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|System: Xbox 360*, PS3, PC
|Dev: Firaxis Games
|Pub: 2K Games
|Release: October 9, 2012
|Players: 1-2
|Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p
|Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
by Josh Wirtanen
Fans of the old X-COM games were undoubtedly excited when they heard that the series was slated to be revived for the current console generation. Of course, many of those fans had their hearts ripped out when they found out this new game would be a first-person shooter that took place in the 1950s. (Wait, what?) But fans were consoled once again with the announcement of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a title that is very much not a FPS, and one that returns the more strategic elements that we loved about the original series. Just in case that last sentence wasn't completely clear, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is indeed a strategy game.
Now, to call Enemy Unknown a sequel would be a bit misleading. You see, it's more of a spiritual successor to the old series, set in a completely new universe that's only loosely based on the old one. However, just like in 1994's UFO: Enemy Unknown (see what they did there?), XCOM is still the name of a secret organization that's building an army to eradicate the new threat posed by invading extraterrestrials (only this time the hyphen is missing). XCOM: Enemy Unknown puts that organization in your hands, allowing you to build it to its alien-mashing apex or drive it into the ground like a crashed UFO.
Let's not kid ourselves here; the plot does indeed jump the shark. The writers found an excuse to add zombies, and this is a fact that even the characters seem uncomfortable with. (The first time zombies are mentioned, the character who does so says something along the lines of, "As unprofessional as this sounds, we're looking at zombies here.")
Then again, the storyline isn't really all that important. Sure, games like StarCraft II have proven that sci-fi strategy games can have intriguing plots, but XCOM isn't that sort of game. It sets up the simple premise of "Aliens are bad; shoot them to death," and sends you on your way. Which is totally fine, because for all the shallowness of the plot, the gameplay systems have a wealth of depth to them that will keep you engaged.
Enemy Unknown is a game in which you're asked to make tough choices. In fact, this is emphasized at the very beginning of the game when you're asked to choose between two missions, each one with benefits for completion and severe consequences for being ignored. No matter which mission you choose, there will be negative consequences.
And then there are missions themselves: You control a squad of up to six soldiers who are given a set of objectives. Most of the time, these objectives are simply "murder all the aliens," but there are some defensive objectives thrown into the mix, as well as some missions that task you with doing things like capturing a live alien so it can be interrogated and studied.
You play these missions on a strategic "game board" (there's no visual grid here, but the combat is obviously an evolution of that of grid-based strategy titles.) Combat is turn-based, and you'll spend your turn moving your soldiers about on the field and issuing commands. Interestingly enough, there is cover scattered across the battlefield, and a great deal of your time will be spent moving your troops from one piece of cover to the next. Standing out in the open, after all, greatly increases your chances of getting picked off by the enemy.
I played Enemy Unknown on Xbox 360, so I was forced to use a standard controller rather than a mouse-and-keyboard setup, but the gameplay is still quite smooth for the most part. However, there's no option to undo your actions in case you accidentally move a troop to the wrong location. This can be frustrating, but it does encourage you to slow down and think about every move before you finalize it. Still, I would have preferred there to be at least a tiny bit of wiggle room here. I tend to screw up a lot.
Your troops will gain experience and rise through the ranks as they tackle missions. But there's a caveat to this: Death is permanent. It's not uncommon to have leveled up a soldier to the cap, only to have him fall in the next battle, forcing you to start over with a new recruit. In fact, it's wise to shuffle your soldiers around frequently and to not rely on a core group of six fighters. You will lose soldiers over the course of the game, and you'll have to plan for that.


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By the way, I'm totally hearing the Grateful Dead in my head right now! Aren't you?
69 Campers is a family business run by Matt and Jennie Tombs, and Matt's parents Vic and Louise, who all hail from England. They moved to France eight years ago, to Portes du Soleil in the Alps, and later made the move to the South, where they now live full time with their three kids (aka ''van-washers''). The family and their company are based in Seillans, a beautiful perched medieval village in the Var, not far from the famous pottery town of Fayence. They're 70 kilometers from Nice and 80 minutes from St. Tropez.
They used a UK company to source, import, restore and customize the vans, which were found in Alabama, California and Arizona. ''All three are left hand drive,'' Matt says, ''and have undergone professional bare-metal restoration and mechanical overhaul. They have new 1600cc Twin Port engines, re-conditioned gearboxes and new electrical wiring looms. They were completely done up to our specs in terms of colors, materials, interiors.''
The vans are called Gigi, Margot and Amélie and each has a personality all her own.
Margot and Amélie, for instance, are known as ''bay windows'' and have ¾ ''Rock 'n' Roll'' beds, an additional double bed in the pop-up roof and a front-seat hammock. Margot and Amélie sleep five.
Gigi, a ''split screen,'' has a ¾ Rock 'n' Roll bed and a front-seat hammock; she sleeps three. Drive away awnings and tents can be hired if additional sleep-space is required.
All three vans have cool, custom hand-made interiors with fitted kitchens, two gas burners, a sink, a fridge and storage. A solar shower comes with the van and a portable toilet can be added for a small fee. Also available for rent are iPod docks, GPS units, hammocks, linens, mountain bikes, food hampers, tented awnings, baby seats, sleeping bags and more. Matt and Jennie will happily provide campground info and regional maps.
For touring, rentals are three days minimum in mid season (March, April, May, October) and seven days minimum in high season (June to September).
Or, consider renting one for a wedding or another special event. Gigi, in fact, has been styled with weddings specifically in mind: ''Dressed in Harvest Moon Beige and Alpine White, she creates the perfect look for your special day!'' the website says. The campers can be decorated to compliment your theme and can be loaded up with Champagne and treats.
Or if you want Gigi, Margot and Amélie for your movie, ad campaign, photo shoot or trade show, just drop Matt a note.
The Tombs expect it'll take some time for this new business to take off—please forward and share this story!!--but say they couldn't be happier.
''What a thrill to be able to marry this iconic vehicle with Provence and the Côte d'Azur,'' Matt says. ''Just like these campers, the region is completely steeped in beauty, history and charm.''
69 Campers
185 Route De Draguignan
Seillans, 83440, France
Twitter: 69campers
Facebook: 69 Campers
Tel: +33 (0)4 83 11 17 75
Cell: +33 (06) 75 8 5 25 76
Photos: Two of the three girls have already joined the family; the third arrives on February 15th. The 69 Campers logo and slogan. Matt and Jennie Tombs looking totally cool sur la plage.
Like this story? Subscribe to Provence Post here.


