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Chris Jones to head NCI
The O’Neill Theater Center’s search for a new director of the National Critics Institute has selected Chris Jones. For 15 years theater critic for the Chicago Tribune (and before that, Variety), Chris chairs ATCA’s committee on the regional theater Tony. He succeeds Dan Sullivan, previously critic at the Los Angeles Times, who in turn succeeded the late Ernie Schier, NCI founder and previously critic at the Philadelphia Bulletin; both were also founders of ATCA. To complete the circle, the O’Neill was the birthplace of ATCA, which underwrites an NCI scholarship each summer.


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domain: design


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Do you have a wonderful idea for baking or cooking but don't know how to get it accomplished? This place has tons of tips and techniques to help take your ideas to reality. Learn tips on how to cook from professional chefs and cooking instructors.Christmas: Side Dishes and Turtle Pumpkin Pie
1. Christmas: Side Dishes and Turtle Pumpkin Pie
Thanksgiving dinner is at your sister's house this year. Let us give thanks! Tracy Metro for the Kraft Kitchens shares ideas for what you can bring to Thanksgiving dinner and how to get it there it there in one piece.
2. Tuscan Panzanella Salad
This popular summer salad combines tomatoes, onions, crisp cucumbers and delicious home made croutons. Served with Sage's own vinaigrette and combined with fresh herbs the flavours come together and soak into the croutons making a tasty appetiser for dinner or a lightlunch. Make sure to check out Sage's crouton and balsamic glaze videos in order to perfect this salad.
3. Red Pepper Relish
This simple red pepper relish is a great tart accompaniment. Serve it an appetiser on bread, or as a condiment for any meat or fish dish. The key is getting the right peppers, so follow Sage's lead in this Grokker Premium video and you will have perfected this sauce in no time.
4. Expert Tip: Chopping an Onion in a Flash!
This is one of the basic knife skills you should have as a chef. It takes a lot of practice but it can be simple and easy. Watch this Grokker Premium video as Executive Chef Geoff Rigby shows us how to properly chop onions fast and efficiently.

domain: food


Mumbai: As Abhishek Bachchan turned 39 today, father and megastar Amitabh Bachchan recalled the 'joyous' moment when the 'Happy New Year' actor was born.
Bachchan, 72, who is a proud father of daughter Shweta and son Abhishek with wife Jaya, wrote on his blog how he celebrated the moment.
"The birthday has been brought in and Abhishek is another year older, 39 years... Strange but he was born just the other day... And the euphoria and the champagne opening at the Breach Candy Hospital, the traditional cigar smoked, general joy and celebration...
"A little subdued perhaps... Not quite as much as that for Shweta... That was quite a moment... And here we are sharing those moments on this wonderful medium, which incidentally the media questions a great deal about...," Bachchan wrote on the blog.


Made by US Shift, this Quick 2 transmission controller features REVolution Architecture.
In addition, the Quick 2 transmission controller does not require a laptop or PC. The built-in tuning interface allows the most common settings to be changed without using a computer. The Quick 2 transmission controller is a basic, easy-to-use, and economical controller.
- Laptop and PC tuning – The included Windows-based tuning software provides access to all settings and advanced tuning options.
- Wire harness is included.
- Easy to follow installation instructions as well as videos are available on the US Shift website.
Currently supports these popular transmissions:
- GM 4L60E, 4L65E, and 4L70E
- GM 4L80E and 4L85E
- Ford AOD-E, 4R70W (wide ratio AOD-E), and 4R75
- Ford E4OD and 4R100
- Ford 4R55E and 4R44E *
The Quick 2 transmission controller is a simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-use controller based on the Quick 4’s REVolution architecture. It’s designed for hobbyists and shops who need simple and straightforward transmission control with a proven, robust, and reliable platform.
- Includes exclusive data logging and diagnostic features, but doesn’t include the special performance features not needed for basic applications.
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- Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 177.44 points, or 0.69%, to 26,067.62.
- S&P 500 gained 24.72 points, or 0.79%, to 3,170.04.
- The Nasdaq Composite added 148.61 points, or 1.44%, to 10,492.50.
US stocks rose on Wednesday, amid a general absence of market-moving news, were making a comeback, denying the bears and resulted in the Nasdaq hitting another record closing high.
Despite the potential consequences of these spikes in new coronavirus case, patient investors continue to buy into the central bank and fiscal stimulus efforts and global economic recovery.
US Fauci said Phase 3 vaccine trials may begin at end July, and that he is cautiously optimistic for a vaccine by year-end, and that is enough for the market to keep on the bid.
Unofficially, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 177.44 points, or 0.69%, to 26,067.62, the S&P 500 gained 24.72 points, or 0.79%, to 3,170.04 and the Nasdaq Composite added 148.61 points, or 1.44%, to 10,492.50.
US COVID-19 surpassed 3 million
US cases of COVID-19 surpassed 3 million overnight, affecting nearly one of every 100 Americans. California, Hawaii, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma and Texas broke their previous daily record highs for new infections.
Fed’s Bostic reiterated that the infections spikes are clouding the reopening outlook, but broad shut down isn’t expected.
Meanwhile, US-China tensions continue to bubble. US Kudlow said the US has issues with China but a trade deal is not dead.
|Today last price||25876|
|Today Daily Change||-246.00|
|Today Daily Change %||-0.94|
|Today daily open||26122|
|Previous Daily High||26182|
|Previous Daily Low||25980|
|Previous Weekly High||26198|
|Previous Weekly Low||24974|
|Previous Monthly High||27628|
|Previous Monthly Low||24562|
|Daily Fibonacci 38.2%||26057.16|
|Daily Fibonacci 61.8%||26104.84|
|Daily Pivot Point S1||26007.33|
|Daily Pivot Point S2||25892.67|
|Daily Pivot Point S3||25805.33|
|Daily Pivot Point R1||26209.33|
|Daily Pivot Point R2||26296.67|
|Daily Pivot Point R3||26411.33|
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers.

domain: finance


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It's been about 8 years in the making but I have finally finished my Prairie Primer quilt. Years ago when I used to homeschool my children I belonged to a yahoo group dedicated to all things related to the study of the Little House on the Prairie books. Now, if you're asking yourself what one could possibly have to study that would turn these books into schooling - you'd be amazed.
When my children and I used these books for our schooling one year we learned all sorts of things. We studied the gold rush, learned about various Indian tribes, learned how to make butter/jerky/other foods, learned a variety of 'crafts' such as sewing and making soap, we learned about homesteading, the Civil War and many other history items and we learned a variety of science related items about the human body and nature. It was a great year and I think one of the most enjoyable of our homeschooling.
Now during our time in this group the ladies got together and decided to do a quilt block swap. We all designed a block that told who we were and what state we were in and the fabric was related to something studied in the Prairie Primer. Once I received my blocks I decided to make a Jacob's Ladder block to intertwine with mine and then put my quilt top together. Well that was as far as I went all those years ago.
Fast forward to a couple months ago when I came across my quilt top and decided it was high time that I finish putting it together. A month later I am happy to say that she is finally done and ready to be enjoyed!

domain: hobby


Fortress Festival 2018: Day 1 lineup rocks Fort Worth's socks off
Fortress Festival once again lit up Fort Worth's Cultural District on the first of two days of music, art and food. Performances from Saturday headliners Chromeo, as well as Waxahatchee and De La Soul, were crowd favorites.
Welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr., visits the Cowboys during practice Wednesday. Spence is fighting Oscar Ocampo inside The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, June 16.
Gene Jones, representing the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation, hosted a reception for Arlington ISD student artists, and announced the Cowboys made the winning bid on all of the football helmets created by 7th grade artists.
Video released by the Philadelphia Police shows a man blocking an SUV driver and passengers in a parking lot and smashing the SUV window and striking a passenger with a sledgehammer. Police say the incident may be related to road rage.
Body camera video released by the Texas Department of Public Safety shows the traffic stop and arrest of Sherita Dixon-Cole. Cole had accused a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper of sexually assaulting her during an arrest.


Just ordered my first can. Its going on my rem 700 vs with a 26" barrel 1 in 12 twist 308 win. My favorite bullet recently has been the 178 AMAX which I shoot out to 1000 yards on occasion and would like to get out to 1200 if possible. My question is: If I cut the barrel back to 20 or 22 inches for the suppressor will the 178 still stabilize well? Will I still be able to play at 1000 yards with that short of barrel?


GURGAON: For over 700 plot owners on disputed Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) land, the agonizing wait for getting fresh allotment might be over by January next year.
Sorting out the cases of disputed plots has been a huge task for HUDA, officials said. The disputed plot owners had been fighting cases for more than seven years to get alternative plots by HUDA.
"So far over 300 disputed plots have been cleared and the owners have been allotted as per HUDA rules and regulations. Now in the next lot we are planning to clear over 700 plots," said HUDA, administrator, Praveen Kumar.
Earlier, because of paucity of the land and vacant plots, HUDA had been grappling with the allotment of the plots and this led to litigation in different courts.
Most of the plot owners were allotted plots and have paid substantial amounts to HUDA. The entire process of allotment went haywire after the landowners dragged HUDA to court and it became difficult to allot the plots. After the recent high court order HUDA has now swung into action and has expedited the allotment of the plots. HUDA has now worked out demarcation of all the vacant plots that are clear of any encumbrance.
The estate officer-II, Manoj Khatri, said: "Clearing of all the cases of owners of disputed plots has been the top priority and I am sure that all the cases in EO II range will be completed". Khatri has done all the spadework before clearing the disputed plot cases. The demarcation of all the vacant plots has been done in all the sectors now the next stage of action is seeking green light from the chief administrator's office. "The details of the plots on offer in different sectors will be sent to the chief administrator, HUDA, and then the allotment process will start, most likely in the first half of January," said Khatri.
As per the tentative plan, alternative plots will be offered in Sectors 33, 47, 49, 50 and 43. HUDA is also looking for records of other sectors, which have vacant or surrendered plots. Asked about the payment pattern for the plot, another senior HUDA official said: "The plot owners will not require to pay any extra money in case they have cleared all the dues. They will be given fresh allotment letters as per HUDA rules." The plot owners have welcomed HUDA's decision to clear all the pending allotments but they demand compensation for the delay.
"The delay in allotment has proved costly for all us as construction cost has shot up. I had got allotment in 2006 and the rise in construction cost has grown manifold now," said a plot owner, who did not want to be named.


