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The newspaper "The Hill" revealed that the administration of US President Joe Biden is facing sharp criticism from politicians and businessmen after the unprecedented rise in inflation and prices in the United States.
The American newspaper pointed out that inflation bumps are hitting the American economy as it attempts to recover from the Corona virus pandemic, which has alarmed the business community and prompted Republicans to reposition themselves as a fiscally responsible party heading into the debt ceiling battle.
The newspaper pointed out that while the Biden administration defends itself by saying that rising inflation is a “temporary thing,” Fed officials expect inflation to continue to rise to 3.4 percent in the next few months, compared to 2.4 percent just two months ago.
Republican lawmakers are seeing government spending and inflation spiraling out of control, and Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks this week sent a memo to members of the Republican Party's largest caucus on the Capitol outlining demands heading into a battle over raising the debt limit.
Failure to reach an agreement on the debt ceiling could result in the US government defaulting on its debts, a move that could potentially lead to chaos in the global financial system.


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The Boston Globe has learned that Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of Dutch express package delivery company TNT Express NV, will quit work by the end of this month “to pursue an external career opportunity.” Pending negotiations with European regulators, TNT is set to be acquired by United Parcel Service for $6.77 billion. The company’s CFO Bernard Bot has agreed to serve as interim CEO until a permanent successor is named. TNT ranks as Europe’s second biggest delivery company, trailing only DHL.
CEO of UPS takeover target resigns
TNT Express NV CEO Marie-Christine Lombard will step down from her position this month, with CFO Bernard Bot serving as interim CEO.
September 25, 2012

domain: economics


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I would like to invite everyone to please come out my free BBS forums at http://www.eskimo.com/bbs/.
I’ve got a photography forum there and would love to have more people interested in photography to join. It’s FREE !!!
You can post pictures there to share with others (actually links to where you have them hosted), as well as participate in discussions.

domain: artistic


Garmin's Revolutionary Off-The-Grid Lifeline — Updated
Meet the next generation of Garmin's inReach Mini, the Mini 2 is your go-to connection for maintaining off-the-grid contact — the palm-sized satellite communicator for backcountry adventures where size and weight matter.
The Garmin InReach Mini 2 is a compact satellite communicator with rugged impact- and water-resistant construction. The global Iridium satellite network (subscription required) enables two-way text messaging, interactive 24/7 SOS, location tracking and sharing, and navigation. Wireless connectivity enables syncing with compatible Garmin devices and wearables.
Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator with two-way text messaging using the global Iridium network (subscription required).
Interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (subscription required).
Downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery, and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices.
Weather forecast service provides detailed updates directly to the inReach Mini or paired device (subscription required).
Send and receive messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds.
Internal, rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 50 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode.
Extremely compact 4" x 2" size
Available in Black or Flame Red colorways
B-Stock - This product has one or more B-Stock units available. These units can be purchased at a discount (see option select). B-Stock units were returned from other customers and may have missing or damaged packaging materials. These units are otherwise as new. The full manufacturer warranty applies. Click Here for more information.
Signature will be required when taking delivery of this product.
Ordered by Most Relevant First
useful when you need it most
I like the size and functionality. Some of its menus are extremely counterintuitive, and the manual is not much help. In particular, if you want to compose a novel text, the scrolling is tremendous as you travel from A to Z, one letter at a time. However, I was able to send text messages when I had no cell service, and that's what I wanted. Have not had to use the SOS feature yet, but anticipate that feature could be helpful. The Garmin interface actually seems to work well.
Was this review useful to you? Yes
Thank you for your feedback.


This article makes reference to the beheading of an Italian hostage in April — more confirmation that this is an accepted pattern of behavior among the mujahedin. From CNN, with thanks to RAdams:
BAGHDAD , Iraq — The Arabic-language television network Al-Jazeera showed video Wednesday of three Italian hostages taken captive in Iraq nearly two months ago. In the video, one of the men said the captors were treating them “excellently.”
It marked the first time in more than a month the world has seen pictures of the hostages.
The three, all unshaven, were shown sitting around a table eating with spoons from a communal plate and talking among themselves. Another shot showed the three sitting in chairs. One identified himself as Salvatore Stefio.
“Today is May 31, 2004, Monday,” he said on the video. “This statement we are giving is primarily directed to official Italian authorities, to the government, the holy pope, to the Catholic Church and to our families. They are treating us excellently up until now. We are in excellent conditions. We have not had any problems with the people holding us in this place.”
The three hostages were among four Italians taken captive in Iraq on April 12. The other hostage was beheaded soon afterward — a video that was given to Al-Jazeera at the time but never aired.


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Leonard Munga is an excited dairy farmer. He is happy because one of his cows is pregnant and will give birth in a few weeks’ time.
“I am expecting to get over 20 litres of milk each day from the cow,” says Munga, who is based in Kiambu County.
The cow is a crossbreed of Fleckvieh, a German breed that was introduced into the country few years ago.
“I went for the crossbreed because it was expensive to buy the 100 per cent Fleckvieh breed. My cows are a crossbreed of Friesian and Fleckvieh.”
According to him, the crossbreed is strong, resistant to diseases and eats less. The cow also endures years of milking, unlike the other breeds. Francis Kukutia, who is based in Kajiado County, is another farmer keeping crossbreeds of Fleckvieh, with Zebu, Boran, Friesian and Ayrshire.
Each of these cows give varying amounts of milk. His crossbreed of Fleckvieh and Boran, for instance, yields eight to 10 litres of milk a day. “I keep the crossbreed because I wanted to be a breeder and supplier of beef in local butcheries,” said Kukutia.
“Boran is good for beef but the reason why I crossbreed is so that I can also get good quantity of milk,” he says. “I want to be a breeder and supplier of beef in local butcheries,” said Kukutia. Kukutia sells the crossbreed bull-calf at Sh150,000.
Fleckvieh was imported into the country from South Africa about three years ago.
It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning that it’s good for beef and milk.
Gerard Besseling, the managing director of Fleckvieh Genetics East Africa Limited, the firm which introduced the breed in Kenya, says the cow produces up to 10,000 litres of milk per lactation period.
He says most farmers prefer to crossbred Fleckvieh and other breeds to cut costs.
“Farmers crossbreed local breeds with Fleckvieh for extra yielding. Boran bulls, Jersey and Ayrshire are some of the cattle that farmers have crossbred with the German cow.”
The firm sells Fleckvieh semen at between Sh1,500 and Sh4,000.
According to him, the offspring carries 75 per cent of Fleckvieh genetics after artificial fertilisation. Fleckvieh experts consider this to be a high degree of gene transfer, 25 per cent more than normal breeds.
The economic benefits of Fleckvieh can be compared to the Sahiwal breed. Sahiwal is a Zebu breed that is mainly kept for milk and beef. “Farmers in South Rift are familiar with this breed. The animal is tolerant to heat and resistant to most cattle diseases,” he adds.
The Zebu cattle originally came from Punjab, near the India-Pakistani border. It was brought to Kenya in the late 1930s. Since then, it has become popular with local farmers, especially ranchers.
It is praised for its adequate milk production. In Kenya, the animal has been crossbred with other dairy cattle.
Although much research has been done on breeds like Sahiwal, extension officers and livestock breeders from Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Kari) say they have no data to back the productivity of Fleckvieh breed. “Fleckvieh is a relatively new breed introduced in the country three years ago.
We are yet to conduct research on it,” says Dr Ndeiye Ilatsia, a livestock breeder at Kari.
The climatic conditions of some of the places where it’s being reared, like South Africa, may not match some locations in the country.
“The first point of concern is whether or not Fleckvieh might turn out to be antagonistic considering Kenya is hot, but a farmer can overcome such challenges with its crossbreeds.”
Limited land is another challenge for small farmers keen on capitalising on pure Fleckvieh for milk and beef production.
“Rearing a particular breed is an individual farmer’s choice,” said Dr Ilatsia “It’s however hoped that the uptake of Fleckvieh, Sahiwal, Normande and Girolando crossbreeds will go up as farmers absorb them.”

domain: agronomy


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China's services industries expanded in July at the slowest pace in more than a year, indicating possible downward pressure on the economy, a private report showed yesterday.
The Caixin China General Services Purchasing Managers' Index, a gauge of operating conditions in service companies, fell to 51.5 in July from June's 51.6, according to the survey conducted by financial information service provider Markit and sponsored by Caixin Media.
The reading was on par with that of April this year, both months the slowest since May 2016.
New business expanded at the slowest rate in 16 months, while business activity grew at the joint-weakest rate for over a year, the survey said.
At the same time companies raised their staff numbers only slightly, and confidence toward the 12-month business outlook dipped to its lowest level in eight months.
Released on Monday, the Caixin manufacturing PMI rose to a 4-month high of 51.1 from June's 50.4.
"China's economic performance in July was stronger than expected, mainly due to sustained recovery in the manufacturing sector," said Zhong Zhengsheng, director of macroeconomic analysis at CEBM Group. "However, downward pressure on the economy likely remains as the index gauging companies' confidence toward the 12-month business outlook dropped in both the manufacturing and services industries."
China's official manufacturing PMI, leaning toward larger and state-owned companies, came in at 51.4 in July, down from 51.7 in June, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Economists attributed the decline largely to hot weather and flooding, and said a positive economic outlook remained unchanged.
The official data also showed China's non-manufacturing sector expanding more slowly in July, with the non-manufacturing PMI easing to 54.5 from June's 54.9.
The bureau said a contraction of activity in road transport, real estate and residential services overshadowed faster expansion in postal services, broadcasting and Internet sectors.

