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Among the many challenges director Tom Hooper confronted in bringing "Les Miserables" from the stage to the silver screen, none was more integral to the film's success—commercially and artistically—than finding actors who could actually sing.
Making that task even more daunting was that Hooper wanted all the singing to be done live, which is to say when you're watching the movie, you're watching them as they sing the rendition of the song you're hearing.
The two most important roles to get right were Jean Valjean, the hero, and Fontine, singer of the show's signature song, "Dreamed a Dream." As luck would have it, Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman basically auditioned for Hooper without being asked.
"It was funny because I was sitting in the Oscars two years ago and I was in the difficult decision of whether or not to do 'Les Mis,' and at one point Anne Hathaway sings to Hugh Jackman," explained Hooper during a recent press conference.
"That was the first time I got to see Annie sing live. She has this utter feeling of naturalness about her that puts you at ease. I wanted people who were so comfortable expressing themselves through song that they didn't have to break into dialogue."
Hooper had seen Jackman in his one-man show and he'd seen Sasha Baron-Cohen sing in Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd," but he still put them and the rest of the cast through an arduous auditioning process.
"Everyone had to go through auditions and they were quite extensive. And these are actors like Russell Crowe (who plays Javert), who you usually offer a role to," said Hooper. "But since I was doing it live, they needed to prove to me that they could handle that. And I wasn't just looking for great singing and great acting but act through the singing of a song. There's a sort of necessary minimalism in film acting that they had to combine with the requirements of serving a song musically. And all of the actors showed me they could do that process."
Singing and acting is hard enough, singing and crying requires a whole other level of concentration.
"I don't know that there's any secrets to it it's just a pulse, it's a vein that you follow," said Hathaway, who wept her way through "I Dreamed a Dream."
"I came at it from the point of view that I had done this show as a theater production," explained Samantha Banks, who, as Eponine, had to shed a tear though "A Little Fall of Rain." "There's rain coming at your face and you're crying and you have to leave your vocal vanity at the door. It allows you to be so intimate but trying to add that to your voice adds to the emotion of it.
Once he had his cast in place, Hooper made sure his stars had all the time they needed to get their parts down cold.
"I come from the theater so rehearsals is a vital way of life," said Jackman. "With a musical you have to. We would rehearse full-out. Tom would move his chair to an uncomfortably close place and do this (frames hands) the whole time. By the time we got to the set it was not uncomfortable for the camera to be that close. I'm so grateful to Tom that they spent the money and time on that."
Though everyone had proven themselves to Hooper's satisfaction, none of the actors had ever worked on a project quite like this. It was Russell Crowe who ultimately brought the cast together by hiring a pianist so they could spend nights together off the set singing just for the fun of it.
"Honestly the person who was the beginning of the glue is Russell. You cannot underestimate Russell's contribution to this cast," said Hathaway. "That was such a key part of the process. Through those nights Russell let us approach (singing) with a different perspective – this is the language that we speak, this is our shared experience. It made me so much more invested in the totality of the film. I wanted to know how these songs turned out. It cemented the bond between us. And now we say we're Camp 'Les Mis.'"


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I have always been truly fond of that which is old, weathered, rusted or distressed. I search endlessly for old handwritten letters, paper, tickets, photographs, hotel bills, rusted metal, and aged or distressed wood. Some of these treasures I scan to help me create my digital collage work. Then, everything gets sorted into boxes for use in my material collage and assemblage
Please contact me by email at firstname.lastname@example.com
Come see me at my studio:
Western Avenue Studios
122 Western Avenue, 221
Lowell, MA 01851

subset: commoncrawl


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Introducing The Dauber Stopper. If you live in Portland, AC products and services are things you've probably searched for before. The heat in the South can be overwhelming. Having a working AC unit during the summers is a lifesaver. While most people often focus on the main internal and external AC units, one common problem is actually surrounding something very small: your air conditioner's emergency drain line.
If your air conditioner's emergency drain line is clogged, which happens easily, it could result in major water damage to your home and end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. At Modern AC Products, we've developed a product that, although small in size, could mean huge savings for you and your household. Before you go searching for Portland air conditioning services again, take some preventative measures and get the Dauber Stopper.
What is it? Well, if you live in Portland, or anywhere in the Southern United States, then you are familiar with the infamous dirt dauber. It's a seemingly harmless flying insect found in Texas and other southern states. Dirt Daubers love to use dirt to build their nests, and they often look to build them in dark, cooler areas. You may not know it, but these small insects have been the reason behind some people calling Portland AC services to repair their air conditioner. Why? Because a common place for dirt daubers to build their nest is in your emergency AC drain lines.
Portland AC Products Could Save Your Customers Thousands, Making You're the Hero
Portland AC repair services can get expensive, fast. Even something so small as you AC emergency drain line could cause major problems and severe water damage to the home. Plus, other Portland AC Products can make your customers cringe at the price. The Dauber Stopper is the easiest and most effective way to protect your customer's air conditioner emergency drain lines from insects like mud daubers, dirt and other debris.
What is it? The Dauber Stopper is a protective screen that fits onto existing emergency A/C or water heater drain lines. It guards against debris and keeps insects like mud daubers from entering the line and clogging it with their nests.
Why do your customers need one? A clogged A/C drain line can lead to severe water damage inside a home. These damages can sometimes cost thousands of dollars to repair, not to mention the stress they cause to the homeowner. You can be their hero and offer a high-margin preventative product that costs little to them.
How does it attach? The Dauber Stopper is very easy to install. The package comes with a flange, insect screen, four screws and an optional pipe reducer. Simply follow the instructions on the package or read them below.
