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Judge by the Cover: High School, Drama & Deadly Vices

Judge by the Cover: High School, Drama & Deadly Vices

by Melissa Abigail

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Judge by the Cover: High School, Drama & Deadly Vices by Melissa Abigail

Campbelton looks like a city at peace; yet, just below the surface lie certain dangers...

Haruna Catherine is an overachiever with dreams of attending the University of British Columbia. Ryu is a total slacker whose one desire is to escape this ridiculous prison called "his life." So when a major assignment on Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice comes along, their worst nightmare comes to pass: being partnered with each other. Just as everything reaches a breaking point, revelations about an old East Side mansion called "Heaven" turns everything on its head.

Nothing is what it looks like — it’s worse. As it turns out, all that glitters in Campbelton really isn’t gold.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780995300163
Publisher: Abielle-à-Miel Press
Publication date: 10/28/2017
Series: Hafu Sans Halo , #1
Pages: 362
Product dimensions: 5.25(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.81(d)

About the Author

Melissa Abigail was born in the southern U.S.A. to South American parents, lived in the borough of Brooklyn, N.Y., and was raised in the suburbs of southern Ontario. A citizen of the world, she's managed to fit in nowhere in particular but everywhere at the same time. A lifelong writer, creator and artist, she embraces thought-provoking ideas and diversity in film, fiction & life.

Read an Excerpt

Judge by the Cover

Hafu Sans Halo Book One

By Melissa Abigail

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Copyright © 2017 Melissa Abigail
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-9953001-0-1

all that glitters

To the average onlooker, all it was, was a pretty necklace.

Whatever beauty it had had little to do with the way it shined, for it rarely showed the kind of glimmer expected from real gold. It was simple, save for the small pendant suspended from it. The pendant was in the shape of a teardrop with a red garnet at its centre, and marked with a Chinese-style engraving of a bird. This necklace might have been valuable once. Maybe. But now its value was sentimental. It belonged to some special people, though one couldn't really say for sure how special.

Had she remembered them ... surely, they would have meant everything.

Haruna twirled the necklace idly, allowing the jewel to glide between her fingers. She turned it over, inspecting it out of boredom. Though the one side bore the stone, the other was marked with strokes that formed Japanese letters. She had always wondered what the word meant, what the necklace meant, but she never fully understood. There might have been times when she could have tried to find out the meaning of that word, but something always held her back. She didn't know much about her Japanese father and she certainly didn't know Japanese. After all, she was only half.

"Alright, five minutes left until the bell. I'll be coming around to collect your tests."

The teacher glimpsed down at the students, their pens dashing with erratic fervour, fighting against all odds to beat the hands of the clock. Haruna glanced down at her own test paper. She had managed to answer all thirty of her questions fifteen minutes ago. She even proofread her answers three times since then.

"Ready to hand it in, Miss Mitsukai?"

The voice of the fifth period teacher carried over her. She looked up, releasing the necklace to tuck it down the front of her blouse, the chain around the nape of her neck the sole evidence of anything being there at all. He smiled, the crows-feet wrinkles tugging at the corner of his eyes. Haruna picked up her test paper and placed it on top of the small stack already in his hand.

"Yes, sir!" Haruna answered, returning his smile. He responded with an approving nod and continued through the row of desks. Mr. Hahn had been her English teacher last year. It was a shame he was only filling in for their actual English teacher, Mr. Lee.

Another two minutes passed, and the bell rang. Fifth period and her second test for the day were over. The day and week were over, finally.

She gathered her belongings and started for the door. The hallways erupted into a chorus of excited laughter and a deluge of students. Haruna moved briskly, manoeuvring strategically through the crowd, eyes scanning over the throng for a clear exit.

She stole a glance at her phone for the time. From the looks of things, she wouldn't be late, but she hated being "just in time." She forced her way through a group of tenth graders loitering around one of the building's side exits. She flung through two sets of doors and was met with a burning feeling in the back of her throat and nostrils. Haruna brought her hands to her face. She started on a coughing fit. Her eyes squinted. She was certain whatever this smell was, it wasn't just tobacco.

"You okay?"

Haruna lifted her head. It was the usual gang of six trouble-makers. Four of them, she'd seen occasionally, but she didn't know them too well having never shared classes with them. She wasn't even sure if they were all in the same grade. Then there were the other two who she'd had the displeasure of knowing for five whole years.

The one who had asked if she was "okay?"

That was Seth Jordan.

"I-I'm fine," Haruna managed finally, averting her gaze elsewhere as she readied herself to keep on going. "I'm pretty sure smoking on school property is not allowed."

Seth's face broke into a devious grin as he shed his cigarette butt. "What are you? The headmaster?"

Haruna inclined her head and stared dully.

"What are you — an idiot?"

Several of his friends burst into fits of laughter, jamming each other at the sides, pulling faces, shouting through bated breaths:

"She told you, Seth!"

It wasn't clear who they were mocking, whether it was her or Seth, but it didn't bother her in the slightest. Why? Because she was Haruna Catherine Mitsukai, Head Girl and future valedictorian — that's why. With her back straight, Haruna secured her bag's straps along her shoulder and continued on her way. Before she could take two full footsteps, she saw a dark shadow. Its owner positioned himself in front of her.

Haruna jerked to a stop. She faltered back and dared to lift her head. She met Ryu's gaze — auburn eyes framed by sharp, dark eyebrows. He would have been half decent-looking if he weren't so menacing, possessing a lethal stare and the faded scars of someone who'd gotten into one too many a fist fight. But the only thing certain about those eyes was their coldness, the way they seemed to be filled with nothing but hatred. Haruna hated those eyes. It was like staring back at the Devil himself.

"What do you want?" Haruna snapped, her voice shakier and less sure than she had meant it.

His lips curled into a dry smirk. Haruna glared, her emotions raw. He hadn't been in class. He'd opted to dedicate his time to messing around instead. Not unusual for a total slacker.

"Not going to answer? Then move out of my way," she spat, her unease eclipsed only by her disgust.

In response he narrowed his eyes, his movements slow and deliberate as he drew the cigarette from his mouth. He leaned forward, his face a mere few inches from hers. After what could have been ten seconds, he blew. Flustered — agitated — Haruna brought her hands over her mouth. Breaking into yet another coughing fit, she roughly pushed past him and her shoulder slammed against his as she stormed away. She could hear the howls of laughter among them.

Haruna blinked back tears, ignoring their voices as she found the familiar footpath on her way home. So what? She didn't care what they thought of her. Opinions. Something everyone had, regardless of whether they had enough cells in their brain to rationalize them. She knew where she stood. She had worked hard ever since she started grade seven at Shady Glenn Academy. Only two types of people could manage entry into the top-tier private schools on the West Coast: the well-to-do and the brilliant. Haruna was a lucky combination of both.

Well, okay. So she wasn't a genius so much as her study habits were intense, and she wasn't fabulously wealthy so much as she was just very comfortable.

But entry didn't matter as much as survival, and Haruna didn't just survive; she flourished. She was a nice girl, everyone thought so, so she was good at making friends. Anti-social rejects, losers — like Seth and Ryu — were the bold exceptions to the rule. Everyone knew their admission to the Academy was strictly because of connections. They never worked hard, never put too much effort into anything, practically sailed through life without a care in the world. While everyone else had to follow the rules, they never did. And she could never understand how they managed to maintain enrolment, let alone advance year after year into the next grade.

Ryu Debiru was the worst of the worst.

He was your classic rebel without a cause, always looking up to no good, even when he wasn't up to anything, dazed and zoned out. He'd stand around somewhat stoic and silent, but always mean and rough around the edges. He almost never wore his uniform properly, often opting to wear a hoodie over his not-tucked-in uniform shirt or at random wearing dusty black runners instead of dress shoes. Even his dark, shaggy hair that stuck up at random was always messy.

Haruna had learned to be confident.

There weren't too many people who were able to crack through her veneer, ruffle her feathers or send chills down her spine like he did. It was a good thing that he never spoke to her, and she never spoke to him. For Haruna, the reason was simple. As intimidating as Ryu was when silent, he was scarier when he spoke. So Haruna supposed it was better to avoid him.

Not that it was hard to do.

They were from two different worlds.

If anything, there was just one, slight, terribly insignificant thing they had in common.

He was Japanese too.

Well ... only half.

* * *

Ryu watched as Haruna disappeared down the block. He turned and glanced towards the others, his grin retracting, morphing into a straight line. He dropped the remnants of his cigarette and ground it into the concrete.

"Blowing smoke in her face? Went too far, bro," muttered Tim. He wiped a tear that had leaked from his eye. "Still hilarious, but damn — just savage."

Jackson shrugged his shoulders, pulling out a lighter to ignite his own joint.

"Ha, serves her right, though. She's such a bitch."

"Yeah, we live in Canada. It's a free country. She needs to check herself, fo' real," said Cody, sounding higher than a Zeppelin and overflowing with even more hot air. "Leave it to Ryu to set her type straight. Like always."

Following twenty or so minutes of time well wasted, Ryu gave a roll of his shoulders. He stowed his hands into the front pocket of his hoodie and stepped away from the others.

"Yo, where are you going?" One of the guys, Kevin, shouted after him.

Ryu spun to face them, walking backwards.

"I've got business. Peace!"

