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Dr Terry Loong
Aesthetic Doctor
www.drterry.com
Expertise: Cosmetic, Cosmetic doctors, Skin
Location: Central London
Splurge-worthy
Star Quality:
A well kept secret
USP:
Takes acne to task
My Latest News
Dr Terry is one to watch. Voted Rising Star in 2012 and best clinic in 2013 at the Aesthetic Awards, in our opinion her star is burning bright, and that's because she supports, informs and treats…
Dr Terry is one to watch. Voted Rising Star in 2012 and best clinic in 2013 at the Aesthetic Awards, in our opinion her star is burning bright, and that's because she supports, informs and treats her patient with the utmost care and compassion. You'll be bowled over by her positivity, and we won't judge you for girlishly skipping out of her clinic post-treatment. Her technical skill and empowering approach will restore both your appearance and your mojo.
She originally trained as a doctor and is a postgraduate of the Royal College of Surgeons, but her passion for aesthetics runs deep. Tragically Dr Terry's mother died at a young age, and it was only after she passed away that Dr Terry realised how much her mother's skin problems and insecurity about her appearance had affected her confidence, happiness and sense of wellbeing. On graduating Dr Terry wanted to make sure that other women didn't suffer in the way that her mother had, and she made it her mission to boost women's self-esteem across the board.
Incorporating preventive medicine, functional medicine, anti-ageing medicine, health coaching, weight management, nutritional optimisation, hormonal rebalancing, holistic care, and most importantly, education, Dr Terry's treatment plans take into account both internal and external vitality. She's a champion of women, understands the pressures that women face and is always, always honest. In a nutshell, she's your new beauty industry best friend.
Find her at The Skin Energy™ Clinic, North Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1K 6ZL
Contact her on 0207 127 8108
Read more > > >
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Won the Aesthetic Awards for 2013 for Best New Clinic :) An underdog compared to long standing clinics! Thank you everyone for your support! January 2nd 2014 17:56:32
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Born on 2 May 1935, son of Philias Laroche (c1898-1976) and Florence Bourgeios (c1902-1991), he became a teacher and was Principal of St. Germain School. He and his wife, Marie Olivia Moquin (c1937-1978), had three children. He died on 28 April 2000 and was buried in the St. Pierre Jolys Cemetery.
Obituary [Philias Laroche], Winnipeg Free Press, 21 January 1976, page 45.
Obituary [Marie Olivia Laroche], Winnipeg Free Press, 3 August 1978, page 38.
Obituary [Florence Laroche], Winnipeg Free Press, 15 October 1991, page C37.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 2 May 2000, page 37.


These mini naked chocolate cake hearts are perfect for Valentine's Day.
Red wine chocolate cake with berry mascarpone filling & decorated with fondant hearts!
Pour in the oil, milk and add eggs. Using a wooden spoon, combine all the ingredients until you get nice smooth batter. Pour in wine – a small amount at a time. After each addition, mix well. Line 2 round cake tins with baking paper (The tins should be 20cm/8inch wide. If using one 20cm/8inch cake tin, then this has to be at least 15cm/6 inch high).
Pour in the mixture and place in a preheated oven. Bake at 180 Celsius/ 350 Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.
The post Mini Naked Chocolate Cake Hearts appeared first on HappyFoods Tube.
I wonder if you could get more hearts per batch if you baked the cake in a jelly roll pan.
How did we get from frozen berries in step 1 to cooled berry mix in step 2? They look so beautiful.
Thanks. I love mascarpone. I have never made a berry version. I bet it is fantastic. I guess I will find out soon.
Those are so cute and they sound super tasty! Chocolate cake and berries sound great!


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Entrepreneurial Finance in the Twenty-first Century, a Review of Factors Influencing Venture Capitalist's Decision
Ashish Vazirani and Titas Bhattacharjee
Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, 2021, vol. 30, issue 2, 306-335
Abstract: Investments in new ventures are risky due to lack of conventional form of quantitative information and untested products. Venture capitalists (VCs) are seen to target such new ventures for high-risk premium but with little success. Existing research has investigated and identified a variety of qualitative factors that impact VCs' investment decisions; however, many research gaps still exist. Works published in the last two decades show the evolution in the preference of factors with the focus shifting from venture's team and product to factors such as intellectual property rights, economic crisis and social capital. It was found that the factor's role was limited to the binary scale (positive and negative), which undermines its effect. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive framework of factors that influence VCs' investment decisions and show theoretical research gaps. Accordingly, we have segmented factors into two macro-categories: 'internal' and 'external environment', and presented a detailed framework of the factors that influence VCs' investment decisions. Further, we argue to consider the subjectivity of qualitative factors and to explore the role of a factor in the decision-making.
Keywords: Venture capitalist; new venture; new venture investment; decision-making; qualitative factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Citations: Track citations by RSS feed
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09713557211025654 (text/html)
Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:jouent:v:30:y:2021:i:2:p:306-335
DOI: 10.1177/09713557211025654
More articles in Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies from Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India
Bibliographic data for series maintained by SAGE Publications ().
Handle: RePEc:sae:jouent:v:30:y:2021:i:2:p:306-335

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This entry was posted on Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 6:16 pm and is filed under Jeff Johnson.	You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


text:
Q: Group students with similar scores (5 points up/ down) I want to group students with similar scores with 5 points up/ down.
public class Students
{
    public string Name {get; set;}
    public int Marks {get; set;}
    public int GroupID {get; set;}
}

public static void Main()
{
    List<Students> students = new List<Students>();

    students.Add(new Students { Name = "Aakash", Marks=89, GroupID=0 });
    students.Add(new Students { Name = "Prakash", Marks=85, GroupID=0  });
    students.Add(new Students { Name = "Ramesh", Marks=40, GroupID=0  });
    students.Add(new Students { Name = "Neha", Marks=95, GroupID=0 });
    students.Add(new Students { Name = "Suresh", Marks=93, GroupID=0 });
}

Expected Output:
GroupID 1:
Aakash, Prakash

Group 2:
Ramesh

GroupID 3:
Neha, Suresh

What happens when students with marks of 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 & 24?
They would be split into different groups so that each group has a range of 5 points difference at maximum:

*

*4 & 8 in Group 1

*12 & 16 in Group 2

*20 & 24 in Group 3.

A: If you want to determine the range of marks for each group based on the highest mark in that group, you may write something like this:
var ordered = students.OrderByDescending(s => s.Marks).ToList();
int groupId = 0;
int nextIndex = 0;
while (nextIndex < ordered.Count)
{
    groupId++;
    var firstInGroup = ordered[nextIndex];
    var group = ordered.Skip(nextIndex).
                        TakeWhile(s => firstInGroup.Marks - s.Marks <= 5).ToList();
    group.ForEach(s => s.GroupID = groupId);
    nextIndex += group.Count;
}

To make this reusable and to allow grouping to happen in either direction, you can turn this into a helper method like so:
enum MarkGroupingOption { HighestToLowest, LowestToHighest }

static void SetGroupIds(List<Students> students, int marksThreshold,
                        MarkGroupingOption groupingOption)
{
    var ordered = (groupingOption == MarkGroupingOption.HighestToLowest
        ? students.OrderByDescending(s => s.Marks).ToList()
        : students.OrderBy(s => s.Marks).ToList());

    int groupId = 0;
    int nextIndex = 0;
    while (nextIndex < ordered.Count)
    {
        groupId++;
        var firstInGroup = ordered[nextIndex];
        var remaining = ordered.Skip(nextIndex);
        var group = (groupingOption == MarkGroupingOption.HighestToLowest
            ? remaining.TakeWhile(s => firstInGroup.Marks - s.Marks <= marksThreshold)
            : remaining.TakeWhile(s => s.Marks - firstInGroup.Marks <= marksThreshold)
            ).ToList();
        group.ForEach(s => s.GroupID = groupId);
        nextIndex += group.Count;
    }
}

Usage:
SetGroupIds(students, 5, MarkGroupingOption.HighestToLowest);

SetGroupIds(students, 5, MarkGroupingOption.LowestToHighest);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Crocodile Belt and Cowhide Belt which one is better? The crocodile belt and the cowhide belt are belts made from animal' skin. Crocodile leather is high-grade, so crocodile leather product is high-end, too. Cowhide is a common product, accounting for almost half a market. Which one is better? Let's analyze it in detail!
Price: The price of a crocodile belt is generally 4-6 times higher than the price of the cowhide belt, because the crocodile is a rare animal breeding with feeding difficulty and high cost, unlike cowhide which can be mass produced in the complex processing, so the price of crocodile belt is very high. By contrast, cowhide belt is more fair-price.
Service life: Crocodile leather is thicker and stronger, especially the belly skin with the best toughness is not easy to break off, which is the first choice, leather belt is tough but is not wear resistant. Generally, the life of a crocodile leather belt is 5-10 years, while the ordinary cowhide belt is for 2-3 years. The crocodile belt is better in durability.
Appearance: The most fundamental reason why so many people love the crocodile leather belt is that the crocodile belt is beautiful and dignified, which fits the image of the business man to be distinctive and high-grade. By comparison, cowhide belt is relatively common in terms of leather or style.
Collection value: Leather belt is of no collection value, but with the passage of time, crocodile belt still retains its shape. It can be used for ten years. Even if you just bought for the collection, after a few years, it will not be devalued, instead, crocodile belt with crafts can even be revalued.
All in all, the crocodile belt is better. If you're not short of money, try buying a crocodile belt!


