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Megadeth - Dystopia

Thrash metal legends Megadeth are all set to release their 15th studio album, titled “Dystopia”, on January 22, 2016. The follow-up to 2013’s “Super Collider”, produced by frontman Dave Mustaine and Toby Wright, was recorded between April to July this year. The album will be the first to feature Megadeth’s new lineup that features founding members Dave Mustaine (guitar, vocals) and David Ellefson (bass) alongside Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler and Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro.

New single “Fatal Illusion”, due as a digital single on October 16, is available for streaming. Check it out here right now.

The band will be also be touring India this October/November. Here are the tour dates:

October 24, 2016 – Shillong (NH7 Weekender)

October 30, 2016 – Mumbai (Harley Rock Riders)

November 1, 2016 – Kolkata (NH7 Weekender)

The band last played in India at the 2014 edition of MTV Xtreme, held at Buddh International CIrcuit in the National Capital Region.


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Welcome to our two part blog series on West Coast fashion truths verses East Coast style. With our bloggers here at Posh at Play living on both sides of the fashion scale, we can give you first hand tips on the styles that rock our cities. This week, we start with our L.A. based fashion blogger Natalie Kramer:

There’s a reason why West Coast style is so often imitated and envied. Since the weather offers year round sun and eternal summer vibes, California girls have a way of putting together casual looks that can go practically anywhere. Whether we’re rocking tousled beachy waves or chic denim cut offs, L.A. girls know how to make fashion appear feminine yet effortless. Take a look at the 6 style truths every West Coast girl follows and you are on your way to a casual yet chic new year.

If there’s only one pair of shoes in your closet, West Coasters know it has to be the sandal. Since the region calls for year round sun and endless beach days, sandals are the most important shoe option. With just the right pair, your sandals can take you from work in the morning to lunch with the girls in the afternoon to cocktails with your agent at twilight to dancing the night away at your favorite club. I like Steve Madden’s lace up suede sandals paired with Blank Denim’s skinny overalls or Hudson’s cropped jeans and basic fitted tee from Eileen Fisher for the perfect “Cali Cool” effortless style. Segue into the evening hours by changing into a lovely lace dress from Hale Bob or go with something a bit more flashy in a copper sequined V neck cocktail frock. Morning to evening, casual to dressy, sandals are a “must have” staple to dressing “West Coast Style.”

The second shoe option everyone must own are boots. Not just reserved for wintertime, on the West Coast boots can be worn any time of day and any Season of the year. The key is to choose the style, material, and color that is suitable for all occasions. I like Aquatalia’s weatherproof beige ankle booties paired with Springtime’s favorite printed romper from Hale Bob. Accessorize one of Hale Bob’s swimsuit options and ivory lace kimono from Liberty Garden with a floppy hat from Free People, oversized tote from Tory Burch, and your ankle booties for a “Boho” chic style. Segue into the colder months by combining your ankle booties with Hudson’s classic skinny jeans, long sleeve tee from Liberty Garden, and Liberty Garden’s black slouchy sweatshirt for perfect layering effect. Rain or shine, boots are another shoe staple to add top your “West Coast” look.

Speaking of slouchy sweaters, this wardrobe item is definitely a “must have” for all West Coasters. With a desert-like climate, the weather tends to be warm during the day yet chilly at night, year round. L.A. girls everywhere are able to master the slouchy casual sweater and denim cut offs look to a tee, without looking messy. The key is to keep make up and hair as natural looking as possible and to accessorize in all the right places. Start by sweeping Senna’s mineral-based powdered bronzer across your face and tousling your hair with Bumble & Bumble’s surf infusion for those beachy waves. Next pair Citizen’s of Humanity’s denim cut offs with a white open-shoulder sweatshirt from Liberty Garden. Accessorize your look with classic Converse sneakers, statement watch from Betsey Johnson, and your oversized tote from Tory Burch. For the more daring, go for a pop of color in red denim shorts from Joe’s Jeans or tangerine hue from J Brand. West Coasters know that denim cut offs are a “can do” for even nighttime occasions by accessorizing with diamond studs, necklace from Dana Rebecca Designs, ankle strap heels from Stuart Weitzman, and a glittering clutch from Kate Spade. Trade out your top for Hale Bob’s elegant floral drape sweater and you are ready to hit the Red Carpet in style.

Since the West Coast lies in a “desert like” climate with warm days and chilly nights, L.A. girls know that layering is key to staying warm yet chic. Get actress Vanessa Hudgen’s chill look above with Liberty Garden’s sleeveless lace maxi dress layered with a cozy plaid button down from Paige Denim, handbag from Zac Posen, and soft suede Birkenstocks. For another look, you could also pair Liberty Garden’s NEW layered crochet sweater or Hale Bob’s lace trimmed swing cardigan over a Derek Lam cami paired with Hudson’s cropped distressed jeans and your favorite wedge sandals. When the weather warms, simply tie your sweater around your waist for “no nonsense,” effortless style.

In addition to layering, West Coasters know that the leather moto jacket is the only jacket you need year round to carry you through any and every occasion. Once you find the perfect feel and shape for you, you won’t need to ever shop for another wrap. I like the clean, simple silhouette of Trouve’s black leather moto jacket paired with Hale Bob’s flowy satin blouse, floral cropped pants, and black ankle strap sandals from Alexander Wang. Complete your look with colorful accessories such as a yellow clutch from Kenzo, colorful bangles from Lead, and sunglasses from sunglasses from L.A. based company Wildfox. Your jacket will look just as polished over your outfit to the office, paired with Joe’s Jeans’ floral shorts for beach time fun, or combined with your favorite cocktail dress at night. As you shop for your perfect moto jacket, consider top quality to last you a lifetime of events to come.

Take a peek around L.A. and you’ll see Angelenos everywhere “getting their exercise on” outside of the gym. With busy schedules, constant traffic, and often no time to run home to change, West Coast girls have perfected the art of “athleisure” style: athletic gear suitable for everyday wear. And since the weather is always nice year round, we have the benefit of outdoor workout options rather than gym fees. The key to your perfect “athleisure” style is to stick to neutral colors and steer away from spandex, bra tops, and other “gym” items. I suggest starting with Hale Bob’s smock waist printed shorts topped with Liberty Garden’s ivory swing back tee or yellow scoop neck tank for a pop of color. If the weather turns chilly, layer with Liberty Garden’s ivory ultra suede long sleeve top or black and white menswear sweatshirt rather than your usual “hoodie.” You can also substitute shorts for ultra suede black leggings on colder days. This Season, be an L.A. girl and look chic WHILE working out.

Even if your city doesn’t have that carefree, beach vibe or it rains more than sees the sun, you can still take some tips from us West Coast girls. Whether you opt to wear boots in the summertime or try layering or switch up your workout attire, make your style this Season effortless, beautiful, and all about YOU.

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Coachella. Vegas. The Beach. A Bed & Breakfast. Whichever “getaway” you prefer, it’s time to plan your “girl’s only” weekend road trip. We’ve got you covered on how pack efficiently yet stylishly for your upcoming vacation. No need to fill your suitcase with your entire wardrobe. Take a look at our key items that’ll fit any activity you have planned and suit any fashion style.

Our first item of choice for your vacation is the romper, Spring’s most popular fashion statement. From strapless to long sleeve, from cotton to silk, from floral print to pale pastel, this shorts set is your “go to” item this year. Start with Liberty Garden’s off the shoulder breezy white lace romper accessorized with matching white wedge sandals from Clarks with a plush OrthoLite footbed for all day comfort. Flatter a tiny waistline by cinching with Ralph Lauren’s braided leather belt and complete your look with Mango’s chic fringe bag. If you prefer a little color, go with Hale Bob’s multi-color tribal print shorts set or go neutral in the ivory printed strapless romper. While you’re at it why not grab Liberty Garden’s black gauze romper for your girl friend, and you two will be traveling together in style.

Our second favorite travel “must have” is the printed jumpsuit, perfect in the car, at a rest stop, or even on your first night out on the town. We like Hale Bob’s strapless tribal print pantsuit or go with the fuchsia printed viscose crepe jumpsuit, suitable for all your planned events on your vacation. Pair your look with Tory Burch’s wedge sandals as you travel cross country. Switch to Boho chic tassel lace up flats from Dolce Vita as you peruse around town. As the sun sets, you’ll be ready to dance the night away in your rhinestone embellished cage heels from Vince Camuto. Casual or dressy, the printed pantsuit is perfect to fit all your vacation activities.

Don’t leave home without a cool, breezy tunic dress, perfect for easy, carefree styling and comfortable enough for all day wear. From patterned, to pastel, to embellished, there’s a perfect dress to suit your style. Go with this year’s Boho chic craze in Liberty Garden’s long sleeve white lace tunic shift dress or sleeveless lace frock,  paired with Free People’s “road trip” tall gladiator sandals, True Religion’s straw floppy hat, and Ran Ban’s round “hippie” sunglasses. If classic is more your style, you’ll love Hale Bob’s olive lace trimmed satin dress accessorized with Sam Edelman’s crystal flower flat sandals,  sleek envelope clutch from Diane von Furstenberg, and basic bowtie watch from Betsey Johnson. If simple and unfussy is what you’d prefer, select Hale Bob’s flowy blue chiffon shift dress for “no nonsense” style. This dress is perfect for long travel days when you don’t want anything too constricting yet it’s also great for a day at the beach or a night out to dinner. Playtime or travel time, the tunic dress is one to include into your suitcase this year.

