text:
Economists have long known that certain retail-level transactions -- such as the number of packages handled by UPS or FedEx -- are good indicators of the economy's overall strength or weakness.
But does the same hold true for branded automotive tchotchkes?
Last year, Chrysler Group's Mopar parts and service brand sold more than $50 million worth of licensed neon signs, pens, clothing, calendars, bar stools, clocks, tables and even remote-controlled toy trucks.
The 2012 sales were nearly triple the amount of similar branded goods Mopar sold in 2011 and included everything from a $2.50 toy metal car to a home garage storage cabinet system that cost $11,500.
In all, Mopar has developed more than 200 of such branded items that it now sells on the Internet but mainly at kiosks in dealer service areas.
Mopar's branded trinket sales pale in comparison with the merchandising juggernaut that is Jeep and the automaker's other brands, which together racked up $1.3 billion in merchandise sales last year, according to a Chrysler Group spokeswoman.
Yes, that's billion with a "b."
The biggest chunk of that dough comes from Jeep, which grabs consumers fresh from the womb with Jeep-labeled strollers and infant seats and holds them -- and their pets -- for life with a plethora of clothing, key chains, dog leashes and camping equipment.
I haven't found a Jeep-branded casket yet, but I'm sure there's one out there somewhere.
That kind of money makes it clear that there was more than one reason why Jeep was widely considered Chrysler's most valuable asset during bankruptcy proceedings.
Which brings me back to Mopar.
Unlike Jeep, Chrysler's parts and service brand doesn't have a natural fan base to sell to except as a common identity for all of Chrysler Group's brands -- "Ma Mopar," as the automaker is sometimes called.
That sales of Mopar's branded merchandise have climbed so fast is a testament that the Mopar brand itself is valued again by consumers. That this is happening less than four years after the automaker's very existence remained in doubt is no small thing.
But no matter what the brand is, if consumers are willing to spend their hard-earned money in the service line to buy a hat or a T-shirt or a penknife just because of what it says, that's something dealers need to notice.
It's an indicator, as economists say, that perceptions may be shifting.


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I can hardly have red meat and not pair it with some red wine. Tonight I'll test that because we have some steak but it's the end of a long holiday and a tall glass of sparkling water is probably the more prudent match.
But the other night, with a small piece of beef alongside some pasta, why not pull out a half bottle of one of my homemade wines, the 2006 Vincent Pinot Noir Wahle Vineyard. Readers and garage tasters might recall this wine, made out in the garage, aged in a 5-year old French oak barrel from Domaine Drouhin, then bottled in early 2008.
2006 was a warm vintage and the grapes for this wine were pretty ripe, despite coming from deep-rooted old vines planted in the 1970s outside of the town of Yamhill. Older vines ripen more slowly and resist heat a bit better than shallow-rooted young vines. I was worried the grapes were too ripe to capture the subtlety of Pinot noir, and for a while the wine was indeed more fruity and rich than I like my Pinot. It's not shy but a few years in bottle, especially a smaller bottle that should age more quickly, have tamed the wild exuberance of youth. There is still a bowl of fruit in the aroma, but there is now some sous bois of age, just a hint of maturity that shows itself like a walk in a damp forest. With the simple meal, the wine was delicious, more nuanced than I remember and in a great place for drinking.
People often ask me how long my wines will age. Who knows? But in general I prefer riper vintages on the younger side, so that a few years after bottling the wine should be at its best. 2006 and 2009 are good examples. Wines from cooler years are like less mature cut flowers, needing more time to open and release their perfume. 2008 and, likely, 2010 are examples. And wines from rainy harvests tend to need a little time to show their best, but may not have the density to last as long as the best years. 2007 might be an example, very generally speaking. I find that most 2007s were much better a year or two after release than right after bottling, yet contrary to some wine geeks' opinion, I haven't seen many wines that have the substance to reward longer term cellaring. The best may last and improve over time, but I think most are going to show their best now to a few years from now. So, too, with this generously ripe 2006. It tastes great, I'm happy with how it's turned out. I'm not going to wait too long on most of my remaining bottles.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
junkmycar needed a new other design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 34 designs submitted by 8 freelance designers.
Junk my Car
We are a free junk vehicle removal & recycling service in the USA and Canada. (http://www.junkmycar.com)
We are doing this project as a visual representation of condition questions our customers are asked when sending us their vehicle information. When they first arrive on the vehicle condition page, they will see a cartoon car based on our logo that is in perfect condition. As they make selections based on the questions, we want the car image to change. For instance, if there is fire / flood damage, we want to illustrate flames on the roof of the car and water dripping and pooling underneath the car.
We want to divide the vehicle graphics into several sections which will change based on the answers given.
For this contest you can simply provide several examples of how you would design these conditions on the car. You will not have to keep redrawing the entire car, just the part of the car effected by the condition answer. That is why we are looking to break the vehicle image up into several sections.
This is a bit of a complicated brief so feel free to ask me any questions you may have. i will be giving feedback on submission to keep you on track.
Style Requirements
We are looking for the same cartoony style as Junk my Car Logo Car (Logo Attached). Perhaps, use same model and color car that is our Logo.
Break the initial graphic into sections to reduce the number of images needed to represent all possible conditions.
Most likely a side profile would be best, or a slight angle as indicated in concept image attached.
The following is the complete list of conditions we would like to display with what the image should look like depending on the Yes or No answer from the customer.
Please use these to guide you drawings.
Does the engine start?
Y: Smoke coming out of exhaust pipe.
N: No changes, use base graphic(s).
Does the vehicle drive?
Y: Smoke coming out of exhaust pipe, "motion lines" at back of car, tire motion visible
N: No changes, use base graphic(s).
Is the Engine and Transmission under the hood and complete?
Y: No changes, use base graphic(s).
N: Open hood, engine is visible.
Is the engine or transmission missing from the vehicle?
Y: Open hood, missing engine.
N: Open hood, engine is visible.
Do all tires on the vehicle still roll?
Y: No changes, use base graphic(s).
N: Show tires as being flat.
Are any tires or wheels removed from the vehicle?
Y: Show wheel removed / on cinder block
N: No changes, use base graphic(s).
Are all major body panels (doors, hood, etc.) intact and on the vehicle?
Yes: No changes, use base graphic(s).
No: Remove doors of car.
Vehicle has no dents that are larger than the palm of your hand?
Y: No changes, use base graphic(s).
N: Show a large, clearly visible dent in door or other body panel.
Was the vehicle involved in a rollover?
Y: Show vehicle hood crushed in, or car upside down.
N: No changes, use base graphic(s).
Are any of the airbags deployed or missing?
Y: Show deployed airbag in car
N: No changes, use base graphic(s).
Are all glass and lamps intact?
Y: No changes, use base graphic(s).
N: Certain windows or lamps are visibly broken/cracked.
Does the vehicle have any flood or fire damage?
Y: Flames on roof and water dripping underneath with pool of water.
N: No changes, use base graphic(s).
Are all interior components intact?
Y: No changes, use base graphic(s).
N: No seats or interior items visible inside car. Door open and interior is missing.


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In their Newsletters Verlen and Valerie skipped straight from Grand Portage, Minnesota, to their first Michigan landfall at Black River Harbor. I decided I shouldn't do that so I took to my virtual helicopter and followed their path along Lake Superior's Minnesota and Wisconsin shores until I caught up with them. Their strategy for paddling the Great Lakes as set out by Verlen was to average about 32 miles a day, sit out windy days, and paddle the miles very carefully "...with one foot on the shore..."
The Newsletter Editor, Dorothy Webster, filled in some detail: "...after two days spent refitting at Grand Marais, Minnesota, the big lake began acting like an ocean and tossed Verlen and Valerie around on giant waves. Val, who didn't take all her seasickness medicine, was more than queasy..."
I put Google Maps Satellite on the screen and carefully followed the Minnesota shore southwesterly to the twin cities of Duluth and Superior, then went easterly and northeasterly along the Wisconsin shore and through the Apostle Islands and arrived at Michigan just where the Montreal River enters the Big Lake. Then a few miles further is Black River Harbor.
Valerie: "Landfall in Michigan was something to celebrate. We arrived just before dark, paddling into the shelter of the slag breakwall...We were windbound three days at Black River Harbor. Little did we know that we had just began our struggle. Getting to Michigan turned out to be the easy part". She tells of stops in Ontanogan and Houghton-Hancock where they were windbound for several days.
She goes on: " When paddling was possible again, it was also unusually difficult. The cold temperatures of the early onset of winter caused each wave and splash to freeze on our canoes. Sitting on the waterline we became human ice chunks, and within a few hours of paddling each day, we were literally frozen into our canoes by the ice build-up on our spray covers...My paddle shaft was coated with ice. The bow line was glued to the gunwale...My gloves got so stiff from the ice they became immovable..."
Following the Krugers along the Lake Superior shore from Black River Harbor to the Portage Lake Ship Canal on the Keweenaw Peninsula brought on another nostalgia attack. As I flew over the mouth of the Presque Isle River and along the Porcupine Mountains I was reminded of backpacking trips in the "Porkies" with my late brother Dick and his daughters. Over Silver City I was reminded of another of life's great beers in the sole local tavern at the thirsty end of one of those trips. Sighting McLain State Park by the entrance to the canal I remembered camping in my Jayco pop-up trailer with Dick during a geological field trip, the last time he and I ever camped out together.
Jack McHugh of Escanaba paddled with the Krugers as they crossed Keweenaw Bay from Portage Entry: "Before we left the protection of the canal the Krugers linked their boats into a catamaran arrangement with two stout cross poles. Tremendous initial stability is thus attained...I did not have this advantage but felt confident as long as the seas did not become mountainous...We moved into the swell and chop of an icy Keweenaw Bay, being conservative and heading southeast so crossing the shortest distance..." He goes on for about six paragraphs on the awful wind, wave and ice conditions of that crossing. "Eventually a difficult landing was made on a steep, wave swept, rocky shore...the three of us resembled abominable snow men, with icicles hanging everywhere..." He allowed as how he was not anxious to make any similar crossings.
I find no words from either Kruger covering their adventures from that landing until they arrive at the Au Train River. Thus no description of their travels along the Huron Mountain shoreline which is absolute wilderness most of the way. They would certainly have stopped at Big Bay where "Anatomy of a Murder" was filmed. They would have rounded Presque Isle Park on their way into Marquette.
Editor Webster describes their arrival in Marquette: "The paddlers rounded the breakwall next to the Marquette Lighthouse and paddled the 600 to 700 yards to a sandy beach near the US Coast Guard boathouse. It seemed to take them forever. Small whitecaps broke the lake's surface and the spray formed a thin film of ice over the paddlers, their canoes and their clothing. Beaching the canoes was difficult - no one wanted to get wet feet in those conditions - so the paddlers backed off, gathered up steam and paddled those craft right onto the beach with a mighty effort. Everybody cheered!"
NEXT: Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.


