushing Heel
Dramatically Distinct Wedge
Laguna Beach Lovely Wedge
Apple Cider Cocktails Wedge
Stand by Your Bands Wedge in Black
Who Neutral? Wedge in Blush
It's a Date! Wedge in Black
Remarkable fashion & decor, inspired by our community, & delivered with uncommon care.
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domain: artistic


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These Banana Muffins are seriously good. After eating lots of rich food over the Christmas season, we felt like a lighter (+ healthier) treat. We are having a heat wave here in Perth, with temperatures soaring between 38 – 41 degrees C (100+deg F). Almost overnight our bananas went from fresh to over ripe. So they were put to good use making banana muffins, which are a favourite of Mr 18.
Over the years I have used many recipes for banana muffins – often they turn out dry or rubbery. However this recipe for Banana and White Chocolate Chip Muffins works perfectly every time. The muffins are moist, light and full of flavour. Best of all it is a quick mix recipe so from start to finish it only takes around 30 minutes. They taste wonderful warm from the oven with a strong cup of tea.
These muffins also freeze well so you can have some on hand for unexpected visitors – if they last that long.

domain: food


That's the first paragraph of the NYT story on the Van Jones resignation — which is also its first story about Jones. The site's "Caucus" blog did take notice of the controversy — and the issue of the NYT's failure to write about it — yesterday:
Keeping up with Jones: Republicans are accusing one of Mr. Obama’s top advisers of being a communist and calling for his resignation....Whether the Bush administration allowed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to happen as a pretext for war? The petition — read it — "calls for immediate public attention to unanswered questions that suggest that people within the current administration may indeed have deliberately allowed 9/11 to happen, perhaps as a pretext for war." (Boldface added.)
Mr. Jones was caught on tape using an unprintable word to describe Republicans and allowed his name to be put on a letter requesting an investigation of whether the Bush administration allowed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to happen as a pretext for war....
Conservatives are abuzz over the mainstream media’s oversight of the story. According to the Washington Examiner, as of 11:30 a.m. Friday, none of the major news outlets, including The Times, had mentioned the controversy.
The Caucus toned down what the petition said and did not link to it. There's a big difference between "allowed" — which might mean only the administration was not sufficiently vigilant — and "deliberately allowed" — which accuses the administration of knowing and letting it happen. The petition is asserting that there is reason to think the Bush administration wanted the attacks to occur so it could lead us into war. The innocuous paraphrase in the Caucus prevents us from feeling outraged at the document Jones "allowed his name to be put on." There's that word "allowed" again! How passive and unknowing was he? He signed it! Let's speak English and quit pussyfooting. The Caucus wanted to frame this as a story of bad old Republicans causing trouble.
Now, back to today's article on the resignation:
Controversy over Mr. Jones’s past comments and affiliations has slowly escalated over several weeks, erupting on Friday with calls for his resignation.Not just knowingly, but deliberately. Please quote to the petition. And link to it.
Appointed as a special adviser for “green jobs” by President Obama, Mr. Jones did not go through the traditional vetting process for administration officials who must be confirmed by the Senate. So it was not until recently that some of Mr. Jones’s past actions received broad airing, including his derogatory statements about Republicans in February and his signature on a 2004 letter suggesting that former President George W. Bush might have knowingly allowed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to occur in order to use them as a “pre-text to war.”
Mr. Jones’s involvement in the 1990s with a group called Standing Together to Organize a Revolutionary Movement prompted recent accusations by conservative critics that he associated with Communists. The group, according to a post-mortem written by some of its founders, was an anti-capitalist, antiwar organization committed to achieving “solidarity among all oppressed peoples” with “direct militant action.”"Involvement," "statements," "associations" — what did Jones do exactly? The NYT should serve its readers by putting us in a position to think about the trustworthiness of the Obama administration and its selection of "czars." This isn't just another occasion to note that "Republican blogs" and "conservative talk show hosts" attack the administration. It's interesting that the opposition won a "victory," but more important than the endless partisan battles is the question whether we can trust the administration.
Republican blogs and conservative talk show hosts, notably Glenn Beck of Fox News Channel, seized upon Mr. Jones’s statements and associations.
Mr. Jones apologized on Wednesday...Does that mean the NYT will not go into the matter of what Jones did and said and what the Obama administration knew about it? He's gone now. Go back to looking away, like good little Obamites.
“I cannot in good conscience ask my colleagues to expend precious time and energy defending or explaining my past,” Mr. Jones said in a statement announcing his resignation that was released early Sunday morning....


The Morning Show was not afraid to sing A LOT today! Sometimes they sing great, other times not so good. You can decide for yourself 🙂
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Championship action at Kenilworth Rd tonight as Cardiff are the visitors to face Luton Town. Kick off at 8:15pm and it's live on Sky.
The Cardiff starting line up is unchanged from Saturday's 3 - 1 win over Coventry but there is a welcome return to the squad for Alex Smithies. Still no Sheyi Ojo, Joe Ralls or Junior Hoilett who have all taken knocks recently and Jonny Williams is not in the squad either after picking up and injury soon after signing.
Luton Town: Sluga; Pearson, Lockyer, Bradley, Potts; Mpanzu, Rea, Dewsbury-Hall, Naismith; Hylton, Collins.
Subs: Shea, Cranie, Tunnicliffe, Cornick, Berry, Clark, Nombe, Adebayo, Ince.
Cardiff City: Phillips, Morrison, Flint, Nelson; Ng, Vaulks, Pack, Bennett; Wilson; Murphy, Moore.
Subs: Smithies, Brown, Bagan, Sang, Bacuna, Colwill, Harris, Davies, Watters.
- Luton are winless in three home league matches against Cardiff (D2 L1) since a 2-0 win in December 2002.
- Cardiff are looking to win four consecutive league matches against Luton for the first time since November 1980.
- Luton have lost only one of their last eight home league games (W3 D4), falling to a 0-2 defeat to QPR in January.
- Cardiff have gone unbeaten in each of Mick McCarthy’s first three away league games with the club (W2 D1) – they are looking to win three in a row on the road in the league for the first time since July 2020.
- In his Football League managerial career, Cardiff’s Mick McCarthy has faced Luton Town more often without losing than any other club in the league (9 games – W4 D5).
Referee: TIM ROBINSON
Assistants: Andrew Fox and Lee Venamore
Fourth Official : Stephen Martin

