legmen xanax

Friday, July 27, 2012

Healthy, hippie life. ? scribbles & sass

For those of you who are still trying to get to know me, I?ll give you a bit of an inside scoop about a few things.

I started blogging over two years ago to help me recover from a pretty nasty ankle injury. I was consumed with healthy living blogs and my rehab. It was a very intense summer of clean eating, physio, yoga and craziness. Because of that first blog I found the Twitter chat #fitblog, and in turn many of my favourite blog friends.

I also work for a powerhouse company that owns three different chains of gyms. I have three free gym memberships, write and edit a health and fitness magazine, and am surrounded by all things fitness day-in and day-out. Personal trainers, nutritionists, everyone is drinking the kool-aid. (That is if kool-aid was healthy)

So with that I must admit: the gym and I are on a break. We haven?t broken up, we just need some time apart.

I can?t wrap my head about weight training, or running (even though I want a race medal) or anything of the sort.

When I first started losing the activity passion, I jumped into planning mode knowing it?s what I ?should? be doing. Scheduling workouts and meal prep became consuming and were driving me mad.

There is more to my healthy life than the gym. While I do know that physical fitness is a good part of the healthy pie chart, I am much more focused on my mental and emotional health right now.

(teacup pig)

Embracing my hippie roots handed down to me from the mother, I?m sweating with yoga, walking more places, smiling, sitting in the grass, and soaking up plenty of sunshine.

I?m letting myself be consumed with positivity instead of meal plans and training schedules.

Sometimes you just need to go with the flow. Now would be that flow.

Have you stepped back for a bit? How did you reflect and get back to it?

Source: http://scribblesandsass.com/2012/07/25/healthy-hippie-life/

green eggs and ham wiz khalifa and amber rose oh the places you ll go blunt amendment justin bieber birthday read across america vikings stadium

Thursday, July 26, 2012

EYES ON LONDON: Cameron can't see, Russia gaffe

Two police officers patrol at St. Pancras Station in London, Thursday, July 26, 2012. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 London Olympics will be held Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Searchlights shine over the Olympic Stadium during a rehearsal for the opening ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 25, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics with opening ceremonies for the games scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

A jet is silhouetted against the setting sun as it passes in the distance behind spires of the Tower Bridge Wednesday, July 25, 2012, in London. The city will host the 2012 London Olympics with opening ceremonies scheduled for Friday, July 27. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon completes his run in Sarajevo's 1984 Winter Olympic stadium in Sarajevo, Bosnia, Thursday, July 26, 2012. The Secretary-General visited the Sarajevo Olympic Stadium for a morning run in a symbolic gesture to mark his visit to "Olympic Sarajevo" on his regional tour of southeastern Europe. (AP Photo/Sulejman Omerbasic)

In this multiple exposure photo, a Brazilian gymnast performs on the vault during training at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 26, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

LONDON (AP) ? Around the 2012 Olympics and its host city with journalists from The Associated Press bringing the flavor and details of the games to you:

___

ROOM WITHOUT A VIEW

He can hear the spikes and serves, but however much he tries to take a peek, British Prime Minister David Cameron won't catch a glimpse of the beach volleyball contests due to be staged right next to his home at London's famous No. 10 Downing Street.

Ex-leader Tony Blair once joked it was a "masterstroke" to hold the competition at Horse Guards Parade, a storied square in the heart of central London, which sits right next to the British leader's residence.

But Cameron says Thursday that a temporary 15,000-seat arena built for the matches has completely obscured his view.

"There's no direct line of sight," says Cameron.

?David Stringer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/david_stringer

___

BEING VEGAN

A woman dressed as a parrot is passing out literature on being vegan. Did you know that Carl Lewis and gold medal swimmer Murray Rose are vegans?

?Jenna Fryer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/jennafryer

___

ROMNEY REMARKS

Is London prepared to pull off the Olympic Games smoothly? Is that what Mitt Romney's asking?

The Republican presidential candidate is causing a stir in Britain by raising the question. The former Massachusetts governor is visiting British political leaders Thursday while trying to show he has what it takes to represent America on the world stage.

But instead of highlighting ties with America's staunchest ally, Romney may have embarrassed the Brits instead. Romney said in an interview that it's unclear whether Britain can overcome the issues that have dogged its final preparations for the Games.

Leaving a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Romney said he expects the games will be successful.

Cameron says Romney and others will "see beyond doubt that Britain can deliver."