text:
Sidior Furniture Industrial Company Limited
Contact2:Wing Guan
Email: email@example.com
Add: No.3 Lianxi Road, Wanggang Industrial Zone, Longjiang Town, Shunde District, Foshan, Guangdong, China
Basic Info Model NO.: CL-6605 Style: Antique Certificate: SGS Base: Solid Wood Folded: Unfolded Transport Package: Assembly Origin: Guangdong China Kind: Sofa Material: Fabric Upholstery: Fabric Others: OEM Service Trademark: SIDIOR Specification: standard size Product Description We are a...
Model NO.: CL-6605
Style: Antique
Certificate: SGS
Base: Solid Wood
Folded: Unfolded
Transport Package: Assembly
Origin: Guangdong China
Kind: Sofa
Material: Fabric
Upholstery: Fabric
Others: OEM Service
Trademark: SIDIOR
Specification: standard size
We are a professional furniture manufacture, OEM order, custom make order is acceptable. We top in Hotel furniture, restaurant furniture, villa furniture, appartment furniture, club furniture, bar furniture and so on. If you have inquiry or project on hand, please kindly pass your info to us. We will try our best to cooperate with you. Thank you every much.
Luxury sofa
1. Solid wood frame and legs
2. Good quality and comfortable fabric upholstery
3. High density foam
4. Many color for choice
5. Size according to the requirment, OEM service is available
Our tenical workers have over 20 years experience in designing & customizing all kind of furniture. Welcome send us your ideas, images, 3D concept, hand draft and Auto CAD drawing. We are do well in OEM/ODM services, different style, color, size, material can be available.
Quality is the most important for the customer and our factory. The factory who want to do long term business need to pay attention on this.
Why choosing Sidior furniture co., ltd. To be the long term business cooperation partner?
Good quality and comfortable fabric, PU leather and genuine leather for upholstery.
High density and durable foam inside.
Kiln dry solid wood below 8° (OAK, cherry, walnut, beech, birch, ash, teak, mahogany, maple etc)
0.6mm natural wood veneer or engineer wood veneer.
Environmental protection Dabao PU lacquer.
E1/E0 grade MDF or plywood.
Good quality and durable hardware.
Carefully stitching.
Finger joint for the solid wood part.
Mortise and tenon to make the construction more stronger.
"4S" service to customers
If you are satisfied with the restauran furniture wood frame fabric lounge lobby sofa made in China, welcome to buy the quality and fashion furniture with us. We're one of the professional and experienced manufacturers and suppliers, and the customized service and wholesale service are also offered.


text:
They open the season Friday afternoon at 2 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., at Clune Arena. This is first time the two teams have played each other in women's basketball.
Air Force was 3-27 last season. They have a new coach, Andrea Williams, and 13 freshmen. It is the regular season opener for both teams. They do return senior Raimee Beck, the leader last season in both points and rebounds. She is one of two starters returning from last season.
"We're a little sketchy on their personnel, but it looks like the best we can tell that we will match up pretty well," Lipscomb coach Frank Bennett said. "We feel like we will be competitive."
Bennett and the Lady Bisons are familiar to Williams. She served as an assistant with Jacksonville University from 2004-2008. Two of her assistant coaches, Courtney Robinson and Yolisha Jackson, also were formerly assistants in the A-Sun.
Both teams played one exhibition game. Air Force beat Metro State 58-53. The Lady Bisons prevailed 72-67 against Harding University.
Bennett, starting his 31st year as head coach, knows that the Falcons will be trying to "press and push" most of the game.
"Air Force is fairly unknown, but they say on their website that they will be pressing and pushing the ball," Bennett said. "We have been working a little bit on our press breakers and have tried to shore up some general things with our team defensive fundamentals along with the execution of our offense."
The keys to the game for the Lady Bisons are to be quick and decisive on both ends of the court, control.
"I think we will like to play a fast-paced type of game," Bennett said. "We are going to have to handle Air Force's press but that can open up opportunities for us offensively.
"We don't know what type of press it will be right now. We are playing a little bit blind on that."
The Lady Bisons will be led by senior guard Jenna Bartsokas, who averaged 12.8 points per game last season and is a preseason Atlantic Sun All-Conference selection.
Bennett thinks his team is excited about starting the season.
"I think our players are excited to be starting the season," Bennett said. "I think our players are looking forward to a good trip. I think it will be a positive."
Written by Marl McGee, Senior Publisher/Director of Media Relations.


text:
Sometimes it takes a little bit of time before you know it's for real. Meeting at a friend's Scattergories party, you exchange phone numbers and send a few harmless texts. You agree to meet for coffee, share Cinnabuns and a good conversation. More texts, phone calls, emails, a few movies and a trip to the zoo--then, after a few weeks or even months, you look across the table in the food court in front of Sbarro's, your eyes lock, and you realize it: you're in love.
Other times, the feeling waylays you like a highwayman in a Naschy flick--you catch a glimpse, just the merest twinkling of an eye, the glint of a giant hoop earring, the *zwip* of a spandex bodysuit, the briefest flash of a neon headband, and BAM! You're heels over head over heels again in love.
Maybe it's the fact that I reached puberty and suffered from its ravages for most of the heyday of Wham! and Hall & Oates; maybe it's my taste for the absurd coupled with a love for the athletic and fitness fashions that were haute couture when Reagan was president and Harrison Ford ruled the box office. Whatever the reason, for David A. Prior's 1986 slasher opus Killer Workout (aka Aerobi-cide), I knew right from the start. I love this movie.
Killer Workout starts off with the requisite flashback bang: a mysterious woman on the eve of signing the contract for a lucrative modeling job (in Paris!) celebrates her good fortune by catching a few rays on the tanning bed, giving the appreciative audience full nekkidity within three minutes of the opening shot. (Are you taking notes, budding young filmmakers of tomorrow? That's TEXTBOOK.) Of course it's the pre-credits sequence, so it comes as no surprise when tragedy strikes--a mechanical malfunction traps her in the UV-bed's deadly embrace, causing the machine to belch smoke and burst into flames like an ungrounded Easy-Bake Oven!
An indeterminate amount of time and an AWESOME credits song later, we find ourselves at the aforementioned gym, where proprietrix Rhonda (Marcia Karr, looking an awful lot like Jo from TV's Facts of Life--which is to say, hawt) is standing in as aerobicize instructor for irresponsible employee Jaimy (Teresa Van der Woude), who is running late, apparently because she couldn't find her cross-trainers--which is the only logical explanation for why she shows up wearing a spandex leotard, leg-warmers, and high-heeled red shoes. (Though when stumbles out of her Porsche and spills a purse-full of condoms onto the asphalt, another possible explanation presents.) Rhonda is a tough, no-nonsense businesswoman, and sets her slatternly subordinate straight: "Business is bad enough already! Just stop showing off your tits and your tight little ass!" Wait, what?
Chuck (Ted Prior, later of Karate Warrior 2 and Surf Nazis Must Die!), a new employee hired by Rhonda's mysterious silent parter Mr. Ericson; roided-out perv Jimmy (Fritz Matthews), who has an unhealthy affection for Rhonda; and an assortment of gym regulars, including a gay weightlifting couple, dozens of side-ponytail-wearing lingerie models, and at least one fat guy in overalls who does nothing but ride a stationary bike and gawk at the beautiful ladies.
It's not long before someone starts killing the gym patrons, just like you probably knew they would, although you likely didn't guess that the murder weapon would be a giant safety pin. Seriously. After a couple of unnamed extras are offed, the LAPD send out Detective Lieutenant Morgan (crater-faced tough guy David James Campbell), who subscribes to the "treat everyone like a suspect and gargle with Dran-o before speaking" school of police work. His presence does nothing to stop the killings, however, and soon the gym is getting a reputation for people not surviving their workouts. Strangely, this does nothing to the attendance level of the aerobicize classes, as every time we see them in session (and we see them a LOT--not that I'm complaining) they seem absolutely packed.
It's easy enough to summarize the plot of Killer Workout, but this is one of those cases where a mere synopsis cannot begin to do justice to the awe-inspiring beauty of the thing itself. This movie is packed so absolutely chock-full of tasty 80s cheese from one end to the other, it really defies logical explanation. From the awesome extended workout footage to the laughably choreographed kung-fu fights to the crimptastic mousse-abusing hairstyles to the good 10-minutes Lt. Morgan spends tracking down and fighting an obvious red-herring, there's just nothing here that fails to put a huge stupid grin on the Vicar's face and fix it there. Add a boom mic cameo and a "cop goes rogue and takes the law in his hands" ending (that ends in complete COP-FAIL), and yes, my friends, it's love.
2.75 thumbs. And if anyone has a copy of the soundtrack, email me and NAME YOUR PRICE!
Because words fail me, here are a dozen more fantastic images from Killer Workout:
Monday, November 30, 2009
Killer Workout (1986): or, The Power is You, the Power is Me
Posted by The Vicar of VHS at 12:00 PM
Labels: '80s, 2-3 thumbs, Boom Mike Cameo, Cleavage, Psycho Killer
6 comments:
This is quite simply one of the most amazing movies ever made. And the oversized safety pin should make its way into slasher films more often. There is nothing more terror inducing.
- November 30, 2009 at 1:10 PM
- The Duke of DVD said...
It's quite possible that this is THE BEST MOVIE EVER MADE, but I'll have to watch it to make sure. Going by your excellent review, Vicar, I'm inclined to go with my gut.
Incidentally, I knew I was in love for the first time when I heard that special phrase everyone wants to hear from their lover: "There is no safety word."
- November 30, 2009 at 1:38 PM
- Kitty LeClaw said...
Wow... WOW!!!
I must see it at once!
- November 30, 2009 at 4:54 PM
- Jenn said...
I've got a killer workout for you
Not like you think I mean either. Nudge nudge wink wink.
When we were talking about this the other night, I thought we were talking about Horror Workout or something that has Linnea Quigley in it; it's like her doing aerobics through graveyards while zombies are chasing her and you can work out with her if I remember correctly. Like Jane Fonda but with a horror theme. But of course I had been drinking, as per the usual and got confused, as is my way. So yeah, I need to see some death by tanning bed and some death by giant safety pin and the all around awesomeness that is the fashion in this movie.
And now the Duke's comment has me thinking of that VHS or Beta song...'I'm in the corner, saying the safe word...' in my best Interpol impression singing voice, which trust me, ain't all that!
Yes, I've been drinking again. :)
- November 30, 2009 at 5:28 PM
- The Vicar of VHS said...
@Planet of Terror--You'd think by now that the movie-going public would have tired of the old machete/butcher knife/chainsaw tropes. Same-old same old, give us something new! Sadly, today's filmmakers have not a tenth of the inventiveness of the geniuses behind KILLER WORKOUT.
@Duke of DVD--I remember that girl!
@Kitty--I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. I'm still smiling, five days after my initial viewing. It really gave me something to be thankful for.
@Jenn--I can't believe you found footage of the Duke and me working out and posted it to youtube! Whenever the Duke and I get pumped up, we always make it a point to lifta scrot...
As to the Linnea Quigley Workout, I actually have a copy of that around here somewhere...I guess I'll have to dig it out. I know Kitty did a review of it on her blog, and it was awesome.
It's drink-o-clock somewhere!
- November 30, 2009 at 5:58 PM
- Yum-Yum said...
This movie looks super-terrific!
"a giant safety pin"
"a spandex leotard, leg-warmers, and high-heeled red shoes"
"plenty of gratuitous nudity"
You just sold a movie.
Oh, and funny captions. :D
- November 30, 2009 at 7:46 PM