Another favorite dress option to pack in your suitcase is the maxi dress. Suitable for any occasion and flattering on all body types, the maxi dress is flowy enough to keep you comfortable in the car ride yet dressy enough to take out to dinner. We love Hale Bob’s teal printed jersey maxi dress paired perfectly with your Clark’s cork wedges already packed to go with your romper. Get your “Boho” on with Hale Bob’s tie dye print maxi, accessorized with your gladiators, or go classic in Liberty Garden’s black gauze strapless dress. No matter which style you prefer, each look will go perfectly with your gold metallic strappy sandals NEW from Badgley Mischka for your girl’s night out.

From Altuzarra to BCBG Max Azria, designers are throwing it back to the groovy 70’s. Appearing on jeans, to shorts, to tunics, tie dye print is having a huge comeback this Season. Why not get in on this year’s trend with Hudson Jeans’ mid rise super skinny jeans, perfect for your road trip with the girls. Pair your look with Liberty Garden’s lace peasant blouse, your gladiator sandals, floppy hat, and fringe bag for the perfect Boho chic style. Even if vintage 70’s is not quite your style, you can still have fun in your skinnies by combining with your favorite slouchy tee and sneakers for a casual cool look. We like Liberty Garden’s ivory swing back tee or go with some color in the pink jeweled jersey short sleeved shirt. Be sure to stick in Liberty Garden’s long sleeve loose pink tee for those days when the weather turns chilly. You can also pair this top over your romper and pantsuit for extra warmth.

If there’s only room for one top in your suitcase, let it be the flowy peasant blouse. Perfect paired with your favorite jeans or shorts, or layered over your romper and sleeveless maxi, this top will keep you cool yet trendy all Season long. Flattering on all body types and suitable for any occasion, you can pair your peasant top with your tie dye skinnies from Hudson , as mentioned above. For Boho chic princesses, go with Liberty Garden’s white lace gauze tunicor the ivory white crepe empire top with navy embroidered rose embellishment. For the hopeless romantic, get  Hale Bob’s floral print silk chiffon blouse with flutter sleeves. And for the classy gal, try Hale Bob’s black long sleeve embroidered lace blouse. Whichever style you like best, be sure to include the peasant top into your travel essentials this Spring.

With only 6 fashion travel essentials and minimal interchangeable accessories, you can pack light yet still stay stylish on your road trip this Season. From Boho to feminine to classy, you can find each one of our clothing picks in your style of choice. So what are you waiting for? Start shopping our top vacation finds here at our online store Posh at Play, get out your suitcase, and start planning your “girl’s only” weekend getaway today.

Be you, Be fabulous, And always be feminine.

With Coachella kicking off this past weekend, Spring’s hottest music festivals are now upon us and what better way to be a part of the festivities than to get some fashion inspiration from music’s favorite style icons. Even if you can’t attend the festivals, you can still feel like you are there with our top looks. Peruse our favorite fashion finds spotted at music festivals across the country and start sporting your top choices today.

One of this Season’s trendiest looks, Selena Gomez rocks a romantic white lace romper at this year’s Coachella Music Festival. We love the feminine feel of the frilly lace paired with the easy breezy shorts set to keep you cool and fresh throughout all of Spring’s activities. Grab Liberty Garden’s NEW long sleeve romper or go with this Season’s popular off shoulder silhouette in the white crochet shorts set from Liberty Garden.  Accessorize your look like Selena with Kenneth Cole’s gold metallic ankle strap sandals and classic Ray Ban aviators and you are “Hollywood” ready. When the party’s over, kick off your heels, whip up your hair into a relaxed topknot, and slip on Tory Birch’s nude slide on sandals or your favorite sneakers from New Balance. Don’t forget to add a delicate tiered  anklet from Free People for a little “festival” fun this Spring. Dressy or casual, your white lace romper is perfect for any occasion.

Our second favorite “Boho” chic look spotted at this year’s music festivals is Pop star Shakira’s white gauze maxi. Perfect for days at the beach over your favorite swimsuit or nights out on the town, the white maxi is your “go to” dress for Spring. Go “shabby chic” like Shakira and pair Liberty Garden’s white lace maxi with a bright resort tote from John Robshaw and your favorite flat sandals for all day comfort and style. Segue into the evening hours by tousling your hair with Kerastase Spray a Porter for beach wave style and accessorizing with Vince Camuto’s embellished ankle strap flat sandals and matching crystal clutch from Sondra Roberts. Don’t forget to keep those toes in tip top shape with Yves Saint Laurents’ “quartz rose” nail lacquer, Pantone’s color of the year. From daytime to nighttime, you’ll shine just like your favorite Pop star in your own long white maxi dress.

Our third favorite “Boho” chic style for Spring is the peasant blouse. Started in the sixties with the hippy movement and popularized in the seventies by music icons like Cher and Karen Carpenter, the peasant blouse gets an update this year. Whether you decide to rock the oversized look like Carrie Underwood, a crop fit, or high low hemline, the peasant blouse is definitely a “must have” for Spring. We like Liberty Garden’s black and white long sleeve 70’s style blouse paired with your favorite skinny jeans or shorts. Accessorize your outfit with BCBGMAXAZARIA ‘s floppy hat and gladiator sandals from Aldo for quintessential “Boho” style or go with hair in a high bun and wedges from Chloe for a classic look. Go with an embroidered ivory empire waist top to soften a broad shoulder, or a white lace gauze blouse to accentuate a long neckline, all NEW from Liberty Garden. Flattering on any body type and suitable for every style, the peasant blouse is one you’ll want to include into your wardrobe staples this year.

For those who prefer to be a little less “trendy” and a bit more on the “classic” side, we love Jennifer Lopez’s simple yet high fashion style. By combining wardrobe staples in just the right way, she definitely makes a statement without trying too hard. You can do the same by pairing your favorite skinny denim with a snug lightweight turtleneck, knee high boots from winter, and a chic fringe handbag. Slick your hair into a sleek topknot, and you’ll look like you just walked off the runway. Get “Jenny from the block’s” rocking style with Hudson’s super skinny jeans or go with Citizen’s of Humanity’s straight leg denim if you prefer a little room to breathe. Top your outfit with Hale Bob’s navy blue knit turtleneck, or choose the skin tight lace bodysuit to hug your every curve. Complete your look with knee high suede boots from William Rast and fringe hobo bag from Muche et Muchette and you are ready to step out in style no matter what the occasion.

For the “sport” in all of us, we love Rihanna’s chic “athleisure” Spring style. Play with the boys but retain your femininity with this fun sporty look by letting your hair down and accessorizing with your favorite jewelry. We like the trefoil tank dress from adidas or go with the comfy heather grey sport jersey from Revolve. For daytime fun, tie a bandana around your head, take a tip from Rihanna, and pair your look with texturized embellished sneakers from Puma, classic sunnies from Tom Ford, and a whimsical rainbow watch from Betsey Johnson. Simply segue into the evening hours by switching to Stuart Weitzman’s classic black ankle strap heels and grabbing Diane Von Furstenberg’s large ready-to-go bag so you’re ready for whatever the night may bring.

Lastly, the reigning queen of pop and one of music’s most popular fashion icons, we love Taylor Swift’s bright new crop cut for Spring to match her edgy style overhaul. Taking a cue from the Naeem Khan Spring 2016 runway, the star looks smashing in a double slit printed maxi complete with chunky boots for a sweet but sassy fashion statement. Get her similar style with one of Hale Bob’s lovely printed maxi dresses in all colors and silhouettes. We like the classic pink and white floral maxi, or the ivory strapless dress for a more muted tone. Spring’s breezes leaving you chilled? No need to sacrifice beauty. Go with the long sleeve teal printed frock to keep you warm yet stylish all Season long. Though we all can’t be young again like the icon, we can copy her determination to not to let loose, be a bit daring, and take chances.

From Selena Gomez to Taylor Swift to Jennifer Lopez, these style icons show us that beauty has no age and it’s never too late to try something new. Take a tip from our fashion music favorites and try one different fashion look this Season. Whether it’s wearing a unique dress style that you normally wouldn’t, or sporting a new haircut, or wearing heels instead of sneakers, promise yourself to take a chance this Spring. We guarantee you will feel and look more beautiful on the inside and out for having tried something new.

Be You. Be Fabulous. And always be feminine.

elisabetta5-1024x768From Valentino to Dior to Ralph Lauren, we’re loving this year’s NEW neutral color trend. Get in touch with your feminine side this Spring and start including quartz rose, serenity blue, soft peach, neutral beige, and creamy ivory into your wardrobe collection. Romance is key this Season. Take a look at our favorite outfit styles and start shopping the trends today.

Start your week off right and carry the soft neutral trend to the office with you in style. Start with a neutral colored knit pencil skirt from St. John’s Collection paired with Hale Bob’s sleeveless draped satin blouse or  ivory long sleeve silk blouse and classic Christian Louboutin pumps, designed to accentuate and elongate the leg line. Or if you are feeling daring, go with a white embroidered mini skirt from Hale Bob. Keep up with Spring’s fluctuating weather patterns and top your look with an ivory Bolero jacket from Hale Bob on chillier days. Accessorize in style with a Tory Burch black satchel bag and matching cat eye sunglasses from designer Tom Ford. You are sure to catch your co-workers’ attention in the office this Spring.