?David Stringer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/david_stringer

___

COOL IT

Do Brits simply not believe in air conditioning? Or is it just never needed?

"Man, it's hot in here," said U.S. boxer Claressa "T-Rex" Shields at training near the Olympic village. It was a seasonable 80 F (26.5 Celsius) on the street, but far, far hotter inside the sweltering gymnasium.

Will it be this hot for boxing's main event? Shields, a 17-year-old from Flint, Michigan, was asked.

"I sure hope not," she smiled.

?Paul Haven ? Twitter http:/twitter.com/paulhaven

___

JUST DESSERTS

"The cherry on top of a pile of cherries." ? U.S. fencer and gold medalist Mariel Zagunis, on being the flag bearer for opening ceremony.

She says she's bursting with pride that a. she got the job and b. women have outnumbered men on the team for the first time.

?Mark Colson, Tim Reynolds ? Twitter http://twitter.com/ByTimReynolds.

___

DON'T MESS WITH HER

Talking of doping, AP's Jenna Fryer just had a close encounter with an ad that's arguably a little wide of the mark. It's from Transport for London. Check out the arms. http://img.ly/lfJ6

?Jenna Fryer ? Twitter http://twitter.com/jennafryer

___

TORCH RELAY CONCERT

To celebrate the torch's arrival in London a concert is being held in Hyde Park on Thursday ? the same place where the plug was pulled on Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen a few weeks ago after they violated a curfew.

Rees Ianson, 32, was a torch bearer in the north of England and so was given the opportunity to get tickets.

"I jumped at the chance, I'm looking forward to it," says the sales manager from Lincolnshire who was nominated as a torch runner for his charity work.

He's not just down for the concert. Rees also has tickets for basketball and hockey. "I can't wait," he said on his way to the gig featuring the likes of Mark Ronson and Dizzie Rascal.

?Fergus Bell ? Twitter http://twitter.com/fergb

___

WHERE YOU FROM AGAIN?

Kazakhstan is trying to replace two of its male Olympic weightlifters at the 11th hour, possibly because of citizenship issues.

The two are Arli Chontei, in the 56-kilogram category, and Farkhad Kharki, in the 62-kilogram category.

International Weightlifting Federation spokeswoman Aniko Nemeth-Mora says Kazakhstan is citing medical reasons. However, Kazakh weightlifting official Mendikhan Tapsiruly tells AP that "this is most likely to do with the fact they were granted citizenship recently."

Both lifters are originally from China. Two other lifters in Kazakhstan's team were recruited from China, while one switched nationalities from Russia.

?Karl Ritter ? Twitter http://twitter.com/Karl-Ritter

___

HANDS OFF!

Russia's Olympic committee is laying claim to over a dozen athletes born in once-Soviet Ukraine. And it's sparked an outcry in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital.

Some athletes are listed as born in the "Ukraine region" of Russia, while others are listed as coming from the Ukrainian cities of Lutsk and Lviv, which were described as Russian.

Similar mistakes were made for Georgia-born athletes.

Russia's Olympic Committee is now working to correct the data. But it's done little to appease widespread resentment as a result of centuries of Russian dominance which ended when Ukraine gained its independence in 1991.

?Vladimir Isachenkov ? Twitter http://twitter.com/visachenkov

___

POSITIVE DRUG TEST

A Greek athlete has failed a doping test and is out of the Olympics. High jump champion Dimitris Chondrokoukis has tested positive for the steroid stanozolol.

His father ? and coach ? says the news is "surreal" and is asking for a follow-up test.

?Graham Dunbar ? Twitter http://twitter.com/gdunbarap

___

NO HIJAB

The ruling has come down: Saudi Arabia's female judo competitor will not be allowed to wear a hijab during her matches.

Asian judo federations allow them, but in London the veil has been deemed dangerous. Judo includes strangleholds and chokeholds ? and judo officials think that could prove even more painful if there's something to tug.

They also think judo should be free of religion and politics.

Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani is one of two female Saudi athletes here. The kingdom is allowing them to compete after the International Olympic Committee and human rights groups exerted intense pressure for an end to its practice of sending all-male teams to the games.

?Maria Cheng ? Twitter http://twitter.com/mylcheng

___

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Salient features of Sales Tax for 2012-13 | Tax, Finance & Accounts ...

