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Just nominated for three Academy Awards this morning (Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Editing) I, Tonya is not made to satisfy anyone hoping to find an ironclad explanation for the events surrounding the 1994 attack on Nancy Kerrigan.
The film opens with the following disclaimer: “Based on irony-free, wildly contradictory, and totally true interviews” — a pointed departure from the standard “based on true events.”
I, Tonya never pretends to be without bias. Reenactments of real interviews with Harding, her mother and her ex-husband remind the audience they are watching an often-contradictory story woven together by various versions of the truth.
It was important that the writers and producers of the film chose to portray Harding as more innocent than guilty not only because that’s what she has claimed, but also because an otherwise incensed audience might miss the film’s most crucial message: she was just as much a victim as Kerrigan, regardless of the events leading up to “the incident.”
There’s been some controversy over how the film portrays the violence and abuse that was rampant in Harding’s life. Some feel it’s exploitive and cheap- that it’s depicting something horrific in a way that plays for laughs. I think those critics are missing the point.
The only way that most people would be able to survive that abuse would be to adopt a certain callousness. Why portray that violence in an overly emotive way when its victim never had that luxury? Besides, without the buffer of humor and lack of sentimentality, an audience might easily exhaust themselves emotionally and miss the point- that from a young age Harding had to learn how to be reactive, defensive, and that she could never stop fighting back.
Minimal research will turn up suspicious evidence regarding Harding’s call to ask about Kerrigan’s practice schedule before the attack. Harding’s explanation for obtaining the time and place Kerrigan would be practicing would vary wildly over the years to follow- a more damning fact that the film glosses over.
Instead, the film wants us to focus on how Harding’s judgement and character was clouded by a sense of constant persecution. Her life was made more difficult for the fact that she never fit the standard for femininity demanded by her sport. Margo Robbie is fantastic in her role, but with her long and slender body, it’s hard for her to convincingly portray someone who lacks grace (The movie also needed younger actors to portray teen Harding and Jeff Gillooly. The audience is asked to suspend quite a bit of disbelief in those scenes.)
Robbie does her best to embody Harding’s athletic but at times abrupt, even brutish, movements, but the film gets a lot of help from DP Nicolas Karakatsanis. The scenes on the ice are incredible feats of cinematography and flow from more to less aggressive reflecting Harding’s journey to become a more refined skater.
Even with the effort Harding makes to appear more dancer-like in her final Olympic competition, she’s no match for Kerrigan’s presentation and elegance on the ice. In its efforts to make the audience more sympathetic to Harding the film opts to portray Kerrigan as more of a rich ice princess than is warranted. It would have been more interesting to portray Kerrigan closer to fact- someone who faced many of the same tomboy criticism as Harding, but who chose to learn the skills and presentation needed to conform instead of rebel. In reality Kerrigan came from relatively modest means. However, she did have two parents who seemed to provide both affection and designer costumes- far from Harding’s reality.
The most revealing element to I, Tonya is Harding’s relationship with her mother. When Harding asks her in a coffee shop if she has ever loved her, she’s unable to give her daughter a direct yes. Instead she defends herself by citing the monumental sacrifices she made in order to help her daughter succeed.
It’s horrific to watch a mother deny her daughter love, but impossible not to feel some degree of sympathy for the woman who gave everything she could but was still so incapable of being a good mother. The film is filled with these characters, like Harding, who while they very well may be capable of monstrous acts, somehow still seem to deserve the love that so constantly evaded the problematic protagonist.
Perhaps if the film had stuck to a more fact-based portrayal of its events, it would have denied its audiences these more fundamental truths about the human need for love and the tragedy that so often follows when its denied us.
Rating: R (for pervasive language, violence, and some sexual content/nudity)
Starring: Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, Sebastian Stan
Directed By: Craig Gillespie
Written By: Steven Rogers
Runtime: 119 minutes
Laura Day is a freelance film and television producer, a creative producer for Women Of The Now, and a screening panelist for the Midwest Independent Film Festival.


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With a longing to break the Winter blues cycle, I decided to instead embrace this year’s cooler season with a mini getaway, and thought there was no better place to escape to with my partner for the weekend, than discovering the newest jewel in Gold Coast’s crown.
Forever changing, growing and evolving, the Gold Coast’s main precinct of Surfers Paradise is a constant place of transition, from its ‘50s retro days of fibro beach shacks, to the bikini parading meter maids, the rise and fall of skyscrapers and the addition of the light rail, it is the identifiable suburb which draws crowds from all over to relish in its laid-back beach vibes contrasting with the bright lights and energy of a city.
Making its own transition throughout the years, The Island Boutique Hotel has recently been exclusively refurbished, re-vamped and re-launched from its former identity of The Islander. Set in the heart of Surfers Paradise, The Island is an iconic resort destination in its own right, arriving to the modern-day landscape of luxe boutique accommodation.
As my partner Bryce and I arrived to the reception area on the first floor, we were met with a fresh and modern space, styled with raw timbers, lavish leather couches and period artworks adorning the walls, giving nod to the beach era past, where a coastal theme is seamlessly carried throughout the entire resort.
The reception staff, which work around the clock, 24 hours a day, were nothing but warm smiles, welcoming us for our weekend getaway and reserving us a table that night to dine in-house at the resident restaurant, The Island Bistro.
Upon opening the door to our superior twin room on the 8th floor, Bryce discovered a pre-arranged gift I had organised of a bottle of champagne on ice and novelty chocolates presented beautifully atop the crisp white bed linens. The bathrooms are contemporary in style with white tiling lined in monochrome finishings, whilst the finer details of a rainfall shower, complimentary ASPAR products and potted greenery create a tranquil spa like feel. An open timber wardrobe has been fitted ensuring plenty of storage for luggage, whilst the mini bar and fridge are stocked with gourmet delights and beverages offering a light refreshment or snack.
As we popped our bottle of champagne and poured ourselves a glass, we took to the balcony to enjoy the warmth from the afternoon sun, taking in the view of the city and watching the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, we both let out a long sigh as a feeling of relaxation washed over us.
As dusk began to fall, we glammed ourselves up to explore The Island Rooftop. As if a staircase to heaven, we were greeted with an ambient glow of twinkling overhead fairy lights contrasting with the city skyscrapers beyond, the Gold Coast skyline creating a backdrop just as picturesque after dusk as it is after dawn. The sprawling deck has been fitted out with an abundance of natural flora, raw timber bench seating, bar stool tables and scattered Acapulco chairs, creating a stylish and relaxed space with a high-end Hamptons feel, inviting us to stay a little longer and sip on aperitif cocktails whilst indulging in conversation.
As our dinner reservation time rolled around, we were famished and eager to experience all that the Italian inspired bistro had to offer. Walking past the open-air kitchen to our table, our appetites were stimulated with the aromatics and view of the wood fired pizza oven. Once seated in the restaurant my eye was immediately adverted upwards to the wicker cane pendent lighting above, imitating an almost jelly fish like flotation display overhead, whilst an eclectic mix of warn timber seating and boating memorabilia added to the seaside sentiment.
Selecting a glass of Little Angel Pinot Gris for myself, Bryce opted for a subtle Save Our Souls Pinot Noir, whilst we shared a basket of warmed sourdough bread and entrée of silky arancini Milanese with saffron, fontina and pepe verde. For the main affair, I chose the perfectly cooked pan-fried Kingfish fillet with mussels, clams and cuttlefish cooked in saffron with a side of garlic potato and herbs. As recommended to match his glass of red, Bryce chose from the pasta menu, devouring a bowl of braised squid and chorizo freshly made pappardelle. As we made our way back to our room, we discussed what a truly memorable meal this had been, finishing off our night perfectly watching an in room movie.
Awaking to another spectacular Gold Coast day, we headed to the pool for a refreshing dip and soak in the spa bath before lounging ourselves on the sunbeds, waking up slowly with an espresso coffee from the restaurant and flicking through the morning paper.
As our stomachs began to rumble, we took a seat for breakfast in the light filled dining room. With an inventive morning menu, The Island Bistro offers dishes to suit any taste, from fluffy butter milk pancakes to brioche bacon and egg rolls with provolone cheese and garlic aioli, however the scrambled eggs and eggs Benedict with free range smoked ham on sourdough drizzled in hollandaise sauce were both divine.
Feeling completely connected, revitalised and recharged, we reluctantly checked out. Speaking words of gratitude for having such a luxurious location at our door step, we agreed this was the perfect mid-Winter pick me up we needed, knowing it wouldn’t be long until we would return again.
AGFG was a guest of The Island Boutique Hotel, Gold Coast, however, Freya’s opinion is her own. For more information and to book your Winter escape to The Island, Surfers Paradise, check out their website: www.theislandgoldcoast.com.au.

domain: travel


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Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea Bars are unbelievably delicious and made with such wholesome ingredients. you will truly be shocked at how good these are!
chickpeas can do so much, it really is amazing. from savory dishes like burgers and pizza crust to chocolate chip cookies and bars, they’ve got it going on.
my Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea Bars will 1000 percent satisfy your sweet tooth while making you feel great afterwards.
you will feel even better while you’re devouring the bars because true happiness is in the form of chocolate chip bars.
Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea Bars are made with chickpeas and then coconut flour.
they will hold up pretty well as bars, but i do recommend letting them cool completely. you can place them in the fridge for a little bit before cutting into bars.
in the reel i posted, i cut them into bars while the everything was still warm and the bars still held up well.
if you don’t find the bars to be sturdy enough, you can always eat Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea Bars with a fork, or cut them into smaller pieces like squares.
the bars will store well in the freezer, but i don’t know what the shelf life would be because we ate ours within 3 days, ha!
here’s everything you need to make Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea Bars
canned chickpeas rinsed and drained
runny tahini or a very runny nut butter
that’s it! Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea Bars are very simple to make and it’s easy to find all of the ingredients at any grocery store.
there’s more good news too! you make Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea Bars in a food processor, so there’s not much of a mess.
if you love my Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea Bars, then check out these other recipes from the blog!
are you going to make my Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea Bars?!
if you make one of my recipes, i would LOVE to see your creation! be sure to leave a review in the comments section, it is so appreciated and helps my small business.
do you want to save this recipe for later!? you can add the recipe to your recipe board on Pinterest!
it brings me so much happiness to see your beautiful recreations on Instagram :). tag me so that i can see and repost your food on my stories!
Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Chickpea BarsCourse: Bars, Desserts
5-10 servings depending on whether or not you cut into bars or squares.
other notes: if you don’t have a very runny tahini or nut butter, try melting the nut or seed butter with coconut oil to create a runny texture.
1 cup chickpeas rinsed and drained
1/2 cup very runny tahini or nut butter (soom tahini is very runny and so is Whole Foods brand)
1/3 cup agave
1/8 cup + 1 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/3 cup dairy free chocolate chips
- preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- add all ingredients but the chocolate chips to a food processor and blend until a thick dough forms.
- then, transfer to a bowl and fold in the chocolate chips.
- place in a parchment lined bread loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-21 minutes.
- let it cool down completely before cutting into bars. you can also set in the fridge for a little bit to set better.
- store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer and enjoy!

