text:
Two men have been indicted by federal prosecutors for allegedly robbing at least three Baltimore area convenience stores with a shotgun.
Prosecutors say Quindell Ryeshawn Gardner, 21, and Dion Mitchell Doram, 22, conspired between May and July to commit a series of robberies using stolen cars, with one acting as the getaway driver.
On June 21, police say the pair traveled in a stolen vehicle to Hampden, where Doram entered the Royal Farms store in the 1100 block of W. 41st St., brandished a shotgun and demanded cash and cartons of cigarettes.
They used the same approach in subsequent robberies of a Royal Farms in Dundalk, located in the unit block of N. Dundalk Ave., on July 4, and another robbery the same day of a 7-Eleven in the 6300 block of Eastern Ave., in the Bayview neighborhood of southeast Baltimore, according to court records.
Both men were first charged in Towson District Court, after being picked up on armed robbery charges on July 4. Court records show that police recovered a 12 caliber shotgun.
Court records show Doram is a registered sex offender, who received a suspended 10-year sentence on third-degree sex offense charges in May 2011. He's been charged with violating his probation four times since then. Gardner, meanwhile, has a prior conviction for armed robbery in Baltimore County, and received 80 days time served.


text:
(CNN/Gray News) – Sen. Richard Burr and Sen. Mark Warner have publicly split for the first time over how to characterize the findings of the Senate Intelligence Committee's nearly two-year investigation into Russia's activities surrounding the 2016 presidential election.
Burr, the North Carolina Republican chairman of the Intelligence Committee, and Warner, the Virginia Democrat ranking member, have managed to mostly keep a united bipartisan front through the course of the investigation.
But Burr indicated to CBS last week the investigation is near its end, and said "based upon the facts that we have" there isn't "anything that would suggest there was collusion by the Trump campaign and Russia."
Warner however on Tuesday rejected Burr's recent statements.
"Respectfully, I disagree," he said, according to CNN. "I'm not going to get into any conclusions I've reached because my basis of this has been that I'm not going to reach any conclusion until we finish the investigation. And we still have a number of the key witnesses to come back."
Warner's comments represent a rare public split for the leaders of the Intelligence Committee, which has been the only congressional panel that has kept its investigation into Russia's 2016 election meddling on a bipartisan track.
Burr repeated his position Tuesday, as well.
"I'm not sure how to put it any clearer than I said it before," he said. "We have no factual evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia."
Meanwhile, in reporting broadcast by President Donald Trump - normally antagonistic with the nation's largest media institutions - NBC also reported there was "no direct evidence" of "a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia."
The report quoted a Democratic aide who acknowledged, "We were never going to find a contract in blood saying, 'Hey Vlad, we're going to collude.'"
The Intelligence Committee investigation has no bearing on the findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is also conducting an investigation. A House Intelligence Committee investigation was concluded last year.
Copyright 2019 CNN and Gray Television Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Bouquets by Occasions
Prom - Corsages & Boutonnieres
You've picked out the perfect dress, now it's time to order your flower accessories! Pope's Florist, Ltd. has the best selection of flowers to wear for your prom, wedding or special occasion. Call and let us help you personalize the perfect corsage & coordinating boutonniere!
Need Graduation ideas? Look no further than Pope's Florist, Ltd. - we have flowers for Graduation that will suit any style and we offer flower delivery to Waukegan, IL or nationwide! Congratulate them with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, the perfect Graduation gift!
Anniversary Flowers
Need anniversary gift ideas? Pope's Florist, Ltd. can help! We've got all types of flowers for an anniversary. Select classic roses, a modern bouquet or even a plant. Nothing says love and romance like surprising your loved one with a stunning bouquet on your special day! Pope's Florist, Ltd. delivers to Waukegan, IL and nationwide, for a real surprise they won't soon forget!
Birthday Flowers
Look no further than Pope's Florist, Ltd. for birthday ideas and birthday gifts! Liven up any birthday party with a festive bouquet of birthday flowers or surprise them with a cheerful "Happy Birthday" bouquet! Or give them a long lasting plant or romantic roses. Everyone loves flowers for birthdays! We offer birthday flower delivery to Waukegan, IL or nationwide.
Get Well Flowers
Nothing says "Get Well Soon" like a vibrant bouquet of fresh flowers! Look no further for get well gifts than Pope's Florist, Ltd.. We deliver get well flowers to Waukegan, IL or nationwide to brighten their day! You can even send a plant or a modern bouquet, either way, they'll be sure to get well soon!
Love & Romance Flowers
Romance isn't just for Valentine's Day, celebrate your love every day with a romantic gift from Pope's Florist, Ltd.! From romantic roses to modern masterpieces to plants that last as long as your love, we have the perfect bouquet to express your emotions! Your romantic flowers can be delivered locally to Waukegan, IL or nationwide!


text: At Valore & Gordillo, LLP, the keystone of our practice is experience. Our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers adept at successfully resolving our clients' issues in and out of court. We provide quality legal representation to individuals and businesses in Cleveland, Ohio and the surrounding area. With our trial experience and in depth understanding of the law, we help our clients reach their goals no matter how complex or challenging the legal issues they may be facing. We offer quality legal services in the areas of employment law, small business law & litigation, and probate & estate planning, as well as criminal defense, with a focus on federal white collar crime. At the law offices of Valore & Gordillo, we deliver superior, value-based legal services. Contact us today.


text:
AB&I hosts visit from Unified School District students
August 1, 2017
On July 21, AB&I hosted an event to educate approximately 30 Oakland Unified School District students about careers in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing. The students are part of a summer program with the East Bay consortium of Educational Institutions and a math enrichment and career advising program at the Pre-Collegiate Academy.
AB&I Plant Manager Rich Watson and several other manufacturing ambassadors talked about the jobs at AB&I and what steps the students could to take to prepare for these jobs. Math is a key component in several processes at AB&I like designing the flow rate of molten iron in a mold, determining iron chemistry, testing sand to make sure the components are at the right ratios, the precision required to make patterns, setting and maintaining environmental standards, conducting industrial hygiene studies, etc. Carlos Gonzalez explained how engineering projects, if miscalculated, can cost thousands of dollars and even stop production.
Environmental Engineer Monica Perez discussed the importance of sustainability and complying with regulations that affect our industry at all times. Inside Sales Rep Christopher Fagundes talked about his history at AB&I and what it takes to make the customer happy which is simple, the customer is always right. HR Generalist Jenny Landon shared how invaluable it has been to her growth to have hands on experience along with academics and what it takes to make that first impression during the hiring process
Roberto Rodriguez has only been at AB&I for a month, but he talked about how he got involved in manufacturing, why he likes it, where he went to school and the importance of getting involved in special projects at school because that is how he ended up at AB&I. Roberto discussed how a project that he and his classmate had presented at an AFS meeting and won first prize, led him to interview at AB&I. He joined AB&I after graduating on May 20th and is currently learning about the laboratory and cupola. John and Ivan, apprentices in the Pattern Shop explained what their apprenticeship entails and how they balance working a full time job and going to school at night.
The students left with a better understanding of the different paths available to them for their future careers, but most importantly, the viability of the jobs in the manufacturing sector, with AB&I being right in their own backyard.


text:
Wild Water Ride - The Great Pike
Lumberjacks' Camp
Canoes upside down: Brave Russia's water rapids in a log flume and take the 15-metre plunge! Refreshment included!
Get yourself a hollow log and set off on a roaring one-kilometre-long wild water ride set. After a mind-boggling plunge from a height of 15m into a narrow canal, the boat submerges into a shimmering fog of very fine water droplets.
- Outdoor
- Photo Spot
- Watch out here - you may get wet
- Baby Switch
- Wi-Fi
Ride Attraction with Photography Service
At this attraction, photos are made during the journey. Please avoid this ride if you do not want it.
safety instructions
Rapid boat ride featuring two deep drops. Ride includes periods of darkness with light and sound effects.
If the boats come to a stop during the experience passengers are to remain seated until being told to exit or escorted by staff. Passengers may have to exit out of a banking position having to use a steep ramp at a maximum height of appr. 10 meters height.
Children up to a height of 105 cm must use the child seat.
Children up to 9 years and a minimum height of 100 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Due to the nature of the experience you should be in good health and of sufficiently strong muscles.
The following persons are not permitted on the ride :
Persons with back or neck problems or other conditions that may be aggrevated by this ride.
Expectant mothers.
Persons unable to obtain a safe sitting position due to physical shape or size, limited mobility, physical handicaps, protheses and amputations. Persons unable to exit the attraction without assistance.
Persons unable to psychologically cope with the experience of the ride.
Persons under the influence of alcohol, drugs or psychopharmaceuticals.
Maximum 5 people per boat.
Sit calmly and upright during the ride and hold on to bars.
Keep both feet in footrest during the ride.
It is not permitted to jump up and down during the ride or lean out, stand up, sit on the sides or stick out arms and/or legs.
Clothing and footwear required.
No umbrellas, (walking) sticks, sharp or bulky objects.
Cameras, mobile phones, keys and other loose items are to be stowed away safely before the ride. HANSA-PARK accepts no responsibility for items that are set aside or taken on the rides.
Exit after every ride.
Warning: Risk of getting wet! - No liability accepted for water damage.
No food nor drink.
No animals.
No smoking.
Photos are being taken during the ride. If you wish not to be photographed please avoid this ride.
The entire site is monitored by cameras.
Before you use the attraction, please note the ride description, safety warnings, possible access restrictions and how to behave in a safe manner posted at the entrance to the attraction.
The use of our ride attractions by adults is not generally subject to any weight restrictions. However, you must be able to properly close all safety lap bars and other safety devices so that you can sit in a normal sitting position.


