Tips For Choosing Weight Loss Surgery Options Fort Worth TX

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Alyce Powell</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>When choosing from the many weight loss surgery options Fort Worth TX dwellers face a lot of dilemma. This is because everyone wants something that will be effective for a long time. This is especially important for those who have tried using other methods such as dieting or working out without success. You could therefore get help in these procedures.<br /> <br /> When making a choice, you need to consider all the effects of each of the surgery options. For guidance, you need to talk to an expert in the field. This could require you to set up an appointment with a surgeon who is knowledgeable on all these procedures. They will give you all the necessary details about the choices available to you. This is quite essential in helping you make a decision based on facts.<br /> <br /> Another thing to think about is how the procedure will work to help you lose weight. There are some that work by reducing the amount of food you eat at a time. These include procedures such as gastric sleeve where a large portion of the stomach is removed. On the other hand, there is gastric bypass, which involves removing the stomach from the digestive system.<br /> <br /> This determines how your body will change after the procedure. Gastric sleeve does not change the digestion process all it does is reduce the size of the stomach. However, with gastric bypass, there are types of food you will not be able to digest properly. They will not be digested thus limiting your nutrient intake.<br /> <br /> There are procedures that can help you improve conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions and sleep apnea. These are relieved to a certain extent and you should make a decision based on the problem you want resolved. Therefore, you do not just focus on losing weight but also improving your general health.<br /> <br /> Some people may also think about reversibility when choosing weight loss options. When you do not want something permanent, go for those that are reversible later on such as gastric banding. This means that after you have your weight under control, you can have the band removed. However, some procedures like gastric bypass are irreversible.<br /> <br /> Any medical procedure always has some amount of risk associated with it. However, it is possible to go for those that have lower risk levels. The best are those that are minimally invasive and do not involve many incisions. These are also beneficial since there is reduced healing time and you can be back on your feet in no time.<br /> <br /> The costs can also be prohibitive in some cases and guide your choice. It is best to ask for the cost of each and determine the length of hospital stay after. This will give you a rough idea of how much you are going to spend in total. Therefore, you choose one that you will afford.<br /> <br /> Having all the above in mind is important when picking from the different <A href="http://www.antoniocastanedamd.com">weight loss surgery options Fort Worth TX</A>. Nonetheless, it is best if you get some input from your family doctor. Since they have your medical history, they can help approve your decision.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>You can visit the website <a href="http://www.antoniocastanedamd.com">www.antoniocastanedamd.com</a> for more helpful information about Things To Consider When Picking Weight Loss Surgery Options Fort Worth TX </div><br /> </div><br />

Tips For Choosing Weight Loss Surgery Options Fort Worth TX

By Alyce Powell When choosing from the many weight loss surgery options Fort Worth TX dwellers face a lot of dilemma. This is because ev...

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The Quickest Way When It Comes To Mens Weight Loss Supplements

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Philippa Phillpots</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Over the years there have been a number of different weight loss supplements introduced which are suppose to have a ground breaking effects on how people lose weight. Yet, after much hype the supplement is no more effective than a sugar pill (the placebo).<br /> <br /> This new fad is not going away, either, as men have figured out that the supplements are good for a number of reasons. So why are men partial to Acai right now over the other supplements that are out on the market?<br /> <br /> It really comes down to a number of different factors, most of them having to do with the overall effect on the body. You should be looking for something that not only burns fat, but also helps your body function a little bit better on the whole. That is what Acai Berry products are all about and it's what has made them the choice for men who know what they are doing.<br /> <br /> These two elements work to promote weight loss in men by breaking down fat cells that are in the blood, helping to increase the overall amounts of effective weight loss for men. Yet, this also helps to detoxify the body by reducing the signs of aging, arthritis and diabetes just to name a few. Natural The Acai Pure Ultra supplement is considered be all natural and comes directly from the Amazon in Brazil. This means that there are no preservatives or additives that will cause tremendous high and lows.<br /> <br /> Another reason why many men today prefer Acai over some of the other supplements on the market is that they are more in tune to their bodies. They understand that when you take harmful supplements, you sometimes have to deal with the side effects that come as a result.<br /> <br /> Instead, you must use this in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise properly to gain the full effects. Otherwise, those who think that they can simply take the supplement and live a wreck less lifestyle will be disappointed.<br /> <br /> Even simple changes can make a big impact on the health and wellbeing of an individual. Losing weight to reach a healthy weight range is the easiest way to boost energy, stamina, and much more.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Watch the reviews about <a href="http://youtu.be/WPROjWr7AHA">Mens Weight loss Supplements</a> and see how you can get a free bottle offer from the official website.</div><br /> </div><br />

The Quickest Way When It Comes To Mens Weight Loss Supplements

By Philippa Phillpots Over the years there have been a number of different weight loss supplements introduced which are suppose to have ...

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Nexus 5 with Android 4.4 Kitkat: Launch in India on Nov 12

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Google and LG have made an announcement on Google LG Nexus 5. The release date of device is not confirmed yet but according to rumors <span style="text-align: left;">in India it will be unveil on 12 of this month.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The device is not the only thing which will unveil but Android’s latest version Android Kitkat also make entry in market first time. The smartphone is manufactured by LG.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pPKOll9M2M/UnUnUOETXuI/AAAAAAAAAeY/NmiCgRKURNc/s1600/google_nexus_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pPKOll9M2M/UnUnUOETXuI/AAAAAAAAAeY/NmiCgRKURNc/s1600/google_nexus_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ndtv</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">                                     </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Smartphone comes with a 4.95-inch full HD IPS screen which will process on 2.26GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. The device will come with 16GB and 32GB built-in memory along with 2 GB RAM. The camera of device is 8 megapixel, which is rear and 1.3 megapixel camera is available on front facing side.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"LG is proud to partner with Google again to develop the fastest, most powerful Nexus phone ever, Nexus 5 offers the ultimate functionality in a modern design and is a testament to the level of innovation that can be generated when two great companies come together for a second act." Statement is made by Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> According to Sundar Pichai, senior vice president of Android, Chrome and Apps at Google “We're excited to collaborate with LG on a new Nexus device, Google Nexus 5 is the slimmest and fastest Nexus phone to date and puts the latest platform innovations of Android 4.4, KitKat, right in the hands of consumers.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The smartphone has been listed on Google Play India with the price tag of Rs. 28,999 for 16GB and Rs. 32,999 for 32GB. The date of availability is not confirmed yet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Technical specifications:</span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li>Display: 4.95-inch full-ID IPS (1920 x 1080 pixels)</li><li>Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 with 2.26GHz Quad-Core Krait CPU</li><li>colour variant: Black and white</li><li>Network: CDMA/1xRTT/EVDO, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WCDMA/HSPA+, LTE</li><li>Internal storage: 32GB / 16GB</li><li>RAM: 2GB</li><li>Camera: Rear 8.0-megapixel andFront 1.3-megapixel HD</li><li>Battery: 2,300mAh Li-Polymer (embed ed)</li><li>Operating System: Android 4.4, KitKat</li><li>Weight: 130g</li><li>Size: 137.84 x 69.17 x 8.59mm</li><li>others: Wireless charging, NFC</li><li>Price: Rs. 28,999 for 16 GB and Rs. 32,999 for 32 GB</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/100638775997274345522" rel="author">Anil Swami</a></div></div>

android 4.4 KitKat google LG Nexus 5 with Android 4.4 Kitkat: Launch in India on Nov 12

Google and LG have made an announcement on Google LG Nexus 5. The release date of device is not confirmed yet but according to rumors  in In...

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Find Out How To Get Flat Abs For Women

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Marsha Klein</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Many women often have the same problem when it comes to shedding those pounds whether it is just to get in shape or getting rid of some baby weight. They have problems with the abdomen area and this is the area that can be tricky to get flat and toned. Luckily there are some simple ways on how to get flat abs for women that you can try to do.<br /> <br /> Healthy eating is very important if you are trying to lose fat in any part of the body and be successful. When you cut out the unhealthy fats and sugars, you are eating clean for your body. You can snack on fruits and vegetables instead of going for the bad things. In the long run you will see a noticeable difference when you do this.<br /> <br /> The best thing to drink on a regular would be some water. Water is much more healthier than any other drink that contains sugars and other unhealthy ingredients in them. You can add some lemon to your water for a nice flavor. If you want to get those abs looking flatter, drinking plenty of water will help you.<br /> <br /> Aerobics is a great way to burn calories and fat as well as have your body in good shape when done consistently. Doing this exercise will also help shrink belly fat and tone it up. If you do not enjoy doing aerobics, you can try dance classes that are just as effective; and people enjoy doing this more since it seems like less of a work out.<br /> <br /> There is a form of exercise called sit-ups which are made to specifically target the midsection area. Doing some sit-ups a few times per day during the week can help you get the nice abs that you have dreamed of. The main thing to do while you are doing this kind of exercise is making sure that your position is good while doing it so that you do not damage your back. Doing half of a sit-up, also known as crunches, can be just as good and much easier if you find yourself having difficulties with the sit-ups.<br /> <br /> If regular sit-ups are not for you, you can try them on an exercise ball. These balls are also known as medicine balls and comes in various sizes. It is better to do them on a medium sized to large ball. Many people have used them for physical therapy and are great for doing crunches. A few crunches per day on a ball will make a difference on how flat your abs are.<br /> <br /> Pilates focuses on strength, being flexible as well as your posture. It is also very effective when it comes to toning your midsection and getting great results on toning your ab muscles. While it may not seem like it would not be a good form of working out, it does work for many who have decided to take up a pilates class.<br /> <br /> Women who want to see good results will often follow the guides of what and what not to eat and drink as part of their diet. If you steadily do the needed workouts and eat healthy, you will be able to see results in a short amount of time once you find out <A href="http://www.themabs.com">how to get flat abs for women</A>.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>To learn how to get flat abs for women click <a href="http://www.themabs.com">www.themabs.com</a>. You will find the truth about six pack abs when you come to "Them Abs" at http://www.themabs.com today.</div><br /> </div><br />

Find Out How To Get Flat Abs For Women

By Marsha Klein Many women often have the same problem when it comes to shedding those pounds whether it is just to get in shape or gett...