text:
Included Minutes: can be used for standard talk to Australian mobiles and landlines, 13/1300 numbers and voicemail retrievals all within Australia. The time you talk will be billed per minute on $35/$50 My Plan Plus/My Plan Business plans.
Additional Minutes ($35/$50 My Plan Plus & My Plan Business): Once you've used more than your included minutes, you'll be charged $10 for more minutes up to a maximum of $20 for unlimited minutes.
Included Data: Each of these mobile plans can share data with up to five other mobile broadband devices (credit approved customers). It can also share data with mobiles on My Plan Plus/My Plan Business (including SIM Only) plans and mobile broadband devices on Shared Data Plans on the same account. There's a one-off $5 fee to set up a Shared Data Plan to enable each mobile broadband device/s to share data.
Additional Data: If you go over your plan's included shared data you'll automatically get extra for $10 per 1GB (charges appear on the mobile service). If you use more than 60GB on one account we may continue to charge you at the same rates or restrict your data use for the remainder of your billing month.
Data Sharing: You need a mobile connected to a My Plan Plus/My Plan Business (including SIM Only) plan to get a Shared Data Plan, connected on the same account. There is no included data in the Shared Data Plan; the mobile broadband devices use the included sharable data from these mobile plans. If your mobile plan is cancelled, your Shared Data Plan may also be cancelled, or you will be charged $10 per 1GB data within Australia. If your Shared Data Plan is cancelled you'll just need to pay the remainder of your device repayments (if any) plus any outstanding charges. Data sharing is only with My Plan Plus/My Plan Business plans including the SIM Only plans. It doesn't share with other mobile and mobile broadband plans.
General: Optus Mobile Fair Go and Internet Acceptable Use policies apply. Data services (Blackberry Internet Solution) are not available with BlackBerry phones running on operating system version 7.1 or earlier. For more info, see our Critical Information Summaries which can be found at optus.com.au/cis or pick one up in store.
Usage Alerts are not generated in real-time and delays of up to 48 hours may be experienced. You should not rely solely on the alert service to monitor your usage. You can add and change your alerts and add additional alerts for your Shared Data Plans by visiting 'My Account' at optus.com.au/myaccount If you have more than 6 services on your account you may not be able to use My Account to monitor usage or add/change alerts. Contact your Optus Account Manager.
My Account: Services that share data may have a service login to My Account which will display all service numbers contributing or using the shared data pool on the account, and the amount each service has used.
^^Bundle Discount: Offer only available to existing or new Optus customers connected to an Optus Mobile post-paid plan and maintain an eligible fixed service (excludes stand alone home and office phone services) registered in the same address. The $10 discount per month will be applied to the monthly mobile bill. Limit of one $10 discount per fixed service. If there are multiple eligible post-paid mobile plans, discount will be applied to the first connected mobile plan with a fixed service at a matching address. Bundle discount will be forfeited if either service is cancelled. Once you become ineligible for the discount, Optus has the right to remove the discount without notice. Not available in conjunction with any other bundle discount offer. Not transferable or redeemable for cash. Offer ends November 16 2014, unless extended.
COVERAGE: With 3G devices, you can access our 3G (2100 MHz / 900 MHz) network. With 4G devices and a compatible plan, you can access our 3G network plus some or all of our 4G network. Our 4G network will use multiple frequencies (LTE 700 / 1800 / 2100 / 2300 / 2600 MHz) to provide coverage. Your coverage availability will vary depending on your device and location. Check coverage at optus.com.au/coverage based on your address and device.


text:
Before storing, I rolled together two leaves of cabbage. Marinated cabbage can be rolled up easily and neatly. I did not make special effort to search for Korean chilli powder, used local chilli powder for this batch of kimchi instead. The colour was not as bright as the one using Korean chilli powder and it was also spicer. Taste wise, not much different. I am going to post some dishes cooked with kimchi in next few days, stay tuned if you are kimchi lover.
Recipe from here.


text:
In our first soybean series post, we soaked dried soybeans and made soy milk, which is a necessary step in making other soy products, like tofu. In this post, we take the next step, which is take that fresh soy milk and make tofu skin, also called yuba in Japanese or fu pi in Chinese.
This delicate skin is made by simply heating soy milk over low heat, and collecting the skin that forms on the top of the liquid. It is a time consuming, patience-demanding enterprise, so before proceeding, note that you've have been warned!
But the result is something that is delicious, and distinctly not tofu like. It's also quite versatile -- just by way of example, two things you can do with tofu skin include yuba sashimi, which is fresh yuba, served sashimi style (with wasabi and soy sauce) and using layers of tofu skin to create rolls, as served in dim sum. I've also had a Western-inspired dish of tofu skin, piled into a mini tower with layers of pureed olives and green beans. Simply delicious.
If you're not sure you want to commit to this endeavor right now, you can also buy it in dried form -- look for "bean curd sheets or skin" -- and do a little experimentation with that. Or, look out for bean curd skin rolls when you're next at dim sum, or "yuba" when you're at a Japanese restaurant.
But the taste of fresh beancurd skin is quite different from the dried, reconstituted kind, and not to be missed.
What You'll Need to Make Yuba / Tofu Skin
Patience, and the Steps
A Quick Recipe to Enjoy Fresh Yuba
Lay a few pieces of yuba artfully on a small plate. Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro, then mix together a little soy sauce, fish sauce and water, then drizzle on top. Enjoy!
Coming next in the soybean series: how to make soft tofu ...


