text: Guitarist Patrick Simmons joined the Doobie Brothers in 1970 and was an instrumental factor in the band's ascension from a club band playing biker bars to a global success story in the '70s, selling millions of albums and charting a succession of hit songs. Born on October 19, 1948, in Aberdeen, WA, Simmons began playing guitar at the age of eight. His interest grew over his parents' objections and throughout high school and college he continued to play and even ran a small folk club. In 1970, he joined forces with guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnston, drummer John Hartman, and bassist Dave Shogren, who had been performing as Pud. Rechristening themselves, supposedly at a friend's suggestion, the Doobie Brothers, the group signed to Warner Bros. and, with their second album, Toulouse Street, began their assault on the charts. Although Simmons wouldn't be a primary writer for the band, he contributed to all of their releases, including writing their first number one single, the gold-selling "Black Water," as well as the Top 40 hit "Dependin' on You," from their monstrously successful Minute by Minute album. He also added vocals that helped create the harmonies that were one of the band's trademarks. When the group disbanded in 1983, Simmons released a solo record, Arcade. Although not as successful as fellow Doobie Michael McDonald's solo release from a year earlier, Arcade nonetheless produced a Top 40 single in the punchy "So Wrong" and featured a second, minor hit with the Huey Lewis-penned "Don't Make Me Do It." In 1989, Simmons reunited with the original lineup and the Doobie Brothers returned to hit-making status with "The Doctor," which hit the pop Top Ten and topped the album rock charts that year. Although their recorded output has become erratic, the Doobie Brothers continue to tour with Simmons adding his classy vocals and guitar playing. ~ Tom Demalon, Rovi


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300 Inspired Gym Workout
Most Viewed
Coalition MPs meet under cloud of infighting
Coalition MPs are meeting in Canberra under a cloud of vicious infighting and bad polls.
Car hits parked army Land Rover
A woman is injured after colliding with an old army vehicle parked by the side of the road in Adelaide.
Workers evacuated from recycling plant fire
A recycling plant is still smoldering following a massive fire emergency in Melbourne's north.
Pile-up on M4 during morning peak
A multi-car pile up on Sydney's busy M4 has caused long traffic delays during the morning peak.
Morgue van with body in back rolls after collision
A driver is on the run after fleeing a four-car crash in Sydney.
Former bikie jailed for life over ex-partner's murder
A former Bandido bikie has been given a life sentence for the murder of a young Gold Coast woman, Tara Brown.
Iraqi army finds mass grave of civilians massacred by IS
Iraqi troops have made a grim discovery as they sweep through the Islamic State-controlled city of Mosul. They've found a mass grave containing the bodies of several thousand men, women and children …
Aussie Oscar hopes at this year's Academy awards
Nicole Kidman and Mel Gibson are leading an Aussie charge at the Oscars ceremony in Hollywood.
Lionel Patea pleads guilty to partner's murder
A man charged with murdering his former partner has pleaded guilty in Brisbane's Supreme Court.
Turnbull blames Abbott for poor polls
The Prime Minister is blaming Tony Abbott for another shocking poll result, where support for the Coalition is at record low levels.


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It was announced late Tuesday night that Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker has been suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the NFLs PED policy. The suspension will begin Week 1 of the NFL season.
The Denver Post is reporting Welker said he had no knowledge of taking any drug at any time. The Post also wrote that a source close to the situation said Welker tested positive for Adderall.
The news was first reported earlier in yesterday by multiple media sources, including ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Albert Breer, who also reported that the failed test was due to amphetamines.
Pro Football Talk reported that Welker took Molly cut with amphetamines at the Kentucky Derby in May, resulting in the failed drug test.
In the Denver Post updated article today, Welker is vehemently denying any knowledge of taking any drug, including Molly, or any substance to gain a competitive advantage.
I wouldn't have any idea where to get a Molly or what a Molly is, he told the Denver Post. That's a joke. I don't do marijuana, I don't do drugs. I don't do any drugs.
In an e-mail to the Post, he wrote:
I'm as shocked as everyone at todays news.
I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I would NEVER knowingly take a substance to gain a competitive advantage in any way. Anyone who has ever played a down with me, lifted a weight with me, even eaten a meal with me, knows that I focus purely on what I put in my body and on the hard work I put in year round to perform at the highest levels year-in and year-out.
I want any youth football players and all sports fans to know, there are NO shortcuts to success, and nothing but hard work and studying, leads to success.
I have never been concerned with the leagues performance enhancing or drug abuse policies because under no scenario would they ever apply to me, but I now know, that (drug-policy procedures) are clearly flawed, and I will do everything in my power to ensure they are corrected, so other individuals and teams aren't negatively affected so rashly like this.
I have worked my whole life to be the best that I can be, and I have encountered many obstacles over my career, and THIS WILL BE NO DIFFERENT!
Thank you for the outpouring of support, and I want Bronco nation to know, that no one and no thing will get in the way of our goal as a team, to bring Mr. Bowlen the trophy he and this great region deserve.
In his first season with Denver last year, the former Patriot recorded 73 catches for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns. He suffered a concussion in the Broncos Aug. 23 preseason game against the Texans and has slowly returned to football activity.
Welker suited up for the Patriots from 2007-12, playing 94 games and hauling in 672 catches for 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl in all but one of his six seasons in Foxborough.
After becoming a free agent following the Patriots AFC Championship loss to the Ravens in January 2013, Welker notoriously signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Broncos after being snubbed by Bill Belichick and the Patriots, who reportedly offered Tom Bradys favorite receiver no more than $10 million over two seasons.
Welker will miss Denvers opening game at home against the Colts, as well as a Super Bowl XLVIII rematch with the Seahawks sandwiched by home contests against the Chiefs and the Cardinals.


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Trim the cake layers to make the edges even, if necessary. So the cake will be easier to frost, freeze the cake thirds uncovered for about 1 hour.
Fluffy white or cream cheese frosting can be used instead of the vanilla.
Tote this cake easily when you bake it in a 13x9x2-inch pan. Grease the bottom of the pan, make the cake as directed and bake 28 to 34 minutes. Spread 1 container of frosting over the completely cooled cake, and top with 2 cups (1 pint) of sliced strawberries.
Show off a cake on a pedestal when you've baked it in 2 layers. Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans, make the cake as directed and bake the layers for 25 to 32 minutes. Fill the layers with some of the frosting and sliced strawberries. Then frost the side and top of the cake, and top with the rest of the strawberries.


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By DIANE TADEHARAGuest Writer
As part of Emery County's Relay for Life 2010, we honor and remember those who have battled cancer valiantly and taught us many truths in the process, and we salute survivors. This year's Relay theme is: "Save More Lives, Celebrate More Birthdays."
Heroes don't wake up one day and set out to be a hero. George Washington began as a soldier following orders. Spiderman didn't search for a poisonous spider. Most real heroes are only doing what they had to do.
This week we spotlight Bill "W.K." Clark of Orangeville. A tall, trim man with a quick smile and sharp wit, WK heard the phrase, "it's cancer" in October 2006. That proved to be the incentive to finally quit smoking. WK felt healthy and hearty, a man in his prime, with plans for the future involving his wife, two sons, a daughter and grandchildren. It was time to enjoy the benefits of having worked long, hard years at the Hunter Plant, not face the life-changing challenge of throat cancer.
Thank goodness for a chronic sore throat and an astute ear, nose, and throat doctor. WK was seated in preparation for the relatively minor procedure of having his eardrum lanced in an effort to relieve a persistent and worsening earache. WK asked his doctor if his sore throat would go away after the lancing. Dr. Peterson sent WK immediately to Castleview for a CT scan.
The results showed a quarter-sized tumor in the left side of his throat. A biopsy determined it to be a "fast growing tonsil cancer." This was puzzling to WK as he had his tonsils removed years ago, but the tumor was growing where the tonsil would have been. Choosing between radiation or surgery provided the first major lesson in cancer 101. Since surgery had several permanent side effects, WK opted for radiation as the initial step.
Treatments began right after Thanksgiving. It was a holiday celebrated with new meaning that year. Radiation for throat cancers wreaks havoc on teeth. Extracting many teeth is a common preventative measure prior to beginning radiation.
There is a strong common bond between a dentist's chair and a chemo chair, fear. WK was far more fearful of having his teeth extracted than he was of the cancer treatments. Gratefully he didn't have any pain from the dentist's chair. He credits God for that. Thus treatments began with nearly two months of radiation treatments five-six days a week.
His neck was always sore with blisters and what looked like a severe sunburn on the outside. His throat was so raw that even mashed potatoes felt like "hot burning sand" going down. He developed thrush that stayed for months after treatments ended and his sense of taste still has not returned.
Then came the chemo. WK was asked to participate in the trial of a new chemotherapy medication called cetuximab (Erbitux) for the treatment of throat cancers. This went on for about 18 treatments over six more weeks. WK experienced some of his most memorable and humbling feelings "sitting in the chemo lab surrounded by people who would be talking to God soon." He felt heartbroken and guilty - guilty to be taking up the space when there were so many cancer victims so much worse off than he was.
Many throat cancer patients end up with a feeding tube due to extreme weight loss and malnutrition. WK lost 95 pounds but, thanks his private RN, his wife, Peggy, for incredible care and lots of milkshakes that kept him off a feeding tube. WK will probably continue to have swallowing difficulties, but you won't hear him complaining about that. What you will notice is how much his outlook on life has changed.
WK is fully recovered and cancer-free now, but despises the way cancer haunts him and his family. Every cold and fever brings a stillness into the air where the question hangs, is it cancer?
WK knows this cancer has been harder on his family than him, both emotionally and financially. He describes the ordeal as quite a test of faith and knows he has grown because of it. He reaches out to more people in his life in more ways than before. He is not afraid to show others he cares about them. He is one of our hometown heroes.