Liz Willock and Ellis Hill.
Despite the bad things you sometimes hear about certain ridesharing services, the fact is that ridesharing also allows people an opportunity to connect. For one passenger and her driver, that connection allowed a father to go see his son compete in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.
At the end of last month, Liz Willock was taking an hour-long trip to Philadelphia in an Uber when she struck up a conversation with her driver, Ellis Hill. The proud father mentioned that his son, Darrell, is competing in the Rio Summer Games this year in Track and Field in the shot put event. He also revealed his sorrow at not being able to afford to attend the games to watch him compete.
People finding common ground, helping each other, and encouraging excellence in each other. Seems to me that this is what the Olympic Games are all about!


This free coloring page is based on the Book of James. It's one part of our series of illustrations for each individual book of the Bible.
Quick to hear. Slow to speak. Slow to anger. A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace.
thank you so much for your web site. i ma going through the books of the bible with my children in sunday school and these free printables coloring pages have been perfect. they on on display in our room and we so many compliments on them. thank you for sharing what God has giving to you with others.
Tony Kummer (Editor) reviewed & updated this page on : February 25, 2019 at 5:05 pm. All our content is peer reviewed by our readers, simply leave a comment on any post suggest an update.


text:
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and open the template in the editor.
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    Author     : Bogdana
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
MICAMYX
Personal Blog of a Dagupena Dreamer
Tag Archives: Boys Over Flowers
Top 5 Lee Min Ho Dramas to Watch While on Quarantine
The reigning king of Korean dramas is back! Lee Min Ho finished his mandatory military service last year as a public service worker (since he was unfit for combat duties) and now returns with a new drama called The King: Eternal Monarch.
Now that our Oppa is back, and because we can't seriously start binge-watching The King yet (I have no self-control and I honestly could not wait for episodes to be uploaded), here are some of the top series Min Ho starred in. These series are the reasons why we began to love him. You can see from his work the versatility in his roles, the depth of his acting and his never ending charms.
We all can say that Boys Over Flowers is the break out role of Lee Min Ho. He plays the character of Gu Jun Pyo – a cocky, spoiled chaebol who reigns the school together with his group of chaebol friends. He bullies Geum Jan Di – a bright, hardworking girl from a poor family. In the twists and turns of events, he began to fall in love with Jan Di and they as a couple had to go through hardships because of their different social status.
Lee Min ho with curly hair is such a refreshing picture. Of course this drama was aired in 2009 and he was still in his early 20s. But you can see that he already has the talent to become the lead actor in such a huge drama.
This entry was posted in TV Shows and tagged Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, KDramas, Lee Min Ho, Legend of the Blue Sea, Personal Taste, The King on May 7, 2020 by Micamyx.
Have Fun Learning Music by Playing Games
Random Thoughts on Handling Money
5 Car Arcade Games You Can Play
How to Make the Most Out of Your Home Office
Florida Cities You Should Consider when Retiring
On becoming physically fit and more mindful with my health
How Playing Games Can Help You Relax
5 Things New Homeowners Do That You Should Avoid
How to set a budget (and stick with it)
Top 5 Powerpuff Girls Games to Play Online
Anonymous on The Evolution of Kuya Bunso – A Jehzeel Laurente Photostory
Sarah.L on How Geri Halliwell Broke My Heart
Sarah.L on The Underrated 'Liberation' album of Christina Aguilera
Sarah.L on BABY SPICE, Please Don't Stop: Emma Bunton, What Took You So Long?
JayDJ on The Nyok Syndrome
Archives Select Month October 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 July 2021 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 February 2020 December 2019 October 2019 September 2019 June 2019 March 2019 January 2019 September 2018 April 2018 September 2017 August 2017 May 2017 March 2017 November 2016 October 2016 July 2016 June 2016 April 2016 March 2016 December 2015 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008
Travel with Me!


For generations the North Star has been a guiding light. Located the end of the handle of the little dipper, this star has been used by sailors, explorers...and still to this day for people to orient themselves. One of the most interesting things about the North Star is that it does not disappear below the horizon and can be seen through out the night and through out the year.
When we first started to do our research of Harriet Tubman...I loved the significance of the North Star to her journey. The significance in both the obvious way and metaphorical way.
She found her "North Star", her mission, her calling and followed it. We wanted the North Star to be central to all of our stories. Each of these women had their own "North Star". They each had their purpose, calling and mission and went to it.
On the last page of each of our books, the Legendary Lady is leading a child towards the North Star. Helping the child to find his or her own "North Star" and go for it.
I want children to know that they have that power to change the world, make the world what they want of it. Harriet Tubman, Anandi Gopal Joshi and many of the Legendary Ladies to come came from humble upbringings, they did not have luxuries or in many cases much help. But they found their "North Star" and changed the world.
At Our Legendary Ladies, we believe that children are the future. There's no limit to what your child can do, especially when you take the time to love, nurture, and educate them from an early age. We've dedicated ourselves to creating children's books that go beyond your basic vanilla topics like colors, numbers, and shapes. Our books revolve around some of history's most legendary ladies, which is what makes us so unique. Some of our current educational children's books are listed below.
Our Harriet Tubman baby book is a favorite, and for good reason. This inspiring and beautifully illustrated book tells the tale of the courageous and unforgettable Harriet Tubman. As an abolitionist and political activist, this incredible woman led hundreds of slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. While your newborn, baby, or toddler may not fully understand the depth of this children's book, they will still pick up things like the rhythm, inflection, and tone of your voice. As they get older, they will begin to understand the incredible impact Tubman had on the world. This book has also been approved by one of Harriet Tubman's leading historians for its historical accuracy.
Be sure to browse our other educational baby books online.
When you buy a baby book from Our Legendary Ladies, you're not just giving your child an educational children's book, you're helping us give back to the community. For every book that is purchased from our website, we donate a portion of the proceeds to one of our non-profit partners. While we support hundreds of causes, we especially love to help children in need and lending a helping hand to our military families. Our list of non-profit partners is always growing and we encourage you to learn more about our mission here.


New York State has included a stipulation in its 2017-18 budget plan to help keep low-income families' newest additions healthy.
According to the Huffington Post, the state legislature has given Medicaid the green light to cover pasteurized donor human milk for premature babies in the NICU.
"When a mother's milk is not available, PDHM is the next best option to give these babies a fighting chance," Sen. Kemp Hannon wrote in a press release published by the outlet. He added that the breast milk will save Medicaid spending in the long run by safeguarding low-income preemies against infections, intestinal issues and developmental disabilities.
Julie Bouchet-Horwitz, the executive director of the New York Milk Bank, described access to breast milk as an economic issue, telling the Huffington Post all babies — "regardless of economic status" — should be able to reap its health benefits.
Luckily, she said legislators from both sides of the aisle agreed.
"We are putting our babies first and our legislators understand that," she said.
The perks of breast milk and breastfeeding continue to be hotly debated, with many new mothers being shamed for formula-feeding their children.
While some studies suggest that children who breastfeed have higher IQ scores than those who didn't, many researchers fail to acknowledge the elephant in the room: that mothers who have the time to breastfeed or the economic resources to pump their breast milk, which can be costly, usually come from fundamentally different socioeconomic circumstances than those who don't.
Still, there is research that shows breast milk can be a huge plus for preemies, who are at a higher risk of the intestinal disease necrotizing enterocolitis. In 2014, a study found that premature infants who exclusively drink human milk significantly reduces their risk of contracting the disease.
"Ensuring our most fragile infants have access to PDHM when in the NICU and the mother's milk is not an option is the next step in promoting the lifelong benefits of breast milk," Hannon said.


Working closely with Whirlyball, OKW designed a new facility for its Chicago location. In relocating from their existing space WhirlyBall was looking to upgrade and expand upon a successful local business. The new 55,000 square foot building houses, not only updated Whirlyball courts, but also incorporates: bowling, laser tag, restaurant and bar functions, and a banquet facility.
Designed on a tight site in the Bucktown neighborhood, OKW took advantage of the location to address both the adjacent expressway, its residentially scaled neighborhood, and the great city views. The design uses common building materials in an uncommon design, illustrating the action of the site, in and around the building. An outdoor patio space takes advantage of the city views, tying together indoor and outdoor entertainment.


