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Analysis: NHL needs more control in Olympics
How does sport grow in U.S. if games not televised by main network?
February 28, 2010 3:00 PMVANCOUVER, British Columbia -- At 3:15 p.m. today, the puck will drop between the United States and Canada for what might be the final Olympic gold-medal hockey game with NHL talent. The league has yet to decide whether to participate in Sochi, Russia, in 2014, with commissioner Gary Bettman having said earlier in these Games, "There's plenty of time," and suggesting he might wait quite a while.
The simple question the league confronts: Why go?
If it is to raise the profile of a sport where U.S. television ratings continue to register below those of poker, then the league surely should weigh the decisions made by NBC during these Olympics.
NBC has aired exactly one full game in this tournament, that being the United States' semifinal victory Friday against Finland. Most conspicuous -- and controversial -- was its decision to air preliminary-round ice dancing last Sunday rather than the Americans' stunning, stirring 5-3 upset of host Canada. The hockey was relegated to NBC's cable news network MSNBC, where it drew the highest rating of any program in that network's history other than the most recent presidential election.
It could be that the criticism NBC took for that was the only reason it showed the Finland game. Or it could be that NBC saw nothing remotely wrong with its choice, given that any form of figure skating draws a good audience.
Either way, the primary reason the NHL is supposed to be here was washed out that night: It was hockey at its best, it was the United States playing it, and it was a golden chance to show off the sport to viewers in non-NHL markets from Orlando to Omaha.
And it was on cable.
Bettman has pointed out that Sochi is "eight time zones away from the Eastern time zone" as one concern about the airing of Olympic hockey in 2014, but the more pertinent question would appear to be: If NBC could not be bothered to carry a U.S.-Canada game in Sunday prime time over non-medal ice dancing, what makes anyone at the NHL think it will bother to carry any hockey from Sochi?
So, again, why go?
To boost attendance?
That is not much of an issue in most NHL markets, and neither are local TV ratings. Surveys -- and revenues -- show that the cities that have hockey love it, and the cities without it barely know it exists.
To grow the game?
That, too, seems to be happening on its own: USA Hockey's amateur registration is at an all-time high, rinks are popping up across the southern belt, and places like Pittsburgh no longer raise eyebrows when they produce an NHL draft pick.
To appease the players?
This, actually, is the likeliest answer.
From stars such as Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin to the fourth-line pluggers, support among the players is virtually unanimous in favor of participation. Which is why the NHL Players Association supports it strongly enough to consider it a bargaining chip toward its labor agreement.
This is to the players' credit, of course: They are not paid to come here, they risk injury that could cost them millions down the road, and they do so almost entirely because they relish -- no, embrace -- the opportunity to represent their countries in the world's greatest sporting event.
But how does this help the NHL?
The players' commitment paints a tremendous picture for those people who already love the sport and those players, but how does that grow the game if those are the only people watching?
Moreover, if these players, coaches and administrators here have a genuine interest in using the Olympics to help expand the NHL's reach, then why have so many of them willfully ignored a collection of media larger and more diverse than any they could see at a league event?
After the Americans' two most recent games, coach Ron Wilson ordered his players to bypass the media interview area because of team meetings. After victories. When the general interview period takes no more than 10-15 minutes. A few players came back to be quoted, but not all.
And this is the team representing the place where the NHL needs to grow.
After almost all of the Russians' games, most players blew right by the media without explanation. The Penguins' Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar had been mostly cooperative, but they, too, blew right by after the elimination loss Wednesday.
And these are many of the same Russians publicly pleading with Bettman to go to Sochi. Gonchar, in particular, had said in an interview that the NHL owes it to Russia to go because of "everything the Russians have done for the NHL for a long time." Well, the Russians did the NHL no favors here.
To be clear, the NHL has no control over player/media interaction in an Olympic setting, as it does in league settings. That is up to each national federation.
But perhaps that raises the dominant point to all this: The NHL needs more control.
It is believed that the league is playing cat-and-mouse on the Sochi issue because it wants to know how often it will be on TV and when and on which NBC channel. It wants to know how it can benefit from the arrangement, which, from a monetary standpoint, currently is zero.
The owners mostly are opposed to going to Sochi, and Bettman answers to the owners.
Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Capitals, wrote this on his blog two weeks ago: "The NHL has provided more than $2 BILLION of committed contracts in terms of players to the Olympics. The Capitals have provided in our six players more than $200 million worth of talent. ... I love the Olympics, but we don't have a fair exchange of value. As far as I can tell, the Olympic Committee is more important than governments, leagues, police forces, individual teams, athletes and even religions. They are in total control."
At the same time, Ovechkin has openly stated he would walk out on the Capitals in midseason to play in his native Russia if the NHL does not go en masse.
Talk about a lack of control.
Dejan Kovacevic: email@example.com . Find more at our Kovacevic at the Olympics blog. First Published February 28, 2010 5:00 AM


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A-Racing SL
Full name | A-Racing |
Base | England |
Team principal/s | Andrew Dickson |
Race drivers | Chris Connolly Richard Dickson |
Test drivers | Ben Connolly |
Chassis | N/A |
Engine | N/A |
Tyres | N/A |
GPVWC Superleague Career | |
Début | Italy 2000 |
Latest race | Monaco 2000 |
Races competed | 9 |
Constructors' Championships | 1 |
Drivers' Championships | 0 |
Race victories | 0 |
Podiums | 7 |
Pole positions | 0 |
Fastest laps | 0 |
2000 position | 1st |
A-Racing is a former GPVWC Constructor who took part in the very first GPVWC season and were named after team founder Andrew Dickson. A-Racing won the inaugural GPVWC Constructors' Championship in 2000.
A-Racing was one of the original teams to enter the GPVWC in the 2000 Superleague season and contested all 9 rounds of the championship with the same driver lineup, which consisted of Chris Connolly and Richard Dickson. Both drivers had a strong season and despite not winning a race that season, their consistent results meant that they took the Constructors' Championship from rivals BA Racing and Silver Angels with one race to spare.
The 2001 season looked promising for the team as an early launch they revealed that they had signed promising German driver Christian Neumann to partner Richard Dickson for the season. However just a few weeks later the team dramatically withdrew from the championship, citing that Richard was now unable to race for most of the season and so they would prefer to withdraw on a high note. Within a few days A-Racing Press Officer and former driver Chris Connolly announced that he would be taking over the team and it was subsequently rebranded as Connolly Virtual Racing Team.
Preceded by: None |
Superleague World Constructors' Champion 2000 |
Succeeded by: BA Racing |

subset: commoncrawl


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Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
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Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Wonder of Poppies
Do you remember when I talked about my sweet 8-year old son Davey sliding poppies under the bathroom door for me to find after my shower? After kissing him and thanking him hundreds of times for being such a sweet angel, I scooped up my flowers and put them in a cup. Just a few days later, the petals had fallen off, and look what my observant hubby discovered...
Closeup view
Now, I don't know about you, but I stand in awe at the perfect beauty. A poppy is just a weed. And inside this weed is a perfect little base... perfectly symmetrical, appealing in color, and just incredibly beautiful. I mean, how many of us wouldn't wish we could decorate little cookies, muffins, or even a cake... like God has decorated the inside of a poppy - something we just consider to be a weed.
And doesn't it look like it has sugar sprinkled on top for that last, perfect touch?!
Breathtaking... not just the poppy... but our amazing Creator!
5 comments:
I was looking through your house posts (maybe, almost coveting a little), and then I came to this. I love it! I recognized them right away. We had some of those seed pods in our kitchen for a while this summer. One day I drew them, because they were just so amazing to me. The poppies themselves fall apart right away, and it seems that the bright beauty is gone... and then there's something even more amazing left behind.
Thank you for your encouraging comments! "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Proverbs 25:25
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a place for zinesters - writers and readers
I am starting a compilation zine called "How to Get Shit Done". This will be interviews and articles by/about individuals who have worked to create something bigger than themself… how revolutions are started when one person or a group of people decide to do something about it, and take ACTION. We all have ideas, dreams, hopes, but there is a gap between "just an idea" and "taking action". and I want to document it, to hopefully inspire other people (including myself) of the power within…
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Wij zijn aanwezig in:
Brussels Greeters from Alison Cornford-Matheson on Vimeo.
We meet Jan, a Brussels Greeter, who introduces us to his part of the city, Molenbeek, an area we've not really explored. For more information about Brussels Greeters, visit: http://brusselsgreeters.be
tour, brussels, belgium, greeter, free, local, off the beaten track, experience, Molenbeek