domain: news


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Don Gerend announces run for City Council
May 9, 2013
By Ari Cetron
New: May 9, 12:40 p.m.
Councilman Don Gerend, the longest-serving member of the Sammamish City Council, has announced he plans to run for another four-year term.
“I kind of feel my roots have sunk deep into the glacial outwash,” Gerend said.
Gerend was elected to the first City Council in 1999 and has served on it since. He is the only remaining member of the original council still on the council. His announcement shores up the council races this year.
So far, four seats are up for election, and four people have announced plans to run. Besides Gerend, Mayor Tom Odell will run for re-election. Robert Keller and Kathleen Huckabay have announced they plan to run, while Councilmen John James and John Curley will not seek re-election.
Gerend, who is 72 and has lived in Sammamish for 34 years, said he enjoys his time on the council, calling it stimulating, challenging and very rewarding. He first ran, he said, because he had spent years criticizing the way the government operated. So, when Sammamish formed, it was time to stop complaining and start acting.
“I felt it was a duty to give back,” he said.
In the coming four years, Gerend said he expects the biggest challenges to be the community center and Town Center.
On the community center front, Gerend said he was going to wait to discuss options if the project goes over budget. In a recent presentation, the council heard that a preliminary estimate put the community center more than $2 million over its $30 million budget.
Gerend said that was an early proposal, and he would wait until the council heard firmer numbers before considering what, if any, changes would need to be made. He said he certainly wanted to keep a close eye on the budget. However, there are other factors to consider.
“We want to develop a product that’s what the community wants,” he said.
Gerend had been active in the initial Town Center plan, and said that now it seems the city may have been too restrictive in the way it envisioned the plan. He said he was not in favor of increasing the overall density in Town Center, but he would like to see more flexibility.
In particular, he thought the city might want to allow developers to shift density from one part of Town Center to another. He also suggested the council might want to lower the amount of affordable housing required, and relax requirements for structured parking.
He would also like to continue to work to protect the Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon, and the streams in the city in which the fish live. He is also a member of a group that envisions Sammamish having an emerald necklace — a greenbelt of parks and open areas all connected to each other.
In his years on the council, Gerend has served as mayor three times. He has represented Sammamish on the Eastside Fire & Rescue board. He also serves on a host of regional, state and national boards and commissions. He is the president of the Association of Washington Cities and a member of the National League of Cities.
Gerend is a former rocket scientist, and former professor of physics and astronomy. He then moved into commercial real estate. He and his wife Susan live on Pine Lake. He has two grown children who live in Western Washington.


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I can’t believe another busy month has passed by!!
I have been trying a number of new products this month on my skin to get it looking and feeling it’s best after the horrible Winter months.
My product of the month has to the Pure PRAI Intensive Serum.
It is designed to help the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, however I use it just before I do my make up instead of a moisturizer and found it to be a must in my make up kit now!!!
It is a miracle serum, as it softens the skin whilst helping to smooth out the surface of the skin and eliminate and redness or blotchiness. I have also bought one for my kit and have used it on my brides this month, not only does it smell amazing but it gives the skin that fresh glow that everyone wants.
Louise – Beauty Call Franchisee for GU and SL postcodes, Surrey

domain: health


The climate is temperate, without extremes in the winter or summer. Unlike other bears, pandas do not hibernate. They stay below the timberline, moving to lower elevations to keep warm in the winter and higher to stay cool in the summer.
What type of climate do pandas prefer?
There, giant pandas enjoy the cool, moist climate they prefer, since perennially dense (thick as clouds) mists are interrupted only by the occasional torrential rain in summer, while winters are snowy, with the occasional hailstorm. The areas cover an area of 20,000 square kilometers.
What environment does a panda live in?
Giant pandas live in broadleaf and coniferous forests with a dense understory of bamboo, at elevations between 5,000 and 10,000 feet. Torrential rains or dense mist throughout the year characterizes these forests, often shrouded in heavy clouds.
What climate do red pandas live in?
Habitat: Red pandas live in temperate climates in deciduous and coniferous forests, generally with a bamboo understory. The presence of water and shelter such as hollow logs are important components of their preferred habitats.
Do pandas like the cold?
The panda in winter: almost like home
“They love the snow,” says Don Moore, associate director of animal care sciences, who knows how to tell when the bears are happy: “when you see them romping and playing.” Unlike most other temperate-climate bears, pandas don’t hibernate in the winter.
Do pandas like the heat?
Giant pandas experience heat stress when temperatures climb above 25 degrees Celsius (77 F). “They have to live at temperatures below that to stay healthy,” Spotila said. “In nature, they actively seek out cool areas (microhabitats) in summer and move to higher elevations to avoid heat.”
Do pandas live in snowy climates?
Pandas usually live in rainforests in Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces, they are not known to have lived in the dry cold northern area. “Pandas have no problem living in temperatures around minus 10 degrees celsius. They looked very excited in the snow and their appetite is also better,” Wang said.
Are pandas affected by climate change?
Habitat loss and fragmentation are the main threats, and climate change could significantly impact giant panda survival. … New areas may become suitable outside the current geographic range but much of these areas is far from the current giant panda range and only 15% fall within the current protected area system.
Do pandas hibernate?
Adults are four to six feet long and may weigh up to 350 pounds—about the same size as the American black bear. However, unlike the black bear, giant pandas do not hibernate and cannot walk on their hind legs.
How do pandas adapt to their environment?
Giant pandas have developed unique adaptations for their cold, wet habitat and their penchant for bamboo. Their thick, black-and-white fur coats keep them warm. To crush tough bamboo, they have strong jaws and large, flat molar teeth. To pluck and hold bamboo, they have elongated wrist bones that work much like thumbs.
Are pandas endangered?
Females can have one to four young, though they usually have twins, according to the San Diego Zoo. The baby red pandas are called cubs.
Is Panda in India?
The red panda is a small arboreal mammal found in the forests of India, Nepal, Bhutan and the northern mountains of Myanmar and southern China. … In India, it is found in Sikkim, western Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling district of West Bengal and parts of Meghalaya. It is also the state animal of Sikkim.
Do pandas hibernate or migrate?
Unlike other bears, pandas do not hibernate. At birth, panda cubs weigh only about as much as a quarter-pound stick of butter (90-130 grams) and have little fur. Adults can weigh more than 220 pounds. A panda’s average life span is 20-25 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity.
What do pandas do in winter?
Unlike other bears, giant pandas do not hibernate during the winter. Instead, they go down the mountain to find warmer weather and move back up to the cooler parts of the forest during the summer without ever moving away from the areas where bamboos exist in abundance.


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We’re in this together. Keeping our community safe is our top priority. For more info, click here ▸
Keeping our community safe is our top priority. For more info, click here ▸
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Crafted by artisans committed to fair-labor practices.
Pursue the pleasure principle: Luminous, hedonistic and rendered in rich and mesmerizing colors, our crushed and quilted silky soft velvet throws reverse to a dyed-to-match satin back for sublimely sumptuous sensuality anytime and anywhere.


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Credit scoring: breaking the exclusion cycle
The current credit scoring model is flawed.
Credit scoring is a gatekeeper to wealth, career opportunities and housing in the US (and further afield), but it is a mechanism that also internalizes other obstacles ranging from inherent racial bias to incorrect data.
The basic principle behind credit scoring is that by having a track history as a reliable user of financial services you get access to certain services or pay less for others. However, one person’s access card is another’s barrier to entry, especially for underserved segments including minorities and migrants.
A long history of discrimination affects the data that credit scoring models use today, due to factors like inherited wealth and home ownership. Overall, Black and Latinx consumers in the US have much lower credit scores than white people. Additionally, there are 26 million Americans who are “credit invisible”.
A group of startups is addressing these systemic issues by either helping people build their credit history in innovative ways, from rental payments to savings, or offering services without the need for credit scoring.
Discover 50+ startups fostering financial inclusion by going beyond or improving credit scoring on Dealroom.
For more regular fintech data and insights direct in your inbox, subscribe to our dedicated newsletter:


