Sinn Fein's presence in the Commons would help focus the government's mind on the consequences of a hard Brexit for Northern Ireland, writes Sean Swan. The very real prospect of a hard border means the time has come for Sinn Fein to decide whether it is playing the game of politics or not.
The British government has no selfish strategic or economic interest in Northern Ireland: our role is to help, enable and encourage. Britain's purpose […] is not to occupy, oppress or exploit, but to ensure democratic debate and free democratic choice.
The Declaration paved the way for an IRA ceasefire which was announced on 31 August, 1994. The republican movement's understanding was that the ceasefire would lead to Sinn Fein's inclusion in peace talks. However, internal British politics were to complicate matters. The 1992 general election had given the Tories a slim ten seat majority. This majority was rendered even less secure by the constant threat of rebellion from Eurosceptic 'bastards' within the ranks of the parliamentary Conservative party itself.
It was a minority government in all but name. By the end of 1995 the Tory majority had eroded to only two. The prime minister, John Major, was increasingly dependent on the support of nine Ulster Unionist (UUP) MPs to stay in power. But keeping the Unionists on side came at the cost of taking, or at the very least being perceived to take, the Unionists' side in relation to the peace process. The IRA ceasefire continued, but the peace talks Sinn Fein had assumed would follow never took place. Instead there were new demands for decommissioning of IRA arms and of the need for a 'decontamination' period before talks could take place.
Finally, with no progress having been made towards peace talks and growing unease about the entire process within the IRA, the IRA ended its ceasefire on 9 February 1996. Their statement announcing the fact noted that "Time and again, over the last 18 months, selfish party political and sectional interests in the London parliament have been placed before the rights of the people of Ireland". This marked the start of a new IRA campaign which avoided violence in Northern Ireland in favour of a bombing campaign in England.
The Labour government elected on 1 May 1997 had a secure majority and was thus free to act impartially on Northern Ireland. However, the IRA did not immediately restore its ceasefire following this election. The leadership needed to reassure its volunteers that it, not events in London, would decide when a new ceasefire would be called. This was achieved by the symbolism of not ending its new campaign until it had lasted exactly as long as had the first ceasefire – 526 days.
Once the IRA restored its ceasefire on 20 July, 1997, the peace process proceeded relatively smoothly, culminating in the Good Friday Agreement the following Easter. The heart of the Agreement was the principle of consent – Northern Ireland's constitutional position would be determined by the people of Northern Ireland; parity of esteem – the right of people in Northern Ireland to identify as British, Irish or both, and hold Irish and/or British passports; and the 'three strands' – relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Great Britain. Unlike the Downing Street Declaration, the EU was barely mentioned in the Agreement as it was then assumed to be a permanent backdrop to Anglo-Irish relations. Peace was also implicitly premised on the border becoming invisible and largely irrelevant.
The entire substance of the peace agreement is now being washed away. Speaking in Belfast on 20 July 2018, Theresa May stated that the British government "will never be neutral in our support for the union" – a total negation of the Downing Street declaration. The 'backstop' supposedly agreed to avoid a hard post-Brexit border was dumped on 16 July by an amendment to the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill. The Northern Ireland Assembly – the heart of 'strand one' of the Agreement – has been moribund since January 2017; the North-South Ministerial Council – the heart of 'strand two' – has not met since November 2016.
The fact that the Conservatives are dependent on Ulster Unionist votes to stay in power – this time the DUP – is hardly coincidental to this state of affairs, nor is the fact that the Tories themselves are deeply divided. It is a re-run of the Major years. That experience may be why, following the 2017 general election, Major warned the Tories of the dangers of a deal with the DUP. Describing the current peace as "fragile" Major pointed out that a "fundamental part of that peace process is that the UK government needs to be impartial between all the competing interests in Northern Ireland".
The situation in Northern Ireland itself has become increasingly fraught. Derry has witnessed serious violence in recent weeks, orchestrated by Dissident republicans whose growing audacity can be judged by their recent attack on the home of former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams. The peace process was premised on creating a political route forward, but politics cannot exist in a vacuum. And a vacuum is now where Sinn Fein finds itself. It has succeeded in becoming the majority nationalist party in Northern Ireland, but absent a functional Northern Ireland Assembly, coupled with Sinn Fein's continuing adherence to an Abstentionist policy in relation to Westminster, there is no political forum.
It is this political vacuum and the real possibility of a hard Brexit and a hard border, which is proving fertile ground for Dissident republicans. The risks of dropping Abstentionism – not least of providing a propaganda coup for Dissidents – are well known but are now not as serious as the risks posed by the current situation. In fact, to the extent that Abstentionism is rendering politics futile, it helps make the Dissidents' case that politics is pointless and the only solution is 'armed struggle'.
Had the Sinn Fein MPs been present in the House of Commons on 16 July, they could possibly have brought the government down and an ensuing general election might have returned a government opposed to a hard Brexit. In any case, Sinn Fein's presence in the Commons would help focus the government's mind on the full realities of Northern Ireland. Hard Brexiteers would not be happy to be denied their Brexit by Sinn Fein, but Northern Ireland is either fully part of the UK, warts and all, or it isn't – and if it is, its MPs, all of them, are fully entitled to vote on any matter before the House.
Finally, Sinn Fein needs to remember that the 2017 general election was a crisis election. The nationalist community in Northern Ireland returned seven Sinn Fein MPs, the party's best ever result. If, because of Abstentionism, Sinn Fein cannot prevent a hard Brexit and ensuing hard border, that community will not be blind to the fact that had they returned seven SDLP MPs – or even seven Alliance MPs – a hard Brexit could have been prevented. And they are likely to remember that in future elections. Sinn Fein is either playing the game of politics or it isn't; if it is, it cannot do so with one arm tied behind its back. The time has come to drop Abstentionism.
Sean Swan is a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Gonzaga University. He is the author of Official Irish Republicanism, 1962 to 1972 (2007).
"I'm not an Irish republican and I don't understand why Sinn Fein abstains, but they do.
To change the long-held policy of abstention just because right now Sinn Fein could exercise important influence seems to me to wholly invalidate abstentionism".
Abstentionism is about refusing to recognise the legitimacy of British rule in Northern Ireland by refusing to attend the British parliament. However, the GFA recognises the legitimacy of British rule in NI (for as long as a majority there want it). It's clear in the text. And SF signed up to the GFA.
Abstentionism was originally also applied to the Dail ('Leinster House') and to the Northern Ireland parliament and its successors – but that was dropped by SF back in the 1980s.
On the other hand, Abstentionism has powerful symbolism within republicanism and has been at the heart of splits in the republican movement for almost a century.
So it's basically a choice between, on the one hand, symbolism and principle (even though the principle in question was actually conceded 20 years ago), and, on the other, pragmatic politics. And it's not even that clean a distinction as dropping Abstentionism would have practical political consequences as it would be something of a propaganda coup for Dissidents. I'm not saying it's an easy or risk-free strategy, just that it's necessary. Republicanism is a political ideology, not a religious one. It shouldn't be afraid to kill a few sacred cows if they are now an obstacle – especially if they are already dead.
1) The risk of a hard Brexit and a hard border – much more real now than even a few weeks ago – and the way it would undermine the GFA.
2) A drift on the part of Mrs May back towards a partisan 'Ulster is as British as Finchley' position (see her speech in Belfast). The heart of the Agreement is the de facto recognition that Northern Ireland is basically bi-national, which is why people can choose Irish or British citizenship – and that wouldn't change even if there were a united Ireland (see text of GFA). Mrs May's position is drifting away from that – due, I suspect, more to her partnership with the DUP than to personal conviction. But it's still an eroding of the principles that the peace process was built on.
3) The parliamentary balance of power has never been so close – there is not really a true majority of any sort now. Mrs May is hostage to the DUP and to the ERG. At the same time, SF have never had as many MPs. This is one of the rare occasions on which 7 MPs would actually make a difference – meaning they could help bring this government down.
4) I suspect that once a hard Brexit is achieved, this government would pull up all referendum drawbridges. They would say that in future all referenda on constitutional questions – be it a new referendum to re-join the EU, a referendum on the electoral system, a referendum on Scottish independence or a referendum on Irish unity – would require more than a simple majority to pass, perhaps a 60% majority. Those Remainers who have been emphasising the narrowness of the Brexit referendum and the folly of basing big changes on such a narrow victory, have, inadvertently, laid the ground work for exactly this scenario. The hard Brexiteers, once they have their Brexit, might suddenly become very sympathetic on the subject of the dangers of constitutional decisions being made on close referendum results.
"It's like saying you are against the death penalty, except for really bad criminals. In practical terms it would mean Sinn Fein loses all credible claim to abstentionism".
Being against the death penalty except for certain crimes would be a totally coherent position, wouldn't it (not one I would support, I hasten to add)? On that point, we are now hearing the beginnings of arguments in favour of the re-introduction of the death penalty post-Brexit – an indication of the direction in which this hard Brexit thing is going. As for SF losing 'all credible claim to abstentionism', well yes, obviously. But is that the most important thing? Maybe it's just outlived its purpose.
Finally, it's entirely possible that SF actually want a hard Brexit – and the harder and more disastrous the better – in the hope that it would lead to an increase in support for a united Ireland. Polls are currently showing such an increase – but only amongst the Catholic community. In other words, one likely outcome of a hard Brexit would be an increase in sectarian division without yielding a majority in favour of a united Ireland.
"You are assuming that if SF took the 7 seats all the other variables would stay the same. This would not happen".
Why? The only variables in question here are numbers and votes in the House of Commons Would dropping Abstentionism somehow change the number of Tory, Lab, Lib Dem, etc MPs?
"Neither Labour nor the Government want an election because it would expose the split in both parties".
Labour would jump at the chance of an election – just like they did in 2015, when everybody said they would be wiped out – and they were just as split then as now. As for the Conservatives, it's the very fact that they are split that makes an election possible. The ERG care more about a hard Brexit than about an election. They'd be quite happy to bring May down if they thought they weren't getting one. That was the reason May accepted the amendments to the Taxation bill, even though it made nonsense of the white paper. But if it is looking like there will be a no deal Brexit, Soubry and the other Tory Remainers may pull the plug – if they have the numbers (they don't on their own – yet at least – because Hoey and Fields et al would probably vote with the gov on this). And of course the Lib Dems want an election. The SNP might be a bit nervous about it – but it would be politically impossible for them to NOT vote against May in a vote of confidence.
The party that really, really don't want an election is the DUP. They have everything to lose from it.
"Secondly you are assuming that bringing down the government would be a good thing for NI".
I'm assuming that the EU means what it says when it says there can be no extension of Art 50 without either a Brexitref2 (not going to happen under this government) or a general election. The chances of a deal being worked out before March (or December, being realistic about it) are small and getting smaller by the day – and the ERG will act as wreckers on any deal. They can smell a crash-out/no deal Brexit, and they want it. Look what happened to the Chequers deal. A general election is the only escape from this schizophrenic government which looks destined to fall out of the EU in March with no deal.
"Obviously no one knows but likely that a hard brexiteer would be PM.
Either Corbyn or May would be PM – unless the Tories went for a leadership contest in the midst of a general election campaign. That would be a bit silly – and there would be no time for it. But suppose they did? Who would win it? Boris is damaged goods, Gove is seen as a snake. JRM? The mind boggles… plus it would cause a constitutional crisis – remember the Act of Settlement. Besides that, there's the fact that the hard brexiteers are actually a minority of the Conservative parliamentary party. There is no obvious credible hard Brexit rival to May. In fact, there's no obvious alternative candidate at all – at least at the moment.
OK, a general election might change nothing, but that's unlikely. It might result in a Labour gov, or a Labour/SNP gov. Or a labour/SNP/Lib Dem gov, Or a Tory majority gov without the DUP, or a Tory/Lib Dem gov. Any of those combinations would be better that what's there now as far as it relates to avoiding a hard Brexit/hard border.
so obviously you know a lot more about Sinn Fein than I do. But what you don't explain is what fundamental new situation has arisen which would cause Sinn Fein to drop abstentionism. Of course, almost by definition, Sinn Fein could exercise more influence within the UK constitution by participating than by abstaining. That's true now and it always has been true. But they don't want to. I'm not an Irish republican and I don't understand why Sinn Fein abstains, but they do.
To change the long-held policy of abstention just because right now Sinn Fein could exercise important influience seems to me to wholly invalidate abstentionism. It's like saying you are against the death penalty, except for really bad criminals. In practical terms it would mean Sinn Fein loses all credible claim to abstentionism. At all future elections to Westminster their candidates would come under pressure to specify which policies they would support in the Commons if Sinn Fein votes would make a difference.
At the start of the article you write "The very real prospect of a hard border means the time has come for Sinn Fein to decide whether it is playing the game of politics or not.". They made their decision a long time ago. They will play politics, but not at Westminster.
As a Britisher, I find SF abstentionism hard to understand, but maybe the following model helps. Suppose the USA invaded Britain and forced it to become the 51st state. Britons would be allowed to elect representatives to Congress, who would have to pledge allegiance to the USA before participating. Would I vote for participation on these terms? Could the pledge be made without it being meaningful? I don't think so!
You are assuming that if SF took the 7 seats all the other variables would stay the same. This would not happen. Neither Labour nor the Government want an election because it would expose the split in both parties.
Secondly you are assuming that bringing down the government would be a good thing for NI. Obviously no one knows but likely that a hard brexiteer would be PM.
@Gavin a border poll? Please show me an opinion poll – any opinion poll – that shows a majority for a united Ireland. The best result I've seen was Lord Ashcroft's poll, showing 44% in favour, 49% against and 7% undecided. That looks very similar to the population breakdown by community background in the 2011 census to me – 45.1 Catholic, 48.4 Protestant and 6.5% other/none. I could be very, very wrong, but I don't believe the result would be for a united Ireland – it would be bitterly divisive though.
As far as not being able to stop a hard Brexit, take a look at how close the voting was on the amendments to the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Bill on the 16th. May only won the substantial amendment by THREE votes – and had she lost, there would have been a vote of no confidence. In other words, the government would probably have fallen. So 7 extra MPs would make a difference.
On the other hand, a hard Brexit might just 'work' – in the sense of not being a TOTAL disaster – then where are we? And remember, a lot of people would put the blame for any disaster on the EU, not on London.
The real one to watch is Scotland. It has a nationalist government with a mandate for an indyref, and the latest polls show three-quarters of Scots are opposed to Brexit – but I've yet to see a poll showing a lead for independence.
You're right, Sean. So far, no poll has shown a majority in favour for a united Ireland but as the SF goal is to unite Ireland and a border poll is the means by which it can happen, then that's what SF will push for. I'm not sure the majority would vote to unite Ireland but sentiments can change.
You're also right about votes being close but I don't believe this would cause SF to change a policy which their voters are clearly comfortable with and most likely support.
There's a theory that SF are out of government in NI so that they cannot be viewed responsible for a hard – or messy – Brexit and can blame others. At the moment, the same goes for Westminster. If they do take seats and don't prevent a hard border they will be seen as weak and breaking abstentionism with no real gain.
Considering the boost in discussion about a border poll in NI following the EU referendum, it's also possible a hard border or hard brexit would be a catalyst for a border poll – something SF would be quite happy with.
A good case could be made for a legal challenge to the Oath under the GFA as the Oath requires Irish citizens to take an Oath to the Queen. Remember that people in Northern Ireland are fully entitled to be, and be recognised as being – Irish citizens under the GFA. But why would Irish citizens want to sit in the British parliament? Simply for practical reasons because that parliament currently governs Northern Ireland. But that's all a complicated legal argument which would take years. What's needed is a special ard fheis and a change in the Abstentionist policy.
1) Sinn Fein could turn up and refuse to take the Oath and provoke a constitutional crisis – a bit like Daniel O'Connell.
2) Take the Oath, but declare while taking it that you are not taking any oath but simply repeating a formula of words which are a technical requirement to enter parliament. That is, declare it an 'empty formula', like Dev did.
4) Has not HM's government – in the Downing Street Declaration and the Good Friday Agreement – declared that it will facilitate a united Ireland if there is a vote in a referendum for it – and as Sinn Fein has signed up to the Agreement too, there is no fundamental contradiction between the two positions.
If you added the 7 MP's to the mix, the dynamics change but the result is still the same, the Conservatives are split on Brexit and so is Labour. I'm not sure that bringing the Government down would solve anything.
The 7 SF MPs would be no more effective that the 36 SNP MPs getting the British Government to face full realities of Scotland. We have seen how little influence the SNP have.
Oh that it were that easy.
I get everything you are saying Sean. But there is one thing you are missing and overlooking. Why do SF not take their seats? To my knowledge it is because in order to sit in the House of Commons you have to swear an oath to the Queen. This would go against everything SF stand for which is a united Ireland and opposing occupying forces.