text:
Written 100% by Dominic Salido, Joey Lake & Nick Nardi
Metal Slug XX | Review
Synopsis: Metal Slug is back, this time in the form of an XBLA release toting an XX suffix. Of course we got a review copy from our friends at SNK Playmore to take me back to the days of arcades, quarters, and Neo Geo. This time around, we get two additional characters to choose from, Ralf and Clark from King of Fighters to help the returning cast of warriors. On top of seven stages, each with multiple paths to play through, there is a combat school which is loaded with more than 70 missions to complete. Multiplayer is also available in this release to play through the missions side by side with a partner, and what is a Metal Slug game without the Slug vehicles; as you have six to use throughout the missions. To preface the review, I'm a huge fan of Neo Geo titles, run and gun shooters, and nostalgic remakes, so the Metal Slug series holds a place in my heart along with taking loads of money from me to get the number of releases across multiple platforms. It's time to storm the beaches of Garbage Island and take on Morden's forces in another off the wall shooter which is Metal Slug.
Praise: There is a huge amount of replay value from the available characters, each with their own special weapons and moves; on top of that, there are a variety of Slug vehicles which help with blowing stuff up. While Metal Slug titles have always been true to its roots, XX seems to add more than games I grew up on, with a longer game, multiplayer coop, and combat school missions. Each of the seven levels has multiple paths, so it is easy to go back and play through multiple times and experience things not seen in the first playthrough. For those new to Metal Slug, you can expect to find a satirical cartoon looking 2D platformer with a variety of weapons and large bosses to take down while playing through only takes about an hour, but you WILL play it again, especially with a friend and a second controller. Combat school is what I probably enjoyed the most; because it is easy to pick up and play through the missions, but combat school provides a number of trials to complete in order to rank up.
Gripes: It is always fun to play coop from time to time and Metal Slug XX gives you that option, unfortunately every time I try to find or create a match, I am sitting waiting for five minutes before I give up and go back to single player. Like my issue with the Mega Man games, your range of fire is extremely limited, being that you can only shoot horizontally and vertically, unless you are in a Slug vehicle. The other Metal Slug titles are ten dollars or 800 Microsoft Points, but this new entry is fifteen dollars or 1200 Microsoft Points, and while this does have some additional content over previous releases, it still doesn't feel like it warrants the increase in price.
Overall, Metal Slug XX is rather entertaining, while not perfect, it holds enough replay value to keep you playing for a while. Unfortunately, due to the price tag and lack of people playing online, you may want to rethink purchasing if online play is important to you. This does stick to its roots, so anyone familiar with the series should consider adding XX to their library, and with the download being pretty small, you will not need to clear up space on your hard drive to download and start the running and gunning. With the multiple paths on each level, the replay value is there and will keep you coming back, whether you want to play through over and over again or just to pick up and kill some time.
Mashbuttons.com gives Metal Slug XX 7 out of 10.
Metal Slug XX is available now for the Xbox Live Arcade.
Posted by Dominic at 12:07 PM No comments:
Labels: Metal Slug XX, review, run and gun, SNK Playmore, xbla
Another Alpha Protocol shows you can teach a sly old dog new tricks
While the below trailer is full of trick and sly moves, but where is the dog? I must be missing something, either way, when Alpha Protocol hits store shelves, dogs will be the last thing on my mind. There has been a decent amount of content released for this title and though most of the time it gets tiresome, but Alpha Protocol is high on my list of games to play this year.
Posted by Dominic at 3:02 PM No comments:
Labels: Alpha Protocol, Espionage, obsidian entertainment, Trailer
Shaun White Skateboarding trailer has released without its front man
Where have we seen cities being transformed into skate parks? Well, I am going to leave that unanswered, but it looks like it will be possible again but this time, not EA, not Activision, but this time Ubisoft will be releasing a skateboarding game, with Shaun White's name in the prefix. Check it out if you like, it has a pretty good song, but no gameplay footage.
Labels: Shaun White, skateboarding, Trailer, ubisoft
Time to F.E.A.R. Alma yet again
Warner Bros. released the Point Man trailer for the upcoming FEAR 3 that we will all see this Fall. Being a fan of the second title, I am hoping for a strong title and from the looks of the trailer, looks pretty promising so far. From the information received, Alma's sons Point Man and Paxton are going to be a forced to be reckoned with.
Labels: 3rd person shooter, F.E.A.R. 3, Trailer, Warner Bros
Classic DOOM II on XBLA today - lets play co-op!
Revisiting the classics; that's the definition of nostalgia, and today marks the release of another great classic; Doom II for the Xbox Live Arcade (Sorry PSN). You know the drill, unless you were too young in 1994 for mommy and daddy to let you play, (I actually wasn't too young, but I did have to hide the game myself from the ol' 'rents at the time) Doom II was the follow-up to Doom I, and introduced new weapons, monsters (Hellions) and environments (Hell).
Today's release isn't just a simple port, in fact, we're calling it Doom IIi (2.5), as it adds even more enemies, 32 new levels and co-op mode over Xboxx LIVE or system split-screen, deathmatch, and a never-before-seen bonus chapter "No Rest for the Living".
All this can be yours for 800 MS Points ($10). You know you want to check it out. And check out some screens below.
Posted by Joey at 9:49 AM No comments:
Labels: bethesda, doom II, john carmack, xbla
Awesome Blur trailer pokes fun of Mario Kart
In what should be our last update on Blur before the game's release tomorrow, we wanted to share with you the awesome new commercial poking fun of childish Kart-racers (a'la Mario Kart, Crash Bandicoot Racing, etc). Embedded below, you'll be hard pressed not to fall in love with the cartoonish characters, and we're hoping that Bizarre Creations actually enables some DLC or puts out a cheat code where you can play as Brocolli Head boy or Pinky.
Lesson learned, Racing IS about winning...and blowing lots of shit up on this case.
Blur is out tomorrow kids - go get it!
Posted by Joey at 11:04 AM No comments:
Labels: Activision, bizarre creations, Blur, comedy, commercial, mario kart spoof
Testing out blogging with the iPad.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Posted by Joey at 10:26 PM No comments:
Split/Second| Review
Synopsis: Reality TV fans, racers, and just plain destructive people in general have a reason to unite with the new racing title, Split/Second. Disney Interactive got us our review copy on Friday, so we got a few days without multiplayer to unlock new cars for when multiplayer racing went live Monday night. In Split/Second, you are a driver in a reality TV series show, where racing takes place in a destructible environment and your goal is to complete the season and become the champion. Explosive events and power plays triggers which, when timed right, take out opponents and alter the track are rewarded for drafting, drifting, close calls, and catching air. These trigger are what separates this title from other recent racing titles. The season is made up of 24 episodes and each episode has a number of events to play through to unlock the next episode and specific requirements to unlock additional cars on your way to become champion. Let's get to the review so I can get back to playing online.
Praise: Racing fans rejoice because this is all you will need to cure your itch for fast paced near flawless racing. This is not your typical racer, it's like Burnout and Grid, made a baby and Blackrock Studios shows their love for their work when playing through this. Whether you are into single player, two player split screen, or online play, you will enjoy all that there is too offer as there are numerous race modes to prevent single player from getting old and racing online has not lagged for me at all. There are a variety of cars and each handle significantly differently focusing on different things like drift, speed, acceleration, and strength. Rather than unlocking the newest car and only using that, it is helpful to change up your cars for the different type of events to help your chances of becoming champion at the end of the season. Outside of the gameplay aspect of Split/Second, the looks and sounds are like you are watching an actual race, especially with the very minimalistic HUD. Another new feature that is a great way to show off all your achievements to friends and rivals is that the achievement pictures are placed on your car as decals. Oh yeah, it's also nice to have more explosions than a Transformers movie.
Gripes: A few features and issues that I wish were different in the game is a very short list. There is no vehicle modification outside of visually, as it would have been nice to have some sort of performance modifications available to make to the cars in your garage. Though there are a number of events, about halfway through the game, it does begin to feel a little repetitive, but the motivation to unlock better cars to play in multiplayer does make it so you want to complete the season. The lack of licensed cars is something I feel took away from the title as most games nowadays have licensed vehicles and not generic vehicles made to have a "similar" look. Finally, the opponents on the single player mode rubber band constantly, as it seems no matter how well you race or how many cars you take out, the other racers always seem to be right on your tail.
Overall, this is a game where you come for the single player season but stay for the online races. With a huge replay value as long as you have an Xbox Live membership that allows you to play online you will be coming back for a while. There are only a few online modes but how often do you get race in a remotely destructible environment, having races that only last a couple minutes each, and enough online support to minimize the amount of lag when online. Little issues aside, this is a game that is just plain fun, not having to worry about getting through a story, just plain racing, so if you like your games with that good arcade feel, it is definitely worth the purchase.
Mashbuttons.com gives Split/Second a 9 out of 10.
Split/Second is available now for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.
Labels: destruction, Disney Interactive, multiplayer, racing, review, Split Second
Blur gets Facebook integration, some retail bonuses and
We're just a few days away from the release of Bizarre Creation's latest racer, Blur (May 25th), and we have a few more pieces of information and a new trailer for you to gaze upon before you pick up your copy.
First up is the new Blur - Facebook integration. As you'll see in the screenshot below, Blur has partnered up with Facebook to offer a seamless "share" button, allowing players to send game challenges to friends, uploading in-game pictures stats, etc. Sounds like I'll have to get ready to "hide" updates from Blur on my news feed. I suppose it's not that bad, but these days, everything is integrated with Facebook. Next frontier, Facebook-enabled kitchens!
Next up, is some retail purchase bonuses. In a surprising move, if you purchase your games from Kmart, or SEARS, (the FIRST choice(s) for your video game needs) you're in for some treats; you'll gain immediate access to a chromed-out BMW 1 Series, shown below. If that doesn't get you to don a bullet-proof vest to brave a trip to Kmart, or find a SEARS, I don't know what will!
Last up is the latest trailer for Blur showcasing the titles team gameplay modes.
Labels: Activision, bizarre creations, Blur, pre-order bonus, trailers
Dementium 2 Review
Synopsis: Return the twisted mind of Renegades kid Dementium world in Dementium 2. This is the third FPS from this group and each one gets better and better. The games get smoother and more refined. This is the latest game we got in our review box and kudos to them, and yes, I had to use the diaper that came with it. You play as William as he wakes up from a brain surgery in a prison. You are locked in your cell and you have no idea why. William is taken on a twisted adventure, slipping between two worlds, one with monsters and one with human flesh and blood enemies that chase you all over the damn place. You as the player are left to figure out, which is the real world, and which is your own imagination.
Praise: The game is technically sound for the DS. It moves at a smooth 60 frames a second, there is no hitch in the action, and the game has smoother graphics than its predecessor. The enemies are great, they give you a freakish feeling as you are roaming through the prison. The game is dark and has a Silent Hill esque feeling without following the game too close and making its own unique nitch. The boss battles in this game are awesome, and have a David vs. Goliath feel that never feels overwhelming, but does challenge. One of the things I like most of this game is the smooth item menu. It's a simple press and drag technique with the stylus which is surprisingly simple but greatly effective. One of the things that was interesting in this is the mouse like style used with the stylus. You use the stylus to look around, crouch, jump, and point one of the many weapons you can obtain in this game.
Gripes: Controls, controls, and controls. This game suffers greatly from an awkward control scheme. You have to use the stylus to turn, jump, and crouch. You also have to use, depending on if you're a leftie or a righty, the cross hairs to move forward, back, strafe right or strafe left the buttons to do the same thing on the other side. The shoulder on the perspective side that you are using to move is the attack with. I know it's confusing to explain and even more a pain sometimes to control. Another thing of this game is how short it is. Not just short, but REAL SHORT. I beat this game in 5 hours. The other thing that hinders this game some is the AI of the enemies. The are not challenging, the bosses are really not all that hard, but worst of all, I hate seeing a grotesque freak of nature running into the wall over and over again trying to get at me. At least they could have changed a Harvard grad to come at me. Or Macgyver, he could have gotten a toothpick, tape, and a paper clip and made a bazooka to come at me with.
Overall: This game is not without its faults. Well, if you call a short game and funky control scheme faults and stupid enemies a fault. I look at them as challenges (not the length, I guess if you want to challenge yourself to making it longer, then you can do that). The graphics are great, the game is good. The story line is ok, but not really awe inspiring.
Mashbuttons gives Dementium 2 a solid 7 of 10.
Posted by Steve Dale at 8:20 PM No comments:
Super Scribblenauts is coming
Announced a few days ago, the sequel to the critical darling that is Scribblenauts, has an official name:
...Super Scribblenauts...
My guess is that Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment (heretofore known as WBIE); or 5TH Cell, the games developer couldn't think of a better moniker to give the creative puzzler, than Super Scribblenauts. Frankly, sounds like a space-faring adventure, rather than it's actual puzzle based gameplay. Perhaps what is old is new again, and the newest (lazy) way of naming your sequels is to just put a SUPER in front of it. Oh we've seen this before, with your Super Metroid's, and your Super Castlevania's, and your Super Bases Loaded, es!
An alternative title we'd propse is:
Scribblenauts 2: The Revenge of the stolen Starites. There, that's more palatable.
Super Scribblenauts will be available Fall 2010 for Nintendo DS/DSlite/DSi/DSi XL/3DS, etc.
Posted by Joey at 1:10 PM No comments:
Labels: nintendo ds, scribblenauts, sequels, super scribblenauts, wbie
First trailer of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is an adventure
Lara Croft is back, in an adventure you actually may want to play. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is a download-only title (available this summer on Xbox Live, PSN and Steam) that's different than any other Tomb Raider you've ever seen.
Presented in an isometric view (think Diablo, or most recently Torchlight), and you have an idea of the style here that Eidos and Crystal Dynamics are going for. Little is known of the game so far, except this time Lara will not be alone, and there's some co-op flavor built in here. Eidos has just released the first official trailer; and we've embedded it below.
Check it out, and let us know what you think. This seems like a title I could get behind.
Labels: debut trailer, Eidos, guardian of light, lara croft, PSN, steam, tomb raider, xbla
Holy Crap - Tons of releases today
I don't know what's so spectacular about May 18, but apparently at least 4 fairly high-profile game developers chose today as the day to unleash their latest awesomeness upon us. Not fair guys, how can we balance these landmark titles!?!?!
Of course I'm talking about Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption , Remedy's Alan Wake , Disney Interactive's Split/Second , and less we not forget about Ubisoft's Prince of Persia ...whew. All on the same day.
I think I speak for the entirety of the gaming community when I say "Thanks guys..."
Labels: alan wake, game releases, Prince of Persia, red dead redemption, Split/Second
My (World) Cup runneth over | 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Review
Being a big fan of FIFA 2010 for the XBOX 360 I was a little worried about how FIFA World Cup South Africa would be on the Wii platform. After playing for a while I was pleasantly surprised. The gameplay and general atmosphere of the Wii game is quite a bit different than the XBOX 360 game, with the Wii game playing more like an arcade game rather than a realistic game. However, playing an arcade style soccer game was a lot of fun.
The graphics aren't the best, but you can tell the artists and designers put a great deal of effort and time to ensure that the players, kits and stadiums all work together to create a great environment. While playing as the US team I could instantly recognize several of the more popular playeys. The Donovan, Bocanegra and Howard models were all very accurate. It was also cool to see all the new kits and squads which will be used in the upcoming World Cup.
After a few minutes with the Wii remote and the nunchuk the controls felt very easy to use. At specific points in the first match you play a dialog box pops up and guides you through using the controls for each situation, including headers, free kicks and corner kicks. Quite a few of the controls are timing based which did take a few tries to figure out. The combination of shaking the Wii remote, slow motion action and stylized ball (trail and sometimes fire!) all make shooting a fun experience. Shaking the remote is a big part of the controls, it is used for shooting, winning balls from free kicks and corner kicks and taking and saving penalties. The controls make for a very interactive experience.
There are several game modes to choose from, including Hit the Pitch (exhibition), 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (the World Cup tournament) with single and multi-player support, Global Elimination (multiplayer) and Zakumi's Dream Team (complete challenges to build a stronger team).
Mashbuttons.com gives FIFA (for Wii) a 7 out of 10. If you aren't looking for an ultra realistic soccer experience the the arcade style of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa is a lot of fun.
Labels: 2010 FIFA World Cup, ea sports, Nintendo Wii, review
Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West| Review
Synopsis: While waiting for an unnamed western soon to be released, we received a review code for the PSN and PC online third person shooter, Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West. This title places players in the Wild West to relive the myths we all grew up on when playing with our toys guns and watching spaghetti westerns with our parents. Focusing on team based action, some of the available gameplay modes include conquest, which has your team trying to take over specific areas in order, greed, which has the players trying to carry as much gold sacks to a drop off zone in a set time limit, and my favorite, powder keg, which has each team trying to blow up a set objective by moving an explosive powder keg to a set destination, but you can easily take out your opponent if they are carrying the keg and you happen to shoot it. If you're a team shooter fan, the below is for you.
Praise: For a downloadable title that is strictly online multiplayer with exception to the practice play, there is a lot to like about Lead and Gold, starting with the simplicity. The developer does a good job at making this feel like a western, from the great maps that look like how I would picture the west and classes that use the character classes we have grown to love in other titles in the genre while still feeling like they fit in with this game. A class specific synergy system is a feature new to me from other team multiplayer games I have played and works well, as synergy is a unique ability that is effective only when teammates play cooperatively and tactically. There are four available character classes which consist of short range, mid range, long range and explosive weapons, the deputy being my favorite as he uses a mid range weapon, pistol as secondary, and can tag an enemy so that even if they run out of your line of site, you will still be able to locate them. I have always been able to locate matches without experiencing lag, not even once so far, and once I would start playing a good two or three hours would go by before even thinking about turning it off.
Gripes: This is a multiplayer game, so if you are looking for a single player story to play along with the multiplayer matches or to just get used to the gameplay of Lead and Gold, good luck as it is strictly multiplayer with a small practice mode. As well as the lack of single player, it seems the developer also left out a tutorial, sure you can pull up options for instructions and controls, but in regards to experience points and character development, there is not much to help the player get their bearings as to what to expect while playing through the multiple game modes outside of what is seen in the load screens. While I have not had a problem with finding matches or lag, I have yet to play a match where all of the player slots are full. I think the most I have seen in a match was six people and the maps are pretty large, making it difficult to locate the one or two opponents you are playing against. There is also no cover system which I have not had an issue with in previous games, but it would definitely be a welcome feature in this game as you are unable to duck before popping up and releasing a bullet storm on an unsuspecting passerby.
Overall, Lead and Gold is a fun game and for the price and the replay value, it is well worth the fifteen dollar price tag. While there are a few things that take away from the fun to be had, there is just enough, if not more content to help you get past any issues you have with the mechanics. One thing I am worried about with this game releasing so close to Red Dead Redemption, it is hard to tell exactly how many people will still be playing this after it hits store shelves. I am hoping that since this is not a sixty dollar title, there will still be a large number of Lead and Gold owners standing behind this title.
Mashbuttons.com gives Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West a 8 out of 10.
Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West is available now on PC and the PlayStation 3.
Labels: Gangs of the Wild West, Lead and Gold, pc, PSN, review
Lost Planet 2 | Review
Synopsis: Lost Planet 2, the sequel to the debut Lost Planet: Extreme Conditions which has sold close to two and a half million copies, has recently released and with that came a review copy for us to play through and project our impressions to all you mashers. Whether you're a diehard fan on the original entry, new to the series, multiplayer junkie, or gaming loner there is a lot to be done to complete this title. The sequel picks up a decade from where the previous ended, terraforming activities have proven successful, and the once frozen land of E.D.N. III is now full of beautiful jaw dropping environments. Rather than playing through as one character, you take over the roles of heroes, each with their own story, showing more than the one perspective. The grappling hook is back, which is strange because the feature didn't work in Bionic Commander, so it seems a gamble to try again, but with supporting weapons and VS vehicles to also take advantage of to make the huge-ass Akrids slightly less of a challenge. One last thing before I get to my review is the available gameplay options are the classic single player, four player online coop, and up to sixteen person multiplayer.
Praise: I had tried playing through the first Lost Planet game and after about 10 hours, got bored with the game and stopped playing all together, so I am going into this review with a lot more optimism following the press releases regarding changes made to the sequel. Like the original and probably my favorite feature over the multiplayer modes is the large boss battles, taking on enormous Akrids with VS armor and other characters, either coop or AI, is a lot of fun. The change of environment from the bland frozen lands to the new great looking and bright rain forest surroundings is a nice change as most of the first title was a bland white and grey. The character customization is nice and I feel it may be the reason for the increase in the replay value, though it takes a little while before the customization is available, but once you start, it is a never ending battle to have the points to make the next change to your character. The coop is a lot of fun, it was easy to join a game, did not have any problems with lag, and with the right group, one could play for hours and not get bored.
Gripes: I hope you fans are a glutton for punishment because even on easy there are minimal checkpoints per chapter, so you will respawn a ways back having to fight to the point you were killed, hoping to not make the same mistake twice and that there will be a checkpoint or end of the chapter coming up soon. The offline AI does not really help and I definitely suggest going the way of coop if you have the gold membership and an internet connection. The story and the campaign are just south of mediocre and the entertainment value of the game relys strongly on the coop and multiplayer matches, which is a good thing coming from someone that is not a fan of playing online multiplayer. I am unsure if Capcom sent out a batch of bad disks, but it seems that after thirty minutes to a half hour into playing, I get a disk read error, having to reset and start back where I left off. Lastly, the customization of characters and weapons is not very user friendly as it takes some trial and error to get accustomed to the system.
With all the recent and upcoming sandbox and first person shooters, having a fresh third person action title release is a very welcome break from the norm. There is plenty to do after you have completed the story mode, mainly playing on a harder difficulty and playing coop to help others through the story and also help yourself with more character customization. If Capcom keeps this up, then they can expect a very profitable year, as both Super Street Fighter IV and Lost Planet 2 have been good games if not great games, I am hoping Dead Rising 2 follows the pattern of even better than the original sequels.
Mashbuttons.com gives Lost Planet 2 a 7 out of 10.
Lost Planet 2 is available now for the Xbox 360, PC, and PlayStation 3.
Labels: Capcom, lost planet 2, multiplayer, pc, playstation 3, review, xbox 360
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From the Vault: Dazed and Confused
With his second feature, Richard Linklater cements his place as the preeminent chronicler of the 13th generation. The 13th generation refers to those born since 1961, so named by authors Neil Howe and Bill Strauss because they are the 13th generation to know the American flag.
As with his great film Slacker, Linklater's Dazed and Confused veers off the obvious route of angst-ridden twentysomethings trying to cope in the 1990s.
In Slacker, Linklater evoked that generation without focusing exclusively on that demographic. Instead, he created characters of all ages who embodied that spirit. In Dazed and Confused, he takes an almost anthropological approach by vividly recreating the year 1976 as a pivotal point in the evolution of both 13ers and baby boomers.
The story starts on May 26, 1976, as the school year is coming to a close. In the small, unnamed town, the annual ritual begins of incoming seniors (class of '77) celebrating their new rank by initiating the newly minted freshmen (class of '80) with various hazing rituals.
Though Dazed offers a skeletal plot, it's not aiming for story. Rather, it's focused on flawlessly re-creating a time and place. With the use of vintage music, it could be labeled as Linklater's American Graffiti, only he doesn't bother to tell you where the characters go once the film ends.
The performers, few of whom are recognizable from other work, all play their parts naturally and effortlessly. No star turns pop out because the bulk of the characters are equal in the film's context.
When Linklater first worked on Dazed and Confused, he was quoted as saying that its subject was the transformation of 1960s values into the Me Generation and that change dwells beneath the surface of Dazed and Confused, but Linklater doesn't allow the theme to overpower the fun.
The class of '80 were among the first 13ers to finish high school and the class of '77 marked the tail end of the boomers. Though the differences are subtle, Linklater delineates them as the freshmen see the shallowness in the seniors' traditions. At the same time, the seniors' idealism has been whittled down to refusing to take no-drug pledges and in admitting that aiding the less fortunate isn't as lucrative as going for the gold.
Ultimately, the subtext doesn't distract from the enjoyment of the film, which depicts high school life that any generation can relate to, with the chronic need to belong and the fear and anticipation of what lies ahead. It also happens to be incredibly funny. No one can truly say what will happen down the road. With Dazed and Confused, Linklater does hold out the promise that the 13th generation will produce artists whose talents grow with them.
Labels: 90s, Linklater