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Casino Watch Focus has reported on the ongoing complexities of Covid-19’s impact to the gambling industry. Beyond the obvious loss of revenue revenue and shut downs, coronavirus’ impact reaches problem gamblers as well. The current climate has created a perfect storm of issues that can drive people to gamble and with the accessibility of online gambling to many, the threat of devastation is very real. A Florida gambling hotline is helping to make the general public aware of such issues. An online source explains:
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape life as we had once known it, closures of traditional brick-and-mortar gambling facilities coupled with social distancing restrictions and requirements have resulted in dramatic shifts in gambling behaviors along with serious negative consequences as reported by contacts to Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine in March and April.
According to Jennifer Kruse, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG), “Of particular concern with recent COVID-19 closures and quarantines, is the associated increase inproblem-gambling-related risk factors that occur as a result, such as loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and increased use or abuse of substances. The severity of problems reported by individuals contacting the FCCG’s 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine in March and April illustrate the increased occurrence of these associated risk factors and resulting, exacerbated problem-gambling-related impacts experienced during this time.”
During the pandemic, the economic consequences have hit the country hard, and as result of the government mandated business closures, economic stimulus checks have been sent out to help keep people on their feet. This situation can be viewed as a windfall of money to some, which has prompted calls for gambling to be shut down during this time. Many will view the stimulus check as a way to gamble and increase their financial situation. This big win mentality can trigger many stressors that exacerbate the problems leading to troubling and fatal consequences . The source continues:
Receiving a stimulus check may also be viewed as an unexpected “big win” for at-risk and problem or recovering gamblers. Money lost gambling can lead to financial difficulties, which can trigger associated stressors that interfere with relationships, mental, and even physical health. These experiences can leave problem gamblers and their loved ones feeling discouraged and hopeless about the future.
“When a problem gambler feels they have lost everything and sees no possibility to gain or recover, suicidal ideation and/or attempts are very real possibilities. This is unfortunately what we have seen with contacts to the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine in April, with more than one in five (21%), revealing current or recent suicidal feelings or thoughts due to their gambling problem,” explained Kruse.
“The share of callers referred to Crisis Lines in April (23%), also rose significantly by more than double, with increased levels of hopelessness and desperation reported, due to gambling-related financial and mental health repercussions brought about by the COVID-19 crisis,” Kruse noted, as cause for additional concern.
Unfortunately, these are not isolated pockets of impact, but rather spread all over the state. Access to online gambling and the lottery means that closed brick and mortar casinos don’t shield those around the state from gambling’s destructive impact. Help is available and should be sought out. The source concludes:
The data reported during the month of April by 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine contacts, reveals that help seekers this month were from areas all over the state and were primarily from those engaged in the forms of gambling activities still available during quarantine and social distancing restrictions, Online Gambling and the Lottery. This illustrates the effects that gambling addiction can have on any community in the state, and further highlights that those associated impacts will correlate with what gambling options are accessible or available in a particular area.
At a time of uncertainty while the whole world anxiously awaits the return to “normal life,” whatever that may be, reassurance for anyone negatively impacted by a gambling problem that resources are available and accessible through Florida’s 888-ADMIT-IT Problem Gambling HelpLine has never been more important. “Gambling addiction is treatable, and population-specific programs and services for gamblers and their loved ones are accessible any time of the day or night, any day of the year.
The FCCG’s 24-hour confidential and multilingual HelpLine may be reached by calling 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848), texting (321) 978-0555, emailing firstname.lastname@example.org, initiating a live chat at gamblinghelp.org, or by reaching out to us on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter,” concluded Kruse.
For more information on the dangers of gambling, please visit CASINO WATCH & CASINO WATCH FOUNDATION

domain: sociology


I wish we had clearer shots of Dengar with this weapon.
Having studied the pics I have available to paint the muzzle on my adapted gun I am beginning to think that there may be something else going on with the muzzle end of this gun other than it just looking more silver.
In GubernatorFan's pic of Dengar on the star destroyer bridge it seems possible to me that the dimensions at the muzzle of the blaster may indicate that it has a shorter, more cylindrical (rather than conical) device. It just looks a little short, and well odd to me.
This may also be evident in this pic from the same scene, especially perhaps the more straight sides of the flash hider. Not clear at all I know. Looks more silver here too
and again here. Its blurred, I know and could easily be a standard muzzle device too. Looks less silver again in this pic though.
Now I am more than happy to accept that this is an effect from lighting, or the angles at which the pics where taken or even that it is due to the fuzzy and sometimes out of focus nature of the screen grabs (why oh why did he pick up what appears to be 4-LOM's blaster for the promo pics which are by and large pin sharp lol).
However I do wonder if there is another explanation, and after some looking I have found pics of MG3s (the NATO version of the MG42) which show it being used with a different muzzle device which interestingly appears to be shorter and less conical.
This is an Austrian MG3
And a Norwegian one (less likely I think)
Interestingly both these pics seem to show some sort of brightly coloured 'practice' ammo being used with the guns (possibly plastic practice rounds??), and so I wonder if these muzzle devices are some sort of practice or blank firing muzzle break. It is interesting too that the Austrian version's muzzle device has been painted red/orange.
Is it possible that what we see on Dangers gun is one of these with the red/orange paint removed???
Its far more likely I know that its is a standard MG42 Muzzle device that was used, but perhaps this was changed to give the muzzle a different look from the similar one on the MG34 that 4-LOM has in the same scene, or perhaps someone just thought it looked more Star Wars I don't know. I don't even know if these muzzle devices are interchangeable with an MG42.
As a side note you can see that on the Norwegian MG3 the buttock has been removed for use on the vehicle mount, just like Dengar's has no butt stock.
As I said I really don't know about the muzzle it might just be me, but somehow it just looks off from a standard MG42 muzzle, although the more I look at it now the more it looks like a standard muzzle device. The low quality pictures make it very difficult to tell with any degree of certainty. I really don't know here and I am doing a lot of thinking out loud while searching for an answer that may satisfy my curiosity.


First time in the world has an accurate scale of our solar system on the desert from a nearby 'Nevada's Black Rock Desert'.
In this scale our #Earth scale like a small marble. And other planets are also showing exact scale, such as mercury, Venus, Earth, upto Neptune. The sun is the core part of the solar system which represented as a large balloon, and Neptune shows a very small marble from the distance of the Sun 7miles.
The Wylie Overstreet make a group and decided to build an exact scale of the solar system. So they consider how to show accurate measurement of our solar system and lastly, they found a place in Nevada's Black Rock Desert where there builds exact scale of the solar system. At last they make a film.
To Scale: The solar system
Making the solar system


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7 Tracks by Atif Aslam That Prove He Has A Magical Voice
Atif Aslam Is Undeniably A Great Singer
Atif Aslam has certainly established himself as a pretty versatile singer of this time. From his initial teen romance album to Bollywood soundtracks and his recent alternative songs in Coke Studio, he seems to be the man of the enchanting vocals.
Throughout his music evolution, Atif Aslam’s tune and tempo may have changed but the emotional depth of the lyrics and the thoughtfulness behind them hasn’t.
So without any further ado, we want to share the top 7 Atif Aslam songs that you should listen to if you haven’t as of yet.
Kadi Te Hass Bol
The recent track that Aslam sang at Velo Sound Station was his version of the classic song and there’s no doubt that he did an amazing job.
Dil Diyan Gallan
From the Bollywood movie Tiger Zinda Hai – this track took social media by storm and is still played at every desi wedding!
This is one of our most favorite songs. The song is from the Bollywood movie Baaghi 2 and we were in love with Aslam’s soulful voice in this. If you haven’t heard it yet, you should give it a shot.
This is one of the oldest tracks by Atif Aslam. This song takes you back to the school memories and there’s no denying that. The song has had many remakes upbeat ones, acoustic versions but nothing beats the original.
Kuch Iss Tarah
With a hit debut album under his belt, there was no stopping the power singer. Atif Aslam’s second record, Doorie, established him more of a hit with songs such as Kuch Is Tarah that went on to be featured in a Bollywood film after its release.
Originally performed by the Sabri Brothers, Atif Aslam’s soulful rendition of Tajdar-e-Haram in Coke Studio 8 made waves as soon as it was aired, becoming one of the most viewed songs of Coke Studio.
It’s no surprise that to this day, Jal Pari is one of Atif Aslam’s most successful albums. Bheegi Yaadien despite not being featured in any movie- still remains one of his most popular songs along with Aadat and Woh Lamhe.

domain: entertainment


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The National Youth and Student Peace Coalition (NYSPC) made October an action-packed pre-election month. Congress has the power to end this war, and we say: get out of Iraq or get out of office. Here are some highlights:
At movie screenings of “Iraq For Sale,” in Pittsburgh, Nashville, Brooklyn, Phoenix, Tucson, Orlando and other cities, about corporations making billions off the war, youth came together to discuss the impact of war profiteering and the connections to cuts in education funding. People were able to call in and talk with the film’s director.
Iraq Veterans Against the War hooked up with student group Uprise in a counter-recruitment Midwest tour, stopping in Cleveland, Ann Arbor, Toledo and Chicago. They spoke about the lies recruiters use to get young people to sign up, and told what it is like for servicemen and women in Iraq.
At the University of Maryland, students helped organize teach-ins on prospects for peace in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. In Boston, Iraqi- and Iranian-American activists talked about a just foreign policy and the recent war in Lebanon. At George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., a discussion on the “Costs of War” took place.
In New York, NYSPC, Dynamic Magazine and World-Up co-sponsored a “War and Peace” art show. On Nov. 3, Uptown Youth For Peace and Justice, War Resisters League and the Young Communist League hosted “Politics, Poetry, Peace,” an open mike, where youth and local artists performed and members of Iraq Veterans Against the War spoke about their experiences in Iraq.
Get-out-the-vote actions included a march and rally in Fayetteville Ark., set for Nov. 5, and events in Princeton, N.J., New York City and elsewhere.
See or for more information!
Randy Wilson is an organizer with the Student Peace Action Network. Adam Tenney is education coordinator of the Young Communist League. Both groups are members of NYSPC.