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| Ronald Pearsall|
| September 27, 2005|
| The worm in the bud, Table rappers, Mysterious Places of the World, Kings & Queens: A History of, A Connoisseur's Guide to|Ronald Pearsall Wikipedia
Ronald Joseph Pearsall (20 October 1927 – 27 September 2005) was an English writer whose scope included children's stories, pornography and fishing.
His most famous book The Worm in the Bud (1969) was about Victorian orgies, prostitution and fetishism. A prolific writer, his other books included three on popular music between 1837 and 1929, several on the history of sexuality and many on antiques. He held other jobs as a shoe shop assistant, cinema manager and store detective. His book The Table Rappers (1972) was an exposure of fraud mediums, tricksters and charlatans in Spiritualism.

domain: literature


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Dave Murphy's experience as an analytical chemist encompasses the key activities associated with the chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) of new medicinal products.
Savanta can provide expertise in the analysis of both drug substance and formulated products, including pre-formulation and formulation development activities, method development and validation, stability testing and support in the compilation of regulatory documents.
This knowledge can be applied at the earliest stage of development in the pre-clinical phase through to phase I, phase II and phase III of the clinical development process.
Pharmaceutical analysis consultancy services are offered to support both the synthesis and characterisation of drug substances (or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, API) and also for the development of formulated products (or Investigational Medicinal Product, IMP).
Although these represent two major parts of the development process, Savanta endeavors, where possible, to integrate activities to maximize the efficiency and output of the analytical process.

domain: health


Tense psychological thriller written, directed by and starring Icelandic auteur Baltasar Kormákur.
The first major feature from Brad Bird (The Incredibles) is a touching animated adaptation of Ted Hughes' novella 'The Iron Man'.
A wonderful animated film, based on poet Ted Hughes' book 'The Iron Man', that is as dramatically satisfying as it is graphically impressive. Set in a small American town in the 1950s, the film tells the story of a young boy who befriends a hulking robot from outer space, although the benign creature reveals hidden destructive capacities when threatened by military paranoia. Writer-director Brad Bird cut his teeth on 'The Simpsons' (and would go on to diret The Incredibles and Ratatouille), and his feature debut, which features the voices of Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr and Vin Diesel as the giant, is witty and endearing without being cute or condescending. The film has genuine atmosphere and texture. Gentle, poignant and affecting animation that succeeds through understatement and showcases some highly impressive visual sequences.
39 titles from Film4's library will be launched to buy or rent on iTunes and Amazon on August 1st, 2016. The collection includes classics and award-winners which will be available for digital download
Ahead of the Film4 Summer Screen presentation of The Final Girls, director Todd Strauss-Schulson reflects on the making of 2015's heartfelt horror homage... The Final Girls came into my life when
The best all-singing, all-dancing showstoppers every committed to screen
A summary of the critics and film professionals who voted for the top 50 Horror films of the 21st Century


text:
Please use our screen builder or consult with your system designer for an official specification drawing
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Ships unassembled – some assembly is required.


text:
On the soul – Judith Wolfe in TLS:
‘But in recent decades, the Humanities have experienced a crisis similar to theology’s before them. To many now, the concept of a human soul – of the human virtues, sentiments, insights and traditions on which the humanities traditionally relied – seems as implausible and unnecessary as the concept of God itself. Arnold’s faith in humanity is experiencing its own Dover Beach moment.
In Search of the Soul is a philosophical ode to this ebbing faith, but it refuses to be elegiac: its impetus is a quiet confidence that a receding night tide returns at dawn. Although talk of the soul is complicated, John Cottingham is convinced that it is not only legitimate but ultimately unavoidable. His own contribution is to affirm the trustworthiness of the basic human experience of ensoulment, and to probe the metaphysical horizons within which it thrives.’
‘Just as we can understand flat figurative paintings only because we inhabit a world of three-dimensional space, the analogy goes, so we can see the body as the picture of the soul only because we inhabit a world that has meta-physical depth.’
‘Cottingham’s warm and sinuous text opens these horizons without undue force, seeking consensus and posing questions he is not afraid to let stand. It is animated by an optimism which is infectious, but also conceals difficulties with his account even for those who accept his basic picture. Leaving aside some theological questions raised by the final chapter, human selfhood as Cottingham describes it strives towards an ideal of authenticity which is not only unrealistic but possibly incoherent, insofar as its goal is both one’s “best self” and one’s “truest self”. But to be good in Cottingham’s sense (which is to respond adequately to the normative claims of values and others) is always to give up being unique in Cottingham’s sense (which is to be true to one’s inmost desires). Neither is it clear that the latter is a coherent aim. Desires have the structural appearance of object-directedness, but nevertheless sometimes arise from causes unrelated to their apparent objects. That there is a difference between orientations of the soul and neural stimulus responses means not that every desire is a revelation of metaphysical depth and connectedness, but that the challenge we face is one of discernment rather than mere illusion. Discernment is never guaranteed: our deceivability is as indelible a mark of our humanity as our perspicuity.’
Read the complete article here.
Indeed, best self and truest self are not necessarily the same.
We try to overcome our truest self, but we are not willing to give up the notion of authenticity, which might be an illusion that grows on the soil of technique, talent and training (the authenticity of the actor).
The authenticity of madness is not highly appreciated.
But any attempt to save the soul, especially outside the realm of religion, is applauded.


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Stock Trading Positive, but Slow
Ljubljana, 5 January - Shares opened higher on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange on Monday, but early trading on the first workday of the year was lacklustre. The SBI 20 benchmark index was up 0.94% to 3,730 just over an hour after the opening.
The rest of this news item is available to subscribers.
The news item consists of 264 characters (without spaces) or 51 words words.
Buy the news item. Price: 2 tokens; on account: 0 tokens.

domain: economics


text:
Mitch and Murray Productions likes to tackle edgy urban shows that shock and provoke with their richly conflicted characters; Becky Shaw is no different.
Becky Shaw opens with a needy and judgmental Suzanna, played with wide-eyed want by Meghan Gradiner, talking with the man who was raised like a brother, an emotional stunted and self-righteous Max (Aaron Craven), about her late father’s finances. She doesn’t want to talk with her forceful and grumpy mother (Marilyn Norry) because she has taken up with a much younger rent boy.
Mom has no sympathy for the grieving daughter [“A parent’s death is the most common of milestones”], and she bluntly refuses to believe Max when he tells her that her husband was having a homosexual affair with their accountant.
Fast forward six months and we discover Suzanna is now married to Andrew (Charlie Gallant) who Max dismisses as an “indy rock writer boy”. Andrew is a feminist, soft spoken sensitive man attracted to damaged emotional women which explains how he came to marry Suzanna. His new project is the title character, a broke, delicate woman too busy feeling sorry herself to have any future plans. As played by Moya O’Connell she is always on the verge of tears and she is so unsettled her feet barely touch the ground. With Becky such an emotional mess, our married couple set her for a date with Max.
Crises and betrayal ensues and as the foursome start to unravel due to their selfishness and assumptions, Becky Shaw takes delicious and surprising turns, dropping in a number of shocking character reveals and provocative language along the way.
You can see why playwright Gina Gionfriddo was once a writer for Law & Order and other television shows. All of these characters are blind to their own flaws to the point of arrogance and they all have a transformational arc revealing new cruelty or kindness depending on who it would be most unexpected. As the story unfolds, and new revelations explode, you can almost sense the commercial breaks.
The actors are great at playing their layers and it is a testament to their depth and skill that we never find ourselves distracted by the audience members sitting across from us.
David Mackay directs with an eye for inner turmoil and an ear for a funky new wave 80’s soundtrack. He stages the play in the round, with seats pooled around the playing areas designed by David Roberts and brings the action so close that at one point an audience member found themselves quickly moving out of the way of an actor.
The script is not flawless with the compromise that Susanna and Andrew come to rather convenient and there are flashes of melodrama, but they are bumps in otherwise well rendered production.
Actors and people who like acting will find a lot here to enjoy and audiences who crave a raw visceral comedy drama will find it compelling.
Becky Shaw is a riveting, funny show about damaged nasty people. We were captured.
By Gina Gionfriddo. Directed by David Mackay. A Mitch and Murray Productions presentation. On stage at Studio 16 through December 7, 2013. Visit http://mitchandmurrayproductions.com for tickets and information.

domain: artistic


text:
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|Style||Sherpa Hoodie Brown|
|Fabric||100% polyester sherpa|
The cozy Stüssy Zip Hoodie Black from the Spring '21 collection is made for comfort all year round. The fleece zip hoodie is designed with full zip YKK molded zipper closure, front welt pocket, cotton rib cuff & hem. The full zip sweatshirt is cut in a boxy fit and features the iconic logo embroidery on left chest. Made from 100% polyester Sherpa.


