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Sword and Fairy 7 DLC "Dreamlike World" launches February 14 for PC; later for consoles as a free update - Tuesday 31st January 2023 08:15 AM
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"Saint Egidio Catholic" and "Mama Shamsa" win the Zayed Prize for Human Fraternity - Tuesday 31st January 2023 08:13 AM
Urgent Suspension of studies tomorrow in Saudi Arabia, due to the weather.. List of areas covered by the suspension - Tuesday 31st January 2023 08:13 AM
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Mike Pompeo: Mohammed bin Salman is a historical figure and the most important leader of his time
Trends Suraa Trend Wednesday 25th January 2023 01:03 PM REPORT
The former US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, described Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a historical figure, saying that he is one of the most important leaders of his time, if not the most important of all.
This came in his new book, which was released yesterday, Tuesday, January 24, in which he dealt with his tenure as Secretary of State of former President Donald Trump, and he spoke in part about America's relationship with Saudi Arabia during this period.
It may also interest you
He continued: What made the media crazier for Trump and his administration is our excellent relations with Saudi Arabia.
Trump was jealous of Pompeo's visit to Saudi Arabia
Pompeo had paid a visit to Riyadh in October 2018, and he said about that: Trump assigned me to go to the Kingdom, and I think he was envious and jealous of my visit. Because I was the one who walked in opposition to the Washington Post, the New York Times, and other cowards who had no connection with reality.
Pompeo emphasized that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a reformer who will prove to be one of the most important leaders of his time, and a truly historical figure on the world stage.
The American media's falsification of the facts
In the same context, the director of the CIA in the Trump administration criticized the American media for its handling of the Khashoggi case, saying that it fueled false anger and did not reveal the full truth.
It is noteworthy that Mike Pompeo's new book coincides with his thinking about running for the White House, as he stated that running for the presidential elections by former President Donald Trump in 2024 will not discourage him from his candidacy.
PREV Liverpool celebrates the anniversary of Mohamed Salah's amazing goal against West Ham.. Video
NEXT Saudi Idol program, live broadcast, the second live show, January 25 – mbc1 live


Another huge Washington landmark and it'll take you a while to walk all the way around the outside. Free timed tours inside are available by picking up a ticket from the new Visitor Centre. It's fascinating to see inside, but you don't get to see much of the building on the tour unless the houses aren't in session. We think you'll get most out of this tour if you have a real interest in US history, you may be a bit bored if not. This is an extract from our free Washington DC City Guide.
If you haven't booked online in advance here, then you'll need to get a same-day ticket from the Information Desks at the new Capitol Visitor Center. To make sure you get tickets, arrive in the morning shortly after the ticket booths open at 8.30am. You'll then need to come back for the time on your ticket. At peak summer times the tickets go fast, but at other times of the year it can be a quite a few hours before they all go.
The tour itself has changed since the updated visitor facilities were introduced. You'll have a headset to hear your tour guide, who will take you into several areas of the Capitol. You'll spend some time in the central area under the dome where you hear a full explanation of how the building came about and the importance of the artworks and design. After this you'll go to the statue room and hear about the statues and their connections to the various US States. If the politicians are not in session, you may also be allowed access to the debating chamber, but this was not available when we took the tour. The tour ends on the lower floor where there is an exhibition space. You'll need to allow around an hour for your visit.
If you don't want to do the tour, you can visit the Capitol Information Center for free, Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. The popular Washington DC Guided Day Tour stops at the Capitol building.
Washington Segway Tour – Travel in style past the US Capitol!


bacon 400 g 0.88 lb.
juniper extract* 1.0 g ⅓ tsp.
Grind all meats through ⅛" (3 mm) plate. Re-freeze meats and grind again. You may grind once and then emulsify in the food processor without adding water.
Add all ingredients, starter culture included, during this step.
Stuff firmly into 40-60 mm beef middles or fibrous casings. Form 8-10" (20-25 cm) links.
Ferment for 48 hours at 18º C (64º F), 75% humidity.
Apply cold smoke for 12 hours at 18º C (64º F).