In 2005 Corona Del Mar became the first girls team in Mt. San Antonio College history to break the magical 90-minute barrier, running 89 minutes, 42 seconds at the CIF Southern Section Championships that year. It remained the standard for California high school girls cross country for two years until a team from the Santa Clarita Valley started its record-breaking dynasty. Since that day in 2005, only six programs - five from Southern California and one from San Diego - have had five females average under 18 minutes on the historic 2.9-mile hill course.
One program, Saugus, accomplished this feat not once, not twice, but an impressive seven times between 2007-11. During that time, the Lady Centurions also won a record four consecutive sweepstakes titles at the Mt. SAC Invitational and set a record for lowest point total at the prestigious meet (24 points at the 2008 invitational). Another, Great Oak, heads into this weekend's meet as the defending sweepstakes champions and course record-holders (87:58 in the 2013 section finals). California high school girls cross country is so competitive nowadays, teams finishing second in the invitational and section finals are still going under the 90-minute barrier (Simi Valley took second at the 2012 invitational in 88:30, Saugus took second at the 2011 section finals in 89:12, and Great Oak took second at the 2013 invitational in 89:53).
This weekend the best teams of the 2015 season will clash in Walnut, Calif. Great Oak, Saugus and Davis could write their names into the record-books, as all three are capable of challenging the 90-minute barrier in conditions cooperate. There's no doubt as to whether not the pace will be quick enough. Davis' Fiona O'Keffe (16:28 in last year's invite) and Great Oak's Destiny Collins (17:10 in 2013) headline a deep field this weekend.