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Hounds, Zias get another crack at WT
January 20, 2012
PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University's men would like a mulligan for the start of Wednesday's Lone Star Conference clash at West Texas A&M.
Down by 20 points with less than two minutes left in the first half, the Greyhounds came all the way back — almost — before losing to the Buffaloes 71-68 at Canyon, Texas.
ENMU (10-8, 3-6 LSC) shot 22 percent in the first half and 65 percent (17-of-26) in the second stanza, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range.
The teams collide again in a 7:30 p.m. tip today at Greyhound Arena in the conclusion of the LSC's "rivalry week." Women's teams meet in the 5:30 p.m. opener.
"We played really badly the first 15 minutes," ENMU men's coach Andrew Helton said of Wednesday's tilt. "We played really well in the second half.
"Hopefully, we'll play well for 40 minutes this time instead of 25."
Tonight's game marks the start of the second half of LSC play. It also kicks off a three-game homestand for the Hounds, who have gone 5-1 so far at home with the only blemish a three-point loss to conference-leading Tarleton State.
"In some ways, it's been a disappointing first half, although we've played better the last two games," Helton said, referring to last Saturday's upset of previously unbeaten Midwestern State and the game against the Buffs (12-4, 6-3).
While they were relatively healthy last season in earning an LSC tournament berth, the Hounds have been dealing with injuries this season — particularly to their inside players.
Senior forwards Max Carrier (knees), Curtis Wilkinson (hand) and Aaron Edwards (shoulder) are banged up. Carrier, one of the team's leading scorers last year, has been limited to only about 17 minutes a game this season.
"This has been one of the toughest years I've coached in terms of injuries," Helton said. "We've just got to do what we did against Midwestern. We've got to get guys playing hard."
The Zias, meantime, also started slowing on Wednesday, but never recovered in absorbing a 77-45 loss to the Lady Buffs.
WT (9-7, 7-3) held LSC scoring leader Precious Herrin scoreless on just four shots from the field.
"We came out real flat, and you can't beat a good team like that," first-year Zias coach Lindsey Wilson said. "We just have to come ready to play and protect our home court."
Wilson said Friday that ENMU (4-12, 2-8) will be without senior point guard Tori Northcutt tonight after she suffered a concussion in practice.
Despite only a 1-5 mark at home thus far, the Zias have played well at Greyhound Arena with competitive losses to Fort Lewis, Abilene Christian, Tarleton State and Midwestern State.
"I think we can beat anybody we play whenever we do things the right way," Wilson said.
Fast facts
West Texas A&M at ENMU
When: 5:30 (women) and 7:30 p.m. (men) today at Greyhound Arena.
Radio: KSEL-FM 105.9 (both games).


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Karlanda, Armchair cover BasiqProduct info
Basiq Cotton Unbleached
A soft, resilient 100% cotton, this fabric is lighter in weight than our Panama Cotton and is designed for Bemz covers in the popular, no fuss Basiq Fit style. Perfect for the more popular discontinued IKEA sofas and chairs. Made in Europe. Unbleached is a best-selling, undyed 100% natural fabric. Perfect for those who love the look of a uniquely natural colour and weave.
Fabric Characteristics
- Pre-shrunk
- Martindale result: 25,000
- Fabric width: 150 cm
Care instructions
Machine wash 40℃, do not tumble dry, line dry, dry in the shade, ironing temp high, no bleach, dry clean
Washing temperature 40 No tumble Line dry Dray In Shade Ironing temp high No bleach Dry clean
The fabric Panama Cotton Teal Blue is not available for this product


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From 1994 to 1998, Milt Riseman was president of Advanta Mortgage Services, a subprime mortgage lender.
Milt Riseman describes how business simulation at Advanta Mortgage Services was effective, even before the web.
Interview conducted by Alan Morrison
PwC: Can you tell us a bit about the company and where it stood when you became president?
MR: I took over a company that was failing. We turned it around and built it into what at that time was one of the leaders in the industry.
We originated mortgages and then securitized them and sold them into the market. We serviced those loans, and we also acted as a third party to service loans for organizations that didn't have the wherewithal to service loans themselves.
I looked at some old numbers to give you some context. In today's environment they're not very large. In the four-year period between 1994 and 1997, the assets we serviced rose from $1.2 billion to about $15 billion. The assets under management—what we securitized and then originated—went from $1.1 billion to about $7.5 billion. And our monthly loan production went from about $40 million to about $500 million. So there was quite a bit of growth within that period. About 1,200 people worked for us at that time.
PwC: Back then, subprime mortgages were a pretty edgy business and required a lot of delicacy to manage them sustainably.
MR: The foundation we put in place had three legs. Control—from a risk and operating perspective. We had to demonstrate our understanding of every part of our business, through the quality of our forecasts. Profitability—we did not continue growing any of our businesses until we achieved sustainable profitability. Growth—once we had achieved control and profitability, we felt we could take advantage of the growth opportunities that were available to us.
PwC: This was in the mid-1990s, well before the crisis in the late 2000s. If you were trying to do the same kind of business today, would it still be feasible?
MR: Applying the strategies of control, growth, and profitability would certainly apply today. Subprime mortgages are an entirely different business now. Credit criteria are specified by three agencies. The only subprime mortgages are ones that the FHA [Federal Housing Administration] will insure. Fannie and Freddie are still buying and insuring mortgages originated by banks. Any financial institution originating mortgages today does so in accordance with the specification articulated by these three entities.
And the business continues to go along. Some are doing very well. I recently spoke with a person who has his own mortgage company and is making a lot of money just doing FHA business. He collects the fees and has no risk. He understands what his situation is. He's not going to try to get into other types of business.
PwC: What was the main challenge you confronted that business simulation could help with?
MR: The challenge I had—and one of the reasons I began to speak to Jeff Lefebvre at PriSim [PriSim Business War Games, which offers simulation-based training]—was that we were organized into separate departments and business units. We had salespeople. We had operations people servicing our loans. We had people servicing third-party loans. There were a variety of functions.
Most people, including many in middle management, did not understand how we made money. They knew what their responsibilities were. They knew what they had to do, and they were good at what they did. But they didn't understand the fundamentals of the larger business and the decisions we made on issues such as volume, price, risk, and costs.
PwC: The challenge was how to balance those tradeoffs, wasn't it?
MR: Yes it was. I wanted folks to understand how we made those tradeoffs and the implications of making the tradeoffs. It struck me that we could develop a simulation of our business and then put people in an environment where we created teams and let the teams compete with each other.
Jeff Lefebvre and the others at PriSim would be able to change the economic and other variables that could affect the business. And our people would begin to understand what the business was about and what the tradeoffs were.
PwC: Were there four or five metrics that summed up to whether you made a profit or loss?
MR: Sales, revenue, operating costs, servicing costs as well as the cost to originate. And finally the credit risk—what it cost to manage that risk and to manage the losses. Our forecasts had to capture all these dimensions.
Now, one challenge back then was not credit risk as much as it was prepayment risk. Because housing values were growing so rapidly, people could refinance their mortgages very, very quickly because the equity in their houses was also growing rapidly. So you really had to bake in the cost of the prepayment risk in our profitability forecasts.
We developed the simulation, implemented it, and it was a great success. People really got excited about it and enjoyed it. We culminated with a big off-site in San Diego where we put practically all of our managers through the program.
PwC: These people essentially got to play your role in the organization. Is that right? During the simulation exercise, they could see things through your eyes?
MR: That was the whole point. That was what we were trying to create. They really did have that understanding and some sense of what that business was about. They were basically given the numbers in the business and time to understand them. And then we tried to teach them how their decisions could influence what was happening. We conducted a couple of iterations so we could reinforce the learning, and they could understand their mistakes and get some feedback.
PwC: Once the training was done, you brought some aspects of this training environment back to the operational business itself. Correct?
MR: Yes, because the training mirrored the business. We went through a lot of effort to make that possible. PriSim worked with our chief financial officer and some operating people to really simulate what Advanta Mortgage was, and we called the simulation Deep Pockets.1 When people went back to their normal roles, they could recognize where their business was within the context of what the company was trying to do. Quarterly, I shared with our managers how we were doing. And they could understand and see what the numbers were and how they were playing out.
PwC: What were some of the specific operational benefits?
MR: The business generally was going very well. The training reinforced what was excellent morale within the company. People really, really identified with what we were doing and how we were doing it. And it made a big difference to them. It was a soft benefit, but at that time it was very real.
The company ran into some problems after I left, and it was sold. But people remember being part of Advanta Mortgage. They really loved it, and this training was part of the environment that we created at that time.
PwC: Did you provide some sort of software tool they used in the classroom environment?
MR: We gave them the tools to use as part of the Deep Pockets simulation. They were similar to the tools we would use in each one of the functions. For example, one of the trainees might be a sales manager who might be looking at various risk characteristics. But when he went back to work, he wouldn't be doing risk management. After the training, he understood the tradeoffs in making decisions regarding volume and risk and what kind of credit score we were willing to accept. But that would not have been on his desktop. Remember, this example goes back into a historic period.
PwC: What's intriguing is that you developed this simulation on the basis of very limited technology—what was available in the 1990s. But what you're describing is really expanding the understanding of people in these organizational silos.
MR: Exactly. They were in silos because that's the way we managed the business. But I felt it was important, if we were going to take the next steps in building our business, that they understand what each part of the organization was doing and how they could contribute to what was happening at that time. And I think that worked. Plus, there was a lot of team building that went on within that context as well.
PwC: Jeff Lefebvre said you did a really good job tying together the different pieces. Were a lot of parts more effectively managed as a result of this exercise?
MR: I think so. The issue here is every business has conflict. And if you can start to provide people with information regarding how and why people are coming at something from a different perspective, you're going to make a lot of progress.
For example, the salespeople might not have understood what the risk people were trying to accomplish, or what the volume tradeoffs were and how to understand the issue of capacity. Just laying the volume on if you didn't have the right level of capacity to handle it could be a real problem.
If you read the papers about what went on in the mortgage business in the last decade, many people didn't care about being able to handle volume or risk. All of that stuff faded into the background. People just focused on volume and did not worry about the riskiness of the loans they were originating. The losses were astronomical and basically destroyed the subprime mortgage business.
It's hard to say what we would have done at that time. We had safeguards that might have prevented serious problems, or at least would've caused us to look at it more carefully.
I used to say, "I want you to understand how we make money and what our tradeoffs are. You're in sales or operations and you're managing credit losses or what have you, but this is all part of something bigger. You should understand what the pieces are. You don't have to be experts in them. But understand how they can interact with each other."
1 See the Deep Pockets video for more on this simulation example at http://www.prisim.com/News/media.htm.