domain: sports


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Police in Nashua, New Hampshire, have arrested a group of men suspected of being part of a burglary ring that targeted Facebook users who had reported they were away from home.
According to local news reports, between $100,000 to $200,000 of stolen property has been recovered so far after 50 homes in the city were burgled during the month of August.
Investigators believe that careless homeowners attracted criminal attention after posting on social networks that they would not be home at certain times.
Police arrested Mario Rojas, Leonardo Barroso and Victor Rodriguez in connection with the burglaries, and anticipate making more arrests.
Some victims had posted updates on social networking sites like Facebook telling the world that they were going on vacation, helping criminals determining that no-one would be present in the home.
You can watch a…
Read more in my article on the Naked Security website.
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domain: news


text:
Welcome to the ELL database for innovative projects in language teaching and learning.
This database contains projects that have received the European Language Label since 1999
(for the pilot phase 1998-99, please refer to "The European Label:
catalogue of projects 1998-99").
The database aims to inspire practitioners, stakeholders and policymakers by presenting "best practices" in the field of
language teaching and learning.
The European Language Label is awarded to local, regional, and national projects that have found creative ways to improve
the quality of language teaching, motivate students, make the best use of available resources to diversify the languages
on offer, and other innovative initiatives.
You can search the database according to a number of different criteria:
■ Year of the award
■ Projects by country
■ Educational sector(s)
■ Pedagogical theme(s)
■ Target language(s) of the projects
You can also combine up to all of these criteria to conduct a more focused search.
Your query will generate a list of the projects and individuals that have been awarded Labels – just click on the names to learn more (contact details, etc.).
Enjoy your search!
Label of the day
Cosmopolis: languages, identities, cultures and skills for a peaceful Europe and a peaceful world
“Cosmopolis Lingue, Identità, Culture e Competenze per un’Europa e per un mondo di pace” is a project carried out by the “I° Circolo Didattico San Filippo” in the school year 2008/09. The project aims to start, implement and strengthen the process of research and educative action turned to know better and grow together at Community level and with other schools. The project has also the goal to promote and develop the European and international dimension of education and citizenship.
The vision and mission of the “Universal Brotherhood”, the intercultural dialogue and the shared values act as a cultural and educational framework and, together, as a perspective for all of us.
|Now available in 24 languages|

domain: library


text:
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Service at Boise Rescue Mission
Brady volunteered to help the Boise Rescue Mission put together Thanksgiving Food Boxes for the needy. This service was part of Brady's National Honor Society at Meridian High School. There were around 20 kids from NHS to help put the food boxes together.
Because the Rescue Mission is located downtown Boise, I decided to drive Brady there and stay and volunteer too.
When we first arrived they put us to work on a mass mailing while our hands were clean.
They then did a quick orientation of what services they provide the homeless and those in need.
Then they put us to work putting together food boxes for a Thanksgiving meal.
We signed up to help out from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. We had a bunch of extra time left after completing the food boxes, so they put us to work logging in donated food (for the IRS).
It was amazing all the food that was donated and it was a lot of work to take care of Uncle Sam before they could distribute the food. We had to organize it into:
Jar goods like peanut butter, oil etc.
I couldn't believe how dented the cans were and smashed the boxes are by the time they get to the Rescue mission. But I guess food is food.
It was a fun evening helping out. I really enjoyed it a lot and hope to be able to volunteer again.
It makes you realize how blessed we really are to have a home and food to eat - plus a job to provide for our needs. We are very blessed indeed.


text:
Master of new noir Dennis Lehane magnificently evokes the dignity and savagery of working-class Boston in Darkness, Take My Hand, a terrifying tale of redemption.
Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro’s latest client is a prominent Boston psychiatrist, running scared from a vengeful Irish mob. The private investigators know about cold-blooded retribution. Born and bred on the mean streets of blue-collar Dorchester, they’ve seen the darkness that lives in the hearts of the unfortunate.
But an evil for which even they are unprepared is about to strike, as secrets that have long lain dormant erupt, setting off a chain of violent murders that will stain everything – including the truth.
With razor-sharp dialogue and penetrating prose, Darkness, Take My Hand is another superior crime novel from the author of Mystic River; Gone, Baby, Gone; and Shutter Island.