He gestured a sideways "V" before turning again and cantering off.

He didn't need to explain to them.

His business was his.

No matter, though, because Ryu wasn't even four minutes from the school grounds before he got the sense he was being followed. He stopped in his tracks. He half-turned.

"I know you're following me, Seth."

Seth froze. He had trailed some distance after Ryu, but he hadn't been subtle. Seth raised his arms in surrender.

"Got me," he joked. He then returned his arms to his sides and remained standing there, awkward and staring.

Ryu grunted, not bothering to question him as he pivoted and marched on again.

"Hey, that's it? You're just going to walk away?" Seth called out. In no time, he appeared at Ryu's side, his long legs falling into step with Ryu's.

"Not sure what you expected. I told you I had stuff to take care of," Ryu mumbled.

"That 'stuff?' Um, so when are you going to quit all that 'stuff?'"

Ryu rolled his eyes.

"You ask the question like I have a choice." He then half-smiled, peering at Seth from the corner of his eye. "Besides, who said I wanna quit, anyway?" Seth sighed. He'd given up on pressing the issue, much to Ryu's relief. The boys walked onwards, a slight breeze in the air as the sidewalk split into two, and they turned along the bend, allowing a second breeze to lash against their faces. They stopped at the usual corner, and Ryu entered into the convenience store as Seth stood outside and waited. Once done, Ryu took care to tuck the brown paper bag into the front pouch of his hoodie and slipped out the doors with a casual stride. He gave Seth a nod, indicating he'd finished what he had come to do, and the two were off again. It had been five solid minutes before Seth spoke.

"So, the guys were thinking of hitting up O'Brien's tomorrow night ..."

"Yeah, count me out. I've got plans," Ryu sighed. "But next time for sure. I'm down."

Seth bobbed his shoulders, grinning. "Sounds good."

Ryu stopped. He turned to his friend but didn't return the smile.

"So what did you really want to talk about? You didn't follow me and wait fifteen minutes outside the smoke shop just to tell me about Saturday."

Seth looked taken aback, his face blank for the slightest second before clearing his throat. He emitted a light chuckle.

"Ha, yeah, I'm an open book, right? Well I guess I just wanted to say maybe ... maybe go easy on Haruna."

Ryu blinked slowly. "You're kidding."

Seth had to have been because those words sounded beyond ridiculous to Ryu.

Seth offered a weak shrug, hands in his uniform's pants pockets as he tilted his head. "Well, I mean, you're always kinda giving her those death stares — and have you seen what those look like coming from you?"

Ryu knitted his brows.

"Yeah, so? I don't see her smiling in our direction, either. For one thing, she called you an idiot. Are you one?"

Seth brought his arm up and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Look, I'm just saying. No need to be in her face, dude. Literally."

Ryu leered, visually dissecting his friend's freckly face. It was interesting the way Seth always acted so relaxed and chill. Yet, he was also persistent, so set on having a perfect moral code. In some ways Ryu admired it, but most of the time it really just irritated him. Seeming to detect Ryu's annoyance, Seth looked elsewhere. Ryu was amused by the way he'd cause Seth to be unnerved at times. It didn't matter that Seth was almost six feet and had more than a fewinches on him.

That's right. Height meant nothing.

Ryu sneered. "I know what your problem is. It's about her friend, am I right?"

Seth let out a deep breath, pulling his hands from his pockets then clapping them together.

"Honestly, I'm this close to asking Gabrielle out — so I mean, like maybe don't ruin things by being a grade-A dirt bag to her best friend? It would be real thoughtful of you."

"Oh, please. I don't care who the hell you date or whatever — but don't tell me crap about kissing up to some stuck-up girl like her or any other clown from this school."

"Oh, come on! You know I don't mean —"

"Whatever, Seth. You do you."

Ryu shoved by, ignoring Seth's bewildered expression or him calling Ryu's name as he continued down the street. The bus pulled up as Ryu came to the crosswalk. The driver didn't dare drive off once subjected to his glowering. The door opened and Ryu boarded, tossing several coins into the meter. He jetted straight to the corner seat farthest to the back.

Heaving a sigh, Ryu pulled his hood over his head and tilted his neck back, ear buds in, shutting his eyes to think to the steady beat of Notorious Thugs.

To say Ryu felt stressed-out would be an understatement.

Friday evenings were the hardest, second only to Saturday nights. Who knew what news would be waiting for him when he got home? Which one of his brothers would have screwed up this time? Who might be the next to wind up in the hole or find themselves facedown, kissing pavement in some damp, dark alley? Which one of his brothers decided to impress Father this time, going "above-and-beyond?" Of course, above-and-beyond never impressed Father. Father hated unpredictability, hated rash actions. People who acted on their own ... these were the people Father hated the most. But far too many of Ryu's brothers were too stupid to comprehend this. Ryu had learned it the hard way. It was pretty unfortunate, but it was a dog-eat-dog world. People have to do what they have to.

If they want to survive that is.

Ryu reopened his eyes and lowered his head to observe his fellow commuters. It was nearly five minutes after five. Rush-hour traffic meant this bus ride was going to be a long one. Even so, the bus wasn't too crowded yet. Those who rode had their heads buried in newspapers or eyes glued to their phones. Ryu scoffed. Must have been wonderful: actually wanting to look at your phone. Ryu hated the thought of his. Every text or phone call meant the difference between life and death.

The bus stopped at Rosedale and East Point Ave., and a teenager got on. Her silky, gingery hair with a subtle glint of gold was pulled into a high ponytail. Ryujostled forward in his seat and watched as the girl flashed a metro pass. She turned, and he felt his body calm.

It wasn't her after all.

Now that Ryu saw the girl, in full view — dressed not in their uniform but casual clothes — he realised she wasn't even what they'd be called back in Japan, "hafu." An easy mistake to make. Haruna Mitsukai was a girl who really didn't look too Japanese, save for her slight frame, her heart-shaped face and a certain something about her. But Haruna's light hair was like this girl, same colour, always in a ponytail, and Haruna's wide, double-lidded eyes were green. Or blue. Ryu could never quite tell which it was. Her eyes always seemed to change colour.

"24 Park Lane."

Ryu turned to his right, offering a weary glance at the back door as the bus came to a lurching stop. The familiar "ding" sounded and a greying man pressed against the door to exit. A bevy of people came in through the front. The robotic tone of the automated bus announcer came again: "Next Stop, 48 Park Lane."

Public transit was the pits.

Ryu skipped through his playlist. Next song, Everyday Struggle. He glimpsed again at the back of Ponytail-Girl's head, watching the sway of her hair as she stood, struggling to maintain balance, her grip fixed on a yellow pole as the bus became more and more packed.

How could Ryu possibly take that girl for Haruna? No way would she be caught on one of these nasty buses.

Excerpted from Judge by the Cover by Melissa Abigail. Copyright © 2017 Melissa Abigail. Excerpted by permission of CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE all that glitters,
CHAPTER TWO angels and demons,
CHAPTER THREE much ado about everything,
CHAPTER FOUR a knock at heaven's door,
September 2006 FIVE YEARS PRIOR,
CHAPTER FIVE midnight run,
CHAPTER SIX disturbing the peace,
CHAPTER SEVEN year of the dragon,
CHAPTER EIGHT fear is fowl,
September 2009,
CHAPTER NINE wolves' hide for the sheep,
CHAPTER TEN day is night,
A NOTE FROM the author,