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Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Help the Sydney lady out
Sydney Eye has been peeping over fences. Click here and see what you can make of this apparent cooking or heating device in what seems like a really wrong place.
5 comments:
Thanks, Andrew.
Jayne has given me some info which is similar to info that I received from two sources at the Powerhouse Museum.
Jayne: 'It looks like the firebox for a chip heater to heat up domestic water.'
Powerhouse: 'I suspect what you saw is a outside wood-burning water heater used as an alternative in summer to the kitchen wood stove which while also heating water, would have made the kitchen very hot.'
PHM has suggested that I contact both the Mitchell Library and the Historic Houses Trust which is what I will do this evening.
It is a great looking 'appliance' don't you reckon?Chip heater hey. Makes sense. Nothing else did. I don't have experience with chip heaters but I understand they can be frightening beasts. This would be a pretty upmarket one I think, alight for longer than just a quick hit of hot water. Maybe it produced hot water for storage.
'Tis great indeed.
'Mum, I not going out in the rain to put wood on the heater'.- Anonymous11:57 pm
My grandparents had the very same chip heater installed in their little country house at Spring Hill, just out of Glenlyon Victoria. It sure did make the place warm in winter, allowed the water to heat up so long as the fire was going and also provided appliance to cook on. My Nan made the very best Crepes and Pancakes for us as children on top of this appliance, and I have not been able to replicate that taste yet!
My Pop sold the place a few years back and moved to Kangaroo Flat Bendigo. Too bad, or I could have taken images of it for you all to see. Then again, I hear that the couple that purchased the place renovated and may well have sold the item :(


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Duluth Mayor Don Ness contributed his interpretation of the internet song and dance hit "Gangnam Style" to a parody video in January. Could that earn him a lawsuit?
MPR News From our outstate correspondents
Archives for May 2013
International students often believe Americans have unlimited resources. North Dakota State University Assistant Professor Achintya Bezbaruah, who is leading middle and high school students in clean water projects, said students from around the world are surprised to learn students in the United States face economic constraints.


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EAST PALO ALTO - Thirty-year-old Gustavo Leal remembers the floodwaters reaching the doorstep of his family home in East Palo Alto. "It was bad enough that you couldn't get out of your driveway," he said.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Lawyers for a San Francisco Giants fan gravely disabled after a beating at Dodger Stadium rested their case in a negligence suit Monday after an expert said Bryan Stow's lost wages and medical costs could total more than $37 million over his lifetime.
SACRAMENTO (AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown scored a big win for California's $68 billion high-speed rail project by persuading fellow Democrats to dedicate a steady future funding source for it in the state budget.
FRESNO (AP) - Police and residents of a retirement community were stunned that a 64-year-old Northern California man arrested during a traffic stop was accused of cooking methamphetamine inside his apartment at the facility for seniors.
SACRAMENTO (AP) - The state Senate on Monday named as its next leader a Los Angeles Democrat who is best known for championing policies benefiting low-wage workers - even after his name surfaced in a federal corruption probe against a fellow state lawmaker.
SAN DIEGO (AP) - A San Diego judge has determined prosecutors have enough evidence against the alleged operator of a revenge porn site for him to face trial on conspiracy, identity theft and extortion charges.
LAKE ISABELLA (AP) - A smoky mountain wildfire destroyed three houses and threatened 1,000 others despite progress Monday clearing fire lines west of a California lake near Bakersfield, officials said.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Thousands of mail-in ballots are being invalidated in California elections because they arrive too late to be counted, government officials and political experts said Monday.
PASADENA (AP) - Pasadena will pay a little over $1 million in settlement agreements with the parents of Kendrec McDade, a young man who was killed by police in March 2012.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Lodging sharing service Airbnb has taken a bite out of San Francisco's already limited stock of rental housing as some landlords and housing activists contend, a newspaper reported Sunday.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco politicians and property groups are rolling out the welcome mat for George Lucas' collection of American art and movie memorabilia in an effort to keep the "Star Wars" creator from building his proposed museum to Chicago or Los Angeles.
SAN RAFAEL (AP) - A 9-year-old New Mexico girl who got lost after she wandered away from her family's campsite in a Northern California park was found uninjured and in good spirits Saturday after spending the night alone in the woods, authorities said.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Police arrested a man on suspicion of murder after his brother was fatally shot during a weekend family birthday celebration in South Los Angeles.
FRESNO (AP) - In methamphetamine's seedy underworld, traffickers are disguising the drug as a liquid to smuggle it into the United States from Mexico.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - In pop culture, Casey Kasem was as sweet and dependable as a glass of warm milk and a plate of chocolate chip cookies, which only made the ugliness of his last few years of life seem more bizarre and tragic.
Page 256 of 669
SAN DIEGO (AP) - A mentally distressed man killed by police in a San Diego suburb suffered four gunshot wounds to the neck, chest, arm and ...
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Friday, March 30, 2012
Mad Men Challenge - Betty's Dress
And here're the end results with some faux 60s photography effects!
Here's the dress in it's original off-white base + tiny blue flowers:
What do you think? Do you also feel that the dress is more Peggy-ish than Betty-ish? =] The style of the skirt is also different from Betty's. There're pleats on the center front, back and the sides. (which explains the folds in the front of my skirt.. =P)
Anyhow, I used 2 different patterns and had a wild ride trying to attach the bodice to the skirt.. (thus a failed first attempt). The top is based on this 70-ish looking dress from a Japanese pattern book and the skirt portion is from the re-print of this wonderful vintage vogue dress pattern.
I'm also delighted to be able to apply Hongkong binding to the skirt side seams and button closure area..
... As well as using a lace trim to finish off the bottom hem of the skirt. Really like the results!
Also quickly whipped up a petticoat that's worn under the dress. Well, since it's done so hastily, it doesn't have the nicest sewing and finishing.. But, it did a really great job poofing up the skirt! I got the pattern from a Japanese Gothic Lolita sewing magazine.
Sewing notes:
Betty Draper dress
Material: Cotton-polyester blend floral fabric, light-weight interfacing
Notions: Buttons, metal snaps, bias tape, lace trim
Patterns: Dress made of my Favorite Cloth by Michiko Kayaki, Vogue Vintage Original 1956-1957 Design V1044
Material: Polyester lining, tulle
Notions: bias tape, lace trim, elastic tape
Patterns: Goth Loli Vol 10
8 comments :
- Alice said...
I don't watch Mad Men, so I can't comment on whether your dress is more Peggy or Betty, but I can say it's really dreamily beautiful!
I think it's just lovely. - 6:11 PM
- Rhinestic said...
=D Thanks, Alice!
- Milenushka said...
I absolutely love your version! found you through Julia Bobbin's sew along, and I am a new follower:) Would love to see you at my place as well !
p.s. I actually have a few questions about this project of yours, so I hope you read comments. If you do -please let me know:) - 8:06 PM
- Rhinestic said...
Thank you, Milenushka! I've just posted a comment over at your latest post in your blog =)
- i heart fabric said...
This dress is adorable!! Just stumbled upon your blog look forward to seeing your other creations. Gorgeous dress you look like a princess!
- Rhinestic said...
Thank you!
- Quattre said...
It's really nice! I'm thinking of making one, too!
- Helen Le Caplain said...
What a lovely dress - and how fab you made your own petticoat - definitely need to make one of these for myself!
www.mancunianvintage.com - 6:54 PM


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Designer Ato Matsumoto is probably best known outside of Japan for his Cow Hide Boot, the high top sneaker worn by Kanye West and some other stars.
Here we present you now the colorways of the boot that will be available for Fall/Winter 2008. This season they will be coming out in black, silver, white and red. All of them come in a mix of leather and patent leather.
Expect them to soon released at Rowgage.
Detailed images after the jump.
Ato Matsumoto Fall/Winter 2008 Cow Hide Boot Line-Up
What To Read Next


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Fri, 29 December 2006
We have spent a lot of time the last few months discussing the excitement and benefits of Web 2.0 technologies but have not spent much time discussing the inherent vulnerabilities of these technologies. Earlier this month the application security experts at SPI Dynamics Inc. put their collective heads together and took a look at the threat landscape for 2007. Specifically, the researchers identified seven threats that they expect to be prevalent during 2007. In this podcast we take a look at this SPI white paper and discuss these threats. References: SPI Dynamics Website: www.spidynamics.com Wikipedia: www.wikipedia.org |


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Property Details
House, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 6 Sleeps
Spacious rooms w/lake views, great breezes, quiet neighborhood and a tranquil atmosphere. Master suite has 4 poster king size bed and adjoining dressing room, master bath has shower/tub. Second bedroom (with 2 twin beds) sits beside master suite. Third bedroom (opposite side of home) has a double bed and immediate access to the 2d bathroom w/shower/tub. Covered carport access to house. Convenient access to golf courses, shopping, downtown cirlce and Hwy 27. Lake w/public boat ramp. We're sorry but absolutely no smoking and no pets.
About the Owner
0 Reviews
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Activity and Interests
Dinner lake, named for its fishing and abundance, has a sandy bottom. Situated 5 minutes from historic downtown Sebring and the Circle. 1.0 mile to the shops and restaurants on Highway 27. Less than 15 minutes to Sebring airport and racetrack. Children's Play Museum and an active youth and adult theater schedule in downtown. Fireman's Field and weekend morning markets. One hour to the winter training farm (Myakka) of the Lippizaner stallions, one hour to the attractions in Orlando, about two hours to either the Gulf or Atlantic Coasts. Lake Placid approx 12 miles South.
Rates & Availability
Rental rates
- Weekly Rate: $1000 - $1500
Monthly Rate: $2000 - $2500
Minimum rates are based on 4 persons or less, maximum for 5 or 6 people. Includes all taxes and utilities. Security deposit required at time of contract which is not part of the rent and will be mailed to you within 7 days of your departure after inspection of property. Security deposit will be forfeited if vacationer cannot use house when contracted and owner is unable to find another renter for that period of time.
- 12
- Available
- 12
- Unavailable
Property Type
- house
- Family
- Air Conditioning
- Internet
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets not allowed
Location Type
- Lake View
- Lakefront
Sports & Adventure Activities
- golf
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Outdoor Grill
- Fully furnished house, you need only provide the groceries. Full kitchen incl microwave. Washer and dryer on in laundry room. Internet and cable TV (Xfinity). Two person swing overlooking the lake where you can enjoy the breeze w/coffee, drinks, or communing with nature while enjoying the sunrise (or sunset). Access to storage shed w/ BBQ grill & supplies. Board games in hutch in kitchen, small selection of books and movies available.