text:
Animal Fighting
To report an animal fight in progress, call 911 immediately!
To report information about suspected animal fighting, call 311 immediately.
Sadly, there are cases of animal fighting in Minneapolis. MACC regularly impounds live and dead animals with signs of having been fought. Although dog fighting is more common, cock fighting is also a problem.
What MACC Does
MACC works with the Minneapolis Police Department and the City Attorney's Office to investigate and prosecute cases of animal fighting and animal cruelty. MACC's veterinarians assess and evaluate animals for indications that they have been used for fighting, including scars, open wounds, crudely cropped ears, and unusual aggression. Animal fighting is a felony and attending an animal fight as a spectator is a misdemeanor.
What You Can Do!
Animal fighting is very difficult to investigate and prosecute because it is an underground, mobile illegal activity. MACC needs the community to help identify potential animal fighters. You do not need to witness an actual fight to provide valuable information!
Please call 311 immediately if you see the following:
- A large number of dogs kept in one location, especially multiple dogs who are chained and appear aggressive. (Having more than three animals requires a permit in Minneapolis.)
- Dogs with an unusual amount of wounds or scars on their head, face, and front legs.
- Dogs hanging by their jaws from heavy objects, pulling weights/chains, or being aggressively exercised by the owner.
- Dogs with weights or heavy chains hanging from their necks.
- Dog fighting equipment such as treadmills, "break sticks" (used to pry apart the jaws of dogs), "spring poles" (a large spring with rope that the dog jumps to grab and pull), and tires hanging from trees.
- Unusual foot traffic – both human and animal - coming and going from a location at odd hours.
- Dead animals in alleys or garbage and strays with severe wounds and scarring.
Last updated Oct 4, 2018


text:
Dustin Lynch's 'Where It's At' Certified Gold
The title single off of Dustin Lynch's upcoming album 'Where It's At' has been officially certified gold.
The song is Lynch's second single to reach the Top 10, currently sitting at No. 7. 'Cowboys and Angels,' off his freshman album, hit No. 5 and was certified platinum.
"The first time I heard it, it's infectious," he says of 'Where It's At'. "The guitar licks are like ear worms, they stay in your head forever.
"I just thought, 'What a perfect summertime song.' It's about the simple things in life. It's about the easy. It's not glam. It's a girl that's chillin' out in her pajamas," Lynch adds. "There's nothing better than that, than being with somebody in the comfort of your own home."
The album is scheduled for release on Broken Bow Records on Sept. 9. Pre-order it here.


text:
Why Choose ACC Liverpool?
A Unique Venue
A UNESCO world-heritage waterfront location, award-winning events team and the uniquely flexible design of ACC Liverpool combine to give you the ultimate venue. Liverpool's event campus features Europe's only interconnected arena, conference and exhibition centres, perfect for conferences, exhibitions and banquets. In addition, world-class facilities and cutting-edge design give you and your delegates the ideal space in this vibrant and inspirational city.
Covid 19 Secure - Rediscover Events
At ACC Liverpool we know how important it is to meet, we know how important your events are, and so we are ready to open our doors and operate with a new level of safety as standard.
At Your Service
ACC Liverpool provides you with all you'll ever need to stage a successful event. From event logistics to IT set-up and audio visual equipment, our "At Your Service" package is led by our award-winning team.
Corporate Social Responsibility
As an ethical organisation, you'll want to be assured that your event venue shares your values. ACC Liverpool operates in an ethical, sustainable and responsible manner through a series of focused and strategic Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Equally, our venue is one of the greenest in Europe and we strive to minimise our impact on the environment. ACC Liverpool seeks to be a great ambassador for a wonderful city.
Liverpool Convention Bureau
ACC Liverpool is a world-class venue and we are confident in what we have to offer. The venue and its award-winning team are committed to delivering the highest standards in event hosting and management. It's all you'll ever need.
Pullman Liverpool
In February 2016, ACC Liverpool welcomed a brand new onsite 4* Headquarters hotel Integrated with Exhibition Centre Liverpool – Pullman Liverpool.
Corporate Toolkit
ACC Liverpool's corporate toolkit contains essential venue and destination information to help you pitch perfectly. The range of documents include venue layouts, image libraries, CAD drawings and more.
Your Perfect Partner for Pitching
ACC Liverpool's Digital Pitch Toolkit contains essential venue and destination information to help association event planners pitch perfectly. The range of documents include venue layouts, image libraries, CAD drawings and more.
Drape Your Space
We have increased our flexibility for event layouts with the introduction of a new draping system in our sister venue M&S Bank Arena. This means more options for our clients and even more choice than we have previously been in a position to offer. Ultimately, the new system provides greater scope for clients looking to grow their events.
Have You Considered?
Liverpool's Finest
Liverpool is a vibrant, modern city, proud of its rich heritage and renowned for its friendly people. Visit Liverpool and enjoy everything it has to offer. Here is just a sample of what's available.
Pullman Liverpool Hotel
Pullman Liverpool, voted Hotel of the Year 2019, is one of the city's most stylish hotels. Conveniently integrated into the Liverpool event campus, this contemporary hotel offers 216 comfortable rooms and suites, and a top-notch menu to suit every taste thanks to signature dishes in their on-site restaurant.Visit website
Eat & Drink
Dine at Pullman Liverpool
Dine in ACC Liverpool's on-site hotel, Pullman Liverpool, located at Kings Dock next to the venue. Their spectacular restaurant has been built on seafood, however the menu offers a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes that make it accessible to all.Visit website
Liverpool ONE
Located by the city's iconic waterfront, Liverpool ONE is one of Europe's leading retail and leisure destinations. With more than 170 stores, bars and restaurants, a 14 screen cinema and even a park, you'll always have a fun packed day here.Visit website
City Central Shopping
The beating heart of Liverpool's retail scene, just minutes away from the venue, City Central Shopping comprises five shopping centres, two hotels, two theatres and more than 400 shops. There's something for everyone and every budget.Visit website
British Music Experience
The British Music Experience tells the story of British Music through costumes, instruments, performance and memorabilia from the Beatles and Bowie to Adele, Oasis and The X Factor.Visit website
Liverpool ONE
From high street favourites to high-end boutiques, your fabulous shopping experience is a short stroll from the venue. Stores open until 8pm weekdays, so there's plenty of time to hit the shops.Visit website


text:
The new SRT Viper continues its slow strip tease with another image released on the SRT "brand" Facebook page. The first shot was black and white and gave us a look at the serpentine head of the beast, but this latest shot brings us in close with a carbon fiber-rimmed air intake for the new snakeskin-wrapped supercar with an all-American heart.
Want to see more? Yeah, we do too. Sadly, for now (or until the first buff book breaks the embargo) you'll have to be content to wait around for Dodge...err... SRT to continue and leak out teaser images up until the car's officially revealed for April's New York Auto Show.


text: Two-year Agreement Brings Together Two Global Names, Both Dedicated to Excellence In EngineeringMADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO, ITALY, Jan. 17, 2007 - SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK), the leader in delivering speed and reliability to digital photographers, today announced a two-year sponsorship of Ducati Corse's MotoGP race team, a performance leader in the high-speed world of motorcycle racing.SanDisk's name and logo will appear on Ducati Corse MotoGP motorcycles, team clothing and riders' leathers, the two companies said during the unveiling of Ducati's Desmosedici GP7 racing motorcycle at the Wrooom MotoGP Event in Madonna di Campiglio."SanDisk and Ducati share a passion for excellence in engineering and performance," said Wes Brewer, vice president for consumer products marketing at SanDisk. "Our SanDisk Extreme® III and IV digital film cards have a global reputation for cutting-edge speed and innovation, much as Ducati has a global reputation for motorcycles that regularly beat the competition."Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Corse, said, "We are extremely pleased to welcome SanDisk as a new partner in our MotoGP Project. Ducati and SanDisk are both dedicated to maximum performance, making the partnership a perfect fit."MotoGP is among the world's most popular motor sports, drawing annual season attendance exceeding two million and a worldwide television audience of more than five billion. The 2007 season features 18 races in 15 nations around the globe."Photographers face almost as many challenges at the track as MotoGP riders. Having the fastest CompactFlash card in the market at 40MB per second* makes high-performance photography, especially in fast-action sports, much easier," said Tanya Chuang, worldwide senior retail product marketing manager for digital imaging at SanDisk. "The fast read speed also reduces time away from the viewfinder, because images can be quickly offloaded through an Extreme FireWire Reader."SanDisk plans to work closely with the wider photographic MotoGP community. Gigi Soldano, a highly respected MotoGP photographer said, "Capturing the many exciting moments of MotoGP racing, where riders can reach 200 miles per hour and can be millimeters above the track on tight turns, requires cameras and memory cards that are the fastest and most reliable in the world. SanDisk Extreme III and IV memory cards make my job easier, because I know I can shoot as rapidly as possible without worrying about losing that once-in-a lifetime image."SanDisk and Ducati expect to announce more elements of their agreement in the months ahead.Founded in 1926, Ducati develops racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster Sport Touring, Multistrada and Sport Classic. The company's motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. Ducati has won 14 of the last 16 World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. Since 2003, Ducati has also been taking part in the MotoGP World Championship.SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world's largest supplier of flash data storage card products, using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Milpitas, California, and has operations worldwide, with more than half of its sales outside the U.S.* Based on SanDisk internal testing with TestMetrix.SanDisk's web site/home page address: http://www.sandisk.comSanDisk's product and executive images can be downloaded from http://www.sandisk.com/corporate/mediakit/SanDisk, the SanDisk logo and SanDisk Extreme are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including expectations for new product introductions, specifications, applications, markets, pricing, customer acceptance and customers that are based on our current expectations and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others: market demand for our products may grow more slowly than our expectations or there may be a slower adoption rate for these products in new markets that we are targeting,and the other risks detailed from time-to-time under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including, but not limited to, Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We do not intend to update the information contained in this press release.