text:
Your browser does not support iframes.
Marcel Proust, the famous French writer and philosopher, penned between 1913 and 1927 one of the most famous works in the western literary tradition. Entitled In Search of Lost Time, this seven-volume novel remains today a bestseller. It is little wonder man is perpetually searching for, or trying to recapture, lost time.
So what's the deal with all the signs?
Now before someone starts thinking I've gone 'round the bend, let me just say I am well aware that there is an election coming up.
But I still don't get it.
What does putting up signs from one end of the county to the other accomplish except a whole lot of post-election work for candidates who can't remember where they put them all? Or do they really mean something?
That's right, my friends, today is a very special day.
It's a holiday.
While you're reading this, I want to wish you a Happy Play Dress-Up With A Raccoon Day, a Happy Talk Like A Mad Scientist Day, and a Happy Chocolate Cake Appreciation Day.
Now, I know what you're thinking. You probably think I've lost my marbles or perhaps I'm one brick shy of a load. Please allow me to explain my fascination with such an unusual thing.
Life, we all know, is a matter of perspective. In America, the nation of boundless freedom and wide open spaces, perspectives are as numerous as our citizens. We are a hyper-pluralistic society, one where everyone's perspective, mainstream or off-the-wall, generally finds its way to the public forum. That's what makes America the great nation it is.
I recently wrote a sad story about drug use and child abuse, but there was a small ray of light; the police and the Department of Children's Services had intervened in the situation.
After writing that article, I was alleged to have placed the DCS worker in danger, by using her name. When writing articles about crime, my information comes from police reports, which are public documents and therefore public domain. This means that anyone can access these records.
I did not write anything that was secret information.
Journalists are always looking to land the exclusive interview.
We all want to sit down with the "It" person of the moment and garner details that no one else has uncovered.
It seems that no matter how outrageous, wicked or just plain stupid someone acts there is a journalist waiting to interview them.
So, being a journalist, when Phillip Pack began talking to me last week at his murder trial I stopped to listen, until I heard what he was saying.
The word socialism has come up a lot in our political debate over the last year.
Perhaps you've noticed whenever a commentator has used this term, usually in context of some new Obama initiative, there's nervous laughter and awkward gestures of embarrassment. Ever wonder why? Let's take a look at the definition:
Thomas Hobbes, a 16th century English philosopher, famously said that life is "poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
For much of the human existence, Hobbes's observation hit the nail on the head; human life, as wonderful as it is, was, and remains today, overshadowed by cruelty.
Easter is by far one of my favorite times of the year.
Although the religious significance of the season is a big part of why I love this time of year, it's also the feeling in the atmosphere that excites me. The smell of hyacinths and honeysuckles that fill the warm, sun-kissed air and the vibrant colors that can't help but make you feel at ease in the midst of personal storms.
At Monday night's county commission meeting the group agreed to move forward with a justice center. That is great.
But let's be honest we have been here before.
In fact, many times before. The last three budget cycles have all had allocations for a new justice center.
Why the hold ups and hold offs?
It could be any number of reasons. From the commission's apprehension about borrowing money to some feeling ambivalent about taking care of criminals the delays have happened.
Let me start by saying I am a cat lover. I always have been. They're neat, require little attention and basically fend for themselves; they're more like extended stay house guests that you only occasionally have to entertain.
What more could you want in a pet right?
Well recently that all changed when I adopted a white German Shepherd puppy named Rosa Barks and believe me when I say that -Rosa barks!
In the few short months that I have owned her, this dog has utterly turned my life upside down.
Shortly after the current LaFollette City Council was elected rumblings began that it could be a difficult group to work for.
That statement could be said about nearly every elected body. However, as the months have passed the council has taken what began as speculation and given it a fair amount of credibility.
But last week's out of the blue chastising of fire chief Gary Byrd was dreadful. I will give the council some credit for not instigating the conflict. Nonetheless it gets a failing grade for not defending a long time city employee.
Thai meditation master Ajahn Chah once said, "Looking for peace is like looking for a turtle with a moustache. You won't be able to find it. But when your heart is ready, peace will come looking for you."
Oh, well. Judy Collins sung it best. Hey, I'm just the messenger. Nevertheless, I'm excited about something. Spring is about to be sprung and I'm more than ready for it.
As children growing up in the 1960s, we conducted a harmless school drill called 'duck and cover.' Can you remember this one? Or how about this one: 'This is a test. For the next 60 seconds, this station will conduct a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. This is only a test.' In those days we faced nuclear weapons and MAD—mutually assured destruction. In our community, a tremendous cave served as the 'fallout shelter.' We could always go there in case someone used Weapons of Mass Destruction, or so we were told. What innocent days they were.
Have you heard about the recent economic threat to the European Union coming from Greece? Greece has a debt problem that could cause a domino effect in the Euro nations. The Greek currency has been debauched through deficit spending and now countries such as France and Germany are being compromised because their currencies are linked and vulnerable. The intricacies of EU currency agreements for the Euro have made this a ticking time bomb. reeping away from the crime scene, once again, is that manipulator of markets- Goldman Sachs. Sound familiar?
Today started out as just another day.
Too many bills to pay, too many errands to run, and not enough of me to go around. Then, everything seemed to stop as I received your phone call telling me that you're getting married.
Just so I wouldn't forget, I stopped everything and circled your special day on my office calendar. This is a happy, yet nerve-racked moment for you, I'm sure.
No, not the 5th – the 10th.
The Tenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States provides protection to the states from encroachment by the federal government. The federal government has become more and more involved in our everyday lives from the college football bowls to the compulsory low-flush toilet bowls in our home.
Who needs to travel to Canada for the Winter Olympics? Especially with all the snow that we've been having right here in East Tennessee lately? We can have some winter games right here in our own back yard. Or at least that's what my friends and I thought last week when we decided to invent an extreme winter sport of our own-snow canoeing.
Copyright © 2019
The LaFollette Press is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Campbell County and LaFollette, TN, and the surrounding area.


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© Copyright 2018-19 by Android Okra.


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University will offer a free guided tour at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25. The 30-minute tour includes an overview of the museum's current exhibitions. Meet your docent at 2 p.m. at the reception desk. Reservations are not necessary.
The Castellani Art Museum is a place to bring your visitors and family members who are in town for the Thanksgiving weekend.
To see what is currently on view at the CAM, visit www.castellaniartmuseum.org.
The Castellani Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1until 5 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are welcome.


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Hepatitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the liver. It sometimes causes permanent liver damage.
There are several types of hepatitis. In hepatitis B, the liver is infected with the hepatitis B virus. This causes inflammation. The liver isn't able to work the way it should.
The liver is a large organ that lies up under the ribs on the right side of your belly (abdomen). It helps filter waste from your body, makes a fluid called bile to help digest food, and stores sugar that your body uses for energy.
In the U.S., hepatitis B is one of the most common diseases that can be prevented with a vaccine.
Hepatitis B can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). It tends to become chronic most often in infants and young children, and less often in people infected as adults.
Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. People pass the hepatitis B virus to each other. This happens when you come into contact with another person's infected:
Common ways this virus is spread are through:
Babies may also get the disease if their mother has the virus. Infected children can spread the virus to other children if they play together often or if a child has many scrapes or cuts. But body fluids need to come in contact to spread the virus. So just playing next to a friend will not give someone hepatitis B.
Anyone can get hepatitis B by coming into contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is infected with hepatitis B.
Some people are at higher risk for getting hepatitis B. They include:
Hepatitis B has a wide range of symptoms. It may be mild, without symptoms, or it may cause chronic hepatitis. In some cases, hepatitis B can lead to liver failure and death.
Each person's symptoms may vary. The most common symptoms of hepatitis B include:
The symptoms of hepatitis B may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.
To see if you have hepatitis B, your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam and do a blood test.
If your healthcare provider suspects chronic hepatitis B, he or she may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) from your liver with a needle. These samples are checked under a microscope to find out the type of liver disease and how severe it is.An ultrasound test is usually done as well to see if the liver looks very diseased.
Hepatitis B is not treated unless it becomes a long-term (chronic) infection. Then medicines are used to try to slow down or stop the virus from damaging the liver. Most people get medicines they can take by mouth (orally). But some people get an injection. The decision to treat is complicated and based on many things. These include test results and how advanced your disease is.
Your symptoms will be closely watched and managed as needed. If severe liver damage occurs, you may need a liver transplant.
There is no cure for hepatitis B. Treatment is helpful to decrease the amount of virus in your blood and decrease risk of complications.
Long-term or chronic hepatitis B can cause severe liver damage. The most severe liver damage is called cirrhosis. The liver stops working properly. This could lead to the need for a liver transplant.
Liver failure can lead to death.
The risk of liver cancer is higher in people with hepatitis B.
A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. It is given in 3 shots (injections) over 6 months. The vaccine is suggested for everyone age 18 years and younger, as well as for adults over age 18 who are at risk for the infection.
You can protect yourself and others from hepatitis B by:
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:


