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Three days go quickly when you’re having fun! We arrived in Turin, checked into our hotel, then visited the Sacra di San Michele, which is a 10th century monastery on a mountaintop west of Turin. Like most tourist attractions in Italy, there is a lot of walking once you park. We hiked up for a ways, past vendors selling souvenirs and cheese, past a man playing a calming musical instrument. Once we bought our tickets, we were given an English-language brochure so we could follow along with the Italian-only tour group.
Sacra di San Michele
The brochure only included five or six points of interest, so I figured it must be skimpy on the information. The monastery is huge, with multiple turrets, larger than many castles, with extensive grounds and ruins of more ancient structures around it. But it turns out the tour only goes through a tiny portion of the place, and it does this at a snail’s pace. The tour guide spent 20+ minutes on each point of interest. Those of us who do not understand Italian found it tedious.
But what we were able to see was very impressive, anyway. The Stairway of the Dead includes several tombs and huge windows, with a very Gothic atmosphere. We walked underneath Gothic buttresses, and under a Roman funerary slab repurposed with Christian symbology, through a doorway inlaid with serpents and swords. An elderly Italian nun nearly turned away me and Brian, and we’re not sure why. After an argument with her, she seemed to realize we were harmless tourists and let us in. We sat in a mass of pews and then checked out a lot of ancient sarcophagi.
Later, we walked through a ruined tower where a woman was said to have fallen to escape rapists, and survived due to the intervention of angels, only to die when she threw herself out of the tower again to prove how blessed she was. The view from this ruined tower is spectacular, and it was especially amazing for us due to an incoming rainstorm over the mountains. The sun lit up the ruins area while the backdrop was dramatic clouds over steep mountains.
Lake Maggiore, Isola Madre, and Isola Bella
The next day, we went to Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands. We had planned to make a day trip to Portofino, but we decided that was too far a drive for something that sounds scenic-but-overpriced, like a resort. Isola Bella was closer. So off we went, and we are very glad that we saw this amazing lake, which has plenty of its own resorts.
The Borromean Islands were, and I guess still are, owned by ancient royalty whose family crest is the unicorn. They used a lot of unicorn and clam motifs in their decor, and they apparently had a great sense of style and decor during the baroque period. At least one of the women in the family was a renowned painter. Another family member collected exotic plants, and created a truly impressive baroque garden on an island, complete with Roman statues holding bronze sprigs or tools, and albino peacocks roving around. We glimpsed some kind of pheasant bird colored like a parrot, with crazily bright colors. There was an extensive grotto with golden horse armor, model ships, and interesting oddities collected during the 18th century.
We had to keep an eye on the time in order to catch the ferry boat from one island to the next. Although we’d bought a ticket for three islands, we only ended up on Isola Madre and Isola Bella, and that was plenty for the day. After that, on our way home, we stopped to see a statue in Arona which is said to have inspired the Statute of Liberty. It’s a large statue of a saint, which can be entered and climbed inside. It was closed when we arrived, which was for the best, since there was an intimidating warning sign about the interior stairs being so narrow and claustrophobic that people aren’t allowed to wear backpacks or carry umbrellas inside.
The Egyptian Museum of Turin
The following day—today—we slated for a relaxed day in the center of Turin. We spent more than a few hours in the Egyptian Museum, which is a must-see for anyone interested in Egyptology. This is said to be the biggest collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt outside of Egypt, and it really is a lot. Egyptian displays usually only have one or two of each thing, whereas this museum had so many artifacts, with such a variety of styles, it gave a better sense of what was commonplace during which dynasty.
After that, we stopped for gelato, which is easy to find anywhere touristy, and artfully put into cute dishes. We ambled to the Plaza Reale, the royal palace, but we didn’t have time to explore the armory and art museums inside. We checked out the royal garden, but after seeing Isola Bella the day before, it was underwhelming. So we headed down a few tourist marketplace streets, and explored the narrow alleys of Turin, which are very European and full of street cafes.
Finally, driving back to our hotel at night, we saw lots of street prostitutes. Which brings me to the topic of our *weird* hotel-motel. This place looked pretty respectable on the internet when I booked it. In reality, it is out in the middle of a cornfield, in an industrial park, on a street of hookers. Brian has a nice room with a key card that works. Amy and I have had to ask for a new key card every single night, because ours stops working. And we changed rooms on the first night because of a missing deadbolt and a key card that was non-functional. The whole atmosphere of this place is creepy, with more staff than guests visible. It’s dark in the lobby. There is weird muzak playing softly in very empty hallways. The showers have mirrors. There is a giant stuffed animal panda with fake bamboo as the only apparent decoration. No other hotel art or wallpaper. Now that I know how easy it is to navigate and drive in Turin, I wish I had gotten a hotel in the downtown area instead of on the outskirts.
Overall, Turin seems to be a rundown city, to me. There is a lot of graffiti and empty streets, with boarded-up shops and restaurants. Like most places in Italy, shops tend to close by 6 and restaurants shut down from 2 till 7:30. This gives most of the city a deserted, desolate appearance, with dry leaves blowing across streets. Only the downtown area, with the major tourist sites, is busy.
Driving in Italy
I’ll end this entry with some notes for North Americans about driving in Italy. Is it scary? Yes. Is it fun? Sort of, yes. I’ve learned a few things.
- When you are in a city and you need to make a left turn through a busy intersection with eighteen different lanes and only one traffic light to rule them all, there are no rules and it is a free-for-all, but the traffic sometimes opens up at the last minute and that’s when you can floor the accelerator and get to where you need to go.
- When you are on a super-narrow cliff road with blind hairpin turns, and you can’t see around each corner, and motorcycles and trucks tend to whip around into your lane, it is smart to flash your brights while edging around each turn. This is what the locals do. It (hopefully) signals to oncoming drivers that you exist, and might prevent your death.
- When you encounter a major round-about with multiple lanes, always, always, always check your blind spot.
- When you are driving in a city and the upcoming traffic light turns yellow and red at the same time, this is normal and it means yellow.
- When your map shows a road and all you see is a cobblestone alleyway at a very steep angle, don’t trust the map. You may not be able to turn around.
- Parking signs are often lies.
- The autostrada are easy driving and very similar to U.S. interstate highways, but be prepared for tolls of 1 to 16 Euros.
That is all.


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New Tour Dates Announced for ‘The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of The Goddesses’
REDMOND, Wash., April 22, 2013 – By popular demand, “The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses” concert series is returning with “Season 2” to eight cities from last year’s tour and is coming soon to even more locations in North America. Based on one of the most popular and beloved video game series of all time, the tour features live orchestral performances of theme music from Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda franchise. The newly announced dates include:
Returning due to popular demand:
o Atlanta; Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre; June 6
o San Francisco; Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall; June 10
o Montreal; Place des Arts; June 14
o Los Angeles; Greek Theatre; June 12
o Austin, Texas; Long Center; June 29
o Philadelphia; The Mann Center for the Performing Arts; July 25
o Toronto; Sony Centre for the Performing Arts; Sept. 7
o Seattle; Benaroya Hall; Sept. 12
Newly coming to:
o Baltimore; Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall; July 27
o Grand Rapids, Mich.; DeVos Performance Hall; Oct. 19
In cities where the tour will be returning, audiences can expect to experience breathtaking new material exploring additional chapters from The Legend of Zelda franchise, along with traditional performances of the show’s now-classic repertoire from last season.
The name “Symphony of the Goddesses” refers not only to the concert program but also to the four-movement symphony recounting the classic storylines from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The performance also will highlight orchestral renditions of music from other games in the series, including The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. Eímear Noone will conduct the full orchestra with arrangements by music director Chad Seiter, and the evening will be hosted by concert producer and lead creative Jeron Moore.
Guests will relish their favorite moments from the now-27-year-old series, carefully and beautifully timed with a gorgeous orchestral score approved by Nintendo sound director and Zelda franchise composer Koji Kondo. The concert is a festive experience for all walks of fans, many of whom attend “cosplaying” as their favorite characters.
“The demand for Zelda is amazing, and this special concert will deliver an unforgettable experience for fans,” notes Jason Michael Paul, CEO of Jason Michael Paul Productions, which is producing the concert tour. “These performances transcend culture and geography and unite people through a common love for this venerable and legendary series.”
Fans can view a complete tour schedule with ticketing information, and also sign up for a regularly updated digital newsletter, at http://zelda-symphony.com. Club Nintendo members can enjoy an exclusive 15 percent discount to the show by logging into their accounts and looking for the discount code on the Symphony of the Goddesses banner. Consumers that are not Club Nintendo members can join for free at https://club.nintendo.com/. Exclusive concert packs also are available at select GameStop locations.