Cold smoking is drying with smoke and it is not a continuous process. Smoke is applied for about one hour, then the sausage "rests" for one hour. The cycle is repeated again and again.
* insert 20 g of crushed juniper berries into 120 ml (½ cup) vodka or cognac and leave in a closed jar for 2-3 days. Filter the liquid from berries.


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Steve Jobs's Absence Won't Derail Apple, but His Presence Still Key Factor in the Company's Success
January 17, 2011 at 10:21 am PT
Be prepared for a flurry of predictions on how Steve Jobs's latest medical leave of absence will impact the company's products.
There will be those who are inclined to try to equate Jobs's health issues with all kinds of near-term product implications, but such speculation is likely off base. While Jobs's health may have been a factor in the timing of a couple of announcements, don't expect his medical issues to substantially impact things like the next iPhone or iPad.
The company overall tends to operate on long lead times, so much of this year's product plans are likely in the works and probably won't be deeply affected. Jobs practically said as much in his brief statement.
Also, Jobs leaves Apple in extremely capable hands. Tim Cook has ably led Apple during Jobs's prior medical leaves, and there is every reason to believe that this time will be no different.
Longer-term, though, is another question. Here is where it is hard to overstate the importance of Steve Jobs at the helm.
While Apple has a company full of talented workers, Jobs tends to be involved in major (and plenty of not-so-major) decisions in almost every area. He is a well-known perfectionist with a strong, sometimes maddening focus on having products done just so.
Those who understand Apple know that Jobs is not just a chief executive–he is also the de facto head of every department. If there is a tough call to be made about a product or a decision on the next marketing pitch, Jobs is the ultimate authority. He's known to weigh in on all manner of more minor issues too. This attention to making every detail just so can make Jobs a tough guy to deal with, but is also key to a good part of the company's success.
And even in the short term–although the same products are likely to come from Cupertino, whether Steve Jobs is there to introduce them or not–no one can sell like Steve. There's a reason that satellite trucks line up for blocks anytime he has something to say.
Update, 1:35 p.m.: Just got done going on MSNBC talking about the situation (video posted below).
Ina Fried talks to MSNBC Dayside about Steve Jobs health
Uploaded by BeyondPixBroadcast. – Videos of the latest science discoveries and tech.
Steve Jobs Asked for Privacy–and He Deserves It This Time
Apple Shares Down Nearly 8 Percent in Frankfurt on News of Jobs's Medical Leave
Citing Health, Steve Jobs Steps Away From Apple, Again
Apple Opposes Proposal on CEO Succession Planning
Deutsche Bank Joins the Running of the Apple Bulls
Jobs: "I'm Vertical, Back at Apple and Loving Every Day of It"
Apple Investors Are Wusses
When Steve Jobs Said "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish," He Did Not Mean This Foolish
AAPL Sauce
Apple's Steve Jobs: "I Have Decided to Take a Medical Leave of Absence"
The Entire Letter: Steve Jobs Explains His Health Problem: "Hormone Imbalance"–Predicts Recovery by Spring and Will Stay On as CEO
Ain't Nobody's Business If Jobs Is or Isn't
Tagged with: absence, announcements, Apple, Cupertino, decision, health, impact, iPad, iPad 2, iPhone, iPhone 5, leave, marketing, medical, medical leave, pitch, product, products, speculation, statement, Steve Jobs, succession, talent, Tim Cook
The problem with the Billionaire Savior phase of the newspaper collapse has always been that billionaires don't tend to like the kind of authority-questioning journalism that upsets the status quo.
— Ryan Chittum, writing in the Columbia Journalism Review about the promise of Pierre Omidyar's new media venture with Glenn Greenwald

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


At Vane Road Primary phonic teaching begins in Reception. Children are taught in small ability groups. This is to ensure children are taught at a pace that is both supportive and challenging and suited to their stage of development.
The school uses Letters and Sounds phonics scheme to teach phonics.
Children are closely monitored and are assessed at the end of each term.
Once children start Year 1 they are taught within their class groups. This helps to ensure all children are exposed to all sounds and are given the opportunity to gain all the skills they need to succeed in phonics.