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Judge by the Cover: High School, Drama & Deadly Vices 4.7 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 3 reviews.
ReadersFavorite2 More than 1 year ago
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite Judge by the Cover: High School, Drama & Deadly Vices is the first book in the Hafu Sans Halo series by Melissa Abigail, a story that transports the reader into the complex worlds and relationships between high school characters. Haruna Mitsukai has great dreams, an overachiever who wants nothing more than to attend the University of British Columbia. Ryu Debiru feels out of place in his own world. Both teenagers attend the Shady Glenn Academy and they detest each other, despite the fact that they have similar personalities. But they are compelled to work together on an assignment on Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. As the tension grows between the two, a startling revelation about an old mansion on the East Side wakes Haruna up and she begins to question who Ryu really is. Could their destinies be linked and how? This mesmerizing story took me by surprise as I felt drawn in by the confident, crisp writing. The author wastes no time in introducing the reader to the complex world of the key characters, constructing elements of the conflict deftly, and right from the very start of the tale. The characters are sophisticated and memorable and developed to reflect the psychology of their age. The story is well-paced with emotionally charged scenes throughout the narrative, great dialogues, and a vivid setting. The plot has many surprises for readers and they will love Melissa Abigail’s gift for sustaining their curiosity and keeping their eyes on the pages until the satisfying end. Judge by the Cover: High School, Drama & Deadly Vices is an excellent opening for a series, well written and highly entertaining.
ReadersFavorite1 More than 1 year ago
Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite Haruna and Ryu both attend the prestigious Shady Glen Academy and they’re both half-Japanese, but that’s where the similarities end. Haruna is a hard working student driven to excel in everything she does, whether it’s playing the piano for her church’s youth performance or completing her chores. Haruna does everything with a smile on her face, until her English teacher teams her up with Ryu for an important mid-term assignment. It doesn’t take two minutes for Haruna and Ryu to start fighting. Ryu is abrasive, direct, and has no qualms about confronting Haruna for being a domineering perfectionist. While Haruna’s chief concern is getting an A for this project, Ryu has responsibilities to fulfil that could mean his death. Judge by the Cover seems like an uncomplicated story at first, but Melissa Abigail soon leads the reader into a tangle of rivalries, danger, and impossible expectations. Haruna’s insulated upbringing introduces a compelling narrative on racism and provides a contrast to the violent realities of Ryu’s life. These two characters may mirror each other on the surface, but beneath that they are opposites. This highlights the misconceptions that so often underpin the view of bigots; that what they view as ‘the other’ are all alike. Although the occasional timeline switches in Judge by the Cover do augment the plot with relevant information, I found them a little frustrating. I also wish there had been a better balance between Ryu's and Haruna’s narratives. Author Melissa Abigail does intersperse Japanese throughout the book, but the meanings of these words and phrases is strongly implied. Judge by the Cover has a strong focus on character development, and while I do love a novel that examines society and the inner workings of individuals, there were times when the plot felt a little light.
ReadersFavorite More than 1 year ago
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite Judge by the Cover: High School, Drama & Deadly Vices - Hafu Sans Halo, Book 1 is a young adult coming of age novel written by Melissa Abigail. Haruna Mitsukai had her life and future pretty much on track. She was the Head Girl at Shady Glenn Academy, the prestigious preparatory academy she attended, and her marks were more than sufficient to win her a full scholarship to the university of her choice. Her boyfriend, Mani, was gorgeous and came from one of the elite families in the area; one of the only reasons why her strict grandmother allowed their budding romance. Haruna rarely got to see him, however; mostly it was during their Church work on Friday afternoon and on the weekends. During the week, her life was filled with school and homework, followed by her music practice and the never ending chores her grandmother seemed to delight in assigning her. Haruna’s first reaction to Mr. Lee’s announcement that a group project would take the place of their final English exam was outrage -- she enjoyed taking tests and knew she could study hard enough to get perfect grades, but a group project meant relying upon others. When she was paired off with Ryu, the bad boy of her class, she became infuriated, which neither impressed her teacher nor convinced him to change his mind. Somehow she and Ryu would have to find a way to get past their mutual loathing and make this project work. Melissa Abigail’s coming of age novel, Judge by the Cover, is a beautifully written and compelling novel about the stresses students find themselves under as they are coming of age. Haruna and Ryu are marvelous main characters whose opposite qualities hide a deeper fellowship than either of them are able to perceive. Bullying, peer pressure and racism are all deftly handled by the author as each of her two combatants learn to accept the different outlooks of the other and appreciate how working together can create something better than they could achieve separately. It’s especially interesting to see how the preconceptions each has of the other turn out to be so far off base as they find learning to work as a team enables them to also learn about themselves. The plot is solid and well-constructed, and the characters are genuine and real. Judge by the Cover: High School, Drama & Deadly Vices - Hafu Sans Halo, Book 1 is most highly recommended.


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campervan hire quote provided for David, collectingfrom  Barnsley for 10 nts in October.

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County Lines

10th January 2017

County lines is the growing practice of gangs to exploit vulnerable children and adults at risk of abuse (including those with mental illness or learning disabilities) in order to facilitate the running of street level drug dealing and to spread their networks out across the country from London and other large conurbations.

The attached report from the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) second assessment of county lines contains more information:

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Cash to knock down and rebuild school buildings deemed not “fit for purpose” has been approved.

Swainswick Primary School has been given the green light to replace two old blocks which do not provide toilet facilities or hot water.

Children currently have to “negotiate an outside steep path and steps to use the facilities in the main school in all weathers,” according to Bath and North East Somerset Council papers.

The cost to replace the Swainswick school facilities, which are still in use, comes to £723,000 which will be budgeted from the 2017-18 Schools Capital Maintenance Grant.

This money is a ring-fenced grant supplied by the Department for Education.

A council report which highlights the school’s problem said the money will address the “condition and health and safety issues at Swainswick C.E Primary School by replacing two modular ‘Elliott’ buildings with two new permanent classrooms and adding toilet facilities” adding it will “improve the school estate and ensure school buildings are fit for purpose and provide safe secure environments.”

It added that the existing buildings are in a “very poor condition” and present “health and safety concerns around the stability of the buildings.”

Swainswick Primary School headteacher Grant Swarbrooke had previously said he was “very excited” about the idea of the buildings being replaced.

The decision to approve the funding was signed by councillors Paul May (Cons, Publow and Whitchurch – cabinet member for children and young people) and Charles Gerrish (Cons, Keynsham North – cabinet member for finance and efficiency).

Regarding the education grant, a council spokesman said: “The project at Swainswick has been fully costed and the budget identified is in line with current costs estimates. Budgets always include a contingency, in case of unforeseen circumstances or increasing project costs.

He added: “All Schools Capital Maintenance Grant is spent at local authority-maintained schools and any unspent allocation is carried forward to the next year’s budget.”


text:
Motorcyclist dies from Warrington collision injuries

A motorcyclist who was in collision with a car in Warrington has died from his injuries.

The 29-year-old was riding a blue Kawasaki Ninja on Hollins Lane when the accident happened outside Hollins Park Hospital.

The rider suffered serious chest and leg injuries in the collision on 18 June and died at Warrington General Hospital the following day.

The car driver was unhurt. Cheshire Police issued an appeal for witnesses.

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Blooming daffodils in December

Daffodils are blooming in Edinburgh's Botanic Gardens thanks to unseasonably mild weather for December.

Warm air blown from the south has been keeping Scotland unusually mild for the time of year.

Temperatures in double figures have led to unusual sights in the garden as BBC Scotland's Rob Flett reports.

  • 02 Jan 2014


text:
Pew survey: Africans optimistic despite corruption and economy woes

new housing in Nigeria Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption Most Nigerians, Kenyans and South Africans believe their lives will improve

Most people in three African countries have an optimistic outlook despite continuing anger at corruption and economic woes, a survey has found.

South Africans, Nigerians and Kenyans all say healthcare and education will be better for the next generation.

More than three-quarters also say that young people who want a good life should stay in their countries rather than emigrate, the Pew report found.

The research agency interviewed 3,330 respondents for the study.

Africa Live: BBC News Updates

Political engagement

Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption More than half of respondents said they had recently voted

Respondents reported high levels of political engagement, with majorities saying that ordinary citizens could influence their governments if they make the effort.

More than half said they had voted in the past year or at some point in the past - roughly the same level as in the US.

About 70% of people in South Africa and Nigeria - sub-Saharan Africa's two largest economies - say their economies are in bad shape, along with just over half of Kenyans. Large majorities in all three countries also said a lack of jobs was a big problem.

But despite this, most believed that the economic outlook would improve in the next year.

Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption Only a third of South Africans believe there will be less corruption when today's children are adults

Most South Africans, Nigerians and Kenyans believe that their countries are only run for the benefit of a few groups of people.

The majority of respondents say inequality has become worse and about two-thirds say many jobs only go to people who have personal connections.

Most expect this sorry state of affairs to continue - only a third of South Africans and Kenyans believe there will be less government corruption in their countries when today's generation of children are grown up.

However, Nigerians are more optimistic, with almost two-thirds saying today's children will face less corruption.

Food and education

Beyond the general findings, Nigerians said food supply and energy shortages were their top priority. The charity Save the Children says up to half of all children under five are malnourished in some parts of north-eastern Nigeria, which has been wracked by an Islamist insurgency.

In South Africa, where students have been staging the biggest student protests since the end of apartheid, education was a big issue. The number of people concerned about poor quality schools had increased sharply since the previous year's survey, Pew said. However two-thirds said they were confident things would be better for future generations.

Divided societies?

The headline findings mask differing outlooks between the various groups of people making up South African, Nigerian and Kenyan society.

In South Africa, black people were the most optimistic group, with 69% saying they thought the economy - and their own personal finances - would improve over the next year compared to just 46% of white people and 30% of mixed race people.

Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption Nigerian Muslims were more optimistic about the economy

They also had more confidence that healthcare and education would improve, were less cynical about how government was run and were more likely to believe staying in the country was the best route to a better future,

In Nigeria, Muslims were more upbeat about the economy while Christians were more likely to identify inequality as a major problem. More Christians and fewer Muslims said they thought government was run for the benefit of special interest groups after Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim, replaced Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, as president.

In Kenya, people in the Kikuyu and Kalenjin ethnic groups had a more positive outlook than those in the Luhya and Luo ethnic groups. All Kenya's presidents since independence have been either Kikuyu or Kalenjin.

Where do Africans look for inspiration?

Image copyright AP
Image caption Many Africans said they admired China's embrace of technology

When asked by Pew for models of economically developed countries to emulate, most respondents cited the US and China, but for different reasons.

In Kenya, where concern about government corruption was particularly widespread, 36% of respondents said the US was the best model because of its mode of governance and low levels of corruption. Only 15% cited China as the best example to follow.

In South Africa, 27% of respondents said the US was the best example of an economically developed country, slightly more than the 22% who chose China. And in Nigeria 28% of people cited China as the best example against 25% choosing the US.

Those looking to China said they admired the country's embrace of technology, manufacturing sector, level of exports and strong work ethic.