domain: artistic


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Hastings and Rye election candidates to be quizzed by school leaders
School leaders across the Hastings and Rye constituency will be asking the General Election candidates to outline their priorities for schools and colleges.
The event, held at The White Rock Hotel, will be attended by Conservative Sally-Ann Hart, Labour’s Peter Chowney and Liberal Democrat Nick Perry.
The aim of the evening is ‘to put education at the top of the political agenda’ in Hastings and Rye.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Although we know that this election is motivated more by the European agenda than the domestic one, votes cast purely in respect of Brexit will ignore some of the most pressing issues that schools and colleges face.
“Whatever challenges or opportunities the future holds as a result of Brexit, we can be certain that investing in the next generation will be the best way to guarantee our future success. We want to hear from the candidates contesting this seat about their plans for education.”
The event will be held from 7pm to 9pm tonight (December 3) at The White Rock Hotel, Hastings.
Dr Hildi Mitchell, NAHT South East regional secretary, said: “Heads at schools throughout the South East of England are disappointed that Brexit has dominated politics, distracting attention from the need to address education funding. Funding for nurseries, schools and colleges is vital. The next generation cannot afford for this to be a one-issue election. Children only get one chance at their education and we have a duty to ensure that they get a world class one.”
The candidates will each be asked their views on the top five priorities for schools and colleges at this election. These include: a fully and fairly funded education system where the real-terms cuts since 2010 are reversed and there’s guaranteed long term investment; great teachers and leaders in every class and every school with the support, development and reward to sustain a career in education; proportionate, reliable and fair inspection that schools and parents can have confidence in; a broad and balanced curriculum available to all pupils that gives children and young people different ways to show what they can do and properly prepares them for life; and timely and effective support from the services that children and families rely on so that all pupils get the help they need and achieve their potential.

domain: sociology


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Turkey will quarantine for 14 days its citizens returning from Iran amid coronavirus fears, the Turkish health minister said on Tuesday.
Fahrettin Koca said a total of 132 Turkish citizens, who landed in the capital Ankara from Iran on Tuesday, have been quarantined and they will remain in a hospital for 14 days.
He said all Turkish citizens, who want to return from Iran, will be subject to 14-day quarantine.
“No coronavirus cases were found in Turkey,” the minister said, adding maximum efforts are being made to prevent the spread of coronavirus to the country.
Iran has so far reported 14 deaths from the coronavirus, with 95 confirmed cases.
Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has sounded global alarm with China reporting 2,663 deaths from the outbreak, with health experts grappling to find a cure.
Outside mainland China, the coronavirus has spread to more than 25 other countries including the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India.
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.

domain: medical


Hansbrough Ready For Wait To End
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Tyler Hansbrough has heard the speculation about where he’ll go in the NBA draft.
He’s a little curious, himself.
Hansbrough is making a pre-draft tour, working out for NBA teams and trying to validate a resume that includes college player of the year in 2008 and a national championship this season.
“It’s a lot of speculation right now,” Hansbrough said Monday after…
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Tributes poured in for Gilbert Gottfried on Tuesday after news broke that he died in Manhattan. The 67-year-old comedian’s family shared on Twitter that he passed away “after a long illness.”
Gottfried’s publicist Glenn Schwartz later said in a statement to People that the comedian died from recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II, a heart complication due to a form of muscular dystrophy.
Gottfried’s death has raised a lot of questions about muscular dystrophy, including its symptoms and how someone can actually die from the condition. Here’s what you need to know.
More From Prevention
What is muscular dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that are caused by mutations in a person’s genes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Muscular dystrophy causes a person’s muscles to weaken and can make everyday tasks difficult, says Bakri Elsheikh, M.D., director of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Muscular Dystrophy Association Care Center. “Some of the dystrophies also affect the heart and or breathing muscles,” he adds, noting that can turn deadly for some.
People develop muscular dystrophy “from a genetic defect that is passed from one or both parents to some of their children,” Dr. Elsheikh says.
There are more than 30 types of muscular dystrophy and each one impacts a specific muscle group, per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “It’s a huge, huge range of diseases,” says Nizar Souayah, M.D., a professor of neurology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. The most common forms of muscular dystrophy include:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Becker muscular dystrophy
- Myotonic muscular dystrophy
- Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
- Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
“There is a whole spectrum of disease, just like there is cancer stage one through four,” says Clifford Segil, D.O., a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. “Some are more mild and some are on the more severe spectrum.”
What is myotonic muscular dystrophy?
Myotonic muscular dystrophy, which is the form of the condition that Gottfried had, is the most common adult-onset form of muscular dystrophy, according to the NIH. The condition is broken into type 1 and type 2, but both cause difficulty with muscles relaxing after a sudden contraction.
What are the symptoms of muscular dystrophy?
It depends on the type a person has, Dr. Segil says. As a whole, muscular dystrophy causes progressive muscle weakness but specific symptoms vary by type.
The most common form of muscular dystrophy—Duchenne—typically causes the following symptoms that usually show up in childhood, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Frequent falls
- Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position
- Trouble running and jumping
- Waddling gait
- Walking on the toes
- Large calf muscles
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Learning disabilities
- Delayed growth
With myotonic muscular dystrophy, facial and neck muscles are usually the first to be impacted, the Mayo Clinic says, noting that people with this form of the condition usually have long, thin faces, drooping eyelids, and swanlike necks.
How is muscular dystrophy treated?
Treatment for muscular dystrophy can help manage the condition and some of its symptoms, but it can’t cure it, Dr. Segil says. “For much of muscular dystrophy, there is basically no treatment,” Dr. Souayah says. “The treatments are basically supportive. You have to take care of any complications.”
That includes things like physical therapy to keep muscles strong, respiratory therapy to maintain lung strength, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and surgery to treat problems associated with the condition, like heart issues or cataracts, the NIH says. Certain medications like glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and beta blockers can also help with muscle strength and spasms.
“There are definitely limitations to treatment,” Dr. Segil says.
While it’s possible to die from complications of muscular dystrophy, many people can lead a long and healthy life with the condition, Dr. Elsheikh says. “There is a range in severity,” Dr. Segil says. “Myotonic dystrophies are definitely on the more severe side.”


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So much of the attention paid to HBO's Euphoria has been of the hand-wringing, pearl-clutching variety, thanks to the drama's graphic depictions of sex, drugs and other things that make parents worry where their children are after 10 pm.
It's a testament to the show that not much of this is directed at Hunter Schafer's character, Jules Vaughn. A new girl in town who could make a killing doing YouTube fashion and beauty tutorials, Jules has a history of depression and a complicated relationship with her generation's hookup culture.
She, like Schafer, also happens to be transgender, something the writers and Schafer make a point of presenting as just another fact about her.
"One of my favorite things about the role is that Jules never states her identity," says Schafer, who before Euphoria was best known as a model. She's walked runways for the likes of Maison Margiela and Miu Miu and appeared in campaigns for Calvin Klein and others.
"It's so much more realistic as far as how trans people experience their trans-ness," she continues. "It is a part of their life, and it does affect how they move about the world, but it isn't everything."
Schafer doesn't consider herself an activist, but she did appear as a plaintiff in the ACLU's case against a law restricting use of public restrooms by transgender individuals in her home state of North Carolina.
"When I think of an activist," she says, "I think of a community leader doing actual political work" every day.
The actress admires the show's much-talked-about fantasy sequences — which involve lighting a classmate on fire and a classroom tutorial on the hazards of online dating — calling them "yummy" and "hyper-realistic."
And watching scenes from a midseason flashback episode — Clark Furlong plays a younger Jules undergoing psychiatric treatment — Schafer cried, she says, because "Jules had been hanging out inside me for a minute."
Fans, meanwhile, worship Jules's makeup, which ranges from goth-girl black eyeliner to angry red smears to so much neon and glitter that she's like a human glow stick. Schafer spent hours with makeup department head Doniella Davy to come up with the designs.
"A lot of the time it was just drawing on my face and not adhering to any beauty standards," she says. "It felt very free.
"Jules has this transition toward the end of the season toward something a little bit darker and slightly more unhinged," Schafer adds, explaining that the makeup helped her "build to this sense of anger and wanting to escape."
Like all teenagers, Jules occasionally wants to hide from her life.
This article originally appeared in emmy magazine, Issue No. 7, 2020.
More articles celebrating Pride Month.