Amsterdam's struggle against over-tourism gets a final OK from the country's courts.
Disney is tracking China's steps toward normalcy as it plans for its own eventual re-opening, possibly with health checks at the gate.
It's hard not to be attracted to a beautiful garden. Today Emily shares some of the world's finest.
DrFumblefinger enjoyed this beautiful 19th century Customs House, now an art gallery, on Key West's historic waterfront.
The virus crisis and shutdown of cruising have led cruise lines to shut down upgrade plans and possibly wait for new ships.
A deadly bactierial infection is threatening Europe's olive industry, with disastrous effects already seen in parts of Italy.
GarryRF reflects on his favorite Caribbean spot, and how those who work there are affected by the current lockdowns.
Samantha and her husband had a great time exploring Craters of the Moon National Monument until the rains came.
Airport shutdowns have shuffled the list of the busiest.
Paul Hunter, confined like many of us to our homes, shares some beautiful images from around his home in Yorkshire.
DrFumblefinger wanders the streets of the Brera region of Milan.
Some practical suggestions for new visitors to Hong Kong (sponsored content).
At last, a rational boarding scheme, imposed by Covid-19. Maybe it will change how we look at getting on a plane.
Bookings for next year are up, but a new survey indicates their may be rough waters ahead for the industry.
A new travel puzzle is posted for the week. Gumbo is off to another adventure to a unique place — and it's up to you to figure out where that is!


Students at Horseheads High School will be wearing some department store fashions without paying department store prices.
The school held its first-ever Raider Remix clothing drive initiated by English and psychology teacher, Darby Thompson.
The goal is to make sure students have access to clothing when the cost of new clothes is out of reach. Everything is donated from the local community, locker clean-outs and even Thompson herself.
“I see kids in school everyday that I teach and they don’t have extra clothes or they need clothes or could really use this more than I could,” Thompson said. “I wanted to create a place where I could bring the extra clothes in to people who would need those extra clothes.”
Thompson says she plans to have gowns and suits next year in time for prom to help those who cannot afford the luxury of new attire.
More information such as future clothing drives can be found on Raider Remix’s Facebook page.


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Wii... I mean, We are the champions...
Motion gaming is synonymous with sports. Not Madden, or FIFA, or even the NBA. It's impossible to say motion gaming and not think of tennis or bowling in Wii Sports. That's just how the cultural zeitgeist works. Until Grandma and Grandpa realize that the PS3 has a lot of must-play exclusives, they're going to keep trying to hit that perfect score with their Miis.
[image1]That's because Sports Champions for the Playstation Move is neither a pack-in nor is it a killer app everyone has to play. Despite that, Sports Champions is an absolute necessity for Sony in their motion gaming campaign. If the title weren't on store shelves, it would feel like a gaping hole in the Move's launch lineup. In the end, if you have a Playstation Move, you'll definitely want to pick up Sports Champions.
Sports Champions readily lends itself to comparisons to Wii Sports... almost too readily. Each sport doesn't have any significant innovations. Simply choose your activity, choose your non-descript avatar, and progress through the ranks until you become a champ. Everything just feels underdeveloped, as if Wii Sports got away with it, so Sports Champions should too.
One thing it does do better than Wii Sports is the one-to-one motion controls, mostly thanks to the Move's precise nature. This means next-to-nothing is out of the player's control. In each of the six sports, there is an opportunity for the player to screw up immensely and it will be that player's fault. Learning to excel at a sport in the game is about as rewarding as it is in real life. Defeating opponents in each sport is exhilarating because of the direct and total control over the action.
[image2]Sports Champions includes six sports: Disc Golf, Gladiator Duel, Archery, Beach Volleyball, Bocce, and Table Tennis - all of which are ultimately categorized in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Easily the best games in this package are Disc Golf, Archery, and the amazing Gladiator Duel.
Gladiator Duel is best played with two Move controllers. One handles your shield, the other your weapon. Combining actions with these two can be totally destructive. Combos don't involve quarter circle turns, or three different punch buttons. Just smash on your opponent in as earnestly as possible. Beating down the computer, or another player, can be more satisfying than hitting buttons in Street Fighter, because you are actually doing the moves.
Archery and Disc Golf are entertaining for the same reason. With two Move controllers, Archery is the same as the real thing. Knocking and arrow, pulling back and firing on a target is fun, because it's fun in real life. Disc Golf is both challenging and entertaining because throwing a frisbee is the same experience in real life as it is in Sports Champions.
[image3]Beach Volleyball and Bocce are largely uninspired and do nothing to show off the Move controllers capabilities. Beach Volleyball treats the player like a child through the whole process. Time is slowed down for each hit so you can be sure to get the right form. With two Move controllers, the play can be startlingly similar to real life, but without all the moving around, volleyball is boring. Bocce is about as close to Bowling as Sports Champions is going to get. It may feel like a rip-off, but as a direct translation of the Italian pastime, it does its job. If you only have one Move controller, it can be passed around for a Bocce tournament just like a single Wii remote. [The GR party had a Bocce battle. It was intense. ~Ed. Nick]
Finally, Table Tennis has the ugly category all to itself. Table Tennis is a hair's breadth away from Wii Tennis, except it plays terribly. Sports Champions doesn't account for the different ways of holding a paddle, nor does it track the player's movements as accurately as any of the other sports. Compared to the other activities in the package, Table Tennis disappoints in all the areas Gladiator Duel, Disc Golf, or Archery excel in.
Ultimately, there's no reason a Move-owning PS3 gamer shouldn't pick up Sports Champions. Stay away if you've only got one controller, because whether you have a Move in each hand can make or break the experience. At $39.99, Sports Champions is good piece of software to go with, especially when you're buying a controller bundle.

domain: sports


text:
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Blastox - One Step
Don't waste money on added labor steps with other methods. Don't mix, meter or apply at the job-site. Avoid strict hazardous waste rules.
Let your painters paint

domain: chemistry


text:
(as of May 20,2022 01:23:08 UTC – Details)
The Only Stylish & Beautifully-designed Worm Compost Bin on the Market
The Urbalive Worm Farm, winner of the acclaimed Reddot Design Award, is a modern worm compost system designed to look great in your home, apartment, or office.
Stackable, Compact Design Can be Expanded with Additional Trays
The Urbalive’s unique design can be expanded to 4 compost trays as your vermicomposting needs and worm population grow.
Support the Environment with Sustainable Composting at Home
The Urbalive Worm Farm allows you to compost organic waste (e.g., fruits, vegetables, leaves, carboard) with compost worms (sold separately), diverting the waste from local landfills and converting it into high quality worms castings for use with houseplants or in your home garden. Composting with worms is also fun and educational!
The Urbalive Worm Farm includes:
- Stackable tray system with 2 trays.
- Large collection base to capture castings and any liquid.
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- Worm farming accessories including a set-up and how-to guide, measuring cup, and hand shovel.
The Urbalive Worm farm measures 20.1” x 15” x 24” (L x W x H) and is available in gray, ivory, or lime green.
We’re service-obsessed and committed to making your order – and vermicomposting journey – a great experience. We’ll ship your order within 1 business day and respond to all questions within 8 business hours. Have questions about this worm farm, compost worms, or vermicomposting in general? Contact us through Amazon and we’re happy to help!
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DESIGN FEATURES: Modern design with FSC-certified hardwood legs that accentuate the look and feel.
SOLD BY A COMMERCIAL WORM FARM: We’re professionals that love & use this worm compost bin at home.

domain: agronomy


text:
Written by Martin on January 22, 2020
Produced by Forest Twarogowski from New Vista High School on 12/4/19
Forest explains how life is as someone who was adopted and what his thoughts are on the way he was brought up.
Note about content: This is coming from my perspective as an international adoption. This is just my opinion about it, I am by no means saying I’m correct about anything.

domain: sociology


text:
Scott Weiland’s Son Noah Forces Himself To Move On
Even though he’s just 22 years old, the son of the late rocker Scott Weiland, Noah has gone through a lot in the last few years. The former Suspect208 singer recently released his new solo single, ‘Good Riddance & Goodbye,’ featuring rapper Slayloverboy. The song is vulnerable in every sense of the word, where the singer shares his story of loss and addiction.
“I wrote the song about having to force myself to move on from the love of my life due to substance use in the past,” Noah Weiland said to iHeartRadio about his latest track. “I’m past that point in my life.” Unfortunately, like his late father, Noah also struggled with drug addiction, but he has been sober for a while, as he recently revealed.
After parting ways with Suspect208 in 2021, where he played with Tye Trujillo, son of Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, and London Hudson, son of Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, he decided to embark on his solo journey. Throughout his journey, the singer’s sound has without question been compared to his late father’s band Stone Temple Pilots. However, Noah had clarified that his music was completely different, and he was concentrated on his recovery from addiction.
It seems his focus has paid off as his latest track, in his words, shows that ‘he’s past that point’ in his life and is ready for his next chapter in music. If you aren’t familiar with Weiland’s solo career, this track might give you a brief look back into who he was and how he got out of his addiction after losing the love of his life as a consequence. We should be ready for new material from the singer, as it might actually come sooner than we predict.