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Mark Schlissel, booted four months ago as University of Michigan president, has worked out a cushy package with the school that includes a $463,000 payment to take a one-year leave. After the year, he can return as a tenured faculty member with a $185,000 salary, and get health insurance upon retiring, The Detroit News reports.
The UM Board of Regents fired him after they determined he had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.
The six-page settlement, signed by Schlissel last Thursday, includes this written apology to the eight-member Board of Regents:
"I apologize to the regents and the university for the poor judgment I exercised by engaging in a close personal relationship with a university employee.
"The relationship was entirely consensual, was never physical, and did not involve the inappropriate spending of university resources. But in a time when we have been trying to strengthen the bonds of trust at the university, it is particularly important that campus leaders avoid even an appearance of impropriety. I am also sorry for any disruption this has caused to the conduct of U-M’s important mission."


text:
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Would you like to play pirates?
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Ale and Spice
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domain: food


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Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Francisco MENDOZA, Appellant-Defendant, v. STATE of Indiana, Appellee-Plaintiff.
Appellant-defendant Francisco Mendoza appeals his convictions for Attempted Aggravated Battery,1 a class B felony, Burglary,2 a class C felony, Theft,3 a class D felony, Resisting Law Enforcement,4 a class D felony, Criminal Recklessness,5 a class D felony, Pointing a Firearm,6 a class D felony, and Carrying a Handgun Without a License,7 a class A misdemeanor.
In particular, Mendoza contends that the trial court should have granted his motion to dismiss because the State improperly withdrew from a plea bargain, dismissed the charges, and refiled the charging information with a new charge included. He also argues that the evidence is insufficient to support his conviction for attempted aggravated battery. Finally, Mendoza appeals the sentences imposed by the trial court, contending that the trial court considered improper aggravators, improperly rejected proffered mitigators, imposed sentences that are inappropriate in light of the nature of the offenses and his character, and erroneously imposed consecutive, enhanced sentences. Finding no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court and remand with instructions to amend the abstract of judgment by deleting the reference to an attempted murder conviction and adding an attempted aggravated battery conviction in its place.
Early on the morning of July 31, 2005, Mendoza burglarized Party Pak Liquors in Indianapolis. Mendoza also stole a loaded revolver that the store's owner kept hidden underneath the counter.
At approximately 5:16 a.m., Marion County Sheriff's Sergeant Jeffery Silcox was dispatched to the liquor store in response to a burglary alarm. Deputy Clint Ellison joined Sergeant Silcox near the front of the store, while Deputy Tom Nolan ultimately took up a position in the parking lot where he could observe a security door and provide cover to Sergeant Silcox and Deputy Ellison. Sergeant Silcox yelled, “Marion County Sheriff's Department,” and ordered everyone inside the store to “make yourself known,” warning that the officers would consider everyone inside to be armed and dangerous. Tr. p. 17.
After the sergeant made those statements, the officers heard a loud bang, later inferring that Mendoza had fired a test shot from the revolver to ensure that it worked before attempting to exit the store. Sergeant Silcox observed Mendoza moving on his hands and knees toward the store's front door. The sergeant noticed that Mendoza had a revolver in his hand, moved for cover, and notified the deputies that Mendoza had a gun.
Mendoza crawled out of a hole in the store's east door and pointed the revolver at Sergeant Silcox and Deputy Nolan. Deputy Ellison ordered Mendoza to drop the gun and, after Mendoza failed to comply with the order, Deputy Ellison fired three rounds at the west door. Deputy Nolan saw a muzzle flash from Mendoza's revolver and returned fire. As the gunshots rang out, Sergeant Silcox felt a sharp, stinging pain in his right leg, believed that he had been shot, and yelled, “I'm hit, I'm hit.” Id. at 26.
Mendoza retreated back into the store, after which Deputy Nolan observed Mendoza exiting from the business's front door. Mendoza then fired another shot at Deputy Nolan and Sergeant Silcox. As Mendoza ran across the parking lot, he raised his right hand, which held the revolver. Mendoza ran past two sheriff's cars and continued down the street with Deputy Ellison in pursuit. The deputy ordered Mendoza to stop, at which time Mendoza raised the revolver in his right hand. As Mendoza swung the revolver around toward Deputy Ellison, the deputy fired one shot. Mendoza continued running and Deputy Ellison lost sight of him. Eventually, the officers caught up to Mendoza and took him into custody. All five rounds of ammunition in the revolver in Mendoza's possession had been fired.
On August 11, 2005, the State charged Mendoza with class C felony burglary, class D felony theft, two counts of class D felony resisting law enforcement, class D felony criminal recklessness, class D felony pointing a firearm, and class A misdemeanor carrying a handgun without a license. On October 14, 2005, the parties entered into a plea agreement, pursuant to which Mendoza agreed to plead guilty to class C felony burglary and class D felony criminal recklessness in exchange for the State's agreement to dismiss the remaining charges.
On October 20, 2005, the State moved to vacate the guilty plea hearing, notifying the trial court that one of the victims strongly objected to the plea agreement. The trial court granted the State's motion. On October 28, 2005, the State moved to dismiss the charging information and the trial court granted the motion. On that same day, the State refiled charges against Mendoza, filing the same charging information with an added charge of class A felony attempted murder.
On November 15, 2005, Mendoza filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the State was without authority to dismiss the original charges and refile them with an additional, more severe count. On December 21, 2005, the trial court denied the motion to dismiss.
Mendoza waived his right to a jury trial, and his bench trial was held on July 24 and 25, 2006. At trial, he renewed the motion to dismiss, which the trial court again denied. The trial court found Mendoza not guilty of one of the charges of resisting law enforcement and found him guilty as charged on the remaining counts except for the count alleging attempted murder, for which the trial court found him guilty of the lesser-included offense of class B felony attempted aggravated battery.
The trial court held a sentencing hearing on August 9, 2006, and sentenced Mendoza as follows: twenty years for attempted aggravated battery, four years for burglary, two years for theft, one and one-half years for resisting law enforcement, two years each for criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm, and one year for carrying a handgun without a license. It ordered the aggravated battery, burglary, theft, criminal recklessness, and pointing a firearm sentences to be served consecutively, with the remaining sentences to be served concurrently, for an aggregate executed sentence of thirty years. Mendoza now appeals.
DISCUSSION AND DECISION
I. Motion to Dismiss
Mendoza first argues that the trial court erroneously denied his motion to dismiss, contending that the State improperly withdrew from the plea agreement and dismissed and refiled the charges against him. In appealing from the denial of his motion to dismiss, Mendoza is appealing from a negative judgment. Lewis v. State, 755 N.E.2d 1116, 1120 (Ind.Ct.App.2001). Where a defendant appeals from a negative judgment, we will reverse the trial court's ruling only if the evidence is without conflict and leads inescapably to the conclusion that the defendant was entitled to dismissal. Id.
A. Withdrawal From Guilty Plea
As we consider the propriety of the State's decision to withdraw from the guilty plea with Mendoza, we observe that our Supreme Court has explained that there are five stages in the plea bargaining process:
First, there is the plea agreement itself․ The second stage is reached once an agreement is concluded between a prosecuting attorney and a defendant․ At the third stage, it is up to the trial court to accept or reject the plea agreement as filed․ After the trial court has accepted a plea agreement, stage four is the actual entry of the guilty plea by the defendant. The fifth stage is sentencing.
Badger v. State, 637 N.E.2d 800, 802-03 (Ind.1994) (footnotes omitted). Here, the parties had completed only the first two stages of the plea bargaining process by filing the plea agreement with the trial court when the prosecutor moved to dismiss the charges. At that point in time, the plea agreement was not a binding contract because it had not yet been accepted by the trial court. Consequently, there was “no procedural impediment that would have prevented either party from moving to withdraw the plea agreement since neither had the defendant yet entered a plea nor had the trial court formally accepted the agreement.” Id. at 803 (emphasis in original).
Similarly, the defendant's acceptance of a proposed plea bargain does not create a constitutional right to have the agreement specifically enforced:
“A plea bargain standing alone is without constitutional significance; in itself it is a mere executory agreement which, until embodied in the judgment of a court, does not deprive an accused of liberty or any other constitutionally protected interest. It is the ensuing guilty plea that implicates the Constitution.”
Coker v. State, 499 N.E.2d 1135, 1138 (Ind.1986) (quoting Mabry v. Johnson, 467 U.S. 504, 507-08, 104 S.Ct. 2543, 81 L.Ed.2d 437 (1984)). Thus, even an immediate acceptance of a plea bargain by the defendant does not create a right to have the agreement enforced. Id.
The only exception to the State's freedom to withdraw from a plea agreement before acceptance by the trial court occurs if the State has materially benefited from the terms of the agreement or the defendant has relied on the terms of the agreement to his substantial detriment. Badger, 637 N.E.2d at 804. In Bowers v. State, for example, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss charges against the defendant in exchange for information in another investigation. 500 N.E.2d 203, 204 (Ind.1986). After the defendant provided the information in reliance on the agreement, the prosecutor reneged and refiled charges against the defendant. Id. Under those circumstances, the defendant had relied to his detriment on the agreement with the State, which was, in turn, not free to withdraw therefrom. Id.
Here, in contrast, there is no evidence that Mendoza relied to his detriment on the guilty plea agreement. Along the same lines, there is no evidence that the State materially benefited from that agreement. Consequently, the State was free to withdraw from the plea agreement and the trial court did not err in refusing to dismiss the refiled information on that basis.
After withdrawing from the plea agreement, the State moved to dismiss the charges against Mendoza. Indiana Code section 35-34-1-13(a) gives no discretion to the trial court in ruling on a motion to dismiss filed by the State: “[u]pon motion of the prosecuting attorney, the court shall order the dismissal of the indictment or information.” (Emphasis added). Consequently, the trial court was bound to dismiss the charges at the prosecutor's request and did not err by doing so. Joyner v. State, 678 N.E.2d 386, 394 (Ind.1997).
B. Refiling the Information
Mendoza contends that the trial court should not have permitted the State to dismiss the information and then refile it with an added charge after the omnibus date had passed. In general, the State is free to refile a charge for the same offense when jeopardy has not already attached. Davenport v. State, 689 N.E.2d 1226, 1229 (Ind.1997). The State may not, however, use its authority to dismiss and refile charges if doing so will prejudice a defendant's substantial rights. Id.
In Davenport, our Supreme Court considered a situation in which, four days prior to trial, the State moved to amend the charging information by adding three new charges. The trial court denied the motion and, subsequently, the State dismissed the pending information and refiled with the new charges included. The trial court denied the defendant's motion to dismiss the three additional counts, and on appeal, our Supreme Court reversed the defendant's convictions for the three additional charges, finding that the State's conduct had been unfair:
While courts have allowed the State significant latitude in filing a second information, the State cannot go so far as to abuse its power and prejudice a defendant's substantial rights․ [Here], for no apparent reason other than because the State knew that the court had already ruled that the State could not include those additional three counts in the information, the State moved for and was granted transfer to a different court. By doing so, the State not only crossed over the boundary of fair play but also prejudiced the substantial rights of the defendant. Because of a sleight of hand, the State was able to escape the ruling of the original court and pursue the case on the charges the State had sought to add belatedly.
Id. at 1230.
Mendoza argues that here, the State prejudiced his substantial rights by seeking to avoid a potentially adverse ruling. Specifically, Indiana Code section 35-34-1-5(b) prohibits amendments of substance to the charging information unless made more than thirty days prior to the omnibus date, which had passed by the time the State dismissed and refiled the charges against Mendoza. Unlike in Davenport, however, the prosecutor here was not attempting to circumvent a trial court ruling.
We find that, rather than being controlled by Davenport, this issue is controlled by Malone v. State, 702 N.E.2d 1102 (Ind.Ct.App.1998). In Malone, after the omnibus date had passed, the State dismissed pending charges against the defendant and refiled an amended information that included a new count for attempted murder. The defendant argued that the State's actions were merely an attempt to avoid Indiana Code section 35-34-1-5(b). We disagreed, however, concluding that because the State had not attempted to amend the information, the statute was not implicated. We then considered Davenport, finding that it did not apply:
In Davenport, however, our [S]upreme [C]ourt found that the State's dismissal and refiling was an attempt to avoid an adverse ruling it had already received in the original trial court when it attempted to amend the information. Unlike in Davenport, the State here received no adverse ruling. The State was not seeking to “escape the ruling of the original court.”
Id. at 1104 (citation omitted) (quoting Davenport, 689 N.E.2d at 1230).
Here, as in Malone, the State was not attempting to circumvent an adverse ruling it had already received.8 Moreover, we cannot conclude that the State acted improperly or abused its prosecutorial authority. The State refiled the charges on October 28, 2005, and Mendoza's trial did not begin until July 25, 2006; consequently, Mendoza cannot argue that he did not have adequate time to prepare a defense. Thus, there is no basis on which to conclude that the State's actions prejudiced Mendoza's substantial rights. We find, therefore, that the trial court did not err by denying Mendoza's motion to dismiss.
II. Sufficiency of the Evidence
Mendoza next argues that there is insufficient evidence supporting his conviction for attempted aggravated battery. When considering a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, we neither reweigh the evidence nor judge the credibility of witnesses. Wright v. State, 828 N.E.2d 904, 905 (Ind.2005). Instead, we will consider only the probative evidence and the reasonable inferences that may be drawn therefrom in support of the verdict. McHenry v. State, 820 N.E.2d 124, 126 (Ind.2005). If the probative evidence and reasonable inferences could have allowed a reasonable trier of fact to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the conviction must be affirmed. Id. A conviction may be based entirely on circumstantial evidence. Franklin v. State, 715 N.E.2d 1237, 1241 (Ind.1999). The circumstantial evidence need not overcome every reasonable hypothesis of innocence; rather, the evidence is sufficient if an inference may reasonably be drawn from it to support the verdict. Kriner v. State, 699 N.E.2d 659, 663 (Ind.1998).
To convict Mendoza of class B felony attempted aggravated battery, the State was required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mendoza engaged in conduct that constituted a substantial step toward knowingly or intentionally inflicting an injury that created a substantial risk of death or an injury that would cause serious permanent disfigurement or the protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ. I.C. § 35-41-5-1, § 35-42-2-1.5.
Here, Deputy Nolan testified that Mendoza pointed the revolver at Sergeant Silcox and the deputy and fired two shots in their direction. Tr. p. 107, 109, 119. This was sufficient evidence to support Mendoza's conviction for attempted aggravated battery. See Meriweather v. State, 659 N.E.2d 133, 142 (Ind.Ct.App.1995) (affirming conviction for attempted aggravated battery where defendant had fired handgun at victim), abrogated in part on other grounds by Wright v. State, 658 N.E.2d 563 (Ind.1995).
Mendoza argues that Deputy Nolan's testimony was incredibly dubious because there is allegedly no other evidence in the record corroborating his testimony and because the deputy allegedly contradicted himself during his testimony. Initially, we emphasize that inconsistencies in the evidence are for the factfinder to evaluate. Miller v. State, 770 N.E.2d 763, 774-75 (Ind.2002). In other words, it is the role of the factfinder, not the reviewing court, to determine what evidence to believe. Id. Thus, Mendoza's suggestion that we focus on the testimony of the other officers and certain physical evidence that he insists corroborates his version of events is a request that we reweigh the evidence-a practice in which we do not engage when evaluating the sufficiency of the evidence supporting a conviction.
As for Mendoza's argument that Deputy Nolan's testimony is incredibly dubious, we observe that the application of this doctrine is limited to cases where a sole witness presents inherently contradictory testimony that is equivocal or the result of coercion and there is a complete lack of circumstantial evidence of the defendant's guilt. Thompson v. State, 765 N.E.2d 1273, 1274 (Ind.2002). Reversal under this rule is rare and the testimony must be “so incredibly dubious or inherently improbable that no reasonable person could believe it.” Love v. State, 761 N.E.2d 806, 810 (Ind.2002).