Get the Dauber Stopper: The Alternative to Your Customer's Dreaded Expensive Portland AC Repair
Air conditioners can be a lifesaver from the Portland heat. But, as you know, they can also result in costly repairs if not maintained properly. No home is complete without The Dauber Stopper — the easiest and most effective way to prevent A/C emergency drain line clogs because of pesky mud daubers, dirt and other debris. Save your customers thousands of dollars in future repairs with this simple, cost-effective solution today! Start serving your customers with this simple, high-margin add-on product today!
If you provide Portland AC repair or other Portland AC services, the Dauber Stopper is a great product to offer your customers for added peace of mind. Ask us about wholesale options with the Dauber Stopper.


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SANDY, Utah – An inspired performance by midfielder Javier Morales and Andy Williams led Real Salt Lake to a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Crew at Rio Tinto Stadium on Tuesday night as RSL became the first-ever MLS team to qualify to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.
RSL scored two first-half goals on near identical plays as Costa Rican Álvaro Saborío and Morales found the back of the net in the 23rd and 36th minutes. A goal by Peruvian forward Andres Mendoza early in the second half cut the score to 2-1 and gave the Crew a glimmer of hope. However, a second Morales goal with 13 minutes remaining extinguished any hopes of a Columbus comeback. And Williams added the icing on the cake with a majestic free kick on the final play of the game.
Real Salt Lake advance to face the winner of the other quarterfinal between Saprissa and Olimpia. The second leg in that aggregate goal series takes place on Thursday night with the Costa Rican side carrying a narrow 1-0 lead.
It was Costa Rican forward Alvaro Saborío who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute on his seventh goal of the tournament. Morales received a one-time flick pass from Williams before serving Saborio, who timed his run to beat the Crew's offside trap. Saborio received the through pass from Morales and fired home to put RSL ahead 1-0.
It was Williams and Morales again that hooked up for the second RSL goal in the 36th minute, with the Jamaican spotting a run by Morales into the same gap in the Crew back line that led to Saborio's first goal. The Argentine playmaker collected the lead pass and immediately fired a right-footed shot that rolled past goalkeeper Ray Burse Jr. for a 2-0 lead.
It was a deserved lead for the hosts, who played their trademark possession game in a match which saw a vocal crowd of over 15,000 hanging on every play. RSL's Will Johnson set off the first spark of the match with a 13th minute blast that had the goalkeeper beat but struck the crossbar.
The Crew attack struggled to threaten the RSL goal with strong defensive play from central defender Jamison Olave and goalkeeper Nick Rimando proving the difference.
Columbus was back in the match with a dream start to the second half and a goal just four minutes after the break. Midfielder Eddie Gaven scooped a pass destined for teammate Robbie Rogers in the RSL penalty area. The ball instead bounced to a wide open Mendoza who powered home a left-footed shot inside the far right post, giving the visitors renewed hope at 2-1.
Burse was forced into several stops early in the second half, beating Johnson to a loose ball in the box in the 55th minute, stopping a point-blank Fabian Espindola header in the 64th minute and making the save of the night on a 68th-minute close-range header from Saborio. On the ensuing corner kick RSL defender Chris Schuler headed the ball against the crossbar.
Morales then iced the match in the 77th minute, receiving a pass in the box from second-half substitute Paulo Jr. and firing a low shot for his second goal of the match and a more comfortable 3-1 lead.
Williams converted a late free kick on the final play of the match, curling the ball over the Crew wall and into the top left corner of the goal, rounding out the scoring at 4-1.
The Champions League semifinal series featuring RSL will also take place over two legs on March 15 at Rio Tinto and on April 5 in Costa Rica or Honduras. Real Salt Lake ensured themselves a weekend off from MLS league play ahead of the April 5 away leg.
Both Real Salt Lake and Columbus dive right back into additional preseason tests as they prepare for the start of the 2011 MLS regular season. Real Salt Lake will face Sporting Kansas City on March 8 in Phoenix, Ariz., while the Crew have a game scheduled in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Sunday, March 6 against New England before heading to Kennesaw, Ga., for the Atlanta Pro Soccer Challenge.
Scoring Summary:
RSL -- Alvaro Saborio (Javier Morales, Andy Williams) 23
RSL -- Javier Morales (Andy Williams, Fabian Espindola) 36
CLB -- Andres Mendoza (Eddie Gaven) 49
RSL -- Javier Morales (Paulo Araujo Jr.) 77
RSL -- Andy Williams (unassisted) 95+
Columbus Crew -- Ray Burse Jr., Rich Balchan, Andy Iro, Sebastian Miranda, Josh Gardner (Julius James 60), Eddie Gaven, Emmanuel Ekpo (Dilly Duka 75), Cole Grossman, Robbie Rogers, Jeff Cunningham (Justin Meram 65), Andres Mendoza.
Substitutes Not Used: Bernardo Anor, Tommy Heinemann, Josh Williams, William Hesmer.
Real Salt Lake -- Nick Rimando, Robbie Russell, Jamison Olave, Chris Schuler, Chris Wingert, Andy Williams, Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales (Ned Grabavoy 87), Will Johnson, Alvaro Saborio (Paulo Araujo Jr. 71), Fabian Espindola (Jean Alexandre 85).
Substitutes Not Used: Arturo Alvarez, Rauwshan McKenzie, Collen Warner, Kyle Reynish.
Misconduct Summary:
CLB -- Josh Gardner (caution; Reckless Foul) 43
RSL -- Javier Morales (caution; Enters without Permission) 57
CLB -- Sebastian Miranda (caution; Reckless Foul) 94+
Referee: Mark Geiger
Referee's Assistants: Corey Rockwell, George Gansner
4th Official: Terry Vaughn
Attendance: 15,405
Time of Game: 1:52
Weather: Partly Cloudy-and-40-degrees


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[Batman Talk starts at 1:42]
WB fast-tracked development on a sequel to director Zack Snyder's Man of Steel before the Superman franchise reboot had even opened in theaters, but what really surprised the superhero movie-loving masses was when the news broke about how Batman will play a role in the story constructed by Snyder and screenwriter David S. Goyer. We spent the subsequent month speculating about what version of the Caped Crusader will be featured in the movie (and which actor is going to bring the Man of Steel franchise's iteration of Bruce Wayne to life).