A German national appears prominently in the investigation into the possible Russian contacts made by Donald Trump's associates. Did she serve as the strawman for illegal lobbying in the United States?
Ina Kirsch is sitting at a table at Berlin's Café Einstein. She has chosen to sit in a corner on the second floor because there usually isn't much going on there. The expression she wears on her face reflects what she had said earlier on the phone: that she doesn't want this meeting. It's a "Let's get this over with" kind of face.
Kirsch, who is almost 50, wears a turtleneck sweater, a jacket, pants and loafers, all in black. She seems to want to be invisible, or at least inconspicuous. As presumably anyone would want to be who has been pulled into the machinery of a global scandal, into the American investigation into the Russian contacts of Donald Trump's team.
FBI Special Counsel Robert Mueller filed an indictment in Washington in October against the president's former campaign manager. The 31 pages of the "United States of America vs. Paul J. Manafort, Jr." reveal that the German woman played a central role in what has become the primary focus of the investigation: whether Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, secretly, and therefore illegally, did lobbying work in the United States on behalf of the Ukrainian government before he joined Trump's team.
This also means Kirsch played a supporting role in the much larger drama -- the battle over the White House -- because the indictment is just one part of the bigger picture. It is intended to create pressure for Manafort to testify about other events. At issue is the question of whether the Trump team may have colluded with the Russian government during the election -- something that could cost the president his job.
The special counsel believes the German was Manafort's strawman in his well-camouflaged lobbying work in the U.S. Kirsch allegedly helped Manafort clean up the Ukrainian regime's image up until 2014 -- a dirty job that supposedly made Manafort millions. Although Kirsch's name does not appear explicitly in the indictment, every reference in the document to the European Centre for a Modern Ukraine is also directed at her. Since 2011, Kirsch has headed the Brussels-based center, an allegedly independent organization with the noble pursuit of tying Ukraine more closely with the West.
But suspicions arose early on that the center was being used as a cover for corrupt President Viktor Yanukovych and his party. And as Special Counsel Mueller sees it, Manafort was also hiding behind the group's façade and working for Yanukovych. Kirsch, it appears, may have been a willing accomplice.
But is that inaccurate? Has Kirsch, as she claims, been wrongly depicted in Mueller's indictment? Kirsch orders a latte, which she sips unenthusiastically. The only reason she came, she says, is to make it clear to the reporters that there is no reason for them to write about her, because she never worked for Manafort. Kirsch claims she never received instructions or assignments from him. And she also says she was never a mouthpiece for the Ukrainian government. "That is totally untrue," she says, before adding, "One is always smarter in hindsight." So, is it possible that Kirsch was merely naïve and that she had been taken advantage of unwittingly?
Kirsch speaks fluent Russian. She was born in Khabarovsk, far in Russia's east, only a few millimeters from China on a map. Her mother worked for a newspaper there and her father was famous in East Germany (GDR). Rainer Kirsch, the lyricist and novelist, was kicked out of the Socialist Unity Party, East Germany's Communist Party, and refused to collaborate with the Stasi secret police. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, he served for 10 months as the last president of the East German Writer's Union.
His daughter Ina grew up in the GDR. She defected to the West in 1987 by staying in London during a trip there. She wasn't even 20 years old at the time. After the fall of the Wall, she joined the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). She went to Moscow for two years to work for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, a think tank closely aligned with the party, before moving to Brussels take a job with the Social Democrats in the European Parliament.
As an EU staffer with the Social Democrats, she worked on an agreement in 2014 with the Party of Regions, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's party. He would prove to be a difficult partner -- a money-grubber who had boxed his way to the top and collected rare cars, exotic animals and horded exorbitant amounts of money. At the same time, he was so vain that he also wanted to be admired as a politician, as hungry for prestige as he had been.
Get German perspectives on issues of international interest.
For quite some time, it had been unclear whether Yanukovych would ally himself with the Russians or with the West in his pursuit of this goal. In any case, the West fought to gain him as an ally. Martin Schulz, the head of the Social Democrats' party group in the European Parliament at the time agreed to a contract with Yanukovych's party, promising regular meetings and "support."
The key step, which Kirsch also worked on, was the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement. The aim of the treaty had been to pull Ukraine into the Western sphere once and for all. The final outcome, of course, is now part of history: After a long back and forth, Yanukovych refused to sign it, ultimately triggering the Maidan revolution and his own fall from power.
That couldn't have been foreseen in 2011, the year that Kirsch left her staff position with the SPD party group in the European Parliament and founded the European Centre for a Modern Ukraine, the mysterious entity that former FBI head Mueller considers to have been a strawman for the regime. What seems to confirm this suspicion is the fact that the impetus for the group came from a man close to Yanukovych, later Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara. He was among the group's founders, and Kirsch took over operations. Officially, the center wasn't supposed to have anything to do with Ukraine's ruling clique. Kirsch says that no money or instructions were given.
According to Special Counsel Mueller, though, that isn't true. In his eyes, the group served solely as a "mouthpiece" for Yanukovych and his party and had been under the "ultimate direction" of the Ukrainian government. He also alleges that the main person pulling the strings was Manafort, who used the group to polish his clients' image in the United States.
The lobbyist and later Trump adviser had already been working since the 1980s with corrupt dictators who paid him large sums to wash the blood from their hands. His clients included Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines and Mobutu Sese Seko in what was then Zaire, and now he was peddling Yanukovych as a serious politician in the battle against rival Yulia Tymoshenko.
Special Counsel Robert Mueller: Was a Brussels organization used to hide an illegal PR campaign for Ukraine in the United States?
According to the indictment, Manafort used the center as a cover. In the U.S., if you want to do lobbying work for foreign governments, you are required by law to register that activity and disclose the names of the clients and the payments made. But it appears that Manafort didn't want to do that. The indictment also alleges that Manafort and his partner earned $75 million for their work. It appears they tried to hide the money from the U.S. tax authorities, because it ended up in offshore companies in Cyprus and in the Caribbean. Page after page of the indictment provides a detailed listing of the gigantic sums of money that flowed from those companies to antiques dealers, luxury boutiques and car dealerships in the U.S., providing Manafort with his opulent lifestyle.
As Mueller outlines in the indictment, the relationship between Manafort and the center worked like this: Manafort stayed in the background, but he was in charge. Kirsch, meanwhile, signed contracts with Podesta and Mercury, two of Washington's most expensive PR firms. The contracts stated that the fees would be paid by Kirsch's organization, but Mueller's investigators also believe that to have been a cover. They allege that the money was actually paid by the Manafort companies, and the numbers also appear to back that claim. The organization allegedly only had around 10,000 euros a year in revenues, but the indictment states that Podesta and Mercury were paid over $2 million.
At first, Kirsch seems to have difficulty explaining things. Her voice is cold and controlled, her look suspicious, and she butts in every time a question is posed that isn't to her liking. She's trying to maintain control over a story that has long since gotten out of her hands. She says she's required to adhere to the non-disclosure clauses in the contracts with Podesta and Mercury, but they actually already expired over a year ago.
Who's Right: Kirsch or Mueller?
Later, after the meeting in Berlin, she uses three densely written pages to share her version of the events with DER SPIEGEL. She tells the story of a woman who had a burning desire, and even spent her own money, to give Ukraine a better future, in the West, in the EU. And the story of people like Manafort, whom Kirsch describes as a "gold digger." She claims he was merely using Ukraine. If her story is true, then Mueller is wrong. But is it?
Kirsch admits having met with Manafort three times. She says there was resistance in the U.S. to attempts to draw Ukraine closer to the West. This led the center to decide in 2012 to do a bit of lobbying work there. She claims that Manafort gave her the tip to hire Podesta and Mercury for those efforts. That's why she signed contracts with the firms to carry out small assignments in the U.S., like distributing the center's English-language newsletter.
She claims she didn't have any idea that the PR firms were also carrying out additional work for Manafort under the exact same service contracts. "The scope of services we had agreed on was much smaller than the work that Podesta and Mercury apparently did in coordination with Paul Manafort." The PR firms "should have come to me to discuss this, but they didn't," she says. Kirsch claims never to have received a bill from Podesta or Mercury, nor any reports on the work that had been done. She says she honestly isn't aware of all the things that were potentially done in her name.
But that's a bit strange. How were Podesta and Mercury paid? Who did she think was paying if she never received a bill from Podesta and Mercury? She says her center in Brussels had sponsors and that instead of making payments to the organization itself, they sent money directly to the PR agencies. But what sponsors? European companies. Which companies? She claims she's not allowed to tell.
But now she has a problem -- and not only because the suspicion remains that the money came from the Yanukovych regime. Mueller might also take interest in the fact that Kirsch didn't just have contracts with Podesta or Mercury, but also signed one with an offshore company in Cyprus -- a copy of which is now in Ukraine. The company was called Marziola and it served as a kind of piggy bank: It was meant to collect the money from the organization's sponsors and send it onwards to America. Mueller's indictment reveals the person he believes to be behind Marziola: Paul Manafort.
And Kirsch argues she didn't notice this? She never checked to see who was involved in Marziola? No, she claims, she only found out Marziola belonged to Manafort when she read the indictment. She says she no longer has anything to do with Manafort. "The abuse of our efforts for personal interests of individuals is a great disappointment," she says.
The article you are reading originally appeared in German in issue 7/2018 (February 10th, 2018) of DER SPIEGEL.
Neither Manafort, nor the lobbyists with Podesta and Mercury answered requests from DER SPIEGEL for responses. Manafort has since filed a suit against Mueller claiming that the U.S. authorities had already been aware of the company structures in Cyprus and the Caribbean for years.
After four hours in the café, Ina Kirsch gets up. She has said enough and believes that any word about her is one too many. She asks that her place of residence not be published and that nothing be written about her husband. "What does my husband have to do with this?" Perhaps the fact that he also had tight connections to people close to Yanukovych? Kirsch is now just hoping that she won't get a phone call from Mueller's team and that the attention currently being paid to her will wash over quickly. She'd like to have all this behind her -- as fast and quietly as possible, without any more meetings or any more questions.