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Donald's Market

Upgrades expected to save $11,000 a year on electricity costs

Nina Winham

When it comes to improving your business, sometimes it seems you just can't afford the investments you'd like to make. Other times, you can't afford not to invest.

Increasingly, energy efficiency falls into the second category. With great gains in efficiency now available from relatively simple technologies, rebates from BC Hydro that significantly reduce payback times, and skilled contractors who are increasingly savvy about helping you save money on your electricity bill, this is a great time to get started on energy conservation – and save money month after month.

To demonstrate the value of undergoing an "energy makeover," BC Hydro recently teamed up with Donald's Market, an independent grocer based in Vancouver. Now, Donald's expects to save about $11,000 a year on electricity at its Commercial Drive location, and the store offers a better customer experience than ever before.

It started with an energy assessment

The first step at Donald's was to do an energy assessment to determine the market's needs, and the options for the best energy efficiency gains. Karl Horvath of Quantum Lighting and Dennis Arduini of CT Control Temp Inc. assisted with the market makeover.

"What we do first is check to see the type and age of equipment the company is using, and then we determine where the best savings would be," says Arduini. "New refrigeration cases are so much more efficient than older models, sometimes a full replacement is in order. But if that's not in the budget, upgrades or improvements can still improve their operating costs."

For his part, Horvath noted issues such as fluorescent lighting located directly above shelving instead of where it would best illuminate the product, a waste of electricity that left customers in the dark.

"As the population ages the light levels become more and more critical," he says. "People just can't read in a dark retail place, and if they can't, they'll stop shopping, or you'll have less opportunities to retail to them."

You can assess your options for energy efficiency by working with contractors who are members of the Power Smart Alliance. You can also get started on your own, using our "Energy Walk-through" series as a guide.

Lighting: strategic and efficient

New technologies have greatly improved not only efficiency, but also the colour rendering and visual comfort of various types of lighting. In addition, lighting practices have become more targeted to users' needs, and more strategic.

"What most people are looking for now is to dovetail energy efficiency needs with making sure their lighting meets their retail strategy," says Horvath. "By doing so, they can not only get the gains from reduced operating costs but also help push their sales forward."

At Donald's Market, that meant upgrading and repositioning older fluorescent lights over grocery aisles, work areas and checkouts with more efficient T8 fluorescent tubes with electronic ballasts and matching light levels to the tasks in each area. Outside the front door, T12 fluorescent tubes over produce bins were exhibiting an annoying "flicker" and were upgraded to T8 vapour-proof luminaires that use 25-35% less energy.

"The old lighting just pushed out a lot of bland light," says Horvath. "It made the product look poor, it washed it out with a bluish grey light."

Bringing colours to life was also a goal of the new lighting over the indoor produce area, where lights were repositioned away from pooling light on the floor to highlighting the enticing colours of eggplants, ripe tomatoes, and leafy greens. Halogen HIR floodlights were the pick for this area, with LED strips used inside produce cooler cases.

Donald's owner, Gary Joe, is delighted with the improvement. "These lights really enhance the product, and they don't damage it either," says Joe. "It's like the change from regular TV to HD TV – the lights not only save energy but they also give a crisp look, and it's easier on the eyes. We look back now and go wow, what a difference lighting can make."

A triple improvement was achieved inside coolers and freezers with glass doors (housing dairy products, frozen foods, etc.). Here, internal fluorescent tubes were both sending glare into customers' eyes, and throwing off heat that caused the refrigeration equipment to work extra hard. These were replaced with directional LED strip lighting that uses less energy, produces less heat, and allows a customer to see a wider range of product on the shelf instead of squinting and pulling away.

Finally, incandescent lights in the walk-in cooler were replaced with CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and an incandescent exit sign was replaced with a highly-efficient LED version. The total estimated savings from lighting improvements is more than 58,000 kWh of electricity per year, or nearly $3,500.

Lighting Savings Summary
Area Existing Retrofit Savings
Entrance areas (front of building under awning) T12 strip lighting 1 x 8 T8 vapour proof luminaires 10,019 $593.10
Exterior entrance (rear of building) HID high pressure sodium luminaire Metal halide wall packs 2,453 $145.21
Produce department 400W metal halide down lights Removed 11,826 $700.10
Produce department 50W MR16 track lighting heads Halogen HIR floodlights 6,771 $400.87
Cashiers area, grocery aisles, meat, produce, work area and offices 2 x 4 recessed luminaires (T12 and magnetic T8) 2 x 4 recessed T8 recessed luminaires (4 lamps) 18,370 $1,087.49
Glass door freezers and coolers (vertical) T8 40" lamps LED strip modules 1,989 $117.72
Meat and yogurt cooler cases T12 and T8 luminaires Convert to LBF electronic ballasts and 30W T8 lamps 2,606 $154.28
Open produce cases T8 lamps Horizontal LED strip modules 2,015 $119.28
Walk-in cooler Incandescent CFL 1,012 $59.90
Common areas Incandescent LED exit sign LED exit sign 1,183 $70.01
Total from lighting   58,242 $3,447.95

Refrigeration technology has also improved significantly over the years in terms of energy efficiency. However, the cost of completely replacing older refrigeration cases can be high, discouraging companies from seeking efficiencies.

Donald's Market helps prove that there are alternatives to replacement – fixes for older equipment that can save energy, and money.

A major factor in reducing the cost of energy for refrigeration is to prevent the loss of what you've already invested in: cold air. That means placing barriers between warm and cold areas wherever possible.

Donald's implemented three such technologies: night covers on upright refrigerated display cases, strip curtains at the entry to their cold storage area, and an "air curtain" at three different entrances.

"For a smaller store like Donald's, night curtains are the best option to save money right off the bat," says Dennis Arduini of CT Control Temp. "Especially on those older cases, you get a huge amount of cold air that's spilling out, with warm air from the store going in, so the units have to work that much harder to maintain their temperature."

The night covers are a retractable plastic cover, like a window blind, that are pulled over the case opening during closing hours, keeping the cold air in place.

"You don't need a technician to put them in, they're relatively inexpensive and the payback is very good," says Arduini. "And there's a BC Hydro incentive that adds to the value."

Similarly, strip curtains stop chilled air from spilling out of a busy cold storage area, while still allowing people to walk in and out with ease.

Air curtains help with the same issue – but they block air from moving between the store's interior and the outdoors.

"The air curtain provides a very thin band of air from the unit downwards to the floor, preventing the outdoor air from infiltrating into the store," explains Arduini. "The majority of problems happen in the summer, when warm humid air comes in. Then the air conditioning has to work harder and the humidity levels go up so you get condensation on your refrigerated product.

"You're using extra energy and the end result still isn't as good because your product is affected."

Air curtains – if adjusted properly (a firm steady air flow) – save far more energy than they use.

A final fix at Donald's Market was to replace the motors in refrigeration cases and walk in coolers (which keep cool air circulating) with electronically commutated motors (ECM's) which operate more smoothly and efficiently. Arduini says although all the motors were replaced at once at Donald's, most retailers opt to replace them one by one, as motors burn out.

The total energy savings from Donald's refrigeration improvements is estimated at more than 130,000 kWh per year – or about $7,600 in electricity costs. That brings the total energy savings for the Grocery Store makeover to about $11,000 a year.

"Energy is our second highest cost, after wages," says Gary Joe. "So it's really significant to be able to save money there; it makes a big difference."

Refrigeration Savings Summary
Area Existing Retrofit Savings
Cold storage No strip curtains Strip curtains 26,600 $1,574.72
Main entrance / main exit / rear loading doors No air curtains Air curtains 74,211 $4,393.29
Dairy cases No night cover Night cover 3,876 $229.46
Reach in refrigeration cases (dairy, meat, produce and freezer) No ECM's ECM's 22,888 $1,304.60
Walk in coolers No ECM's ECM's 2,693 $153.48
Total from refrigeration
130,267 $7,655.56

Composting, recycling and more

The grocery store makeover included consultations with the Green Table Network and the City of Vancouver's Climate Protection Program. Donald's Market has now established a store composting program, improved recycling practices, and water conservation measures.

In addition, Joe says they are working to reduce packaging, and switch to better environmental alternatives (such as eliminating styrofoam) where possible. He's also taking his learnings from the Commercial Drive store to Donald's new location at the River Market in New Westminster, where Donald's will be the grocery anchor tenant.

"We're trying to get more sustainable in every way possible, step by step," says Joe. "These days, everyone's quite educated about the world and sustainability; it's just the way to go. If you're not thinking about it, you will be three steps behind. This is the road to go, for sure."

Watch the Energy Fix on video

Watch The Energy Fix – a series of six short online videos that chronicle the grocery store makeover at Donald's Market. If you're planning your own energy fix, be sure to look at BC Hydro incentives that can help.

Nina Winham is a Vancouver-based sustainability consultant and frequent contributor to and the Power of Business eNewsletter.


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DE | English

Bechtle AG: Continued Success Story with Strong Third Quarter.

  • Revenue up 6.4 per cent
  • EBT climbs 9.4 per cent
  • Outlook for the year adjusted upwards

Neckarsulm, 11 November 2016 – Bechtle AG continued its success story in the third quarter of 2016. From July to September, the revenue increased 6.4 per cent to €730.0 million. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) went up 5.9 per cent to €35.2 million. Earnings before taxes (EBT) climbed 9.4 per cent to €36.3 million. The EBT margin thus reached 5.0 per cent (prior year: 4.8 per cent). As of 30 September 2016, Bechtle had a total of 7,645 employees, 491 (6.9 per cent) more than in the prior year.

