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As the world moves increasingly into the digital age, technology-driven solutions continue to threaten the traditional way things are done, and the world of investment management is no exception, as numerous "robo-advisors" have cropped up in recent years with an aim to threaten and disrupt financial advisors. Yet the reality, at least so far, is that virtually all of the offerings are narrowly constrained to just portfolio solutions—where the world of mathematics and algorithms work well—with little capability of addressing the rest of an individual's financial picture.
But perhaps the biggest caveat of robo-advisor-driven solutions is that for many consumers, the real issue is not a cost-efficient portfolio solution, but managing the self-inflicted "behavior gap" where many investors, as a result of their own greed and fear, achieve inferior results. It's not clear that robo-advisors will have any solution to these behaviorally driven problems; just as a website that says "eat less and exercise more" doesn't solve the country's obesity problem (because it's a behavioral problem, not an information problem), it's not clear that robo-advisors and their portfolio construction recommendations will fare much better by providing information solutions for what are ultimately investors' behavioral challenges. Furthermore, at this point it's only the human advisors that address the entire set of comprehensive financial planning goals for clients.
Nonetheless, the reality is that a purely human solution isn't always better, either; many of the things advisors do can in fact be implemented far more efficiently with technology, and overall it's important to acknowledge that there are some things that humans do better but some things that really are done better by computers. Which means in the end, the real winner may not be the robo-advisors, nor the human advisors, but the technology-augmented humans—the cyborg advisors—who blend human and technology together into an optimal financial advice solution for consumers.
The Rise of the Robo-Advisor
One major theme of recent years has been the rise of the so-called "robo-advisor," which can be defined as online computer platforms that provide financial advice directly to consumers, mathematically analyzing the client situation to come up with portfolio recommendations. These companies, like Betterment and Wealthfront, claim the promise of less expensive and more accessible financial advice for the mass of consumers by cutting out the cost of the advisor.
Using the tools of modern portfolio theory, the robo-advisors have built algorithms to construct optimized efficient-frontier portfolios for their investors (assuming, of course, that you still trust purely quant-algorithm-based portfolio construction in the aftermath of the financial crisis!). Added on top of this portfolio construction advice are some additional value-adds that are conducive to technology scaling (and algorithmic analysis), such as effective asset location (at least if you have multiple types of accounts with the platform), automated rebalancing and ongoing tax loss harvesting. Each of these features has been shown in separate industry research to potentially bring significant value to the table (although in many client situations, blindly implementing tax loss harvesting without an awareness of client circumstances can actually result in wealth destruction, not wealth enhancement).
On the other hand, while they do leverage technology for some significant value-adds, at this point the algorithm-driven platforms are generally constrained to only analyzing investment portfolios. To date, no robo-advisors have implemented any algorithms to analyze a client's estate plan and help them understand how to best protect, manage and distribute money to their heirs. Nor do any robo-advisors evaluate a tax return, or show clients what risks they are exposed to that need to be insured (and how much to insure them for), or coordinate retirement withdrawals with prudent tax planning and when to begin Social Security benefits, etc.
In other words, robo-advisors at this point are little more than robo-investment-advisors; they do not compete with comprehensive financial planning, which remains a significant differentiator from commoditized passive strategic portfolio management.
Human Advisors Serving Human Clients
Notwithstanding the lack of comprehensive financial advice, the most significant fundamental problem with a robo-advisor-driven solution is that it assumes our problems are problems of information; if only we had more knowledge, and better tools, we could all achieve financial success. Therefore, as the business pitch goes, the robo-advisors will use technology to scale the solutions for this information problem, bringing quality portfolio solutions to the middle class.
The caveat, though, is that most of our problems are not really problems of information. Having a website that constructs for all Americans a well-balanced portfolio and tells them to save more and spend less won't solve our country's financial woes, any more than having a website that constructs for them a well-balanced diet and tells them to eat less and exercise more would solve our country's obesity crisis.
The problem is not one of information, knowledge and technology-scaled execution. The problem is behavioral.
In the second part of this blog series, I'll discuss specifically what this cyborg will look like.


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- Two new Color Smart printers expand Dell's line of reliable, easy-to-manage and secure smart printers
- Efficiency, security, customization and add-ons address the needs of medium to large enterprises and government agencies
- Printer fleet setup, management and monitoring made easy through Dell's new OpenManage Printer Essentials technology
ROUND ROCK, Texas — (BUSINESS WIRE) — November 8, 2016 — Dell announced two new Color Smart printers—the S3840cdn and S3845cdn—designed to work with Dell's new OpenManage Printer Essentials (OMPE) technology for fast setup and efficient fleet monitoring.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161108005361/en/
Enhanced control features: IT managers can have a higher level of control of their printer fleet, including limiting and controlling color and mono printing, tracking the number of pages printed/copied/faxed, monitoring data usage, and enabling guest printing (via an optional wireless adapter). (Photo: Business Wire)
"Today's digital workplace demands are such that companies need solutions that are fast, easy to use and enable productivity, and our new printers and software are designed to do just that," said George Toh, vice president, Dell Imaging. "At Dell, we are always listening to our customers, which is why we're so excited to offer both our latest Color Smart Printers and our innovative new solution of OpenManage Printer Essentials."
The S3840cdn is a color, single-function laser printer, and the S3845cdn is a color, multifunction laser printer that allows users to copy, scan and fax quickly, all within one device.
Both models were made to meet the needs of medium to large businesses with heavy-duty use, such as banking institutions, schools and government offices. Dell's new Color Smart printers are designed to drive workplace efficiency while being easy to use, quick, reliable and secure.
Easy to use and reliable performance
Both printers come with an adjustable five-inch capacitive touch screen control panel that tilts for easy viewing. Users can print up-to-date documents and forms in Microsoft SharePoint On-Premisefolders with direct access from the printer for efficient printing and sharing or print wirelessly via an optional wireless adapter. A variety of sizes and weights of paper are supported, meaning one model can fit a wide range of needs within a single business. Both printers are able to deliver native 1200x1200 dpi print resolution for consistently high quality graphics and crisp text. The Dell S3845cdn is able to scan documents quickly and effortlessly with the single-pass, dual-head Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (DADF).
Efficient in terms of time, space and energy saved
Dell's OMPE is an innovative print management solution that significantly decreases fleet setup time and allows quick and easy fleet management. Software installation and download time is reduced by up to 60 percent and printer discovery is up to eight times faster than Dell's previous print management solution. OMPE now saves hard drive space with a smaller software package, and copy configuration allows IT managers to clone printer settings across fleets for simple setup.
Both Color Smart printers meet the latest regulatory and environmental standards, including ENERGY STAR qualification, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance and EPEAT Silver registration.
Convenient fleet setup and management
Dell's OMPE makes managing fleets easy and efficient, without sacrificing stability. One centralized, easy-to-use dashboard gives real-time print job and error information, the ability to generate intuitive custom reports and easy ticket integration with innovative service desk platforms. Reports and alerts can be scheduled to be generated on a regular basis and sent via email, ensuring that IT managers are always kept updated on important print fleet information. Proactive management tools keep firmware up-to-date, track and predict toner depletion and automatically send notifications regarding warranty expirations. IT managers can view, change settings, and control printers remotely from a PC using the new easy-to-use, web-design Embedded Web Service (EWS) interface. EWS also helps IT to clone the printer settings of one device to multiple devices within an organization, saving time and effort.
Proactive security features
Both of the new Color Smart printers come with built-in Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for data encryption and greater security. Proactive firmware updates keep fleets up-to-date automatically. Secure print release requiring a four-digit PIN, Embedded Web Server access control, local and remote user authentication, and physical security features, like lock slots for input trays, are all available for a full suite of customizable security options.
Both printers and OpenManage Printer Essentials are available now on Dell.com. The Dell Color Smart Printer (S3840cdn) retails for USD $599 and the Dell Color Smart Multifunction Printer (S3845dn) retails for USD $999. Prices listed include Dell's 1-Year Limited Hardware Warranty* as well as 1-Year Next Business Day Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis*. Stay covered longer with optional extended 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-year Limited Hardware Warranty*. Dedicated support 24/7 is available with optional Dell ProSupport™ service options, including specialized technical support and expert on-site diagnosis.
* Limited Hardware Warranty available by writing Dell USA LP, Attn: Warranties, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682 or see dell.com/warranty.
*Onsite Service after Remote Diagnosis is determination by online/phone technician of cause of issue; may involve customer access to inside of system and multiple or extended sessions. If issue is covered by Limited Hardware Warranty and not resolved remotely, technician and/or part will be dispatched, usually in 1 or 2 business days following completion of Remote Diagnosis. Onsite Service is provided by Dell Marketing L.P. Availability varies. Other conditions apply. For complete details about Onsite Service, see dell.com/servicecontracts.
About Dell
Dell delivers innovative technology and services for the way people work and the tools IT needs to securely manage and transform their environments. With award-winning desktops, laptops, 2-in-1s and thin clients, powerful workstations and rugged devices made for specialized environments, monitors, endpoint security solutions and services, Dell gives today's workforce what they need to securely connect, produce, and collaborate from anywhere at any time. Dell services customers from consumers to organizations of all sizes across 180 countries with the industry's most comprehensive and innovative end-user portfolio.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161108005361/en/

subset: commoncrawl


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Ellison opened Oracle OpenWorld by helping introduce several new hardware systems highlighted by an in-memory database technology he claimed improves database query speed by 100 times with no changes to the applications.
Ellison said the new high-performance solutions fit his vision of the data center of the future, which depends on specialized machines that offer the best cost/performance ratio, increase reliability and security, and are easy to use.
"You spend less buying it," he said. "You use less floor space to hold it. You use less electricity to run it. And it's all pretested, so it's much more reliable."
Ellison said Oracle's new in-memory database technology, which is available as an option for the company's Exadata database engineered system, lets users of the Exadata database engineered system merely specify many gigabytes of memory to allocate to the database and configure the tables and partitions.
"Flip a switch, and all your applications run much faster," he said.