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Prada Suede Peep Toe Sandal
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Item # 289182
With stunning style and rich quality, Prada is one of the top designer brands in fashion history. This classic suede sandal keeps you in trend with its ankle strap closure and sleek styling.
- Suede upper
- Ankle strap with an adjustable buckle
- Square peep toe
- Fully lined in leather & suede
- 1¼" platform, 4" heel
- Leather & synthetic sole
- Made in Italy
- View more Women's Prada Shoes
- Online Exclusive!
Tell us what you think!
Everyone has an opinion. Here's your chance to share yours! Be the first to write a review of this product and help your fellow shoppers pick the best of the best.


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Prada Houndstooth Pony Hair Oxford Bootie
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Item # 255022
With stunning style and rich quality, Prada Sport is one of the top designer brands in fashion history. The classic style of this houndstooth printed hair bootie is perfect for your sophisticated style.
- Houndstooth printed pony hair upper
- Lace-up
- Almond toe
- Fully lined in leather
- ½" platform, 3½" heel
- Rubber sole
- Made in Italy
- View more Women's Prada Shoes
- Online Exclusive!
Tell us what you think!
Everyone has an opinion. Here's your chance to share yours! Be the first to write a review of this product and help your fellow shoppers pick the best of the best.


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Celebrate five years of creating memories with us.Reserve Now
Catering to discerning guests is at the foundation of The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. While it continues to host visitors of special status, our luxury hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia also provides a retreat for those who simply desire the royal treatment. The majestic grounds, lush with 600-year-old olive trees, landscaped gardens and swaying palms, offer the perfect setting for the stately structure, which houses 492 rooms and suites, a stunning indoor swimming pool, lavish gentlemen's-only spa , distinct dining experiences and elegant wedding and event spaces. With such beauty, our Riyadh hotel is a natural choice for honeymoons and offers a special honeymoon package that caters to newly married couples.
An exceptional attention to detail can be found throughout this luxury hotel in Saudi Arabia, from the custom carpets that adorn the floors of our ballrooms and the tempting array of juices at Strike Bowling Alley, to the luxury bath amenities found in each of our guest rooms and suites and the selection of unique dates, such as those filled with peanut butter, offered in the Club Lounge. Whether guests are here to make a business meeting, attend a global conference or join loved ones to celebrate a special occasion, our hotel in Riyadh promises an unforgettable experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Dress Code: The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh respects local culture and tradition, and asks all those entering the property to dress in either traditional local garments or smart casual attire. Shorts, sleeveless tops and sports shirts are not permitted.
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is a Tier 1 property in The Ritz-Carlton Rewards.
Celebrate five years of creating memories with us.Reserve Now
Experience the exhilarating new vibe at Hong, our breath-taking restaurant that is bringing China to life in Riyadh.Discover More
There is nothing more special than to share countless memories with your loved ones.Reserve Now
Explore the area by connecting with us on foursquare, where you can discover others' favorites and share your own.


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Clarks Privo Meridian Sport Flat
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Item # 236691
The Clarks Privo Meridian is a comfortable and durable Mary Jane flat that is the essence of sporty chic. This casual style is great for all of your weekend adventures.
- Breathable mesh and leather upper
- Elastic instep strap with velcro closure
- Soleassage® cushioned insole
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
- View more Clarks
By: surrie
Location: Pittsburgh
November 11, 2013
Addicted to Privo
"So comfy, wear them around the house, put for errands and especially on vacations"
By: AliBaabaa
Location: Grand Rapids
October 04, 2013
"These are soooo comfy. I am a hairstylist on her feet 16 hours a day. I love these shoes."
By: missyduke
Location: Norwalk, CT
September 25, 2013
These are the best shoes
"Just opened up the box, put them on and LOVE them!! These are great shoes. Very comfortable, have good arch support, and will be perfect to travel in and walk all day!!"
By: BrooklynWalker
Location: Brooklyn
September 16, 2013
Not as flattering
"The shoes are very comfortable, good for walking. However, they make your feet look a bit boxy. Best to wear with jeans."
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Julien Boucher's worlds blog
Day #7, #8 and #9 – September 19-21 – Bled, Slovenia
The final phase of our preparations for the world championships started today. We had training this morning and a modified match against Bled tonight
The last day and a half was relatively light. On Sunday night, Glenn held a video session with the players focusing on Poland, our first opponent in Italy. In the first part, everyone provided comments on each of the Polish players. In the second part we watched three sets of a match between Poland and Brazil a few weeks ago.
Everyone had the next day off. We were received by Bled's mayor in the morning at a castle overlooking the lake. We went to lunch at the ACH players' favourite pizza parlour for lunch then visited Ljubljana in the afternoon.
Then this morning, we were back in our routine. A two hour workout with a short weight training session and defensive work with one on one attacks (defence exercise 5 vs 5). We ended with service and reception. The rest seemed to be beneficial for all.
We have just returned from our match against ACH. The match was more like a training session: there were no uniforms, no officials, no scoresheets. We played four sets; the last two played the regular way. Both coaches decided to modify the first two sets by allowing three consecutive serves per team. Therefore once the first exchange was completed, two more serves were immediately launched, one an easy ball over the net and then an easy ball directly to the setter to simulate a ball high in the air and in transition. Each set went to 25 points. We won three of the four sets.
Tomorrow, we have two more sessions. In the morning, we have training and in the evening a friendly against, in a town close to Bled.
Day #10 – September 22 – Bled
Last full day in Bled. The team is very positive and is anxious to travel to the world championship venue.
This morning's training focused on defence and reception, Glenn wanted to limit the number of jumps.
In the evening in Zirovnica, about 10 minutes from Bled, a match against Remat Zalau, the Romanian league champions, coached by Radovan Gacic, Glenn's assistant two years ago at ACH Volley.
The match went well. We played four sets and won all four 25-20, 25-20, 25-16, 25-18. Our six starters were slow off the mark but dominated the opponent, a weaker squad than ACH. The subs also did well especially Gord Perrin. Fred Winters delivered another consistent performance. It augurs well for the weekend.
Tomorrow morning we have weight training, then travel by bus to Trieste, Italy.
Julien Boucher, Canadian team manager.


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Newcastle Family Medicine is dedicated to upholding the traditions of osteopathic medicine. Dr. Todd Swearingen, DO, strives to provide compassionate, quality care to his patients and partners with them to promote health and wellness.
Dr. Swearingen has been in practice for seven years. At Newcastle Family Medicine, our doctor assumes the responsilibity of the patient's comprehensive healthcare and acts as a medical advisor and coordinator.
Our hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note we are closed for lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m.
300 S Main
Newcastle, OK 73065