Your romantic side can shine through even on “run of the mill” casual errand days.  Air dry your hair, tousle, and lightly spritz with a touch of Bumble & Bumble’s surf foam spray for a “no nonsense,” easygoing style. Next, grab a pair of stretchy, comfortable taupe ultra suede pants from Hale Bob topped with Rag & Bone’s ivory sweatshirt and chic leopard print ballerina flats from Salvatore Ferragamo. Strap on your blush pink cross body bag, swipe on a drop of all natural lip balm from Grown Alchemist, and you are ready to step out on the streets in style.

Why not be trendy yet comfy in soft muted pastels on your next lunch out? Start with Spring’s trendy distressed look, updated for 2016 on the skinny leg silhouette. We like True Religion’s stretch white skinny jeans topped with Chloe’s luscious vintage Victorian pink chiffon blouse, trending on the runways through Fall 2016. For chillier days, accessorize with a soft beige shawl coat from Harris Wharf London, or BCBG’s lace trench for a more structured style. Top off your look with Kate Spade’s sweet pink bucket bag and matching lace up sandals from Steve Madden. You’re sure to get the girls gossiping this year with your “easy breezy” beautiful Spring style.

Surprise him with a little romance as you include the soft colors of Spring into your nighttime activities. From Gucci to Caroline Herrera, get in on this Season’s pretty pleated skirt trend seen on this year’s runways. Get the above look with Tibi’s strappy pleated swing dress or go with Tahari’s fit and flare dress for a more classic silhouette. If you’re a “girly” gal, Hale Bob’s sweet sleeveless pleated tank dress will suit you to a “T” paired with your favorite strappy heels or gladiators. And finally, for the inner Hollywood “diva,” make a grand entrance in the luscious floor length ivory empire dress NEW from Liberty Garden. Simple, classic, Boho, or dramatic, there’s a perfect pleated dress style just waiting for you.

With lace and “Boho chic” all the rage, now is the time to add a few of Spring’s “essentials” to your wardrobe collection. Perfect for the beach topped over your favorite swimsuit or paired over your “go to” tee and shorts outfit, be sure to add this Season’s favorite lovely lace Kimono jacket. Light enough to prevent bulk yet thick enough to provide a little warmth from Spring’s fluctuating temperatures, Liberty Garden’s ivory lace Kimono is the perfect jacket option for you this Season. Another favorite Spring jacket option is the “Boho chic” poncho. Slip on Liberty Garden’s black or ivory laced fringed poncho over your favorite poolside attire, or pair over Citizen’s of Humanity’s ivory shorts, Hale Bob’s white lace tank , and Free People’s tall gladiators for the quintessential “festival girl” style. Or, complete your day of fun in sun with Liberty Garden’s long sleeve lace tunic on chilly Spring days or off the shoulder lace tunic from South Beach swimsuits during summer’s heat wave. Kimono, poncho, or tunic, there’s a lovely lacy cover up option to suit your Spring style.

Unsure of what to wear to your next garden party or Spring wedding? You can’t go wrong in a creamy ivory or peachy pink lace dress, suitable for any occasion casual to dressy. We like Hale Bob’s ivory lace pencil dress with this year’s off the shoulder trending silhouette style. Go with the long sleeve two-toned dress or white lace strapless maxi paired with Topshop’s lace up blush pink wedges for little “Boho chic” flare. If classic is more your style, grab Hale Bob’s ivory floral A line dress accessorized with Badgley Mischka’s floral embellished open toes pumps and matching leather clutch from Tory Burch. Classic or Boho, mini or maxi, you’ll look lovely in lace this year.

This Season is all about “do it yourself” beauty and what better way to usher in Spring’s neutral colors than with an at home manicure makeover. Our favorite is the Red Carpet Pro manicure starter set, featuring your own LED lights, nourishing cuticle cream, prep nail sanitizer, base coat and top coat enhancers, plus nail polish remover and application purifying cleanser. Grab Salon quality nail polish in soft peach cream and in minutes you can enjoy weeks worth of nail beauty. Invite the girls over, brew some detox tea, and relax for an afternoon of nourishment, fun, and style from the comfort of your own home.

Don’t just stop at nail beauty. Continue Spring’s neutral color scheme trend into your daily make up routine this Season. Start with Urban Decay’s weightless ultra definition foundation, add a blushing cheek stain from Tarte,  a swipe of bareMinerals’ natural volumizing mascara, and finish up with MAC’s soft sheer nude lipstick inspired by designer Zac Posen. To compliment this year’s carefree, “unfussy” style, treat your tresses to a little extra loving care with natural remedies for damage control. Two of our favorite “hair masks” can be found conveniently right in your kitchen. First is the Avocado and Peppermint hair mask, made by mixing one avocado, a tablespoon each of olive oil and honey, and sprinkled lightly with peppermint tea to stimulate your scalp and offer intense refreshment to your locks. Our second favorite, used to treat damaged follicles, is the Milk and Honey hair mask, made from one cup of whole milk and a teaspoon of honey. Let hair soak in the mixture for 15 minutes, and then rinse and shampoo. You’re sure to turn heads your way with your natural glow this Spring.

Get in touch with your romantic side and look for Spring’s softer neutral pastels in pinks, peaches, blues, and beiges. Coupled with silky lace, ruffles, and pleats, this Season is all about embracing the feminine ideal and enhancing the womanly figure. Take our fashion ideas and adapt them to fit your perfect style and unique personality. Be you, be fabulous, and always be feminine.

A few weeks ago we featured our favorite trending accessories for 2016. This week, we follow up with our top make up and hair trends seen on the runways this Season. Take a look at our choices below  and see how you can start pairing with your favorite fashion finds for Spring.

Gone are the days of “no makeup” makeup. This Spring, designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Jason Wu to DKNY went big and bold with all hues of red on the lips. Backstage makeup pro Yadim suggests keeping this look young and fresh by starting with “freshly scrubbed” skin, using only a light concealer to hide any blemishes, and finishing up with a sculpted “boyish” brow. We like Dolce & Gabbana’s Dolce Matte lipstick in an array of colors from dark mauve to cherry red to blood orange. If you’re not quite that daring, you can still experiment with the look by using a “barely there” lip tint like Stay All Day lip gloss from Stila. Pair your makeup look with a simple solid color outfit to enhance and draw attention to your bold lips. Throwback to the boppin’ 50’s in Hale Bob’s vintage black V neck dress accessorized with classic black satin pumps from Salvatore Ferragamo. Or go “Hollywood glam” in Hale Bob’s silk jeweled cocktail dress, gold flecked sandals by Schutz, and glitter box clutch from Kate Spade. Brighten up your Springtime look instantly this Season with a swipe of bold red lip color.

Another bold make up trend seen on the runways this Season is the return of the blue eye shadow. Reminiscent of the 70’s and 80’s, this color can be tricky to navigate without looking too tacky. The key to succeeding with this look is to start with a fresh face with minimal cheeks and lips to emphasize the eyes. Get Kendall’s above runway look by swiping Urban Decay’s radium blue eyeshadow across the lids, lining with black gel eye crayon eyeliner from Marc Jacobs, and finishing with luminous emerald shimmer powder from Make Up For Ever. If you’d rather go with just a touch of blue, try Yves Saint Laurent’s luxurious lash extending blue mascara or simply swap out your usual liner for a crystal blue waterproof crayon eyeliner from Dior. Compliment your 70’s look in a black lace baby doll dress from Liberty Garden accessorized with a wide brim hat from Eric Javits and patchwork Vintage clogs NEW from Shellys London. Get groovy this year, and go blue.

Pantone’s color of the year can be incorporated not only into your wardrobe collection, but also into your Spring make up regime. Update your coloring and add quartz rose pink for a girly, Seasonal glow. Start with a tinted foundation like Nars’ NEW Velvet Matte Skin Tint, formulated with SPF 30 to protect and transform your skin now and over time. Give your cheeks a light dusting of pink powder blush from MAC and sweep the same color over your eyes. Finish your look with a slight “cat eye,” brush of mascara, and swipe of Yves Saint Laurent hydrating lip tint to keep lips moisturized on colder days. Pair your fresh faced look with Liberty Garden’s NEW pale pink embroidered maxi or the blush pink suede shift dress from Hale Bob and you are sure to spread your sweet “scent” everywhere you go.

If winter winds have done a number on your tresses, head to the stylist for a deep conditioning treatment, a trim of the old dead ends, and a fresh new hair color for Spring. If you are already blonde, go with this Season’s trendiest “gold pink” tint, topped off with a bouncy “blowout.” If you are a redhead, ask for a lighter hue, and for the brunettes, go “hipster” with pink streaks. Or be “pink” for a day with Splat Hair Chalk, a fun, temporary way to color your hair for just 24 hours. For the less daring, you can still get in on the trend by adding a “touch of pink” hair accessory to your everyday style. Look for glittering pink barrettes like L. Ericson’s “Swarovski Treasure Trove,” dainty headbands, handcrafted flower clips, or this Season’s trendy floral head piece embellishments from Erickson Beamon. Pair your luscious locks with a flouncy floral satin dress from Hale Bob or go matching in a pink printed jersey tank dress. Whether you choose to go gold pink this Spring or simply add the color to your hair accessory collection, be sure to include quartz rose into your fashion style this Season.

