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Freedom in the World
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2012 Scores
Freedom Rating (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Civil Liberties (1 = best, 7 = worst)
Political Rights (1 = best, 7 = worst)
In August 2011, municipal and legislative elections planned for October were postponed indefinitely. Antigovernment protests by several groups took place during the year. A September demonstration against the new national census, which black Mauritanians alleged was discriminatory, resulted in the death of at least one protester.
Following independence from France in 1960, Mauritania was ruled by a series of civilian and military authoritarian regimes. In 1984, Colonel Maaouya Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya ousted President Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidallah. Although Taya introduced a multiparty system in 1991, he repeatedly secured poll victories for himself and his Democratic and Social Republican Party (PRDS) through the misuse of state resources, suppression of the opposition, and manipulation of the media and electoral institutions.
In August 2005, soldiers led by Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall overthrew Taya's government in a move that received strong public support. Soon after taking power, the Military Council for Justice and Democracy (CMJD) pardoned and released hundreds of political prisoners, and dozens of political activists returned from exile. The CMJD established an independent electoral commission to administer elections. Legislative and municipal elections were held in November and December 2006, with independent candidates, mostly former PRDS members, securing a majority of the seats. Independents also won a majority of seats in January and February 2007 Senate elections, while Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdellahi, an independent, won the presidency in March. This series of elections were the first in Mauritania's history to be broadly viewed as generally free and fair.
Abdellahi drew criticism from military leaders and members of the National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) for inviting hard-line Islamists and former members of Taya's regime into the cabinet. The government resigned in July 2008 under the threat of a parliamentary no-confidence vote, and Abdellahi formed a new cabinet that included only PNDD members. However, this failed to restore lawmakers' confidence, and 48 PNDD parliamentarians quit the party on August 4. On August 6, Abdellahi fired four top military officers. One of them, General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, mounted a coup the same day.
Aziz and his allies announced that an 11-member junta, the High State Council (HSC), would run the country until new elections were held. While the international community strongly condemned the coup and key donors suspended non-humanitarian aid, the domestic reaction was mixed. A majority of lawmakers and mayors expressed support, but a coalition of four pro-Abdellahi parties formed the National Front for the Defense of Democracy and refused to participate in the junta-led government.
In April 2009, Aziz announced that he would resign from the military in order to run for president. Despite initial resistance, opposition parties agreed to participate in the presidential vote after six days of negotiations. Under international pressure, the HSC handed power in June to a transitional government to supervise an election set for July.
Aziz won the election in the first round with 52.6 percent of the vote. Four opposition parties claimed that the results were predetermined, electoral lists had been tampered with, and fraudulent voters had used fake ballot papers and identity cards. The parties lodged a formal appeal with the Constitutional Council that was ultimately rejected, and the head of the electoral commission resigned over doubts about the election's conduct. While some opposition parties continued to protest the outcome, the Rally for Democratic Forces (RDF) recognized Aziz's presidency in September 2010, citing the need for unity in the face of increased terrorist attacks by Islamist militants.
In May 2011, Aziz initiated a new census, the finalization of voter lists, and the automation of national identity cards. Nevertheless, municipal and legislative elections planned for October were postponed indefinitely in August. Two leading opposition parties had requested this delay, claiming that a promised dialogue with Aziz on wide-ranging political and electoral reforms had yet to occur. A national dialogue took place from September to October to address those issues, as well as opposition complaints about lack of access to the media; however, the elections had yet to be rescheduled as of the end of 2011. Protests by several sectors of society took place in 2011, including by the youth-led February 25 movement—inspired by the popular uprisings in the Arab world—as well as antislavery activists and black Mauritanians alleging bias in the new census.
Mauritania is not an electoral democracy. The constitutional government created after the 2006 and 2007 elections was ousted by the August 2008 military coup. The legitimacy of the 2009 presidential election, which installed coup leader Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz as the civilian president, was challenged by the opposition but declared generally free and fair by international observers. Legislative elections scheduled for October 2011 were postponed indefinitely.
Under the 1991 constitution, the president is responsible for appointing and dismissing the prime minister and cabinet, and a 2006 amendment imposed a limit of two five-year presidential terms. The bicameral legislature consists of the 95-seat National Assembly, elected by popular vote, and the 56-seat Senate, with 53 members elected by mayors and municipal councils and three members chosen by the chamber to represent Mauritanians living abroad. Mauritania's party system is poorly developed, and clan and ethnic loyalties strongly influence the country's politics.
Corruption is a serious problem, and political instability has prevented fiscal transparency. The Aziz government's anticorruption campaign has resulted in notable arrests, including the former human rights commissioner in September 2010. However, the opposition has criticized the government's efforts as ineffective and politicized. Mauritania was ranked 143 out of 183 countries surveyed in Transparency International's 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index.
Despite constitutional guarantees for press freedom, some journalists practice self-censorship, and private newspapers face closure for publishing material considered offensive to Islam or threatening to the state. In September 2011, the government ended a 51-year monopoly on broadcast media with a call for applications for licenses from private outlets. In November, the High Press and Audiovisual Authority announced that two independent television stations and five independent radio stations had been awarded licenses, though some opposition members alleged that the licenses favored progovernment stations. In October, the legislature adopted amendments to a 2006 press law that eliminated prison terms for slander and defamation, though fines can still be levied. Two journalists were beaten and detained for their coverage of clashes between police and protesters in September. There were no reports of government restrictions on the internet.
Mauritania was declared an Islamic republic under the 1991 constitution, and proselytizing by non-Muslims is banned in practice. Non-Muslims cannot be citizens, and those who convert from Islam lose their citizenship. In practice, however, non-Muslim communities have not been targeted for persecution. Academic freedom is respected.
The 1991 constitution guaranteed freedoms of association and assembly, though organizers are required to obtain consent from the authorities for large gatherings. In 2011, security forces violently dispersed several allegedly unauthorized demonstrations staged by a wide range of groups. In April, police used tear gas to disperse an antigovernment protest in the capital by the February 25 movement—called a "day of rage" in solidarity with the Arab uprisings. Beginning in June, black Mauritanians constituting the Do Not Touch My Nationality movement protested against the national census, which they claim discriminates against them. A September demonstration in the southern city of Maghama against the census prompted the police to fire live rounds and tear gas, killing at least one protester.
Workers have the legal right to unionize, but unions must be approved by the public prosecutor and encounter hostility from employers. Although only about a quarter of Mauritanians are formally employed, the vast majority of workers in the industrial and commercial sectors are unionized. The right to strike is limited by notice requirements and bans on certain forms of strike action. The authorities repressed a number of strikes throughout 2011, though they did not dissolve any unions. In May, riot police used violence against protesting dockworkers, with several injured.
The judicial system is heavily influenced by the government. The Mauritanian Lawyers Association (ONA) condemned the 2011 arrests of several judges on drug trafficking charges as politically motivated. Many judicial decisions are shaped by Sharia (Islamic law), especially in family and civil matters. Prison conditions are harsh, suspects are routinely held for long periods of pretrial detention, and security forces suspected of human rights abuses operate with impunity. There are reports that prisoners, particularly terrorism suspects, are subject to torture by authorities.
Islamist militants, members of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), have carried out a number of attacks in Mauritania in recent years. A new antiterrorism law was passed in July 2010. During 2010, numerous AQIM members were killed, and security forces killed 15 in a single incident in February 2011. In May, the governments of Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Algeria agreed on a joint force to combat AQIM. Meanwhile, the Mauritanian Islamic Affairs Ministry launched workshops in June to train imams to mount an ideological counteroffensive against AQIM. In March, a court convicted three AQIM operatives in the 2009 killing of an American aid worker, and sentenced one to death.
Racial and ethnic discrimination persists in all spheres of political and economic life. The country's three main ethnic groups are the politically and economically dominant White Moors of Arab and Berber descent; the black descendants of slaves, also known as Haratins or Black Moors; and black Africans who are closer in ethnic heritage to the peoples of neighboring Senegal and Mali. In April 2011, a riot between Afro-Mauritanian and Moor students broke out at the University of Nouakchott over allegations of fraud during a student union vote that was split among the two groups.
Despite a 1981 law banning slavery in Mauritania, an estimated half a million black Mauritanians are believed to live in conditions of servitude. A 2007 law set penalties of 5 to 10 years in prison for all forms of slavery, but the law is hampered by a requirement that slaves themselves file a legal complaint before any prosecution can occur. In November 2011, six individuals were successfully prosecuted for enslavement and sentenced to jail, to pay a fine, and to make financial restitution to the victims. In January 2011, Biram Dah Abeid, the head of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA) antislavery group, was arrested along with seven other activists. In August, four IRA activists were arrested for taking part in an antislavery protest, which was violently dispersed; the activists were later handed six-month suspended sentences.
The Aziz government is continuing an initiative to facilitate the return of the some 30,000 black Mauritanians who still reside in Senegal and Mali after being expelled following communal violence in 1989. For the first time, the government in 2009 publicly acknowledged its involvement in the expulsion of Afro-Mauritanians between 1989 and 1991 and agreed to provide compensation to 244 widows of those killed during the ordeal. At the end of 2011, most refugees had returned. While returnees have faced difficulty in recovering confiscated land, the government has provided them with housing assistance.
Under a 2005 law, party lists for the National Assembly elections must include district-based quotas of female candidates. Women currently hold 21 seats in the National Assembly and 8 Senate seats; also, 20 percent of all municipal council seats are reserved for women. Nevertheless, discrimination against women persists. Under Sharia, a woman's testimony is given only half the weight of a man's. Legal protections regarding property and pay equity are rarely respected in practice. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal but widely practiced. In January 2010, 34 Islamic scholars issued a religious edict banning FGM. Abortion is legal only when the life of the mother is in danger. Human trafficking remains a serious problem, as the country remains a source and destination for women, men, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation.