Islamabad:?Pakistan?s Federal Budget Bill 2011-12 for the next year has just been announced and tabled in the parliament and following are the salient features of the Sales Tax for 2012-13.

1. To provide relief to low income earners, basic exemption limit is now being raised for salaried and business individuals to Rs.400,000. The existing rate slabs are proposed to be reduced from 17 to 5. These concessionary measures will exempt 64,420 taxpayers besides reducing the effective tax rates and providing relief to the entire salaried and business communities.

2. The normal progressive slab rates are being introduced for the Association of Persons (AOPs). The existing slabs are proposed to be reduced to 5 from 6. Basic exemption upto the income of Rs. 400,000 is also to be provided. This will reduce effective tax rates thereby providing relief to all AOPs in their tax burden.

3. Minimum tax was levied @ 1% on gross turnover through Finance Act 2010. Various sectors of economy agitated the enhanced rate of minimum tax. Therefore, in the case of business community the rate of minimum tax is proposed to be reduced to 0.5% from 1% on gross turnover.

4. Advance tax @ 0.2 % is withheld on cash withdrawal from banks where such withdrawal exceeds Rs. 25,000 in a day. To facilitate the taxpayers it is proposed that the said limit of cash withdrawal is to be enhanced to Rs. 50,000 per day.

5. To recognize and incentivize compliant taxpayers, it is proposed to introduce a Taxpayer Honour Card scheme for all taxpayers who have filed tax returns and paid due taxes for the last 5 fiscal years. The holders of the card will be entitled to various privileges and benefits.

6. Capital Gain Tax (CGT) is being levied on the sale of property if it is disposed off within two years of its acquisition. This will act as a curb for investors who are either speculating or holding real estate for trading purpose.

7. To promote the stagnating capital market in the country, the changes made through the Finance (Amendment) Ordinance, 2012 are being incorporated into the statute through the Finance Bill 2012. This will provide guarantee to the capital market that the Government is committed to its sustainability and growth.

8. To promote investment in securities and insurance sectors, the limit of investment eligible for tax credit is being enhanced from 15% to 20% of the taxable income. The existing limit of investment of Rs. 500,000 in securities or insurance premium is also being increased to Rs. 1,000,000/- . The retention period of securities is also being reduced from three to one year.

9. To provide relief to the employees availing small amounts of loans from their employer, the loan upto Rs. 500,000/- is proposed to be exempt from income tax whereas the benchmark interest rate for loans above this limit shall be fixed at 10% instead of the progressively increasing rate which has reached 13%.

10. To encourage a competitive market for retirement schemes, it is proposed that accumulated balance of provident fund transferred to approved pension fund should be separately marked by the Pension Fund Manager and any withdrawal representing this marked balance should be exempt from tax and be treated as if that is withdrawn from provident fund and hence tax free.

11. Income of retirement/pension funds is exempt from tax if 90% of the profit is distributed as dividend. Any payment from a provident fund is exempt from tax in the hands of recipient. Existing practice of obtaining yearly exemption certificate is cumbersome and time consuming for the entities and refunds for any tax suffered against the exempt income is proposed to be changed and the said funds be granted exemption from deduction of withholding tax.

12. The business community is demanding since long for exemption of withholding tax on profits paid on intra group debt. It is proposed that profit on intra-group debt be exempted from withholding tax. However, the income from profit on debt will remain taxable.

13. To provide relief to the pensioners, amounts received as monthly installment from an income payment plan invested for a period of ten years out of the accumulated balances into a pension fund, annuity or individual pension accounts as specified in the Voluntary Pension System Rules, 2005 is proposed to be exempt from tax.

14. The income of the Workers Profit Participation Fund (WPPF) is exempt under the Companies Profit (Workers Participation) Act 1968. However Income Tax Ordinance does not recognize this exemption. In order to streamline and to remove the lacuna, it is proposed that the exemption to WPPF be granted in the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.

15. Person making a payment of insurance premium or re-insurance premium to a non-resident person is required to deduct tax from the gross amount paid. It is proposed to exempt withholding tax from payment to P.E. of a Non-resident.

16. It has been observed that the banks invest in capital market and in return dividend received by the banks is taxed @ 10%. In order to eliminate the tax arbitrage it is proposed that dividend received by banks from money market funds and income funds are to be taxed progressively over a period of two years. For tax year 2013 @ 25% and for tax year 2014 and onwards @ 35%.