domain: entertainment


text:
|Early history (3200 BC–728 BC)
Dozens of pre-historic sites across the Iranian plateau point to the existence of ancient cultures and urban settlements in the fourth millennium BC, centuries before the earliest civilizations arose in nearby Mesopotamia.
Proto-Iranians first emerged following the separation of Indo-Iranians, and are traced to the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex. Aryan, (Proto-Iranian) tribes arrived in the Iranian plateau in the third and second millennium BC, probably in more than one wave of emigration, and settled as nomads. Further separation of Proto-Iranians into “Eastern” and “Western” groups occurred due to migration. By the first millennium BC, Medes, Persians, Bactrians and Parthians populated the western part, while Cimmerians, Sarmatians and Alans populated the steppes north of the Black Sea. Other tribes began to settle on the eastern edge, as far as on the mountainous frontier of north-western Indian subcontinent and into the area which is now Balochistan. Others, such as the Scythian tribes spread as far west as the Balkans and as far east as Xinjiang. Avestan is an eastern Old Iranian language that was used to compose the sacred hymns and canon of the Zoroastrian Avesta in c. 1000 BC. Zoroastrianism was the state religion of the Achaemenid empire and later Iranian empires, until the 7th century.
Pre-Islamic Statehood (728 BC–651 AD)
The Medes are credited with the foundation of Iran as a nation and empire (728–559 BC), the largest of its day, until Cyrus the Great established a unified empire of the Medes and Persians leading to the Achaemenid Empire (559–330 BC), and further unification between peoples and cultures. After Cyrus’s death, his son Cambyses continued his father’s work of conquest, making significant gains in Egypt. A power struggle followed Cambyses’ death and, despite his tenuous connection to the royal line, Darius I was declared king (ruled 522–486 BC). He was to be arguably the greatest of the ancient Iranian rulers.
Under Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great, the Persian Empire eventually became the largest and most powerful empire in human history up until that point. The borders of the Persian empire stretched from the Indus and Oxus Rivers in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, extending through Anatolia (modern day Turkey) and Egypt. In 499 BC Athens lent support to a revolt in Miletus which resulted in the sacking of Sardis. This led to an Achaemenid campaign against Greece known as the Greco-Persian Wars which lasted the first half of the 5th century BC. During the Greco-Persian wars Persia made some major advantages and razed Athens in 480 BC, But after a string of Greek victories the Persians were forced to withdraw. Fighting ended with the peace of Callias in 449 BC.
The Achaemenid’s greatest achievement was the empire itself. The rules and ethics emanating from Zoroaster’s teachings were strictly followed by the Achaemenids who introduced and adopted policies based on human rights, equality and banning of slavery. Zoroastrianism spread un-imposed during the time of the Achaemenids and through contacts with the exiled Jewish people in Babylon freed by Cyrus, Zoroastrian concepts further propagated and influenced into other Abrahamic religions. The Golden Age of Athens marked by Aristotle, Plato and Socrates also came about during the Achaemenid period while their contacts with Persia and the Near East abounded. The peace, tranquility, security and prosperity that were afforded to the people of the Near East and Southeastern Europe proved to be a rare historical occurrence, an unparalleled period where commerce prospered, and the standard of living for all people of the region improved.
Alexander the Great invaded Achaemenid territory in 334 BC, defeating the last Achaemenid Emperor Darius III at the Battle of Issus in 333 BC. He left the annexed territory in 328–327. In each of the former Achaemenid territories he installed his own officers as caretakers, which led to friction and ultimately to the partitioning of the former empire after Alexander’s death. A reunification would not occur until 700 years later, under the Sassanids (see below). Unlike the diadochic Seleucids and the succeeding Arsacids, who used a vassalary system, the Sassanids—like the Achaemenids—had a system of governors (MP: shahrab) personally appointed by the Emperor and directed by the central government. The new empire led by Alexander became the first, of other, later, foreign ruled Iranian empires that came to promote a Persianate society.
Parthia was led by the Arsacid Dynasty (اشکانیان Ashkâniân), who reunited and ruled over the Iranian plateau, after defeating the Greek Seleucid Empire, beginning in the late 3rd century BC, and intermittently controlled Mesopotamia between ca. 150 BC and 224 AD. These were the third native dynasty of ancient Iran and lasted five centuries. After the conquests of Media, Assyria, Babylonia and Elam, the Parthians had to organize their empire. The former elites of these countries were Greek, and the new rulers had to adapt to their customs if they wanted their rule to last. As a result, the cities retained their ancient rights and civil administrations remained more or less undisturbed.
Parthia was the arch-enemy of the Roman Empire in the east, limiting Rome’s expansion beyond Cappadocia (central Anatolia). By using a heavily-armed and armored cataphract cavalry, and lightly armed but highly-mobile mounted archers, the Parthians “held their own against Rome for almost 300 years”. Rome’s acclaimed general Mark Antony led a disastrous campaign against the Parthians in 36 BC in which he lost 32,000 men. By the time of Roman emperor Augustus, Rome and Parthia were settling some of their differences through diplomacy. By this time, Parthia had acquired an assortment of golden eagles, the cherished standards of Rome’s legions, captured from Mark Antony, and Crassus, who suffered “a disastrous defeat” at Carrhae in 53 BC.
The end of the Parthian Empire came in 224 AD, when the empire was loosely organized and the last king was defeated by Ardashir I, one of the empire’s vassals. Ardashir I then went on to create the Sassanid Empire. Soon he started reforming the country both economically and militarily. The Sassanids established an empire roughly within the frontiers achieved by the Achaemenids, referring to it as Erânshahr or Iranshahr, , “Dominion of the Aryans”, i.e. of Iranians), with their capital at Ctesiphon. The Romans suffered repeated losses particularly by Ardashir I, Shapur I, and Shapur II. During their reign, Sassanid battles with the Roman Empire caused such pessimism in Rome that the historian Cassius Dio wrote:“
Here was a source of great fear to us. So formidable does the Sassanid king seem to our eastern legions, that some are liable to go over to him, and others are unwilling to fight at all. ”
In 632 raiders from the Arab peninsula began attacking the Sassanid Empire. Iran was defeated in the Battle of al-Qâdisiyah, paving way for the Islamic conquest of Persia.
During Parthian, and later Sassanid era, trade on the Silk Road was a significant factor in the development of the great civilizations of China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Indian subcontinent, and Rome, and helped to lay the foundations for the modern world. Parthian remains display classically Greek influences in some instances and retain their oriental mode in others, a clear expression of “the cultural diversity that characterized Parthian art and life”. The Parthians were innovators of many architecture designs such as that of Ctesiphon, which bears resemblance to, and might have influenced, European Romanesque architecture. Under the Sassanids, Iran expanded relations with China, the arts, music, and architecture greatly flourished, and centers such as the School of Nisibis and Academy of Gundishapur became world renowned centers of science and scholarship.
Middle Ages (652–1501)
After the Islamic conquest of Persia, Iran was annexed into the Arab Umayyad Caliphate. But the Islamization of Iran was to yield deep transformations within the cultural, scientific, and political structure of Iran’s society: The blossoming of Persian literature, philosophy, medicine and art became major elements of the newly-forming Muslim civilization. Culturally, politically, and religiously, the Iranian contribution to this new Islamic civilization is of immense importance. Indeed, the culmination of Iran caused the “Islamic Golden Age”.
Abu Moslem, an Iranian general , expelled the Umayyads from Damascus and helped the Abbasid caliphs to conquer Baghdad. The Abbasid caliphs frequently chose their “wazirs” (viziers) among Iranians, and Iranian governors acquired a certain amount of local autonomy. Thus in 822, the governor of Khorasan, Tahir, proclaimed his independence and founded a new Persian dynasty of Tahirids. And by the Samanid era, Iran’s efforts to regain its independence had been well solidified.
Attempts of Arabization thus never succeeded in Iran, and movements such as the Shuubiyah became catalysts for Iranians to regain their independence in their relations with the Arab invaders. The cultural revival of the post-Abbasid period led to a resurfacing of Iranian national identity. The resulting cultural movement reached its peak during the 9th and 10th centuries. The most notable effect of the movement was the continuation of the Persian language, the language of the Persians and the official language of Iran to the present day. Ferdowsi, Iran’s greatest epic poet, is regarded today as the most important figure in maintaining the Persian language.
After an interval of silence Iran re-emerged as a separate, different and distinctive element within Islam. Iranian philosophy after the Islamic conquest, is characterized by different interactions with the Old Iranian philosophy, the Greek philosophy and with the development of Islamic philosophy. The Illumination School and the Transcendent Philosophy are regarded as two of the main philosophical traditions of that era in Persia.
The movement continued well into the 11th century, when Mahmud-a Ghaznavi founded a vast empire, with its capital at Isfahan and Ghazna. Their successors, the Seljuks, asserted their domination from the Mediterranean Sea to Central Asia. As with their predecessors, the divan of the empire was in the hands of Iranian viziers, who founded the Nizamiyya. During this period, hundreds of scholars and scientists vastly contributed to technology, science and medicine, later influencing the rise of European science during the Renaissance.