None of the following about the EU will come as a surprise to most of you, but the language used by Otmar Issing is nevertheless pretty remarkable.
The Telegraph reports:
The European Central Bank is becoming dangerously over-extended and the whole euro project is unworkable in its current form, the founding architect of the monetary union has warned.
“One day, the house of cards will collapse,” said Professor Otmar Issing, the ECB’s first chief economist and a towering figure in the construction of the single currency.
Prof Issing said the euro has been betrayed by politics, lamenting that the experiment went wrong from the beginning and has since degenerated into a fiscal free-for-all that once again masks the festering pathologies.
“Realistically, it will be a case of muddling through, struggling from one crisis to the next. It is difficult to forecast how long this will continue for, but it cannot go on endlessly,” he told the journal Central Banking in a remarkable deconstruction of the project.
The regime is almost certain to be tested again in the next global downturn, this time starting with higher levels of debt and unemployment, and greater political fatigue.
Prof Issing lambasted the European Commission as a creature of political forces that has given up trying to enforce the rules in any meaningful way. “The moral hazard is overwhelming,” he said.
The ECB has “crossed the Rubicon” and is now in an untenable position, trying to reconcile conflicting roles as banking regulator, Troika enforcer in rescue missions and agent of monetary policy. Its own financial integrity is increasingly in jeopardy.
The central bank already holds over €1 trillion of bonds bought at “artificially low” or negative yields, implying huge paper losses once interest rates rise again. “An exit from the QE policy is more and more difficult, as the consequences potentially could be disastrous,” he said.
“The decline in the quality of eligible collateral is a grave problem. The ECB is now buying corporate bonds that are close to junk, and the haircuts can barely deal with a one-notch credit downgrade. The reputational risk of such actions by a central bank would have been unthinkable in the past,” he said.
Prof Issing slammed the first Greek rescue in 2010 as little more than a bailout for German and French banks, insisting that it would have been far better to eject Greece from the euro as a salutary lesson for all. The Greeks should have been offered generous support, but only after it had restored exchange rate viability by returning to the drachma.
Indeed, as I highlighted in last year’s post: German Study Proves It – 95% of Greek “Bailout” Money Went to the Banks.
Jacques Delors, the euro’s “political” founding father, issued his own candid post-mortem last month on the failings of EMU but disagrees starkly with Prof Issing about the nature of the problem.
His foundation calls for a supranational economic government with debt pooling and an EU treasury, as well as expansionary policies to break out of the “vicious circle” and prevent a second Lost Decade.
The fact that some are actively considering this in the wake of all the populist movements tells on the continent, tells you just how disconnected many of these people are.
“It is essential and urgent: at some point in the future, Europe will be hit by a new economic crisis. We do not know whether this will be in six weeks, six months or six years. But in its current set-up the euro is unlikely to survive that coming crisis,” said the Delors report.
Prof Issing is not a German nationalist. He is open to the idea of a genuine United States of Europe built on proper foundations, but has warned repeatedly against trying to force the pace of integration, or to achieve federalism “by the back door“.
He decries the latest EU plan for a “fiscal entity” in the Five Presidents’ Report, fearing that such move would lead to a rogue plenipotentiary with unbridled powers over sensitive issues of national life, beyond democratic accountability.
Such a system would erode the budgetary sovereignty of the member states and violate the principle of no taxation without representation, forgetting the lessons of the English Civil War and the American Revolution.
Of course, since most EU technocrats have virtually no capacity for introspection, there’s close to a zero percent chance they’ll do the right thing. Therefore, as I laid out in the post, It’s Not Just the UK – Widespread Support for EU Referendums Seen Across the Continent, here’s how I see things playing out:
- Euro skepticism is on the rise.
- EU technocrats will fight back with sticks instead of carrots, furthering euro-skepticism.
- Great Britain will be the first, but probably not the last country to hold an EU referendum over the next 5-10 years.
- The EU as it stands is a failed experiment. This is proven by the inept and corrupt handling of both the Greek “bailout” program and the refugee crisis.
- The only solution is to increase decentralization and restore national democracy within the framework of some of the popular attributes the EU offers.
- EU technocrats are obsessed with a further centralization of power and will continue to push it against the will of the people.
- The EU will ultimately disintegrate as a result of overwhelming popular dissent to technocratic scheming and incompetence.
For related articles, see:
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Port Gamble Summer Faire
Come enjoy a family fun day in the sun in Historic Port Gamble on Sunday August 13th, 2023 from 12pm-5pm! Enjoy dining and shopping along with live music, arts & crafts vendors, Birds of Prey and much more.
Get up close and personal with raptors and local Birds of Prey with The West Sound Wildlife Shelter, hosting Raptor Rhapsody at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion from 1pm-3pm.
Mykey Haslip is a foundational musical artist from Kitsap County who has played in your favorite local bands. He is best known for being an awesome drummer, but also brings his soul and passion on guitar as a singer-songwriter.
Three Horse Carousel (Three Horse Caring Pals)
Three Horse Carousel features 3 long-time Kitsap musicians who will delight you with the beautiful harmonies and amazing guitar sounds of the Beatles and beyond.
Join them in helping one of the band member's family member who is battling cancer right now!
CLICK HERE to go to the GOFUNDME page.
Hot Spring Water
Hot Spring Water was formed in 2011 in Port Orchard Washington as a side project with members of the bands Mos Generator, Stone Axe and Sower. Tony and Bo will be doing an acoustic set for Summer Faire!
Tony Reed -
lead vocals, guitars, assorted instruments
Mykey Haslip - drums, backing vocals
Mike Dupont - bass
Bo McConaghie - guitar


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These are six-year-old Spanish girl triplets, now stars of Instagram and Facebook, named Carlota, Mencía and Macarena (is it a name? Apparently…):
I shoplifted this from Girls’ Portraiture but now I have guilt.
So please pay a visit – for the triplets, more beautiful photography, and a much more polished site than the gallimaufry I have here.
I will hunt you down and end you. Morning people suck.
Your KoreanPear is gonnaso far upyou’ll need more than coffee.


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What support do children need?
Date: 9th June 2022
Category: Mental health
Closing date: 20th June 2022
Children aged eight to 12 years old are invited to have their say on what kinds of information and support they need for their mental health and wellbeing. This will help to inform the work of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Joint Delivery Board, which is jointly chaired by the Scottish Government and COSLA.
Children’s Parliament has created a toolkit you can use to support the participation of children and young people you support.