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Max 6 'Little Things' – Hopes
Little things I really hope are in Max 6:
– A coll object where the @embed attribute works when typed in the object box.
– An object palette that is slightly less sluggish when going from a category back to 'All'.
– A textbutton object with a 'bang on mouseup' AND 'bang on mousedown' outlet, not just one or the other.
– Patch cords that 'snap' to existing cords.
– A menu option to resize/reposition a selected object in patching mode to its size/position in presentation mode, and vice versa.
– A sprintf object where each inlet is assignable hot/cold.
– An object with a variable number of inlets to join lists together (like zl join).
– Inlets that flash/blink when they receive a message and outlets that flash/blink when they send a message.
– Patchcords that flash/blink when data passes through them. (Both these last two options should be switchable).
All I can think of for now, though I'm sure there are more. Anyone else have any suggestions?
Great ideas!
I'd also like the ability to save a vst's state in a patcher. Having to save and load a .fxp is annoying.
I kind of want the opposite of your snappy patchcord idea – When I auto-align patchcords, I'd love it if patchcords WOULDN'T lay on top of each other until the very last moment, as they do now. For instance, instead of:
Patch cords that lay atop one another, even though they originate and end at different outlets.
Patch cords that know they're not coming from or going to the same place, and leave space accordingly for easy readability.
The first being the way auto-align works now, and the bottom being after a little cleanup by hand – which was easy enough in a simple flow like this, but annoying as hell in complex patches.
Yes, patchcord "bundles" or "ties" are a good idea. They could have three states, just like edit run and presentation. Drawn (user defined), arranged (like they currently are), then bundled (stacked on each other in a single line).
dont forget to add "bauhaus" and freestyle"
I'd just add three little little wishes:
– a [line] which accepts the extended "ej.line"-syntax (exactly how [line~] does…) – there should be no need of an external library abstraction for such a basic task…
– an interface way (Cmd+click?) to erase a single preset content (like sending the message "clear 2").
– a preset which contains an automatic labeling system, so you can store a preset *with* a name, and the name is shown at the mouseover, before recalling. That would be precious.
I think patch cord organisation is one of those things that depends on the context. For complex data flows, I always follow the rule of only aligning cords that are related (all sending to one place or all originating from one place). However due to my innate OCD and desire for neatness, I spend far too much time lining up everything perfectly. I don't generally use the align command because I can't control where the aligned patchcords end up.
"- an interface way (Cmd+click?) to erase a single preset content (like sending the message "clear 2")" exists already :
On Win it is alt+shift+click on Mac I assume it will be option+shift+click
Oh ja – and for the patch-cords: maybe a Miró-patching style function
– A shortcut key to "Open Original".
– An option to un-route patch cords, making them go directly from out to in (diagonal, if you will).
– An option to highlight all patch cords and other objects that are connected to the selected object.
– Inclusion of the features of ej.function and sa.function into the regular function.
– The ability to assign your own svg files to interface objects.
– A tree-view object or multi-line umenu.
– a reliable and versatile timeline ;
– an option to write text vertically (for comments) ;
– an object to report global CPU consumption from Max-Jitter-MSP and not only from MSP as "adstatus cpu" does ;
– a merging between poly~ and bpatcher allowing one to use the "dynamic "poly~" feature and change the related user interface simultaneously ;
– a winning lottery numbers generator ;
+1 to all of your suggestions Roald. Especially the last one.
I would like more round corners. The corners in Max5 were not rounded enough. I want it to look like an egg. Square corners hurt my fragile little mind. They also scare away my HelloKitty cat whom I need to do all my patching for me. If not this, then please at least keep the corners as rounded as they are and HelloKitty has promised to muster up the courage and conduct herself in a manner keeping with contemporary moorings.
I also have a request for Max10, or MaxX as it will probably be known, please make it so that a patcher has depth as well as width and height, allowing for me to patch my objects in a 3-dimensional space, and let me use all selected patch chords as a path for the camera in that 3D space so I can ride through my patch like a rollercoaster.
And also, Cycling74 should make their first bicycle already.
in germany, the upper object would be spelled ceicle
(ei = egg)
fully rounded corners in 3d
I want max 6 to take away my max patching gut.
Yes please:
"I also have a request for Max10, or MaxX as it will probably be known, please make it so that a patcher has depth as well as width and height, allowing for me to patch my objects in a 3-dimensional space, and let me use all selected patch chords as a path for the camera in that 3D space so I can ride through my patch like a rollercoaster".
using Johnny Chung Lee's work:
although, with 9.3million views, you've probably already seen it.
…and make them Monster patch chords or I'm not using it.
"use all selected patch chords as a path for the camera in that 3D space so I can ride through my patch like a rollercoaster"
The new curved patch cords will come in handy for that. Clearly they're planning well ahead.
Paste replace available in javascript, pretty please!
I actually have a real one.
If I'm pasting text into a max box, make sure the first characters are NOT "{ boxes". If the first characters ARE "{ boxes" just replace the box with the patch in the clip board. I never want to see anything like the included patch again.
-- Pasted Max Patch, click to expand. --Copy all of the following text. Then, in Max, select New From Clipboard.----------begin_max5_patcher---------- 240.3ocWPFshCCBDE8Y8qXXd1FzBEV5a62wRXwlZ6ZIQWZLzPC4euiiIszhf NycbtdFmjB7Pbz0ivd3GPHljBAKkEDK4BryN1zZ64qgA2s3gKnpTJ4FSr7Dv NwFwwTzDr1IkT5SA4NnztXTAggNen0kx00J3TLj582cTlYakB92lZ9yGN+6U WShc1rSS5a4cili0UPsB7Go5j+aLrqwgz61FrcYa+9p21ByzpFlWmgVev0DG B7fXLKpOYCYWJhqDhEDWkeCT7Io5Bp5Bq4iceUoIbKc4Ox+bL03qWcg8Oe17 Dv2mmALWXVJyaPsbV9fWWUW1 -----------end_max5_patcher-----------
that and find/replace.
and what about this fella? I think he should get a ride on one of the new patch cords too!!
how to remove a wrongly attached file? here's the right one:
I mentioned it in another post but i'd love to have scrollwheel zooming. Also related to different screen sizes and failing eyes I wish I could zoom or change the font size in the documentation.
Documentation in Russian
I also have a request for Max10, or MaxX as it will probably be known, please make it so that a patcher has depth as well as width and height, allowing for me to patch my objects in a 3-dimensional space, and let me use all selected patch chords as a path for the camera in that 3D space so I can ride through my patch like a rollercoaster.
Is it weird that I really, really want this feature, now?
Oooh, along the lines of different screensizes… I'd love to have some sort of system for presentation mode that allows me to define stretchy-spacers, or stretchy objects. IE, if I/my user resizes the window containing a patch in presentation mode, certain objects resize to fit, other objects space apart more, etc.
Resize a patch window to change the size of a [waveform~] contained within said window? Gimme gimme gimme.
MuShoo "stretchy spacers"
You can do this already by replacing the scroll bar, grow box and title bar with max widgets. I have it working now
(yes, I'm aware I need to get a life…) :-)
"Is it weird that I really, really want this feature, now?"
No, what's weird is that my boss has been wanting this feature for the last 5 years…
AudioMatt said:
"You can do this already by replacing the scroll bar, grow box and title bar with max widgets. I have it working now"
Care to share? :) What's a max widget?
(I guess the simplicity of this forum is trendy and all, but a quote button would improve conversations a lot … just a [QUOTE="name""link to post"] blaaaaa [/QUOTE] … come on, please?)
@danieleghisi: "- a preset which contains an automatic labeling system, so you can store a preset *with* a name, and the name is shown at the mouseover, before recalling. That would be precious."
Something similar to this was added in the latest 5.1.8 update. From the changelog:
"preset now displays slotnames when linked to a pattrstorage"
I just figured all this out because I had to integrate window functions into my program. so I can't give you any code because it's all locked up in my application. it can all be done in max, the growbox is an LCD, the draggable top is an LCD, the scroll bars are a BPatcher, and the close box is just a button with wclose connected to it. The memory for the window locations is a bit wonky.
But heres a demo (It's possible!)
also I think some of the functionality is in the attached collection of quick and dirty abstractions.
@Dan Nigrin
Thanks, I overlooked it. Yet I don't really want to link it to a pattrstorage, but just a simple preset, with some names :) For the record, obviously one can build such a system oneself; but it would be handy to have it "clean" in the object (with a text edit field under the buttons?)
@danieleghisi: I don't disagree!
'Screensets' – a la Logic.
That is, arrange various windows on screen with individual zooms etc, hit 'define key' -use same keystroke/whatever for recall
Great for performance.
I've been doing a lot more UI stuff with max and I would love the be able to rotate all the UI stuff to any angle…
Little things I really hope are in Max 6:
– New object (collZ) – An object like coll, but not to substitute coll, that is capable to store several layers of data, like pages in a book, and the possibility to "add" data to a specific index (3, 5, 2) without to write zeros before reaching the 3 position!
– New function – Get data from the mouse like every software in the world! The mouse has two buttons and an scroll wheel at minimum!
– New function – Use Ctrl+mouseWheel to zoom in and out!
– New something – The ability to create "zones" in presentation mode that allow us to re-size, open and close parts of the UI in presentation mode. BTW – The ability to create an master layout, and then, drag and drop to that layout, and in real time, the "zones" we need to see or use. (the master layout is re-sizable on the fly)
– Play more codecs than QT WAV or AIF! there are many more (btw why don't use VLC system to work with video?… it seams much more efficient)
– hope to play an 1080p video without glitches or dropped frames (bye bye jitter!)
– Bang at frame option, from an preloaded list of numbers, to get the position of an video clip… or other thing like: (at frame 500 jump to 4200)… if wee can preload an list of these "commands" would be great!(and update the list without having to stop the video)
… that's all for now!
Thanks for reading and considering!
Hello again!
Little things I really hope are in Max 6:
– SDK on blackBox – An "empty" object where we can write the C code directly!
… that's all for now!
Thanks for reading and considering!
A "no need to freez attr when closing patcher" or an auto freeze would be nice!
My hopes for Max 6
For Jitter users:
We need an Object to play movies without stuttering.
A replacement for the jit.qt.movie would be nice.
The possibility to set an relative seachpath for our subpatcher.
Thanks for reading
@rui caldas
- New object (collZ) - An object like coll, but not to substitute coll, that is capable to store several layers of data, like pages in a book, and the possibility to "add" data to a specific index (3, 5, 2) without to write zeros before reaching the 3 position!
That's already there – what you describe is exactly what the SQLight database does. And it's quite a bis faster in performance than a coll.
Resizable text in the Documentation (my eyes!)
+1 for vertical comments and raise you vertical tabs (i.e. tabs you can put at the side)
Oooh, ooh, radio buttons that are more definable. I can write my own with toggles and some logic, but it's sort of a pain in the ass. Also, let me resize them, please. And make rows/columns. And make them fit more with all the other max 5 concepts.
Only a tiny, little thing… How about Gstreamer support! Oh and while you're at it, the ability to run on Ubuntu too lol.
MuShoo isn't that a [matrixctrl] with the "one/column" attribute activated? y
You can load in a custom image too.
Luke, thanks! I seriously never noticed the 'Only one non zero per row/column/matrix' option. However, I'm not a huge fan of image-based interfaces, as they don't resize nicely, and if I ever end up needing to resize my interface for some reason, it involves a lot of rigamarole in photoshop and the like.
So, i'll replace my suggestion with a new one! Let me use vector art (eps?) as images for things like Pictctrl, matrixctrl, etc. With a nice antialiasing (or definable!) scaling algorithm.
You can also use [tab] and just have a period . in each tab, then make transparent text, and shrink/round the edges. It can look just like a radio button series, can be made horiz/vert., and has one-per-row/column built-in, plus hover!
One thought on [preset] as discussed before, it might be nice to have it "recall-able but not store-able", with a checkbox in Inspector like "allow storage", on by default. This way users could try all your carefully-planned default settings, but not save new ones over them. Instead, they could have their own group to mess with. Just a thought, I also like the popup preset name, but that might be tricky with the Inspector, and the name slots for editing. If you had a "preset number being hovered over" outlet, you could easily roll your own hint system with a [umenu], maybe that's the way to go.
Anyway, way too much to think about, but all exciting! Can't wait to hear more about all the features, and the code-generation sounds amazing. Would love to be able to make even relatively simple Max processes and have them portable to Arduino or other environments, would that be possible without much tweaking?
Here joshua is giving some more information about the code generating [gen~] object.
It seems that the code generation is a new approach in graphical programming which is technically closer to low level-programming and therefore allow operation that cannot be done withing MSP. For the 'patching' inside the gen~ there will be new/special elements or objects available.
If I understand it right the code generation is targeting to bridge the gap between classical 'patching' and writing externals in C.
So I don't think that it will be something where one can use a max-patch to generate code for other processors.
unlocked background color bug
My big wish would be to extend the send/receive double-click popup menu thing to *all* objects that send/receive cordless data. The MSP versions send~/receive~, of course, but also pattr and pvar obects. Ideally, js and mxj objects that remote control would also come into this (may be trickier to implement, but still…)
Tracking down cordless connections can be a real pain.
Commands to force Max to reload externals and to re-parse the jsextensions library without restarting Max would also be a welcome addition.
Peter Castine wrote:
My big wish would be to extend the send/receive double-click popup menu thing to *all* objects that send/receive cordless data.
+1 for that request. Don't forget to include the forward object (a send with dynamic destination) in that list.
my big wish: a preset function for the "file path" preferences.
I have different setups.
and too many file paths needs longer re:starting time after crashing in a live situation [in MAX for LIVE].
Multitouch multitouch multitouch multitouch!!!
Have I me-too'ed on multi-touch already? May I do so again?
There is some work on standardizing multi-touch gestures, and I am pleased to note that it goes beyond dual touch (a number of touchscreen manufacturers like to stamp "multi-touch" on their hardware when it can only handle two touch points, which is disappointing in a post-Pierre Wellner world.)
That said, we will break out the champagne if Max6 even supports dual touch. It would be a big step forward. Although I won't stop kvetching until we're at 20 or more touch points. And DDZ loves it when I kvetch.-)
Hello again!
Little things I really hope are in Max 6:
– when we have an trigger object connected, like [t b 1], and the "1" goes to a lots of other objects, and then we decide to add a new step in the middle, like: [t b dump 1], we have to reconnect all the patch cords because they disappear! I hope in MAX6 the trigger object remembers the "thing" associated with the patch cords, and if we add something in the middle or before, the patch cords are moved to the correct position automatically!
Sorry my bad English!
Thanks for reading and considering.
+1 for the "intelligent" trigger as described by Rui.
Oh, oh. Can we please, PLEASE, have the ability to drop arbitrary files onto a standalone's icon (and then pass the path to wherever is needed) again? It used to exist but does not work anymore, and was never documented. As an addendum to that, an attribute for [standalone] that defines what filetypes are 'droppable.'
Also, make it so that, by default, standalones on OSX aren't associated with .maxpatch files, so that when I double click a max file it no longer opens in a random standalone app that can't do anything with it.
+1 for the "intelligent" trigger as described by Rui.
Finally i've got something!
I'd really, really like patchers to automatically "save as" in their own directory. For example-
if you have patch [a] stored in directory A and you save a new patch [b] in directory B. When you open patch [a] and "save as" it will try to save in directory B.
After typing this down it's actually seems quite trivial but it can be annoying sometimes. Working in several directories it tends to get chaotic. But then again it's also seems quite trivial too solve this (i guess?)
+1 for the gstreamer-support, don't know how "alive" the project is but it has a lot of potential and is already very powerfull.