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Chapter 59 Start of the Journey (1)
Opening a very typical looking wooden treasure box inside the treasury, I found the full set of a very familiar equipment.
Inside the room full of items that didn't have much practical use, like armour, swords, robes and other such items decorated with ornaments, that chest really looked old. That also made it stand out the least inside the whole treasury.
It's not a place where thieves could enter anyway but still, I examined the equipment kept purposely in a way that it wouldn't stand out. A set of clothes and a mantle, along with leather gloves and boots. The clothes, though also made out of leather, felt very soft and there was also a belt to tighten the clothes to perfectly fit the body. There was also a holster for throwing daggers along with the daggers themselves that had been created with such a magic that they'll definitely hit the target once thrown. And also a knife I can use when not using Ermenhilde. This one was made out of a dragon's fang, it was only a lower rank dragon though. The mantle had the protection of wind spirit Sylph and also had an effect that lessens the impact when falling from tall places. Near the chest portion of the mantle was an ornament crafted by an elf. This small ornament also held magical energy that lightens the weight of the equipment I was carrying.
All of it looks pretty similar to what I usually wear now but its in a completely different level in terms of defensive ability. After all, these were created by Kudou using the raw materials obtained from top class monsters and demons of Abenelm. Defeating just one of those would take tens of adventurers to fight together, that's how fearsome each and every one of those monsters were. These aren't available normally in the market, and the set is a custom made one solely for my use. Not just in terms of defensive ability, but even in terms of magical defense, and against breath attacks of dragons and demonic beasts, it is able to withstand it, even if only a bit. With just this alone, one's survival rate would get higher by a lot.
"Oh, found it."
[Finally, eh?]
As I brought it out, it was very light. It felt a bit dusty, probably because I hadn't used it in a long while. But for something I hadn't even touched for a whole year, it's still in pretty good shape. It looks like they made sure that nothing gets damaged.
"Did you find yours already?"
"Yeah, what about you?"(renji)
"Not yet, still looking."
While I was thinking of first drying the clothes a bit after leaving here, a voice called towards me from the other side of the treasury.
That voice came from the other side of all the armour sets lying in here. Holding my clothes, as I walked towards there, with a nice shaped butt facing towards me, Utano-san was bending over looking for items that will be of use during a journey. To avoid any intruders inside there were no windows here so under the faint light of the magic lamp, I could see her butt swaying. And since she wore a tight dress, I could even notice every slight movement as well. If I had to say even further, the line of her underwear slightly visible over her dress made it even more seductive.
So as to not lose to temptation, I averted my gaze to look and touch at the various armour sets that would be useless in an actual battlefield. They seemed pretty well maintained as not a single speck of dust came on to my fingers. Well, I guess its normal for the treasury to always be well maintained. Probably.
Inside my head, I calmly analysed the various armours kept here.
[What happened, Renji?]
"Nah, just thinking that this armour would really sell for a lot."
[I guess. It has a lot of decorations but has no magical properties attached and also looks pretty heavy though.]
"Well, it's only courtesy-use armour so this is fine."(utano)
Without looking towards me, she talked with her butt still facing me. No, but, really Utano-san. Since she was probably looking for something kept deep inside, her butt was moving left and right a lot.
If Ermenhilde wasn't here with me, what would I have done? Is this because I worked too hard in the past few days? I have been really conscious of Utano-san these past few days. Or rather, Utano-san has been a bit too defenceless. But it's normal for me as a man to feel like this while being alone in a dark place with a woman right? Well, Ermenhilde is also with me though.
Back then, she was more wary and showed less openings. Or maybe she's tempting me knowingly?
No, that's not possible since Ermenhilde is with me. But that means Utano-san really has grown a bit more relaxed. Well this is like an interval between one big event and another. In the end she's also just a human. Even if she can use super powerful magic, she can't be cautious of her surroundings all day and night. It's is important to relax your nerves like this once in a while, she knows this as well. Then it means she's simply just relaxed right now. It's quite complicated as a man but it also felt good to see that I am trusted that much by her.
"If you need anything else as well, you can take it you know? King Joshua has given full permission after all."(utano)
"Even if say that…"
My next journey. Since it'd be difficult to gain support from the country for such a cause, we were told that we could at least use the treasury and its items freely. On Imnesia we can still pass through with money but the concept of money itself doesn't exist on Elfreim. So Utano-san has been choosing various items and ornaments that could be used for barter. I can differentiate between what's practical to use and what's not but when it's comes to accessories and ornamental items, I have no idea what's good or bad. At most I can tell what would suit who. And barely make out if something is fake. And even that'll be tough if I have not seen the actual items many times already. I honed that skill desperately in my previous journey. After all before that, I was so useless in that sense that it was almost a burden.
While I looked around the surroundings, I could only think about how all these weapons were so impractical. Since I don't possess magical energy as well, even when I know an item has a magical protection, it's still useless to me. My constitution really is inconvenient.
Holding up a small engraved ring, I played with it twirling it around between my fingers. Shining the light of the lamp on it, I saw that it was engraved with Elven letters. And going by what's written, it will enhance the physical abilities of the wearer slightly.
[Thinking of gifting it to someone?]
"That might be a nice idea."
Rather than saying gift it, it's more like having them use it. If its Feirona or Ms Francesca, they should be able to use it. Mururu's arm/hand size changes when she fights so rings would only be in the way. Now that I think about it, I had not yet given her any present to congratulate her performance in the tournament so I'll give this to her.
I thought that but then again, I felt like if its to congratulate her, it might be nicer to prepare something myself. Randomly handing over an item from the treasury lacks any emotion after all. In either case, I put the ring inside my pocket and looked for other things.
[What's that to the right? Is that a potion?]
Looking towards where she told, I saw chemical like substances kept there of various colours. Shining the lamp on one them, the faint light passed through it. On its label, a difficult to pronounce name was written. Looking at the backside, the contents were written. Looks like it's a strong paralysis drug.
You can't call it a potion but I wonder if it could be of use somewhere. But using poisons is a pretty difficult task on its own so I decided to return it back to where I picked it from. And I picked the bottle next to it. As expected, this one had a difficult to pronounce name as well. But this one was quite less in quantity compared to the other one. Even though that one was filled to the brim, this one's only slightly less than half full.
[What's that?]
"Let me check."
This is……..looking at the back, numerous names of herbs were written and it was labelled as a stimulant. It's less quantity, and the fact this was a stimulant, hmm, could this be…
[Is it a potion?]
"No, this isn't it."
[Then, it's useless.]
It is useless, but it kind of makes me curious. Seems really interesting after all. Looking for more similar things, I picked the next bottle.
Just when I was about to check its contents, suddenly Utano-san spoke up. Like before, with her butt still towards me. I ended up putting the two containers inside my pocket. No, it was purely by reflex, really. I do think I shouldn't have done that though. I'll reflect on it…….probably.
"I heard the destination of your journey but still, how long do you think would take till you can return?"(utano)
"Who knows. Maybe half a year, or one full year……….."
It could be longer, but it could be shorter as well.
"I really can't tell."(renji)
"I see."
When I said that honestly, she answered with an even flatter voice than usual.
"hm……well, this should do."(utano)
While I was wondering if she got angry due to seeing my lack of any plan, Utano-san stood back up straight and took a breath. In her hands was a light looking bag filled with items.
"With this much, you should be fine for a while."(utano)
"Yeah, thanks."
[Thanks, Yuuko.]
"Oh now that's rare, for you to thank me so honestly."(utano)
"Normally you'd say something to the contrary, and be uncooperative."
"And here I thought I had always been giving my thanks properly though……"
Have I always spoken in that way to her? I know when I'm just teasing her but, when thanking——I am sure I did it properly. While I stood there lost for words, she must have found my reaction amusing as she gave a giggle while hiding her mouth.
"I'm just kidding. You do say 'thank you' when you need to."(utano)
"Thank goodness. I'd feel bad for you if I had not been thanking you properly after all."
"In only that sense, you're pretty serious aren't you?"
"………what do you mean 'only that'?"
You're taking Utano-san's side as well, Ermenhilde? While feeling a bit sad, I took the bag from her hands. Even though it fit right in my palms, the bag was actually pretty heavy.
Was my sad face amusing as Utano-san rested her back on the shelves she had been searching just now and looked at me gently. The fact that her eyes still looked pretty sharp, I probably shouldn't say that.
"You will return properly this time, right?"(utano)
"Of course. I will……I haven't paid back your debt anyway."
"That's true. Don't you forget to properly pay me back okay?"
"I'm not that dishonourable I think."
"Yes……..I know that, very well."
And this time, with a smile that anyone could tell that it was a proper smile, she looked at me.
"But, back to the problem at hand. That girl called Solnea, how are you planning on turning her into the Demon God?"(utano)
"Well. I was told to lead her to the throne of Gods but I'm not sure where exactly that is. So for now, I plan on taking her to the place where I killed Nayfell."
"I see. Looks like it'll be a harsh journey."
"Not really. I have been there once after all. My prior knowledge should come in handy."
The ecology and specialities of the monsters living in Abenelm and places where Demons gather, and the whole topography as well. If I were to use all that info properly, I alone should be able to make my way to the Demon God's castle as well.
"I trust you on that. All said and done, somehow you are the one who has the highest survival abilities out of all of us after all."(utano)
"You and Hiiragi-kun both. Only you two can make food out of monsters, and can also tell between all types of herbs and wild grasses."
"Not all of them."
"But, you can tell which are edible right? That alone is pretty amazing in my opinion."
"If we're talking about such things, then can't you read even ancient elven and dwarven letters? You can even hear the voices of the spirits as well."
That seems more useful while travelling to me though. Well, if I said that we'll start talking around in circle though. So, as normal, I praised her as well before ending the conversation.
[So Renji, do you have some kind of proper idea?]
[To make Solnea into a Demon God that hates fighting, that is.]
"Well, by showing her the daily lives of people, treating her to tasty food, showing her beautiful scenery………"
[Can all that alone make one like people?]
"I think so."
Ermenhilde spoke in a fed up tone but I ended up laughing at that. Giving a glance, I saw even utano-san hiding her mouth.
"I know a God who came to like humans like that after all."(renji)
[Astraera-sama, eh?]
"Hmm, who knows."
That one, only needed tasty food to turn like that though.
But, while feeling amused at Ermenhilde, I felt slightly sad at the same time. Eru's memories will not return. No, because Eru and Ermenhilde are completely different existences in the first place, I should say that Eru now only exists within our memories.
But still, that sadness was only slightly there. I didn't sigh like before. While laughing, I only felt a small stabbing pain inside.
And soon enough, I will stop feeling even that small pain as well.
At that time, I'm sure, I will definitely cry.
[What's wrong, Renji?]
"You were in a daze. Are you tired perhaps?"(utano)
"Not really. I was just thinking of the Goddess that humans all love."
"………I see."(utano)
Ermenhilde made a confused sound but Utano-san instantly understood my thoughts from just that.
Eru's death. The only ones who know about it are me, Utano-san and Koutarou who I'll meet in Elfreim. If I don't tell that to anyone ever, I'm sure these two will keep it a secret as well. But then, the girl called Eru will……….will the Goddess' death will only be known and then forgotten among us three? (T/N: Just reminding, and from what I have understood, that Eru was born by dividing original Astraera's energy. So the current Astraera is only the other remaining half of the original Astraera while the other half (Eru) is dead. Which is why Renji in the last chapter called Astraera as only one part of her I guess. So I guess in a way, the original Goddess is also dead since Eru (who was a one part of the original) is dead?)
When I thought of that, once more I felt a stabbing pain in my chest.
"After this journey is over, there is something I need to tell you as well."(renji)
[To me?]
[fumu. I don't expect much but let's just say that I'll be waiting for it.]
"So are you looking forward to it or are you not? Which is it?"
[Whenever you say something like that, you tease me as well so I don't expect much…….but I am looking forward to it as well.]
"So basically, you enjoy getting teased by me?"
[No! Not teasing—-but I do enjoy talking to you.]
"Fuh……..you are really are a weird one."
[I can't help it. I'm you part–……weapon after all.]
You, were about to say 'partner', weren't you? She seems to have realized it as well as the atmosphere became a bit awkward.
"I get that you two get along well but don't just forget me and get lost in a world with just you two there, okay?"(utano)
"No, no, we don't get along that well."(renji)
When I said that giving a joking shrug, Ermenhilde made a displeased sound. But this is usual. Utano-san, walked towards us silently and with her pretty finger, touched my cheek.
Anyone would call her expression to be a smiling one but for some reason, only to me, it felt like she was crying.
To change the mood, I took a breath and the spoke in a much livelier voice.
"This should be enough for now, after all we'll be going to Merdiore on a carriage."(renji)
"You sure?"
"Well, I might find some interesting things so I'll do the rest of the shopping there."
"Then, let's leave this place shall we?"
Saying that Utano-san left the treasury. Chasing her footsteps, I also left the place. The door to the place was a simple wooden one but two soldiers were permanently on guard at the doors.
Those soldiers saluted us as we left.
"So, you think you can wear those?"(utano)
"It's a bit dusty."(renji)
"Then, let's get a place and wash them properly first."
"At the same time, might as well bask it in the sun as well."
"Sounds great."
No, I was just kidding though.
But with just that, I felt like Utano-san's footsteps became slightly lighter. Her eyes are still the sharp as usual but she was playing around with her long hair, twirling it between her fingers. That's her habit whenever she's in a good mood.
Even though her expression was same, the fact that I was able to tell her mood from just a small habit like that was proof that we have really travelled together a lot. Realizing my gaze, Utano-san gave a puzzled look at me.
"You seem to be in a good mood."(renji)
"……..Not really."
But still, she continued to play with her hair. The fact that she herself wasn't aware of this habit made it even lovelier. Should I tell her that?
What kind of fool would do that, I wonder?
(Part 2)
The place we were heading to was something like a back garden. The place where maids usually do stuff like laundry. I'm sure nobody would have a problem if I dried my equipment there. Since the sun is high right now as well, it's the perfect time to bask the clothes in the sun.
Even later, many soldiers and knights, nobles passed by us as we headed towards this rear garden. There was already a person there before us as well, and it was not a maid washing some clothes.
It was a woman with long silver hair wearing lightly decorated white dress——King Joshua's only daughter, Princess Amalda Imnesia, was sitting on a bench relaxing. She didn't have her usual dignified expression that I normally saw during the tournament, instead, she was simply in thought while making a warm and comfortable expression, looking far away. As I was looking at her thinking about her atmosphere was different than usual, she realized our presence and turned towards us.
"Ara?"( amalda)
"Well if it isn't Princess Amalda——"(utano)
"Fufu. No need for that formal tone, no one else is here right now."
She changed her way of talking so easily?
What is this? In the time I wasn't here, did these two get closer to each other?
Back then, they were more strained, or rather, Princess Amalda always seemed scared of Utano-san. Well with that gaze and way of talking, anyone would get scared of Utano-san. But still, really, a lot can happen in one year. I think maybe this is somewhat like what Urashima Tarou felt like. (T/N:Google Urashima Taro to learn about his folk tale.)
While feeling a bit confused, I went along with Utano-san towards Princess Amalda.
"Princess, please excuse us as we work here for a while."(utano)
"Yamada-kun, give the coat first."
Being told that I gave her my coat I was holding in my left hand as Utano-san, even though we were in front of the princess, began to dust off my clothes without paying any mind.
Really, is this okay? It's kind of rude, or rather, it's making me feel a bit nervous. Thinking that I looked towards Amalda but she was looking at Utano-san as if she was doing something incredibly fun.
"That looks like fun. May I help as well?"(amalda)
"Sure, I don't mind. Yamada-kun, give the trousers next."(utano)
Ehhh……….. I looked at Utano-san to confirm once more but she didn't even look at me as she was busy with dusting off my coat.
Like really, is this okay? While thinking that, I gave Princess Amalda the trousers as told. As I did, with a smile, the princess started flapping and dusting off the trousers along with Utano-san. Her slender arms seemed to lack strength making it look really dangerous. While I continued to look over Princess as she worked, I handed over my mantle to Utano-san next as told.
After they had finally dusted off my boots and leather gloves as well, both the women sat down on the bench together while panting slightly. Well, the princess aside, why does Utano-san have such low stamina as well?
"You haven't been exercising much recently?"(Renji)
"……….I specialise more in desk work, that's all."
[So, she says.]
She always said that didn't she. While thinking of that, I spread my throwing daggers and Knife on the ground. Taking it out of the sheathe, I confirmed the condition of every blade by putting it against the sunlight.
They are all in perfectly usable condition. Throwing one of the daggers, it flew a bit before stabbing into the ground.
The moment I muttered that, that dagger returned back to my hand. There were 7 of such daggers. I tested each and every one of them properly one by one.
"Such an interesting blade."(amalda)
"Well, an elf made these after all."
Saying that, next I swung around the knife acrobatically to test its condition. This one, seemed to be fine as well. As weapons I will be depending on against the monsters and demons of Abenlem, they are trustworthy indeed.
When I finished, I heard a small applause. Looking that way, it was princess Amalda.
"For showing me something really interesting."(amalda)
"No, no. this isn't anything special at all."(renji)
I put the knife back in its sheathe. Ermenhilde remained silent probably because she still in a bad mood. It was when I used the mithril sword as well but as expected, Ermenhilde doesn't like it when I use any other weapons. While smiling wryly at my partner's lovely temper, I slowly cleaned off the dirt that stuck to each of the daggers.
"So, you two seem to have gotten pretty close."(renji)
"I don't quite understand what you mean, Renji-sama?"
"No, I'm just surprised. That Utano-san actually has a friend she really gets along with that's all……"
"You're implying that I don't have friends, is that it?"(utano)
"No way, just your imagination."(renji)
When I gave a shrug, she gave a clear sigh. Since I was on the ground and she was on the bench, it ended up with me getting glared down at by her with cold eyes.
And the fact that I didn't really mind it was proof that there was definitely something wrong with me as well.
"Haah. So princess, why are you here?"(utano)
"Just, wanted some time to think."
"Something to think about?"
I wonder what it was. While wiping of the third dagger, I continued listening to their conversation.
"I have thought of this before as well but…….."(amalda)
"Yuuta-sama is a bit too kind, I feel like."
…………umu. Even though she said that with such a serious atmosphere, why is that I almost dropped my dagger in reflex?
"Let me ask this first and foremost."(renji)
"Ah, what is it, Renji-sama?"(amalda)
"This conversation, is it fine for me to hear it?"
"I don't mind. In fact as a man, I would like to hear your opinion on this as well."
"Yamada-kun's opinion?……….i wonder if that would even be of any use."(utano)
[What are you talking about?]
"Something you don't really have to worry about."(renji)
[Why? I want to hear it as well.]
Why is my partner so curious in only such weird things?
"So, what did you hope to ask about Kuuki?"(renji)
"There's no one here right now. You don't have to speak so formally, Renji-sama."(amalda)
Looking towards Utano-san, she shook her head as well. Looks like she must have been forcibly changed like this as well.
"So, what did that Kuuki do?"(renji)
"No, in fact, it's that he doesn't do anything………..even last night."(amalda)
Oh no. I don't want to hear such things from a girl's mouth. Was it because I still had an ideal fantasy image of a girl in my head? Well, Princess Amalda is 18 now and Utano-san is 28 this year. Neither could really be called a girl anymore——
I think, humans can die just by being glared at. How many times have I thought that after coming to this world. As I turned my gaze down to the dagger in my hand without letting anyone realize, I felt like timid herbivore animal.
"So, what happened last night?"
"So last night, I visited his bedroom but……….."
So that guy's a late bloomer as well, or rather a more passive kind of guy eh? It's amazing how he was able to control himself even when a beauty like Princess Amalda came to his room.
"………But I ended up falling asleep first."(amalda)
"Wait what!?!"(renji)
"Ah, sorry, it's nothing please continue."
Oh shit, this princess is an airhead.
Back then I thought of her as a girl who has lived an overprotected life but she turned out to be simply a natural airhead.
"But, he didn't do anything to me even though I was sleeping…….."(amalda)
[But he did sleep beside you right?]
"Yes, of course but still."
Kuuki, you're actually amazing. I could only feel amazement at his self control powers. Or rather, really, is it fine to tell something like that to a man like me? I questioned for the Nth time, but still had no answer.
"Since this will be the first time for both you, I do think that it'd be better if both of you were properly conscious this time at least. It'll be a precious memory as well after all."(utano)
Somehow the way you spoke it made it sound really lewd, Utano-san.
Huh, I wonder why women are able to talk of such things so well? While feeling a bit timid, I put more strength in my arm cleaning the dagger.
"But that means I can't tempt him, make him drunk, or look at him while sleeping?…….I'm starting to lose confidence."(amalda)
I, honestly, cannot hide my surprise of the fact that you are such carnivore. Even though her looks and atmosphere is that of a dignified lady, to think she'd be like that inside…………Women are really scary. And above all, she's unaware of her own nature, or rather, everything she thinks of revolves around Kuuki. Utano-san was giving me glances but I have no way of helping this.
I know Kuuki's personality. He really treasure the princess with all of his heart, I'm sure. And though that should make the princess feel happy as well, she also wants him to have a bit more desires, or rather, lust towards her.
……….I feel like my own thoughts aren't making much sense right now.
"By the way, are you always consulting such things with Utano-san?"(renji)
"Yes. Yuuko-sama sometimes takes out time to listen to me."(amalda)
"About what kind of things exactly?"(renji)
"That is a secret. It is a bit embarrassing to tell that to a man."(amalda)
Really? After all you've already said? Could it be that the things she spoke of before like tempting and making him drunk be Utano-san's ideas? Maybe the princess flattered her saying that Utano-san was experienced so she should give her some guidance or something? I realized that I was smiling without even wanting to just thinking of that scene.
Did she discern what I was thinking, Utano-san was making a surprised expression. The fact that her gaze was going here and there must be because she was in a panic.
"So, Renji-sama, do you have some good advice for me?"(amalda)
"Well, I can't think of anything but taking the route of frontal attack."(renji)
"Frontal attack?"
"Invite him to dinner, drink together, create a good mood and then invite him to your bed. If it's a guy like Kuuki, it'd have more effect than using weird tactics I believe."
"But that didn't work, I tried."
"………That incompetent fool."
"I think Yuuta-kun would also say that, but Yamada-kun, you're the last person in the world who has the right to say that."(utano)
Ermenhilde, seriously, who's ally are you?
While grieving from the harsh betrayal of my partner, I went into thought. Well, 50% of those thoughts were about tonight, thinking of vulgar things that might happen to Kuuki.
"Then, I may have a nice item for you."(renji)
"I'm pretty sure that it'll not be anything worthwile."(utano)
While acting like I didn't hear utano-san's remark, I put my hand into my pocket. It's the stimulant drug I found in the treasury earlier. I was thinking of giving it to her, showing her the various ways to use it……….
But what I brought out was a container that was full to the brim. It wasn't the stimulant, but the other one. The one whose contents even I hadn't checked yet.
"What's that?"(amalda)
"Where did you find something like that?"(utano)
"In the treasury."(renji)
"While I was helping you, you were looking for such things?"(utano)
Utano-san's gaze grew sharper.
"So, what is it?"(utano)
[What's written, Renji?]
"Let's see…………"
While putting my hand to shade against the sun, I checked the back of the container. The faint red liquid was really beautiful. Lots of ingredients names were written, and in the end——–there was an aphrodisiac.
"What is the matter, Renji-sama?"
Oh shit. This one's even more dangerous than just a stimulant. Just when I was about to return the container back inside my pocket, I wonder what she thought of as Utano-san snapped her fingers. And from just that, the container disappeared from my hands.
In a panic I looked around only to see the container in Utano-san's hands.
"Yuuko-sama, what's wrong?"
This time, it was Utano-san's turn to go silent. As expected of the Sage. She knew what kind of aphrodisiac it was. She must have taken it from me thinking that I had just found something dangerous again but she probably didn't expect it to be an aphrodisiac. Of course, neither did I to be honest.
Right before my eyes, her cheeks slowly grew redder and redder. It's an expression she'd never show in front of others normally. Since normally she has a sour face, or rather, an atmosphere that isn't inviting to others, this change seemed to have really surprised Princess Amalda as well.
While looking at the change in Utano-san, I felt, that today I really might die.
Who the hell put something like that inside the treasury??
[Just what's going on?]
"I don't understand either, Ermenhilde-sama."(amalda)
While listening to their nonchalant voices, I brought out Ermenhilde from my pocket and threw it slightly away from me. As if she was waiting for it, Utano-san's fingers snapped.
Kuuki, I hope you fall in hell(read as heaven). While falling inside the depths of hell (read as pitfall), I thought that. I am happy she was at least kind enough to properly gather up my daggers inside the holster that had been lying on the ground.
Even though I am supposed to leave on life threatening journey soon………we are the same as always.
I'll do something stupid, and then get punished. Just like we have always been.——I felt like I had returned back to that time once more. Inside the circle where my friends lived.
Well, even I think that having an aphrodisiac on me was a bit too much, even as a joke. Also, I'm really glad that none of the kids were here. Really.