Children who do not meet the required standard during the screening will then re-take it again in Year 2.
If you would like any further information please see your child's class teacher.
Alternatively, you can download the document below.


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222 Chapter 222 – Might of the Cola
 Chapter 222 - Might of the Cola
Calling out seemed more effective in pulling Mu Zi and Aioros out of their illusions. A spark of brilliance sparkled within Wang Zhong's eyes, and he shouted out two astonishingly loud words, "Cola! Ham Sausage!"
Mu Zi's world was a blank canvas filled with black and white.
In fact, when he was born, this distinct black and white world didn't belong to him.
He was from a fortunate and perfect family. His family was the feudal lord of a small territory within the Tutankhamen Empire that was sitting on an oasis that spanned many square kilometres long. The people there were friendly, spending their time either farming beside the oasis or hunting in the desert. Being the feudal lord, his father was usually called the virtuous lord, while his kind hearted mother was well known for being a great beauty. In everyone's eyes, they were a family that was matched by the heavens.
He had a perfect childhood, growing up in bath in love and care. He was also a genius with monstrous talent, having awaken his powers as a new human at an extremely young age. His life continued like that until his third birthday.
His father had left early in the morning. Based on what his mother had said, his father had left to prepare the most precious gift in the world for him: the Federation's cola and ham sausage!
He had heard about them before. They were said to be divine foods that tasted so heavenly that no words could describe them. Ever since he was young, Mu Zi had always wanted to try them. That would had been the most perfect birthday he would have, if he had not wandered into the courtyard that was often used to offer offerings to the gods..
There was an ordinary coffin in the courtyard. Last year, he had seen it from a distance when his father was making his offerings to the gods. He had heard that it was the family heirloom that had been passed down since the dark era. Mu Zi could not understand how could such a ordinary thing be an important heirloom. Yet, he felt inexplicably drawn to it even though it was seen as a taboo to many.
Unable to resist the urge, he extended his hand to give it a light touch. In the next moment, the coffin, which had not showed any strange or peculiar reactions for centuries changed colour and began radiating with faint and indistinct rays of blue light.
Without any warning, the coffin lid swung open, as though Pandora's box had been opened. The beautiful and colourful world disappeared from his view, and what followed after where the nightmares.
It seems that everyone he came into contact with became cursed. That very night, on his way back, his father had met with a attack from large scale beastial tide in the desert, leaving behind not a single trace of his small group. Immediately after that, his mother fell immesnely ill. As Mu Zi stayed beside her bed, in a mere span of three days, he saw that the black hair on his mother had turned into an eerie white colour.
As though she knew something, she gave a gentle sigh while watching little Mu Zi weep while holding her hand. Her gaze was filled with tenderness and love, though she did not say a thing even till her death.
The feudal land had organized a grandiose funeral for his parents. However, on the actual day of the funeral, the beastial tide that had decmiated his father's small merchant squad attacked the feudal land.
After that, many mutated beasts that were never heard of before rampaged and wreaked devastation in the feudal land. Smashing everything within the feudal land, they turned the entire area into dust and ashes.
However, in all of the attacks, he was treated as though he was invisible. None of the mutated beasts were able to "see" him, or the coffin beside him. Within the devastation and the ruins that filled the lands, the only ones left were him and the coffin.
He trembled with dread and regret. If he had been given another chance, he would definitely not touch that coffin. He felt that all that had happened was the fault of that coffin! And yet, despite everything, he would still carry the coffin on his back with any second thoughts. He wanted to research it and learn how to subdue it. At the very least, he could not let the deaths of his parents die be in vain! Even so, the path before him would be arduous and slow. It had been over ten years since, and still he had continued to walk forward with no sign of slowing down. As he had increased his strength, he became skilled at using terrifying abilities. Even so, the only thing he had gained an understanding about was the coffin's world of black and white, a simple indication of life and death. Although he might be able to control some special aspects and applications of the coffin, he was unable exercise direct control over them.