text:
A Guide to the Birds of East Africa
Every Tuesday at 830 a.m., a group of ardent birders meets at the Nairobi Museum to search for some avian wildlife together. Mr. Malik, a retired businessman and owner of the Jolly Man Manufacturing Club, squeezes bird-watching into his schedule though he does "have other commitments."
The leader of the group is the beautiful and charming widow, Rose Mbikwa, who came to Africa from England and never left to her parents' great consternation. Her husband was arrested for political activity and later died in a mysterious light plane accident.
On this day, Rose announces that she is leaving for England for an eye operation. Also a new birder has joined the group, an old school acquaintance of Mr. Malik's from long-ago. Harry Kahn keeps calling Malik by old nicknames, ones Malik did not like in the old days and likes even less now. Complicating the plot--both really like Rose.
That evening Malik has a drink at the Asadi Club and so does Khan. Before long they have made a wager to see who can count the most birds in a week. The prize—the chance to invite Rose to the Hunting Club ball. The listing of very exact rules is a hoot and shows the difference between cultures.
Although very much a gentle read, this little novel has surprising depth. Soon you discover that Malik is the author of an anti-government corruption column, and that his commitments also include nursing visits at the HIV/AIDS wards in various hospitals. He is a delightful character, moral and exceedingly honest. On the other hand, Mr. Kahn tours around with two experienced Australian birders; they rent small planes and visit hard to reach spots. Malik stays in town and counts birds in his yard, at an arboretum where he comes upon his employee totally naked in a tree (and yes, there's an interesting story behind this), and also at the local dump.
If you like Alexander McCall Smith's Botswana books, you will love this insider's view of Kenya seen through the prism of birdwatchers' eyes. Difficult secrets slowly come to light. Each chapter begins with a beautiful drawing of a particular African breed of bird. This is one of those armchair travel books that will transport you to far-away Africa.
For a completely different birding-adventure, check out A Supremely Bad Idea: Three Mad Birders and their Quest to See it All by Luke Dempsey.


text:
New thread time
Here are the rules for True/False ....
Someone assumes something about the next person/user, then the next poster/user says "True" or "False", then assumes something about the next poster/user. And so it goes ......
Last question in old thread was by LK:
The next person will spend Mother's Day with their mom. Or at least go visit her
The next person will be painting their bedroom this week end


text:
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most frequently asked questions about currency rates, our websites, or our services. If you can't find your answer here, you can probably find it in our more specific Product FAQs.
- XE Services
- XE Rates
- Volatility
- XE Tools For Your Site
- Terms of Use
- General
- How do I exchange currency through XE.com?
- Can I get currency data for commercial use?
- Can you send me currency rates by email?
- Are there advertising or sponsorship opportunities available?
- What languages does your customer service team support?
- I have specific questions about one of your products. Where do I find answers?
- Where do you get your currency rates?
- What are "mid-market" rates?
- How can I get historical currency rates?
- I use your rates for a practical purpose. Can you guarantee their accuracy?
- I compared your rates to other rates and they don't agree. Why?
- Why doesn't your service have my currency?
- Do you have information about the "Euro"?
- You list your precious metal rates in ounces. Are those Troy or Avoirdupois ounces?
- I noticed an incorrect date or time in one of your services. What's wrong?
- Your converter is serving up an error or it doesn't perform a conversion. What's wrong?
- What is volatility?
- How is volatility calculated?
- What is an example of high volatility, or low volatility?
- Can I link to your site from my page?
- Can I use the XE logo on my site?
- Can I put your currency converter on my site?


text:
The easiest way to find out whether your device works with the LEGO® BOOST App experience is to find and download the app in the Apple App Store or the Google Play store. Devices that can download and install the app from official app stores will likely work with our products.
Because of the significant number of different models, variants, and manufacturing standards of available devices, we can only assure the compatibility of devices that are actively tested internally. If your device cannot find and download a particular LEGO app from an official app store, this means that your device does not support that product.
To know which operating system your iOS device is running follow this quick guide:
Operating System
To know Android device and operation system your device is running follow this quick guide:
Follow these steps to locate your OS version:
Operating System


text:
by RobertAndrews (Author), RossellaPeressini (Author)
Get By in Italian is the ideal travel companion - a quick and easy introduction to Italian and a phrase book covering all the essential language you'll need on your trip. Get to grips with the basics of a conversation before you leave, then take the book away with you as a handy reference guide. * Understand the basics of the language with clear and easy-to-follow explanations. * Try out what you have learned with mini role-plays and activities. * Communicate with confidence with thousands of essential words and phrases. * Get around easily with useful tips for the visitor. * Eat out the Italian way with the comprehensive menu reader. Also contains a two-way mini dictionary so you'll never be stuck for the right word, and a full pronunciation guide so you'll always know how to say it! This 160-page book is also available in a pack with one 60-minute audio CD (9781406612684). Also available in these languages: Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Latin American Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish.
4 in stock
Format: Paperback
Pages: 160
Edition: 1
Publisher: BBC Active All the language you need to get by in confidence.
Published: 15 May 2007 ISBN 10: 1406612693
ISBN 13: 9781406612691 Book Overview:
All the language you need to get by in confidence.


text:
You ever felt like citizens of T-Mobile's home country Germany pay a lot more for iPhone tariffs than citizens in countries you spend your vacation time like Netherlands or Austria? Well, your feeling was right. T-Mobile is flagrant expensive here in Germany. Why? We don't know. But we know Deutsche Telekom (parent company of T-Mobile) […]
Posts Tagged 'Teuer'
[iPhone] T-Mobile Tariffs in Europe Differ Extremely
November 23rd, 2009 J. ΞPSTΞÏN


text:
Forgot password?
Not yet a member?
In 2014 Penfolds unveiled a remarkable collaboration to mark 170 years of winemaking heritage.
The Linley for Penfolds collaboration brought together an extraordinary commission to befit an extraordinary wine, the 2010 Bin 170 Kalimna Shiraz. Created only once before in 1973, Bin 170 is a single block, single vineyard wine, sourced exclusively from old vines planted in the ancient soils of Block 3C, Kalimna Vineyard located in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.
To commemorate this limited edition release, Penfolds commissioned British cabinet maker, David Linley, to create a number of bespoke signature cases inspired by Max Schubert's 'secret' Grange vintages.
Will develop and evolve for many decades with careful cellaring. Peak drinking window now - 2055 (well past Penfolds 200th anniversary).
In 1973, Penfolds crafted an experimental Bin 170 sourced entirely from the nineteenth-century Kalimna Vineyard in the Barossa Valley. 100% Shiraz, all of the grapes were picked from Block 3C – a venerated parcel that is often included in the Grange blend.
In 2010, the Penfolds winemakers kept Block 3C separate, realising they had the potential to re-create a Penfolds classic.
A black core with a barely visible purple rim.
Classic Kalimna, with trademark red fruits and a familial old-worldliness.
Via: juniper and blackberry fruits, and raspberry stick and red liquorice flavourings.
And: a carbon black 'sumpiness'/quince paste amalgam laced with a ferric/formic piquant lift.
Also: possibly oak-induced, barrel-fermented eugenol/pink peppercorn/fresh green-tobacco aromatics.
Viscous, Velvety, Voluminous. (Editors note: the BOLD V is deliberate)
A 'tannin tsunami'… riding a ripe and even wave across the palate.
Oak totally absorbed, allowing blueberry fruits and a black-pudding textural imprint to stake ownership during this phase.
An energetic tension impatiently awaiting to be… unleashed, tamed?!
Commands attention, requests little, appreciates your patience.
Origin: Kalimna Vineyard, Block 3C. Barossa Valley, South Australia.
Maturation: 16 months in French oak hogsheads (55% new, 45% 1-y.o.)
Grape Variety: Shiraz.
Representative of the region, vines on the Barossa Valley floor and north-western regions arguably benefited from the best conditions seen within this decade. Peter Gago has often declared this as "the Millennium vintage that arrived a decade late." After above-average winter rains filled dams to capacity and onset of an early but welcome spring, budburst brought the region to life in August.
Consistent and slower growth continued and overlaid flowering and fruit set. Not immune to the small November heatwave, some shatter and poor set was observed however Shiraz proved to be quite resilient. December temperatures were much cooler, offering vines ideal growing conditions leading to veraison in early January. Enduring warmth, minus the temperature spikes of recent vintages resulted in exceptional colour development, concentrated flavour development, accumulating tannins that reached maturity.
Limited Editions
Limited Editions
2018 Magnum
Discover More