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Throw Momma from the Train
1987 PG-13 1h 28m DVD
Struggling mystery writer Larry is exasperated by his mediocre student, Owen, who has imagined a gentlemen's agreement to kill Larry's devious ex-wife if Larry offs Owen's domineering, overbearing mother in this classic black comedy.
Danny DeVito, Billy Crystal, Kim Greist, Anne Ramsey, Kate Mulgrew, Branford Marsalis, Rob Reiner, Bruce Kirby, Joey DePinto, Annie Ross, Raye Birk, Oprah Winfrey, Olivia Brown, Stu Silver
Comedy, Dark Humor & Black Comedies, Blockbusters
English: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, French: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, Spanish (Neutral): Dolby Digital Mono
PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.
Parents need to know that Throw Momma from the Train, a hit dark comedy from the '80s, has violent and sexual content that makes it inappropriate for younger kids. Characters fantasize about and openly discuss murdering those who have made their lives difficult. There's slapstick physical comedy on the order of a character getting hit in the head with a skillet, hit in the crotch with a cane, and thrown out the back of a moving train. Characters freely discuss sex, and in one scene, two characters start to have sex on a couch, and their moans can be heard. Expect occasional strong language, too, like "f--k" and "s--t."
A couple has sex on a couch while an intruder spies. There is no nudity, but there are steady moans of pleasure. A man and woman start to kiss and decide they want to have sex in an outdoor town square train car, but get interrupted. During a creative writing class, one of the students turns in a story with the title "100 Girls I'd Like to Pork." Another student dismisses it as "whacking material."
In a fantasy sequence, a man dreams of stabbing his mother with a pair of scissors. The woman is later shown with the scissors going in one side of her head and sticking out the other. A man is hit on the head with a skillet. This man is hit in the testicles by an older woman with a cane. A car veers out of control when the brakes stop working. After several close calls, the car crashes into a tree; no one is injured. In another fantasy sequence a man strangles his ex-wife to death. A man is thrown off the back of a train and requires hospitalization afterwards.
Occasional profanity including: "f--k," "lard ass," "bastards," "bitch," and "s--t." A man frequently refers to his ex-wife as a "slut."
Though couched in humor, the movie takes a rather negative view of women -- as nagging mothers and betraying wives. Larry's constant admonition that a "writer writes always" is good advice for aspiring writers.
A Pepsi can, and later, a Pepsi truck, is prominently visible.
A despondent writer drinks from a bottle of clear alcohol. Characters smoke. The writer celebrates the near-completion of his novel by smoking a cigar.


text:
Ascension observed May 11-12
By Catholic Review Staff
The feast of the Ascension of the Lord, a holy day of obligation, is May 9 but will be observed in churches throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore the weekend of May 11-12.
The feast commemorates Christ's ascension into heaven 40 days after Easter. It is observed on the seventh Sunday of Easter in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and most other ecclesiastical provinces in the U.S.
In 2002, the feast was transferred from the Thursday after the sixth Sunday of Easter. While still a holy day of obligation like every Sunday, the feast does not require an additional day of Mass attendance.
In November 1998, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the transfer and allowed each bishop to choose whether or not to move the observance, a provision allowed for in the Code of Canon Law. Blessed Pope John Paul II approved the transfer in 1999.
Copyright (c) May 9, 2013 CatholicReview.org


The National Cooperative Housing Federation of India has set up a Documentation Centre on Cooperative Housing in its Secretariat. This Centre functions as a centralized single window and store-house of all requisite data and information and provides easy access to various Central and State agencies besides cooperative housing institutions at state, regional and local levels.
A Reference Library: It contains important publications, Reports, Acts, Rules and Regulations and has an acquisition of about over 1450 documents. These have been indexed as per the prescribed UNENSCO software package which facilitates easy access to abridged version of each document, author or institution. A Reference Library Index of all the documents has been brought out in different volumes, each containing the details of about 300 documents.
A Directory of Housing Institutions: NCHF has compiled the mailing addresses of over 10,000 institutions in the public, private and cooperative sectors which are directly or indirectly associated with housing activities in the country either as builders, developers, financiers or promoters of innovative construction technologies, designs etc.
A Data Bank: NCHF has also created a Data bank on cooperative housing by compiling relevant statistics from all concerned cooperative housing institutions in India and abroad and prominent housing development agencies as well as Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. These are being widely disseminated through annual publications of Statistical Handbook, Data Sheets, etc.


