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Can I just say how very much I heart Veronica Mars? It needs to be said, especially coming on the heels of a dismally dull Gilmore Girls outing written by now co-exec producer Rebecca Rand Kirshner. (Why is it you can instantly tell it's one of her episodes from the way all the air is let out of each and every scene?) But enough of that sidenote, back to the issue at hand. Namely, the fact that while some shows lose their footing in moving the cast from high school to college, Veronica Mars has made the leap from Neptune High to Hearst College with full sparkage intact. No mean feat, in this age of network jerry-rigging and focus grouping and, well, netlet mergers.
Last night's third season premiere episode ("Welcome Wagon") picked up a few months after the end of last season, solving a few mysteries that were lingering. Did Keith (Enrico Colantoni) stand up Veronica (Kristen Bell) at the airport, as she waited to board a plane for their post-graduation trip to New York? Yep, but he met her in Manhattan three days later. Was Kendall's briefcase filled with cash as I surmised back in May... or with a body part as others conjectured? Nope, it was cold, hard cash, though last night's episode appears to be the last time we'll see catty Kendall Casablancas (Charisma Carpenter). Are Veronica and Logan (Jason Dohring) still an item? Very much so, in fact.
And what was the fallout from Beaver (Kyle Gallner) attempting to kill Veronica and then taking a dive off the roof of the Neptune Grand? Well, super ex-girlfriend Mac (the always phenomenal Tina Majorino) is still heartbroken and not the funky, spunky gal we knew. Gone is the brightly colored hair and positive outlook and instead she's a somewhat somber shell of herself. But no worries, all it takes is a few days hanging with Veronica to put the twinkle back in her eyes. (I'm absolutely loving that they're hanging out together.) Though I imagine it will be quite some time before Mac totally comes to grips with what Beaver did to her and the kids he killed... Same goes for Beaver's skanky bro Dick Casablancas (Ryan Hansen) who seems to be hitting the very bottom of a shame spiral. (I did previously report from Comic Con about Ryan Hansen dancing around in Speedos and Rob Thomas kept true to his word last night; there certainly was a lot of, um, Dick on display.)
Picking up on the season finale's surprise visit from Kendall, poor Papa Keith thinks he's helping Kendall out by picking up her boyfriend, one of the Fitzpatricks, from prison and taking him right to her doorstop, but--wouldn't you know it--turns out he's just as crooked as brother Liam and shoots Kendall right in front of Keith. And then (rude!) shoots Keith too and leaves him stranded in the desert. Will fellow PI Vinnie Van Lowe (Ken Marino) track Keith using the pen tracker Keith found in the car? Something tells me, yes, Vinnie will come to his rescue. Which is fine by me, as one can't have too much Ken Marino.
On another note, I'm v. happy to see that Veronica and Keith aren't enemies after the whole misunderstanding about New York and they have kept their snappy banter and the best father-daughter relationship on TV alive and kicking. Same goes for Veronica and Logan. While I love seeing them apart, I also just love seeing them together. Are there any two other actors that share such amazing chemistry? I wasn't sure how I'd feel about Logan on the Hearst College campus, but I'm glad that Rob Thomas and Co. made sure he kept his suite at the Neptune Grand and only occasionally showed up for class.
Speaking of class, how much did you enjoy the opening scene in which our beloved Veronica shows up a psych professor (Patrick Fabian), his arrogant TA, and an entire class by solving their "mystery" in under six minutes? She's a minx, that Veronica. Also loved the fact that the episode's central mystery--locating the missing belongings of Wallace's new roommate Piz (new cast member Chris Lowell)--involved making another choice between a man and a woman she'd send away to prison for the rest of their natural life. (Okay, not that theft sentences are that heavy, but you get the drift.) I think that Chris Lowell's Piz, already developing a healthy crush on our Veronica, is a fantastic addition to the cast. And kudos to Rob Thomas for making Piz hail from Portland suburb Beaverton, coincidentally my girlfriend's hometown. I already adore Piz and think he's a natural (and naive) fit for Veronica's diverse group of pals.
Scarily enough, I did miss former Veronica nemesis Jackie (Tessa Thompson), but something tells me she might just pop up on Veronica Mars soon... and you can catch Tessa popping up on the CW's mid-season drama Hidden Palms. I'm glad to see that the other new cast addition, Parker (Julie Gonzalo), isn't a Jackie clone. Parker is wildly upbeat, a bit of an exhibitionist, and, um, free with her sexuality. I had an inkling that she might be the next victim of the Hearst College serial rapist (a storyline carried over from last season) when Veronica sneaked back into Parker and Mac's room to grab their movie tickets and heard (but not saw) Parker and some guy going at it. And, sure enough, Parker wakes up the next morning, her head shaved, the calling card of the mysterious rapist.
I'm completely intrigued by this street-level mystery (no conspiracies or bus crashes, here) and just hope that the culprit isn't Michael Cera's character (remember him?) or some blind-but-not-really-blind fiddle player that suddenly materializes. This isn't Murder on the Riverboat Queen, after all.
Regardless of the mystery's resolution (though, please, let it not be Michael Cera's character), I'm as pleased as pie that Veronica's back in town and the next week can't go by quickly enough until the planets align and I'm reunited with the gang in Neptune again.
Next week on Veronica Mars ("My Big Fat Greek Rush Week"): Veronica is hired by the college paper and goes undercover at a sorority in order to find a potential link with Parker's rapist; meanwhile Papa Keith tries to stay alive after receiving a gunshot wound from one of the Fitzpatrick Boys last episode. Ouch. Watch out for that rattlesnake, Keith.
8 pm: Jericho (CBS); Friday Night Lights (NBC); America's Next Top Model (CW); Dancing with the Stars (ABC); Bones (FOX); Desire (MyNet)
9 pm: Criminal Minds (CBS); The Biggest Loser (NBC); One Tree Hill (CW); Lost (ABC); House (FOX); Fashion House (MyNet)
10 pm: CSI: New York (CBS); Kidnapped (NBC); The Nine (ABC)
9 pm: Lost.
I've been counting down the days until the third season premiere of Lost. On tonight's episode ("A Tale of Two Cities"), Jack, Kate, and Sawyer learn to adapt to their new situation as prisoners. Seriously, folks, it can't be any worse than living in that cave from Season One.
10 pm: Kidnapped.
It's the third episode of Kidnapped (which, hello, far superior to FOX's Vanished). On tonight's episode ("Sorry, Wrong Number"), the Cains host an annual charity ball in an attempt to pretend that everything's just peachy keen and their son hasn't been kidnapped. Stiff upper lips, people.
10 pm: Project Runway on Bravo.
On tonight's special reunion episode, Runway-obsessive folks (like yours truly) will get to see Jeffrey accusing Angela's mom of deliberately deceiving him about hating her outfit, Keith attempting to defend his actions, and Vincent explaining why he gets turned on by his own designs! It's the reunion show that's got it all!
CW Fall Premieres Veronica Mars
Labels: CW Fall Premieres Veronica Mars
RUDY said…
I heart VM, too. And I'm along side you with the briefcase prediction...I also predicted that it had to be about Liam. After all, it was Kendall and the last time we saw Liam was when he was with Kendall at her house. But as for Charismas end...she is gone, but not so much from the show yet. From what I can tell, she'll be in flashbacks. And to jump to LoVe. Did you get the feeling that V wasn't into L as much as L was into V? I didn't. But people all over the boards and such were singing that note.
The season three premiere was fantastic. I only wish it would have done better in the ratings. I will be devestated if the show gets cancelled as it really is one of the smartest, funniest show on the air.
nick said…
and how frackin' good was the battlestar gallactica reference!
I never thought there was money in the briefcase - glad I was right! Though I did suspect body part and not a piece of art. :)
also, opening scene of the premiere was kickass.


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Indigenous culture, Inca treasures and sustainable jungle lodges – luxury vacations in Peru serve up serious treats in a hassle-free package.
Luxury vacations in Peru don't cocoon you away from the wilderness or the local people, and they aren't about pointless bling either. Upping your budget will buy you unique wildlife experiences, speedy access to remote areas and the best environmentally friendly lodges. You could rough it on Amazon jungle trails but sleep in a luxury lodge at the end of the day; sample the best of Lima's fine dining scene as well as the local street food; or hike the Inca Trail with porters to carry your bags, safe in the knowledge that at the end of it there's a readymade tent and a glass of wine waiting for you.
If you'd like to chat about Peru luxury or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Why choose a luxury vacation to Peru?
The best thing about luxury vacations to Peru is flexibility. Most offer individually tailored itineraries that take you to the country's most beautiful sights at a pace that suits you, without the hassle of sorting things out yourself. You'll be provided with smooth transfers, informed local guides and maybe even a private driver to make the most out of your visit. While some of your accommodation will be high end, a luxury trip to Peru is more about accessing difficult-to-reach destinations, such as jungle lodges deep in the Amazon rainforest; and about having wildlife experiences and cultural encounters that would be difficult to manage independently or with a lower budget.
Luxury vacations give you access to some of the most beautiful accommodation in Peru. You can stay in a cluster of whitewashed casitas in a cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu; dine by candlelight amongst the cloisters in a monastery turned boutique hotel; or sleep in a remote jungle lodge where you can soothe your aching muscles at a world class spa to a soundtrack of birds and insects. High end experiences don't have to be restricted to hotels either. On a luxury Inca Trail trek, you'll still be sleeping under canvas, but in quieter settings, with porters and cooks to do all the hard work, a private toilet tent and even massages and wine with dinner.
Many of Peru's high end hotels and lodges boast impressive environmental and social credentials, such as supporting wildlife conservation initiatives. Rainforest Alliance has certified a lot of tourism businesses for best practice in Peru, and many tourism businesses work with ECOAN (Andean Ecosystems Association), who conserve endangered species and invest heavily in the preservation of high Andean cultures. Tour operators employ local group leaders and driver guides, who all know their areas well and can help educate guests on the environmental dos and don'ts of the areas they are traveling through. Excursions in the Amazon rainforest, for example, are accompanied by indigenous guides who were born and raised in nearby villages. Some jungle lodges are part owned and managed by the local indigenous community.