17. The Government is consistently pursuing the policy of phasing out the Presumptive Tax Regime (PTR) in three years. In order to incentivize the taxpayers opting out of PTR a lower rate of tax is being offered to commercial importers, exporters and suppliers if they opt out of the PTR.

18. To ensure documentation of the economy and to bring traders/distributors on tax roll, it is proposed that the manufacturers shall be made withholding agents to collect 1% tax against the sales made to traders & distributors. However, the tax so collected shall be adjustable against their income.

19. The tax rates for passengers as well as goods transport vehicles are proposed to be enhanced as under:-

20 persons or more from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per seat per annum

In case of goods transport and vehicle: from Rs. 1 to Rs. 5 per Kg laden weight

20. CVT on immovable properties is not being levied in Islamabad Capital Territory. It is proposed to levy and collect CVT on transactions of immovable properties in Islamabad with identical structure adopted by the provinces.

21. It is proposed to bring clarity in the law by revamping the sections and extending the facility of tax credit to investments for extension of the existing manufacturing facility and to corporate dairy farms.

22. The value of vehicles is proposed to be enhanced from Rs 1.5 (m) to Rs 2.5 (m) for the purpose of depreciation allowance.

23. Presently the Directorate General Intelligence and Investigation is performing its functions through an office order. It is proposed to provide legal cover as already done in Sales Tax and Federal Excise Laws through an amendment in the Income Tax Ordinance

24. Previously, stock exchanges were deducting taxes in respect of margin financing (Badla). Currently the same function is being performed by NCCPL. It is proposed to make corresponding change in the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 whereby NCCPL shall collect and deposit the tax on behalf of the taxpayers.

25. The rate of initial depreciation on new buildings is 50% which results in converting the accounting income to tax loss. The rate initial depreciation is being reduced to 25%.

26. The exemption granted to profit and gains to the Venture Capital Company and Venture Capital Fund till 2014 is proposed to be extended for 10 years i.e. upto 2024.

Relief Measures:

a) The maximum general tariff slab has been reduced from 35% to 30%. This will reduce the number of duty slabs from 8 to 7.

b) Customs duty on raw materials and components for printing and stationery sector has been reduced.

c) Customs duty on 88 pharmaceutical raw materials and other input goods has been further reduced from 10% to 5%.

d) Customs duty on self-copy papers and self-adhesive papers has been reduced from 25% and 20% to 10%.

Incentives for Local Industry:

(a) Three major Notifications (SRO 565, 567 and 575) provide exemptions and concessions on import of plant and machinery for setting up of industries and import of raw materials for a large number of domestic industries. These are being cleansed of anomalies and are being simplified.

(b) In order to promote indigenous industry, some industrial raw materials are being included in the concessionary regime.

(c) Customs duty on scrap of rubber / shredded tyres has been reduced from 20% to 10% to encourage its use as a substitute fuel for the cement industry.

Tariff Measures:

(a) WCO has made 5-yearly changes in HS nomenclature for commodity classification and has issued HS-2012 version. Pakistan Customs Tariff classification structure is being aligned with the WCO nomenclature.

(b) Introduction of 12 Digit Subheadings in Customs Tariff to fulfill the requirement of full automation of import processing through the Customs computerized system (WeBOC) and statistical purposes.

(c) The Ministry of Textile Industry has recommended new tariff headings for facilitation of the textile industry and to update national tariff in accordance with international best practices. These headings are accordingly being created in Tariff.

(d) In order to encourage import of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) at affordable prices the rate of duty and taxes presently applicable to HEVs and their batteries are being reduced by 25%.

(e) In order to simplify the tariff the composite rate of duty on cinematographic film is being change to a simple specific rate of Rs. 5 per meter.

(f) Correction of classification and description of some items is being made in the Tariff.

Legislative Measure:

(a) Quasi judicial and administrative functions are being separated at the Collectorates? level.

(b) Enabling provision for introduction of the facility of ?e-auction?.

(d) Provision of appeal in cases where the application for refund has been declared.

(e) Definition of smuggling has been made more comprehensive by including en route pilferage of transit goods.

(f) Application of record keeping provisions on transport operators (for transit goods) and on tracking companies.

(g) Declaring attempts to make un-authorized access/ use or interfere with the Customs computerized system an offence.

(h) Introduction of the punishment of imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, where rules or conditions of transit are contravened.

(i) Establishment of formations for better enforcement.