It was then that Ben Affleck was confirmed to play the Bat opposite Henry Cavill as Kal-El, in the Snyder project tentatively referred to as Batman vs. Superman - and now that the Internet has begun settling down (following the initial meltdown over this revelation), it's fitting that Affleck has finally spoken in public about his casting.
Affleck made an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night in order to promote his upcoming crime drama/thriller Runner Runner, but it didn't take long for the discussion to make its way onto the subject of Batman vs. Superman (around the 1:43 mark in the video).
The Oscar-winning actor/filmmaker avoided being too specific about what Snyder has in mind, but he alluded to a couple of issues that are now public knowledge: that his version of the Caped Crusader will be getting on in the years, in addition to having the personal traits that many fans associate with an experienced and world-weary Bruce Wayne often featured in comic book form - more cynical and hardened by years of fighting crime, yet sharp-minded and still able to keep up the playboy act - as opposed to, the emotionally and physically-battered older version of Bruce Wayne portrayed by Christian Bale in The Dark Knight Rises last year.
The backlash against "Batfleck" has been well-documented, so it does make sense that Affleck would've quickly decided to just take a break from the 'Web while so many people suffered a knee-jerk reaction and despaired over this casting announcement - even as others, like Screen Rant's Andrew Dyce, took some time to explain why "Batfleck" could be a good thing.
Moreover, credit where credit is due: the folks over at WB knew well-enough that Snyder's pick would be controversial, so they went ahead and provided Affleck with archived reading material to show that he's far from the first rabble-rousing casting in superhero movie history. However, only time will tell if Affleck will follow the example set by his fellow controversial Batman pick Michael Keaton and defy the negativity in response to his casting.
Are you onboard with, against or still withholding judgement on "Batfleck" at this stage?
Man of Steel 2/Batman vs. Superman will open in U.S. theaters on July 17th, 2015.
Source: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon


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Peter Pan
Reduced Fat Crunchy Peanut Butter
Produced by ConAgra Foods
last checked Jan 10, 2014
"All varieties of Peter Pan Peanut Butter are made without adding any potential gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats."
ContactPhone: 1-800-222-7370
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 7pm CT
Online: www.conagrafoods.com/contact-us
Store Locator:
Important: We try to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information available. However, please keep in mind that manufacturer policies and formulations can change at any time, and that some information listed on this site could be out-of-date or contain unintentional errors.
Remember to always read product labels and check with the manufacturer directly if you have any concerns.


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Speaking 24 hours before he learns whether the American people have granted him a second term in office, a weary-looking Mr Obama acknowledged that there was nothing more he could to do change the course of the election.
"After all the months of campaigning, after all the rallies, after the millions of dollars of ads it all comes down to you," he told the 20,000 supporters who gathered in a freezing Des Moines. "It's out of my hands now - it's in yours."
He repeatedly appealed for his supporters to remember the optimism of his 2008 Iowa caucuses victory over Hillary Clinton, describing the Midewestern state as the place "where our movement for change began" and pointing to the site of his old campaign headquarters.
"After all the we have been through together. After all that we've fought through together we cannot give up on change now," he said. "We're not done yet on this journey. We've got more road to travel."
Mr Obama, accompanied by his wife Michelle and speaking at the end of a gruelling campaign blitz that has seen traverse battlegrounds across the country, looked briefly emotional as he thanked "all those who have lived and breathed the hard work of change".
As he claimed victory in 2008 caucuses, after inflicting a stunning defeat on the Clintons, the most powerful couple in Democratic politics, Mr Obama predicted that his supporters would look back and remember that night as "the moment it all began".
He was right - the little state of Iowa will always hold an outsized chapter in the Obama story. But the then-senator also promised that in the coming years he would lead America on a path that would make it "less divided and more united".
Four years later, at the end of one of the most bitterly-fought elections in American history, a hoarse-sounding Mr Obama acknowledged "there may be times when you have been frustrated at the pace of change".
But where he once presented himself as a symbol of unity and post-partisan politics, tonight he pledged to be a dogged champion of the middle class who would reject compromise with the Right even if that was "the price of peace in Washington".
"I won't pay that price - that's not a deal I will make," he roared to wild applause from Democrat activists. "That's not bipartisanship, that's not change, that's surrender to the same forces of the status quo that have squeezed middle class families for far too long."
The President did not mention his opponent once by name, abandoning the sneering attack lines that have become a staple of his stump speech in favour of a positive, and often sentimental, address to his earliest supporters.
He regaled them with the story of Edith Childs, the elderly African-American woman who taught Mr Obama his signature chant of "fired up, ready to go" during a chance encounter in South Carolina in 2008.
The President said that he had invited Ms Childs to join him at the Iowa rally for "old, good times sake" but that she had turned him down to lead a band of volunteers into North Carolina, the southern battleground where Democrats hopes of victory have faded.
"I don't have time just to be talking about it, I've got to knock on some doors," the activist apparently told Mr Obama as she turned down his invitation.


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Cheap Seats
Rest in Peace, Stan the Man
The greatest Cardinal to ever live, Stan "the Man" Musial has passed away at 92 years of age.
There are no words to express what he meant not just to the Cardinals, but also to the city of St. Louis.
People talk quite a bit about their favorite Stan Musial stories. And, while there are a million tales about his exploits on the field, mine has nothing to do about home runs, base hits or great plays on defense.