The Allegheny County Health Department honored three students with awards for outstanding projects at the 73rd annual Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair held in March at the Carnegie Science Center.
The winners and their projects are posted on the Allegheny County Health Department's web site at www.achd.net.
The trustees of the Lee Initiatives' Health and Wellness Endowment announced a grant has been awarded to Windber Medical Center in the amount of $25,000 for additional colonoscopy equipment and community outreach education. The goals of the project are to raise community awareness and educate the community on the need for regular screenings for colorectal disorders.
Mount Nittany Center for Wound Care was recognized this week with the Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Center of Excellence award, because it has met the Center of Distinction quality standards for two consecutive years. This Center has achieved patient satisfaction rates over 90 percent, an 89 percent healing rate in 30 median days, among other quality standards. The Center was awarded this prestigious honor by Diversified Clinical Services (DCS), Inc., the nation's leading wound care management company.
Mount Nittany Center for Wound Care is a member of the DCS Clinical Network of more than 325 centers, with access to benchmarking data and experience of treating over two million chronic wounds. In 2010, Mount Nittany Center for Wound Care, cared for more than 564 patients who were provided specialized treatment, often preventing amputations and helping patients return to active lives.
From left to right: Mount Nittany Medical Center CEO Steve Brown, Dr. W. Stephen Barnes, Jessica Newlen, Teresa Wilson, and Area Vice President Diversified Clinical Services Vincent Russell.) On May 24, 2011, Vincent Russell, Area Vice President Diversified Clinical Services, honored the Mount Nittany Center for Wound Care with the Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Center of Excellence award for its advanced healing. Diversified Clinical Services (DCS), Inc., the nation's leading wound care management company, recognized the Center for Wound Care with the award because they have met the Center of Distinction quality standards for two consecutive years.


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Globsyn - Case Studies
Vodafone - Branding Challenges in India
Tata Nano: The Low Cost Aspirational Car
Reliance Fresh: The Turbulent Journey
Vodafone, one of the largest mobile telecommunications service providers in the world was facing severe pressure from its matured European markets when it entered the rapidly growing mobile market of India in 2007 by acquiring Hutchison Essar. Hutch, with all its offerings and innovative advertisement had become one of the strongest brands of the subcontinent. The dilemma faced by Vodafone after acquiring such a strong brand, having different values and an entirely different brand persona, was how to position itself in the minds of the consumers by replacing Hutch. The challenge lied in the fact that Hutch had been hugely successful in their advertising campaigns where their 'Boy and Pug' advertisements had created waves around the nation winning thousands of hearts. The case explores the strategy Vodafone used to face these challenges and how they used advertising innovation as a tool to make people forget Hutch and recognise Vodafone.
The Tata Group of Companies is one of the most respected companies of India that is known across the globe for its strong business values. With a total revenue of USD 70.8 billion in 2008-09, the group's strongest presence has been in the automobiles segment wherein it had added up to excellence through incessant innovation. The latest product innovation from Tata Motors, termed Tata Nano was conceptualized by the Chairman of the Tata Group of Companies Mr. Ratan Tata, and had hit the roads in 2009.
The current case takes the reader through the pre launching phase of the product, right from the conceptualization by the Chairman of Tata Motors, till the implementation phase. The case analyzes the product from each and every aspect covering design, technology, price and promotion in order to justify the process of innovation. The study takes into consideration, a journey on the 'Dream Car ', of Ratan Tata, which is uniquely low priced, to cater to the millions of 'middle class', who had never thought of using such a product. The case ends with a dilemma, where the readers are left to think, about the product, in terms of usage, existence, affordability, substitutability and technicality, and whether the product will actually revolutionize the way a large number of Indians travel.
Reliance Fresh was an initiative to bring about inclusive growth in India and build a robust supply chain to corporatize the agri-business. In the last 3 years they experienced lots of turmoil and still it is passing through difficult times. It reported a net loss of Rs.249.30 crores on revenue of Rs.1778.06 crores. Currently, it operates in over 900 stores in 80 cities spanning across 14 states, with around 4.2 million sq. ft. of trading space. The future will witness whether Reliance Fresh will be able to wither the difficult times faced from all sectors of the society and become successful like its parent company or they will need to adopt different strategies for success.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Its always good to take a break from things before the pleasantly regular becomes merely quotidian; so it is with this production blog, whose dearth of updates certainly doesn't bespeak of laziness on our end. Quite the opposite!
We've begun tiptoeing towards intimacy on this film. Getting a bit further into the private moments between the characters.
It's strange watching these dramas play out from my vantage point, behind the camera (or rather right next to it). My sympathies for the characters keep bouncing around; no one's right, everyone's wrong. They're doing crazy things and things that don't make sense, and all of the other things that people do to each other. Sometimes you just want to give each of them a hug.
We've countered all of this with a healthy dose of action and adventure. Horseback riding one day, surfing the next. This is the Joe Swanberg equivalent of an Indiana Jones picture.
Speaking of Joe, it's been so long since this picture was taken that I don't remember what's happening in it anymore. Whatever it was was obviously memorable.
Tomorrow it's back to the shoot. We recently came to the realization that we have more time to shoot this movie than we shot, which is a very great thing indeed. But more on that later.


This book documents the evolution of Potsdamer Platz and Leipziger Platz and their surroundings over a 200-year period, examining the architects and statesmen that have sought to remake Berlin in their own images of an ideal future order. 221 black-and-white illustrations.
Modern Germany presents a comprehensive overview and interpretation of the development of Germany in the twentieth century, a country whose history has decisively shaped the map and the politics of modern Europe and the world in which we live. Professor Berghahn is not merely concerned with politics diplomacy, but also with social change, economic performance and industrial relations. For this new edition Professor Berghahn has broadened and extended his discussion of the two Germanies. He also has updated the tables and bibliography.
A classic account of Germany after her fall to the Allies in May 1945. Concentrates on the period between the collapse of the Reich and the foundation of the new Germany, an unusual and little-charted time in history. Botting shows that the plan to bring democracy to Germany was far from straightforward.
Part of a series of short historical studies. A revealing analysis of the internal conflicts provoked by Hitler's fanatical determination to enforce an unprecedented peacetime expansion of the German armed forces and to achieve the autarkic self-sufficiency of the German economy in terms of strategic war materials and food supplies.
They have given mankind triumphs in science, literature, philosophy, music, and art. They have also produced Hitler and the Holocaust. They are romantic and conservative, idealistic and practical, proud and insecure, ruthless and good-natured. They are, in short, the Germans.
For All Students Ideal for a variety of courses, this completely up-to-date, alphabetically organized handbook helps students understand how people from German-speaking nations think, do business, and act in their daily lives.
Very much the work of a writer conscious of his role as a political man of letters. Kirkus Reviews In January 1990, just months after the fall of the Berlin Wall, G nter Grass made two New Year s resolutions: the first was to travel extensively in the newly united Germany and the second was to keep a diary, to record his impressions of a historic time. Grass takes part in public debates, writes for newspapers, makes speeches, and meets emerging politicians. He talks to German citizens on both sides, listening to their bewilderment and their hopes for the future. Ideas for stories take root his novels The Call of the Toad and Too Far Afield . From Germany to Germany is also a personal record. Grass reflects on his family, remembers his boyhood, and comments on the books he is reading, the drawings he is making, and the sumptuous meals he cooks for family and friends. The picture that emerges not only of the two Germanys struggling for a single identity but of a changed world after the end of the Cold War is engrossing, passionate, and essential for anyone who wants to understand Europe s new leading nation.
Throughout his life, Rainer Hildebrandt has drawn attention to the fates of those who rose up against suppression in the Soviet occupied zone and its successor, the GDR, because they were committed to freedom and justice, those who risked life and limb by attempting to escape from the GDR, and those who were active members of the opposition in the GDR and who were often subjected to repressive measures for this reason. The Haus am Checkpoint Charlie Museum is Rainer Hildebrandt's lifework. It is situated at what is now the former crossing point between the American and Soviet sectors. Since 1963, it has documented many of the fates of those who have planned or attempted an escape from Eastern Germany to the West. It also serves as a location for exhibitions and discussion groups on national division and resistance, as well as on human rights and human rights abuses. This publication adds a further element to his lifework with his articles that appeared in the Berlin "Tagesspiegel" newspaper between 1949 and 1993, Rainer Hildebrandt constantly drew West-Berlin readers' attention to incidents in the East.
This first volume of a major reassessment of the last five centuries of German history deals with that age of German history which had the widest effect on the rise of modern Western civilization. Against the background of medieval culture, the author shows the origins of Luther's religion and the growth of various Protestant churches, as well as the subsequent restoration of the Roman Catholic Church. The history of the religious movements of the Reformation and the Counter Reformation is closely co-ordinated with the great transformation simultaneously taking place in the social, economic, and intellectual institutions of Europe. Included are detailed discussions of the effects of the Black Death, the rise of the cities, Luther's social ethics, The Thirty Years' War, and the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.
Recent years have witnessed some dramatic changes in the kinds of questions that historians ask about the religious schisms of sixteenth-century Europe. In the past, scholars tended to treat the Reformation as a chapter in the history of ideas, emphasizing the thought of the major reformers and the changes in Christian doctrine. Today, however, more and more historians are asking how the revolution in theology affected the lives of ordinary men and women. Aware that religious faith is part of the larger cultural and material universe of early modern Europeans, these scholars have exploited hitherto neglected sources in an attempt to reconstruct the people's Reformation.The twelve essays commissioned for this collection represent the broad spectrum of recent scholarship in the social history of the German Reformation. Historians from the United States, East and West Germany, Canada, and Britain offer a panorama of differential methodological approaches and thematic concerns. The essays are centered around four themes: cities and the Reformation; the transmitting of the Reformation in print, ritual, and song; women and the family; and lastly, the impact of the Reformation on education and other aspects of lay culture. R. Po-chia Hsia's introduction provides a brief review of the field, and a bibliographical essay offers topical reading suggestions.