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Trading is nothing but buying and selling goods and services from one another in return for a compensation levied from the buyer by the seller. The producers and consumers actively take part in trading to boost the economy. International Trade has expanded the marketplace to a global level. Goods and services are now exported and imported between countries so that consumers are presented with an assorted range of commodities and have numerous choices at their disposal when it comes to shopping or trading at a wholesale level. International trade has increased the competition in the marketplace thus ensuring that good quality products at available at reasonable rates.
When it comes to financial markets, it deals with buying and selling securities such as stock in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Let's delve into Trading
Trade involves transactions as simple as an exchange of stamps between collectors to complex international policies that define protocols to facilitate import and exports between countries. Irrespective of the type of transaction, there are there elementary type of exchanges.
International trade brings foreign products to our land which otherwise would not have been available in our country. The international market brings home a wide variety of products such as food, clothes, automobiles, spare parts, electronic gadgets, stocks, beverages etc. Alongside products, services such as tourism, banking, consulting, manufacturing, engineering, finance etc. Export deals with selling products to foreign countries while import refers to buying products from them and making it available to the citizens.
The balance of payments (BOP), summarizes all transactions such as imports and exports of goods, services, and capital that a country has made with individuals, companies, and government bodies outside the country.
Apart from the efficiency, international trade also helps in blooming global economy by fostering the growth of foreign direct investment (FDI). FDI refers to the act of a company controlling ownership of a business entity and/or assets in another country. FDI promotes economic growth allowing countries to be active economic participants. The receiving country is presented with foreign currency and expertise leading to better employment levels and thus Gross Domestic Product. When we take the investors' perspective, company expansion and higher revenues are the returns they seek.
A negative balance of trade (BOT) can arise from a trade deficit. A country is said to be in trade deficit when revenue spent on aggregate imports exceed the revenue earned by aggregate exports. This represents an outward flow of the domestic currency to foreign countries.
Comparative Advantage: Global Trade & it's Efficiency
Global trade allows countries to use their resources be it technology, capital or labour, to their advantage. The assets and natural resources that a country own is different than its neighbours'. Due to this very reason, certain goods can be produced more efficiently in a particular country thus helping them to reap higher profits than others. It's better to obtain an item by trading with another country if they are efficient producers of the same than oneself. This is known as specialization in international trade.
This can be illustrated with a simple example. Country A and Country B are both capable of manufacturing transistors and corn. Country A produces ten transistors and six corn cobs a year while Country B produces six transistors and ten corn cobs a year. Each country produces 16 units of both products in aggregate. It takes three hours to produce the ten transistors and two hours to produce the corn cobs (total of five hours) for Country A while Country B requires only one hour to manufacture ten transistors and three hours to gather six corn cobs (a total of four hours).
Gradually, it dawns upon these countries that they can produce more by concentrating on products over which they have a comparative advantage. Country A now specializes in corn cobs while Country B focuses on transistors. Now the aggregate output is 20 units per year for one country. They can now trade equal proportions of both products and have 10 units of each of them.
We can see that both countries benefit from specialization since its cost is less than the opportunity cost of manufacturing products. This increased profit also helps in trading and acquiring the goods required. With increased production comes a decrease in price which benefits the end consumer as well.
We observe that country B can produce both at products within 4 hours. This is called an absolute advantage, and it could be due to technological advancement. Despite absolute advantage over Country A, Country B can still reap benefits from specialization.
The law of comparative advantage can be seen in David Ricardo's book "On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation". It portrays the benefits that would have been achieved by England and Portugal when specialized and traded based on their comparative advantages. Ricardo predicted that countries would gradually come to know of these facts and increase the production of the product that was more favourable for them. As the years passed by, they discovered that it was advantageous to trade and bring in products that were laborious to manufacture in one's own country.
Another example that we can see today's world is that cheap labour is China's comparative advantage over the United States. Chinese workers can yield simple consumer goods at lower opportunity cost. The US specializes in capital-intensive labour thus producing sophisticated goods or investment opportunities at lower opportunity costs. China and the US thus specialize and trade along these lines so that both of them are at a comparative advantage.
This theory helps us in analysing why protectionism isn't particularly favourable. Countries involved in international trade have partnered with suitable countries that have a comparative advantage. If a country rescinds from the trade agreement, it may produce employment opportunities in the local market. However, it is not a viable solution during the long run. Eventually, they will lose out to their neighbours who are able to produce them at a lower opportunity cost.
Scrutinizing Comparative Advantage
Despite free trade, some countries do not benefit from comparative trade as the studies predict. Rent-seeking, the process by which certain groups lobby the government to protect their personal interest, is a major reason why some countries remain rich at the expense of other countries.
Let's take an example. The shoe manufacturers in America understand the free-trade agreement. They are also aware of the impact that cheaper foreign shoes would cause in the market. The shoe industry tries its best to stay in the market by persuading the government to provide special tax breaks for their products and/or extra duties (or even outright bans) on foreign footwear. The protectionist approach decreases the productivity of labourers and takes a toll on the consumers as well.
Free Trade Vs Protectionism
International Trade can be advocated for, depending on the level of control placed on it. A laissez-faire approach is the simpler one in which there is less involvement from the government, believing that this will pave the way to a better economy and thus society. Since supply and demand emerge on a global scale, market forces operate according to it promoting trade and growth.
Protectionism, however, mandates the regulation of international trade to promote the smooth functioning of the market. People in favour of protectionism presume that strategies such as tariffs, subsidies, and quotas are necessary for the market so that the growth is not hampered by the inefficiencies in the international market.
Currency: The Popular Medium of Exchange
Money is the accepted medium of exchange in any transaction. It is a unit of account and a store of value and can be transferred in a wide variety of ways including cash, ACH transfers, credit cards, and wired funds. Since it acts as a store of value, there is an assurance that we can use it for transactions of equivalent value in the future.
Better Transactions
Barter system refers to cashless transactions in which goods or services are exchanged directly between parties. While it is considered as a primitive method of transaction, organizations still use it as a means to acquire goods in exchange for surplus or unutilized assets.
A good example of the barter system can be traced back to 1970s when PepsiCo Inc. set up a barter agreement with the Russian government to trade cola syrup in exchange for vodka. Later the deal was modified to include $3 billion and even 10 Russian-built ships.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
namespace AutomatedSurvey.Web.Models.Repository
{
    using System;
    using System.Collections.Generic;
    using System.Data.Entity.Migrations;
    using System.Linq;