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Today's archidose #714

Here are some photos of the <a href="http://www.villa-mediterranee.org/">Villa Méditerranée</a> in Marseille, France, by <a href="http://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/">Stefano Boeri Architetti</a>, photographed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burciny/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1383403888654_1069">Burçin YILDIRIM</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burciny/10518994414/" title="Villa Méditerranée ( CEREM) / Stefano Boeri by Burçin YILDIRIM, on Flickr"><img alt="Villa Méditerranée ( CEREM) / Stefano Boeri" height="439" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/10518994414_4a7a72b92e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burciny/10518735485/" title="Villa Méditerranée (CEREM) / Stefano Boeri by Burçin YILDIRIM, on Flickr"><img alt="Villa Méditerranée (CEREM) / Stefano Boeri" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/10518735485_e2b210ab7d_c.jpg" width="606" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burciny/10518781026/" title="Villa Méditerranée (CEREM) / Stefano Boeri by Burçin YILDIRIM, on Flickr"><img alt="Villa Méditerranée (CEREM) / Stefano Boeri" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/10518781026_4b7ba1a890_c.jpg" width="531" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burciny/10518693025/" title="Villa Méditerranée (CEREM) / Stefano Boeri by Burçin YILDIRIM, on Flickr"><img alt="Villa Méditerranée (CEREM) / Stefano Boeri" height="420" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/10518693025_7af4a8539f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burciny/10518810356/" title="Villa Méditerranée (CEREM) / Stefano Boeri by Burçin YILDIRIM, on Flickr"><img alt="Villa Méditerranée (CEREM) / Stefano Boeri" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/10518810356_94d0a23747_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just:<br /><blockquote>:: Join and add photos to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/archi-dose/">archidose pool</a>, and/or<br />:: Tag your photos <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/archidose/">archidose</a></span></blockquote>

Today's archidose #714

Here are some photos of the Villa Méditerranée in Marseille, France, by Stefano Boeri Architetti , photographed by Burçin YILDIRIM . To con...

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Recapping October 2013

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuotCCQG2EpHw4ASrfaISF8lz4hNswy77ot2WJWu5_ho8S6KW_tCl8OD2ofD3dtJSJXmo4OqlmlPpnhoQEyywAcYChYmZ1ivA3oVqfBGIqTF58v2mNVgFfuvb54irFO0RKIjNaNjret5vy/s1600/110113-OCT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuotCCQG2EpHw4ASrfaISF8lz4hNswy77ot2WJWu5_ho8S6KW_tCl8OD2ofD3dtJSJXmo4OqlmlPpnhoQEyywAcYChYmZ1ivA3oVqfBGIqTF58v2mNVgFfuvb54irFO0RKIjNaNjret5vy/s400/110113-OCT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The warmest October since 2007 brought temperatures 3.1 degrees above average to Philadelphia. Not only was October mild, it was relatively dry as the city only picked up 2.45" of rain during the month, with the bulk of the rain (2.03") falling in a three day window around the mid-month coastal storm.<br /><br />This October was among the 15 warmest Octobers we have had since the 1870's and the fifth warmest in the last 30 years. You can thank that very warm start we had the first week of the month as temperatures pushed into the mid to upper 80's (depending on location) for five straight days and exceeded 80 on seven straight occasions.  After a front passed through on October 7th, the region actually averaged less than one degree above average for the balance of October. However, that first seven day window provided such a significant warm anomaly that the region's temperatures ended up over three degrees above where they should be.<br /><br />Rainfall was above average at the Shore -- Atlantic City picked up nearly five inches of rain during October, much of it from the midmonth coastal -- as well as in Sussex County, Delaware. Temperatures generally ended up in the two to three degree above average range regionwide.<br /><br />

October 2013 weather recap Recapping October 2013

The warmest October since 2007 brought temperatures 3.1 degrees above average to Philadelphia. Not only was October mild, it was relatively ...

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What Are The Concerns When Selecting A Personal Trainer Irvine?

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Michael Petry</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>For those who are already been pondering whether or not you'll want to use a personal trainer Irvine, you can find different factors you should take into consideration. You'll need to weigh the advantages and if the price is affordable. It's possible that you'll notice the rates of a personal trainer are really unaffordable. Nevertheless, this is simply not the situation all the time. A personal trainer can produce a health system that can help you conserve on cash and assets. You need to be an affected individually when producing your investigation. You can ask your buddies and colleagues if they can refer a fantastic personal trainer who will not burn off a hole within your pocket. It can be remarkably feasible that they have tried using obtaining the expert services of a personal trainer in advance of. By doing this, you can get a firsthand account of how the personal trainer Irvine does his performance. You need to do not should look for for testimonials on the net. Concurrently, you're having accounts from those that you rely on.<br /> <br /> It's also possible to look for for a personal trainer Irvine while in the internet. It's really a very good concept to create a list of your future personal trainers. Get their make contact with particulars therefore you can start calling them for an appointment. Do not commit however. Get to know each personal trainer in your record and try to foresee a performing relationship with them down the road. Get ready your issues and just take note their solutions. It will be a great concept to go to them of their office so that you can establish their demeanor and identity when interacting with other clients. Notice if he exhibits tolerance when managing his purchasers. Most importantly, just take observe if he's knowledgeable and actually educated.<br /> <br /> The benefits that you're going to get from selecting a personal trainer Irvine is going to compensate for that costs. Very well, this retains real when you will seek the services of the ideal personal trainer for you. Even though he may well be very good with his perform, his persona may perhaps not match yours, and this will bring about a catastrophe. He really should be equipped with all the suitable expertise and become able to talk his strategies perfectly. If not, his suggestions are worthless when they do not encounter the right way. Picking the right personal trainer may help you obtain the aims and advantages that you'll be aiming for. The present of excellent well being is priceless. Quite a few very good issues can occur from it since you will likely have the strength and power to dwell much more. It is possible to pursue your interests and hobby freely. Leading a balanced way of life is rather required especially if you live within the midst of air pollution.<br /> <br /> Choosing a personal trainer Irvine can assist you achieve the top well being condition achievable. You will prevent ailments because your immune technique can have a lift. A personal trainer will not only concentration about the physical exercise routine. He may recommend you around the appropriate diet depends on your profile, priorities and physique variety. A personal trainer's function is actually significant in particular after you are pretty unsure which work out moves are just suitable for your personal system. Not all steps are safe specifically if you absolutely are a senior citizen. You need to be careful any time you are doing exercises. You do not wish to find yourself even worse than prior to. Your desire to be in good shape shouldn't lead you right into a clinic bed.<br /> <br /> A personal trainer Irvine really should have the option that may help you with any worry you may have about health, he should be experienced in regards to the newest workout trend. He needs to have the opportunity to discuss with you the latest diet regime options as well. He must have been in a position to investigate around the helpful diet plan strategies while in the marketplace currently. An entire exercise plan should really be custom-made on your demands. Though standard personal trainers produce an exercise system that takes much of the time, you can find a number of breeds of trainers who'll only require you to definitely perform out 2 times weekly only. He may question you to do so for less than 30 minutes only. They may be the ones who advocate slow-motion toughness schooling. A personal trainer Irvine is going to observe your progress and devise a different exercise strategy to suit your needs as necessary.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Getting into top shape through the help of <a href="http://www.theperfectworkout.com/personal-trainer-irvine/">http://www.theperfectworkout.com/personal-trainer-irvine</a> not just enhances your body but also your health at the same time. The huge benefits that a person could get from <a href="https://plus.google.com/106004061680121716759/about?gl=US&hl=en-US">http://www.theperfectworkout.com/</a> are limitless.</div><br /> </div><br />

What Are The Concerns When Selecting A Personal Trainer Irvine?

By Michael Petry For those who are already been pondering whether or not you'll want to use a personal trainer Irvine, you can find ...