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Enhancing Trade in Latin America: Opening Opportunities
Guest blog b y Francisco Sánchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade
Today I am honored to be speaking at the Association of American Chambers of Commerce at the Latin America Conference in Cartagena, Columbia. I shared with the hundreds of participants that the United States will continue its decades-long effort to increase economic integration throughout Latin America, including the passage and implementation of pending trade agreements with Colombia and Panama.
Latin America is our fastest-growing export market. The United States exports three times as much to Latin America as we do to China. We enjoy significant bilateral trading relationships with most of the countries in the region, and exports to these countries will soon support more than two million U.S. jobs.
Currently, 84 percent of U.S. trade within Latin America is covered by free trade agreements. Passage and implementation of new trade agreements with Colombia and Panama is an Obama administration priority for 2011, and are expected to support tens of thousands of jobs in America.
President Obama has made his commitment to the free trade agreements with Panama and Colombia clear because he believes that the future of the United States is inextricably bound to the future of the people of the Americas.
Panama is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, expanding 6.2 percent in 2010, with similar annual growth forecast through 2015. Exports of U.S. goods to Colombia are expected to increase by more than $1.1 billion once the agreement is fully implemented.
Initiatives such as Pathways to Prosperity and the Americas Competitiveness Forum – two important programs supported by the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration – are critical to improving economic integration that will benefit every nation in the Western Hemisphere.
Trade between countries in the Western Hemisphere is important to all of us, supporting millions of jobs and bettering the lives of our people.