text:
Me and my partner have recently decided we are going to have an open relationship. We are very happy with each other and have complete confidence in our relationship but want to explore a different type of relationship.
We have had other partners with us in the bedroom and it has been a lot of fun, this seems to be the next step.
We are smart about it and have some ground rules in place and are planning on being very open with one another about how we feel and what we do.
Wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on this type of relationship – have you had one? are you in one? has it been good/ bad for your relationship.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
The thing with an open relationship is that both partners do what they please sexually but at the end of the day they chose to return to each other. I have a buddy who is in an open relationship and they’ve been like that for 15 years.
At first they were cool about it till things gotten too far, like phonecalls or text messages while interrupting the lovers leisure time when together. They set even more complex rules and they’re still going strong. In my opinion i don’t agree with open relationships cause it bombards the natural idea of love and what it should be. But I suppose love evolves in many ways as for gay and lesbian couples refining their own ways of what that may be. Like gay porn actors who are in relationships, yet are ok with fucking around with other men.
@emily, There is polyandry as well, the opposite of polygamy… and for me they are the same, and not different from having open relationships. There are feelings of people involved, if you want to go wild don’t have a relationship… it’s kind of paradoxical, relationships are about commitment, open relationships are about not committing to one person, but to only committing to your desires and wants…
@bobbylloydxd, Thanks man, I recently came across this site and its a pleasure to find like-minded people here. I actually have a personal blog, not sure if I can write a book of it :).
Here’s the link:
Feel free to comment on it or discuss any of its ideas with me.
@lesterdeguzman, I can see where you’re coming from. Though the only thing I’d say to it is that love is love. Some people have their own ways of loving and carrying themselves. It should never be considered “wrong” if it’s what they want. :)
Who knows what love would be today if those who decided to love the way they wanted weren’t so violently oppressed. In the past there was a lot of ‘conform or die’ type situations. People of the past were forced to live their lives a certain way. Who is to say what’s “natural?” :3 just my two cents
@ellesoul, I’m not really sure if you know what ignorant means. Rejecting something that you know nothing about is ignorant. Judging is mean.
This is a forum for expanding horizons and trying new things. There are lots of places where you can discuss traditional beliefs and call everyone else names. Try church or facebook.
@kindra2, you make a really good point there thank you for your input.
I am not saying that open relationships are better for everyone because monogamous relationships never work but for myself personally I think open will be better. Like you said it is about what a couple believe is right for them.
Wow a lot more negative reactions than I thought but that’s ok. There are not a lot of rules really it’s more the be open and honest to your partner and the person you are sleeping with so everyone is aware of what the situation is and no sleeping with each others friends.
It is not the case where one of us wants this more than the other – it is something both of us have discussed for over a year and are very excited about.
To the people who suggest we break up because we are just friends who want to have sex – this is not something you can make a call on as you are not in my relationship – we are very much in love and have an amazing relationship – sex doesn’t always mean love – it can mean fun.
I don’t understand how the rules came about in society that says ‘once you take a partner it is wrong to look at someone else or want to experience sexual gratification with anyone else but the person you have attached yourself to’. To me this doesn’t really feel natural.
If he falls in love with someone else or if I do for that matter than it happens – we have both spoken about what this means to us and it is not about forming relationships with others it is about having fun and not denying each other freedom – I don’t understand how that is selfish?
@deepak87, This is all very intriguing indeed, though you can be free within a relationship too, you just have to realize that control, exclusivity and power is actually an understanding, being there for someone despite them, knowing that they would be there too, faithfulness, trust, dedicating all your time when they need you and always coming back to you because they know what it is to have someone that close. The more “Freedom” you get, the less time you’ll have for everyone, while being in a normal relationship – you’ll have the time to benefit from having a friend too. How would you get close to more than just one person if you don’t have time for everyone? It seems like monogamy isn’t for everyone because it’s too difficult for them and it is rather obvious that people choose the easy ways of handling relationships. People who still believe in it and those people know what it is to build a strong connection, that would apply to your interests and is shared, which is not only sex-related and for having fun. Let’s be real, some people have more needs than they have time and they just like to be spoiled. There’s no need for a new open-minded system built on people’s endless excuses.
I feel like my point was overlooked. What would either of you do if you @lozzjd, @emily, if you were in a relationship and your partner got pregnant with another partner, or you got pregnant with another partner. It seems like the complications would be immense unless of course you got an abortion. Which may or may not be your choice.
@jblisstaz, Setting rules? Relationships already have rules-> don’t fuck someone else.
If one of you is emotionally attached to the partner with the rules of a traditional relationship, then one of you will get hurt. If you don’t give a shit and realize everyone is allowed to sleep with anyone they want, it’s fine.
I personally think anyone can fuck anyone they want. One may want to commit, but if the partner has sex with someone else, who cares? no need to be a cry baby
@bobbylloydxd, i know about open relationships, i’ve had many friends who’ve been in them. so you know nothing about my life and experiences, and you just judged me…i won’t call you ignorant for that though. i’m simply stating my opinion. @emily since bobby doesn’t like the word ignorant, i won’t say that it is.
the reason i believe it’s selfish is simply because you’re fulfilling some sexual need you have, even though your partner may agree, you’re in a relationship… yeah you’re partner has freedoms, but why would you tell someone “sleep with who you want, but come home to me, make sure i know about it, i want to meet the person, i want to like them too..” to me it just seems like open relationships are about feeding YOUR needs, and still trying to keep the other person with you. isn’t that kind of selfish?
I’m not sure if I could do the whole open relationship thing, just thinking about a dude getting intimate with my girl would kinda trip me up but that could be because of what I am conditioned to believe. I haven’t tried it and haven’t really heard of to many people trying it but like everyone else says good luck and let us know how it goes. On the flip side would you sleep with someone who was in a open relationship? I don’t think I would have a problem with that just wouldn’t want to be in one.
Ok so I thought I would give a bit of an update although it is a little earlier than I was planning to.
Things are going really well. We haven’t done a lot separately yet but what has happened so far has been fine :) both of us are still very happy in our relationship and are still very much in love.
So far there has not really been any issues with Jealousy as we are both being very honest with each other and as long as it stays that way I don’t see any issues arising any time soon.
I’ll get back to you all about it again in a few months time :)