Linked in is buying slideshare. I've always loved slideshare for the ability to quickly share presentations and also to find other great presos as well. You can record your audio and go backand link it with your slides to create a slidecast. Lots of features there. Now, Linkedin has bought slideshare. FYI. We'll wait and see if it is absorbed or still stands alone. If it is absorbed, that won't be good for my students because linkedin just doesn't fit for this time in their lives in my opinion.
More than 20K people are in ISTE's linkedin group.
This is a group on Linked in where over 20K teachers and administrators chat.


Are you looking for non traditional engagement rings? Everybody does not share the same sense of style or tradition. Even though traditional rings like diamond solitaire engagement rings may be what the girl next door covets, that does not mean every girl wants the same cookie cutter engagement ring.
Perhaps you have no problem with a diamond ring, you might even want one, but a diamond is not enough for you. If that is the case why not have a ring that showcases more than one gemstone? You can choose to have an engagement ring that has a diamond center stone which is flanked by other jewels. Some popular choices include rubies, pearls, emeralds, and sapphires.
Of course you do not need to have the diamond be the centerpiece, you can do it to other way around. You can have multiple stones, this is really a choice based on personal preferences.
A delicate yet stunning 3-stone pave set engagement ring, this ring features 2 round brilliants pave set in each side of the center stone. A perfect ring to wear for a lifetime.
Maybe you do not want a diamond at all. Some people do not think that you need a diamond ring to be engaged. Really. The engagement is about the commitment to marriage and building a life together, the diamonds are only a symbol and a really expensive symbol at that.
So what are your options outside of diamonds? Well there are many, really. You might love certain gemstones and there is nothing wrong with that. We have already mentioned some of the most common such as pearls, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Of course there are other gemstones that you might choose for your ring Some choices include Amethyst, turquoise, opal, quartz, topaz, garnet and aquamarine.
Elegant split-shank design features up to 0.56 carat total weight in pave set diamonds. Shown with three carat asscher shape. All diamond weights are approximate and will vary with finger and diamond size. *.
Just like with a traditional diamond ring you can choose to have your non traditional rings focus only on one singular jewel as a solitaire or you could have a pave or other style ring created with your chosen gemstone. You could also use more than one stone in the ring, the choice is yours.
Some people do not want any jewels at all. If you are among the people that think that it is unnessesary to spend good money on a ring covered in jewels you could just opt for a less traditional ring of metal only. You could choose simple metals such as gold, white gold, platinum, silver or titanium.
You might want to choose one simple unadorned ring or you can have it etched in designs or have the metal in shapes and details. You might ant a celtic ring that includes a celtic cross or celtic knot. There are many different choices for these types of rings.
Split-shank design features over .42 carat weight in pave' set diamonds. Shown with three carat asscher style. All diamond weights are approximate and will vary with finger and diamond size. Center diamond sold separately.
Non traditional engagement rings can also be diamond rings. These diamond rings can just have a more modern or unique style than traditional rings. For one thing the most traditional diamond shape is round followed closely by princess cut. Of course there are many different diamond shapes to choose from, albeit other shapes are not traditional.
The most traditional engagement ring style is certainly the diamond solitaire ring. However, there are many other styles available. Choosing a more modern style is always an option.
There are also diamond rings that defy tradition severly. You can choose rings that are unique and in a whole class of their own. They can have multiply diamonds, large or small, placed in various spots around the ring. You can see some examples of these types of diamond rings above.
Regardless of the way you take the traditional styles out the most important thing is that you and your partner like the engagement ring. Choosing non traditional engagement rings is a purely personal choice and if you do not want the standard engagement ring, you should not have to feel that is the one you should get.
Next Next post: Are You Trying To Decide Whether You Want Antique Looking Engagement Rings?


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Duncan McArthur, född 14 januari 1772 i Dutchess County, New York, död 29 april 1839 i Chillicothe, Ohio, var en amerikansk politiker. Han var ledamot av USA:s representanthus 1823-1825 och guvernör i delstaten Ohio 1830-1832.

McArthurs föräldrar var invandrare från Skottland. Modern dog när han var tre år gammal. Han flyttade 1780 till Pennsylvania. Efter en tid i Kentucky flyttade han 1797 med sin hustru Nancy McDonald till Nordvästterritoriet.

McArthur inledde sin politiska karriär i Ohio som federalist. Han var talman i delstatens senat 1809-1810. Han deltog sedan som överste i 1812 års krig. Han blev 1812 för första gången invald i USA:s representanthus men han föredrog sin krigstjänst och lät bli att tillträda som kongressledamot. Tio år senare valdes han på nytt till USA:s kongress och representerade i två år Ohios sjätte distrikt i representanthuset.

McArthur vann guvernörsvalet i Ohio 1830 som nationalrepublikanernas kandidat. Han kandiderade inte till omval som guvernör.

McArthur var presbyterian. Hans grav finns på Grandview Cemetery i Chillicothe.

Externa länkar
Biografi på National Governors Associations webbplats
Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
Ohio History Central
Political Graveyard

Ledamöter av USA:s representanthus från Ohio
Guvernörer i Ohio
Amerikanska nationalrepublikaner
Amerikanska politiker under 1800-talet
Personer från Dutchess County
Födda 1772
Avlidna 1839
Män