“We are very pleased with the performance in the third quarter. In Germany and abroad, both business segments contributed to the group’s growth, supporting our positive outlook for the year as a whole”, says Dr. Thomas Olemotz, Chairman of the Executive Board of Bechtle AG.

Above-average growth in earnings from services.

The IT system house & managed services segment increased its revenue 6.0 per cent to €495.5 million. The growth was widely backed by stable customer demand for conventional system house services as well as for services related to modern IT architectures, such as application solutions as well as managed and cloud services. In the third quarter of 2016, segment EBIT surged by an above-average 14.6 per cent to €23.3 million. The EBIT margin was 4.7 per cent (prior year: 4.3 per cent).

E-commerce records significant revenue increase.

In the reporting period, the revenue in the IT e-commerce segment climbed 7.3 per cent to €234.5 million. The increase of the domestic companies was especially high. These companies boosted their revenues by 8.1 per cent to €69.7 million. The other 13 European countries went up 6.9 per cent to €164.8 million. However, EBIT declined by €1.0 million. This was due to the higher cost base in view of the future growth. Nevertheless, the margin amounted to an excellent 5.1 per cent.

Number of employees rising.

As of the reporting date 30 September 2016, the Bechtle Group had a total of 7,645 employees, including 516 trainees. Compared to 30 September 2015, the headcount thus went up by 491, an increase of 6.9 per cent. The increase was the result of acquisitions as well as new recruitment. On 1 September, more than 160 young people embarked on their training or integrated degree programme with Bechtle. The training ratio in Germany was 7.8 per cent.

Annual forecast adjusted upwards.

In view of the good performance of the first nine months of 2016, Bechtle is confident that it will be able to reach the goal formulated in March 2016, which provides for a significant revenue and earnings increase for the year as a whole. However, the Executive Board has decided to step up to the original forecast, which had predicted an EBT margin at the prior-year level. In the course of the year, Bechtle has continually succeeded in noticeably increasing the margin, especially in the IT system house & managed services segment. Moreover, a large-scale forfaiting in the third quarter resulted in a positive one-time effect of €1.3 million on the financial earnings. Against this backdrop, the Executive Board expects a slight increase of the EBT margin for 2016 as a whole. “The earnings development in the year to date has exceeded our expectations. In view of the fact that we have significantly outperformed the prior year especially in the IT system house & managed services segment, we feel that a slight EBT margin increase would also be realistic at the group level. However, this will only be possible if the economic framework conditions remain intact in the fourth quarter and we do not experience any supply bottlenecks on the supplier side towards the end of the year”, says Dr. Thomas Olemotz.

Bechtle KPIs for the Third Quarter.

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Vintners Reserve - Merlot

SKU: WIN0628

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Beer Brewing Classes

Merlot: Characteristically deep in colour with black cherry and berry aromas. The full fruit intensity of this wine has made it an increasingly popular varietal worldwide. Perfect with lamb red meats and spicy tomato sauce dishes.

Sweetness: Dry  Body: Medium  Oak Intensity: Light

Vintners Reserve 28-day winemaking kit contains 100% pure varietal grape juice and concentrate. This 10 litre wine kit continues to set the standard in its category by yielding wines of excellent quality flavour and aroma. Vintners Reserve offers a wide range of varieties that allows the winemaker to experience numerous styles and tastes.10 litres Yields 23 litres / 6 US Gallons. Ready to bottle in approximately 4 weeks.Complete with all the additives and yeast needed for the particular variety. Well blanced and blended with invert sugar and require no acid titration.

Additional Info

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Wine Producer Vintners Reserve
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Photo Controls

Photocells or photocell sensors are lighting controls used for dusk to dawn applications to automatically turn the fixtures on or off. Photo controls detect the amount of light outside and at night or once the light level reaches a low point, the fixture will turn on at 100% lumen output. During the day the photocell will also detect higher amounts of light and will turn the fixture off. Photocells can also work by regulating the lumen output level of the fixture even during the day, so the light level of the fixture increases as the light level outside decreases. Photo sensor switches are used for outdoor commercial and residential fixtures like wall packs, area lights, street lights and flood lights that need to be used for dusk to dawn applications.

Different Types of Photocells

Dusk to dawn photocells come in different shapes and sizes depending on the type and location of the fixture they will be installed in. Some photo eye sensors are installed on top of the fixture, while others can be installed remotely on the wall or far from the fixture to protect them from tampering. A single photocell switch can control multiple fixtures in the same circuit for more energy-efficient lighting solution. LED fixtures require only LED photocells to be dusk to dawn compatible.

Fixed Position Photo Controls

Fixed position photocells or button photo controls are installed inside fixtures like wall packs, with the "eye" exposed through a hole or knockout. Fixed mounting photosensors can also be attached to a wall and mounted behind a wall plate for protection. Fixed position photo controls are LED compatible and control fixtures with 120V to 305V. Using button photocells for dusk to dawn lighting saves more energy and prolongs the life of the fixture for more long term cost savings.

Locking-Type Mount Photo Controls

Twist lock photocells have more secure mounting onto the fixture for rugged outdoor applications like street lighting and area lighting. Locking-type photocell sensors are usually mounted on top of the fixture for maximum daylight detection. Dusk to dawn sensors range from 120V to 480V for high voltage fixtures and can be used for LED fixtures for roadway, area and parking lot lighting.

Stem Mount Photo Controls

Stem photo controls easily fit into knockouts in standard outlet boxes and wall pack fixtures. Stem mount photocell light switches are ideal when the fixture is not in direct view of the sun so the sensor can be further extended outward. Photo eye sensors can control LED fixtures and standard outdoor fixtures within 120V to 480V ranges. Photocells help increase the rate life of outdoor fixtures by turning them on only at specific times and turning them off automatically.

Stem and Swivel Mount Photo Controls

Pencil photocells have a stem to extend the photocell outward and a pivot joint to rotate the angle to detect the most light outside. Stem and swivel photocontrol sensors are ideal for fixtures in shaded areas or with objects blocking them. Pencil photocells makes it convenient to convert outdoor fixtures into dusk to dawn lights even in remote locations. LED compatible photosensors work with 120V to 480V fixtures.

Fixture Mount Photo Controls

Fixture mount photo controls can be installed in high bays, strip lights and vapor tight fixtures for on/off operation or daylight harvesting. On/off photocells turn the fixture off or on to 100% level during low light levels. Daylight harvesting involves automatic dimming control monitor the light level outside, and increase or decrease the fixture's light output accordingly. These photocells are mounted to the fixture through a knockout on the side.

Ceiling Mount Photo Controls

Ceiling mount photocell light switches operate similar to fixture mount controls with on/off operation and automatic dimming control, but these are mounted remotely on the ceiling. Ceiling sensors operate on low voltage and require a power pack to work. These sensors can control multiple fixtures in the same circuit, making it ideal for warehouses and offices.


text:
Belfast Telegraph

Most firms are paying men more than women, figures show

Based on median hourly earnings, 74% of companies pay men more than women, the latest Government data shows.

Around three in four businesses are paying male employees more than their female colleagues, the latest Government data shows.

More than 1,000 organisations with 250 or more workers have published their gender pay gap figures.

Based on median hourly earnings, 74% of companies pay men more than women, while 15% pay women more than men and 11% report no difference.

Firms with a large pay gap favouring men include clothing chain Phase Eight, where the hourly rate for men is 54.5% higher than for women, Tui Airways (47.3%) and easyJet (45.5%).

Pay gap favouring men

On its website, fashion retailer Phase Eight said: “Whilst on first glance, our published gender pay gap figures suggest the average man has a higher hourly rate of pay than the average female, this is misleading and does not reflect the true story and culture within the Phase Eight business.

“The figures result from the fact that, as a women’s fashion retailer, the staff in our stores are overwhelmingly female, whilst our corporate head office staff (whose pay rates are typically higher) are more evenly split between men and women. This will cause significant disparity across our results where this imbalance is not taken into consideration.”

At the other end of the scale, when women are paid more than their male colleagues, Three Rivers council reports an hourly median average for women 42.0% higher than for men.

Pay gap favouring women

Other local authorities with a gender pay gap favouring women include Pendle council (36.0%) and Fylde council (18.7%).

The median average is different from a simple mean average as it is based on the midpoint – or middle value – between either end of a salary range.

A mean average can give a misleading impression of gender pay if a company has a lot of people on a high salary and only a few on very low pay.

Based on mean average, some 84% of businesses pay male staff members more than women.

The Government has made it mandatory for all organisations with 250 or more workers to report annually on their gender pay gap, and the remaining 8,000 are required to publish the first set of data by April.

The gender pay gap is different to “equal pay”, which deals with the pay differences between men and women who carry out the same jobs.

Weekly Business Digest Newsletter

This week's business news headlines, directly to your inbox every Tuesday.


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Belfast Telegraph

Home News UK

Hundreds of engineers to be hired in broadband recruitment drive

The Fibre First programme from Openreach promises to expand networks in up to 40 towns, cities and boroughs.

Around 400 trainee engineers will be hired across Scotland as part of a recruitment drive during the next year.