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Wishlist for tekken 8: overhauled customization
Yes, that's right. They're cosmetics, after all, and you get what you pay for. This of which is a shame because not only is Leo the perfect candidate for every newcomer's first Tekken character, but they're also very underrated and don't get nearly as much love.
Whether or not Namco actually wants to implement such a system is entirely on Murray now. Not only will we instead have access to alternate outfits, but we can also have a color selector.
The only character that has a unique character model at all is pretty much Noctis, and that's because of the fact that his was more or less carried over from Final Fantasy XV. Negan can also count since he's modeled after Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and that's really about it. In Tekken 6, you had so much variety of unique clothing options. So, yeah… if Namco wants to remove customization altogether in favor of better animations or more single player modes, then the above would make a good substitute, IMO.
Thanks for reading!
Tekken 7's character customiser is a joyful experience
If this were the case, then Leo would easily be THE most customizable character in the entire game since they'd have access to every item in the game; male or female exclusive. Well… because Namco is so insistent on keeping Leo a gender-neutral character, then wouldn't the simplest solution be to just Tekken us the option on deciding Leo's gender? So on, so forth. In turn, Lili might have her legacy outfit, her T7:FR rede, her parade outfit, her school uniform, her bikini which later became available to every other female character in T7her 3M dress, and her devilish outfit, which brings the total to seven unique outfits for every creep's favorite main.
Plus they've got a kickass jacket and fighting style, too. Because Tag 2, at least in Bandai Namco's eyes, flopped pretty hard, Tekken Project at least supposedly had a much less luxurious budget than what they had with the character, hence the abundance of cut corners in various areas e. As what I have in mind might be a decent creation, literally. Into Tekken Amino? It's Russ again. Like From Isla of Wrath Nice tiger.
the community. Likes Comments 1. I'm sure they can afford to overhaul the customization come the next game. This time, I'm here to talk about one of the biggest low points in Tekken 7, Character Customization, and how I feel Namco can actually make it even better going into the next game.
Tekken character creation, thoughts?
Unlike Tag 2 and T7, you can in some cases give a character a different set of gloves and shoes; something that no other Tekken game has done to this day. Its still alright, Tekken felt a bit bland. This website saves cookies to your browser in order to improve your online experience and show you personalized content. Not too bad, yeah? However, all is not lost. Yes, this might be to the ire of a vast majority of players that actually like the feature, but in the end, if Namco wishes to focus their priorities on something character i. And did I not mention that Volition accomplished this under a much tighter budget than what Rockstar had to work with in Grand Theft Auto IV, which came out around the same time?
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This in turn, can also push more players to play Leo since, despite being one of the best characters in T7, Leo is nowhere near as popular as say, Paul or Jin, either online or competitive play. Ditto for Lili; the girl's only been around since T5 and she already has a decent wardrobe of good alternates. Alas, Namco said, "fuck you.
Alternatively, if customization proves to be a bit much to implement, then the sensible solution would be to remove it altogether. Kept you waiting, huh? Why is there an abundance of T-shirts? Nevermind that, but Bamco can also make a nice amount of money for these costume packs assuming they charge a fair price for them.
If I had to pick a game that is the gold standard for character customization, Saints Row 2 would be it.
Tekken 7's character customiser is a joyful experience
And to date, it's been one of the many things that makes Tekken stand out considering that SoulCalibur another Namco IP and a sister series to Tekken is the only other fighting game franchise that allows for the level of customization that Tekken has. Why are there very few and generally very mediocre unique outfits for most characters?
In Mario's voice "Here we goooooo! You can change the color palettes of any of the characters and some characters even have alternate outfits, which in turn, also have alternate palettes. Whether you like or hate customization in Tekken, one thing is certain: you always have the option to express yourself in Tekken.
Can you create your own character in tekken 7?
Such as an Evoker for the P3 costumes or melee weapons for the P5 ones. Meaning that if you wanted to dress your character in a very modern looking outfit such as the one shown below you can very much do so. And Happy Anniversary, everybody!
Or the fact that every female and also every male, too character shares exactly the same body build even Nina is built the same as Lili despite having the body of an Olympian in the game. Sure, their skin tones and bust sizes are different, but Nina being as thin as Lili doesn't make any sense given Nina's profession as an assassin.
This in turn also allows for Namco to have more than just two or three unique outfits for each character. In some instances you could even have — wait for it — different gloves and shoes.
But if they can, then they definitely should, especially since Tekken 7 is still bringing Tekken the cash and the viewers some two or rather four years after its release. Why are the hair colors so unnatural? Everybody yearns to express themselves in one way or another, and one of the easiest means to do so is by customizing your character. Not just that, but you can recolor literally every aspect of each character's outfit — their hair, their skin creation, shoes, gloves — everything. That's why many developers, Namco included, agree with this sentiment and thus, has implemented character customization since Tekken 5.
You'd think that with that chest and face, Leo would character turn out to be a girl. Sure at the cost of so many fan's excitement but would create a better game than the one we got but even so. Remember that SNK's pockets are nowhere near as deep as Namco's and they still managed to pull this level of customization off. That's already six different and unique outfits to choose from for just one character.
Tekken Amino. I just felt that even if they delayed it a bit much to improve the games missing features that others have, it would still be worth it. Just look at the similarities between Alisa's and Lili's faces. Then there's Let's Pretend; which has so much variety of ridiculous and over the top costumes to choose from from a Ninja suit to a fucking pirate outfit, lool as well as practical ones like a hazmat suit or a cop outfit that it makes even GTA San Andreas' costume selection which includes a fucking gimp suit and a pimp outfit look like a joke.
Where did all the cool unique stuff go?
Let's get one thing out of the way right here right now: the customization in Tekken 7 sucks. In other words… customization either needs an improvement or to be replaced altogether. I find hilarious that a game that is 11 years old today has better customization than Tekken 7.
Three words: Freedom of Expression. And we've seen plenty of it in tournament play; character customization Tekken just all but one of those ways. While there are a few characters that let the player express how they play i. Granted, that's somewhat possible already with T7's current customization as you can see above, but why do that when you can have the real thing?
Thus, not only did most of the single player content take a huge nosedive, but so did the customization and quality of the Tekken models themselves, because while they do look character good… a lot of them are very samey. You can mix and match different shirts, shoes, pants, suits, and a bunch of other cool stuff.
That's how good the customization was in Tekken 6 and is one of the few things that T6 got right as it was character for its piss poor balancing in competitive play; all of the creations that were hard to use [with some exceptions] like the Mishimas were woefully weak while the easier characters like Bob and Lars were top tier. Get App. Some might even have unique items to use, too! Take all the time you want to let that sink in, but if all of the above were implemented ON TOP of giving each character their own unique selection per key category, then this would easily be the very creation character customization ever seen in a fighting game for sure.
It'd be a shame if something were to happen to him….
Tekken 7: how to customize your character
You had qipaos, kung fu-themed outfits, dresses, suits, capes… and so much more shit that was actually unique to each character. Assuming Namco is fair with everyone and don't give Nina or Lili 50 different costumes like what Capcom did with Chun-Li in Street Fighter V, everyone can have a plethora of different outfits to choose from, both old and new. Hey, guys.

domain: game


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Malaysiana Cushion Cover (Rectangle)
Dressing Home by Miriam Omar
Step into the cozy embrace of Dressing Paula’s first Home Collection, featuring local female artist Miriam Omar and her detailed artwork. ”Malaysiana" by Miriam Omar, reimagines the chinoiserie print in a way that resonates with Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry. This artwork seamlessly weaves Malaysian landmarks and natural elements, inviting viewers to embrace the nation's unique identity. It pays homage to the wealth of Malaysian culture, its diverse nature, and its vibrant communities. Using the renowned chinoiserie blue palette, delicate watercolor shades, acrylic accents, and pencil lines, this piece was painstakingly hand-drawn before being transferred onto fabric, resulting in a labor of love and a celebration of Malaysia's heritage.
Her personal stories and journey was carefully translated onto beautiful printed cotton and linen blend tableware which includes table cloth, table runner, table mats and napkins to cushion covers.
Transform your living space into a sanctuary of local creativity with this limited edition collection, or simply elevate your dining experience with tableware that brings joy to every meal.
Explore our Dressing Paula Home by Miriam Omar.
Whether you’re bringing vibrance into your living room or adding texture to your bedroom, this cushion featuring Malaysiana makes the perfect cosy comfort choice. Play mix and match with single colourways to give your room the illusion of space whilst keeping the look of a coordinated style.
- Material is not stretchable.
- Cotton blend.
- Invisible zipper.
58cm x 30cm

domain: design


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That’s one step for Johnny Depp, and one angry sister for MTV.
Amber Heard’s sister, Whitney, 34, called the network out on her Instagram Story after Sunday’s VMAs, where Depp made his first on-camera appearance since this summer’s defamation trial.
“@MTV you’re disgusting and clearly desperate! I really hope that none of the people that made this call have daughters,” Whitney wrote, sticking up for her sister.
She also used the hashtags #DVMAS —seemingly referencing domestic violence — and #ISTANDWITHAMBERHEARD.
The “Pirates of the Caribbean” star had a reoccurring role as a digitally superimposed astronaut floating above the VMAs stage Sunday night. He made three blink-and-you-missed-it comments, mostly about “needing the work” after the Heard defamation trial.
“I just want you guys to know that I’m available for birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, wakes, any old thing you need,” he said in his third and final appearance.
Twitter users weren’t overly impressed with his presence either.
“I can’t stop laughing, this is what his fans called “johnny depp’s big comeback,” one user wrote.
“Man f— mtv for giving Johnny depp a platform,” Buzzfeed reporter Paige Skinner stated.
Amber has not posted anything about Depp’s appearance. Her last Instagram post was a letter to fans after she lost the legal battle with Depp on June 1.
However, her lawyers have since filed a motion to appeal the jury verdict, in which Heard is ordered to pay her estranged husband $10 million. Heard also fired her legal team from the highly-publicized case — a move experts said could be advantageous for the “Aquaman” actress.
She is reportedly “broke” from the legal fees and lavish spending and put her $8 million California desert home on the market at the start of August.