In 1218, the eastern Khwarazmid provinces of Transoxiana and Khorasan suffered a devastating invasion by Genghis Khan. During this period more than half of Iran’s population were killed, turning the streets of Persian cities like Neishabur into “rivers of blood”, as the severed heads of men, women, and children were “neatly stacked into carefully constructed pyramids around which the carcasses of the city’s dogs and cats were placed”. Between 1220 and 1260, the total population of Iran had dropped from 2,500,000 to 250,000 as a result of mass extermination and famine. In a letter to King Louis IX of France, Holaku, one of the Genghis Khan’s grandsons, alone took responsibility for 200,000 deaths in his raids of Iran and the Caliphate. He was followed by yet another conqueror, Tamerlane, who established his capital in Samarkand. The waves of devastation prevented many cities such as Neishabur from reaching their pre-invasion population levels until the 20th century, eight centuries later. But both Hulagu, Timur, and their successors soon came to adopt the ways and customs of that which they had conquered, choosing to surround themselves with a culture that was distinctively Persian.
Early Modern Era (1501–1921)
Iran’s first encompassing Shi’a Islamic state was established under the Safavid Dynasty (1501–1722) by Shah Ismail I. The Safavid Dynasty soon became a major political power and promoted the flow of bilateral state contacts. The Safavid peak was during the rule of Shah Abbas The Great. The Safavid Dynasty frequently locked horns with Ottoman Empire, Uzbek tribes and the Portuguese Empire. The Safavids moved their capital from Tabriz to Qazvin and then to Isfahan where their patronage for the arts propelled Iran into one of its most aesthetically productive eras. Under their rule, the state became highly centralized, the first attempts to modernize the military were made, and even a distinct style of architecture developed. In 1722 Afghan rebels defeated Shah Sultan Hossein and ended the Safavid Dynasty, but in 1735, Nader Shah successfully drove out the Afghan rebels from Isfahan and established the Afsharid Dynasty. He then staged an incursion into India in 1738 securing the Peacock throne, Koh-i-Noor, and Darya-ye Noor among other royal treasures. His rule did not last long however, and he was assassinated in 1747. The Mashhad based Afshar Dynasty was succeeded by the Zand dynasty in 1750, founded by Karim Khan, who established his capital at Shiraz. His rule brought a period of relative peace and renewed prosperity.
The Zand dynasty lasted three generations, until Aga Muhammad Khan executed Lotf Ali Khan, and founded his new capital in Tehran, marking the dawn of the Qajar Dynasty in 1794. The capable Qajar chancellor Amir Kabir established Iran’s first modern college system, among other modernizing reforms. Iran suffered several wars with Imperial Russia during the Qajar era, resulting in Iran losing almost half of its territories to Imperial Russia and the British Empire, via the treaties of Gulistan, Turkmenchay and Akhal. In spite of The Great Game Iran managed to maintain her sovereignty and was never colonized, unlike neighboring states in the region. Repeated foreign intervention and a corrupt and weakened Qajar rule led to various protests, which by the end of the Qajar period resulted in Persia’s constitutional revolution establishing the nation’s first parliament in 1906, within a constitutional monarchy.
Late Modern Era (1921–)
In 1921, Reza Khan overthrew the weakening Qajar Dynasty and became Shah. Reza Shah initiated industrialization, railroad construction, and the establishment of a national education system. Reza Shah sought to balance Russian and British influence, but when World War II started, his nascent ties to Germany alarmed Britain and Russia. In 1941, Britain and the USSR invaded Iran in order to utilize Iranian railroad capacity during World War II. The Shah was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In 1951 Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh was elected prime minister. As prime minister, Mossadegh became enormously popular in Iran after he nationalized Iran’s oil reserves. In response Britain embargoed Iranian oil and invited the United States to join in a plot to depose Mossadegh, and in 1953 President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized Operation Ajax. The operation was successful, and Mossadegh was arrested on 19 August 1953. After Operation Ajax Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s rule became increasingly autocratic. With American support the Shah was able to rapidly modernize Iranian infrastructure, but he simultaneously crushed all forms of political opposition with his intelligence agency, SAVAK. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini became an active critic of the Shah’s White Revolution and publicly denounced the government. Khomeini, who was popular in religious circles, was arrested and imprisoned for 18 months. After his release in 1964 Khomeini publicly criticized the United States government. The Shah was persuaded to send him into exile by General Hassan Pakravan. Khomeini was sent first to Turkey, then to Iraq and finally to France. While in exile he continued to denounce the Shah.
The Iranian Revolution, also known as the Islamic Revolution, began in January 1978 with the first major demonstrations against the Shah. After strikes and demonstrations paralyzed the country and its economy, the Shah fled the country in January 1979 and Ayatollah Khomeini soon returned from exile to Tehran, enthusiastically greeted by millions of Iranians. The Pahlavi Dynasty collapsed ten days later on 11 February when Iran’s military declared itself “neutral” after guerrillas and rebel troops overwhelmed troops loyal to the Shah in armed street fighting. Iran officially became an Islamic Republic on 1 April 1979 when Iranians overwhelmingly approved a national referendum to make it so. In December 1979 the country approved a theocratic constitution, whereby Khomeini became Supreme Leader of the country. The speed and success of the revolution surprised many throughout the world, as it had not been precipitated by a military defeat, a financial crisis, or a peasant rebellion. Although both nationalists and Marxists joined with Islamic traditionalists to overthrow the Shah, the revolution ultimately resulted in an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Donald Rumsfeld meets Saddam Hussein on 19–20 December 1983. Rumsfeld visited again on 24 March 1984, the day the UN reported that Iraq had used mustard gas and tabun nerve agent against Iranian troops. The New York Times reported from Baghdad on 29 March 1984, that “American diplomats pronounce themselves satisfied with Iraq and the US, and suggest that normal diplomatic ties have been established in all but name.”
Iran’s relationship with the United States deteriorated rapidly during the revolution. On 4 November 1979, a group of Iranian students seized US embassy personnel, labelling the embassy a “den of spies”. They accused its personnel of being CIA agents plotting to overthrow the revolutionary government, as the CIA had done to Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953. While the student ringleaders had not asked for permission from Khomeini to seize the embassy, Khomeini nonetheless supported the embassy takeover after hearing of its success. While most of the female and African American hostages were released within the first months, the remaining fifty-two hostages were held for 444 days. The students demanded the handover of the Shah in exchange for the hostages, and following the Shah’s death in the summer of 1980, that the hostages be put on trial for espionage. Subsequently attempts by the Jimmy Carter administration to negotiate or rescue were unsuccessful. But in January 19 1981 the hostages were set free according to the Algiers declaration. Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein decided to take advantage of what he perceived to be disorder in the wake of the Iranian Revolution and its unpopularity with Western governments. The once-strong Iranian military had been disbanded during the revolution. Saddam sought to expand Iraq’s access to the Persian Gulf by acquiring territories that Iraq had claimed earlier from Iran during the Shah’s rule. Of chief importance to Iraq was Khuzestan which not only has a substantial Arab population, but boasted rich oil fields as well. On the unilateral behalf of the United Arab Emirates, the islands of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs became objectives as well. With these ambitions in mind, Hussein planned a full-scale assault on Iran, boasting that his forces could reach the capital within three days. On 22 September 1980 the Iraqi army invaded Iran at Khuzestan, precipitating the Iran-Iraq War. The attack took revolutionary Iran completely by surprise.
Although Saddam Hussein’s forces made several early advances, by 1982, Iranian forces managed to push the Iraqi army back into Iraq. Khomeini sought to export his Islamic revolution westward into Iraq, especially on the majority Shi’a Arabs living in the country. The war then continued for six more years until 1988, when Khomeini, in his words, “drank the cup of poison” and accepted a truce mediated by the United Nations. Tens of thousands of Iranian civilians and military personnel were killed when Iraq used chemical weapons in its warfare. Iraq was financially backed by Egypt, the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact states, the United States (beginning in 1983), France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and the People’s Republic of China (which also sold weapons to Iran). There were more than 100,000 Iranian victims of Iraq’s chemical weapons during the eight-year war. The total Iranian casualties of the war were estimated to be anywhere between 500,000 and 1,000,000. Almost all relevant international agencies have confirmed that Saddam engaged in chemical warfare to blunt Iranian human wave attacks; these agencies unanimously confirmed that Iran never used chemical weapons during the war.