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Seib & Wessel: The Options for Exiting Easy Money
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Charles Evans tells an IMF forum his branch has added $1.25 trillion to its balance sheet during QE3 and discusses the conditions under which central banking will ease off its easy money policy.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
the ... I ... we had to undertake these extraordinary policies than that lead to a jury Borge old she was part of the Fed ... printing of trillion and tell him ... have an idea that before QE three years over we probably will be added about one quarter trillion dollars ... to our balance sheet of which is double the size of QE two so I mean it's it's it's very aggressive ... additional policy accommodation ... so the question is ... how how how does exit of proceed ... of what would be the conditions under which we need for that to happen ... and um about twenty minutes ago I pointed out that even when I think I'm communicating very clearly when I get feedback that you know were not that clear I need to take that seriously so ... um I think the Chairman Rene Kyi and the committee had been reasonably clear we've tried to explain letter exit strategy is ... in the June two thousand eleven minutes of the ... committee meetings we published our strategy for of takes it ... principles and up you know we talked about how we would go ... on to that ... same span of the chairman has elaborated on manages to press conference were invention that ... a large part of the committee now thinks that we probably will not have to actually sell are in the US ... Holdings for new acts in the mortgage back securities we will um a while those two will often that can be consistent with the stance of monetary policy that we ... think will need to be projecting ... um ... you know it's it's gonna work something like this we've got for guidance on the funds rate that until the unemployment rate goes it least ... below six a half percentage point in making the funds rate zero and last minute to make them less ... inflation pressures ... you know Kedah pita to the point where it's about half a point above our long run objective on the basis of one to two-year ... on inflation projections or think that sort ... of remarkably ... generous ... safeguard ... for all of this and so I think that ... when we begin to add to the economy's going to be a much better footing ... what we're going to be able to do with that point ... is to increase pressure ... on the increase financial ... respectively despite increasing interest on excess reserves ... let's just remember the kind of economy that will be thinking about them and they seem intent on becoming will be growing more ... there's a lot of reserves in the banking system ... and the banks we will be you know concerned about will be making a lot of wall ... Adobe making so many loans ... you know on the strength of a stronger economy than it might lead to inflationary pressures we can only hope to get to that they soon as possible ... in an environment I think will be able to increase interest rates we will have been a challenge there and I think that'll put pressure on it ... I think our balance sheet will begin to ... you know one gallon largely because the assets would be rich or in this moment we put the appropriate amount of pressure on the financial markets so that inflationary pressure to ... get out of hand and we have a sustainable economy ... that's the environment ... that will be faced

subset: commoncrawl


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Monday, February 8, 2010
It Really Was a Critical Job
I have often teased about the experiences some of us had in the beet field. For some of us (Judy and me) it was short lived - shorter for me than Judy. For others (Dwight and Elizabeth) there were days or weeks spent doing that tedious work. Tucked in a journal Dad had started at one time, copies of which are in the works, there was this card regarding the sugar beet crop. All of a sudden (ok, so I am a slow learner) the time spent in the fields took on a whole new meaning. I thought you might enjoy the science behind the field work.
Labels: Russell M. Blood
2 comments:
- Elizabeth said...
There was the year when Dad got a commendation for the high yield of beets he raised. (When? I don't know.)
- February 8, 2010 at 2:37 PM
- Ann said...
I think I may have posted it earlier??
- February 8, 2010 at 2:51 PM
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Celebrating illustration, design, cartoon and comic art of the mid-20th century.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Fred Ludekens on Illustration: "a business of being right to the right people at the right time"
Q: What trends have most influenced illustration in the last thirty years?
A: I believe contemporary painting has had influence in illustration, especially recently. The technique of modern art is contagious and so it gets mixed up with business. I think the illustrator's effort now is to be "different." I question the understanding of the public of this differentness. There is nothing wrong with modern art. But it is personal and quite restricted in audience. It seems to me the illustrator's job in business and publishing is to reach the public clearly.
Q: How would you describe the meshing of the artist's talent and the client's needs when an advertising illustration is being created?
A: The mechanics are such in advertising that the responsibilities are in the hands of copy and art people. Often the best is not gotten and the illustrator's contribution is so controlled it is not all that it should be. In my opinion, the ideal way is for art director, copy writer and illustrator to have a serious discussion as to how the picture problem can best be solved before the advertisement has been decided and sketched by an art director and submitted to a client. Unfortunately for the illustrator, the procedure is usually the reverse of this.
Q: You feel that the person who makes the picture would make more of a contribution if he were included in the early planning sessions?
A: Yes, I do. But this is very difficult because of the structural setup of the advertising business. There is no provision in the structure for "outside" people to get in at the planning and concept stage and make the contribution many of them could make. a few years ago, I was fortunate in being able to do this for a large advertiser with positive success, but it took a real all-out effort.
Q: What, in your opinion, are the three most important qualities a successful illustrator must have?
A: You must know three things...
How to draw - if you cannot draw you restrict what you can say.
What to draw - if you do not know what to draw you won't say anything.
Who the Audience is - if you don't consider who you're talking to and what they understand, you won't reach them.
The whole idea is to "talk to people visually."
Q: What essential training must the illustrator bring to the jobs?
A: Assuming he has talent, likes to draw and paint, the most important thing for him to have is a knowledge of the business he is in. Most illustrators know very little about business or writing. They just like to make pictures. This isn't enough. They should know what the picture is specifically required to do and why. They must be interested in the why and make an all-out effort to make the picture work. This is what they are being paid to do.
Q: If an illustrator develops a distinct style, how does this help (and sometimes hurt) his career?
A: A distinct style is all right if you have a fluid and alert mind. Pictures all ought to solve communication problems in a certain way. If the style becomes more important than the problem solution, the illustrator obviously has failed. Often a distinct style is only a fad of differentness and is junked when a "fresh new style" comes along. To be concerned only with manner is superficial. I do not believe this is a business of being different. It is a business of being right to the right people at the right time.
Continued tomorrow.
* Charlie Allen (who knew Fred Ludekens from his days at P&H Studios) previously shared his thoughts and some excellent Fred Ludekens scans in this post. Charlie celebrates his 1st Anniversary of bringing us the CAWs once each week on his always excellent Charlie Allen's Blog -- be sure to check it out!
* My Fred Ludekens Flickr set
12 comments:
It's reasonable that advertising art should be preoccupied with whatever imagery is considered "in" or the latest style, since products need to be sold as current. Not all gallery artists are that concerned about it, however. I would think that in the 60s artists were more involved with trying to merge old and new, and now it's all over the place. Rudderless, if you will. As a matter of fact, all contemporary art seems that way also. So in that sense they still echo each other.ReplyDelete
I also agree that an artist should think of themselves as a business-person. In some cases, they're a business-person primarily.
- Rich3:33 PM
dbclemons - you're providing us with all those interesting observations of yoursReplyDelete
free of charge.
Where's the business prospect?
db; I have known a lot of artists and know only one who was a business person primarily. He taught me a lot with his remarkable chutzpah.ReplyDelete
Artists, as a group and individually, would be enjoying a much higher standard of living if we were all business people primarily - unfortunately we are all too willing to let others profit more than us from our creativity. We seem to be a breed that will endure just about any kind of poverty if people will just let us draw, praise us a little and shove some stale bread and a little water under the door once in a while. ;^)
The ever-diminishing fees being paid for illustration these days threaten to create a new normal: the starving commercial artist!
"If the style becomes more important than the problem solution, the illustrator obviously has failed."ReplyDelete
there's a LOT of people who failed =)
great interview! thanks for posting this, leif
It's true, tonci - interesting thing, however - there are also plenty of examples of those who have succeeded tremendously on the strength of their unique style. I suspect Ludekens' quote applies more to those who imitate a style than to those who originate one. For the imitator, the style becomes more important that the problem solution... they already have "one hand tied behind their back" going into the job. ;^)ReplyDelete
Observations cost nothing so there's nothing to lose, except time. Just look at all the blogs. :)ReplyDelete
I know many business people who fail, whether they sell trinkets at the mall or paintings in a gallery. I also know many artists who don't consider what they do as a business, and their work collects dust in their closet or waiting for the landfill. Many of the musicians and actors I know make very good waiters.
I'm not good enough to get paid for it, but I still like to play tennis. If I were trying to be a professional, I'd approach it differently. The play would still be the same, but there's more risk if I lose.
db; My apologies... I'm having trouble understanding what you mean exactly. If you feel so inclined, please elaborate :^)ReplyDelete
leif: it has always seemed to me that the originators of styles rarely think about it as much as the imitators do- they'll do it for a reason and know its function. and the function is usually more than 'just being different'ReplyDelete
it's an interesting subject, anyhow.
Sorry, Leif. My point of view here stems from Ludeken's comment that most artists seem to have little desire to see their work as a business product. This is still true, among artists of all sorts.ReplyDelete
It's as though it's distasteful to think about selling something they've created. They've created something from their soul and don't want it tarnished by thoughts of having to sell it. Bunk! Money is a good thing. Ask my landlord.
Simply put, if they sell their work, they've made a business transaction. The sooner they start preparing for it the better, unless they only plan to give their work away. I'm not saying selling should be the motivation for what they make, but it shouldn't be dismissed either. If they like what they do and do it well, the value will be the result.
Not all businesses are successful, that's nothing new. Even smart business people fail, often more than once. Nobody said it would be easy.
It's also not just a money thing, it's a matter of treating the work professionally. As Ludeken says, "...make the picture work. This is what they are being paid to do."
Hopefully I've stated this more clearly.