and/or mjpeg-support would also be very much appreciated.
I'd love to see a mouseover mode for hint that outputs a 0/1 when activated… (with the ability to disable showing the hint)
Also, it'd be nice if thispoly~ could report on the up/down sampling state (report it's current sr?) and vecsize.
Oh hey, I'll bring this up again (it's a perennial favorite!) – Autosave/auto back up? I might have been dreaming, but I vaguely recall a new 'project' system for max files is being implemented. I also vaguely recall one of the worries about an auto backup system being where to store backups of subpatchers such that they still work, etc.
Maybe this is a moot thing, with Lion and it's Resume/AutoSave functions? I don't know if those are things that have to be explicitly coded into a program, or if they're a system level thing that is active for all programs. (Opt-in vs opt-out).
And of course, the flame-war/trollfest starter of: Y U NO LET ME ENCRYPT/COPY/PROTECT/BE MILLIONAIRE?
This thread is fun :D
I'm thrilled. Go Max 6. Can't wait!
Some minor annoyances that I hope will make it in the transition:
Not sure if widespread, but when choosing a bpatcher file via the inspector on windows, the default filetype is not .maxpat so my max directories seem empty.
Empty bpatchers could support drag and drop of maxpat or even better the canvas could support the drag and drop of maxpat and create the bpatcher.
Also when right clicking on a .maxpat on choosing 'open with…' the two options (max and max runtime) have the same name. Kinda confusing.
And +1 for RUI's suggestion.
+1 for hugobox, the same name for Max and Max runtime when you use "Open With", that's a pain. Don't know if it's possible, but having it always open in full Max if it's installed would be good. Maybe that's an OS thing we have to set though.
I could certainly be wrong but I don't imagine the "intelligent trigger" would be possible, or maybe be a positive thing, because there's no way trigger could know what the new arguments are and match them to the old ones, really—what if the new arg is "blip" instead of a 1, that would break things. I've run into the trigger problem too, with "need to add it later because of not covering all the bases" lack-of-planning :) and really, you can always just take the appropriate one and run it through another trigger if you have a ton of cords you don't want to re-attach.
A message to [thispatcher] that could toggle on and off ALL the "embedded" hints (those made in the Inspector rather than using the hint object itself), now that would be great, and would save tons of messages and cords if you want to disable/enable.
Inlets and outlets, they auto-comment themselves with the inlet/outlet number, or maybe this is there already, I remember talking about it awhile back. So it's easy to match up when you have lots of inlets and outlets and haven't bothered to comment them, as we can be just that lazy…
For encryption, I think it's all about 3rd-party solutions. Here's one I found that's specifically for Max 5 on Windows, which is the first one I've seen specifically for Max (note I have no experience with it):
Looks like MacOS has an advantage here, as the .app can be protected as a bundle (including the .mxf), whereas in Windows the .mxf is separate from the .exe, so you need to bundle and encrypt.
We've been down this discussion road before, so I'm not sure why I'm fanning any flames, but I thought it was interesting that there was a Max-5-specific solution out there. Anyway, enough of that from me!
I'm sure there's lots more as we hash this out…but regardless, the new things that have already been promised are amazing. I didn't think there could be such a huge advancement so soon after Max 5, that was such a giant leap forward in itself… go C74!
From seejayjames:
"I could certainly be wrong but I don't imagine the "intelligent trigger" would be possible, or maybe be a positive thing, because there's no way trigger could know what the new arguments are and match them to the old ones, really—what if the new arg is "blip" instead of a 1, that would break things. I've run into the trigger problem too, with "need to add it later because of not covering all the bases" lack-of-planning :) and really, you can always just take the appropriate one and run it through another trigger if you have a ton of cords you don't want to re-attach."
I'm sorry, but I don't agree with you!
In the moment that you "click" on the box for editing, the "cursor" IS on the place where you going to write something, so if it's before the last "thing", the cords connected to the last outlet should maintain connected to the last outlet after the new ones appear. Maybe will be cases were that function will not be possible, like change the [t] object by an [random], or changing from an [t 1 2 3 4] to an [t 2 1], because the last two disappear completely, but that is an extreme change. What I was saying is a little help on simple changes not an super-hiper-mega-intelegent T object!
… it could be: [t i want an patch to control my car], and the max does all the rest!
regarding the "lack-of-planning"
It's not that case! I don't spent hours of planing on paper, at the coffee for example, to make the patch at the first time! I use the max to test the concepts and to "work in progress". Normally, I start the patching directly in Max, and when the things are working, even with lots of bugs and errors, I re-start the patching, from zero… and the process repeats until the final patch is completely unbuged! this allow me to understand better the needs of the patch… that's my way, and probably, the way of many others!
Sorry if I sound arrogant, but in written text it's difficult to express an joke tone!
hehe, no worries. Interesting to think about. What I'm wondering (and not just about trigger) but when you click and have a cursor in the object for editing, the object is still active as the original until you click outside or hit Enter and set the new object name and arguments. So, really, I don't know how much the new object would "remember" about the old one, or if it's possible at all. Anyway.
And the "lack of planning", heh, the quotes are definitely to show tongue-in-cheek. It just like you described—patching along, prototyping, drafting, maybe knowing "pretty much" where you want to get to, and "most" of what you need to do to get there…but…there are always things which come up to work around, other features that suddenly would be cool to have, different ways to do something more efficiently, etc… so yes, your original trigger will likely need some more outlets! Been there countless times, as I'm sure we all have. I think that if your patch goes 100% smoothly and quickly, that's great that you got it done so easily, but where's the challenge?? :)
@Hugobox: Looks like you can drop a .maxpat on the Max window and get a patch to open, but not an empty canvas. Don't know if there's a way to do it on an empty patch, or to make it a bpatcher.
Love the thread!
Here's a thought, that might be more easily implemented than the Intelligent trigger thing –
What about a 'move patchcords' hotkey/modifier? Say I select a bunch of patch cords, by option dragging. Now, I hold command+option+control (or some other modifier) and double click an inlet/outlet. All my currently selected patch cables move their beginning or their end to the inlet/outlet I just selected.
This has the benefit of A) not trying to be intelligent (intelligence like Rui's can backfire, it's nearly impossible to judge every usage scenario), and B) being useful in situations where you haven't changed the object at all, but want to move chords around en masse. C), How would you handle an undo with the intelligent trigger patching? Would undo move the cables back AND change the object back? Just change the object? Just the cables? This separates it into two commands, keeping the user in control and keeping the patch's history easily parsed.
Nice MuShoo! .. why I don't think in that!?
The problem I see with the 'move patchcords' modifier is that you wouldn't be able to add outlets freely. The type of message is checked, and you can't hook up some types of outlets to some type of inlet. I guess you could make a new trigger object with the outlets you want, then use a hypothetical 'move patchcords' to move them to the new object.
I guess the MAX could paint in red the cords that doesn't fit the parameters, and then, the user can easily find the problem!
Probably a bit late since it's been anounced, but I'd love on option to have versions saved automatically… As in, you could have some kind of development mode where it saves changes every half hour or so, so you could return to the way things were if if you accidentally save over them. Doesn't happen to me often, but when it does it's annoying!
One other thing related to sight. The ability to set default zoom size. I work on Max on a 15", 23" and 27" screen so it can be really quite difficult to see sometimes. A default zoom size would be good. When working on M4L I open Max and it is tiny so I zoom in, I have to do this everytime I close and open the patch. Also if I am working on a zoomed patch then the default zoom setting should apply to all windows I open. Like if I open a patcher it is back to a zoom factor of 1 and I have to rezoom and if I close the patcher it forgets my settings and I have to do it again… this is of course also true with all the help patches also. Also the writing can be very small in live.menus even if you increase the size of Ableton. It just means I am constantly fiddling with the zoom or squinting . So those 3 things :)
Default Zoom Settings
Scrollwheel Zoom
Resizable Documents
Little things I really hope are in Max 6:
[sflist~ sounds]
– preload 2 c:drum11.wav
– preload 3 c:drum21.wav
On this situation only the 1.wav from the drum1 folder will play. If I sent an (2) to the sfplay~ it will play the correct file, but if I send an (3), the sfplay plays the file from the drum1 folder… but the address refer to the file on the drum2 folder.
So, I hope Max6 support the identification of the folder when preloading the files, and preload sound files with the same name but in different folders!
… that our beloved cyclingElves decide to get rid of that ilok-PITA
Please, improve the jit.qt.movie object. It is appalling that you cannot playback movies properly.
Thinksamuel: what do you mean by properly? You are going to have to be more specific, jit.qt.movie works just fine for most of my purposes.
The only thing I don't like is how spigot works. It makes me crazy that there's not a more eloquent solution than having to wait until the audio file exports in the background before you can use a movies audio in MSP.
My requests:
1. Multichannel outlets and inlets. (see artist's conception below…)
2. Fix the drawing in the biquad~ help. (The feedback coefficients should have negative signs in front of them).
3. Stop calling the Shelf Slope "Q" in the filtergraph~ object.
Will readback & rasterization technics will correctly work in Max6 ?
It is really painful and unstable in complex patches and seems to me really essential.
Many years ago (early 90s) I implemented an iconic programming environment that was partially inspired by Max although inlets and outlets were on the left and right rather than top and bottom for tech reasons that are not relevant here.
However, after much experimentation with "writing" programs with it, I made three design differences that I found to be an improvement over the Max model in terms of readability and having a few less errors from layout mistakes.
It's not clear to me that the Max community would be interested (or whether it's even feasible) but given that everyone is making suggestions, I figured I might as well throw these out
1) control execution order based on relative angles of connections rather than just horizontal position. In Max terms, that would mean that one first do a sweep counterclockwise from 0 to 180 (or 179.999) and then doing a sweep clockwise from 0 to 180. I found that it's much easier to see in what order objects will be triggered this way
2) allow inlets to be toggles so that inlets other than the leftmost one can trigger object execution upon receipt of data. It's a heck of a lot easier to use – and / when you need a change in the Right hand operand to trigger execution
3) use different colors for inlets that trigger the object.. I used red for triggerable inlets and green for inlets that just stored incoming values. The patch connections were also colored the same as the inlet to which they were connected
4) even though I used the same depth-first execution model, I discovered that if an outlet was connected to green (non-triggers) inlets of multiple objects, it was very effective to populate all green inlets before triggering any objects. So basically, I repeated the sweeps described above twice, the first time filling in green inlets and then sweeping again for red ports. This eliminated certain race conditions if objects at different levels in the execution tree were connected to the same object somewhere else.
I'd include some pictures but I'm writing this from my ipad so not practical. Happy to go into more detail if there's any interest. I don't think this proposal breaks anything other than an impact on ordering which is easily adjusted and has the other benefits described here.
Look at this!
-- Pasted Max Patch, click to expand. --Copy all of the following text. Then, in Max, select New From Clipboard.----------begin_max5_patcher---------- 520.3ocyUF0aaBCDG+YpT+N35myhrMPCLsW1C8SwT0jA7RbEXi.iVZq128Ye .IzjPCMkorW7A24y9+8C6iWu8FObhdqnFi9J5GHOuWsd7.eNOd8N7vE7so47 ZXh3TcQgPYvK5BZDaMPfugdPkxKqax4FAxrQViJD0070BjN4IQp4tc4HyfLr t+BcmyeoUlZ4KBWHJaIo2eI2jtQpV+yJ6ZzpUV.wFGQofg4y.i8Ezi8YoZJj pbgADMc3dn3Evdf+dkjmiGjftwzmAA79mauwYslESlOJwus00w3orRNfZCI. gcILfRBAFD.F+f+mPPSQhn5z059u2sak44RQaAgA9fvIb0Z79p3CfDfDsCjY GGrY+DgAkfjHoJSr8zrhLNq.HsXGyZWjKGZ9vHiFO6Xy+hwVWyii4FTr1S7m BZwwiyrIvmj0o5bcUaBjk2uJHjtv9PDM9dRj6ovUrvfX68tgL5ctdR65TAjk FMJYYeXxR+GzhRTJTYHdoybR7F8ov63bZUKlHzY+.3gXpcgw4R0Q+4CjmKvA vqV2Tk1Wl8mxPCjXln1HUbiTqFLKnw9vosQlkIfYriHExrRs8RbmTPON9G0I qNnI6TjG4JIO29xNm7.FSuRpidV0EcEYGYRr68U2a5yEGEw7Ccs2HcCuo81A UBMXYn6tZWms8uMKk3gj8hqvywemCq4ut3TaTB -----------end_max5_patcher-----------
Why the red patch cord loses the alignment? and change the color? I hope Max6 solve this!
Would be great to be able to change the shape of Bpatcher. Sometimes I don't want my Gui to just be rectangular blocks.
If you could draw the shape – perhaps with something like the Photoshop selection tools.
+ 1 for proper playback of moives with jit.qt.movie
even smal movies stutter.
Max-web-runtime? Or something similar like processing.js or vvvvjs would really, really, really be cool.
Here's the 30min.-autosave btw.
-- Pasted Max Patch, click to expand. --
Copy all of the following text. Then, in Max, select New From Clipboard.
It would be great, if we can get rid of the "symbol" prefix,
if a coll outputs a single symbol.
I know we can use [route symbol] or [filter symbol],
but it a bit awkward ….
----------begin_max5_patcher---------- 454.3ocyUFrbZCCDF9r8SgFclxX4BDH2xyQlLLx1aIpUVhwZcJzL7tWqUxNN k1LNMLY3.Vn8ek3e+zh7yoI7B6AvwY2xtmkj7bZRBExGHINOgWKOTpkNJMdM 3bxc.eVPCgCHE2crtvpYVyfz2rFzHqAR9tFkT2qXZqUFMfzNl+RPaK1GULZS bpeQahHadVLbHS73dH3cNm8PTZuDKeTY1ssAJwfpfVIKeCMrdi+oX07rg0np HSZK99WVy8gNkl5eL6CBEEB0hqOdbSVf.zvWW9V3X0kDGNz1.LBJW0MJQxby a1nr3+gLF3mcq8LvnsxpBoY26jHhKBQne3oPkLZXYNMY8emJ4WPpTZ0ZFBN7 hfkEu2FkYi9LkaWxC3Yy7k+a7LbYfu11VIQYDKQt3EZM3npHg2m08TdCY1o7 C33YWy3i+jT21WF9+mwdHJcJM90tylfObxmfpscVqqb1JQrQUzhg2HL1UPcA PUgHt7QmxTcx0Jye9hDhU93u9n2YaaJGrG0yLi8Bsp5NvUFIprlQ4r3U47np pBH49iuZU0dqxfQKDJyyZCmpiVLAGI9TczpqNGIlfiV2ki3SyQSoOZ0GfQcS Nk9a4KyEJA -----------end_max5_patcher-----------
Little things I really hope are in Max 6:
well… not so little!
+1 for FRid …
A new object called [webui], where you put an patch inside, like [p] object, and have all the inlets and outlets and everything, but usable trough any web browser, from lan or internet.. and with presentation mode also!
– make the help patch for objects wiki/community based, so we can make them better, add examples, etc.
+1 for Yair's suggestion, this would be a big step forward.
I'd also love to see integration with a source control system like svn or git.
This thread is getting really long so excuse me if someone already mentioned something like this, but I would love to be able to right-click on a patch cord and insert a new blank object box at that location that had inlet 1 connected to where the original patch cord started and outlet 1 connected to where the original patch cord ended and the cursor in the box, ready for me to type the object's name. That would save me lots of mousing around.
I know you can do something like this for replacing an object, but getting the object in there is what takes all the extra mouse/key strokes.
Yes, I'd love that too….particurlRy useful for debugging….ability to just throw an int box into the middle of a connection. In such caes, it should also be possible to delete an object and have the original connection be restored
some people were talking about a trigger object that remembered which patch cords were fed from which argument and moved them accordingly. Since we are brainstorming, I'd say what trigger really needs is little + buttons between the arguments that show up when you hover over it. Clicking on one could shift all arguments to the right of it over by one space and all connected patch cords over by one space also, creating a new event/outlet where the + button was – either with the cursor there to type it in, or even just a "b" or "l" inserted would be good enough.
I know this is fanciful, because it means special patching GUI treatment for an otherwise 'normal' object. But it is an oft used one (as further evidenced by its single letter abbreviation).
A really small wish : border size and color for bpatcher!
So that I won't have to add a panel in it everytime, and care about its size, etc.
Ok i add mine to if what i would like to do is not feasible!
I have a poly with seven instances and i had to organize priority inside the client window.
So i had to copy 7 times 55 parameters priority number in the clientwindow.
Is there a way to make a (row copy paste) inside the storagewindow and the clientwindow?
And if jit.gl.( shader , slab ) will still exist could we have a bang once it's loaded?!
However…Thank you for 64bit,gen~ and the whole stuff which is coming with Max6
Forums > MaxMSP