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I have been quilting like a mad demon all week. I am trying to get a piece of wearable art ready to see if it will get juried into the National Show here in Canada. I have till February 1st to get it ready. I finally got all the pieces quilted. I had made the lining up earlier in the week. So now just have to cut the pieces out and sew the jacket together. I have never made a jacket with a lining before. I know, not the best time to start. But I do have lots of notes on my instructions reminding me of things to do.
Hopefully next week will be able to post pictures of a beautiful and finished garment!
Friday, January 14, 2011
7 comments:
- SillyMama said...
Can't wait to see what you come up with! Love the fabrics and your quilting.
- January 14, 2011 at 12:21 PM
- Jewel said...
Can't wait to see it. You are so brave for making a jacket :) I am rooting for you!
- January 14, 2011 at 12:50 PM
- Laura said...
Jackets w/o linings are easy, but jackets with linings can be tricky! Can't wait to see your results.
- January 14, 2011 at 1:05 PM
- Mama Pea said...
The fabrics are so pretty. I have a jacket pattern that has a lining and I've always wanted to make it. Never have. Think I'm intimidated, too. Maybe after seeing this I'll get up the gumption to do it!
- January 14, 2011 at 1:22 PM
- Candice @ Made With Love said...
Oooh! I love the green and blue fabric combination, and can't wait to see the finished project! :)
- January 14, 2011 at 6:06 PM
- jlk said...
It's going to be so pretty! Good luck!
- January 15, 2011 at 9:50 AM
- Caryl W said...
great fabrics...good luck with the jacket!!
- January 15, 2011 at 11:44 AM
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Long cardigan
$ 1,010.00
$ 505.00
50% off
Knitted lace cardigan with high collar and sleeve striping created by alternating transparent and opaque fabrics.
90% Wool, 10% Nylon
We offer both Standard and Express shipping: choose the service that best meets your needs at Checkout. Returns service: you have 20 days of delivery to follow our quick and easy return procedure. You can find more information in the section Returns and Refunds.


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October 26th, 2006
TerraCycle Accessory Mount
TerraCycle's new Multi-purpose Accessory Mount is now available. This must be the most versatile accessory mount ever designed! It fits any post from 0.5″ to 1.25″ in diameter and is available in three combinatons of arm lengths: 50mm x 75mm, 75mm x 100mm, and 100mm x 100mm. The product page shows no less than 21 configurations, with many more possible. As is true of all their products, the workmanship is superb – strong, lightweight, and made in Portland, Oregon.


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HNC Home LHS
Uploaded by ValerieT, Oct 31 2012 07:09 AM
- Owner:
- Uploaded: Oct 31 2012 07:09 AM
- Taken: 2012:10:31 11:16:34
- Views: 319
- Category: High Noon Crop & Challenge
The blended photo of the trees is our view from our living room. As we moved in to our house in October 2001 and all these photos were taken in different October's I used an Autumn kit.
Supplies used
Autumn Jewel Collection Biggie, designed by Brandy Murry,
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Autumn Jewel 1 Biggie, designed by Brandy Murry,
ScrapSimple Digital Layout Album Templates: 12x12 Absolutely Blended, designed by Amanda Fraijo-Tobin,
ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501, designed by Sarah Batdorf,
Lettering Delights Dear Diary Font,
Gorgeous colors & I really like the combination of patterns. The lace is a cute touch. Looks like a lovely area & house.
So pretty and I love that lace strip! Beautiful work!
The lace is a great touch
Stunning, Valerie!
very cool photos and I love the autumn colors. Nice to get a 2 pager out of it too.
Ooooooooh! What a lovely page! Love the lace that extends into the next layout and all the colors ~ so beautiful!


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Rovi Remote Access Services
Rovi Remote Access Services lets service providers and authorized third-party developers interact directly with legacy set-top boxes from smart TVs, tablets and smartphones. Delivered as open APIs, these cloud-based services are designed to provide a more cost-effective path for transitioning to an agile, interactive IP-enabled infrastructure.
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Scientists at Freiburg University in Germany have succeeded in growing new arteries in the hearts of rats, where none had been before, by implanting a human growth factor which is involved in the natural mechanism of wound-healing.
If the experiment is safe and works in man, it could mean a new era of non-surgical heart treatment. Instead of bypass surgery - in Britain, the commonest form of surgery for heart disease with about 15,000 operations conducted each year - the growth factor could be implanted through a catheter or injected on to the heart.
The scientists described how the laboratory had first identified the growth factor, a type of protein which initiates the growth of new blood vessels necessary for wound-healing. Then they genetically manipulated E coli bacteria to produce this angiogenetic growth factor and implanted it between the aorta, the major arterial vessel leading out of the heart, and the surface of the heart muscle. After nine weeks, they were able to see that new arteries had formed, creating bridges between aorta and the heart muscle.
Dr Roland Fasol, a member of the team, said that despite advances in knowledge and treatment, heart disease remained the big killer. 'The ultimate therapy is still coronary surgery, if conservative and conventional treatment fails. But the surgeon is faced with the problem of limited availability of his patients' own graft material for his operation.'
He said the experiment had proved the feasibility of the technique and further research is under way to test its safety and the permanence of the new blood vessels.
One concern is to make certain that the growth factors which promote rapid growth of cells do not, at the same time, encourage the growth of cancer cells. Kirsten Schlaudraff, head of the Freiburg laboratory, said that so far their angiogenetic growth factor showed no sign of encouraging cancer and it might be possible to try it in human heart patients in about three years time.
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Related Regions: Le Massif du Sancy, Auvergne, France, Puy-de-Dome, Massif central
See base depth recorded at the upper mountain, mid mountain and lower mountain stations, along with the current weather at the summit and base elevations. Also check out the Besse Super Besse ski report, including number of lifts open, acres open and runs open, as well as the terrain park status. View the Besse Super Besse snowfall history, any snow reporter comments, ski resorts that are nearby, along with projected open and close dates for this mountain.
Don't forget to sign up for the Besse Super Besse Snow Report, Snow Forecast and Powder Alert!
Beginner Runs
3 of 5
Intermediate Runs
5 of 9
Advanced Runs
2 of 9
Expert Runs
1 of 4
Runs Open
11 of 27
KM Pistes
N/A of 43km
Lifts Open
10 of 22
Terrain Parks
0 of 1
Current risk level
Return by ski
lighty ( 8th February 2015)
We have been visiting superbesse for a number of years now. We love the friendly atmosphere and easy accessibility to the slopes....
cherok (12th March 2011)
Super Besse is located in The Massif Central in Auvergne, France. The Resort is located in the beautiful Volcanic Regional Park and...
Find a ski resort in France to fit your family profile so no one is left out in the cold.... More


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Home :: Society
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Báo QĐND English - 75 month(s) ago 10 readings
The Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIP Foundation) on June 14 launched a programme o reconstructing genitals for unlucky children in Vietnam.
The programme is expected to bridge the unfortunate children and health clinics and leading specialists in Vietnam and the world as well.
The programme will kick off on August 15 with Italian doctor Roberto DeCastro's visit to Vietnam to provide check-ups and treatment for 7-9 children.
The surgeon, who is one of the world's leading experts in genital reconstruction, will give a talk at the Hanoi Univesity of Medicine.
Source: VNA/ Photo: HNM
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Friday, May 11, 2012
The Amazing Pterosaur Pelvis
Here's the abstract:
Pterosaur pelvic girdles are complex structures that offer a wealth of phylogenetic and biomechanical information, but have been largely overlooked by pterosaur anatomists. Here, we review pterosaur pelvic morphology and find significant differences that correlate well with pterosaur clades identified in some phylogenetic analyses. We find that the length and orientation of the iliac processes, position of the acetabulum, extent of the ischiopubic plate and presence of supraneural fusion in adult individuals are taxonomically informative. Ontogenetic changes in pelvic morphology dictate that osteologically mature specimens are required to assess the development of many of these characteristics. We suggest that pelvic characters can readily be incorporated into pterosaur phylogenetic analyses and may assist in resolving the controversial interrelationships of this group. Distinctive pterosaur pelvic morphotypes suggest considerable differences in stance, locomotory kinematics and hindlimb functionality across the group.
3 comments:
I like all of the online links in the bibliography. More papers should do that. However, I do feel that the pterosaur pelvic reconstructions would have been more useful if they included real texturing where known, instead of the generic flat shine.
ReplyDeleteRepliesThat's a good suggestion - there is a lot left to be done on pterosaur pelvis morphology, and as it is studied and described in more detail, more figures will doubtlessly be put together. Textured illustrations will, with any luck, show up in these more focused papers.
DeleteI have a question. Speaking about stance, is there evidence that at least some pterosaurs were capable of bipedal locomotion with their hind legs? I am aware that the evidence suggests most pterosaurs were quadrupeds but Ive seen the idea of bipedal capabilities for some pterosaurs floated around the internet. Im just curious if there has been any confirmation of this idea as of late.