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6 Steps That Can Make or Break Your Twitter Brand
Building your brand on Twitter is an important part of whether or not your brand/image will be successful on Twitter. It is imperative that you not only build a targeted following, but more importantly that you create a conversation with or at a minimum provide your followers with useful information.
In this post, I am not going to go over the basics such as filling out your Twitter profile and uploading an avatar. You can read about that type of stuff in "Basics of Building Your Twitter Profile." Instead I will discuss several items you should focus on should you want your twitter brand to succeed.
Be Proactive
Many tweeps commonly have questions or problems they need help with. This is your opportunity to step in and come to the rescue by answering their question or atleast referring them to a source that may help them. By helping them, you not only solve their issue, you help establish credibility and identity among the Twitter community. Read the rest of this entry »


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migya wrote:xbay wrote:Actually, there were rumors that Velasquez will take on Brock Lesnar... especially after Cain talked about how he felt he deserved a shot against him.
Who Dos Santos fights is up in the air, but if I had to put my money on it... I'd put it on him fighting the loser of the Frank Mir/Shane Carwin heavyweight title fight this Saturday. With the winner of Velasquez/Lesnar(if that happens) taking on the winner of the Mir/Carwin fight.
It was said that the winner of Mir/Carwin will take on Lesnar next, as apparently Lesnar is still getting back to 100%
You're right. I just read an article. The winner will take on Lesnar because this is an "interim" title bout. So the winner will take on Lesnar to unify it.
They're already making a case for Velasquez/dos Santos.


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That tittle? yeah, no idea what to call this post so I just chose a word that rhymed with Honda. Good, no?
Anyway, peep this cute and tough little Honda N360 at the Kyoto Takao Kyusha Meeting.
Kick things off with, Dat Ass.
Looking pretty on some SSR MK-II's and doing it well.
See more of this little Honda and lots of other badass Japanese rides over at High Top Fade.
Pics: High Top Fade


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Mellow Monday: SucculentsI think these succulents are just too cool looking. Love the bloom on them and the colors are amazing! I like the idea of making a little tray of them as a gift or as a centerpiece on the dining table for a casual look. What would you do with them?Row 1: abbytrysagain, via apartmenttherapy Row 2: richpomerantz, LeefeeRelated Products:
20 comments → Mellow Monday: Succulents
kat. said... August 9, 2010 at 3:50 AM
All pics are so beautiful, but the last one is the best in my opinion :)
I would use them as a decoration in my room.
Have a nice day.
I've got those in my yard and in pots!. I've become addicted to succulents..
Anonymous said... August 9, 2010 at 6:51 AM
The first and the last are my favourite and I would do the same, once my room is finished being re-decorated and everything. :D
Vink Design said... August 9, 2010 at 7:01 AM
So lovely :)
Very pretty! I like the 2 in row 2.
I am in love!! Thanks for the Monday morning crush :)
Meg said... August 9, 2010 at 10:08 AM
ooo i love the colorful ones!
Wow...these are stunning! I am hosting a jewelry giveaway on my blog. Would love to see you there!
Loui♥ said... August 9, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Lilium said... August 9, 2010 at 4:23 PM
The colours are spectacular, I bought some succulents over the weekend as I lost all of mine when I sold my house. I am now even more inspired and determined to seek out gorgeous colours such as those! Thanks for the uplifting post :)
Carissa said... August 9, 2010 at 5:07 PM
I'm a sucker for succulents. tee hee. but really, I am. I love these photos. my heart swoons a little seeing the ones with all the colors. so pretty!
amanda said... August 9, 2010 at 5:49 PM
these are all just lovely! and your blog - just discovered and wow, so inviting and peaceful :)
Corin said... August 9, 2010 at 6:52 PM
These are BEAUTIFUL!! So funny, I just posted on my blog a photo of the succulents I made as centerpieces. I was so giddy when I saw this post!
Ashley Pahl said... August 9, 2010 at 6:56 PM
As a "plant geography" major in college, I really appreciate this post - they are just gorgeous.
Thanks so much for including my photograph, Rachel.x
Have you seen Flora Grubb's vertical succulent gardens? They're breathtaking.
Hi Rachel!!
Love these cool colors...
Hope you are having a beautiful week ~~
xo Laura
These are gorgeous! great alternative to flowers for a gift! Super cute! Love your page!.. drop by sometime :)
Anonymous said... August 10, 2010 at 9:53 AM
ahh so pretty and elegant!!
care to follow me back?
Margo said... August 10, 2010 at 4:38 PM
I recently planted a succulent in a yellow mug I bought years ago in El Salvador - a hairline crack keeps me from using the mug for hot drinks, but my new little succulent is a perfect fit.
Leigha said... August 12, 2010 at 3:54 PM
What talent you have for compiling images...not that I didn't already know this.
Happy Thursday!


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Anyway, I'll be patient and try to relax with some other things then. So here I am...blogging..:) Sharing with you this super yummy recipe which I tried last weekend. Trust me, its super duper yummy. A recipe again adapted from "Flavours From My Kampung" by Bryan Ong, with some changes.
1/2 chicken (I used small little drumsticks)
Marinade (Mixed)
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsps ginger powder
1/2 tsp five spice powder
dash of pepper
5 tbsps Shao Xing wine
~ Rub marinade all over chicken and marinate for 30 minutes at least.
~ Put marinated chicken onto a piece of aluminium foil and wrap up.
~ Bake in a preheated oven at 200'C for 30 minutes then unwrapped the top and continue bake for another 15 minutes.
~ Remove and serve.
Hope you all like this recipe as much as I do..:)