Those memories that were kept hidden in the depths of his heart were currently being played back, scene by scene, within Mu Zi's mind. All of them had become fodder for the nightmares that he had faced every single night for the past few years. At the start, he struggled hard, trying to break free from this terror. However, no matter how hard he struggled, he only sank deeper and deeper into the illusions. He felt extreme pain and grief while within the illusions. Once the most painful moment had elapsed, he would start to sleep again, and the same nightmare would start playing out again, day after day, year after year...
All this continued until he heard a faint sound, ringing out from distant place. "Mu Zi..."
That was his name...Within the feudal land, he had been called by this name by everyone. It made it difficult for Mu Zi to be overly concerned about it. At this time, he was still stuck within the never ending loop of the devastation caused by the beasts. Perhaps, it was called by a familiar person within the feudal land. However, being just three years of age, there was nothing he could do other than to scream and cry.
"Baldy..."
This manner of address caused Mu Zi to freeze for a second. A hazy memory began to emerge from his pain and grief as he glanced up towards the sky.
An even louder voice rang out. "Cola! Ham Sausage!"
If he was weak, Mu Zi would already be dead. However, he wasn't dead! He was alive! Furthermore, he was getting increasingly stronger. He wanted to fully understand his fate,and find a place he truly belonged to! Whether he returned dead or alive, he refused to be stuck in such illusions!
"Is that...Wang Zhong?" Mu Zi finally remembered his name. At this moment, the scenes before him shattered apart like glass, revealing the "dimensional mayflies" attached to his body.
Mu ZI's eyes lit up with righteous fury. So, it was these things that dare to trample upon my heart and memories!
His inner world had always been simple. Life and death, black and white. Either a friend or an enemy. There was no such thing as a middle ground!
Terrifying Soul Power immediately radiated out from his body, as though a verdict made in a life or death situation! Without a chance to react, those "dimensional mayflies" resting on his body immediately turned dim, before dropping straight down to the ground!
A bright and spacious path immediately appeared right in front of him!
In the other room, Aioros's eyes finally sprung open.
Prior to this, he was experiencing a seemingly endless killing spree. He fought against countless terrifying dimensional life forms of sixth grade, some were even of seventh grade and of eighth grade! They all rushed madly towards him, towering over him like gigantic mountains. He fought and fought, continuously sustaining more and more injuries till he died. After he had died, the fight would repeat once more.
During the fight, Aioros remembered what his master had once said. This was his way of life, the natural way of life-the weak will become food for the strong; this was the survival of the fittest!
He loved fights, especially those fights that would cause one's blood to boil. He loved the feeling of becoming stronger. Only in such blood-boiling fights would he be able to get stronger and stronger!
Other people may have other reasons for fighting. As for him, he fought for the sake of fighting!
In all honesty, he knew that he was in an illusion and could forcefully wake himself up at any point of time. However, what was the use?
Such fights like this excited him. Feeling the heavy impacts on his body while experiencing the control of dimensional energies exerted by those powerful dimensional life forms...those feelings and sensations intoxicated him. With every appearance of a new monster, with every death due to exhaustion, he became more and more enticed till he was unable to stop himself!


This page displays sold house prices for Fernway in York.
Fernway in York YO10 consists predominantly of semi-detached houses. Properties on Fernway typically have values around £200,000 - £300,000, ranging upwards of £300,000 for larger semi-detached houses.
Map showing Fernway in York.


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Youngster Merrick to challenge for Sun Tour win
australiancyclinginsider 5th Feb 2020 6th Feb 2020 Uncategorized
Jenna Merrick (Dolctini Van Eyck/Vantage NZ National Team) might be the rider to watch coming into the queen stage of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour after hanging onto the front split in Stage 1.
Merrick, 19, stands as one of the major threats to race favourite Lucy Kennedy (Mitchelton-Scott) after a number of contenders fell by the wayside after losing time on the flat roads to the west of Shepparton.
"It kinda took everyone a little bit by surprise," said Merrick of the split in the peloton. "I was pretty happy to be in there. It was pretty hard for a chunk of time but once we got rolling it settled and I felt really comfortable."
With the queen stage of the Herald Sun Tour starting and finishing atop the well-known climb of Falls Creek, a long descent will be followed by a longer and slower ascent, with Merrick looking forward to the challenge.