    public class AnswersRepository : IRepository<Answer>
    {
        private readonly AutomatedSurveysContext _context = new AutomatedSurveysContext();

        public void Create(Answer answer)
        {
            this._context.Answers.Add(answer);
            this._context.SaveChanges();
        }

        public Answer FirstOrDefault(Func<Answer, bool> predicate)
        {
            return this._context.Answers.FirstOrDefault(predicate);
        }

        public Answer FirstOrDefault()
        {
            throw new NotImplementedException();
        }

        public Answer Find(int id)
        {
            return this._context.Answers.Find(id);
        }

        public IEnumerable<Answer> All()
        {
            return this._context.Answers.ToList();
        }

        public void Update(Answer answer)
        {
            this._context.Answers.AddOrUpdate(x => x.Id, answer);
            this._context.SaveChanges();
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Troy McMullin spent a good part of December hunting in Nova Scotia's Kejimkujik National Park Seaside. He was armed only with his eyeballs — and he was looking for lichen.
The research scientist at Ottawa's Canadian Museum of Nature studies the slow-growing plants to learn about the overall health of the forest.
Many forest creatures rely on lichens for camouflage, shelter and food. One tree can host 50 different species.
Lichens live on trees and rocks, preferring cool, humid and coastal conifer forests. The sensitive plants thrive on clear air and clean water, but struggle in polluted areas.
McMullin and a team of 10 amateur enthusiasts spent 160 hours hiking through the dense foliage at the coastal extension of the better-known Kejimkujik National Park.
"You usually have to swim through the brush and then you'll get to a nice open area where you'll tend to find some of the more rare species," McMullin said in a phone interview Thursday.
McMullin took this close-up of a frosted glass whiskers liken. Lichen are sensitive to pollution in the air or water, and increasing numbers of lichen indicate cleaner air and water.
McMullin worked with Parks Canada to survey the forest. He praised the people who volunteered to help.
That includes the endangered vole ears lichen. "They have a very felty surface. They have a fuzzy upper surface, a fuzzy lower surface," he said.
The "globally rare" plant can be found in Africa, South America, and Atlantic Canada. The vole ears lichen was declared endangered in 2009 and the federal government prepared a recovery strategy in 2014.
Previous searches at Kejimkujik seaside found only one vole ears lichen; this year's search turned up 10. McMullin said that suggests the air quality is getting better.