Celestial bronze weapons will not harm mortals, as they are 'not important enough' to be harmed by them. Celestial bronze is forged in the heart of Mount Etna and cooled in the River Lethe. Demigods and gods favor celestial bronze weapons because they are able to wound immortals, monsters, and creatures of the underworld, but cannot harm mortals- it will pass through them like an illusion, whereas mundane iron or steel weapons bounce off of most magical beings uselessly. Demigods, being half god and half mortal, can be affected by either celestial or normal weapons. Celestial bronze is also used in god armor and most likely demigod armor.
Chemical Symbol: CuSn* (* means its a magically Alloy)


Lucasfilm announces Blu-ray release of 'Star Wars' saga
Latest Entertainment News
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Published: 5/6/2011 1:15 PM
Print this article Among fans of the iconic George Lucas franchise, May 4 is much more than just the day before Cinco de Mayo. Commonly recognized as Star Wars Day ("May the Fourth be with you"), the date took on an even greater meaning this year. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment announced that all six of the classic movies are going to be released on Blu-ray later this year.
"Star Wars: The Complete Saga," will hit stores September 16, and lest fans think that the package will just provide them with a more enhanced version of the originals, they should think again. The collection will include more than 40 hours of bonus footage to satiate the appetites of even the most ravenous "Star Wars" fan.
The news source reports that, in addition to the six films, the set will feature three extra discs containing documentaries, deleted and extended scenes and never-before-seen footage taken from the Lucasfilm archives.
Fans of Lucas' classic movies will also want to add some of his other films to their collections as well, including "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "American Graffiti"
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Special Edition; Widescreen DVD$10.99
Star Wars: The Complete Saga Blu-ray Disc$94.99
American Graffiti Special Edition Blu-ray Disc$12.99
Hunt for Red October Collector's Edition DVD
Charlie Sheen cast as president in 'Machete Kill'
The 'Machete' sequel also stars Jessica Alba and Mel Gibson.
Liam Neeson returns to action with 'Taken 2' trailer
The sequel hits theaters October 5.
Sci Fi Movies : Will Smith reportedly signs on for two more "Independence Day" films
Sci Fi Movies : Villain of upcoming "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" revealed
Sci Fi Movies : Changes in 'Star Wars' Blu-ray leave some fans unhappy
Sci Fi Movies : Jude Law and Forest Whitaker are dynamite in "Repo Men"
Sci Fi Movies : Earth Day marks the DVD release of "Avatar"
James Bond Movies
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text:
The recent rise to prominence of clinically beneficial immune-based therapies, particularly for cancer patients, has put critical emphasis on the need for validated bio-assays measuring functional correlates of the immune response. The ELISpot assay is one the most commonly used immune-monitoring assays for basic and translational research in immunology, enabling the detection of rare cells and RNA transcripts. The assay represents an ideal platform for immuno-biomarker assessment, particularly in vaccine development, immune-oncology therapeutics, and diagnostics. However, performance characteristics can be greatly influenced by a variety of factors, including sample handling/processing, cell recovery and viability post-cryopreservation, operator technique/execution, and the use of manual or automated spot enumeration and analysis. In this webinar, we will address the technical and methodological requirements for the reliable use of ELISpot assays, introduce important quality control measures, discuss essential assay qualification parameters, and provide advice for proper interpretation of results obtained by automated ELISpot imaging systems....
Topics to be covered:
- Variation in ELISpot protocols and how to control it
- How variation affects the extreme sensitivity of ELISpot assays
- An improved tool kit for interpreting and qualifying ELISpot assays
Meet the Speaker:
Dr. Sylvia Janetzki
ZellNet Consulting, Inc.

domain: biology


text: Five men who have been in custody since the anti-EU riots in Thessaloniki on June 21 were moved from the northern city to the hospital of Greece’s top security Korydallos Prison in Athens yesterday. Authorities decided on the transfer due to the deteriorating condition of the five who have been on a hunger strike for over a month and recently began refusing liquids. Two others are being held in a juvenile prison in Avlona and are not on a hunger strike. The transfer of the five, by road, is likely to prompt more protests in Athens and abroad as the anniversary of the Nov. 17 1973 student rebellion approaches. It is usually a time when anarchists and anti-globalization activists provoke unrest. Protesters were to picket the Greek Embassy in London yesterday. A Greek anarchist group calling themselves «Black and Red» sent a proclamation to newspapers describing the seven as «political prisoners» and demanding their immediate release. A support campaign claims the five on hunger strike have been «imprisoned on false charges after weapons were planted on them by the Greek police at demonstrations around the EU summit.» The five are Carlos Martin Martinez and Fernando Perez Gorraiz of Spain, Briton Simon Chapman, Syrian Suleiman Dakduk and Greek Spyros Tsitsas. They deny charges of rioting and possession of fire bombs, and demand to be released on bail. Dakduk, who fears being deported to Syria, began his hunger strike on Sept. 21, followed by the Spaniards and Chapman on Oct. 5 and Tsitsas on Oct. 8. They began to refuse liquids on Friday when they were admitted to a Thessaloniki hospital, where, their support group says, they were denied their rights. They demanded privacy when using the toilet, access to their lawyers and phone calls, the campaign said.