text:
A Nigerian man accused of concealing a bomb in his underwear to destroy a commercial jetliner on Christmas Day 2009 pleaded guilty to all eight counts in his indictment on Wednesday.
The surprise move came on what would have been the second day of his high-profile terrorism trial in federal court in Detroit.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was facing charges that he plotted with Al Qaeda to carry out a martyrdom mission by blowing up a US airliner with 292 people on board as it approached Detroit.
The bomb caught fire but did not explode.
Mr. Abdulmutallab, acting against the advice of his appointed stand-by counsel, decided to end the trial as it was just beginning. He read a statement in open court admitting responsibility for each of the charges filed against him, including conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism, attempting to destroy a civil aircraft, and attempted murder.
While acknowledging guilt under US law, he emphasized that his actions were undertaken as part of a perceived religious obligation in Islam to protect fellow Muslims from attack.
He warned that a "great calamity" would befall the United States if it didn't stop killing innocent Muslims and stop supporting those who kill innocent Muslims.
"If you laugh at us now, we will laugh at you later in this life and on the day of judgment," Abdulmutallab told the court. "Our final call is all praise to Allah, the lord of the universe. Allahu Akbar [God is great]."
US District Judge Nancy Edmunds set sentencing for Jan. 12. Abdulmutallab faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
Given the circumstances of his failed bombing attack and the fact that his alleged act of terrorism was witnessed by scores of fellow passengers on the plane, Abdulmutallab's chances of an acquittal on the main charges were virtually nonexistent.
In addition, he confessed significant details of the plot – including contacts with Al Qaeda allies in Yemen – to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents shortly after the attack.
Judge Edmunds ruled before the trial that the jury would be permitted to hear testimony about his admissions.
The guilty plea means that none of Judge Edmunds's pretrial rulings will be appealed and examined by a panel of judges.
In a significant pretrial decision, the judge found that FBI agents were "fully justified" in not giving Miranda warnings to Abdulmutallab during an initial 50-minute interrogation seeking actionable intelligence about whether other underwear bombers might be on their way to the US.
US Attorney General Eric Holder said the guilty plea was more evidence of his often-repeated assertion that the federal courts are well-suited to prosecute terrorism suspects.
"Contrary to what some have claimed, today's plea removes any doubt that our courts are one of the most effective tools we have to fight terrorism and keep the American people safe," he said in statement.
Daphne Eviatar of Human Rights First also praised the outcome. "This is a victory for justice and the rule of law," she said in a statement.
"Umar Farouk Abdulmatallab's guilty plea continues the US federal courts' long track record of successfully bringing to justice the most heinous international terrorists who threaten the United States," she said. "It also makes clear – yet again – that terrorism cases belong in our nation's federal courts."
As outlined in their opening statement, federal prosecutors were prepared to detail for jurors Abdulmutallab's path from his privileged upbringing as the son of a wealthy Nigerian businessman to a would-be martyr, willing to blow himself up over Detroit to help Al Qaeda wage holy war against the US.
They said the young man could have pursued any path in life, but became intensely interested in Islam after hearing the fiery sermons of US-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.
"I was greatly inspired to participate in jihad by the lectures of the great and rightly-guided mujahedeen [holy warrior] who is alive, Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki," he said in his courtroom statement.
Abdulmutallab had claimed Mr. Awlaki is alive despite evidence that he was killed in a US drone attack in Yemen on Sept. 30.
Abdulmutallab had traveled to Yemen in 2009 where he sought out Al Qaeda allies and eventually met a Saudi bombmaker who provided him a route to martyrdom.
After receiving training, Abdulmutallab left Yemen wearing a bomb specially built to avoid detection by airport security machines. According to his statement in court, after his stay in Yemen he traveled to Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Netherlands, where he boarded Northwest Flight 253 to Detroit.
He said his Al Qaeda mission was undertaken "as an act of jihad against the United States for the US killing of my Muslim brothers and sisters around the world."
In admitting his involvement in the plot, Abdulmutallab said: "I had an agreement with at least one person to attack the United States in retaliation for US support of Israel and in retaliation of the killing of innocent and civilian Muslim populations in Palestine, especially the blockade of Gaza."
He added his attack was also retaliation for "the killing of innocent and civilian Muslim populations in Yemen, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, and beyond, most of them women, children, and noncombatants."


text:
See the latest
Coronavirus Information including
testing sites,
visitation information,
appointments and scheduling,
location hours,
data and more.
Managing Physician Dr. Jeffrey R. Martin discusses how health-care providers are increasingly incorporating lawyers into the team of professionals who are on hand to help.
Find our contact forms and phone numbers or give feedback on a recent experience using Care to Share.
View test results, schedule appointments, or request prescription refills from the convenience of your computer or mobile device.
Learn about health system news and meet new providers in Progress Notes, Lancaster General Health's provider newsletter.
Want to make a payment without a MyLGHealth account? Click the "Pay as Guest" button below.


text:
Adventures in Babysitting
Do you know how to change a diaper?
Do you know who to call when a child has ingested poison?
Do you know how to figure out what's making a baby cry – and to stop it?
Well a lot of young ladies do now in Estherville.
A babysitting clinic conducted by Sarah Chrestiansen of Iowa State University Extension – and assisted by Kristin Buum, who heads up the Clover Kids program this year, and Becca Lair, member of the Emmet County 4-H County Council – showed a couple dozen young ladies how to care for kids from babies up to adolescents.
And there are a lot of tricks of the trade – a lot of tricks.
As Buum said, when taking care of a baby, a babysitter has to figure out what's wrong when the baby's crying. After all, a baby can't talk.
"You have to figure out everything for them," Buum said, demonstrating how to hold a baby by always supporting its head.
While snacks are fine, too many snacks can be too much of a good thing. Buum suggested that a babysitter can give kids stickers as rewards instead.
For smaller children, particularly babies, choking hazards are something to look out for, said Chrestiansen.
Buum suggested that toys for, say, eight-year-olds be separated from babies and younger children.
The session included:
n Kids games.
n Child development.
n Making lunches.
n Changing diapers.
n First aid.
n Setting up babysitting kits.
n CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
n A safety session presented by sheriff Mike Martens.


text:
E-business Solution by
Yonex BG-66 Ultimax JP
Yonex BG-66 Ultimax JP Badminton String
10m bag
Minimum Order Quantity
1 bag
Available Color
See option below
Subject to stock availability
Multifilament Synthetic String
0.65mm / 22 gauge
Item will be well-packed and shipped WORLDWIDE by Airmail. Dispatch within 5-7 working days upon receipt of payment, subject to stock availability.
Yonex is the Registered Trademark of YONEX Japan
Back to Top


text:
Living as an Adolescent With Arthritis
The first in a series of posts celebrating the launch of the Arthritis Research UK Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology
Many people are under the impression that Arthritis is something that happens to you as you get older; a few achy bones in the winter months, knees cracking, stiff fingers… Yet there are approximately 15000 children and young people living with some form of Arthritis in the UK alone. These conditions don't just cause a few aches and pains; they can be seriously debilitating, causing joint damage, pain and stiffness, fatigue, anaemia, nausea, fevers and in some cases systemic symptoms, such as rash and internal organ involvement. In short, they make a child or adolescent feel extremely unwell. And this isn't something that is easily treatable either. It would be lovely to think that a simple course of tablets would make it all go away, but most of the time these youngsters have to face the realisation that they will probably be dealing with their condition for the rest of their lives.
There are some lucky ones that grow out of their Arthritis and into remission; for a while I thought I was one of them. I was diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis at the age of 3, but by the age of 8 was back to being symptom free and leading an active childhood. Then at the age of 14 I was struck down again. Symptoms came on quickly, like a bulldozer knocking all youthful life and energy out of me. Not only was I in excruciating, body-wide pain that meant my parents couldn't even comfort me with hugs, I was too weak to climb the stairs and eventually to lift the duvet off myself, never mind get out of bed. And that's where I spent most of my time, sleeping; yet never able to shift the feeling of sheer exhaustion. Food stopped being a priority. I was constantly nauseous and if I did try and eat was usually sick, so I would sleep through mealtimes too.
Getting a diagnosis was hard. Even doctors didn't seem to recognise that it was possible to get Arthritis at such a young age. If we'd had a pound for every time we heard the term 'growing pains' we'd have been able to treat ourselves to a nice holiday! At that age you still have complete trust in the adults around you; if professionals tell you that it's growing pains, then they must be right. I started to wonder if I was doing something wrong, if it was all in my head or I was making a big deal out of nothing. Again and again they asked if I was happy at school, which I loved. Depression was mentioned a lot and I felt mortified. Surely, that must mean they did think it was all in my head! But it didn't make sense; yes, I felt fed up but wouldn't anybody be fed up with constant pain and fatigue? A couple of months earlier I'd been a happy, active teenager loving every minute of my life. However, convincing them of that was hard work.
I was eventually referred to a Rheumatologist – an adult one initially – and I remember sitting in the waiting room full of older people with wheelchairs and twisted finger joints, wondering if that was going to happen to me. Once they realised something really was wrong, I was referred to Manchester Children's Hospital. It took five months of hospital admissions and many, many tests, but eventually I was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis; five years later, at the age of 19, this was changed to Still's Disease (Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis). My family and I were relieved to have a diagnosis but scared as to what that meant for my future. I didn't fully understand the implications at that time. I thought it would be a case of treating it and making it go away for good so I could get on with my life. Nobody really prepared me for the fact that I would probably have to deal with it for the rest of my life.
I missed a whole year of school (a topic I'd like to cover in another post), but saw my friends from time to time. I talked to them about my symptoms and the medications but the word Arthritis was never mentioned. I wasn't ashamed exactly, but I was embarrassed. I knew that people would associate it with an old persons disease, didn't want them to see me differently to the person I'd been before.
Over the next few years I started college and met new people. I was still extremely poorly, both from the illness and from the high dose of Methotrexate I was taking. Most of the time I could barely walk because my knees were as big as footballs; I was having them drained and injected with cortisone every 4-6 weeks and spent every few weeks in hospital receiving infusions of Immunoglobulin. Yet somehow I managed to keep my illness under wraps and put on a front to the world; I didn't talk about my illness to anybody, it seemed easier to keep it to myself and carry on somehow. I often struggled in silence, but it must have seemed better than the alternative, to not being accepted for who I was. I guess I was just being your typical, image-conscious teenager. But even now, I don't know how I managed.
Eventually, I started to realise that I wasn't doing myself any favours in hiding my illness from the people around me. I would often have to refuse fun activities or cancel things with friends at the last minute and I wanted to explain why, so that I didn't just look like a lousy friend. Plus I was spending so much time in hospital, often quite seriously ill, that it was getting harder to hide! Not that I started shouting it from the rooftops, but I did at least start to confide in the few people that I trusted, a little bit at a time.
Still, even then there was one word that I avoided using – Arthritis.
When asked about my illness I would describe it as an auto-immune condition; that my own immune system was attacking my body – my organs and my joints too, hence the surgical scars. Sometimes I'd draw a comparison with Lupus, as a lot of people had heard of that but didn't all associate it with Arthritis. It was all the truth, but I was aware that I was doing everything I could to avoid admitting to Arthritis. Most of the time, I downplayed it as much as possible. I didn't want to be the sick or disabled one, because I have been disabled ever since that bulldozer came at the age of 14. Yet it's only very recently, in my late twenties, that I have been more honest with people as to the reality of my illness and accepted it myself. I always dealt with it well, but never really accepted it.
I tried to have as 'normal' a teenage life as possible – I went to college and university, I had jobs when I was well enough, went clubbing with friends and had boyfriends (issues I'd like to post about in their own right). It was difficult at times, I won't lie. My life has revolved around hospital appointments and admissions, blood tests, medication and so on. I always felt ten steps behind everyone else and much younger and less independent than a lot of my peers, plus of course I did have my physical limitations, which at times left me feeling frustrated and isolated. But I tried not to dwell on things too much and learnt to adapt, pacing myself, getting plenty of rest, planning activities to within an inch of my life and accepting that I needed help sometimes. It's a huge learning curve and takes time; I'm still having to adapt and readapt even now, as my Still's Disease loves to throw new symptoms and challenges my way every now and again.
I turned thirty this year and although my illness is proving particularly difficult to treat and I'm going through a rough time, I am happy with my life and with who I am. I have my low moments, but I think that's only natural. Sometimes, I do look back and feel sad that so much of my younger life was spent in hospital, going through some atrocious things and of course I often wonder where my life would have taken me if I hadn't become ill at 14. But I know I could drive myself mad thinking that way; we can't change the hand life deals us, we just have to make the most of it. Besides, I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't been through all that I had.
I also consider myself very lucky to have been diagnosed when I was. I was one of the last in the era when only the oldschool drugs were available; when it was likely that having Arthritis as an adolescent would leave you with multiple deformities and joint replacements before adulthood. Then suddenly, along came the biologic drugs and changed all that, meaning it is now much easier to prevent joint (and organ) damage before it occurs. There are more and more drugs being developed all time and with the help of places like Arthritis Research UK's new Adolescent Rheumatology Centre, there will be more research into how these can benefit younger patients sooner, as well as into the long term consequences of having the disease at such a young age.
All of which will hopefully help Rheumatologists get onto the successful treatment of Juvenile Arthritises faster than ever and hopefully lessen the impact these diseases have on our lives in the long term.
And who knows, maybe one day we'll even find a cure 🙂
Wishing you all well,
Ps. Please return for my second post on Adolescent Arthritis, 'Family and Friendships'.
The Arthritis Research Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology
New Research Hope For Teenagers With Arthritis (Press Release)
Growing Up With Arthritis: Stories From Young People With Arthritis