As mentioned above, floral hair accessories are all the rage for Spring. From Rodarte to Alice + Olivia to Prada, the runways were filled with glittering flora and fauna this Season. Dress up Hale Bob’s short sleeved floral shift dress by accessorizing your tresses with a swarovski crystal embellished barrette by Colette Malouf and matching t-strap wedge sandals from Badgley Mischka. Try Spring’s top trend in Hale Bob’s “Boho” drop waist black and white embroidered dress paired with gladiator sandals from Rebecca Minkoff, a fringe crossbody from Free People, and a flowing floral lariat hair accessory. Or spruce up Hale Bob’s long sleeve romantic lace dress with nude floral sandals NEW from Kay Unger and a golden floral headband from designer Deepa Gurnani. Add a little embellishment to your everyday life this year.

by Josue Pena © 2012

Another favorite hair accessory trending on the runways this Spring is the utilitarian ball cap. Not just reserved for game time, the baseball hat can be paired with anything from a floral sun dress for lunch out to cropped dress pants for work to a flowing maxi for a night out on the town. Accentuate your female physic while keeping it casual by pairing Hale Bob’s printed pink tank dress with the new platform sneakers from Superga and net overlay cap from Alexander Wang. Segue into the evening hours with iridescent ankle strap sandals from Loeffler Randall , a silver studded clutch by Sarah Jessica Parker, and an embellished sequin hat from Shourouk. Carry the look to the office by combining Hale Bob’s classy metallic floral capri pants with a flouncy ivory silk tank, black Bolero blazer, classic pumps by Charles David, and a black leather cap from Kate Spade. Dressy or casual. Day out or day in. Be sure to incorporate the baseball hat into your wardrobe collection this year.

And finally, if all of our top hair and make up trends just really don’t appeal to you, try the simple and easy-to-do rope braid. Instead of sweeping your hair into the usual pony, try something new this Season. Achieve this hairstyle by dividing your ponytail into two or three equal sections and lacquering with Bumble and Bumble classic hairspray to prevent frizziness or flyaway. Sport this style on your way to the gym or errand day around town. You’ll feel like you just stepped off the runway by pairing your hairdo with Hale Bob’s long sleeve beaded shift dress or classic black lace tank dress on your next date night. Trying something new this year doesn’t have to be complicated. Try the rope braid this Spring.

Whether you try bright lips and eyeshadow, or embellish with baseball caps and floral adornments, try something new this Season. Highlight your best asset and let the true you shine through. Take our trending beauty tips and make them all your own.  Don’t wait for the weather to warm to start glowing in the Season’s top looks and fashions.

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Upcoming 8/19/2009

astralproject4Before I delve into this week’s ComicList (which is impressive), I wanted to make sure to point you towards Christopher Butcher’s examination of San Francisco’s New People center and what it might mean for the evolution of otaku culture in North America.

Okay, moving on to the “bitter complaint” agenda item: as regular readers of this blog surely know by now, I’ve been obsessively stalking the progress towards English-language publication of Fumi Yoshinaga’s award-winning Ôoku: The Inner Chambers for a really long time. It’s included on Diamond’s shipping list, but @Toukochan informs me that the quasi-monopolistic distributor evinces a winsome disregard for residents of “the Northwesteast Corridor” and often makes us wait for a week or more for new Viz titles. So when I said to myself, “Gosh, I really want to support manga for grown-ups in the direct market, and I also want to make sure I get a copy of this in a timely fashion, so I should pre-order it,” I should have replaced “in a timely fashion” with “at some point.” Screw you, Diamond. (Update: Apparently, the problem is not with Diamond but with garden variety slapdash-ery at the local level. There will always be reasons to say “Screw you, Diamond,” but this is not among them. Apologies.)

On the bright side, Diamond will manage to deliver the fourth and final volume of Astral Project (CMX) in a timely fashion. I’m not sure how marginal and Syuji Takeya are going to wrap up the many concurrent threads of the story, but I’m sure it will be fascinating. I’m also sure that I will wish there were more volumes. (And I really need to track down a copy of Mai Nishikata’s Venus Capriccio, which has gotten a lot of review love. The second volume arrives Wednesday.)

delreyxmenDel Rey continues with the manga-fication of Marvel’s mutant franchise with X-Men: Misfits, written by Raina (Smile, The Baby-Sitters Club) Telgemeier and Dave (Agnes Quill) Roman and illustrated by Anzu. It’s all about Kitty Pryde’s admission to Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, which sounds like a promising take on the property.

Random House releases Josh Neufeld’s A.D. New Orleans After the Deluge, a journalistic look at various citizens’ experiences during and after Hurricane Katrina. I’m planning on posting a full review later this week, but Neufeld has done a fine job with the subject matter. It’s excellent graphic-novel reportage. Tom Spurgeon recently ran a meaty interview with Neufeld about the genesis and evolution of the project.

I already picked up a copy of the fourth volume of Naoki Urasawa’s excellent 20th Century Boys (Viz) over the weekend at a bookstore, which is what I probably should have done with Ôoku, not that I’m bitter or anything. Urasawa continues to fold complications into his thriller while introducing and expanding on his complex cast of characters. It’s well worth your money, though Northeast Corridor residents may have to wait. Also promising is the first volume of Shiro Miwa’s Dogs: Bullets and Carnage. I really enjoyed the prelude volume.

3 Responses to Upcoming 8/19/2009

  1. Sean says:

    NorthEAST Corridor, not Northwest. 🙂 Does the Northwest have a corridor?

  2. davidpwelsh says:

    My scalding rage confounded my sense of direction! Screw you again, Diamond!

  3. […] David Welsh and Kate Dacey look over this week’s new comics. […]

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Prix Asie, belatedly

I was completely obsessed with this awards program last year, and I completely overlooked the 2010 finalists for the Prix Asie of the Association des Critique et Journalistes de Bande Dessinée (ACBD), in spite of the fact that Tom (The Comics Reporter) Spurgeon posted the list months ago. Here they are:

  • Deux expressos de Kan Takahama, Casterman
  • Folles passions de Kazuo Kamimura, Kana
  • L’Île Panorama de Maruo Suehiro d’après Edogawa Ranpo, Casterman
  • Le Juge Bao de Chongrui Nie et Patrick Marty, Fei
  • Pluto de Naoki Urasawa d’après Osamu Tezuka, Kana
  • ACBD has also posted a list of what you might call runners-up, other worthy work from the period under consideration. You can find it on this page if you scroll down a bit.

    One Response to Prix Asie, belatedly

    1. JennyN says:

      Kazuo Kamimura: I’m only mildly curious about the title cited (it’s apparently set in the “floating world” of early 19th-century Edo), but I’m impatiently waiting for the 3 volumes of Lorsque nous vivions ensemble (cited by Frederick Schodt in Manga! Manga! as “The Age of Cohabitation” (Dosei Jidai). First published in the early 1970s, it’s the story of a young Japanese couple living together without marriage, in a period when that choice could cause real damage to those who made it. Le Fleuve Shinano / Shinano River, about a young woman coming of age in the 1930s, also looks intriguing.

      ::clicks Post Comment, hopes the html attributes work::

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Death is Out for Vengeance

In Characters and Creators, Entertainment, Film on 18 August, 2011 at 5:08 pm

photo courtesy: New Line Cinema

Sometimes movie series get a great start. Regardless if it is merely the concept that is interesting enough to captivate audiences or the overall quality of the movie, movie goers love a flick filled with blood, gore and the preternatural. But when is enough, enough?

Over a decade ago, New Line Cinema released Final Destination. This premiere introduction in the inner workings of death intrigued audiences as Alex Browning (Devon Sawa) and several of his classmates escape from their flight after a vision led him to believe it was doomed. Moments after takeoff, the flight exploded in midair, the only survivors were those who had been ushered off the flight, just moments before it left the gate.

But death has a plan and when it’s your time to go, it’s time to go. Over the past twelve years, audiences have gathered to watch as death has taken vengeance on those who have escaped its grasp. Escaping death’s clutches once doesn’t mean you are out of the game, in fact, it just makes things more interesting.

Each subsequent movie proved to be even more disappointing than the one before it. Culminating with The Final Destination, where viewers believed the end of an era had finally been reached. With its poor graphics and attempt at making the movie more realistic by shooting it in 3-D, fans were surprised that New Line Cinema had agreed to a fifth and final movie in this series.

Final Destination 5 has proven to revamp the dying series. With its reintroduction of William Bludworth (Tony Todd), the creepy mortician that originally informed Alex Browning of his fate in the original Final Destination, the newest plot seems strangely interesting. The ending leaves fans of the series saying “Oh my God!” and of course, the montage of all the famous death scenes throughout the years, is worth remaining in your seat for a few more minutes while the credits roll.

Ending the series on a relatively high note, one can only hope that the folks at New Line Cinema do not get it in their heads to make any more sequels. But as always, in Hollywood, overindulgence is popular.

Will we have another date with death? Or is this truly the final destination on this ride?

  1. Good Review! The producers have brought the franchise back to basics with more gruesome deaths and a twist that will have the audience wanting more from the series. However, as fun as the death scenes are, everything else feels tedious and cheesy. Check out my site whenever you can!

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text:
Stilletto Legs

60 minutes

Lower body workouts are pretty hard body. My Stilletto legs workout focuses on the front, side, and backs of your legs by doing exercises that are gonna hit the multiple areas of a muscle group from multiple angles.  This workout moves at a slow and steady pace and you will see a difference, tomorrow. Not kidding. For best results, this training session is recommended twice a week.
All levels welcome.

Health Benefits: Your quads, hamstrings, and glutes are the largest muscle groups in your body. Working your legs on a regular basis will increase your lean muscle mass, giving you a leaner body. Not to mention, the more muscle on your body, the higher your metabolism will be and the more fat you’ll burn.

Aesthetic Bonus: Oh, I don't know; Thighs that don't look like water when you're naked...?