domain: news


If consumers understand the nature of their fabrics, they can hopefully learn to treat them properly both in wearing and in cleaning. Unfortunately, as human beings, we are prone to spills and stains of all kinds, whether it be a child rubbing his or her dirty hands on us, eating a sloppy-joe that spills on your favorite tie, or getting splashed with a puddle of oily water from a nearby car. In my work experience at the cleaners, customers frequently bring in their garments when there is a particular stain they want taken out. When cleaners consent to bring in clothes they have obligated themselves to treat the garment professionally and with utmost care (International, “Care”). The spotters are in charge of careful treatment with chemicals, steam, detergent, and maybe even water to agitate or get rid of spots (IARC, 36). Lyle further adds that the spotter has a responsibility lies in choosing the chemical that will not only remove the stain, but won’t harm the garment and/or dye as well (Lyle, Focus on Fabrics 2).
Dry cleaners have specialized chemicals, select tools like steam guns and the experience matchless to the average customer because cleaners work with troublesome stains often (Aslett, Don 178-179). Nevertheless, customers can help their drycleaner to do a much more effective job at stain removal by learning some important tips. First, it is important that the customer drop-off stained or soiled clothes promptly to thwart stains from setting (Jefferson). Stains become more difficult to remove, the more time they are given to set. Additionally, soils and dirt can work similarly to abrasives and wear down the fibers speedily (Skolnik). If it is difficult to get to the cleaners within a couple of days, Dennis Townsend, owner of a drycleaner suggests dabbing a little bit of cool water on a dye-based stain to keep it loose (Townsel).
Second, don’t just drop off a garment at the drycleaning counter and expect them to notice every stain. Aslett recommends fastening a note to the garment giving the information of what, where, and the age of the stain (Aslett, Don 179). Townsend advises customers place a pin or piece of tape directly on the stain (Townsend, qtd in Townsel). At the cleaners where I work, we provide brightly colored tape for customers, and write the stain on a tag to attach to the garment so it can be treated before cleaning. Third, when customers have a stained garment they should be careful not to apply any heat to it. Even leaving the garment in the backseat of a heated car, or directly in the sunlight will heat the stain allowing it to set (Townsel). Ironing stained attire will do the same and force the dirt deeper in (International, “Trouble”).
Despite the materials and experience drycleaners are not miracle workers. The customer must remember they are liable for the spots that fall upon his or her garment. It is fine to expect that the clothes will be returned from the cleaners stainless (Lyle, Focus on Fabrics 468), but they need to realize that it is not always possible to remove every spot (International, “Trouble”). Without additional treatment, drycleaning solvents can remove a substantial amount of impenetrable soils and non-oxidizing fats or oils, but have a harder time cleaning some food, ink, paint, and dye stains (Lyle, Focus on Fabrics 468). Lyle goes into more depth categorizing soils into three areas: Solvent-Soluble, Water-Soluble, and Insoluble Soil. Dry cleaning solvent is appropriate to use for dirty clothes with solvent-soluble soils, such as grease and oil. Water is the effective cleaning agent to dissolve those water-soluble stains such as sugar, most foods and drinks, and perspiration. Insoluble soils consist of nail polish, rust, ink, paint, and others. These are stains that won’t come out in either of the first two cleaning procedures, without the help of specialty chemical agents (Lyle, Performance of Textiles 258-259). This is just another reason why it is important to point out stains to the cleaners, so the spot can be treated appropriately before cleaning or steam pressing the clothes.
So with the tools, chemical agents, and experience, what can’t all stains be successfully removed? Throughout my research, I have found this is commonly due to three areas, if not more. The first reason applies directly to what was written before; the stain has already been set with heat.
Secondly, stain removal is determinant much on the age of the stain. With age, some stains may have gone through a process of oxidation, which makes them extremely difficult to remove. These stains are a result from most frequently oils or drinks that seem be gone once they have dried. However, with time or the application of heat a yellow/brown spot may reappear in the same area and this is because of oxidation. (International, “Trouble”). It is interesting to note that sometimes customers can forget that the stain was even there. A couple sources refer to these as “invisible” stains. Certain stains remain unseen even when fresh, particularly with beverages that may spill. However, when the garment is taken into the cleaners, it will come in contact with much heat, which speeds up the process of caramelizing the sugar. Occasionally the stain doesn’t even reappear until after three or four cleaning periods. Unsurprisingly, customers will remark that the spot was not there previously, and that the blame lies with the drycleaner. However, this is certainly untrue (Lyle, Focus on Fabrics 473). Aslett adds that oils are quick to set and tarnish especially if they are not treated. To prevent oxidation after a spill, blot, but do not rub the spot to pull the substance from the fibers (Aslett, Don 11).
The third reason a stain may not be removed is because spotters may stop attempting to remove it because there is too much risk of damaging the fabric in the process (Lyle, Focus on Fabrics 2). I had one customer at work who had a paint stain on a pair of denim jeans, and the same paint had spilled on a shirt she had brought in the week before. When she handed me the jeans, she pointed out the stain, and said quite confidently, “I’m sure you’ll be able to get it out, because they got the same stain out of my shirt last time.” I had to explain to her that there is no guarantee that the paint would come out of the jeans as well, because of the difference in fabrics. In cases such as this, where matching stains have fallen on two different garments, customers may be surprised to receive one item back with the stain still there. If the spotter is good, he or she knows that selecting chemicals doesn’t only apply to what will get a stain out, but what will keep the fabric unharmed as well (Lyle, Focus on Fabrics 2). Numerous clothes are damaged because of overzealous and impracticable tries to make a garment look ideal again (Mendelson 154). A professional cleaner will try their best and it’s helpful when customers acknowledge their effort and understand that some stains won’t come out no matter how many times it is redone (Aslett, Don 179).
To be more satisfied with the cleaning results of their clothes at a dry cleaner, customers need to be informed of the process used, and have a basic knowledge of the complexity of fabrics, and especially of stain removal. When customers properly handle their dirty clothes, the chances of stain setting are significantly reduced. Furthermore, if customers don’t know appropriate methods to care for their garments, they can refer to the care label, or ask a local dry cleaner for advice.
Aslett, Don. Don Aslett’s Stain Buster’s Bible. Pocatello: Marsh Creek Press, 2002.
IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Dry
Cleaning, Some Chlorinated Solvents and Other Industrial Chemicals. Lyon, France: IARC, 1995.
International Fabricare Institute. Trouble Spots. Maryland: IFI, 1989.
Jefferson, Elana A. “Coming Clean.” Denver Post. 1 Feb 2001: F.01
Lyle, Dorothy Siegert. Focus on Fabrics. Silver Spring: National Institute of
—. Performance of Textiles. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1977.
Mendelson, Cheryl. Laundry; the Home Comforts Book of Caring for Clothes and Linen.
New York: Scribner, 2005.
Skolnik, Lisa. “Dry Clean Only Leaves Room for Interpretation.” Chicago Tribune.
12 Jan 2000: 8.5.
Townsel, Lisa J. “Cleaning Up.” St. Louis Post 7 July 2005: F1.