(j) Removal of the punishment of ?whipping?, in cases of smuggling, possession or acquiring of smuggled goods and armed intimidation of persons engaged in the discharge of duty under the Customs Act.

source:http://www.thenewstribe.com

charlie st cloud celtics josh hamilton nba playoffs rosario dawson young jeezy world wildlife fund

Monday, June 4, 2012

High school, PGA of BC and the Molson Tour highlight week in Kelowna golf

Published: June 03, 2012 6:00 AM

With no B.C. high school A golf championship to defend this year due to job action by B.C. teachers, the Immaculata Mustangs went out and found a title to win anyway.

In a dramatic conclusion, the Mustangs downed the host team from Osoyoos in a playoff this week to capture the Provincial High School Invitational.

Immaculata overcame a five-shot deficit in the second and final round of competition on Tuesday to finish in a tie with Osoyoos at 610.

Five players on each team competed in a one-hole (par 3) playoff with the Mustangs emerging victorious by a single stroke.

"It was an exciting finish, I felt badly for Osoyoos, they started with the lead and played extremely well," said Immaculata coach Christa Kueber. "Our guys were just extremely consistent, and we were able to capitalize in the playoff.

"The playoff experience was great for all 10 of those kids."

Steven Lee led the charge for Immaculata on the final day with a round of 74. Michael Lee, James Casorso and Cole Baldigara all shot 75s, while Kennedy Gorges came in at 78. Lauren Rutherglen was also a member of the championship team.

Lee tied for second place in the individual competition with a (73-74) 147 total, one shot back of Mitchell Kelly from Osoyoos.

Madison Kapchinsky of Rutland won the girls title, with Jessica Claggett of KSS taking second.

KSS placed third at 618.

The tournament was organized by Kueber as a alternative to the official B.C. high school championships which were cancelled last month due to the BCTF's stance on extracurricular activities.

???

The Professional Golfers' Association of British Columbia crowned their first Tournament Champions of the 2012 season this week at the Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna. Mission Golf and Country Club head pro Mark Anderson partnered with club champion Stu Dunaway, to shoot a 7-under par 65 and claim the top prize at the event which partnered club professionals with club champions in a best ball event.

Anderson earned the top professional prize of $1,200 while Dunaway won a brand new set of TaylorMade R11 irons.

Finishing two off the lead in third place (67) were Rob Anderson and Jason Monteleone of Kelowna Golf and Country Club, while the teams from Canoe Creek Golf Course Jesse Crowe and Cody Bell along with last year's co-champions from Two Eagles Golf Course Dean Claggett and Curtis Pannell tied for fourth with a score of 68.

The TaylorMade & adidas Golf PGA of BC Tournament of Champions is one of the more popular events on the PGA of BC event calendar, as it pairs the best amateur player at golf club's across the province with that golf club's head professional.? The scoring format of Best Ball takes only the best score of the two players per hole giving the potential of scoring well provided both teammates do not struggle on the same hole.? The prize structure offers professionals a chance to win a share of the $6,850 purse, and the Amateurs an opportunity to win their share of over $7000 of TaylorMade and adidas Golf product.

???

A hole-in-one by Power 104's Don Huculak was the highlight of the Molson Tour at the Okanagan Golf Club's Bear Course on Monday as Kelowna's recreational golf league continued.

Huculak aced the par 3 14th hole at the Bear and was later rewarded when he splurged for some refreshments as the Molson Tour completed its second weekly points event, using the Stableford scoring system.

Huculak?of course?also claimed a closest to the pin win with his hole-in-one while other KP winners were? Lance Menzies, Eric Noble and Paul Clissold. Lyle Hines blasted the long drive on the 10th hole.

Molson Tour golfers will return to the OGC on Monday.

Here are the top 10 point standings through two weeks of competition:

1 Craig Foster

2 Jim Malazdrewicz

3. Cal Warren

4. Dennis Young

5. Kelly Quist

6. Kent Paterson

7. Mike Kirby

8. Dave McMahon

9. Bryan Ritchat

10. Tim Jex

???

If you have a golf story, great shot or event that you would like to see published in our golf digest, e-mail kparnell@kelownacapnews.com

'; } } document.getElementById("ad_unit").innerHTML += ad_unit; google_adnum += google_ads.length; return; } google_ad_client = 'pub-9774721429222771'; google_ad_output = 'js'; google_ad_channel ='3389691084'; google_max_num_ads = '4'; google_feedback = 'on'; google_ad_type = 'text'; google_adtest = 'on'; google_image_size = '300x250'; google_skip = '3'; // -->

obama care miss universe canada don draper gallagher madmen james cameron liam hemsworth

Light Green Abstract PowerPoint Template | Free Powerpoint ...