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Difference between revisions of "Sihanoukville"
Revision as of 05:32, 25 January 2014
In a land with thousands of years of history, Sihanoukville is a colourful but tragic upstart. A mere fifty years ago, a French-Cambodian construction carved a camp out of the jungle and started building the first deep-sea port of a newly independent Cambodia. Named Sihanoukville in 1964 after the ruling prince of Cambodia, the booming port and its golden beaches soon drew Cambodia's jetsetting elite, spawning the first Angkor Beer brewery and the modernist seven-story Independence Hotel which, claim locals, even played host to Jacqueline Kennedy on her whirlwind tour of Cambodia in 1967.
Alas, the party came to an abrupt end in 1970 when Sihanouk was deposed in a coup and Cambodia descended into civil war. The town – renamed Kompong Som – soon fell on hard times: the victorious Khmer Rouge used the Independence Hotel for target practice and, when they made the mistake of hijacking an American container ship, the port was bombed by the U.S. Air Force. Even after Pol Pot's regime was driven from power, the bumpy highway to the capital was long notorious for banditry and the beaches stayed empty.
Peace returned in 1993 following the historic elections organized by the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia ( UNTAC) and in the ensuing ten years Sihanoukville has been busy picking up the pieces. First visited only by a few intrepid backpackers, guidebooks still talk of walls pockmarked by bullets, but any signs of war are hard to spot in today's Sihanoukville, whose new symbol seems to be the construction site. After 30 years of housing only ghosts, the Independence Hotel is up and running again, more and more Khmers and expats have settled down to run bars and restaurants, and the knowledge of what the New York Times dubbed "Asia's next trendsetting beach" is starting to spread.
Since Snooky is a relatively new city (1950) and did grow along with the steady growth of the tourists, all the negative elements came along. It is not safe (even for men) to walk alone on the beach after 9pm, there are plenty of glue sniffing kids and a lot of Java (Methamphetamine) smoking girls and boys and probably the worst Tuk Tuk Mafia (all with price agreements).
Get in
By plane
The small Sihanoukville Airport (IATA: KOS | ICAO: VDSV) is located 17km to the east of town, on the edge of Ream National Park. Cambodia Angkor Air [35] started flying to and from Siem Reap on December 14th 2011 with three flights a week.
By helicopter
Sokha Helicopters [36] offers a VIP charter service between a private helipad at Sokha Beach Resort and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Charter rates start at US$1495 per flight hour plus 10% VAT & 10% SPT, with discount packages for stays at Sokha Beach Resort. Helicopters are modern, French-built Eurocopter Ecureuils with luxury leather seating for 5 passengers. Licenced pilots are from Australia and Europe. Flight time from Phnom Penh is 55 minutes and Siem Reap 1 hour and 40 minutes.
By bus
Phnom Penh Sorya Transport [37], GST Express, and Mekong Express operate hourly bus services from Phnom Penh, taking 3-5 hours and costing US$4.5-10, depending on the quality of the bus and the number of stops. The first bus leaves Phnom Penh at 7:00AM; the last bus leaves at 5:45PM. All buses arrive and depart from the bus station downtown near the Central Market. Tickets can be booked at the bus company offices, travel agencies, and many guesthouses. It is worth reserving a day in advance to be sure of a seat. National Route 4 between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville is one of Cambodia's best roads.
Giant Ibis and Mey Hong offer 14-16 seat air-conditioned minibus transport[38] that is aimed at tourists and never have more passengers than seats. Tickets cost $10, although it can cost a few dollars more if you need pickup on Otres or far from their offices.
Rith Mony, Bun Thou, and Virak Buntham Express operate daily air-conditioned minibus service leaving at 8:30AM to/from the the border with Thailand at Koh Kong/Hat Lek, taking about 5 hours. "Local" and "Tourist" minibuses service this route; they are always jam-packed, and the trip can be uncomfortable. "Local" service price depends on how much space you want (a whole seat, half a seat, or a space on the roof); foreigners can expect to pay around US$6-8. They will also typically have pickup in front of the offices on the main strip in town at 7:30AM (at which point they simply drive over to the station to wait until the 8:30AM departure time.) You may be offered pickup at your hotel for a premium. Sometimes there are buses leaving at 2:00PM but the service may be available only with suitable demand and ticket prices may be higher (~US$15).
In 2010, Virak Buntham Express started a bus service from Ha Tien in Vietnam to Sihanoukville via the new Xa Xia/Prek Chak border post. (From Ha Tien, there is a ferry to Phu Quoc island, another popular tourist destination). Unlike even recent travel guides report, this trip now has become easy and straightforward. Visa on arrival for USD 25/550.000 VND (but bring a photo!)
By taxi
A chartered taxi from Phnom Penh's Central Market can make the trip in less than three hours and will cost anywhere from US$25-40 per car, depending on the petrol price of the day and how beat up the vehicle is. You can reduce the price by sharing seats, but be warned that Khmers will squeeze as many as eight people into the car, including two in the drivers seat, so most people will need to buy two seats for comfort. As of May 2013, you can get a private taxi to Sihanoukville for $50 - $55. Many of these have an LPG tank in the boot, so one large case is the limit. If two people travel a spare seat can cater for a second large case. Most of the cars are relatively recent Toyota Camrys and comfortable enough. Order from Travel Agents around the city.
By boat
Boats used to run daily from Koh Kong/Hat Lek (the border crossing with Thailand), taking around 4 hours and costing US$20/700 baht. However, the service was suspended in 2008 and it's unclear if it will resume, since travel by road is now cheaper, safer and just as fast. Several sources quote "persistent rumours" about a future ferry service with the nearby Vietnamese Phu Quoc island, but nothing happened yet.
Modest numbers of cruise lines offer one-day port visits, usually along with more stops in Vietnam enroute to or from Bangkok, e.g., Oceania.
By train
There are no passenger services on the Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville railway line. It may be possible to hitch a ride with the freight train security guards - enquire locally for further information. As of autumn 2010, there are efforts to make the Cambodian railways operational again. Since October 2010, a freight service from Phnom Penh to halfway Sihanoukville (Touk Meas) is operational.
Get around
Distances between the beaches are a little too long to walk comfortably, but getting around is easy, as the roads are wide and bike taxis (motodop) are everywhere. The standard price is US$1 per trip, although expect to haggle at night or if the distance is long. They'll gladly pile on two people and their luggage too. For larger groups, car taxis can be called up by phone (flat US$5 to most places around town).
There are dozens of the ubiquitous tuk-tuks around the new bus station and the accommodation areas. They are some of the most persistent and over-charging drivers in Cambodia; they have formed an "association" for price fixing - a trip to the bus station, US$2 in Phnom Penh, costs US$3 if your bus company pays but they will hit you for US$6 if you arrive at the bus station and want to go to the beach. If you have decided where you will stay it can help to call for a pick up; even if its not free, it may save you some overcharging.
The ride from the new bus station to Serendipity Beach should cost no more than US$3 during the day.
Another great choice to get around is to rent a scooter. Haggle a bit and you can get it for US$4 a day or more - it depends of a season. Fuel is not very cheap (about $1,25/l) but can be bought at many roadside shacks. However, as of 2009, renting scooters to foreigners is technically illegal, and the police may stop and fine you.
The town itself doesn't offer much to see.
The main reason to visit Sihanoukville is the beaches. They are not as crowded as many of those in Thailand, but can be cramped on weekends and holidays. Like many beaches in Southeast Asia, they are covered in a lot of rubbish, but Otres Beach is very clean.
There are several small shops in the town, plus a standard Cambodian market ('Psaa Leu'). Although tourism is growing, don't expect large scale tourist markets. As at November 2008, there is still no tailor.
Several clothing and souvenir shops are opening downtown and around the Victory Hill and Ocheteaul area as well.
ATM machines can be found throughout the city. Downtown, there are ATMs from ANZ Bank, Canadia Bank, and Acleda Bank. There are also ATMs around the "Golden Lions", on "Beach Street", at CCS Hotel and one at the Golden Sands Hotel, Occheuteal Beach.
Canadia Bank's ATMs don't charge additional fees, therefore are recommended. There's one at their main branch downtown, as well as one at the casino near the Golden Lion. Union Commercial Bank (UCB) has a 3$ "access fee", just like most of the other banks. It's better to avoid them and stick to Canadia Bank for fee-free cash withdrawals. Canadia's ATMs however give a "Time per limit exceeded!" error if you try to withdraw more then 150 USD and don't pay out.
Along the beaches, especially at Ochheuteal Beach, there are many food stalls and some restaurants serving grilled, meat, chicken and seafood with chips/fries and a beer for US$3-4. There are a good many restaurants in town as well. Sihanoukville has a surprisingly diverse set of cuisines.
Open Mon - Sat 5 pm - 10 pm (Kitchen closes 9pm). Sandan (the name comes from a dried fruit used in flavouring) is a new restaurant that is already making its mark on the culinary scene in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. With a menu that highlights creative Cambodian cuisine and a relaxing and unique ambience, blending candles, plants, Buddha's, beautiful hand-made lanterns and colourful children's paintings, it is fast becoming a 'must do' attraction for visitors to this city in southern Cambodia . It also has a safe, fun children's play area, a small gift shop and a small stage for performances for M'Lop Tapang's arts team and other artists on special dates. Sandan is run by M'Lop Tapang, an NGO that has been working with street children since 2003 in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Classic Indian Cuisine Halal is located at the Orecheteal Beach, Sihanoukville, from ancient palaces of Indian Sub-Continent to modern kitchens, hand-blended masalas remain a treasured element of the finest cooking. The rich spices found in these blends are imported from their native countries and mixed with the utmost care by master Chef M. Ahmad and his professional team of the popular Taj Mahal Restaurant, one of the tasty points in Siem Reap.NOW in Sihanoukville at Ochheuteal Bech front on COBRA KTV M. Ahmad's inspiration came from researching the favorite dishes of many royal families who ruled India centuries ago. Free Wi-Fi. Price Range is affordable from 3 US$ to 10 US$.
Golden Lion Plaza at Occheteal beach, 10 friendly bars in one street.
Bars located in town:
Accommodation ranges from basic guest houses on the beach to four-star resorts. There are plenty of guesthouses, however, the cheapest guesthouses directly on the beach frequently sell out. Pre-booking is necessary at peak times such as at New Year.
Stay healthy
Medical services in Sihanoukville are very limited and basic. The best medical service is offered by the CT Clinic. This is the only clinic trusted by expats who live in Sihanoukville. The public hospital should be avoided at all costs, as it is terrible. In case of major trouble evacuation is necessary.
HIV/AIDS is nowhere near as prevalent as it was, but the infection rate is still relatively high within certain high risk groups such as female sex workers. In 2006 the infection rate for brothel-based female sex workers was estimated to be 14.7%, but government initiatives have raised the rate of correct and consistent condom use to over 90%. However, many sex workers are now operating outside of brothels, so the rate could be significantly higher in this group. [49]
Sihanoukville's area code is 034.
There are many internet cafes and most guesthouses and many hotels offer free internet access. Almost all now have Wi-Fi.]
Probably the best mobile phone network for use in Sihanoukville is metfone. Great reception and decent speed GPRS internet. You can easily register for daily unlimited mobile internet by texting ON3 to number 111. It costs $0.70 per day. This can be cancelled by texting OFF to number 111. The metfone SIM card costs $3. It works well at Otres Beach unlike some other networks and is the only network that works on Koh Russei (Bamboo Island). Tethering / Personal Hotspot capable phones such as the iPhone 4 or newer models, or high spec Android phones will work fine with metfone. To set that up, the APN is metfone, leave username and password fields blank.
The new main Post Office is near the Victory Park on the left hand side of the road as you go to Victory Hill. There is also a branch at the market downtown, but here you can only leave your postcards during office hours, as it does not feature an outdoor mailbox.
The Vietnamese consulate on Ekareach Street issues 30 day tourist visas while you wait. As of January 2013, the cost is US$60. The opening times are 8AM-noon and 2PM to 4PM, M-F, 8AM-noon on Saturday. A detailed guide to the application process can be found here.
Get out


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Place the sugar in a food processor. Cut the vanilla bean open lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and place them in the food processor with the sugar. Run the machine to make vanilla sugar.
Place the ricotta and espresso powder in the food processor. Blend for 1 minute. Stop the machine to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. Blend for another minute. Spoon the mixture into 4 small coffee mugs. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
To serve, top the ricotta cappuccino with crushed biscotti. Sprinkle with cinnamon and cocoa powder.