"I'm fairly comfortable with the descent," said Merrick. "The plan will be to stay at the front and avoid any drama."
"I haven't seen it in real life yet but we're going to drive it tomorrow. I've kinda reconned it by Google Earth. At the end of the day you go as hard as you can."
Merrick looks to be the brightest talent to come out of New Zealand since Linda Villumsen, but the light climber will be in a very different mold to the world champion time-trialist and nominated Mitchelton Scott's Georgia Williams as a personal hero.
"Definitely coming from New Zealand, Georgia Williams is someone that everyone looks up to and it's pretty cool that I'm racing her at home at elite nationals then seeing her out here amongst all her teammates and seeing her as part of such a well-established WorldTour team is pretty cool," said Merrick. "It shows that you can come from Auckland and actually get to that top level, which is cool."
Signing off from Adelaide with the Aussie local I'd least want to see in the wild 👀🤭🐍 I've had the most incredible time here over the last 2 weeks… Starting the 2020 season with some stage racing, which included a top 10 young riders GC finish and and top 20 in GC + 2x stages!!! I am optimistic that I can continue to improve upon these results as well as my bunch skills and racing tactics! I have also enjoyed training with the team and feel so lucky to be part of a supportive, tight knit group 💓🚲 We are now in Geelong, taking full advantage of the beach🏄🏼♀before we hit #racetorquay and @cadelroadrace later this week 💪🏼 @doltcinivaneycksport 📸: @minkebakker
A post shared by Jenna (@jennamerrick) on Jan 28, 2020 at 2:37am PST
The young rider has been on a long path through the ranks from her home city of Auckland, a journey which was hampered severely by a crash which put her out of what would have been the biggest championships event of her young career.
"I've been riding since I was eleven years old just through schools cycling in New Zealand," said Merrick. "I've done a bit of track riding, I was supposed to go to junior worlds for both track and road in 2018 but on the day I was due to fly out for Switzerland I was hit by a car and couldn't do either of those.
"I didn't really get that time at the top of junior racing, so I've kind of come into this elite racing without a name really, so I'm just trying to make a name now."
The diminutive figure of Merrick doesn't stand out from the peloton, but the New Zealander is already distinguishing herself through her results. She won the youth classification at the Herald Sun Tour last season, finishing fourth overall and was a valiant runner-up behind WorldTour rider Brodie Chapman at Gravel and Tar.
Returning home with the @heraldsuntour young riders jersey and 4th overall is a pretty special feeling!!! 🤭 I learnt so much from racing in a bunch so high in quality and numbers- a first for me, so a big thanks to the organisers for the opportunity to race and the other riders for making it one fiercely fought in the crosswinds, hills and gravel… 👏🏼 A HUGE thanks to the girls for their support throughout the racing @niamhfisherblack @libby_arbuckle @stellanightingale_ @hannah.bartram & road captain @amanda_jamieson_ ( kept us youngsters in check well enough 😅) plus Patrick & Jordon for running the @mikegreerhomeswmn overall 🥝🇳🇿🚴🏼♀
Fast-forward to 2020 and Merrick has been picked by Belgian team Dolctini-Van Eyck to race a European calendar after spending summer at the Australian races.
Merrick also chatted with Australian Cycling Insider at the Tour Down Under, where she was consistent without being brilliant, finishing 18th on GC. Nonetheless, it was a good experience for the 19-year-old amongst the WorldTour peloton.
"I really enjoy the Australian racing," said Merrick. "There are some really good European teams but it feels like home, it's really cool to race here."
The switch to a Belgian team came from Merrick's proactive approach, getting in touch with the team manager to get herself a spot on the UCI-registered team.
"I'm on a new team for this year," said Merrick. "I'm pretty lucky to be here and I'm really happy with it. I was a bit nervous because I only speak English but all the girls and the staff have been really welcoming."
With her slight frame, Merrick profiles as a climber, but has look to add more power to give herself a chance in the time trials and sprint finishes.
"I enjoy the climbs and think I'm quite good at them," said Merrick. "Over the summer I've developed some power and a bit of a sprint as well, which I didn't have last year so looking to mix it up."