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The More To Life Weekend is approved by NASW-GA for 20 CEUs for Social Workers. MFTs and LPCs in Georgia, United States can apply for related credit hours from their respective Associations. Additionally, a licensed psychologist in GA could apply up to 10 CE hours to Area 5 (self study hours).
Start/End Times THIS COURSE IS TO BE RESCHEDULED.
Registration: Starts Friday from 6pm
Fri 2 November: 7pm - 10pm
Sat 3 November: 9am - 10pm
Sun 4 November: 9am - 10pm
Complimentary Completion Evening (optional)
Now it's time to use what you have learned and develop a plan of action! During this evening you will learn an additional tool that will help you create your personalised action plan. Friends and family are welcome to attend and they are under no obligation to do anything else but to share this evening with you.
Date: Tue 6 November
Time: 7pm - 10pm
Location: To be announced
Complimentary Practice Series
Often, for students who have completed the More To Life Weekend course, we provide a complementary six-week online or in-person series which gives you the opportunity to practice the tools learned during the course with the support of your fellow students and More To Life Facilitator. These sessions are not always offered, but if they are, dates and times will be announced on the last evening of your course.
Early Registration
(available until 6 October)
$395 For students, two people in the same household, retakes, and seniors (65+)
$495 General population
Standard Registration
$345 For students, two people in the same household, retakes, and seniors (65+)
$595 General population
You may request a full refund (including the deposit), if you cancel your booking within seven days of registering, with the exception of the week of the course itself. After this time we will retain the deposit of $95 and transfer your registration to the next More To Life Weekend course that suits your availability.
Senior Trainer Peggy Jarrett and Cindi Cameron
For questions please contact Kimberly Constantine | email@example.com +1 865 588 5400
Life constantly surprises us with unexpected moments and unwanted curve balls. We call these moments "lifeshocks". These lifeshocks require us to respond in new ways every day, but our 'natural' response is limited by habitual patterns of behaviour developed over time.
The More To Life Weekend is an immersive, entry-level course within a curriculum of courses that provide a series of reality-based, pragmatic tools that can be put into practice immediately. The Weekend is designed to help you become aware of your unconscious inner dialogue, which offers non-stop commentary on everything that happens and everything you do. During the course, we bring our attention to previously unnoticed accusations and demands about how everything 'should be' or 'shouldn't be', while working to understand how little control we have over life itself. We evaluate how our own behaviours limit our happiness and how we each choose to respond to our lifeshocks, insecurities, and fears in very different ways. Some choose to live their lives by winning at all costs, having to be in control, to always be right, or pretend to have it all together. Others choose to give up, play small, and not take risks. Fortunately, there is a way out of our own entanglement, a way to create our life as we really want it to be and be More of the person we really are.
This exceptional tool-kit for bold, vibrant living offers a way to:
- Have clarity of mind and purpose
- Genuine self-acceptance and love
- An understanding of your place in the world
- A renewed vision for what is possible and the tools to realise it
- Let go of self-sabotaging behaviours and release the inner chains that hold you back
- Heal the accumulated hurts
- Reconnect with who and what most matters to you
This is the 'More' we offer. More connection. More power. More life.
This course has been awarded accreditation by the Continuing Professional Development Standards Office, and can be used to satisfy your development activity which may be a condition of maintaining your membership of, or registration with, a professional body, or a licence in a particular field.


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Security increased at movies following shootings
Some theaters and police around the U.S. stepped up security at daytime showings of the new Batman movie Friday after the massacre in Colorado, and while many fans were undeterred by the tragedy, others were nervous about going to see the film.
Two police officers were stationed outside the AMC theater in New York's Times Square, which had showings of the Batman movie beginning every 20 minutes. Later in the day, the officers gave way to a police cruiser that was parked out front with an officer in it.
Jimmy Baker, 40, of Harlem had been waiting since about 9:45 a.m. for the 12:50 p.m. show. "I just felt bad for the people that had to be traumatized by this entire event," he said. But "I didn't feel like it had any kind of effect on me. ... I'm just here to enjoy a good movie."
Stephanie Suriel, 21, of Brooklyn, waiting outside the same theater, said her mother was slightly concerned about her going to see the film. But "I'm not nervous at all because I really want to see that movie."
Still, just to be safe, she said, "I'm going to sit in the back."
At the Regal Gallery Place multiplex in downtown Washington, moviegoers trickled into an 11 a.m. showing. Theater employees searched patrons' bags and purses while taking their tickets.
"I'm believing that it's not related so much to the movie," Steve Glaude, a 57-year-old federal employee, said of the shooting. "The movie may have been a trigger. It may not have been. We don't know. I don't think it was hero or villain emulation."
In Aurora, Colo., a gunman wearing a gas mask set off a gas canister and fired into a crowded theater in the Denver suburb at a midnight opening of the movie, killing 12 people and injuring at least 50 others, authorities said.
Christine Cooley, who works for the University of Florida at a campus installation near Tampa, Fla., said she and her 15-year-old daughter were stunned to wake up to the news. Cooley said her daughter has sworn off going to the movies.
"It's tainted the movie completely for her," Cooley said. "It's summertime. That's a big movie time for teenagers. That movie is off the list now. Movie theaters in general are off her summer to-do list because of that."
Cooley said she tried to explain that the shooting was random and not an indication of security at theaters in general, "but I can see where she's coming from. Why put yourself in harm's way?"
At the United Artists Riverview Stadium 17 in Philadelphia, a steady stream of people headed in for morning showings of "The Dark Knight Rises." Staff members said that there was extra security, but that that was normal for big movies — and not because of the shooting in Colorado.
Neal Mates, 38, a professed "film geek," said: "Shootings can happen anywhere. ... I think it's silly to blame the film."
Executives of St. Louis-based Wehrenberg Theatres had discussions before dawn with managers of its 15 cinemas in Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota and Iowa, spokeswoman Kelly Hoskins said. She said the company feels comfortable with security already in place and plans no changes. She said she hopes other theater chains don't panic and cancel showings.
"That just wouldn't be good," she said. "It's like a terrorist attack — you don't want them to think we're all scared."
The National Association of Theater Owners said in a statement that its members are "working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures." AMC Theaters said it is "actively working with local law enforcement in communities throughout the nation and under the circumstances, we are reaching out to all of our theatres to review our safety and security procedures."
Associated Press writers Alex Katz and Christy Lemire in New York City, Ben Nuckols in Washington, Patrick Walters in Philadelphia and Jim Suhr in St. Louis contributed to this report.