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Our History
Nerds On Site, version 1.0
Established in 1995, in London, Ontario, Canada by a pair of self-proclaimed nerds (John Harbarenko and David Redekop) Nerds On Site expanded rapidly in the London, ON market.
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The road for Guilherme Reis has been long, but Reis feels like coming to ETSU has been the best choice he has made yet.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 30, 2009) - For Guilherme Reis, coming to ETSU has been one of the best decisions he has made since getting involved with soccer at a young age. The junior from Belo Horizonte, Brazil comes from a part of the world where soccer is very big and for most people a part of everyday life.
Reis began playing soccer when he was 8 years old with the support of his parents.
"I started playing when I was young with a game called futsal," Reis said. "Everyone in Brazil starts with futsal, which is a game used to develop the skill of a player."
Futsal is similar to indoor soccer, but instead of walls there are lines drawn on the ground for boundaries. Also, there are only five players allowed on the court for each team. The game was made for teaching players how to play in small spaces and with a fast pace of play.
After spending three years of playing futsal, Reis began playing soccer for the Cruzeiro Soccer Academy in Brazil. Reis traveled all over the country and even abroad, facing some of the best competition in the world while playing for Cruzeiro. Reis was one of over 500 kids to try out for Cruzeiro with only two or three players making the squad at each tryout. At Cruzeiro, boys in Brazil are given the opportunity to train for soccer and go to school. It is very similar to a boarding school.
"In Brazil, the thought is you have to go to school and learn to be a good soccer player," said Reis. "There are many people who want the chance to play soccer and go to school, so you could say I am lucky to have been able to do both."
After spending five years with Cruzeiro, Reis was moved to another soccer academy for a couple years to increase his skill. Reis then moved on to Atletico, the rival of Cruzeiro, a team he rooted against for many years.
"I wasn't happy playing for them," Reis said. "But I realized in soccer you have to go to where the opportunity is."
After spending two years with Atletico, Reis decided he wanted to concentrate on his education. Reis then accepted an offer from Alabama-Huntsville to come to the States and play soccer, while working on a degree.
"About five years ago you didn't really hear of anyone coming to the US to play soccer, but now there are opportunities for people like me to come play and get a degree," Reis said. "It is really good for me since it is hard to go to a university back at home because they are so expensive."
In Brazil, for a person to make it in soccer is tough, because every kid grows up wanting to play professional soccer. There aren't any other sports being played in Brazil, and even today you see kids at a very young age signing contracts to play professionally in Brazil and overseas.
Reis gets his inspiration to play soccer from his parents, and they sacrificed a lot for Reis to play soccer. When Reis was young his father pushed him to play the sport; knowing that if Reis was good at soccer, he would get a good education and be successful in life.
Reis has idolized several Brazilian greats growing up, players such as L�cio and Maicon. L�cio and Maicon are both defenders on the Brazilian national team and have won several international tournaments, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Since coming to the US, Reis had to adapt his game to the many different styles of play he has encountered while playing in college. Reis grew up playing a very technical style of football, but now he has become a more physical player.
"I think it's good that I get to see all of these different styles of play," said Reis. "It only makes me a better and more complete player. I think I am a stronger player now than when I was playing in Brazil."
Having played in the States for the past three years, Reis has noticed the players here are in great physical shape, and that you have to work harder to be at the same level as them.
Because of Reis' knowledge of the game from having played for a long time in Brazil, he is counted on to be a team leader by the coaching staff and the other players on the team.
"I try my best to play well and be a leader for the team," Reis said. "Hopefully we can finish the season in a good spot and do well in the post season."
Playing in the back for the Bucs and coming from a style of play where communication is essential, Reis feels right at home leading the way for ETSU. He realizes the wealth of talent ETSU has, and compares them to teams he has played for in Brazil. Reis and the Bucs, feel like his support is something the team was missing in the program's first year, which will greatly benefit ETSU in 2009.
Many of the players look to Reis for support not only on how to fix things with their game, but also when they do well. Not only is Reis happy to be a part of his own development as a soccer player, but also the development of his teammates.
"His leadership off the field is equally valuable," said head coach Scott Calabrese. "He is a very mature and intelligent young man, and he is not afraid to speak his mind whether it is well received or not. He confronts problems and issues head on, and that makes some players uncomfortable. It is vital to the have this kind of leader on the team, because in the end he is speaking the truth and his aim is only to improve the team or players performance."
"When it comes to taking on the role of a leader I have learned a lot," Reis said. "I really enjoy being a part of what is going on here at ETSU."
At first, Reis was worried his style of communicating and being very involved would not be accepted, but the team has taken to Reis' role like wild fire. Furthermore, his teammates encourage him to shout directions throughout each practice and match.
"Guilherme was a critical addition to our team," Calabrese said. "He is a very composed and intelligent player. He reads the game very well. His ability to organize the back four to prevent breakdowns or step in himself at a critical moment to lay down a tackle, has improved our defending considerably. I also believe our younger players have learned a great deal from Guilherme as he helps them understand how to position themselves and better anticipate the play."


