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The new revenue recognition standard has been called “historic in its breadth and impact across industries.” It’s probably also been called a few other things which aren’t suitable for publication here. The standard itself was introduced back in 2014 with the FASB’s issuance of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Since that time, accountants and preparers have grappled with preparing for the new guidance. The focus of this post is not to comprehensively explain the new rules. Instead, we examine one public company’s experience with the transition (Workday) and then highlight a few areas that may be of interest to analysts, finance managers, and interested onlookers – from a valuation perspective.
The core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Stated more simply, a company will recognize revenue when the customer can use or benefit from the goods or services provided. The standard lays out five steps to achieve the core principle of Topic 606:
- Step 1: Identify the contract with a customer
- Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract
- Step 3: Determine the transaction price
- Step 4: Allocate the transaction price
- Step 5: Recognize revenue when or as the entity satisfies a performance obligation
Topic 606, along with its additional clarifying ASUs issued by the FASB in 2015 and 2016, applies to all entities: public, private, and not-for-profit. Public companies are required to adopt the new standard for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (generally beginning January 1, 2018 for entities with a Dec-31 fiscal year end). All other entities have an additional year to comply (generally beginning January 1, 2019 for entities with a Dec-31 fiscal year end).
When adopting the new standard, companies must also decide on a transition method – either a full or modified retrospective application. The first option requires a recast of prior-period financial statements. The modified approach does not require prior recasting of financial statements but does require certain adjustments to retained earnings for the cumulative effect of the application.
Impact on Revenue
Evaluating how the new rules will actually impact revenue is obviously the big question. Jack Ciesielski’s Analyst’s Accounting Observer commented on this last week, noting that the upcoming cycle of quarterly MD&A disclosures will be of particular importance to investors. The post examines the recent 10-K disclosure on the topic from Intel Corporation.
While Intel has not yet adopted the new standard, language in its 10-K describes how it expects the standard will impact its financial statements. For example, for component sales made to distributors, Intel expects to recognize revenue sooner. Intel will also begin recognizing certain cooperative advertising expenses in the period in which they occur (rather than the period the customer is entitled to participate in the programs, which coincides with the period of sale).
As a result, the new rules could have the effect of accelerating revenue for certain products and shortening/lengthening the time over which cooperative advertising expenses are recognized, which could lead to margin differences.
Workday’s Early Adoption
According to a March 23, 2017 CFO.com article, just five companies in the S&P 500 have elected to early-adopt the new revenue recognition rules: Alphabet, Raytheon, UnitedHealth, General Dynamics, and Workday.
Workday, whose 2017 fiscal year ended on January 31, decided to early adopt the new standard in the first quarter of its fiscal 2018 (beginning on February 1, 2017), with the full retrospective adoption method (FY16 and FY17 restated). The company also issued a detailed document entitled “ASC605 to ASC606 Transition” on the investor relations section of its website. Workday noted the following with respect to the revenue and expense impact on its financial statements:
- Revenue Impact – Revenue recognition is no longer limited by invoicing. Some revenue will be reclassified between professional services & subscription in either direction, depending on the facts & circumstances of each particular situation.
- Margin Impact – Increased capitalization of contract acquisition costs with a longer amortization period.
Table 1 below illustrates the impact on revenue and expenses for fiscal 2016 and 2017.
A few observations regarding the impact of ASC 606 on Workday’s financial statements:
- Even for a software-as-a-service (SAAS) firm like Workday, the proposed changes appear to only affect a relatively small portion of revenues. Year-to-year growth, regardless of accounting treatment, is about the same at 35%/36%.
- ASC 606 results in a greater impact on operating expenses, presumably due to a longer amortization period over which to expense contract acquisitions costs. In fiscal 2016, implementation of the new rules “improves” operating margin by 1.2%.
- In 2017, the margin “improvement” is 1.4% to 1.6%, depending on whether one looks at reported or adjusted figures. While Workday presents a comparison of both reported and “adjusted” figures, we offer no comment here on which is preferable. To GAAP or Non-GAAP has been addressed extensively on this blog in the past.
- The “improved” margins don’t exactly tell the whole story. The presentation also includes a discussion of balance sheet impact, with expected increases in deferred cost assets that should correspond to the newly capitalized contract acquisition expenses.
- Workday also notes that operating cash flow and free cash flow in 2016/2017 are unaffected by the new accounting rules.
Impact on Financial Analysis
So if the new accounting changes merely change the optics of the financial statements but don’t impact net cash flow, then do they have an effect on valuation? In theory, they shouldn’t. But in practice, depending on how a particular valuation is constructed, there may some areas that warrant a little extra scrutiny in the near future.
- Revenue Growth Rates – In the case of Workday, the adjusted revenue growth rates were not radically different post-ASC 606. But some industries could experience larger differences. How should an analyst consider future growth (post-ASC 606) in the context of historical trends? What about comparisons to peers, who may or may not have similar issues?
- Industry Growth Comparisons – One source of growth benchmarking is comparison to published revenue growth estimates from equity analysts (such as those aggregated by Bloomberg or S&P CapitalIQ). Again, do these estimates consider the current run-rate post-ASC 606? Are they consistent with each other, or with other peer companies in the sector?
- Margin Analysis – It may be surprising to learn that the new revenue recognition rules impact both revenue and expense. As with Workday, the margin impact on the expense side may be larger than the revenue impact. They could offset – or not. In any event, analysts comparing post-ASC 606 margins to unadjusted historical figures or projected margins may be comparing apples and oranges. The CFO of Workday was even quoted as saying that the only thing the margin increase does is “raise the bar for us going forward.”
- Working Capital Considerations – If certain expenses will be capitalized and amortized in the future rather than expensed upfront, this can affect both the income statement and balance sheet. Legacy working capital assumptions and conventions may need to be revisited in order to align with the new pattern of expense recognition.
- Revenue-based Valuation Multiples – In industries that are valued with reference to revenue-based multiples, like EV/Revenue, the denominator of the equation may be changing. Blind application of a peer group median, when the peers and the subject company recognize revenue differently, can lead to problems.
It’s important to remember that the new revenue recognition rules, while perhaps monumental in breadth and complexity, don’t change the underlying business model or future prospects of a firm. Financial statements simply record the financial activities and position of a business, even if the rules for how those items are recorded periodically evolve. Our job as analysts is to understand and interpret the numbers for our clients. We will continue to monitor the rollout and adoption of the new revenue recognition rules and their effect, if any, on valuation.
- 5 Things to Know about Revenue Recognition
- Non-GAAP Measures: Here-to-Stay?
- 7 Things to Know About the New Lease Accounting Rules
Mercer Capital’s Financial Reporting Blog
Mercer Capital monitors the latest financial reporting news relevant to CFOs and financial managers. The Financial Reporting Blog is updated weekly. Follow us on Twitter at @MercerFairValue.


Recently, Dafang independently developed and designed a number of new, large and special cranes that were successfully delivered. Here are the features and practical examples of these overhead cranes and gantry cranes.
MG400t gantry crane, which is a large loading machine widely used in open-air material handling, has the advantages of large lifting capacity, large operating space, high utilization of yard area, low infrastructure investment, low operating costs, etc. It contributes to the upgrading of enterprise industry and the realization of high-end, green and intelligent.
NQD 320t new lifting mechanism crane, using a new three-in-one lifting mechanism, subverting the traditional layout of the winch crane lifting device, innovative use of the reel built-in reducer structure, with a smooth lifting, high transmission efficiency, compact structure, convenient installation, high load-bearing capacity, long service life, low noise, etc., for the high-quality development of the enterprise escort.
Intelligent grab gantry crane, for cement, petrochemicals, metal concentrate powder, blast furnace grab slag and other bulk material storage and handling application scenarios, such as the material mouth blockage, material accumulation, height recognition of real-time accuracy is poor and other technical difficulties, creatively put forward a series of solutions, to improve the efficiency of multi-agency linkage operations, four-rope grab accurate control of the full rate of the hopper, to protect the high-intensity production of the tempo of the requirements of speeding up the high quality of the construction of the bridge project.
QE260+125/20t double trolley double girder overhead crane, which is characterized by high efficiency, high precision, high safety and high reliability, is widely used in metallurgy, electric power, petrochemical, shipbuilding, machinery and other industries. Adopting double trolley structure, it can realize synchronous or asynchronous operation to meet the needs of different working conditions; adopting advanced frequency conversion speed control system to realize smooth starting and stopping and reduce impact and vibration; adopting perfect safety devices and protection devices to ensure the safe operation of the crane in various environments.
Dafang delivered a special crane for brewing to a brewery in Guizhou, which is characterized by high precision, accurate identification, intelligent scheduling, etc. The whole action of grasping and unloading materials does not require auxiliary personnel, which keeps the staff away from the humid working environment, ensures personal safety and greatly improves the production efficiency.
The electromagnetic hanging beam gantry crane has a circuit control system that utilizes low voltage current to control high voltage current, with a small risk factor, safe and convenient operation, and is widely used.
The equipment of gantry and overhead crane on-site operation is praised and praised by customers. For more details on our product, please visit: https://www.hndfcrane.com/


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5 p.m. update: Austin’s lone Democratic congressman, Lloyd Doggett, told a town hall audience on Sunday that the U.S. Senate leadership’s decision to delay a vote on its bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act gives critics like himself more time to push for changes.
Doggett said the Senate Republicans’ health care bill is a tax bill masquerading as a health bill that benefits pharmaceutical companies only.
A town hall meeting attendee, Karen Brown, said that although she has insurance through her employer, her disabled son depends on Medicaid to pay for needed care and supplies.
Doggett told her that 15 million people could lose Medicaid coverage under the new Senate health care bill.
Attendees at the town hall meeting filled out postcards to share how they believe cuts to Medicaid would affect them.
Earlier: Hundreds of people have flooded a meeting hall at a downtown Austin church on Sunday to hear how Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act could impact Medicaid, the health program that helps low-income people.
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, and several organizations including the Children’s Defense Fund, Indivisible Austin and the Center for Public Policy Priorities put together the event at the First United Methodist Church on Lavaca Street.
The event begins at 2 p.m. and will include several speakers, followed by a Q&A.