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John Daniel Davidson
As Obamacare sputters along, liberals are growing increasingly frustrated that it isn't working the way it was supposed to. First, the Supreme Court ruled that Medicaid expansion was optional, and then half the states opted not to expand. Even ... -
The Hobby Lobby Ruling
Yesterday the Supreme Court ruled in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby that closely held corporations cannot be required to provide contraception coverage in employees' health insurance. Opponents of Obamacare's contraception mandate claimed victory, as did opponents of the law more ... -
LBJ & Civil Rights, Revised
On Thursday in Austin, Texas, President Obama delivered the keynote address at the LBJ Presidential Library's Civil Rights Summit marking the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. His theme was social progress through government ... -
Delaying Obamacare to Death
Given the number and frequency of the Obama administration's delays of Obamacare — more than a dozen, by some counts — it's clear that the White House believes the law is as malleable as it needs it to be and ...
Halbig and the Rule of Law
A federal appellate court dealt a severe blow to Obamacare today, and in so doing scored a victory for the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the idea that words matter. A panel of the U.S. Court ... -
The Fog of the Obamacare War
When the New York Times reported yesterday that the U.S. Census Bureau is making significant changes to the part of its Current Population Survey that calculates how many Americans have health insurance — thus making it difficult to measure the ... -
The IRS Persists
The desire of the Obama administration to censor the political speech of conservative nonprofits has found a sympathetic audience in Texas, of all places, where the editors of the San Antonio Express-News last week made the case that state lawmakers ...


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Sunday, January 18, 2009
Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day by Winifred Watson
3. Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day
by Winifred Watson
fiction, 1938
paperback, 234 pages
finished, 1/16/09
Who knew that Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day would be so funny? Not me, that's for sure. I haven't read any reviews very closely because as I go on and on about, I like to come to books with a fresh and open approach. This was a joy to read. I loved the whirlwind confusion of the old screwball comedies which came out during the same time Miss P. was written. One of the prime ingredients of those movies is a misunderstanding. Another is quick banter that often makes no sense. It is words following words following words, all spoken at the speed of light. And this book does the same thing. Miss Pettigrew goes to the employment agency and hears of two job possibilities: one a maid and one a governess. Because she has worked (though unsuccessfully) as the latter, that's the address to which she goes. On her way, we learn a lot about her. She is quite poor and is actually facing the "workhouse", is plain looking, isn't happy. As she gets nearer, she prays for help, and:
She added a rider to her prayer, with the first candid confession she had ever made to her conscious mind. 'It's my last chance. You know it. I know it.'
I'm reminded of the prayers offered up in It's A Wonderful Life, which prompts God to send down Clarence the angel to help George Bailey.
As her knock on the door is answered, so is her prayer. The door opening to the apartment is a symbolic opening up of Miss Pettigrew's very life and being. Everything changes. The aforementioned misunderstanding occurs, and she does indeed begin to live for that day. She feels like she is in a movie, which is interesting because the only pleasure she has had is going to the cinema. She gets caught up in the lives of people as unlike her (she thinks) as is possible.
And that's about all I want to say. I loved this book. I loved being in its pages, and in the new life of Miss Guinevere Pettigrew. It is a delight. I laughed at how Miss P. takes care of all the characters' problems. She reminded me of another "miss" - Miss Marple, in the way the detective solved cases based on her observations of fellow villagers. Miss Pettigrew has worked for a number of people, and learned much from their various behaviors.
Oh, but two more factors that make this book great! Illustrations. These are new ones, done by Mary Thomson. They are reminiscent of J.S. Goodall's for the Miss Read books, and the Gluyas Williams' drawings for the Robert Benchley books, and the Arthur Watts illustrations for E.M. Delafield's Provincial Lady - all three coincidentally (or maybe not) are some of my personal favorite writers. The drawings add enormously to the pleasure of reading these books. They bring a little smile whenever they appear.
And the other is that each chapter is a time of day, such as: 1.17 pm - 3.13 pm. The reader experiences Miss P.'s new thrill-a-minute life right along with her.
I was excited when I first heard of the Miss Pettigrew movie, but now I've read the book, I probably won't watch it. This is a movie that should have been made in the late 1930s or early 1940s with the actors who were working then. This story could be acted to perfection by:
Miss Pettigrew - Katharine Hepburn
Miss LaFosse - Myrna Loy
Nick - Clark Gable
Michael - Cary Grant
Miss Dubarry - Jean Arthur
Tony - Jimmy Stewart
Joe - Spencer Tracy
I'm grateful that Henrietta Twycross-Martin (who wrote the preface - and what a preface: she met the author who was 93!) suggested this book to Persephone Books, and that Persephone published it. And I'm grateful I got the copy with the 'dove grey' cover, rather than the new one which notes the movie. I love these covers. I'm a plain Jane kind of reader, who doesn't like a cover suggesting to me what the inside is supposed to be like. Too often, way too often in my experience, the words inside rarely resemble the cover or live up to its beauty and promise. The Persephone books are like the old-fashioned books in the library. You pick them up quite unknowing of what is inside and are sometimes astonished and thrilled by the great writing and story, and Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day is the perfect example.
A little note: as in many books written in those days, there creeps into its conversations some racial/national descriptions that make this reader cringe. "I do think when it comes to marriage it's safer to stick to your own nationality" gives you an inkling.
34 comments:
I saw the movie and enjoyed it too, although I wonder if there were many liberties taken since the book was written in 1938. It seems like there were some elements in the movie that might have been considered a bit racy for 1938! I don't know; maybe writers back then had a little more freedom than I am giving them credit for.
I don't like the movie-poster covers either. The movie was based on the book, not the other way around!Heather it really is quite, quite wonderful.
Monix, thanks. At first I thought KH too 'aristocratic' but then I thought, no, she could pull it off beautifully.
Dreamybee, the book was 'racier' than you may have guessed. :<)
Janice, thanks. I've put it in the queue. I like her as an actress very much.Ah, I so want a Persephone book.
Do see the movie. I think you will enjoy it tremendously. Frances McDormand is a perfect Miss Pettigrew and Amy Adams is a delight as Delysia LaFosse is adorable. Plus, it has Lee Pace(Ned the Pie Maker from Pushing Daisies.) Who could resist such a cast? Not me. It was one of the first movies I got from Netflix. Go. Now. Rent.Nan, I thought I was the only person who would "cast" books. Great choices btw. I loved "Miss Pettigrew", it's such a warm book, and Miss Pettigrew herself is a wonderful character.
The "screwball-ness" of the story is just wonderful, and I found it interesting that Watson's previous novels were historical romances set in the North East, like a forerunner of Catherine Cookson. I look out for her other books in second hand shops, but so far, no luck.Karin, Sprite, Literary Feline - I put it at the top of the queue, and Netflix is sending it tomorrow! I just love all of you taking the time to convince me I should see it. Thank you so much. And Karin, I'll have to look into Pushing Daisies, too. We don't have tv, but I'll see if Netflix has it yet. I've read so much praise of this show.
Sprite, if you like Hepburn, and The Thin Man, and you like Miss P. then I should like it, too. I'm wild for those old movies.
Kay, I think you'll like it.
Dolce Domum, I'm not sure I'd like her other ones, but it would be nice to have the chance to find out. I'm sorta surprised Persephone hasn't published another one of her books. I love it that you cast books into movies, too. And this one is so particularly cinematic - almost as if it were a screenplay.I watched the movie which put me off reading the book. I liked the storyline but didn't care for the execution. Your review has me rethinking my feelings on reading the book since it sounds like the series I just read... the Mrs. 'Arris Goes to...books by Paul Gallico. I enjoyed the illustrations in the first three books and was disappointed to find none in the fourth. I also came across some questionable writing about nationality and race but they fit the story as the writer wrote about such prejudices in order to prove them wrong.
ReplyDeleteI just read a very positive review of the movie at another blog (The Projectivist - very funny). It stars Frances McDormand, who is one of my very favorite actresses, so I want to see the movie and, thanks to you, to read the book. I'd like to find a copy like yours and I have ransacked the internet to no avail. You have, it appears, a rarity on your hands.
I'll answer your comments as soon as I possibly can. Please do come back if you've asked a question.
Also, you may comment on any post, no matter how old, and I will see it.