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Daduck needed a new button or icon design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 14 designs submitted by 5 freelance designers.
We deal with customers from the shipping industry. Our customers are ship-owners (ranging from large container ships, to different vessel) and cargo-providers.
We analyze the mails the company send and receive and extract information from them, in order to optimize the time the companies have to spend reading and handling mails.
Basically both sides send us their e-mails, we extract the relevant information, and we display the information in a way where it is easy to use and easy to search.
The people visiting this site, will be from the shipping-industry, and will most likely be used to looking through thousands of mails each day.
They are also people who now a lot about the industry, and have great respect for the industry.
We need a new image for the main page of our site. The current one is not exactly usable.
Screenshot of the current new site being prepared:
It's the image at the top left, with the vessels, mail and world-map we need redone.
The current problems with the image is:
1. The vessels should be containerships.
2. The package should most likely me removed
3. Maybe introduce other times of cargo (Coal, Iron or similar).
So, keep it simple, but let them know that we extract current and updated position and cargo information, extremely fast, and digest the information into a simple and searchable platform. And that the information comes from email.
More info about the "Skybox" product can be found here:


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Last week, we told you about the movies reaching theaters this fall, but it has to be said: Sometimes, even just going to the theater seems like too much hassle. Here's what you can watch at home, instead.
Like the movie preview, we've split this preview into months (and, inside those months, into weekly releases), but with releases still unconfirmed and unannounced, we've pushed November and December together. Don't worry; it'll make sense when you click on the links below.


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JustFab Raises $76 Million to Cement Fashion Ecommerce Lead, Pushes International Expansion
If "money talks," investors are shouting praise from the rooftops for ecommerce fashion retailer JustFab. The company is announcing $76 million in new financing today in an enormous Series B round led by Rho Ventures with participation from existing investors Matrix Partners, Technology Crossover Ventures, and JustFab parent company Intelligent Beauty.
JustFab is one of several large players in the space, which also includes ShoeDazzle and Beachmint. Each of these companies offers some combination of a personal stylist, curated showrooms, and value-oriented pricing. Others have recently changed their business models or seen the departure of key personnel. JustFab, which many users and investors alike have told me offers the best customer service and personalization, has been the steadiest of the bunch with its model. Its appears to be posting some of the healthiest numbers as a result.
With more than six million members and 500,000 new members being added monthly, the company is as healthy and rapidly growing as any in the industry. According to co-founder and co-CEO Adam Goldenberg, JustFab is on pace to generate more than $100 million in revenue in calendar 2012, representing year-over-year growth of four times in that regard, and is quickly approaching profitability.
While JustFab's revenue seems to be similar to that of ShoeDazzle (as far as it has been publicly reported), it is being driven by less total customers, meaning per customer revenue is actually greater. What this will mean in the long term is yet to be seen. As we reported, recently ShoeDazzle made the surprising decision to walk away from an nearly identical business that was posting similarly nosebleed results precisely in order to get a broader base of customers using its product. Meanwhile, JustFab has stuck to the original plan. The two businesses which once seemed identical are now playing for exactly opposite metrics, with the bragging rights of leading LA commerce giant hanging in the balance.
For Goldberg's part, he's bullish on his chances. His aggressive forecasts calls for $500 million in revenues by 2015. "At a time when others are retreating from the subscriptions and international markets, we see massive growth and opportunity," he says. "Our rapidly growing, extremely loyal membership base is a resounding endorsement of JustFab's merchandising and sales model."
"JustFab has flawlessly executed its plans, proving that there is a right way to do subscriptions," adds Matrix general partner and JustFab board member Josh Hannah. "It has masterfully done what no one else has been able to do, and the team has accomplished it in record time."
JustFab is just one of three massive subsidiaries of brand-building juggernaut Intelligent Beauty. The parent company was founded by Goldenberg and his longtime partner Don Ressler after selling their previous venture Intermix Media (parent company to MySpace) to NewsCorp in 2006. The consolidated revenue of the three brands is on pace to reach $400 million this year. The other two brands, Dermstore and Sensa, are both significantly profitable and leaders in their respective categories.
Goldenberg and Ressler are known as masters of online brand building and direct-to-consumer, high ROI marketing. The pair brought in celebrity icon and proven fashion executive Kimora Lee Simmons as president and chief creative officer a little over one year ago. Each of the investors I spoke to were relentless in their praise for the team.
"The really compelling thing for us here was the team of seasoned individuals who really know how to build," says Rho Ventures managing partner and new JustFab board member Mark Leschly. "They have shown ability to spend media dollars at scale, to attract customers at very exciting economics, and to manage the key fundamentals like customer acquisition, churn, inventory management, and fulfillment. This is one of the more exciting transactions I've participated in in a long time."
Matrix general partner and existing JustFab board member Josh Hanna had similar thoughts, saying, "Ecommerce represents great opportunity as an investor, but it requires incredible execution and the ability to manage hundreds of things simultaneously. Adam and Don's understanding of the levers and important metrics of the business are like nothing I've ever seen."
According to the company, the new capital will be used to further its international expansion, move into additional fashion categories, and allow for future acquisitions. JustFab currently offers shoes, handbags, jewelry, denim, and accessories but ultimately aims to offer a full fashion catalog along the lines of "fast fashion specialty retailers" Forever 21 and H&M.
The three-year-old JustFab is well established in North America and recently launched its European operations with a continental headquarters in Munich, Germany. According to Goldenberg, adoption and growth in Europe's largest country has been better than expected, with the company reaching its nine month goals in under 90 days. The next step is expansion into the UK planned for September, with additional European markets to follow shortly thereafter and a longer term eye on Latin America and Asia.
International customers have apparently been cheaper to acquire in the early going, and more lucrative over time, than those domestically. Although the company knows it's still early and that no definitive conclusions can be drawn, they are ecstatic with the the initial results.
JustFab's US users visit its online showrooms 30 times per year on average, which is far more traffic than most offline retailers see. With each visit, the showrooms are completely customized to the tastes of the user and the latest merchandise available on the site. One of JustFab's biggest advantages is its scale. The company has grown to the point where it can access better quality merchandise at more attractive pricing than nearly all of its competitors.
According to Goldenberg, JustFab pays $3 to $8 less per item than do its competitors, and it did itself in the recent past. At hundreds of thousands of unit sales per month, that's real money. "Very few companies can buy 5,000 or more units per style," says the chief executive. "You really need to be a $100 million business."
"We raised a lot more money than we need this time around," says Goldenberg, after having bootstrapped the company over its first 18 months. "But we like being well capitalized and see an enormous opportunity to change the way women shop for fashion, both in the US and abroad."