domain: economics


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With the announcement that Sidmouth’s popular hot cross bun giveaway will not be held for the first time in its 122-year history, we have dug into our archives to find photos from the same event held 10 years ago.
Sidmouth Photographic Club enjoy top ten position at prestigious competition.
Ottery Community Theatre brings panto fun to the stage.
Sidmouth gets ready for the noughties.
We take a dip into the archives to look at Sidmouth Boxing Day swims from yesteryear.
Camera club celebrates competition win.
Shoppers braved the untimely weather in their numbers to support a late-night shopping event held in Sidmouth.
Checkout our gallery of images from our readers.
Curious Devon takes a look around the Georgian period mansion of Escot House near Ottery St Mary.
Did you know that there is a factory at Pecorama, making a range of model railway tracks? We take a look around to see how the track is manufactured.
This week we take a look around the idyllic country holiday cottages at Mazzard Farm near Ottery St Mary.
The Devon based moth group are celebrating a milestone achievement.
The power of Mother Nature was on display at Sidmouth’s seafront, with brave spectators treated to stunning waves.
In our first in a series of features exploring the hidden treasures of Devon, we take a look around the Edwardian country estate of Peak House, in Sidmouth.
Beautiful pictures from our readers capture the very best of East Devon.
Sidmouth was lit up with the sights and sounds of the carnival – as several brightly-illuminated floats rumbled through the town.
The pennies were once again flying through the air in Sidbury today (Tuesday, September 17).
Check out our gallery of past pictures from Sidbury Hot Pennies.
Sidmouth Photographic Club has announced its programme for the new season.
Amazing encounter with a dolphin at Beer.
Pictures from the festival weekend at Escot. Gallery 3 of 3
Pictures from the festival weekend at Escot. Gallery 2 of 3
Pictures from the festival weekend at Escot. Gallery 1 of 3
Devon photographer Gary Holpin describes how a walk along the South West Coastal Path transformed his life.
Interesting places provide inspiration for Sidmouth photographers.
All the fun of the day. Gallery 2 of 2
Change in the weather is good news for the garden but will the ducks like it?
Sidmouth’s youngsters took to the water to compete at the Devon Surf Lifesaving Championships.
Crowds delight in display of classic and modern cars at The Donkey Sanctuary.
We’ve picked a selection of our 10 favourite images shared via our photography website - iwitness24.
max temp: 10°C
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domain: news


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HOW WE ASSIST
In order to overcome the trauma of psychiatric illness and the discrimination associated with it, one needs to become empowered. To be empowered is to gain control over one's life and to build self-esteem and independence. This is done through making one's own decisions, having freedom of choice, and helping other people with the same kinds of difficulties. In this way, one participates in the recovery process and gains dignity and respect through accepting responsibility.
On Our Own of Prince George's County provides quality service. Our facilities offer a cozy home atmosphere for our members, and we offer the following benefits:
Provide a safe, friendly, and welcoming wellness and recovery center.
Serve a diverse peer population.
Provide a varied and strength-based programs, workshops, and activities.
Computer classes that are tailored and designed to accommodate those with challenges.
Promote self-advocacy by staying involved in our community.
Peer run, peer driven.
Involvement in the community.
On Our Own of Prince George's County benefits the community by helping those who live with behavioral health challenges. We provide the services and social networking they need through peer support. Everybody is an individual and is respected wherever they might be in their journey of Wellness and Recovery.
Our computer lab has 4 computers. This allows our members to acquire computer skills and access resources. Computer training is available upon request. Please RSVP by Wednesday of any given week to reserve your spot.
We intend to increase our membership through improved communications with our community (members, local businesses, individuals, and organizations) and enhanced awareness and outreach.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Matthew Ratz, M.Ed., CPRS, RPS
This isn’t the easiest story for me to share…
For many, many years, I was the victim of intense, institutionalized bullying. I still don't know what serendipity empowered me to emerge from that dark space, but for the past decade, I have been fighting, day after day, on behalf of those for whom some else’s label is limiting their potential.
Whether it was students in an “on-level” class who were not expected to think for themselves, or disadvantaged students in one of the poorest schools in DC, to adolescents with special needs who were not receiving the required accommodations in their classrooms, I fought.
I moved on to fight on behalf of community college students who were being unfairly held back because they lacked the composition skills to advance out of zero-credit remedial courses. I continued to fight for adults with autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities who were denied access to community-based employment and leisure activities. I supported dozens of adults, many of whom had never accessed public
transportation, to use the community-based resources and explore their communities, enjoying restaurants and sports activities, and building confidence amid their non-disabled peers.
And now, I share my message with the peers I support at On Our Own and to our larger community in Prince George's County, Maryland. In addition to the programs we run, I speak to educators, advocates, and students themselves about the damaging act of labeling and the dangers of pernicious self-fulfilling prophecies. And I continue to fight on behalf of those whom others have “counted out.”
That is my calling.

domain: sociology


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Venice Film Festival has invited Mohsen Makhmalbaf as a member of jury for the 2006 section of the festival. Mohsen Makhmalbaf will be attending the festival in August.
History of Makhmalbaf family in Venice Film Festival:
- In 1997, Silence by Mohsen Makhmalbaf was screened in the competition section of Venice Film Festival and got the Golden award of the Parliament and the Art, Human and Nature award from this festival.
- In 1999, Test of Democracy by Mohsen Makhmalbaf was screened in the Panorama Section of the Venice film Festival.
- In 2000, Marziyeh Meshkiny attended the festival with The Day I Became A Woman. She received the Prize for the best first feature film and the ISVEMA awards and also Prize CICT-UNESCO of international council of cinema and Television.
- In 2000, Samira Makhmalbaf was as a member of the jury for Venice Film Festival.
- In 2003, Hana Makhmalbaf attended the Critics week of the festival with her film Joy of Madness and was awarded as the youngest film maker of the world. She also received the Special Mention award from Associazione Cultrale le tre Ghinee from the Venice Film Festival.
- In 2004, Marziyeh Meshkiny attended the festival with Stray Dogs and received the Unicef award and The Silver Camera award (for cultural and artistic communication).

domain: artistic


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Ma petite ville ; Le miracle de Bretagne ; Un veuvage d'amour
Author: Jean Lorrain (1855 - 1906)
Artist: Manuel Orazi (1860 - 1934)
Publisher: Société française d'éditions d'art
In Ma petite ville, Jean Lorrain described the little town where he spent his childhood. Fécamp is actually called Montforn in Bretagen (Brittany) in the novel. The book also contains two other- and longer- stories: Le miracle de Bretagne and Un veuvage d'amour. The edition of the book from 1898 is typical for French bibliophile book editions of that period. The jacket and the decorations may have been produced by the same hand, but their styles don't match exactly. Léon Rudnicki (the title page erroneously lists his name as Rudincki) created a jacket design in gold printed on white paper. It was supposed to create the impression of a deluxe vellum binding, printed in gold. The art nouveau patterns on the front cover, spine and rear cover are different, but each is based on floral patterns, applied in repeated symmetrical rows. The engravings on the other hand are more traditional: opening and closing vignettes and illustrated initials with viewing holes to the village with a windmill, bridge or other buildings, decorated with floral borders.
The publisher, the Société française d'éditions d'art, also published reference books in the fields of archaeology and art history. This book is one of their more bibliophile productions, appearing in an edition of 300 copies. The light, erotic style of painter, draughtsman and illustrator Manuel Orazi is an excellent match for this anecdotal work by Lorrain. Orazi was born in Rome in 1860, and died in Paris in 1934. He worked for many magazines, but also illustrated novels, such as Aphrodite by Pierre Louÿs (1912) and Les fleurs du mal by Baudelaire (1934). The precise and sensitive aquarelles were adapted for reproduction (steel engraving) by Frédéric Massé, printed by Taneur and subsequently hand-coloured by Saudé. The colophon notes that the book was finished on 20 October 1897. The title page and the jacket however identify its year of publication as 1898.

domain: design


text:
“Good-bye, John,” she said simply. " "Till midnight," replied Jack. . Took and ran away when she got herself with child. I knew it. I should know you—in Heaven or Hell. ” “It’s these Rascals,” said Mr. Creeping along quickly on his hands and knees, he found the entrance to a covered drain, into which he crept. "I can't hold it much longer—it'll break my wrist. Jackson’s. . He glanced at it, and saw the bloodied blade. ‘Ah, yes,’ Gerald said, jumping down from the coach and waiting for the fellow to let down the steps for Melusine, ‘I had forgotten about you. "You do love me?" "God knows how much!" Suddenly he laid his head on her shoulder. ” “It astonishes me that I don’t,” said Manning, in a tone of intense selfenjoyment.
Video ID: Q0NCb3QvMi4wIChodHRwczovL2NvbW1vbmNyYXdsLm9yZy9mYXEvKSAtIDE4LjIwNi40OC4yNDMgLSAwMS0xMi0yMDIzIDIyOjQ1OjMzIC0gMTkxNTM5MzA2OA==
This video was uploaded to www.0204free.info on 27-11-2023 03:28:58

domain: literature


ESR scientists are developing a platform for a national drug monitoring and surveillance system to tackle the wave of evolving synthetic drugs
ESR says its expertise along with input from key agencies and affected organisations can be used to create a drug early warning system.
Scientists began collaborating with the Police and the Coroner last year in response to a suspected link between synthetic drugs and a cluster of deaths around the country.
An ESR spokesperson, Mary Jane McCarthy, says since then, that joint work has helped ESR to promptly identify the novel psycho-active drugs coming into New Zealand, as well as enabling greater sharing of information among ESR, the Police, the Coroner, NZ Customs and the Ministry of Health.
“We were trying to determine whether there was a causal link, given the known and reported deaths and other incidents involving the emergence of new psycho-active drugs on the market.”
Dr McCarthy says the detection of synthetic cannabinoids is complex, because of the continual emergence of new varieties.
“There is often little or no published data available detailing the toxicity, the potency and risks from the use of the latest compounds.
“While there was an awareness from an early stage of the identity of the synthetic cannabinoid involved, AMB-FUBINACA, there was no international literature linking it with death.”
A significant turning point came last May, after the first death in New Zealand, with the discovery that much, but not all, of the plant material found associated with incidents and patients arriving at emergency departments had very high concentrations of synthetic cannabinoids.
“Police were very quick to react by investigating the source of the plant material laced with synthetic cannabinoids, disrupting supplies and making arrests,” Dr McCarthy says.
ESR and Police also released warnings about the dangers of the use of synthetic cannabinoids, which, combined with a high level of media coverage, had an immediate impact.
“ESR’s work with Customs in monitoring the incidents of synthetic cannabinoids intercepts at the border showed there was an immediate and significant decline of importation of synthetic cannabinoids throughout last September and October.”
ESR has also been involved in a range of projects aimed at reducing harm.
One has been to work with emergency departments to help them recognise when they are dealing with a synthetic cannabinoid and not another drug.
ESR scientists have also worked closely with a Porirua Task Force, collaborating with Police and a wide range of social agencies, responding to the sale, supply and consumption of synthetic drugs within the district.
Further funding has been invested by ESR into research to develop an early warning system that would provide timely information to help agencies intervene to protect the public.
For further information
0800 ESR MEDIA (0800 377 633) or firstname.lastname@example.org