Joey Sawyer and his family are featured prominently in the February issue of Neighbors of SW Gilbert magazine, a regional community-focused periodical.
The article "Home on the Farm – The Sawyers (and Their Animals) Get the Best of Both Worlds" by David Nagore with photos by Cassandra Sullivan tells the story of how Joey and his wife Marci became high school sweethearts here in Arizona, married, survived military service, and while growing a family created thriving businesses here in the East Valley.
With Marci's two Little Einstein Preschool locations and Joey's computer security firm I.T. Done Right, this husband and wife team has established a reputation supporting other families and business owners throughout the metro Phoenix area.
As a member of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, the I.T. Done Right team can attest to the incredible support received from the Chamber staff and the local business community at large.
You can find the magazine available at local businesses around the Gilbert area. We encourage you to grab a copy and read the full story about the Sawyer family dynamic duo of business entrepreneurs.
Mr. Sawyer is a co-founder of ITDR Business Solutions, LLC, a regional business-to-business managed computer security services provider in Arizona, operating under the I.T. Done Right brand.
With over three decades of technology business experience, our founders apply proven guidance to everything we do as a company. To learn more about I.T. Done Right visit www.itdrsolutions.com/#about and ProtectSMB.


Coach Bert van Marwijk has warned his Dutch squad they must not succumb to arrogance after the Netherlands made a low-key start to their World Cup with a 2-0 win over Denmark.
The Dutch struggled to live up to their billing as potential World Cup winners after they needed an own goal by Danish defender Simon Poulsen and a tap-in from Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt to win their first Group E match.
See all the statistics from the match here.


Currently hiring ASAP for needs in the Hayward Area. Qualified candidates will send an updated resume for consideration.
Your own basic telecom tools including punch downs, snips, wire strippers, cordless drill, PPE (safety gear), etc.


Don't Miss this Classy and Clean, 2 Bedroom and 2 Full Bath, Sun-Drenched, Private corner/end unit while it lasts....Very Nicely Re-Done with high quality finishes, nothing low grade allowed here...Brand New Complete AC System in 2017... So many nice, new features inside this unit it would be too long here to list them all....Take a look at the Pics to start and better yet seeing is believing so come take a look as soon as you can, you won't be disappointed.
Listing courtesy of Mark Robert Digalbo of Mark Digalbo Realty Llc.


Each course in the First Pass Success series is custom crafted to ensure the proper focus of instruction and a correct fit with the client's organizational culture. Joe's story-based approach and use of multi-media make certain audiences remain engaged throughout the program.
All First Pass Success courses are designed for professionals at any level within a positive learning environment. Experienced leaders re-visit generic concepts for leadership and are required to review their own practices to avoid complacency and look for blind spots. Newer professionals are exposed to solid tactics, techniques, and procedures that significantly increase their probability of personal and organizational success.


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Campaign #185: Sylvester Turner and Janaeya Carmouche in TX!
Campaign #185 is for Mayor Sylvester Turner and Janaeya Carmouche in TX
What? Runoff Election
When? Saturday, December 14
Who? Democrats Janaeya Carmouche and Mayor Sylvester Turner
For? City Council
Why? To put experienced progressives at the front of the fight.
How? Be a voter!
The future makeup of Houston City Council will largely be decided next month, following an election in which all but four candidates failed to win a majority of votes in their respective races. Candidates who did not receive 50% plus one vote during the first round will face their nearest competition during the runoff election Dec. 14. All told, there were more than 100 candidates vying for council's 16 spots, including eight incumbents. Council members are limited to two four-year terms, and this year half of the body retired or stepped down to pursue other offices.
We've been asked to help Janaeya Carmouche, a proven progressive leader running for one of the city-wide council member seats. While we're writing for her, we're also going to remind Democratic voters that their popular, incumbent Democratic Mayor Sylvester Turner needs them to win re-election. Janaeya and Mayor Turner must each get enough Democratic voters to turn out in order order to win December's runoffs. We're hoping that Democratic voters who want Mayor Turner to have a second term will heed your fun, friendly reminders to vote in the runoff and, while doing so, also vote for Janaeya who is running to defeat a conservative incumbent on the City Council.
Your postcards will have to squeeze in both names. But, the extra effort is designed to lift both candidates to victory.
Janaeya has been fighting to replace Michael Kubosh, an obstructionist whose destructive rhetoric has halted city progress. Among his more divisive actions:
As a bail bondsman and criminal justice reform opponent, Kubosh took millions out of vulnerable communities on minor offenses like outdated vehicle registration stickers; increasing financial challenges for those charged with making restitution.
Attracted hate groups to Houston to fight against equal rights by amplifying unproven rhetoric around access to public spaces by re-imagining transgender persons as sexual predators.
Has voted against five of six city budget proposals without recommendations for improvement. He claims to be a financial watchdog, but his obstruction without solutions negatively impacts service delivery to residents.
He is a climate change denier; believing that there is no human impact to environmental changes.
About Janaeya
Presenting herself and her ideas as a better alternative, Janaeya has 15 years' experience in public leadership as senior staff at the Houston City Council, Texas State Senate, and Harris County Commissioner in Precinct One. In every role, she has worked to close the gap between government and the people it serves. She is a staunch advocate for LGBTQIA rights, homelessness recovery, geographic and financial access to (mental and physical) health services, fair immigration, and criminal justice reform.
Janaeya led FEMA recovery sites following local disasters, empowered community development efforts, and provided back-to-school support and services for thousands of families. Through her efforts, hundreds of clients were helped to improve their lives through clearing criminal records and restoring the identification documents needed to seek work and housing.
About Mayor Turner
Meanwhile, the same voters will decide who will be Houston's next Mayor. Incumbent Turner had 47% of the vote to 28% for Buzbee, a high-profile attorney and Republican. Turner was around 7,800 votes short of winning enough of the vote to avert an overtime round.
Turner is fighting for a second term leading Texas' biggest city and the fourth most populous in the country. The race was nonpartisan, though Turner, a former longtime Democratic state representative, dogged Buzbee over his past financial support for President Donald Trump, an unpopular figure in the solidly blue city.
Because these elections are non-partisan, voters won't see a "D" or an "R" next to candidates' names. The Democratic voters to whom we're writing to boost turnout all know that Mayor Turner is a Democrat. We need them to also vote for Janaeya letting them know she is also a Democrat.
Houston is at an important moment where disaster recovery money needs to go to individuals and communities in the greatest need. Every resident must be counted in the upcoming Census and not intimidated by misinformation that will block hundreds of millions in city funding desperately needed for resident services. Re-electing Mayor Turner and electing Janaeya will give the council two strong advocates who will work progressively on issues like climate change, mental health, housing, and livable wages.
It's a short notice, long list challenge. But, we have the capacity even despite the holiday. Our average daily numbers show we can pull this off. Thank you for turning your pens to Houston's December runoff elections.
Write on! ~Tony The Democrat
Returning writers may request voter addresses for this campaign by using one of the following options
Text HELLO to (484) 275-2229
Click http://m.me/AbbyTheAddressBot for Facebook
Email us at Postcards@TonyTheDemocrat.org
If you are new to us, sign up easily by using one of the following options
Text JOIN to (484) 275-2229
Email us at Join@TonyTheDemocrat.org
Prev Campaign #184: Evangeline Beechler in ID!
Next Campaign #186: Andrew Bailey in KY!