text:
World attacked on the "Sacking of Paris", Hidalgo denounces "proximity with the extreme right"
Cleanliness in Paris: the city is "more beautiful" since the arrival of the left, responds Anne Hidalgo
The Mayor of Paris responded to attacks on the lack of maintenance of the city and its street furniture © Ludovic Marin / Pool / AFP The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, in the Pantheon, during the commemorations of 11-November in 2020. Paris - The Mayor of Paris responded to attacks on the lack of maintenance of the city and its Urban furniture Anne Hidalgo Counter-attack.
Anne Hidalgo was the guest Thursday of RTL. She answered the attacks made in recent days on social networks concerning including the dirt of Paris.
Bill de Blasio Condemns Witness Apathy in Anti-Asian Attacks: 'Make Noise…Call For Help' .
"We continue to see these horrible, disgusting attacks on Asian American New Yorkers and it's got to end," the New York City mayor said.The 65-year-old Asian woman was assaulted outside a building at 360 West 43rd Street. Surveillance footage of the attack shows a significantly larger man punch the woman in the face—knocking her to the ground—before he proceeds to stomp on her and kick her several times. The woman has reportedly been hospitalized with serious injuries.


text:
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The 100 Albums Of The Decade: 30-21
Asleep In The Back
When Elbow won Britain’s Mercury Music Prize in 2008, it only confirmed what the faithful knew back in 2001, as Asleep In The Back garnered a cult following by virtue of its finely-nuanced balance between prog-rock pulse and Britpop dynamics. Even now, its luster remains undiminished; this is a moody, near-symphonic work with edges sharp enough to draw blood.
29. Daft Punk
Hard to imagine, but the mysterious duo known as Daft Punk only released two proper albums in the entire decade. And yet, the legacy of Discovery (Disco Very?) continues to permeate every corner of the pop landscape, from Kanye samples to the gloriously goofy Justice, although no one else manages to walk the tight wire between over-the-top ridiculousness and spot-on sincerity quite like our favorite French robots.
The Back Room
Forget the lazy Interpol or Joy Division comparisons; track for track, no other album this decade contained as much raw, nervous, live-wire energy as The Back Room. As with the Strokes’ debut, the shoestring production only amplifies the tension coursing through each jagged, post-punky second, and while Editors went on to conquer the world (or at least Europe), they never again sounded so immediate, or so damn alive.
27. Band Of Horses
Everything All The Time
[Sub Pop, 2006]
BoH’s pitch-perfect debut begins with the sum of its influences—the high-pitched vocals of My Morning Jacket, the atmospherics of Red House Painters—and then, by the fourth listen, everything falls away except that sound, a spacious, hovering force simultaneously earthy and transcendental. If the surging climax of “The Funeral” doesn’t make your hairs stand up on end, you might not be breathing.
If Tool is the modern version of Pink Floyd, then Lateralus is their Wish You Were Here, a disc so dense and deep it might take years to finally realize it’s also their career pinnacle. Over the course of seventy-nine minutes, the quartet never once waver from their single-minded—and mind-blowing—course, and anyone with the patience to explore (and possibly rearrange the entire album sequence) eventually uncovers nothing less than the most rewarding hard-rock record of the decade.
25. Josh Rouse
In a parallel universe, perhaps, Rouse’s brand of beautifully-constructed AM pop sits atop the charts, lavished with the sort of critical acclaim (and, more importantly, promotional muscle) this criminally underrated singer/songwriter could never quite achieve during his tenure on Rykodisc. At a mere forty minutes, Nashville is an unhip, unassuming marvel, every song catchy enough to lodge instantly in your head… and then casually break your heart.
No offense to Eric B & Rakim, Dre and Snoop, and UGK, but who can argue against Outkast for the premier hip-hop duo of all time? Their fourth album was a loose-limbed, deeply Southern (and deeply stanky) peak of a collaboration that appeared near limitless at the time, and while that prediction turned out to be tragically flawed, the possibilities introduced here—from the George Clinton grooves of “So Fresh, So Clean” to the crazy-quilt head-trip “B.O.B.”—still sound like the future.
23. Jimmy Eat World
Don’t be fooled by the shimmering production and sticky-sweet choruses. Bleed American (blame Dreamworks for the post-9/11 cop-out title Jimmy Eat World) is a record born of hardship, financed with fan dollars and recorded by a band freshly dropped from their last major label. And if the ensuing rags-to-riches story sounds too good to be true, the Jimmies make it flesh and blood; every hook on American surges with hard-won independence, resulting in the kind of celebratory music that went on to foster an entire movement.
22. LCD Soundsystem
Sound Of Silver
Dance music is supposed to lose its shelf life quickly, but Sound Of Silver does the opposite. Two years ago, this album sounded like a handful of brilliant singles surrounded by well-meaning filler; now, it feels like a blueprint for the entire future of smart electronica, with James Murphy tugging your heartstrings and vibrating your skull simultaneously. And the singles? Still brilliant.
21. The Hold Steady
Boys And Girls In America
Possibly the most literate, most poetic… and hell, smartest bar band record since The Wild, The Innocent, and The E Street Shuffle. Which makes total sense, because Boys And Girls In America is when Steady mastermind Craig Finn began to truly channel the raw-and-wooly sound of early E Street Band into his own whip-smart brand of indie-flavored punk. Delve deep into the lyrics, or just lean back and let the music kick your ass; Boys And Girls delivers in spades either way.