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Today's Teamster News 11.02.13

<a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/george-miranda-named-board-global-gateway-alliance" rel="nofollow">George Miranda Named to Board of the Global Gateway Alliance </a> teamster.org   ...George Miranda, International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 210, is joining the Board of Directors of the Global Gateway Alliance, an industry coalition dedicated to improving airports in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area...<br /><a href="http://www.alternet.org/mcdonalds-scam-america" rel="nofollow">McDonald's Scam on America</a>  Alternet   ...We're subsidizing the wages and benefits of employees of highly profitable fast food chains. It costs the American taxpayer nearly $7 billion per year...<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/01/us/as-cuts-to-food-stamps-take-effect-more-trims-to-benefits-are-expected.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" rel="nofollow">As Cuts to Food Stamps Take Effect, More Trims to Benefits Are Expected</a>  New York Times   ...millions of Americans receiving food stamps will be required to get by with less government assistance every month, a move that not only will cost them money they use to feed their families but is expected to slightly dampen economic growth as well...<br /><a href="http://www.epi.org/blog/transatlantic-free-trade-agreement-job-claims/" rel="nofollow">Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement: Job Claims Are Pure Baloney</a>  Economic Policy Institute   ...U.S. trade with Mexico after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has cost the United States nearly 700,000 jobs through 2010. U.S. trade with China has certainly failed to deliver on the promised benefits of growing exports. Since that country entered the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, the U.S. has lost 2.7 million jobs through 2011 due to growing trade deficits with China. And the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) has also resulted in growing trade deficits with that country and the loss of more than 40,000 U.S. jobs...<br /><a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/11/01/how_the_1_percent_always_wins_liberal_washing_is_the_rights_new_favorite_tactic/" rel="nofollow">How the 1 percent always wins: Liberal washing is the right’s new favorite tactic</a>  Salon   ...The famous examples of liberal washing come from the White House. A few decades ago, Democratic President Bill Clinton liberal-washed corporatist schemes like NAFTA and financial deregulation. Today, it is Democratic President Barack Obama liberal-washing the <a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/10/31/single_payer_health_care_vs_obamacare/singleton/">insurance industry’s healthcare initiatives</a> and now <a href="http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-07-06/business/35267423_1_debt-talks-obama-plans-congressional-leaders">joining</a> with a handful of <a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/10/26/sell_out_alert_9_democrats_already_caving_to_gop_on_social_security_cuts_partner/singleton/">Democratic legislators</a> to liberalwash – and legitimize – the right-wing crusade to slash Social Security benefits...<br /><a href="http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=10946" rel="nofollow">House Passes Deregulation Bill Written by Citigroup </a> The Real News   ...the one that was driven by Citibank that would allow a wide range of financial derivatives to be done directly by the bank, which is to say, the insured entity, which is to say, the government would be on the hook if there were losses. And Dodd-Frank was designed to prevent or at least dramatically minimize that. So this is a truly awful bill...<br /><a href="http://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/UK-Energy-Firms-Guilty-of-Market-Manipulation-to-Face-Criminal-Charges.html" rel="nofollow">UK Energy Firms Guilty of Market Manipulation to Face Criminal Charges </a> Oil Price   ...Ed Davey, the Energy Minister, has now stated that the government may charge energy firms that are found guilty of manipulating the markets, with criminal sanctions...<br /><a href="http://fannie%20mae%20sues%20banks%20for%20%24800%20million%20over%20libor%20rigging/" rel="nofollow">Fannie Mae Sues Banks for $800 Million Over Libor Rigging</a>  Bloomberg   ...<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/FNMA:US">Fannie Mae (FNMA)</a> sued nine banks, alleging that their manipulation of the benchmark London interbank offered rate, which four of them have admitted, cost the mortgage-financing company about $800 million...<br /><a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/10/23/wall_streets_favorite_democrat_wants_your_pension/" rel="nofollow">Wall Street’s favorite Democrat wants your pension</a>  Salon   ...The financial services industry hopes to gain even more control over workers' retirement savings...<br /><a href="http://portside.org/2013-11-01/north-carolina-come-and-rise" rel="nofollow">North Carolina, Come On and Rise Up</a>  Portside   ...This past summer, "Moral Mondays" in North Carolina emerged as the locus of one of the country's most insistent state-level movements against extremist efforts to slash the social safety net and roll back civil rights...<br /><a href="http://www.vindy.com/news/2013/oct/24/union-lawyer-says-top-court-ruling-uphol/" rel="nofollow">Top court ruling upholds free speech, union lawyer says </a> Youngstown Vindicator   ...The Ohio Supreme Court delivered a major victory for labor unions when it ruled in a Mahoning County case. The court ruled that a state law requiring a union to give a public employer and the State Employment Relations Board 10 days’ advance notice of strike picketing does not apply to informational picketing...<br /><br /><br />

financial deregulation hunger job-killing trade dals LIBOR scandal mcdonald's corporate criminality Moral Monday Nafta social security TAFTA Today's Teamster News 11.02.13

George Miranda Named to Board of the Global Gateway Alliance  teamster.org   ...George Miranda, International Vice President and Secretary-T...

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Selfie While Driving? Your Life is Worth More Than a Like

<div class="MsoNormal">Usually there is an element of sarcasm in these posts, but today I know what you’re thinking:  Nobody is stupid enough to take a selfie while driving.  You would think so, but you would be wrong.  According to Yahoo, there are more than <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/selfies-with-a-splash-of-serious-safety-issues-142045416.html">three million Instagram posts</a> labeled #driving and even more with variations of the tag.  Apparently, to many folks their lives are worth a few likes.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">While the dangers of texting while driving are pretty clear, according to Distraction.gov you are <a href="http://www.distraction.gov/">twice as likely</a> to crash while texting, the selfie phenomenon is another battle.  Of course, your personal feelings of cell phone use while driving come into play as well, because like or not when you are doing something besides driving you are distracted.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For those that think they can handle texting while driving <a href="http://www.itcanwaitsimulator.org/">the simulator</a> on It Can Wait is a nice teaching tool.  The selfie issue is just another form of the battle, and it is quite simple to answer:  it only takes a split second to change your life or someone else’s forever.  A car, truck, van or whatever can be turned into a weapon in that split second, and that great self portrait won’t look so great when you know it helped get a family killed.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone, not just the kids and teens, needs to be aware that the technology we all love to use has a limitation, no matter how second nature firing off a text might or taking a picture might be, it is dangerous to use behind the wheel-plain and simple.  <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Anyone that really wants to take a great selfie should include the tag #GotHereSafely, because those would be comments worth reading.  Again, life is worth more than a like, but you have to pay attention to realize that.<o:p></o:p></div>

bad posts selfie while driving Selfie While Driving? Your Life is Worth More Than a Like

Usually there is an element of sarcasm in these posts, but today I know what you’re thinking:  Nobody is stupid enough to take a selfie whil...

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Peak leaf color in Shenandoah Valley this weekend

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xepZSr1O45XAPxqAfZx0V9Cj6eF6XtkqCqfj_HJmmC7yhxOWCWoCYEK5bqNIScSlGrJFHn9a8meRxkajhGI9GCMVKvSFlrWlDF6trp8zKjmpLrqSv4Sf7AT7wjdxfaOSUjwWoh4dOpvg/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xepZSr1O45XAPxqAfZx0V9Cj6eF6XtkqCqfj_HJmmC7yhxOWCWoCYEK5bqNIScSlGrJFHn9a8meRxkajhGI9GCMVKvSFlrWlDF6trp8zKjmpLrqSv4Sf7AT7wjdxfaOSUjwWoh4dOpvg/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The maple beside my deck.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're looking for vibrant autumn leaf color, this is the weekend to hit the central Shenandoah Valley. Reds and golds have popped out in the past few days and salvaged a season that had been so-so until now. But you'd better hurry. Autumn color is fleeting and, once it's gone, that's it until next year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheye3DQ7NurFioUfSQAd3V9BfeABbPCLD9GmuD6EZXM6-91Ex15eu3F9MeP5o-YGPPYkD6YX8VwJ1dNDh0JHTcmlmbGZyUaJ3ItSQVPakCjRz6sa8dsTptYg6u1foIytASMUbg6tsNiKsU/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheye3DQ7NurFioUfSQAd3V9BfeABbPCLD9GmuD6EZXM6-91Ex15eu3F9MeP5o-YGPPYkD6YX8VwJ1dNDh0JHTcmlmbGZyUaJ3ItSQVPakCjRz6sa8dsTptYg6u1foIytASMUbg6tsNiKsU/s640/1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Here's the weekend weather forecast from Harrisonburg's <a href="http://www.whsv.com/weather">WHSV TV-3</a>:<br /><blockquote>After a chilly start to Saturday, look for more clouds throughout the day. The breeze will return for Saturday and Sunday. However temperatures will cool back to near 60° Satuday, and into the lower 50s Sunday. Saturday will be a decent day for JMU's Homecoming. An isolated light shower can't be ruled out in our western mountains, and even some sprinkles in the Valley, however most areas will remain dry.<br /><br />As cooler temperatures rush in Saturday night a few upslope snow showers are possible for the western mountains into very early Sunday morning. No accumulation in those favored locations.<br /><br />Sunday looks to bring plenty of sunshine. We'll be breezy and cool. High temperatures in the low to mid 50s. Next week looks to bring sunshine for the first half of the week, as temperatures slowly warm back into the mid 60s. However we will be tracking another strong front that could potentially bring more rain next Thursday night. </blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw3rBFzXs9y5hncpCyl9fG2agiQYubi3wxQ5uKxaSo38iFSVqLKHwr50CBdkjJ27NU5bF-6Re5pVqwW_O11pfPiq1LkxXs-fnko283-NfmdgKlGI2QH0bUsynxDRt_dlRGOp09baWms68/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw3rBFzXs9y5hncpCyl9fG2agiQYubi3wxQ5uKxaSo38iFSVqLKHwr50CBdkjJ27NU5bF-6Re5pVqwW_O11pfPiq1LkxXs-fnko283-NfmdgKlGI2QH0bUsynxDRt_dlRGOp09baWms68/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's lots of quaint places to check out in the Valley while leaf peeping including the <a href="http://www.daytonfarmersmarket.com/">Dayton Farmers Market</a>, the <a href="http://www.safarmersmarket.com/">Farmers Market in downtown Staunton</a>, and local shops and eateries. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr9we3fnQHeNx4V-4ZVe8XttD3nDM6g7j1v7paz13tgEBO7LqQsBha6bFNCFbpFnB-1ze_HNMgVi2I0QPzofu9YC70ESc3c677RMmEIRjpqsiZmtQPZEsqWD8BHHiKIPNBEX_xmUYjDqF/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr9we3fnQHeNx4V-4ZVe8XttD3nDM6g7j1v7paz13tgEBO7LqQsBha6bFNCFbpFnB-1ze_HNMgVi2I0QPzofu9YC70ESc3c677RMmEIRjpqsiZmtQPZEsqWD8BHHiKIPNBEX_xmUYjDqF/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here's a <a href="http://www.stauntondowntown.org/">link to things to see and do in Staunton</a>.<br /><br />And here's a <a href="http://www.waynesborodowntown.org/#top">link to what to see and do in Waynesboro</a>. <br /><br />My post from earlier in the season: <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/autumn-travel-and-leaf-peeping-in.html">Autumn travel and leaf peeping.</a><br /><br />Enjoy the waning days of the 2013 leaf season!<br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 2013