text:
How It Works
Complete Introduction
Instructional Videos
Student Videos
Student Testimonials
Parents & Teachers
Parent Testimonials
Teacher Testimonials
Complete Reading Flash Cards
Music Reading Primer
Sight Reading for Strings
Advanced Reading Rhythms
Advanced Reading Etudes
Music Theory Workbook
Easy Steps to Music Reading Handbook & DVD for Parents and Teachers
Easy Steps to Music Reading DVD ONLY (Student Demos)
Scale Trail Challenge
Simply Sublime CD
WinterCrest® All Natural Healing Balm—Magic Stuff™
About the ILTRM Method
The Author
Contact Us
Student Videos
Student Testimonials
ILTRM Store
Your cart is empty
Visit The Shop
Recent Posts
Willey Family Strings classical music CD.
Student Video: Sight Reading for Strings
Student Video: Advanced Reading Rhythms
Student Video: Key Signatures (Flash Cards)
Student Video: Note Intervals (Flash Cards)
Recent Comments
Just FINALLY ordered your Family CD - love the daisies - my favorite flower - on the cover. Hope to...
Please email me when the book of Advanced Rhythm comes out.Thank you.
I really am impressed with your books and teaching methods. I have been using Ebaru Publishing books exclusively to teach...
Glad you like them. We hope to have that Rhythm book published this summer.
I really do LOVE these books. When is the Rhythm book coming out?
Thanks so much for your comments! We've added your thoughts to our teachers page.
Anyone can learn to read music exceptionally well with this method! I have seen it work miracles! This program is...
Stay Connected:
How It Works
Parents & Teachers


text:
So it's that time again. A console generation comes to an end and everything starts at zero. But this time seems to be different and I will tell you why.
Let's start with Nintendo. Trying to recreate the Wii's success with the WiiU somehow failed ...but why exactly?
To wrap it up in one sentence - core gamers can't be fooled twice and casual gamers are still happy (or had enough) with their WiiSports & WiiFit. But that's just half of the truth.
Of course there's the big Nintendo-only audience who primarily cares about Mario and Zelda and buys Nintendo consoles for that, and only that reason, but - is it really worth getting a console for 1 or 2 games per year? It's each to their own I guess.
What's left is the JRPG audience who's probably hoping that the WiiU will host worthy sequels to most of this gen's best JRPG's. Dragon Quest, Monster Hunter, Fire Emblem, Xenoblade Chronicles, just to name a few. There's definately a lot of potential here but will it be enough to make Nintendo relevant in the next generation?
Personally, I don't think it will. The low hardware specs combined with the missing impact the WiiU iniatlly made due to lack of launch titles will prevent the console from reaching the heights of it's predecessor. But that are just my thoughts based on the current situation, who knows what Nintendo has left in store, especially for this years E3 - the first E3 since the WiiU's launch and an important one for the WiiU's future.
Then there's Microsoft. Taking a first step into the japanese dominated video game industry with the first Xbox was a success - even though not much of a commercial one. Competing with the PS2 was impossible at that time, but much more important than that was the foundation it build for its successor - the Xbox 360.
Instead of focussing on substantial hardware upgrades, Microsoft set it's priorities in the software department - mainly building and expanding it's online network Xbox Live to great success.
In fact, this network was so well designed that gamers didn't bother paying for it. Xbox Live took gaming with friends to a whole new level, lowering the barrier of entry to online gaming to a minimum while maintaining the uncomplicated gaming experience with friends that you know from local multiplayer games.
But of course, it wasn't all sunshine and roses. The console started with some high quality IP's but throughout the years, those IP's either lost it's exclusivity or dropped in quality, Mass Effect or Fable being good examples. Halo and Gears Of War delivered as always, Kinect on the other hand turned out to be rather a gimmick than a revolutionary feature. What was left, was a console that stood out because of it's online experience - while charging for features that should be free on a ~300$ console.
So what about the next Xbox? All kinds of rumors are floating around the internet right now - most of them not overly positive. From requiring a constant online/Kinect connection to blocking used games - even if all of them turn out to be false, what in my opinion will happen, they're all bad publicity that makes former Xbox gamers look for alternatives right now. And until Microsoft can prove them wrong (probably at this years E3), those gamers could've already made a decision - because the lately announced PS4 comes with almost all the features the Xbox360 had - and even more.
Which brings us to Sony. Dominating the console market with the PS2 but struggling to keep up that pace with the PS3 has different reasons. One definately being to costly at launch while simultaneously not bringing enough good purchasing reasons in the form of high quality launch titles. Another surely being the fact, that especially multiplatform developers struggled in handling the PS3's cell processor which resulted in a lot of technically inferior games. The late launch could also be blamed for the PS3's initial failure. At that time, most gamers probably already got either the Wii or the Xbox360.
But with time, developers learned to use the PS3's architecture to their advantage and showed the gaming community, what the PS3 is capable of. Especially Sony-exclusive developers like Naughty Dog or Sony Santa Monica constantly outdone each other with each game and showed, how important it is for a console to have strong first party support.
But even Sony realized, that the times when great exclusives were enough to win the console war were over. And so, Playstation Plus got introduced. Costing the same amount that gamers need to pay for a yearly Xbox Live subscription, Playstation Plus not only brought discounts for all sorts of games and DLC's - it also featured an adequate supply of free games to download and exclusive early access to all sorts of content including betas.
So what's left is a company and a console that somehow managed to take the throne back this generation by having the most consistent supply of exclusive games quantity and quality wise, a free online gaming experience with the possibility to expand it even more by paying for a service that clearly outweighs it's costs, and by being the only console able to playback BluRay-discs making a separate BluRay player needless.
So how did Sony win the next gen system war already?
Simply by showing the world that the PS4 is basically just more of the same, only better. Not only did big developers all around the gaming industry praise the PS4 for being much easier to develop games for - small, independant developers also reported that Sony now actively suppports them by giving them royalties up front so that they can fund their games. In return, Sony get's some form of exclusivity for that specific game.
And on top of that, social gaming will have a whole new meaning thanks to the new share button which could even turn out to be a big system seller. By sharing your best moments with all your friends on social networking sites, non-gamers could be persuaded into getting a PS4 for themselves. And of course, there's a cross game chat available this time which combined with the overhauled PSN (or is it now called SEN?) should please everyone who's in the need of a Xbox Live-like online environment.
So this was my first english blog post. The main idea behind it was to improve my language skills since this is not my first language and because of this, I'd really appreciate every feedback, but especially on my spelling and grammar! :)
pretty good, the only thing is that some of the words and sentence structure isn't on par but nevertheless, this is pretty good.
Won what? What did Nintendo win this gen since the Wii blew Microsoft and Sony out of the water? What will Microsoft win if they sell the most consoles next gen? Nothing at all!
I could critique a lot of this blog but it will serve no purpose. Its your opinion, and you have your right to it, plus................ your English writing skills are probably better than 95% of the users on this site.
Wishing you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
People were saying Microsoft won before the current gen started and look at how that turned out.
Trying to call winners before the next console generation has even started is really stupid.