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KFD Pro version knuckles for Mark2 Chaser Cresta X90 X100 X110 Crown S170 Altezza SXE10 Altezza Gita GXE10 JCE10 Lexus IS200 IS300
High quality steel AISI 1045
CNC in-house manufactured
Powder coated
Turnout 45-50 degrees, depending on the settings of the angles of the suspension
Bolts are included (grade 10.9 - alloy steel, quenched and tempered)
Installation time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Requires modification
of the lower OEM ball joint by grinding off the track rod pickup
(Note! Use genuine ball joint. Size of the non-genuine ball joint may not fit the knuckle)
Highly recommended to use with 30 mm extended Front lower control arms
For more precise adjustment, we recommend installing KFD Front Upper Control Arms
Optimum recommended camber angle for front suspension 4-5 negative degrees
Alignment recommended
after installation
Tightening torque for 12mm supplied bolt is 83 ft-lbs (113 Nm)
Use medium-strength thread locker to prevent loosening up the bolt (not included due to customs regulation)
Check bolt tightness after break-in use or event
KFD Team is NOT responsible for damage to knuckles and suspension from being installed incorrectly. Installation / removal REQUIRES specialized tooling, please make sure your installer service center is properly equipped to handle this process.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us
Made in Siberia |
Worldwide Shipping
- Brand: KFD Team
- Product Code: KFD Pro knuckles X90-110 S170 SXE10 GXE10 JCE10 IS200 IS300
- Availability: In Stock


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A few hours ago we posted about plans to evict all those heavy-handed gladiatorial types who pose for pictures outside the Colosseum … early coverage seems rather tame, now … Check out this bit from Adnkronos:
Rome says they have until April 6 to leave. Centurions at the Roman Colosseum say they'll stay put and promise blood – or at least a fight.
A plan by the Eternal City to clear Rome's most popular tourist attraction of the unauthorized vendors that clutter the area surrounding the 2,000 year-old Flavian Amphitheatre raised the hackles of the gladiators and centurions.
Legions of Roman legionaries donning chest plates, tunics, and military sandals draw their weapons for a price. With one hand resting on a tourist's shoulder and another gripping a sword, the armed centurion says ''cheese," or growls in a gruff pose. Click. "Ten euros, grazie.". Disoriented foreigners at times cough up 20 or 30 euros. Detecting a scam, a tourist is periodically beaten up for not paying, but centurions are generally gregarious. They need to work and have been earning a tax-free living working off the tourist trade in plain view for decades. Now the city says "basta."
"This will end badly. We'll wage a revolution. We'll burn down the Colosseum rather than move from here," a 21st century centurion told reporters.
There's a potential fortune to be made from the 6 million people who visit the Colosseum every year. An entrenched illegal industry revolves around Rome's attractions. Artists painting caricatures in Piazza Navona crowd out Gian Lorenzo Berninis' 17th century Fountain of the Four Rivers, unregistered tour guides pace outside the Vatican Museums in search of customers, and touts invite diners to sit at tables placed illegally in some of the world's most breathtaking squares.
But everything pales in comparison to the Colosseum where dozens of tour buses line the street to give passengers an hour to visit the same site where Russel Crowe battled for revenge in the 2000 epic blockbuster "Gladiator."
"Every last one" of the Colosseum's sword-and-sandals set are ex-convicts, a recent report in the La Repubblica newspaper said, citing a policeman who regularly patrols the area that includes the Roman Forum. Some have been posing for pictures for 10 years, long enough to have seen film go the way of the horse-and-carriage. At least one has been doing the job for almost 20 years.
In an effort to keep the centurions working, a self-styled leader tried to meet with city officials in a bid to legalize his trade and create a fixed 10-euro-per-photo rate. His efforts were met with silence.
Depending on who you talk to, Italian law enforcement is either lazy or lenient. Traffic police regularly ignore cars parked on the sidewalk. Non-violent convicts over seventy years old are permitted to serve jail time in the comfort of their homes. Tax cheats are granted amnesties. The name of Italy's Justice Ministry is the Ministry of Justice and Pardons.
Wars on Rome's quality-of-life crimes are periodically launched in television cameras. Illegal billboards are torn down. Tables are cleared from piazzas. Cars are towed and ticketed. But the campaigns are fleeting and like water rising in a tub vacated by a bather, the petty crimes and criminals return as soon as the police leave the scene.
In what could be called "The Clash of the Centurions" officials from the Ministry of Culture and City of Rome are defending Rome the living museum from an image akin to theme parks where visitors are feed on fast food and ham it up for the camera with fairytale characters.
But the enterprising Centurions don't lack for customers so there is a demand for their services. And with Italy in deep recession, the country's bureaucrats may want to reconsider a plan that puts ex-cons out of work.


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B.I. Wind Farm
Welcome to all the news about the nation's first offshore wind farm
Since 2007, The Block Island Times has been dedicated to bringing our readers the most comprehensive coverage of one of the most important stories ever to happen in our town: The Block Island Wind Farm project.
The storyline of this project includes everything from state politics, economics, the environment, jobs, engineering, technology and — just as importantly — the emotions that people have on either side of the issue.
Here you will find an archive that captures every story we have published on the subject up to now. We will continue to update the archive as more stories are published. We are also including an archive of national and international news stories, as well as a photo archive.
We hope that this will be a resource for those who are not just casually interested in the story, but to scholars and researchers as well.


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Many years ago when the Other Fisherman's dad would drive back from visiting his brother in Florida he bought fruitcake in Georgia on his way home to Wisconsin. I first started making fruitcake for him when Uncle "Turkey" moved back to Wisconsin and Dad no longer made his annual fruitcake stop. Over the years family and friends have come to enjoy them. Dad is gone now, but I still bake them for a holiday treat for fortunate recipients. Plan on making them at least a month prior to Christmas so they can age and get a few applications of the liquor you select to use on them.
This year my southern-born friend Josie and I got together and baked up 25 in her kitchen. We had a great time and the house smelled so good.
Happy holidays!
Dark Fruitcake
* Start this process a day prior to when you will bake them.
8 ounces diced citron
8 ounces diced pineapple
8 ounces diced fruitcake mixed fruit
4 ounces whole red candied cherries
4 ounces whole green candied cherries
1 cup golden or dark raisins
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup brandy or good bourbon
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
5 eggs, separated
1/2 cup molasses
3 cups pecans mixed with 3 tablespoons flour
This batter is quite heavy, but a heavy-duty stand mixer can handle it. If you don't have one, beat as much batter as you can with what you have and pour it into a big bowl to complete mixing stirring with a big spoon.
Mix the fruit in a large bowl with the orange juice and brandy. Stir gently and set aside to marinate for a few hours, even overnight.
Generously butter bottom and sides of two 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans and line them with parchment paper. Butter the paper thoroughly. You can use brown paper for this if you don't have parchment paper.
I used miniature foil pans sprayed with cooking spray, as I make gifts of them.
Makes about 10.
Sift the flour with the spices twice. Add the baking powder and salt and sift again.
Put the butter into a large mixing bowl and cream until smooth. Add sugar; using an electric mixer, cream until light and fluffy. Beat the egg yolks slightly with a fork and then add them to the bowl. Mix the batter well before you start to add the flour and spice mixture. Stir the batter as you add the flour, a little at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the flour is thoroughly incorporated, add the molasses and stir. Stir in the fruit, along with any soaking liquid left in the bowl. I like pecans in my fruitcake, if you do as well, add in 3 cups pecans you have tossed with about 3 tablespoons flour.
Put the egg whites in a stainless steel or glass bowl and beat with a clean beater to stiff peaks. Fold them into the batter thoroughly and then spoon the batter into the prepared pans. Cover loosely with a clean cloth and let the batter sit overnight in a cool place to mellow.
On the next day, heat the oven to 250°. Place the fruitcake on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. After 1 1/2 hours, cover the pan with a piece of brown paper (do not use foil.)
When the cake has baked for 3 1/2 hours, test the with a toothpick or cake tester. If the tester comes out of the center of the cake clean, the cake is done. Leave the cake in the pan and set on wire rack to cool.
If you are using the miniature pans, baking time is reduced to 1 ½ hours.
When the cakes are completely cooled,
turn out of the pans, leaving the paper lining on the cake. Wrap the cakes in bourbon, brandy or rum soaked cheesecloth, then rewrap in foil.
If you used the miniature pans, leave cakes in pan, pour a few tablespoons of your choice of liquor directly onto the fruitcake, wrap in foil and set in a cool place.
Every week, open the foil and drizzle a small amount of bourbon, brandy or rum over the cakes. The liquor will keep the cake moist and flavorful and help preserve it as well.