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A new low.
And in the right-leaning WSJ.
10 AM is too early to open the bubbly, so I'll chill it for later tonight.
More here.
12 May 2006
Posted by shadowfax at 10:07 AM
4 comments:
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion.ReplyDelete
Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they
consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move
against him, believing that he has the gods on his side. -Aristotle,
philosopher (384-322 BCE)
BTW, why are you posting so often. Shouldn't you be enjoying the Med or something?ReplyDelete
You are not allowed to label the WSJ as right leaning until you shed your ridiculous contention that the NYT is not liberal. As I've said 100 times, it doesn't make them bad, but it's just a truth you need to recognize.ReplyDelete
This is one of the maddening things about being a liberal today. The right-wing media outlets (most egregiously the Wash Times and Fox) are WAY out there, and even the more center-right ones like the WSJ are pretty open about their agenda.ReplyDelete
the NYT, WP, and well, most of the rest of the MSM, might have a slight liberal preference, but they are so thoroughly cowed by the last 30 years of the right complaining about the bias, that they bend over backwardsw to avoid any appearance of bias, to the point that the play right into the hands of the right wing propaganda machine.
so sure, the NYT editorial board may always endorse the democrat, but they'll aid and abet the president on his tax cuts that don't add up, a run-up to an unjustified war, a medicare debacle, and more. With "friends" like that . . .


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What's in a Name?
The work you see on Red Kite Prayer had its beginnings on another blog, Belgium Knee Warmers. BKW was created to comment on the passions of a few devoted cyclists. From arcane details of race preparation to the best way to wash a bike, the contributors to BKW wrote about their knowledge and experiences.
BKW had a few simple rules:
- Be positive. There are plenty of haters and cycling has more than enough to comment on that is worthwhile and upbeat. Give the reader a reason to feel good about what they read.
- Make it universal in experience. Blogs are characterized by personal writing about the most mundane details. No one cares about how many flats you had today. We chose to write about how having a flat unites all cyclists.
- Make it universal in location. Racing magazines generally focus on Europe while the product magazines focus on Southern California. Both are amazing places, but we wanted to write in a way that made the landscape of cycling reachable no matter where you live; maybe those cobbles and mountains are just down the street from you.
What we wrote was just for us. When we started, the readership of BKW and the contributors to BKW were one and the same. Each post was an electronic conversation about our loves. Soon enough others began to tune in. Frankly, BKW was in part an experiment to see if good work alone would gain readers. We often hear how the Internet democratizes all content, that it's impossible to tell quality from crap. BKW proved that truism false.
As the readership expanded, so did BKW's subject matter. From doping analysis to the frustration that comes with burnout, we reached into the cyclist's psyche and came back with insight to spark conversation. We've never been the last word on a subject, but we endeavor to move the conversation forward in new ways.
The surprise came when we realized that pieces that would have been rejected from any of the print magazines were getting traction with readers. The industry listened. We worked hard to cultivate relationships with companies doing great work in an effort to bring you a fresh perspective. But becauseBKW wasn't a "commercial" media company, we missed out on opportunities to bring you stories we found interesting.
I (Padraig) decided to launch Red Kite Prayer for a simple reason. I knew companies wanted a chance to associate their brands with quality content. Put another way, there was a chance to get paid through ad revenue—paid without needing to compromise a single principle, discard a single value.
So we publish what we want and we've found that the only pushback we ever receive comes from you, the readers. We've achieved editorial autonomy while still having fun. I tell people that and they ask me how many unicorns I own. "All of them," I say.
And that name? It came from a bit of code I liked to use with friends. My favorite moment in a race comes after passing the banner for the final kilometer—the red kite—and at some point you'll see every rider look straight down. That look says something of their effort. Whether it's Cavendish on his way to his sixth win of the week or some guy about to finish DFL on a mountain stage of the Giro, nearly everyone does it. It unites us; that look says volumes about how we each have something in reserve, how going hard is more than just legs, how our greatest efforts teach us about ourselves.


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Welcome to Misdirections Magic Shop.
We are a full-line magic shop with everything for the professional to the amateur. We are fully stocked with all the magic any one needs from close-up to stage; books to dvds; classics to the current and newest tricks -- we have it all! Misdirections is where the pros really shop! "A REAL MAGIC SHOP FOR REAL MAGICIANS" We invite you to browse through our store and shop with confidence. We invite you to create an account with us if you like, or shop as a guest. Either way, your shopping cart will be active until you leave the store.
follow us on instagram: @misdirectionsmagic facebook: Misdirections Magic Shop twitter: @JoeMisdirection


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In an impressive display of Beltway mentality, the Washington Post invited federal workers to sing the blues about their possible furloughs, should the government shut down. These federal workers already have better pay and benefits than most of the taxpayers funding their jobs, and in the event of a government shutdown, those taxpayers come to find that much of what they've been funding is "nonessential," according to the very government that employs these multitudes. But it hurts to be told you're "nonessential," and the Washington Post allows a place to vent. Some of those who contributed are officially "essential" and should be— they perform "essential activities to the extent that they protect life and property," according to the Office of Management and Budget.
Others should probably stay quiet, lest loudly proclaiming their job descriptions makes taxpayers think, "Wait, what are we paying you for?" Like this guy:
And, lo, it came to pass that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission environmental engineers were furloughed, and from that day forth, we were forced to dine on raw ox tails and dried lentils before we ventured out to light the tiki torches that ward off bands of marauding coyotes and looters but stand as a bleak reminder of better times, when we knew how to use fire to cook meat. But that was before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission environmental engineers were furloughed for 3-7 days, my child.
Most of the political danger of a government shut down, unfortunately, likely falls on Republicans. It's not fair that part of the reason for that is a media happy to blame them and them alone, as Mark Halperin pointed out, but it's the truth and one we must recognize as we're gearing up to fight a message battle on that front. But there is danger for Democrats and liberals, too, just as there was with sequestration. A shutdown necessarily highlights many jobs taxpayers had no idea they were funding. Most of the pain from a shutdown falls within the Beltway, where as I mentioned, salaries are higher and the economy more prosperous than the rest of the country thanks to taxpayer money siphoned from them to serve the ruling and contractor class. And, in the end, it may be that people's personal experiences don't live up to the sky-is-falling expectations set by the media and Democrats. That's what happened with sequestration, and it's why the Continuing Resolution's spending levels being set at sequestration level is a virtually controversy-free part of this fight. The fact that America doesn't fall apart when small parts of the federal government are dismantled is a good thing, for the country in general, and for making conservative arguments. It's less likely that a shutdown redounds to conservative benefit on this front than sequestration did but it's worth pondering if we end up in this message battle.
What worries me is that fighting the shutdown messaging battle prevents conservatives and the rest of the country from focusing on another government function that doesn't live up to the hype tomorrow. When those signing up for Obamacare run into the "glitch" that is the very nature of the program, it will constitute the public's most concrete collision with the broken promises of the program. As with sequestration, real people will learn quickly that what Obama and Democrats said would come to pass simply didn't, this time with far graver consequences to them and their families than in the case of sequestration.
Now, credit where credit is due. Thank you to the federal government workers with a sense of self-awareness. Like this guy:
Take some time to scroll through the gallery, and find all the things you had no idea you funded.
And, can we give it up for this guy?
Mike Marsh is a federal employee who wrote to Congress this summer with an unusual proposal to save the government money.
Fire me, Marsh told lawmakers. And everyone I work with.
"I have concluded that [my agency] is a congressional experiment that hasn't worked out in practice," wrote Marsh, who is the inspector general for the Denali Commission, an economic-development agency based in Alaska. "I recommend that Congress put its money elsewhere."
This has been tried before. But not often. Old Washington hands could remember only two other federal workers who had lobbied publicly to have themselves defunded. One was a high-level Ronald Reagan appointee. One was a lowly weather observer.
Both failed. Meaning they weren't fired.
Marsh seems likely to fail, too — even though his requests arrived in Washington in the middle of a battle to cut the budget. His agency seems protected by one of Washington's most enduring customs: the defense of home-state giveaways, even in times of national austerity.
Marsh draws an important distinction in his fight: he doesn't necessarily think his commission's mission isn't worthwhile, but that it doesn't have to be performed at taxpayer expense. Liberals get away with obliterating that distinction at every turn. Government does not equal society. One can hope that truth wins out in the event of a shutdown, as it did in sequestration.
Update: Speaking of the generous benefits enjoyed by government workers, Megan McArdle destroys that silly "Breaking Bad" meme that suggests Walter White would never have had to cook meth if he lived in the health utopia of Canada:
The series starts with Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who is diagnosed with lung cancer. His lousy health maintenance organization won't cover a decent doctor, or treatment. So Walter is forced to turn to crime just to pay his medical bills and … whoa, wait a minute. You know who has excellent benefits, compared with basically everyone else in the country? Teachers, firefighters and cops…
Later, after Walt's actions accidentally result in the shooting of his brother-in-law, a Drug Enforcement Agency agent, Walt's wife takes a bunch of the meth money to pay for Hank's treatment. On his government salary, Hank can't possibly afford the treatment he needs, because, of course, his lousy insurance policy won't cover more than a few visits to the physical therapist … and whoa, we just went from "unrealistic" to "ludicrous." You know who has even better benefits than employees enjoying a compensation package collectively bargained with a local government? Federal employees in a low-cost state such as New Mexico. Moreover, extra benefits are available to people injured in the line of duty.