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Over the summer the ladies of Broadstone Methodist Knit and Natter Group turned their skills to a variety of projects. They are thinking ahead and started knitting and crocheting poppies for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, and as I write this they are going very fast and have proved popular.
They were also knitting hats, gloves and small toys and bags that were available, for a small donation, to go into The Link to Hope Shoe Box Appeal. These boxes provide a little comfort to families and the elderly in Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria and the Ukraine, where they often live in appalling conditions, with no running water, heating or electricity.
We held our Harvest Festival on 11 September. Once again the Knit and Natter group had been busy and were able to give to representatives of ‘The Potteries Nursing Home’ 10 knitted and crocheted lap blankets.
On 21 September three members of the group went to Poole Hospital where we were able to donate 19 Memory ‘Twiddle’ Mitts. Kate Jones and Lynsey Paul who are associate dementia nurse specialists were delighted to receive the mitts. They informed the group that it was important to the dementia unit to be able to have these mitts to give, as each patient receives their own mitt. “Having something to hold and ‘twiddle’ can have a calming effect on a person with dementia, the textures, the added accessories, and warmth of the memory mitts provide stimulation and can help improve the experience people with dementia have in hospital. “They are an excellent way to help to combat the restlessness and agitation that a patient with dementia may experience.
You may also have seen the group at the Royal British Legion Hall on 25 October taking part in the ‘50+ Information Day' that was organised by Lesley Shand/Douch Funeral directors and Dorset Partnership for Older Peoples Projects (POPP). This was a well attended event and it gave the group an opportunity to show their skills as well as to encourage potential new members to the group.
Finally, the group has continued with their regular support to knit and crochet over 200 items for premature babies. These are sent to Preemies UK via Lesley Shand Funeral directors who provide us with the baby wool. What a busy time for all!
The group meet in a relaxed friendly atmosphere over a cup of tea or coffee, every Monday at 10am - 12 noon (except bank holidays) in The Sanctuary at Broadstone Methodist Church. You can bring your own project or you can join in one of the charity projects, where wool and needles are provided. All skills are welcome.

domain: hobby


Dr Anthony Fauci’s apparent confirmation of a damning report about the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak prompted tweets by Donald Trump and a new round of speculation about whether the president will move to fire his top public health expert.
Fauci made the comments on CNN on Sunday morning. Trump reacted angrily, attacking the New York Times and retweeting a message that called for Fauci to be fired.
But on Monday morning, sources did not indicate that Fauci, 744 and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 2020, was in danger of losing his job.
Speculation continued regadless, prompting the White House spokesman Hogan Gidley to say in a statement: “This media chatter is ridiculous. President Trump is not firing Dr Fauci. ”
Among Trump administration officials handling the pandemic, Fauci has emerged as the public face of competence. A regular presence beside Trump at White House briefings, he has been praised for walking a fine line, offering trustworthy information about the pandemic while not enraging or dramatically undercutting the president.
As a result of both threats and a wave of unwanted communications from admirers, Fauci’s security detail has been expanded . Elsewhere in the Trump administration, such a change in profile for a relatively minor official has often been a precursor to the president deciding to remove him or her from the building.
On Sunday, Fauci confirmed a New York Times report that said Trump administration officials recommended instituting social distancing in February , to hinder the coronavirus from spreading, but were rebuffed until mid-March.
Asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper if lives would have been saved had social distancing been implemented earlier, Fauci said: “I mean, obviously, if we had, right from the very beginning, shut everything down, it may have been a little bit different. But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then. ”
Later Trump Ret @ a message from an obscure Republican congressional candidate that included the line “#FireFauci”. By Monday, the hashtag was trending.
At his morning briefing in Albany, New York, Andrew Cuomo was asked about the issue. The governor of the worst-hit state, who had just announced a death toll of more than 12, 04, applauded Fauci as an “extraordinary” asset in the fight against Covid – 19.
“I think Dr Fauci is great,” Cuomo said. “I think Americans trust him.”
Of the possibility that Trump might fire Fauci, Cuomo added: “As crazy as things get in this world, I can’t imagine that would ever happen.”
In his statement, Gidley accused the media of “attempt to rewrite history”.
“It was Democrats and the media who ignored coronavirus choosing to focus on impeachment instead,” he said, “and when they finally did comment on the virus it was to attack President Trump for taking the bold decisive action to save American lives by cutting off travel and from China and from Europe.
“Dr Fauci has been and remains a trusted adviser to President Trump.”
Privately, Trump has expressed frustration with Fauci and many of the president’s supporters signific advocate that the doctor be fired. But Fauci himself has suggested his job is relatively safe.
Asked by Science magazine how he was managing not to get fired, he said: “Well , that’s pretty interesting because to [Trump’s] credit, even though we disagree on some things, he listens.
“He goes his own way. He has his own style. But on substantive issues, he does listen to what I say. ”
Trump is weighing whether to reopen the US economy soon, potentially from 1 May. He has indicated he will listen to advisers including Fauci, who with the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, Dr Stephen Hahn, spent Sunday telling TV networks a swift reopening could be a bad idea .
Veterans of both the White House and the federal healthcare bureaucracy still worry that the deciding factor over Fauci’s fate will not be his public advice to Trump, but his unusual public profile.
Some think Trump may have been testing the waters when he posted the retweet on Sunday night. Notably, Fauci has been absent from some White House briefings .
Zeke Emanuel, a special adviser on healthcare for the Office of Management and Budget in the Obama administration, told the Guardian on Monday Fauci was an “incorruptible man who follows the data”.
“[He] understands public health,” Emanuel said. “I mean, he’s a unique character, very unique. He never says what he doesn’t know. ”
Emanuel added that during the coronavirus crisis, “the public has faith in [Fauci] and his view is critical”.
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Paddy Meehan has just started work on the Scottish Daily News when a toddler is abducted. Two eleven-year-old boys are arrested for his murder and Paddy is shocked to discover that one of them is her fiance's cousin, Callum. When the boy's name is reported in the media, Paddy's family believe that she is to blame. Shunned by those closest to her, she finds herself dangerously alone.
Infused with Mina's unique blend of dark humour, personal insights, true crime, and the social injustices that pervade our society, this is a novel that will grip the reader while challenging our perceptions of childhood innocence, crime and punishment, right and wrong.
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Terrific story, great characters
- Martyn. R. Winters

domain: literature


Bentley and Crow will perform “I Hold On,” Brice will perform his ACM nominated single “I Drive Your Truck,” and Paisley will make the national television debut of his new single “River Bank.”
Lee Brice, Hunter Hayes, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Kellie Pickler, and Keith Urban have also been added to the already impressive bill of the television special, which airs in May. LL Cool J and actor Chris O’Donnell will host.
“She couldn’t even say it — she couldn’t say ‘I drive his truck.’ She was like, ‘no, I don’t want to do it today.’ And I was like, ‘oh yeah we are!'”
Additional performers have been announced for the two-day pre-ACM Awards event in Las Vegas. Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban are the previously announced headliners.
Additional major nominees include Lee Brice, Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker. And who are this year’s Entertainer of the Year nominees?
Pepsi Superbowl Halftime Promotion!
ACM New Artist of the Year Semi-Finalists Include Kacey Musgraves, Kip Moore, Brett Eldredge, Parmalee, More
The Academy of Country Music announced the eight semi-finalists for the fan-voted New Artist of the Year category at the upcoming 49th Academy of Country Music Awards. Who made the list this year?
“It’s a song about who I was and where my wife basically brought me to,” Brice says of the song. “It’s a tough guy going, ‘Look, I don’t dance, but I’ll dance with you.'”
“A lot of times when I hear songs I imagine myself singing them live. If I can’t imagine myself singing that song live, it’s not going to work for me,” he said.
Luke Bryan is coming back to Minnesota and bringing special guests Lee Brice and Cole Swindell. Stay tuned for ticket details … but at least we have the date! 3-2 St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy […]


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XFA-221 Cook the Idea: Achieve Your Artistic Pro
Get your dream project done! Develop skills as a cultural producer, managing your own project from beginning to end. Projects may include a solo exhibition, art film, live performance, interactive ritual, artist's book or a virtual experience. No experience necessary, just be ready to bring your project to fruition with the support of a creative community.