The new roles, part of 3,500 available across the UK, will be located in Highlands and Islands, Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Dumfries and Galloway and Perth and Kinross.

Openreach bosses say they will join the UK’s “largest team” of telecoms engineers working to expand, upgrade, maintain and install broadband.

Its Fibre First programme promises to expand networks in up to 40 towns, cities and boroughs.

The firm has also committed to making fibre available in three million British homes and business by the end of 2020.

Edinburgh is among eight cities in the UK which will begin the roll-out.

Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, said: “These trainee engineers will be playing a vital role in the future success and prosperity of Scotland.

“Over the last year our 3,000 Scottish engineers have been the driving force behind making ‘superfast’ broadband available to more than 93% of the country, whilst also improving our customer service performance – but we want to do more.”

BT boost to Scottish economy

Fergus Ewing, the Scottish Government’s Connectivity Secretary said: “This is very welcome news for broadband users across Scotland, not to mention the 400 trainee engineers who will help to implement Openreach’s ambitious plans.

“It’s particularly encouraging to see that these engineers will be based across the country, with that influx of new jobs and skilled employees set to benefit some of Scotland’s more rural areas.”

The company says it will also offer work experience placements for young people.

Fraser Rowberry, general manager of Openreach in Scotland, added: “This latest recruitment represents a further major investment in Scotland, with permanent posts across the country from the Northern Isles to the Borders.

“We’re committed to helping people realise their potential so we’re also delighted to be offering work experience placements, under the Movement to Work programme, to 18 to 24-year-olds who are currently not in education, employment or training.

“Scottish courses are held in places like Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.”

Daily News Headlines Newsletter

Today's news headlines, directly to your inbox.

From Belfast Telegraph


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Manchaca Plumbing Repair and Installation, TX

Ben Franklin Plumbing Company in Manchaca, Texas offers professional plumbing service and repairs for clogged sinks, clogged toilets, clogged pipes, clogged drains, drain cleaning, leak detection, sewer repair, sink installations, water heater repairs, water heater installations and more - 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

Our Plumbing Company is fully staffed with experienced plumbing technicians, and we take pride in servicing the plumbing needs of the Manchaca, TX area in an efficient and professional manner.


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Berghaus Customer Service

Men's Extrem Micro Down Jacket
Product code: 421914
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Men's Extrem Micro Down Jacket
  • The lowdown

    The Extrem Micro Down Jacket is a super-versatile and lightweight piece of cold-weather gear.

    Climb, ski and trek into the extreme, confident that you have super packable warmth available in an instant. This pro-level piece of gear is stuffed with our remarkable Hydrodown® insulation – which keeps on working when wet, unlike traditional down – while body-mapping technology means you get the heat where you need it most. And if – like us – you care about how products are made, you’ll be happy to know that this jacket is RDS-certified for guaranteed ethical sourcing of the down.

    Weight (approx.): 414g

  • In A Nutshell
    • WINDPROOF GUARANTEE - Highly windproof and incredibly light without sacrificing strength or durability, that’s the beauty of award winning Pertex® QUANTUM® Diamond Fuse.
    • LONG LASTING WARMTH - Filled with our ethically sourced hydrophobic down, Hydrodown® powered by NikWax® – for long-lasting warmth that keeps on working for up to 16 hours when wet.
    • INTELLIGENT HEAT DISTRIBUTION - We used innovative body-mapping techniques to ensure efficient distribution of heat, putting warmth where you need it.
  • For The Gear Geeks
    • Super-versatile design, suitable for climb, ski or trek.
  • Journey To Your Door

    FREE Standard Delivery on all orders.

    FREE Express Delivery on  all orders.

    *Please ensure you select Express Delivery when enabled in checkout

    We offer two delivery options in the UK:-

    UK Standard Delivery Free
    approx 4 - 5 working days.

    UK Express Delivery Free (normally £4.95)
    approx 1 - 2 working days, (orders placed before 4.00pm Monday to Thursday will receive Next Day Delivery)

    This service includes the United Kingdom mainland, Northern Ireland Islands, Channel Islands, but deliveries to Scottish Highlands and the Channel Islands may take longer

    Delivery to BFPO addresses for personal or overseas missions and excercises is also £2.49. Click here for full details

  • Lifetime Guarantee

    A lifetime of adventure. Guaranteed. Berghaus products can do (almost) anything

    For 50 years, Berghaus has been committed to endless innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We believe passionately that our products make a real difference to the people who use them – and we guarantee our gear will stand up to the task it’s intended for (yes, that does rule out using your jacket as a paragliding sail).

    Read more about Product Lifetime Guarantee...

  • Reviews
    What people say
What people say


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As seen on the Channel 4 shows

Staircase Safety Considerations for Loft Conversions

When installing a staircase as part of a loft conversion, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics. It’s important, however, to consider safety first in any build, and particularly when it comes to loft conversion staircases, as they are the main escape route out of the converted attic in the event of a fire.

Before you decide upon one type of staircase or another, speak to your loft conversion specialist. A good loft conversion company will talk you through the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision and balance beauty with safety.

Spiral Staircases

A spiral staircase is a favourite for a loft conversion, with the simple reason being that they save space both on the first floor and within the new loft room. They’re also really aesthetically pleasing.

The problem with spiral staircases, however, is that they aren’t wide enough to allow two people to pass one another in a hurry – or even at a normal pace – should the occasion arise. They can also be difficult for children or those with a disability or visual impairment to negotiate, and so this is something to consider.

Floating Staircases

The contemporary look of floating staircases, so named as they have a gap between each step on the staircase to give a floating look rather than being a solid step, makes them very appealing to the eye.

However, they are often narrower than a traditional staircase, which, just as with a spiral staircase, makes them harder to pass anyone else on the stairs. Similarly, because of their floating nature, there can be a tendency for feet to get caught in the gap between steps, which may mean they could lead to more injuries than a traditional staircase.

Traditional Staircases

You can’t go wrong with a traditional staircase. They are a safe option which your Local Authority’s Building Regulations department will approve of. They also allow for a safe passage if two people need to cross on the stairs in an emergency.

And don’t dismiss a traditional staircase as boring: if you feel that a wooden staircase is too mundane, opt for a metal staircase for a modern feel, or glass for an elegant look.

The subject of staircase safety is an important part of any loft conversion and shouldn’t be dismissed. If you’re not sure what type of staircase will work for your family and your home, speak to a specialist loft conversion contractor such as Bespoke Lofts. We offer free, no obligation quotes and will keep you and your family safe on the stairs.

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JavaScript and HTML DOM + Live Examples

JavaScript allows you to build interactive websites. JavaScript has become essential web technology along with HTML & CSS - a must for front end developer.

Career Guidance
Sandeep Soni

Mr. Sandeep Soni

CEO & Founder of Deccansoft Software Services
9849001840  /  9849001840

Career Guidance
Sandeep Soni

Mr. Sandeep Soni

CEO & Founder of Deccansoft Software Services
9849001840  /  9849001840

Course Overview

Javascript is an Interpreted language and it’s executed by the interpreter built in within the web browser on all platforms. It is Object based (doesn’t support inheritance) and is case sensitive language. It is very loosely typed. i.e it doesn’t have any datatypes. It’s a specification by initially Netscape and is acknowledge by ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association). Javascript language together with HTML DOM (Document Object Model) API is used to make the web page dynamic or interactive. Also we can do client side validations of data before the form is submitted to server.

jQuery is a fast, lightweight multi-browser JavaScript library. The Best part of jQuery is that Interacts with the DOM, makes ajax requests and also creates effects even after javascript is been disabled in the browser. jQuery also allows functionality for developers to build plug-ins.

Why Our USP…

  • Get an idea of the quality and quantity of the subjects by watching demo videos provided.
  • For any technical issues/queries relating to the online training videos, we provide technical support by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
  • The course material is simple and organized and can be used for learning and as a reference material.
  • Includes job interview related training to help participants face an interview confidently.
  • Microsoft Certification Guidance and any subject related questions will be answered by Mr Sandeep Soni (MCT).
  • Every course is accompanied by a Real-time project along with a step-by- step guide and complete source code.

  • Understand the JavaScript language & the Document Object Model.
  • Detect and respond to user actions.
  • Alter, show, hide and move objects on a web page.
  • Check information inputted into a form.
  • jQuery is an easy to learn JavaScript library which makes JavaScript programming very easy.
  • jQuery takes a lot of common tasks that require many lines of JavaScript code to accomplish, and wraps them into methods that you can call with a single line of code.
  • jQuery also simplifies complicated tasks like AJAX calls and DOM manipulation.
  • jQuery will run exactly the same and produce same output in all major browsers.
  • jQuery is free and very easy to include in your projects: just download its latest version from the jQuery website, or use an online Content Delivery Network.
  • jQuery is continuously upgraded, maintained and documented by a dedicated community of great developers. This ensures high quality and support on the internet.

This course is designed for individuals with an intermediate knowledge on HTML.

Mr. Sandeep Soni, CEO & Founder of Deccansoft Software Services. is brain child of Mr. Sandeep Soni.This site has been developed to break the barriers of traditional classroom-style education beyond the geographical and time zone barriers and reach audience all over the world.

From his engineering days, Sandeep has been in love with Microsoft Technologies. He has worked hard to learn MS Technologies, w......