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By Deb Werksman
Editorial Manager
Sourcebooks Casablanca
For my last blog of the year, I want to take the time to acknowledge and appreciate every single one of my authors (in completely random order ). Your hard work and passion make every success I have possible.
C.H. Admirand—I wanted to work with you from the moment I met you—yay! Dreams come true!
Mary Wine—a pleasure to work with, always something new up your (magnificent) sleeve
Tamara Hogan—world-building ooh la la—I never wanted to come to the end of the story—hurray for trilogies! Something to look forward to.
Lydia Dare—wicked sense of humor, brilliant characters, two wonderful women to talk to! You go grrrrllllls!
Jill Mansell—you make me laugh and cry at the same time—it's kind of like the sun shining through a rain shower—rainbows!
Leigh Michaels—gorgeous writing, really committed to your craft, a pleasure to spend time with you at RWA
Jane Odiwe—elegant, artistic sensibility, and not afraid to go where no Jane Austenite has gone before
Laurie McBain—beloved by millions, and all one has to do is read you to know why!
Marie Force—huge commitment, great fun to read, does a love triangle like nobody else, my crystal ball says much success coming your way
Patricia Rice—you gave me a huge opportunity, for which I will always be grateful
Kara Louise—brilliantly established all on your own—brava! So happy to be working with you!
Linda Wisdom—a true original! You make us laugh and pant every time. Your imagination knows no boundaries--you rock, girlfriend!
Shana Galen—fast-paced and beautiful fun—every book is an adventure!
Elaine Coffman—working with you is a privilege—so excited when I read your voice!
Karen Wasylowski—you really get it about doing something new and different—brava!
Joanne Kennedy—you're always willing to do whatever it takes—thank you, thank you, thank you!
Mary Margret Daughtridge—I've loved your writing from the very start, and it just keeps getting better and better!
Mary Ellen Dennis—it's kismet! I'd share a coffee with you any time—not only are you a great writer, but you're a lot of fun to be with
Olivia Cunning—girlfriend, I had to stop reading your books on the airplane—it was getting way too hot in there—we're ALL in love with the Sinners
Ciji Ware—the consummate pro! Every book is a gem. And, thank you for making your deadline every single time
Sharon Lathan—passionate, enthusiastic, you care more than anyone—we ALL love working with you!
Amanda Grange—our star across the pond—congratulations on everything—you're brilliant!
Abigail Reynolds—a pioneer and a genius—brilliant work, Abigail, every time
Lisa Renee Jones—woohoo! Fast pace, hot heroes, lots of action, couldn't put it down. Losing a lot of sleep over here!
Kristine Grayson—you have me charmed! Love every concept of yours—can't wait to do more (and more)!
Judi Fennell—award winner, brilliant mind, I've never seen anyone so unstoppable. Love you!
Anita Clenney—what a brilliant imagination you have my dear! (The better to keep you up reading late into the night ;-)
Carolyn Brown—punch drunk in love with your cowboys, and our conversations are just the best!
Maria Hamilton—fresh and original, and always true to yourself—deeply respected
Susan Adriani—a fresh spin in a tried and true world—brava!
Cheryl Brooks—you win the imagination award, hands down. Meow!
Sidney Ayers—unleashed! Let it rip! Great fun and never a dull moment!
Terry Spear—You really did come up with something new under the sun.
Amelia Grey—you're sunny, funny, and a radiant storyteller—you're a gem, and I'm so happy to be working with you!
Phillipa Ashley—sassy, witty, your stories are transporting!
Belinda Roberts—your Mr. Darcy in a Speedo is forever etched into my imagination—likewise the lifeguards. Dazzling work!
Grace Burrowes—heart and soul. If you write 1000 books I'll look forward to every single one.
Stephanie Rowe—wicked, wicked funny and fun—ingenious twists, hot characters, a wild ride every time.
Catherine Mann—gracious, professional, a dream come true to work with you, and I love our conversations from different points of view—it just goes to show you, we're all in this together
Stephanie Julian—is it hot in here? Or is it my own personal summer? No, I'm reading a Stephanie Julian—leave me alone, I'll let you know when I'm available again…
Mary Simonsen—you weave a story like nobody else—history and imagination in a perfect dance—brava!
Victoria Connelly—can I please have my own personal Mr. Darcy for Christmas, please? From your pages, please? With you, anything is possible…
Jennifer Blake—you are elegance and graciousness personified and every one of your books is a dream to read. Thank you for the opportunity.
Ashlyn Chase—fabulous world-building and characters your readers just can't get enough of. So much fun to work with you!
Kathryne Kennedy—you are truth, beauty and magic, all rolled into one.
Beth Cornelison—I love your storytelling—your heroes are delicious. I'm a big fan.
Rebecca Ann Collins—my dear author on the other side of the world—how are your roses blooming while we're freezing? You have a devoted following, as you should—we're so excited about your new work.
Laura Kinsale—working with you is a dream come true. I am one lucky editor.
Kendra Leigh Castle—you create amazing worlds and awesome characters to inhabit them—I'm a fan forever
Tawna Fenske—aside from the fact that your book made me laugh so hard my iced tea came out my nose, I am forever impressed by your tenaciousness
Diana Birchall—lovely writing and a lovely person—I wish I could see you more often
Amanda Forester—endlessly entertaining to read, easy to work with, and the future is bright
Jack Caldwell—a truly fresh take whenever you pick up your pen (or should I say keyboard?) A pleasure to work with, always.
Linda Berdoll—your books will outlast us all. When I think of authorship I think of you.
Kathryn Nelson—terrific reading, wonderful world-building, a very special book
Carolyn Eberhardt—your story inspired a whole book—thank you for your wonderful imagination!
Judith James—we still have "Jamie" moments—your writing is truly a cut above
Elizabeth Newark—your book is a gem, and so are you
Sara Angelini—one of my hottest—really transporting—well done!
Malena Lott—a beautiful story, beautifully told, with a yummy hero and a surprise perfect ending
M.L. Buchman—one of my fastest, easiest, most coachable authors—killer writing—1000 thanks!
Jane Dawkins—elegant, graceful writing with depth and precision—you are an original
Wayne Josephson—a sparkling rendition, brilliantly executed—clever, smart and funny. Well done!
Holly Denham—a total pageturner—very smart! And I hear from my colleagues who met you across the pond that you are gorgeous
Heather Lynn Rigaud—you opened up a whole new world of excitement, sexiness and fun! Rock on!
Loucinda McGary—I'm such a big fan of yours—amazing stories, the best heroes, and exotic locations I get lost in! And, I know you'll never really use that whip on me.
Rachel Billington—a wonderful voice and well done world make for such a delightful read
Monica Fairview—thank you for expanding the Darcy family to our distant shores—we can't get enough of your writing!
Robin Kaye—a gift, a joy, a pleasure to be with—a big mouth and a really big voice—here's to success!
Nina Bennetton—you are taking Mr. Darcy to a whole new place. A true original. And when I say compulsively readable, I mean that literally
Susanna Kearsley—your books are compelling, enthralling and wonderful—lucky me!
Sr. Eucharista Ward—you did such a beautiful job with Mary Bennet—it opened new worlds for me
Donna Simpson—I'm such a fan—I wish you all success, and asap, too
Samantha Grace—fluid, witty writing and a positioning that I just love—bring on the ruination!
Marsha Altman—going places fearlessly and with clarity and commitment to your own vision—I honor you
Elizabeth Aston Edmondson—so excited to be your editor over here—what a joy!
Sara Taney Humphreys—your storytelling is special, truly—something original and refreshing--I'm so excited to be working with you!
Libby Malin—you are a wonderful writer, with a wonderful vision and a sparkling sense of humor
C. Allyn Pierson—a gem in Jane Austen fiction—so well done, so much reading enjoyment
Emery Lee—a fresh view of history—very welcome and great fun to read
Michele Ann Young—you add a new level of depth to your Regencies—they truly resonate with me
Laurie Brown—your long ago vote of confidence meant everything—I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with you, and I can't wait for the next book
Tracey Devlyn—you've really put a new twist into Regency—I couldn't be more excited!
Wishing all of you and yours a blessed, beautiful and wonderful holiday, and looking forward to 2011 full of success and joy for all of us!


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Compliment your wedding service and venue with this beautiful Order of Ceremony based upon a design taken from a bible completed in the year 1215.
Designed to match our invitations the card has a delicate hammer embossed finish and is supplied with an insert printed with the details of your marriage.
The initial letter is finished in a rich red with the rest of the text in green, the whole design is illuminated with silver foil. Unit price quoted is for an order of 50 cards
Design family includes: Wedding Invitation, Evening Invitation, Order of Service, Order of Ceremony, Order of the Day, Once upon a Time booklet, Menu, Place Card, Table Card, Table Plan, Response/Thank-you cards, Wedding Certificate.
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Cloud Computing has experienced exponential growth over the last few years and is only expected to climb. With an increase in the adoption of Cloud Computing comes the demand. Cloud technology is crucial to organizations looking to reduce spending by building out or replacing their data center architecture. However, according to several reports, there is a huge skills gap and surge in the hiring rates for IT professionals with Cloud Computing skills. Skill up by enrolling into a free Cloud Computing Fundamentals course today!
Module 1: Cloud Computing Concepts
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This promotion is only valid at the New Horizons Computer Learning Center of Fort Worth, Texas.


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hey, buddies:
I am currently involved in a project of implementing a canvas element supporting for our browser.
in our last version we use gdi+ library to draw stuff , here in this version , we changed to use OpenVG.
i encountered a problem when i want to implement a function as : isPointInPath.
The detailed definition defined in html5 protocol is as below:
The isPointInPath(x, y) method must return true if the point given by the x and y coordinates passed to the method, when treated as coordinates in the canvas coordinate space unaffected by the current transformation, is inside the current path as determined by the non-zero winding number rule; and must return false otherwise. Points on the path itself are considered to be inside the path. If either of the arguments is infinite or NaN, then the method must return false.
In GDI+ library, the class region provides a similar function like isVisible which checks whether a specific
point locates inside the region . then you can create a region with your path then call this member function
to easily get the result.
but here in OpenVG there is no such a easy way to do that. as least , there is no region.
my first thought is to fill the Path to a temporary buffer-like surface ( masklayer? vgimage? i'm still not sure yet.)
then read the pixel value of that point to check the result. It seem to work ,although i not yet try it.
however , it is really ineffective and memory-consuming, especally at some occasions with intensive calls to the isPointInPath.
It seems to be a fundmental problem in computer graphics , yet im a beginner about that.
I wonder if there is a better algorithemic approch to handle this problem using the existing OpenVG functions.