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Vaccine Categories
The CDC Autism/MMR Files Released By Dr. William Thompson
The Four Requests of Vaxxed
Order DVD
YouTube Channel: VAXXED TV
WATCH THE MOVIE
TeamAnu Vaidya2017-07-01T21:29:00+00:00
POLLY TOMMEY
Polly Tommey is the mother of Bella, Toby and Billy, her 20 year old son with autism. Polly is a leading autism advocate and activist and has appeared as a spokesperson for individuals and families living with autism. Polly has appeared in print and television media around the globe and has tirelessly initiated autism campaigns directed at political leaders and society in general to increase awareness of autism. Concerned that current access to specialist autism service and facility provision (especially following educational years) remains insufficient Polly founded The Autism Trust charity in the UK in 2007 which has a facility in Berkshire and recently as a 501(c)3 non profit in Austin Texas that is currently building an inspirational center that will offer both residential and outpatient resources to individuals and families living with autism. Polly co-authored her book "Autism- a practical guide to supporting your child's quality of life" released by Piatkus in 2011. Polly founded the Autism Media Channel (2010)that has produced over 60 videos for the European Sky Information Channel and successful documentaries and films including "Who Killed Alex Spourdalakis
Del Bigtree has been an Emmy Award winning producer on the daytime talk show THE DOCTORS for over six years. With a background both as a filmmaker and an investigative medical journalist, Del is best known for combining visually impactful imagery, raw emotional interviews and unbiased investigative research into stories that push the envelope of daytime television. When Del began investigating the story of the CDC Whistleblower and the fraud perpetrated by the CDC he soon realized that he had stumbled upon a story of corruption and deception beyond any he had ever seen. Further investigation into the wrongful destruction of Andy Wakefield's career orchestrated by Big Pharma and the UK Department of Health inspired Del to focus all of his attention on what he believes to be the most crucial documentary of our time. Del is proud to be working side by side with Andy Wakefield, one of the great scientific minds of our time, to create a documentary that will not only alert Americans to the outright destruction of their civil liberties but will lead the charge to demand the formation of a genuine independent research body conducting legitimate science to ensure that all vaccines are truly SAFE.
DR. ANDY WAKEFIELD, MB, BS
Dr. Andy Wakefield, MB, BS, is the Director of VAXXED: From Cover-up to Catastrophe. Formerly an academic gastroenterologist, he received his medical degree from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, University of London, in 1981. He pursued a career in gastrointestinal surgery with a particular interest in inflammatory bowel disease. He qualified as Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1985 and was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2001. He has published over 140 original scientific articles, book chapters, and invited scientific commentaries. In the pursuit of possible links between childhood vaccines, intestinal inflammation, and neurological injury in children, Dr. Wakefield lost his job, his career, his fellowships, and his medical license. He is the author of the national bestseller Callous Disregard (optioned) and an award-winning film director and co-founder of the Autism Media Channel, an award-winning documentary and movie production company that brings cutting-edge stories to public attention.
BELLA TOMMEY
TOUR MANAGER
Bella Tommey is the daughter of Polly and Jonathan and sister to Billy and Toby. Billy was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 after his regression following a MMR vaccine injury where he lost all language, social skills and eye contact and became trapped in his own world. At the age of 15, Bella was elected by a leading TV program "Battlefront" (aired on the UK's Channel 4 network) to initiate an international campaign to raise awareness of the prevalence of autism to unveil the many "hidden" abilities expressed by individuals diagnosed with autism . Through this movement, she was connected to many young people who also had vaccine injured family members. Bella went on to set up several leading sibling support groups, manage the Junior Board of the Autism Trust and proudly advocate the "Vaxxed" movement with the hope of achieving positive change and outcomes for this generation and future generations to come. She is the founder of Bella's Bakehouse, a gluten-dairy-sugar free bakery catering to those like her brother on restricted diets. Bella is currently studying Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin. She hopes to be an investigative journalist spreading the truth about medical and health issues in society.
BRIAN BURROWES
Brian Burrowes began working with the Autism Media Channel team in 2009. A producer, editor, motion graphic and visual effects artist from Toronto, Canada, who relocated to Austin, Texas in 1999, Brian has worked in film and television, producing, editing and creating visual effects for feature films, documentaries, and numerous television commercials for clients ranging from ESPN to Time Warner Cable.
As a cinematographer he has filmed behind the scenes for Troublemaker Studio's productions of "Predators", "Spy Kids 4" and "Sin City 2", as well as second unit photography on Bright Shining City Production's "Deeper and Deeper." Brian first teamed up with Andrew Wakefield and Polly Tommey as co-producer and editor of the award-winning documentary "Who Killed Alex Spourdalakis?," which cemented his position as a core member of the Autism Media Channel team.
ANU VAIDYA
TECHNICAL ENGINEER & SOCIAL MEDIA
Anu started his career as an audio/video production engineer, and consultant, from a very young age. Working on projects ranging from purely entertainment to charity organisations, Anu has used his skills as a filmmaker/photographer/video editor to bring stories to audiences around the world.
Anu has always been curious about the way the institutions of society function, with a healthy amount of skepticism. When Del Bigtree approached him less than a week before taking off on the Vaxxed tour, after explaining the movement, Anu realised that this was finally a way for him to use his skills to help people, and really make a difference.
© Copyright 2016 | Vaxxed | All Rights Reserved
VAXXED THE MOVEMENT
Join the movement for important updates and calls to action. We don't send regular emails, but want to know how to get a hold of you when the movement needs you!


Ok, ok, it's no cashmere sweater... But this one is a surprise! For wintertime, autumn days, travelling, your own little down blanket made in a sweater model. Any idea how much you will wear this one? Our favourite item! The fit is in UK chest sizes, the shell in is water repellent nylon, a ticket pocket on your sleeve for the ski-card. Yes!
shell 100% waterrepellent nylon, filled with 90%down, 10% feathers.


text:
The real Story Behind Dating
Black, who was dating Rittenhouse's sister and referred to him as a brother, described the night time as chaotic and stated he heard gunshots from the route Rittenhouse ran towards to guard the property when he received a name from a frightening Rittenhouse. After Rittenhouse shot and killed Rosenbaum, Richards claims that he tried to show himself into police custody however was turned away. There have been hundreds of confrontation's that night, yet the one one that killed anybody was Kyle Rittenhouse,' Binger stated. Binger mentioned prosecutors will current proof that exhibits Rosenbaum was chasing Rittenhouse, but stopped when Rittenhouse pointed the rifle at him. Dominick Black, who was there with Rittenhouse and faces costs for supplying the weapon to Rittenhouse, was the primary witness to testify within the trial as he described the chaos of the night time as he, Nick Smith and Rittenhouse tried to protect Car Source's property. Rittenhouse, now 18, had traveled to Kenosha from his dwelling in Illinois during unrest that broke out after a white Kenosha police officer shot Jacob Blake, a black man, in the again seven instances after he stated he feared Blake had a knife. Maura shot to fame on the dating show, coming into the Villa as a bombshell.
The prosecutors say that while Rittenhouse fired at Rosenbaum four occasions, it was a shot to the again that proved to be the killing blow, demonstrating that Rittenhouse had fired on the man whereas he was fleeing. Coronary heart charges – which they say is 'a precursor of deeper emotional understanding'. The scientists found the Tarim Basin mummies were not newcomers in any respect, however direct descendants of Ancient North Eurasians (ANE), a group that largely disappeared by the top of the last Ice Age, about 11,550 years ago. Genetic testing indicates the inhabitants was indigenous to the region and direct descendants of Ancient North Eurasians, who disappeared by the top of the final Ice Age. This Bronze Age neighborhood likely skilled 'an extreme and extended genetic bottleneck previous to settling the Tarim Basin,' in keeping with a statement from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, which co-sponsored within the research.
Now fast forward to the present 12 months and month and you're settling into Senior Apartment Guys senior citizens and retirement. Is now again on duty. A source stated: 'Things have turn into critical in a short time between Maura and Gio they usually are actually ready to move things up a stage by getting their very own place. The news of the cut up carefully follows Monday's studies that Maura had deleted almost all the images of Giovanni from her Instagram page, which led to rumours that the pair had damaged up. Taking to Instagram, Giovanni insisted that typically 'great relationships with great people can come to a natural finish' which is what occurred with him and Maura. Assembly others who can genuinely relate to your loss. Organising an eye fixed contact is an insight that you are intrigued. And it is nicely used out there. That first yr that you're "empty nesters" has plenty of changes. He teaches her new things: A 12 months ago she mentioned her boyfriend taught her how to make use of TikTok in lockdown. A yr in the past she said her boyfriend taught her how to use TikTok in lockdown.
Thus, I'm good at TikTok. I didn't know what TikTok was, I didn't necessarily wish to do TikTok. One resident, Myles Pragnell, claimed: 'None of the locals want to know him. And Kristin insisted the couple did have slightly time apart from each other during lockdown. Have you ever see that almost all ladies who put on make up are extra sure and great? Their situationship appears to be taking a extra critical turn now, nonetheless, as West, 44, and Vinetria, 22, attended their first public event together this weekend: his Donda Academy's debut basketball sport in Minneapolis. Horse homeowners drop by to see their animals, and others assist him with the feeding, but Maguire tries everything he can to cover away. Lori just lately launched a line of skincare products referred to as SKN by LH. They first met at Kristin's niece's wedding ceremony in 2016 when he was enjoying in a band referred to as Backroad Anthem. But there's a fairly a distinction between happening a date with somebody you simply met and taking them to a wedding.
Three Shortcuts For Dating Site That Will get Your Lead to Document Time
Eight Ridiculous Guidelines About Speed Dating


ESPN the world's largest cable network channel for sports is going to debut its streaming service, ESPN+ service. This latest development is reflecting the latest trend in the sports industry. A similar development took place with Disney-owned sports channels. To compete with the likes of stand-alone streaming sites such as DirecTV Now, Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, and FuboTV, the traditional cable network TV channels are looking to expand into live streaming quickly.
How Much Does ESPN+ Cost?
For $50 a year or $5 a month, sports fans will have access to thousands of ESPN+ live streaming games. But the fans need to remember one thing, all these live streaming of sports events aren't exactly a must-see contest. There is hardly any live streaming of any big matchups. Still, the large number of streaming content will keep sports enthusiasts glued to the ESPN's live channel.
Here is one of the most vital things you should know: ESPN+ is not a replacement for ESPN cable TV channel. This was reported by Verge, it said that it is not supposed to function as a regular cable TV channel, so it stands as a distinct offering from the sports channel giant.
If you subscribe to ESPN+, you will have access to one NHL and one MLB sporting event each day. ESPN+ is an app which you can access through multiple devices, for example, your smartphone as well. You will also have access to MLS games that are out of the market. If you are a fan of live boxing and tennis sports, you will have access to this as well.
Even games such as cricket, rugby, and others are also part of offering for ESPN+ subscribers. The ambit of coverage is huge as the competition to capture a live streaming portion of the sports telecast in the stream is intense.
This enhances the experience of the viewer and gives higher value to this cheap service. Because sporting streaming requires higher frames per second, ESPN+ doesn't disappoint here as well. Once you subscribe to its services, you will watch the live events at 60 frames per second. Moreover, it will completely immerse the viewer, as it also provides playback controls similar to what you find in DVRs.
The media infrastructure used to build this platform is BAMTECH. BAMTECH came out of MLB's digital streaming services. Today, it is Disney who controls the majority stake of ownership in this particular company. This media giant, at present, is valued around $4 billion. Surprisingly, also the same live streaming service provider powers other popular channels such as NHL and HBO.
However, it is still not clear how many sports enthusiasts will cut their cable cord to completely depend on ESPN+ services. According to one of the observers, ESPN+ lacks the true spirit of being a sports channel. Therefore, it will not affect the traditional cable network much.
Still, when it comes to ESPN and Disney it is a big deal for them. ESPN president, James Pitaro, who is also co-chair of Disney Media Networks, described ESPN+ as a focal piece of the next generation innovation. ESPN+ is surely an indication of where things are heading. It is only a small part of a very big strategy that involves a lot of new offerings in the future.
ESPN+ slates a new beginning and marks a new milestone from the Walt Disney Company headquarters. The live streaming services, according to the company, are an innovative way for directly and personally involve the sports fans that are its main consumers.
Kevin Mayer who is the chairman of international and direct to consumer at Disney said in a statement that the product reflects company's strategy to focus more on the ways to directly involve with its viewers. The idea is to combine unmatched content with leading brands to serve impeccable streaming services. In the end, it is all about providing streaming technology that stands out in the crowd and gives spectacular digital experience to its viewers.
Is ESPN+ Available Outside the USA?
Unfortunately for sports fans, ESPN Plus is currently not available outside the USA. In case you currently reside in Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, or anywhere else overseas, you will be presented with a geo-error that states that ESPN+ isn't available in your location. Luckily, there's a workaround that allows you to unblock ESPN+ abroad.
Meanwhile, Disney too is planning to launch a similar live streaming service by the end of 2019. The announcement of such a service came out after it had ended its distribution deal with the leading online streaming service provider Netflix. The competition in online streaming is extreme and companies like Disney know that if they want to stay relevant, live streaming is the way to go.
When it comes to ESPN+, it is not just about live sports events. It is much more than that. The subscribers will have access to offbeat sports programs such as 30 for 30 documentary series. ESPN is hoping to attract more fans to its live streaming services by expanding the horizon of its products.
The company is also confident that ESPN+ will not create any dent in the existing ESPN cable network telecast. ESPN+ is only an addition to its revenue streams. ESPN+ will only add more viewers to the existing bunch.