domain: food


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The transportation industry is essential to keep stores stocked and goods in households across the U.S., but the highly logistical business is fraught with underutilized equipment and a lack of collaboration. These issues were only strained by the pandemic, but two Alabama entrepreneurs have launched the Repowr platform to strengthen links in the American supply chain.
Repowr was founded by CEO Patrick Visintainer and CFO Spencer Ware. Both brought career experience that intersected with the supply chain industry, sharing insights into the issues plaguing the system. “We both saw an astounding amount of underutilized equipment, trucks, trailers, containers,” says Ware. “We thought that the industry could benefit from a collaborative marketplace where they could share equipment seamlessly.”
The majority of the industry’s equipment capacity is owned by just a few large carriers, while there are many more smaller companies that don’t have the flexibility of large fleets. Truck and trailer manufacturer Great Dane has published an eBook that estimates that up to 75 percent of a trailer’s lifespan is spent detached from a truck. “These are expensive assets sitting still the majority of their lifetime,” says Ware.
In 2019, the two met to discuss a solution, and the plans for Repowr took shape. “We spent about a year researching the industry, getting to know what the current state of the supply chain was,” says Visintainer. “We researched how Repowr could fit the future of the industry to help the smallest and largest businesses.”
The team met with carriers to learn what they considered the industry’s problems to be, from driver shortages to utilization. “The feedback we got was tremendous,” says Visintainer. “Then we tested the market, saw some success, and we’ve been going ever since.” The company was a part of the 2021 Velocity Accelerator cohort at Birmingham’s Innovation Depot, and has attracted serious investors for a successful seed round earlier this year.
The Repowr platform provides access to resources that otherwise would be left idle on a lot. The team estimates that underutilized equipment could cost the industry up to $45 billion in North America each year, so by creating a universal trailer network and opening up assets, the team aims to help keep the supply chain moving. If a company needs equipment, they can visit Repowr online, search for what’s needed, and reserve it in just a few clicks. Companies can also list their equipment to be used, set prices and locations, and even establish parameters to earn income off underutilized assets while also ensuring that gear will be available when needed.
The wheels under Repowr were already in motion by the time the pandemic struck and brought a wider awareness to the challenges facing the supply chain industry, and the team entered uncharted territory with much needed momentum. “The pandemic highlighted the importance of the American supply chain truckers moving goods to grocery stores,” says Visintainer. “Our dependency on trucking and transportation is not new, but with global attention on the industry, we’re part of a digital transformation.”
Repowr has grown considerably in a year’s time, with just three on staff in 2021, and a team of 14 today. They expect to grow as the industry demands, and have already risen to the challenge amid supply chain roadblocks and bottlenecks. “Just one year ago, the U.S. supply chain was facing a historically tight equipment environment,” says Ware. “With Repowr, we were able to deploy thousands of trailers in an industry that desperately needed it.”

domain: news


Our MissionPosted by / / No responses
We are here at Musical Avenue strive to always provide top quality music programmes to those who are interested in doing music. Our doors are open to people of all ages and background, as we believe that music knows no boundaries!
Our programmes are carefully designed in order to provide the best learning experience to our students. We also provide our students with various opportunities to showcase their talent so that they can have an all-rounded learning experience here with us!
It is our hope to be able to cultivate the talents of those who are passionate about music, and to enable everyone to achieve their greatest potential!


Relief for motorists as bridge reopens to traffic
Published on 24 June 2021
The much-anticipated fifth lane on Sundale Bridge is now open, improving traffic flow and busting congestion on one of the Gold Coast’s busiest routes.
The bridge opening is part of the broader $34 million Sundale Bridge and Waterways Drive Upgrade. The final stage, involving construction of a third northbound lane along the Gold Coast Highway to North Street in Southport, is now underway.
Mayor Tom Tate said the upgrade, to be completed by the end of the year, would ensure motorists spend less time stuck in traffic.
"Our city is growing and it's important we keep the foot on the accelerator when it comes to investing in our local road network," Mayor Tate said.
"Historically, drivers have experienced delays of up to 35 minutes travelling between The Spit and Southport. Now the bridge works are complete, travel time will be cut to eight minutes during peak times. The improved traffic flow means motorists are spending less time in their cars and more time enjoying our beautiful city."
Bridge works included removal of the old pedestrian path from the eastern side of the bridge to create an additional northbound lane.
There are now three northbound lanes and two southbound lanes on the bridge.
Additional improved safety features include upgraded guardrails, early warning signage to alert southbound motorists they are approaching traffic signals and speed reduction to 60km/h.
Pedestrian and cyclist access has been maintained via the adjacent Sundale green bridge.
The final portion of the project will include construction of a third northbound lane from Australia Fair to North Street in Southport.
Commenced: August 2019
Completion: October 2021
Cost: $34 million
For information visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/sundalebridge


text: Are you looking for something unique to do during the holiday season? The Minstrel presents Crowfoot, a trio from the borderlands of Canada and New England. The trio will preform Thursday (Dec. 23) and will preform again on New Year’s Eve. Crowfoot tours about 30 weekends per year and will be in Morristown two weekends only. For more information on the performance, you can read the full story here.

domain: artistic


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Critic Reviews for Shirkers
Tan presents her multifaceted life story-vibrant, unbelievable, and full of such incredible women-as a dazzling tapestry that's unlike many narrative or documentary films.
An exemplary work of counter-lives and alternative histories, intimate self-portraiture and cultural reconstruction, hard-won empathy and painful reconciliation.
Shirkers has the handmade delicacy of a scrapbook come to life, blending ample footage from the original production with candid modern-day interviews and photography.
Shirkers finds the emotional grounding and even universality in a very strange story.
It feels a bit like fate, as if Tan and her friend's work needed to buried only to be unearthed when the time was right, when a dash of nostalgia and the self-critical aptitude gained through adulthood can properly situate this strange work.
Audience Reviews for Shirkers
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Discuss Shirkers on our Movie forum!


Front Center Armrest w/Storage and Rear Center Armrest
Full Carpet Floor Covering -inc: Carpet Front And Rear Floor Mats
Full Cloth Headliner
Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage
Gauges -inc: Speedometer
GPS Antenna Input
HVAC -inc: Auxiliary Rear Heater
Illuminated Front Cupholder
Illuminated Locking Glove Box
Instrument Panel Bin
Integrated Voice Command w/Bluetooth
Interior Trim -inc: Chrome Interior Accents
Manual Anti-Whiplash w/Tilt Front Head Restraints and Fixed Rear Head Restraints
Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Outside Temp Gauge
Power 1st Row Windows w/Driver And Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down
Power Door Locks w/Autolock Feature
Power Fuel Flap Locking Type
Power Rear Windows and Fixed 3rd Row Windows
Proximity Key For Doors And Push Button Start
Radio: Uconnect 3 w/5 Display
Rear HVAC w/Separate Controls
Rear View Auto Dim Mirror
Redundant Digital Speedometer
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter
Remote Releases -Inc: Power Fuel
Roadside Assistance & 9-1-1 Call
Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer
Smart Device Integration
Urethane Gear Shifter Material
1330# Maximum Payload
160 amp alternator
24.6 Gal. Fuel Tank
3.27 rear axle ratio
4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS
50 State Emissions
650CCA Maintenance-Free Battery w/Run Down Protection
Electric Power-Assist Steering
Engine Auto Stop-Start Feature
Engine Oil Cooler
Engine: 3.6L V6 24V VVT UPG I w/ESS
Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers
Multi-Link Rear Suspension w/Coil Springs
Rear Auto-Leveling Suspension
Short And Long Arm Front Suspension w/Coil Springs
Single Stainless Steel Exhaust
Towing Equipment -inc: Trailer Sway Control
Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode and Sequential Shift Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic (845RE)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Driver Knee Airbag
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point
Rear Child Safety Locks
Side Impact Beams
Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Coral Springs Auto Mall is pleased to offer this Beautiful 2017 Dodge Durango. This SXT Durango is beautifully finished in DB Black Crystal Clearcoat and complimented by Black Cloth and this exceptional vehicle comes well equipped with !! 1 OWNER W/ CLEAN CARFAX !!, PREMIUM FACTORY ALLOY WHEELS !!, 3RD ROW SEATING !!, WELL MAINTAINED !!, MUST SEE !!, And BEST COLOR COMBINATION !! And gives you an amazing driving experience along with impressive Fuel efficiency rating. 19/26 City/Highway MPGCARFAX One-Owner.Clean CARFAX.Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price!Odometer is 20553 miles below market average!19/26 City/Highway MPGCoral Springs Auto Mall is a family owned dealership that has served the South Florida community with quality new and used cars since 1985. During this time weÃ¢ ve had the chance to grow and learn with our community and sharpen the skills of our staff to provide better customer service while saving you money. The sales, service, and finance specialists are more than knowledgeable and eager to provide you with top notch car buying experience. Coral Springs Auto Mall wants to set the bar a bit higher when it comes to taking care of our customers and their new, used, or certified pre-owned .
The 2017 Dodge Durango is offered in four different trims, with V6 or V8 engines and a choice between rear- and 4-wheel drive throughout the model line. Base Durango SXT models come with a 290-hp, 3.6L V6; GT and Citadel models come with the same standard V6, but they can be optioned up to a 360-hp, 5.7L V8. R/T models come with the Hemi V8 as standard.
All Durangos are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine features a system that will shut the engine off when at a stop and start it as soon as the driver releases the brake. Hemi V8-equipped Durangos feature a fuel-saver mode that aids gas mileage when during coasting or low-speed cruising.
All models have 4-wheel disc brakes, and they ride on a short/long-arm front suspension with rear multi-link arrangement. Both the front and rear of the Durango are isolated on cradles, to allow comfort and control on rougher surfaces off the pavement or under load.
Two different family-friendly layouts in the Durango permit both 6- or 7-passenger seating--depending on the second row, where a second-row bench is standard on most of the model but dual captain's chairs are available, with two different console layouts, including one that permits easy access to the third row. There's a total of 85 cubic feet with both sets of rear seatbacks folded, which is enough to fit a 6-foot couch or a coffee table, according to Dodge. Otherwise there are a total of 30 storage areas, including plenty of smaller cubbies.
The base SXT level comes with the 290-hp V6 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, 7-passenger seating, tri-zone climate control, heated mirrors, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control and SiriusXM satellite radio.
The GT brings premium leather upholstery, heated first- and second-row seats, a power liftgate, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, power-adjustable seats, proximity entry, remote start and alarm as well as a UConnect stereo with Bluetooth. ParkView back-up camera and ParkSense park-assist system are also included.
Both SXT and GT models can be optioned up with rain-sensing wipers, navigation, HID headlamps, rear-seat DVD entertainment and Blindspot Monitoring and Cross-Path detection.
R/T models are the sporty variants of the lineup and get the 360-hp Hemi V8 as standard, with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, plus HID headlamps, a unique front fascia, special interior trim and an auto-leveling sport suspension to help provide the best ride possible considering the added power on the road.
The top-of-the-line Durango is the Citadel, which is loaded to the brim with luxury-brand features like soft ventilated leather, heated leather seats, a power sunroof, HID headlamps, a navigation system, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel and Uconnect. Adaptive cruise control is on offer as well.
The look of the R/T can be had without its thirsty V8 engine or the R/T's higher sticker price by optioning the SXT up to a Rallye Appearance Package, which adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, plus black-bezel headlamps and body-color moldings, grille and rear fascias.
Side-curtain airbags are standard throughout the model line to cover outboard passengers in all three rows, and front seats have active head restraints and their own thorax-protecting side bags. Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection help the driver spot potential hazards, while the electronic stability control system includes Hill-Start Assist as well as trailer-sway control. Tow ratings range up to 7,400 pounds with the V8.