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BOISE, Idaho (May 5th, 2011) – The Modern Hotel is opening its doors for the 4th annual Modern Art event on Thursday, May 5th from 5-9pm. Over 80 artists have been invited to participate in Modern Art 2011, and for one evening they will transform the design hotel's 38 Mid-Century modern rooms into everything from mini-gallery spaces to interactive pieces to full scale installations. Last year more than 3,000 visitors got an intimate view of work by artists of various disciplines in a 4 hour creative blitz.
"What I truly love about this event is it is generating this whole new space for artists to show their work. It is just this little magic time that happens in May", says past participant, artist Wendy Fox. She worked with the public in her cozy suite filming a fiction she had penned for the occasion.Having provided a costume and a line from the fiction, she then collaborated with over 200 patrons to obtain the "reading'.She filmed all the action as well as streamed it live.
Among the many rooms at this year's Modern Art, you can find Kerry Moosman collaborating with fellow ceramists Chris Kranz and Rick Jenkins on their version of a traditional Japanese Tea Room, the painter Anna Ura joins us for the first time to share her lyrical and dreamy landscapes and neon artist Wil Kirkman plans to fill his room with copious amounts of glowing neon with a secret theme.
The art is not always easily contained in the rooms, however. This year's alternative spaces include a plant based interactive installation at the entry by Ali Ward and Melissa Frazier, Adrian Kien returns with a twist on his popular Poetry on Demand project in the courtyard and Treasure Valley Artists Alliance return with their self-portrait wall.Art Barter has expanded to a dedicated room this year and will be curated by Leila Ramella, Art Director of the Boise Weekly.
Modern Art is filling an obvious need for artists to share their work in a new, creative and inspiring way. Giving the artists a direct and immediate way to connect to their audiences is a priority for Co-Curators Kerry Tullis and Amy O'Brien. Modern Hotel owner Elizabeth Tullis shares that vision, "It's thrilling for us to see so many hands and minds creating in one place," she states. "It's important that we provide a venue for these talented artists to be seen." As installation artist and painter Amanda Hamilton proclaimed after Modern Art 2011, " The pay off is interaction of any kind; energy, turnout, any kind of conversation.This is worth it and I'm glad to participate.It makes me happy about Boise all year."
For the updated Modern Art Vimeo Channel
"I showed up with a pick-up truck load worth of materials to assault a hotel room with, was greeted and helped by great staff and volunteers, locked myself away for a full day. Opened the room door and was immediately getting feedback and dialogue from the public. I am most familiar with living with ideas and objects, even brooding over them for months and years before exposing them to the alchemy of the public. I could only wonder what would result if artists and public could sustain a dialogue like what happens at the modern for a long length of time. "
– David Herbold, Installation Artist
Moscow, Idaho


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|FLATHEAD (flat head) DENIMJEANS (denim jeans) 3000 series fabric flat head straight denim 3005.
Produced by these old fashioned power looms, appears strong vertical drop of uneven or common sense because it is 14.5 ozDENIM use, copper rivets, hidden rivet and button fly. I gave by shuttle looms weave Pocket uchinuno オリジナルスレーキ fabrics (name print with flat head) available.
Natural straight rise somewhat shallow and weak tapered.
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The announcement on Wednesday that RCAP Holdings, led by real estate investor Nicholas Schorsch, is acquiring independent broker-dealer First Allied Securities from Lovell Minnick Partners has prompted experts to debate the role of private-equity in the broker-dealer industry—particularly the independent broker-dealer field.
To get an in-depth perspective on the subject, AdvisorOne spoke with Philip Palaveev (left), CEO of the Ensemble Practice, an advisory-practice consulting firm based in Seattle. He addressed the following questions:
Why does there seem to be so much interest by investors in broker-dealers like First Allied?
We are seeing the investment-advisory industry, including wealth management and financial management, mature, and as it does, it's consolidating.
You also see mergers & acquisitions when an industry is successful. By and large, consolidation is a sign of success —and that means it attracts institutional capital, because the industry needs more money from private equity, public markets and other sources.
Broker-dealers have consolidated a lot, very heavily. First Allied was institutionally owned already, so it's essentially going from one professional investor to another and not really changing character.
The news, though, was definitely surprising to see, but you don't have to read a lot into it. Independent broker-dealers will continue to attract the interest of investors, because it's a very successful business, and the growth potential attracts opportunistic capital.
So, current investor interest is related to the evolution of the industry?
It's very, very true for any industry in transition or a young industry moving to a more mature stage. That's because as young, entrepreneurial firms grow into larger, more sizeable competitors, institutional capital steps in as owners. Lots of capital is needed for larger firms [to operate successfully], and that can't be supplied by individual entrepreneurs.
This is true for financial advisory firms, broker-dealers, wealth-management companies—everybody. We are seeing this trend, along with consolation and institutional ownership, as larger entities need more capital. How much can a family wealth office, investment advisory firm, or other play in the financial planning industry afford? These trends are true of every player, not the just the broker-dealer industry, including RIAs and the wirehouses.
Financial planning is a young but maturing industry, and that is why we see the institutional ownership increasing, including private equity—which is a subset of institutional capital.
The industry is seen as growing and highly lucrative. The interest of private equity is a signal that this is an industry of opportunity. That's good news—nothing else.
Are we at a particular stage in the investment cycle or history?
In terms of IBDs and their evolution, they were very small, with 100 or so advisors, and then they grew in size, scale and scope to become more successful. The insurance firms — AIG, ING, etc. — were the first to notice them.
Now, we are seeing a much broader recognition of this business model in general versus 20 years ago, when Wall Street and its investors wouldn't have heard much of IBDs. Today, LPL Financial (LPLA) has ads on television; Raymond James (RJF) and NFP (NFP), for instance, also are large, well-established names. This is a second wave of investment that shows a broader recognition of the business model. In addition, the United States is experiencing a rise in private-equity investment and participation in a variety of business, like manufacturing, hotels, etc. There's really a much broader focus, and private-equity now caters to lots of investors who own many of the best-performing companies in the United States. This—of course—means that private-equity trends will affect the broker-dealer industry.
In a healthy market, you will see changes of ownership, especially in consolidating markets. And there are not many targets remaining in the IBD space that are sizable, other than say Cambridge and Commonwealth Financial.
Keep in mind, though, institutional ownership is a reality for this industry, and it has been that way for some time.
Check out 7 Predictions for the Advisory Industry: Philip Palaveev on AdvisorOne.


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Home & Garden Small Sparkler Sleeve
Customize your Home & Garden with personalized Small Sparkler Sleeve. Shop from our curated galleries of beautiful ideas or upload your own art. Beautiful custom printed party supplies will add the finishing touch to your Home & Garden celebration.
Design Now or Select a Design Below to Make it Yours


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Super Bowl XLVI is upon us. Soon football fans across America will tune into NBC and all eyes will be on the New England Patriots and the New York Giants facing it off on the field.
On the sidelines cheerleaders—shaking their pom-poms and their hips—will root for the teams. Actually, the New York Giants don't have a squad but the Patriots' cheerleaders, who were named this year's top squad by CNBC, are sure to offer up an entertaining dose of off-field action on February 5.
Most N.F.L. cheerleaders these days are known for their tight abs, sexy outfits, and highly choreographed dances, and some teams like the Giants don't have dancing women on the sidelines for this reason.
"Philosophically we have always had issues with sending scantily clad women out on the field to entertain our fans," John Mara, the Giants co-owner, told the Times in 2010. "It's just not part of our philosophy."
Cheerleaders weren't always known for their provocative outfits and moves. Men initially led fans in cheers. A University of Minnesota student named Johnny Campbell was the first-ever cheerleader. In 1898 he picked up a megaphone and directed a crowd in cheering: "Rah, rah, rah! Ski-U-Mah! Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! Varsity! Varsity! Minn-e-so-tah!" His catchy chant led the football team to victory, and modern-day cheerleading was born.
In the 1920s women picked up pom-poms. Cheerleading eventually became a female-dominated activity. Women wore long pleated skirts, falling well past the knee, and started adding acrobatic stunts to their routines.
The sexy outfits didn't arrive until the 1970s, according to British author Chris Wild, who captured the evolution of cheerleading in a photo series (above) on his blog Retronaut. "This was a time when feminism was a strong force, and barriers for women in Western society were being dismantled," Wild says.
Over the years N.F.L. cheerleading outfits have only gotten skimpier. "Cheerleading seems to have acted, either positively or negatively, as a pressure valve, letting women into the stadium and into the game," Wild says, "But keeping the difference between the men in their helmets and the women in their short skirts very very clear."
High school and college cheerleaders are quick to point out that they're unlike the girls on the professional football fields. Competitive cheerleading team members are athletic, filling their routines with flips, pyramids, and impressive acrobatic stunts that require guts. Some national cheer organizations have stepped forwarded demanding that cheerleading be recognized as a sport.


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This numbered edition Canvas Print, designed by Stevyn Llewellyn, comes with a numbered and signed certificate of authenticity. Ready to hang, this image is printed onto a 450gsm white finish, 100% cotton canvas and stretched over 1.5" deep wood stretcher bars (3/4" for XS). Each print comes with wall hanging hardware.
A mythological nereid adorned with the sea god Neptune
Portland, United States


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Google is in talks with Warner Bros., professional skateboarder Tony Hawk and News Corp., among others, to create original content for channels on YouTube -- and is paying $100 million in upfront production costs.
YouTube is expected to recoup the money from future advertising as the content is rolled out in 2012, according to the Wall Street Journal. From the article:
Hollywood has been abuzz ever since YouTube began reaching out to potential partners earlier this year with promises of cash advances. YouTube received more than 150 pitches from content creators before settling on a few dozen with which to start, people familiar with the matter said. Most partners will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars or multimillion-dollar deals to produce several hours of content per month, these people said.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
While the report doesn't cite who leaked the information, the WSJ is part of News Corp. so it's not hard to figure out where someone might have gotten the scoop. Google also has been looking for ways to make its Google TV viable, even bidding on Hulu, but if that doesn't pan out perhaps this $100 million endeavor (a great deal cheaper than the billions offered for Hulu) could also work.