My favorite story has to do with Musial being offered a contract to leave the Cardinals to jump to the upstart Mexican major league. Stan the Man made $13,500 with St. Louis in 1946, an era in which MLB players had only year-to-year contracts. But, eager to lure major league stars south of the border, Mexican League organizers offered him a guaranteed $175,000 over five years.
That would have offered a great deal of security in 1946 to a young guy with a family to support. But Musial, unlike Cardinals Max Lanier and Fred Martin as well as 10 other MLB players, refused to take the lucrative pay day.
Why? Stan said if he went back on his word, which he gave when he signed his name to a contract to play for the Cardinals, he wouldn't be able to look his son in the eye.
They just don't make guys like that anymore.
There are a lot of other great stories to share about Stan's character, too.
In 1952 Hall of Famer Ty Cobb said in a story in Life Magazine that Musial was one of only two current MLB players -- along with Phil Rizzuto from the Yankees -- who were good enough to play in Cobb's day. Cobb added that Musial was a much better player than Joe DiMaggio in his prime. Musial said with humility that, while he didn't want to question the word of a great player like Ty Cobb, he didn't think he was as good as DiMaggio.
Finally, Musial was such a great ballplayer and great guy that in the 1960s Chicago fans were polled about who their favorite sports figure was. And they chose Musial, a guy who played for their arch rivals.
Sure, Stan won MVP awards, batting titles, World Series rings and every other accolade a baseball player can get. But the best thing about him is that he was someone truly WORTH rooting for.
Stan, you are terribly missed. We'll never be the same without you. But Cardinals fans wouldn't be who they are today without you.
God speed, Stan the Man.


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The Everyday Messenger: A Bag For Cameras & Essential Carry
Featured in:
Latest happenings:
The Everyday Messenger™ is a beautiful, intelligent and adaptable messenger bag designed around the workflows of photographers, creatives, travelers and commuters. It's more than a camera bag, it's your day-to-day essential carry workhorse, and it does things other camera bags can't.
It comes in Charcoal...
...and in Heritage Tan...
...and it will make your everyday carry experience wonderful, no matter what you're doing.
When something is "totally dialed," that means that every last bit of it does its job perfectly and fits together flawlessly. This bag is totally, indubitably, unequivocally dialed. See why:
To reiterate:
It adapts to your gear and lifestyle.
What do all camera bags have in common? Foam cubes. Big ones. Bulky ones. Square ones. What do all cameras and lenses have in common? They're not square.
Like we said before, The Everyday Messenger is not just a camera bag, it's an everyday bag. And since no two days are quite the same, we designed a shell that expands greatly to accommodate the perpetual "one last thing," and also lets the bag maintain its shapely figure when your load is light.
Lastly, it adapts to your activity too. No more switching bags when you travel or hop on your bike—one bag, with straps that let you wear it in a multitude of ways.
It gives you instant access to everything you need.
Your hands are always full. Full of cameras, toddlers, beer...sometimes all three. Hence we invented a new way to open and close a bag:
Still, you don't always have time to open a flap. Unlike traditional messenger bags, The Everyday Bag has quick-zip access to the main compartment, as well as an outer pocket layout designed around the workflow of photographers, commuters and travelers.
What's faster than getting your camera from inside your bag? Getting it from outside of your bag. Peak Design started as a company that made Capture®, a clip that lets you carry your camera on the outside of your bag. Naturally, we had to incorporate the perfect Capture attachment point:
It protects your stuff like a boss.
Our favorite messengers are roomy and built to repel water, mud and unwanted flotsam. Our favorite camera bags are padded and protective cradles for our digi-babies. The Everyday Bag had to be both.
We built The Everyday Bag to last a lifetime. In fact, we guarantee it will.
It looks totally dialed, with zero slop.
Dangling strap ends, cheap internal fabrics, cookie-cutter plastic hardware...these are what we call "slop." Many bags out there have slop because it's cheap and it's easy. We designed this bag with a strict no-slop policy, and the result is a product that looks, feels and functions like a premium product should.
The form of The Everyday Messenger took a cue from the past, incorporating timeless elements and shapes from classic messengers and camera bags. Then we fused that with modern materials, custom hardware and Peak Design's less-is-more aesthetic.
Behind every good bag is a wing-bag. The Field Pouch™ is a manager of cords, hard drives, toiletries, socks, Pogs slammers and all those other pesky doo-dads that can't seem to get along with the big boys.
The Field Pouch fits in both the main compartment and the front panel of The Everyday Messenger. It's made from the same materials, contains 5 stretchy mesh pockets, and holds a lot or a little without losing its shape. It also comes in Charcoal or Heritage Tan.
You can even attach Peak Design straps to the Pouch (via Hypalon loops on either side) and attach Capture on the front Hypalon strap. It becomes the perfect excursion bag for you and a mirrorless camera.
To pre-order The Everyday Messenger, click the button below and pick a reward that contains The Everyday Bag. Simple as that. If you want more stuff that isn't in your reward, then follow the instructions in our Add-On Menu (scroll 2 sections down). Once you have pledged, sit back and relax. We'll collect your shipping/fulfillment info when this project is complete, in late September.
Once you pledge, you're in for a fun ride. Throughout our campaign we'll be updating backers with footage of our latest production units and having live Q&A hangouts with Trey Ratcliff and the PD team.
Not sure how the Add-On Menu works? Scroll down below.
Want to add additional items to your reward like another Everyday Messenger or Field Pouch? Perhaps you want to add on a Capture clip, so you can carry your camera on the outside of your bag. Either way, adding stuff to your reward is easy:
1. Choose a reward level.
Everybody must choose one (and only one) reward level to back this project. You cannot choose 2 reward levels. Just one. You will get all items in that reward—you cannot swap things that you don't want for things that you do want. For example, you cannot order the PD Dream Pack and switch out CapturePRO for an extra Slide. See the FAQ for why we can't do this.