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Members of a panel of security experts today painted a gloomy picture of the cybersecurity landscape, in which rapidly evolving threats and conditions ensure that even the best solutions are likely to remain piecemeal and temporary.
Security efforts should focus on assessing and managing risk to information, members of the panel of industry and government officials said, and baseline security requirements mandated by government cannot be expected provide adequate security across the board.
"We should go in with our eyes open to the reality that if somebody wants the information, no matter what the baseline, they will get it," said Wayne Fullerton, solutions and operations director for Cisco Systems Inc.'s U.S. federal organization.
Levels of security need to be assigned to a given piece of information based on its value to the owner and to those who could steal it. After the cost of stealing information drops below its perceived value, "if people really want it, they will get it," Fullerton said.
And although no one level or policy is practical for securing all data, no one architecture is advisable either, said Bill Vass, president and COO of Sun Microsystems Federal.
"We don't want to have one consistent architecture everywhere," Vass said. That would only create a common set of risks.
The panel was presented by the Secure Enterprise Network Consortium, which includes Cisco, Sun Microsystems, CA and Accenture, as well as the Energy Department's Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), ranking member of the House Armed Services subcommittee on Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, expressed concerns about the threat of cyber warfare in his opening remarks to the panel. Miller represents the panhandle of Florida that includes the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base.
"We are in a cyber war, whether you want to call it a war or not," he said, citing the millions of daily attacks against Defense Department IT systems. It is difficult to determine the sources and motives for these attacks, but he also cited instances of online attacks against Estonia in 2007 and Georgia last year as illustrations of the "ability to combine cyber attacks with a military objective."
Miller said DOD must work closely with industry to ensure that national defense IT systems are not compromised at their outset by backdoors and other compromises that could be installed by offshore developers and manufacturers.
Terry Wallace, principal associate director for science, technology and engineering at Los Alamos, said the lab assumes that its systems are compromise, and that its security is imperfect.
"There will always be information loss," Wallace said, and all systems are contaminated, although how and to what extent is unknown. With these assumptions, Los Alamos must strike a balance between the need to protect information and to enable collaboration on scientific research that is the lab's stock in trade.
"There isn't an answer today," he said. "Our biggest challenge is that we have a lagging response. We're almost always mitigating something that is no longer a security concern," taking resources away from the job of anticipating threats.
Another problem that does not seem to be anywhere near a solution is figuring out who is in charge of the government's IT security. This is a question that frustrates both the government and private sector.
"For us in industry, it looks like a phone book" when trying to determine whom to contact on a given subject, one member of the audience said.
Miller had little comfort to offer on that question. Although a central point of contact would be convenient, he warned that responsibility needs to be distributed so that differing needs of each installation can be addressed.
Jerry Briggs, managing director of Accenture's federal business, said that rather than a single overseer for IT security in government, what is needed is better cooperation between the executive branch, Congress and industry.
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Save the date for 28th annual Federal 100 Awards Gala.
March 30, 2017
Seasoned government managers are hopeful about an innovation effort backed by the president, but they see pitfalls and the possibility of duplication.
Early self-reporting suggests that 81 percent of agencies are on track to electronically manage email records.
The head of the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental says his goal is to drive culture change in the DOD's acquisition and innovation processes rather than make DIUx the acquisition arm of the DOD.
A plan to reorganize DHS' cybersecurity directorate that stalled in Congress last year is still on the agency's agenda.
Without confirmed subcabinet officials, President Donald Trump's executive order calling for a federal government reorganization will be managed by agency chiefs and career executives.
As promised, a budget blueprint from the Trump administration prioritizes military and homeland security spending, and pays for increases with dramatic cuts to civilian agencies.
Rea: Low Exppectations-sounds like the Cyber community is where the Physical Security community was about 10 yrs ago. We tried all kinds of elctronic systems and defenses and finally came full circel to putting gaurds (humans) at crtical points of entry and used centric cones of security to guard our most critical assets with a mix of electronics and people. Seems the cyber folks could learn from our mistakes and successes-we finally had to admit that if an adversary was willing to pay the costs in equipment and manpower, most of what we were trying to protect could be exploited. Think about integrating your early warning cyber detection systems (gateways?)with humans/guards, 24X7, 365,so you have a ready, timely response/defense and method of interogating the intrusions we are seing to our systems. I know this is a simplistic approach to a complex problem-the same argument all the "smart" pople used when we we turned things around in the Physical Security world, but the concept may work for Cyber as well?


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It seems the renovations were a success. The Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club has been named the No. 1-ranked course in Hawaii, according to GOLF Magazine's biennial "2012 Best Courses You Can Play" list.
Read the rest of this article
Princeville Resort's Prince Course reopened the spring following a revamp by original designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. While some yardage was added, the key restoration efforts included reclaiming fairway margins, improving sight lines, remodeling bunkers, reconstructing green surrounds and re-turfing greens with paspalum.
You might not think one of the wetter spots in the islands would rank so high on a dream-wedding list, but in the case of Princeville, looks trump weather. Perched on the cliffs of Kauai's North Shore, the St. Regis offers world-class views of Hanalei Bay and the Bali Hai of 1958's South Pacific. Add spot-on service and nobody's going to mind a little morning drizzle.
Hawaii's lush island of Kauai showcases postcard-perfect beaches, top-notch accommodations, glitzy nightlife and restaurants offering stellar wine and food.
As the first St. Regis resort in Hawaii, The St. Regis Princeville brings all the luxury service and standards of the world-class brand to the island setting. Located on Kauai, the resort gives guests a taste of tropical sophistication and superior service.
Thank you for your interest in Princeville at Hanalei News. For more information, including unique story angles or to request a press visit, please contact our public relations team at: firstname.lastname@example.com.
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-36 Feels F***in COLD!
only shot of the day, I made it only that far then called it quits cuz I had no feeling on the tip of my fingers to press the shutter button... *shiner* |
This weather sucks, doesn't it. It rains for days on end then the whole place turns into an industrial freezer.
Screw this, I'm moving to the Caymans. :) Oh, nice pic, by the way. I went picture-taking on Parliament Hill last week. Took a few pics then the batteries died. Lesson learned. |
Nice pic!
**** i want a nice camera so bad!!! |
My friends camera didn't work becuz it was too cold otside *shiner* |
im moving damn it |
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Sunday January 16, 2005 7:52 am
Gameskinz Gaming Gloves
If you have a trouble keeping a nice grip on your controllers, develop insightly blisters after hours of gaming, or just want to look like an all around dork while getting down with your Gamecube, these gloves just might be in order. What are they? Nylon gloves with textured pads on the palms and fingers (two of which are missing). Yay.
Read More | GameSkinz
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Grandma and Granddaddy Gwinn
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Wonderful capture!
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Review Irene Miers Beauty Clinic
Please write your review on the Irene Miers Beauty Clinic below. Please go back if you wish to contact this establishment
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Get an overview of this hotelJamaica hotel with a complimentary breakfast
Close to airports
This Queens, NY hotel is situated between JFK International and LaGuardia airports. 2 nearby subway stations, both within 4 blocks of the property, offer guests easy access to Manhattan and Times Square.
Free Wi-Fi
In addition to complimentary parking, Best Western Jamaica Inn provides complimentary wireless Internet access, multilingual staff, a conference room, a safe-deposit box at front desk, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
Refrigerators, microwaves
32-inch flat-panel TVs come with satellite channels. Guestrooms also feature complimentary Internet access, microwaves, refrigerators, and air conditioning.
Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new windowBest Western Jamaica Inn
Hotel Amenities
Best Western Jamaica Inn offers a complimentary breakfast every day. Wireless Internet access is complimentary throughout the property.
This Jamaica hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness facility, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, multilingual staff, safe-deposit box at front desk, and a conference room. Onsite parking is complimentary.
- 24-hour front desk
- Total number of rooms - 59
- ATM/banking
- Number of floors - 4
- Business center
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Free breakfast
- 24-hour fitness facilities
- Elevator/lift
- Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
- Designated smoking areas
- One meeting room
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Free self parking
- Year Built 2003
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Free WiFi
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Free Wi-Fi
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Premium TV channels
- Air conditioning
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Phone
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Shower/tub combination
- Coffee/tea maker
- Desk
- Free local calls
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Satellite TV service
- Flat-panel TV
- Free WiFi
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Free cribs/infant beds
Where to Eat
Guests are offered a complimentary continental breakfast.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness facility.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-in time ends at midnight
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! One child 16 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
- Free cribs (infant beds)!
- Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Only service animals are allowed
No rollaway/extra beds available
Hotel Name
- Best Western Jamaica
- Best Western Jamaica Inn
- Jamaica Best Western
- Jamaica Inn Best Western
- Best Western Jamaica Hotel Jamaica
We should mention
One child 16 years old or younger stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.