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Chapter 6: Population Explosive and Control

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Jenn Huynh

on 7 January 2013

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Transcript of Chapter 6: Population Explosive and Control

The Population Explosion: Chapter 6: Population Explosion and Control The last stage of the demography transition model is... “Post-transition” ...is when a country’s birth rate (BR) has declined to the point where it equals to, or may even fall below its death rate (DR) When countries start experiencing the advantages of economic and social growth: Too Many People: The Demographic Trap Which is: When a developing country at the late transition stage continues to have a: India’s population grows rapidly each year
MEANING: They must provide for every demand before being able to improve the standard living
Soon, the demands will exceed their country’s carrying capacity -The country won’t have enough revenue to promote any development
-The population explosion will continue until a Malthusian collapse occurs This is a situation where the increasing population has increased the demands for food supply and services (Ex. medical and educational service) High BR (instead of a declining BR) + Declining DR = A Large Population Increase (which could affect the country’s economic and social development) Some fear that developing countries may fall into the DEMOGRAPHIC TRAP ...This will lead to OVERPOPULATION For Example: An overload of people that prevent a country from meeting the needs of its citizens (in terms of economic, social, environmental) OVERPOPULATION is... The Result? The provision of enough food is the most basic problem associated with overpopulation... 1. Food In order for a country to move through demographic transition, an educated population is crucial 2. Education 3. Employment A situation in a cycle in which the outcome has an impact on the initial condition Feedback Loop: Negative Feedback: If it reduces the conditions Positive Feedback: If the impact increases the initial condition Urbanization ... they will start to shift into post-transition IF the BR = DR -> the natural increase will be zero and the Some examples of countries in post-transition are: Canada, Sweden and Singapore India has been able to provide food for most of its people
-> because it was a major beneficiary of the Green Revolution
As India’s population increases, its per-capita amount of cropland diminishes
BUT...by using modern agriculture technology, India can double its agriculture productivity
-> Ex. In 1950 and 2000, India doubled its production of rice and water Because of India’s exploding population, their ability to educate its citizens is affected
-> IT WILL hindered their demographic transition
Although India has made huge efforts to educate its people in 1947...
-> more than 1/2 of the adults still remain illiterate BUT: these jobs are harder to find as the farm sizes decrease
-> MEANING that India’s agriculture economy cannot support the growing population
->It increase the number of people moving to cities (even though most people lack the education) Countries that have a high population will have trouble providing jobs for the huge number of people entering the workplace each year Population Control The two countries that are the most populated are China and India: India’s population is just about 1.1 billion and have recently started declining -> BUT...it is expected that India’s population will become larger than China between 2020 and 2030 Both counties have reduced their fertility rates through government-driven POPULATION CONTROL measures ... which is: the limit of population growth through such measures as contraception, sterilization and abortion -Since 1950, the birth rate in India has reduced from 6 children per women to about 3 per women
-> BUT... the population growth rate still remains constant (because DR decrease) SO, their efforts to control the population growth have ONLY had moderate success India's Approach to Population Control 1951-1961 1962-1969 1969-1975 1995+ 1977-1994 1976-1977 India's Policies On Population Control -Before 1921: The population was relatively stable {around 251 million people} -After 1921: The population increase (due to sanitation programs and famine and epidemic-control measures)
{exceeded 1 billion in 2000} Phrase 1: Clinic Approach Phrase 2: Target-Oriented Sterilizations #1 Phrase 6: Reproductive & Child Health Approach Phrase 5: Backlash & Recovery Phrase 4: Coercive Approach Phrase 3:Target-Oriented Sterilizations #2 - Family planning was encouraged though:
1. Contraception
2. Sterilization
-It was hard to educate people widely dispersed across rural area -Targeted Number for contraception/sterilization HAD to be met
-> Workers' POV: This was more important than reduced BR -Sterilization was the main form of population control
-Men were encouraged to have it in exchange for goods and cash -Family-planning was mandatory
-Families were restricted to 3 children
-Men were sometime forced to have sterilization surgeries
-People who didn’t meet the targeted number were punished -Hostile response occurred
-1977: Mandatory sterilization stopped
-Put emphasis on education, voluntary contraception and child-survival programs -India signs the UN Program of Action
Adopts health services
-> Goal: Achieving a BR of 2.1 children per women by 2010 What Has Been the Impact of India's Population Policies? 2) Female Infanticide in the past
3) After mid-1980: families started to abort female fetuses because of the development of the ultrasound machines 1. The policies were affected by the vast cultural, religious, and economic differences 2. The policies did not focus on sustainable birth-rate reductions.
-> They did not care about: women’s role in society, education level, economic development, or health These factors help reduced birth rates -Female sterilization is the most popular method of family planning -Only a few were actually using this because a lot of women mistrust them (due to their side effects) Impact: The widening of the gender gap (Drastically more males than females) The ratio ranges from 113 to 129 boys for every 100 girls for different states 1994: The government passed a law making it illegal for ultra-sound operators to discuss the gender of the fetus 1) many families prefer male children since:
- They will remain in the family to support and care for the parents
- They also supply farm labor/work in the family business
- They also carry on the Family name
- In Hindu families, males conduct the religious rites when the parents die This is Happening Because: But this didn't work, so the government use national campaigns -“Save a Girl Child” campaigns
-Delhi developed a “Girl Child Protection Scheme” when money is put into an account for every female born Consequence: Harder for men to get marry Maybe…
-The lack of women will increase women’s status
-Pay more attention to women’s education, economic development, and health PROBLEM: The population in China is already huge
->SO the government decided to take some steps to control the population growth (in the mid-1950s) by enforcing... Great-Leap Forward:
An economic/social plan to develop a heavy industry to create a modern industrialized communist society 1958-1960 1962 1966-1976 2002- Present Day 1979-2001 China's Policies On Population Control One-Child Policy:
A policy enforced in 1979 to reduce the country’s population growth rate by restricting families to one child Approach 1: Great Leap Forward Approach 1: Great Leap Forward Approach 2: One-Child Policy Approach 2: One-Child Policy Approach 1: Great Leap Forward -Soon, the Great Keep Forward changes was discarded

-BR and DR return to original levels -People were expected to marry at an older age
-A women who become pregnant without permissions will received a large fine/abortion
-Female sterilization was encourage (sometimes required after having 2nd child) -India’s population policies and programs have not been successful everywhere because: China's Approach to Population Control Great-Leap Forward One-Child Policy Jennifer Huynh (600136) Population will stabilize Begins to decline OR Rich resource base Access to education Access to healthcare Access to advance technology The number of farms in India has increased from: 48 million in 1960 116 million in 2006 In 2006 Their fertility rate began declining In 1886 Even though... China’s population is roughly 1.3 billion The Chinese CLAIMED that the “one-child policy” has prevented 400 million births What Has Been the Impact of China's Population Policies? The ratio ranges from 113 to 129 boys for every 100 girls for different states -Agriculture land was organized to huge collective farms
-> BUT: These changes was not planned out

-The BR dropped and the population decline for a long time lead food production dropping (DR rises) Food supply improved -Extremists in the Communist Party took over -> BUT: Little was done to help the population problem -Use positive rewards to encourage this policy -Use penalties for those who do not follow this policy (Ex. demotion, fine, alienation) (Ex. government payment) Stronger regulations are brought into the policy: -Banned sex determination/ sex-selective abortion -Having more than one child is a criminal act -Banned discrimination against mistreatment of female infants -In 1970: The fertility rate is 5.6 children per women
-In 2007: The fertility rate is 1.8 children per women A STUDY SHOWS: This policy has been successful despite some of its negative impacts The gender gap is widening ... IMPACT: One authority estimated that 3.5 million girls were killed in China over a 10-year period IMPACT: To improve the education of girls (to try to fix the gender imbalance) Policies was enforced to ensure the equality of women By 2020... UPDATE: PROBLEM Lead to kidnapping and trafficking of women Around 40 million Chinese men will be unable to marry since there is a shortage of women There will be: A high dependency load of older people A labour shortage PROBLEM? As China starts to move into post-transition... Education: Status of Women: Healthcare: Land Reform: Government: They discovered a way to make its country reach post-transition quickly without: What led Kerala to a successful demographic transition is: Kerala Population Control: Achieving wealthy economies Forcing their citizens to use birth-control methods OR -Kerala has a higher education level than the rest of India
-They FOCUS on education because: People with more education tend to have fewer children -High literary levels lead to a well-educated, empowered female population who will have fewer children -Healthcare was and still is available (it is inexpensive)
-Improve healthcare reduces the BR (since good healthcare ensure that most of the children will survive)
-Offers better access to birth control -Kerala set up land-reform policies that limited farm size
-These farm sizes ensured that every farmer would gain ownership of some land -Since India’s independence in 1947, the citizens elected governments that ... Expatriate Workers: Structural Change Model: Change by Diffusion Model: 2 models to describe how important changes occur in a society: (Ex. In Kerala, the media change people’s attitude by portraying smaller families as MODERN) The Future of Population Control ...to come up with policies that would help counties finished the transition and developed their economies Although many countries are making progress in meeting these goals -Kerala is the only Indian state that has: Females Males (because males work oversea and send money back) > In 1950s-1960s This increased family planning Provided for social progress for women, education and healthcare Since mid-1970s Money Experience of living in a modern society -These workers then bring back: It has been a major source of expatriate workers & The use of government policy to effect change in country (Ex. China’s one-child policy) Change that occurs gradually as people recognize the benefits of the change Problems like: These policies also have to be morally/politically acceptable Their Goals... Over 80% ...Of countries reported that the available resources didn’t meet their reproductive-health needs TOO MANY MEN So many more mouths to feed... The UN address the problem of the demographic trap at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) You want to help them have a...
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MNE Crisis Toyota