The womens Herald Sun Tour continues with a 75.2 kilometre stage from Falls Creek to Falls Creek that will start at 2.30pm AEDT, streamed on Kayo and GCN Racing on Youtube.
We're a new website and not sponsored by anyone yet, but you can show your appreciation by considering donating to the following organisations that are either fighting the Australian bushfires or are helping those affected.
Red Cross Bushfire Appeal
Rural Fire Service (New South Wales)
Country Fire Authority (Victoria)
Written by Jamie Finch-Penninger
Team Pursuit gold crashes out of reach for Australia after opening night
How and when to watch the Olympics Track Cycling from Australia
Dennis wins bronze in Olympic TT
Brown rides to impressive fourth in Olympics TT
Australian Cycling, Cycling, Jayco Herald Sun Tour, New Zealand Cycling, Women's Cycling
Previous Mitchelton-Scott capitalise on split to position Kennedy perfectly in Sun Tour defence
Next How Nero went Continental: Asian dreams on limited means


The latest Samsung ad featuring Akron native LeBron James was released Tuesday night in conjunction with the start of the NBA regular season.
The ad, titled "LeBron James -- At Home" features James and his family partaking in everyday life while using a variety of Samsung products.
"Love the LeBron Samsung ad from LeBron�s standpoint," ESPN sport business reporter Darren Rovell said on Twitter. "Helps to humanize him even more."
In September, James' foundation donated $280,000 in Samsung tablets to Akron schools.


text:
Clyde McPhatter's Drifters
Son Of Legends : Contest
Ronn David
McPhatter
Debbie And Ronn NC Hall of Fame Clyde Mc
Ronn and Debbie McPhatter at the NC Music Hall Of Fame " Clyde McPhatter Plaque.
Ronn David McPhatter
Ronn up close and personal
Brian crooning
Ronn getting loose
Watkins Under The Board Walk
Larry Smooth and Sexy
Sheree looking lovely
CMD At ROFH Concert
Larry and Ronn Blending
I Who Have Nothing
CMD and The ROFH Band
Brian, Watkins and Larry
ROFH Finale
Ronn reach out and touch
CMD Harmony
Sheree The Lady In Red
Al and Sheree at Funk festival
The Family McPhatter
Ronn. Debbie and Sheree at the NC Music Hall Of Fame Ceremonies.
Bonnie and Ronn Backstage
58TH GRAMMY INVITATION 2016
Ronn and Sheree at Funk Festival
Ronn and Jimmy Jam
Al Hudson and Ronn at The Funk Fest
Sheree and Ronn Before Show
Ron and Rev Run
Sheree 2016 Grammys
Ronn limo
Sheree and Jimmy Jam
Ronn Acceptance Speech .jpg
Ronn and Tyrese
Sheree and Verdine EWF
Ronn Legend Seats
Ron and Darryl McDaniels Run DMC
Ronn and Verdine White EWF
Ronn Howell and Earl
Ronn and Sheree on Red Carpet
Ronn David Red Carpet 2016 Grammys
Ronn David 2016 Grammy Celebration
Introducing Lifetime achievement award for Ruth Brown
Bonnie, Ronn and Kate Taylor
Stevie Wonder. 2016 grammy
Ronn David and Herbie Hancock
Ronn David confetti
Al Hudson and Ronn
Ronn and Atlantic Starr
Ronn Filming Music Video
Ronn David Video Shoot
Ronn Checking Video Playback
The cast of I Want Your Lovin
When your mother is Ruth Brown, queen of Rhythm and Blues, your father is Clyde McPhatter, founder and lead singer of the world famous Drifters and your uncle is the one and only Little Richard, all members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, your legacy is clear and undeniable.
When your family has a string of chart-topping hits that include "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean," "Oh, What a Dream," "Money Honey," "A Lover's Question," "Lucille," and "Tutti Frutti," music is in your blood.
When the United States government sponsors a bill to make your mother a national treasure and honors your father with his own postage stamp, and your uncle is known the world over as the innovator and originator of Rock and Roll, you learn to respect your heritage.