text:
Today, our country is in the edge of a civil war.
Kurdish Question which influenced our country deeply for the last 35 years, is at an important breaking point.
Kurdish Question that has been handled with oppression, ignorance, annihilation and assimilation policies by capitalist regime and the state also has been a process of conflict for 35 years is at a new stage now.
Today, the state is applying fascist measures through blockading some cities with tanks and cannons. Besides, the fact that is revealed from “ditch and barricade policy” is clearly a war. The fact that the war is in a specific part of our country does not change the reality of war and more importantly, the risk that Turkey as a whole faces to be dragged into the regional war if the situation continues in the mentioned parts of the country. Firstly, we would like to state once more that the offense against civilians is unacceptable and that we stand together with Kurdish laborers against the fascist practices as well as the state brutality. Violence, conflict and war consists of civilians deaths, execution of unarmed people on streets, decease of children, targeting health centers, ambulances and school leads to a mass migrations. This situation has to be examined in terms of consequences; not by reasons.
Clashes, violence, and “ditch” policy that are experienced are a blind war. The “consequences” of this war will not contribute to our country’s struggle for egalitarianism, freedom and independence. On the contrary, the ones who suffer most from this conflict that contiues with clashes and violence are the working people of that specific area as well as the whole country. Thus, this war damages the unity of the working class and leads to a “Kurdish-Turkish conflict” as well as to a separation based on ethnicity.
As a matter of fact, this is not a war against imperialism, reactionism and capital but seems to be leading to a potential Turk-Kurd war.
It is the AKP government and the capital state that is responsible of this war who bomb its own people and blockade the cities within the borders of Republic of Turkey with heavy arms. Those who expect a solution in Kurdish Question from a collaborator of imperialism and a reactionist party as AKP are mistaken once again. AKP government clearly showed that it is the perpetrator of what has been going on by using fascist methods such as blockading cities with heavy arms. People who voted for the so called “constitounal change” with a slogan, “not enough, but yes” during the referendum and expected democracy and a solution from AKP in the Kurdish Question are also responsible for the state brutality, fascist methods and war. The Kurdish political movement, that has not demonstrated a solidarity with millions during the June Resistance in order not to end the negotations with the AKP government sholud also be considered to be responsible of this political picture. Reality we are facing now once again shows the neccesity of a struggle that opposes the whole system, not negotiations with the AKP government. The political stand and programatic path of the Kurdish political movement that compromises for imperialism and capital as well as that considers national sovereignty as a priority instead social sovereignty should be considered as a part of the bottleneck. It should also be clear that there are limits of national soveregnty without social sovereignty. What is meant by a political solution regarding the Kurdish issue must be clear for everyone while violence and conflict policies are carried out both by the AKP government and the Kurdish political movement.
The result of these policies may lead either to negotiate for a reactionary and where the rules are determined by AKP or to reconciliation and separation that will be for the regional interests of imperialism. This dilemma is unacceptable.
Our country will absolutely overcome this blind war. Neither a reactionary and capitalist reconciliation nor a separation that will butter the bread of imperialism would be a gain for the workers of our country. Our country can be sacrificed to neither a bloody AKP fascism, nor a separation that imperialism could set off in accordance with its regional interests.
For all these reasons, this process needs to be seen and judged with all aspects by our working people.
1. It is imperialism that is guilty of clashes and the outcome of war in Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya and Ukraine. Imperialism that increased its agression after the dissolution of socialist camp, invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, divided Yugoslavia and intervened the countries which did not kneel imperialism through its manipulation Arab Spring. Today, the ongoing civil wars in Libya, Iraq and Syria is the Picture of what imperialism aims. Imperialism has always found a way to divide the countries that has not yielded, by ethnic and religious wars. Small countries emerged after the division of Yugoslavia have worsened the situation for the working class. Today, the same threat is in the agenda for Ukraine.
The Kurdish state to be established in Northern Iraq is being established under imperialist hegemony.
2. Today, the main reason for the compression of the Kurdish issue, and the war situation that is caused by this pressure is the uncertainties caused by the regional wars. Turkey is not exempted from the redrawing of borders in the region, This situation will get clear by either a “solution” of the new regime established by the AKP or by a regional war.The solution of this equation is limited by the horizons of the given political powers, course of regional developments, goals and political benefits of the powerful countries. Among the given, there is not any anti-imperialist or anti-capitalist alternative.
3. Therefore, demands of the Kurdish political movement, “self- governence and autonomy”, can be read as a first step of the “division” process. This policy will not lead to the emancipation of the Kurdish workers. On the contrary, it is clear that, this policy means dependency to the imperialist powers and integration to the imperialist capitalist system. Policies of sacrificing Kurdish workers’ national rights to imperialism is neither the real liberation nor freedom.