Comparative National Analysis

julia knoth

on 12 March 2014

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Transcript of MNE Crisis Toyota

MNE Crisis Toyota
Comparative National Analysis

Julia Knoth
Christine An
Rafael Cruz
Kamara Chuimbou
Kasey Snyder

Parliamentary Representative Democratic Monarchy
Emperor of Japan- Akihito
Head of Japanese Imperial party
Appoints Prime minister
Symbol of unity between state and people
Executive Power- Prime Minister-Shinzō Abe
Elected by Diet, appointed by Emperor
Legislative power- Diet
Lower House- House of Representatives
Upper House- House of Councilors
Independent Judiciary
Political Parties:
DPJ- Democratic Party of Japan
LDP- Liberal Democratic Party
NKP- New Komeito Party
PNP- People’s New Party
SDP-Social Democratic Party
JCP- Japanese Communists Party

Federal Constitutional Republic
States sovereign power
Balance of National Powers:
Executive - President Barack Obama
Legislative- Congress, House of Representatives, Senate
Judiciary- Federal court, Supreme court, Court of Appeals
Political Parties- Conservative/Liberal
held democratically by state and local government
Electoral college for presidential election
Suffrage right for citizens over 18 years old

Unemployment Rate: 7.3 %
GDP per capita: $49,965.27
Labor Force: 155 million
Largest Importer and Second Largest Exporter
From Auto Industry
Revenue: $15.58 billion
Employment: 3.7 million
Produced Cars 4,346,958 in 2013
The largest producer of commercial vehicles
The Big Three (Chrysler, Ford, and GM) are the last remaining American born car companies.
Unemployment rate: 3.7%
GDP per capita: $46,720.36
Labor Force: 65.9 million
5th largest importer and exporter in the world
From Car industry
Revenue: 472,962 million yen
Employment: 787,000
Produced 8,189,323 cars in 2013
Second largest car producer in the world.
• Rank 3 in the Global Technology Index; Rank 1 for Global Innovation
• Largest Telecom services market in the world—online ad and retail
• Mobile Shopping Growing(Smartphones)— apps, including barcode scanners and price comparison
• Increasing number of teens owning mobile phones—big users of social networking sites
• New Supply Plants open in US—host country also making vehicle parts originally imported from Japan

• World Industrial Leader in development of strength and heat resistant materials through Fusion Solution—production of improved and new products with existing technology
• Rank 2 in the Global Technology Index—Global R&D Investment, Global Researchers, and Global Innovation
• World leader in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development→ Through ICT effectively innovating its production system
• Extensive investment in the fibre-optic network—uses one of the quickest broadband packages in the world→ Highly contributes to economic growth through stronger productivity impact
• Behavior patterns of Japanese consumers becoming more westernized→ Growing Telecom Industry

Language: English
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions:
Power Distance – ( 40 )
Equal rights for all, hierarchy is established for convenience, employees follow orders only as a matter of procedures
Individualism – ( 91 )
the expectation is that people look after themselves and their immediate families only
Masculinity – ( 62 )
Mostly, dominant values in the society is success and money
Uncertainty Avoidance – ( 46 )
Acceptance for new ideas, innovative products and a willingness to try something new or different

Trompenaars’s Cultural Dimensions:
Universalism/Particularism – ( U )
Individualism/Communitarianism – ( I )
Neutral/Emotional – ( E )
Specific/Diffuse - ( S )
Achievement/Ascription – ( Ach )

Language: Japanese
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions:
Power Distance – ( 54 )
Japanese accept inequality and are very conscious of their hierarchical position
Individualism – ( 46 )
collectivistic society: Japanese put harmony of group above the expression of individual opinions
Masculinity – ( 95 )
masculinity in Japan is the drive for excellence and perfection
Uncertainty Avoidance – ( 92 )
Japan is constantly threatened by natural disasters from earthquakes to volcano eruptions, what set its high score in U.A.

Trompenaars’s Cultural Dimensions:
Universalism/Particularism – ( P )
Individualism/Communitarianism – ( C )
Neutral/Emotional – ( N )
Specific/Diffuse – ( D )
Achievement/Ascription – ( As )

-Philosophical influence: Aristotle, Kant, Utilitarianism
-The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq.)
-Corruption Perceptions Index Transparency International: US - 19 th
-Rights-centered moralities

-Philosophical influence: the Shinto Ethic, The Confucian Ethic, and the Buddhist Ethic
the goal and heart of ethics is the spontaneous and selfless expression of human-heartedness
‘ Makoto ’ (sincerity) to properly discharge all of one’s obligations so that everything will flow smoothly and harmony will be maintained; the outer behavior needs to be in line with the inner being. In extension, this means that ‘makoto people’ will not be self-seeking or show personal emotions.
-Not very strong recognition of individual rights in relation to privacy, intellectual property, and freedom of information Traditional cultures: Virtue-centered moralities
-Rule-based View: precise system of doing things based on form and process
-Business Ethics: Keiei = business in Japan stands for ’making effort to develop societies harmoniously and raise the well-being of the people. Business ethics means first a discipline
-Corruption Perceptions Index Transparency International: JAPAN - 17 th

Industry Opportunities
As the yen becomes weaker, companies are given greater flexibility to improve the design of their cars and regain market share.
Japanese brands have a crucial role in the development of new technology whether it is in batteries or fuel cells.
Limited military, more spent on technology and research
Expansion and development of manufacturing opeerations in southern asian countries : Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines
Increased production of Electric and Hybrid cars have enticed green users and lead to an industry based off sustainable energy
Joint ventures with companies in North america

Industry Threats
The recurrence of a global recession could hinder the demand for cars and ultimately hurt Toyota greatly because of its large size.
The lack of product quality control may severely damage the automaker’s reputation if it leads to another mass recall over a critical flaw.
The urban population is increasingly relying on public transportation.
Forecasted consumption hikes could harshly hurt car sales.
Competitive threat from new technology
Emerging countries expanison into market: Brazil, India
"The World Factbook." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2014.
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Khurram, Shanzeh. "Is the American Dream Becoming Too Materialistic?" The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 17 Feb. 2013. Web. 05 Mar. 2014.
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Canis, Bill. Congressional Research Service. Motor Vehicle Supply Chain: Effects of the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami. 2011. Web. <www.crs.gov>.
"JAMA - Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc." JAMA - Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.
"JAMA - Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc." JAMA - Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.
Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.
Population: 316,438,601 (2013)
Life Expectancy: 79
U.S. counterparts, give and receive less economic, instrumental and emotional social support, resulting in a lower life expectancy than japan.
School life expectancy: 17 years
Motor vehicles (per 1,000 people): 797
North America accounts for 28.98% of vehicle sales by region for Toyota.
The American dream is becoming more and more materialistic.
Output per hour: 11.2 (2010) to 2.0 (2011)
Life Satisfaction: 7.0/10 rating
The average self-evaluation of life satisfaction was higher than the average of 6.6
Since the crisis, the average happiness level decreased to 7.4
Social Inequality: 1.21
Population: 127,253,075 (2013)
Japan has a population density of 337 (2010) persons per square km. The space in Japan is more precious than in the United States.
Life Expectancy: 83
2,000 Working hours per year
Japanese workers are said to be hard-working and “lifetime employment” is the norm.
School life expectancy: 15 years
Motor vehicles (per 1,000 people): 591
Output per hour: 14.8 (2010) to -2.8 (2011)
In 2011, Japan had the second largest productivity growth decline in manufacturing than in the previous year.
Life Satisfaction: 6.0/10 rating
Although, 87% of people reported having more positive experiences in a given day than negative.
Since the crisis, the average happiness level increased to 6.5
Social Inequality: 1.17
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Pre-Islamic Arabia

This is about the Arabian Peninsula before the arrival of the prophet.

Maddie Rennyson

on 11 February 2013

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Transcript of Pre-Islamic Arabia

Historical Setting of the Period The Arabian Peninsula Before the Prophet The time in the Arabian Peninsula before the prophet Muhammad was known as the Jahiliyya, or "time of ignorance".
While nomadic groups of people were not uncommon, most people in the Arabian peninsula were permanent settlers. Nearly all the Arabian Peninsula was covered in desert, so very few areas were suitable for farming. Major Figures There were several kinds of Arabs. "Ancient Arabs" of which little history is known are also called "Perishing Arabs". There were also "Pure Arabs" (also known as "Qahtaanian Arabs")
who descended from Ya‘rub bin Yashjub bin Qahtaan. Finally, there were "Arabized Arabs" that descended from Ismaa'eel. Major Conflicts Arabs were split up into several tribes. Such as the Quraysh which is the dominant tribe in Mecca. Also the Banu Umayya from which many of his fiercest enemies arose. There was a lot of conflict between many of these tribes. These conflicts were the only known in this period.
The Relationships Between Cooperating and Feuding
Groups of the Period The main kind of rulers in the pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula were kings that had been crowned by others. There were several tribes in Arabia that often conflicted with one another. The Arab tribes often made contact and trading agreements with the Byzantine Empire and the Persian Sassanian Empire. How This Period Set the Stage For the Next Period The next period in time is the Islamic period. The pre-Islamic Arabia had many different religions which later influenced the Islamic period. Before Islam most people worshipped idols, but a few believed in one god, some were the Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians. Christianity and Judaism had big influences on Islam. For example, the Islamic book of the Qur'an has many similar stories that the Christian bible contains. Also they have some of the same beliefs, such as the belief that God will come again in a day of judgement. Maddie Rennyson, Sierra Moore, Ricky Stockel, Christopher Frydenborg Created by:
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Google+ Followers

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Just Add Text

I received a wonderful set, Just Add Text, during the On Stage Local that was held in San Diego last March.  When I needed a thank you for a special customer, this was my go-to set:

Paired with the fun Naturally Eclectic Designer Series Paper, Just Add Text made a beautiful card.