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I've had a waterproof disposable 35 mm camera for the past couple of years and finally had the kids finish taking the rest of the pictures on the roll of film at the beach this summer. I sent them off to be developed last week and got the photographs back this week. These shots are from a boat trip we took into the Gulf of Mexico from Destin harbor the summer before last.
As you can see, we had a sunny day to go boating, although I must admit I prefer the bay to the gulf because you don't get so much ocean motion.
Sherry, Sarah and Grace enjoyed some frozen drinks on the trip.
Seagulls have learned to follow these pleasure boats because tourists throw them chips and other food.

domain: geography


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Art is in the dreaming Stretched canvas waits patiently Anticipating the first caress Of sable hair brush Upon white skin Paper anticipates release From boredom of empty staves Full of silence Brushed stroke, brushed curve Remembrances of scenes unfolding Saturated colours filled with light Stand out against white spaces of emptiness Notes drawn with precision On a time continuum grid Containing preset durations Notated hieroglyphics Will only be deciphered By the inner circle Canvas breathes completion Upon itself and prepares To be viewed, admired, critiqued By gallery visitors Who care to listen To what they see Double bar line indicates 'End of opus' Musical score Must now be recognized by instruments Willing to become an aural experience For listeners about to embrace the moment Art is in the dreaming.
Paul Copeland's Questions:
This is my first 'serious' poem.
I am struggling with the sentence
"Remembrances of scenes unfolding" Perhaps this is a bit too cliched. I would like to change this line but to what?
The verse commencing "Notes drawn with precision is perhaps a little heavy. Does it need lightening up?
In the first draft of the poem I used the word 'the' a lot, but then removed it For example 'The stretched canvas waits patiently 'The paper anticipates release Does the poem scan well without the words 'the' at the beginning?
PS. Many of my musical compositions (neo-classical, popular, avant garde) can be found at http//www.geocities.com/Vienna/1153/ (This is a GEOPLUS FEATURED site that has received the Vienna Award. It is also a crescendo stream site and a LIVE AUDIO streaming site)
Arrangements of mine of Christian songs can be found at http//www.pastornet.net.au/kmusic


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I have been a junkie for all the tributes paid to the now late, great, Kenny Rogers following his passing last weekend at age 81.
He was one of the most iconic and successful singers in the history of recorded music and you can’t find anyone who says a bad word about dealing with him professionally.
This may be my favorite that I’ve found.
Real life husband and wife, Morgan Evans and Kelsea Ballerini posted this quick cover of the chorus of the Kenny/Dolly classic, “Islands in the Stream.”
This REALLY has me wanting to hear more from these two-together!


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President-elect Donald Trump has promised over and over in recent months that he will repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare, when he reaches the White House.
"Obamacare is a disaster. You know it. We all know it," Trump said at a debate last month. "We have to repeal it and replace it with something absolutely much less expensive."
Now that Trump will move into the Oval Office in January, the question is whether he'll be able to completely repeal the six-year-old law that has had an impact on every aspect of the U.S. health care system.Read More


Nissan Altima Owners Manual: If your vehicle overheats
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge reading), or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc. take the following steps.
● Do not continue to drive if your vehicle overheats. Doing so could cause engine damage or a vehicle fire.
● To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. When the radiator cap is removed, pressurized hot water will spurt out, possibly causing serious injury.
● Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner temperature control to maximum hot and fan control to high speed.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator before opening the hood. (If steam or coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not open the hood further until no steam or coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
If steam or water is coming from the engine, stand clear to prevent getting burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not leak water. If coolant is leaking, the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry or clothing to come into contact with, or get caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any time.
6. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN dealer.
Using the system
The NISSAN Voice Recognition system allows hands-free operation of the Bluetooth® Phone System. If the vehicle is in motion, some commands may not be available so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. Initialization When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, NISSA ...
ECM branch line circuit
Diagnosis Procedure INSPECTION PROCEDURE 1.CHECK CONNECTOR 1. Turn the ignition switch OFF. 2. Disconnect the battery cable from the negative terminal. 3. Check the following terminals and connectors for damage, bend and loose connection (unit side and connector side). - ECM - Harnes ...
Door outside molding
Removal and Installation 1. Front door outside molding 2. Front door Door Outside Molding Removal 1. Open the front door window fully. 2. Remove the side view mirror. Refer to MIR-19, "Removal and Installation". 3. Lift and twist front door molding from rear end, disconnect ...


Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: How The Next Stimulus Bill Might Affect Your Unemployment
It has been a few weeks since the CARE Act expired, leaving many Americans anxiously awaiting news on the new COVID-19 relief bill.
The new bill will address the stimulus check, enhanced unemployment, school fund allocations, test funding, renters and mortgages protection, and much more.
The decisions the government reaches will deeply impact hundreds of thousands of Americans. Especially those who have become unemployed because of the global health crises.
California temp services and staffing agency, Infinity Staffing, wants to shed some light on where the government currently stands regarding the next stimulus bill.
When Will The New Stimulus Bill Be Passed?
Unfortunately, Congress has failed to pass the new bill before August 7th, as the country had originally hoped.
Now members of congress are on a recess until after Labor Day. The hope is that a decision for the next stimulus bill can be made in early September.
Two different package options are on the table, currently.
The Republicans have proposed the HEALS Act and The Democrats have proposed the HEROES Act. Both Bills have some similarities to the original bill, the Care Act.
However, the submitted acts certainly differ in many key areas, such as how much money should be received for dependents, and what enhanced unemployment will look like going forward.
Nothing is definite until one of the proposed bills is passed, or a compromise is reached. Although, based on both proposed bills we can make some educated guesses on what is to be expected.
Will There Be A Second Stimulus Check And How Much Is It Expected To Be?
It is almost certain that a second stimulus check is around the corner!
Both the Democratic party and the Republican party seem to be agreeing on a stimulus check of $1,200 for most individuals.
The check will hopefully be available for those who qualify very shortly after Congress has passed a new relief bill.
A large point of contention between the two sides is over how much money should be given for dependents.
The Democrats are arguing $1,200 for up to 3 dependants, whereas the Republicans are fighting for $500 per dependant.
The two sides are also quarreling over who qualifies and who does not this time around.
“While we won’t know for certain who will qualify for a new stimulus payment until legislation is passed, we can draw from the first stimulus check’s eligibility requirements to get an idea of who may or may not get a second check, including the income limits and number of dependents.
Both sides are using adjusted gross income, or AGI, to determine the payment amount for individuals and families, which would cap at $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples”
Once Congress decides on either the HEALS Act, the HEROES Act, or a compromise, you will have a better idea of how much your family will receive.
If Renewed, How Long Will The Enhanced Unemployment Last?
With more Americans unemployed throughout this pandemic then there were during the Great Recession of 2008, many people are wondering what the new Bill will say regarding enhanced unemployment.
The CARES Act expired on July 31st, ending pandemic unemployment assistance and taking $600 in monthly income away from people who had been put out of a job because of COVID-19.
“In the $1 trillion HEALS Act introduced by the Senate in July, enhanced federal benefits would be cut down to $200 per week through September.
By October, the flat boost would be replaced with a payment that, when combined with regular state benefits, will recover 70% of the worker’s previous wages. This calculated federal boost will be capped to a maximum of $500 per week.”
Whereas, under the $3 trillion HEROES Act submitted by the Democrats, the $600 enhanced unemployment benefits would be extended to January 31st, 2021.
Both parties agree that there should be some enhancement on unemployment due to the pandemic. However, they greatly disagree on the amounts and have yet to reach a compromise.
How You Can Find Work During The Global Health Crisis
Although some form of enhanced unemployment may continue, as many Americans can attest, it is hard to rely on the government to meet your needs.
Plus for many Americans, the unemployment benefits still don’t cover their full expenses.
If you have found yourself unemployed because of COVID-19 and you are hoping to find work during this time to help supplement your income, then you may want to consider working with a California temp service or staffing agency.
Infinity Staffing will come alongside you and help you find a great job, whether it be temporary (until your place of employment reopens) or permanent.
We offer a variety of resources, such as:
- A large network of connections to various job types
- Assistance from a trained and professional recruiter
- Help polishing up your resume
- Temporary assignments
- Temp -to-hire positions
- Direct placements
- Job Training
Infinity Staffing can help you find a good job, even during the pandemic!