2. If you want to add something, check out the Add-On Menu.
If (and only if) you want something additional to your reward, check out the Add-On Menu above. If it's in the Add-On Menu you can add it to your reward by increasing your pledge by the amount specified in the menu. You can only add things to your reward that are in the Add-On Menu.
If you want to add a Peak Design product that is not in the Add-On menu, don't worry. We will give you a chance after the campaign is over to add additional products to your shipment for a special discount. See the FAQ for further explanation.
3. Relax, you're done for now.
All details like shipping information, color preference and add-on specifics, will be collected via survey after this campaign has ended in late September.
CaptureLENS and Lens Kit are 2 new products that let you change and carry lenses easier than ever before. Watch this video to see it in action:
We launched CaptureLENS halfway through this Kickstarter campaign, and right now it is only available to Kickstarter backers through our Add-On Menu. Instructions on using the Add-On Menu are above, and below, and in the FAQ. How's that for a helping hand?
Other specs you should know about CaptureLENS:
- It works with Canon (EF mount), Nikon (F mount) and Sony (E and FE mount) lenses. You'll specify which mount you need in our post-Kickstarter survey.
- CaptureLENS ($80 add-on, $90 MSRP) includes a standard Capture clip (nylon backplate) plus a Lens Kit adapter plate. It does not include a plate for camera bodies.
- Lens Kit ($40 add-on, $50 MSRP) includes just the adapter plate. It's for people who already own (or plan to own) a Capture clip. Lens Kit is compatible with all versions of Capture.
How to pre-order CaptureLENS and Lens Kit:
1. Become a backer of this project. Click here to do that. Join at any reward level (or, don't select a reward level). Already a backer? Click here instead.
2. Add $80 to your pledge (for CaptureLENS) or $40 (for Lens Kit). You can add those funds when initially backing this project, or you add them after the fact by clicking "Manage My Pledge" at the top of the page.
3. You're done for now. After this project is complete (late September) we'll send you a survey where you can specify which model you'd like.
SlideLITE is a new camera strap designed specifically for mirrorless and small DSLR cameras.
For those familiar with our other camera straps (all of which were launched here on Kickstarter) SlideLITE sits smack-dab in the middle of our lineup. Not too bulky, not too skinny, it's perfect for your ultralight mirrorless companion.
How to pre-order SlideLITE:
1. Become a backer of this project. Click here to do that. Join at any reward level (or, don't select a reward level). Already a backer? Click here instead.
2a. Add $50 to your pledge. You can add those funds when initially backing this project, or you add them after the fact by clicking "Manage My Pledge" at the top of the page.
2b. Choose the $375 reward or higher. You now have the option to choose SlideLITE instead of Slide in these rewards.
3. You're done for now. After this project is complete (late September) we'll send you a survey where you'll specify that you want a SlideLITE.
SlideLITE will ship with the rest of our Kickstarter rewards, by December. Want SlideLITE sooner? Pre-order it from one of our retail partners. There's a list of them in this update.
Risks and challenges
This is Peak Design's 5th Kickstarter project. We don't want to toot our own horn too vigorously (nobody likes an overly vigorous tooter) but we've got some great experience under our belts on how to manufacture high-quality goods and fulfill lots of orders for them. We've also been blindsided more than once by completely unexpected issues, and always dealt with them in a way that leaves every last customer happy with their purchase and proud to support our company.
In short, we know what we're doing, and you should be very confident that we will deliver what we say we will, when we say we will. And we solemnly swear that should unforeseen issues come up, we will handle them with the utmost transparency and care for you, our backers.
Forecasting Risk
If all goes well during our funding campaign, we'll finish up with a giant heap of preorders for our new products. Of course we're trying our hardest to predict our future demand and plan accordingly, but it's far from an exact science. While this ain't our first Kickstarter rodeo, our forecasting capabilities aren't the same as what you might expect from a big company.
Supply Chain Risk
As Peak Design continues to mature we're getting better and better at managing our supply chain. For example, two years ago we set up two fully-operating parallel supply chains to shore up our ability to make quality products, at high volumes, on time. We're totally stoked on how far we've come. But it's safe to say that there is still some risk here. If a container shipment is delayed for 2 weeks in customs or a batch of new parts doesn't pass QA testing, our fulfillment schedule—even if padded—can start to slip.
Acts of God
We're based in San Francisco. That means we could have an earthquake. Or we could have a massive spur-of-the-moment parade involving wacky costumes and public nudity. Or, God forbid, the Dodgers could come to town. Whatever happens, we'll get through it together. We promise.
Funding period
- (59 days)


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Pierce's timeless industry-standard chassis now offers big improvements. The all-new Saber® chassis was built with the value-driven firefighter in mind – delivering advanced visibility, greater space, improved ergonomics, and streamlined serviceability at an affordable price. Visibility and space Exceptional visibility is achieved through a large, bonded, single-piece, wrap-around windshield The smaller engine tunnel is lower and more contoured for increased occupant space, particularly up front for the driver and officer The forward roof design offers a cathedral ceiling feel with increased frontal visibility and more configurable space Ergonomics Exterior door handles are functionally designed for a firefighter's gloved hand The steps are lower to the ground and offset to function like a stair step, making it easier for firefighters to enter and exit the cab The console and metal overhead switch panel are ergonomically designed for maximum convenience and comfort, keeping all of the gauges & switches within easy reach of the driver Serviceability Easy access to the defroster & wiper motors through removable officer-side panels Power distribution relocation provides more interior space and fewer harnesses in the frame & up through the cab for easier servicing Built-in wire raceways throughout the cab reduce the chance of wire chaffing & make it easier to service or add cab harnesses & wiring Maneuverability Maximum 50-degree cramp angle and 15-degree angle of approach for improved maneuverability in tight areas and challenging situations
The Edwards Signaling 872DPO-R5 projector vibrating horn is a 240 V AC low-current, high decibel double horn for heavy-duty, indoor use. The double projector is designed for bi-directional signalling without decibel loss. Supplied complete with mounting plate for easy installation. It is used in industrial, commercial, and institutional applications for timing, paging, and alarm signalling.