text:
Weight Loss Stories
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January 11, 2023 WiKi Weight Loss 0
Known for her iconic role in the tear-jerking NBC show "This Is Us," Chrissy Metz has been fully open about her weight loss journey in real life, just like her character in the drama, Kate Pearson. All while being a successful actress, Metz would constantly think about her struggle on and off the screen with her weight, eventually leading to a 100-pound loss.
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"All I did was eat a 2,000-calorie diet and walk 20 minutes a day," she told People.
Calorie imbalance is the number one cause of weight gain. Essentially, if you eat more calories than you are burning off, you will end up gaining weight. Especially nowadays, we tend to eat more calorie-dense processed foods and fewer whole foods. We also sit down a lot, which doesn't help with weight gain. That's why eating fewer calories and moving (even for a short period of time) throughout the day can be beneficial for weight loss.
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However, Metz's weight loss happened rapidly, within 5 months, because she became consumed with losing weight to make it in the acting world. Since then, she has thankfully become more comfortable in her skin, focusing on being healthy for herself instead of for the media.
Metz goes on to tell People that she is taking steps to lose weight. However, she clarifies that the stops along her weight loss journey are not for anybody but herself.
"I want to have a fit, healthy body and not have to be put in a box." "I don't want to be limited by anything," Metz says in the interview.
As Metz continues to thrive in the acting industry (and soon to be the singing industry), she has also shifted her mentality to one of more body positivity, not specifically focusing on numbers on the scale and not having a numbered weight loss goal on her mind.
According to Women's Health, she spoke at the Wrap Women's Power Women Summit about dealing with pressure to lose weight.
"Whether I lose weight or I don't, I don't really hold onto a number," Metz said at the summit. "I don't think that's important because who's to say what?"
Metz then explains the importance of every individual determining what makes them happy and how to achieve that.
"It's going to take some time." There are some days where I'm like, "I'm definitely eating my feelings." Other days, when my heart is full, I'm not hungry. Do I want to take care of my body and live a healthy life? Absolutely. That doesn't mean you can't do it at an unconventional size.
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SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE | New Movie Posters
DreamWorks Animation Joins Walmart's Disc-to-Digital Service
CorrienteLatina | Posted on April 16, 2012 December 16, 2013
"DreamWorks Animation Joins Walmart's Disc-to-Digital Service"
Shrek, Gingy, Po and Tigress are making their way to the cloud! Beginning today at more than 3,500 Walmart stores in the U.S., movie fans can now gain digital access to current DreamWorks Animation titles, including Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon, through Walmart's exclusive disc-to-digital service powered by VUDU, the industry-leading video streaming service. DreamWorks Animation is the sixth major Hollywood studio to partner with Walmart to give Americans the freedom to access their previously-purchased DVDs and Blu-ray movies in the cloud.
"Once again, Walmart is breaking new ground in helping consumers understand the opportunities of new technologies amid the changing digital landscape," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO, DreamWorks Animation. "We are thrilled to make DreamWorks Animation's current library of films available as part of their disc-to-digital service, which we view as a positive step forward for the industry and for consumers."
Customers can now receive digital copies of their previously-purchased movies from the following studios: DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
"Walmart's disc-to-digital service answers our customers' desire for new and flexible ways to enjoy their movie collections," said John Aden, executive vice president for general merchandising, Walmart U.S. "DreamWorks Animation's existing line-up of blockbuster films is a powerful addition to the extensive list of titles available to our customers today and we're proud to have them on-board."
Walmart's Disc-to-Digital Service Powered by VUDU: How it Works
The process to convert previously purchased DVD/Blu-ray movies to digital copies is quick and simple:
Customers bring their movie collections from the participating studio partners – DreamWorks, Paramount, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal and Warner Bros. – to their local Walmart Photo Center.
A Walmart associate will help them create their own free VUDU account.
Customers tell the associate how they would like their movies converted:
Convert a standard DVD or Blu-ray movie for $2; or,
Upgrade a standard DVD to an HD digital copy for $5.
Walmart will authorize the digital copies and place them in the customer's VUDU account. No upload is necessary, and customers get to keep their physical discs.
Customers can log onto VUDU.com from more than 300 Internet-connected devices to view movies any time, any place.
Walmart Entertainment supports UltraViolet, the movie industry's initiative currently in its beta phase that allows consumers to put their purchased movies into a cloud-based digital library and keep track of them safely and securely. Walmart is able to offer customers the ability to watch and purchase UltraViolet-enabled titles directly from VUDU. These enhancements to Walmart Entertainment's services are the first of their kind from a major retailer and mark an important milestone in the expansion of digital home video ownership.
To learn more about Walmart Entertainment's new services please visit: www.walmartstores.com/entertainment
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 10,000 retail units under 69 different banners in 27 countries. With fiscal year 2012 sales of approximately $444 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com, and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.
About VUDU
A leader in HD streaming, VUDU offers the world's largest selection of HD movies, including thousands of blockbusters, Hollywood classics and indies available in stunning HDX 1080p with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and 7.1 Surround Sound. Movies are available the same day they are released on DVD or Blu-ray, and can be rented or purchased without a subscription. VUDU is available on Internet-capable HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players from FUNAI Electronics (Magnavox, Sylvania), LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, SANYO, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba and VIZIO, and on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system from Sony. VUDU is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Stores, Inc., and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For more information, visit http://www.vudu.com/
About DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, DreamWorks Animation ranks #14 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 23 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon.
SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.


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14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 16 And in a similar way these are the ones sown with seed on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17 and yet they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately theyfall away. 18 And others are the ones sown with seed among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of theworld, and the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter and choke the word, and itbecomes unfruitful.
14 The sower soweth the word. 15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
14 The sower sows the word. 15 Some are like the word sown on the path. When they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them. 16 And others are like seed sown on rocky ground. When they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. 17 But they have no root; they are short-lived. When distress or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately fall away. 18 Others are like seed sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, 19 but the worries of this age, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
14 The farmer plants seed by taking God's word to others. 15 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. 16 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 17 But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. 18 The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God's word, 19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.
14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. 18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.


Mix together wet ingredients in another bowl (ghee, coconut oil, syrup, eggs, vanilla) until mixture is smooth.
Add-in the dry ingredients to the wet ones.
Add-in the rolled oats, until consistent throughout the batter.
Lastly, fold in the apple pieces.
Roll into balls and place onto baking sheets. Bake for around 12 minutes on 350 degrees.
After removing, allow them to cool and then top them with optional yogurt mixture/nuts of choice.
Take ½ cup of yogurt -- I use plain [foragers brand] because it's not made with dairy, but feel free to use whatever kind you prefer!
Add ½ tsp of nutmeg, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1 Tbsp of syrup to the yogurt.
If you're anything like me then you absolutely love all things fall. The colors, the weather, the clothing, but most of all – the flavors.
There is something comforting and slightly nostalgic about a good pumpkin bread, or an apple muffin. Growing up in New England only fueled my love for fall further, and now that I'm spending my third fall in a row away from the magnificent foliage, fresh apples, and cool weather, I'm starting to truly miss it.
One thing that I can still do is bake away my feelings. AKA it's time to introduce you to my favorite baked goods – apple oatmeal cookies. Seriously, these are my favorite!
I remember making these cookies for the first time last year, on a trip home. My family had gone apple picking, and there was a surplus of apples lying around the house, so I decided to whip something up. At the time I was craving oatmeal cookies so I decided to make my traditional ones with a few added spices. It turned out great and made for the perfect apple treat.
Not only are these super easy to make, but they are also relatively healthy! They have no added sugars nor do they have any gluten [yay gluten-free people].
If you make them, let me know how they turn out – but I can promise you will not be disappointed.
P.S. Are you more of a chocolate fan when it comes to sweets? Then you must try my favorite snack- my "Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars." Let me know what you think!


It's great that the Globe is calling attention to transportation safety ("Pedaling bike safety," G section, Nov. 10). However, it is disappointing to see victims of roadway violence being portrayed as reckless or scofflaws who somehow bear all the responsibility for protecting themselves from motor vehicles.
While helmet promotion is a key element of the Boston Cyclists Union's work, the largest threat to cyclists in Boston is not a reluctance to wear helmets. Rather, it is the poor, outdated roadway designs we have inherited and drivers who do not feel responsibility for protecting pedestrians or cyclists. Head injuries account for only 2.2 percent of all bike-related injuries in Boston emergency rooms, according to a recent study. By focusing on examples of cavalier bike messengers and headphone-wearing hipsters, Linda Matchan downplayed the fact that riding a bicycle has become a mainstream mode of transportation and a way to promote public health.
Instead of concentrating on armoring people for impact, the Globe and the city would do best to help prevent the impact and clear the way for more people to get active. This could be done by collecting all the data we can from police, ambulance service, and emergency room records. This information could then be used to improve roadway design, guide legislation, and provide guidance for targeted education.