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


It is important for the business concerns to keep an eye on their financial performance as well as financial position in a market. When a company is in a need to expand its operations, then it can focus on different options including JV, acquisition and differentiation (Luo and Tung, 2007). Being a financial analysist, advice for acquisition strategy will be made to ASDA on the basis of financial aspects. In this report, two companies that are 'Morrison' and 'Marks & Spencer' will be evaluated on financial grounds and then the most suitable or appropriate acquisition target will be selected for ASDA. Both selected companies are super stores, operating in UK as well as in other international markets.
Task 1: Critical evaluation of financial performance and financial position of Morrison and Marks & Spencer.
The financial performance as well as financial position of both M&S and Morrison can be evaluated with the help of different types of ratios. In order to get to know the financial aspects of both companies, their annual statements from year 2009-2014 are evaluated. The data from financial statements including balance sheet, income statement as well as cash flow statement is selected for calculation of different ratios. Different financial ratios will be calculated for both companies and a comparison will be made as well. Through comparative analysis and evaluation of ratios of companies, their financial performance and position can be easily assessed (Ross et al., 2005).
Profitability ratios are considered to be the techniques that are used to evaluate the firm's capability to produce earnings against expenses as well as other costs, for a specific time period/financial year (Brealey et al., 2012).
It can be seen from the above figure that profitability of M&S is higher as compared with Morrison. But, the profitability of Morrison is more stable. It is clear that the profitability of Morrison experienced a drastic decrease in year 2014. The profitability of Morrison in 2014 is in negative figures but for Marks and Spencer, it is quite greater. In total five years, the profitability of M&S remained higher than Morrison but Morrison's profitability was more stable. This indicates that Morrison is a profit making firm and despite of intense competition, Morrison is able to stay in the market for long period of time. The drastic decrease in the profitability of Morrison in 2014 was due to exceptional nonrecurring costs, including kiddicare.
Efficiency ratios measures that how effectively a business concern is using its assets as well as liabilities (Lewellen, 2004). It also measures that how well a company uses its assets to produce income/profits.
It can be seen from the above figure that asset turnover ratio for five years for Morrison is higher than that of Marks & Spencer. This indicates that the management of Morrison has used its assets in a better way to produce sales. Certain improvements in the asset turnover ratio of Marks and Spencer are observed between 2009-2012 but between 2012-2014, the asset turnover ratio of Marks and Spencer again started decreasing. On the other hand, the asset turnover ratio of Morrison is higher than Marks and Spencer for five years. In addition, the asset turnover ratio of Morrison remained same from 2009 to 2012, but decreased from 2012-2014. This means that the efficiency of both the companies decreased since 2012. But, efficiency of Morrison is better than Marks and Spencer.
Liquidity ratio measure the capability of a company to pay its short term liabilities at the time they become due (Saunders and Cornett, 2003). It tells that either the current assets of company are sufficient to meet the current obligations of company or not.
The liquidity of both Morrison and Marks & Spencer will be calculated with the help of current ratio.
The comparison of liquidity of both companies indicates that the liquidity of Morrison increased over the 5 years. On the other hand, the liquidity of Marks & Spencer decreased slightly in the 5 years. In 2013, it can be observed that its current ratio drastically decreased. This was due to the fact that the current assets were decreased and company's ability to pay off its short term liabilities by using current assets became low.
Gearing ratio is an important financial technique to compare owner's equity with the funds borrowed by business concern (Heaton, 2002).
The analysis indicates that the gearing ratio of Morrison shown a tremendous growth in 2014 as compared with year 2009. On the other hand, the gearing ratio for M&S showed some ups and downs but remained almost stable between 2009-2014. The level of debt for Morrison increased considerably in 2012–2014, producing the progress of the debt ratio. High debt ratio or increase in debt ratio is not a positive sign.
Working capital management as well as cash flow management is essential for every business concern. Working capital is actually the difference between current assets and current liabilities. Working capital is actually the cash that is required by companies to run their day to day operations (Brigham and Ehrhardt, 2013). It is essential for both Morrison and Marks & Spencer to keep a specific amount of cash with them to run the business. For this purpose, working capital management is useful for both companies. Both Morrison and M&S have current assets and current liabilities as well. The management of both companies have to manage sufficient liquidity to run daily business operations. There are different ratios that can be used to determine the working capital ratio like current ratio.
Current ratio for last six years will be calculated for M&S to evaluate its working capital management.
The liquidity of Morrison is stable from 2009 to 2014. It has increased from 2009-2013 and then slight decrease was observed between 2013 to 2014. On the other hand, the liquidity of Marks and Spencer changed in every year and is not stable. This shows that the working capital management of Morrison is better than that of Marks & Spencer. The management of Morrison has effectively managed current assets and current liabilities. The management has kept enough amount of current assets to fulfill the current obligations of business.
Cash flow management is an important technique that is used by both Morrison and M&S to plan their cash requirements/needs to avoid crises of liquidity in future. Both companies organize and formulate cash flow statements. Both the companies get cash flows from operating activities as well as cash flows before financing. Both the companies get enough cash flows to meet daily expenses and to run the operations effectively. In 2009, the cash flow generated by Morrison from operating activities was 790?m and cash flow from financing activities was ?m46. On the other hand, net cash flows from investing activities for M&S were ?m356.3, while cash flows from financing activities were -?m355.5. In 2014, net investing cash flow of Marks & Spencer was -?m 618.3. Net financing cash flow for M&S in 2014 was -?m499.2. Cash flows from operating activities for Morrison in 2014 were ?m715. This indicates that cash flow management of Morrison is better than M&S.
By focusing on the comparative analysis of Morrison and M&S, conducted in task 1, it is observed that the profitability of Morrison is more stable as compared with M&S. It is clear that the profitability of Morrison experienced a drastic decrease in year 2014 but it was due to exceptional nonrecurring costs, including Kidd care. In total five years, the profitability of M&S remained higher than Morrison but Morrison's profitability was more stable. This indicates that Morrison is a profit making firm and despite of intense competition, Morrison is able to stay in the market for long period of time. After acquisition, Morrison can be a source of profitability for ASDA.
On the basis of evaluation of financial performance and financial position of Morrison and M&S, it can be known that the efficiency ratio for five years for Morrison is higher than that of Marks & Spencer. This indicates that the management of Morrison has used its assets in a better way to produce sales and its efficiency to use assets is also high. The asset turnover ratio of Morrison is higher than Marks and Spencer for five years and is quite stable too. In addition, the asset turnover ratio of Morrison remained same from 2009 to 2012, but decreased from 2012-2014. This means that the efficiency of both the companies decreased since 2012. But, efficiency of Morrison is better than Marks and Spencer. On the basis of this information, Morrison is selected as best acquisition target for ASDA. After acquisition, the financial management of ASDA can collaborate with the financial employees of Morrison for better financial planning to improve efficiency.
The comparison of liquidity of both companies done in section 1, with the help of current ratio indicates that the liquidity of Morrison increased over the 5 years. This means that Morrison had enough amount of current assets to meet the current obligations in past 5 years. Morrison has high liquidity as compared with Marks & Spencer. That is why, Morrison is more suitable acquisition target as compared with M&S.
Working capital management of both Morrison and Marks & Spencer is evaluated in task 2 by focusing on liquidity ratio. The liquidity of Morrison is stable from 2009 to 2014. It has increased from 2009-2013 and then slight decrease was observed between 2013 to 2014. On the other hand, the liquidity of Marks and Spencer changed in every year and is not stable. This shows that the working capital management of Morrison is better than that of Marks & Spencer. The management of Morrison has effectively managed current assets and current liabilities. The management has kept enough amount of current assets to fulfill the current obligations of business. That is why, Morrison is best suitable acquisition target for ASDA.
It can be concluded that Morrison is suitable acquisition target for ASDA. Comparison of financial performance and financial position of Morrison and Marks & Spencer is done. On the basis of analysis, it is found that Morrison is more profitable, liquid as well as efficient company as compared with Marks and Spencer. The working capital management of Morrison is better than Marks and Spencer. Thus, ASDA should acquire Morrison because it can give financial benefits.
Brealey, R.A., Myers, S.C., Allen, F. and Mohanty, P., 2012. Principles of corporate finance. Tata McGraw-Hill Education.
Heaton, J.B., 2002. Managerial optimism and corporate finance. Financial management, pp.33-45.
Lewellen, J., 2004. Predicting returns with financial ratios. Journal of Financial Economics, 74(2), pp.209-235.
Luo, Y. and Tung, R.L., 2007. International expansion of emerging market enterprises: A springboard perspective. Journal of international business studies, 38(4), pp.481-498.
Ross, S.A., Westerfield, R. and Jordan, B.D., 2008. Fundamentals of corporate finance. Tata McGraw-Hill Education.
Saunders, A. and Cornett, M.M., 2003. Financial institutions management: A risk management approach. Irwin/McGraw-Hill.


What is J2ME or Java ME?
Java Platform, Micro Edition (Java ME) provides a robust, flexible environment for applications running on mobile and embedded devices: mobile phones, set-top boxes, Blu-ray Disc players, digital media devices, M2M modules, printers and more.
Java ME technology was originally created in order to deal with the constraints associated with building applications for small devices. For this purpose Oracle defined the basics for Java ME technology to fit such a limited environment and make it possible to create Java applications running on small devices with limited memory, display and power capacity.


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The Properties of the Parsnip
The parsnip is also known as Pastinaca sativa. We describe its origin, its many benefits and we provide you with a few ideas about how to prepare it in the kitchen.
What is the parsnip?
It is similar to a carrot, but ivory or whitish in colour, with an aniseed flavour and much less popular than other vegetables. For centuries, the parsnip was a staple food among the most humble people. Before the potato was introduced in Europe after the discovery of America, the parsnip occupied its place and was part of the basic food sustenance of people in precarious situations. With the arrival of the potato, this vegetable took a back seat, in spite of being a food with important nutritional value. Today, the parsnip is used mainly in stews and soups. One of the best known is the puchero valenciano, but there are many other ways to prepare it.
The origin of the vegetable can be found in Asia and Europe. Although nowadays we can consume it all year round, its season is autumn-winter. In certain parts of the world it grows wild, but in Spain its cultivation is limited to the north and to mountainous areas in the centre and east.
Benefits of the parsnip
Since ancient times, the parsnip has been attributed certain medicinal properties. But it is also recommended for its high nutritional value.
•It contains vitamin K, which helps keep bones in normal condition.
• It is recommended to women during pregnancy and lactation for its vitamin B9 or folic acid content.
•This vegetable is an excellent source of fibre.
•Being a source of vitamin C, this is a vegetable with antioxidant power and protects from the effects of free radicals.
•It is a source of potassium, a mineral that contributes to muscle activity and to maintaining normal blood pressure.
How to use parsnips in the kitchen
Parsnips give dishes a hint of aniseed with a slightly spicy hue and a delicious fresh taste that is savoured from the moment it is cooked. Its most widespread use has traditionally been to use it in broths, but the parsnip is a very versatile vegetable that is suitable for many other recipes.
Parsnip cream
One of the most delicious ways to eat it is in creams or purées. You can combine it with other vegetables such as pumpkin or courgette.
Just fry the vegetables in olive oil for a few minutes, add water or stock if you want to give it more flavour, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. The longer you cook it, the sweeter the parsnip gets. Once cooked, blend it in the mixer or food processor until a fine creamy consistency is achieved. Spices such as curry or sage can be added to make the dish a little more special. You can also use parsnip cream as a base for meat dishes.
Parsnip sticks in the oven
Another way to prepare this vegetable is in the oven.
Cut the parsnip into small sticks, all of the same size. Mix with olive oil, salt and aromatic herbs and bake for 30 minutes at 220 degrees. Then turn them and continue baking for 10 more minutes.
You will have a healthy and nutritious garnish in no time!
How to make vermouth
Properties of fennel
The properties of lupins
The properties of propolis
Types of flour and their main uses.


So with these few selected stats is it any wonder we have families in so much trouble. The troubling thing for me is not only the above but that our moral conscience is being formed and manipulated to conform to the norms force fed us through the various media channels.
Think of it this way 28 hours or more a week devoted to learning and discovery, training our minds and spirits to listen to our creator would bring us many of the solutions we are currently needing in our society. We would learn how to creatively solve problems, communicate effectively with each other and maybe just maybe bring the joys of being in a family back to the family.
Instead of training our children the resolve their issues through violence, manipulation, gossip etc all found in prime time viewing maybe we could have heart to heart conversations with them, pass on our love and concern and experience life first hand and not through the little glass screen.
Am I advocating the removal of TV by no means just a reduction of the amount we expose ourselves to someone else's values that are not health for me or my family.
Here's a thought maybe invite your neighbor round for a barbecue and get to know them as a person.
Reality Check : Is it time to take stock of your life and see how much of your life you may be loosing to TV? Life is meant to be lived and shared. Someone needs you!!!


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LOHAS Community
69 hectares ('plot' areas only)
2,500 residences
Average FAR: .46
Sunshine Eco-Retreat
Development Company
Located only 30km from Qingdao, this New Urbanist community provides a Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS). The site is shared with an agricultural preserve to its west, and a future oriented 24/7 live/work/play community to its south.
Small coastal enclaves and three walking-scale neighborhoods that contain a mix of residential types cluster around mixed-use centers and village greens. Sports fields and education facilities are adjacent to the man-made lake. Public transit is provided, and all roads are designed for bicycle use. A network of walking, bike, and equestrian paths intersect with the 'Laoshan Corridor' hiking trail, which is demarcated by the 81 Taoist aphorisms and connects to communal health facilities and a Spiritual Center.