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Recommend this profile to your Facebook friends. personal message Hello, My name is Aaron Veal (AKA AV) and I'd like to welcome you to my world. Now on with the Tour!!! ****************************** ************** I am here for networking and meeting new friends. I am a down-to-earth guy who likes to have fun. I am family orientated, educated, hard-working, and openhearted! I love God, my family, and my true friends. Keep it real with me and I will do the same! Don't request my friendship if you don't wish to be friends! Last but not least - Keep God first in all that you do!!! Even if it is against his will. He is a Forgiving God!!! All you have to do is ask for it!!!! That's it for now; Please come back for more info in a few!!!! A.V. friends (212)favorite pages
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'the lighthouse' - graphite and watercolor/watercolor pencils in 8x6 epsilon |
Saturday, February 16, 2013
DC - To the Lighthouse
'The lighthouse was then a silvery, misty-looking tower with a yellow eye, that opened suddenly, and softly in the evening'.
-Virginia Woolf
'To the Lighthouse'
Our Drawing Challenge this time - lighthouse - was presented to us by the amazing artist-blogger Renilde. You would be wise to follow the beacon over to her place where more lighthouses are gleaming. (Drawing Challenges are open to one and all; I have found them to be not only excellent fun, but a source of convivial comrades and mind expanding images).
12 comments:
This reminds me of something really funny -- many years ago I was with a friend in upstate NY and we saw a blurb in a strip mall from someone looking for help. The ad said "Light house keeping." We thought, "where the heck is there an lighthouse around here?" LOL
Have a great weekend. Love your drawing. xo
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Award for Garden Grove takes the long way home
GARDEN GROVE – What happens when you win an award but don't pick it up?
It can get lost. Just ask officials in Garden Grove.
Last year, Garden Grove was named "City of the Year" by a national veteran's organization, the Forty & Eight – a society of veterans that began as a branch of the American Legion.
The city garnered the tribute for its support of veterans and military personnel, particularly local police officers who serve in the military as reserves.
The honor came with a handsome, clear acrylic trophy in the shape of the state. And John Clark, the city's human resources director, headed to Redding to accept it.
Then, officials learned Garden Grove had not only won in California but in the nation. So there was a second award: a plaque.
"We won City of the Year for the country. It's a big honor," said Charles Mitchell, a Garden Grove resident and member of the Forty & Eight group.
But that's when things got a little topsy-turvy.
"There was an awards ceremony in Kentucky. Somehow, I don't know what went wrong. But they never got the information. And no one picked it up," said Mitchell, a 40-year resident.
So the phone calls began. Where was the award?
The plaque, which cites Garden Grove on it, apparently traveled to different spots across the country.
"It went from state to state," Mitchell said.
Oliver Taylor, a Garden Grove resident and the group's post commander, eventually tracked it down in San Diego.
"We were really frustrated, because we really wanted to present this to the city," Mitchell said. "We're very proud of our city for what it does in regards for our veterans."
Garden Grove stood out from other cities because it pays the difference between police officers' regular salary and their military salary while the officers are serving overseas. The city also continues the officers' benefits while they're on leave and honors them upon their return from duty. The city also won for its role in forming the Vietnam War Museum of America Foundation, which aims to bring a Vietnam War Museum to Garden Grove.
The Forty & Eight veterans' group is named after the "40/8" stenciled on the French railway boxcars that ferried soldiers in World War I – when the boxcars could hold either 40 men or eight horses.
Mitchell, along with Clark, was a key player in applying for the recognition. And he wanted the city to have its plaque.
On Tuesday, he got his chance.
Decked out in his sharp red jacket and red hat as a member of the veterans' group, Mitchell, 72, called on former Mayor William Dalton in the audience. And before the City Council and Dalton, he finally presented the award.
The "City of the Year" plaque was – at long last – home.
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City Guides >
The green island of Obuda in the Danube River just north of Budapest is the venue each summer for what has become one of the largest open-air rock and pop gatherings in Europe. Thousands gather on the island for a week-long music extravaganza with more than 1,000 performances across 60 venues. The island is equipped with basic camping facilities and numerous pubs and restaurants, which cause it to become a 'festival city' for the duration of the event. Literary events, classical music, theatrEvent Date: August 2012 TBAVenue: Obuda IslandWebsite: www.sziget.hu/festival_english


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Max Mosely To Star In New Porn Movie
Max Mosely, soon to be former FIA President, is to star in the upcoming porn flick "Ze Punishment". It is being billed as a cross between 'Allo Allo' and 'Deep Throat'. Mosely says he hopes the movie 'will whip up a storm'!
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Left Wondering Why VLC Relicensed to LGPL
I first met the original group of VLC developers at the Solutions GNU/Linux conference in 2001. I had been an employee of FSF for about a year at the time, and I recall they were excited to tell the FSF about the project, and very proud that they'd used FSF's premier and preferred license (at the time): GPLv2-or-later.
What a difference a decade makes. I'm admittedly sad that VLC has (mostly) finished its process of relicensing under LGPLv2.1-or-later. While I have occasionally supported relicensing from GPL to LGPL, every situation is different and I think it should be analyzed carefully. In this case, I don't support VLC's decision to relicense.
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Fields have eyes and woods have ears.
Fine linen often conceals scabby skin.
Fine words butter no parsnips.
Fine words without deeds go not far.
Fingers were made before forks.
Fire and straw soon make a flame.
Fire and water are good servants but bad masters.
Fish and guests smell at three days old.
Fish and guests stink after three days.
Flattery is sweet food for those who can swallow it.
Flowers are the pledges of fruit.
Follow the customs, or fly the country.
For a good dinner and a gentle wife you can afford to wait.
Fortune often knocks at the door, but the fool does not invite her in.
Fortune rarely brings good or evil singly.
From children you must expect childish acts.
From clogs to clogs is only three generations.
From praise, as from a shadow, a man is neither bigger nor smaller.
Gifts make friendship lasting.
Gifts should be handed, not thrown.
Give a pig when it grunts, and a child when it cries, and you will have a fine pig, and a bad child.
Give a rogue an inch, and he will take an ell.
Give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the devil's gold ring.
Give to a pig when it grunts and a child when it cries , and you will have a fine pig and a bad child.
Give your wife the short knife, and keep the long one for yourself.
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Readers vote on the best Identity and Access Management products in 2012: User identity access privilege and authorization management, single sign-on, user identity provisioning, Web-based access control, federated identity, role-based access management, password management, compliance and reporting.
In this part:
Gold: IBM Security Identity Manager, IBM
Earning high marks across the board, IBM Security Identity Manager was the clear gold medal winner in the identity and access management category. Readers particularly liked its scalability, end-user transparency/ease of use, and vendor service and support. IBM Security Identity Manager also received high scores for integration and compatibility with associated products, directories and other information stores. Readers described the product as "robust," "dependable," "trust worthy," and "well worth the investment."IBM Security Identity Manager helps automate the creation, modification and termination of user privileges throughout the user lifecycle. It offers request-based provisioning of requesting and approving user access to roles, accounts or fine-grained access entitlements like shared folders. The product's customizable user interface is tailored to specific types of users, such as auditors, managers and administrators. And self-service interfaces allow users to reset passwords, perform password synchronization and modify personal information without having to call the help desk.
Access recertification capabilities check whether user access is still valid and allows for automated access remediation. Managers can recertify a user's roles, accounts and groups in bulk. The software also provides auditing and reporting mechanisms, and can delegate administrative privileges along organizational and geographical boundaries.
Expert's market reflection: "The IAM market is shifting to a service-based orientation (i.e. cloud), addressing scale and user experience concerns, and preparing for wider mobile client use (i.e. tablets, mobile phones."-- Earl Perkins, research vice president, Gartner
Silver: Microsoft Forefront Identity Manager, Microsoft
Following closely on IBM Security Identity Manager's heels, Microsoft Forefront Identity Manager earned the silver medal. The product provides role-based access control, user self-service identity management, automated lifecycle management across heterogeneous platforms, and a policy framework for enforcing corporate security policies and audit capabilities. Administrators can also review access rights continually across the organization. Information Security readers praised Microsoft Forefront Identity Manager for its extensibility, ease of use, scalability, and vendor service and support.
Bronze: Oracle Identity Management Suite, Oracle
Oracle Identity Management Suite trailed behind, receiving a bronze from Information Security readers who noted the difficulty of integration and compatibility with associated products, directories and other user information stores. The product's highest score was for scalability. Oracle Identity Management Suite is a suite of identity management products that are designed to simplify lifecycle management and secure access from any device, both inside and outside the corporate firewall, to enterprise resources.