This light green PowerPoint presentation background is the perfect PPT template for anyone looking for an original PPT template slide design for green presentations or templates with grunge green PowerPoint slide design. You can use this free light green PPT template for business presentations including marketing strategy in PowerPoint but also for other business related presentation slides, for example for green presentations or recycle PowerPoint templates. Free light green PPT template for your PowerPoint presentations. The slide design has green background color and vertical column with white background color where you can place the presentation title. This slide has also some shadow effects and wind effect in the background with small line disordered in the design. If this template is not suitable for your presentation we have many other alternatives including this free light PowerPoint template with clean design.

PPT PPS Size: 458.5 KiB | Downloads: 1 Download 2366_light_green.zip

forgetting sarah marshall taraji p. henson irs shuttle discovery biggest loser bonnie raitt internal revenue service

Sunday, June 3, 2012

GALAHAD Battle Scars music review by tszirmay

If there ever was a band that has clearly progressed, it must be said that British group Galahad is definitely a top contender for the prize. Starting out with early albums that were really nothing more than baby steps, their first real leap forward was the charming Galahad Acoustic Quartet -Not All There release back in 1994, which proposed a stripped down, very dark folk series of beautiful songs, a platform for Stu to really put his original voice up- front and center. I still adore that CD to this day, as the medieval/melancholic vibe is precious and vibrant. Next came Sleepers in 1995 , which was standard neo-prog of the times, with simple ballads (Julie Anne and Pictures of Bliss) as well as some extended 10 minute + workouts (title track, Exorcizing Demons , Live and Learn and Amaranth) but was not particularly liked by the stubborn critics , a judgment that was even more scathing on the follow-up, 1999's "Following Ghosts", a seemingly heady mixture of what was before but salted with some harder pieces such as 'Imago' and 'Myopia'. This was , in my humble opinion where the tide turned as new keyboardist Dean Baker exercised his melodic influence by injecting strong electronic-tinged sweeps into the fold, though preferring bubbling Tangerine Dream style synthesizers to the usual formulaic organ/synth style as espoused by Clive Nolan, Martin Orford or Mark Kelly. And that's where Galahad's fortunes veered towards a future style that was all theirs. No more copycats, we are Galahad! In 2002, the aptly-titled "Year Zero" - that certainly proves that they were starting fresh and new- introduced a whopping symphonic element, structurally first as the album is a 15 part suite that is one massive piece of mellotron-driven, synth-swept extravaganza, courtesy of Mr. Baker but also a rejuvenated Roy Keyworth who now began a rougher, raspier attitude to his guitar style. With a monster bassist in Neil Pepper and a powerful drummer in Spencer Luckman, Stuart now just needed some material to really blow fans away for good. They took 5 years to sculpt one of the most bewildering recordings ever in prog , the hissy, angry and devastatingly sparkling "Empires Never Last " , one of 2007 top albums, almost universally adopted by those who trashed the band in the past as well as fans who stood the test of time. Stuart Nicholson proved his vocal mettle and if you add the visually stunning DVD Resonance (which gustily actually pre-dated the album), the conclusion ?the only one- is that these lads have come a long, long way! This was a difficult period though as long time bassist Neil Pepper was struggling mightily with health issues, replaced by the talented Lee Abraham.

So the long waited follow up 2012 had Pepper back for an artistic swansong, as he went to prog heaven in September 2011. "Battle Scars" is the first of 2 albums to be released in 2012, the second set for later this year. The overt rockier edge is still there with more trance/electronica grooves as well as lush symphonics with furious mellotron cascades. The mixture is a bright one and very original. I like to call it power-prog, powerful music that hits the nodes with passion and class.

The ultra-classical overture (they like to start their concerts the same way) is a fine prelude for the title track to kick mightily into gear, with Stuart flexing his pipes with voluptuous engagement, the lyrical material not quite pretty and clean, soft pain emanating from his trembling lips, as the evoked brutality becomes overpowering. The pummeling drummed onslaught is fast and furious; while Roy rasps hard on his fretboard and Dean waves his mellotron drenched hands. "Reach for the Sun" is a brief moment of rage, as the pace remains frisky and raw, powerful riffs and more battle scars are revealed. Synths bleep and bloop amok, the mighty 'tron howls and the axe grinds, what a delightful arsenal of sound!