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Kristine Schmidt necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 45 diseños de 14 diseñadores freelance.
ESPY Energy Solutions, LLC
We are a women-owned small business providing innovative and creative consulting services for a very stuffy industry -- electricity and energy. In a world going green, we want our business to stand out and be recognized as pioneers and change agents not just for greening the world, but also for how electric and energy companies do business. New high-technologies are entering the electricity industry value chain putting more decision and knowledge in the hands of actual consumers -- appliances and power plants will one day talk to each other. To get to that point, the electricity industry has to change how communications and electrons flow from power production to consumption.
More about us at http://www.espyenergysolutions.com.
CEOs, corporate officers and senior managers of high-tech companies, electric utilities, and regulatory bodies.
We are looking for a logo design that is compact enough to go on mailing labels, business cards, and letter head, but scalable for other advertising and promotional opportunities. We want to use a telescope as one of the main focal points -- our name, ESPY, means to see at a distance, or catch a glimpse of. A telescope captures that meaning immediately. Our business tagline is "Bringing the Future into Focus" which also plays off the telescope -- we are bringing distant ideas and concepts into focus for our clients.
The second focal point is a woman -- it could be a head shot or full body. (maybe head shot for compact use, full body for scalable, larger ad?) We want her to look smart, commanding, and confident -- not quirkie, not whimsical, not cutsie. We're serious women and we want to portray strength in a Wall Street way, not in an athletic way. We want the woman's image to be attractive with a clean and tailored look, not freckled-faced or fad-like.
A logo that is colored is fine, but it will also need to be easily reproduced in a black-and-white version.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Wsuh needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 821 designs submitted by 205 freelance designers.
Hana Grill
Hana Grill is a quick service Japanese restaurant based in Los Angeles. We have 2 locations, with a third opening soon in Newport Beach.
You can find our website for our menu at: http://www.hanagrill.com
Our average ticket is around $10-13. Our biggest items are bowls and rolls.
Our locations are primarily in food courts, but we are a step above restaurants like Panda Express, Sabarros, La Salsa.
Our competitors would include Stone Oven, Veggie Grill, Panera Bread, Chipolte and Johnnie Rockets.
Just FYI- Hana means flower in Japanese. Also there is a Road to Hana in Hawaii, and in Korean it is the counting number 1.
Our customer base shop at high end malls. A typical mall would have either a Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, or Saks Fifth Avenue. Our customers are used to eating Japanese food and could distinguish between quality and run-of-the-mill sushi rolls.
Please no more logos with fishes or bowls!
Please use the attached files as reference only. I would like to see you modify the file rather than just copy it.
Logo will be used in the following capacities:
1. Signage - Primarily Horizontal
2. Uniforms
3. Menus
4. Website
5. Cups, napkins, chopstick cover
6. Bags
7. Video
8. Stationary
As there are a lot of printing applications involved, using many colors needs to be well thought out. For example, in the case of to-go bags, 1 color may be max as the bag itself could be brown. Also, we need to take into account the budget as more colors = more money. We are not against multiple colors, but in certain applications, the logo may need to be reduced to 1-2 colors. As a result, the logo needs to be versatile.
Also, in terms of fonts, we prefer NOT using Japanese characters. Furthermore, please do NOT use Japanese/Asian styled fonts such as ones you would find in a typical Chinese restaurants. We are looking for something more subtle and more refined.
However a symbol, such as a flower, that can be used elsewhere (i.e. wall paper), is fine. Please refer to the website, http://www.hanagrill.com, and you can see an example of that.
Finally, in regards to direction, this part is a bit tricky as the more I write, the more I feel I am restricting creativity. I will include one particular website that caught my attention:
Again, just and idea.... Please, design without restriction, be daring, be creative. Thank you so much for your efforts, and good luck!
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Odessa mobile budget jobs
...show news from wordpress... We need to make several adjustments on the usability and add some new features. You can ask by private message for the app link. This is the budget: Milestone 1: Solve immediate play problems, back navigation problems, and news links problems -- 50 USD Milestone 2: Adjust images and videos on news, adjust splash and menu
Searching microsoft excel expert who can teach ma excel from very basic to advanced for few hours in $10 budget Thank you.
...someone to design and execute Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for a Mobile robot on MATLAB SIMULINK. -Of course this is including deducting an optimazation algorithm for the quadratic cost function. -Also Execute a path tracking algorithm by the NMPC to run it on an actual mobile robot, so the NMPC is working, (assume there is a yellow line on the
Need to create a budget for several properties in the Miami and Broward areas.
Hello, my website wwwxxxcuracaoboattoursxxcom need to be finish its about change homepage and add some subpages and payment system Read the details very good an... my website wwwxxxcuracaoboattoursxxcom need to be finish its about change homepage and add some subpages and payment system Read the details very good and 80 dollar is budget not more
Basically, you pick a meme or I assign you one. You write 200 words commentary on that, and I give a $1 for each one. I need lots of those for my social m...each one. I need lots of those for my social media, and other purposes. So, if you're witty and consistent, this is going to be long term. *Samples are a Plus. *Agreement on budget is mandatory.
I need a New freelancer / an Android developer for some tasks. I need from Pakistan. I need a serious and hard working person but at LOW budget
app developer for very low budget projects, lots of projects must be: a developer, and not a manager of a company or sales person. (you can proove this to me by making your reply contain the 1 link to your best app, and 3 links to your resume, github, stackoverflow, personal portfolio, linkedin, etc. To show me that you are not the people I am here
I need some help with finding an accountant.
!! READ the REQUIREMENTS before you knock !! 1. You are expected to have good knowledge on areas such as; blockchain attacks/crypto-threats/solidity/Smart-contract/Hash-Algorithms/51% attacks/Sybil attack/. 2. You will need to figure out a security issue in the blockchain network. We can help you with that. Some issues can be 51% attack, Sybil attack, BGP Hijacking, Eclipse attack, Smart Contr...
Searching an Expert who can give me few hours of Nagios training on $15 total budget Thank you.
!! READ the REQUIREMENTS before you knock !! You are expected to have good knowledge on areas such as; blockchain attacks/crypto-threats/solidity/Hyperledger/Smart-contract/Hash-Algorithms/51% attacks/Sybil attack/. You will be provided with any online books/Journals/articles that you will ask for regardless of how expensive they are. Programming skills required and essential. Your task ...
I need some easy tasks in Android at low budget I need for Long Term I need with good programming skills
Hi, The site is half done i need somebody who finished the last part. budget = 80 usd
Looking to expand our customs shop to include apparel for Truck drivers. We currently specialize in edge lit acrylic products. My husband creates the line art needed to make these, but doesn't have the time to make colored images with proper shading, ect for T shirts. We are looking for images of semi trucks (Peterbilt, Western Star, Mack, Freightliner, ect) with and with out backgrounds in ...
Looking to have a Vintage style Tshirt design made. We have an example we will attach, it does NOT need to look like this design it just was an idea. We have files for animals in color and black and white available)The final design needs:Two colors (GREEN, WHITE) Background large green clover, the rest of the design in white so can be used on colored shirts. Fonts can be designed by designer, Cha...
Need similar look outline bird . good designer with good design appreciate :)
PLEASE READ! Copy/Paste responses will be ignored. My budget is final! ----- I have a brand new Amazon Affilate site built in WordPress; [login to view URL] My background is in Analytics, not SEO. Therefore, I need someone to put a few best practice things in place to get my site a decent start from an Organic Search perspective. Please send me
My client hotel website run on this theme [login to view URL], it has Stripe payment gateway but this does not support Auth and Capture, and 3D, I would like someone that is very familiar with Stripe API to add the auth and capture and 3d call to the API call of the Stripe. If this can be done through a simple plugin that is fine or by adding the code to a child theme that is also fine. Should you...
Before Bid Read Carefully - ANdroid Apps on Nativ Also Ios -Budget 10,000 INR -Will Pay in 2 Phases First Android Deliver And Second Ios- No Any Advance ,No Milestone
Looking for professional developer to add up and edit WordPress website project 1)map should be showed on property listi...2)property view request form need to be moved on right side. 3) three favourite peoperties should be displayed on homepage. 4) property can be viewed with full postcode. Our budget is $40 please no time waster --- time 2 days
1. No longer than one page. 2. Single space throughout a paper. 3. Font: Time New Roman, 12 font size. 2. Heading: First line - article name. Second line - your name. 3. Content: An article may contains a lot of details. It does not mean you need to summarize all details from an article. You need find an essence of an article and summarize details of that essence. While I am not a big fa...
Need two simple Wordpress websites created. They must: - Look stylish and modern - Be perfectly responsive on mobile and tablet - Contain logo, a few captions/graphics (which you will need to create), bullet points, text, YouTube video integration, live chat integration, social media, contact details, contact us form - Be easy to edit from the back
PHP CI Expert for 3 Small Task Budget is 300 INR
Need two logos designed. Logos need to be: - Original - no...using stock images or copied from somewhere else - Creative - Delivered in vector and image formats - Done within 1 day Total budget for this project is strictly $10. Please only apply if you are able to work with this budget. Please apply with samples of previous logos you have designed.
We need an SRS for a new concept e-commerce website which is to be developed for a client The document should be a technical low level document specifying all...sample SRS document you have written before as a reference point. SRS+Vision+FDU+Use case diagram+SSD+ ERD+EERD+SD+ Normalization+Testcase all should be included dont bid above budget thank u
I need an Android Developer for some tasks at LOW budget. I need some work at this time I need with good programming skills
I require an automated(script) weekly budget planner for adwords preferably using google sheets.
PHP CI Expert -Need to fix some responsive- Budget is low -Only Individual people contact me
I'm looking for long term writers for my project, you need to be willing to learn a new product, and a new topic, we need to write really helpful articles to help readers. Here is an example of what article I need. All of our articles will be over 2000 words and sometimes it will go over 10K words. If you think you can handle this work, please submit your best writing work to me. Below is...
need some feature on smm panel medium budget and code must be in PHP direct contact on [Removed by Freelancer.com Admin]
Website already developed. Needs fine tuning and updates. Video on Demand/ecommerce features. Wix platform.. I'm looking to measure costs and refinements pre launch. I already have developer and may not commit to new relationship, so I'm looking for the best approach to resolve some present misgivings I have as I move forward.
I need a .NET developer, ASP.NET work I need at LOW budget I need for LONG term
I need an Android Developer for some projects. I need a serious and hard working person for LONG term I need a new freelancer and at LOW budget
Only I need to understand what is the wrong with my code and how to called function budget is 10$, you must log in to my PC to show me Thanks
Only I need to understand what is the wrong with my code and how to called function budget is 10$, you must log in to my PC to show me Thanks
VFX artist needed for gritty Low Budget Feature. Effects needed would include muzzle flashes, VFX highlighting telekinetic ability, levitation in one scene, time portal effect and power emanating from people. Artist would have a lot of input on type of effects. Linea De Sangreis a film about two orphaned blood sisters from Puerto Rico who grow up in
I'm interested in a logo and online poster advertisement. Logo: The design style should be Business professional and luxury mixed together. The company name is "No Cap Promo" I'm open to different designs. Online poster advertisement: a short advertisement with the company logo. "Own your online store today and We take care of sales and marketing for You" ...
I put together a list of my recurring expenses in Excel and would like someone to re-purpose the information in a way that is more appealing to the eye. I'm not artistic so I can't do it myself. There are 13 line items on the list and four pieces of information for each line item. See attached Excel doc for details. * Logo (of the company who I pay for the expense) * Amount (i.e. ...
Only I need to understand what is the wrong with my code and how to called function budget is 10$, you must log in to my PC to show me Thanks
I need an existing website rebuilt. I need you to design and build it. just new website, my budget only 8000
hello, i need a female voice over artist with low budget. that is begging project that's why low bits are most welcome. i have a hindi language script of 1000 words. my budget 800 INR for that project. if this work goes well then more projects are waiting for you. thank you.
Seeking website designer to design and build a basic version of facebook. Super low budget. I provide the. Com domain name and hosting You design and build the social networking site. Using mysql and PHP. Ability to send invites using email addresses of hotmail and gmail etc.
I need a university delivery app designed. I have the wireframe completed.
I need you to develop some software for me. I would like this software to be developed for Windows using Javascript. Hi, i wanna have that a ready project that is written in js added to electron in that must build in some change (around 100 code lines) "email pop3 to get message with impa idle" and "convert that to a string" + "Build in chrome extension" and &qu...
Hi! If you can work with a small budget, and work in a fast time line please apply. You need to import all products from an old site to a new site Template below [login to view URL]
Please read the description carefully and only bid if you understand. The objective of this micro project is to create a Tron-based dapp idea/blueprint -- that is...carefully and only bid if you understand. The objective of this micro project is to create a Tron-based dapp idea/blueprint -- that is, for a dapp that can be created on a $100 budget.
I need an Android developer for some tasks. I need at LOW budget I need a serious and hard working person at LOW budget
I want content writing for email and brochure for marketing purpose, i have row written data available i need proper marketing write-up which should be very interesting and everyone can understand the process. Maximum words will be 280.
I need a JAVA developer from Pakistan at Low Budget. I need some tasks related to JAVA I need at low Budget and for LONG term


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B&B Hotel Köln-Messe
Germany, Cologne
Gummersbacher Strasse 6
B&B Hotel Köln-Messe is located within walking distance of Köln-Deutz Train Station. Messe Cologne can be accessed by bus line 150. The trip will take you approximately 5 minutes.
Guest rooms at B&B Hotel Köln-Messe are air-conditioned and have WiFi connection, a flat-screen TV, a desk and a private bathroom. Buffet breakfast is served daily. Private parking is available on site.
Air ConditioningElevatorPrivate parkingWiFi


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Customer Rated
Baptism Gifts
First Communion Gifts
Confirmation Gifts
Angel Statues
Holy Family
Jesus Statues
Last Supper
Mary & Our Lady Statues
Patron Saint Statues
Pedestals & Grottos
Pieta Statues
Outdoor Statues
Prayer Cards
Rosary Beads
Sacramental Gifts
Wall Crosses Crucifix
Auto & Travel
Books | Greeting Cards
Holiday Seasons
People & Pets
Catholic Art & Prints
Devotional Items
Home Decor
Gift Cards
What's New
When you just can't decide which wonderful gift to buy.
Internet Explorer
If you are unable or unwilling to do this then you can contact us on 1-800-625-4610 to place your order.
This item can only be shipped by special freight service. Click Here to request a quote for shipping this item as the cost is dependent on your location.