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Wireless technology has fundamentally changed the way people live and work. It’s letting us do more than ever before when we’re on the go. But mobile connectivity is offering more than just extraordinary communications and productivity. Wireless technology offers people new ways to get around, and empowers businesses in the transport sector to save money while reducing environmental impacts at the same time. From low-cost wireless sensors to location-aware apps, wireless technology keeps America moving while offering new opportunities for sustainability.
The Wireless Foundation engaged BSR, a highly-respected organization dedicated to creating a more sustainable world, to produce a summary report on ways wireless technology reduces the environmental impact of the transportation sector. The report, “Advancing Environmental Sustainability in the Transportation Sector: The Role of Wireless Technologies,” explores opportunities in fleet management, public transit, electric vehicles, as well as parking and traffic enabled by new wireless technologies.
To view the report, click here.
The Wireless Foundation was a pioneer in recycling retired wireless devices. Through the Donate a Phone and CALL TO PROTECT programs, The Wireless Foundation raised more than $3.5 million for charities that work to end domestic violence by refurbishing and recycling retired wireless devices. While the Foundation has discontinued its wireless device recycling programs, promoting the critical role of wireless technology in environmental sustainability remains a core program area.


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Maybe you have not fully utilize all the talents God has put in your life due to fear of failures, social pressure or fear of others’ disapproval, confusion or even procrastination; just to name a few. That certainly may happen and acceptable to a point but will you decide to utilize your God given talents? Failure to invest represents the most serious potential shortfall of all. Only when we exercise our faith, we stand a chance of growing but if we don’t exercise our faith, it will become stagnant. Would you want to resign to have lifeless faith and expect nothing but a mundane life to get by everyday?
Jesus has given us talents to multiply for the glory of His Kingdom; to preach the good news of hope and faith through our works not just words. Multiply your talents and watch Him make your faith grow exponentially to the life and growth He desires you to embrace.
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
- John W.


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lambskin black quilted
Personalization beyond 10 characters adds a $25 fee. Please add an additional 3-5 business days to your order processing period.
Calfskin travel case with gold VIANEL logo on the front and zip pocket on the side.
7.5 IN X 5 IN X 2.5 IN


Sofia Vergara And 15 Of The Best Dressed Women At The 2014 Emmys
The 2014 Emmy Awards telecast on Monday night wasn't much to write home about, trudging along in mediocrity save for a few above average moments.
Even the fashion this year was so-so. Few stars stood out this year -- a stark contrast to Sunday night's MTV Video Music Awards -- and, of course there were some bad dresses, but even the bad wasn't that bad (well, if you take Lena Dunham out of the equation).
Starting off with three women whose amazing curves were on display all night, Modern Family's Sofia Vergara, True Detective's Alexandra Daddario and Mad Men's Christina Hendricks, these 16 beautiful women played it safe and all looked amazing doing it.


Freddie Freaker (more commonly known as Freddy Freaker) is a toy character created in the 1980s by L.A. Toys advertising a telephone number one could call, "1-900-490-FREAK," whereupon the character would tell jokes. The character's bizarre appearance and lack of known background made it an object of fascination on internet forums and the commercial was often referenced and remixed.
While concrete information about the character is sparse, anecdotal evidence points to the character being created in 1987. On November 10th, 2008, YouTuber Sylvacute84 posted the commercial featuring the character, gaining over 505,000 views (shown below).
In the comments section of that video, a YouTube commenter named Patrick Simmons took credit for creating the character, writing:
Ok dude, you just made my day. I was the artist who designed and created this puppet for this commercial back in 1987 and until this moment I had never seen the final video for it. I was a very young buck at the time, just getting my start in the FX industry, so it was a pretty big deal to create something for a national ad. Thanks for posting it, my coworker and I laughed our asses off. By the way, the arms were designed to move and bend, so I have no idea why they left him in a Jesus pose. Peace.
A fascination with the character began spreading online, particularly in the mid-2000s. In July of 2013, a Tumblr page devoted to the character, fuckyeafreddyfreaker, launched. On July 31st, 2014, Breaker.com wrote about the character and spoke to Simmons about what he knew of the project. There, it was revealed that the terms "The Party Freak" and "Freddie Freaker" were trademarked in 1988 and cancelled in the mid-90s. Simmons also said he believed the toy was supposed to tell college-age jokes and it was advertised on MTV. In a small Facebook group devoted to the character, it was revealed that the admin of that group, Kevin Leto, was the likely CEO of LA Toys, the company that made Freddie Freaker. On March 21st, 2015, the commercial was posted to /r/NotTimandEric, where a commenter said they had called the number once and were told jokes in a free-form grumbly voice. A Wikia has been created documenting all known information about the character.
The character began seeing use in remix videos around 2016. On October 3rd, 2016, YouTuber BluShades uploaded a video of himself watching a long playlist of Freddie Freaker remixes and YouTube Poops, gaining over 24,000 views (shown below, left). The character gained more popularity after being mentioned by the Oney Plays Let's Play channel on December 25th, 2017 (shown below, right), which in turn inspired popular animations of their Freddie Freaker scenes.


If Engadget is correct, towards the end of this year (November 2008), Dell will be introducing a sequel to the Dell Latitude XT 12.1″ convertible Tablet PC/laptop.
Our view: It’s very plausible – the timing is right. Firewire port is odd/interesting. eSATA makes sense – Dell has been doing this on all their lines. Would not be surprised to see HDMI at some point, but it wasn’t mentioned here.
Drum roll please: Dell Latitude XT2
– Discontinue Latitude XT in Q4 2008 (November) / Q1 2009
– Introduce Latitude XT2 in Q4 2008 (November) / Q1 2009
– Will be about a three month overlap
– Target Weight: Less than 3.5 (1.58kg)
– Platform: Intel Montevina (Centrino 2)
– CPU: Both Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) and Low Voltage (LV)
– Graphics: Intel-based, Supports Windows Vista Aero
– Ports: Firewire/1394, eSATA
– Media Base: XT2 Media Base (uses XT media base)
– Optical drive: Possibly integrated, rather than in external media base)
Article: Engadget (including renderings)


Dennis adds to Portsmouth’s attacking problems ahead of QPR visit
Louis Dennis has added to Pompey’s forward woes.
The summer arrival from Bromley is a doubt for Saturday’s visit of QPR in the FA Cup following a knee injury, with the Blues already down to the bare bones for the game.
David Wheeler returned to the Hoops today after manager Steve McClaren cut short his Fratton Park loan deal.
He follows Andre Green and Joe Mason in being recalled by their parent clubs – Aston Villa and Wolves, respectively – this month.
Oli Hawkins remains on the treatment table with a calf injury.
And with Jamal Lowe suspended for the fourth round tie against QPR and Andy Cannon cup-tied, Pompey head into the game with limited options in attack.
Brett Pitman, Ronan Curtis and Gareth Evans are the only senior options available.
Speaking about Dennis’ fitness and current injuries within the squad, Blues boss Kenny Jackett said: 'We're very similar to where we've been last Saturday and then Tuesday night in the Checkatrade.
'The only one we're waiting on is Louis Dennis, who may or may not be fit for this weekend.
'Other than that, it's as we were.
'But Nathan Thompson and Oli Hawkins are progressing well, but won’t be fit for this weekend.'
Dennis made his league debut for Pompey in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Oxford United.
He has made six Blues appearances to date this season.


Synthetic drugs now captured in Guyana’s laws
─ as Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Amendment Bill passed
Persons found with synthetic drugs that were not before captured under Guyana’s laws, will now be charged and placed before the courts, as the National Assembly on Monday passed the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control Amendment) Bill No.2
Some of the new synthetic drugs according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime are; methamphetamine, non-medical use of ketamine, fentanyl, new ‘ecstasy’ and crystalline MDMA.
Presented by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, M.P, the Bill received the blessings of the Parliamentary Opposition.
“This is an intention to bring into the realm of law, the realm of prosecutorial offences to synthetics and all those other substances which are narcotics, psychotropic substances and stimulants which were previously not captured in our legislation,” Minister Benn noted.
Section two of the Principal Act has been amended by the insertion immediately after the definition of coca leaves, control substance analogue. This means, “a substance that is structurally chemically similar to the substances set out in the first schedule and second schedule and produces a stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially comparable to or greater than the stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic effect of the substances set out in the first and second schedule.”
The amendment further inserts, ‘control substance analogue’ under the definition of narcotics.
Supporting the Bill was Government Member of Parliament and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, who noted that the issue of synthetic drugs used by young people, is a worldwide phenomenon.
As all the new types of drugs will be captured under this Bill and possession and trafficking will attract penalties, Minister Ramson said the government is “looking out for the protection of young people of the country.”
He also lambasted the main opposition party in the House for failing to realise the importance of placing such a preventative measure against the rampant use of these drugs.
Meanwhile, all speakers in the opposition benches supported the amendment of the Bill, dubbing it necessary.