I chose my colors directly from the DSP:  Pool Party, Tranquil Tide, Lemon Lime Twist, and Soft Sky.  The DSP on the bottom of the card inspired the stamping on the top; using the round stamp from Happy Celebrations, I mimicked the colors and created my own DSP.

Here's the sentiment, stamped and cut out with the Stitched Shapes ovals.  A slightly larger one in Tranquil Tide uses the Layering Ovals Framelits dies.

And see those flowers?  Two-step stamps from Happy Birthday Gorgeous (so easy to stamp, as they are see-through-photopolymer) and snipped by hand, with Glitter Enamel Dot centers just make a perfect embellishment.

And of course there's a matching envelope!

Click on the photo below to head straight to my online store, where you can purchase everything you need to make this card:

Product List

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Smappsoft releases Pokertini: Video Poker With A Twist! for iOS

in Games (E)

[] San Jose, California - Smappsoft today is pleased to announce the release and immediate availability of Pokertini: Video Poker With A Twist for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. This new title, recently featured at MacWorld/iWorld, brings the classic casino favorite to a whole new level with a detailed and exciting strategic overlay.

In Pokertini: Video Poker With A Twist, players simultaneously play three independent video poker hands, and arrange their simulated bets to maximize payoffs on favored hands. In addition, they use strategic twists to manipulate their cards to improve their hands and odds of winning. Along the way, they earn badges and unlock new twists, keeping the game challenging and exciting.

"Video Poker is classic game played in every casino," said Mark Rubin, Chief Engineer at Smappsoft. "With Pokertini: Video Poker With A Twist, we have taken the game in an exciting new direction that should make it both fun for new players, and challenging for experts."

With over a dozen twists to unlock along with badges and Game Center achievements to earn, players will find that Pokertini: Video Poker With A Twist makes for hours of challenging, enjoyable gaming.

* Free download from the iTunes App Store
* Strategically arrange your bet across three independent video poker hands
* Dynamic simulated betting system - bet anywhere from 3 coins to 15,000 coins on one hand
* Adrenaline pumping bonus rounds
* Many Twists or to unlock and Badges to earn
* Mind blowing lounge music and sharp, eye-popping graphics
* Game Center enabled with many achievements and leader boards

Device Requirements:
* iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, 3/4G iPod touch and iPad
* Requires iOS 4.3 or later
* 16.2 MB

Pricing and Availability:
Pokertini: Video Poker With A Twist! 1.0 is Free and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Games category. A promotional video is available for viewing on YouTube.

Founded in early 2009 by high tech and audio industry veterans, silicon valley based Smappsoft is a highly regarded developer of unique, high quality apps for mobile devices, including their #1 App Store Ranked Puzzle Game Look Again!, their popular card game app Chinese 13 Card Poker which is a favorite pastime for professional poker players, and Scales & Modes, a favorite educational music app twice-featured as one of the top 'Back To School Apps' in the iTunes App Store. Copyright (C) 2009-2012 Smappsoft. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Print this page | PDF | TXT | Read other releases by this member.


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SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The baby's tiny left hand touches a single finger on the hand of his father, 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin.

It's a heartbreaking photo shared by the player on Instagram making public the sad news that he and wife Morgan had lost their baby prematurely early Sunday.

Somehow, with his wife's urging and his faith carrying him through each minute, step and snap, Goodwin played in San Francisco's first win of the season only hours after the death of his son because of what Goodwin called "complications" that led to an unexpected early delivery.

After the couple prayed, Morgan talked him into taking the field that afternoon. And Goodwin decided to share what he was going through so no questions surfaced about what was wrong.

"I mentally and physically was not prepared to play in the game at all," Goodwin said on a conference call Tuesday, speaking from home in Texas where he is with family during the team's bye week. "I really didn't even practice that week, I was just going through a lot and just trying to get my body rested from the week before and the week before that. Coming in the game, I wasn't really in it, because I had just lost my baby."

Goodwin caught an 83-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Beathard in the Niners' 31-21 victory over the Giants at Levi's Stadium. When he scored in the second quarter, Goodwin blew a kiss to the sky as he approached the end zone, then went to his knees with hands held in prayer before looking down at his upraised palms with the football still tucked into his left forearm. Then he placed his head on the grass.

"All the pain that I was feeling at that time just came over me at once," he said. "It wasn't something that was planned or anything. If that had been anybody who had to go through that if you had lost something that you wanted more than anything, something that you expected because you could see it without seeing it, you would know how I felt in that situation."

He credited Morgan's strength with pushing him out onto that field when she easily could have said no.

"I guess she felt that God moved her to allow me to go play and she encouraged me. She raised my spirits up and helped get ready for the game," he said. "That's what's so cool about the situation is my wife, how supportive she is and how encouraging she is, all these great things that she does for me to help me go out there and play the way I did. I think it speaks more about her character than mine."

Even coach Kyle Shanahan said he wouldn't have blamed Goodwin for sitting this one out.

A third-round draft pick taken 78th overall by the Bills out of Texas in 2013, he's in his first season with the 49ers following four years in Buffalo after signing a two-year contract in March.

He decided that being forthcoming about what had happened was the best option.

"It would have made it (out publicly) anyway so why not put it out there so I could kind of narrate my own story instead of letting somebody else do it or people have these assumptions," Goodwin said. "Because my wife and I had posted that we were pregnant weeks ago, or months ago, and had we abruptly stopped and they noticed that she wasn't pregnant anymore it would have raised a lot of eyebrows and questions."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Goodwin went straight from the hospital to the team hotel to check in before the game to ride the bus to the stadium. He hadn't showered, was still wearing sweats, sharing with only a handful of teammates what the couple was enduring.

Goodwin also made a key block on another scoring play, when he laid out a defensive back and allowed Garrett Celek to get into the end zone.

Later that night, he announced the loss of his baby.

Now, Goodwin hopes he and Morgan — and their baby — can uplift others who might be going through the same thing.

"It's been a tremendous amount of support, people of all different communities. Morgan and I appreciate all the love," Goodwin said. "I didn't realize sharing our journey with this baby would gain so many people. We've met a lot of people that are following us through our journeys so we can maybe help people who have dealt with similar things that we have gone through or learn things from people who have been through our situation."

NOTES: San Francisco signed OL Cameron Hunt to the practice squad.

More AP NFL: and


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    Shang-ping Xie

    SchoolUniversity of California, San Diego
    DepartmentScripps Institution of Oceanography Department
    Address9500 Gilman Drive #0206
    CA La Jolla 92093
    vCardDownload vCard

      Collapse Bibliographic
      Collapse Publications
      Publications listed below are automatically derived from MEDLINE/PubMed and other sources, which might result in incorrect or missing publications. Researchers can login to make corrections and additions, or contact us for help.
      List All   |   Timeline
      1. Liu W, Xie S, Liu Z, Zhu J. Overlooked possibility of a collapsed Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in warming climate. Sci Adv. 2017 Jan; 3(1):e1601666. PMID: 28070560.
        View in: PubMed
      2. Liu W, Xie S, Lu J. Correspondence: Reply to: 'Correspondence: Variations in ocean heat uptake during the surface warming hiatus'. Nat Commun. 2016 Aug 19; 7:12542. PMID: 27538524; PMCID: PMC4992162.
      3. Liu W, Xie S, Lu J. Tracking ocean heat uptake during the surface warming hiatus. Nat Commun. 2016 Mar 30; 7:10926. PMID: 27025666; PMCID: PMC4821003.
      4. Mei W, Xie S, Primeau F, McWilliams JC, Pasquero C. Northwestern Pacific typhoon intensity controlled by changes in ocean temperatures. Sci Adv. 2015 May; 1(4):e1500014. PMID: 26601179; PMCID: PMC4640637.
      5. Kosaka Y, Xie S. Recent global-warming hiatus tied to equatorial Pacific surface cooling. Nature. 2013 Sep 19; 501(7467):403-7. PMID: 23995690.
        View in: PubMed
      6. Kosaka Y, Xie S, Lau NC, Vecchi GA. Origin of seasonal predictability for summer climate over the Northwestern Pacific. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 May 07; 110(19):7574-9. PMID: 23610388; PMCID: PMC3651425.
      Shang-ping's Networks
      Derived automatically from this person's publications.
      Similar People
      People who share similar concepts with this person.
      Same Department


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find_all_in_path() returns the list of files that match a specific pattern. Like find_in_path(), these files are searched for in all the directories defined in the SPIP file path.