autumn in Shenandoah Valley Dayton Farmers Market peak leaf season Staunton tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Peak leaf color in Shenandoah Valley this weekend

The maple beside my deck. If you're looking for vibrant autumn leaf color, this is the weekend to hit the central Shenandoah Valley. Re...

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Daylight Savings Time ends tonight ... clocks fall back an hour

<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN33X7_430RXrFLCVv_vdhGSp4W_9J5s6erP5jIvouQwhVZ6ENYTk9mzWUTHTLcTbh5wrKdmZ2DKQDWuJhckq8x90senzXsk2bbQk5pDNShjpaQot6fOE9tjFiSs5_3bEcfstUmPi7NY/s1600-h/clock.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399030842870946434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN33X7_430RXrFLCVv_vdhGSp4W_9J5s6erP5jIvouQwhVZ6ENYTk9mzWUTHTLcTbh5wrKdmZ2DKQDWuJhckq8x90senzXsk2bbQk5pDNShjpaQot6fOE9tjFiSs5_3bEcfstUmPi7NY/s400/clock.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 118px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 114px;" /></a>It's that time of year again ... Daylight Savings Time is over.<br />Set the clocks back one hour tonight and enjoy an extra sixty minutes of sleep.</div>

daylight savings time Eastern Standard Time Daylight Savings Time ends tonight ... clocks fall back an hour

It's that time of year again ... Daylight Savings Time is over. Set the clocks back one hour tonight and enjoy an extra sixty minutes of...

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A Vital Measure: Your Surgeon's Skill - NYTimes.com

<div><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">To those of us in training, the hospital was cursed. At least when it came to a certain operation.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">We dreaded being asked to scrub in at these operations because we knew we would be forced to hold patient parts until our fingers went numb and arms quivered. The surgeons hunted, stabbed and slashed their way through the procedure; and whenever their knife would go a little too far, or their knot would slip, or their stitch pull, we braced ourselves for their fury…and for the inevitable extra time it would take for them to correct their errors.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The patients, many of whom had come in to the hospital walking and talking, ended up lingering for weeks afterward with infections, open wounds and other complications.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">But everything changed when a new surgeon came on board. Built like a rugby player, he shocked us first with his speed, and then his results. The once unbearable day-long slog became a morning's work; and instead of spending weeks in the hospital, his patients went home after eight days.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">In the operating room, his bear paw hands turned delicate, teasing out tissues, caressing vessels and nimbly knotting thread as fine as human hair. There was not a single wasted movement; and each step blended seamlessly with the next, giving those of us who had the fortune to observe the sense that we were watching not surgery, but a well-choreographed ballet.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">"It's like you're just standing there holding the needle or knife," said one friend who was lucky enough to assist the new surgeon, "and he's moving the body underneath you."</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">I remembered this surgeon — and the dramatic differences between his colleagues and him — when I read a <a href="http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1300625" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">study published recently in The New England Journal of Medicine</a> on the relationship between a surgeon's operative technique and patient outcomes.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">It has been <a href="http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=384170" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">clear for nearly 30 years</a> that not all surgeons produce the same results. The reasons, however, have remained elusive. Most studies on surgical quality have focused on what surgeons do before and after surgery, practices that are easy to measure and analyze, like <a href="http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=186128" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">giving antibiotics to prevent surgical wound infections</a> and administering blood thinners to<a href="http://www.jvascsurg.org/article/S0741-5214(09)01832-1/abstract" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">guard against the development of blood clots</a>.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">But even with the most compulsive adherence to these pre- and post-operative protocols, and much to the chagrin of many a well-intentioned health care expert, payer and policy maker, <a href="http://archsurg.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=406366" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">significant disparities in patient outcomes after surgery have persisted</a>.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The reason, observers have postulated, may be the one, obvious thing that most of these initiatives have scrupulously avoided: what goes on in the operating room.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Now an innovative collaboration between researchers, payers and weight-loss surgeons, the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative, has addressed that-which-could-not-be-named. And their findings have confirmed what patients have long suspected and trainees have long known – the dexterity of a surgeon's hands can account for much of the differences in how well patients do.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Researchers from the group asked a panel of surgeon-experts to review videotapes of operations performed by 20 unnamed surgeons who were part of the collaborative. They then asked the surgeon-experts to come up with a ranking based on the deftness with which operating instruments were used, the gentleness with which tissues were handled, the degree to which the surgeons were able to expose key areas, the time and amount of movement required to perform each step and the general flow of the operation. The researchers then confirmed that the rankings remained consistent by asking a different group of surgeon-experts to evaluate the videotapes.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">To the researchers' surprise, there were huge variations in operative skill between the practicing surgeons, with the lowest ranked surgeons working at what the reviewers considered a level only slightly better than a trainee at the end of residency, and the highest-ranking surgeons working like "masters" in their field.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto;">"You didn't have to be an expert to see the difference," said Dr. John D. Birkmeyer, a surgeon who is lead author of the study and director of the Center for Health Care Outcomes and Policy at the University of Michigan. <webonly>(You can view video clips of a high- and low-ranked surgeon, below. Warning: graphic content.)</webonly></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Dr. Birkmeyer and his co-authors then reviewed the records of the 20 surgeons' post-operative complications and compared them with their rankings. Not surprisingly, surgeons in the bottom quartile took 40 percent more time to complete the same operation and had higher mortality rates than top-ranked surgeons. But their patients also ran a significantly higher chance of developing a whole host of complications, including wound infections, pneumonia, bleeding and thrombophlebitis, and required re-operation and readmission to the hospital after discharge more often than patients of surgeons whose rankings were in the top quartile.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The study is the first to reliably measure operative skills in practicing surgeons and correlate those measurements with patient outcomes. "We now have a scientific way to evaluate a practicing surgeon's skill that is as reliable as about anything we measure in health care in terms of quality," Dr. Birkmeyer observed.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Being able to measure operative skill could change how patients and doctors approach surgery. Currently, patients have few direct ways to evaluate a potential surgeon and end up trying to divine the quality of operative technique by researching where the surgeon trained, <a href="http://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">tracking down board certification and hospital statistics </a>or relying on word-of-mouth. Regulatory organizations, too, must <a href="http://www.absurgery.org/default.jsp?publiccertprocess" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 153);">base their licensing decisions on indirect information</a> like a surgeon's training and performance on multiple choice tests and oral exams. These methods of appraisal, even with the best available approximations of operating room scenarios, can only offer indications of how a surgeon might actually perform in the operating room.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Even practicing surgeons, who have few opportunities after residency training to strengthen their operative techniques, may benefit from the research. Dr. Birkmeyer and his colleagues are currently studying how coaching from "master surgeons" might help other surgeons improve their rankings. "There may be some strategies for not just measuring a problem but ultimately fixing it."</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">But it's those practicing surgeons who may also be most resistant to such evaluations. "For surgeons, performance in the operating room is hugely personal," Dr. Birkmeyer noted. "Having it evaluated can be seen as highly threatening,"</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Still, organizations like The Leapfrog Group, whose members include large employers trying to improve health care, are considering using similar methods to help patients identify safer hospitals for surgery. And Dr. Birkmeyer and his colleagues are extending their efforts to include studies looking at how operative technique might correlate with patient outcomes in prostate, colon and spine surgery. "It makes sense that some individuals might be naturally more talented at surgery, like some people are better at music or athletics," Dr. Birkmeyer said.</p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1em; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto;">"But this isn't just about who is the better tennis player," he added. "People's lives are at stake."</p></div><div><br></div> <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/31/a-vital-measure-your-surgeons-skill/?">http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/31/a-vital-measure-your-surgeons-skill/?</a>

A Vital Measure: Your Surgeon's Skill - NYTimes.com

To those of us in training, the hospital was cursed. At least when it came to a certain operation. We dreaded being asked to scrub in at the...