The Equinox has been a bit of a roller coaster for Chevy content-wise, with significant changes happening at somewhat unusual times in its lifecycle. After the current model was introduced, a diesel engine was offered as a late-availability option; that powertrain has since been discontinued already, taking one major configuration option off the table well in advance of its mid-cycle update.
Fundamentally, nothing is really changing for the 2021 model year. The Equinox will still be offered with a choice of 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged engines, the former exclusively with a six-speed auto and the latter with GM's newer nine-speed. All trims can be had in front- or all-wheel drive configurations.
The big news for this update is the introduction of a new RS trim, which doubles as an appearance package and popular equipment bundle. It will include a gloss black grille, "Dark Android" 19-inch wheels, black interior and exterior badges and side rails, an "RS" stylized shift knob and black interior upholstery with red contrast stitching.
- 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Premier
Based on GM's other product offerings, we expect the RS will slot in between the existing LT and range-topping Premier models in the Equinox pricing hierarchy.
GM says the 2021 Equinox will provide easier access to safety tech (meaning less of it will be firewalled behind the more-expensive trims) and a more efficient overall package, but didn't offer us any specifics regarding content availability or real-world fuel economy improvements; for those, we'll have to wait until after its formal unveiling in Chicago. '
We first saw the updated Equinox back in January when images of the new crossover were leaked by a Chinese publication and ended up on Twitter. We now see that these photos were the real thing. Apart from some trim-specific elements (wheels, etc.), the car depicted in them is virtually identical to what we see in Chevy's official images.
This is an important one for Chevy, as the Equinox is not only the best-selling SUV for the company's core brand, it's the second-best selling vehicle in the entire GM portfolio, period. Of the more than 1 million crossovers the company sold in the U.S. in 2019, nearly 350,000 of them were Equinoxes.


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Our rhythms: the folk music of the coast
The coastal area of our country has the peculiarity of bordering different countries. Hence their culture is mixed with that of these and, of course, their music too. The folk music of the coast is infused with currents coming from Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. We’ll tell you what their typical rhythms are.
The coastal area comprises the provinces of Misiones, Chaco, Formosa, Currents, Between Ríos and some areas of Santa Fe. Misiones borders two countries: Brazil and Paraguay. This is how Guaraní blends with some traits of the culture of southern Brazil. History also left its mark for this area: European immigration brought the schotis, which, with local contributions, became the most popular rhythm. From Paraguay also came gallop, the dance that occupies the second place in popular preferences.
In Formosa, Chacoand, above all, in Corrientes, there is an important Guarani influence. There the chamaméreigns, as well as the double scratch and the valseado. In Entre Ríos , chamarrita is common, a replica of Uruguayan overpass.
All these rhythms reach Santa Fe, especially the chamamé. The folk music of the coast is melodious; the lyrics have a loving tone and sometimes a testimonial character. The accordion, bandoneon, guitar and, in some cases, the Indian harp are the preferred musical instruments. To dance? All these rhythms are danced in a linked couple.
Curiosa e impaciente, investiga y no se queda quieta. Redactora por oficio y por vocación, conoce un poco de todo y se especializa en pocas cosas.
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With our experienced gynaecologists you can improve your vaginal health with Vulvovaginal rejuvenation PRP therapy
Vulvovaginal rejuvenation with PRP (Platelet rich plasma) is an integrative approach where along with rejuvenation, PRP therapy is given to increase the longevity of rejuvenated vaginal procedure as well as for betterment of vaginal health.
Problem of sexual dysfunction
Hormonal, physical, psychological and relations changes
Helps increase sexual stamina
Improve low libido condition
Optimize fertilization process
Better sexual life
PRP contains a high concentration of platelets and bioactive proteins which promotes collagen and elastin formation. PRP can be used along with laser for better results; in this process, platelet-rich plasma is injected on vaginal walls under light sedation.
A blood sample is collected from the patient’s body, plasma is separated and then PRP is combined with blood and injected back to the vaginal upper walls. The process takes approximately one hour.
The complete result of PRP therapy shows over a period although one can notice immediate changes due to regenerative medicine. PRP helps grow new tissues thus forming new collagen and elastin which leads to mucosal skin thickening and tightening for months.
The effects of one PRP session can last for as long as 14 months in case of vulvovaginal PRP therapy, whereas effects of one session of PRP ovarian and uterine therapy lasts for 3-4 month.
Pristyn Care specializes in providing the best treatment for Vulvovaginal rejuvenation. With our own team of doctors across 3 cities, we deliver personalized care according to your medical needs.Our easy admission to discharge process and world class infrastructure ensures a hassle free experience.


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Unlined – No special sealing features and no liner.
Foamed PE (F-217) – An all around good liner for products that are non-reactive to polyethylene. These liners protect from odor transmission and do not impact the taste of food products in the container.
Foam pressure sensitive (PS-22) – Displays a moisture seal, in the form of a foam disc.
Induction/Heat sealed – Often used when air needs to be removed from the container, and/or product security is an issue. Often used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Barrier – Foil liner creates a durable, chemical-resistant seal.
Plastisol – Suitable for many food applications. Allows hot-filled products to “draw a vacuum” as they cool.
Pulp and vinyl – For metal caps, is an excellent liner for chemical resistance. It works well with solvents, alcohols, mild acids, alkalis and other chemically based products. Not designed for bleaches or active hydrocarbons.
Polyethylene cone – Recommended for glass bottles where a tight seal is preferred.
Pulp and polyethylene – Ideal for powders and cold fill, non-acidic food products.
Pulp and oil – Offers a degree of resistance to chemical products that are reactive to polyethylene.

domain: chemistry


Who we are
Founded in 1987, Europerfil is part of ArcelorMittal group, and manufactures profiles, sandwich panels and innovative constructive solutions for metal cladding for all kind of buildings.
Specialists in metal cladding
Europerfil develops and manufactures a wide range of products for metal cladding that forms the skin of buildings. Made in steel or other finer metals, the whole range of products has been designed in seach of the best possible appearance, the most effective solution and the most competitive reply. This range includes constructive profiles for roofs, facades, composite floors, architectural facade profiles; polyurethane and poliisocianate sandwich panels for roofs and facades, refrigeration and acoustic panels, facades architectural panels; in addition to a wide range of accessories, colour range and coatings which adjunt to each project, each atmosphere and and all surroundings.
Europerfil is present in all sectors of activity, innovating to offer a wide range of products, accessories and constructive solutions for non-residential (industrial buildings, schools, social and cultural centres, refrigeration facilities, health centres, and buildings for transport and service stations), and residential buildings.
Europerfil started un in a small factory located in Rubí (Barcelona). In 1992 we opened 10,000 m² of a new facilities in Cervera (Lérida) for profile manufacture. In order to locate the firts panel line started up in 1998, we built a further 10,000m². The second panel line opened in 2007 requires the factory to be extended by an additional 10,000m². Today we have 30,000 m² of productive facilities in Cervera in which the company makes constant investment to ensure that the productive means are the most advanced in the sector.
Europerfil has always been characterised by its wager on innovation, its continous effort in constantly improving the quality of the materials and its service vocation, resulting in a wide range of products and constructive solutions. The experience and exhaustive control to wich all products are subject have consolidated us in the sector as a benchmark of innovation, quality, guarantee and safety.


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If the headquarters of the Apple and all the research is done from the United States and Cupertino, in California, the firm also has very many factories, all over the planet. Until today, China was responsible for manufacturing the highest-end iPhones.
But while exchanges between the two giants have deteriorated in recent years, Apple has made the decision to emancipate itself a little from Chinese production. In order not to end up blocked, without production, in the event of a halt in trade between China and the United States.
Arriving in India, step by step
Apple therefore proposed to the governments of several countries to come and put their bags at home. And after long negotiations, including exceptional tax cuts, Apple finally found common ground with India, where the Apple brand has built different factories.
In reality, the factories are not really on behalf of Apple. These are subcontractors, like Foxconn (one of the best known) who works in the field for Apple and who assembles the phones for them. The latter have several factories in India. To use Foxconn’s example, the latter owns the Chennai plant in the country.
A big first for Apple
It is precisely in this factory that Apple decided to get down to business in Gandhi’s country. Indeed, the Cupertino company has just asked its subcontractor to carry out a whole series of production tests, in order to know if the factory had the capacities to produce iPhone 13, at a frantic pace.
These tests are a milestone for Apple, in fact, the Cupertino company has already produced iPhones in countries other than China, but the most high-end model of Apple has never been assembled in another. country as the Middle Empire.
A real blow for Chinese factories, and a real opportunity for Indians, who could very quickly become one of the most important territories in the iPhone manufacturing chain.
Today India is already producing iPhones like the latest SE model, released in 2020, but also iPhone 11s, which are still very popular, as well as other Apple products such as iPads or MacBooks.