4. The procedure of “European Charter of Local Self-Governence”, which has been raised by the regime established by AKP government, is the “solution of bourgeois”. Submitting the new governence system that will open the gate for reactionism and capitalisation for the emancipation of Kurdish workers would be deceptive. Imperialist countries like USA, Germany and France that have such governance prove that it brings no emancipation for the working class. A process which will strenghten capitalism and reactionism do not bring a more democratic enviroment.
5. With attribution to the “European Charter of Local Self-Governance”, claiming that “Turkey will become a more democratic country” by the Kurdish policital movement that demands “self-governance and autonomy” has its limits. It must be seen that, there is no democratic future, within a reactionary, collabrator and capitalist regime. Increasing the authority of the local governments will only beneficial for marketization and reactionism. Besides, returning to “Dolmabahçe Reconciling” as a condition for peace, does not mean anything other than intra-system solution. This reconciling is designated to be finalized in the new constitution. It must be clear that the new constitution means presidencial system, presidencial system means deepening of the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie, and implementation of its effects on administrational structure.
6. Actually, there is politically a common ground between the capitalist order of the AKP government and Kurdish political movement in terms of “the solution”.
Phrases of the political actors about this painful war must be observed by the working classes very carefully.
What the Second Republic Regime, in other words AKP government, can give to the Kurdish people is either fascism or reactinonism and capitalism. The only thing left to the Kurdish workers by Second Republic Regime is, through pressure and violance is yielding.
While the pain that imperialism causes in the Middle East is obvious, the only thing that imperialism can give Kurdish workers is dependency.
Kurdish political movement is at the limit regarding its programme. Without keeping distance from reactionism, imperialism and capital, only thing that Kurdish political movement could promise as emancipation to the Kurdish workers is either a capitalist state that is dependent on imperialism or integration to the reactionary capitalist Second Republic regime of AKP that is dependent on imperialism. Nobody should attribute holy meanings either to autonomy or to “self- governance”. Without mentioning anything about class structure and socio- economic model, describing the claim of “self-governance” only in terms of the relationship between country’s central administration and local administrations, is inadequate. While impelementing reactionary expansions, holding relationship with the imperialist USA and holding meetings with the “Kurdish bourgeoisie”, the self-governance obviously cannot be named as a revolutionary policy for Turkey. This political perspective would not lead Turkey to become a more democratic country but to either a division or to a more deepening marketization. The outcomes of these options are either an ethnic civil war or an expectance of democratization from the new rejime established by AKP.
For social salvation
Communists never hide their opinions. That’s why, our perspective based on principles regarding the Kurdish issue that is at a breaking point today is stated below.
1. Rupture from the imperialist- capitalist system without having a Socialist programme is not possible. Socialism is the only regime to preserve national honour and independence seen in examples of Cuba, which still stands today and Bolsheviks in the past. The only condition for rupture from the imperialist-capitalist system is having a Socialist programme.
2. As French Revolution 1789 could not fulfill the demands of “freedom, brotherhood, equality”, national rights like “freedom, brotherhood, equality” cannot be maintaned with imperialist solutions or bourgeois. Today the situation of imperialist- capitalist system requires a struggle, far beyond demanding national rights.
3. National independence can be achieved only through a struggle against imperialism. Today, national independence struggles which are not fighting against imperialism, can not abolish imperialist-capitalist system.
4. In the near future regarding the Kurdish issue, taking into account the position of political actors, the political picture seems to be either integration to system or civil war while a third option remains as the contiunuation of the existing clashes. It is not realistic to expect salvation of proletariat, freedom of Kurdish people or a democratic country from a picture like that. Fascism seems to accompany reactionism and marketism.
5. Today’s task is to fight against imperialism, capitalism, AKP government and its reactionary essence. Struggle only for Kurdish national rights and demands that pulls back this fight has reached its limits. There will be no national salvation without social salvation. Revolution of Turkey will also be the revolution of Kurdish proletariat.
6. Fraternity of peoples, unity of proletariat and common struggle can only be materialized by uprise of the labour class as a ‘class’ of which political representation is ensured. This political power can be achieved only by strenghening the socialist front and revealing the organization of the working class. The indigent Kurdish peasants are increasingly becoming proletarianized as well as a part of the working class of Turkey.
7. Our country’s salvation will come with organised power of millions who stood up in June Resistance (2013). Resistant people of Turkey who stood up in 2013 is the only power to destroy AKP government, mantain our unity and independence, establish a secular and equal republic which will provide national rights of the Kurdish proletariat. In order to achieve this, all progressive, patriotic and republican people of the country should start a new struggle. For themselves and for the Kurdish proletariat.
Unity, fraternity, peace, freedom is possible only with a secular, independent proletarian republic.
Socialist Republic, liberty to the people!
Communist Movement (Party) Of Turkey