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Beginning To Step Cooler

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfVUOkN1hg-FtwZqrvsegfVH3tMzdMCQJlTl31t49joYe7vStfA3glHV4m-wtXamUJu_hefXjCkTGCBKo5OUjAELNVlI5Xl8i1PN2WffZcDdzjPmqsf2uxbcm9ydLq_hnz80pR0uR_F0T/s1600/110113-AM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfVUOkN1hg-FtwZqrvsegfVH3tMzdMCQJlTl31t49joYe7vStfA3glHV4m-wtXamUJu_hefXjCkTGCBKo5OUjAELNVlI5Xl8i1PN2WffZcDdzjPmqsf2uxbcm9ydLq_hnz80pR0uR_F0T/s400/110113-AM1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We're going to trend cooler over the next couple of days, with today cooler than yesterday and Sunday much cooler than today. Cool air will begin to work into the region on west winds but it will take until tonight, when a secondary front passes through the region and helps nudge the needle much lower on temperatures.<br /><br />Today will be a pretty nice day on the whole. A wave of low pressure will push along the front that crossed the region yesterday, bringing showers offshore and perhaps to Wildwood or Cape May during the course of the morning. As the day progresses, nicer weather overall takes over.<br /><br />Expect highs today in the mid and upper 60's through the region. West winds will blow at 7 to 14 miles per hour. By November standards, a mild day.  Cooler air, however, will be on the march for Sunday and Monday -- both days likely among the coolest we have seen this autumn so far.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSnvJ6AYTGEhXwINi8LHP9UjKGE2_rxu1FYG585V8Z8lbHNwVkUrXO11HQYGMDHVO9f5I8MzH4GlsLR-yxi3cP1hq4g11e5PcWNfKbN0acr7CgOCFfuHBfxExSoUADHHVHS7TiiGYo6H5/s1600/110113-AM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSnvJ6AYTGEhXwINi8LHP9UjKGE2_rxu1FYG585V8Z8lbHNwVkUrXO11HQYGMDHVO9f5I8MzH4GlsLR-yxi3cP1hq4g11e5PcWNfKbN0acr7CgOCFfuHBfxExSoUADHHVHS7TiiGYo6H5/s400/110113-AM2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />

daycast Beginning To Step Cooler

We're going to trend cooler over the next couple of days, with today cooler than yesterday and Sunday much cooler than today. Cool air w...

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Illuminations Richard II Blog Post: "How Near The Tidings Of Our Comfort Is"

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IxnM3CsPF4XGn4EA3tTnA33YhePcXeBJaWicQ6WImA1yPx7CjMnKe-fG5Sf2nzpZPVf9mLXYxf2Ju8k4-iZSAZyYwsKDCifq4FRGy8ecqqznQbmEqqI_6OaY3n2aW243vNa4HCj3W2uX/s1600/WoS13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IxnM3CsPF4XGn4EA3tTnA33YhePcXeBJaWicQ6WImA1yPx7CjMnKe-fG5Sf2nzpZPVf9mLXYxf2Ju8k4-iZSAZyYwsKDCifq4FRGy8ecqqznQbmEqqI_6OaY3n2aW243vNa4HCj3W2uX/s1600/WoS13.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John Wyver has posted the latest in a series of blogs on the new Royal Shakespeare company production of <i>Richard II</i> onto the Illuminations website. One of the founders of Illuminations, John will be working with the RSC to produce the live broadcast of the play into cinemas across the UK and around the world. With less than two weeks to go till the live stream he tells how preparations are going ahead.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"On Sunday the trucks arrive for our first camera rehearsal on Monday. On Tuesday the theatre and broadcast teams will review the tape and start to make adjustments, and then the trucks will return on the following Monday"</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John also responds to criticisms to live cinema broadcasts of theatre productions by answering some of the key arguments posited.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Read the full blog post here</span></span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Richard II starring David Tennant and directed by Gregory Doran is in residence at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in <st1:place w:st="on">Stratford-upon-Avon</st1:place> until 16th November 2013. It transfers to the Barbican in <st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place> on 9th December where it plays until 25th January 2014.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both runs are currently sold out but returns may be available: call the RSC on 0844 800 1110 to check availability.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The production will be filmed on November 13th and broadcast into cinemas across the <st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place> and worldwide. <a href="http://onscreen.rsc.org.uk/richard-ii/default.aspx"><span style="color: blue;">More information can be found on the RSC Onscreen site</span></a>. The recorded play will also be released on DVD.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read more about the RSC's Richard II on our website</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>

David Tennant Richard II Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre Illuminations Richard II Blog Post: "How Near The Tidings Of Our Comfort Is"

John Wyver has posted the latest in a series of blogs on the new Royal Shakespeare company production of Richard II  onto the Illuminations ...

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David Tennant And Cast Filmed The Escape Artist In Sub-Zero Temperatures

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw1qJT87jqM-GrReyVh8rW8jYlFHg-j_r797pxCovzQunodMRhVw65ZoDGFdJ_21lHcMaXavxYT90C0uvqZYQfyQjKeL8-wfRJQJXC0Str36NvKBgNKQEjY2RkoYrHd2Vb0_V8U0OBGUA/s1600/TEA5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw1qJT87jqM-GrReyVh8rW8jYlFHg-j_r797pxCovzQunodMRhVw65ZoDGFdJ_21lHcMaXavxYT90C0uvqZYQfyQjKeL8-wfRJQJXC0Str36NvKBgNKQEjY2RkoYrHd2Vb0_V8U0OBGUA/s640/TEA5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Mirror have told of the extreme weather conditions that David Tennant and his fellow cast members encountered while filming scenes for <i>The Escape Artist</i>. Part of the tense legal thriller was filmed in Edinburgh in February in snow and sub-zero temperatures.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An insider from then set reports how David was given silk thermals to wear beneath his suit and hot water bottles for inside the lining, while between takes he wore moon boots and mittens.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“He never complained once though – he was a complete professional,” they said.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The Escape Artist</i> stars David Tennant as a talented junior barrister with a talent for securing acquittals in even the most hopeless of cases. However, when he takes on the case of Liam Foyle (Toby Kebbell), a detached outsider accused of a brutal murder, his charmed life is suddenly torn apart. Other cast members include Sophie Okonedo, Ashley Jensen, Anton Lesser and Tony Gardner. The three part series was written by David Wolstencroft.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Watch episode 2 of The Escape Artist on BBC One on Tuesday 5th November at 9pm</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">UK viewers can catch up with episode 1 via <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p01jqq59/The_Escape_Artist_Episode_1/"><span style="color: blue;">BBC iPlayer</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The series will be released on DVD on Monday 18th November - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00EJFEN50?ie=UTF8&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=B00EJFEN50&linkCode=shr&tag=dtennant-21&=dvd&qid=1377751770&sr=1-3&keywords=the+escape+artist"><span style="color: blue;">pre-order your copy here</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Source: <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/escape-artist-doctor-who-star-2664006">The Mirror</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

David Tennant And Cast Filmed The Escape Artist In Sub-Zero Temperatures

The Mirror have told of the extreme weather conditions that David Tennant and his fellow cast members encountered while filming scenes for T...

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Doctor Who Celebration Attendees Will Have A Day Of The Doctor Simulcast Screening

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXgKiR2T8zbiiLyi1oN9qj7nsdg9iX-u-7ooG48JQG9y9Jx5cemUhe0HmTngvIwAZHKsEZlIx-xwQlI2HfTeNgUTHIbFNFVPK5lrYKwT1ZcGIXF-dD9G-uuJ19BEfwdivLHJ6haIGUgM7/s1600/Poster4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXgKiR2T8zbiiLyi1oN9qj7nsdg9iX-u-7ooG48JQG9y9Jx5cemUhe0HmTngvIwAZHKsEZlIx-xwQlI2HfTeNgUTHIbFNFVPK5lrYKwT1ZcGIXF-dD9G-uuJ19BEfwdivLHJ6haIGUgM7/s640/Poster4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The organisers of the Doctor Who 50th Celebration have confirmed that Saturday visitors will get the chance to attend a screening of the 50^th anniversary episode <i>The Day Of The Doctor</i>.  Saturday opening hours will be extended that evening so visitors can enjoy a free 2D simulcast screening along with other fans. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday attendees will be emailed shortly with details about how they can reserve a seat. Visitors should note that the screening will have limited availability and tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The official Doctor Who 50th Celebration takes place at ExCel in London between the 22nd and 24th November. The sold out event will be attended by Doctor Who cast and crew from the last 50 years, from Carol Ann Ford to Matt Smith. As well as Matt,four other ex-Doctors will be attending: Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy are all confirmed guests.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://celebration.doctorwho.tv/"><span style="color: blue;">Keep up to date with all the celebration event news here</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.david-tennant.com/2009/id205.html"><span style="color: blue;">Read more about The Day Of The Doctor on our website</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Doctor Who Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Fan Conventions The Day Of The Doctor Doctor Who Celebration Attendees Will Have A Day Of The Doctor Simulcast Screening

The organisers of the Doctor Who 50th Celebration have confirmed that Saturday visitors will get the chance to attend a screening of the 50 ...