text:
After Victoria's Secret's 'Swim 2013' collection catalogue debuted Thursday, the world was pleased to find out that South African, Candice Swanepoel adorned its cover in a cleavage revealing bandeau top which she really enjoyed wearing, People magazine reported.
"I love it — it's so sexy and gives me amazing cleavage," the cover model told People.
Swanepoel and the rest of the Victoria's Secret Angels were shot by photographer Russell James in the beaches of Miami and Turks and Caicos, where they also produced a series of videos called 'Angels & Artists' that will accompany the catalogue.
The first clip of the series, 'Bikinis & Bruno Mars' features the cover model and Doutzen Kroe having fun in the sun to the tune of Bruno Mars's "Locked Out of Heaven."
According to People, additional clips featuring the angels and music will be released throughout the swimsuit season.


text:
National Assessment of Vocational Education (NAVE)
Overview of Evaluation Plan
The recently amended (1998) Carl Perkins Vocational and Technology Education Act (Perkins III) directs the Secretary of Education to complete an "independent evaluation and assessment of vocational and technical education programs under this Act," and to appoint an independent advisory panel to advise the Department of Education on how to conduct this national assessment of vocational education (NAVE).
Vocational education is a field in transition, prompted by sweeping changes in state and local education priorities. Several key policy issues are likely to shape the course of vocational education, and therefore of the NAVE: (1) the small federal investment in vocational education relative to overall federal education spending, (2) the focus of education reforms on improving students' academic achievement, and (3) changes in accountability and funding provisions in Perkins III. Given the educational and political context in which Perkins III operates, as well as specific legislative changes recently enacted, the NAVE will be guided by several main questions:
What strategies improve the performance of "vocational students" and how does, or can, vocational education contribute to improving academic and occupational skills, access to postsecondary education, and earnings?
What are the pathways by which sub-baccalaureate students prepare for careers, and what is the contribution of workforce reform efforts to improving their training?
Is the policy shift from set-asides and legislative prescription to flexibility and accountability likely to improve program quality and student outcomes? How do special populations fare?
Figure 4
Research Strategies to Address
Addressing the primary vocational policy issues requires a set of interrelated but distinct studies. The overall research agenda calls for diverse data collection and analysis methods, including: qualitative case studies, national surveys, examination of existing databases, and econometric estimation. While some broad themes are relevant to both secondary and postsecondary vocational education, each also has its own key issues. Finally, given the timeline for implementing Perkins III, and the July 2002 date for reporting NAVE results to Congress, the studies conducted will reflect the very early efforts made in response to specific new provisions in Perkins III.


text:
The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has congratuled Ahmet Üzümcü, Director-General of the OPCW, who today was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.
OPCW, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize almost 100 years after the first chemical attacks and 50 days after the "appalling use of chemical weapons in Syria". "Far from being a relic of the past, chemical weapons remain a clear and present danger," Ban Ki-moon, said in a statement.
"The OPCW has greatly strengthened the rule of law in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. Thanks in large measure to its efforts, eighty per cent of the declared chemical weapons stockpiles have been destroyed. I strongly believe this success can inspire other parts of the global disarmament machinery to live up to the expectations of the international community," the UN Secretary-General said.
Later today the Security Council is expected to approve a first-of-its-kind OPCW-UN Joint Mission in Syria following the landmark work of the UN Chemical Weapons Investigation Mission.
Meanwhile the advance team from OPCW and the United Nations has made good progress, according to a statement from the UN, in verifying the information submitted by the Government of the Syria on its chemical weapons programme. At the end of the first ten days of operations on the ground the verification teams have inspected three sites and plans are underway for further site visits.
A second group of OPCW inspectors and more UN support staff have arrived in Damascus, bringing to about 60 the number people on the advance team.
As OPCW has received initial and supplementary information from Syria on its chemical weapons programme, the advance team is now in the process of verifying that information. It has also overseen the destruction by Syria of some of its munitions stockpile as well as some of its chemical weapons production equipment.
The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.
United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels)
Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155, Block C2,7th and 8th floor, Brussels 1040, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 788 8484 / Fax: 32 2 788 8485


text:
Sorry, there are currently no products matching your selection. You may want to remove some of the filters you have selected or shop similar products.
What could be more enjoyable than paying for high quality golf clubs and equipment at a low price? Pay even less for them! That's right, on our golf clearance page you'll find a wide selection of golf clubs and accessories at discounted prices. From Drivers, to complete iron sets, without forgetting fairway woods and wedges, we offer huge discount prices on golf clubs from the biggest brands on the market such as Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Cobra and more. If your golf bag is well stocked, but you need new outfits for the season, we also offer discounts on men's and women's golf apparel as well as the latest golf shoes from Nike, Puma, Adidas and Footjoy. For gadget and technology enthusiasts, we have a wide selection of GPS watches and rangefinders on clearance, in addition to many other golf accessories such as gloves, umbrellas and tees. Are you the kind of person who loses his golf balls in the woods or in the pond? At Golf Avenue we understand that frustration. That's why our new and used Callaway and Titleist golf balls are often discounted in order to reduce your expenses related to your passion for this wonderful sport. Furthermore, all these items are rotated on a monthly basis. For you, this means more variety and more bargains on all of our products. So come and visit us regularly to prevent missing out on these great golf clearance deals.
Show more
Show less


text:
For a subtly spiteful parting shot, 'Johnny Two Bands' sounds a lot like meeting old friends; hugs and handshakes and excitable, breathless storytelling. **Vincent Vincent & The Villains**' debut single for EMI has all the hallmarks of showboating London indie but moulds them into something that doesn't quite bring you to urging with suspicious familiarity. There's that bumbling bassline playing with rolling toms, a slew of handclaps and a chorus filled with jerky stabs of guitar. It's indie-pop-by-numbers, but unlike the output of many of Vincent's capital-dwelling ilk, it's actually fun. Following the vastly premature disbanding of Les Incompetents, it's pleasing to see the Villains carry on their sense of spirit and showmanship.
B-side 'Seven Inch Record' borrows a little more from the Art Brut school of self-referential bravado ("So run and tell your mother, it's a seven-inch record with the Villains on the cover!"). A vaguely throwaway number caught between a surf-rock bassline and a '50s pop-rock strum, it arses about for just over two minutes, perhaps more for their enjoyment than ours.
7Jesus Chigley's Score


text:
"A Dime"
A dime, a nickel, some few pennies,
Mementos gleaned from erudition in the arcade,
Treasured trinkets from the boardwalk and what is always made
In China of the Nimble-Fingered Children ever bored by destiny,
Abhorred and reproduced in millions; Luddite transformations
Transfix and fascinate in silence the quire of seekers of the moment,
Momentary movers of unimagined wealth and worth that foment
Profundity in shifts of circumspection. Quakes and admonitions
Break with all tradition to take care, to hold back, to withdraw a pace
To take a second look. How now laughter
At the child that chides the system: "After
English, learn Chinese, my son!" and so the race
Is on to turn the tawdry into excellence and circumstantial skill
That marries slavery and child abuse through cold dictation of the will.