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Driving Efficiency in the Energy Industry with Dynamics 365 Field Services

The people most engaged with your customer are the field services team – how do you ensure they are equipped to deliver the best customer experience in an efficient way? We know that this efficiency can help drive revenue and profitability from field service but how do you make this happen in your organization?

Join Betach Solutions and Nancy Kuppich, Microsoft Field Services Global Black Belt, as we discuss how to:

  • Create consistency and loyalty

  • Make your customer services agents and field technicians’ jobs easier

  • Respond quickly to customer and market changes

  • Turn service calls into a strategic advantage

  • Fit in more appointments per day—to make the most of your employee workloads, mileage, and more

  • Equip your mobile workforce with relevant apps

  • Go from a traditional break-fix repair model to a more profitable, never-fail service model with built-in data collection, analysis, and alerts.

Register Here:


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Ref #: EWATC04275

Rolex – Pre-Owned

Daytona White Gold (116509)

Pre-owned Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (ref. 116509), featuring an Oyster Perpetual mechanical automatic movement; black dial with red detailing; chronograph with 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock & 12-hour counter at 9 o'clock; small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock; and 40mm, 18k white gold case on an Oyster 18k white gold bracelet secured by an Oysterlock foldover clasp. Guaranteed authentic- with the case, dial and movement signed Rolex. Accompanied by the original Rolex watch box and papers, dated 2009.

This item is currently out of stock


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Pillars Yogurt Expands Distribution Throughout the Northeast

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Pillars Yogurt is expanding in Hannaford Supermarkets  in Massachusetts, Vermont, New York and in the Keene and Claremont stores in New Hampshire. The drinkable Greek yogurt is a game-changer in the dairy aisle with a nutrition profile that’s hard to beat. Each serving of Pillars Yogurt contains 100 calories, 18 grams of protein, pre and probiotics, and no added sugar. The dairy in Pillars Yogurt is sourced from grass-fed cows, and the products are both kosher and non-GMO.

The Pillars Yogurt story starts in 2008. While driving to a business meeting, Eric Bonin, founder of Pillars Yogurt, reached for a spoon and spilled a cup of Greek yogurt all over himself. The spill may have ruined a pair of dress pants, but it was also the light bulb moment from which Pillars was born.

At that time, as the manager of strategic initiatives for another yogurt company, Commonwealth Dairy, Eric thought to himself, “There must be a better way.” Passionate about health and wellness, Eric set out on a mission to create a more convenient, healthier option. The result is Pillars Drinkable Greek Yogurt.

For more information visit PillarsYogurt.com.

About Pillars Yogurt

Pillars Yogurt is a drinkable Greek yogurt sourced from the best ingredients possible.  Our recipe is renowned not just for what’s in it, but also for what’s not in it.  We called our yogurt “Pillars” in honor of the pillars of good health. Pillars Yogurt is all-natural and non-GMO. Our products are naturally simple and naturally good, because we believe what’s delicious and what’s good for you should be one and the same. www.PillarsYogurt.com.


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McLaren Playing at Blackhawk Museum in Danville Nov 7th

Blackhawk Museum
3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir, Danville
Tuesday, November 7th, 2017
5:30 – 9:00pm | $25

Special screening of McLaren at the Blackhawk Museum to benefit The Blackhawk Museums Children’s Education & Transportation Fund.

The story of Bruce McLaren, the New Zealander who founded the McLaren Motor Racing team. A man who showed the world that a man of humble beginnings could take on the elite of motor racing and win.

Movie showing followed by a Q & A with former race car driver Howden Ganley, the third employee hired by Brice McLaren’s new team as a junior mechanic

  • 5:30pm Reception at Blackhawk Museum
  • 6:30pm McLaren movie showing in Gallery (with intermission)
  • 8:00pm Q&A with Howden Ganley
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Birdman aka The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance (2014)

I didn't know exactly what to expect from this movie going in. I had heard that it was a good movie, and I knew that Michael Keaton was playing a guy who used to be a superhero, but that was about it. It turns out, this was probably slightly less of a superhero movie than Unbreakable was. But, it is more of a superhero movie than, say, Fury.

Michael used to be a superhero in a few Birdman movies, and now that's what he's known for. But he's struggling to be taken seriously as an actor by writing, directing, and starring in his own Broadway play. The play itself is immaterial as far as the movie is concerned, but the actual production of the play is very important.

Speaking of production, this movie is beautifully shot. It has some of the longest sweeping shots and unbroken scenes I've seen in a long time. There was a particularly good scene where Keaton's daughter, played by the talented Emma Stone, has a straight talk with her father about his irrelevance in the modern world. It's a touching and emotional scene, and I have no idea how both actors managed to stay in character for the entire length of the scene, but there were no camera breaks or cuts visible. I say visible, as it is pretty clear that they use some trickery when it comes to this kind of filming. They have unbroken moving camera shots that cannot happen and had to have been beautifully digitally stitched together.

Keaton struggles through the entire movie with his inner monologue that represents Birdman and everything he was. It is his ambition, his ego, and the voice that always tells him what he thinks of as the truth. Often when he talks, Keaton displays superpowers that are intentionally left vague as to their foothold in reality.

On stage, Edward Norton comes on as the actor who will make or break the play. He's amazingly talented as an actor, but he's so hard to work with that everyone hates him. It's almost as if Edward is playing a fictionalized version of himself on screen. It is my understanding that he is so hard to work with in real life that they got someone else (Mark Ruffalo) to play Bruce Banner in the Avengers movie after Edward did a tremendous job in The Incredible Hulk movie. It was clear that they weren't going to go with Eric Bana after that terrible Hulk false start.

Direction was very good
Acting was very good
Story was very good
Cinematography was excellent
Effects were very good

Bottom Line: An excellent and unexpectedly intelligent movie. Go see it.

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Rosewater (2014)

Jon Stewart is a smart, talented man who poured his heart and soul into this movie. It seems like a shame to crap all over it, but it crapped itself on me first. I really wanted to like this movie, but it just wasn't that good. I know I must be in the minority, as it appears to have gotten generally favorable reviews elsewhere, and while I know that its box office was pretty terrible, that isn't really the whole story on if a film is good.

This film has some solid acting. Even the bit part by Jason Jones (playing himself) was very good. Everyone does a fine job with their roles - that's not the problem. The story revolves around the relationship that is established between the wrongly accused protagonist and his interrogator, and they seem to interact pretty well. As a result of the things that this movie does right, it's hard to put a finger on why I felt so detached from the characters and almost disinterested in the movie I had been looking forward to.

The pacing of this movie is way off. There is movement at times, but there is usually a whole lot of nothing going on. The fact that they wanted to humanize the jailers only served to give the audience a bit of a moral ambiguity about if these were supposed to be the bad guys. As we followed too many of their personal interactions, it became hard to even keep track of who was in charge of who, who did what, and who we were supposed to give a crap about. I know the intent was to give us characters that weren't black and white, but you can't do that to all of the characters without introducing a certain kind of malaise to the audience.

The absolute worst thing in this movie is the ham-fisted attempt to shoehorn into the story what was happening with social media. You know what? Go ahead and have people just mention it. Go ahead and have someone in a coffee shop comment to a friend. Yes, it's a stupid way to do it, but words floating around in a street are a lame way to spend your graphics budget.

Direction was not good
Story was okay
Dialogue was okay
Pacing was terrible
Acting was good

Bottom Line: First time up to bat for Jon Stewart - swing and a miss.

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Matthew 14:20

Were filled (ecortasqhsan). Effective aorist passive indicative of cortazw. See Matthew 5:6 . From the substantive corto grass. Cattle were filled with grass and people usually with other food. They all were satisfied. Broken pieces (twn klasmatwn). Not the scraps upon the ground, but the pieces broken by Jesus and still in the "twelve baskets" (dwdeka kopinou) and not eaten. Each of the twelve had a basketful left over (to perisseuon). One hopes that the boy ( John 6:9 ) who had the five loaves and two fishes to start with got one of the basketsful, if not all of them. Each of the Gospels uses the same word here for baskets (kopino), a wicker-basket, called "coffins" by Wycliff. Juvenal (Sat. iii. 14) says that the grove of Numa near the Capenian gate of Rome was "let out to Jews whose furniture is a basket (cophinus) and some hay" (for a bed). In the feeding of the Four Thousand (Matthew and Mark) the word spuri is used which was a sort of hamper or large provisions basket.


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Basil Dijon Mustard

210g pot - 3.05 € (14.52 € / kg)
3 jars of 210g ea. - 8.70 € (13.81 € / kg)
6 jars of 210g ea. - 16.45 € (13.06 € / kg)

A basil flavoured Dijon mustard

Basil is very famous in mediterranean cuisine, and is an essential ingredient in the Italian pesto and the pistou soup in Provence. Here, it is married with Dijon mustard of the highest quality, to produce a mustard that is perfect served with cold meats or mixed into a vinaigrette sauce for salad.

water, mustard seeds, white wine (17.8%), vinegar, basil (8%), salt, spices, antioxidizing agent E224, citric acid.