Communications devices have come a long way. There are more dated ways to communicate over long distances, but I’ll start with cell phones. The first widely used cell phones, which came out in the 1980s, were extremely large. They did not fit in pockets, like the cell phones of today. Instead, they were larger than bricks! Why, then, would people use them? There is a simple answer for this. People used those huge cell phones because of convenience. If you can believe it, using those large phones were once a symbol of status and wealth. Not everyone had one. And they were extremely expensive. These days, cell phones are relatively inexpensive and almost everyone has one.
After the “brick” cell phones hit the market, companies decided to find a way to mass market cell phones. They did this by shrinking the size of cell phones and making them cheaper. Who remembers the Nokia phones? And what about the flip phones? They were common, just over 10 years ago. But something happened about 10 years ago that changed everything when it comes to cell phones. Apple released the first iPhone.
This wasn’t just a cell phone. It was something else entirely. It was a smartphone! Before, in the “old days”, people could just call someone or send a short text message. The iPhone changed all of that. Now, you can edit a calendar, check email surf the Internet, watch videos, and even have a live video conversation. This all changed only 10 years ago! Many of us wouldn’t even know what to do without smartphones today. How did we live without them? This just goes to show that we should always be thankful for what we have. 10 years from now, when we have a new invention, we’ll wonder what life was like today before we had the new invention!


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This study evaluates energy efficiency trends and policies in more than 70 countries.
Search Clean Energy Policy Resources by Keyword
Search for resources by entering keywords in the box below or selecting them from the lists on the left.
This handbook is intended for listing organizations, companies and institutions that are instrumental in the project development process.
This article examines current policies to promote wind energy in Colombia. Recommendations are made to encourage further development of renewables, including the use of feed-in tariffs and portfolio standards.
This report describes the status of Mexico's electrical grid and offers a projection of the deployment of four technologies: automated meters, distribution automation, wide area measurement (WAM), and home energy management.
This paper complements the International Energy Agency's 2011 report, "Deploying Renewables 2011: Best and Future Policy Practice" (http://www.iea.org/w/bookshop/add.aspx?id=414), and is intended to provide more detailed information on
This report evaluates a series of case studies of public-private partnerships to determine the best practices for fostering the expansion of both on- and off-grid electricity access.
This web-based database provides detailed project output documents from Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) projects. The database contains output documents from specific types of energy access, energy efficiency, and renewable energy programmes.
This document outlines the considerations for energy system planners planning energy and electricity systems in their respective countries. It provides best practices and case studies that summarize experiences in developing energy systems.
This publication reports on a case study performed to bring metered electrical services to a slum in Brazil. The authors report on the entire process, results, performance, and lessons in sustainability and ability to reproduce viable results.
The study aims to support Brazil's continued efforts to foster development while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

domain: library


Upon your arrival, you determine that the complaint would have been better stated as “blowing warm air” since only the indoor fan motor is running and the compressor and outdoor fan motor are not. Details on the thermostat settings are as follows:
1. System switch set in the cooling mode.
2. Fan switch set in the AUTO position.
3. Set point is far below room temperature.
After disconnecting the power supply and removing the access cover, you find two other factors to consider — that the compressor is very hot and that the outdoor fan motor spins freely. While allowing time for the compressor to cool down, you make a complete visual inspection, checking for any loose connections and for proper wiring within the unit (click here for a PDF of the equipment diagram), and you find everything to be properly connected.
When you turn the equipment back on, you note that the compressor starts, but the outdoor fan motor doesn’t. With the power supply again disconnected, and a check with a digital meter on the dual capacitor, you make two tests; one between C and F, and the other from C to H. The result of the first test shows a series of zeros on your meter display, and the second test shows 37.5 MFD.
Your troubleshooting question: What is the next step you need to take to repair this equipment?
Compare your answer with ours by clicking on the PDF link below.
Publication date: 3/4/2013
For information on Jim Johnson’s HVACR technician training DVDs, go to www.technicaltrainingassoc.com/HVACRVideoStart.htm.


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We have 2 cats one dog, dog is German Shepard x Labordor who is extremely spoilt gentle soul. We need either a couple of single person who is prepared to walk Dex spend a lot of time with him as we are shift workers so he is use to having someone at home We don’t care about the house so much as long as Dex is well looked after. He is clingy to us and this is the first time he will be left as he is only 2 1/2. He is a big dog gets along well with other dogs and is extremely gentle and has been in training since a pup. Loves the dog park, walks throwing the balls and having company.
This home owner is still seeking a house sitter.
If you are already a member, please login if you wish to contact this home owner.
If you are not yet a member, you'll need to join before you can send them a message.
© 2019 The House Sitters - Privacy

domain: pet


24th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, Korean Fantastic Shorts
Song A-young, Baek In-sung, Lee Ji-won
From South Korea, Jae-hoon Chung’s FALL-OUT (International Premiere) is white-knuckle storytelling at its most urgent. In a devastated near-future Korea, a family venture through their apartment building hoping to attain life-saving ice. By any means necessary. We’re proud to bring Chung’s powerful vision to an international audience, coming here fresh from leaving viewers gasping at the 24th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.
Unlock the puzzle that is MINOR PREMISE and confront a plethora of fascinating questions of self and psyche.
Noah Hutton’s speculative LAPSIS is an alt-present sci-fi thriller most relevant to the horror of our current, late-capitalist moment.
Anthony Scott Burns
Dreams twist. Nightmares come true. A distinctive and compelling work of dark science fiction/horror that haunts the space between wakefulness and sleep.


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New drug could be used for targeted cancer therapies
A new drug called IP1867B, which could be used for future treatments of brain tumours, is being examined.
A vial of IP1867B (credit: University of Portsmouth).
Dr Richard Hill has led a research team at the Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Portsmouth, working with the University of Algarve (Portugal), the University of Liverpool (UK) and Innovate Pharmaceuticals to examine a new drug called IP1867B. This could be used for future treatments of brain tumours.
The researchers showed that IP1867B (which is a combination of aspirin, triacetin and saccharin) reduced the size of adult high-grade glioma brain tumours in a mouse model, while reducing the gastrointestinal tract problems experienced when conventional aspirin tablets are taken. This suggests that IP1867B could be effective against glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of human brain cancer.
In all the variations of drugs tested, including separating out the three key components of IP1867B, it was considerably more effective than any combination of other components and some currently used chemotherapeutics. All three ingredients, which are already approved for use in the clinic, have been shown to kill tumour cells without having an effect on normal brain cells.
IP1867B was shown to reduce the action of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), and block the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 pathway thereby reducing the tumour’s ability to acquire resistance to these EGFR inhibitors. IP1867B effects multiple targets, helping to ‘light up’ the tumour and reverse acquired resistance.
“We will continue to urgently investigate which drugs will combine most effectively and safely with IP1867B, to improve these results even further and reduce the need for long-term use,” said Dr Hill. “There is still much work to be done, but many reasons to be excited for future studies.”
The study was published in the journal Cancer Letters.