text:
Tourism Essay
Tourism is undoubtedly the single largest industry in the world and contributes vast amounts of revenue into any given country. In New Zealand alone, tourism accounted for 10.2% of Gross Domestic Product in 1996 or in dollar terms $11.78 billion (Collier, 1999). In 1999, half a billion people traveled worldwide which indicates the huge scale of the tourism industry. And the speed of tourism growth is also outstanding - airplane numbers have increased thirty times since 1960 and in the last fifteen years the number has doubled. And the amount of international tourists is also increasing rapidly. In 1939 there were only one million tourists worldwide whereas in 1999 there were more than one million international tourists from New Zealand alone (Otago University Resource, 2001).
After understanding how large the tourism industry is and the speed it is growing at, it is necessary to then learn about the associated impacts from tourism. The impacts are divided into three categories: economic, socio-cultural and environmental and each impact can create either a positive or negative outcome. Obviously the most important impacts that need to be dealt with are the negative ones. Throughout this essay each different impact will be explained and an example provided. It will also indicate how important it is for a tourism manager to be aware of these impacts and how they could possibly minimise or eliminate any of these adverse effects.
After understanding how large the tourism industry is and the speed it is growing at, it is necessary to then learn about the associated impacts from tourism. The impacts are divided into three categories: economic, socio-cultural and environmental and each impact can create either a positive or negative outcome. Obviously the most important impacts that need to be dealt with are the negative ones. Throughout this essay each different impact will be explained and an example provided. It will also indicate how important it is for a tourism manager to be aware of these impacts and how they could possibly minimise or eliminate any of these adverse effects.
Our Service Can Write a Custom Essay on Tourism for You!
Socio-cultural impacts are concerned with the effects tourism has on host communities and the residents. Travelers can have either a positive or negative impact on a host community but in this particular example the negative socio-cultural impacts on Queenstown will be examined.
Queenstown is a vastly growing, popular tourist destination in the Southern Island of New Zealand. Labeled as the 'Adventure Capital of the World,' attractions range from jet boating to snowboarding to parapenting hiking. Although one may assume the city is reaping the economic benefits from tourism, it is also suffering from negative socio cultural impacts. Tourists from Europe, the United States, Scandinavia, Australia and Asia outnumber the 9,000 residents two to one (Sunday Star Times, 2000). Due to the high tourist to resident ratio it is inevitable that residents are feeling the disruption in their everyday lives. Locals are feeling as though their town has been taken over by tourists. A specific example of this 'take over' is the congestion caused by tourists in Queenstown. Suppose a Queenstown resident wants to make a trip into town to do some shopping. Extra caution must be taken when driving into town due to the number of vehicles on the road. Also a lot of the drivers are foreign and unfamiliar to New Zealand's road rules which adds to the danger. Getting around Queenstown can take a lot longer due to vehicles like buses and campervans slowing down the traffic and since there are limited passing lanes driving can be quite frustrating for residents. Once the resident gets to town they find the streets crowded with tourists and queues at the counters. Prices on necessity goods have been inflated and some locals probably would not even consider buying luxury goods in Queenstown due to the augmented 'tourist' prices (Sunday Star Times, 2000). Signs on the windows of shops are starting to appear in foreign languages, typically Japanese. Even some of the shops are owned and operated by foreigners and the shop assistants cannot speak fluent English.
This example of a Queenstown resident's trip to the shops highlights the gradual disruption of a local community and culture. Therefore it is necessary for Queenstown tourism mangers to become aware of these negative socio cultural impacts and do something to either minimise or eliminate the effects. All of the tourist attractions are going to be more successful if they get full support from the residents.
There are various tools tourism managers could use to help manage these socio cultural impacts. The first step is to assess the carrying capacity of the city. There are only so many beds in Queenstown that can accommodate visitors. In terms of an accommodation carrying capacity, the figure could be worked out by surveying how many beds there are at every form of accommodation in the region.
The second step would be to look at how many tourists are visiting the Queenstown district and see how essential it is to create more accommodation or attractions. One must remember that the authenticity of a destination can be ruined if it is overdeveloped. By visiting Queenstown right now it is possible to see how much of a mess the town is in due to tourism development.
In order to reduce the congestion on the roads there are two steps that could be taken. Firstly a heavy traffic by-pass could be created to stop people travelling through town centres unnecessarily. The second solution would be to create more passing lanes where possible to keep the traffic flowing smoothly.
And finally the last tool that could be used to help the host community is by actually involving them in tourism planning and development. If tourism managers respect and listen to the resident's opinions it may help reduce future negative impacts. After all without the locals there would be no 'kiwi' culture in the town and there would be no one to help operate the tourist attractions.
The most arguable aspect of tourism today is the impact it has on the environment, with most comments suggesting that it does more harm than good. Environmental impacts are concerned with the disruption and destruction of floral and faunal species, pollution, litter, erosion and any changes to the natural and built environments of a community due to tourism activity.
In Australia there are many natural environments that are under threat due to large numbers of tourists visiting them. The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is a prime example of a natural environment being ruined by tourism. Coral reefs are delicate, vulnerable ecosystems that live and grow below sea level. The Great Barrier Reef has been under sustained attack from development, tourism and natural factors. It is slowly eroding due to human activity, such as boats and anchors hitting it and thousands of snorkellers and scuba divers breaking off huge chunks for jewelry and souvenirs (Anderton, 1995). Considering the vast amounts of tourists who visit the reef every year, there is possible risk that parts of the reef could be completely destroyed if the impacts are not managed properly.
And it is not just the destruction of the idyllic reef settings at risk but also the extensive range of wildlife living in the reef. Tourism is causing disruption to breeding habitats, changes in vegetation and extinction of species due to water pollution (Anderton, 1995). And if tourism in the reef continues to escalate and no restrictions are enforced, then there is a possibility that there will be no beautiful coral or fish to see in the near future. One can now understand how important environmental impacts are and why responsible tourism managers should be aware.
The approach a tourism manager should take to fixing or minimsing any negative impacts is a 'Sustainable Approach.' From a 1987 report 'Our Common Future,' sustainable development was defined as "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." There are four possible solutions to managing the latter environmental impacts.
The first solution is to place a limit on the amount of tourism operators in the Great Barrier Reef region. If there are too many tourism operators at the reef, it is creating overcrowding and pressure on the reef. Also having a limitation of visitors on each vessel would reduce the pressure. Operations like snorkeling and scuba diving should have to be registered and undergo specific training programmes that educate people on reef protection.
Legislation should be introduced reflecting the collection of coral souvenirs. It should become illegal to break off pieces of coral from the reef. Since visitor numbers are relatively high one can imagine there would be no coral left if every visitor took home a chunk.
The third solution would be to build or create specific reef viewing areas. It would be like land zoning and therefore some areas would be 'out of bounds.' This would help protect certain endangered areas and allow for future generation's use.
Finally education is an important and effective management tool. Education could be included in tourist activity pamphlets, distributed through travel agents and information centres, to illustrate how important it is to care for the reef.
Tourists then have a chance to understand the appropriate behaviour expected by the operators before arriving to the activity. The expected behaviour would then be repeated verbally upon arrival to the activity to signify the importance of protecting the reef. Glen Burns is an employee of a Great Barrier Reef scuba diving operation and he believes that educating tourists is very successful. On a recent television programme 'Assignment: The Tourism Trap' he said: "Once people become aware of the fact that these corals are living animals, living organisms and that by standing on them they will crush and kill them, then you'd be amazed. People really do want to look after (the Great Barrier Reef); they don't want to do any damage. They want to see it stay (pristine) and they will do their utmost to make sure it stays that way (Assignment, 2001)." The quote simply excentuates how effective education is for minimising environmental impacts.
The last example is about the economic impacts caused by tourism. Typically concerned with the monetary costs and benefits created by tourism development and operation, people generally associate high revenue to popular tourist attractions. And one can understand their opinions since tourism contributes greatly to New Zealand's Gross Domestic Product, Foreign Exchange earnings and it also supports a significant number of jobs (Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, 1997). But in the following example the issues of sustainability and weather reliance will illustrate just how tourism attractions can suffer economically.
In late 2000 Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (also the owner of Whakapapa skifield) bought Turoa Ski Resort due to Turoa's poor financial status. Turoa ended up in receivership early last year, resulting from poor snowfalls and the issue of seasonality. A ski resort is typically a winter-orientated operation and a season can be as short as three months. So with huge set-up and operational costs and the addition of hiring and training mainly seasonal staff, it can be seen that it is a pricey attraction to run. For any tourism operator receivership would undoubtedly be the worst economic impact of tourism.
The first problem Turoa Ski Resort faced was the issue of seasonality, which contributed to the negative economic impacts. The mountain would be packed in the winter season but as soon as the winter season ended the tourists would disappear. Even though the resort is open during summer for sightseeing, the visitor numbers are significantly low (Turoa Staff Handguide, 2000).
In order to even out the seasonal peaks and troughs it is necessary for the tourism managers to work out ways to attract more people in the off peak season. Offering reduced chairlift rates might attract more tourists and the resort could work in conjunction with local accommodation outlets to provide cheap packages. Advertising may need to be increased, as people may be unaware of the summer activities at the resort. Maybe the option of complete closure over the summer could be the most feasible solution.
The second problem that caused negative economic impacts on Turoa was the reliance on weather. Unfortunately for the last five years there has been a series of poor snowfalls. The lack of snow resulted in many closed days and with the addition of the 1995 volcanic eruption Turoa suffered financially - big time.
The first important prerequisite to buying a ski resort would be to have experience in how the resort operates or to have done substantial background research. Since the weather determines greatly how many visitors the resort receives, tourism managers should be aware of ways to cope with bad seasons.
A new idea bought in by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (now known as Mt Ruapehu) this year is an 'Activity Pass.' International tourists purchase an Activity Pass that entitles them to a day skiing or if the weather is poor they can transfer it to money value at selected tourist attractions within the region (for example 4WD motorbiking). It is a great of retaining prospective customers until the weather clears.
Since the main economic problem in operating a ski resort is the possibility of financial hardship, the most effective management tool would be to have excellent accounting skills. If managers know where the money is being spent and areas where it could be saved they find themselves financially stable. This also included selecting the right employees and making sure they are being as productive as possible.
Having looked at three examples of socio-cultural, environmental and economic impacts of tourism, the message is clear - in order to continue to operate and develop tourist attractions tourism managers must have huge interest in all of the impacts, essentially the negative effects. If tourism managers do not make an effort to even consider these tourism impacts, it is possible that their individual businesses could in the future suffer. And these managers must also understand that not one impact is more important than the others are. In order for a tourism manager to be considered a 'responsible' manager these tourism impacts must be dealt with, otherwise there could be some serious outcomes, potentially jeopardising their businesses.
ATTENTION!!! HotEssays.blogspot.com provides free sample essays and essay examples on any topics and subjects. EssayLib.com essay writing service produces 100% custom essays, term papers & research papers, written by quality essay writers only. The prices start from $10 per page. You can order a custom essay on Tourism now!


text:
Pedestrianisation Programs and Its Impacts on the Willingness to Increase Walking Distance in Indonesian Cities. The case of Bandung City and Bogor City, Indonesia
In The 23rd International Conference of Hongkong Society for Transportation Studies
Recently, several cities in Indonesia have begun implementing pedestrianisation program that hold promise to encourage non-motorized transport (NMT) in rapidly motorizing cities and provide citizens with safer, cleaner, and more visually appealing walking environments. However, successful implementation of these programs depends on whether they...


text:
The bookshop-gift shop at the Petit Palais, located at the exit of the permanent collections, offers the discerning public, visitors, connoisseurs and browsers a place to peruse informative books or to treat themselves to something special.
The stock is in keeping with the spirit of the building – a palace which has become a museum. There are reference books on French art circa 1900 covering architecture and areas of the plastic arts encompassed by the museum collections. The other highlights of the collections (the 1900s, the 19th and 18th centuries, 17th century painting, the Renaissance and Middle Ages, icons and Greco-Roman antiquities) are represented by a selection of standard works.
Pride of place is given to works specific to the Petit Palais collections (icons, the decorative arts, etc.). There are also publications from City of Paris museums.
The objects selected for the gift shop pay tribute to the heritage of the museum seen afresh through the eyes of contemporary artists (jewellery, tableware and items for the home) – little objects which bring a touch of beauty to everyday life.
Major exhibitions provide an opportunity to make a wider selection of books available on the cultures or eras on display to visitors.