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PAGEANT: Miss Philippines Ariella Arida Wins Glam Shot Competition in Miss Universe 2013

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6K49JmW-nTL-p5sIshZ_FZJkK7Adbtfii2YHJgjLl1K_U8T4trwzZBpGfAONh0xsAOJkER_JqsjLjRuE5hcHczDgU1279QW9TKVhZ4RvdGiefY7jVzC7aPZF_u8IU1FLRC5Bc98WTkxN/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+winner+-+miss+philippines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6K49JmW-nTL-p5sIshZ_FZJkK7Adbtfii2YHJgjLl1K_U8T4trwzZBpGfAONh0xsAOJkER_JqsjLjRuE5hcHczDgU1279QW9TKVhZ4RvdGiefY7jVzC7aPZF_u8IU1FLRC5Bc98WTkxN/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+winner+-+miss+philippines.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">ICE PRINCESS! Miss Philippines Ariella Arida wins Glam shot competition outshining 86 other candidates from around the world.</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ2MswEyPnSfadpJV4Pv38F_-fuMeYNh-oFjT34LAPd4BFqfoE6KllU5KJ0ySZ3IKa_GZHycR7kahbZ1coTg9SCb-H5aMbBOo_7dVLLGF6mYjrrrB4YpfcxX2u23YLJNlCZWlA8tL_Vc7/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+1st+runner+up+-+miss+spain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJ2MswEyPnSfadpJV4Pv38F_-fuMeYNh-oFjT34LAPd4BFqfoE6KllU5KJ0ySZ3IKa_GZHycR7kahbZ1coTg9SCb-H5aMbBOo_7dVLLGF6mYjrrrB4YpfcxX2u23YLJNlCZWlA8tL_Vc7/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+1st+runner+up+-+miss+spain.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Miss Spain - 1st Runner up</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjTrszN6pKeH5dGZzX7OalAQNhTPhBUG0mnQFyCTl-1XTLdoyYaVcueV6tOVVQdhdMHgYcBR9MIC0yft7IpP83pubV9u1ZOnRf-ymsAqjCQLhQ_tb4OJ3ap-hto4Oxc2Id22IKmWK31u2/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+2nd+runner+up+-+miss+great+britain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjTrszN6pKeH5dGZzX7OalAQNhTPhBUG0mnQFyCTl-1XTLdoyYaVcueV6tOVVQdhdMHgYcBR9MIC0yft7IpP83pubV9u1ZOnRf-ymsAqjCQLhQ_tb4OJ3ap-hto4Oxc2Id22IKmWK31u2/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+2nd+runner+up+-+miss+great+britain.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Miss Great Britain - 2nd Runner up</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1vvj23ddJLeF24cGjzreUsulBHYNDxERvEHgNVfdTGuC7cVxbsS6QMiPQwKlGn2J_LJDoM2VyWhq5fyi_QDdLCFUBqqbnfnn0SrOaurTdr_8NQC-5Kvv4LYOH7d-HUt2RxBALNpIQ5vL/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+3st+runner+up+-+miss+south+africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1vvj23ddJLeF24cGjzreUsulBHYNDxERvEHgNVfdTGuC7cVxbsS6QMiPQwKlGn2J_LJDoM2VyWhq5fyi_QDdLCFUBqqbnfnn0SrOaurTdr_8NQC-5Kvv4LYOH7d-HUt2RxBALNpIQ5vL/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+3st+runner+up+-+miss+south+africa.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Miss South Africa - 3rd Runner up</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSlcLu9oPXKn9g7meC8yT9Ye3R_lRzpIW5yXBIQjZdmRHyUWlZLxtSBAFiFge1Pqjfa7oQG0fksTJUiGQhjK5XULcPnvaYlyLhlyUvz0JLO9OhY8oMNxVo_D6O28YYgYNlrEALo94tnxv/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+4th+runner+up+-+miss+australia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSlcLu9oPXKn9g7meC8yT9Ye3R_lRzpIW5yXBIQjZdmRHyUWlZLxtSBAFiFge1Pqjfa7oQG0fksTJUiGQhjK5XULcPnvaYlyLhlyUvz0JLO9OhY8oMNxVo_D6O28YYgYNlrEALo94tnxv/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+4th+runner+up+-+miss+australia.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Miss Australia - 4th Runner up</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg0EmIzIS6U7r_vTMfylOGldTvjMQcPS4h5exOCQ6tZE1EnUKk58_fGNb2VQOl9UcoUL6w8oCzbxlz0gJHKj5mgTsnHAZ7U4bTjyq7zPgf84vx2yInZkFoadjBuqqaNrU4gUYRGw1Qkt2/s1600/miss+universe+glam+shot+competition+-+5th+runner+up+-+miss+poland.jpg" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Miss Poland - 5th Runner up</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Don't forget to vote for Miss Philippines. Here's how (<i>click image below</i>):<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://duchessofandrogyny.blogspot.com/2013/10/pageant-miss-universe-2013-online-voting.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qMwUOKpZmcEvjq1D7rgeLhfUaW3bXAXqgiS-9nhuDOPWYAIMDfaIMoloQIQYfYVcnSFguW8FgtAvO4znbGbVbbd7RxdwQKKB6qSlTsmy7PqiJGzUTXMcAdlYVwHq9df75SfF6ueUc8IZ/s1600/the+next+miss+universe+-+vote+for+miss+philippines.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Ariella Arida glam shot competition Miss Philippines miss universe 2013 PAGEANT photos PAGEANT: Miss Philippines Ariella Arida Wins Glam Shot Competition in Miss Universe 2013

ICE PRINCESS! Miss Philippines Ariella Arida wins Glam shot competition outshining 86 other candidates from around the world. Miss Spain - 1...

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Matt Said, Jay Said...11032013

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8JWMnAEDyje19GCppQ0_Idd7D3lQNqgD_1x3LV5DvYO_T3gmQNXZLi-x0YwfzZzaiDoMJzcZepXjU7eta7yCPGzPVHxC6bFEsuPehLK2CuoW9Z7AnAayS_a0KgRkxxh_Q9h1un1OXFmb/s1600/facebook-evolution-640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8JWMnAEDyje19GCppQ0_Idd7D3lQNqgD_1x3LV5DvYO_T3gmQNXZLi-x0YwfzZzaiDoMJzcZepXjU7eta7yCPGzPVHxC6bFEsuPehLK2CuoW9Z7AnAayS_a0KgRkxxh_Q9h1un1OXFmb/s400/facebook-evolution-640.jpg" width="400" /></a>Matt shames.  Jay seeks.  You say, <i>“That sounds about right.”</i><br /><br />Matt:  How the hell are ya?<br />Jay:  I’m good.  I feel like a new person.<br />Matt:  Really?  In a good way?  Wow, why is that?<br /><br />Jay:  Well, I am branching out socially.  I am seeking out new friends on social media sites.<br />Matt:  Why?<br />Jay:  Because I strongly yearn to meet new and interesting people.<br />Matt:  You?  Seriously?<br />Jay:  Well, yeah…in part…and it helps to pad my friends and follower numbers.<br />Matt:  I see…<br /><br />Jay:  Dude…It’s all about building relationships.<br />Matt:  Relationships are important if not intrusive, whether we want them or not.<br />Jay:  Exactly.  And man…I am building them.  My efforts have garnered us like 20 “likes” on our<span style="color: blue;"> <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/iwsradio" target="_blank">FB page</a></i>.</span><br />Matt: I saw that.<br />Jay:  And I have met a few folks who have thus far pretended to like me for the time being.<br />Matt:  Well Hell…That makes it all worthwhile.<br />Jay:  I know, right?<br /><br />Matt:  Hmmmmmm….<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGbvLY36Q5vbCRDmkoumtfA8_0cx2CZY1K2f4WOZoXS-ziFWKSQgFd0osh607EPdSwCQoebDhCZ4QYS58qwnhJeV6XztW4mtooB9iYW4wNIB2cUBQx-MXpuAkhx8ccIGxQXtJKlqCZfnT/s1600/building+a+relationship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGbvLY36Q5vbCRDmkoumtfA8_0cx2CZY1K2f4WOZoXS-ziFWKSQgFd0osh607EPdSwCQoebDhCZ4QYS58qwnhJeV6XztW4mtooB9iYW4wNIB2cUBQx-MXpuAkhx8ccIGxQXtJKlqCZfnT/s320/building+a+relationship.jpg" width="320" /></a>Jay:  What?  Did you just think of something deep, or are you experiencing an aneurysm?<br />Matt:  Y’know, Jayman…This Sunday we could talk about relationships.  All types of relationships.<br />Jay:  Relationships do come in many different packages.<br />Matt:  Yes they do.<br /><br />Jay:  There are your friend relationships and family relationships.<br />Matt:  Neighbor and co-worker relationships.<br />Jay:  Relationships with your pets and other animals.<br />Matt:  Sexual relationships.<br />Jay:  Mmmmmmmmm…Sexual relati---um, sorry…Facebook relationships.<br />Matt:  Twitter relationships.<br />Jay:  Stumble Upon relationships.<br /><br />Matt:  I don’t have any of those.<br />Jay:  I know…That’s why you never get any Stumble love on your posts.<br />Matt:  It’s so hard though.  I’d have to follow other Stumblers.<br />Jay:  It’s a cross that we must all bear in order to get our stories out.<br />Matt:  Okay…Maybe I’ll work on that.<br />Jay:  Good Boy.<br /><br />Matt:  Sometimes, relationships go bad and it is very sad.<br />Jay:  Oh I know, and sometimes in addition to going bad, they get really funny while doing so.<br />Matt:  We wouldn’t want to talk about how bad relationships can be funny would we?<br />Jay:  Noooooooooooooo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFC_NZjLF4cGie2e49N5acgQ3i__tgoAekYVEv8IECD8HosSEELgWmrcmnopwWj2iD-q3PD4APduKxxfZdKyocX3UVkhb1qbAQ7py0mau3jPY75vlctxhPdRWf_Dav6AdKqOTuDLIjEz5u/s1600/relationships.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFC_NZjLF4cGie2e49N5acgQ3i__tgoAekYVEv8IECD8HosSEELgWmrcmnopwWj2iD-q3PD4APduKxxfZdKyocX3UVkhb1qbAQ7py0mau3jPY75vlctxhPdRWf_Dav6AdKqOTuDLIjEz5u/s320/relationships.jpg" width="320" /></a>Matt and Jay:  Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!<br /><br />Jay:  Alright then…<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/11/03/what-is-your-relationship-status" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: blue;">The Relationship Show</span></i></a> it is.<br />Matt:  We’ll cover every aspect of every type of relationship that exists.<br />Jay:  We can even talk about how some doctors have ended their relationship with us.<br />Matt:  Man, it will be painful to talk about, but…we’re professionals.<br /><br />Jay:  And of course, we’ll be taking phone calls from our diverse and worldwide audience.<br />Matt:  That right there is a hot relationship.<br />Jay:  Damn right.<br /><br />Matt:  I think we’re ready.<br />Jay:  I think so too, but are we ready for a committed relationship?<br />Matt:  I guess we’ll find out this Sunday from Noon-2 PM Eastern STANDARD Time.<br />Jay:  Indeed, can’t have a show relationship with folks if folks don’t set their clocks back!!<br /><br />Matt:  Until Sunday Jayman!!<br />Jay:  Word.<br /><br />To catch all of the IWS Radio hilarity on Blog Talk Radio <i>LIVE</i> this Sunday from Noon-2 PM ET, click <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/11/03/what-is-your-relationship-status" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: blue;">HERE</span></i></a>.</div>