Average nutrition facts For 100g
Energy 135 / 565.22 kcal / kJ
Total fat 12 g
  Saturated fat 0.9 g
Carbohydrate 1.5 g
  Sugar 1.4 g
Proteins 6.8 g
Salt 6.4 g

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Sunday, August 2, 2015

Big Brother Season 17, Episode 18 Recap

I'm not exactly breaking new ground here by saying that people who watch the feeds see the CBS broadcasts differently than those whose only exposure is via the network showings. For non-feedsters, every show is truly brand new. Most don't read blogs, and have no idea that most of the events happened a few days earlier.

Online viewers, though, know most of what's going to be shown. We watch for the competitions that were blocked from the feeds. We tune in for the diary room commentary. Mostly, though, we watch for the erroneous information. The errors in continuity, storylines created by bad editing, and diary room comments that were clearly fed to the house guests.

Fact it, though, that for the most part a good episode is great for both sides of this viewership...except in the case of an episode such as tonight. While endurance competitions create some of the most enjoyable feed viewing, the following Sunday's episode that features said competition isn't that exciting. Given that we know everything that happened during the two hours of the competition, the first third or so of the broadcast is not really as essential for us to see again as it is for the broadcast-only viewer. (In fact, the only excitement for us will be at the very end.)

Given this fact, I'm going to gloss over most of this portion of the show. I know the order of people dropping. I know that most of them are going to state how important it is for them to win this, along with how hard it was to stay up on the ledge. Most importantly, I've heard and seen the footage of James and Shelli make a deal at the same time that Johnny falls off the ledge.

The only real interesting point of the competition comes at that point. Shelli is heard in the diary room saying, "I feel alright with my deal with James. I do think he's the type of person who will keep his word. This is a deal that was made in front of the entire house, so if he doesn't say true to his word then that's saying a lot about James as a game player."  What makes that interesting is that on the feeds, she learns the truth about James' plans right after this moment, and claims that the diary room asking her this question made her feel worried about their deal. (Of course, this clip isn't aired but was heard on last night's Big Brother Gossip Show.) Also interesting is Vanessa saying that Shelli not including her in the deal shows where she is in her alliance's totem pole.

But I'm getting ahead of the storyline here.  Everybody is then shown walking into the house, and they see Julia's picture on the memory hall in place of Jace. Liz, though, is freaked out that James is the new HOH, especially since she's "been gunning for him in previosu weeks".

Meg and James celebrate in the bathroom, and as we played last night he says he's going to "rattle the cage". Jackie joins the celebration, and they talk about how shocked they were that Shelli dropped.

Austin and Vanessa now talk. She's upset and paranoid, as usual. "You can only worry about what you can control." The twins are then shown heading into the bedroom to talk about Austin revealing Julia's name. Austin joins them, and Julia bitches at him about this "shady" fact. Ugh, this week's show is AGAIN copying EVERYTHING we aired last night! Wait, Julia just said she wouldn't "trust him with a ten foot pole"??? What does that even mean?

"Poor" Shelli is now feeling sad, and she pulls Vanessa into the Have-not room. She justifies why she made that deal with James, and Vanessa pulls her great passive-aggressive moves on her. She understands why she did what she did, but that's what was best for her. Vanessa says it's either going to be her or the twins that goes this week. "That's the game we signed up for." Clay enters the room, and then Austin comes in to complain about Julia's anger towards him. When he leaves, Clay says they need to get to James to ensure that the twins and Austin go up. "The thing is", replies Shelli, "we're going to lose one of them, (and) it's my fault". Clay tells her to stop thinking that way.

After commercials, we then get some filler material of Shelli and Clay. Why? So much happened this weekend. Why do we get their phony relationship? At least we get to see just how dumb he is.

This is followed by Steve and James filler. Why oh why???

Ok, back to the game (and back to our show's script). James is in the HOH with Meg, Jackie, and the Rat. I mean Becky. They talk about Shelli wanting to cut a deal with a so-called alliance member, and how they're coming after them. "She needs to go. Let's do this." James adds in the diary room that Shelli is definitely his target as she "runs the show". They go through various combinations of nominees, and Meg says that "nobody can know about this".

Unfortunately, the rat was involved in this conversation, and after commercials, but again CBS screws with the timeline. Becky told Clay in the bathroom, but they're jumping ahead a couple of hours to show her verifying the info with both Clay and Shelli in the lounge. Nobody likes a narc, Becky! This makes no sense, as she's telling them to act like they have no idea they know they're going up. Continuity, Big Brother editors! What you're showing makes no sense!!!

Clay and Shelli argue a bit about this. "Why can't I get up and walk around", Shelli complains. Clay says he's "ten times as pissed off". She wnats to get Vanessa for advice, but Clay is not so sure they should.

We now see Vanessa heading into the HOH. She's worried that she's going up, and tells him that the Jason eviction was a "house decision". Ha, what a lie. She babbles on and on, but basically throws out Shelli and Clay's name. "If I wanted one of them to go home, would you be against it", James asks. Of course, she agrees. She says that if she's not put up, she won't him up or a person of his choice until final seven (or something like that). James likes that idea.

The loving couple now head up to the HOH, and Clay reminds Shelli to put on "happy faces". James is reminded of their deal, and they again lie about their role in the Jason situation. "I totally get why that was so upsetting to y'all", says Shelli. Austin is the real devil in last week's plans, says Shelli, but James plays dumb. "I'm just telling them what they want to hear", he says.

In the middle of the night, James can't sleep, so he heads downstairrs to tell Meg that he's just going to put both of them up. "They need to be broken up." Meg says that she thinks "everybody will just keep the noms the same". James is worried that they'll become another "Mack train" like Brendon and Rachel (what?), and he has to make a big move now. (And live feeders cheered.)

It's now the moment of truth. Will James follow through on his plan? As Daniel Bryan's fanbase likes to shout, "YES! YES! YES!!!" He says he nominated Clay and Shelli because "there was a line drawn in the sand last week, and I was blindsided by that as well. Shelli, you stood on that wall, and you beasted that competition, and I know you will go to the end of the season with Clay. I know if I got to take Clay out, I have to take you out as well. As far as our contract we had up there, it's up to my discretion whether that contract is valid and it's not up for appeal."

Shelli reminds him that he did "publicly, in front of the whole house" made that deal, "so everyone in this house can know right now that James is not good for his word". Clay swears in the background, while Shelli goes on that "Clay had nothing to do with Jason going up on the block last week, and anyone that wants to come to us to find out the true story is fair game". Ha! Best nomination ceremony ever!!!

We end with diary room commentary, but it's as expected. Clay struggles with words as he complains about loyalty. "Maybe we're just naive to think that there are people in this house that plays the game like us." Ugh, I hate him so much. James just wants his noms to stay the same, and Vanessa is pissed that Shelli threw her "under the bus" with that reply. Shelli says that they just HAVE to win POV to make it possible for both of them to make it through the week.

So that's it. A somewhat exciting episode, thanks to the fun at the end. What did you think? Are you happy that the phony couple is on the block? Are you mad that James broke his word? Let us know your thoughts!!!

  1. Best nomination ceremony ever!!

  2. Lol, you guys had it right last night when yall pointed out that James didn't even need to make a deal. He could have gone on for hours more in the HoH comp. There is no reason in Clay and Shelli, just reactionary emotions.
    Entitled is the word I'd use to describe them. Who do they think they are exactly? Shelli is a 30-something loser who apparently can take off her "job" for 3 months and yet still "needs the jury money." And Clay is a kid who had never watched BB until sequester, yet he's gonna tell us (the fans) how to play Big Brother. What a tool...

  3. I'm glad they are up on the block... but not sure how noms will stay the same with the way the numbers are... and god forbid the rat win pov

  4. How many concussions has Clay had? If he's not just a born idio, he needs medical help. His wires are not connected properly.

    I can't wait to see Shelli evicted.

  5. I love to read your recaps, Scott, to see if you were left with similar impressions as I had. I laughed and laughed over the "trust him with a ten-foot pole" saying. It's "trust him. . . " get your worn out phrases right! LOL

    1. This has been a season of horrible usage of bad cliches.

    2. I think it's been a summer of wonderfully horrible usage of bad cliches.

    3. I think it's been a summer of wonderfully horrible usage of bad cliches.

  6. Because I was here for an event, I am not sure about their regular layout, but the event decor was just phenomenal. The dining hall at best karaoke bar nyc was attached to a beautiful room.


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Nathan Sykes Has Just Revealed He'd LOVE To Work With Little Mix

Nathan Sykes has revealed that Little Mix are on his wish list for future collaborations as well as another solo singer!

Nathan Sykes' 'Famous' climbed SIX position on Sunday's countdown, beating the likes of Robbie Williams and The Chainsmokers to earn a spot in the coveted weekly top ten.

Download Nathan Sykes' top 10 single 'Famous' now.

Of course, when you have the likes of Mr Sykes in the studio, you can't help but ask a question or two, including who would be one of his dream collaborations.

The 'Unfinished Business' star revealed, "I'd love to work with Charlie Puth. What an amazing person and just incredibly talented". Adding, "he's just the nicest guy on the planet".

However it was when we quizzed him on Little Mix that he truly opened up...

Leigh-Anne had previously stated how Nathan was her favourite current male artist and we think the news went down pretty well, "Obviously I toured with the girls (Little Mix), quite a lot this year which was amazing and they're phenomenal live - they're all incredible individually - yeah, i'd love to do something with the girls".