'Texas Standard' to Connect Texans to Stories Around the State and Globe
New statewide public radio news magazine to originate from Austin
AUSTIN, Texas — Feb. 9, 2015 — Texans have a new source for expansive coverage of local, national and international news — from a distinctly Texas perspective — with the launch of “Texas Standard,” the national daily news show of Texas.
“Texas Standard” makes its daily debut in Austin at 10 a.m. today on KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station. The show, which originates from the KUT Public Media Studios, will be distributed to public radio stations statewide beginning March 2, Texas Independence Day.
The one-hour daily news magazine is a project of KUT Austin, KERA North Texas, Houston Public Media, and San Antonio’s Texas Public Radio.
This cross-station collaboration — the first of its kind among public radio stations in Texas— provides a platform to connect Texans to stories from communities across their state in the same way NPR’s “Morning Edition” connects listeners to stories from communities across the U.S. and around the globe.
Hosted by award-winning journalist David Brown, “Texas Standard” explores the world of news, economics, innovation and culture, every day — from a Texas perspective — in a fresh, contemporary, conversational style.
“When we listen to the news, many of us feel like it’s shaped by a New York or Washington, D.C. perspective,” said Brown. “’Texas Standard’” is the first daily public radio news magazine to prioritize local, national and international stories in a manner that’s consistent with the way we Texans see the world.
“Our intent is to be fresh, original and groundbreaking,” continued Brown. “We believe that reporting marked by wit, humor and informality can uplift and underscore our shared humanity, while helping us understand the world around us.”
Prior to his work with “Texas Standard,” Brown founded and hosted the award-winning cultural journalism unit "Texas Music Matters," produced KUT Public Radio. He is known nationally for his work as host of public radio's “Marketplace.”
Veteran newswoman Emily Donahue is the show’s executive producer. Previously, she established Austin’s KUT News department, which has won more than 150 state, national and international awards for journalistic excellence.
“We intend to tell great human stories and feature new voices and ideas in a manner that both reflect the storyteller and the audience,” said Donahue who has assembled a team of talented news producers from all walks of life from around the state and country to explore what it means to be a Texan.
Additional editorial and production staff includes: Wells Dunbar, social media host & producer; Rhonda Fanning, producer; Laura Rice, associate producer; Brenda Salinas, associate producer, business; Haley Howle, director; Casey Cheek, technical director; and Alain Stephens, production assistant.
“Texas’ connections to political, business, energy, technology and education developments around the world are many,” said Stewart Vanderwilt, director and general manager of KUT Public Radio. “If ‘Texas Standard’ can deliver local and world news to our listeners in a way that’s relevant and connects them to the global experience, then ‘Texas Standard’ and this cross-station collaboration will have succeeded.”
“Texas Standard” will be available to public radio stations throughout the state starting March 2 as a free service via the Public Radio Satellite System®. Distribution is made possible through a partnership with PRI, Public Radio International.
“Texas Standard’s” daily business coverage is sponsored by Texas Mutual Insurance Company. Texas Farm Credit has also signed on as a charter sponsor of the program. Inquires about statewide sponsorships can be made to firstname.lastname@example.org.
About “Texas Standard”
“Texas Standard” sets the bar for broadcast news coverage, offering crisp, expansive coverage of politics, lifestyle and culture, the environment, technology and innovation, and business and the economy — from a distinctly Texas perspective. Hosted by award-winning journalist David Brown, the hour-long daily news magazine is grounded in the best traditions of American journalism: fact-based, independent and politically neutral reporting.
“Texas Standard” is a project of KUT Austin, KERA North Texas, Houston Public Media, and San Antonio’s Texas Public Radio, as well as news organizations across Texas.
Contact: Erin Geisler, KUT Public Radio, (512) 475-8071


Robert Gibbs answer to David Corn of Mother Jones’ last question at Friday’s briefing is getting considerable attention from the right. Corn asked Gibbs about House Republican leader John Boehner‘s declaration that the House health care bill was the “greatest threat to freedom” he’s ever seen. Gibbs’ response was worth a slight chuckle, but they ignore his larger point.
Boehner’s money quote: “This bill is the greatest threat to freedom that I have seen in the 19 years I’ve been here in Washington.” Here are his remarks in full, which the producers of V would do well to work into their show:
Boehner wasn’t the only one at the rally to see dire consequences to health care reform, as Corn points out. Here’s what Gibbs had to say about Boehner’s proclamation:
Q Yesterday at the rally on Capitol Hill, Congressman Boehner said that he considers the health care bill to be “the greatest threat to freedom” he has ever seen. I just was wondering what your response is to that.
MR. GIBBS: I think we could take up the better part of our afternoons and probably significantly into the weekend thinking of other conflicts that we’ve seen or read about throughout the history of the world that might be a greater threat to freedom than what Congressman Boehner was discussing.
I will continue to say what I’ve said before. You hear — in this debate you hear analogies, you hear references to, you see pictures about and depictions of individuals that are truly stunning. And you hear it all the time. People — imagine five years ago somebody comparing health care reform to 9/11. Imagine just a few years ago had somebody walked around with images of Hitler. Hopefully we can get back to a discussion about the issues that are important in this country, that we can do without being personally disagreeable and set up comparisons to things that were so insidious in our history that anybody in any professional walk of life would be well advised to compare nothing to those atrocities.
Watch it here:
My first reaction to the line that’s getting all the attention, “People — imagine five years ago somebody comparing health care reform to 9/11. Imagine just a few years ago had somebody walked around with images of Hitler,” was to suppress a chuckle. As Hot Air’s Allahpundit and The Weekly Standard’s Mary Katherine Ham point out, people walking around with images of Hitler during the Bush years isn’t like conjuring a jet-propelled, laser-wielding unicorn. Furthermore, you only have to go back a few weeks to find a Democratic member of Congress invoking both 9/11 and the Holocaust.
Some might argue that the likes of Boehner’s statement, or Virginia Foxx’s, get extra absurdity points, and defend Grayson on the grounds that he, at least, was making the comparison to something that actually results in deaths. I think Gibbs’ summation is what people should be focusing on:
Hopefully we can get back to a discussion about the issues that are important in this country, that we can do without being personally disagreeable and set up comparisons to things that were so insidious in our history that anybody in any professional walk of life would be well advised to compare nothing to those atrocities.
I would point out that, although it would be hard to miss Bush-era Hitler comparisons, the media has changed since then. The 2008 campaign created a voracious 15-minute news cycle that demands fresh meat, so the bar for what gets reported is considerably lower now. The crazy quote that used to merit a breathless blog post now becomes fodder for endless panel discussion.
It’s become standard practice in partisan politics to respond to ridiculous quotes by saying, “Hey, they do it too,” but not “We should stop doing that.” Short memory notwithstanding, I think the takeaway from this response is that we should replace Godwin’s Law with Gibbs’ Dictum, and just stop doing it.
Have a tip we should know? firstname.lastname@example.org


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The one thing I'm determined to do after the quarantine is over is to contest for the next Master chef championship. The ample time gifted by quarantine has all of us heading towards our kitchen with our youtube-d recipes.
After the lockdown, the momo/dumpling cravings have hit the ceiling. To cater to them and also finish off the nasty bottle gourd from the fridge, here's a super easy and healthy recipe for all the dumpling fans out there.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cup grated bottle gourd
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 green chilly (chopped)
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
- salt to taste
- Start by combining all-purpose flour with the required amount of water and kneading it into a tight dough.
- Once the dough is ready, keep it aside for good 15-20 mins to set.
- Grate the bottle gourd and squeeze out all the excess water from it. Transfer this to a pan and cook it along with the chopped onions, chilly and ginger paste.
- Add soy sauce and salt to taste.
- Saute this filling until cooked and allow it to cool.
- Take the dough and cut it into small portions for the dumplings.
- Dust flour over the piece of dough to roll it thin. You can use a cookie cutter to give it the perfect round shape and then proceed to the stuffing part of the recipe.
- Stuff the dough with the prepared bottle gourd mixture. Be an artist, give the dumplings any shape that you want. Make sure you secure all openings by pinching the dough together.
For the cooking part, pour 1 tbsp of oil on a hot pan. Add the dumplings to the pan and cook until its golden brown from the bottom.
Add 3-4 tbsp of water to the pan and immediately cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat and let the dumplings cook for around 6-7 mins.
After they're done, remove the lid and serve your piping hot dumplings along with spicy red chutney or wonton soup.
I am sure you tried this recipe and loved the dumplings, we have a lot more recipes coming your way soon, stay in touch!
Stay healthy! 😃
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domain: food


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UW-Oshkosh’s foundation has spent heavily in recent years on technology that converts manure and other organic material into electricity — a strategy that is both legal and mirrors a trend among colleges of using private foundations to generate revenue.
But the university is running into problems for funneling public money through its foundation for projects, which UW System officials say is illegal.
The funding included the development of a waste-to-energy system at Wisconsin’s largest dairy farm, where costs escalated, prompting administrators to divert school funds to help pay for the project, according to court records.
UW System officials filed the suit Jan. 18 against former Chancellor Richard H. Wells and Thomas G. Sonnleitner, the former vice chancellor for administrative services, for tapping school funds that should have come from the foundation.
This is a big poo storm that involves the illegal use of taxpayer funds and such, but it also reveals some more fundamental problems with the decision making within the UW System. The University and the Foundation are allegedly committed to providing an excellent education for students. The Foundation’s webpage even says:
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Foundation contributes to academic excellence. It is an organization committed to advancing higher education and ensuring that UW Oshkosh students enjoy successful futures.
So during the years in which the Foundation and the University were planning and spending millions of dollars on a biodigester did anyone posit the question, “how does this contribute to academic excellence for our students?” If so, what was the answer? If not, why not? Why are they doing it?
Stories like this reaffirm the opinion that there isn’t too little money in our UW System – there is too much. There is so much money lying around that officials are literally throwing taxpayer, tuition, and donated money at shitty projects because they can’t think of a better use for it. When resources are truly scarce, things like this don’t happen.