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Sean Payton, Tony Romo play some lockout beach football
Posted by Mike Florio on July 4, 2011, 9:56 AM EDT
The phrase "beach football" for many NFL fans conjures images of Robert Edwards blowing out his knee during Pro Bowl week after the 1998 season. Notwithstanding the career-altering (it can't be called career-ending because Edwards eventually made it back to the NFL, albeit briefly) injury, NFL players still play beach football from time to time.
Most recently, a game of beach football involving Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, and Lions linebacker Bobby Carpenter unfolded, along with Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman — and Saints coach Sean Payton.
Per Brian Allee-Walsh of sportsNOLA.com, the game was played in WaterColor, Florida, near Payton's vacation home.
"I played a little safety, a little wide receiver and Romo was struggling at quarterback so I went in and threw him a touchdown pass,'' Payton said. "Aikman led his team on a 2-minute drive that ended up tying the game. After about a half an hour, the adults were ready to quit and the kids were screaming for more. But it was fun.''
The "fun" also may have been a violation of the league's lockout rules. When the lockout began, a strict no-contact policy supposedly was put in place. After Commissioner Roger Goodell spent an hour on the phone with Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco, the league explained that "normal social interaction" is permissible. But then the vibe re-emerged that no contact should be had, but for situations involving established team charitable activities, and where permission has been obtained (e.g., Cowboys owner Jerry Jones receiving "special permission" to attend Romo's wedding). Indeed, the Dolphins said after receiver Brandon Marshall caught something other than a football that the team couldn't contact him in any way, because of the lockout rules.
Then there's the reality that the league doesn't seem to be inclined to do anything to police potential violations or enforce the rules in this regard. So we'd be surprised if anything comes of it, especially as the lockout possibly (emphasis: possibly) moves toward a conclusion.
Apart from the lockout, and as Allee-Walsh points out, Saints fans already leery of Payton's recent move to the Dallas area won't feel much better about Payton's not-so-normal social interaction with Romo and Witten.
46 responses to "Sean Payton, Tony Romo play some lockout beach football"
tbpdog says:
I don't see it as much of a violation considering Payton is not a member cowboy's organization.
abninf says:
Of course he wants to be the HC of Dallas. It's the ultimate head coaching gig. Anyone here would love to live in Westlake, TX. Especially considering the alternative of our neighbors across the eastern state line.
melonnhead says:
I kinda think of playing beach football with your friends is pretty normal social interaction.
innerlign says:
As a Saints fan, I hate the Cowboys! The immature Cowboy hater in me wants our coach to stay far away from their disfunctional franchise. But as a human being, I totally understand it. Happy 4th, Coach!
He is hanging out with them because they are his friends. If he wanted the HC job, he would have taken it. He just won a Super Bowl. What have the Cowboys done in the last 15 or so years? Choke in the playoffs.
realitypolice says:
Wait a minute! Hold the phone! I am stunned to hear about this!
There's a place called WaterColor, FL?
Is it a suburb of PaintByNumbers?
boknowsvt says:
Sounds like they're trying to channel their inner "Top Gun", but substituting football for volleyball.
Mike Florio says:
@realitypolice . . . .
It's actually just down the road from ShrinkyDinks, the preferred vacation destination for steroids users.
dbellina says:
How awesome would it be to be going to the beach and seeing that football game happening?
saints25 says:
Allee-Walsh points out, Saints fans already leery of Payton's recent move to the Dallas area won't feel much better about Payton's not-so-normal social interaction with Romo and Witten…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
did Walsh tell you that Sean Payton hates his guts?Because as a Saints fan I really dont care what Sean Patyon does in his free time
Yep, Saints25.
Here is Walsh trying to stir up some more bs.
patriotsdefense says:
Robert Edwards would kindly remind everyone in the NFL to never play beach football.
Just imagine how good the early 2000's Pats could have been if he didn't almost lose his leg.
If he wanted the HC job, he would have taken it. He just won a Super Bowl. What have the Cowboys done in the last 15 or so years? Choke in the playoffs.
The head coaching job of the Cowboys wasn't offered to Payton.
Some teams spend their entire existence choking in the playoffs. Others get lucky… ONCE… then resume their proper stations in life choking in the playoffs. Or not making the playoffs at all. The Cowboys have actually made the playoffs as many times in the past 16 years than the Saints have in their entire existence. And won as many Super Bowls. But yeah let's just suspend reality for a second and pretend that the Saints are a quality franchise with a long and storied history of greatness and a destination hotspot for NFL players and coaches and the Cowboys aren't.
goawayeverybody says:
abninf, elitist much?
pftrumors says:
Bobby Carpenter.
Even to this day I don't understand what the Tuna saw in that guy.
hpeters77 says:
hey melonhead,
the cowboys havent done anything since salary cap. Cowboys used to buy their championship because they had more money. Since the start of Salary Cap they havent done squat. so yes cowgirls do suck and payton would be a great coach for the. He turned the Saints around in one year
pmars64 says:
@melonhead
Living in the past much? Bitter that the woeful Saints have won more playoff games and championships in the past 15 years than the Cowboys? Most college kids today, when asked about the last Cowboys SB win would reply that they were playing with their tonka trucks. And, let's be real, Pittsburgh really did outplay Dallas in their last SB win anyway. If O'Donnell didn't play pitch and catch with that cornerback (even I can't remember his name…), Pittsburgh wins. And beating Buffalo twice for their 3rd and 4th SB losses in the row isn't exactly like beating the Steelers in the 70s. Oh, wait, Dallas lost both of those…
If Payton does go to Dallas, and I think he might, he's a fool. You've GOT to be an idiot to want to coach for Jones. Those two egos could never co-exist because Jones would never allow Payton to get the credit he would deserve if he, by some miracle, would lead the Cowboys to a SB win. The Cowboys recent success, if you can call playoff choking a success, was because of Parcells. But Jones, in his stupidity, ran him out of town and replaced him with — Wade Phillips!?!?!?! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!! Then he hires the offensive coordinator (who sabotaged Phillips) who thinks that he has a better shot at winning by going for a 59 yr FG to tie last Thanksgiving than going for a first down???? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!! Good luck with that!!!
robf2010 says:
Are you really going to bring up Payton-to-the-Cowboys again? Leave a place where he has free reign and Drew Brees for a place where he'll always be meddled with and Tony Romo? Maybe when Brees retires but not a moment before.
marcinhouston says:
Getting NFC rivals to play beach volleyball is pretty awesome. Hopefully Greg Williams can convince John Abraham, Michael Turner, and Matt Ryan to go ride dirtbikes with him. Crutches aren't so bad for a coach if the other team has them for their players.
Getting NFC rivals to play beach football is pretty awesome. Hopefully Greg Williams can convince John Abraham, Michael Turner, and Matt Ryan to go ride dirtbikes with him. Crutches aren't so bad for a coach if the other team has them for their players.
@hpeters77
prior to the salary cap there was no unrestricted FA, therefore no player movement….how could any team prior to FA and the Salary Cap (which were instituted the same year) "buy a title"?.
And, let's be real, Pittsburgh really did outplay Dallas in their last SB win anyway.
I reckon we should give them the trophy! Then the Cowboys would only have three more than the Saints. Hey then maybe we can throw the ones they won against the Bills in the garbage. They'd still have more than the Saints hahahaha
the cowboys havent done anything since salary cap.
Super Bowl 30, booby. Look it up.
He's Rob Carpenter's son. That's it.
Never try to talk logic to a Saints fan. It wastes your time and annoys the Saints fan. This is a funny discussion, considering the number of Saints players that were not of the homegrown variety in 2009. Off the top of my head, Brees, Shockey, Vilma, Sharper, Fujita, Greer, Ayodele, Hargrove, I know there must be more.
What's funny is how Cowboy fans continue to be under the delusion that their team is relevant anymore. I mean, the last time the Cowboys won the SB:
-Cell phones were the size of phonebooks
-It took 10 mins to connect to the internet
-Frank Gifford was caught with a woman's breasts in his hands
-On a computer, if you had one, you were writing with Word Perfect
-There was no iPod, Droid, Kindle,
-There was no HD TV
But if you want watch the Cowboys when they were relevant, just pop in that worn copy of your VHS tape that's somewhere covered with dust in a box in your attic – if you can find it.
history is just that. our team has OWNED the Cowboys in the modern era.
yes, we used to SUCK. just makes our dominance that much sweeter.
thanks for playing.
spankymcwanky says:
melonnhead says: Jul 4, 2011 5:37 PM
Given that your response is geared toward "buying a title," who exactly did the Saints "buy" in the players you mentioned?
Brees was a castoff that no one wanted because of a possibly bum shoulder.
Shockey was traded for because his team didn't want him anymore
Vilma was traded for because his team didn't want him anymore.
Sharper was let go because his time in Minny was a bit of a disappointment and hardly anyone had interest in him. And from what I remember, the Saints' first target at Safety that offseason was Sensabaugh, whom the Cowboys acquired (a little "buying" right there I think)
Fujita was a castoff of the Cowboys — they didn't want him.
Greer might have been wanted by the Bills but they had recently drafted a CB so he was expendable. Greer "may" be someone the Saints "bought" but I don't buy it. His contract barely puts him in the top 20 in salary and barely in the top 30 when you consider the cap hit and bonuses. His base salary in 2009 was 3 million. That doesn't sound like buying a CB.
Ayodele was a castoff.
Hargrove was in rehab the year before.
You said there is probably more and you could say Lance Moore, whom the BROWNS didn't want. THE BROWNS!!!
We could go on, but from what I can see, the Saints Championship team was a team built on unwanted players and castoffs. The only player that you could say the Saints even came close to buying is Drew Brees, but I disagree. No one really wanted him and based on his contract he was not paid like a franchise QB. His pay rose with bonuses and performance escalators.
nawlinssaints1956 says:
The 'Boys are irrelevant as a team and organization.
If Sean is setting up for a move to Dallas, good luck with that.
As a Saints fan, I appreciate everything Payton has done for our team; if he chooses to move on, there will be a number of top shelf HC's to take his place…
1bigtex says:
@ pmars64
Where to start, where to start? Okay, "let's be real"? If you think Pittsburgh really did outplay Dallas in Super Bowl XXX, please explain how Dallas scored the first three times they had the ball? Or how Pittsburgh's first score came on a desperation drive that included a fourth down conversion? Or how they had to resort to an on-side kick? Or how the Steelers still lost by 10? You think those are the signs of a team that really outplayed the opponent?
Regarding Bill Parcells; the guy quit. The guy said he quit. He'd quit jobs before and he's quit jobs since. What in the world makes you think a guy in his 60's with several million in the bank wouldn't want to quit?
trollaikman8 says:
Yep, the Cowboys "bought" their superbowl with those high priced FA's: Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman, Larry Allen, Darren Woodson, Ken Norton Jr. & Kevin Smith. If ever a team was made up of mercenaries, it would have to be the Dallas Cowboys of the early, mid-90's.
gdonz14 says:
Was this game before or after Romo and Witten were spotted rubbing suntan oil all over each other's back????
wood5050 says:
this guy never going to win the superbly
Anyone else picturing the beach volleyball scene from "Top Gun" with that "Playing With the Boys" song in the background…?
No, no me… me neither… (looks suspiciously over each shoulder)
paulbrownsrevenge says:
Then Sean says; " See that ring, take a good hard long look at it."
whatagreatfootballmind says:
I thought coaches and players weren't allowed to talk/see each other?
Then Aikman says "Sean, put that silly little Walmart ring away and look at some REAL hardware. And when you get done with those take a good look at what a Hall of Fame QB looks like since you've never been this close to one before".
The Cowboys are 15-9 against the Saints in the "modern era", slappy.
Saints fans, you're about 5 years removed from all of you guys wearing paper bags over your heads to every game so let's not pretend that you have any real pride.
Every day is a good day to be a Cowboys fan, win or lose. They're the flagship franchise of the NFL whether they're the champs or 5-11 and you can tell by consistent merchandise sales and nationally broadcast games. Saints? Not so much. Two years after lucking into their Super Bowl win, the Saints are scheduled for 4 prime time games and 1 late afternoon game, giving them a grand total of 5 possible nationally televised games in 2011. A year after going 6-10, the Cowboys are scheduled for 5 prime time games and 6 late afternoon games.
Do you realize what that means? A year after going 6-10, the Cowboys will play in more nationally televised games in one season (11) than the Saints have in the two seasons since they lucked into their lone Super Bowl win (10, counting 2010 and 2011). It's not luck, it's not an accident of scheduling, they didn't do it that way for the express purpose of pissing Saints fans off… it's a true measure of relevance.
On the bright side, you're only 97 wins away from a .500 record, all-time. The team recently voted as the worst professional sports franchise in north America, the Cincinnati Bengals, are 86 wins away.
by "modern era" saints fans mean the last 2-3 seasons, you know, when most of them actually became Saints fans. Saints fans remind me of Phillies fans in baseball, they pull one title out of their arse, the first in decades, and pretend like they are a dynasty, and they win one every year.
@ spanky
Uh, dude, where did melonhead say that the Saints bought the players listed? The quote said "not of the homegrown variety". As to no one wanting Drew Brees, then why in the world did New Orleans have to give him a 6 year/ $60 million contract? Miami dropped out at that price over the shoulder concerns. The next time someone doesn't want me, I hope they indicate that by guaranteeing $10 million the first year with a $12 million option for the second year.
@ wood5050
I'm guessing that "5050" is the odds of you writing a sentence that makes sense. Give me the under on that proposition.
nolarules says:
What a bunch of tools all of these commentors are. Such a sad bunch. Saints fans bashing on the Dallas organization that is one of the flagship orgnizations of the NFL (it is not THE FLAGSHIP organization as some of you homers like to suggest – amazingly to those elitists in Dallas, there are some pretty big organizations in Pittsburg, New York, New England that are just as big of draws). Dallas fans bashing on the Saints for no other reason that wishing they were as relevant as the Saints these past 5 years or so (the only 5 years of the Saints entire history that they were even close to relevant). Sad little fight going on here. Saints fans fawning over a history that is quite pathetic apart from these past five years. Dallas fans wishing their organization was still relevant other than to sell merchandise and tickets to their owners new gaudy stadium, which does perfectly fit Dallas and the legion of "50k-a-year" millionaires)
-a saints fan
Jul 5, 2011 8:20 AM
No, I've been a Saints fan since 1987, my first Saints game in the dome.
I've been through ups and downs, which make kicking all of your asses these days great. Keep bringing up old stuff, just makes you look bitter and jealous. Nobody said we were a dynasty, but we are kicking ass right now, and it feels great.
last time you beat us was 1994. maybe i was off a bit in my semantics, but 17 years is a long time to be the loser, especially to a franchise everyone continues to disrespect, even after having their ass handed to them repeatedly. have a nice day!
@ innerlign says: Jul 5, 2011 12:20 PM
I never mentioned any "old stuff" did I? I said saints fans act like they are a dynasty, when they have won 1 title. We beat you in 2009 and played you even last year, you have hardly "beat our asses". You beat us bad in 2006, so yeah, one time in 4 or 5 season. I have no hate for the Saints. I wish JJ had the testicular fortitude to dump Parcells and hire Payton, but then again, everyone would have killed JJ for that. I like Payton, and most of the Saint's players, just quit pretending you guys invented football. I hate JJ myself, but for those acting like coaching in Dallas is so beneath Payton, he evidently liked JJ enough to check with him about the Dallas job before leaving to take the Saints job.
Sorry, but I don't think there's anything sad in some nasty back-in-forth exchanges. It's all a soap opera so why not have some fun with it. Cowboy fans are always the most fun to poke at because they're always so quick to jump to the distant past to make themselves feel good. "Well, 18 years ago when we beat…" and so on. Great stuff.