The Bio-Ex FLUOFOAM 1 is a fluorosynthetic foam AFFF, based on the combination of surfactants selected for their foaming property and their resistance to dehydration and heat. Foaming power: FLUOFOAM 1 is usable at Low Expansion. This fluid foam is not contaminated on hydrocarbons and enables a forceful application. FLUOFOAM 1 is usable at medium expansion to create a foam blanket to protect against burn back. Fuel fires: FLUOFOAM 1 is efficient on all hydrocarbon fires, such as diesel, kerosene, petrol and so on Environment: FLUOFOAM 1 is easily biodegradable FLUOFOAM 1 can be used with tap water, sea water and brackish water at 1% on hydrocarbon fires. It is compatible with dry extinguishing powders and it is suitable with all kind of known equipment.
The Savox C-C500 is a multi-purpose remote speaker microphone that can be used with or without a headset. The durable and waterproof (IP 67) Savox C-C500 is a communication solution that provides various optional functions for different types of applications, even when used in potentially explosive environments (ATEX Approved). Additionally, the internal microphone and speaker is equipped with interface electronics and a rugged quick release jack that adapts any type of headset to your two-way radio. Thanks to the two large push-to-talk buttons, transmission is secured, even when used from inside of protective gear and clothing. Key benefits: Can be used with or without a headset Adapts any Savox headset to your two-way radio Two large push-to-talk buttons Durable and water resistant (IP67) Rotating belt clip Ergonomic Optimal size
The CPF Industriale AS748 outdoor fire cabinet is corrosion-proof and ISO 9227 rated. It comprises a flexible fire hose approved in compliance with EN 14540. It includes features such as black rubber heads, hose holder support and seal lock. Its simplified drilling offers easy installation.
Bauer Compressors P0 air purification system purifies high pressure air to a quality that meets or exceeds the requirements of CGA Pamphlet G-7, compressed air for human respiration, ANSI / CGA G-7.1, commodity specification for Air, Grade E, and all other recognised standards for breathing air. The Bauer P0 processes 3,200 cf of air per cartridge at standard inlet conditions.
The Carson SC-1002 Volunteer siren features the Horn Ring Cycler (HRC2) function that enables the driver hands-free control of the siren by cycling through the tones with the vehicles horn. Two lighted rocker switches are also included for controlling emergency lights. This siren is designed to work with a 100-watt speaker and ensures you the strength to get you where you need to go and be heard like one of the big fire trucks. The siren tones may be changed or disarmed using an internal Dip switch. An output indicator light is on the face of the siren for diagnostic purposes. The light controls are capable of switching up to 20 amps. The siren is LED backlit and is installed using heavy duty screw down terminals for power and a detachable connector for the speaker and lights. The amplifier and light controls are fused separately on the back of the unit. As with all Carson Sirens products, the SC-1002 Volunteer is backed by a no-hassle 5-year limited warranty. The SC-1002 Volunteer Siren offers the reliable performance, and rugged durability with consistent quality that comes with every Carson Siren.
The Chem-Trap spill containment pool offers instant chemical containment and resistance in one. Not only does the popup pool feature the same portable spill containment as the Tank Trap, but it also offers complete chemical resistance for containment of spilled chemicals, pesticides, acids, washing solutions and caustics. The popup containment pool features a heavy-duty puncture-resistant base, a smooth interior for easy cleanup and a high visibility colour scheme. No inflation or assembly is needed and this popup containment pool is re-usable. The Containment Popup Pool with heavy-duty base is ideal for storing or containing drums and other heavy objects if using on a rough surface. Every popup pool offers an optional drain for transferring, storage, or linking. The containment pool can be used with an optional ground tarp and optional gravity flow bags for additional capacity. Chem-Trap spill containment pool product features Chemical-resistant Deploys in seconds Lightweight No inflation or electricity needed
a.b.s Fire Fighting 53224, part of CHAMPION SUPER, is a fire hose made externally in polyester, while the inner lining is EPDM elastome. The fire hose is resistant to weather, aging and mould. It is also light and handy, enabling storage in small cabinets.


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The MA in Management and Leadership curriculum exposes students to the tools of management and leadership and provides experience in decision-making situations. Students acquire familiarity with the analytical techniques of management and develop the ability to apply these techniques in actual problem-solving in a corporate, government, or non-profit environment.
Extensive use is made of case analysis and practical applications. Teamwork is an essential part of each course, and students will learn to polish the presentation and communication skills needed to succeed in business today.
The MA in Management and Leadership is an excellent study to help improve your emotional intelligence, communication skills, budgeting know-how, and leadership abilities. The program is taught at more than 50 U.S. campus locations in major cities and military bases, at international campuses in Geneva, Switzerland; Leiden, the Netherlands; London, United Kingdom; Vienna, Austria; and online.
Points of Distinction
Walker School of Business & Technology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for MA programs in the Business and Management departments. Webster is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses in Geneva, Switzerland; Leiden, the Netherlands; London, United Kingdom; Vienna, Austria; Thailand and China. Faculty who practice in the field allow you to take your class experience and apply it to real work situations.