On the agenda for Monday night’s (Aug. 2) Burien City Council meeting: new maintenance facility, National Night Out, Climate Action Plan, Arts Commission, Indian Trail, joining the Welcoming Network, salmon habitat plan and more.
Download the full agenda packet here (PDF file).
Here’s the agenda:
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT ON EMERGING ISSUES:
- a) Shared Public Works and Parks Maintenance Facility Status Update (Maiya Andrews, Public Works Director)
- b) National Night Out Update (Captain Troy Smithmeyer, Police)
- c) Climate Action Plan Community Survey (Paige Morris, Environmental Education Specialist)
- a) Council Selection of Arts Commission Candidate Interviews (Megan Gregor, City Clerk)
- b) Direction on Indian Trail Vehicle Crossing Code Amendment (Susan McLain, Community Development Director)
- c) Introduction to Resolution No. 464, Joining the Welcoming Network (Carolyn Hope, PaRCS Director)
- d) Introduction to Resolution No. 463, 2021 Update to WRIA-9 Salmon Habitat Plan (Maiya Andrews, Public Works Director)
- e) City Council Planning Calendar (Brian Wilson, City Manager)
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:
- a) City Manager’s Report


NYPD: Protesters are Terrorists
And it's ok to mow them down.
Speaking at a breakfast hosted by New York City's Police Foundation Thursday, the commissioner unveiled a new unit-the Strategic Response Group or SRG-that will be made up of hundreds of officers tasked specifically with counterterrorism and "disorder" policing.
The NYPD spokesman then clarified, they won't actually be carrying machine guns into protests. They'll just "have access to the weapons 'either on them or in their vehicles'". So, they won't be "carrying" them, but they might be "on them"...as hats?
It is pretty insulting that citizens would demand police accountability. And tying up traffic is an unforgivable offense, so i can see why Commissioner Bratton would want to arm his men with machine guns. If we've learned anything from the Civil Rights movement, it's that peaceful protest and civil disobedience are stepping stones to extremism.
Disappointingly, De Blasio seems to be on board with this mischaracterization of protesters as terrorists, supporting the SRG initiative, though refraining from outright endorsing the idea that officers should carry machine guns.
I'm trying to figure out how a reasonable person could see and hear the public outcry against the use of excessive police force and lack of accountability and walk away from that thinking the solution is to arm the police with even bigger guns. That's what you do when you want to shut people up, not if you want to fix a problem. The police are supposed to be working for the citizenry. They shouldn't be a regime that seeks to terrorize the people into obedience. There's a slippery slope here, but it's not the protesters who are in danger of sliding.
By min | February 19, 2015, 2:06 PM | Liberal Outrage


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Fresh ideas from the sharpest minds working toward a cleaner, greener planet
Manage series 167482
By Andrew Lewin. Discovered by Player FM and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Player FM, and audio is streamed directly from their servers. Hit the Subscribe button to track updates in Player FM, or paste the feed URL into other podcast apps.
Speak Up For The Ocean Blue raises awareness of the variety of ocean science and conservation projects conducted all around the world. It educates you, the listener, on the different Ocean Conservation Projects that are happening around the world. By listening to our guests, I hope to inspire you to live an ocean-friendly life through their stories and the information I provide to guide you towards a living a life that will be healthy for the Ocean. On the podcast episodes, I discuss, sharks, marine mammals (whales, dolphins, manatees, sea lions, seals), seabirds, fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, cod, etc) as well as ocean issues like climate change/global warming (ocean acidification, increased sea temperatures, sea level rise, arctic melting, changing weather patterns), water pollution, plastic pollution (single-use plastic), coastal development, overfishing, whale hunting, fish poaching and more.

domain: geography


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Each year, we have a poojai at dance class for Dashami. Now, at the Academy of Indian Dances, there are four teachers, including me. Mythili Mami is, of course, head; that goes without saying. On Dashami, a little girl crept up to the corner where we were standing. “I want to speak to Ma’am,” she […]
What makes Mythili Maami special? Why have so many of us been with her for two decades and longer? Why did we not leave the Academy of Indian Dances and set up on our own like so many other dancers? The answer lies in a story that each one of us is only too willing to share. […]
Maharashtra Cultural Centre has invited the Academy of Indian Dances to perform for Urja, a classical dance festival. For this performance, we’ve taken an old theme, one that we presented in 2012, Naaritva: Exploring Womanhood. The performance explores the journey of a woman through traditional pieces, both classical and folk. We begin with girlhood, associated with fun […]
Many things went wrong. Too many things went wrong. Mahatma Phule Sanskrutik Bhavan informed us on the 5th of December that the mayor required the hall on the 18th, so all performances scheduled for that day had been cancelled. And yes, our performance was scheduled for the 18th. 59 children were to perform. We had […]
As a child watching a cricket match live on television, I remember asking my grandfather, “How does the camera know where to look?” Two days ago, looking at five people sitting together and ensuring that our performance was screened live all over the world, I remembered my question and smiled. Performing in Tirupathi was an experience that […]
One year ago, three of us had the privilege of dancing at Kalakshetra in front of my teacher’s teachers. I can’t believe that a year has passed since that wonderful day that was so filled with emotion. We were scared, but our teacher was terrified – she had to play the nattuvangam on the same stage that […]
I’ve lost count of the number of times people have asked me when we’re performing in Pune. Finally, here we go! The senior students of the Academy of Indian Dances bring to you a traditional Bharatanatyam programme, featuring a range of pieces that explore nritta, nritya and natya. Beginning with an invocatory dance, we move on […]
Performing for three minutes is often more trouble than it’s worth … not this time, though. People often assume that a three-minute performance is no big deal. Let’s look at it this way, though. Leaving aside the time we take to choreograph, learn, coordinate and practise, we could just look at the day we perform. […]
Thank you, Sakal Times, for the article about our Kalakshetra performance!
Yes, we really performed. Even though the picture does not show it, I was really there too.
To say that we are honoured, privileged and humbled all at the same time is to say nothing at all. We are going to perform at Kalakshetra, the place where our beloved guru became the dancer and person she is … What words of mine can begin to touch upon all our thoughts and feelings? Like […]
“How was the Arangetram? How did Chaitrali do?” my mother asked. I had one word in response, “Moving.” And it was moving for more reasons than one. When Chaitrali, despite her hearing and speaking disability made her speech, many of us were in tears. “I thank the didis,” she said, painstakingly. “Varsha didi … Nisha didi […]
The Academy of Indian Dances welcomes you to the Arangetram of Chaitrali, Diya and Purvi. Chaitrali is a special girl with a hearing disability despite which she has persevered and come to this stage. Her Arangetram is a proud moment for her parents, her guru, and somehow by extension, all of us. Diya and Purvi […]
We are conducting a dance workshop (followed by a performance) soon … I will share the details in the next few days!
It’s International Dance Day! The best day, perhaps, to pay tribute to my guru, Guru Mythili Raghavan. Nobody can quite understand why she means so much to us. Why is it that we spend odd hours at her place? Why do so many of the seniors’ parents comment that we listen more to her than […]
Women of Pride unravelled a lot of questions before proceeding to respond to them, at least in part . There was so much about the devadasis that I did not know. Often in books I read, the history of these temple dancers was cheerfully summed up in a couple of sentences. The devadasis were nityasumangali […]
Three years ago, we performed on a beautiful stage as part of the Kannada Sangha celebrations in Pune. I can’t quite believe that it was three years ago. Waiting to perform again!
When we introduce my teacher, we always talk about the prestigious Iyal Isai Nadagam award that she received. We have so many things to say about her, about countries she’s toured and things she has achieved. This time, we had the privilege of being present when Guru Mythili Raghavan received an award from the Pune […]
There’s nothing in the world like the thrill of performing. Even if it’s just a tiny performance at my teacher’s place. Nothing much went wrong. There were no black-outs, but that was okay.I was to sit on a small wooden stool for one scene, but no one but I seemed to know where the stool […]
The thrill of performing is here again! A little performance, a private performance this time – not on a stage, and for barely twenty people. “We’ll do it in a very simple way,” said my teacher. “Those who are playing boys will dress in salwar-kameez. The girls will wear practice saris.” Doing it at my […]


text: Bromfenvinphos (0.0-diethyl-0-1-(2.4-dichlorphenyl)-2-bromvinyl phosphate), BrV, 12.33 mg/kg/day, alone and in combination with methoxychlor ( (1,1,1-trichlor-2.2-)4-methoxyphenyl ethane), MeOCl, 24.66 mg/kg/day, were administered to laboratory mice in the olive-oil suspension through the stomach gauge once a day for 6 weeks. The histological changes developed in liver and kidneys of mice were investigated. BrV and BrV + MeOCl caused the hyperemia and fine-grained inflammatory infiltration in liver tissue. The small histological changes were observed in kidneys of animals which received the pesticides: the stellate shape lumen of the proximal convoluted kidney tubules and the vacuolar degeneration changes in the wall cells of these tubules. There occurred degeneration changes in the wall cells of these tubules. No pathological changes appeared in stomach, small and large intestine, heart, spleen and in gonads of the experimental mice.


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- This event has passed.
Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo Co-Presented With Jacob’s Pillow
March 2, 2019 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM$20 – $75
Celebrating its 44th anniversary season, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is the world’s foremost all-male comedy ballet company, performing both en pointe and en travesti. The drag-clad Trocks got their start in the 1970s at late-late shows in off-off-Broadway lofts, and have since become one of the most popular, critically recognized, and outright funny dance companies in the world. By exaggerating the foibles and accidents of serious dance, they bring a whimsical spirit to the ballet repertoire.