The legacy of Ruth Brown and Clyde McPhatter is carried on in their son, Ron David McPhatter who has performed as an opening act for B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Ruth Brown, and Little Richard. He has shared the stage with such notable artists as Jeffery Osborne, Rick James, Al Hudson and One Way, Howard Hewett, and the Stylistics, as well as singing in his father's place as the lead singer of The Original Drifters. Ron has performed at the White House on three occasions, the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, The Boston Symphony Hall as well as touring the world as a celebrity entertainer on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for eight years. He is also an accomplished songwriter that incorporates his original material into his family's world renowned repertoire.
As an actor, Ron portrayed Tony Williams, the lead singer of The Platters, opposite Oscar winner, Halle Berry in "Why Do Fools Fall In Love." He also appeared in "Shake, Rattle and Rock" with Renee Zellweiger, "Permanent Record" with "Matrix" star, Keanu Reeves, and "The Five Heartbeats" with Robert Townsend and "The Temptations" and "The Little Richard Story's," Leon.
In one dynamic, soulful performance, Ronn brings you the sass and class of Ruth Brown and the sultry voice of Clyde McPhatter, along with the energy and showmanship of Little Richard.
Ronn David McPhatter is a must see entertainer.


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What If Italy Did Not Join WW2
September 08, 2020 • MikeNg
If Italy did not join World War 2, we need to explore two situations, namely:
Italy's impact on the war itself, and
Italy as a neutral country after 1945.
In a nutshell, Italy's absence in the war would not be significant to the overall course of World War 2. Italy would probably be similar to Spain under Franco rule after the war as a neutral country, however, still under the reign of Benito Mussolini.
How will Italy's absence affect the outcome of World War 2?
General military operations in Europe with Italy as a non-belligerent
The general ridicule of Italy's military performance in the campaigns in World War 2 would not happen given that these disastrous military escapades would not take place.
In truth, Italy's military was never up to the level that would be significant in the conduct of modern war that WW2 dictates.
Its equipment is wholly inadequate and while the individual Italian soldier has shown valor and gallantry, the generals in Italian military high command still conduct its operations ala World War 1 doctrine, focusing on its infantry rather than to consider the combined arms approach adopted by the Germans and subsequently by the Allied Powers.
In addition to these losses the deaths of African soldiers conscripted by Italy, total military dead, or missing from service reported by Italy was 291,376 in 1940–1945 (en.wikipedia.org).
We would need to assume that Italy's neutrality would mean that Libya would be a neutral buffer zone between French North Africa and British Egypt and the North African campaign by the Allies would probably not take place.
Even if it did, it would not be the same scale but as a staging area for the push to southern Europe. The inconsequential campaigns against Greece and Yugoslavia would not take place and previous German resources would not be diverted to salvage the war situation.
Opinions differ on the question that if Germany has launch Operation Barbarossa in its original intended date in April 1941 instead of June 22, 1941, it would have given them ample time to take Moscow before the onset of the Russian winter.
In my opinion, the 2 extra months may give Germans time to occupy Moscow, but they would probably have to evacuate and retreat in the face of the winter Russian offensive which would have threatened to surround the German forces in Moscow in a Stalingrad-like situation.
The Allies would probably occupy French North Africa with a modified version of Operation Torch and prepare to push into Europe in 1943 rather than 1944 which a key tenet that the Americans can muster enough resources to make two simultaneous landings in Normandy and south of France (Operation Dragoon).
The route to Germany would take from France to Germany rather than the underbelly of Germany via Italy given its neutrality sparing Italy from the destruction and population upheaval witness in other belligerents in WW2.
Allied plans lay a carpet of paratroopers across southern France during Operation Dragoon
Source: WikiCommons
Curbing Il Duce hungry for conquest parity
This alternative history would have to make a big assumption that Mussolini did not follow Hitler's footsteps in the land grab in Europe. It is an especially big assumption given that Mussolini was the first Fascist leader in Europe in 1922 with Hitler was an adoring pupil.
The decision for the Italian failed military campaign was mainly due to Mussolini's fatal attempts to emulate and even tried to match Hitler's achievements in the early years in WW2.