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At the end of February 2020, there were more than 84,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 — the official name of the coronavirus first reported in Wuhan, China — including over 2,800 deaths. Most were in China, primarily in Wuhan and the surrounding Hubei province. But about 5,200 cases, including 86 deaths, had been reported in nearly 60 other countries. While the pace of new cases slowed in China, a surge in South Korea, Italy, and Iran caused concern that the virus may be difficult to contain.1
Cities Under Lockdown
By mid-February, at least 150 million people in China were under restrictions affecting when they could leave their homes, and more than 760 million — about 10% of the world's population — lived in communities under some form of travel restriction.2 Most global airlines cancelled service to and from China, disrupting tourism and business travel.3
The Chinese government enacted restrictions around the time of the Lunar New Year celebration, during which many businesses were closed, lessening the immediate impact. However, as factories and other businesses remained closed after the holiday, the loss of Chinese production and consumer spending began to take a toll on global businesses.4
Lost Supply and Demand
Many U.S. technology companies have manufacturing operations in China while also selling to Chinese businesses and/or consumers. Companies with substantial exposure to the slowdown in China include big tech brands such as Apple, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Intel, and Qualcomm, as well as many smaller tech businesses.5–6
Vehicle manufacturers throughout the world rely on Chinese-made parts, and many have plants in China. General Motors (which sells more cars in China than in the United States), Ford, Toyota, BMW, Honda, Nissan, Tesla, and Volkswagen all suspended operations in China, while Hyundai and Renault closed plants in South Korea, and Fiat Chrysler closed a plant in Serbia, all due to parts issues.7–9
Global retailers including Apple, Ikea, Levi Strauss, McDonald's, KFC, and Starbucks temporarily closed stores in China.10–11
In addition to disruptions in the global supply chain and Chinese consumer market, the tourism industry in the United States, Europe, and other Asian countries may be hard hit by the absence of Chinese tourists. One estimate suggests a loss of almost $6 billion in U.S. airfares and tourist spending.12
Although it is too early to measure the full effect on global business, a private report released on February 21 indicated that U.S. business activity had slowed in February to the lowest level in six years, with the biggest hit to the service sector, where travel and tourism are major components. The report also indicated a sharp drop in Japanese business due to lost tourism and export orders. Exports were down in Germany, but the initial impact on the eurozone was minimal.13
Oil Pressure
China is the world's largest importer of crude oil, and Wuhan is a key center of its oil and gas industry. The prospect of lower demand drove oil prices into bear-market territory — defined as a drop of 20% from a recent high — in early February. Prices rose later in the month but dropped again with news that the virus may be spreading. Natural gas prices have also been hit by the prospect of lower growth in Asia. While lower prices may be good for U.S. consumers, oil-exporting nations, including the United States, will face lower revenues, and energy companies that are already on rocky ground may struggle.14–17
Market Reaction
In late January, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.7%, due in large part to concerns about the virus.18 The market bounced back quickly, setting new records in mid-February, but weak business news and a rash of cases outside China sent the Dow into correction territory (a decline of 10% from a recent high) on February 27.19 This suggests that the market may be volatile for some time, and future direction might depend on the progress of disease control and emerging information on the impact of the virus on U.S. and global businesses.
Global Growth Outlook
Anything that affects China, the world's second-largest economy, can have a powerful ripple effect around the globe. An early February report by Moody's Analytics estimated that every 1 percentage point reduction in China's real gross domestic product (GDP) will reduce global GDP outside China by 0.4%. The report projected that disruption caused by the virus would cut more than 2 percentage points off China's GDP growth in the first quarter of 2020 and result in a loss of 0.8% growth for the year. This in turn would cause a loss of about 0.3% in annual global GDP growth outside China and about 0.15% in the United States. Moody's lowered its projection for 2020 global growth from around 2.8% to 2.5%.20
In a February 16 forum, Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, was more optimistic, suggesting that the virus might shave only 0.1% to 0.2% off the IMF's 2020 global growth projection of 3.3%. Georgieva cautioned that there was still a "great deal of uncertainty" and emphasized that the extent of the economic damage depends on the length of the disruption. If the disease "is contained rapidly," she said, "there can be a sharp drop and a very rapid rebound."21
Although it's natural to be concerned about the virus — on a human level as well as its potential effect on the global economy — it is important not to overreact to short-term market swings. A well-balanced portfolio appropriate for your long-term goals and risk tolerance could help you weather the current volatility.
All investments are subject to market volatility and loss of principal. Investing internationally carries additional risks such as differences in financial reporting, currency exchange risk, as well as economic and political risk unique to the specific country. This may result in greater share price volatility. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
1) South China Morning Post, February 29, 2020
2) The New York Times, February 18, 2020
3–4, 20) Moody's Analytics, February 2020
5) The Wall Street Journal, February 18, 2020
6, 10) Los Angeles Times, February 4, 2020
7) Forbes, February 12, 2020
8) Car and Driver, February 4, 2020
9) The Wall Street Journal, February 14, 2020
11–12, 14–15, 18) The Wall Street Journal, February 3, 2020
13) The Wall Street Journal, February 21, 2020
16) Bloomberg, February 27, 2020
17) The Wall Street Journal, February 7, 2020
19) The Wall Street Journal, February 27, 2020
21) Bangkok Post, February 17, 2020
This information is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent tax or legal professional. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2020 Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.


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Discover the Fastest, Most Intuitive (and Least Annoying) Visual Editor for WordPress
Creating beautiful, engaging and visually impressive content & layouts in WordPress has never been easier!
Discover Why 119,480 People Use & Love Thrive Content Builder...
Below are the features that simply set this plugin apart from the rest and make it the ultimate tool for anyone creating marketing websites or business-focused blogs.
So, what exactly is Thrive Content Builder? It's...
The Ultimate Click-to-Edit Front End Builder for Your Website
Thrive Content Builder works based on a very simple idea: if you want to edit something, you click on it.
This is a deceptively simple idea, but it makes a massive difference to your content creation experience, your productivity, the quality of content you create... even to the bottom line of your business.
It's not just a fancy convenience to have a drag and drop interface and all the editing options that Thrive Content Builder provides. This plugin has been honed and refined to the point where it will make a profound difference to the way you work.
Speed & Abstraction: The Small Difference that Makes a BIG Difference...
There are many visual editors out there, but 2 important factors set Thrive Content Builder apart from anything you've seen before.
How many editors claim to be WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get)? And yet, all of them are WYSIVROWYG (what you see is vaguely reminiscent of what you get), at best.
- If you're dragging around abstract little boxes that represent your layout and your columns, then what you see is not what you get.
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- If your editor is on a completely separate screen from your actual web page, then what you see is most definitely not what you get.
Say Goodbye to the Loading Spinner...
In Thrive Content Builder, the page you are editing looks exactly like the page your visitor sees. You don't need to load a preview in a new tab and switch back and forth between your editor and the preview.
In addition, everything in our editor is as immediate as possible. You don't have to wait for things to load and save when you make a change, you don't have to go through multiple steps to add or edit any content on the page.
For any individual change you make to a page, this may mean a difference of just a few seconds between our plugin and a different editor. But by the time you've built an entire website, Thrive Content Builder will have saved you hours of waiting time.
This is What We Mean When We Say that It's "Built for Marketers":
Some of the best, most badass and most business-focused features you'll find in Thrive Content Builder:
Conversion-Boosting Buttons & Calls to Action
Easily add large, attention-grabbing buttons and calls to action to any post or page. Customize the size, color, style, link and many other aspects of each button.
Add Social Proof With the Testimonial Element
Testimonials are one of the most powerful persuasion elements you can add to a page. With Thrive Content Builder, you can create beautiful testimonials in seconds!
Reveal Your Call to Action at the Right Time
With the Content Reveal element you can define a custom amount of time that needs to expire before your purchase buttons or other elements are revealed.
Create Attention-Grabbing Content Boxes
Highlight important parts of your content with a (fully customizable) content box. Great for feature lists, review summaries and text highlights.
Add Customizable, Responsive Pricing Tables
Pricing tables are usually a pain to create and manage in WordPress. With Thrive Content Builder, adding a stylish pricing table is click-to-edit easy!
Countdown Timer & Evergreen Countdown
Boost your conversions by adding a countdown timer. This animated timer makes it very unmistakably clear that your offer will expire soon.
Responsive, Retina-Ready Font Icons for Your Content
Create completely free font icon sets with all the icons you want to use on your site. Then, add them to the Content Builder to insert and customize them anywhere.
Get More Social Shares With a "Click to Tweet" Box
The easiest way to add Click-to-Tweet boxes to your content and entice your visitors to share your content and send you more social traffic.
Add Fully Responsive Videos with Just One Click
Inserting mobile-friendly YouTube and Vimeo videos in your content has never been easier. And if you have a custom HTML video embed, you can easily add it too!
Enhance Long Posts with the Automatic Table of Contents
Long posts are great for SEO and for getting more social shares. You can now further enhance your long content by adding a table of contents with just a few clicks.
Create Beautiful Custom Post & Content Grids
Create a beautiful gallery of your latest blog posts, to add to your homepage. Or, customize the gallery to show posts of a specific category, date range and more.
Build Your List with the Lead Generation Element
Easily add fully customizable opt-in forms anywhere in your content. Supports multiple fields, check boxes, drop down menus and more!
Plus More Elements You Can Use to Create Stunning Content!
Thrive Content Builder gives you dozens for elements that you can add to your posts and pages and all of them are beautifully designed. Each element is also made with a specific purpose in mind, such as increasing conversions or social shares. We don't build fancy gimmicks, we build tools with a clear business purpose.
The elements in the builder include:
- Styled Bullet Point Lists (like this one)
- Customizable Content Boxes
- Responsive Video Embeds
- Visual HTML Table Builder
- Feature Grids (with Images or Icons)
- Content Tabs & Toggles
- Responsive Google Maps Embeds
- Star Ratings for Reviews
- Dynamic Countdown Timers
- Opt-in Forms
- Easy Table of Contents Builder
- Custom HTML & CSS
More Advantages to Supercharging Your Content With Thrive Content Builder:
Beautiful Layouts with Drag & Drop Ease
It's never been easier to create any layout you can imagine, using Thrive Content Builder column layouts and perfectly intuitive drag-and-drop.
And of course, all columns & layouts you create are fully mobile responsive so that your site looks amazing on any device!
Fully Responsive, Mobile-Friendly Design
As long as you use Content Builder in combination with a responsive theme, all of the content you create with it is also 100% responsive and carefully designed to look great on any screen size.
No matter what content you create and no matter the devices your visitors use, you'll always make a great impression!
Add Animation Events to Your Page
Movement attracts attention. With the Content Builder, you can use this to your advantage, by adding animations to images, buttons and more.
Using our Event Manager feature, you can create animations, trigger lightboxes and more!
What Will You Use Thrive Content Builder For?
Here are just a few examples of the many aspects of a website that will be improved and completely transformed once you start using the Content Builder plugin:
Create High-Converting Sales Pages for Your Products
Make full use of all the conversion elements in the Content Builder and create your most persuasive, most sales-generating pages ever.
Build Amazing Homepage Layouts
Create the perfect homepage for any website. Communicate your USP, convert new visitors into leads and showcase your best posts with ease!
Create Blog Posts Like Never Before...
No one likes a wall of text. Create highly engaging blog posts and include review summaries, content boxes, table of contents and more!
Build the Perfect Contact Page Layout
Every website needs a contact page, but are you making the best use of this page? Add your favorite contact form plugin to a conversion-focused page.
Pages With a Focus on Video or Other Media
Embed responsive videos, add styled borders to your images, create galleries with images linking to your latest posts... TCB is fully equipped for multi-media sites.
Any Layout, Any Page, Any Purpose
See any kind of page layout or landing page style you like? You can usually replicate on your own site in a matter of minutes, using Thrive Content Builder.
Are You Ready to Finally Enjoy Content Creation Again?
All features aside, Thrive Content Builder provides something that goes beyond mere technology: it brings back the joy to creating content!
There's something thrilling about writing content right on your website, with no layers of abstraction in the way. Everything is instantaneous and you aren't spending time struggling with technology or wading through boring menus.
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Add the Speed Factor to Your Business
So, this visual editor is fast and even fun to use... but that's not just about convenience.
Many successful entrepreneurs agree that a vital part to staying ahead of the pack is your speed of implementation.
How long does it take you to go from a new idea, to having that idea implemented on your site? The faster you can do this, the faster you can learn and the more quickly you can adapt.
Having a fast editor doesn't only save time, it also frees up your attention. Stop being distracted and frustrated while you wrestle with technical stuff. Build the pages your business needs, quickly and without having to mess with code.
Did You Know: This Plugin Also Includes a Full Suite of Landing Pages!
Yep, that's right. Thrive Content Builder and Thrive Landing Pages are one and the same plugin. Get one and you get the whole feature set of the other as well. That means that you can't only create beautiful content in your WordPress posts and pages, you can also choose from dozens for beautifully designed, conversion optimized page templates and customize them to your heart's desire.
Get Your Copy Today & Transform the Way You Create Content!
15 License Pack
- Install on up to 15 websites
- Includes all the features
- Unlimited free updates
- 1 full year of support
5 License Pack
- Install on up to 5 websites
- Includes all the features
- Unlimited free updates
- 1 full year of support
1 License
- Install on 1 website
- Includes all the features
- Unlimited free updates
- 1 full year of support
Looking for an agency license?
|I'm blown away by the plugin. Keep up the incredible, WordPress changing work, guys!
|Dean Phillips
Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
If, for any reason, you don't like this amazing plugin, you can get a full refund anytime within 30 days after your purchase. If you have any issues, just get in touch with our friendly support team and they'll either help you out until you get the results you need or give you a swift refund.
Here are answers to some common questions about Thrive Content Builder:
Does this work with themes that aren't made by Thrive Themes?
Yes, Thrive Content Builder works with any WordPress theme. Tens of thousands of people are currently using this plugin on sites that have a wide range of free and premium themes.
Do you offer support?
Yes, we have an excellent support staff and we will gladly help you resolve any issues you might encounter. Your purchase of this plugin includes one full year of support. After that, you can extend your support for another year, for a small fee.
Can I use this to edit anything on my site?
Not quite. The Content Builder lets you edit anything within your theme's content area. You can't use it to edit things like the header, sidebar widgets etc. You can, however, use the Landing Pages feature to completely override your theme's design and create 100% custom pages.
Will this work with my short codes?
Yes! You can use our "WordPress Content" element and insert it anywhere in your layout. Regular WordPress content and short codes can be added to your page in this way. In most cases, they will also render correctly inside the editor (i.e. you don't see the short code, you see the result of the short code, just like on the front end of the site).
Will this slow down my website?
No, absolutely not.
We take site speed very seriously (in fact, we rarely ever shut up about it) and we created this plugin with performance in mind. We made sure that the designs are almost exclusively CSS, so that no images need to be loaded. We also optimized all the code for the fastest possible loading times.
Can I upgrade my license at a later date?
You can upgrade to receive more licenses at any time and you will only be charged the price difference between the license pack you purchased and the one you are upgrading to.
However, please note that individual product purchases can't be applied as discounts towards the Thrive Membership. If you decide to buy individual products now and want to become a member later, the single purchases you make are NOT credited towards your membership.
Does this work with WordPress.com blogs?
No, unfortunately not. This plugin is only available for self-hosted (wordpress.org) websites.
Can I use this to edit my existing WordPress posts?
No, Thrive Content Builder can't be used to edit content that was created with the regular WordPress editor.
We keep our content separate from WordPress content, to ensure maximum compatibility and avoid conflicts.
You can insert any WordPress content, as well as short codes and more inside your Content Builder content, though.
Can I use this to write blog posts?
Yes, absolutely! We think you'll love writing posts with Content Builder. 🙂
Can this be used for non-English websites?
Yes! Thrive Content Builder is being used on websites all over the world, in many different languages.
Get Your Copy Now & Start Transforming Your Website
Get Instant Access to All of Our Products!
Instead of buying a single plugin on this page, you can also choose to join the Thrive Membership and get instant access to all of our WordPress themes and plugins!