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this wiki
- "Unidentified ship. Stand-down [sic] immediately. Do not attempt any form at all of resistance, or you will pay for your disobedience with pain. We are Iskalloni. Your ship is now our personal property. Repeat. Stand down immediately, make no attempt to resist, and we will not have to atomize your starship."
- ―Iskalloni message
The Iskalloni, or Iskallons, were a sentient species of short, blue-skinned, humanoid cyborgs indigenous to the Wild Space planet of Iskadrell. Possessing a physiology that allowed their bodies to integrate foreign matter, the Iskalloni experimented with cybernetic implants, sometimes replacing entire limbs with prosthetics. An isolated civilization with a technological base fusing biotechnology with mechanical devices, they rarely came into contact with the rest of the galaxy. Since their technology produced deadly toxic waste and they did not want to risk their own lives processing it, the Iskalloni resorted to slaving raids on other species, whom they transformed into cyborgs and forced to work with the dangerous waste. Viewing Humans as inferior, the cyborgs were intent to enslave them in particular. Unable to develop safer technology by themselves, the Iskalloni also studied captured Human starships in the hopes of finding a way to build machinery that would not be so deadly to operate.
Prior to the Great Sith War, the Iskalloni were responsible for raising the Zeltron Antos Wyrick, who went on to become the infamous Mandalorian scientist "Doctor Demagol." During their first contact with the Galactic Empire, the cyborgs enslaved Imperial agents, prompting the Empire to attack Iskadrell in retaliation. Half of the planet was devastated before the Iskalloni repelled the attack, but they did not pursue the fleeing Imperials. During the reign of the New Republic, a group of Iskalloni attempted to capture a New Republic starship with the help of the outlaw Wertram Farege. Farege lured the ship into Iskalloni space, where it was boarded by the cyborgs. The Iskalloni betrayed Farege and attempted to convert him into a cyborg, but the latter managed to escape aboard the New Republic vessel along with its crew.
Biology and appearanceEdit
- "Seeing true Zeltron theatricality made me long for the half-machine Iskalloni who raised me."
- ―Demagol, in his journal
The Iskalloni—also known as Iskallons—were a sentient species of hairless humanoids with pale blue skin. The Iskalloni had a unique physiology that allowed their bodies to rapidly recover from injuries and to adapt to any foreign matter in their systems instead of trying to reject it,[1] although they used a special mutagen[2]—produced by a large pink plant[1]—to further ease the adaptation process.[2] Because of this, the species willingly experimented with cybernetic implants, which ranged from neural and mental enhancements to built-in blasters and melee weapons. They sometimes replaced entire limbs with prosthetic replacements. However, the Iskalloni made few advances in their cybernetic technology over the years.[1]
Members of the species were short compared to Humans, standing between 1.3 and 1.5 meters.[1] Due to the addition of the mutagen to their systems,[2] the species had deep-set, black eyes, high cheekbones, protruding foreheads, and sharp triangular white teeth, which all combined to give them a violent image. Ordinarily, their implants were covered by their skin for protection, but they would occasionally let some of the implants jut through, surrounded by prominent scars, to make their appearance more intimidating. The Iskalloni usually wore tight, leathery clothing—generally bright burgundy in color—with holes exposing their implants. One unusual ability the species had was a resistance to blaster fire. A blaster set on full power was as effective on an Iskalloni as a blaster set on stun would be on a Human.[1]
Society and cultureEdit
- Iskalloni #1: "We need slaves more than we need starships. Our starships are partly organic and they produce toxic waste materials during the course of their operation. We need slaves to tend to these waste products. They are deadly to us."
- Farege: "Won't they be deadly to me, too?"
- Iskalloni #2: "Definitely. But by the time you start to malfunction we'll have more to replace you."
- ―A group of Iskalloni, while converting Wertram Farege[src]
Iskalloni technology was based on a fusion of machinery and bio-technology. Many of their devices, from computers to starships, were grown in vats of organic ooze on their homeworld. These organic devices, like the Iskalloni themselves, could incorporate foreign objects into their physiology. The species' technology had serious drawbacks, however: nearly all of their devices produced highly toxic waste products that were deadly to the Iskalloni. This fact drove the cyborgs to enslave members of what they viewed as "lesser" species to process waste for them. The Iskalloni were especially bent on enslaving Humans, viewing them and the species that associated with them as worthless and weak.[1]
Upon capture, slaves of the Iskalloni were usually injected with the mutagen, which granted their bodies the same adaptation traits the Iskalloni had. The slaves were then given cybernetic implants—in effect, becoming Iskalloni themselves. The slaves rarely lasted long processing waste, though, so the Iskalloni made sure to keep a constant supply of captives. The typical Iskalloni temperament was calm, calculating, and unemotional. They often appeared detached or distracted, since they were continually controlling their implants to adapt to changes in their environment. The Iskalloni did not understand other species' reluctance to be implanted with cybernetics, and performed their operations even despite the protests of their prisoners. The cyborgs often engaged in battle with those who refused to be converted. As their scientific progress stagnated, technology stolen during slave raids also became the Iskalloni's main source of technological improvements.[1]
- "The Iskalloni—emotionless cyborgs, roaming the galaxy and testing on innocents."
- ―Rohlan Dyre
The Iskalloni hailed from Iskadrell,[1] a planet in the Iskallon system,[2] located in the Wild Space region of the galaxy[3] and unexplored by galactic society.[2] For several millennia prior to the rise of the Galactic Empire, the Iskalloni remained isolated from the rest of the galaxy, after several attempts by outsiders to establish peace with the species failed.[2] They did, however, make occasional raiding expeditions into the civilized galaxy in order to acquire slaves to operate their dangerous technology.[1] On one of those expeditions at some point before 4000 BBY, the Iskalloni captured a young Zeltron named Antos Wyrick. Raised by the Iskalloni, Wyrick lacked any social skills and failed to develop the empathetic ability inherent to all Zeltrons. The boy eventually learned the Iskalloni's surgical techniques and adapted to the cyborgs' lifestyle, helping them in their operations. Shortly before the Great Sith War, however, Iskadrell was raided by the warlike Mandalorians, who freed many slaves, including Wyrick. The latter went on to join the Mandalorians under the alias "Doctor Demagol," and he used the Iskalloni's surgical techniques in his infamous experiments on Force-sensitive people in his quest to study the nature of the Force.[4] Having experienced Zeltron theatricality displayed by his wife Sibyl, Wyrick joyfully recalled his childhood spent with the emotionless Iskalloni.[5]
During the reign of the Galactic Empire, the Iskalloni traveled to the known galaxy and encountered Imperial agents. Seeing the cyborgs as potential allies, the Empire hoped that they could pay the Iskalloni to capture slaves for them; the cyborgs converted and enslaved the Imperial emissaries instead.[1] Determined to enslave all of Humanity, the species also captured members of the Rebel Alliance during their initial raids.[2] In retaliation for the loss of its agents, the Empire dispatched a force of three Victory-class Star Destroyers to attack Iskadrell, devastating half of the planet before a deadly Iskalloni counterattack. The Imperial forces were forced to retreat, but were not pursued. After the raid, the Empire no longer considered the Iskalloni a threat, and the cyborgs, in turn, remained in seclusion until after the Battle of Endor. When the New Republic came to power, the Iskalloni resumed their slave raids, hoping to study Human technology and find ways to build machines that would not produce toxic waste. To this end, the Iskalloni allied themselves with a Human outlaw named Wertram Farege, who agreed to lure starships into Iskalloni space in exchange for a share of profits from each raid.[1]
Farege tricked a group of New Republic spacers on the planet Brevost, hiring them to transport him and a cargo of droid parts to Iskadrell. During the flight, however, Farege sabotaged the starship's hyperdrive, stranding the ship and its crew in the Iskallon system, where the Iskalloni frigate Stelaciter intercepted them. The cyborgs boarded the New Republic starship, intent on dismantling it.[1] The ship also held planetary coordinates of several major New Republic systems, and the Iskalloni hoped to use that information to begin their conquest of Humankind.[2] Intending to convert the crew of the ship into slaves as well, the Iskalloni imprisoned them aboard the Stelaciter. Reneging their deal with Farege, the cyborgs chose him as the first test subject, injected him with the mutagen and locked him with the rest of the prisoners, while the Iskalloni prepared more mutagen for the next injections. However, the spacers broke free, returned to their starship, and escaped with Farege, who was still experiencing the effects of the mutagen.[1] Before doing so, though, the spacers sabotaged the Iskalloni frigate, preventing the cyborgs from following them and stranding the Iskalloni in their own system.[2]
Behind the scenesEdit
- "We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile."
- ―The Borg, the Iskalloni's counterpart from Star Trek
The Iskalloni first appeared as antagonists in The Iskallon Factor, an adventure for West End Games' Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game written by Stewart Warley and published in the anthology book Twin Stars of Kira in 1993. In The Iskallon Factor, the Iskalloni were drawn by John Paul Lona. The species were briefly mentioned in the 1995 Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens — Enemies and Allies, in the Marasan entry written by Pablo Hidalgo. The Iskalloni received an extensive entry in the 2008 The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia compiled by Hidalgo and Stephen J. Sansweet. The cyborgs were later featured as part of Demagol's backstory in Knights of the Old Republic 48: Demon, Part 2, a 2009 comic book written by John Jackson Miller and illustrated by Brian Ching. In 2010, Miller also wrote The Secret Journal of Doctor Demagol, a short story exclusive to StarWars.com's Hyperspace subscribers that included another reference to the species.
The Iskalloni have roughly the same game stats as Farege and other Human characters in the original adventure. The epilogue of The Iskallon Factor presents several more adventure hooks for the players, one of them being Farege's condition. Still experiencing the effects of the mutagen, he has to be cured within sixteen hours or he will become an Iskalloni himself. Although in the original adventure the Iskalloni only intend to dismantle the captured starship and enslave its crew, The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia implies that the ship contains planetary coordinates that the cyborgs intend to use to begin their conquest of humanity. The latter source also establishes that the spacers sabotage the Stelaciter, although this is not featured in The Iskallon Factor. As there is no apparent contradiction, however, this article incorporates both versions of the events. In The Iskallon Factor, the plural of the species' name is spelled both as "Iskalloni" and "Iskallons." This article assumes that both spellings are correct but uses the former, since more recent sources address the species only as the "Iskalloni."[2][4][5]
The appearance and overall behavior of the Iskalloni are similar to those of the Borg species from the Star Trek franchise, both being a species of cyborgs intent on assimilating Humanity. Even the monologue spoken by the Iskalloni upon intercepting the New Republic ship is similar to the Borg introductory message. Their reduced vulnerability to blasters is similar to the Borg ability to adapt to phaser fire. Though John Jackson Miller admitted the similarity in his endnotes for Knights of the Old Republic #48, he noted that he also believed that the Iskalloni were more sadistic, which made them a perfect fit for the role of Demagol's mentors.[6]
- Knights of the Old Republic 48: Demon, Part 2 (Appears in flashback(s))
- "The Iskallon Factor"—Twin Stars of Kira (First appearance)
- Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens — Enemies and Allies
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
- The Secret Journal of Doctor Demagol on Hyperspace (article) (content removed from StarWars.com; new link on Suvudu; backup link on Archive.org)
Notes and referencesEdit
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 "The Iskallon Factor"—Twin Stars of Kira
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
- ↑ Star Wars: The Essential Atlas Online Companion on StarWars.com (article) (content now obsolete; backup link on Archive.org)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Knights of the Old Republic 48: Demon, Part 2
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Secret Journal of Doctor Demagol on Hyperspace (article) (content removed from StarWars.com; new link on Suvudu; backup link on Archive.org)
- ↑ John Jackson Miller. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic #48 Production Notes. Faraway Press: The Online Home of John Jackson Miller. Archived from the original on August 23, 2010. Retrieved on September 16, 2010.