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GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Terryville rebounds from rare loss, knocks off Nonnewaug (video)
WOODBURY >> Terryville's girls volleyball team, fully recovered from it first regular-season defeat in more than a year, knocked Nonnewaug out of this year's undefeated ranks Tuesday evening at Nonnewaug High School, 3-0 (25-17; 25-16; 25-22).
The Kangaroos, three-time defending Berkshire League champions, went undefeated last year (17-0), then roared through this season's first four matches without losing a game. A week ago, Lewis Mills, still undefeated in the Berkshire League, stunned the Roos with a 3-1 smack down.
"Mills woke us up," said senior Jamie Bridge.
"We didn't take them as seriously as we should have," said senior Anna Dupaul. "It got us more prepared for tonight; we knew this was going to be a tough one."
The Chiefs, 5-1 overall, now match Terryville's 3-1 league record (6-1 overall) for second place behind Mills at 4-0 (5-2 overall).
Nonnewaug swept a tough Northwestern team a week-and-a-half ago, but this week's schedule is, by far, the Chiefs' biggest test: Terryville Tuesday; Friday, at Lewis Mills.
The Chiefs have a formidable weapon in 6-foot-2 athletic senior Maddie Losure (12 kills, 4 aces, 1 block, 7 digs). Few teams can stand up to her when Nonnewaug supports her effectively.
Tuesday, against Terryville, that didn't happen.
"We made a real lot of mistakes on serves and on defense," said Nonnewaug coach John Lawless.
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos made a huge mistake underestimating the Spartans at Mills, but they usually don't beat themselves.
"Their kids cover the floor beautifully," said Lawless. "Even if they don't attack, it's still coming back over the net."
Losure makes certain some shots can't get back, but even against a cannon like hers, the Roos don't concede, then often find a way to their own unstoppable shots. Dupaul, a 5-foot-8 captain, led in both measures Tuesday with 9 kills and 15 digs. Nevertheless, for Terryville, the great shot or digs comes from anywhere.
Nonnewaug has huge strengths along with weaknesses in its lineup. Tuesday's evidence showed no real weaknesses for the Roos.
Each of Tuesday's games lasted just long enough for those factors to tip the outcome.
In Game One, the Chiefs came back from an early 7-6 deficit with the help of three straight aces by Losure and one of three blocks by Sophia Prasinos, 10-9, Nonnewaug.
From there, Terryville went on a 10-2 run: two kills by Dupaul; service ace by Bailey Doran (5 kills, 5 digs); block by Haylee Ouelette (3 kills, 4 aces); a shot to the corner by Kylie Baillargeon; and three Nonnewaug errors.
At 19-12, Lawless called time out, but the first game was gone.
Game two was a replay. Nonnewaug stayed with the Kangaroos through 10-10, on a Losure kill. Then Terryville took off in an 11-2 run: two more kills and an ace by Dupaul; a back-row shot to open space by Doran; 7 Nonnewaug errors.
At 21-12, Game two was also gone.
Game three took longer because Terryville lost focus early. The Kangaroos, not Nonnewaug, gave away points. From 4-4, Nonnewaug sailed to a 12-5 lead on eight Kangaroo mistakes.
Then Terryville recovered. Dupaul tipped a point over two would-be Nonnewaug blockers, Doran found another open spot. The balance tipped back to Terryville.
Still, Nonnewaug hung on. An ace by Hayley Strasburger (1 ace, 13 assists) tied the score, 16-16. Another huge kill from Losure tied again, 18-18.
Nevertheless, like a force of gravity, Terryville's combination of attacks and endurance worked its spell one last time. Bridge had three kills, including a huge one for the final point. Ouelette served an ace. The Chiefs donated three more points.
Mills knocked Terryville out of the undefeated ranks. Terryville did it to Nonnewaug. The Kangaroos hope the wake-up call works for Nonnewaug at Mills on Friday.


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Ben's Historic Blast
Cole battled, Ben batted for Cole and Ryan had a five-out save on Tuesday night in Busch Stadium.
In six gritty, shutout innings, Cole threw 117 pitches (72 strikes). His command was inconsistent plus the Cardinals battled him, fouling off what seemed like a thousand pitches. He now has the most postseason wins and strike outs by a Phillies pitcher, passing Lefty Steve Carlton in both.
Ben came through as a pinch hitter with his three-run, game-winning home run in the seventh inning. Garcia had given the Phillies three earned runs in four previous starts.
Elias Sports Bureau: It was the first time in history that a pinch-hitter had as many as three RBI accounting for all of his team's runs in a postseason victory.
Ben hadn't homered since May 25, 110 at-bats ago. He's the fifth Phillie to hit a pinch postseason home run. It will be remembered forever as Matt Stairs' game-winner in Los Angeles in 2008.
The Phillies offense produced four straight innings in which they scored crooked numbers over Games 1 and 2. They scored a single run in the second inning of Game 2 and didn't score again until 13 innings later. In their last 16 innings, they have scored in only one inning, but thanks to Ben it was enough.
The Cardinals led the NL in hitting and runs scored. They out-hit the Phillies on Tuesday, 12-7, but left 14 runners on base. Ryan came in the game in the eighth with the Phillies leading, 3-1. The Cardinals has the bases loaded with one out. Madson got Craig to bounce into an inning-ending double play. During the season, the Cardinals grounded into 169 DPs, a new NL record.
Game 4 is Wednesday. In their postseason history, the Phillies are 9-9 in Game 4, losing their first four. Under Charlie, 5-2, losing their last two.
Phillies best day of the week is Wednesday, 21-5. Worst day for the Cardinals? Wednesday, 10-15. That was during the 162-game season. This is a best-of-five season.
Roy-O is 5-1 in the postseason, 3-0 in the NLDS.
Phillies Postseason History
October 5, 1-4 record:
1950 WS #2 at Shibe Park: Robin Roberts starts and pitches all 10 innings in a 2-1 loss. Joe DiMaggio's home run into the upper deck in left field is the game-winner.
1977 NLCS #2 at Los Angeles: Don Sutton's complete game and Dusty Baker's grand slam carry the Dodgers to a 7-1 win. Series tied, 1-1.
1978 NLCS #2 at Veterans Stadium: Tommy John blanks the Phillies on four singles, a 4-0 decision that gives the Dodgers a 2-0 lead.
1983 NLCS #2 at Los Angeles: Gary Matthews' second-inning solo homer is the lone run in a 4-1 loss as the Dodgers even the Series, 1-1. In 14 games against the Dodgers pitching (12 during the season), the Phillies score a total of 17 runs.
2008 NLDS #4 at Milwaukee: Homers by Pat Burrell (2), Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth propel the Phillies to a 6-2 win over the Brewers, sending the Phillies to the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Alumni Postseason Memories
What is your favorite memory of postseason baseball as a child? . . . What is the biggest change from the regular season? . . . What is your fondest personal postseason memory?
Scott Eyre (LHP, 2008-09)
"I grew up in LA and was a big Dodger fan. I'll never forget the famous home run hit by Kurt Gibson. I was jumping up and down.
"Reaching the postseason is what you play for every year. It is hard to get to the highest level and play in the most-watched games.
"Twice in the '08 World Series, I relieved to face Iwamura of the Rays with runners on base, each in the seventh inning. We led in both games. I struck him out in Game 3 (two runners on base, 4-3 lead) and got him to fly out in Game 4 (two runners on base, 6-2 lead). Then, the parade, something I will never forget."