text:
- Home /
- Benjamin Discovery & High Pressure Pump (.22)
- Details
Dual Fuel Compressed Air / CO2 Air Rifle Trouble-free, highly accurate. Once it is filled, there is no pumping and no worry about the outdoor temperature. Just shoot until the gun needs to be refilled. The Discovery's 2000 psi fill level means almost anyone old enough to shoot this rifle will also be able to fill it from the hand pump that comes in the package.
Dual Fuel - An inexpensive Dual Fuel Fill Adapter (not included) converts this rifle from compressed air to CO2 operation which makes it easy to fill from a standard paintball tank, offering more shots from a single fill. CO2 is excellent for indoor use or for outdoor casual plinking.NOT A TOY. THIS AIRGUN IS RECOMMENDED FOR ADULT USE ONLY. MISUSE OR CARELESS USE MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. BE CAREFUL, SHOOT SAFELY.THIS PRODUCT CAN EXPOSE YOU TO CHEMICALS INCLUDING LEAD, WHICH IS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER AND BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.P65WARNINGS.CA.GOV
- Technical Specs
SKU BP9M22GP Caliber .22 Powerplant PCP Lead Pellet Velocity Up to 900 fps Alloy Pellet Velocity Up to 1000 fps Steel BB Velocity No Action Bolt Action Length No Product Weight 5.20 lbs Air Reservoir No Barrel Material Steel Rifled Barrel No Barrel Type Rifled Buttpad Polymer Camo Pattern No Checkering No Cocking Effort No FPE $25.70 Foot Pounds of Energy (FPE) No Joules No Front Sight Fiber Optic Rear Sight Adjustable Material Hardwood Magazine N/A Mounting Rail Dovetail Noise Suppression No Trigger Single Stage Stock Style Standard Included Optics No Sling Mounts Included No Sling Mount Type No Stock Material Hardwood Safety Crossbolt Rings included? No
- Downloads
Product Attachments
- Accessories
Suggested Activities
- Predator Hunting
- Varmint Hunting
- Pest Control
- Small Game Hunting
- Target Shooting
- Competition
You Might Also Like...
You may also be interested in the following product(s)
Crosman Shooting Glasses$4.99
Crosman Hollow Point Pellet (.22)$10.99
Benjamin Scuba DIN Adaptor$135.00
Benjamin CO2 Fill Adaptor$47.59
Crosman Silicone Chamber Oil$9.99
Official Targets$1.60


text:
About this download
This program will update Media Gallery Update version 22.214.171.12440 and the following features are added:
- Smile function
- Genre Browser function
- Lavel Browser function
- Folder Browser funceion
- Search function
- Renewed Player Layout
Available Dowloads:
Media Gallery Update version 220.127.116.1140
File name: EP0000219038.exe
File size: 454 MB (476,837,888 bytes)
File Info
File Name
- To install Media Gallery Update version 126.96.36.19940
File Version
- 188.8.131.5240
File Size
Release Date
- 2010-04-05
System Requirements
- Windows 7 64bit
1. Download the file to a temporary or download directory (Please note this directory for reference later).
2. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click EP0000219038.exe.
3. Follow the instructions displayed in the installation wizard.
4. After installation is completed, please restart the computer
To check if installation is successful:
1. Go to C:\ProgramFiles\Sony\Media Gallery\Version.txt Version: 184.108.40.20640


text:
The following post is an email from Domingo T. Ligot:
Not too long ago Jessica Soho had Bongbong Marcos on a one-on-one interview on live television and, as may be expected, Jessica asked Bongbong what his take was about the past regime of his father qualifying it as one of the blackest (pardon the paraphrase) in this nation's history. Bongbong did not respond immediately and appeared at a loss prompting Jessica to follow up to ask "mahirap bang sagutin ang aking tanong?" This time Bongbong replied "hindi, pero matagal ng pinagusapan and tunkol sa regimen ng aking ama at lahat ng maaring sabihin tungkol dyan ay nasabi na" now, what then?
Indeed, really, what then? I lived through the martial law years of Marcos and even before that, I voted for him for his first term. Certainly there were scandalous episodes then (as in all succeeding regimes) among which I vividly recall is an alleged affair of Marcos with a foreigner (American I think) actress named Dovie Beams. The affair with very sordid details was written about in a Playboy Magazine purportedly based on the confession of Dovie Beams and it was a sensational smash at that time especially because Imelda reportedly threatened Marcos with ending their union unless he stopped this nonsense. I recall that Martial Law was declared during the final years of Marcos' second term and, as Teddy Boy Locsin admits in his TV journal in "The World Tonight", Marcos was twice elected in a democratic process and should be treated as such. There were many incidents happening in Manila prior to the declaration of Martial Law and in hindsight many would claim, rightly or wrongly depending on whose side one was on, that all of these were merely contrived and stage managed to justify the declaration. In the years before the war in Europe Germany reportedly went on a sustained media blitz warning the Germans and the rest of Europe that France was gearing up to invade Germany so that when war finally broke it was more a sigh of relief among many Germans that the war that they have been anxiously anticipating finally came. Historians report that it was Germany all along that wanted the war and the media campaign was really just a mind conditioning ploy to gain the people's support for Germany's plan to crush France and Russia first on its way to conquer the whole of Europe. Media was a tool then of the powerful as it has always been, even more so now. But during the time of Marcos the owners of most of media were his enemies so that among the first things that Marcos did after establishing Martial Law was to close down all media until new ones sympathetic to his regime started sprouting and were allowed to flourish. Opposition media however continued underground.
Historian Louis Paul Benezet in his book "The World War and What was Behind It" wrote "Someone has said that no people are happier than those living in a despotism, if the right kind of man is the despot". He was referring to one Otto Eduard Leopold Von Bismarck-Schonausen or more popularly known simply as Bismarck. His one object was a united Germany, which should be the strongest nation in Europe. He organized the German army and equipped it with every modern weapon anxious to use it to accomplish his purpose to conquer all of Europe. The historian noted how "marvelous to see how near he came to carrying through his whole plan".
The first years of Martial Law I remember were very positive. There was discipline among the people I noticed that people begun lining up to board jeepneys and buses and most importantly the economy markedly improved and boomed. I remember that I was at one time a scholar in The Hague, Netherlands under the sponsorship of the UN for students from developing countries during those years and my colleagues were all praising Marcos and the progress of the Philippines under his Martial Law regime. But as the saying goes: "power corrupts and absolute…" you know how it ends, and perhaps like Bismarck in Germany, Marcos despite his lofty intentions (I will grant him this) was destined to deteriorate in power as well as his health sooner than the time line required for his plans to succeed. That is over now and I agree with Bongbong that talking about it still will serve no useful purpose. As he said "What then!"
It will serve us better to look into our present and talk about where we should be heading. Accusations fly thick and plenty that P-noy is showing signs of authoritarianism and some even say that he is even worse than Marcos. Surely, with Sec. De Lima defying a TRO of the Supreme Court and we can rightfully assume that this is with P-noy's blessing or upon his direct orders even, indeed there are signs that this regime is headed towards a despotic regime.
Any lawyer will tell you that a court order must be obeyed more so if it is the highest court that orders it, subject only to well defined exceptions under the constitution. This is another case where all that needs to be said has already been said so lets leave this to the courts to finally decide. As lawyers would say the matter is now "subjudice".
My take on whats happening however is, granting that P-noy is intending (this must be intentional no less) to rule the country as a despot and will not tolerate political opposition of whatever color, he must look at it as an opportunity to progress the country. At the end he will either be loved or despised depending on what happens to us. As the historian said "no people are happier than those living in a despotism, if the right man is the despot."
Domingo is a retired lawyer from the Philippines. He has worked in various capacities as a lawyer in both the private sector and Philippine government.


text:
It's spring here in the middle of nowhere but we're already getting deliveries of firewood for next winter. So far I've stacked three. Two more to go.
I don't even want to guess at how many pieces of wood I've moved. All I know is that I've chosen, lifted, fitted and stacked enough chunks to give me a little bit of insight into the fine art of firewood stacking.
Turns out that stacking firewood gives the wood stacker a lot of time to think.
Some random thoughts that may come in handy in the event you're faced with a pile of split logs that's higher and heavier than the vehicle you drive...
First impression is that this stack of wood is bigger than you are, that there's no way in the world you'll ever be able to move it yourself. Relax. It is bigger than you are. And there is a way for you to move it all.
At this point you may want to give up. Don't. A lot of things in life are intimidating when first viewed. That doesn't mean you should throw your hands up and walk away.
As with so many other things, the secret to successful woodstacking is to simply begin stacking. The only way to guarantee you'll fail at something is to not tackle the job. Start stacking. Before you know it, you'll see progress.
By now your body may begin to protest. You may want to give up. Don't. Challenge yourself. You're stronger than you think.
No two pieces of firewood are exactly alike. They're all different. Don't assume that because they're all split logs they're identical. They're not. Appreciate the similarities, certainly. But cultivate insight, and you'll soon see each part of the whole has its own uniqueness.
You might be tired of picking up wood by now. You may not give a rip about similarities and differences. You may want to give up. Don't. You've invested too much to let the job get the best of you. Find the courage to continue to your goal. You'll be happy you did.
Eventually the stack will look like this. There will be bits and pieces scattered about that you might be tempted to rake up and toss away. Don't do it. Not yet. There may be something in the leftovers that may prove useful. And even if there isn't, you deserve to sit back and smile at the spot for a while.
As you wipe your brow and arch your aching back, you might want to vow never to stack firewood again. Don't. Just because the task was tough, pushed you to your limits and made you dig in your heels doesn't mean you should never attempt it again.
The aches and pains, and the bruises where you were hit by sliding chunks? They're badges of honor, a testament to your inner strength.
Life isn't always easy. Often you'll break a nail or crush a toe. That doesn't mean you should turn away from a challenge.