Students in the Management & Leadership program will be charged a tuition fee of €2,325 per 3-credit course. The program consists of 12 courses in total.Apply Now


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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – MIT sophomore Robyn Lesh (Everson, Wash.) became the second MIT women's sailor and fourth overall to qualify for the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) Singlehanded National Championship following her sixth-place performance at the New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association (NEISA) Women's Singlehanded Championship last weekend. She joins Danielle Ames '96, who finished fourth in the inaugural championship hosted by MIT, along with Len Dolhert '79 and Peter Quigley '85 in this elite group.
No stranger to championship events, Lesh competed in the 2011 Junior Olympics while in high school where she was the runner-up in the Laser-Radial Fleet. She will make her national debut for the No. 11 MIT women's sailing team on Friday, Nov. 8 in Newport, R.I.
"The event was a challenging and stressful regatta," commented MIT head coach Matt Cohen. "Between the two days, our sailors experienced an array of conditions including light air, medium air, and strong wind as well as changing current and a variety of sea-states. That combined with a strong field of competitors created a true test to determine who was going to represent our district (NEISA) at nationals."
Heading into the very last race, Lesh was four points out of fifth place and held a three-point edge over Lauren Cefali of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, while leading teammate Hanna Vincent (Santa Barbara, Calif.) by eight points. The race was an up-and-down affair with each of the three sailors jostling for position to claim the final spot. Cefali, an eighth-place finisher at last year's national championship, battled with Lesh all the way around the course until Lesh overtook her on the final leg.
"Wow. I qualified," said Lesh, who finished 14th at the 2012 NEISA Championship. "Last year, I had a strong start but struggled during the second half of the competition. Since then, I have been focusing on endurance and strength to keep sailing well throughout the two-day weekend of a laser regatta. Nationals is going to be a full three-day event so my endurance will be put to the test."


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Whether you want to trade power for today or the next day: EPEX SPOT is the exchange for the power spot markets at the heart of Europe. It covers Germany, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg; markets representing 50% of European electricity consumption.
The Paris-based company with offices in Amsterdam, Bern, Brussels, Leipzig, London and Vienna has been created in 2008 through the merger of the power spot activities of the energy exchanges Powernext SA in France and EEX AG in Germany. In 2015, EPEX SPOT integrated with APX Group. Driving forward the integration of European power markets is the main goal of EPEX SPOT. Our transnational Day-Ahead and Intraday markets are its engine.
Vision & Values
EPEX SPOT and its markets are situated at the heart of Europe. This is why we are naturally driving forward the market-based integration of the European power market. It positions EPEX SPOT to become the European benchmark.
A growing, innovative and profitable European spot market necessitates excellent customer service. Our members make the market. A trusting relationship between an exchange and its members, as well as clear corporate governance are the keys to success.
Learn more about power wholesale markets on the following page.
EPEX SPOT is operated by EPEX SPOT SE which is a European company (a Societas Europaea or SE). EPEX SPOT SE is incorporated in France but the rules that are applicable to it are defined at European level. The foundation of a Societas Europaea (SE) allows companies incorporated in different member states to merge or form a holding company or joint subsidiary, while avoiding the legal and practical constraints arising from the existence of different legal systems.
EPEX SPOT SE equity capital is divided between EEX Group including Powernext (51%), and HGRT (49%), a holding composed of the transmission system operators Amprion, APG, Elia, RTE, Swissgrid and Tennet.
EPEX SPOT SE is a company with a two-tier governance system. The shareholders appoint a Supervisory Board, composed of outstanding actors of the European energy sector, which elects the Management Board, approves the strategy and budget of the company and controls the actions of the management.
The Management Board of EPEX SPOT SE is in charge of operating the Exchange. Its three members are:
- Mr Ralph Danielski, Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of EPEX SPOT,
- Mr Thierry Carol, Chief Financial Officer of EPEX SPOT,
- Mr Jonas Törnquist, Chief Operating Officer of EPEX SPOT.
Moreover, two independent bodies have been put in place in order to ensure state of the art governance rules. The Exchange Council ensures the appropriateness of the Market Rules and the Market Surveillance Office is responsible for monitoring the market.


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Girl with a Pearl Earring
Girl with a Pearl Earring is a painting by the renowned cubist Johannes Vermeer. Many have said it resembles a girl with a cloth wrapped around her hair. Just as the name implies, if you form a triangle between the girl's "eyes" and the tiny white dot just below the "cheek" area, and rotate the triangle 135 degrees counterclockwise about the "left eye," a focal point is formed where the white dot lands.
Background & Analysis
Historians have no account of Johannes Vermeer having ever painted Girl with a Pearl Earring. However, there are a number of evidences which make it certain that he painted it:
- The painting was scanned for the first time in 1999 at the University of Paris, meaning that the painting must have been created before then. Johannes Vermeer falls within that time frame.
- A dark brown arm hair was found sticking to the lower left corner of the painting. Numerous accounts exist which say that Johannes Vermeer was not albino.
- This is a painting. Johannes Vermeer is a painter.
- The "figure" in the painting is said to look like a girl. Many believe that Vermeer had a sister, who is a girl.
- Andy Warhol claims to have never created it, which narrows the field of potential artists significantly.
When the image is magnified on a computer, tiny squares of color can be seen. Each square is approximately 100 square micrometers in area, further emphasizing the preciseness of Vermeer's cubism. Assuming that it takes one minute to paint a single square onto the canvas, Vermeer must have taken 81 years to complete his masterpiece.
Focal Point
The focal point is rather dark in color and simple in texture. It is implied that Johannes Vermeer had gone through troubling times in his life, probably the death of his mother based upon the unevenness of the squares just above and to the left of the focal area. Nonetheless, Vermeer was expecting this misfortune and came to terms with it early on. The lower right portion of the area is relatively consistent in brightness, indicating that Vermeer was running out of different colors.