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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) — Klamath County needs more rural doctors, even with a local residency program that trains its graduates to work in small towns.
The Herald and News reports that Klamath County’s current medical demands outpace its number of physicians.
The Cascades East Rural Family Medicine Residency Program has been working to ease that shortage for nearly 20 years.
But officials say only one in four doctors trained through the program end up staying in the area after graduation.
Part of the problem is that many medical school graduates leave school with as much as $250,000 in student loans. With specialized fields in big cities earning three times as much as the average rural family physician, many move to metro areas.
Information from: Herald and News, http://www.heraldandnews.com

domain: economics


When you consider that the Ravens also watched their best pass rusher, Za’Darius Smith, sign with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, it becomes a bigger deal. We knew the Ravens were unlikely to bid competitively for Smith, who’ll make a whopping $16 million per year. (He joins a line of departed pass rushers that includes Paul Kruger and Pernell McPhee, and the Ravens have generally gotten those calls right.) With Suggs in the fold along with Judon, they would not have needed to shop on the inflated market for edge defenders. But with Suggs and Smith both gone, they’re extremely thin at one of the NFL’s premium positions. Martindale’s creative blitzes can only produce so much pressure if he’s short on talent.


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Weekend Two: March 13-14, 2021
Saturday, March 13, 2021
3.00 pm - 7.00 pm (Irish time)
“From Memories to Memoir”
Workshop hosted by Danny Morrison
What makes a good memoir and how far should you, can you or would you go in expressing the ‘truth’ – or, as some might say, ‘bending the truth’? What is the difference between memoir and autobiography and semi-autobiographical fiction? Danny Morrison reveals his views on these sensitive topics, illustrating his points with reference to other well-known authors and memoirists.
Danny, a native of Belfast, wears many hats – author, dramatist, civil rights activist, writing tutor, festival organiser and editor. His writing criss-crosses many genres including fiction, nonfiction, film scripts, plays, essays and short stories.
His work includes ‘West Belfast,’ ‘On the Back of the Swallow,’ written in prison, and ‘The Wrong Man,’ about an informer inside the IRA, adapted for the stage in London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin. His fourth novel, ‘Rudi – In the Shadow of Knulp,’ was inspired by ‘Knulp,’ a novel by Hermann Hesse.
Danny has written two memoirs. ‘Then The Walls Came Down,’ described as both ‘poignant and liberating’ and compared to Brendan Behan’s ‘Borstal Boy’ by The Irish Times, comprises letters from prison to his partner and deals with his captivity and his transformation from pacifist to prominent republican activist to publisher writer.
‘All The Dead Voices’ described as conveying ‘the weight of sorrow that is inherent in the human condition,’ defines Danny’s views with insights into those people who influenced his outlook on life.
Aside from his own work, Danny also edited a book of essays, ‘Hunger Strike,’ published in 2006 by Brandon. Danny was also long-time chairperson of Féile an Phobail, one of the most successful community festivals in Ireland.
This is a practical workshop. An in-class assignment will be emailed by participants during the workshop to the tutor for critiquing. There will also be an assignment of not more than 500 words given during the workshop to be emailed the following day for personal feedback.
All workshops will be delivered via Zoom.
Sunday, March 14, 2021
3.00 pm - 7.00 pm (Irish time)
This day’s activities will include:
Cozy Conversational Corner with … Dr. Brian Lacey: Where Irish Legend and History Converge
One of Ireland’s foremost archaeologists and historians, Brian is author of 14 non-fiction books on aspects of early Irish history, ranging from the ‘O'Brien Pocket History of Irish Saints' and ‘Siege City: The Story of Derry and Londonderry’ to ‘Lug's Forgotten Donegal Kingdom: The Archaeology, History and Folklore of the Sil Lugdach of Cloghaneely’ and ‘Colum Cille and the Columbian Tradition.’
A popular speaker at universities and conferences, Brian was head of Derry City Council’s Heritage and Museum Service and CEO of the Discovery Programme, an archaeological research institute based in Dublin. He has directed a series of important excavations unearthing secrets from Ireland’s Celtic past and has even presented a documentary on BBC. This online conversation will comprise subjects ranging from ancient Irish legends to pivotal moments in the cultural, religious and social development of Ireland.
Critique of participants' assignments from the previous day’s workshop and summary of the weekend’s activities.
Cozy Conversational Corner with… Brigid P. Gallagher, memoirist, natural medical practitioner and organic gardener
Brigid qualified in and practiced natural medicine in Scotland for many years, becoming a tutor for community projects, a women's prison, and the Open Studies and Summer Schools of Stirling University. She was then diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, forcing her to reassess her entire lifestyle. After re-locating to Donegal, home of her ancestors, Brigid retrained in organic horticulture, and worked in the glorious gardens of Glenveagh National Park inspiring children and teachers to create organic school gardens.
‘Watching the Daisies - Life Lessons on the Importance of Slow’ is the title of Brigid’s inspirational self-help and travel memoir.
Brigid has also contributed articles for ‘Sixty and Me,’ ‘Two Drops of Ink,’ ‘The Mighty, WomELLE Magazine,’ plus ‘Travel Stories and Highlights 2019.’
Please Note: In addition, each participant in this workshop has the opportunity to send in advance a piece of writing (maximum 1,000 words) from a work-in-progress and receive critique and personal feedback in writing.

domain: literature


The powerful Intel Core i7 processor makes image manipulation a breeze. And the high resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels display ensures your pictures really ‘pop’ when you’re done.
As a student or researcher in the social or physical sciences, this device provides a good balance of portability (with it's 14 inches screen size) and performance so that you're free to roam the labs or libraries with a machine that can competently multi-task your data crunching, "multi-tabbed browsing" and the production of academic content.
In addition to its excellent Advanced screen, this laptop comes with a 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution ensuring scenes pop with colour and great fidelity.
With a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels pixels, you'll have sufficient visual clarity to decide which video sequence will give the impact you're looking for. With 16 GB GB RAM, and a Intel Core i7 CPU, the delivers great results.
Developing your own tunes and mixes is important to you, so we've recommended a laptop that has got an advanced audio system on-board with HD sound capabilities.
The presence of a 4 cores core process will help speed up music format conversions or codec-based compression.
You'll need a machine that can handle multiple VMs for your various dev environments. The sports an Intel Core i7-8550U , (a processor with 4 cores) plus a healthy 16 GB of RAM to power your VMs and dev tools.
Modern productivity apps like Office 365 and Google G Suite are relatively lightweight – but it never hurts to have some power under the hood. The packs a decent Intel Core i7-8550U processor and 16 GB RAM so this is machine that will last.
The makes surfing the web easy thanks to a reasonable hardware specification and fast, reliable b/g/n/ac WiFi connectivity.
Email demands very little from a laptop. We've taken this into account.
Although less powerful than other laptops, the is more than capable of keeping you connected to Facebook, Twitter and all the other social networks you love.
With its 8 hours battery life, the offers a good amount of freedom while moving from place to place around the house.
The 8 hours battery life in the is sufficient for short sessions of use in coffee shops, parks etc.
The 8 hours battery life in the has got enough juice to help you work while on the move during quick trips around the city.
A long journey doesn’t mean wasted time with the thanks to its massive 8 hours battery life.
If you’re always on the move around your office, you need a laptop that moves with you. The offers 8 hours of battery life so you can swap desks as much as you like between charges.
Get straight to work on site with the . A 8 hours battery life means you don’t have to start the day hunting for a free power socket.
As you'll be needing to move about now and then, it's 1 kg weight should suit your needs just fine.
Not the smallest laptop, but this is a good choice for when you don't want a full-size PC. The works just as well on your lap or a desk.
Ensure everyone can see your presentation with the . With an 1 and several 1 you will always be able to connect to an external projector or screen.
The combines style and power to create a laptop that really stands out. Clean lines, high quality materials and a pristine finish ensure that this machine will turn heads.
Traditional and corporate, the will not be out of place in any office, anywhere in the world.
|Display HD Type||FHD|
|Display Resolution||1920 x 1080 pixels|
|Display Size||14 inches|
|Display Technology Name||IPS|
|Processor Architecture||64 Bit|
|Processor Cores||4 cores|
|Processor Family||Intel Core i7|
|Processor Model||Intel Core i7-8550U|
|Processor Speed||1.80 GHz|
|RAM Size||16 GB|
|RAM Speed||1600 MHz|
|SSD Capacity||512 GB|
|Storage Total Capacity||512 GB|
|Graphics Card Model - Integrated||Intel UHD Graphics 620|
|Graphics Card Type||Integrated|
|Network Bluetooth Type||4.0|
|Network Wireless Type||b/g/n/ac|
|Ports & Interfaces|
|USB 3.0 (3.1 Gen 1) Type-C Ports||1|
|USB 3.0/3.1 (Gen 1) Type-A Ports||2|
|Camera Resolution||1280 x 720 pixels|
|Operating System Architecture||64 Bit|
|Operating System Name||Microsoft Windows|
|Operating System Version||Windows 10 Pro|
|Battery Life||8 hours|
|Weight & Dimensions|
|Dimesnsions - Depth||22.8 cm|
|Dimesnsions - Height||1.49 cm|
|Dimesnsions - Width||32.9 cm|


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THE BROOK STAGLES WE SHOULD TRY TO REMEMBER
Photos of Brook Stagles, the little girl whose death prompted proposed reforms to child protective services in Monroe County, lined the entryway of Christ the King Church, which hosted a memorial service one year after her death.
Brook died on November 14, 2016 from a ruptured intestine, caused by a punch. She was pale, vomiting and feverish for days before she finally got the medical care she needed. Brook was three years old.
These photos show Brook smiling, playful and seeming happy. That’s how her grandfather John Geer wants Brook to be remembered, not as the badly abused toddler whose short life tugged at the heartstrings of people across Rochester and beyond.
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Melon And Parma Ham Cunts
- Cantaloupe melon
- Parma ham
- one grape
Cut two slices of melon and place flat on
a dish in an "O" shape. Fill the gap
between the melon slices with strips of
Parma ham, try to ruffle the ham up a bit
rather than lying it flat.
Place a grape at the far end of the melon
gap. Surround the melon with cress.
Optional - for special occasions (say,
once a month) cover the ham with
raspberry syrup and decorate with a
white candle (preferably with a long wick).
- 1 lb. owl pieces - bite sized
- 1 large onion - chopped
- 1 piece of fresh ginger (about 1") - chopped fine
- 3 cloves of garlic- -crushed or chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cardamoms
- 3 cloves
- 3 black peppercorns
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1 1/2 tsp.turmeric
- 1 1/2 tsp.danea (ground coriander)
- 1/4 tsp. geera (ground cumin)
- 1/4 tsp. chilli powder
- 1/4 tsp. curry powder
- 1 tbsp. Oil
- Fresh coriander
Fry the onions until soft, then add the garlic, ginger and salt.
Brown the owl pieces and add to the onions, together with
the cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves and cardamoms.
Add 1/2 a cup of water, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add all the remaining spices (except the coriander) and a
little more water and simmer for a further 10 - 15 minutes until
the owl is tender. Just before serving, stir in a handful
of fresh, chopped coriander. Serve with Basmati rice and/or a
crisp green salad
Alternative Option: If owl is unavailable a suitable substitute is chicken.
Baked Bean And Lager Daiquiri
- Tin baked beans
- Can lager
- White rum
- Crushed ice
Bung it all in a tall glass and try and spruce it up a bit with a bendy straw.
Get your own personalised Shite poem here
This is where the authors and readers hang out
Find out things about yourself that you never even knew.