"Singularity" is a highlight spool of glittering noise, buzzed by a sublime melody and expert guitar finger painting. The expressive vocal is luxuriant, the pace somberly energetic, the guitar on slow burn fire , a delightful combination of sounds that hit the mark and make this a Galahad standard to come for evermore "You can't touch me now", he sings. The harmony vocal work is sublime and the result is utter poignancy. A delicate piano settles the score.

When Stuart snarls, he gets it right, as per the nasty "Bitter and Twisted" , a fine account of our hyper-judgmental society whose priorities lie with the ability to hate via electronic messages and general ethereal inhumanity. No more values, no more dedication and no more resolve. Spencer accentuates the dysfunction with syncopated percussive mayhem, fueled by a violent guitar smack and whistling synth slaps. "You are just a little piece of... nothing at all" has got to be the lyric of the decade!

The Pepper-penned "Suspended Animation" is pure prog bliss, growling bass pangs devour a swirling swarm of organs, synths and guitars with ogre-like fascination. It's almost the funkiest piece from the Galahad catalogue and a definite keeper.

"Beyond the Barbed Wire" is desperate, cold and unrelenting, possessing an exhilarating impulse of pain and cold, as the contrast between gentle surrender clashes with the impossible desire for freedom and salvation. Tremendous modern beats and mellotron choirs collide with aggressive and repetitive guitar riffs and vocal refrain of the title. Roy's guitar solo soars and sears brightly, hot electric fission into the cold, frigid night.

The pulsating "Seize the Day" is a complete stunner, Gabriel-like piano and vocal intro (think 'Here Comes the Flood') that quickly colors the trance-like electronic melody. Even if you are not a fan of trance, this is truly uplifting stuff, brilliantly played when the bullying drums, thumping bass and the massive guitars enter the fray! You have to admire the band's courage and determination to not be swayed by anything other than their inner muse. This piece is proof of their commitment to bend the rules and define modern prog. Bravo, ballsy guys!

To be treated to a reworking of 'Sleepers' is an unparalleled joy to behold, not just a nostalgic wink to their past but an outright genius track that not only proves Stuart's undeniable talent but the seemingly stellar work of all the instrumentalists is better than ever. Both Dean and Roy really flesh out the sound, making it more vibrant and edgy than ever before. We as fans, thank you deeply!

Galahad is meritorious of the highest accolades, as they persisted with their vision and like them or not, they are a force to be reckoned with for the future. I actually prefer this new offering over Empires, a feat I would never had thought possible.

5 combat wounds

tszirmay | 5/5 | 2012-6-3

Share this GALAHAD review

Review related links

national weather service weather radar brian wilson storm chasers david blaine derek jeter gotye

Debt Collector Commits Fraud on Facebook; Credit Counseling ...

Watch one woman?s story of how a debt collector friended her on Facebook under a fake name. Howard Dvorkin, founder of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services ( www.consolidatedcredit.org ) steps in to offer advice to consumers who are facing similar social media nightmares and how to protect yourself against debt collectors.

Question by myworldwillneverbewhatiexpected: Credit Counseling?
Is credit counseling a good idea if I can?t get my credit cards paid down? Will it put a flag on my credit report? I plan on going through Consumer Credit Counseling Centers of America sponsored by the United Way. Anyone have any feed back?

Best answer:

Answer by Fatty
might as well file bankruptcy. its shows up about the same. and at least with a ch. 7 bankruptcy your credit score is repaired faster.

truth is? all credit counseling is, is someone who calls your credit cards and negotiates lower rates and payments for you. you can do it yourself and not cause any of the grief of having credit counseling on your credit.

call your cards, ask them for a payment plan and a lower rate as long as you stick to the plan? badger them enough and they will do it. remember, no one works for free? credit counseling makes money from somewhere, that somewhere is you. why pay more if you dont have to?

by the way? im not wrong. ?non-profit? doesnt mean they arent making money. They have to pay their employees somehow. i stare at credit reports and make loans all day. they impact you the same, except ch 7 wipes your debt clean.

What do you think? Answer below!

andrew luck andrew luck trent richardson robert griffin iii dontari poe space shuttle nyc monkeypox