dacadoo mobile app: Tap on "Social", then on "Challenges" to access the dacadoo challenges overview page, which displays the "Available Challenges" (set up by friends, dacadoo or the group administrator) in a carousel view. Swipe left/right to look at the different challenges and tap on the one you are interested in to access the challenge detail page. Tap on "Join" to join the challenge. If it is a team challenge, you also need to tap on your team in the list of teams. Alternatively, you can add a challenge via the "Me" page in the challenge dashboard by pressing on the "pencil" icon.
Web access (after login): Click on "Social", then on "Challenges" to access the dacadoo challenges overview page, which displays the "Available Challenges" (set up by friends, dacadoo or the group administrator) in a carousel view. Click left/right to look at the different challenges and then click on the one you are interested in to access the challenge detail page. Click on "Join" to join the challenge. If it is a team challenge, you first need to click on your team in the list of teams, then confirm by clicking on "Join Challenge". Alternatively, you can add a challenge via the "Me" page in the challenge dashboard by pressing on the "Add" text.


text:
<?php
class ModelPaymentBluePayHosted extends Model {
	public function install() {
		$this->db->query("
			CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order` (
			  `bluepay_hosted_order_id` INT(11) NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
			  `order_id` INT(11) NOT NULL,
			  `transaction_id` VARCHAR(50),
			  `date_added` DATETIME NOT NULL,
			  `date_modified` DATETIME NOT NULL,
			  `release_status` INT(1) DEFAULT 0,
			  `void_status` INT(1) DEFAULT 0,
			  `rebate_status` INT(1) DEFAULT 0,
			  `currency_code` CHAR(3) NOT NULL,
			  `total` DECIMAL( 10, 2 ) NOT NULL,
			  PRIMARY KEY (`bluepay_hosted_order_id`)
			) ENGINE=MyISAM DEFAULT COLLATE=utf8_general_ci;");

		$this->db->query("
			CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order_transaction` (
			  `bluepay_hosted_order_transaction_id` INT(11) NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
			  `bluepay_hosted_order_id` INT(11) NOT NULL,
			  `date_added` DATETIME NOT NULL,
			  `type` ENUM('auth', 'payment', 'rebate', 'void') DEFAULT NULL,
			  `amount` DECIMAL( 10, 2 ) NOT NULL,
			  PRIMARY KEY (`bluepay_hosted_order_transaction_id`)
			) ENGINE=MyISAM DEFAULT COLLATE=utf8_general_ci;");

		$this->db->query("
			CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_card` (
			  `card_id` INT(11) NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
			  `customer_id` INT(11) NOT NULL,
			  `token` VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
			  `digits` VARCHAR(4) NOT NULL,
			  `expiry` VARCHAR(5) NOT NULL,
			  `type` VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
			  PRIMARY KEY (`card_id`)
			) ENGINE=MyISAM DEFAULT COLLATE=utf8_general_ci;");
	}

	public function uninstall() {
		$this->db->query("DROP TABLE IF EXISTS `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order`;");
		$this->db->query("DROP TABLE IF EXISTS `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order_transaction`;");
		$this->db->query("DROP TABLE IF EXISTS `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_card`;");
	}

	public function void($order_id) {
		$bluepay_hosted_order = $this->getOrder($order_id);

		if (!empty($bluepay_hosted_order) && $bluepay_hosted_order['release_status'] == 1) {

			$void_data = array();

			$void_data['MERCHANT'] = $this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_account_id');
			$void_data["TRANSACTION_TYPE"] = 'VOID';
			$void_data["MODE"] = strtoupper($this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_test'));
			$void_data["RRNO"] = $bluepay_hosted_order['transaction_id'];

			$void_data['APPROVED_URL'] = HTTP_CATALOG . 'index.php?route=payment/bluepay_hosted/adminCallback';
			$void_data['DECLINED_URL'] = HTTP_CATALOG . 'index.php?route=payment/bluepay_hosted/adminCallback';
			$void_data['MISSING_URL'] = HTTP_CATALOG . 'index.php?route=payment/bluepay_hosted/adminCallback';

			if (isset($this->request->server["REMOTE_ADDR"])) {
				$void_data["REMOTE_IP"] = $this->request->server["REMOTE_ADDR"];
			}

			$tamper_proof_data = $this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_secret_key') . $void_data['MERCHANT'] . $void_data["TRANSACTION_TYPE"] . $void_data["RRNO"] . $void_data["MODE"];

			$void_data["TAMPER_PROOF_SEAL"] = md5($tamper_proof_data);

			$this->logger('$void_data:\r\n' . print_r($void_data, 1));

			$response_data = $this->sendCurl('https://secure.bluepay.com/interfaces/bp10emu', $void_data);

			return $response_data;
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	}

	public function updateVoidStatus($bluepay_hosted_order_id, $status) {
		$this->logger('$bluepay_hosted_order_id:\r\n' . print_r($bluepay_hosted_order_id, 1));
		$this->logger('$status:\r\n' . print_r($status, 1));
		$this->db->query("UPDATE `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order` SET `void_status` = '" . (int)$status . "' WHERE `bluepay_hosted_order_id` = '" . (int)$bluepay_hosted_order_id . "'");
	}

	public function release($order_id, $amount) {
		$bluepay_hosted_order = $this->getOrder($order_id);
		$total_released = $this->getTotalReleased($bluepay_hosted_order['bluepay_hosted_order_id']);

		if (!empty($bluepay_hosted_order) && $bluepay_hosted_order['release_status'] == 0 && ($total_released + $amount <= $bluepay_hosted_order['total'])) {
			$release_data = array();

			$release_data['MERCHANT'] = $this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_account_id');
			$release_data["TRANSACTION_TYPE"] = 'VOID';
			$release_data["MODE"] = strtoupper($this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_test'));
			$release_data["RRNO"] = $bluepay_hosted_order['transaction_id'];

			$release_data['APPROVED_URL'] = HTTP_CATALOG . 'index.php?route=payment/bluepay_hosted/adminCallback';
			$release_data['DECLINED_URL'] = HTTP_CATALOG . 'index.php?route=payment/bluepay_hosted/adminCallback';
			$release_data['MISSING_URL'] = HTTP_CATALOG . 'index.php?route=payment/bluepay_hosted/adminCallback';

			if (isset($this->request->server["REMOTE_ADDR"])) {
				$release_data["REMOTE_IP"] = $this->request->server["REMOTE_ADDR"];
			}

			$tamper_proof_data = $this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_secret_key') . $release_data['MERCHANT'] . $release_data["TRANSACTION_TYPE"] . $release_data["RRNO"] . $release_data["MODE"];

			$release_data["TAMPER_PROOF_SEAL"] = md5($tamper_proof_data);

			$response_data = $this->sendCurl('https://secure.bluepay.com/interfaces/bp10emu', $release_data);

			return $response_data;
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	}

	public function updateReleaseStatus($bluepay_hosted_order_id, $status) {
		$this->db->query("UPDATE `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order` SET `release_status` = '" . (int)$status . "' WHERE `bluepay_hosted_order_id` = '" . (int)$bluepay_hosted_order_id . "'");
	}

	public function rebate($order_id, $amount) {
		$bluepay_hosted_order = $this->getOrder($order_id);

		if (!empty($bluepay_hosted_order) && $bluepay_hosted_order['rebate_status'] != 1) {
			$rebate_data = array();

			$rebate_data['MERCHANT'] = $this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_account_id');
			$rebate_data["TRANSACTION_TYPE"] = 'REFUND';
			$rebate_data["MODE"] = strtoupper($this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_test'));
			$rebate_data["RRNO"] = $bluepay_hosted_order['transaction_id'];
			$rebate_data["AMOUNT"] = $amount;
			$rebate_data['APPROVED_URL'] = HTTP_CATALOG . 'index.php?route=payment/bluepay_hosted/adminCallback';
			$rebate_data['DECLINED_URL'] = HTTP_CATALOG . 'index.php?route=payment/bluepay_hosted/adminCallback';
			$rebate_data['MISSING_URL'] = HTTP_CATALOG . 'index.php?route=payment/bluepay_hosted/adminCallback';

			if (isset($this->request->server["REMOTE_ADDR"])) {
				$rebate_data["REMOTE_IP"] = $this->request->server["REMOTE_ADDR"];
			}

			$tamper_proof_data = $this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_secret_key') . $rebate_data['MERCHANT'] . $rebate_data["TRANSACTION_TYPE"] . $rebate_data['AMOUNT'] . $rebate_data["RRNO"] . $rebate_data["MODE"];