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TIVOLI, Italy — Villa d’Este, masterpiece of the Italian garden, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lay Centre residents visited the garden, as well as Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), both in Tivoli, northeast of Rome, last Sunday on their annual spring day trip.
With its impressive fountains, nymph statues, grottos, plays of water and music, Villa d’Este is a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and baroque styles.
Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, after the disappointment of a failed bid for the papacy, brought the splendor of the courts of Ferrara, Rome and Fontainebleau to Villa d’Este.
As governor of Tivoli from 1550, he immediately nurtured the idea of realizing a garden in the hanging cliffs of the “Valle gaudente,” but it was only after 1560 that his architectural and iconographic program became clear.
The cardinal also revived the magnificence of Hadrian’s Villa nearby. The latter is a second-century archeological complex. Roman Emperor Hadrian, who disliked the city of Rome, had the villa built as his residence; he then ruled the empire from Tivoli.

domain: geography


"Can you hear me now?" will no longer be the question in the Prairie State. Gov. Bruce Rauner was loud and clear Thursday when announcing the Small Wireless Facilities Development Act, which he signed with Republican lawmakers at this side.
An anti-abuse advocate who accused former Senate Majority Caucus Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) of sexual harassment is asking the lawmaker's constituents to do what he and his colleagues have refused to do – remove him from the Senate.


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The snapback is real! Blac Chyna looked phenomenal as she hung out in Miami and headed to a yacht, and she wasn’t alone.
The beauty wasn’t with a mystery man though, so Rob Kardashian can breathe a sigh of relief. She was spotted with fellow vixen Lira Galore, who was one engaged to Rick Ross.
She kept her outfit simple and sexy, wearing a black lace minidress and high heels, showing off her sexy tattoos. Lira was a but brighter in a pale blue ensemble.
As OK! readers know, Rob and Chyna split earlier this year, shortly after having daughter Dream, and it doesn’t look like they’re getting back together.
Chy looks unbothered though!
What are your thoughts on her outfit? Let us know in the comments section.