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|Sam Kay (talk)
|Date Created:
|5th June 2010
|Please feel free to edit constructively!
Demons and devils cast out of the dark; both half-blood children and disgraced fiends.
|Average Height:
|5' 6" - 7' 8"
|Average Weight:
|136 - 340 lb.
|Ability Scores:
|+2 Int; +2 Str or Cha
|6 squares
|Skill Bonuses:
|+2 Arcana; +2 Bluff or Intimidate
|You gain a +1 racial bonus to attack rolls against bloodied foes.
|Outsider Origin:
| Choose either demon origin or devil origin. Each origin provides a particular benefit and racial power associated with it.
Demon Origin: You gain Fire, Cold or lightning resistance equal to 5 + one-half your level, and you can use Demonic Accuracy as an encounter power. You are considered an elemental creature for the purpose of effects that relate to creature origin, you have the demon keyword and you can speak abyssal.
|Demonic Accuracy
|Abyssal Outcast Racial Power
|Your chaotic nature bends reality to ensure that your attack succeeds.
|Action Type::Free Action
|Effect: Reroll an attack roll. Use the second roll, even if it's lower.
|Infernal Wrath
|Infernal Outcast Racial Power
|You call upon the wrath of Baator to punish a foolish foe.
|Action Type::Immediate Reaction
|Close burst 10
|Trigger: An enemy within 10 squares of you hits you.
|Target: The triggering enemy in the burst.
| Effect: The target takes 1d6 + Intelligence modifier or Charisma modifier fire damage.
Level 11: 2d6 + Intelligence modifier or Charisma modifier fire damage.
Level 21: 3d6 + Intelligence modifier or Charisma modifier fire damage.
Sometimes, a demon or devil is cast out of the abyss or the nine hells of Baator, and placed into an apparently mortal body constructed from the remains of the fiend's previous form. These so-called "first-generation" outcasts can breed with mortals to produce "second-generation" outcasts that have all the abyssal or infernal traits of their outcast parents. Thus, though first-generation outcasts are rare, outcasts have spread through the land.
Play an Outcast if you want...
- to be the spawn of the dark in search of redemption.
- to have the power of a demon or devil.
- To be a member of a race that favors the warlock, warlord and swordmage classes.
Physical Qualities Edit
Outcasts do not have a generalized appearence as most other races do. Some can look like ordinary humans, while others might posess hooves, horns, tails and the like. Vertually any skin color is possible among outcasts, from ordinary human skin colors to reds, blues and greens. Most outcasts are roughly the size of an ordinary human, but some are veritable giants that tower more than a foot over the height of most people.
Outcast attire varies greatly and depends largly on personal preference. Many outcasts, especially those with a more humanlike appearence, prefer human attire, while others may prefer leathers or archaic clothing, though outcasts typically prefer dark colors.
Outcast lifespans vary greatly as well; the later generations of outcasts generally have a lifespan comparable to humans, while first generation outcasts can live for thousands of years of more.
Playing an Outcast Edit
Very rarely, some angelic remnant may reawaken in a devil of the nine hells; not necessarily enough to turn the devil to good, but enough fot the devil to be cast out of hell. Such a devil is reborn into an apparently mortal body formed from its previous one and becomes an infernal outcast, with some of the power of a devil but no ties to the nine hells.
Such occurences are all but unheared of among demons, but, rarely, a half demon child may be born in the abyss. Such a child is liable to be cast out of the abyss and thus may not be completely corrupted by the abyssal powers. These children will by abyssal outcasts, with some demonic powers and yet no ties to the abyss.
More common are the children of these first-generation outcasts. The child of an outcast will posess the powers of their outcast parent with some of the appearence of their other parent. Such outcasts are as likely to hold the ideals of their non-outcast parents as their outcast parents, and thus are likely to seek redemption for their parentage.
Abyssal outcasts tent to behave unpredictably, favoring chaotic alignments, while infernal outcasts tend to prefer lawful alignments. This is a result of the abyssal or infernal power that is bound inside outcasts. Many outcasts have a cruel streak that is a result of the darkness inside them, though some, particularly those of later generations, tend to resist this darkness.
Other than this, outcasts are as variable in their characteristics as humans are, particularly among abyssal outcast though they lack the human adaptability and tenacity. Outcasts make up for this with their innate supernatural powers and their outsider temperament.
Outcasts tend to be an unpious race, leaning away from divine classes in favor of arcane classes, and ignoring the various religions. Few outcasts show any respect at all for divinities, though it is not unknown for some to show a modicum of respect for one or more gods or even to become moderately pious.
Abyssal Outcast Characteristics: Brutal, chaotic, cunning, imposing, impioud, insane, self-reliant, unconventional, unpredictable
Infernal Outcast Characteristics: Cunning, disquieting, imposing, impious, mysterious, proud, self-reliant, sinister, sly
Names: Demon, devil and human names are most common among outcasts.
Outcast Adventurers Edit
Three sample outcast adventurers are described below.
lilith is an outcast warlock daughter of a succubus. She has decided that she does not wish to follow the example of her mother, but she has not yet been swayed by the ideals presented by her adventuring companions. Her motive, for the moment, is purely selfish, though her resolve is somewhat weakened by the way her companions treat her—as a friend. Unconciously, she has found herself trusting them, which worries her that she may be bedcoming weak. But sometimes she finds that she does not care if she is.
Castalla, an outcast warlord, was once an erinyes devil engaged on the front lines of the blood war with demon foes, until some latent memory awoke in her, showing her a time when her kind where great angels. When her masters discovered her "weakness", they cast her out of hell into the mortal world. Now, though she blames the gods for her fall from the astral sea to Baator, she has cast off the old ways of the devils. Despite her blatant disrespect for all divinities, there may be some hope in her of retutrning to her angelic status, though if that is true, it is burried deep.
Quinn is an outcast swordmage who has never quite been at home in the human village in which he was raised. Maybe it was his magical prowess, or his apparently demonic powers. Or maybe, it was his red skin, horns, and glowing eyes. Either way, once he was old enough, he ran, and has been running ever since, not quite knowing what he is looking for. He tends to assume he is looking for power, or a way back to the abyss, but maybe he is simply looking for a home.
Back to Main Page → 4e Homebrew → Races


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Spanish Baby Names Meaning:
The name Lucrecia is a Spanish Baby Names baby name. In Spanish Baby Names the meaning of the name Lucrecia is: Brings light.
expression Number: 9
People with this name tend to be passionate, compassionate, intuitive, romantic, and to have magnetic personalities. They are usually humanitarian, broadminded and generous, and tend to follow professions where they can serve humanity. Because they are so affectionate and giving, they may be imposed on. They are romantic and easily fall in love, but may be easily hurt and are sometimes quick-tempered.
SoulUrge Number: 9
People with this name have a deep inner desire to serve humanity and to give to others by sharing money, knowledge and experience, or creative and artistic ability.


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Woman accused of embezzlement placed on medical watch
The Darien woman accused of embezzling more than $186,000 from a local veterans' assistance organization was placed on medical watch following her arraignment in Stamford Superior Court Monday afternoon.
A judge also doubled Cynthia Tanner's bond to $500,000.
Tanner, 52, a bookkeeper for the nonprofit organization, is facing a felony charge after police said she wrote more than 135 unauthorized checks in 2013. Police said Tanner began embezzling from the National Veteran Services Fund five years ago and believe the amount could reach $830,000 once the investigation is complete.
Tanner, of 73 Stanton Road, was arrested Monday morning on a charge of first-degree larceny, a class B felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
NVSF is a nonprofit organization that accepts donations to assist veterans and their families across the country. Tanner's responsibilities included payroll and the disbursement of funds to the charity's clients, according to police.
Her attorney, Gary Mastronardi, said the single mother of two has no prior arrests. She did not enter a plea during her arraignment.
Mastronardi requested medical watch because he said Tanner suffers from various medical conditions including sleep apnea, intracranial hypertension and extreme vertigo.
In May, Darien police received a complaint from the NVSF. Phil Kraft, the organization's executive director and treasurer, said McEnerney Brady and Co., a New Jersey-based accounting firm, found irregularities in the agency's financial statements, according to police.
Police said they quickly determined that Tanner, who has worked for the organization since 2008, had used the company's funds for personal use.
According to the affidavit, Tanner fabricated a financial ledger that indicates the checks were written to veterans or NVSF clients. However, police said Tanner made the checks out to herself and family members.
Tanner also made seven electronic payments for her car loans totaling $3,379.47, according to court documents. Police said Tanner used the agency credit cards for personal expenses, such as airfare, vacations and Internet purchases.
Police found that all of the suspect ledger memos were actual NVSF clients who had received assistance from the NVSF during the last seven years, according to the affidavit. However, the actual checks indicate that she made them out to herself or family members.
In 2013, Tanner wrote 16 checks to her 23-year-old daughter totaling $42,525, according to court documents. She also wrote 17 checks to her 25-year-old son totaling $19,925, according to court documents.
Tanner told police that she took advances from the charity but would pay them back by deducting it from her monthly paycheck, court records show.
"Tanner admitted that sometimes she would forget (to deduct the money), but claimed she was surprised by the totals," according to the affidavit. "Tanner also claimed her children were under the impression that she was deducting the funds given to them from her paycheck."
Tanner told police that she forgets things because of a head injury in 2011 and brain surgery. However, when police told her they knew checks were written prior to her head injury, she became quiet, according to the affidavit.
Veterans speak out
Kraft said he was "hurt" when he learned of Tanner's actions.
"I'm devastated and I'm betrayed. She was trusted," he said at the Darien Post 6933 Veterans of Foreign Wars Monday afternoon.
State Sen. Carlo Leone (D-Stamford), chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and an Air Force veteran, said his first thoughts after learning of the arrest were of "shock and extreme dismay."
Two years ago, Connecticut passed a bill to monitor legitimate and fraudulent organizations.
"This organization is a legit organization," Leone said Monday afternoon. "It just seems like they could have had better and tighter control so that this thing couldn't have happened."
Leone said he plans to follow story to learn what happened and to find out "what controls were not in place so this doesn't happen again."
Anthony Montimurro, a member of Darien Post 6933 and a Vietnam War veteran, was also disappointed by the news.
"Any allegations, if true, are very disturbing to any veteran, to any American," he said.
Kraft, who said Tanner was terminated last week, said he couldn't comment on the investigation.
"Sorry, but there is not much that we can say beyond that this is an active criminal investigation," Kraft said in a statement. "This situation came to light during our internal auditing and some questionable entries came up. We immediately began a detailed review with our (Certified Public Accountants), contacted an attorney and then promptly set up a meeting with the Darien Police Department and gave them all of the information and records that they requested."
Charity not without problems
Charity Navigator, a nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Code, gave the NVSF a zero star rating for fiscal year 2011-12 because of the low percentage of funds raised versus funds distributed.
According to Charity Navigator, NVSF raised a net $9,111,243 in fiscal year 2011-12. Of the organization's expenses, 70.2 percent, or $6,719,039, was spend on fundraising efforts; 18.5 percent, or $1,767,705 was spent on programming; and 11.4 percent, or $1,091,170 was spent on administrative costs.
The NVSF was ranked as the eighth-worst charity in the country following a 2008 Tampa Bay Times investigation. The report revealed that from 2002 to 2011, the organization used for-profit soliticitors to help raise $70 million. The solicitors kept more than half -- $36.9 million -- for payment. According to the Tampa Bay Times, $33.3 million was used as cash that goes back to the charity to fund operations.
About $5.5 million was used for veterans' aid during that time period. The yearly average given to veterans is $500,000 according to the Tampa Bay Times.
According the investigation, Kraft defended the used of the outside solicitors.
"To blame a charity for the price charged by our fundraisers is like blaming a driver for the price of gas," Kraft told the Tampa Bay Times in 2011.
From 2002 to 2011, only 7.8 percent, or $5,496,235, of the $70 million raised was used for direct aid, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
"Donors should know that the charity is still in operation and that it is safe to donate," Kraft said in a statement on Monday.
Tanner is scheduled to appear in court June 30. Police expect to file additional charges against Tanner.
firstname.lastname@example.com; 203-330-6583; @Meg_DarienNews