Matt Said, Jay Said...11032013

Matt shames.  Jay seeks.  You say, “That sounds about right.” Matt:  How the hell are ya? Jay:  I’m good.  I feel like a new person. Matt:  ...

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Photos: Honey Boo Boo Halloween costume

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2684301293992216550" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 740px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1ZyU2Dq68XjxqwQO6IlLJw5CfkwrNWHOw4UrrMOdLv5COrGFrsWXiWKVm4cqnc9UmKt26MXCEjz5Btc0SQR3FJ1WzGo3U9wMjkl8FnMCoZ8I2MawPrlpl9aTBSRy0jzjjZEBkLqO2bg/s1600/Halloween-Honey-Boo-Boo-Kardashians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #3399bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1ZyU2Dq68XjxqwQO6IlLJw5CfkwrNWHOw4UrrMOdLv5COrGFrsWXiWKVm4cqnc9UmKt26MXCEjz5Btc0SQR3FJ1WzGo3U9wMjkl8FnMCoZ8I2MawPrlpl9aTBSRy0jzjjZEBkLqO2bg/s640/Halloween-Honey-Boo-Boo-Kardashians.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(240, 240, 240); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br />Honey Boo Boo and her family are hilarious dressed as the Kardashian family, and Peter Okoye is scary as the transformed Micheal Jackson from Thriller.</div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2684301293992216550" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 740px;"><br /></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2684301293992216550" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 740px;">More celebrities Halloween costume Photos after the cut...</div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2684301293992216550" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 740px;"><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2684301293992216550" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 740px;"><br /></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2684301293992216550" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 740px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4f43blHuUY5BYmzhu06iZzN8U_aUbWUL_NWrOwyDQVc6SQBE2fBsEvgBy23RCH04Sr3Ps-9Cyvf9GZoizYltiqmf7E6rKnKJsN8SRvW4OSICXir0DvPI5gAmcHH-0nvv9AcjrWPIYb0k/s1600/halloween+kerry+washington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #3399bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4f43blHuUY5BYmzhu06iZzN8U_aUbWUL_NWrOwyDQVc6SQBE2fBsEvgBy23RCH04Sr3Ps-9Cyvf9GZoizYltiqmf7E6rKnKJsN8SRvW4OSICXir0DvPI5gAmcHH-0nvv9AcjrWPIYb0k/s640/halloween+kerry+washington.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(240, 240, 240); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br />There has been a lot of Halloween costume pictures flying about and some of them got me smiling, laughing or flinching in fear, isn't that what halloween costumes are supposed to do? I'm not sure what Kerry Washington dressed at but she is so cute. </div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2684301293992216550" style="background-color: white; color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 740px;"><br /><br /><a href="" name="more"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zAXRWTZeEP5QuJEnKLCjyZx1KBTK7QTOJ1C76G7rQ7MK8iOQ4T5pRLyF0p-NDbcuqVeirhorh4MS46LNtfnA9xPJwRp9ATnj4Y5F0j3Pq_dSIVb1Pp9hT7yNGmUPiLS0zTfiwNKXZOc/s1600/heidi+klum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #3399bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zAXRWTZeEP5QuJEnKLCjyZx1KBTK7QTOJ1C76G7rQ7MK8iOQ4T5pRLyF0p-NDbcuqVeirhorh4MS46LNtfnA9xPJwRp9ATnj4Y5F0j3Pq_dSIVb1Pp9hT7yNGmUPiLS0zTfiwNKXZOc/s1600/heidi+klum.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(240, 240, 240); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div><br />Heidi Klum as a 100 year old grandma, made possible with head to toe body make up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pP4erVyiYHszURD02N3MTMRkv7dafj7fEw8HbhunwR7sRCHVrm927c5PVaMX58KrxsNEOsB0Ji2D9TtMjIeCLucvM6_fi2sdoNUD-rrw9djvhjyZ8tdcwtw0Hh3KTRHeVla9gxArNsE/s1600/Halloween-Beyonce-Angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #3399bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pP4erVyiYHszURD02N3MTMRkv7dafj7fEw8HbhunwR7sRCHVrm927c5PVaMX58KrxsNEOsB0Ji2D9TtMjIeCLucvM6_fi2sdoNUD-rrw9djvhjyZ8tdcwtw0Hh3KTRHeVla9gxArNsE/s640/Halloween-Beyonce-Angel.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(240, 240, 240); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuK63N-mbriWQjJm1vOK4rij5e4WXBe3XKOtTjC8vcjHr6dBBq3WSSJyb7skJvxu37_SbEt7w510FbdhQ8WUMS7omv3dpbI2ogT_khpHBSyIDhMQdvRnTcQkKa_VqeIsqtD72rKJAy_E/s1600/halloween-blue-ivy-bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #3399bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuK63N-mbriWQjJm1vOK4rij5e4WXBe3XKOtTjC8vcjHr6dBBq3WSSJyb7skJvxu37_SbEt7w510FbdhQ8WUMS7omv3dpbI2ogT_khpHBSyIDhMQdvRnTcQkKa_VqeIsqtD72rKJAy_E/s1600/halloween-blue-ivy-bee.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(240, 240, 240); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;">Beyonce, plus a halo and wings is a mommy angel carrying Blue Ivy as a bee.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>

Photos: Honey Boo Boo Halloween costume

Honey Boo Boo and her family are hilarious dressed as the Kardashian family, and Peter Okoye is scary as the transformed Micheal Jackson fro...