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Caterpillar Foundation Helps Make Academic Enrichment Program Possible
Posted by: swright 5 years, 1 month ago
The Caterpillar Foundation recently awarded a grant of $3,450 to Southmountain Children and Family Services to support a new academic enrichment program that began on campus this fall. "Imagine Miracles!" supports the academic success of elementary school children in the Foster Care Community by providing customized tutoring based on a nationally recognized educational program. Students participating will experience a love of learning and improved self-esteem as they become successful at school.
Founded in 1952, Caterpillar's philanthropic organization, the Caterpillar Foundation has contributed more than $600 million to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by providing program support in the areas of environmental sustainability, access to education and basic human needs. To learn more about the global impact of the Caterpillar Foundation, please visit www.caterpillar.com/foundation.
People In Need Grant Supports Much Needed Service
Southmountain Children and Family Services was thrilled to learn the news that we have been awarded a People in Need Grant, with funding provided by a grant from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The grant for $17,864 will support Southmountain's new Crisis Bed service.
Southmountain has been aware of an immediate and critical need of children who have been removed from the home due to abuse and neglect when no placement can be found, and children have nowhere to go. These children have been sleeping on couches at their local Department of Social Services until placement can be found. This arrangement can continue for days for some children.
Southmountain recently began a "Crisis Bed" program to meet this need. We have converted an apartment on our Foster Community campus into an emergency, short term residential service and are accepting children from counties across Western North Carolina who need short term residence. The grant will help fund the salary of a Crisis Bed/Respite worker to provide care for these children.
The Community Foundation is a nonprofit serving eighteen counties in Western North Carolina. The Foundation is a permanent regional resource that facilitates more than $14 million in charitable giving annually. CFWNC inspires philanthropy and mobilizes resources to enrich lives and communities in Western North Carolina. More information can be found atwww.cfwnc.org.
Playground Dedicated to the Memory of Jon Jones
Southmountain Children and Family Services recently honored the memory of long-time Trustee Jon Jones of Valdese by dedicating the new playground on the campus of Southmountain's Foster Community in his name. Mr. Jones served on the Board of Trustees of Southmountain for nearly three decades. For much of that time, he served as Vice Chairman of the Board.
As an attorney and District Court Judge, Mr. Jones' knowledge and experience provided him with a unique perspective upon which to build his personal volunteer service. That knowledge and experience proved to be invaluable throughout his time on the Board of Southmountain. "Jon's personal experiences on the bench gave him a unique perspective that helped us to grow and improve Southmountain's programs for children and families," said Executive Director Chris Jernigan. "He was a big proponent of the Residential Care Program of Southmountain and was instrumental in changing it into to the one-of-a-kind 'Foster Community' it is today." Mr. Jones was also a very strong advocate for Southmountain's movement towards establishing four Children's Advocacy Centers and Clinical Centers of Excellence serving Burke, McDowell, Yancey, Mitchell, Watauga and Avery Counties. "As a Judge, Jon saw firsthand how child abuse investigations can create additional trauma for children who are already traumatized by abuse," said Jernigan. Children's Advocacy Centers help to reduce that trauma by creating a multidisciplinary approach among investigative agencies and by conducting interviews and medical examinations of children in a less threatening environment.
"Jon's wisdom, dedication and guidance is greatly missed on our board," said Board Chair Bill Brinkley, himself recently honored for his long-time service on the Board. "He was always our 'go to' guy when we needed legal advice or help in understanding the importance of our programs within the system." The new playground in the Foster Community was made possible in part by Morganton Savings Bank who was more than happy to see Jon's name go on it. "We are very grateful to Morganton Savings Bank for their generosity in building this beautiful playground for our children," said Jernigan. "Like Jon, they have always been a strong supporter of our programs and our children." Jernigan and Brinkley both expressed their personal loss in the death of Jon Jones. "I will always be grateful for Jon's service and his friendship," said Brinkley. Jernigan echoed those sentiments. " I am so thankful for his support, guidance, and friendship. He was always there for the children and families as well as for me personally. He made a tough job a lot easier throughout my 26 years."
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Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Professor McGonagall and others. Part 2 is also the first and only Harry Potter video game to feature PlayStation Move functionality. If you like software product please consider supporting the author and buying product. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is an action-adventure game. Unfortunately, we have not yet reviewed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 though received mixed reviews but still some critics have made their judgment as an improved version than the Part 1. Harry Potter and friends are back in an all new adventure where they have to defend Hogwarts and fight Voldemort's dark forces. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is listed in Adventure category and made available by Electronic Arts Inc for Windows. Later, A two new trailer was presented showing the tagline «War is Coming» and «The Battle for Hogwarts». We have provided direct link full setup of the game. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is licensed as Shareware which means that game is provided as a free download to users but it may be limited in functionality or be time-limited.
The stakes have never been higher for Harry, and Deathly Hallows takes the franchise in a new direction centered on furious wand-based combat. Just download and start playing it. It was released on 12 July 2011 in North America and 15 July in Europe. Playing as Harry and other key characters in the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 videogame, you are on a dangerous and urgent quest to locate and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, and with them, Voldemort. » Digital Spy gave it two stars out of five and said, «The gameplay remains a weak imitation of a third-person shooter and the enemy A. Kami tidak menyimpan file film tersebut di server sendiri dan kami hanya menempelkan link-link tersebut di website kami. Development Part 2 of the video game was released to coincide with the release of the second part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The time to meet your destiny has arrived. You may need to pay at some moment to continue using product or to use all functionalities. It is full and complete game. Lowest ratings on Metacritic came from GamesRadar, stating, «This is the absolute nadir of the series. If you can not afford to buy product consider the use of alternative free products. We test every single game before uploading but but if you encountered some error like Runtime Errors or Missing dll files or others errors during installation than you must need read this to fix it.
In this game Harry Potter together with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are fighting against Lord Voldemort and destroying the remaining Horcruxes. Step into the roles of your favorite heroes in the epic finale of the entertainment event of the decade. You can't download any crack or serial number for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on Download. Unleash an arsenal of formidable magic to defeat attackers, protect yourself from harm and evade capture. On 21 April 2011, Emma Watson released the first trailer. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 uninstall instructions How to uninstall Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2? The game resembles its predecessor in most aspects, but the stealth sections from the previous game are omit. On July, before the movie release, the official launch trailer was released.
In different levels the player controls various characters from Harry Potter movies including. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 security and download notice Download. Side missions which were part of the previous game are not part of this game. On 1 June 2011, Rupert Grint released a new trailer, showing all the playable characters. Gameplay The gameplay of Deathly Hallows — Part 2 differs from Part 1, in order to address complaints made with the previous game. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Download free Full Version.
Please be sure that you are using Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in accordance with the law in your country. Only Harry has this ability though. Just download and start playing it. Harry Potter has finally devolved into a total cash-in and we can't score it low enough. Use potions, your Invisibility Cloak, and more while you stare down your destiny as the only one who can defeat Voldemort. » The Daily Telegraph also gave it a score of four out of ten and called it «a bland, unimaginative shooting gallery that lacks the thing that matters most: magic. Features of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 Following are the main features of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 that you will be able to experience after the first install on your Operating System.
Perlu diketahui, film-film yang terdapat pada web ini didapatkan dari web pencarian di internet. Download and install Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 safely and without concerns. Download and install Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 safely and without concerns. Battle Dementors, Death Eaters, and other powerful enemies with only your wand to help you. I hope someone takes the basic idea and does something more with it. No other Harry Potter game has had this level of action! The game continues to follow Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger on their quest to defeat Lord Voldemort by destroying his remaining Horcruxes, items which contain part of his soul. Horcruxes and then face Lord Voldemort for the ultimate battle.