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(662) 728-6232
(24 hours)
1901-B East Chambers
Booneville, Mississippi 38829
Wednesday December 12th two juvenile males ages 15 & 16 were arrested after the staff at Wheeler School discovered that the school had been burglarized and vandalized. One of the pair was a student, the other was a former student. The suspects have been charged as juveniles and released to parents or guardians. These same two juveniles had been previously charged with Grand Larceny in connection with the theft of several ATV's that were takenseveral months ago from an ATV Repair Shop East of Baldwyn. The pair broke into the school building at Wheeler and damaged $1,000's worth of property and stole other items, some of which were later recovered. They also attempted to get into a safe. A witness helped break the case when they gave the description of a vehicle seen leaving the school. One of the Invetigators remembered that the description that was given matched the description of the vehicle used in the ATV thefts. Deputies and Investigators went to the suspects residence and the pair was taken in to custody without incident. The cases will be heard in Prentiss County Youth Court. The were charged with Burglary and Malicious Mischief.
The Deputies and Investigating Officers did an outstanding job in bringing the case to a quick resolution.


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LONDON - Liezel Huber was having lunch with Bob and Mike Bryan on Monday afternoon when the U.S. tennis coaches approached the group with an announcement. The trio, along with Lisa Raymond, would comprise the two teams representing the U.S. in the mixed doubles competition.
"They asked us if we were ready," Huber recalled. "Lisa was working out downstairs at the time so I went to tell her."
Their response? Of course they were ready. This was something 88 years in the making. Mixed doubles is an Olympic event for the first time since 1924. And Team USA is embracing the change as it's another chance for the U.S. to extend its dominance in Olympic tennis. Since tennis was reintroduced into the Olympic Games in 1988, the U.S. has won 10 of the 24 gold medals awarded. No other country has won more than two.
"It's amazing," Raymond said about adding mixed doubles to the mix. "Obviously for doubles-only players it's fabulous. We get another chance to play for a medal, another chance to represent our country, so I think we're all really excited about it."
Mixed doubles was an Olympic event until the 1924 Games in Paris. Americans Richard Williams, a survivor of the Titanic, and Hazel Wightman won the gold. Tennis was dropped from the Games altogether until 1988, when it was introduced without mixed doubles. In 2009, Olympic officials decided to add mixed doubles to the program. The U.S. couldn't be happier about it.
"We're just elated," Huber said. "Everyone is really excited."
The mixed doubles competition will begin today. Raymond will team up with Mike Bryan as the field's No. 1 seed. The pair won at Wimbledon just under a month ago. Huber and Bob Bryan are ranked second. Together, they have won two Grand Slam victories.
The field has 16 teams, so the pairs must win two matches to compete for a medal. Each competitor has two chances to win medals. All four players are also competing in same-sex doubles. The Bryan twins are seeded No. 1 in men's doubles, while Huber and Raymond are No. 1 in women's.
"Now we get one more chance to win a medal," Raymond said. "Hopefully we'll make it count."


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I've never written a sports story before. Op-eds, news reporting, movie reviews; I've done those, but in my years of working at The Pitt News, I never wrote a single sports story. So this is going to be as weird for me as it is for you. If you want a box score, go read ESPN's recap. I'll wait.
Yesterday, I tooled down I-95 to the
MCI Verizon Center in Washington for the Pitt-Georgetown mens' hoops game. This one was a big deal, because as Lady Andrea said yesterday, it decided who had the spot atop the Big East.
More sweet action after the jump.
The tools of the trade: Pitt t-shirt, phone, pen, reporters' notebook, gum. Not pictured: camera. (Confidential to Hershey's people: Please send me a case of peppermint Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum. I swear it's made with crack cocaine. It's THAT good.)
The scene outside the MCI Center.
Warmups. Don't get excited; they're all like this.
The Pitt pregame huddle. At first, I typed "the Pitt pregame hug," but this is not that kind of blog. (Is it?)
Levon "Fauxhawk" Kendall's introduction. The fauxhawk is so commanding you can appreciate it eight rows from the top of the arena. Kendall started playing for Pitt my senior year, so I've had the pleasure of watching him mature from a gorpy freshman with serious guns and a bad haircut to a senior with serious guns and a ridiculous haircut.
The "don't be a jerk" pre-game warning. In case you can't read it, it says, "Georgetown University and the NCAA encourage and promotes [sic] good sportsmanship by student athletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner." Booooo, pre-game warning, BOOOOOO!
Here's the opening tip…
…and we're off!
A coaches' meeting during a commercial break. The shortish fellow in the tan suit is former Pitt star guard Brandin Knight. BK was seriously hot shit; I would get the vapors when I saw him around campus. He's currently the Panthers' video coordinator.
Now that I mention him, when I said I'd never written a sports story before, that was a little fib: I forgot I interviewed BK (scroll down to "Pitt Sports Star") when he was voted "Best Pitt Sports Star" in a Pitt News readers' poll. Really cool dude.
One half of Georgetown's student section. Punk ass Jesuits.
A little commercial break entertainment by the Georgetown dance team.
This game was a big deal for Pitt fans because it marked the return of Aaron Gray (slightly left of center, in front of the ref), who was sidelined with an ankle injury in a February 17 win over the Washington Huskies.
Come here, baby. Let mama kiss it better.
My friend Karen said "Aaron Gray needs a haircut." I say he's playing the role of Jim Halpert.
The game starts to get exciting, so I put down the camera and start taking notes.
7:55: Patrick Ewing Jr. gets his second personal foul. Karen jabs me in the ribs and says, "You know whose son that is, right??" I might not know a lot about sports, Karen, but I know who Pat Ewing is. (Note to self: Look up Pat Ewing's Wikipedia when I get home.)
7:42: Gray takes it to the house. Go Halpert go!
3:56: Georgetown guard Jonathan Wallace takes a header into the scorers' table. I don't have a photo of this, but trust me, it was awesome.
For some reason, I have "Note to self: Look up Ontario Lett" in my notebook immediately after this note. (Apparently The Province of Ontario is playing in Australia now.)
Karen and I discuss the stripes shaved into Levon Kendall's sideburns. Karen says derisively, "He's a tall, sensitive Canadian. I saw him being interviewed on ESPN. He was playing the piano and singing a song his father wrote for his mother. I was like, 'Oh, barf.'" I love Karen.
During halftime, Georgetown brings out their mascot (top center of the frame). He's cute. Karen and Charlotte yell at me for saying I think their mascot is cute. It's a cute little bulldog! How can you NOT think he's cute?
We come back from halftime and at 19:10, Aaron Gray gets double teamed by two Hoyas. Yeah.
The Hoya Rival Reel. This is simultaneously quite clever and totally retarded: The university solicits YouTube-style videos from the students to show on the jumbotron, ostensibly to psych out their opponents. It's all very "look what I made with iMovie. On my Mac."
This one featured a bunch of Georgetown kids doing silly walks, scored to "Walk it Out" by DJ Unk. The punchline was something like "You better walk yourselves out of here, Pitt Panthers!" Oh, burn. I'm really feeling burned by that.
(Note to self: Download "Walk it Out" by DJ Unk.)
The camera crew goes around the arena and spotlights the "Fans of the Game." One possible fan of the game is wearing a parrot costume, and the other possible fan of the game is wearing a chicken suit. (Both are sitting in the student section. Infer from that what you will.) This cute baby is declared the winner by an overwhelming round of applause.
8:50: Ronald Ramon hits a clutch 3. That's the way you debate!
There is a large group seated in the row in front of us. I recognize one of the younger men from the group; I used to see him giving campus tours all the time. The group keeps getting up and down to buy beers for the grownups and snacks and sodas for the small children in the group, and I wonder why one would go to a sporting event if he doesn't plan to spend any time in his damn seat. You kids get off my lawn!
At 7:43, I notice there is a cute baby with the group in front of us. He's very sweet and smiley and cheerful, and that is probably because he is contentedly suckling at his mom's breast during a foul-shot contest. Karen and I struggle to stifle our giggles. Boobs!
4:51: Whoever it was that drew the foul on Levance Fields should get an Oscar for that acting job. Bravo, sir.
3:48: The Georgetown band is playing a song that sounds like "Happy Happy Joy Joy."
2:25: Gray hits a 2-pointer. I can breathe.
1:59: Hoyas up by 6. I have stopped breathing again. I wish I had a towel to hold over my face.
1:53: My toes are curled up in my shoes like fists.
1:16: Pitt possession. Down by 5. We need a miracle.
19.3: These are the longest 20 seconds of the month.
0:00. And we're done here. Hoyas 61, Panthers 53. Karen, Charlotte and I came to this game last year and the Panthers lost. We decide we are not coming back next year.
We are despondent. Not even Agent Zero's mug cannot cheer us up. The only way we will feel better?