domain: geography


text:
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Vin, if you're reading this: Quit your day job. Nothing against the movies, really. I actually enjoy the steroidal speed-racery of Fast & Furious. So do a bunch of other people, according to box-office receipts. But if you're going by critical successes alone, the video games you've starred in--and produced, no less--have scored higher.
Going back five years on Metacritic, Diesel's films earn an average of 40 percent. Over that same period, he has worked on three games--Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (it earned a 90), Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (82), and Wheelman (67). Here's the kicker: Those last two Diesel-powered games came out just within the last month.
How the Movie Should Have Been
Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay was a classic Xbox (and PC) game back in 2004. I won't go too deep into it, but it was a tense thriller. The game was a first-person, sci-fi take on Escape from Alcatraz--and it really worked. Fast-forward to about a week ago, when I started playing its sequel, Assault on Dark Athena (PC, PS3, Xbox 360). In space, nobody can hear you slam your controller into the ground. Yes, the new take on Riddick can be tooth-grindingly frustrating at times, because the AI cheats and the change of pace from stealth action to run-and-gun free-for-all is a little abrupt. Forgiving that, it's still fun at its core, and the Pitch Black multiplayer mode pits you against the world. Use your wacky night vision to skulk around in the dark to take out everyone in the match.
But as far as value goes, Riddick is hard to beat--the new package offers two games on one disc. You also get the Criterion-equivalent of the original Xbox game, with remastered graphics and effects. Honestly, it still holds up five years later. So if you've never played the original game, you have no excuse.
Fast and Furious Gaming
Wheelman, on the other hand, isn't exactly Grand Theft Auto IV starring a gravelly voiced Vin Diesel. No, it's more like taking a beta version of Burnout Paradise and tacking a story onto it. You have fast cars that ignore the rules of physics. You have some seriously Velveeta-cheesy dialogue at times. In other words, think Fast & Furious. But I'm playing the heck out of it. As I'm banging around the streets of Barcelona, the car wars keep me playing. You see, your ride is an extension of your virtual Vin. You can enter bullet time and flip your car to skeet-shoot bad guys in s-l-o-w motion, slam other cars into railings, and carjack people in mid-air by jumping from car to car. Like any number of oddball movies I watch, Wheelman is a straight-up guilty pleasure. I'd give it a 75.
Media snobs and game industry haters would say that we players have lower standards. To them, I say, "Play BioShock." (Quickly followed by, "Please, then, explain the artistry of Paul Blart: Mall Cop." But that's a whole other argument for a whole other column.) Me? I think that there's a place for Diesel-y games. Many of the characters he plays pop snide one-liners between punches...and punching the gas pedal. Typical game fodder. Heck, plenty of good games are simply Sci-Fi Channel Original Movies where you're the star. Personally, I want games to continue getting deeper and perfect interactive conversations--but I digress. Again. (Yep, there's definitely a whole other column brewing.)
I'm inclined to think that Diesel agrees about gaming's potential. Just go to the Web site for his game production company, Tigon Studios, and you'll see that three new games are in development as we speak: a 1970s cop game, a fantasy RPG, and a real-time strategy game. No joke.
It also helps that Vin is a nerd. Years ago, he admitted on Conan O'Brien's show to playing Dungeons & Dragons ("Very few people know that I was rolling 20-sided dice and talking like a half-orc....Melkor, that's my Drow witch-hunter. Double-specialized witch-hunter." --2/3/04). And, while promoting his latest movie, Diesel grilled BBC talk-show host Jonathan Ross about his World of Warcraft skills. (Check out the video clip.) What I love is that around the 7-minute mark, Vin's jaw is agape, impressed by the fact that Ross' wife has a level-80 character.
Truth is, Vin, I really am looking forward to your next game. But the next movie....
Need even more nerdity? Follow Casual Friday columnist and PC World Senior Writer Darren Gladstone on Twitter (gizmogladstone) for game-swag giveaways, odd links, and time-wasting tips.
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21 October 2018 (gig)
23 October 2018
Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert almost packed in performing live after being hit by a glass bottle on stage in 2013. It’s a blessing he did not.
At the age of 75, the Toots and the Maytals lead singer was in fine voice. His dance moves may be slightly more reserved these days but his passion and soul for his craft are anything but.
Accompanied by a seven-piece backing band made up of members old and new, Toots led the way, galvanising a packed 02 Academy with his soulful renditions of favourites Louie Louie, Pressure Drop and Funky Kingston. The 1968 hit, Do the Reggay, which gave the then emerging genre its name, had the crowd in full voice. And new song, Marley, was warmly received.
Born in Jamaica in 1946, the youngest of seven children, Toots grew up singing gospel music in church and has been ‘preaching’ ever since with the Toots and the Maytals sound being a unique and powerful combination of Gospel, Reggae, Ska and Rock.
And it’s not just music being preached. After being hit by a glass bottle on stage in 2013, the 75-year-old tried to get the assailant’s jail sentence reduced by writing a letter to the judge which read: “He is a young man, and I have heard what happens to young men in jail My own pain and suffering would be increased substantially knowing that this young man would face that prospect.” In 1966, Toots himself had a short stay in jail. At that time, he wrote the Reggae classic ‘54-46 Was My Number’ (in reference to the number of his cell block).
The energetic show closed with Take Me Home Country Roads and Monkey Man, by which point the O2 crowd were bouncing, before a fittingly powerful encore of ’54-56’ had the crowd singing back at the band and long into the night.


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A wonderful christening gift, this beautiful Pewter coin box has been crafted by one of the world’s largest pewter makers. Aptly named `Saving For A Rainy Day', this charming piece features classic teddy bear's picnic scenes on every one of its six sides. Make it extra special by letting us engrave you own personal message.
Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.8cm (3.5" x 2.7")
Engraving: Machine Engraving
Item No: 6103


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Many investors came to the New Administrative Capital to make the most money possible, and the number of people living there is expected to reach 40 million. (population), which helps provide customers with the different types of integrated services they need and encourages more investment in the new capital
Click here to find out about the Nile Company's most recent projects there, which are right on Bin Zayed, the highest vertical city in Africa. And the second tallest building in the new capital after the iconic tower.
The new administrative capital was set up to become the state's capital in the future. It was looked at so that it would be an excellent balance to Cairo, which is the capital of Egypt now. Still, the administrative capital isn't known as a city that is mostly about residential neighborhoods. Still, this time the focus was on building a thriving capital with modern technology and standards for government, business, and homes.
it's estimated to be home to more than 50 million people
The new administrative capital will cover 170,000 acres, which is more significant than Singapore and four times bigger than Washington, D.C. Because of its size, it will be built in three stages.
And will include a lot of National and government projects, such as the international airport and presidential palaces.
60% to 70% of the energy used in the New Capital comes from solar cells, which are a clean source of energy. It also guarantees renewable energy, reduces polluting emissions to lower electricity bills, and recycles waste to reduce environmental risks. This makes the Administrative Capital a healthy place to live and the best place for investors to go.
Click here to find out how much the Nile Company's administrative units cost.
The idea behind building the new capital is to give it a modern infrastructure that old cities like Cairo and Giza don't have.
The government spent 100 billion Egyptian pounds (about 6.5 billion U.S. dollars) on intelligent infrastructure for the new capital city and put it on the most important map.
The New Administrative Capital does better than a lot of economic capitals around the world because it doesn't ignore green spaces. Even though finance and business can be stressful, there are green spaces in the administrative capital that can help relieve stress and anxiety. This is in contrast to the narrow spaces between skyscrapers in the world's most famous cities, which can make you feel like you're suffocating.
5: People who want to make the best investments and live in lovely homes are going there.
President Abdel Fattah el Sisi does everything he can to help with investments in the Administrative Capital. All public and private sector projects will benefit from this.
Reserve your apartment now with the best monthly offers at Nile Real Estate Development, featuring the highest percentage discount per square meter on all residential units, along with the longest payment period and the lowest down payment, in our finest projects in properties for sale in the Fifth Settlement and apartments for sale in New Cairo in the most distinguished areas. Inquire about our offers on units and apartments for sale in the Administrative Capital as well. Our projects boast a unique view, strategic location close to service areas, major malls, top schools, universities, and residential compounds. Register now and enjoy the discount.
Choose your unit now from Nile Real Estate Company in the best locations of New Cairo at the latest French-style residential compound, 'Nile Boulevard,' with views of a park, panoramic views, diverse spaces, and special payment facilities.
Explore 31 North Tower, the first Festival Tower located in the heart of the New Administrative Capital. It boasts a unique iconic design and a prime location in the Downtown area, one of the most upscale and significant areas in the New Administrative Capital. It extends over a total area of 18,306 square meters and features a main façade spanning 100 meters with a captivating view of the Green River and vast green spaces surrounding it. The building is designed according to the latest global standards to achieve the highest levels of luxury and productivity simultaneously. It comprises 31 upper floors, in addition to 5 lower floors.
Nile Business City, the unique vertical city, is considered the tallest vertical city in Africa and is located in the New Administrative Capital. It ranks as the second tallest skyscraper in Egypt and the third tallest tower in Africa. This massive city sprawls over the largest constructed area, covering 296,000 square meters, with its towers reaching a height of 233 meters. It boasts 60 elevators.
Discover 'Tycoon Tower,' the tallest hotel in Africa, soaring to a height of 233 meters. It's an exceptional real estate project that sets a new global standard as the tallest hotel on the African continent. This unique architectural marvel is part of the Nile Business City Towers, the latest historic addition to the skyline of the Downtown area in the New Administrative Capital. This massive project, developed by Nile Real Estate Development Company, is the largest to date. The hotel boasts a stunning design and contemporary interior, featuring an Infinity Pool on the rooftop with breathtaking 365-degree views of Downtown and the New Administrative Capital. As the tallest hotel in Africa, Tycoon Tower will become the most prominent hotel landmark in the New Administrative Capital. The hotel offers direct views of the Green River and a wealth of amenities, making it an attractive destination for local residents and international visitors, elevating its status as a unique property in one of the world's most exciting cities. These global features make Tycoon Tower one of the most thrilling investments in our rapidly growing portfolio.
Discover Nile Boulevard, an architectural masterpiece inspired by the magnificent French style, offering a unique lifestyle. It is an artistic creation with an unparalleled urban charm, combining beauty, elegance, and splendor in one place. Situated in the vibrant heart of New Cairo, from a distance, it resembles a classic French city with creative details hanging on the horizon. As you get closer, you uncover a complete world that shimmers, spreading across an area of 29 acres, far from the noise and commotion of other worlds. The boundaries of Nile Boulevard have been cleverly designed, making it easy for residents to access services within just 3 to 5 minutes on foot, right next to their homes.