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Cardiff City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town have the only perfect records in the Championship after two matches.
All four teams followed up their opening weekend victories with another three points on Saturday as the embryonic league table begins to take shape.
At the other end of the table are Brentford, Barnsley and Burton Albion, who are all still pointless two games into the new campaign.
TERRY AWAITS FIRST VILLA WIN
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored a brace on his first start for the club as Cardiff beat Aston Villa 3-0 in a result Steve Bruce labelled "on the edge of embarrassment".
Neil Warnock's men top the Championship table on goals scored, with Villa captain John Terry unable to stop the impressive Kenneth Zohore and Mendez-Laing, who also scored in the midweek League Cup win against Portsmouth.
Cardiff's controversial owner Vincent Tan confirmed after the game he is not actively seeking a sale and all is well on the pitch for the Bluebirds, who face a top-of-the-table clash with Wolves at Molineux next weekend.
DEBUT DELIGHT FOR BOUCHALAKIS
Mark Warburton's return to Brentford saw Andreas Bouchalakis score twice on his league debut in the best game of the day, a 4-3 win for Nottingham Forest.
After John Egan headed the opener for the hosts, a fine Bouchalakis volley levelled and Daryl Murphy put Forest ahead before Bouchalakis added a memorable second from 25 yards.
Barry Douglas and Ivan Cavaleiro got the goals as Wolves won 2-0 at Derby County, while Mick McCarthy's Ipswich Town won 2-1 at Barnsley thanks to goals from substitutes David McGoldrick and Martyn Waghorn.
HERNANDEZ THE HAT-TRICK HERO
Abel Hernandez hit a hat-trick as Hull City battered Burton 4-1 at home, with Jackson Irvine sent off for the visitors just five minutes after he had cancelled out the Uruguayan's opening goal.
It was a first league win for former Russia coach Leonid Slutsky, a personal friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who has Blues youngsters Ola Aina and Michael Hector on loan.
Hull's fellow relegated side Middlesbrough edged to a 1-0 home win over Sheffield United in the day's late game, Garry Monk earning his first league win in charge thanks to Rudy Gestede's first-half goal, as a late Blades leveller was ruled out for offside.
KALAS DISMISSED IN FIRST MINUTE
A red card in the first minute for another Chelsea loanee, Tomas Kalas, did not prove too costly as Lucas Piazon scored a late equaliser for Fulham at his former club Reading.
Preston North End also claimed a point with 10 men after Ben Pearson was sent off in a 0-0 draw at Leeds United, while Sheffield Wednesday collected their first point with a 1-1 draw at home to QPR.
Millwall and Bolton Wanderers also drew 1-1, while Jacques Maghoma hit the winner for Harry Redknapp's 10-man Birmingham City in a 2-1 home win over Bristol City, who had taken the lead in the first minute.
|Federer to skip clay-court season again|
|Cardiff maintain winning streak, Leinster beaten|
|Montpellier march on, Brive climb off the bottom|
|De Gea and Ter Stegen criticise World Cup ball|
|Kisner thrashes Poulter to set up Thomas Match Play semi-final|
|Kokkinakis stuns Federer in Miami|
|Neymar to Real Madrid stories a media game, says PSG´s Pastore|
|Falcons rise to the occasion at St James´ Park|
|Celtics´ Irving to return in three to six weeks after surgery|
|Poulter forgets Oosthuizen´s Masters nightmare|
|Miami Open organisers unaware of Wozniacki abuse|
|FA condemns England supporters after trouble in Amsterdam|
|Warriors star Curry´s regular season over after MCL sprain|
|Radwanska stuns Halep to open up Miami draw|
|This is the real Michy - Batshuayi back on track at Dortmund|
|Atherton, Waqar, Du Plessis and now Bancroft - A brief history of ball tampering in cricket|
|Sweden 1 Chile 2: Bolados strikes late winner on debut|
|Stormers hold off rallying Reds at Newlands|
|Italy to name new coach in May, Costacurta confirms|
|Garcia eliminated as Thomas´ Match Play charge continues|
|Wozniacki demands action after Miami Open abuse|
|Smith will not stand down as Australia captain, despite role in Bancroft ball-tampering plot|
|Canada 1 New Zealand 0: Herdman enjoys winning start thanks to Ricketts|
|I saw an opportunity to change the ball condition - Bancroft|
|Wilshere withdraws from England squad to face Italy|
|Colombia collapse a slap for France, says Giroud|
|Vazquez wants Spain to face Messi|
|Gotze, Sahin mentoring Jadon Sancho at Dortmund|
|Low to make changes for Brazil friendly as injured Can heads home|
|Conti targets Milan derby for injury return|
|Bancroft charged over ball-tampering incident|
|Bancroft faces ball-tampering allegations as South Africa take control of third Test|
|F1 Raceweek: Hamilton out to make pole count, Ricciardo ready to fight|
|Northern Ireland 2 South Korea 1: Son frustrated as World Cup preparations stutter|
|Olympiacos & Nottingham Forest owner denies any wrongdoing over drug trafficking charges|
|I´ll dance with the fans - Gayle ready to party in Harare|
|Two games in two days! Ireland´s Doyle returns from Turkey to play for Bradford|
|Bancroft caught up in ball-tampering row|
|Everything is fine again! Khedira offers positive fitness update|
|Puyol ´doesn´t see any problem´ with Neymar joining Real Madrid|
|Spain already know their team - Sampaoli seeks Argentina certainty|
|No offers for ´happy´ Bellerin, insists Arsenal full-back´s agent|
|F1 teams up with Netflix for documentary series|
|Iker is trembling already! - Ramos hunting down Casillas´ cap record|
|Warriors leave it late to preserve winning start, Hayne injures hip|
|Silva leaves Spain squad for personal reasons|
|Egypt coach Cuper declares Salah among world´s best|
|A-League Review: Simon haunts managerless Mariners, Jakobsen opens City account|
|Ricciardo: I´ve been shot in the ankle before season has even started|
|Alvarez temporarily suspended over positive test|
|Ronaldo trumps Salah, Messi missing - winners and losers from Friday´s internationals|
|Giggs wants Bale to stay at Real Madrid|
|Canes end Highlanders´ winning run|
|Bottas ´sorry´ for qualifying crash|
|Muller and Ozil set to miss Brazil friendly|
|´I wanted to wipe the smile off your face´ - Hamilton-Vettel rivalry already simmering|
|Ramos hails Spain´s belief after Germany draw|
|Buffon not ready to walk away as Italy look to the future|
|Hamilton breaks records to take pole in Melbourne|
|Curry suffers MCL sprain in first game back from ankle injury|
|Rain ruins day three in Auckland|
|Celtics get another short-handed win, Curry injured again|
|Wozniacki exits as Venus, Konta cruise in Miami|
|Wozniacki stunned by Puig in Miami|
|Mexico 3 Iceland 0: Layun scores brace in friendly win|
|Djokovic struggles continue as Cilic, Dimitrov progress|
|Usain Bolt not ready for top level, says Stoger|
|Ronaldo is a goal – Santos hails Portugal star|
|Pro Bowl TE Bennett announces retirement from NFL|
|Broncos acquire Veldheer from Cardinals for sixth-round pick|

domain: sports


Terry McCallum Swim Story
Royal Life Saving Trainer Terry McCallum has been a part of the team at Nepean Aquatic Centre and Eva Borys Swim school for decades. With his cheeky cockney accent (despite over 30 years living in Australia) ready smile and positive attitude, Terry is always a pleasure to be around. Myself and most of the staff at Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Borys Swim School have known Terry for many years, but few know of the story of how Terry came to swimming and water as a teen following many years in hospital in London as a child. In his own words, this is Terry’s uplifting swim story – settle back, enjoy the story, and allow yourself some Christmas cheer!
“When I was a very small boy (six) I was diagnosed with something nasty. I am old now, so we’re talking about the mid-fifties. Much of my childhood was spent in hospital, with multiple bouts of surgery cutting away any growths that resulted from my illness. It was terminal but slow. I was schooled in the hospital (Westminster Children’s Hospital in London) by bedside teachers. I was not allowed to leave the bed.
I’ll get to the swimming connection soon, but even though I was in hospital for years, that doesn’t mean it was all bad. Like all kids, I enjoyed life and made the most of whatever was around me. As I had been in the hospital longer than any other kid, I was always the one involved in any publicity things. Yes – I was cute like all the ones we see in those hospital ads. I remember one Easter having the job of smashing a huge chocolate egg with a hammer live on British TV. When it was played back on the news that evening I remember being shocked by the dark rims under my eyes, but the smile was right across my face.
When they built a new children’s ward at a nearby hospital, it was opened by the Queen Mother. They shipped in a bunch of sick kids (me included) from nearby hospitals to fill the ward. A bunch of nurses literally pushed me through the London streets while I was still in my bed. I was lying down when the Queen Mother leaned across and filled my vision, saying typical Queen Mother stuff. I distinctly remember her flower posy and huge, powder blue hat.
And Christmas in hospital – albeit sad and traumatic for families – is full of wonder for small kids. The nurses – all caped and capped – holding candles as they walked in line through the dark corridors singing carols on Christmas Eve. I still lump up (translation – gets a lump in his throat) at the beauty and wonderment of that scene. Then of course the avalanche of donated gifts on Christmas Day, with local personalities all visiting and playing with us.
Yes – I know – I’ll get to the swimming soon . . .
Then along came the miracle of Radiotherapy, still very much in its experimental stages. I was a natural guinea pig because I had nothing to lose. Voila! Here I am. It wasn’t as terminal as they thought. Well – it was really, but Deep Gamma saved the day. Lucky timing. I remember one day when everyone was popping bottles of champagne around my bed (different laws then of course). Doctors and nurses were laughing and crying at once. My blood count (haemoglobin) had gone up by one. As a kid I couldn’t understand why everyone was dancing and jumping. I later learned that it was because they had just proved that Radiotherapy worked! I was merely a young and bemused beneficiary of this rather significant moment in medical history. They could at last punch a hole in cancer.
It took three courses and nearly two years, but at last I could finally get out of bed. I had lost the ability to walk due to muscle wastage. Nothing that physio couldn’t fix, but it took a while. I left the hospital just in time to go to High School, but I couldn’t do sport because of – well – lots of reasons. So when all my friends went to gym and sporting excursions I stayed behind and did art and woodwork.
And now the swimming connection at last….
I was about 16 when the doctors agreed to let me have a go at a sport. That sport was . . . you guessed it . . . swimming. It was a big thing for me to finally do what my friends had been doing for so long. I will never forget the first time I jumped in and felt the full body caress of the water. Cool. Enveloping. Complete. I have been swimming ever since – joint problems permitting. In the pool, in the river and in the lake. I absolutely love it. I’m not fast but I don’t have to be. I can still do some sort of sport. That’s all I need.
The water and I have been firm friends ever since that first entry into the pool – but as much as I love it I was always aware of its dangers. A bit of a smiling assassin really. I joined the Royal Lifesaving Society in London during the early seventies and have been with them ever since, re-accrediting when I came to Australia in 1987.I now work full time as a trainer/examiner for Royal Life NSW, and I will for as long as I can. I also run Pool Lifeguard courses and teach school teachers and swim teachers and ship builders and the military. My heart soars when someone tells me they actually saved a life. Man – what a buzz!
I have had the pleasure of providing CPR courses for Alan and Karen (Bentley) for decades now. They have looked after me like they look after all of their staff. They are a very special couple.
And yes – even today – every single time I dive into the water I feel the same sensations as that 16 year old me felt. Some things never go away, and nor would I want it to. There’s just a few more creaks and groans nowadays, that’s all. The almost barbaric method of administering radiotherapy in the late fifties/early sixties left some problems that developed as I grew. I used to lie on a table under a sort of X-ray lens, then they would bathe my upper body in the glow of deep gamma. They now know (but didn’t then) that it inhibits bone growth in children, and damages certain muscle tissue ie heart muscle. It will also rip the carpet out from under the feet of your thyroid, but it will take around 30 years to do it.
All very manageable stuff – and I see myself as way ahead of the alternative”.
Huge thanks to Terry for sharing his swim story – swimming saves lives in more ways than one!