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Tiger Woods is only on CNBC for this interview with Maria Bartiromo to plug Fuse Science, his new sponsorship. Considering Woods's taciturn personality, the segment should have been a glorified commercial, a break from lots of numbers and stuff. But Bartiromo lets her news instinct take over and tries to make it interesting, asking Woods some pointed questions in regards to Lance Armstrong being dropped from Nike. Woods puts on his best smile and rambles harmlessly until the answer seems long enough.
The worst part is at 2:10, when Woods deflects a question about the Fuse Science product, and there's a four-second staredown that will make you cringe. Thankfully, Brian of Fuse Science interjects and saves us all from more silence, but Bartiromo and Woods don't even attempt to care what Brian of Fuse Science has to say. Stay strong, Brian of Fuse Science.
[CBS Sports]


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Authentic, Affordable New York City Souvenirs
These souvenirs come with loads more style than the snow globes and other plastic trinkets you can find anywhere.
Beer Tote ($20) and Tokens (6 for $20), Brooklyn Brewery
The tokens used for buying beers at this brewery's popular happy hour make an easy souvenir, and so do the coasters. While you're here you can also check other good mementoes at the small gift shop, including a light but sturdy case for carrying six bottles of the local product. 79 North 11th St., Brooklyn, 718/486-7422, happy hour Friday at 6 p.m.
Candy Bars ($9) and Peppermints ($4), Economy Candy
This Lower East Side institution sells its own specially labeled candy, but its shelves brim with lots of other options, including Sugar Daddies, lollipops, chocolate-covered graham crackers, dried fruits and nuts, and harder-to-find sweets such as foil-wrapped chocolates of landmarks and candy cigarettes. 108 Rivington St., 800/352-4544.
Coffee Mugs ($10), Fishs Eddy
One popular line at this housewares store is made up of items covered with Manhattan's skyline. The design, 212, is named for the city's first and (still) most prestigious area code. If you've overloaded on Manhattan, try the "Brooklyn" pattern, or better yet, the "Brooklynese" designs—one mug has "Cawffee" written on it. Broadway at 19th St., 212/420-9020.
Leather Wallet ($40), Off-the-Train Cuffs ($25), and Silver Jewelry ($25–52), The Market NYC
The vendors at this weekend bazaar, held in a youth center on the edge of SoHo, do a good business selling handmade jewelry, purses, and racks and racks of clothes, most of it for women. Recent finds there include bracelets sculpted from vinyl records (from Wrecords by Monkey) and hand-cut sterling silver jewelry (by Elena Volovelsky). 268 Mulberry St., with another location at 490 Hudson St., open only on Sat.
Subway T-shirts ($20), Wooden Trains ($10), and Subway Map Umbrella ($20), New York Transit Museum
The no-nonsense design of the signs and letters in New York City's subway system were created in the late 1960s by the Unimark International design firm. You can take home the line of your choice by picking up one of these t-shirts. Housed in a former station from 1936, the New York Transit Museum also has an annex at Grand Central Terminal. Boerum Place and Schermerhorn St. Brooklyn, 718/694-1600. Grand Central Terminal, 87 E. 42nd. St., off the main concourse in the Shuttle Passage, 212/878-0106.
Adrian Tomine Tote Bag ($11) and Red Tote Bag ($8), Strand Books
The Strand's tote bags are a common sight around New York, especially when near this mammoth bookstore's headquarters, off of Union Square. 828 Broadway (at 12th St.), 212/473-1452.
Black and White Cookies and Rugelach ($9 per package) and Coffee ($9 per pound), Zabar's
Famed for bagels, coffee, cheese, smoked fish, sweets, and other New York specialties, this Upper West Side destination makes a great stop before a picnic in Central Park. 2245 Broadway at 80th St., 800/697-6301.


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Visit dairies from around the U.S. without leaving World Dairy Expo 2011. Virtual Farm Tours will focus on a variety of management topics, including: land conservation and forages, technology and innovation, unique marketing, robotic milkers, family transition, milk quality, reproductive success and transition cow management.
These free tours will be presented daily, Tuesday through Saturday, in the Mendota 1 meeting room in the Exhibition Hall. The managers will present a half-hour pictorial view of their operation, including general operation information and highlights of exceptional management practices. Time for questions and discussion will follow. The tours will be available for viewing on World Dairy Expo's website after the show. Following is a short biography and description of each tour:
Tuesday, October 4, 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Simon Dairy, Westphalia, Mich.
705 Milking/Family Transition
Sponsored by: Quality Liquid Feeds
As the next generation joins the farm, the transition can be a difficult process. However, for the family of Simon Dairy Farm it has been a great opportunity to learn and grow together. Larry and Therese Simon are in the process of transferring responsibilities to their eldest son Brent and are planning for a partnership with Brent and his brother Scott, who is currently a junior at Michigan State University and working towards a degree in Agri-Business Management. This multi-generational team has capitalized on the diverse blend of experience, education, and individual strengths. By working closely with Brent and other key members of the management team, the farm has been able to accomplish a rolling herd average of 27,072 lbs. with a somatic cell count of only 97,000. Additionally, Simon Dairy has been able to achieve a pregnancy rate of 28 percent with over 55 percent of the herd being pregnant. Simon Dairy has been honored with the Silver Award for SCC by the Michigan Milk Producers Association and has won numerous top honors for several individual cows.
Wednesday, October 5, 12:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Rosendale Dairy, LLC, Pickett, Wis.
8,400 Milking/Technology and Innovation
Sponsored by: Conestoga-Rovers &; Associates
Opened in 2008, Rosendale Dairy, LLC is the largest dairy in Wisconsin and utilizes the latest in technology. Rosendale Dairy is part of Milk Source, LLC which is a partnership between Jim Ostrom, John Vosters and Todd Willer. The partnership includes three additional dairies in Wisconsin, with a fourth one breaking ground this year. The 8,400-cow herd is housed in two-16 row barns featuring cross ventilation. Aisles are cleared using McLanahan push-pull augers that run the width of the barn and empty into a state-of-the-art sand separator. After waste and sand are separated, waste is further separated using dissolved air floatation that breaks waste into nutrients and water. Waste water and manure is stored in three, concrete-lined storage ponds with a total capacity of 73 million gallons. Rosendale contracts with local land owners for manure agreements. The herd is milked three times a day in twin 80-cow rotary parlors and has a rolling herd average of 28,000 lbs. Last year, the dairy received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Management.
Wednesday, October 5, 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by: St. Brigid's Farm, Kennedyville, Md.
70 Milking/ Unique Marketing
Sponsored by: American Jersey Cattle Association
St. Brigid's Farm was so named for the patron saint of dairymaids and scholars, which reflects the owners" backgrounds. Judy Gifford was raised on a small dairy farm and always had a love of cows, and Dr. Robert Fry is a veterinarian whose career has been focused on the production and health of dairy cattle. Their 55-acre farm, located on the scenic eastern shore of Maryland, near the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, is planted in permanent pasture and home to a 70-cow seasonal calving Jersey herd. This top producing herd was ranked third nationally for herd average Jersey Performance Index™ at the end of 2010. Gifford and Fry also raise grass-fed Jersey steers that are processed and marketed locally. Since 2008, the farm has hosted a Field to Fork dinner, an elegant event featuring a five-course meal for 100 people set in the pasture at the farm. Local products are prepared and served while growers, including Gifford and Fry, share their stories with the diners. It is a unique opportunity to educate neighbors about their environmental efforts and animal husbandry. They reinforce this message through their website and blog. Proceeds from the dinner are donated to charity.
Thursday, October 6, 12:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Nor-Bert Farms, LLC, Bermen, Ind.
140 Milking/Robotic Milkers
Sponsored by: Lely USA
Norman Krathwohl never imagined when he purchased Nor-Bert Farms in 1945 that 65 years later, three robots would be milking the herd. Nor-Bert Farm, LLC is owned and operated by Norman, his daughter and son-in law, Roger and Deb Dankert, his grandson, Jeremy Dankert, granddaughter Jennifer, and her family including her husband, Monty and their three children Dalton, Dillon and Breanne. Currently, Nor-Bert Farms milks 140 cows with a rolling herd average of 27,619 lbs. After a trip to the Netherlands, Roger was convinced that robotic milking could be a good fit for their operation. The family visited other dairies that had robotics incorporated into their operation and researched their options for automated milking. In 2010, the farm broke ground to retro fit the robots into the existing farm set-up. Robotic milking has been a great improvement to Nor-Bert Farms allowing for flexibility in work schedules and allows the farm to continue to grow as the family grows. The family agrees that robotic milking definitely works.
Thursday October 6, 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Meadow Vista Dairy LLC, Bainbridge, Penn.
648 Milking/Land Conservation and Forages
Sponsored by: Quality Liquid Feed
Located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, producing quality forages while implementing best management practices for crop production is always top of mind for the Risser Family. Brothers Don and Gerald Risser, along with Don's son, Eric, and Gerald's son, Justin, are all partners in Meadow Vista Dairy LLC. Two of Gerald's sons, Jason and Jordan are also involved with the day-to-day operations. The farm is comprised of 740 acres on which corn, alfalfa, grass hay and small grain crops are grown. In 2008, the farm became 100 percent no-till cropping. The use of rye as a cover crop helps limit phosphorus and nitrogen runoff, and soil erosion. Rye is double cropped with corn. With detailed feed and animal records, the family is able to know the exact cost per ton of each crop. In turn, this helps to reduce wasted feed. More importantly, it helps to allocate which crops are grown, how much fuel is used to plant and harvest crops, and how much fertilizer to apply. Currently, the farm milks 648 cows with a rolling herd average of 29,357 lbs.
Friday, October 7, 12:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Blue Mound Dairy, Laverne, Minn.
1,000 Milking/Milk Quality
Sponsored by: Pioneer Hi-Bred
At Blue Mound Dairy, efficiency and quality are the goals. Those goals extend to every aspect of the operation – from milking protocols to feed production. Blue Mound Dairy, owned and operated by Rick and Carrie Van Santen and their four sons, is nationally recognized for both milk quality and reproduction management. Honored for six consecutive years with the Milk Quality Award, they are industry leaders in milk quality with a bulk tank SCC average of just 112,000 for their 1,000-cow herd. As a 2009 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council Silver Award Winner, they also lead the industry in reproductive performance across their herd. Finally, Blue Mound Dairy is able to maintain a rolling herd average of 28,500 lbs. with nearly all home-grown forages. By implementing several new procedures and practices, forage digestibility is at an all-time high for both haylage and corn silage.
Friday, October 7, 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Myers Farms, Inc., Union Grove, N.C.
1,200 Milking/Reproduction Success
Sponsored by: North Carolina Dairy Advantage
Myers Farms strives for the very best in cow comfort, milk quality and most importantly reproductive performance. Barry and MaryJane Myers, along with their family, own and operate Myers Farms, Inc. The herd of 1,200 milk cows maintains a rolling herd average of 26,990 lbs. with a somatic cell count of 70,000. More impressively, Myers Farms has a 35 percent pregnancy rate. By working with closely with their veterinarian, reproductive specialists and employees, they have a sound reproductive plan. After observing the voluntary waiting period of 72 days, all cows are placed on a PreSynch+Ovsynch program and then timed A.I. Any cows checked open after 36 days post breeding are put back into the Ovsynch program. Heifers are bred when observed in heat and animals found open or over 14 months of age are then synchronized using a CIDR. In 2009, Myers Farms, Inc. was recognized as one of the top four herds in the nation for their reproductive success and awarded Platinum Honors by the Dairy Cattle Reproductive Council.
Saturday, October 8, 12:00 p.m.
Hosted by: Maple Ridge Dairy, LLC, Stratford, Wis.
1,022 Milking/Transition Cow Management
Sponsored by: AgSource Cooperative Resources
Getting cows off to a good start after calving is essential to Maple Ridge Dairy, LLC. Ken Hein and his brother-in-law Gary Ruegsegger are partners in the dairy with assistance from Ken's dad, Phil Hein, Jr. Maple Ridge Dairy tracks several key areas very closely during the transition cow period including somatic cell count, feed intake and daily milk weights. When numbers appear inconsistent, the issue is immediately addressed. By doing this, the dairy addresses fresh cow problems and prevents them from becoming larger and more costly issues. Additionally, cows off to a good start have more productive lactations, which is reflected in their rolling herd average of 31,014 lbs. and a somatic cell count of 118,000. Both Ken and Gary are members of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and serve on numerous boards. Last year, they were honored as 2010 Master Agriculturalists.
World Dairy Expo is an international trade and cattle show for dairy producers. This year's show will take place October 4-8 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. For more information, contact World Dairy Expo at 608-224-6455 or visit www.worlddairyexpo.com.