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Why signing Manchester City's Wilfried Bony would be the perfect solution for West Ham?
West Ham have been trying to bring a striker to the club all summer and thought they had done it by signing Andre Ayew. However, the Ghanaian suffered an injury on his debut and is set to be missing until at least December as a result. Andy Carroll is also injured and can't be relied on to stay fit for prolonged periods. Their striking options at the club are limited and they need to bring a player in before the transfer window closes to ease their attacking concerns.
The Telegraph report that they have asked to take Wilfried Bony on loan until January, as they attempt to deal with the injury crisis at the club. The Ivorian is set for a mega money move to China at the beginning of 2017 and West Ham are hoping to take him on loan until then. He is unlikely to play again for Manchester City as he doesn't suit Pep Guardiola's style of play and a loan move to West Ham could suit all parties.
The Hammers will receive a proven Premier League striker to provide further depth to their squad until Ayew and Carroll return to full fitness, while Manchester City will be able to get him off their wage bill quicker than anticipated. For the player himself, he will get one final opportunity in the Premier League and get regular game-time to keep his match fitness up before his move to China. It is unusual for short term loan deals to be agreed between Premier League sides, but this is a rare occasion which makes a lot of sense.
He has had a disappointing spell at Manchester City, scoring just six league goals in 36 matches, but it always looked destined to fail. City don't play a style that suits Wilfried Bony. He is best when he is the focal point of a side and allowed to play as an out-and-out striker. This wasn't the case at City, as they expected him to drop deeper and play a part in the build-up play. Bony has never been good enough with his feet to effectively carry out that role.
Could Centre-Forwards Become Extinct?
Bony is a threat in the air and needs to be given service to thrive, which is why West Ham looks to be a perfect fit for him in the interim. They are stocked with creative midfielders and Bony would be a great rotational striker to cover for Andy Carroll when he is injured or rested. He is a similar profile to Carroll, therefore a change in style wouldn't be required. This is important as it allows Slaven Bilic to stick to the same way of playing and prevents any confusion about the roles on the pitch.
Although he hasn't had a good time at Manchester City, that doesn't mean Wilfried Bony is now a bad striker. He was excellent at Swansea, scoring a goal every 151 minutes, which is a great return in the Premier League. The Ivorian is good at holding the ball up and offers a threat from set pieces. As well as his physical presence, Bony has a dangerous strike from range which is another weapon in his arsenal.
The need for striking options is evident in the West Ham squad, as they have suffered injuries and have an increased schedule this year with the Europa League. If they sign Wilfried Bony, it would be the perfect solution to their current concerns. They would be getting a striker good enough to score goals in the Premier League without having to bring a player permanently into the squad. If everybody is fit, West Ham have enough striking options, but that isn't the case at the moment and they need to prevent it from getting any worse.
Featured image: All rights reserved by Newcastle United
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in: Lehmkuhl, Ursula/Hans-Jürgen Lüsebrink/Laurence McFalls (2015) (eds.): Of 'Contact Zones' and 'Liminal Spaces': Mapping the Everyday Life of Cultural Translation (Münster: Waxmann Verlag), 127-131.
in: Lehmkuhl, Ursula/Hans-Jürgen Lüsebrink/Laurence McFalls (2015) (eds.): Of 'Contact Zones' and 'Liminal Spaces': Mapping the Everyday Life of Cultural Translation (Münster: Waxmann Verlag), 7-27.