domain: entertainment


Friday, August 30, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
|Verbatim screengrab of yesterday's Chicago Tribune, though I blocked out the advertising.|
The problem with the instant dissemination of information through countless channels to a kajillion people is that often this information is wrong* or the opinions surrounding are half thought out and reactionary instead of trying to make sense of anything.** This week has seen lot of this sort of activity—hilariously simultaneously parodied and captured 100% accurately by Scott—and it's got me thinking we should impost a moratorium on reactions of at least a few hours if not a full day. Think of how less cluttered, more thought-out and wonderful world this would be!***
*See "selfie" and "tweak" in the Oxford English Dictionary. Oh wait, YOU CAN'T BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT IN THERE.
**Even I am guilty of this at times and need to better follow my own advice in those cases, but take for for instance the Miley Cyrus thing from a few days ago and notice I waited until the next day to parse it out and write anything about it because I thought raw indignation and bandwagon-jumping did no one any good.
***My biggest beef is with all the media outlets that are getting things more and more wrong because they want to be the first to comment or break a story and get those page views and "damn, we'll just correct it later if it's wrong, what matters right now is the traffic.
Posted by Tankboy at 5:35 AM
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Hey everybody, did you hear Chicago was in the middle of a heat wave! It's been trumpeted from the mountaintops (read: area newscasts) since last week and oooooh is it a scorcher! It last exactly two days and—outside an at times uncomfortable humidity yesterday—it wasn't much of a heat wave! In fact I made it to and from work every day without looking like I had just taken a shower. In a real and genuine heat wave would have been impossible.
The only thing the local media git right is that summer isn't over ... yet.
Posted by Tankboy at 6:11 AM
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Guess what I'm watching right now? I am SO glad I got into the comics years before they made a movie, otherwise I'd have a completely different nickname.
Though I still maintain Lori and Naomi make a mighty fine Tank Girl and Jet Girl. It's not their fault the script (and effects) were just, well, not good.
Posted by Tankboy at 10:29 PM
Monday, August 26, 2013
|Photo from Miley Cyrus' Facebook page|
I saw Miley Cyrus' performance on the Video Music Awards* last night and while everyone else thinks the girl's either lost it or flopped horribly I think she did exactly what she expected to do: be ridiculous. Her whole thing right now is "just be Miley" and Miley is still a kooky teenager. I'm not convinced she was trying to push any boundaries last night; I'm pretty sure she just wanted to be goofy and succeeded.
While some of the folks sharing the stage with her were trying to be "sexy" it appears Cyrus just decided to throw that option out the window, thus making every other person on that stage look fake, plastic and practiced. Look, she completely emasculated Robin Thicke, first by taking a subservient position and making it look ridiculous and then proceeding to basically goose the guy in front of millions of viewers, and I thought that was hilarious.
On top of that, Cyrus' performance made Lady GaGa look positively staid. That takes a lot of chutzpah to pull off.
So go ahead and act shocked and mutter to yourself and that jazz, but for my money Cyrus was the only thing even close to punk and / or rock and / or roll on last night's broadcast.
*Let's even ask the existential question circling whether this show should even exist or not, given that MTV stopped playing music videos long ago.
Posted by Tankboy at 7:04 AM
Friday, August 23, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
I used to hate emoticons. Despised them. Railed against them. Avoided them at all costs. But over the past few years they began to creep into my emails and texts. I realized that many folks I had professional relationships with utilized them to try and offset writing that came across as, um, angry. It was a passive-aggressive thing and it irked me, but I realized that if I insisted on not using emoticons many of my own writing might be misinterpreted.
"But you're a writer. If you're misinterpreted isn't that a fault of your writing?"
Well, yes. Unless people aren't reading what you write. When I compose emails, and even texts, I try and be very precise and sometimes that means painting nuance into the message. But many folks don't read everything you write and many don't make it past the first sentence or two, so in order to offset behavior I couldn't dictate I began to speak in the patois of the professional class: short emails with emoticons.
My current gigs—9-to-5 and side—are populated by close readers but I still throw emoticons into my writing. (And let's not even get into the emoji discussion.) In my opinion they've just become part of our shared language in electronic writing. I use them earnestly and honestly: when I put a smiley face at the end of a sentence it's not passive-aggressive, it just means I'm smiling as I write it and mean well.
What has this tough me? Once I said I would "never" use emoticons and now I do and don't feel badly about it. The overall lesson is to not dictate your own future behavior with any air of finality* because opinions change as we grow. Thus endeth the Mr. Rogers lesson for today.
*Except for my "no high-fives" rule. That one's sticking. Maybe.
Posted by Tankboy at 8:12 AM
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
In high school my friend Mike Weber and I had grand plans for animating a movie—probably in a sci-fi fantasy vein—but we never got further than character design. The idea of hand-drawing all those cels, because of course that was my job while Mike would handle the camera work, was just too daunting. Perhaps if we'd seen this movie we'd have approached it differently and actually gotten something done!
Posted by Tankboy at 9:44 AM
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
|See? You gotta relax!|
How mundane is this retelling?
But that's kind of my point. Sometimes mundane is good. I'm finally starting to understand I can't experience everything all of the time, so in order to really appreciate everything I do experience I now need some occasional downtime.
The funny thing is I know this but have to periodically remind myself that it's still a truth I need to adhere to. Rationally you know a diet of ice cream* isn't going to do you any favors but that doesn't mean that, left to your own devices, you would eat nothing but ice cream—until you finally ate so much ice cream it makes you sick.
I'm older now but when I was younger I could eat a lot more ice cream before I got sick. Sometimes I forget that age brings some limitations. So now I try to keep the notion of spreading out the joy top of mind so I don't overdo it. Based on last weekend this is still a work in progress but adjusting next weekend's plans well ahead of time shows that some of this lesson might actually be making it into my thick skull before I overdo it.
*Technically Little Debbie's Swiss Cake Rolls would be a more apropos treat if we're talking about my own tendency to overindulge, but ice cream is more universally understandable so I'm going with that.
Posted by Tankboy at 6:27 PM
Monday, August 19, 2013
|GalPal is stoked!|
Our weekend was bookended by trips to Parson's Chicken & Fish—a Chicago joint that has really found its stride and is everything ambience-wise Big Star ended up failing at—so it begin and ended on high notes. In-between those visits we fit in visits to some of the final games of the Kup Softball League (where local media teams from various publications compete against each other), beers and esoterica from Mirabell (now a joint GalPal wants to return to in order to sample their food menu), burgers at Revolution Brewery … oh, and seats behind the visitor dugout at a Cubs vs. Cardinals baseball game.
Yeah, not a bad weekend at all.
Posted by Tankboy at 6:41 PM
Friday, August 16, 2013
|Other local fans of music! Photo by me.|
Actually, one of the best things about surrounding yourself with local music lovers is constantly discovering new gems in your backyard. Chicago's scene is vast and deep and I think it's terrific there are always new bands to get excited about. I'm glad I don't know every single one out there already because then I wouldn't get to enjoy the feel of discovery when someone turns me onto yet another excellent find.
Some people find a constant stream of new music overwhelming, but I never get tired of it.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
|My editor at work.**|
I do organize what I'm going to say, but it's usually all in my head up until the time I actually start writing, so it just pours out of me. Even if I haven't done it consciously, my brain has already connected with my subconscious to hammer out at least the outline of what I'm going to write. And then it just comes out.
Am I lucky? Am I just wired that way? After so many years is it just so much personal training and rigor that it's just become second nature?* Was I just born to write? Am I in a constant state of synthesis that's converting stimuli into a waiting pool of reserve copy? Who knows?
I'm not going to complain about it.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The Chicago music scene and what is on the rise and what is on the decline and what it means to write about something critically.
|Archie Powell & the Exports, just a rock band in Chicago|
So our conversation then centered on the fallacy that Chicago rap is in a golden age popularity-wise while Chicago rock has fallen into a slumber and fallowed. My Chicagoist colleague Jon already put together a nice playlist of Chicago rock that's on the rise and I think it proves quite nicely that the scene is alive and well and thriving. Is it blowing up the blogosphere? Perhaps not, but in the case of 99.9% of younger bands I would say this is a good thing that leads to deeper development and maturity of music instead of burning out an unproven group under the magnesium flare that is the aughts version of fame.
|Chance the Rapper|
Even the local DJ scene is showing signs of strain as promoters have over saturated the market and the club scene has slowed down considerably in relation to just five years ago.
So not only do I disagree with Ernest Wilkins' claim that "there isn’t currently a new crop of rock bands coming out of Chicago," I would argue that the Chicago rock scene is unusually healthy and growing ever stronger in an organic fashion. I also think it's incredibly varied with strong offerings from just about every corner—metal, pop, country, indie, blah de blah de blah—many of whom play on bills beside each other, in my mind a further testament to the health and vitality of the scene.
In the end I think that the lists and observations that have come under fire have done so for the simple reason that the writers of those pieces weren't occupying a critical and balanced perspective; they were only writing from their own experience. And while that's well and fine I think it also displays quite neatly the difference between a=n actual critic and a web personality with a pulpit.
* I won't even directly comment on Angela Hazen's list since I think her biography does a good job of saying all that needs to be said on that subject.
Angela Hazen lives in Oak Park, IL. She has worked as a model in Chicago and studied broadcast journalism at Columbia College Chicago. She has traveled to Europe on several occasions, and keeps her readers up to date with local and international style, shopping, fashion and beauty trends. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.** Download Acid Rap NOW.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
|A photo I took of Nine Inch Nails in 2008|
Then I thought about the fact that Pretty Hate Machine is two decades old and what kind of music did I listen to as a teenager looking to unleash my own feelings of alienation? Who were my primary go-to bands? David Bowie, Pink Floyd and The Who; all three of those bands helped me survive the terrible teens. And yes, I liked contemporary acts (especially when I discovered a little band named Jane's Addiction who had just released their debut and sounded like everything I had in my head and didn't know it) but the ones that stuck around the longest were all, yup, two decades plus into their (mostly over at that time) careers.** Which basically means it's time for me to face the inevitable, and that is that most of the bands I count as contemporaries as far as my teenage years and early twenties are now, irrefutably, classic rock.
You would think that makes me feel old, but it actually fills me with genuine happiness. You see, it proves that good music is truly timeless and can elicit fresh emotions from a brand new audience long after its creation. And that's what I saw happening during the Nine Inch Nails set at Lollapalooza.
Long live rock.
* I could, and may, do a whole piece on just how revolutionary Nine Inch Nails was when they came onto the scene. The Industrial genre was fully formed, but something about Reznor's ability to take savagery and machines and add funk and melody set him apart from everyone. It's not an exaggeration to say his was a visionary voice in its ability to synthesize all his various influences—internal and external—and create bona fide pop songs that sounded like nothing else out there at the time. of course this aside basically answers my primary question in the piece above at a more basic level than my 35,000 foot observation.
** The Who hadn't reunited after the unfortunate Kenney Jones phase of their career. Pink Floyd was in the midst of a million internal lawsuits. David Bowie was on licking his sounds and had turned to Tin Machine in the aftermath of his Glass Spider fiasco. So what I'm saying is that aside from Bowie—and I am one of the few that genuinely loved Tin Machine—none of my holy trio were particularly timely.
Posted by Tankboy at 12:40 PM
Monday, August 12, 2013
Some friends of mine have a party at their family's house every summer. I missed the last few years but heard that this year's shindig might be the final one so I made a last minute decision to rent a car and head up there with GalPal. And I am so glad I did because it was wonderful seeing old friends—some whom I haven't even had a real conversation with in over a decade—and just simply have a good time. I'm not always the best at keeping in touch with people so events like this, ones I admit I probably skip more often than I should, are important to me.
I am so glad I decided to go.
Posted by Tankboy at 6:27 AM
Friday, August 09, 2013
The BEST part though? I'm already Mayor of the joint on Foursquare. Woo hoo!
P.S. They're still hiring for a few positions, both creative and account, so shoot me a message and I'll send you the listings. I would definitely endorse working here.
Posted by Tankboy at 6:16 PM
Thursday, August 08, 2013
My little brother mentioned that today marked the ninth anniversary since my dad passed away so I dug though my old posts to see how I was doing at that time. In retrospect my initial thoughts on him passing hold up just as stingily today as they did then. Also, Jesus Christ, has it really been nine years already? It doesn't seem that long ago.
I hope I'm still making him proud of me.
Posted by Tankboy at 7:59 AM
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
I strongly recommend you read GalPal's thoughts about the past weekend and the deeper discoveries it awoke within her. It takes some of the stuff I've ben struggling with to express (Me? I know!) and puts it into words perfectly. Read it.
Posted by Tankboy at 8:37 AM
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
I started my new 9-to-5 today and I couldn't be more excited. The day began with the usual angst over what to wear to make that first impression to the office at large to that slight panic when you realize you have no idea what to do that subsides once you remember the last time you had a first day on a new job and the same thing happened only to lead into one of the most valuable phases of your professional career. By 5 p.m. all of those first-day-jitters had dispersed and were replaced with the certainty I was in the right place and the excitement of what is ahead of me!
Posted by Tankboy at 6:40 PM
Monday, August 05, 2013
|Two Door Cinema Club at Lollapalooza. Photo by me.|
We're exhausted. Three—well four if you count the fact everything for me started Thursday—straight days of non-stop music and late night events has me tuckered out! Oddly my personal highlights all occurred after the daytime activities with an amazing Thermals show in a tiny club on Friday, a set by Salt-N-Pepa at a party Saturday and getting to see the final (ever) Postal Service show on Sunday.
Here's the full rundown by me and the other writers bold enough to tackle the fest with me!
Lollapalooza Day One: Yup, It's Massive
Lollapalooza Day Two: The Highs And The Lows
Lollapalooza Day Three: Everything Must End
And here, for your viewing pleasure, a video I shot (and got permission to post) of The Postal Service performing the last song they will every play live.
Posted by Tankboy at 5:23 PM
Friday, August 02, 2013
Thursday, August 01, 2013
GalPal and I don't have an anniversary per se, since our getting together took a while, but we tend to use Lollapalooza as our focal point since it was that weekend that we just realized it was inevitable that we would be together. However we DO know the exact day we actually met in person since Jessica Hopper was there to chronicle the whole thing.
Wow, can you believe that was five years ago?
Wow, can you believe that was five years ago?
Posted by Tankboy at 3:18 PM


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The online casino has become a billion-dollar industry. Online casino operators are continually offering entertainment & gambling service from every single part of the world. medanqq is one of the most popular online casinos that are offering a bonus and a variety of other important things to the users. A lot of people totally depend on the online casinos that are convenient because you will able to play your favourite casino games anytime & anywhere. Majority of the folks prefer to play the casino games from the comfort of their house. Online casinos come with a great gaming catalogue. Therefore, it is one of the best places where you will able to place the bet on your favourite game.
Make sure that you are choosing a game that suits your style. You will have to opt for the right online casino game that will help you in making a lot of money. Following are four potential advantages of online gambling.
- Regular offers
If you have created an account at an online gambling website, then you will able to get lots of rewards & additional cash in terms of the bonus. This bonus is proven to be great that will enable you to play your favourite game. It will surely increase the bankroll. Therefore, if you are new in the world of online casino, then it would be better to initiate with casino bonus that will help you in making a considerable amount of money.
- Unlimited banking options
Nothing is better than an online casino that is offering a variety of deposit and withdrawal options. You should always opt for a method that suits best. Majority of the online casinos are offering additional offer upon using these kinds of services. If possible, then you should opt for the right online casino that will able to offer a lot of benefits to you.
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A slot machine or table games will enable you to accumulate the reward points. You will able to make the use of these points in placing the bet. Online casino is one of the great platforms that is offering the freedom to play your favourite game at the level you want. However, traditional online casinos always come with a lot of strict limitations. If you are a beginner in the world of online casino, then you should opt for the free version that will enable you to learn so many important things about a game.
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You should have a Smartphone or computer where you will able to play your favourite casino game with ease. Majority of the people prefer to play their favourite casino game at the comfort of their home—all you need to manage the bankroll and play your favourite game.
The Final verdict
Nothing is better than online casinos that are offering these benefits to the users. It is one of the great places where you can make a huge amount of money with ease. A person can also participate in the live tournaments where you can create interaction with professional casino players.

domain: hobby


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Settle in for eight days of leisurely sailing across the sea when you embark on the Costa Fortuna from Rio and back again.
This trip is special because you will only stop in very uncommon stops like Ilha Grande and Ilhabela. This route is a rare one for the Fortuna, But February is the most popular month to sail it.
The price is the total you pay, no sneaky extra fees. With a cost of under $135 a day, this bargain is.
The Fortuna, based in South America and refurbished less than five years ago in 2018, is the namesake of Costa's Fortuna class and can house over 2,600 travelers.
The Fortuna offers a casino, a solarium, a gym, a spa, five jacuzzis, and four pools.
This graph displays the price over time for the various types of cabin. Since being listed ten months ago, the price of this itinerary has remained stable at $1,041. Now this sailing is at its minimum price, so secure your cabin now before it rises.
|$130.12 per day||$152.62 per day||$170.12 per day||$268.25 per day|
|Book Now||Book Now||Book Now||Book Now|
This sailing includes three days at sea and four days in port. Highlights include visits to extremely rare ports like Ilha Grande and Ilhabela as well as a long stop in Buenos Aires.
|Fri, Feb 17||Rio de Janeiro, Brazil||8:00pm|
|Sat, Feb 18||Ilha Grande, Brazil||8:00am||6:00pm|
|Sun, Feb 19||Ilhabela, Brazil||8:00am||2:00pm|
|Mon, Feb 20||At Sea|
|Tue, Feb 21||Montevideo, Uruguay||1:00pm||7:00pm|
|Wed, Feb 22||Buenos Aires, Argentina||8:00am||7:00pm|
|Thu, Feb 23||At Sea|
|Fri, Feb 24||At Sea|
|Sat, Feb 25||Rio de Janeiro, Brazil||10:00am|
The Fortuna sails this route three times this year. No other ship sails this exact same route. In the accompanying graphic you can see a visualization of when this ship sails as well as the relative price.