			$rebate_data["TAMPER_PROOF_SEAL"] = md5($tamper_proof_data);

			$response_data = $this->sendCurl('https://secure.bluepay.com/interfaces/bp10emu', $rebate_data);

			return $response_data;
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	}

	public function updateRebateStatus($bluepay_hosted_order_id, $status) {
		$this->db->query("UPDATE `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order` SET `rebate_status` = '" . (int)$status . "' WHERE `bluepay_hosted_order_id` = '" . (int)$bluepay_hosted_order_id . "'");
	}

	public function getOrder($order_id) {

		$qry = $this->db->query("SELECT * FROM `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order` WHERE `order_id` = '" . (int)$order_id . "' LIMIT 1");

		if ($qry->num_rows) {
			$order = $qry->row;
			$order['transactions'] = $this->getTransactions($order['bluepay_hosted_order_id']);

			return $order;
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	}

	private function getTransactions($bluepay_hosted_order_id) {
		$qry = $this->db->query("SELECT * FROM `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order_transaction` WHERE `bluepay_hosted_order_id` = '" . (int)$bluepay_hosted_order_id . "'");

		if ($qry->num_rows) {
			return $qry->rows;
		} else {
			return false;
		}
	}

	public function addTransaction($bluepay_hosted_order_id, $type, $total) {
		$this->logger('$type:\r\n' . print_r($type, 1));
		$this->logger('$total:\r\n' . print_r($total, 1));
		$this->db->query("INSERT INTO `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order_transaction` SET `bluepay_hosted_order_id` = '" . (int)$bluepay_hosted_order_id . "', `date_added` = now(), `type` = '" . $this->db->escape($type) . "', `amount` = '" . (float)$total . "'");
	}

	public function getTotalReleased($bluepay_hosted_order_id) {
		$query = $this->db->query("SELECT SUM(`amount`) AS `total` FROM `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order_transaction` WHERE `bluepay_hosted_order_id` = '" . (int)$bluepay_hosted_order_id . "' AND (`type` = 'payment' OR `type` = 'rebate')");

		return (float)$query->row['total'];
	}

	public function getTotalRebated($bluepay_hosted_order_id) {
		$query = $this->db->query("SELECT SUM(`amount`) AS `total` FROM `" . DB_PREFIX . "bluepay_hosted_order_transaction` WHERE `bluepay_hosted_order_id` = '" . (int)$bluepay_hosted_order_id . "' AND 'rebate'");

		return (float)$query->row['total'];
	}

	public function sendCurl($url, $post_data) {
		$curl = curl_init($url);

		curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_PORT, 443);
		curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_HEADER, 0);
		curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, 0);
		curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, 1);
		curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, true);
		curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_FORBID_REUSE, 1);
		curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_FRESH_CONNECT, 1);
		curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_POST, 1);
		curl_setopt($curl, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, http_build_query($post_data));

		$response_data = curl_exec($curl);

		curl_close($curl);

		return json_decode($response_data, true);
	}

	public function adminCallback() {
		$this->response->addHeader('Content-Type: application/json');
		$this->response->setOutput(json_encode($this->request->get));
	}

	public function logger($message) {
		if ($this->config->get('bluepay_hosted_debug') == 1) {
			$log = new Log('bluepay_hosted.log');
			$log->write($message);
		}
	}
}


Every 12 to 18 months your clients face new and vexing problems. These issues change like clockwork. Some will appear, disappear, and reappear over time—but the issues will always have a new and more complex twist. The time is upon us.
There are few better cross-selling opportunities than to send a couple of partners to talk about these new vexing issues with clients before they start seeking answers for themselves. You want to position yourselves as the source. Even if you don't have the answers you want to be the first to hear the questions—so you can get your clients the answers before anyone else.
Done right, you will be informing your clients about high-value issues and your clients will talk to their corporate counsel peers about how helpful your partners are. The law firms who are best at using this opportunity to develop business rely on a small group of partners—think 3 or 4—who have the knowledge and client savvy to join the relationship partner in visiting top clients. These partners bring the relevant insight, are skilled in sharing this insight, and know how to work with the relationship partner to turn these conversations into business.
These are the partners who know you can only cross-sell when you add value. And they know helping clients think through their most vexing issues—the issues keeping clients awake at night—adds the most value while also bringing new partners into the relationship—the trifecta for big-time cross-selling.
The removal of regulations is as rattling as adding new ones. Potential changes in regulations tie cybersecurity as the biggest source of insomnia for top legal decision makers.
Regulatory issues have been growing as a top concern for the last 3 years. The last 2 years were driven by increasingly aggressive interpretation and enforcement. We now see top legal decision makers focused on which regulations will be rolled back, changed, and how long the rollbacks might stick. It seems the corporate counsel community would welcome a rollback but wants specifics—and wants to be sure these relaxed regulations won't somehow be reinstated.
Companies with international operations are also concerned about the regulatory impact of a post-Brexit world—and any implications before, during, and after.
Cybersecurity is tied with regulatory issues to top the list of sleepless nights, up from number 4 last year—and was not even on the list of top concerns prior to 2014. Chief legal officers know data security issues lurk in so many places, and states are especially aggressive in passing new requirements and regulations. Your knowledge of the state requirements and current best practices will open doors to new business.
Risk comes in many forms. The common denominator is assessing the unknown. Top legal decision makers welcome knowledge-rich discussions about managing risk. This offers law firms the opportunity to tap each partner in the firm for at least one suggestion to manage risk and create a risk management database to use firmwide. You can then tailor the suggestions for each specific client by practice, industry, and type of company to drive client-specific discussions with multiple partners.
These vexing issues will continue to be a prime opportunity during cross-selling season—but your window is limited. The partners who have these discussions after the 1st quarter and proxy season winds down have the best opportunity. This window extends into the first 2 months and winds down as the quarter ends.
Take the chart below, or issues in the chart below, and discuss with your clients. Go over every item and see where your clients think they stand. You will get an education about how your clients think about their world, and walk away with new business.
*Based on in-depth BTI research conducted on a rolling basis between February 2016 and August 2016. BTI conducted more than 330 independent, individual interviews with CLOs and General Counsel at Fortune 1000 companies and large organizations, as well as 200 interviews with law firm leaders.