Mendoza's claim that the deputy's testimony is inherently dubious because two of the bullets Mendoza fired were not found near Sergeant Silcox's location is of no moment, inasmuch as all five rounds in the revolver had been fired and any of the three bullets that were not ultimately located could have been fired in the sergeant's direction. Additionally, although Mendoza emphasizes that the deputy did not mention during direct examination that Mendoza had fired in his and Sergeant Silcox's direction after exiting the store, we merely observe that it was only during cross-examination that Deputy Nolan was asked specifically about the occurrence. Consequently, we do not find the testimony to be incredibly dubious and we find sufficient evidence supporting Mendoza's conviction for attempted aggravated battery.
A. Anglemyer and the Amended Sentencing Scheme
Before addressing the merits of Mendoza's arguments, we observe that on April 25, 2005, the General Assembly amended Indiana's felony sentencing statutes,9 which now provide that the person convicted is to be sentenced to a term within a range of years, with an “advisory sentence” somewhere between the minimum and maximum terms. See Ind.Code §§ 35-50-2-3 to -7. When determining the sentence to impose on a defendant, the trial court “may consider” certain enumerated aggravating and mitigating circumstances in addition to other matters not listed in the statute. I.C. §§ 35-38-1-7.1(a) to -7.1(c). Furthermore, the legislature provided that a trial court “may impose any sentence that is ․ authorized by statute ․ regardless of the presence or absence of aggravating circumstances or mitigating circumstances.” I.C. § 35-38-1-7.1(d).
Notwithstanding this provision, the legislature kept in place a requirement that, when sentencing a defendant for a felony conviction, if the trial court finds aggravating or mitigating circumstances, it must create “a statement of the court's reasons for selecting the sentence it imposes.” I.C. § 35-38-1-3(3). Our Supreme Court recently concluded, therefore, that the “new statutory regime” mandates that trial courts must enter sentencing statements whenever imposing sentences for felony convictions. Anglemyer v. State, 868 N.E.2d 482, 490 (Ind.2007).
Sentencing statements are not required to contain a finding of aggravators or mitigators; rather, they need include only a “reasonably detailed recitation of the trial court's reasons for imposing a particular sentence.” Id. If the statement does, however, include a finding of aggravators or mitigators, then it must “identify all significant mitigating and aggravating circumstances and explain why each circumstance has been determined to be mitigating or aggravating.” Id.
Essentially, a defendant may now make two types of challenges to the trial court's imposition of a felony sentence-process-based and result-based. We review challenges to the trial court's sentencing process for an abuse of discretion. Id. at 490 (concluding that “[s]o long as the sentence is within the statutory range, it is subject to review only for abuse of discretion”). The trial court may abuse its discretion in the following ways during the sentencing process: (1) by failing to enter a sentencing statement; (2) by entering a sentencing statement that includes reasons not supported by the record; (3) by entering a sentencing statement that omits reasons clearly supported by the record and advanced for consideration; or (4) by entering a sentencing statement that includes reasons that are improper as a matter of law. Id. We hasten to note that even if the trial court is found to have abused its discretion in the process it used to sentence the defendant, the error is harmless if the sentence imposed was not inappropriate. See Windhorst v. State, 868 N.E.2d 504, 507 (Ind.2007) (holding that in the absence of a proper sentencing order,10 we may either remand for resentencing or exercise our authority to review the sentence pursuant to Rule 7(B)).
If a defendant chooses to challenge the result of the sentencing process-i.e., the sentence itself-then he or she must do so via Appellate Rule 7(B), which provides that the “[c]ourt may review a sentence authorized by statute if, after due consideration of the trial court's decision, the Court finds that the sentence is inappropriate in light of the nature of the offense and the character of the offender.” See Anglemyer, at 491 (holding that because “a trial court [cannot] now be said to have abused its discretion in failing to ‘properly weigh’ ” aggravators and mitigators, if the trial court enters a proper sentencing statement then the only way a defendant can challenge the sentence is via Rule 7(B)). In reviewing a Rule 7(B) appropriateness challenge, we defer to the trial court. Stewart v. State, 866 N.E.2d 858, 866 (Ind.Ct.App.2007). The burden is on the defendant to persuade us that his sentence is inappropriate. Childress v. State, 848 N.E.2d 1073, 1080 (Ind.2006).
B. Sentencing Process
Here, the trial court entered an oral sentencing statement at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing. The trial court found the following aggravators: the fact that in several of the crimes-other than the resisting law enforcement offense-the victims were all law enforcement officers; the number of crimes committed-eight-within this episode of criminal conduct; the number of victims; and the fact that the item that Mendoza stole was a gun. It is apparent that by highlighting the facts that the victims of some of Mendoza's crimes were law enforcement officers and that the item he stole was a gun, the trial court impliedly found the seriousness of the offenses-which includes the nature and circumstances of the crimes and the manner in which they were committed-as an aggravator. This has “long been held” to be a valid aggravator and is supported by the record herein. Anglemyer, 868 N.E.2d at 492. Moreover, it is well established that the fact of multiple victims or crimes-and here, there were both-constitutes a valid aggravating factor. O'Connell v. State, 742 N.E.2d 943, 952 (Ind.2001). Thus, the trial court considered lawful aggravators that were supported by the record.
As for Mendoza's proffered mitigators, the trial court rejected alcohol abuse as a mitigating circumstance because the officers did not detect a significant odor of alcohol on him on the night in question and, in reviewing the videotape of Mendoza while he was inside the store, the trial court observed that he was not “falling down drunk or out of control of his faculties.” Tr. p. 221. Consequently, there was neither evidence that he was impaired at the time of the incident nor evidence of a nexus between alcohol abuse and the commission of these offenses. The trial court also rejected the proffered mitigator of mental illness because there was no evidence in the record to support it. The trial court found Mendoza's lack of a prior criminal history to be a mitigating circumstance but declined to find his acceptance of responsibility to be a significant mitigator because the offered plea bargain “was a pretty sweet deal,” and, in any event, Mendoza did not ultimately plead guilty. Id. The trial court's conclusions regarding Mendoza's proffered mitigators are all supported by the record; consequently, it did not abuse its discretion in this regard.
Ultimately, therefore, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion during the process of sentencing Mendoza. It issued a sentencing statement, it found lawful aggravators supported by the record, it found a lawful mitigator supported by the record, and rejected proffered mitigators that did not have support in the record.
Mendoza next argues that the sentences imposed by the trial court are inappropriate in light of the nature of the offenses and his character. App. R. 7(B). As to the nature of the offenses, we observe that Mendoza burglarized a store by smashing a hole in the door. He eventually found and stole the store owner's loaded revolver. After the officers arrived and announced their presence, Mendoza test-fired the weapon before attempting to flee the store. He pointed the weapon at Sergeant Silcox and Deputy Nolan and fired two shots in their direction. After Mendoza left the building, he continued to point the gun at police officers, refused their orders to stop, and did not surrender until all of the rounds in the revolver had been fired.
Mendoza complains that maximum sentences are reserved for the worst offenses and offenders, Brown v. State, 760 N.E.2d 243, 247 (Ind.Ct.App.2002), and argues that he does not fit into those categories. In response, we again emphasize that Mendoza repeatedly fired a loaded revolver at two officers who were in full uniform, performing their duties. See Petruso v. State, 441 N.E.2d 446, 450 (Ind.1982) (finding that the fact that defendant attempted to murder a police officer who was performing his duties was a proper aggravator). As our Supreme Court has commented,
[p]olice officers routinely risk their lives in the sometimes high stakes gamble of protecting society. They do a job that we all want and need done, though few of us possess the bravery and skill to do. They ask for little in return, but they do ask for some protection.
Salyers v. State, 862 N.E.2d 650, 654 (Ind.2007) (citations omitted). Under these circumstances, we do not find that the reservation of maximum sentences for the worst offenses and offenders renders Mendoza's sentences inappropriate.
As for Mendoza's character, we note, as did the trial court, that Mendoza has no prior criminal history. But given the nature of the offenses, we are persuaded that the aggregate thirty-year sentence imposed by the trial court is not inappropriate.
D. Consecutive, Enhanced Sentences
Finally, Mendoza argues that the trial court erroneously imposed consecutive, enhanced sentences. Specifically, Mendoza contends that the amended sentencing scheme only empowers a trial court to impose a consecutive sentence if it imposes the advisory sentence for that crime. Indiana Code section 35-50-2-1.3(c) provides, in relevant part, as follows:
In imposing consecutive sentences in accordance with I.C. 35-50-1-2 ․ a court is required to use the appropriate advisory sentence in imposing a consecutive sentence or an additional fixed term. However, the court is not required to use the advisory sentence in imposing the sentence for the underlying offense.
Mendoza argues that this statute authorizes the trial court to impose only advisory, consecutive sentences.
This argument highlights a split of authority on our court. In analyzing the amended sentencing statutes, different panels of this court have reached different conclusions regarding the interaction between Indiana Code sections 35-50-1-2(c) and -1.3(c). In White v. State, we found that trial courts are authorized to impose enhanced, consecutive sentences:
Indiana Code § 35-50-2-1.3 instructs: “In imposing consecutive sentences in accordance with IC 35-50-1-2[,] a court is required to use the appropriate advisory sentence in imposing a consecutive sentence[.]” We conclude that when the General Assembly wrote “appropriate advisory sentence,” it was referring to the total penalty for “an episode of criminal conduct,” which, except for crimes of violence, is not to exceed “the advisory sentence for a felony which is one (1) class of felony higher than the most serious of the felonies for which the person has been convicted.” See Ind.Code § 35-50-1-2(c). In other words, the advisory sentence for a felony which is one class of felony higher than the most serious of the felonies for which the person has been convicted is the “appropriate advisory sentence” for an episode of non-violent criminal conduct. Indiana Code § 35-50-1-2 in no other way limits the ability of a trial court to impose consecutive sentences. In turn, Indiana Code § 35-50-2-1.3, which references Indiana Code § 35-50-1-2, imposes no additional restrictions on the ability of trial courts to impose consecutive sentences.
849 N.E.2d 735, 743 (Ind.Ct.App.2006), trans. denied.
In Robertson v. State, a separate panel rejected the White analysis and, instead, held that “the advisory sentencing statute, IC 35-50-2-1.3, is clear and unambiguous and imposes a separate and distinct limitation on a trial court's ability to deviate from the advisory sentence for any sentence running consecutively.” 860 N.E.2d 621, 625 (Ind.Ct.App.2007), trans. granted.11 The Robertson court expressed concern about the result in White:
Our concern with the analysis in White is that (1) it renders the language in IC 35-50-2-1.3 surplusage since the consecutive sentencing statute, IC 35-50-1-2, clearly limits the total of the consecutive sentences for non-violent offenses to the advisory sentence for the next highest class of felony; and (2) nothing in the advisory sentencing statute, IC 35-50-2-1.3, limits its application to non-violent offenses. Although the White decision argues that the legislature could not have intended the results the statute is capable of generating, the argument is moot “[w]hen the language of the statute is clear and unambiguous.” 849 N.E.2d at 742-43.
Id. at 624-25 (citation omitted). Ultimately, the Robertson court remanded the case to the trial court with instructions that it reduce the enhanced, consecutive sentence to the advisory sentence.
Recently, another panel of our court denounced the Robertson analysis and, instead, applied the White analysis. Barber v. State, 863 N.E.2d 1199, (Ind.Ct.App.2007). Specifically, the Barber court found that the amended sentencing statutes do not limit a trial court's authority to impose enhanced, consecutive sentences:
Indiana Code § 35-50-2-1.3 serves another very important purpose. In the wake of Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296 [124 S.Ct. 2531, 159 L.Ed.2d 403] (2004), and Smylie v. State, 823 N.E.2d 679 (Ind.2005), our legislature transformed Indiana's sentencing scheme from a presumptive scheme to an advisory scheme. Under the former presumptive scheme, a trial court was required to impose the “presumptive” sentence for a felony conviction unless the court found aggravating circumstances to enhance the sentence or mitigating circumstances to reduce the sentence. Under the new advisory scheme, trial courts are generally not required to use an advisory sentence. See I.C. § 35-50-2-1.3 (“Except as provided in subsection (c), a court is not required to use an advisory sentence.”). Because an advisory sentence is in most cases exactly that-advisory-the legislature included subsection (c) of Indiana Code § 35-50-2-1.3 to remind Indiana's trial courts of those statutory provisions that do require the “use” of an advisory sentence[, in relevant part,] in imposing consecutive sentences in accordance with Indiana Code § 35-50-1-2․ We acknowledge that nothing in Indiana Code § 35-50-2-1.3(c) limits its application to any specific subsections of Indiana Code §§ 35-50-1-2, 35-50-2-8, and 35-50-2-14, but each of those statutes only includes one subsection that refers to advisory sentences.
Id. at 1211 (emphases in original).
We are persuaded that the better analysis is that set forth in White and Barber. When we read Indiana Code section 35-50-2-1.3 in conjunction with section 35-50-1-2, it is apparent that the reference to the “appropriate advisory sentence” was meant to apply to situations involving the single episode of criminal conduct limitation on consecutive sentencing. This statute was not intended to place any other limits on a court's ability to impose consecutive sentences. Contrary to the conclusion of the Robertson court, we do not believe that this interpretation renders the statutory language to be surplusage; rather, it provides clarification regarding what advisory sentence is to be used when the single episode of criminal conduct limitation is applicable. We also note that a troubling consequence of the Robertson analysis would be that trial courts would be prohibited from imposing enhanced, consecutive sentences on the worst offenders. That cannot have been the intent of our legislature. Consequently, we find that the trial court herein had the authority to impose enhanced, consecutive sentences, and did not err by doing so.12
Finally, we note that Mendoza argues, and the State concedes, that there is a typographical error in the abstract of judgment. Specifically, the abstract incorrectly indicates that Mendoza was convicted of attempted murder when it should, instead, show a conviction for attempted aggravated battery. We remand this matter to the trial court, therefore, with instructions to correct the abstract of judgment.
The judgment of the trial court is affirmed and remanded with instructions to amend the abstract of judgment by deleting the reference to an attempted murder conviction and adding an attempted aggravated battery conviction in its place.
1. Ind.Code § 35-41-5-1, § 35-42-2-1.5.
2. Ind.Code § 35-43-2-1.
3. I.C. § 35-43-4-2.
4. Ind.Code § 35-44-3-3.
5. I.C. § 35-42-2-2.
6. Ind.Code § 35-47-4-3.
7. I.C. § 35-47-2-1.
8. We are not persuaded by Mendoza's argument that “[d]ecisions by the Indiana Court of Appeals reaching a contrary result,” including Malone, “are simply wrongly decided.” Appellant's Br. p. 18.
9. Here, Mendoza committed the crimes after the April 2005 amendment of the sentencing statutes; thus, we will apply the amended versions thereof. Mendoza argues that the sentences imposed by the trial court run afoul of the Blakely rule. Inasmuch as the amended sentencing scheme was specifically enacted to incorporate advisory sentences rather than presumptive sentences and to comply with the holdings in Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296, 124 S.Ct. 2531, 159 L.Ed.2d 403 (2004), and Smylie v. State, 823 N.E.2d 679 (Ind.2005), however, we find that the trial court's actions herein do not implicate Blakely.
10. The trial court in Windhorst did not enter a sentencing statement and merely sentenced Windhorst to the advisory term without explaining its reasons for doing so. Our Supreme Court acknowledged, however, that the trial court did not have the benefit of the Anglemyer ruling and, instead, relied upon long-standing precedent that required no such sentencing statement under these circumstances. Windhorst, at 506.
11. We acknowledge that the Robertson opinion has been vacated pursuant to our Supreme Court's grant of transfer. We refer to the vacated opinion merely to illuminate our discussion of the split of authority on this issue.
12. We also note that Mendoza's crimes were not statutorily-defined crimes of violence and that the crimes arose out of a single episode of criminal conduct. Consequently, the aggregate sentence imposed by the trial court was limited to the advisory sentence for a felony one class higher than the most serious of the felonies for which Mendoza had been convicted. I.C. §§ 35-50-1-2(a), -2(c). Mendoza's most serious conviction was for a class B felony, and the advisory sentence for a class A felony is thirty years. I.C. § 35-50-2-4. Thus, the thirty-year aggregate sentence imposed by the trial court complied with the applicable statutes.
BAKER, Chief Judge.
FRIEDLANDER, J., concurs. CRONE, J., concurs in result.
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Docket No: No. 49A02-0609-CR-759.
Decided: July 13, 2007
Court: Court of Appeals of Indiana.
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domain: law