After the Polish, Scandinavian conquests, and the subsequent fall of France and the retreat of the British via Dunkirk in 1940, Mussolini thought that Italy would be able to enjoy the spoils of war with Hitler and his dream of building Italy to become the next Roman Empire.
This narrative would assume that Il Duce has had a longer length of patience with foresight and not join into the fray of war in 1940 but delayed until late 1942 when the tide turns. Given the proximity of Italy sharing its border just south of Germany, Mussolini would probably keep a neutral stance like Switzerland until 1945.
Post-war Italy
There were a few alternative scenarios of how Italy would become after 1945, namely:
Most likely scenario – Mussolini survives and leads a modern Italy due to Cold War Politics
Mussolini's autocratic Fascist rule from 1922 has often overlooked its positive impact on Italy.
Mussolini brought Italy into the modern era and had eradicated massive poverty and unemployment through his public works initiatives. Italians of old often cited that they have had 'good roads' under Mussolini.
His Minister of Finance, de Stefani, provided much desired economic stimulus via tax code changes and trade liberalization. The financial cost of the war to Italy was between 6 and 8.5 billion lire, approximately 14 to 20 percent of the country's annual expenditure.
In the early years of Mussolini's reign, Fascism was welcomed by the Italians as the solution to remove the years of constant parliamentary stalemate and inaction and to give power to Mussolini so that he could deliver a five to ten-year plan for the country without opposition.
The Iron Curtain was described by Winston Churchill on 5 March 1946. Source: WikiCommons
With the onset of the Cold War from 1945, there would be a race between the West and the Soviets to exert influence on Italy.
While the Allies have given Franco's Spain the cold shoulder for his support of Nazi Germany after 1945 with economic sanctions and exclusion to UN and NATO memberships, Italy would probably be welcomed to the fold of the UN and NATO given its strategic location at the fringes of the Iron Curtain, the boundary separating western Europe from the Soviet sphere of influence in eastern Europe.
NATO needed Italy for its forward military bases and to prevent further Soviet excursions to the Mediterranean Sea, threatening trade between western Europe and the Middle East and Asia via the Suez Canal. This pragmatic forgive-and-forget attitude by the US was evident with its approach to West Germany and a greater extent, Japan in the Far East against the Soviets and the Chinese.
Next likely scenario – Mussolini is ousted, and Italy turns to Communism in the late 1940s, early 1950.
The Italian communist party has always been active since the days after WW1. Mussolini's Fascist rule have had curbed their accession in the Italian political scene by outlawing it. Stalin might be tempted to test the West resolve like what he had tried to do in 1946 in Belin.
The Communist Party of Italy (PCI) may have reorganized and attempt to participate in parliamentary elections with pressure from the USSR to legitimize the PCI. However, the PCI faces two big hurdles in its aspirations, namely: the Vatican and the Spanish Monarchy.
Both the Vatican and the monarchy have been greatly supported during Mussolini's reign and the prospect to communists promoted atheism and abolishment of the monarchy and their subsequent summary execution ala the Tsar of Russia would probably drive them to the anti-communist camp.
Hence the only option available for such a scenario would be a coup d'état orchestrated by some disgruntled Italian military fraction supported by the KGB with the USSR threatening to support the coup plotters with an intervention. The outcome would have been dependent on the reaction of the general Italian populace to the coup.
In summary, in all likelihood, Mussolini would have prevailed and become one of the strong men in post-war Europe. Italy, as a country, would not have been war-ravaged and its military would have come of age after 1945.
Mike Ng
I am avid history buff although I don't major in it in the University focusing on military history, especially alternate what-if scenarios (e.g: what if Germany won WW2 etc). I also have a keen interest on behavior economics and psychology and how it affects our decision making.
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She is the author of 16 books and Bible studies, including the best-selling Lessons I Learned in the Dark and the DVD-based Bible study Psalm 23: The Shepherd With Me (LifeWay). Jennifer is also the founder of Fresh Grounded Faith events for women. She resides in Springfield, Missouri with her husband of 30 years, Dr. Philip Rothschild, and their diva dog, Lucy.