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PRLog.Org - Global Press Release Distribution
Bank Walkaways Present Opportunity for Foreclosure Cleaning Companies
By Yuwanda Black for Foreclosure Business News
Dated: Apr 02, 2009
Bank walkaways; Never heard of the term? The reason you may not have heard of the term is because
banks are doing it "on the down low," so to speak. Here's what it is, how it affects you and how foreclosure
cleaning companies can benefit.
Bank walkaways; Never heard of the term? Bank walkaways are when banks walk away from foreclosed
properties. And, the reason you may not have heard of the term is because banks are doing it "on the down
low," so to speak.
Why are banks abandoning foreclosed properties? As explained in the New York Times article, Banks
Starting to Walk Away on Foreclosures:
"Banks are quietly declining to take possession of properties at the end of the foreclosure process, most
often because the cost of the ordeal -- from legal fees to maintenance -- exceeds the diminishing value of
the real estate. . . . The so-called bank walkaways rarely mean relief for the property owners, caught
unaware months after the fact, and often mean additional financial burdens and bureaucratic headaches."
As stated in the article, the problems left behind when banks walk away from foreclosed properties are
numerous. Following are just a few.
Bank Walkaways Leave Homeowners Responsible for Homes They Were Booted Out Of
In a normal foreclosure process, when homeowners are foreclosed on, the lender (eg, a bank) assumes
responsibility for the property until it is resold or rented to another dweller. But, when banks walk away,
the responsibility for the property reverts to the person who’s name is on the mortgage -- ie, the person
foreclosed upon in the first place.”
But, they have usually moved on and don't have the money to keep up the property. In many cases, the
property has been sitting empty for months and may be destroyed beyond repair, leaving the "broke" owner
responsible for the clean up, clear out, repairing and

domain: law


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From doughy pretzels to salty brats, here’s your Oktoberfest menu complete with appropriate pours. Prost!
Since its origins as a royal wedding party in 1810, Oktoberfest has grown into a weeks-long festival of Bavarian culture that draws six million visitors to Munich every year. It’s celebrated in German communities all over the world — including here in Ontario at Kitchener-Waterloo’s epic Oktoberfest.
Beer, which flows like the Danube, plays such an important role that the festival officially opens with a ceremonial keg and a shout of “O’zapt is!” — “It’s tapped!” There’s also plenty of hearty German fare to enjoy with gusto, from soft pretzels to piles of bratwurst.
While we love a good party, you don’t need to elbow your way into a crowded beer tent to join in the festivities. With the right food and the right beer — see How to Buy Beer for a Crowd — you can host your own Oktoberfest party filled with oompah and good cheer. Here’s how.
Soft pretzels + lager
The most iconic Oktoberfest snack is big, soft pretzels, warm from the oven and crackling with coarse salt. To wash them down, try a Munich-style (a.k.a. helles) lager — its malty, bready flavours are a natural with the chewy treats. While you’re pouring a cold one, mix two parts Dijon mustard, two parts grainy mustard and one part lager for an easy dip. And if you really want to be authentic, make obatzda, a dead-simple, traditional spread of Camembert, butter, cream cheese, onion, spices and, of course, beer. It’s excellent smeared on pretzels.
Sausages + wheat beer or dark lager
Sausages are synonymous with Oktoberfest and Germany is home to hundreds of varieties. Named after its pale complexion, weisswurst is a Bavarian specialty made from veal and smoked bacon. The sausages are precooked, so all you have to do is heat them up in a pot of hot water. The delicate links pair well with the clove and nutmeg flavours of fruity German-style wheat beers (weissbier).
If you want to fire up the ’cue, bratwurst is a rustic fresh pork sausage that can be grilled for a crowd. A German-style dark lager (dunkel or bock) is the right beer here, as its strong malty character stands up to the charred brats. If you have any guests who don’t eat pork or red meat, remember there are plenty of delicious sausages made with turkey, chicken and seafood. Those on a plant-based diet can stay in the spirit with veggie dogs. These lighter links would go better with wheat beer.
Schnitzel + pilsner
Whether you use veal, pork, turkey or chicken, schnitzel is another beer-friendly German classic that is loved by one and all. (For vegetarians, thinly sliced eggplant performs extremely well under the schnitzel treatment.) Crack a pils (a.k.a. pilsner), as it’s a natural refresher with fried foods and its gentle bitterness won’t overwhelm delicate white meats.
Schweinshaxe + amber lager
If your Oktoberfest party is modest in size, consider making schweinshaxe, a Bavarian beer hall specialty of braised-then-roasted pork shanks, which yields succulent, fork-tender meat surrounded by a crackling shell of skin. It’s an impressive hunk of meat and a terrific match with amber lager, which has a malty sweetness that flatters pork.
Steckerlfisch + pilsner
To balance the carnivorous onslaught, serve steckerlfisch, a beer-garden classic that translates to “fish on a stick” and consists of small fish such as mackerel or trout skewered whole and grilled. Pilsner is the right pour — its crisp texture tempers the oily fish, while its lightly hoppy finish can handle the smoky skin.
Sauerkraut + dark lager
Sauerkraut is the go-to Oktoberfest side because its tart crunch offsets fatty sausages and rich meats. Its bold flavour and aggressive tang are best matched by dark lagers.
Potato pancakes + lagered ale
German-style potato pancakes are another festival favourite. The crispy discs are often served with applesauce and they hit the spot with a golden kolsch (a.k.a. lagered ale), which has a dry, clean finish to cut through the starchy spuds.
Sweets + sips
When it’s time to serve dessert, the beer doesn’t need to stop flowing. In fact, beer is one of the best beverages to pair with sweets. For a classic apple strudel, try a lemon radler — its citrusy sparkle is terrific with fall fruit. But for a rich Black Forest cake, you’re going to have to detour out of Germany and pour a creamy stout full of the coffee and cocoa flavours that work so well with chocolate.


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4-6 December 2013 an international round table met in Kiev to discuss contemporary requirements resulting from Directive ICAO 9977/AN 489 “Guide for the supply of jet fuel for civil aviation” and rules of supply of aviation fuel to airlines with standards of quality control.
The event was organized by UkrNDNC, the Ukrainian Scientific-Research and Training Center for Chemmotology and Certification of Lubricants and Industrial Fluids, Department of Ecology IEB with the support of “Airports of Ukraine ” and the Association Chemmotology.
The summit was attended by representatives of the ministry of transport of Ukraine, State Enterprise Boryspil, Kiev Zhulyiani Int Airport, Lviv Int Airport, Donetsk Prokofyeva Airport, Int Airport Odessa, Int Airport Simferopol, Int Airport Kharkiv, Central Flying Club OSOU Antonov, Motor Sich JSC, International Krebo LLC, Kremenchug Flight College, 10th Himmotolohichnoho Center, Ukraine Int Airines (MAU), Aviatech LLC, Jet Energy LLC, ResursEkspo NPKF LLC (Ukraine), HC hansaconsult Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH (Germany), Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Rus (Russia ), Baltic Ground Services (Estonia), Helmkoyl Group A. (Lithuania ), SENASA Observatory of Sustainability in Aviation (Spain).
V. Kharchenko, Vice-Rector for Research, welcomed the participants of the meeting. During the congress aviation relevant committees held their meetings including the Committee for aviation fuel supply, the Committee for environmental security of the association “Airports of Ukraine” and the Technical Committee of Standardization TC 26 of aircraft. The participants unanimously emphasized the need for regulatory support to achieve environmental safety in accordance with modern requirements of aviation fuel supply.

domain: news


For the first time this year, lung cancer fatalities amongst European women are ready to surpass the breast cancer deaths.
Women in the United Kingdom are what drives this trend so high, according to researchers. Between the years 2009-2015, lung cancer deaths are on pace to rise by at least 9% while breast cancer deaths have decreased 10.2% in one year.
Lung cancer seems to be hovering over Poland and the UK with 17 and 21 per 100,000 people faced with mortality.
Professor Carlo La Vecchia, the lead researcher from the University of Milan noted: “UK and Polish women…have long had much higher lung cancer rates than other European countries. This is due to the fact that the British women started smoking during the second world war, while most other EU countries women started after 1968.”
Dr. Penny Woods from the British Lung Foundation believes: “This latest forecast demonstrates once again just how poorly the UK measures up to the Europe in this arena. Lung cancer rates in UK women far exceed those of their EU neighbors – and should be a cause of national embarrassment.”
The doctor also believes that since 4 out of 5 cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking it is best if men and women quit smoking immediately to decrease their chances in developing lung cancer. These individuals must also educate themselves on the warning signs and symptoms and try to stay as healthy as possible. It is time to start taking this disease seriously and prevention is the absolute key.
The doctor also states: “If we are to reduce the death toll of this devastating cancer we must see it given the same level of investment in research as we have seen afforded to other cancers, such as breast cancer.”