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Table of Contents
- What is the VA Loan Limit?
- How to Apply for a VA Home Loan?
- What is the Median Home Price?
- What are the VA Appraisal Fees?
- Do I need Flood Insurance?
- How do I learn about Property Taxes?
- What is the Population?
- What are the major cities?
- About Benton County
- Veteran Information
- Apply for a VA Home Loan
- VA Approved Condos
What is the VA Loan Limit?
2021 VA Home Loan Limit: $0 down payment up to $5,000,000* (subject to lender limits) /2 open VA loans at one time $548,250 (Call 877-432-5626 for details).
How to Apply for a VA Home Loan?
This is a quick look at how to apply for a VA home loan in Benton county. For a more detailed overview of the VA home loan process, check out our complete guide on how to apply for a VA home loan. Here, we’ll go over the general steps to getting a VA home loan and point out some things to pay attention to in Benton County. If you have any questions, you can call us at VA HLC and we’ll help you get started.
- Get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Give us a call at (877) 432-5626 and we’ll get your COE for you.
- Are you applying for a refinance loan? Check out our complete guide to VA Refinancing.
- Get pre-approved, to get pre-approved for a loan, you’ll need:
- Previous two years of W2s
- Most recent 30 days paystubs or LES (active duty)
- Most recent 60 days bank statements
- Landlord and HR/Payroll Department contact info
- Find a home
- We can help you check whether the home is in one of the Benton County flood zones
- Get the necessary inspections
- Termite inspection: required
- Well or septic inspections needed, if applicable
- Get the home appraised
- We can help you find a VA-Certified appraiser in Benton County and schedule the process
- Construction loan note: Construction permit/appraisal info
- Building permit
- Elevation certificate
- Lock in your interest rates
- Pro tip: Wait until the appraisal to lock in your loan rates. If it turns out you need to make repairs, it can push your closing back. Then you can get stuck paying rate extension fees.
- Close the deal and get packing!
- You’re ready to go.
What is the Median Home Price?
As of January 31, 2021, the median home value for Benton County is $234,259. In addition, the median household income for residents of the county is $66,362.
How much are the VA Appraisal Fees?
- Single-Family: $500.
- Individual Condo: $500.
- Manufactured Homes: $550.
- 2-4 Unit Multi-Family: $550.
- Appraisal Turnaround Times: 10 days.
Do I need Flood Insurance?
- The VA requires properties are required to have flood insurance if they are in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
- In Benton County, there are some minimal flood hazard areas along the east side, especially at the zones surrounding Little Osage Creek and McKisisc Creek, which extends to the north in some areas in the city of Centerton.
How do I learn about Property Taxes?
- Roderick Grieve is the Benton County tax assessor. His office can be reached at 215 E. Central Ave. Bentonville, Arkansas, 72712. Also, Roderick’s office can be reached by calling (479)-271-1033.
- In the Arkansas State Constitution, Amendment 79, there is a provision for a Homestead Property Tax Credit of up to $375 for qualifying properties. This credit reduces the amount of real property taxes for the qualifying property. For the property to be eligible, it must be the homeowner’s primary and principal place of residence. Furthermore, residents over the age of 65 can qualify for a Tax Freeze, which means that the Tax values can be frozen or will not increase over the years.
What is the Population?
- Benton County’s population is 279,141, which has increased 26% over the last decade. Moreover, demographically speaking, 72% of the population is White, with 17% made up of the Hispanic community, and 4% are Asian.
- Most county residents are between 18 and 65 years old, with 26% under 18 years old and 13% older than 65.
- In total, the county has about 97,249 households, with an average of two people per household.
What are the major cities?
The county has 15 cities, including the city of Bentonville, which serves as the county seat. The town of Twelve Corners contains one of the oldest established Baptist churches in Benton County. Benton County has kept its blend of small-town and Midwestern, Western, and Southern vibe.
About Benton County
Benton County, Colorado is famous for its historical architectural sites, including the stunning Peel Mansion Museum, along with the Heritage Gardens. When people visit this landmark, they feel as if they were in an Italian villa right away.
Interestingly, Bentonville is famous as the world’s mountain biking capital. For example, only a block away from downtown, there is immediate access to the best rides and bike trails. In fact, there are more than trails that extend for forty miles, and another 150 are regional bike trails networks for the adventurous and nature enthusiasts.
Moreover, Bentonville has events for every interest. It hosts all the community events every year, such as farmers’ markets and live music in many locations throughout the city. Besides, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s Art hosts a night event every year, and our world-class chefs offer extraordinary dining experiences.
Furthermore, Art plays a vital role in Bentonville’s attractiveness since it offers a variety and one-of-a-kind experiences to discover distinguished art. In fact, Momentary is a brand-new contemporary art space in the 8th street market district.
Benton County is known as a military town with a current veteran population of 15,349.
- Benton County is home to five VFW Post
- Post 8109 Wood-Hall Post – 1136 North Curtis Avenue, Pea Ridge, Arkansas 72751.
- Post 3031 Wallis and Witcher Post – 11160 North Old Wire Road, Rogers, Arkansas 72756.
- Post 9834 Howard-Parrish Post – 8245 North Tilley Road, Decatur, Arkansas 72722.
- Post 2952 Raymond A. Alstott Post – PO Box 6154, Springdale, Arkansas 72766.
- Post 1674 Levi Douthit Post – 830 South Lincoln Street, Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761.
- VA Medical Centers in the county:
- John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital – 4300 West 7th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.
- County Veteran Assistance Information
- Benton County Veteran’s Services – 1204 SW 14th Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.
VA Home Loan Information
- For more information about VA Home Loans and how to apply, click here.
- If you meet the VA’s eligibility requirements, you will be able to enjoy some of the best government-guaranteed home loans available.
- VA loans can finance the construction of a property. However, the property must be owned and prepared for construction as the VA cannot ensure vacant land loans.
VA Approved Condos
|Name (ID): ARBORS AT PINNACLE RIDGE (000001)|
ROGERS AR 72758
Status: Accepted Without Conditions
Request Received Date: 11/21/2010
Review Completion Date: 12/26/2010
|Name (ID): WATEROAK CONDOMINIUMS (000019)|
Address: 9037 N PARK RD
ROGERS AR 72756
Status: Accepted Without Conditions
Request Received Date: 06/18/2018
Review Completion Date: 07/18/2018


text:
Michael Vincent Michaud Jewelry - Geopebbles Pendant
Shown here is the Geopebbles Pendant by Michael Vincent Michaud. Cast in bronze with layers of gold and silver and accented with hand cast glass, the contrast in colors really make this necklace pop. Adjustable from 16-17" in length with the center stone measures 1-1/4 at it's widest point.
Item # 319-5063P


The Virginia men's basketball program signed forward Francesco Badocchi to a national letter of intent, head coach Tony Bennett announced Thursday. Badocchi, a native of Milan, Italy, will join the Cavaliers for the 2017-18 season.
"Francesco is a talented forward with good length and athleticism," Bennett said in a statement. "He and his family value education, and I know Francesco's excited about playing at U.Va. and competing in the ACC."
The 6-foot-7, 195-pound Badocchi averaged 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks as Bishop Miege High School in Mission, Kan., which won its second straight Class 4A Division I championship in 2016-17.
Badocchi earned tournament MVP honors after scoring 21 points in the Stags' final win over McPherson. He also earned Class 4A All-State first-team honors. He received All-State honorable-mention honors as a junior in 2016 as Bishop Miege won its first of back-to-back titles.
David Hall, 757-446-2376, email@example.com Follow @DavidHallVP on Twitter.