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Joined: 26 Oct 2005
Posts: 535
Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 3:44 am
Post subject: Re: local source for good bacon
BeerMan wrote:
My local Whole Foods Supermarket has the best readily available bacon that I have found. It is thick cut, smoked nicely, not too fatty, and supposedly nitrate free (or at least ADDED nitrate free.) It does have a rather short shelf life, so don't buy too much unless you plan on cooking it soon thereafter. I guess you could try freezing it but I prefer to have it as fresh as possible. The meat cutter/butcher usually has some in the case, but the Whole Foods gourmet thick cut pre-packed is just as good.
I agree their bacon, especially when purchased as a slab is excellent. If you are in New York, try slab bacon at Zabar's and Citarella.
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Mister Paul
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:41 am
Post subject: Multi-Tecnique Compromise in cooking bacon
I like to make a compromise between the variable quality and speed differentials of the different techniques discussed regarding the preparation of bacon, and I have found that microwaving the bacon for 2/3rds the cooking time (depending on the amount of bacon), then transferring the heated bacon to a pan for 1/3rd of the time searing in a pan on high heat gives you the pan fried texture, with the speed and consistency of the microwave.
All in all it takes about 5 to 10 minutes off of the conventional time it takes just cooking in the pan, which can be important when you are preparing complimentary dishes that take less time to cook.
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Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 2:40 am
Post subject: skillet on the grill
My favorite method uses a gas grill AND a cast iron skillet. Fill a cold skillet, even the sides of the pan, with bacon. Place the pan on a cold gas grill and set the heat to medium high. The fat will render during the warm up period, fry when the fat is rendered and bake when the grill is hot enough. It takes about 15 minutes.
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Joined: 16 May 2006
Posts: 1
Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:05 pm
Post subject: Bacon
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Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 8:00 pm
Post subject: American Style Bacon
I always thought that american style bacon came from the long winters in the midwest. In the past there wasn't grocery stores like we think of them now, the nearest town might be 5 hours away by horse, and there was no such thing as vegetable oils. The only sources of cooking fat came from either animal fat or butter, and cows would stop giving milk in the winter. On my grandparents farm they would render fat into lard, and they salted and smoked bacon so it would last through the winter. The bacon dripping were poured off into a small covered crock and used in place of butter through the winter (I still have the crock!). I think that this cut of meat was chosen on purpose to make bacon with because it was so fatty, and the thin slices come from having to ration it out to last through the winter. The lard didn't have a strong taste and was used to make breads, pies, cakes, etc.
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Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:01 pm
Post subject: American Bacon
My father tells me that when he was growing up (in 1030's Missouri) bacon was pretty much all fat and little or no meat. It was an inexpensive source of grease and flavor. Hogs were raised differently depending on whether they were to be 'lard hogs' or 'meat hogs'. Now bacon and pork is much leaner. Sausage is still often half fat, so I usually make my own from pork butt. I bought some name brand ground pork that was so lean, I had to add some fat to make sausage.
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Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 6:13 pm
Post subject: cooking bacon
I'm a mechanical engineer too guys, and this girl cooks her strips of bacon laid out on cold cast iron pans placed inside a preheated 350 deg. F gas oven for 7 to 9 minutes. No turning necessary and the strips cook up crispy yet remain straight averaging nine inches long. Forget aluminum cookie sheets for the bacon will cook unevenly. Sometimes the old fashioned ways are THE BEST. And BTW I went through the BIG Dig tunnels three times 7-10-2006 in the afternoon. WTF were those idiot engineers thinking about suspending a 3 ton 25' x 45' concrete panel from epoxied bolts????? I'd rather see the I beams above me than have 6000 pounds fall down and crush me. Truly a dumb design.
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Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 1:06 am
Post subject: cooking bacon
I'm about to cook a large amount of cheap supermarket bacon and was looking for some tips. I harvested all I needed from this fine site. But I did want to add one tip about cheap supermarket bacon. Let it get to room temperature before frying or baking! It will lay flat and cook more evenly!
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Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 1:45 am
Post subject: bacon
best bacon is deep fried!
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Frugal, not by choice!
Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 12:17 am
Post subject: thin, cheap bacon....
It is horrible to have to buy the thin supermarket bacon, but sometimes you just have to. I have found if you lightlly flour it before pan frying in a cast iron skillet it seems to plump it up a bit and helps with the shrinkage. You can still use the drippings for cream gravy... yum!
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Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:31 am
Post subject:
Gross. Why would I want bacon made on some hick's nasty ass farm? So I can catch some sort of disease? And why would I want to eat anything from a hogs' "jowl" or whatever?
I'll stick to buying packaged bacon from Safeway or Kroger's, thanks.
Seriously, are you all like 80 years old and grew up on farms milking your cows and eating unprocessed chicken eggs or what? Between this and homemade mayo with raw eggs, you all must have a death wish.
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Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 4:02 am
Post subject: bacon in a crock pot
I have actually put bacon ends and pieces in the crock pot and let it render and crisp. I can buy ends and pieces in bulk at a rather good price. You end up with some very tender thick meat pieces and some crisp pieces and some melt in your mouth fat pieces. It is great to sort and store in the freezer for later uses: baked beans, salads, bacon gravy w/ crumbles over cornbread, bacon and green beans, eggs or omelets, etc. I also collect the rendered fat and use that for cooking other items. There is no spatter and clean up is just as simple as other crock pot cooking.
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Seattle guest
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 1:27 am
Post subject: baking bacon
I took the advice of the resident chef at my favorite super market and bake my thick slice bacon for about 30 minutes at 350 in an aluminum baking pan with an edge. Works VERY nicely and the grease is all contained in the pan.
The cast iron idea intrigues me. I will have to try that method some time.
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Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:16 am
Post subject: Cooked bacon freezes
Great site! I love the format of the recipes, and the attitude to testing.
I buy bulk whole bacon when it's cheaper here (Australia) and trim it, separating the eyes, which don't need much cooking, from the rest. The eyes I use immediately for recipes I don't want fatty bits in, or fry it lightly, then freeze, because cooked bacon freezes well, where raw bacon doesn't. The streaky bits I oven cook spread on trays because you can do a lot at a time and it doesn't need much attention. I then freeze that in ziplock bags and when I want a quick bacon sandwich or something a couple of rashers microwave very efficiently in 10 - 20 seconds and go extra crisp.
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Joined: 10 Jul 2007
Posts: 16
Location: DeBary, Florida, USA
Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:42 pm
Post subject: BaconII
I live in central FL, and wild hogs are a common thing here. They are a cross between feral pigs and Russian boars. And they make great bacon. Not as much fat on a wild boar as on a domestic pig. Now, I make mine from the jowl, as it's more meaty than the belly. This is also true of domestic pigs. The microwave works best for me, being lazy and impatient, lololol.
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Meeting Notes 2011 12 27
HOWTO run a meeting.[edit]
Pick a moderator, and a note-taker. The note-taker should:
- write notes in this page, put them back up online when they're done,
- edit the Current Consensus Items if anything is decided to be up for consensus next week (stuff raised for consensus this week should be publicised for a final decision next week)
- edit the Consensus Items History if anything was consensed or failed to consense this week.
- tell firstname.lastname@example.com and firstname.lastname@example.com if there are new members.
Moderator should:
- make sure everyone gets a chance to speak
- speak minimally themselves
- keep the meeting moving! you're in charge of summarising the consensus, and/or suggesting things that need to be done!
- get the membership binders and ensure they are returned to the black desk
The 193rd Meeting of Noisebridge
Note-taker: User:Malaclyps
Moderator: Josh / gnnr / danny
Introduction and Names[edit]
- What Noisebridge is about: "Noisebridge is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides a space for creation, collaboration, and learning about technology and creative projects. Noisebridge provides space, power tools, and infrastructure to help the public learn new skills and create cool things. Noisebridge continues to exist through and depends entirely on membership fees and donations. Our code of conduct is 'Be excellent to each other'."
- Round of introductions: What's your name, what do you do, and if you are new, how did you hear about Noisebridge? Start with the moderator and go left.
Josh -- I fight for teh users
Mek - he is mek
Gavin -- interested in learning more about programming
Caitlyn -- checking this out, come here a few times, considering joining, brought truffles
Danny -- I am the notetaker, I hack NB API
Liz -- hacks the Resources/Library/Dead Tree and the Noisebridge coloring book.
Lilya -- just happened to be in the space when the meeting happened
Mike -- technowanderer
Robert -- hacking all week
Zephyr -- fights for the developer
Cynthia -- American disabilities act SEO expert
Zach -- wassup? Oh shit. Oh yeah, I heard ADA. I'm Zach. Cool.
Nima -- comes once every while. Hi again!
Isabel -- from Quebec, here for the next three weeks or so.
- A brief primer on consensus process: We agree and so should you! Only paid-up members can block consensus.
Short Announcements[edit]
Ray painted the wall in the kitchen. He made a more welcoming welcoming desk!
Cynthia invited Prof. Deusberg. Need to set a date.
Lizzard is hoping to paint the front wall tomorrow. Anyone wants to help, join her TOMORROW!
We have an Annual General Member Meeting on January 10th. There will be punch and pie. Add your name to the board nominations page now: 2012 board nominations.
Josh has written an online 68K emulator at his webpage
Ray went and found coldspots in the space. It is the windows.
New or Stale Events[edit]
Gavin would like to set up a Code SF meetup, on Saturday! Send them messages to firstname.lastname@example.com if you'd like to GO FOR IT.
DeepHack Deep Hack is happening, says Mike. It's working off The Elements of Computing Systems [book]. Digital spelunking for the 21st century! Email the nb-discuss list if you're interested in joining!
Machine Learning is not happening at the moment, but will start in January. Zephyr is interested to know what people are interested in. Mek is going to help out.
The notetaker made an error. It was noted.
The subsequent notes were erased from the future and replaced with a simple message:
Jake says somebody wants to donate a piano. Jake said maybe not for Noisebridge. She is willing to give the piano to anybody. Talk to Katy, the person with two little kids. Needs some tuning. Very pretty. Email jake if you want more info.
Financial Report[edit]
Funds in bank:
Treasurer has absconded with funds. Police hunt ongoing. She used NoiseTor to transfer the funds so we will never catch her.
Membership Binder[edit]
- Read off any names from the binder for the past month. Write a check on every open application.
- Anyone up for joining this week (ie have four checks by their name + have two sponsors) should introduce themselves then leave the area in search of gifts (traditionally beer and a lime) for the rest of the group. The rest of the meeting should consense on whether they may join.
Mek is up for consensus!
Mek shoots! He scores!
Consensus items[edit]
(Add any new items for consensus to the Current Consensus Items page.)
Discussion Items[edit]
Rayc transcludes his email into the discussion.
Liz says we should talk to Stripes.
Zephyr says we should have some hard evidence before we say someone is stealing.
Rayc asks for more details.
Zephyr says: he doesn't know stripes, he does know he was staying here. I'd like to think that the people here who stay for a long time, I don't know whether he was sleeping here, I like to think he was hacking. Rayc said that Stripes has been sleeping here, and we should do something about this. Zephyr talked to Stripes, and he showed me his artwork. I told Rayc that he was hacking on something. Then Rayc said that he thought Stripes is stealing. Zephyr had heard this before, and so Z + R discussed how to alleviate the problem, and Rayc wanted to set up a webcam, and Z tried to get a lock but then you know burritos, so instead we made a rubberband and string and wrapped it around on Sunday. This was the last I heard of it until I checked nb-drama and then I came back the next day. [Interjections of LULZ]. The rubberband-on-rails mechanism was still there on Monday, so either there was no actual theft, or someone ingeniously put it back. There seems to be some spurring to get people banned. I talked with Martin later and said that Stripes and Rayc had a personal difference, and that Rayc had done this before. So I started to think that maybe Stripes wasn't the person.
Jake checked it on Monday and there was $19.
Danny notes that it is really easy to collect money from the donation box, you just follow the rules on Donation Bin Record.
Zephyr says he put on a non-tampering mechanism, and it wasn't tampered with.
Josh says his experience was that Robert announced that there was money that had disappeared from the box, and someone in the space had taken it. Then Josh saw Stripes say that "you don't think it was me was it?", then Josh said he saw Rayc say "Yes I do think it was you". At that point Stripes said "please don't do this, it really hurts." He did not deny the accusation. Rob asked him to talk about it, but he was already down the stairs.
Zephyr is worried about ostracising.
Jake said that he wouldn't act like that if he was stealing laptops.
Gnnr says that Rayc accused Gnnr of stealing laptops. Rayc and Gnnr subsequently solved this with moderation, and there is no ill will.
Danny proposes that this be taken out of meeting to conflict resolution. Rayc says that's okay with him. Danny asks if Josh would like to get involved too, since he is also worried about this.
Rayc says this is all actually a personal vendetta, for the record, and he is out to get him (Rayc was a bit sarcastic at this point).
Josh is worried about people living at the space, hanging out at the fire escape, going on the roof. This is have the no rules vs obligations.
Danny suggests that this is a wide discussion that could take place outside of Meeting.
Zephyr says the fire escape thing, yep people should not be out there. But is it better to have people smoke outside the door. Is that the image we want to give to the nation's youth? I think that's the inferior solution.
Josh thinks we should have people smoking 20 feet from the door, instead of in the fire escape.
Liz says it's not legal to be on the fire escape.
Liz suggests making more signs!
Rayc think there's correlation between smoking on fire escape and drinking in the space.
Cynthia is concerned that the ownership of the building may have a restriction.
The meeting decides more signs.
End of Meeting[edit]
- PGP Key Signing could happen now, check the list to see who wants in on the action.
- Put back the membership binder in the black desk.
- Save the meeting notes to the wiki.
- Send a copy of the meeting notes to the discussion list.
- Copy the Meeting Notes Template for next week's agenda and update the main wiki page's link to it.
- Enjoy a cocktail with your fellow hacker or robot.