text:
UFA Options: Carolina Hurricanes
Jonathan Willis
May 06 2009 06:49PM
UFA Options is a continuing series that gives a brief run-down of the unrestricted free agent market this summer, team-by-team. Our next team for consideration is the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes have the NHL rights to seven unrestricted free agents. There's a plethora of fourth-liners, but some players of significance including a veteran defenseman (Dennis Seidenberg) and the player Wanye picked to be the Oilers' hero this season (pictured above).
- Age is calculated based on how old the player will be during the 2009-10 season.
- QualComp/QualTeam are the Quality of Competition/Teammates rankings from Behind the Net; the number appearing is each player's ranking by position (forward/defense) on his own team.
- Def/Off Faceoffs is a comparison of the total number of shifts starting in the defensive and offensive zones, courtesy of Vic Ferrari's Time On Ice. A positive number indicates starting more in the defensive zone, a negative number the opposite.
- All advanced statistics are courtesy of Behind the Net.
Erik Cole
Vital Stats: 31 years old, 6'2", 205lbs 2008-09 Cap Hit: 4,000,000 US$ 2008-09 Basic Stats: 80GP – 18G – 24A – 42PTS, EV 2008-09 Contextual: 8th QualComp, 1st QualTeam, -19 Def/Off Faceoffs 2008-09 Advanced Stats: +1.5 Corsi/60, 1.82 EVPTS/60, 2.56 GFON/60, 2.56 GAON/60
Edmonton fans saw Erik Cole during one of his worst stretches in recent memory; the only reason his season statistics are even respectable was because of a nearly point-per-game run to close out the season after being traded to Carolina. Cole has value when he isn't scoring; he's a big, versatile player who can PK and draws penalties as well as anyone in the league. I expect that he'll re-sign with Carolina and keep putting up decent numbers in the Southeast, breaking Wanye's heart little bits at a time.
Chad LaRose
Vital Stats: 27 years old, 5'10", 181lbs 2008-09 Cap Hit: 875,000 US$ 2008-09 Basic Stats: 81GP – 19G – 12A – 31PTS, +6 2008-09 Contextual: 7th QualComp, 9th QualTeam, -63 Def/Off Faceoffs 2008-09 Advanced Stats: +4.3 Corsi/60, 1.47 EVPTS/60, 2.32 GFON/60, 2.26 GAON/60
Larose had a nice year, especially from a goal-scoring perspective. The undrafted ex-ECHL'er is probably due for a modest raise. He's undersized (the official Carolina website lists him at 5'10", but other sites say 5'8") and this is his breakout season offensively, so there is some question as to whether he can repeat this performance.
Ryan Bayda
Vital Stats:29 years old, 5'11", 185lbs 2008-09 Cap Hit: 475,000 US$ 2008-09 Basic Stats: 70GP – 5G – 7A – 12PTS, +2 2008-09 Contextual: 13th QualComp, 8th QualTeam, -23 Def/Off Faceoffs 2008-09 Advanced Stats: -4.1 Corsi/60, 1.26 EVPTS/60, 1.67 GFON/60, 1.57 GAON/60
Ryan Bayda had his first full NHL season this year, and while he doesn't add high-end scoring he does play a physical game. He had a funny year with the percentages – low on-ice shooting percentage, and very high on-ice save percentage, so he probably isn't as low-event as the numbers make him seen. A fairly generic fourth-liner at this point.
Dwight Helminen
Vital Stats:26 years old, 5'10", 191lbs 2008-09 Cap Hit: 475,000 US$ 2008-09 Basic Stats: 23GP – 1G – 1A – 2PTS, -2 2008-09 Contextual: 14th QualComp, 13th QualTeam, -4 Def/Off Faceoffs 2008-09 Advanced Stats: -3.6 Corsi/60, 0.79 EVPTS/60, 1.98 GFON/60, 2.77 GAON/60
I was glad to see the Oilers draft pick return to North America; he had a decent season in the AHL and saw some NHL duty as well. Helminen turns 26 this summer and is one of the younger free agents out there; he may be of interest to any team looking for a reliable AHL veteran to play a reserve role. He does play a relatively well-rounded game.
Dan Lacouture
Vital Stats: 32 years old, 6'2", 210 lbs 2008-09 Cap Hit: 475,000 US$ 2008-09 Basic Stats: 11GP – 2G – 0A – 2PTS, -1 2008-09 Contextual: 1st QualComp, 3rd QualTeam 2008-09 Advanced Stats: -25.5 Corsi/60, 2.55 EVPTS/60, 2.55 GFON/60, 5.09 GAON/60
Dan Lacouture raised the ire of Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford when he defected to the KHL midway through the season:
"It doesn't seem right when a guy signs a contract and then a month later decides to leave… If a player goes in the offseason, when he doesn't have a contract, whether they go that way or they come this way, it seems to be fair… Can you really trust a player, what he's going to do, when he does that? You lose credibility."
When in North America, Lacouture's another garden-variety fourth-liner who plays a physical game. I imagine his NHL/AHL options are limited at this point.
Michael Ryan
Vital Stats: 29 years old, 6'1", 188 lbs 2008-09 Cap Hit: 475,000 US$ 2008-09 Basic Stats: 18GP – 0G – 2A – 2PTS, -3 2008-09 Contextual: 15th QualComp, 14th QualTeam 2008-09 Advanced Stats: +15.6 Corsi/60, 0.84 EVPTS/60, 1.26 GFON/60, 2.52 GAON/60
Ryan had an excellent year in the AHL, scoring 25 goals in 40 games, but he got killed by the percentages at the NHL level, with a horrid on-ice save percentage and shooting percentage. He recorded 9 takeaways to only 2 giveaways, but trusting his NHL numbers would be foolish given that he played so few minutes. That said, as far as 4th-line fringe players go, Ryan's definitely one worth checking out. Even if he doesn't crack the NHL roster, he's a goal-scorer in the AHL.
Dennis Seidenberg
Vital Stats: 28 years old, 6'1", 210 lbs 2008-09 Cap Hit: 1,200,000 US$ 2008-09 Basic Stats: 70GP – 5G – 25A – 30PTS, -9 2008-09 Contextual: 3rd QualComp, 3rd QualTeam, +16 Def/Off Faceoffs 2008-09 Advanced Stats: -0.2 Corsi/60, 0.89 PTS/60, 2.10 GFON/60, 2.36GAON/60
Dennis Seidenberg is an excellent second-pairing option; he's a reliable veteran with some puck-moving ability and he plays a relatively physical game and blocks shots (leading the Hurricanes in the latter category). Injuries are a concern; he's suffered at least one concussion and has had multiple leg and groin injuries at the NHL level.
Erik Cole is a prime example of how much tighter it is in the western conference. I'd still take him in Vancouver. Probably not for 4mil however.
@ Johnathan Willis:
I remember some buzz about Jussi Jokinen maybe being an option to play with Hemsky... Never really liked the player in the past; but he has been clutch so far this playoff. Since Jussi is an RFA player due for a raise, do you think he may become available if Carolina is able to resign Cole?
@ Willis:
Oh... And would you want him? I'm kinda on the fence myself.
May 06 2009, 10:11PM
@ Chris:
Normally I would, but doesn't he just fit into that mold of player (Gagner, Cogliano, O'Sullivan, Nilsson) that the team is already full of?
I like the player, but he doesn't fill a need.
@ Jonathan Willis: @ Chris: Jussi would be a good choice for his shootout abilities alone. Those points add up.
Somehow, I dont think Cole would be interested in signing with the Oil.
May 07 2009, 08:21AM
No one really of interest for the Oilers....
May 07 2009, 08:34AM
@ Brian O'Neill:
But Kotalik's already here.
Brian O'Neill wrote:
Jussi would be a good choice for his shootout abilities alone. Those points add up
After Burke signs the Sedin's in Toronto, maybe Jussi will be good option for Vancouver.
This I dont understand, you like Jokinen and would take him but the Oilers have too many guys like him and yet you wouldn't take a flier on Mike Cammalleri, a proven one shot 30-40 goal scorer who needs a pure passer like Hemsky and is just entering the prime off his career.
@ Bob Cob: But he is coming off the last year of his contract, and played on a pretty offensively minded team in Calgary, which I think made him look better than he is. I know alot of people want more goals from the Oil this year, but I would be much happier if they were a sounder defensive team, with three lines that can not only create chances, but limit them, and a fourth that can cause havoc when they are out there (hello, Zorg?)
@JW Over at the gospel of hockey it is suggested that a player that is a player should not be making less than $850,000 since a RFA offer at that level requires no compensation. I know this doesn't apply to Michael Ryan, but if Springfield needs some genuine scoring talent, perhaps he should be targeted with a larger contract and sent to shore up that beleaguered team.
If I were king of the Oilers, I'd be looking at one of the Hurricanes' forwards on July 1st. That player being Erik Cole. I don't think he was as bad here as his point totals would suggest, and I also never really bought into the idea that he couldn't play LW. I really didn't think he was all that much better on the right side, but it was a convenient excuse for why he wasn't shooting the lights out and another reason for people to pile onto MacTavish.
His .01 QUALCOMP is good for 8th on the Hurricanes roster, but it would put him tied for 2nd among Oiler forwards. I still don't trust the QUALCOMP number itself enough to put much stock in it when you compare it conference to conference due to the unbalanced schedule.
I personally don't think he's as much of a goalscorer as his reputation would suggest, but the guy can be an effective player, and he does a lot of things that you like. He's got size, he's physical, skates like the wind, and always keeps his feet moving. If he were willing to return, I'd welcome him back in a heartbeat.
The other player that's interesting is Seidenberg, but I like our defense the way it is, and think we should try to keep them together if we can. He'd be a good replacement for Smid if we decided to move him (not sure why we would though), or Staios if he can play the right side. I'm not so sure he'd come cheaper than either, but he's a "young vetran" which is exactly what this team needs more of. Guys we can lean on right away, but will still be in their best years when the young core start to become difference makers.
misfit wrote:
That player being Erik Cole
Cole will NEVER sign with Edmonton. It was reported that Cole couldn't "stop smiling" after being delt back to Carolina. I'm sorry I can't remember the source.
May 07 2009, 11:06AM
Bob Cob wrote:
This I dont understand, you like Jokinen and would take him but the Oilers have too many guys like him and yet you wouldn't take a flier on Mike Cammalleri, a proven one shot 30-40 goal scorer who needs a pure passer like Hemsky and is just entering the prime off his career.
I like Cammalleri too; although he falls into the same boat as Jokinen.
The key difference between them is that I'm a bargain shopper. Jokinen's going to be cheap, Cammalleri's going to be very expensive.
Chris wrote:
Cole will NEVER sign with Edmonton. It was reported that Cole couldn't "stop smiling" after being dealt back to Carolina. I'm sorry I can't remember the source.
Cole was really starting to fit in toward the end of his stay here and I'd dearly love to see him back. But if you had the choice between playing with real NHL'ers and juniors brought up way too early, which would make you smile more? I mean, look who he's playing with now. His PPG performance after he got traded was a good indication of how important good linemates is (duh).
"how important having good linemates is...."
Coles not exactly lighting it up with the canes either. I like Cammalleri but do we want another Hobbit on this team?
I have a pretty hard time believing we'll have our pick of free agents anyway, not just in the case of Cole. But this has more to do with who I'd be interested in, not who'd be interested in becoming an Oiler. Obviously I don't know what Cole is interested in doing, but that doesn't mean you don't make the call to find out for sure.
May 07 2009, 01:26PM
Jonathan, I really like your off-season UFA reports. Great stuff. What I would appreciate is some recommendation and/or thoughts of you if this or that player could be an option for the Oilers (and why and if we really have a chance to sign them...).
May 07 2009, 03:27PM
#Swiss Oil Fan wrote:
Jonathan, I really like your off-season UFA reports. Great stuff. What I would appreciate is some recommendation and/or thoughts of you if this or that player could be an option for the Oilers (and why and if we really have a chance to sign them…).
Once I've gone through all thirty teams I plan to do a very detailed bit on the moves I'd make as a GM. I've tried to keep this segment as general as possible since it's also for the Calgary and Vancouver sites.
That said, for the Oilers I'm looking at a depth defenseman, a third line centre, and a top-six forward.
All thirty teams??? Awwwww man!
*Walks away with head down, hands in pockets, kicking loose stones on the road.*
Jonathan Willis wrote:
That said, for the Oilers I'm looking at a depth defenseman, a third line centre, and a top-six forward
...AND a goalie.