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Friday, January 13, 2012
to a friend
122 comments:
This looks so cute - almost new romantic, but the pink skirt keeps it very girly. Love it! :) xxxxReplyDelete
Lily you look gorgeous! I love your hair like this! XReplyDelete
I can't get over peachy pinks like this skirt at the moment. I just love this color. It looks so pretty on you.ReplyDelete
The new coat is gorgeous too, you're right, so easy to wear!
Amelia @ UGLY DUCKLING x
i really like the coat and the shoes. i kind of like the aesthetic of the latest outfits. the color is really nice!ReplyDelete
take care and have a lovely weekend!
Yes it is the Ambush boots! I love the black and pinks together, looks really pretty!ReplyDelete
Gorgeous! The boots are fabulous! I bought a similar pair two years ago at New Look and I've worn them throughout all seasons since then, love them so much! XOReplyDelete
Ah you look lovely here, the skirt is such a pretty colour and those boots look pretty epic, I would never have guessed they were New Look'ers I would have totally have thought they were topshop! XReplyDelete
I love this look ! The skirt is really cute ! I love those boots I want the same !ReplyDelete
Love your skirt, I had my eye on it for a while in H&M but then it went out of stock :( Also, those New Look boots are gorgeous, need to get a pair! xReplyDelete
Cute outfit! Love the coat and bootsReplyDelete
I LOVE your hair here! Is it with straighteners or curlers?ReplyDelete
Love these two colours together. Your hair looks lovely.ReplyDelete
This could possibly be my favourite outfit of yours, love the boots and the pastel pink with the blackReplyDelete
Your gorgeous!
Love the skirt and boots! xReplyDelete
The boots are amazing-perfect heel height for wearing during the day. And your hair is gorgeous! xReplyDelete
Love your boots!ReplyDelete
Love this outfit! I was going to get those boots the other week wish I had now. You look beautiful xxReplyDelete
I love the skirt with the black outfit, it adds a lovely flash of colour and the heels are amazing! I actually thought they were topshop when I first saw them, I really like New Look shoes :) xxReplyDelete
Your hair's killer lady! Plus I'm into these boots.ReplyDelete
love ur ring :) xxxxxReplyDelete
LOVE this outfit! Especially the shoes!! They're really pretty :)ReplyDelete
Love this outfit Lily.xReplyDelete
Your hair looks amazing! The coat is really gorgeous, dying to shop at Romwe but for some reason something keeps holding me back from actually buying anything! Maybe coz I've never seen any of the clothes IRL!ReplyDelete
The Deer Head
I have to say you're hair looks gorgeous, can't wait for mine to grow again so I can play around with styling it a bit more! This is a lovely outfit, very classic but with interesting details. Lovely boots and perfect coat!ReplyDelete
I love the ombre hair!ReplyDelete
Love this outfit! so nice and the skirt is so pretty with the rest of the black. your hair looks amazing here as well.ReplyDelete
Love the boots!ReplyDelete
Your hair looks amazing here, think I might have to purchase those boots though, they are beautiful!ReplyDelete
Laura x
In love with the boots xxReplyDelete
this is really lovely! very classy, expensive coat but looks great!ReplyDelete
A really pretty outfit, your hair is just lovely!ReplyDelete
I bought those boots the other day and I absolutely love them, so comfy and easy to wear. Love the touch of nude with the black adds a nice twist.ReplyDelete
x Ria
I absolutely love your hair. Having it curly really shows off the ombre. I really want to shop at Romwe you have some really gorgeous things from there.ReplyDelete
Loving the Look.ReplyDelete
It's given us some inspiration for a photoshoot ♥
Really love this outfitReplyDelete
Marie x
I work there and i am now thinking to buy myself some too haha we also do them in a light brown/cream colour, really cute :)ReplyDelete
Love this outfit. You look pretty in everything :) xxxReplyDelete
your hair looks beautiful!xReplyDelete
Your 2-tone hair is beyond spectacular!! go for it, girl!ReplyDelete
Love, Vienna Wedekind
Ur hair looks so pretty was that done with the babyliss wand? I've been trying to convince myself that I dont need one but the curl in ur hair is exactly how I want mine to go.ReplyDelete
I tried those boots on and I know exactly what u mean about the arch, they were way too uncomfortable on me, I had them on for like 5 seconds and could not wait to get them off so unfortunately I did have to pay out for the topshop ambush ones :/Replies
yup i did it with my conical wand! do get ittt! its really worth it! i paid like £25 for it but you can get it for around 16 sometimes!Delete
im glad imnot the one that has problems with new look shoes! they are really high arched and just make my feet hurt! so annoying as I do love their shoes!
I would love to know what you did to have such lovely waves in your hair !ReplyDelete
Your hair looks gorgeous! I love the new boots too,ReplyDelete
them shoes look so freaking comfy!ReplyDelete
those boots are lovely! xReplyDelete
- AnonymousFriday, January 13, 2012 8:25:00 pm
Plain black Swayed high heels x Fashionable http://stylecrazii.blogspot.com/ReplyDelete
i bought those boots just before christmas and absolutely love them. i wear them practically everyday. love the rest of your outfit, too. the skirt and shirt are so pretty.ReplyDelete
Lovely skirt! I can't wait for H&M to finally have US online ordering!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFriday, January 13, 2012 8:45:00 pm
I think i may need to buy these boots now! My ambush hurt my feet! The hair looks great too! xReplyDelete
Lily, you look so beaut! Your hair is absolutely gorgeous.ReplyDelete
Ahh, hate it when clothes are a complete lint magnet. Horrible, isn't it?
LOVE YOUR BOOTS! They're so nice! Hmm, yes they actually do look like a dupe of the Topshop Ambush ones ahah. These seem better though. xx
OMG THEM BOOTS!ReplyDelete
You're hair tooo...... OMG SO JEALOUS. I wish my hair would curl like that ;(
Cat @ WHAT CAT SAYS
Love your coat and boots! Your hair is so much nicer curly instead of straight!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFriday, January 13, 2012 9:32:00 pm
:O your hair looks really amazing, love the boots too, they look easier to walk in than most of the shoes i see in new look! xoxReplyDelete
I love the skirt with all of the black. Your hair looks so nice like this too! xoReplyDelete
Your hair looks super pretty, girl! And I agree, Romwe is a hit and miss, but when they are hits, they are like super hits, and you just love it. xReplyDelete
Ah Lily, I completely forgot I had this skirt in the back of my wardrobe as I always assume it's more Summery attire. You've changed my mind though, and my outfit for shopping with a friend tomorrow is sorted!ReplyDelete
Ah I know your boots are from New Look but I cannot find them anywhere did you get them a while ago? They are too wonderful to miss out on x xReplyDelete
Your hair looks lovely xReplyDelete
I love your skirt...ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFriday, January 13, 2012 11:06:00 pm
love ur shorts! stunning ;)ReplyDelete
I love all of your Alexisonfire titles! Not only do you dress well you have great music taste :)ReplyDelete
I have the same New Look boots aka cheaper versions of Topshop Allegra shoes. :) They are super cheap, but not very comfy. Last time I went out in them I came back after 9 hours with bruised feet! XReplyDelete
I love love your Romwe jacket, I've never looked at their website before but you seem to always feature it, it may be time I do! I love the peach skirt with all black too xReplyDelete
I looooooove the boots and your hair! xxReplyDelete
this skirt is lovely, your hair looks really pretty too! and i have the same problem with new look heels, i've got a pair of black suede ones and the slant makes them almost impossible to wear!ReplyDelete
ps i'm hosting a little giveaway at the moment if you fancy taking a peek...
Love the shirt, and your hair looks lovely! Wish mine looked half as good as yours! The nude skirt is a beautiful colour too.ReplyDelete
Those boots are amazing xReplyDelete
I am loving this outfit! Your hair , total love!ReplyDelete
the boots are wonderful, do they still sell them? totally what i've been looking for.
Kyrie x
LOVE this outfit!! xxReplyDelete
I would love your wardrobe! Just got my first few romwe goodies too, didn't know about them before I started following you so thankyou! :)ReplyDelete
I love your hombre hair ! Your outfit is great too :)ReplyDelete
Adorable girl! What a nice look! :DReplyDelete
fashion is for idiots [like us]
fashion is for idiots [like us]
Looks so(!) beautiful. Really like this combination and of course, your hair!!ReplyDelete
Thinking about it, I might have to get the boots as well! I'm ridiculously tall, but the heels on them don't look too high so I might be able to get away with it. Will be keeping an eye out for a similar pair! Definitely looking for the shirt today.ReplyDelete
Boots are wonderful!ReplyDelete
The skirt is so pretty!ReplyDelete
I definitely like your hair curled more than anything! So beautiful, you look like a girl coming out of a fashion magazine :)ReplyDelete
Love the outfit !
Your hair is looking ridiculously fit in this photo, massive folicular envy going on! Also the boots are lush, they look comfy with just the right size heel xxReplyDelete
I'm totally into your hair all wavy like that!ReplyDelete
This is such a classy little outfit :) The boots are amazing!!ReplyDelete
Gem x
Love the outfit! &your hair xxxReplyDelete
Love the coat and your hair looks great like this! XReplyDelete
Beautiful skirt.ReplyDelete
always so beautiful! love the colours ♥ReplyDelete
i love pale pinks with black, great outfit :)ReplyDelete
I absolutely love this outfit! That peachy toned skirt is gorgeous!ReplyDelete
Ohh, your hair is truly amazing! <3 and I love love love the blush shade of your skirt!ReplyDelete
Lost in the Haze: Fashion Blog
love your blog so i awarded you with the Kreativ Blogger Award :) i know you've been awarded a lot more than this but it was your blog that inspired me to start one, go to my blog for more details http://mollynothollywood.blogspot.com/ xReplyDelete
You look lovely. Your shoes are beautiful!ReplyDelete
http://meggybebloggin.blogspot.com/ x
gorgeous outfit xxxReplyDelete
- AnonymousSunday, January 15, 2012 9:44:00 pm
Your hair looks incredible here xxReplyDelete
You have so many gorge coats xReplyDelete
Really really really adore your skirt!ReplyDelete
ooooh! LOVE your hair wavy! Makes a change cos you always have it straight. It suits you :)ReplyDelete
your hair looks SO lovely in these pictures! how do you make it so shiny and wavy? i'd love to know your secret haha! xReplyDelete
do you have the link for these shoes by any chance? really like them but can't seem to find them on the website!ReplyDelete
your hair is gorgeous in this post lily! i also really love how well your top and skirt go together. the baby pink colour is just lovely. and really loving the books too. i seem to have a big craving for black boots like these at the moment so i think i'll have to go and check these ones out! XReplyDelete
Just catching up on both your blogs so thought I'd drop a note before I forgot! Totally in love with these boots and you're encouraging me to buy more black in the future to mix in with the brights - am planning on making it a base colour against spring pastels this year :)ReplyDelete
Love xo http://tobeapoetblog.blogspot.com/
i love this outfit! i love the skirt contrasting with the black. i also love the hairrReplyDelete
if you have any questions feel free to tweet me @llymlrs!
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.