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While eBay has been the go-to place for selling items online, Facebook is challenging the position with its new For Sale feature, according to The Daily Mail.
All users have to do is make a regular post offering an item for sale and mark the appropriate category. By joining a “Buy and Sell” group, users gain access to the new feature in order to use the new feature and can also search for available items.
These groups can be centered on a geographical area or a specific interest. The payments are between a buyer and a seller. Users mark the items with the appropriate category, such as electronics or arts and crafts, and can even sell real estate through Facebook.
Facebook announced in a blog post that it is currently testing the new feature and will be rolling it out to all users over the next several weeks.
The company cited examples of a woman selling crochet work and a professional guitarist setting up a group to sell musical instruments as what the company is trying to support.
Not only is Facebooks For Sale a competitor to eBay, but to the non-profit Craigslist as well. Dealing with a user’s friends and family rather than strangers over the Internet could remove the temptation to be dishonest when buying or selling.
Facebook hopes that its groups will offer a higher degree of trust than other platforms. All Facebook activity is rooted in a user’s offline life, so if a user cheats another when selling, it could seriously damage a person’s reputation in real life, not just on some seller ranking behind an anonymous username.
Facebook maintains that all dealings are between users and the company doesn’t get involved, so there might not be as much recourse when users have disputes with each other.
But for now, Facebook has thrown its hat into the ring, and has created quite the disruption with its announcement.
Antivirus software is not enough. Apex Technology Services used its decades of IT and cybersecurity
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To the Editor:
Re “And Then There Was One,” by Thomas L. Friedman (column, Sept. 3):
Ending our oil addiction should be not only an environmental and economic concern, but also a national security priority.
While industrial emissions contribute to global warming and rising oil prices cause inflation here at home, oil wealth has emboldened Russia to suppress democracy and attack its neighbors, Iran to threaten Israel, Saudi Arabia to finance extremists who promote terrorism, and Sudan to commit genocide in Darfur with China’s tacit support.
Increasing domestic oil production by exploiting America’s environmentally sensitive Arctic wildlife refuge and coastal shelves will neither reduce gas prices in the short term nor provide a long-term solution for our growing energy needs. To the contrary, if we rely on more drilling, America’s role as a world superpower will vanish along with the coral reefs and polar bears.
The green solution is also the red, white and blue one. If our next president is a true patriot, he will convene a group of scientists similar to the Manhattan Project to address this issue while challenging the American people to innovate and find their own novel solutions.
Stephen A. Silver
San Francisco, Sept. 4, 2008