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Style1½ inches thick (3.75 cm) Product Details Artist grade canvas, archival inks, wooden stretcher bars, and UVB protective coating
AvailablityUsually ships within five business days. ArtistRD Riccoboni Platinum Member CollectionFlowers
Description White Chrysanthemum, original painting by RD Riccoboni, acrylic on canvas 2009.Self-taught California artist RD Riccoboni began painting at the age of five when he got into his mothers paint-by-numbers. Riccoboni is an entrepreneur and visionary. Exhibited and collected internationally this painter and best-selling author is mentor to many. He has created successful art-based companies, which assist others to promote their artistic passions and come to realize their true artistic value.creamy whites, greens, blues and yellows make up this floral masterpiece by California artist. RD Riccoboni.Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. An ancient Chinese city was named Ju-Xian, meaning 'chrysanthemum city'. The plant is particularly significant during the Double Ninth Festival. The flower was introduced into Japan probably in the 8th century AD, and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal. There is a Festival of Happiness in Japan that celebrates the flower.The flower was brought to Europe in the 17th century. Linnaeus named it from the Greek word chrysous,golden,the color of the original flowers, and -anthemon, meaning flower.
RD Riccoboni, San Diego Member Since January 2007 Artist Statement RD Riccoboni® is an innovative American-born painter (California, 1960), and best-selling author. Influenced by his early years living in the Connecticut suburbs of New York City this self-taught artist, credits encouragement by family and teachers for his drive and inspiration. The artist resides and paints in San Diego, California and is a member of the historic arts colony at Spanish Village Arts Center in Balboa Park San Diego.
RD Riccoboni paintings on canvas and paper depict his travels and local interest. Subjects include the story of San Diego, California, landscape, cityscape, portraiture, street-scenes, public events, and everyday happenings and friends. His palette is derived from the bold colors of the original rainbow flag. These Colors represent, sexuality, health, sunshine, nature, art, harmony, and spirit. RD Riccoboni internationally recognized work represents community, a sense of place in a positive and life affirming manner.
A fan of architecture RD Riccoboni is currently working on drawings and paintings of vanishing historic American buildings and landscape.
To learn and discover more about the award winning artist and his accomplishments visit his official website at http://riccoboni.com
Discover one of America's favorite painter's, and an easy way collect his work here on Imagekind.


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My new CD "Magic In His Eyes" showcases my edgier sound while maintaining the all important smooth elements of blues and jazz. Read more
This project was successfully funded on November 1, 2011.
Tonight is the BIG NIGHT. Don't miss it.
It is the CD Release party for Magic in His Eyes. I have CD's....Download Cards, Live Music.....
One Trick Pony has great food/drink and great people.
See you tonight.
One Trick Pony 8-11pm.


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The Panama Canal Authority (PCA) has signed an agreement with the Association of Soybean and Corn Producers of Mato Grosso (Aprosoja) to promote the Panama Canal’s position in the logistics chain from northern Brazil to Pacific ports.
The agreement would see the PCA and Aprosoja conduct joint marketing activities and share market and trade flow information to support modernisation programmes at the canal, World Grain reported on 19 March.
The PCA said it would look to promote the role of its Panamax-class locks for soya and corn transportation from northern Brazil to Asian markets.
“The increased capacity afforded to us by the expanded canal has had far-reaching positive impact across segments and allows us to access new markets, which could include freight from ports such as those in northern Brazil,” said Jorge Luis Quijano, administrator at the PCA.
The PCA had signed 36 similar Memoranda of Understanding with commercial associations, ports and maritime organizations, but the Aprosoja agreement was the first of its kind the association made with a Latin American organization.
Between October 2017 and February 2018, approximately 1.039M tonnes of dry bulk – which includes soyabeans and other grains – passed through the Panama Canal on Panamax-class vessels, according to statistics from PCA.


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KUCHING: Democratic Action Party (DAP) veteran Lim Kit Siang has agreed with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar that the proposal to have a new Malaysia Agreement is nonsense.
The Iskandar Puteri MP went on to say that the existing Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), was a commitment that had been agreed upon by all quarters for the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
“I also agree with Wan Junaidi that what is being demanded by Sabah and Sarawak now is not to renegotiate the existing agreement but the fulfilment of matters that have already been agreed upon,” he said in a statement on Yesterday (July 10).
Earlier, it was reported that Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan had suggested a new Malaysia Agreement as a more concrete way forward in realising Sabah’s rights and demands instead of the 1963 agreement that led to the formation of Malaysia.
Lim said that Malaysia will mark its 60th anniversary since its formation in 1963, hence he called for an overall review of Federal-State relations in Malaysia to effect greater decentralisation and confer greater autonomy from Putrajaya.
“This is not only to Sabah and Sarawak as intended by MA63, but to all states in Peninsular Malaysia as is the international trend,” he said.
He added that there is no doubt that in the last six decades of Malaysian nation-building, there had been too much concentration of power at two levels.
“Firstly, in the hands of the executive and ultimately the Prime Minister at the expense of the other two branches of government, the Legislature and the Judiciary.
“And secondly, in the hands of the Federal Government at the expense of the state governments,” he said.
He stressed that the two trends must be reversed and proper equilibrium established.
On July 9, Wan Junaidi described the proposal to have a new Malaysia Agreement, as calling for a dissolution of Malaysia.
He said the idea was nonsense and urged those who called for a new Malaysia Agreement to be logical instead.
New Sarawak Tribune e-Paper
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New Sarawak Tribune is a Sarawakian news portal that highlights Sarawak-centric news and other stories of relevance to Sarawak.
Today, New Sarawak Tribune focuses on happenings in Sarawak’s cities, towns and small places no matter how remote these are and events of relevance in other states of Malaysia and other countries.


New Bentley Conti GT revealed
Lighter, faster and more efficient, Bentley's 567bhp Conti GT super-coupe is mightier than ever
Familiar, but different. That sums up the revised Bentley Continental GT. Not only is every body panel new, but most are now aluminium, helping reduce weight by 65kg – although 2320kg still isn’t much to boast about.
The 6.0-litre twin turbo W12 has been mildly revised, with power and torque climbing to 567bhp and 516lb ft respectively. It can also run on any combination of petrol and E85, but despite Bentley’s protests to the contrary, you wouldn’t call it efficient, with a combined economy figure of 17.1mpg and emissions of 384g/km.
The six-speed ZF auto has also been tweaked and shift times have dropped by 50 per cent, yielding a 0-60mph time of 4.4sec and 0-100mph in 10.2sec. Front and rear track widths are up (by 41mm and 48mm respectively) and the torque bias is now more rearward at 40:60 rather than 50:50 with the aim of delivering more grip and a more sporting driving experience .
Inside there’s more storage, a brand new infotainment centre and new ‘Cobra’ seats which promise more comfort and better rear legroom. Outside 20-inch wheels are now standard and 21-inchers are optional.
The big news is reserved for 2011, when an all new 4.0-litre V8 will be available. Details are still sketchy but Bentley promises that while performance will hardly suffer, emissions will be reduced by 40 per cent. Let’s hope they reduce the weight at the same time.
Our comprehensive Bentley Continental GT picture gallery


My wife and I have a home network and no one but us uses it. Windows will not let us communicate with each other, for example share printers or folders, and insists on user names and passwords to connect with each other. We don't want to use these and see no need to have passwords in our environment. How can we overcome this? I have disabled the need for password sharing and have given the password to ensure both computers are on the same Homegroup (but neither computer sees the other one in Homegroup, only in the Netwrok section).
We both have machines running Win7 Home 64 bit and new computers with Intel i5 2500 processors. Our old computers used to be able to communicate, but even there things were difficult and we could only access the Public folders even though activating the Share facility.
Whilst transferring things from the old computer to a new one we had big problems with permissions and ownerships. How does one overcome this as well?
Why does Microsoft make life so difficult? These are our computers on our network and all we want is to be able to control things for ourselves without all of this interference. I can see the need in a Business environment but not at home.
How can I disable all of this permissions nonsense?
This thread is now locked and can not be replied to.


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The year 2012 was a year many a fraudulent and corrupt fuel marketer would not forget in a hurry. It was a year government moved to decisively confront the burgeoning subsidy bill. And one man who played a yeoman’s role in the attempt to bring sanity to the subsidy regime is the Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
The government had early in the year seen the need to rein in on the management of the subsidy regime in a way to block the loopholes and the fraud therein as the anti-subsidy protest meant the people had voted against the wholesale removal of subsidy.
So, Imoukhuede’s seeming brilliance was tapped into by the Jonathan administration, which appointed him Chairman of a Technical Committee on Fuel Subsidy Payments. Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had constituted the committee after the bribery scandal that tainted an earlier probe of the subsidy regime by an eight-man ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives headed by Hon. Farouk Lawan.
The Aig-Imoukhuede committee indicted a number of marketers over the subsidy payments. However, amid strident complaints by some of the indicted oil companies and individuals, Ag-Imoukhuede was again called upon to head the presidential committee to verify and reconcile all fuel subsidy claims and payments made between 2009 and 2011. The work of that committee has completely changed the face of subsidy management because apart from a number of indicted oil marketers who have been dragged to court, some other marketers have also made substantial refunds to the government’s coffers, while some others were blacklisted outright. Aig-Imoukhuede’s role in that process was deemed a social service to the country and the people.
But early in 2012, he was also engaged in wrapping up what many saw as an audacious business deal. It was the seamless takeover, by his Access Bank Plc, of Intercontinental Plc, one of the 10 banks, which failed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) stress tests in 2009.
Banking industry affairs commentators said it took a highly focused leadership in Access Bank, which was considered smaller in terms of size and asset base to take over a bank like Intercontinental Bank, which boasted of large branch network and asset base. The Aig-Imoukhuede-led bank had made similar moves to acquire Union Bank during the 2005 banking sector consolidation era, a business deal that fell through. With Intercontinental Bank in its kitty, Access Bank has conveniently joined the league of big players in the Nigerian banking industry (Tier I Banks), which previously comprised First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc. The big four has now become the big five, with Access Bank rising to become the fifth largest Nigerian bank by asset base. The bank’s acquisition has increased competition in the already fierce retail market in Nigerian banking and could well drive down costs for consumers.
For successfully straddling the public and private sector in his roles of bank executive and subsidy probe chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is deserving to be accorded THISDAY Person of the Year.