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WEB EXCLUSIVE: Circus Sarasota-Style
More than 200 years ago, south of the Thames River, an intrepid British equestrian named Philip Astley came up with a rather clever way to finance his dream of building a riding school. He carved out a ring, threw up a roof, and charged audiences sixpence to watch him perform daring riding acts. He hired jugglers and clowns to intersperse the riding act, and his routines became so popular that eventually, he gave up the idea of a riding school altogether.
The year was 1768, and today, Astley is widely credited as the creator of modern circus. Although the basic outlines of the entertainment form have been in existence since Roman times, when chariot racing and fighting drew huge crowds to arenas, that initial momentum was lost in the Dark Ages. After that, wandering groups of performers provided entertainment for the masses, and it wasn't until Astley's day that a venue like a circus was established again.
Circus came to America in 1793 with John Bill Ricketts, a trick rider trained by one of Astley's competitors in London. He put on his first show in Philadelphia and introduced the art form all over the upper East Coast. Although Astley's amphitheatre burnt down and the artiste himself was lost at sea during a storm, the circus endured in America.
During the late 18th century and 19th century, showmen and women developed many of the innovations we now identify with the American circus: parades, wagons, distinctive melodies, the three-ring tent, the circus train, the menageries-everything that combines to create the spectacle that entertains all ages even today.
For a more complete history of the circus and its impact on Sarasota, read Anu Varma's story on page 62 of the January 2003 edition of SARASOTA Magazine, available at newsstands now.


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How To: Make a Kid's Teepee
Build a backyard teepee with your kids this summer. It's easy and fun and the ideal summer craft project for the whole family.
A basic teepee is not hard to make, provided you keep it simple and fun, as I discovered when I created this project for ZiggityZoom. After consulting a few websites to understand the basics of construction, I assembled the materials and tools and—in an afternoon's time—came up with this easy, kid-friendly summer DIY craft project. Want to learn how to make your very own backyard teepee? Just follow the steps below:
MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon
Nine 10′ poles (bamboo poles are best; we used 1″ metal conduit)
– Canvas painter's drop cloth (12′ x 15′ heavyduty)
Lightweight cord or rope
Five sticks 9″ long
Two sticks 6″ long
Garden clippers
Permanent colored markers
1. Collect thin, sturdy branches and using garden clippers, cut five branches to 9″ long and two branches to 6″ long. The collecting is a fun activity for kids. If desired, taper the ends slightly by rubbing them on the sidewalk or a piece of sand paper.
2. Lay the canvas drop cloth flat on the grass. Find the center-top of the long end of the cloth and make a mark. Tie a marker onto the end of a string and holding the marker upright at side-top of the cloth's long end, stretch the string to the center point and cut it. Your string should be 7.5′ long. Hold the string at center point firmly, while a second person makes an arc with the marker to denote the cut line. (The finished cut size equates to the length being twice as long as the width.)
3. Choose a spot for the teepee and set the first three poles in place as your teepee base, crossing the tips of the poles at the top, as if you are making a tripod. Now add two poles between each of the base poles; try to position them sturdily by paying attention to how they cross at the top. Add the last pole to the 'back side' of your teepee. Spread the pole bottoms evenly around the ground.
4. If you don't have someone tall to reach up and place the top-center of the cloth near the cross poles, remove the last pole from the back side and attach the top-center of the cloth about a foot from the top. Since this is temporary, you can just make a ring of duct tape and attach the inside of the cloth to the poles.
5. Pull the sides of the cloth around the poles, overlapping at the top of the teepee's front. Make two slits to accommodate each 9″ stick, making sure the cuts go through both pieces of overlapped cloth. Slits should be about 3″ to 4″ apart. Weave a stick into the openings and secure the teepee front.
6. To make the teepee opening, fold the side flaps open and make two slits to accommodate the 6″ sticks.
7. Use markers (or paint, if desired) to decorate the outside of your teepee. Let the kids decorate however they want, and show them some American Indian designs as inspiration. This is a perfect time to teach kids some Native American history and the symbolism of Native American designs.
Want more How To? Browse all projects in 30 Days of Easy Summer DIY


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Artisan Remodeling & Design
Because You Deserve A Home You Love
Artisan Remodeling & Design is a full service remodeling and design company based in Fort Collins, CO. We specialize in bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, basement finishing, home design, and more! We would love to help you with your next big remodel, so choose us as your Fort Collins general contractor – because you deserve a home you love. Artisan Remodeling proudly serves Fort Collins and Loveland as well as Windsor, Colorado.
Business Name:
Artisan Remodeling & Design
5837 S College Ave Unit AFort Collins CO 80525USA
(970) 691-6995
Neighborhoods in Fort Collins, CO
Alta Vista, Andersonville/San Cristo, Avery Park, Brittany Knolls, Bucking Horse, Buckingham, Cedar Village, Clarendon Hills, Eastside Park, English Ranch, Foothills Green, Foothills Park, Granada Heights, Hampshire Pond, Harmony
Things to do in Fort Collins, CO
Our Newest Profiles


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Did you know that if you do nothing about making a will or an estate plan that the government has one for you? It's a PLAN BY DEFAULT. Government has no idea of your achievements, your faith, your principles, your ethics or your love of liberty and devotion to family. In this plan, your hard-earned assets can be unnecessarily taxed and heirs can be left with little or nothing.
I encourage you to create a PLAN BY DESIGN. The only way to make sure that your will or trust reflects your wishes is to design it yourself with competent legal counsel. Otherwise your legacy might become a windfall for government programs or new capital for center-left organizations.
Take the steps necessary to protect the future of your loved ones and help to build a stronger future for the charitable organizations you have supported during your lifetime.
If your current documents need updating or you are just beginning the process and need information from a trusted professional, please contact me for an upcoming Planning for Life workshop. Join the many who have gained the peace of mind that comes in knowing this important task has been accomplished.
To find out more information, please call Kristine Palosaari at (989) 698-1968 or e-mail email@example.com.


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Intuit Shows Secretary Locke Behind-the-Scenes Impact of GoConnect
Guest blog post by Alex Lintner, president and CEO of Intuit's Global Business Division
Ed. note: Intuit has focused on a simple mission: to improve the financial lives of people so profoundly that they could never imagine going back to the old way of doing things. By solving big underserved problems, we have become woven into the financial lives of more than 50 million small businesses and consumers worldwide. Readers from the United States are most likely familiar with flagship brands: QuickBooks, Quicken and TurboTax.
Intuit is proud to join U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on the business development trade mission to India. It is an honor to represent my company as we contribute to trade that creates jobs for people in both the United States and India.
On day one of the mission, I had the privilege of seeing our impact firsthand. Secretary Locke joined us at a neighborhood grocery store in South Delhi that was founded by an Indian national who "exported" his knowlege and experience from running a store in Utah back to India to build a successful business here in the Indian capital. Store manager Deepak Gupta provided a tour of the shop, shared his goals for the business and shed light on how the store has been marketing to the community. The purpose of the trip was to provide Secretary Locke with a "behind-the-scenes" look at what went into developing Intuit's GoConnect, the new mobile marketing service we created to give small businesses the power to increase visits from existing customers via personalized, targeted mobile marketing campaigns that can be managed via the Web or mobile phones. Using GoConnect, the store has seen a sales increase of seven percent and a concurrent decrease in marketing costs of 90 percent.