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Showing 1-24 of 64 items found in Places to Stay
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Best Western Legacy Inn of South Beloit
Welcome to the Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites of South Beloit. After a good night's sleep on our pillow top mattresses, start off your day with our deluxe continental breakfast, which includes fresh waffles, fruit, cereal, breads and more. For our business travelers we also have free local phone calls, free faxes, and copy services, as well as a full service meeting room. During the rest of your stay relax by the indoor pool and whirlpool or kick back in one of out 67 spacious guest rooms that include free cable including HBO, in-room coffee, hairdryer, microwave, and refrigerator.
CITY:South Beloit
Pearl Lake Campground - South Beloit
Whether you spend a weekend, a month or all season, if you are a camper who enjoys peace and quiet, Pearl Lake is the place for you. Basic tenting sites and sites with electricity and water are available. Phone service is available at selected sites. A disposal station and a pumping service, restrooms have flush toilets and hot water showers. A large sand beach has plenty of room for sunning and a gently sloping bottom for safe and enjoyable swimming. Although swimming is at one's own risk, trained lifeguards are on duty whenever the beach is open. A bath house is located adjacent to the beach, and the Snack Bar offers a variety of food including burgers, hot dogs and ice cream.
CITY:South Beloit
Garden Hotel and Conference Center
The Garden Hotel and Conference Center is a full service hotel featuring the Greenhouse Grill and Bar. The 164 room hotel offers updated, comfortable accommodations for corporate and leisure visitors. Room blocks are available for corporate and wedding groups as well as sports teams, family reunions, and any other large group needing accommodations. The recreation area offers a large indoor swimming pool, spa, and state of the art fitness center. Poolside hospitality rooms are also available. The Conference Center offers over 11,000 square feet of space to accommodate weddings and corporate functions as well as social events.
CITY:South Beloit
Hickory Hill Lodging is located down a wooded lane off of Payne Road, the gateway to Carroll County in Northwestern Illinois. Just minutes from Lake Carroll and the fine dining and relaxation in the area.
Imagine indulging yourself in the privacy of your own cabin with a full body massage & lingering leisurely over breakfast in bed provided by our own caterer. Extra Special touches available upon request. Arrangements can be made for extra-loving touches added to the cabin from rose petals, flowers & music, or send a special invitation asking them to join you for a relaxing getaway. Relax in the rustic setting of our cozy cabins located on 10 wooded acres just minutes from Lake Carroll. Enjoy our friendly atmosphere beside a bonfire or hot tub! A romantic whirl-pool cabin with fireplace or country kitchenette can accommodate everything from intimate parties to family reunions. Open year-round.
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Rivers Edge Campground has modern facilities in a rustic, historical area. Amenities include a Pecatonica River boat ramp, fishing on Pecatonica, Sugar and Rock Rivers, a private pond, pavilion, basketball and golf courses nearby.
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There are 41 individual forest preserves for the purpose of protecting the natural beauty of Winnebago County, as well as for education and recreation. The forest preserves provide over 9,700 acres of property for the use and enjoyment of the general public. Lush woods, picturesque streams, dramatic cliffs and dells, unspoiled prairies and native wildlife are treasures to be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages. Hiking, camping, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, bird watching and cross-country skiing are recreational activities available at sites throughout the county.
Blackhawk Valley Campground - Rockford
More than 130 units in developed campground located in a wooded and secluded area on the Kishwaukee River with mini golf, pedal carts, a playground, weekend activities and hayrides for the kids.
With the most competitive rates in town and newly renovated rooms, Alpine Inn offers the best in clean, affordable comfort. Each room has been upgraded with new flooring and granite countertops, refrigerator and microwave, beautiful furniture, and much more. Providing free high-speed wireless internet, continental breakfast, and the friendliest staff; whether staying on business or leisure, you are guaranteed to feel at home. Conveniently located on the Miracle Mile in the heart of Rockford at E. State Street and Alpine Road.
Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort
Cliffbreakers overlooks the beautiful Rock River. Whether you have come here to attend a business meeting or celebrate with loved ones during a wedding reception, enjoy an evening of fine dining in Cliffbreakers Restaurant, a view of the Rock River will offer a pleasant and memorable time. On-site fine dining restaurant, martini lounge, Swedish hot rock sauna, business center, 25,000 sq. ft. of function space.
Recently renovated, the Hampton Inn Rockford offers lodging accommodations near I-90 and Magic Waters Waterpark; and businesses including Hamilton Sundstrand, Chrysler, Ingersoll, UPS, and Anderson Packaging.
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All studio-room hotel conveniently located off I-90 and State Street (US BR20). With easy access to I-39 and US Routes 20 and 43, Candlewood Suites-Rockford is perfectly located near business and entertainment centers. Near Magic Waters water park, CherryVale Mall, and numerous golf courses. Located adjacent to Van Galder Bus Terminal with 24 hour shuttle service to O'Hare and Midway Airports. All studio-rooms have kitchens with full refrigerators. "Candlewood Cupboard" offers frozen entrees, breakfast items, snacks, personal items, etc. Complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet.
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Courtyard surrounds travelers with the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. Relax and get ready for the day ahead in one of our spacious guest rooms, featuring a comfortable sitting area, large work desk, two phones with data ports, free in-room high speed Internet access, in-room coffee service, HBO, in-room movies, and a newspaper. Unwind in our swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness room. No pets except service guide animals. Totally non-smoking facility. 24 hour Courtyard Market with snacks and drinks for your convenience. WiFi in lobby. You can also dine at the The Bistro, a "fast casual" restaurant for guests and the public, serving breakfast and dinner. The restaurant proudly serves Starbucks coffee and products 24 hours a day.
Conveniently located off I-90 and Business Rt. 20, and only minutes to area attractions and golf courses. Cracker Barrel, Texas Roadhouse, Subway, Machine Shed within blocks. Complimentary high speed wireless Internet.
Quality Suites of Rockford is one of the metro's all suite hotels located conveniently at East State Street off I-90. Hotel offers 95 elegant newly remodled spacious suites, including 10 whirlpool suites at prices you would expect to pay for a standard room in Chicago hotels; indoor pool, 24 hour fitness center and guest passes to Bally Total Fitness! Our full hot breakfast buffet features everything from biscuits and gravy to eggs, meat, waffles and more. Complimentary snacks and soda at Manager's Reception 5-7pm Monday-Saturday. Pets under 30 lbs. are allowed with no extra fee; 24-hour guest laundry and 2 business centers, Free Wireless Internet.
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford
Boutique-style, all-suite hotel offers luxury at a reasonable price with over-sized guest rooms offering space and comfort for business or family needs. Radisson's business center offers free fax and copy services. Banquet space covers 10,000 sq. ft. for all functions. The O'Hare International Airport bus shuttle depot is located conveniently next door.
Newly remodeled rooms throughout. Conveniently located to I-90, Magic Waters waterpark, CherryVale Mall, antique malls, and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Machine Shed and Thunder Bay Grill restaurants across street. Free high-speed internet for T-Mobile customers. Free USA Today.