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Ender's Game: Well played

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><b><i>Ender's Game</i> </b></span></span></span></span></span></span><b>(2013) • <a href="http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/summit/endersgame/" style="color: #27a9c5; text-decoration: none;">View trailer</a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><b> </b><br /><b>Four stars. Rating: PG-13, for violence and dramatic intensity</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>By <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12885694730612878577" style="color: #27a9c5; text-decoration: none;">Derrick Bang</a> • </b></span>Originally published in <i><a href="http://www.davisenterprise.com/" style="color: #27a9c5; text-decoration: none;">The Davis Enterprise</a></i>, 11.1.13</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrated sci-fi author Orson Scott Card was 26 when his first work, a novella titled “Ender’s Game,” was published in the August 1977 issue of <i>Analog</i>. In 1985, with much more ambitious plans for that tale’s young protagonist — and with the security of a rapidly blossoming literary career — Card expanded his debut effort into a novel that won both the Hugo and Nebula awards.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g9X5vhu3pI7JFJlSqdfpLJitdw86oIUB6xgbXYAcLOsjzxjN2LMde4wPgcfeonEV-wkcy2Pc0RyPHWMSAymfryyYf_nUfl0nUHRf7SOOEKLYh89508YkfpGappOJAr6h9VMA-1o30Ho/s1600/Enders+Game+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g9X5vhu3pI7JFJlSqdfpLJitdw86oIUB6xgbXYAcLOsjzxjN2LMde4wPgcfeonEV-wkcy2Pc0RyPHWMSAymfryyYf_nUfl0nUHRf7SOOEKLYh89508YkfpGappOJAr6h9VMA-1o30Ho/s400/Enders+Game+blog.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">While Petra (Hailee Steinfeld) watches warily, the thuggish Bonzo (Moises Arias) angrily<br />warns Ender (Asa Butterfield) to stay out of his way. But Ender isn't one to remain on<br />the sidelines, which Petra senses immediately; things are destined to get quite ugly<br />between these two boys.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, the so-called “Ender series” encompasses — are you sitting down? — a dozen novels, a dozen short stories and roughly four dozen comic books (some adapting existing novels, some with entirely new material).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously, fans can’t get enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More significantly, for our purposes, those same fans — and the general public — will thoroughly enjoy director/scripter Gavin Hood’s big-screen adaptation of the novel that started it all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The South African-born filmmaker is an impressively shrewd choice for this material, having burst onto the scene with 2005’s <i>Tsotsi</i>, which traces a week in the life of a young Johannesburg street thug who wrestles with his conscience after finding a baby in the back seat of a car he steals. The grim drama won that year’s Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, and Hood — a USC film school grad — went on to an eclectic career as a director, writer and actor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ender’s Game</i> also focuses strongly on the warring conscience of a boy, while contemplating several big-ticket philosophical issues that include state-sanctioned child abuse, planetary resource depletion and the novel’s most controversial theme: the notion of meeting a bully’s brutality with a savage response designed to prevent ALL subsequent attacks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The setting is a futuristic Earth, decades after our planet just barely repelled an invasion by an insectoid alien race dubbed the “Formics.” Expecting that these swarming monstrosities have returned to their home world in order to mount an even larger assault fleet, Earth’s united military force has pinned its hopes on a multi-national “Battle School” designed to train our best and brightest military tacticians:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carefully selected children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Young minds are much more agile and adaptable; we know this in our own real world. It therefore stands to reason that young minds weaned on a diet of strategy-laced computer games might be nurtured into becoming the next Patton, Napoleon or Hannibal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Needless to say, this rather disturbing notion — and the possibility that modern nations might be acting on it — is a helluva lot more timely today, than it was back in 1977. Among his many other talents, Card deserves credit for scary prescience.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We meet young Andrew “Ender” Wiggin (Asa Butterfield) during his early days at Battle School, where he has demonstrated a flair for besting older classmates in computer tablet battles. This does not make Ender popular with some of his more thuggish peers, although it does bring him to the attention of Col. Hyrum Graff (Harrison Ford) and Maj. Gwen Anderson (Viola Davis), always on the lookout for promising students.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, this focus makes Ender even more of a target, leading to a confrontation with one of the school bullies. Ender attempts to talk his way out of the beatdown; when that fails, he surprises everybody by lashing out viciously enough to hospitalize his older, taller tormentor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naturally, that makes Ender even <i>more</i> interesting to Graff.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the aftermath, recognizing what he has done, troubles Ender deeply. Allowed a brief visit home, believing he has been washed out of the program, Ender takes solace from his older sister, Valentine (Abigail Breslin), who knows full well what he’s going through, having once been a Battle School student herself. (Valentine’s saga is covered elsewhere in Card’s canon.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In great contrast, Ender’s sociopathic older brother Peter (Jimmy Pinchak) delights in this apparent failure; indeed, Peter comes close to killing Ender ... which reveals precisely how the younger boy has learned to deal with bullies. Peter, as well, once was a Battle School student; he was expelled because of his uncontrolled violent rages.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ender’s visible, guilt-ridden remorse has been the final test; it demonstrates the boy’s ability to empathize with an opponent, thus better understanding him. Graff swoops him back into the program, where Ender joins other children in a spaceflight to a huge orbiting military station designed primarily around its huge, zero-gravity “battle room.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The children are divided into squadrons, with opposing teams meeting in the obstacle-laden battle room for a futuristic blend of paintball and quidditch. The hand-held “weapons” are paralyzers that temporarily freeze an opponent’s limb or torso; points are given for various anatomical hits, but a team wins immediately if able to maneuver one player through the enemy’s “goal.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ender quickly excels at this game, displaying a facility for unorthodox strategies that cleverly — but ruthlessly — sacrifice other squad members in order to achieve that ultimate victory. This earns him the growing respect of new friends Bean (Aramis Knight) and Alai (Suraj Partha), while isolating him further from jealous tyrants such as Bonzo (Moises Arias), leader of the Salamander squad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ender’s effort to stand up to the cruel Bonzo has an upside: the growing respect of Petra (Hailee Steinfeld), also a member of the Salamanders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The battle room games continue, while — behind the scenes, unknown to the students — Graff nervously eyes a deep-space monitor that counts down the anticipated return of the Formic invaders.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Butterfield is perfect in the title role, his sallow complexion, sunken eyes and haunted gaze every inch the angst-ridden lad that Card created on the page. The young actor made a startlingly mature debut in 2008’s <i><a href="http://derrickbang.blogspot.com/2008/11/boy-in-striped-pajamas-grim-bedtime.html">The Boy in the Striped Pajamas</a></i>, and more recently touched our hearts as the title character in 2011’s <i><a href="http://derrickbang.blogspot.com/2011/11/hugo-true-sense-of-wonder.html">Hugo</a></i>. Butterfield is a richly expressive performer, and here he displays just the right blend of stubborn, defiant superiority and aching despair.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ford delivers an equally intriguing performance, on the one hand making Graff a gruff, seasoned proponent of the “tough love” school: the sort of cheerfully grumpy bearing we’ve come to expect from the veteran actor. But Graff also has another side that isn’t nearly as attractive, and Ford is equally persuasive when this hardened commander reveals his increasingly desperate allegiance to the belief that the end justifies <i>any</i> means ... even those that irreparably damage his prize pupils.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too much is at stake to behave otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Davis is the yin to Graff’s yang; Anderson is a much more compassionate psychologist who worries deeply about what is being done to these impressionable young minds. She’s also greatly concerned about the degree to which Ender’s downtime activity — a solo, puzzle-laden computer challenge — has been “invaded” by images of his sister and Formic opponents. Davis’ increasingly defiant objections to Graff’s methods, however, become a bit too shrill: not the best showcase for an actress better known for the graceful subtlety of her performances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Steinfeld, still coasting on her Oscar-nominated work in the 2010 remake of <i><a href="http://derrickbang.blogspot.com/2010/12/true-grit-larger-than-life.html">True Grit</a></i>, is plucky and sympathetic as Petra, Ender’s staunchest ally. That said, her performance shows little depth; she doesn’t dig deep into her role, the way Butterfield so thoroughly inhabits Ender.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fairness, Hood’s script more correctly deserves the blame for this. In the filmmaker’s desire to focus on the bond between Ender and Valentine — thus granting Breslin a better showcase for <i>her</i> acting chops — he short-shrifts Petra, Bean and Alai, all of whom play a much larger, and more emotionally crucial, role in Card’s novel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s not necessarily a bad artistic choice on Hood’s part; he obviously struggled to compress the massive tapestry of Card’s novel into a 114-minute film. But those who vividly remember the book's handling of Petra, Bean and Alai are apt to be somewhat disappointed here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A heavily tattooed Ben Kingsley is striking as the half-Maori instructor who takes over when Ender graduates to Command School, and Nonso Anozie makes a strong impression in his brief role as a boot camp-style sergeant. Arias, as well, ensures that we’ll not soon forget the petulantly vicious Bonzo: quite a switch from the goofy free spirit this young actor played earlier this year, in <i><a href="http://derrickbang.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-kings-of-summer-this-film-rules.html">The Kings of Summer</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Characters and performances aside, however, every fan of this novel will want to know how well the battle room skirmishes have been visualized. The news is good: Visual effects supervisor and his company, Digital Domain, have done a slick job. The zero-gravity environment is cleverly, persuasively constructed, and several of Ender’s best campaigns — most notably his squad’s odds-against battle with <i>two</i>opposing teams — leap faithfully off the page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the other hand, some quieter scenes — such as Harrison Ford’s zero-g “swim” within a spaceship cabin — suffer slightly when compared to the far superior (and very recent) work in <i><a href="http://derrickbang.blogspot.com/2013/10/gravity-grim-survival-drama.html">Gravity</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hood builds his film to an exciting, breathtaking finale, although an epilogue of sorts — also faithful to Card’s novel — gets too philosophically preachy for my taste, and even works against what we’ve seen to this point. Card could better establish the groundwork for this unexpected twist; Hood's film, of necessity short-changing such back-story, sends viewers out on a note that is intended to be upbeat, but instead feels dour and anticlimactic (while clearly setting up a potential sequel).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--><br /><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still, the ride is crisp, energetic and well played up to that point. <i>Ender’s Game</i> also raises intriguing questions, as is intended; this is thoughtful sci-fi, designed to encourage debate while entertaining. It succeeds on both counts.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

2013 Abigail Breslin Asa Butterfield Ben Kingsley Four Star Films Hailee Steinfeld Harrison Ford Moises Arias Sci-Fi Viola Davis Ender's Game: Well played

Ender's Game   (2013) •  View trailer   Four stars. Rating: PG-13, for violence and dramatic intensity By  Derrick Bang  •  Originally p...

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