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Join us and make a different at Oxfordshire Safe Haven where we have been providing non-clinical mental health crisis support since 2018.
What is a Safe Haven Wellbeing Worker?
Safe Haven Wellbeing Workers work with adults experiencing mental health crisis and distress. Crisis can be interpreted in lots of ways but may include struggling to cope or experiencing thoughts of distress, self-harm or suicide.
They offer same-day support both by phone and in person. They carry out risk assessments and collaborative safety planning, provide non-judgemental listening support, and offer signposting in a person-centred way.
They deliver grounding techniques and distraction activities in our hubs in Oxford and Banbury, to the people in our communities who need it most.
This is a rewarding and meaningful role with access to excellent supervision and learning experiences to support career progression. We operate as part of the local Crisis Pathway, and we work in collaboration with our clinical colleagues within Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to deliver Safe Haven.


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Mountain Music - Cabin of the Month
Jul 09, 2014
Gatlinburg Cabins - don't get any better than this
Love, like Tennessee music, is as old as the mountains and just as enduring. Rooted in the heart, it springs forth eternally. You've openly expressed to your friends your commitment to each other and now you are off to your honeymoon! You want a 1-bedroom, 1 bath, log cabin nestled in quiet surroundings, preferably just between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. We got it: Mountain Music, Click here to view MORE
Mountain Music, a spacious, split-level, modern cabin with a sumptuous living room, fully-equipped kitchen, pool table in the loft, and 2 TV's will no doubt satisfy your honeymoon desire for privacy, comfort, affordability, and coziness. And romance… of course you are wanting romance! Well, we've provided the amenities: gas fireplace, king bed and jetted tub in the master bedroom, and a relaxing hot tub just out the bedroom door on the back deck – you are left to your own devices to make fabulous memories and your own Mountain Music!
And if you get the urge to mingle with others and share your happiness, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are only minutes away for shopping, restaurants, theaters, and adventure! Also, every reservation at Heartland Cabins receives FREE TICKETS to visit Country Tonite Theatre, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show and Ripley’s Aquarium, as well as FREE PASSES for ziplines, mini golf, and white water rafting!
By Doug Shanks a Google Local Guide Smoky Mountain blogger and writes about things to do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, and Sevierville, Tennessee. Area interests include hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, shopping, and family fun.

domain: travel


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Raina meets bereaved families of Amreen Bhat, SI Farooq Ahmed
STATE TIMES NEWS
PULWAMA: J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina on Monday visited the house of martyr Police Sub Inspector Farooq Ahmed Mir at Samboora village of District Pulwama and expressed the deep condolences with the family members of Mir who was martyred by the terrorists near his residence. Flanked by BJP J&K General Secretary Sunil Sharma, Spokesperson Altaf Thakur, Distt. President Sajjad Raina, DDC Member Adv. Meenha Bhat, senior leader Latief Bhat and BJYM Spokesperson Muneeb Quresh, BJP President Raina condoled the bereaved family.
Speaking with media persons, Raina said the sacrifices of SI Farooq Ahmed Mir will not go in vain as some of the terrorist involved in this killing have already been neutralized and ar rest will also be taken to task. Raina said terrorist are the killers of innocent people and they have to pay the heavy price for their sins. Raina assured the bereaved families of all support. Later, Ravinder Raina alongwith all other BJP leaders also visited the family of Amreen Bhat at Chadura in Pulwama and condoled the bereaved family.
Raina expressed deep anguish over the killing of innocent TV actress Amreen Bhat and said that Pakistan wants bloodbath in Kashmir and hatching conspiracies against the people of J&K. He said Pakistan is the biggest enemy of people of J&K. Raina assured the all support to the affected family and said this affected family will be properly taken care off.