"To Dance!" is a tribute to dancers everywhere.
YOU, FASCINATING YOU will premiere in 2015.
Book and lyrics: Germaine Shames.
Music: Federico Ferrandina.
Adapted from the eponymous novel awarded "Editor's Choice" by the Historical Novel Society (http://germainewrites.com)
Posted on: December 12, 2014 by Germaine ShamesLocation: from the musical YOU, FASCINATING YOU


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Thinking they're about to crash, Emma spills her secrets to a stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger...Until she later meets Jack, her company's young CEO, who now knows every humiliating detail about her. Based on the blockbuster NYT bestseller.
Jodi, the tallest girl in her high school, has always felt uncomfortable in her own skin. But after years of slouching, being made fun of, and avoiding attention at all costs, Jodi finally decides to find the confidence to stand tall.
Kat Emerson could really use a Christmas miracle. The aspiring singer-songwriter may have big dreams, but she has even bigger problems. Treated like a servant by her vain stepmother and ... See full summary »
Sarah Hyland and Anna Camp have both acted with Adam Devine. Sarah played his girlfriend in Modern Family (2009), whilst Anna has acted with him in Pitch Perfect (2012) and its sequel Pitch Perfect 2 (2015). See more »
This film tells the story of a new couple who goes to seven weddings in a year.
The film is just so sweet and fun! There is just every element in it to make it work. There is a pretty girl, beautiful clothes, upbeat music, dancing, parties, and the obligatory gay best friend. The weddings adds to the main leads' romance, rather than distract, which is quite a feat. I enjoyed watching this very much.
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Students in Service Club will not only assist Ms. O’Grady in organizing and promoting Spirit Days once a month but will also learn about the value of community service and serve as our “go to” students for community outreach. Students will research organizations and causes that affect our community and develop action plans for how our school can make a difference.
Grade Range: 6th – 8th
Time and Date: Full Year, Tuesday 3-4pm
Moderator: Ms. O’Grady
Moderator Contact: firstname.lastname@example.org

domain: sociology


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Talk of a "free market" alternative is replaced with "personalized accounts for the next generation that cannot be raided."
Still, that careful rebranding will be complicated by comments she made Friday, when she apparently referred to Chile as a model for privatizing social security in the future, according to a short AP write-up.
For their part, Democrats are intent on convincing voters that Republicans want to privatize the whole system.
"Republicans are dead set on privatizing or eliminating Social Security to please their Wall Street backers," said Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee National Press Secretary Deirdre Murphy." Democrats will continue to stand up for our seniors and call out Republicans who want to leave them high and dry."
Of course, most Republicans do not want to fully privatize social security. And Democrats, by and large, are in search of something to talk about other than the persistently bad economy.
"Democrats are trying to get every republican on the record, pledging something that they can take to seniors to tell them republicans want to or do away with, or privatize social security," said Nathan Gonzales, Political Editor at the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report.
But he said changing the subject from the economy will be challenging.
"Most voters are concerned about the current economic situation rather than a hypothetical social security situation," he said.
With the President's bipartisan debt reduction commission mulling what changes in the entitlement system to suggest, progressive groups are concerned that the threat to social security from a deficit trimming-Congress is not hypothetical.
But for some progressive activists, no change is acceptable.
To proposals of changing the retirement age, they say it would adversely affect blue collar workers. "There is a class bias in that," said Robert Borsage, of the Campaign for America's Future.
"For people who are using their bodies instead of their minds, a lot of them are limping to get to retirement at 62, much less 70," he said.
If the groups are successful in drawing enough Democrats to pledge absolutely no cuts to social security, it could very well confound the President's own debt commission.


Second Lady Karen Pence unveiled a beehive at the Naval Observatory, the vice presidential residence in Washington, D.C., Tuesday.
The small hive of 20,000 honey bees is part of a push to bring attention to the importance of pollinators and beekeepers’ struggle to keep their hives alive over the past few years.
“All types of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, birds and bats, are critical to providing our nation’s food, fiber, fuel and medicine,” Pence said. “However, our beekeepers have been losing colonies for many years. This presents a serious challenge to our ability to produce many of the agricultural products that we enjoy today.”
Pence installed a hive at the Indiana governor’s residence in 2014, after her husband Mike Pence was elected governor of the state.
Experts are at a loss to pinpoint the exact cause of the sudden decline in bee populations known as colony collapse disorder, but have attributed it a combination of parasites and pests, transportation of bees, exposure to pesticides, and poor nutrition.
Beekeepers started worrying about their bees mysteriously dying or disappearing more than 10 years ago. Some beekeepers reported that 90 percent of their colonies died in 2006, due in part to malicious fungi and parasitic mites. In its first comprehensive report on bee populations, the USDA said the total bee population declined 17 percent between January 2015 and January 2016.
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, who spoke at the unveiling of the hive, said it the Department of Agriculture is “leading the way in research to help out our pollinator friends.”
Perdue declared the week of June 19 National Pollinator Week to recognize the importance of honey bee health. “Most farmers and consumers have no better friends and few harder workers than the honey bee, as more than one-third of all U.S. crop production requires insect pollination,” Perdue said Tuesday.
“But our honeybee population has been losing ground at an alarming rate. The problem represents a diverse mix of challenges requiring a wide range of solutions.”
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Pf030638.jpg (330 × 480 pixel, file size: 29 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg)
Image from the Minnesota Historical Society
- Dr. Charles Horace Mayo operating at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
- Photograph Collection 1913
- Location no. R1.1 r9
- Negative no. 4750
Click on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time.
|(current)||21:03, 2 May 2007||Hooverjp (Talk | contribs)||330×480||29 KB||mass import|
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The well-being and safety of students are paramount concerns in educational institutions. Over the years, schools have implemented various measures to ensure that students thrive in a secure and conducive learning environment. However, the emergence of vaping among teenagers has presented a new challenge that requires innovative solutions. Vaping, the act of inhaling aerosolized substances through electronic cigarettes or vape pens, poses health risks and disrupts the educational process.
To combat this growing issue, vape detectors designed for schools have been introduced to promote healthy learning spaces. In this article, we will delve into the importance of vape detectors in educational settings, their functionality, and the benefits they bring to schools.
- The Vaping Epidemic in Schools
- The Challenge for Schools
- Vape Detectors: A Vital Solution
- Benefits of Vape Detectors in Schools
- Implementing Vape Detectors in Schools
The Vaping Epidemic in Schools
The vaping epidemic has become a pressing concern for schools across the globe. Teenagers are increasingly drawn to e-cigarettes, flavored vape juices, and discreet vape pens. The numbers are alarming, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that over 5.4 million middle and high school students in the U.S. used e-cigarettes in 2019. This marked increase from previous years highlights the urgent need for effective measures to address this trend.
The consequences of vaping in schools are multifaceted. It not only endangers students’ health but also disrupts the educational process. The odors and visible clouds produced by vaping can create distractions in classrooms, hallways, and even restrooms. Additionally, vaping devices are often used to ingest substances other than nicotine, such as marijuana and synthetic drugs, further compounding the issue.
The Challenge for Schools
Schools have faced the challenging task of detecting and preventing vaping incidents. Traditional methods, such as manual inspections and surveillance cameras, have proven inadequate due to the discreet nature of vaping devices and the sheer number of areas that need monitoring. School staff cannot be omnipresent, making it difficult to identify and address vaping occurrences promptly.
Moreover, the enforcement of strict anti-vaping policies often relies on eyewitness accounts or physical evidence, leaving room for disputes and inconsistent enforcement. This approach not only consumes valuable time and resources but may also result in disparities in discipline.
Vape Detectors: A Vital Solution
To address the vaping epidemic in schools, technology companies have developed vape detectors tailored for educational settings. These systems employ advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics to detect vaping incidents in real-time, offering a proactive approach to campus safety.
How Vape Detectors Work
Vape detectors in schools rely on a network of strategically placed sensors within school buildings. These sensors are capable of detecting various components associated with vaping, including the chemicals in vape aerosol, temperature changes, and sound anomalies. When a sensor detects suspicious activity, it triggers an immediate alert that is sent to school administrators and security personnel.
What sets vape detectors apart is their adaptability and seamless integration into existing security and surveillance systems. By working alongside other safety measures already in place, such as fire alarms and security cameras, vape detectors ensure comprehensive protection.
Real-Time Alerts and Reporting
One of the primary advantages of vape detector technology is its ability to provide real-time alerts. When a vaping incident is detected, school administrators and security personnel receive instant notifications. This enables them to respond swiftly and effectively, minimizing disruptions to the learning environment.
Moreover, vape detector for schools systems typically include robust reporting and data analytics features. Schools can access detailed information on vaping incidents, including their location, time, and frequency. This valuable data is instrumental in implementing targeted interventions and assessing the effectiveness of anti-vaping initiatives.
Benefits of Vape Detectors in Schools
Implementing vape detectors in schools offers a range of benefits that contribute to the overall safety and well-being of students and staff.
The mere presence of vape detectors serves as a powerful deterrent to students who may otherwise be tempted to vape on school premises. The knowledge that vaping is actively monitored sends a clear message that it is not tolerated, discouraging students from attempting to vape.
2. Rapid Response
With real-time alerts, school staff can respond swiftly to vaping incidents. This enables them to intervene, educate students about the risks of vaping, and enforce school policies effectively.
3. Data-Driven Decision-Making
Vape detector systems provide valuable data that can inform school policies and interventions. Schools can identify vaping hotspots, patterns, and trends, allowing for targeted measures to address the issue effectively.
4. Protecting Student Health
By preventing and addressing vaping incidents promptly, schools can protect the health and well-being of their students. Vaping is associated with a range of health risks, and early intervention can help mitigate these dangers.
5. Consistent Policy Enforcement
Vape detector technology assists schools in consistently upholding their anti-vaping policies. Incidents are detected objectively, eliminating the need for subjective judgments and disputes.
Implementing Vape Detectors in Schools
The successful implementation of vape detector technology in schools requires careful planning and consideration. Here are key steps for schools looking to adopt this vital solution:
1. Assess School Needs
Begin by assessing the specific needs and challenges of your school. Identify areas with the highest likelihood of vaping incidents, as well as any existing security measures that can be enhanced with vape detectors.
2. Choose the Right Technology
Several vape detector systems are available on the market, each with its unique features and capabilities. Collaborate with technology providers to select a system that aligns with your school’s requirements and budget.
3. Installation and Integration
Once you’ve chosen a vape detector system, ensure it is installed by qualified technicians who understand the unique layout and needs of your school. Integrate the new system into your existing security infrastructure.
4. Training and Education
Provide training to school staff on how to use and respond to alerts from the vape detector technology. Additionally, educate students about the presence of the detectors and the consequences of vaping.
5. Data Utilization
Regularly review the data and reports generated by the vape detector system. Use this information to refine your anti-vaping strategies and policies as needed.
The vaping epidemic in schools calls for innovative solutions to protect students’ health and maintain a conducive learning environment. Vape detector technology has emerged as a vital tool in campus safety, offering real-time detection, rapid response capabilities, and valuable data insights. By implementing these systems, schools can take proactive steps to deter vaping, uphold their policies consistently, and prioritize the well-being of their students. As the vaping landscape continues to evolve, embracing technology like vape detectors is crucial to safeguarding our schools and ensuring a healthier future for the next generation. Creating vape-free environments within schools promotes not only the physical health but also the educational well-being of our students.