domain: politics


Smart Book Light - Coffee Brown-Large
Large Smart Book Light - Coffee Brown
This is a great additional piece of art to any home; when closed, this smart book light masquerades a large brown leather book but when opened, it transforms into a sculptural light emitting a wonderful ambient warm white soft LED light through the pages.
The beautiful design opens to full 360 degrees with cleverly concealed magnets and the lovely soft touch papers are tear-proof and water-resistant that are lightened up by long-lasting LED lights.
The dynamic, multifunctional light is powered by in-built rechargeable battery and comes with a micro-USB charger.
- LED life-span: about 50000hrs- colour temperature: 2700K- output: 400 lumen- power supply: in built rechargeable Lithium Polymer- battery life: 6-8 hours in constant use
- Charging time: 4 - 5 hours- can be opened up to 360 degrees- magnetic covers so it can be attached to any metal object on the wall etc
- Made from: Linen fabric and water-resistant Tyvek paper
- dimensions: When flat closed- 17 x 21.5 x 2.5 cm (large size). When 180 degrees opened- 24 w x 21.5 x 18 cm (large size)


text:
October 2006 saw the re-release of Darwyn Cooke's six issue comic book series, The New Frontier, in one giant, gorgeous hardbound volume. Cooke, a former storyboard artist on 'Batman The Animated Series,' had long been lauded for the unique blend of elegance and dynamo that he achieved in his artwork. What folks rarely seemed to mention, though, was how damn good of a writer he also was. Cooke's film noir-inspired Catwoman series and his one-shot fill-in issues on Spiderman's Tangled Web and X-Statix remain some of my favorite comics from the past ten years. Still, even these did not prepare me for the scope and skill he would show in his first limited series, The New Frontier.
Essentially a re-telling of the Justice League's formation, The New Frontier also manages to blend 1950's race politics, the Red Scare, and a dinosaur-populated monster island into one awe inspiring, epic superstory. Where most comics today tend to try to deconstruct the medium, Cooke seems more interested in re-constructing many of the 'silver age' elements that had been discarded over the years -- space age science, pulp heroics, sweeping romance and an overall sense of wonder. Costume clad heroes both familiar and obscure pop up throughout. Some only appear briefly, in 10-20 page solo stories. Others weave in and out of the main mystery in an almost Altman-esque manner, finally converging en masse at the end of the book for a 'We Are The World'-of-superfriends battle to save the planet. A few of the standout story lines are the Martian Manhunter's arrival on Earth and his awkward assimilation of its culture, Hal Jordan's transformation into the Green Lantern, and the Challengers of the Unknown's beginning and (spoiler alert!) end.
Oh, and then there's the art. Ignore the word bubbles, and the book feels like a collection of long-lost pre-production art to some never-made superhero extravaganza from the glory days of the Hollywood studio system. Cooke's biggest artistic influence is clearly Bruce Timm (the mastermind behind the aforementioned Batman cartoon), but also evident in his work are the stylistic touches of Jack Kirby, Gil Kane and Carmine Infantino. In The New Frontier, Cooke uses bits of all these classic cartoonists' styles, blended with a bit of streamline moderne design and googie architecture, to perfectly capture the 'anything is possible' essence of the post-WWII United States. The over-sized, prestige format that DC has re-released the series in only adds to one's appreciation of the drawings. Instead of the awkward-looking inking that sometimes ruins the enlargement of comic book pages, the simple grace of Cooke's lines is actually enhanced by the blow up. Not only an engaging yarn, it also makes for a great coffee table conversation piece...if you trust your friends not to spill their drinks on it.
Included below are a couple of links to interviews with Darwyn Cooke from the around the time of The New Frontier's initial release. In them, Cooke details the inspirations for the series, as well as some of the hidden 'Easter eggs' readers might not have caught during their first read through.
Silver Bullet Comic Books
Comic News Insider - Podcast

domain: literature


text: An exquisite watch by Chopard, the Happy Sport Square - model 27/8505-2001 - features 7 of their famous "floating" diamonds under the crystal along with along with 40 diamonds on the solid 18kt white gold bezel. The diamonds are D-E color and VVS-IF clarity with a total weight of 1.59 cts. All of the diamonds are FACTORY ORIGINAL - not aftermarket! The stainless steel case is 30mm wide and is fitted with a stainless steel bracelet with a double deployment bracelet. The watch has a mother of pearl dial with applied white gold Roman numeral hour markers at 3, 6, 9 and 12, and the crown is set with a natural round sapphire that weighs 0.17 ct. The Swiss quartz movement has had a new battery installed and the watch is running and keeping perfect time.


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The non-denominational primary school catchment areas in Fife, each of which is associated with one non-denominational primary school and used as a catchment area for enrolment at the school.
The objective of the designation is to protect and enhance the Moray coast for its landscape, nature conservation, recreation and tourism benefits. The undeveloped coastline is protected through identification of a Coastal Protection Zone (CPZ) within which only certain types of development will be acceptable.
Conservation areas have special architectural or historic interest. There are 49 in Edinburgh. The Council must protect these areas, and there are extra rules to control building work.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPO's) are served on potentially vulnerable trees which are of significant amenity value to the community as a whole, or trees of significant biodiversity value.
Controlled Parking Zones represent areas of parking restriction for residential use. Also included in this dataset are priority parking areas. Priority parking places only operate for 90 minutes each day which will stop commuters and non residents from parking in the permit holders places.
The aim of this designation is to protect areas of strategically important landscapes from inappropriate development. The designation also aims to promote the highest standards of design to retain the traditional character of these areas. There are 8 Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV’s) in Moray.
Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural of historic interest where it is desirable to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area. The aim of this policy is to preserve and enhance Moray’s Conservation Areas.
Line shapefile of all the Waiting and Loading Markings (e.g. single yellow, double yellow etc.) within the City Of Edinburgh Council administrative area backed by a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). This data is extracted from Smallworld on a monthly basis.
Moray Onshore Wind Energy Landscape Character Types (Moray)
Buildings are listed by Historic Scotland for their special architectural or historic interest on behalf of the Scottish Government. The aim of listing such buildings is to protect or enhance their special character by affording them statutory protection. The principles for listing buildings are fairly complex and there is no right of appeal against the Scottish Governments decision to list a property.\\nListed buildings are listed in 3 categories - A, B and C.\\nCategory A listed buildings are of national or international importance.\\nCategory B listed buildings are of regional importance.\\nCategory C buildings are of local importance.\\nA building's listing covers its interior, exterior and any object or structure fixed to a building or which falls within the curtilage of such a building, forming part of the land since before 1 July 1948.