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Artist "Pasquale Grasso"
Pasquale Grasso
Label: Okeh/Sony Masterworks
Genre: Guitar
Solo Ballads, Vol. 1
Solo Masterpieces
Solo Bud Powell
Label: Masterworks
Solo Bird
Biography Pasquale Grasso
One of the most strikingly unique artists of his generation, Pasquale Grasso has undoubtedly changed the way the world views jazz guitar. Born in Ariano Irpino, Pasquale began playing guitar at a very young age. By the summer of 1997, his parents, who recognized the depth of their young son's talent, sought out the instruction of jazz innovator, Agostino Di Giorgio. A former pupil of Chuck Wayne, Di Giorgio immediately took interest in Pasquale, whose prodigious aptitude for the instrument flourished as the young guitarist quickly became his closest pupil. From that point, it wouldn't be long before news of this talent spread.
Barry Harris, the world-renowned jazz educator and bebop piano master, became an extraordinary influence when Pasquale attended his jazz workshop in Switzerland during the summer of 1998. Harris, contemporary of Miles Davis, Sonny Stitt, and Cannonball Adderley, took Pasquale and his brother, Luigi, under his wing. Over the span of the next 5 years, the Grasso brothers became pillars of Harris' international workshops and were quickly promoted from mere attendees to instructors for the other students. Pasquale was named Harris' guitar teaching assistant and for the last ten years he has conducted workshops in Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Holland, and Slovenia.
In 2008, Pasquale pursued classical guitar studies in the Music Conservatory of Bologna under Professor Walter Zanetti. During his time at the conservatory, Grasso developed a new approach to the guitar, combining classical tradition with Chuck Wayne's modern technique.
In 2012, he moved to New York City and quickly made a name for himself in the city's vibrant jazz scene. Grasso became part of the Ari Roland Quartet and the Chris Byars Quartet, performing in clubs, music festivals, and recording in the studio regularly. Later that year, Pasquale was named a Jazz Ambassador with the US Embassy, going on to tour extensively across Europe, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Cyprus, Lithuania, and Ukraine, among others. Despite his young age, Grasso has performed with many leading musicians of the international jazz scene such as: Barry Harris, Charles Davis, Freddie Redd, Frank Wess, Leroy Williams, Ray Drummond, Murray Wall, Steve Grossman, Tardo Hammer, Jimmy Wormworth, John Mosca, Sacha Perry, Ari Roland, Luigi Grasso, Chris Byars, Zaid Nasser, Bucky Pizzarelli, China Moses, Harry Allen Quartet, Grant Stewart, Stepko Gut, Nicolas Dary, Dado Moroni, Agostino di Giorgio, Michel Pastre Big Band, Gianni Basso Big Band, Joe Cohn, Oscar Zenari, and Luca Pisani.
Pasquale's guitar was expertly crafted for him by long time friend and luthier, Bryant Trenier. Trenier Guitars is located in Suffern, New York.
Pasquale is currently Sony Masterwork artist and he is teaching at SUNY Purchase College of Music.


Pom poms - the cutest knitted accessories?
Home » H.A. Kidd knitting supplies » Pom poms – the cutest knitted accessories?
Pom poms make darling decorations on their own, and the perfect finish for winter hats and mittens. You just need these tools and your favorite scrap yarn!
Pom-poms are one of the final flourishes that can take your finished knitting to the "next level." They're often used as an accessory on top of a knitted hat, or at the edge of a mitten cuff. You might even have seen them attached to the corners of baby blankets, or the ends of scarves. These little darlings are very versatile!
There are a lot of "low tech" ways to make them, but if you want that almost magazine-looking quality, try using a pom-pom maker (pictured above). They will give your pom-poms a symmetrical, polished quality that's hard to beat, and also come in different sizes for different pom-pom needs. In the photos below, I'm going to show you how it works! The results are hard to beat.
Step 1: Hold the pair of rings together, smooth sides out. Begin wrapping your yarn around the rings.
First, gather your materials. You'll need a bit of scrap yarn (any weight will do – I'm using worsted-weight wool to demonstrate these), your pom-pom maker in the size you prefer, and a dull tapestry needle/wool needle for the smaller sized pompoms if that's the size you're making. The pom-pom makers I'm using in this demonstration come in 3 sizes that all snap together. This means you can use one size at a time, or combine 2 or 3 sizes together to adjust the size if you wish.
All ready? Let's start our pom-poms!
Step 1 (pictured above): begin with the 2 pom-pom rings facing together with their 'flat' side out. start wrapping your yarn around both of the rings together, and keep wrapping all the way around.
Step 2 (pictured below): keep wrapping the yarn until it's as thick as you want it to be. The more you wrap, the more solid your pom-pom will be. I recommend wrapping it at least twice around all the way, but keep wrapping more if you want a really sturdy pom-pom!
Step 2: Continue wrapping the yarn until it is at least twice covered by the yarn, or as much as you want to keep wrapping!
If you're using the smaller pom-pom makers, it's easier to use a tapestry needle to thread the yarn through the smaller hole in the center.
Step 3 (pictured below): Once you've wrapped the yarn as much as you want to, hold the rings – which now resemble a "yarn doughnut!" – firmly in the center, and start cutting all around the outside edge of the rings.
The first time I tried this, I worried the yarn would simply fall out of the center of the ring and that it wouldn't work at all. I was wrong! As long as you've created enough yarn wraps, the yarn will simply rest nestled up all the strands together in the center.
Step 3: Cut the wrapped yarn along the outside center edge of the ring, while holding firmly in the center.
Step 4: Slowly pull the rings apart so that the center of the yarn is exposed. Don't remove the rings completely.
Step 4 (pictured above): Slowly pull the two rings apart, to expose the center of the little yarn bundle – but be careful not to completely remove them. This will look a bit like two jellyfish stuck together.
Step 5 (pictured below): With the center of the yarn bundle exposed, tie 1 or 2 longer strands of yarn around the whole works, and tie a knot firmly. Now it's safe to remove the rings!
Step 5: Using 1 or 2 longer strands of yarn, tie them firmly around the pom-pom yarn bundle. Be snug!
Step 6 (pictured below): Once you've removed the rings, all that's left to do is snip away any uneven ends and then give it a "floof" with your fingers, and you're done! It's a perfect little pom-pom, ready to adorn the top of your next winter hat.
Step 6: Snip away any uneven pieces of yarn, give it a "floof" with your fingers, and you're done!
If you keep your pom-pom maker handy in your knitting tool-kit, you'll be ready to finish your hat and mittens if they call for pom-poms right away. Or, you can make a few at a time when you come to the end of a project, as a way to use up small amounts of extra yarn. Pom-poms make great little decorations on their own, or strung together to make a garland! Pom-poms are gorgeous final flourishes to take your knitting to the next level.