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By Austin American Statesman
There is a shift in both the rhetoric and approach to immigration that is both noticeable and welcome this legislative session. Missing is the hyperbolic rhetoric that spewed out of the Capitol any time immigration, legal or otherwise, was mentioned.
Members were elbowing each other out of the way to file legislation that supposedly cracked down on illegal immigration but on closer examination proved nothing more than empty posturing.
The noise got so loud that the state's business owners expressed concern. A bill filed by state Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Tomball, proposing sanctions for employers who hire illegal immigrants grabbed the state's business community by its lapels.
Bill Hammond, who leads the Texas Association of Business, spoke up in opposition. The bill didn't go anywhere.
Remember that do-nothing but immensely popular sanctuary cities bill introduced during both the regular and special sessions in 2011?
Leo Berman, R-Tyler, sponsored the bill in the House. It passed during the regular session but died in the Senate. It was revived in the special session in the Senate but died in the House.
By the way, Berman lost his re-election bid to Matt Schaefer, an ally of House Speaker Joe Straus.
Berman's departure left the post of chief immigrant basher open, but so far no one appears willing to claim it.
Both Democratic and Republican legislators are working on resolutions on immigration that recommend securing the borders but also include guest worker programs and even pathways to citizenship.
A realistic approach to immigration involves a variety of methods to encourage people to enter the country legally whether to work or to study.
Texans should be at the forefront of a search for positive solutions.
Nobody should expect total agreement on all aspects of the immigration issue, but it is heartening to see that differences can be addressed respectfully and positively.
Austin American Statesman