A hip replacement, also known as a total hip arthroplasty, is an operation to replace a damaged hip with an artificial joint. It involves the removal of the existing hip joint and the use of an artificial joint in its place. This can provide great relief to people who suffer from chronic hip pain, have injured their hip or have a condition such as osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia. This hip replacement overview page will be able to give you an idea of what the surgery involves.
What can a hip replacement achieve?
The main aim of a hip replacement is to improve your quality of life by reducing pain and allowing you to remain active. If your hip replacement is successful, your hip should function much better than before and your mobility should increase. This can therefore help you continue to live life to the fullest and take part in the activities that you enjoy. You may also find that you rely less heavily on painkillers after surgery. All of these factors can help to improve other areas of your life such as your mood and quality of sleep.
If the above methods have failed, a hip replacement may be a viable option to help manage your hip pain.
Your surgeon will discuss all of the treatment options with you. The operation often takes one to two hours to perform. It involves your surgeon making a cut into the hip and removing the damaged hip joint. The surgeon then replaces it with an artificial joint known as a prosthesis. This is often made up of metal or plastic.
BOA stands for The British Orthopaedic Association. It is the leading orthopaedic organisation in the UK. Surgeons who are members of the society regularly attend training to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. This means that they are amongst the most highly qualified and experienced orthopaedic surgeons in the UK. At Medbelle, we aim to recruit surgeons who are members of BOA. This ensures that all our patients receive only the highest quality of care.
Who are the ideal hip replacement candidates?
Have pain that has negatively impacted their mental health and social life.
Stopping the use of any recreational drugs.
Who is not suitable for a hip replacement?
People who cannot fully understand or follow the pre and post-operative instructions.
These patients may therefore wish to consider other options. However, this is not to say that if you fall into one of these categories you will never be able to have a hip replacement. For example, an infection can be treated and the surgery performed once it has been cured.
Your surgeon will speak to you about your suitability for surgery and what the best type of treatment is for you.
How is a hip replacement performed?
There are a number of different techniques that your surgeon can use to perform a hip replacement. You can either have a total hip replacement, or a partial one. This page mainly focuses on how a total hip replacement procedure is performed.
You will have met with your surgeon for a consultation prior to the surgery to discuss the different options, and what technique would be most suitable for you. A hip replacement usually takes 1 to 2 hours to perform. However, this also depends on the nature of the problem with your hip and whether you have had previous hip surgery. Below is an overview on what will happen on the day of your procedure.
You will need to give your consent for the operation in the form of writing. You will do this before the surgery. This ensures that you have had enough time to obtain information about the hip replacement procedure, including the benefits and risks involved. Before you sign the consent form, you should also make sure that you have asked your surgeon any questions you have regarding the surgery.
Before the surgery can begin, you will be taken to the anaesthetic room to meet your anaesthetist. This is the doctor who will be responsible for giving you your anaesthetic. Your surgeon will have discussed with you what type of anaesthetic you will have during your operation. This will either be a general or a spinal/epidural anaesthetic. A general anaesthetic will put you to sleep throughout the procedure. A spinal or epidural anaesthetic will numb your legs and hips, and the anaesthetist will also give you a sedative at the same time. This will help to keep you relaxed throughout the operation.
In the operating theatre, your surgeon will prepare you for the operation by cleaning the treatment area and creating a sterile field. Your surgeon will then make the incisions. The incisions vary in size and location according to the technique used. In general, they are located around the affected hip joint. The general technique consists of the surgeon making an incision into the hip, removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint.
The artificial joints (or prostheses) are made of several different materials, including metal and ceramic. You and your surgeon will discuss the exact type of replacement joint they plan to use before the day of your surgery. In order to replace the hip joint, your surgeon will first remove the existing joint. Once removed, the surgeon prepares the space for the new joint by reshaping the area and placing a cup shaped insert into the joint. Your surgeon will then line this insert with either plastic or ceramic. They will then attach the other part of the joint to the bone of your leg (femur). The surgeon checks that the new joint has a good range of movement before finishing the operation.
The surgeon will stitch the cut muscles and soft tissues back together. The surgeon then closes the skin incisions, usually with absorbable stitches. Afterwards, they will apply a dressing over the incisions to help minimise bruising and swelling. Your surgical team will either remove or change these dressings after a couple of days.
At the end of the surgery, the nurses will move you to a recovery room. Here, you will gradually recover from your anaesthetic. Patients often spend 1 to 5 nights in hospital after this operation before they go home to continue their recovery.
What should I expect from my hip replacement consultation?
Your hip replacement consultation is an opportunity for you to meet with your surgeon to discuss the procedure and what you would like to achieve from it. This will last between 15 minutes to an hour. You will talk with your surgeon about your concerns, and they will assess your hip and general mobility. They can then discuss with you the best surgical approach to solve the problems that you have identified.
Your surgeon will also discuss with you the potential risks and complications that come with a hip replacement procedure. It is important to be aware of these so that you can make a fully informed decision on whether or not you wish to go ahead with the operation.
During your consultation, we recommend that you are as open as possible with your surgeon. Be honest about your expectations and everything you have tried so far. Your surgeon is there to listen carefully to you, to help to restore your quality of life and mobility and to lessen the hip pain that you are suffering from.
What questions should you ask during your hip replacement consultation?
Will a hip replacement correct the concerns that I have expressed?
What scars will I be left with?
How soon after a hip replacement can I return to work?
Will I be able to take part in sports and exercise after my hip replacement?
What are the main hip replacement risks and complications?
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications that can occur with a hip replacement. It is very important that you are aware of these and are able to weigh up these risks with the benefits before you choose to go ahead with the treatment. This page outlines the main hip replacement risks and complications. You should read these carefully and take a while to think about them when deciding if a this procedure is suitable for you.
Some bruising is common after surgery. This should resolve over the first couple of weeks. You may also experience some minor bleeding from the incision site. This often occurs right after surgery but may occur a few weeks later. However, if you notice significant bruising, pain, or swelling, please inform your surgeon straight away. It is possible that you may have a haematoma, which is a solid collection of blood under the skin. These often develop within 24 hours of surgery and require medical attention. You may be more at risk if you are male, have high blood pressure, or take certain medications.
Feeling feverish with a temperature over 38° C.
Redness at the incision site that is spreading after the first 48 hours.
Yellow pus-like or foul-smelling fluid seeping from the incision.
Increased pain or discomfort that your pain medication does not resolve.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to avoid scarring where the surgeon has made incisions. The size and location of the scars will vary slightly according to the technique your surgeon uses. Usually, you will have one or two scars around your hip. Make sure you ask your surgeon to explain where your final scars will be. Remember that scars will also fade with time. How much they fade will depend on the healing ability of your skin. Your surgeon can also give you some tips on how to care for your wounds and to reduce the scarring that you are left with.
Sometimes the skin where the surgeon has operated on can change colour slightly after the surgery. This should settle over a few months as the area heals.
If, during your surgery, the nerves in your hip or pelvis are injured, you may lose some feeling or movement in your leg. This is rare and in most cases, temporary. However, even more rarely, more long-term loss of sensation or movement can occur. At Medbelle, we only work with highly skilled and qualified surgeons. This means that you will be at less risk of this occurring.
It is possible for the artificial joint to become dislocated. Although uncommon, this may affect the result of the surgery. When it does occur, displacement of the implant tends to happen 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery. It often only happens once. If it happens more than once, surgery may be needed to re-stabilise the joint. To lower the risk of hip dislocation, avoid crossing your legs or fully bending your hip. For example, avoid sitting cross-legged and bending forwards when in a seated position.
After a joint replacement of any type, there is always the possibility that there may be some mismatch between your natural joint and the prosthetic one. In the case of hip replacement procedures, this appears as slightly different leg lengths after the surgery. To ensure that you are happy with the final results, you should talk openly with your surgeon during your consultation to make sure that they understand your expectations. Your surgeon will consider this when planning their approach to minimise any difference in leg length. Even if this is a problem, it is correctable with special shoes or an insole that fits inside your existing shoes to even out your legs.
All surgeries carry some common risks. These include the development of blood clots, nausea and vomiting, and postoperative pain. As the surgery involves the use of an anaesthetic agent, it is also possible that you may develop complications relating to the anaesthetic itself.
It is vital that you follow your surgeon's specific aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of these complications occurring.
How can I prepare for my hip replacement?
You might want to do certain tasks like cleaning the house, taking the bins out or doing the laundry before the operation. This way, you won't have to do these chores when you come back home. Coming home to a clean and tidy house is sure to make you feel more comfortable whilst you recover. As you will take some time to regain strength and mobility, it is useful to have someone who can do these chores for you.
It's good to stock up on some key food items that can be kept in your cupboard or your fridge. You won't be able to leave the house for a few days after you leave hospital, so this will save you from having to go to the supermarket. Preparing some meals in advance may also be a useful way of minimising stress when you return home. You can keep pre-prepared meals in the freezer. You can then easily defrost these on days you don't feel like cooking or can't get to a supermarket.
Looking after pets and young children can often be a handful! After a surgical procedure such as a hip replacement, it is understandable to be tired and lack your usual energy. In particular, you won't be able to take dogs for a walk or run after small children until you have had a chance to recover. Asking friends or family to mind your children or pets can, therefore, help to make your recovery less stressful. As another option, you might wish to get a babysitter or nanny to help you with your little ones as you recover.
After the surgery, you will not be able to drive for around 6 weeks. Therefore, make sure you have organised for someone to pick you up and drive you home. We recommend asking a friend or family member, rather than a taxi, as you will feel more at ease having someone familiar collect you from the hospital. Also, think ahead about any transport you may need during this first 6 weeks and try to arrange it in advance.
A healthy diet is an important factor in helping you to heal and recover after a hip replacement. Eat lots of healthy green vegetables, fresh fruit, and high-protein foods such as chicken, fish and legumes. Drink plenty of fluids – water is best. Tea and coffee are high in caffeine, so we advise you to keep those to a minimum and avoid alcohol. Also, try to avoid foods that are high in sugar and salt as much as you can.
Make sure you have loose and comfortable clothing at home. We recommend wearing loose clothing such as skirts, shorts and jogging bottoms during your recovery so you feel as comfortable as possible.
It is important that you lie and sleep on your back after a hip replacement. Your surgeon may suggest putting a pillow between your legs to keep the replaced hip in the correct position. After 3-4 weeks you may be able to start to sleep on the side that was not operated on, also with a pillow between your legs for support. Your surgeon will explain this to you in detail and give further suggestions on sleeping comfortably after the procedure.
It is vital that you follow your surgeon's specific hip replacement preparation tips and aftercare advice. You must follow their instructions to achieve the best results from surgery and reduce the risk of complications occurring.
What can I expect after a hip replacement?
A key element of your hip replacement aftercare is regular follow up appointments which your surgeon will also arrange for you. During these appointments, they will check your wounds to see how they are healing, assess your hip's function, and check to see if you are in any pain. They will also address any complications and make an assessment of the results of the procedure at each point in your recovery.
If you were put to sleep with a general anaesthetic, you will gradually wake up following surgery under close supervision. You will have dressings around your hip and you may have some soreness in this area. The dressings will normally stay in place for up to a week before they are removed. If a spinal or epidural anaesthetic was used, you may feel a change in sensation of your hips and legs, but this will gradually wear off. Your hip may also feel tender, and moving around will be difficult. Your surgeon or the nurses in the recovery room will offer you painkillers which you can take if you need to.
Is there anything I need to do in the first 24 hours?
You will usually be in hospital for a few days after the surgery. During this time, the nurses will check on you regularly to see how you are doing. After a general anaesthetic you will feel tired and groggy and the anaesthetic can also affect your memory and concentration. This can last from anywhere between a few hours and up to 2 days. In the first 24 hours, just concentrate on recovering. The physiotherapist will visit you and encourage you to sit on the end of the bed and begin to gently move your hip.
The recovery period may depend on several factors relating to your health but in general, you will need to take around 6 weeks off work. You may need longer if your job is more active or if you do not feel comfortable returning to work. You should therefore listen to the exact time frames that your surgeon provides you with. Whether you have an office job or a physical job, make sure that you do not lift anything heavy for at least 8 to 10 weeks.
When can I return to exercise and sport?
You should avoid any strenuous activity and contact sports for at least 8 weeks after your hip replacement. However, you should be fine to resume some light physical activity after 2-6 weeks depending on how you are recovering. Start off gently, with light aerobic activity such as walking on a treadmill or a short walk outside. You can start to take short walks after around a week and slowly build these up to improve the strength of your hip. Low impact sports such as swimming, cycling and walking are the best type of exercise for your new hip. You should avoid high impact, dangerous and contact sports even after you fully recover.
What other points should I consider?
You may need to keep your wound covered initially. If your surgeon has used staples or stitches then the wound should be kept covered until these are removed. If your stitches are deeper, then they only need to be covered for the first few days. You will be able to shower or bathe once your surgeon says you can do so. Your surgeon will also tell you when they will be able to remove your stitches. If you notice anything leaking from the wound, you should inform your surgeon straight away.
During your hospital stay, the physiotherapist will come and assess you and help to get you up and about. Once you have left hospital, you may need further physiotherapy sessions. This is not always the case however, and your surgeon will create an individual plan for you. You should continue to do the exercises that the physiotherapist showed you whilst you were in hospital. You will find that your new hip improves slowly over time. As soon as you are able to, it is a great idea to start walking regularly every day.
There may not be a noticeable difference to your hip pain immediately after surgery, but it is important to remember that this pain is temporary and caused by the surgery. You should be able to appreciate the final results between 6 and 12 months after surgery. This is because it may take a while for the hip joint to settle and for you to regain your confidence, strength and mobility. As long as you follow your surgeon's hip replacement aftercare advice, you will gradually feel more and more like your usual self and be able to appreciate your new hip.
It is vital that you follow your surgeon's specific hip replacement aftercare advice to ensure that you get the best results possible and reduce the risk of complications.
What are some common hip replacement FAQs?
We have put together some commonly asked hip replacement FAQs below. It is useful to read them through as there may be some questions that you had not thought of asking. If you still have further questions, don't worry! Your surgeon will be happy to answer them during your consultation.
Do I need a GP referral for a hip replacement?
You do not always need a referral letter as some private surgeons may agree to see you initially without this. However, if possible it is preferred that you have a GP referral. If you decide you want to go ahead with the procedure, your surgeon will require more information on your medical history. In this case, they usually contact your GP for this information, with your permission.
Your surgeon will give you specific advice on how to wash and bathe after the surgery. In general, you may not shower or bathe as normal for the first 2 weeks in order to keep the wound dry and to protect you from falling whilst you are still improving your mobility. During this time, we suggest strip washing one area at a time instead. After this time, you will be able to shower normally (assuming there is step free access), but will not be able to sit in a bath for around 8 weeks. You must follow your surgeon's specific aftercare advice to ensure the best results possible.
When will I feel completely recovered after surgery?
It is normal for your recovery to take between 3 to 6 months. After this time, you should feel like your usual self again and be able to partake in hobbies and sports as you did before the surgery. We, therefore, advise that you plan ahead. Please ensure to discuss any specific sports or hobbies with your surgeon prior to your surgery. If you have a major event coming up such as a wedding, plan your surgery at least 6 months before it if possible.
A hip replacement operation is permanent. The artificial hip joint often lasts for between 15 and 20 years. This means that most patients only undergo one hip replacement in their lifetime, with the exception of those patients who suffer from surgical complications such as an infected prosthesis, or those who have their hip replaced at a young age. These repeat operations are often more complicated and less successful, but in most cases they still improve hip function and reduce pain. You should follow general health advice to get the best long term results from your operation. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and staying hydrated.
What are the effects of smoking, drugs and alcohol on surgery?
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk to a number of surgical complications. This is why we advise you to cut back on alcohol and stop smoking well in advance of the operation. Most surgeons ask that you are smoke and nicotine free for at least 6 weeks before and after surgery.
Pain relief and physiotherapy are the usual first line treatments for hip pain and problems with mobility. However, sometimes further treatment is needed. If you have a condition such as osteoarthritis, your doctor will often offer you a steroid injection into the hip to control your discomfort before thinking about surgery, although this is not a permanent solution. It is possible to carry out a partial hip replacement where only the part of the joint where your leg joins the hip is replaced. Your doctor and surgeon will be able to tell you which treatment plan is most suitable for you.