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I think I was on facebook and it showed a younger woman standing at a Red Box. She was looking up at the ceiling camera. Don't open it.
I wouldn't watch any video unless it's on YouTube, Vimeo, or some popular video player service where they crunch and host the video -- unless you really know what it is.
This ransomware shit, by the way, is the most dangerous thing going right now. I used to know someone who would know someone who got hit with this, but now I know people who have been hit.


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It's here: the time of year we say it's not about the presents -- and yet we spend like it is.
The question is: Do you have a method to resist the annual spending spree if your money is tight?
More than 147 million people plan to shop Black Friday weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) this year, according to the National Retail Federation, which also is forecasting that holiday sales in November and December will increase 4.1 percent to $586.1 billion.
As my holiday tradition every year, I try to find some way to keep the spendthrifts and heavily indebted from caving in to the pressure to buy when they don't have the cash.
I recently sat down with a mother of two young boys who wanted me to look at her spending and help her figure out why she couldn't make ends meet. She thought she was spending too much on housing.
It wasn't the mortgage payments that were breaking her budget. It was the debt she had amassed trying to live above her means. Personal loans and credit card debt took far too much of her monthly paycheck.
So we worked out a budget, which didn't leave much to spend on things other than covering her basic necessities and paying down her debt. She then asked me a question that made me feel sad for her.
"What about Christmas?" she asked.
"What about it?" I said.
"I have to give my boys something," she pleaded. "They will be so hurt if I don't put a lot of stuff under the tree. I have to buy something for them. I have to."
I took out a piece of paper and wrote down four words: "I don't have it."
I handed the note to the mother.
"This is your situation," I said.
She took the paper and looked at it in silence. She fought back tears and agreed that this Christmas, she would have to curtail her spending. She would have to show her love by her presence, not the presents she couldn't afford.
But as the mother left, I wondered if she could pull it off. Realistically, how can she and you -- if you're in a similar position -- not spend on the kids, your husband, wife, mother, father, in-laws or friends? They have expectations you want to fulfill.
So I have an idea to help you this year. Think of the fire safety training you might have gotten in school. What do the experts tell you to do if your clothes catch on fire?
Stop, drop and roll.
If on fire, you are told that you should stop moving because running feeds the flames. You should drop to the floor and cover your face. And then roll around to help put out the fire by depriving it of oxygen.
Now let's apply this advice to your holiday spending:
Stop. Don't even think about putting any purchases on credit. Nearly three in 10 consumers plan on charging their gifts this year, according to the federation's survey. Just like running while on fire, continuing to use credit will make things worse. You fan the flames. To help drive home this point, do what I did for the mother. I had her list all her debts. It was only then that she realized how bad things were.
Drop. It's important that you drop the attitude that your children or others will be deprived if you don't splurge for Christmas. What is it that they really need? OK, since I know you'll feel guilty or miserly if you don't buy them something, just keep the amount you spend low. Drop big-ticket items from the list.
Roll. Roll right past the malls except perhaps the one trip you make to purchase the few gifts you think you have to buy. Don't use the malls as part of your holiday entertainment. Don't go to check out the beautiful decorations. It's too tempting. Don't open the emails about the enticing online deals. The point is to cover your face so that you don't see what you think are bargains. You may be drawn to the holiday sales by rationalizing that at least you're saving money. But you never save when you spend. You might be spending less, but you are not saving. And you're spending money you need to apply to getting out of debt.
If you're trying to cut your holiday spending, use the stop, drop and roll drill as a reminder that this time of year is truly not about the presents.
Readers can write to Michelle Singletary c/o The Washington Post, 1150 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20071. Her email address is email@example.com. Comments and questions are welcome, but due to the volume of mail, personal responses may not be possible. Please also note comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer's name, unless a specific request to do otherwise is indicated.


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I was just watching the trailer again (still looks great), and although it is unlikely, Obi-Wan's one line in there really sounds like Ewan McGregor to me. Who knows, with some of the other cast returning (at least for the theatrical run), but if it isn't - it sure is a good sound-alike.Again, this really looks pretty nifty. I think Lucasfilm (and Hasbro) could have a real winner here with a weekly series. Hopefully it turns out as good as it looks so far, because it would be really cool to have a weekly dose of "new" Star Wars to look forward to.
There is a new 3:49 clip at Yahoo Movies
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- After Thursday night's vice presidential debate, former President Bill Clinton said he now sympathizes with Paul Ryan, the man he said had the "brass" to criticize President Barack Obama's Medicare savings in health care reform.
Stumping here for the Indiana Democratic party on Friday, Clinton said Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan "let the cat out of the bag" when he squared off against Joe Biden in Kentucky last night.
"You know, I kind of sympathize with Congressman Ryan, he has to defend now Gov. Romney's position that the $716 billion in Medicare savings in the president's budget -- that the congressman voted for -- is somehow a ripoff even though it was in his budget too."
Fact checkers have debunked GOP claims that Obama cut $716 billion from Medicare, and on the stump Clinton has vigorously attempted to defend Democrats record on the hot button issue, most notable at the Democratic National Convention, when he satirically quipped that Ryan had "brass" for critiquing cuts so similar to ones proposed in the budget he authored.
Romney campaign spokesperson Amanda Henneberg countered that "[Obama] has done nothing to reform Medicare for the long haul and prevent it from going bankrupt. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have a plan that protects Medicare for current seniors and preserves and strengthens it for future retirees."
Related: Biden plays aggressor in debate as Ryan argues GOP case
But it was more than just Ryan's stance on Medicare that stood to Clinton during last night's debate. He used his stop in Indiana, where the auto industry plays an important role, to take a jab at Ryan's answer to a debate question about Romney's opposition to the auto bailout.
"When Mr. Ryan said last night that Gov. Romney was a car guy, I thought 'Well if having an elevator to stack them counts, I guess he was,' Clinton said. "Let me tell you something about this car thing, it was not a bailout, it was a restructuring that we as taxpayers participated in because the banks were unwilling to save the automobile companies."
DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz discusses Vice President Biden's performance at Thursday night's vice presidential debate, and how the base and swing voters may respond.
The high profile Democratic surrogate was here for the "Hoosier Common Sense" rally for Indiana Democratic senate candidate Joe Donnelly and gubernatorial candidate John Gregg. Both races have garnered plenty of national attention and give the Hoosier State a rare chance to elect both a Democratic senator and governor in the same year.
Clinton, who stressed the need for bipartisanship in Washington, sought to paint Donnelly's opponent, Republican Richard Mourdock, as an extremist unwilling to work across the aisle. It's a position Mourdock himself has seemed to at times endorse, like in May when he told NBC's Chuck Todd that "bipartisanship ought to consist of Democrats coming to the Republican point of view." The Republican senate candidate unseated 36-year incumbent Sen. Richard Lugar in a primary where one of his main attack lines dealt was Lugar's history of bipartisanship.
Related: Ryan wades deep into lengthy Afghanistan argument
"I was raised to believe that nobody's right all the time. Now, maybe Mr. Mourdock is, I don't know. He's way right all the time, I know that," Clinton said to loud applause at North Central High School.
Clinton painted Rep. Mike Pence, campaigning against Gregg for governor, as an equally partisan politician largely void of a record of accomplishment. "It would be like a cold shower for Congressman Pence if he were to become governor, because in the statehouse, you don't have an option of arithmetic rules. And you can't not pass bills. you can't get re-elected like you can to Congress, apparently you can get re-elected for a dozen years and never pass a bill," said Clinton.
Also joining Clinton on stage in the Hoosier State was was former Sen. Even Bayh. Clinton told the crowd that all four men were more fiscally conservative than both Romney and Ryan "because, as I said in Charlotte, we believe in arithmetic."
Bloomberg Businessweek's Josh Green, the Washington Post's Ruth Marcus, Time's Michael Crowley, and the Washington Post's Karen Tumulty discuss the next steps on the campaign trail for President Obama and Mitt Romney ahead of the next presidential debate.
The former president has had a packed schedule campaigning both for Obama and Democratic congressional candidates around the country. From Indiana, Clinton headed to Iowa to help raise funds for Democrats in the Hawkeye State.
"I didn't expect to be quite so involved in this campaign. I have now a daughter who's working for television network and a wife who's got one of only two jobs in the government, the other being secretary of defense, that are prohibited from participating in electoral politics, so you're stuck with me," Clinton said.


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Meeting the Needs of our Diverse Community
Sentara serves many large communities rich in culture and diversity. One of our goals is to ensure that all patients are cared for in a way that is appropriate to their language and cultural needs.
We Listen to You
We work together as a team with you, the patient, to ensure your beliefs regarding health and illness are being met. When providing care to our patients, we take into account the patient's:
- Race, ethnicity
- Language
- Gender, age
- Religion
- Sexual orientation, family structure
- Physical and mental disabilities
- Socioeconomic status
We aim to deliver culturally appropriate care and create a welcoming environment for all our patients, regardless of their differences, disabilities or knowledge of the English language.
Let Us Know Your Needs
Sentara needs your help to better understand your needs when you visit our hospitals or any of our health centers. We provide:
- Communication Services
Free interpretation services and adaptive equipment are available for non-English speakers, deaf patients and/or their families. If you would like to have an interpreter, please let our staff know.
- Resources
Resources cover a range of health-related topics, as well as those pertinent to your cultural needs. Referrals to other Sentara services and community agencies are offered as appropriate.
- Community Events
Health screenings, seminars and workshops are offered by Sentara periodically throughout the year. Attend these events and tell us if there are ways to improve our attention to your needs.
While you're in our care, be sure to let staff know about any cultural needs you may have.
For Our LGBTQ Patients
Know Your Health Care Rights
- https://transequality.org/know-your-rights/health-care
- https://healthcarebillofrights.org/Assets/Documents/Partners/BOR/hrc.pdf
Coming Out to Your Doctor
Health Resources for Transgender Patients