$list_of_files = find_all_in_path($dir, $pattern);

SPIP uses this function to get all the CSS files that the plugins add to the private interface using the files named "prive/style_prive_plugin_prefix.html". To do so, it uses the following line of PHP code:

$list = find_all_in_path('prive/', '/style_prive_plugin_');

Author Gilles Vincent Published : Updated : 30/05/10

Translations : English, français


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Quote Of The Week – Preventing Things From Happening Too Fast

May 26, 2010

Sometimes the quote just falls in my lap. Like today, I checked my horoscope from the only astrologist I trust, Rob Brezsny, and this was the Sacred Advertisement at the bottom of the page:

Consider the possibility that the people who seem to slow us down and hold us back are actually preventing things from happening too fast. Imagine that the evolution of your life or our culture is like a pregnancy: It needs to reach its full term. Just as a child isn’t ready to be born after five months of gestation, the New Earth we’re creating has to ripen in its own time. The recalcitrant reactionaries who resist the inevitable birth are simply making sure that the far-seeing revolutionaries don’t conjure the future too suddenly. They serve the greater good.

Just what I needed when it seemed like the wheels weren’t moving fast enough…

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Has Your Doctor Examined You?

When I meet with patients about problems they are having with their back or neck, they often refer to their most recent MRI scan. However, as an expert spine surgeon, I am more interested in examining the patient instead of examining the MRI.

As a Los Angeles spine surgeon, my job is to listen to the patients and examine them. In the days before MRI and CT scans, doctors treated patients based on their complaints and their symptoms. Their treatment recommendations may have included spine surgery or other options. Unfortunately, more and more physicians simply rely on a picture from an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to treat their patients instead of taking the time to thoroughly examine them. This can lead to the patient being misdiagnosed or not receiving the proper form of treatment.

There are plenty of things that can look abnormal or unusual on imaging tests such as MRIs and CT scans. What appears on the scan is not always the same as what is hurting the patient. The ultimate goal of the doctor should be to treat the patient, not fix what shows on the MRI. For this reason, patients should always be completely examined by their doctor.

Watch Dr. Gravori Discuss Diagnosing Spinal Conditions

A problem can arise if your doctor does not listen to you and inspect you properly to pin-point the problem and the correct cause of your problem. Patients will not heal with the incorrect diagnosis because, even if you have the best treatments, they will be for the wrong cause. If a problematic disc shown on the MRI is not the cause of your pain or numbness, your symptoms may not be alleviated even after treatment or surgery. The only way to ensure that the patient’s problems are being appropriately addressed is for the doctor to first accurately assess and diagnose the patient.

For example, leg numbness or pain in a patient is typically attributed to the lumbar disc or other spine condition. However there are several other possible reasons for leg numbness or pain. Patients could potentially be diagnosed with hip or knee joint problems, muscle spasms, malnutrition, or even an abdomen or pelvic tumor. If a doctor does not perform a thorough examination on the patient, they could miss something like a tumor and instead focus on an irrelevant disc in the back.  At ProMed SPINE, I spend 60 – 90 minutes face to face with our patients trying to correlate their symptoms with the correct diagnosis.

If your leg, back, or neck pain is not improving after visiting a doctor, you may have:

  • The wrong diagnosis

  • A separate cause for your symptoms

  • Inadequate treatment for the right condition

Schedule a Consultation with an Expert Los Angeles Spine Surgeon Today!

At ProMed SPINE, your well-being is our primary focus. As a highly experienced spine surgeon, I understand that a complete patient examination is the first step towards finding the right treatment. If you are having chronic pain or numbness in your neck, back, or legs, schedule a consultation by calling 888-75-SPINE today!

To learn more, contact our office.


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A-to-Z Challenge — Letter T

April 23, 2015

Tech Troubles

Astraeus Earth Force Station, 2115 A.D.

Jack Sparks slumped backwards in his seat and looked up at Davies and Rourke. He squinted under the blinding lights of the interrogation room. “You guys have lousy timing. I just got to sleep,” he muttered.

“I don’t give a damn what you were doing, Sparks! I’ve got a dead officer and your reaper guy sneaking around inside your casino,” Davies remarked as stood at the side of the table, leaned in and placed one hand on the table and the other on a computer tablet. He turned the tablet around and played the video feed. “See that? What’s in the box, Sparks?”

Sparks sat up and stared at the video feed. He watched The Reaper exit the casino with the wooden box under his arm. “I don’t know, man! I have tons of boxes in that place.”

“We know, Sparks. Security has confiscated every box in your joint. They are searching them now. Why don’t you tell us what you keep in them?” Rourke inquired.

Sparks jerked around in his chair and his face turned red. “Man, you guys are determined to get me killed!”

“Just tell us what’s in the damn boxes!” Davies yelled as he slammed his fist down on the table.

“Okay! Damn!” he exclaimed as he shifted in his chair. When Davies gave him a warning look, he continued, “All kinds of stuff like chips for the tables, markers from customers who still owe me, and stuff people bet with when they run out of units… you know, jewels and watches… that kinda stuff.”

“Hardly seems like stuff The Reaper would steal,” Rourke said, looking up at Davies.

“Let’s go across the hallway and take a look at your boxes,” Davies demanded as he pulled Sparks up by the collar of his shirt.

Rourke opened the interrogation door and Davies dragged Sparks across the hall. A table stood in the center of the room with five wooden boxes and their contents displayed on it. Davies shoved Sparks toward the table. Sparks stumbled, then steadied himself as he hit his thigh against the tabletop. He stared down at the items.

“What’s missing?” Rourke asked as he walked around to the opposite side of the room.

“The markers,” Sparks said as he sifted through the all of the items.

Davies combed his fingers through his goatee and then turned to Rourke. “Why would The Reaper want markers? Is he starting his own extortion gig?”

“No, man! That don’t make sense. None of those markers were worth more than fifty units,” Sparks explained. “That’s peanuts to a man like The Reaper. I pay him ten times…,” his voice trailed off.

“For what? Why do you pay The Reaper?” Rourke questioned.

“You know…um…goods for the nightclub,” Sparks stammered.

Rourke wasn’t buying this guy’s act. “You pay him ten times what those goods are worth?”

“Yeah… otherwise, he sells them to the loan shark and then I have to buy them from him. The loan shark charges twenty times the worth,” Sparks explained.  Davies flashed him a look that read I don’t believe you, and Sparks continued, “Listen, it’s all very complicated, but it’s how I gotta do business down there!”

“That still doesn’t explain why The Reaper took the markers,” Rourke retorted.

Davies stared off for a moment, deep in thought, then asked, “Do you keep a record of whose markers you keep? Or do you just keep the markers?”

“I gotta journal I record them in,” Sparks offered.

Davies punched on his link-in. “Shannehey, get in here!” He then turned to Sparks. “Where do you keep that journal?”

“It’s locked in my desk.”

“Keys!” Davies ordered as Shannehey entered the room. Sparks hesitated and then stuck a hand in his pants’ pocket and pulled out a small key on a silver chain. He passed the key to Shannehey. “Office desk drawer… a journal. Bring it here,” Davies said to the officer.

While Shannehey retrieved the journal, Davies escorted Spark back to interrogation and closed the door, leaving Sparks in there alone. He walked back across the hall and stood at the table looking over all they’d confiscated. Some valuable items were scattered across the table—watches, various rings with different gems and metals, head adornments with assorted alien gems—some of the items were forbidden by the IBI. Rourke joined him on his side of the table and picked up one of the head adornments.

“We can’t let any of these go back to the casino,” he informed Davies. “Lock them up. I don’t need IBI coming down on us and Ambassador Amon is injured. We can’t rely on him to act as intermediator.”

“Understood,” Davies replied just as Shannehey returned with the journal and handed it over to him. “Great! Let’s see what’s so special about those markers.”

Davies thumbed through the journal, reading over the list of names, some familiar and some unknown. Half of his officers gambled down there and owed Sparks money. There had to be hundreds of names in that journal and most of them were Caveners.

“You might as well help look,” Davies said as he tore out several pages and handed them to Rourke. He sat down at the table and studied the list in depth.

Rourke sat down across from him, looking over the first page. One name popped out at him immediately—Dr. Martin. Several other members of Medic Labs’ staff were on the list too. He finished the first page and ran a finger down the second page. Near the bottom, he stopped. “Look at this,” he stated, showing the page to Davies.

“I’ll be!” Davies exclaimed. “That blasted tech—Marshall!”

“Didn’t Sparks say none of these makers were for anything more than fifty units?” Rourke inquired.

“Yeah, but that,” Davies said, pointing to the amount of the marker, “is much more than fifty. He’s in the hole for 20k!”

“Sounds like motive to steal those markers to me. Looks like we just found The Reaper. Haul him in,” Rourke commanded as he leaned back in his chair with a satisfied grin on his face.

(more to come in tomorrow’s challenge!)

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Tasting Notes: Jennings: Bitter: Lakeland Ale

Alcohol And Aphorisms

Jennings Bitter

Jennings: Bitter: Lakeland Ale (England: Bitter: 3.5% ABV)

Visual: Chestnut red. Small amount of carbonation. Off white tight bubbled froth head.

Nose: Musty. Mothballs. Crushed peanuts. Malt chocolate. Light orange. Slight wine fruitcake.

Body: Chestnut. Light acidic apple tang. Earthy hops. Slightly chalky. Slight orange zest.

Finish: Apples. Earthy hop bitterness. Malt chocolate. Malt vinegar. Chalky. Carrot cake,

Conclusion: Hmm, in these days of ultra refined smooth edged beers, where even uber hopped beers go down far too easily, you have to respect a beer that keeps that old British style of rough edges. Whether you enjoy it or not is a different question, so shall I examine that one?

It has a rough earthy hop character, a chalky bite and a very slight acidic back. They are all coarse elements, a very village pub style pint that brings massive beards and smoke stained walls to mind. That as it…

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