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From AlsaProject
Page deprecated
This page describes how to use the old Mercurial repository.
We since switched to a GIT_Server, so this information is deprecated
How to use the Mercurial (hg) repository.
The Download page has more information about repositories and mirrors.
Get a copy of the repository
cd alsa-hg hg clone http://hg.alsa-project.org/alsa-driver alsa-driver hg clone http://hg.alsa-project.org/alsa-kernel alsa-kernel
Get latest updates
cd alsa-driver hg pull -u cd alsa-kernel hg pull -u
Create a working copy
hg clone alsa-driver alsa-driver-fixbug1 cd alsa-driver-fixbug1 ./hgcompile do { code; test;} until finished; hg commit -m"Fixed the foo in bar"
What to do about sending the changes back
hg diff > fixbug1.patch # email fixbug1.patch] to alsa-devel
add to .hg/hgrc to avoid having to spec the path for hg
[incoming,outgoing,bundle]: default-push= /path/to/alsa-driver
View Changes
Copied from here [1] and reformatted. Original was on alsa-devel mail list.
Custom Search


text:
Feast your eyes and ears on Micro Empire, the microcinematic brainchild of Austrian filmmaker Clemens Wirth.
By attaching his DSLR to a microscope, Wirth was able to exploit an imaging technique known as dark field microscopy. This filming method not only gave Wirth front row seats to the ongoings of a world rarely seen by humans, it also allowed him to portray his microscopic subject matter against a spooky, inky-black background. Throw in some otherworldly music courtesy of Radium Audio, and you've got yourself the spine-tingling short film featured up top.
Says Wirth:
As an enthusiast for little things, I wanted to go deeper than the macro universe, so I found myself hanging on the eyepiece of a microscope. The real challenge was definitely the small depth of field in microscopy. It's really fascinating how detailed this tiny world is, and unbelievable how much is going on in only one little water drop.
Check out more of Wirth's work — including the awesome Macro Kingdom Trilogy [Parts I, II and III]— over on his vimeo page. [Laughing Squid]


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Do you accept credit cards?
We do accept PAY PAL now and SENANG PAY . Please be advised that all your transactions are done securely on their website and we do not retrieve and collect your credit card details.
Can I make an exchange or refund if the clothes don't fit well? All purchases made through MISSLILY SHOP are final and there are no returns/refunds. Customers may however make an exchange, no questions asked, within 3 days from arrival of package. All products must be presented in their original packaging, not used, in saleable condition accompanied by the original receipt or a printed email receipt. Any price difference will be attended to accordingly. However, we do not accept exchanges for items purchased during sale period.
I have made an online purchase and I would like to track my parcel. Where do I go to do that?After an online purchase is made, we will ship your parcel as soon as we can (usually within one working day). Once the shipment is out, you will be notified via an email containing a tracking code. You may then use the code to track your order from the link provided in the email . Please wait for at least 24 hours after the item(s) have been sent/posted for tracking details to be available.
Why aren't you replying my emails?We are a very small team with very large plates and we are at the studio from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (GMT +8) from Monday to Friday. We will reply the soonest we can, pinky promise!


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Some of us deal with a plethora of PDF documents. Perhaps we need to make various edits and comments to the documents, or maybe we need to convert the PDFs into a different format like a Word document. Unfortunately, depending on the sources from which we acquire our PDFs, some of the files may in fact be secured, meaning no edits or changes can be made to the document for content-integrity reasons.
At this point, some engineers throw their hands up in dismay, knowing that they can't directly save the document to a different format. Fortunately, the grand majority of secured PDFs I have worked with in the past, like the ones from the IEEE consortium, can be unlocked using an incredibly easy "print to file" trick.
Granted, you won't be unlocking the file itself per se, but you can generate an unlocked equivalent that can be edited and manipulated to your heart's content. First, open the document that you wish to unlock in Adobe Acrobat Reader and click File and then Print. Next, in the printers list, select "Microsoft XPS Document Writer" and then click Print.
If you try to use Adobe's PDF printer driver, it will detect that you are attempting to export a secured PDF to a fresh file and it will refuse to continue. Even third-party PDF print drivers tend to choke on such files. However, by using the XPS Document Writer, you effectively circumvent that check entirely, leaving yourself with an XPS output. Now, open the newly minted XPS file you have just created and simply repeat the printing process, only this time printing to PDF format.
CutePDF Writer
If you do not have a PDF printer to select in your list of printers, consider downloading and installing the freeware CutePDF Writer program or a program similar to it. This will allow you to set up a virtual printer that generates PDFs on the fly. It is also highly suggested that you have enough RAM installed on the PC for best results. Sometimes if these files are big enough, it can take a considerable amount of time to finalize the export and your system memory can be completely overtaken.
For example, I had to convert a 500-page secured doc to XPS and then back to PDF again. During the export process, the amount of memory consumed reached into the gigabytes, which could result in using the swap file on your hard drive, thus slowing your machine down considerably.
In closing, there is one important disclosure: Not every secured PDF can be printed, depending on the level of security a file contains. This hack though has worked more times than not and is a considerable time-saver in the long run. If you have any better ideas for getting around PDF encryption, let me know in the comments section below.
Also read:
Full Bio
An avid technology writer and an IT guru, Matthew is here to help bring the best in software, hardware and the web to the collective consciousness of TechRepublic's readership. In addition to writing for TechRepublic, Matthew currently works as a Customer Success Professional for Ultimate Software in Santa Ana, California.


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January 17, 2014
The Mets have avoided arbitration with Bobby Parnell, and agreed to a one-year, $3.7 million deal with him according to Joel Sherman. He can earn a $50,000 bonus if he appears in 60 games.
Parnell had 22 saves last season and posted a 2.16 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in an injury shortened season.
Yesterday during a conference call from St. Lucie, Parnell had this to say about his role in 2014:
"In my head, I feel like I'm still the closer," he said. "I'll go with that until told otherwise."
That's about as confident as one could get.
I answered a Mailbag Question on him earlier this week:
Ann Marie asks…
Are there any updates regarding Bobby Parnell and whether he will be able to close for us when the season starts?
Joe D. replies…
Parnell has been throwing since the start of January, according to general manager Sandy Alderson, who says that the Mets closer is on track to be ready for the start of Spring Training.
"Everything looks good. No restrictions. His weight is back. His muscle tone is there. The surgery is progressing nicely, so we're very much reassured."
He has been cleared to begin normal spring training preparation and has reported to the club's spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla to begin workouts, according to the Mets.
I'm sure we'll hear more on how Parnell is progressing once he gets on a mound and starts throwing for Mets coaches and trainers.
But for now it appears that all the arrows are pointing up, and that Parnell will likely be in the bullpen come Opening Day and be ready to close.