It is rather curious as to why Johannes Vermeer wanted to draw our attention to this location of the painting first. Many psychologists believe it is because the events outlined in this area occurred first in his life, suggesting that the painting is Vermeer's life-long autobiography. Another pervasive theory is that he believed a focal point to be necessary in showing his ideology, a sort of materialistic view that all things which we value have only one aspect that seems to please us: its worth. Vermeer was known for his "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" outlook on life, and this area may be his testament to that.
Numerous other artists have been influenced by the nature of the focal point. Kazimir Malevich is said to have borrowed certain elements for his painting Black Square. Vincent van Gogh is said to have made his bathroom floor tiles resemble the focal area. Stanley Kubrick made a darker version of the area and used it for the monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey. God said it was a key influence for him to create light.
Buddha himself is said to have stared at the focal area for four days straight. Upon attempting to shift his focus to another part of the painting, he was hit with a wave of nirvana and was compelled to stare at the focal area for 20 more days.
Nevertheless, as one becomes bored of this area, one's eyes start to make haste for the second focus of the painting, what some have called the "left eye".
Left Eye
The Left Eye area features a clash of white and dark squares. What is noteable is the group of five or arguably six bright squares to the right surrounded by nearly black squares; this suggest a situation where Johannes Vermeer felt trapped, such as a forced marriage or a locked front door. However, there is a lighter region to the left which appears to be rescuing the stranded bright squares from the clutches of the unknown; this suggests that he escaped the forced marriage or found the key to the back door. Mathematicians have calculated that there are five more dark squares in this region than there are light, hinting that Vermeer saw an evil approaching in his life, an evil that would threaten to mutually annihilate the happiness in his life. If one's eyes follow this evil to the right, one will meet the famed region known as the "right eye".
Right Eye
The Right Eye area features a clash of white and dark squares. If one tilts his head to the right, one may see a monochrome version of the Great Wave off Kanagawa, another cubist work by Vermeer. Therefore it is believed that later in his life, and approximately ten years after he painted the Left Eye area, Vermeer visited Japan to study calligraphy and distribute some of his works to the Emperor. One month after arriving, a great storm hit and he was inspired to paint the Great Wave. The reason for the transferral of this theme to the Girl with a Pearl Earring is obvious: Vermeer was running out of ideas and decided to copy-paste. Additionally, the ratio of the size of the right eye to the left eye is said to be the Golden Ratio. This must mean that the Emperor of Japan had much gold during this period, and therefore the public had little. Vermeer was obviously making a statement protesting the economic tyranny present in Japan, a statement that would only be discovered centuries after creation.
As Vermeer was nearing the end of his life, he started work on what has been called the Teeth area. This area features a number of light squares and dark squares, suggesting the continuous struggles of Vermeer throughout his droll life. Only a true artist, however, can see what is really going on here, and everyone else will see mostly many squares. It is believed that Vermeer caught tuberculosis at the age of 108, the time which roughly corresponds to this area in the painting. The red squares support this idea: that Vermeer was confused about how to handle death, and that Vermeer was repeatedly coughing blood into his paint. What's also noteworthy is the grit which appears to be caught between the left canine and its neighbor incisor. Microbiologists have confirmed that it might be a particular species of rye only consumed when the soil quality is low. Soil quality is lowered when too many crops are grown on farm patches at the same time, and therefore farmers were having a difficult time making enough money growing grain to support their families. Vermeer was concealing yet another protest, this time about the treatment of the agricultural sector in pre-1800s Netherlands.
Regardless, the most important square in the entire painting marks the last one that Vermeer painted in Girl with a Pearl Earring; this square is the brightest in the area.
Last Square
Painters have argued that Vermeer didn't actually paint the Last Square. Philosophers have argued that it was Vermeer's attempt, as he looked into the eyes of God while lying on his death bed, to paint God's eyes as he was swept away. Color theorists have argued that it resembles saturated peach mixed with pale chicken skin; I myself believe it is tan. The Last Square is the most important 100 square micrometer area known in the history of art. It was first discovered in 1880 when microscopes were powerful enough to examine it in detail. It is truly a mystery, and it remains one of the biggest mysteries alongside the origin of the universe and the number of licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie pop.
On June 31, 2002, someone who was exceptionally bored created a program which translated colors into sound. After experimenting with hundreds of cubist artworks, she stumbled upon Girl with a Pearl Earring and decided to play the entire painting. After five years, her computer reached the Sleeve area and an interesting song was played. She took the recording to musical experts, amateur musicians, and the local librarians, but no one could immediately recognize the tune. Finally, a musical theorist by the name of Gregori Pnin confirmed it to be "Ode to Joy".
Rest of Painting
To the right is the rest of the painting which tells about all the parts of Vermeer's life not already mentioned: his travels to Australia (described in a group of four squares just to the left of the focal point), his first ride on a bicycle, and his encounter with the Doctor.
In 2008 a team of scientists pulverized the painting and ran it though a calorimeter. It's nutritional value is believed to be:
- 2 Calories
- 0g trans fat
- 0g saturated fat
- 0g unsaturated fat
- 0g fat
- 0g protein
- .5g carbohydrates
- 2000% Daily Value of fiber
- 0% iron
- 0% calcium
Not recommended for consumption based on a 2000 Calorie diet.
See also
- Mona Lisa
- The Starry Night
- Girl with a Pearl Earring In MS Paint With One Arm While Furiously Masturbating
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We are delving into the entire Bible, book by book. Join us as we discern the literal, ethical and spiritual meaning of the great writings of our ancestors. We are a self-led group and rely on assorted commentary as well as our own sensibilities. No ongoing commitment is required. Join us every week or as the spirit moves you. Location: Front Entry Room
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Earlier Event: February 1Cheder Religious School
Later Event: February 2Der Freylekher Shabes