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Would You Drink Collagen For Wrinkle-Free Skin?
Are you ready for the latest anti-ageing fad? You’re about to hear a lot about collagen.. But not injecting it as has been the norm to date, but drinking it.
Chinese women have started drinking collagen thanks to promises such as “take a collagen drink for 30 days and have skin as soft as a baby’s.”
The Guardian newspaper is reporting that cosmetics companies such as DHC China are selling drinks containing fish collagen, with instructions to “sip it every night before sleep and you will see a clear improvement in skin texture after just 10 days. And if you want to maintain good skin condition, you should not stop drinking it.”
And the women can’t get enough of it – sales of collagen-rich beverages, powders and pills are growing fast – and as you can imagine it doesn’t come cheap in this part of the world.
A month’s serving of one of the best-selling products, a cherry-flavoured drinks, costs around 900 yuan, or $138 – more than half of the average urban dweller’s disposable income.
Reports have been overwhelmingly positive, from refined pores to “super smooth” skin. However a nutrition studies director at the Sun Yat-Sen hospital in Guangzhou believes these drinks have a limited effect on the skin, as the body can only absorb a small amount of collagen this way. He stresses that a diet rich with vegetables and fruits is more beneficial because of the antioxidants which have a better anti-ageing effect.
Would you try a collagen drink if they were available here? Or would you heed the advice of eating more fruit and vegetables?


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Downtown Fights Back
Bar owners are pooling their resources to battle increased pressure on their businesses and their patrons
Who is Greg Palast?
An interview with one of the world's most controversial investigative journalists
Beginners Breakdance at Versatile Styles Dance Studio
Moonlight Ghost Tour of Old Town at Tours of Old Town
Haunted Scarecrow at Warehouse 508More Recommented Events ››


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park4night > > Detail of a place
Merci de préserver la nature et l'environnement ! 🙏
Surrounded by nature
On the access to the viewpoint of the Castello di Poggiodiana, there is space to park a van or a pick-up on the side. No service because it's a lookout but the view is nice. We spent an evening and a night there without being disturbed. The nearby road is quiet at night.
Id : 365478 - Créé le 16 08 2022 par Thierry-84
0 comment (s)

domain: travel


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Alicia Silverstone Goes Naked for PETA to End Sheep Cruelty -- See the Stunning Pic!
“Choose fake, for animals’ sake!”
That’s the message behind Alicia Silverstone’s sexy new nude campaign for animal rights organization PETA.
The 40-year-old vegan shows off her amazing body by stripping completely naked for the nonprofit’s latest ad.
NEWS: Pink Gets Naked for PETA
“Actor & bestselling author @aliciasilverstone would rather go naked than wear wool!” the organization captioned the stunning new photo of the actress. “Sheep are gentle, kind animals who are often beaten, kicked, & mutilated so their wool can be made into sweaters, scarves, & other clothing items. Choose fake, for animals' sake!”
The ad, which was revealed on Instagram, shows theClueless icon posing naked while holding a sheep mask, in an over-the-shoulder shot taken in a beautiful forest.
“Wear your own skin. Let animals keep theirs,” reads the ad.
Silverstone shared why she stripped down for PETA in a video on the organization’s website.
“They’re cut. They’re harmed,” she says about sheep. “They get very seriously wounded, and there’s no care for them when they’re wounded. It’s just move on to the next. These are not creatures to the people who are doing this. They’re just objects. When the sheep are no longer useful, they’re killed. So there is no happy place they get to go for being a wool sheep.”
WATCH: Alicia Silverstone and Liv Tyler Have a ‘Crazy’ Reunion
An avid animal rights activist, Silverstone dedicates a section of her website to “Animal Life.”
The actress’ new campaign comes nine years after she first stripped down for PETA, in a 2007 ad promoting vegetarianism. Actress Eva Mendes and former Playboy Bunny Holly Madison also did nude campaigns for the organization that year.
Supermodel Christy Turlington first posed in the buff for the charity’s anti-fur campaign in 1993, while Pamela Anderson made waves with her 2003 shoot, in which she wore nothing but a lettuce bikini.
Many celebs have since gone naked for the organization, including Taraji P. Henson, Pink, Khloe Kardashian and Olivia Munn.
See Silverstone reuniting with Liv Tyler, her co-star in Aerosmith’s “Crazy” video, below.

domain: celebrity


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Heron Island , Heron Island , QLD 4680 , Australia View hotel location on the map
Heron Island is a true coral cay, located right on the Great Barrier Reef. The island is ribboned by sugar white sands, crystal clear waters and acres of brilliant coral with beautifully coloured marine life.
At this World Heritage-Listed Marine National Park, all flora and fauna is protected, so the island is a nature lover's paradise, where the emphasis is on enjoying natural beauty. Stress is replaced by a sense of adventure, and your days are filled with discovery.
Heron offers many activities such as guided island and reef walks, semi-submersible cruises and private beach picnics.
An amazing array of animal and bird life can be discovered throughout the year, such as the delightful Green and Loggerhead Turtles.
Heron is also world famous for its fantastic scuba diving and snorkelling. Experience some of Australias best dive spots - more than 20 dive sites are available, half of which are only 15 minutes from the beach.
If its school holidays, you can sign the kids up for the Heron Junior Rangers (7-12yrs), where theyll get up close and personal with a wonderful variety of marine creatures, and explore the fascinating coral cay forest and woodlands.
At Heron Island, you won't see any buildings above the treeline, as the resort has been thoughtfully designed to blend with the surrounding environment.
Check in from: 2:00 pm
Check out by: 10:00 am
Reception is open from 8:30am to 7:00pm during
Spring/Summer and from 8:30am to 6:00pm during
Autumn/Winter • wireless internet • major credit cards accepted • foreign exchange and traveller cheques cashed • safety deposit facilities • internet kiosk • postal service • public telephones • daily activities program
• flora & fauna reference literature • departure showers • swimming pool • board games • resort boutique • guest laundry service and facilities
• marine parks interpretive centre • registered nurse and first aid clinic.
Heron Island lies 72 kms NE off the coast from Gladstone. Regular flights are available from all Australian capital cities to Gladstone with Qantas and Virgin Australia. Gladstone is a 1 hour and 20 minute flight from Brisbane (or a 6 hour drive from Brisbane). From Gladstone, guests can choose to transfer to Heron Island on a boat or helicopter transfer.
Transfers must be arranged via our reservations centre well in advance. Please contact Reservations on the phone number provided on your confirmation to book your transfers to and from the island.
If driving to Gladstone to meet the Launch Transfer you must be at the Gladstone Marina no later than 10:30 AM. A secure car parking service is available through Compleat Angler Gladstone on Bryan Jordan Drive at the Marina and it is advisable that this is booked in advance. The telephone number is (07) 4972 7283 and the cost is from AU$12.00 per day for undercover secure car parking. Weekly rates and un-covered parking rates are also available.


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Brisbane is on the east coast of Australia in the state of Queensland. The city is home to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where visitors can hold a koala and feed kangaroos. The Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast are nearby, both offering stunning beaches. Flights are available from Brisbane to destinations across Australia with Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. Qantas flies directly from Brisbane to Los Angeles.
Australia's third largest city has a relaxed,
easy-going ambience that is well suited to its moniker 'The City of
Sundays'. As the capital of the state of Queensland, however, it
has a serious side too and despite it's laid-back aura it is filled
with the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of a major urban hub.
Brisbane has several interesting districts, a good street cafe
vibe, a wonderful riverside park, a very full cultural calendar and
a vibrant nightlife. Arts and culture vultures head for the South
Bank, where one finds the Queensland Museum with its interactive
displays; the Queensland Art Gallery with its magnificent
collection of works; and the Performing Arts Centre, where
international theatre companies and performing artists take to the
For latest air deals see -
Airfare to Brisbane


PRODUCT SPECIFICATION: The eFocus TC-001 is a 2 channel digital video black box recorder with smart phone link that connects through WiFi. It has been designed and built by world leading engineers in the industry from South Korea who have many years experience in the DVR industry. The eFocus black box DVR system records while you are driving and saves events that may happen at the same time. When the vehicle is parked the eFocus TC-001 records events as they happen in front of the camera with an option of recording events from the rear view camera at the same time.
The information gathered by the eFocus TC-001 is very valuable in disputes that occur while driving or while the vehicle is parked, with the GPS location, vehicle speed and date/time recorded on the video image. Snap shots of the camera image are also saved and may further help resolve disputes and can be used to identify objects by zooming in and also helping find the correct video to download from the main black box computer. With the advanced feature of FOTA (firmware update over the air) the eFocus TC-001 can always be up to date with new software as technology advances and to be more compatible with more devices.
The eFocus TC-001 DVR black box has 2 mini cameras which fit neatly in the vehicle with little obstruction to the driver. The eFocus TC-001 black box DVR can be fitted to most vehicles including Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes, Kia, Holden, Mitsubishi, Ford, Peugeot, Suzuki, Subaru, Mazda and many more.