text:
Double Downside Protection: Moat + Value Pricing
Here's what two years of strong market gains does to valuations: In January 2012 Morningstar's index of the 20 most compelling stocks deemed to have wide competitive moats included 17 stocks trading at discounts of at least 25% to Morningstar's estimate of fair value. At the latest quarterly reconstitution of the index just three of the 20 stocks in the index -- Weight Watchers International (WTW), Exelon (EXC), and Western Union (WU) -- trade at a discount to fair value of at least 25%.
(Full disclosure: Morningstar (MORN) is an investor in YCharts.)
That said, wide moat stocks aren't any more expensive than the overall market. Morningstar pegs the price-to-fair value for all stocks it covers at 104% today, with the wide moaters on average coming in at 102%. While none of that screams bargain, at this juncture in the market the fact that you don't have to pay up for companies deemed to have staying power is intriguing. These aren't the sort of stocks that lead in uber bullish markets. The Market Vectors Wide Moat ETF (MOAT) ETF that tracks the index has slightly lagged the market over the past year:
MOAT Total Return Price data by YCharts
But toss in some down stretches and you see the appeal of focusing on market leaders: Over the past 10 years Morningstar's Wide Moat Focus index has an annualized return of 13% compared to 7.2% for the S&P 500. Just saying. (The ETF was launched in the spring of 2012; current assets recently stretched past $500 million.)
As previously covered at YCharts, just 10% or so of the companies followed by Morningstar analysts are deemed to have one or more competitive advantages that merit a wide moat label.
The index and the ETF are reconstituted quarterly to include the 20 wide moats with the biggest discounts to fair value. For the first quarter of 2014 the five stocks with the widest discount are the aforementioned WeightWatchers International at a 35% discount, Exelon at a 24% discount and Western Union at 26%, as well as Express Scripts (ESRX) which traded at a 25% discount when the index was reconstituted and Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) at a 20% discount to Morningstar's estimate of fair value.
As YCharts' Dee Gill recently explained, WeightWatchers International has been hit hard by competition from online dieting tools and apps, many of them free.
There's a new CEO at the helm and in November the company laid out a strategy for addressing the free app onslaught. So if you're looking for a moaty turnaround play Weight Watchers is a stock worthy of more financial research. That said, patience is required as the company is on the record that sales could be hit with a low double-digit decline in 2014 before the new strategy has time to gain traction. Ycharts currently has a WeightWatchers Rating of Neutral; its value and valuation scores are attractive, with its fundamentals garnering a neutral rating.
Berkshire Hathaway is under no such operational duress.
BRK.B Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts
Moreover, Berkshire Hathaway remains one of the top holdings among some of the best value managers around. It is a top-five position for standout mutual funds including BBH Core Select, Weitz Value, Wintergreen and RiverPark/Wedgewood. YCharts has a Berkshire Hathaway Neutral rating based on in-line readings of value and fundamental metrics. In terms of valuation, it currently trades at a 10% discount to its historic valuation.
One of Berkshire's biggest stock investments, IBM (IBM) was among the eight new stocks added to the Wide Moat index for this quarter. At the time of the index reconstitution, IBM traded at a 17% discount to Morningstar's estimate of fair value.
According to Morningstar's estimate of fair value, IBM is slightly cheaper than Oracle (ORCL), which recently traded at a 13% discount to Morningstar's proprietary valuation analysis. IBM and Oracle are the only pure techs in the Wide Moat index this quarter.
You can download a free 26-page analysis of Oracle from Ycharts' new 1% Focus Report service. Both struggling techs have compelling operating earnings yields, and Oracle's free cash flow yield is well above IBM's.
ORCL Operating Earnings Yield (TTM) data by YCharts
Carla Fried, a senior contributing editor at ycharts.com, has covered investing for more than 25 years. Her work appears in The New York Times, Bloomberg.com and Money Magazine. She can be reached at email@example.com. Read the RIABiz profile of YCharts. You can also request a demonstration of YCharts Platinum.


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Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) has over 10,000 stores in 27 countries and serves over 200 million customers each week. It has been a great stock for dividend growth investors, having continuously increased its dividend since the first $0.05 payment in March 1974.
The FY2014 dividend that was recently announced will be $1.88, which is 18% higher than the $1.59 investors were paid in FY2013.
I will be using financial data found on WMT s investor relations website. The price to earnings ratios are from Morningstar.com. Please note the years in this article all refer to the fiscal years, except for the valuation, were I've used calendar years.
Let's start by looking at the revenues WMT has had over the last few years.
WMT's revenue has increased from $405.6 billion in 2009 to $469.2 billion in 2013, giving it an annual growth rate of 3.7%. While this is not a very high rate of growth, it does show me WMT is still growing.
The profit margin has been very stable over the last five years, as can be seen in the graph below. The average profit margin in this period was 3.59%, with a high of 3.89% in 2011 and a low of 3.39% in 2009.
The stable profit margin means the graph for net income will look a lot like the one for revenue, slowly but surely going up. The net income has only dropped once, in FY2012, but has since recovered to close to $17 billion. The 5-year net income growth rate is 5.44%.
The yearly increases in EPS are a lot higher than the increase in net income. This is because the number of shares has been reduced from 3.94 billion in 2009 to only 3.37 billion in 2013. The next graph shows the year on year changes in net income and EPS. The large difference between these is due to the decrease in the number of shares.
Earnings per share have gone up from $3.36 in 2009 to $5.04 in 2013, giving it an annual growth rate of 10.7%. EPS for 2014 is expected to be between $5.20 and $5.40. The payout ratio has been pretty much the same over the last 5 years, staying between 28 and 32 percent. The dividend has increased by an average of 13.7% over the last 5 years, going from $0.95 in 2009 to $1.59 in 2013.
As we have seen so far, WMT has increased its revenue, net income, EPS and dividend substantially over the last few years. The $1.88 dividend for FY2014 will yield a decent 2.5%, and the long history of dividend increases makes me think WMT is a great stock for dividend growth investors. However, to decide if it is a good idea to buy WMT at its current price ($74.28), let's take a look at its valuation.
At a price of 14.5 times the FY2013 earnings, WMT is trading at a discount to the industry average of 17.6. The 10 year average P/E ratio is 17.2, and the 5 year average is 14.5.
WMT is currently trading quite close to its 52-week high of $77.60. There have been several times in the last couple of months were WMT was under $70 a share, which I believe would be a good moment to stock up on this reliable dividend payer.
Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, but may initiate a long position in WMT over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.


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May 16, 2012
I had never had a facial before. I have to admit, I was a little scared. I have never been one to really care for my skin. That was probably a mistake...but one I am correcting now. Liz Black is incredibly sweet and made me feel so comfortable. She is very personable, but also very professional. The facial itself was a wonderful experience. I never knew I could relax that much just with treatment of my face. Of course, at the end, I did get a hand and arm massage, which was also fantastic. After the facial, my skin felt quite strange...but in a very good way. Like all of the bad was gently removed. She gave me a sample of a face cleanser that has turned into one of my new favorite things. When I was out of the sample, I immediately purchased a bottle. I have noticed a huge difference in just under a few weeks. Probably a combo of the facial and the cleanser. I have now scheduled regular facials with Liz.