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Used Audi RS5 8T (2010 - 2016) - buying guide
Can a naturally aspirated, 444bhp sports coupe possibly be a bad second-hand buy?
by: Peter Tomalin
IntroductionCurrently reading
We never quite clicked with the B8 RS5 the way we did with the B7 RS4 that preceded it. In fact we gave it a bit of a panning in evo group tests at the time. But there was always a feeling that it might well turn out to be an appealing ownership proposition in the longer run. It's often the way with fast Audis. And with the second-generation RS5 – and just about everything else these days – having a downsized turbo engine, never underestimate the appeal of a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 under the bonnet.
Also consider that, with a few choice options, these were near-enough £70,000 cars when new. Now that you can pick up a good one for as little as £25k, that makes them appear conspicuously good value. So, all in all, it's a good time to reappraise the first-gen RS5.
The B8 A5 range, comprising coupe, cabrio and five-door Sportback, was introduced in the summer of 2007 and soon spawned a sporty S5 with, initially, a 349bhp 4.2-litre V8 (then a 328bhp 3-litre supercharged V6 from 2012).
The full-on RS5, however, didn't arrive till spring 2010. Its discreetly enhanced body featured a deep chin spoiler, flared arches, and a rear spoiler that deployed at 75mph. Inside were sports seats in leather and Alcantara (torso-hugging bucket seats were an option) and a high quality feel with aluminum and carbonfibre trimmings.
The naturally aspirated 4.2-litre FSI (fuel stratified injection) V8 was essentially the magnificent 5.2-litre V10 from the R8 supercar with two cylinders removed. Handbuilt by quattro GmbH with an aluminium crankcase, its 444bhp at 8250rpm meant more than 100bhp per litre, while 317lb ft from 4000 to 6000 told you this was an engine that thrived on revs. Drive went to all four wheels via a seven-speed 'S-tronic' dual-clutch gearbox and a mechanical centre differential that channelled up to 85 per cent of the power to the rear wheels, where an electronic diff did the torque-vectoring.
There was a facelift in late 2011 that sharpened the looks and updated the MMI infotainment but mechanically things stayed the same. We clocked it from 0 to 60mph in 4.3sec, and while top speed was limited to 155mph, if you paid another £1480 Audi would very generously raise the limit to 174mph. The RS5 was properly quick, discreet and desirable. So, what's not to like?
'I bought one' - Daniel Clarke
'I had my RS5 – a pre-facelift car – for two years. My previous car was an S3, but I'd only had it for about a year before I was tempted by the V8. I think it was seeing one on the road and hearing the noise that did it.
'My RS5 had covered about 10,000 miles when I bought it, and I added another 15,000, using it as my everyday car. Overall I really liked it, but I did have a couple of things go wrong. The alternator regulator went, which meant it started misfiring badly. It took the dealer a while to trace the problem – it just so happened that someone in Germany had had the same fault. There was also a fault with the electronic diff, and an oil leak from the rear driveshafts. It had a number of rattles, too; they had to replace one of the door-cards when a clip inside broke.
'It was all covered under the manufacturer warranty, which I had for the first year, and handled very efficiently by Audi Southampton. For the second year I bought a warranty for around £700, and though I didn't have to make a claim, that's something I'd recommend. These can be very expensive cars if things do go wrong: I was told a replacement S-tronic gearbox from Audi is £14,000…
'Day-to-day running costs were reasonable: 18-19mpg was the norm and I replaced the front tyres at about £250 each, but I thought that was OK for two years' ownership. The backs were still the originals, which was good going. And I replaced one set of front pads – about £400 through the dealership.
'I liked the looks, I liked the noise. It was the first car I'd owned with over 400bhp and it was very easy to drive pretty much to its full potential; the grip was just incredible. It was practical too – I got two mountain bikes in it with the seats down, and the rear seats could accommodate adults, though you wouldn't want to be there for too long.
'I eventually part-exchanged it for a new RS4. There's something about these RS Audis…'
Introduction - currently reading


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Monterey and Pacific Grove's public pension records
Updated: 12:00 AM PDT Jul 10, 2013
Jacqueline Mazur
KSBW News Team
On Wednesday, CalPERS reversed a decision to launch a searchable database of pension information on about half a million beneficiaries.California Public Employees' Retirement System, the nation's largest public pension fund, pays benefits for more than 1.5 million government employees and their families.The agency announced plans for the database on Monday, but changed course after opposition grew from retirees who didn't want their pensions going public.VIDEO: Monterey and Pacific Grove's public pension problemsThe database would have included retirees' names, their monthly gross pension payment and some employment history, but would not have included information on beneficiaries or survivors who receive a monthly allowance.The about-face came despite some calls that it's the public's right to know how much pensioners are earning from the state.While the debate over the legality of such a database simmers, the CalPERS system is getting anything but rave reviews lately."CalPERS really needs to offer cities a lot more flexibility. We need alternatives such as defined contribution plans instead of defined benefits plans," said Pacific Grove Mayor Bill Kampe.Kampe wants city employees to have the option of getting out of CalPERS altogether, calling the agency a "monopoly supplier" that sets rules at a relatively arbitrary basis and changes them somewhat at will."The result is they really cause a lot of fluctuations in city budgets that hurt services that we're able to supply to our citizens," Kampe said.Monterey City Manager Fred Meurer said his city has been forced to ratchet back retirement benefits for employees, but said they understand the issue and are helping to try and solve it."To the credit of our employees, they not only agreed to postpone raises that they had fairly negotiated years ago when times were better, they agreed to also pay a part of the city's share of PERS," he said.
MONTEREY, Calif. —
On Wednesday, CalPERS reversed a decision to launch a searchable database of pension information on about half a million beneficiaries.
California Public Employees' Retirement System, the nation's largest public pension fund, pays benefits for more than 1.5 million government employees and their families.
The agency announced plans for the database on Monday, but changed course after opposition grew from retirees who didn't want their pensions going public.
VIDEO: Monterey and Pacific Grove's public pension problems
The database would have included retirees' names, their monthly gross pension payment and some employment history, but would not have included information on beneficiaries or survivors who receive a monthly allowance.
The about-face came despite some calls that it's the public's right to know how much pensioners are earning from the state.
While the debate over the legality of such a database simmers, the CalPERS system is getting anything but rave reviews lately.
"CalPERS really needs to offer cities a lot more flexibility. We need alternatives such as defined contribution plans instead of defined benefits plans," said Pacific Grove Mayor Bill Kampe.
Kampe wants city employees to have the option of getting out of CalPERS altogether, calling the agency a "monopoly supplier" that sets rules at a relatively arbitrary basis and changes them somewhat at will.
"The result is they really cause a lot of fluctuations in city budgets that hurt services that we're able to supply to our citizens," Kampe said.
Monterey City Manager Fred Meurer said his city has been forced to ratchet back retirement benefits for employees, but said they understand the issue and are helping to try and solve it.
"To the credit of our employees, they not only agreed to postpone raises that they had fairly negotiated years ago when times were better, they agreed to also pay a part of the city's share of PERS," he said.