text:
Study: Many Shades of Like in Brand-Consumer Engagement
Nov 29, 2012 11:07 AM PT
A Like on Facebook goes a long way. Seventy percent of consumers who engage in social media make purchases from brands they are connected to, according to a new study released by SocialVibe.
Connections form when a consumer clicks Like on Facebook, Follows a brand on Twitter or interacts with a brand's presence on other social networks including YouTube, Pinterest or Google+. Nineteen percent of consumers make purchases "often," and 29 percent make purchases "sometimes" due to brand connections, SocialVibe found.
"It's been shown that there is a direct correlation between a consumer being connected to a brand online and that consumer's likelihood to consider a brand and make a purchase," SocialVibe CMO John Capano told the E-Commerce Times.
How this happens depends on a lot of factors related to the consumer, the channel, the product and the marketing strategy, he added.
The consumer might connect with a brand to share affinity; however, as many as 20 percent of consumers connect to gain access to special offers. This type of relationship occurs for new customers and repeat customers, many of whom are interested in making additional purchases, suggests the SocialVibe report.
Feedback Loop
"There's really an extraordinarily broad range of value. There are consumers who follow brands because they genuinely love the brands. At the same time, with the rise of social networking, there are people who follow brands because there's something in it for them," Rebecca Lieb, analyst at the research firm Altimeter Group, told the E-Commerce Times.
Brands often post coupons to followers on social networking sites. Some brands often run contests that their followers on Facebook or other sites can take part in.
"People often follow brands on social properties not because they love them, but because they're trying to get something," noted Lieb.
Some consumers are just looking to keep up with a particular brand. Sixteen percent of consumers connect with a brand to stay up-to-date with news and information, according to the SocialVibe study.
Connections to brands occur at different stages of a consumer's purchase cycle, including after purchase. Marketers can use post-purchase Likes to continue to work with consumers.
"We see it as a positive feedback loop. Consumers that are connected are more likely to make purchases and consumers that make purchases are more likely to connect," said SocialVibe's Capano. "Consumers will conduct research by visiting a brand's website, visiting other websites and communities, connecting to friends/family online and also connecting directly to the brands they are considering -- all before making a purchase."
All Likes Are Not Equal
A Like on Facebook or a connection on another social networking site doesn't always equal intent to buy. Some consumers feel an affinity to a brand even if they don't intend to purchase. That doesn't mean the Like is meaningless, though.
"There's all different sizes and flavors of Like, and not all of them indicate purchase intent," said Altimeter's Lieb. "That said, it's very important not to consider social relationships as a direct marketing medium."
Brands still benefit from Likes from consumers who don't intend to buy. The Like builds momentum for the brand. It also lets the brand connect with a consumer's friends through sites like Facebook or Twitter, and the Like can act as an endorsement.
Both consumers and brands use social networking platforms as a way to resolve issues and collect customer feedback. Whether through direct messages or posts and tweets, companies can use the social networking forum to respond to consumer complaints. These practices are deployed by companies including Comcast, Dell, Best Buy, JetBlue and American Express.
"Not every Like has love in it," cautioned Lieb. "Following can be not because of brand advocacy, but because there's a problem with the brand. If the problem is resolved, it can be turned into a plus instead of a minus."
To keep these connections open, brands need to stay active and engage the consumer. There is a delicate line of balance, however. Thirty-seven percent of consumers terminate their connections by un-liking or un-following on social platforms, reported SocialVibe, and a third of consumers who disconnect from brands do so because they receive too many updates.
"The first thing that brands need to do is make the appropriate commitment to the channel," said Capano. "If you are going to build a community or social connection to your customers and prospects, you need to continue to foster that connection."
To keep consumers from clicking the un-follow button, brands need to remain relevant and keep messaging fresh.
Brands need to be strategic in what they do in social, Capano emphasized. "Brands should ask themselves -- and their customers -- 'What role do I play in the consumer's life?' and 'What role is it appropriate for me to play in the consumer's life?'"


text:
La Planete Sauvage
By Eric Fortune
"La Planete Sauvage" is a french animated film also known as "Fantastic Planet" in english. This animated feature has been around since 1973. I've seen this cover on vhs tapes at the local video rental store for years and yet I never took the time to watch the film. On a recent visit to my parents house my brother randomly brought up the film and we sat down and watched it.
At first I noted the very dated look and primitive style of animation. However, the film's strangely surreal imagery and odd portrayal of humans had such a profound affect on me I knew I'd most likely make a post about it. I probably relate to the film more now than I would've ten years ago. However, the content seems as relevant and disturbing as ever. If you haven't had the chance or haven't heard of the film til now I figured I would share it
As a bonus the sound track is also quite good and I thought complimented the imagery perfectly. For anyone into hip hop you may very well notice some samples used from the film on some classic hip hop trizacks.
ps I always say "expectations" can kill a good film. So to prep myself prior to any movie I feel myself getting my hopes up for I repeat these three phrases. "Worst plot ever. Worst special effects ever. And Worst acting EVER." This usually sets me straight. You may hate this film ;)


text:
Small Living Room Grey Couch You could be looking for a way to liven up your lounge or restyle a sitting. Small Living Room Grey Couch You must consider your current and future lifestyles. Contemporary design is the most sparse and minimalist of the design styles. If you're looking for ideas to make your space fun, functional, efficient, green, here are 15 ideas for interior design for Small Living Room Grey Couch and remodels. other design may you like is Small Living Room Home Theater
Small Living Room Grey Couch The bi-level living room will give your home an incredibly spacious yet cozy. New Homes & Ideas brings you the hottest home decorating and design ideas from Small Living Room Grey Couch communities throughout the Triangle – Raleigh, Cary, and Apex. Need some inspiration for your new home or to remodel your existing home? Then look no further! We have amazing ideas for your Small Living Room Grey Couch. A landscaped garden sets a peaceful scene in this Fairlight home, which also offers outdoor dining and lounging options.
Small Living Room Grey Couch Whether you're helping to set your favorite graduate up in a new place or want to congratulate first-time homeowners, these practical. Tour the most inspiring interiors, browse colorful Small Living Room Grey Couch, and stay up to date on the latest trends in interior decorating. All the living room design ideas you'll need. Be inspired by styles, trends & decorating advice to make your lounge a place where everyone wants to hang out Small Living Room Grey Couch.


text:
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Democratic leader is promising to act this year on legislation that went nowhere in the last Congress, including aid to victims of Superstorm Sandy and financial help for the U.S. Postal Service.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid cited several bills that never were completed because of the deep partisan divisions between the Democratic-run Senate and Republican-controlled House.
In a speech on the Senate floor, Reid said the Senate would consider a farm bill and the Violence Against Women Act as well as other measures that the House didn't pass.
Reid said he was "cautiously optimistic" that the new Congress will be characterized by cooperation and compromise.


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The Sports Xchange
EditorsNote: updates to remove newspaper attribution Jazz G Burke out 8-12 weeks
Point guard Trey Burke, the Utah Jazz's first-round draft pick, will need surgery on his broken finger, and he is expected to be sidelined eight to 12 weeks.
Pins must be inserted during the surgery to ensure full recovery, which is why it will take so long for Burke to return.
"It's unfortunate," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. "It's part of the business, being hurt and seeing how he responds. But it's unfortunate that it would happen now in training camp. He was learning a new game and new way to play, and he was making great strides."
Burke, the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, was the Jazz's starting point guard in their first three preseason games, averaging 6.3 points and 4.6 assists.
The Jazz may be in the market for a point guard now. John Lucas III, Scott Machado and Lester Hudson are the other point guards in Utah's camp.


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