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Public Health Awareness Calendar
In Montana, coordinated communications between public health systems and disability service systems have 1) increased cultural competence of public health professionals to better serve Montanans with disabilities; and 2) increased awareness within the disability community of important public health concerns, programs, and services. MTDH has organized information on public health and disability awareness months to strengthen these efforts. Click on the months above to view monthly events.
Additionally, the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities (NPA) in the National Stakeholder Strategy for Achieving Health Equity provides strategies to increase awareness of the significance of health disparities, their impact on the nation, and the actions necessary to improve health outcomes for underserved populations including populations with disabilities.

domain: medical


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Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake is spear-heading a cross-party initiative to secure an export ban on plastic waste.
Pictured: Tom with Yuyun Ismawati Drwiega, Co-Founder of the Indonesian NGO BaliFokus.
In a letter to Michael Gove, UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Tom and 17 other MPs are demanding a complete ban on plastic waste exports.
Tom was prompted to act after discovering that two-thirds of plastic waste separated for recycling in the UK is sent abroad for processing. The countries receiving plastics are often ill-equipped to handle it safely and it can end up dumped in landfill.
Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake said:
"We must take care of own waste, rather than dumping our rubbish on poorer countries.
"Currently, large quantities of plastic, designated for recycling, are being thrown in the Global South’s landfill, simultaneously harming the environment and turning our recycling into rubbish.
"I urge Michael Gove to support a complete ban on plastic waste exports and develop a plan to make this reality.
"It is the Government’s responsibility to ensure our plastic waste is properly handled, rather than financially rewarding waste companies for destroying the environment."
Two-thirds of plastic waste separated for recycling in the UK is sent abroad for processing, with 105,000 tonnes of UK plastic imported by Malaysia alone in 2017-18. The National Audit Office warned that millions of tonnes of plastic sent abroad for recycling may be being discarded in landfill.


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The DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. The hotel is situated in a scenic location overlooking the Arabian Gulf, providing a tranquil and serene environment for guests to relax and enjoy their stay.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and villas. The rooms and suites are elegantly decorated and furnished with high-quality amenities, including flat-screen TVs, comfortable beds, and spacious bathrooms.
The villas offer a larger living space, with separate living areas and dining spaces, as well as private balconies or gardens with scenic views of the Arabian Gulf. The villas are also equipped with kitchen facilities, making them a perfect choice for families and groups who prefer to prepare their own meals.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa offers a range of dining options, including several restaurants and cafes. The restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including international and local dishes, and use only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Brasserie, is a popular choice among guests, offering a range of international dishes, including fresh seafood and grilled meats. The hotel also has several cafes, offering light snacks and drinks, and a pool bar, serving cocktails and drinks by the pool.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa features a range of facilities for guests to enjoy, including a private beach, several swimming pools, and a fitness center. The private beach provides a tranquil and serene environment for guests to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf.
The swimming pools are equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, and are a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The fitness center is equipped with modern and high-quality equipment, including cardio machines and weight training equipment, and is a great place to stay in shape while traveling.
The hotel’s luxurious spa is a highlight of the resort, offering a range of treatments and therapies to help guests relax and unwind. The spa features several treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room, and offers a range of massages, facials, and body treatments.
The spa’s signature treatments include the hot stone massage, which uses warm stones to ease tension and promote relaxation, and the aromatherapy massage, which uses essential oils to enhance relaxation and relieve stress.
Meetings and Events
The DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa is also a great destination for meetings and events, with a range of venues and facilities to suit any occasion. The hotel offers several meeting rooms, which can accommodate up to 500 people, as well as a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,200 people.
The meeting rooms are equipped with modern audiovisual equipment, and the hotel’s dedicated events team is available to provide assistance and support throughout the planning and execution of any event.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa is located in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah, a popular destination for tourists and travelers. The hotel is situated in a scenic location overlooking the Arabian Gulf, providing a tranquil and serene environment for guests to relax and enjoy their stay.
The hotel is also located near several popular attractions, including the Jebel Jais mountain range, the Ras Al Khaimah National Museum, and the Al Hamra Mall. The hotel’s central location makes it a great base for exploring the surrounding area and experiencing the culture and history of Ras Al Khaimah.


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Lagos State Government says it will not hesitate to dethrone any monarch found culpable in any form of criminality especially kidnapping which the State had contended with in recent times.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Muslim Folami made this known in an interactive session with journalists in Ikeja.
Mr Folami stated that intelligence reports have revealed that some District Heads (Baales) especially in the riverine communities were collaborating with kidnappers, noting that a meeting had been held with them and a riot act read to them.
We know what happened everywhere in Lagos State, just yesterday we called a meeting of the ‘Baales’ and Chiefs in the state to let them know what the Governor feels about the activities of some of our ‘Baales’ because we were made to know that some of them especially those in Ikorodu and Ishawo communities were collaborating with kidnappers, almost 500 ‘Baales’ and Chiefs attended the meeting and we made it known to them that anyone found wanting will be removed, he stressed.
The Commissioner maintained that the crusade against kidnapping remained a collective fight that must be fought by every well meaning citizen as he called for support to the government.
Mr Folami also stated that in the third quarter of this year, five community radios would begin operation in five different locations in Lagos State.
In his words: The five radios include Oshodi-Isolo radio, Epe Radio, Kosofe Radio, Badagry Radio and Alimosho radio; the stations are expected to be data-driven internet radio with a view to taking advantage of the high penetration of mobile application users in the state, he reiterated.
He added that the community radio stations would be managed by the Community Development Committee of the Local Government Area while technical support would be provided by the state government.
Source: Voice of Nigeria


June 26, 2023 at 08:03 PM
Han Solo Blaster, Leather Belt with Holster, Power Cells, Gas Cartridge, Droid Caller | Star Wars Cosplay
Han Solo Blaster, Leather Belt with Holster, Power Cells, Gas Cartridge, Droid Caller | Star Wars Cosplay The perfect gift for any massive Star Wars fan. The DL-44 heavy blaster pistol was a type of heavy blaster pistol produced by BlasTech Industries that was used during the years of the Galactic Republic and the Age of the Empire. It was considered one of the most powerful blaster pistols in the galaxy, delivering massive damage at close range; however, it overheated quickly. Made out of high-quality plastic and hand painted. Movable trigger and hammer. Buckles and hooks are made of Stainless Steel. Note: Steel parts are welded and finished by hand. There may be superficial scuffs and scratches on the surface of the pieces. SIZING: Blaster - about 12 inches (30cm) long Belt: 2 inch (5cm) wide Waistline: 38-44 inch (95-110cm) - length can be adjusted on order OPTIONS 1. Set without blaster: Leather Belt with Holster and plastic parts (Power Cells*2 + Gas Cartridge*1 + Droid Caller*1) 2. Full set: DL-44 blaster, Leather Belt with Holster with plastic parts (Power Cells*2 + Gas Cartridge*1 + Droid Caller*1) This set will be an excellent accessory to add to your Star Wars collection. This replica gun contains orange plug required by law.


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It was a dark day in rugby league when foundation club North Sydney was forced to merge with arch rivals Manly in 2000.
The ill-fated Northern Eagles would see the Bears club eventually fold for good in 2002 after an incredible 94 years in the competition.
North Sydney currently play in the New South Wales competition and act as a feeder club to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but haven’t been in the top flight comp since 2002.
But the Bears could be back and they’ve got their eyes on the glitter strip!
The Daily Telegraph is reporting that the Bears are preparing a $7 million bid to take over the Gold Coast Titans.
The Bears bid which is being headed by former North Sydney legend Greg Florimo have apparently opened talks with the NRL about taking over the Titans license.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting that the takeover would see the Titans stay on the Gold Coast, but because the Gold Coast Bears and wear the traditional black and red of North Sydney.
As part of the proposal the Gold Coast Bears would also play three games a year in New South Wales with one of them to be played at North Sydney Oval during Retro Round.
You can read the full story at: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/titans/north-sydney-bears-preparing-a-7-million-bid-to-take-over-the-gold-coast-titans/news-story/5970c7ab4e2b0f2fd5f523bc4ee0dc36