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The works of Mr. William Congreve.
In three volumes. Consisting of his plays and poems.
|Main Creator:||Congreve, William, 1670-1729.|
|Published / Created:||
Birmingham : printed by John Baskerville; for J. and R. Tonson, London, 1761.
Each play has a separate dated titlepage, but pagination and register are continuous in each volume.
Physical description: 3v.,plates : port. ; 8⁰.
Citations/References: Gaskell. Baskerville, 16
|Call Number||View in||Collection|
|LO 3672||Manuscripts Reading Room Special Access||Librarian's Office|

domain: library


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2012-01-27 06:29 PM
On my Arc, I have what it calls the 'international keyboard' rather than 'default' and I have been trying to find a way to delete words from the user dictionary. I am pretty sure I used to be able to open it and delete individual words without having to type them in the text input area, but the facility no longer seems to exist. I also tried deleting them by long-pressing the unwanted words, but that doesn't work for me, so I am stuck with suggestions that were created when I mistyped words in the past. As people who know me will be able to confirm, that is a lot of typos.
Are there different versions of the default or international keyboard on different phones, I wonder?
2012-01-30 11:23 AM
Use Default Key board...
Remove user dictionary and "Don't use dictionary" option works only for default key board.
I was having this problem because I had not selected Default Key board.
2012-01-30 11:25 AM
Thanks for your help....
All the options mentioned by u were not working because I had not selected default key board.
After selecting default key board I am not getting any suggestion.


- Kehlani Premieres New Song “Already Won” on SoundCloud
- Oakland-based singer-songwriter Kehlani Ashley Parrish, aka Kehlani has delivered a new song "Already Won" via streaming music services.
Back in January, her first major-label debut album "SweetSexySavage" was debuted via Atlantic Records. Afterwards, she started a new music project. Last month, she released two songs “Honey” and “Touch” from her upcoming sophomore album.
She nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at Grammy Award with "You Should Be Here", and for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Centric Award at BET Awards. The song is sung about these awards.
Recently, she collaborated with Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, who released "Faking It" along with American rapper Lil Yachty.
She has currently toured SweetSexySavage World Tour, next stop is Corona Capital Festival in Mexico City on November 18.
Unfortunately, she cancelled European leg, because she had hernia surgery in March.
Learn more about tour dates, click here.
- source : HotNewHipHop


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How to Make It
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add raisins, nuts, pepper, and garlic; sauté 2 minutes or until nuts are golden brown, stirring constantly.
Add broth and escarole; cook 3 minutes or until wilted. Stir in salt. Serve with lemon wedges.


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I have always heard great things about the Amalfi Coast and it's beauty. This past December, I finally had the opportunity to visit and, let me tell you, all the reviews were dead on. Being from America, I would have to travel to multiple locations throughout the country to enjoy the benefits and beauty of the Amalfi coast. All in the same view you have mountains, vineyards, waterfront, and amazing colors in the background. What's unique about this is all the villages are located on the mountainside so instead of building outwards they are built upwards on each cliff side.
One thing that I would recommend is hiring a guide to drive you around. The roads in Amalfi can be very treacherous and extremely curvy. I personally hit the jackpot when I hired Simply Amalfi to be our driver and tour guide! Our personal guide, Salvatore, was hands down the best guide you could ask for. We started out our day in Pompeii seeing the ancient ruins (which will be blogged about soon!) Salvatore said he would come pick us up after our tour of the ruins. Right on schedule, we walked out of the ruins and there he was. As soon as we got into the van, our experience began. Everyone knew our driver and genuinely liked him! We made the 30 minute drive to the coast, stopping at your typical scenic tourist photo spots. After our photo shoots, we really moved away from the tourist attractions and drove up the mountainside. This is where Simply Amalfi stood out!!! We first stopped at the local Mozzarella factory and slowly made our way over to his house, which is located on a vineyard overlooking the cliffs and Mediterranean (Absolutely perfect). I must say that I was hesitant going into a stranger's home, but European culture is vastly different from that in America.
My family and I went onto his balcony and were treated to all of the local delicacies that you could think of. The wine was flowing; our stomachs were made full of green olives, fresh mozzarella and provolone, tomatoes, and prosciutto. As we all sat and congregated admiring the scenery, Salvatore stepped away for a bit. We didn't even blink and there he was with a platter of food. What kind of food you ask? Salvatore went downstairs and picked off leaves from his lemon trees, put a slice of provolone on it and put it in the microwave for a short burst of heat. The flavor that exuded from the cheese heated with the lemon leaf was indescribable. As I write this, I am imagining everything so vividly! While he was down gathering the lemon leaves, he decided to pick some olives off his olive trees and bring them up to us as well. Oh and one more thing I forgot to mention, the wine he served us was made by him personally.
Our time was growing short, and he wanted us to get the whole Amalfi experience (as if we hadn't had a fabulous taste yet!). We walked from Salvatore's house along the cliff to watch the sunset. At the sunset, we all shared a toast of Prosecco to the wonderful day we had. My family and I still look back at the pictures and cannot wait to go back. It was an experience that I will never forget, and I look forward to planning my next trip to Amalfi!!!


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When visiting Dunedin and travelling by rental car, you can choose your own timetable for sightseeing, and no visit to the area is complete without seeing the Royal Albatross Colony.
The Otago coastline is home to a range of incredible bird species, including a royal albatross colony. These rare birds have a massive wingspan, and they can ride air currents for days. A visit to this colony will give you the opportunity to see these majestic creatures during the nesting season in their natural habitat.
From Dunedin, you can take your hire car towards Taiaroa and then the Otago Peninsula. Upon arriving, you will find a colony of gulls and an education centre.
The Royal Albatross Centre is only about 30 kilometres from Dunedin and is an easy and beautiful drive in a hire car. This is the only mainland Royal Albatross colony for breeding in the world, and it is located on a nature reserve. Here, you will have the opportunity to see the giant albatross throughout the breeding cycle from courtship to raising their adorable chicks.
These birds have a three-metre wingspan, on average, and they soar through the air in silence as you watch their bodies against the backdrop of the sky. You will see their giant chicks, which are white and fluffy, and marvel at seeing these animals on land, something they only do when breeding.
These are very private animals, and a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre will give you a rare glimpse into their lives. There are a number of ways to take advantage of the centre, and you will find many tours and attractions to fill the day. These include the following:
One of the tours available is the Unique Taiaroa Tour. This is the most popular tour available at The Royal Albatross Centre. It is a 1.5-hour tour led by a guide who will tell the story of the royal albatross and the history of the area.
You will learn how the land turned from a small Maori camp, which was established in the 1300s, to the place where the signage of the Treaty of Waitangi occurred. You will also learn how it became a military base in WWII to a nature preserve and wildlife attraction.
The Classic Albatross Tour solely focuses on the albatross, and will give you an insider look at their secret lives. You will get an intimate knowledge of these unusual creatures whilst on this tour, and the guide will share the history of the albatross, explain their behaviours and define their characteristics.
This information session is followed by a short film from Natural History NZ and then a walk to areas on Taiaroa Head where the albatross are often seen.
Though people often come to this area to see the birds, history buffs will love the historic significance of this area, too. You may choose to take a 30-minute guided Fort Taiaroa tour were you will have the chance to see the Armstrong Disappearing Gun.
This underground fort was constructed in the late 1880s to counteract the threat of a Russian invasion. Later, it was used for defence and training during both WWI and WWII. This is a short tour, yet very informative, and ideal for anyone interested in military history.
There is no argument that most tourists come to the Royal Albatross Colony for albatross viewing, but there are other birds here, too, including the Korora, or Little Blue Penguin. This is the world’s smallest penguin, which only grows to a height of about 33 cm, and this is their natural habitat. These little birds only weigh about 1.5 kg, and you will love watching them congregate in their groups and vocalising with each other.
They spend much of their day frolicking in the water, but as dusk approaches, they make their way back up to roost. Since the best viewing is in the evening, it may get dark during the 55-minute tour but the platform for viewing has lighting available.
If you are looking for a good overall tour of the Royal Albatross Colony and much more, the Unique Albatross Tiki Tour is perfect for you. On this tour, you will get a guided tour of the Otago Peninsula where you will have a chance to take in the scenery, rare wildlife and historical treasures of the area.
You will travel the length of the peninsula and have a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences including a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre and Fort Taiaroa. The tour leaves and arrives in Dunedin and lasts about 3.5 hours.
Similar to the Unique Albatross Tour, you can also take a 3.5-hour tour that will allow you to see the Little Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world, in their natural habitat. This is a guided tour and you will learn all about the lives and behaviour of this tiny penguin.
In addition to learning all about the Blue Penguin, you will also learn about the history of Pukekura, which was a Maori settlement on Taiaroa Head and information about the Kai Tahu tribe.
The ultimate package to see the best of the Otago Peninsula is the Sundowner package. When choosing this package, you will take a cruise around the peninsula with stops at both the Royal Albatross Centre and the Blue Penguins Pukekura. You can view the albatross colony from both land and sea, plus stop and see the little blue penguins in their natural habitat.
This tour includes transportation through Monarch Wildlife Cruises from Dunedin, a drive along the Otago Peninsula, an hour wildlife cruise and a guided tour of the Royal Albatross Centre. Additionally, the tour includes a dinner of traditional Maori Hangi-style food, a tour of the Blue Penguin Pukekura and a drop off back in Dunedin. This tour lasts for 7 hours.
When in Dunedin, you are in for a treat if you take your hire car out to the Otago Peninsula. You will see the adorable little blue penguin, have a chance to learn about the history of the area, and see the great albatross, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most who visit. With so many tour options, you can easily find the right tour to meet your needs.
Need transportation to make the most of the area? View our full range of affordable Dunedin rental cars and explore the best of Dunedin at your own pace.
Check out our blog for more New Zealand travel and holiday advice.