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Earlier this week Apple removed the unofficial Wikileaks app from the App Store, which was charging $2 per download for information readily available online for free. The developer of the app has now claimed the app had 4,443 download, which made $5,840.14. Of that amount, $4,443 has been donated to Wikileaks.
So why did Apple remove the app? According to the developer, it's because it violated the following terms of service:
14.1 Any app that is defamatory, offensive, mean-spirited, or likely to place the targeted individual or group in harms way will be rejected
22.1 Apps must comply with all legal requirements in any location where they are made available to users. It is the developer's obligation to understand and conform to all local laws


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Releasing the SEO Kraken
Before you get to the end of this post, one of two things will happen: you will curse me (most likely out loud), close this post, and likely never speak/read me again. Or, you will disagree but understand the place this comes from. I'm old enough now that giving a shit about public opinion are of bygone days. To quote one my favorite lines, "It's not show friends, it's show business".
Everyone has something to say about the JCPenny situation and the most recent one at Forbes.com about "black hat SEOs". I am not going to comment on it. What more is there to say? What I will comment on is necessary clean up of SEO.
What's Really Best for the SEO Industry
What's really best for SEOs is a cataclysmic self-implosion of the industry. That's right, I said it. A full-on collapse from the inside-out. The good SEOs as well as the Pretenders will fall. We've put on weight, we're out of shape hermits that feign individualism when it's anything but. And if it keeps going this way, the collapse is imminent. Or the industry standardizes. And, no one, including myself, thinks that is a good idea. Creative solutions to incredibly complex situations cannot exist within standardization. Read David Harry's post on Situational SEO and you'll quickly see how standards just can't be applied.
There's only so much high-powered negative press an industry can handle. We're not talking about Wired, that serves a demographic that swirls around what we do, we're talking about the New York Times and Forbes. A lot of potential clients read those publications. A lot. And, a lot of people that have either never heard of our 3-letter profession or are vaguely familiar. Either way, what they've read most likely left a sour taste in their mouth, made them more gun-shy than they already were.
Why Realease the SEO Kraken?
As the Tree of Liberty must be refreshed against tyranny, so to must the Tree of SEO. Don't believe the dime-store novel version of the industry, we weren't spammers. In fact, I can honestly say, there is way more spam now than in the old days of KW stuffing. And, all of this before there were any guidelines anywhere! Somewhere along the way I wanted my profession to be less about gaming and more about building lasting websites that rank well because they have loaded with great, useful content. Because solidity is something to stand on. Because if everyone games, the web is a much less useful place.
And, I'm of the mindset now, that Kraken must be released by the general public. By the sheer virtue of growth of the industry, like many other industries where evil has seeped into the bloodstream through tremendous expansion, a contraction of providers is coming. Infinite expansion is an impossibility, even in the universe, in our economy, where expansion and contraction constantly happen. Why should the SEO industry be an exception to the rule? It isn't.
Non-affiliate SEO has become, and has been, big money for a few years now. Cues to tell you that: Search and SEM conferences are sprouting left and right with premium prices. SMBs and Big Corporate are in fully in the game (whether they want it done right is another question). It's not unheard of for SEOs to be charging lawyer-like prices for work. So it is time to let the house burn to the ground.
From the Ashes
Good people will go down. However, good people will survive too. And, I'm not foolish enough to believe that just because the house burnt down means all the turds will be wiped out. They are most certainly included in people. Probabilities suggest that a larger percentage of the turds will go underground, leave, or be crushed by the weight of the house. But, nonetheless, expunging them. This leaves a golden opportunity.
It leaves those that survive to teach, guide, and mentor those brave enough to stick their toes in the water after the collapse. And, when the situation reaches a fever-pitch again, and it will, we'll go through this all again.
I was in error saying, "SEO began as gaming the engines[…]". It simply isn't the case, as Terry Van Horne pointed out to me. And, because being correct rather than foolish is always a priority, I'd like to update that section as to how it should read:
Feb 17 2011
Admittedly, when I first read the JCPenny post – before I even got through the first page – my first thought was 'oh crap it's another article discussing black hat SEO and implying that all SEO is evil and must be banned'. I then took a deep breath and finished the article.
I don't like seeing articles and immediately wondering how this will affect those of us who are not "pretenders" and how we will have to defend ourselves from accusations that we're all "snake oil salesmen" – but really, when thinking about it further, this defense mechanism is already ingrained into most of us now.
It seems like many of our blog posts, tweets, etc. discuss how we are really here to help businesses, or how businesses can avoid being taken advantage of – even subtly there is usually a tinge of us trying to prove that we are not among those tricksters. Take Outspoken Media's blog post about the JCPenny issue – it aims at educating consumers how not to be taken advantage of, and is an excellent post.
I think the real question is not 'how can we collapse the industry' or 'who will survive after it falls' – but how can we all work together in a larger and continual effort to educate consumers and media alike about the genuine usefulness of good, ethical SEO?
Like any industry there is the good and the bad among us. It just seems that with SEO, the bad taint the name so pervasively, it is difficult to ever escape from under it.
But to me, part of calling myself an SEO is an acceptance of the fact that the industry is not always going to be seen in the best light (as any industry – the news doesn't report great stories) I refuse to give up in my quest to continue educating others.
We have all argued back and forth about a body that oversees or somewhat "certifies" SEOs. I don't think this will ever be successful until we can all reach an agreement that it is needed and can vote for the people that will oversee it. As much as I personally think this may help, I don't think it will ever happen – nobody can see eye to eye on that subject.
So instead of just giving up or arguing about the same moot point – what are other ways we can all work together for the greater good of education?
Feb 17 2011
Yawn! Sorry, but fairy tales in the afternoon make me sleepy.
Been around this patch a while and have seen all the predictions of doom and disaster come and go with barely a ripple on the pond.
The reason I don't buy into this particular fairy tale is that too many businesses depend on the results on SEO to stay alive.
Feb 17 2011
I hear what you're saying Tony, but I disagree with you on this one. Not with that SEO doesn't need an apocalypse – I think it actually does – but that the negative publicity will facilitate such an apocalypse.
There are many industries that have endured and even prospered while suffering from mountains of bad PR that went on for years and years. Take banking for example, especially recently. Or accountants and lawyers – they've been suffering from a bad public image for decades.
But people need banks, and lawyers, and accountants (or think they do). And people need SEO. The industry will endure and thrive. SEO does not depend on publicity, it depends on the continued existence of search engines. That is its only raison d'etre.
Feb 17 2011
I appreciate the unique perspective, Tony. It's refreshing.
That said, I simply don't see SEO going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, I see it expanding at ever-accelerating pace, particularly once TV finally becomes an online channel subject to search (and search optimization).
My advice to you and to others that are frustrated by the state of affairs in the industry. Dig down deep and work harder to earn your piece of the pie and don't worry about what techniques/methodologies are fair or unfair.
Evolution is all about survival of the fittest, and it applies to more than just the animal and plant kingdom.
Feb 17 2011
We should talk more about evolution the next time we go drinking together (luck might play a part, but not so much at the macro level). I'll try and shoot you some cool links every once in a while.
There's a great series that delves into some really cool aspects over on Discovery Science that's called "Miracle Planet":
It will blow your mind.
Feb 17 2011
Anyone notice that the NY Times is one of the only major publishers that talks about SEO? And that EVERY time they do it is some sort of sensationalized story?
SOMEONE had to of tipped them off, and my guess is the consultant that did the digging for them. Well that or you Anthony! 🙂 No one is talking about that person. JCP had been outed for years already but Google saw good CTR for their listings and deemed the big brand as worthy of top rankings so they let them continue to rank highly even with spammy SEO. Rand mentioned this the other day.
Feb 18 2011
right on!! When PPC came out there was a program to get certified – Google & Bing both had their standards and even people like Dana Todd worked hard to start SEMPO. Yet, SEO has nothing like this and it's most likely because there are so many ways of playing the game. We all know the tactics that are white and black and many of us do touch the grey.
The industry does need a massive clearing out and it is certain to recur as you write/predict. But how do we start that clear out? Let's think and talk more about that because the white hats like us are tired of being looked at as black art magicians
Feb 18 2011
Anthony – you well know I like this sort of approach. Nothing strengthens like the flames of Purgatory (or Hell, if you prefer it).
My take is that the commoditization of SEO and PPC has made lots of room for lots of vendors whose respective skills leave a lot to be desired.
As it happens, Google and MS have had to stabilize the playing field as it relates to search… they are publicly traded. It serves them to have stability.
With stability comes uniformity.
With uniformity, predictability.
With predictability, many mediocre players are able to emerge – and profit.
The key is to acknowledge that Search has all manner of craptaculous people turning a buck. Think of the reality of Realtors, for example. only 5% of them are actually worth a poop.
The buyer must be aware before he buys. Before he signs with a vendor. And those that don't know enough about Search to make a decent decision are probably not the clients you want anyway.
Feb 18 2011
Tony, I'll keep it short. SEO's that build trust and authority with their clients and blog readers will be fine. Cream rises…Turds sink.
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